''Alert" September 16 Readings: Isaiah 43-44, 1 Corinthians 16, Psalm 106:21–27, Proverbs 23:4–5

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Reading the Bible in 2025

Each day this year, we will read a selection from the Old Testament, the New Testament, a portion of the Psalms, and a part of Proverbs. By the end of the year, you will have read the entire Bible. We read this way to give you a bit of variety. 

NOTE: If you get behind, do not give up. Read today's readings and try to catch up when you have a chance. The goal is not to "accomplish a task" but to meet God in his word. Read the word. Also, if you are short on time, READ GOD'S WORD and skip my devotional!

Bible Readings: Isaiah 43-44, 1 Corinthians 16, Psalm 106:21–27, Proverbs 23:4–5

    Scriptures linked to Bible Gateway in ESV version 

Daily Devotional: Alert

There are some things that require detailed and complex instructions, but there are other times when a deep message can be delivered in simple words. Paul is known as the author of some of the longest and most complex sentences in the New Testament. In 1 Corinthians 16:13, he delivers a simple two-word instruction that is powerful and meaningful.
Be watchful. 
Keep your eyes open, brothers and sisters; there is danger all around. Paul was reminding the Corinthians that they live in a world of sin. This world was not their home, but a foreign land hostile to their values and loyal to their enemy. They could not afford to drift with the moral tide but needed to stand strong and firm for God and his kingdom.

That same simple message is true for us today. We live in a world of snares and traps, temptations and trials. We must remain alert. The Christian who assumes that he is always safe and secure is a fool. We must walk continually in the ways of God, seek him, stay in the Word and in prayer, and be constantly ready for everything the enemy may throw at us.

Father, too often I act as if I am living on easy street. Help me to be alert every day.

Consider God's Word:

Which of these four passages spoke most clearly to you today? 
Is there sin in your life that needs to be confessed and dealt with that was revealed in one of these passages? 
Is there something in your life that needs to change?
Is there a struggle in your life that one of these passages spoke to? 

Are you careful and watchful in how you live?

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