CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan

Job 1:1-3:26

1 Corinthians 14:1-17

Psalm 37:12-29

Proverbs 21:25-26

For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1q1IJ6l

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

“…and Satan also came among them” (Job 1:6). The Book of Job is an extensive study on suffering. Why does suffering exist? Why do bad things happen to good people? There are many questions that aren’t answered, but one issue is clearly defined: suffering originates when Satan is involved. In the Old Testament, we see Satan ask for Job. Without an advocate, Job is given up. But under the New Covenant, we have an advocate! In Luke 22:32, Satan asks for Peter (to “sift him like wheat”). But Jesus intervenes and prays for him! Under the Old Covenant, Job had no defense. But under the New Covenant, we have an Advocate in Jesus Christ. And Jesus will never let Satan take hold of us when we rely on Him!

Prayer:

Father, thank You that Jesus is seated at Your right hand! Thank You that he is my Advocate at all times and in all circumstances. I will not fear. You are a good God, and You love me as Your own!

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan

Esther 4:1-7:10

1 Corinthians 12:1-26

Psalm 36:1-12

Proverbs 21:21-22

For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1tmPEY3

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

“Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14) Esther was living the dream. She had become queen over an entire kingdom, and was given anything she desired. But she had a choice to make. While her cousin Mordecai faced death outside the palace, would she help him? She knew if she didn’t approach King Ahasuerus, all the Jews in the kingdom would be slaughtered. But if she approached him without an invitation, she might be slaughtered first! So what did she do? She prayed and fasted, and then boldly approached the throne. What is God calling you to do? How can you help those who are left outside the Kingdom? You have been brought into the Kingdom for such a time as this! Boldly approach the throne, knowing that God will grant you an audience through His Son Jesus Christ!

Prayer:

Father, thank You for bringing me into Your Kingdom for such a time as this! You have given me everything my heart desires. Help me to honor You with my whole heart!

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan

Esther 8:1-10:3

1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13

Psalm 37:1-11

Proverbs 21:23-24

For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1tmTa4E

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal” (1 Cor 13:1). If you’ve ever been to a wedding, you’ve heard today’s verses. It’s important to remember that Paul’s discussion of the importance of love directly follows his encouragement that all Christians should “earnestly desire” spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12:31). At CityLight Church, we believe in the pursuit and exercise of spiritual gifts for all Christians. But we can never forget love. If you have all the spiritual gifts in the world but you lack love, you have nothing. If you can prophecy to the nations but lack integrity founded in a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ, you have nothing. We must remember that our goal in attaining spiritual gifts and anointing is not to promote ourselves; it is to become equipped to love others better.

Prayer:

Father, help me to love the people around me better! I know that Your Holy Spirit will lead and guide me to bless the people around me. I earnestly desire to love everyone around me better!

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan

Esther 1:1-3:15

1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Psalm 35:17-28

Proverbs 21:19-20

For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1thDNdS

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

“For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes” (1 Cor 11:26). Communion is the most important meal we can ever have. When we eat it, we remind ourselves of Jesus’ death on the Cross and what it means for us. We remind ourselves of all the benefits of salvation as outlined in Psalm 103. Paul is telling the church at Corinth that communion, if taken properly, can result in complete and total healing (verse 30). To take communion in a “worthy manner” denotes recognizing what the meal actually means: a God who loves us sent His Only Son to die on the Cross so that we could be restored to Him. So do you need healing? Are you praying for something specific? Take communion, and remind yourself of all the benefits of salvation.

Prayer:

Father, help me to take communion well! Help me to take it often, and always with a full understanding of exactly what I’m doing. I take communion to remind all of heaven that I am loved by God! I take communion to let all of hell know that I’m aware of the benefits of salvation, and I will not be taken advantage of. I take communion to remind myself that You love me!

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan

Nehemiah 12:27-13:31

1 Corinthians 11:1-16

Psalm 35:1-16

Proverbs 21:17-18

For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1sPMpf5

Commentary by Pastor Michael White:

“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Cor 11:1). We should always seek to be Christ-like. The term Christian actually means “little Christ,” so if we assert that we are Christians we must seek to be transformed into the image of Christ. But it’s also tremendously important to have other men and women as mentors in our lives. Paul was a father and mentor to the early church, taking young ministers under his wing and teaching them how to bear the gospel well. If you work in a big corporation, you probably had a mentor – whether formal or informal – who taught you the ropes. So why not find a mentor to help you strengthen your walk with God? There are many men and women in the church who are more than willing to pour into you freely. Find one, and honor him or her as you would honor Jesus Christ Himself. The benefits will be infinite.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for good mentors. In the name of Jesus, I believe that you will put good mentors into my life. I ask for your help in making supernatural connections!

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan

Nehemiah 11:1-12:26

1 Corinthians 10:14-33

Psalm 34:11-22

Proverbs 21:14-16

For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1uHqTJQ

Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

“And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem” (Neh 11:2). The people who willingly offered to stay in Judah’s major city received a special blessing. God has a heart for major cities. Those of us who dwell in major cities are responsible for spreading the gospel in cultural capitals of the world. It can be easy to fantasize about moving out of the city and away from the populace; but God wants us to live in cities so we can impact other people around us. If you live in a city, be encouraged. God will bless you richly for willingly offering to stay.

“Blessed shall you be in the city…” – Deut 28:3

Prayer:

Father, protect our cities. Help us to be lights in dark places; hope to the hopeless, and ambassadors of grace to those who need Your love the most. Sustain and support us in cities. Give us rest in even the busiest metropolis, in Jesus’ mighty name.

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan

Nehemiah 9:22-10:39

1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13

Psalm 34:1-10

Proverbs 21:13

For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1AileKG

Commentary by Pastor Michael White:

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it” (1 Cor 9:24). Where are you running? Often times people in the church quote this verse and use it as evidence that we have to try harder to be good Christians. Do more! Run your race well! Finish strong! Don’t let yourself fall victim to sin! But this verse isn’t saying we should run to a place, or a life stage; it’s saying we must run to a Person: Jesus Christ. We must run to Jesus, and run in such a way that we maintain Him as our One and Only Prize. So, to whom are you running? We should never be running from someone or something, and we should never try to live this life on our own. Run to Jesus, and He will run to you!

Prayer:

Father, thank You that You made Your Son Jesus Christ available to us! Thank You that He died for all our sins, so that we could receive the inheritance only He deserves. Help me never to run around all will-nilly, with no direction and no endpoint in mind. I’m going to run to Your Son Jesus Christ!

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan

Nehemiah 7:73-9:21

1 Corinthians 9:1-18

Psalm 33:12-22

Proverbs 21:11-12

For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1uuQB4g

Commentary by Pastor Michael White:

“…and the Levites helped the people to understand the Law…they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading” (Neh 8:7-8). You’re not going to understand everything you read in the Bible. And that’s ok! As Ezra read God’s Law to the people of Israel, the Levites helped them to understand the reading. That’s why home groups are such an important part of church life; and that’s why meeting with a pastor at your church can be such a valuable opportunity. God’s Word needs interpretation, and we all need wise counsel. If you don’t understand something in the Bible, don’t let yourself get scared, confused or discouraged. Ask for help. The local church is here to answer!

Prayer:

Father, thank You for appointing pastors, elders and leaders in the local church to interpret Your word. Bless these men and women as they interpret the Scriptures for believers who need encouragement and understanding. Thank You that we don’t have to learn Your Word alone; we get to do it in community!

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan

Nehemiah 5:14-7:73

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Psalm 33:1-11

Proverbs 21:8-10

For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1r7sUhX

Commentary by Pastor Michael White:

“I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?” (Neh 6:3). Stop getting distracted! Why should the work you’re doing for God stop while you make time for people who don’t want you to finish the work? Time is a finite resource; we only have one life to accomplish everything God has appointed for us to do. So why do distractors deserve your time and attention? Satan knows you’re busy, and he knows he can distract you by sending people to make you step off God’s path. What right does Satan have to dictate how you spend your time and energy? Stay focused. Do not be distracted. Why should the work cease while you leave it and go down? Remember you are seated with Christ in heavenly places – so stay there!

Prayer:

Father, I want to help every single person You put in my path to help. But I know there are certain people who only seek to distract me from my life’s work. Help me discern which is which and who is who!

CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Plan

Nehemiah 3:15-5:13

1 Corinthians 7:25-40

Psalm 32:1-11

Proverbs 21:5-7

For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1oZsDdJ

Commentary by Pastor Michael White:

“Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon” (Neh 4:17). A remnant had returned to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, and there were enemies who sought to interfere with their work. All of Judah was instructed to carry a weapon and be ready to fight at a moment’s notice. All of the builders had not been taught how to fight; yet all were expected to bear arms. God will sometimes call us to defend our faith, despite the fact that on the surface we are inadequately trained to do so. He calls us forward with the promise that He will protect us. So, who is trying to get in the way of your pursuit of God’s will for your life? Do not be afraid! Arm yourself with your shield of faith and sword of the Spirit (see Eph 6), and be read to defend your faith!

Prayer:

Father, I know that sometimes You call me to bear arms. You send me into tough situations and ask me to do things I’m not trained to do. Thank You. I know You will bring me through every tough situation in Jesus’ name!