Daily Bible Reading

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Again, in today’s reading of Genesis, we see the imperfection of God’s servants. Such observations should certainly make us thankful for the grace, mercy, and forgiveness we have in Christ. God is good to use imperfect people to accomplish his perfect will in each generation. May he use each of us today, as we step out into the world to make a difference for God, knowing that the “surpassing power belongs to God and not us” (2 Corinthians 4:7).

— Pastor Mike

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Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

We are only ten days into this year’s DBR and have already covered so much ground. I am grateful that you are reading God’s word each day along with us. Thank you for your investment in this fundamental Christian discipline. May God continue to bless and encourage your walk with him, as you thoughtfully and faithfully give yourself to reading and meditating on his word.

— Pastor Mike

Genesis 25-26

Abraham’s Death and His De...

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Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

It is good to read the Old Testament in light of the new. So glad that death is not the end. I can only imagine the joy of having relationships that were severed by death reunited in the next life. How grateful we should be for the Christ who showed his credentials in exercising his power over Satan and disease, in order to remind us that his salvation would accomplish for us a permanent conquest of death itself.

— Pastor Mike

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Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

May we learn to wait on God and avoid the shortcuts that so often tempt God’s people. Praying that today we might leave our time in God’s word with a confidence that, “God knows how to give good gifts to those who ask him” (Mt.7:11) and that we need not cut ethical corners to “help him out.”

— Pastor Mike

Genesis 20-22

Abraham and Abimelech

20 From there Abraham journeyed toward the territory of the Negeb and...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

God is just. His judgment will come when societies refuse his truth. Sodom and Gomorrah become a reminder throughout the Scripture that God’s judgment is not sleeping (2Pt.2:3-10). May we respect him enough to heed his word and reverentially understand something of the consequences for ignoring his standards.

— Pastor Mike

Genesis 18-19

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The book of Hebrews reminds us of the great extent to which God went to affirm his promises in the book of Genesis. This was so that we would grasp something of the truthful character of God – that he will most certainly accomplish what he says he will do (Heb.6:13-20). He will always deliver on his promises, even when it seems to take much longer than we would prefer. I pray you are trusting him today, even if you are made to “grieve for a little while” (1Pt.1:6).

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

God begins his work at building a nation through which Christians of all nationalities are blessed. Let us be humbly thankful for the way that God established Israel to be the avenue through which our Redeemer was born. Let’s also be thankful for the beauty and profundity of the preaching of Christ in Matthew 5. What a terrific model for us to speak clearly and succinctly about the righteousness that God takes pleasure in.

— Pastor Mike

Genesi...

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Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

God is good to provide what we need. May we understand our need for the salvation accomplished for us in Christ, and may we praise him for his sinless life that resisted all temptation in order to offer us his perfect life in place of ours. Praying that your reflection on God’s word today makes a difference in the way you think, speak, and act.

— Pastor Mike

Genesis 9-11

9 And God blessed Noah and his so...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Peter reminds us that it was with a single word that God destroyed the world in the flood. And Peter reminds us that it will only take a word from his throne to usher in the fruition of God’s redemptive plan. It could be any day that this life is over and the next begins. I trust you are ready to meet God, as you, with Noah, see sin for what it is and cling to the grace of God so mercifully provided by our Savior.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

As we read of the fall of mankind in Genesis 3 and the sinful consequences that follow, let us be grateful for the redemption that is arriving in Matthew 2. This sober reminder of our sin and the great lengths to which God goes to provide us with the solution, should be the source of our thanksgiving and praise today. Praying for you today as you read and ponder God’s word.

— Pastor Mike

Genesis 3-5

The Fall<...

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Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

I am so glad that you are reading through the Bible with us this year on the Compass DBR. Getting the big picture of God’s word is so important. We are vulnerable to so many distortions of God and the gospel when we aren’t familiar with the Bible as a whole. I am praying that your resolve to read along with us this year is one that God’s Spirit enables you to keep each and every day. Hopefully by December you will have a broadened understanding and deepened appreciation of the G...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we finish our read through the Book of Zechariah. Many ultimate events regarding Christ are embedded in these sweeping prophecies. Don’t miss the details of these significant promises from God. In Revelation 21 we read of the final state of God’s home for his people—with the incarnate God dwelling in our midst. What a heartening reminder that sin, pain, and sorrow are all temporary realities for his people.

— Pastor Mike

Zechariah 13-14

13 “On that day...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Several aspects of the Messiah’s work and ministry are foretold in today’s reading of Zechariah. Remember how precise God is in his plan and sovereign oversight of redemption through Christ. In Revelation 20 we read of “a thousand years,” which we often refer to as the “Millennium.” These thousand years are followed by the ultimate disposal of Christ’s enemies, along with the final judgment of the lost before the “Great White Throne.”

— Pastor Mike

Zechariah 10-12

The Res...

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Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

A reminder today in Zechariah of the possibility of having a form of godliness, which can be nothing more than a covering for selfishness. Again, as we have seen throughout the major and minor prophets, we read of God’s ultimate purpose and intention to restore, forgive, and establish his people. In Revelation 19, as we near the end of this sobering prophecy, we read of the joyful return of Christ and the “Marriage Supper of the Lamb.”

— Pastor Mike

Zec...

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Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

More illustrative visions in Zechariah 4 – 6, which speak to the present situation of the post-exilic period, with a view to the ultimate summation of God’s plan in Christ’s coming kingdom. In Revelation 18 there is a final indictment of the world’s godless system of values and ideals. May the simple and timeless call to “Come out of her, my people” (v.4) be instructive for us in our day (cf. 2Cor.6:17– 7:1).

— Pastor Mike

Zechariah 4-6

A Vision of a Gold...

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Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we begin our read through the 14-chapter prophecy of Zechariah. As with Haggai, this prophecy was a corrective regarding the post-exilic remnant. This time the focus is on their spiritual and moral preparation to worship and serve their holy God. Zechariah is highly symbolic and filled with a variety of images that powerfully express the nations needs during this critical time near the end of the Old Testament period. In Revelation 17 we read the vivid indictment of the world’s infidelity toward their Maker. In this scene the false religions and thei...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Merry Christmas! Today’s Old Testament reading begins our survey through the three post-exilic prophets. The remnant of Israelites had returned from the Babylonian captivity commissioned to rebuild the Lord’s temple in Jerusalem—unfortunately, they allowed their priorities to shift to their personal interests. In Revelation 16 we read of the culminating episodes of God’s judgment during the Great Tribulation. Let us be thankful for our exemption in Christ.

— Pastor Mike

Haggai 1-2

The Command to R...

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Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we read the short book of Zephaniah and the fifteenth chapter of the Book of Revelation. While both of these readings may seem to be a poor fit for the cheerful festivities of Christmas Eve, perhaps our celebrations will be more meaningful today as we recognize that the incarnation of Christ was designed by God to allow us a way to avoid the Lord’s just penalty for sin. May we rejoice that the price has been paid, and that because of Christ, for us his children, the wrath of God has...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we read the Old Testament book of Habakkuk. It is not hard to sympathize with Habakkuk’s concern over the mysterious and sometimes inscrutable way God accomplishes his divine plans. Yet in the end Habakkuk concedes the wisdom of God and his sovereignty, as we all should. More today in Revelation 14 on the mission and message of the 144,000 Jewish missionaries in the Great Tribulation. By God’s grace there is plenty of evangelistic success against that dreadful backdrop.

— Pastor Mike

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Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we read the short three-chapter prophecy of Nahum. While we normally think of Jonah in connection with Nineveh and Old Testament prophecy, this little book stands in contrast to the city’s past penitent reaction and God’s gracious reprieve. In Nahum we see that a generation or two later Nineveh’s citizens had grown impenitent and stubborn in their disobedience. God’s justice is promised to prevail against the unrepentant. We see in Revelation 13 a description of the pair of rebellious world leaders who are providentially granted great latitude during that evil...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

In our Old Testament reading of Micah 6 and 7 we see that God has been profoundly concerned for Israel. We see the Lord’s urgent exhortation to patiently endure and wait for God’s deliverance. We also see again God’s gracious character in providing a solution for his faithful remnant who resolves to trust in him. In Revelation 12 we read of God’s future concern for the nations, as his plans for them unfold in this unique snapshot of biblical prophecy.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today in Micah we read of God’s good purpose to fulfill his excellent promises to his people—including the promise of the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. In the New Testament we read Revelation 11 and reexamine the ministry of God’s unique messengers during the time of the Tribulation. May this encourage us to be found in Christ when he returns, and to be willing to stand with him here and now regardless of the cost.

— Pastor Mike

Mic...

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Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

The little book of Micah presents the strong indictment of God’s just judgments on a rebellious generation hundreds of years before the fall of Jerusalem. While the judgment was long in coming, their impenitent hearts ensured that God would carry out what is threatened in these chapters. In the New Testament we read the tenth chapter of Revelation, which describes the beginning of a section of prophecies that take us back in chronology to the three-and-a-half year mark of the Great Tribulation (cf. v.11).

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we read the book of Jonah, which is a familiar story to most. Unfortunately, way too many people miss the point. We need to read the last chapter carefully, making sure to see the problem with Jonah’s heart as we take hold of the remedy in our own. The “trumpet judgments” continue in our reading of Revelation 9, which is a sobering reminder of why the gospel is such an incredibly important message to proclaim in our generation.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we read the shortest book in the Old Testament—the book of Obadiah. In this little book we see God’s promise of judgment on the Edomites for cooperating with the Babylonians in their assault on Israel. Once more we see the truth that though God is sovereign in bringing the fall of Judah, he holds the evil participants responsible for their choices. This may be difficult for some, but it reminds us of the dignity granted to us as God holds us culpable for our actions regardless of the providential outcom...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Our reading of Amos concludes with the familiar pattern of God’s hope of restoration and forgiveness for those who see their sin for what it is. I trust that God’s promises in the final paragraphs will impress us with his good intentions for his wayward people. In Revelation 7 we read of the 144,000 Jewish missionaries who are especially chosen to proclaim faith in Christ during this time of judgment. As in Amos, we see God’s redemptive purpose toward those who are repentant.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today in the Old Testament prophets we see again the theme of those who are lulled into complacency regarding their sin by the prosperity they have enjoyed. May it be a reminder to us that when “everything is going well” such peace and prosperity may not be indicative of our spiritual health. In Revelation 6 we begin to see the “seven seals” broken (which depicts that God’s scroll of judgment is being unrolled and revealed in sections). This section is understood by many to describe the events of judgment that span the first half o...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

We jump into the first section of Amos today in our Old Testament reading. We read that Amos, from his humble background as a shepherd, is called to be a spokesman of God. His prophecies begin with God’s attention on the surrounding nations, eventually turning the people’s attention to their own spiritual infidelity. As Romans 2 explains, our ability to see the sin of “outsiders” should remind us of our need to turn that discerning scrutiny to our own lives so that we are not found to be hypocrites. In Revelation 5 we see Chr...

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we read the short book of Joel, which reminds us that when God’s people fail to heed the word of God, the Lord is faithful to bring discipline so that they will be holy. As Hebrews 12 tells us, all discipline is unpleasant, but God’s intention is that it will yield a life that is honoring to Christ. In Revelation 4 we read of John’s vision of God’s presence—from which will come the message and judgments that unfold throughout the rest of the book.

— Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike Fabarez’s Commentary

Today we conclude our read through the book of Hosea with more on the rebellion of Israel, and ending with God’s promise of forgiveness and restoration. We also continue our read through the seven letters to the seven churches in Revelation 3. Let us note Christ’s love in his concern for our holiness and his call for us to live a thoughtful and holy life.

— Pastor Mike

Hosea 12-14

12 Ephraim feeds on the wind
a...