Daily Encouragement and Instructions for Living

While studying and reading through the book of Philippians recently, there are constant reminders of instructions and encouragements for daily living, that had me wanting to find things that we might be thinking about and praying for regularly, like daily.

I quickly came to realise how vast this was! In part, recognising just how many of these instructions and encouragements there are and the limitations on us in our humanity, being able to consider and pray about each of these daily. A recognition that it is therefore a life’s work to journey through these areas and grow in them as we walk through our time on earth, during our three score and ten years.

Ruminating on this fact, my hope is that the list below might be useful to us all as we consider areas where we might extend our understanding and faith as we continue our growth and journey through this life.

Old Testament

Genesis

• Trust and Faith in God: Illustrated through the lives of the patriarchs like Abraham (Genesis 12 onwards).

Exodus

• Daily Dependence on God for Provision: The collection of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16).

• Observance of the Sabbath: Resting on the seventh day as a continual practice (Exodus 20:8-11).

• Prayer and Worship: Moses’ regular communication with God sets a precedent for continual prayer and worship (seen throughout Exodus).

Leviticus

• Holiness in Daily Life: Instructions for holy living, such as various laws and rituals (Leviticus 11-20).

• Love Your Neighbor: The command to love one’s neighbor as oneself (Leviticus 19:18).

Numbers

• Faithfulness in Trials: The Israelites’ wilderness journey highlights the need for faithfulness and trust in trials (throughout Numbers).

• Blessing Others: The Priestly Blessing as a model for invoking God's favor (Numbers 6:24-26).

Deuteronomy

• Love and Obey God Continually: The Shema, emphasizing loving God with all one's heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).

• Teaching Children about God: The command to teach children diligently about God’s laws (Deuteronomy 6:7).

• Remembrance of God's Acts: Regular remembrance of what God has done (Deuteronomy 8).

• Justice and Fairness: Instructions about just and fair dealings in daily life (Deuteronomy 16:18-20).

• Caring for the Needy: Commands about caring for the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the foreigner (e.g., Deuteronomy 15:7-11).

Joshua

• Courage and Obedience: Be strong and courageous, obeying the law given to Moses (Joshua 1:7-9).

• Faithfulness to God: Choosing to serve the Lord faithfully (Joshua 24:15).

Judges

• Dependence on God for Deliverance: The recurring theme of Israelites turning to God in times of oppression (seen throughout Judges).

Ruth

• Loyalty and Kindness: Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and her kindness (Ruth 1:16-17).

• Integrity and Respect: Boaz's integrity and respect towards Ruth (Ruth 2-4).

1 Samuel

• Faithfulness in Adversity: Hannah's faithfulness and prayer in distress (1 Samuel 1).

• Obedience over Sacrifice: God valuing obedience more than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).

2 Samuel

• Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness: David’s repentance after his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12).

1 Kings

• Wisdom and Discernment: Solomon’s request for wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-14).

• Faithfulness to God: The need for faithfulness to God, as exemplified by Elijah (1 Kings 17-19).

2 Kings

• Trust in God in Difficult Times: Elisha’s trust in God during sieges and famines (seen in 2 Kings).

1 Chronicles

• Thanksgiving and Praise: David’s song of thanks to the Lord (1 Chronicles 16).

• Seeking God Continually: The command to seek God and remember His wonders (1 Chronicles 16:11-12).

2 Chronicles

• Seeking God in Times of Crisis: Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple, asking God to hear and forgive when people pray (2 Chronicles 6).

• Humility and Repentance: God’s call for humility and repentance for healing of the land (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Ezra

• Commitment to God’s Law: The returnees' dedication to study, observe, and teach God's statutes and rules in Israel (Ezra 7:10).

• Repentance and Reformation: Ezra's prayer of confession and the people's repentance and commitment to follow God's laws (Ezra 9-10).

Nehemiah

• Prayer and Dependence on God: Nehemiah’s prayers for guidance and help throughout the book (e.g., Nehemiah 1:4-11).

• Integrity and Leadership: Nehemiah's integrity and selflessness as a leader (Nehemiah 5:14-19).

Esther

• Courage and Advocacy: Esther’s bravery in advocating for her people (Esther 4:16).

• Providence and Action: Mordecai and Esther's actions showing trust in God's providence while also taking initiative (throughout Esther).

Job

• Perseverance in Suffering: Job’s perseverance and faithfulness in the face of immense suffering (throughout Job).

• Integrity under Trial: Maintaining integrity and not cursing God despite severe trials (Job 2:10).

• Honesty in Questioning and Seeking God: Job's honest expressions of his struggle, and his persistent search for understanding and communication with God (throughout Job).

Psalms

• Daily Prayer and Praise: Continual themes of prayer, praise, and worship of God (e.g., Psalm 1, Psalm 23, Psalm 150).

• Trust in God: Repeated encouragements to trust in God in all circumstances (e.g., Psalm 46, Psalm 91).

• Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness: Many psalms emphasize repentance and seeking God’s forgiveness (e.g., Psalm 51).

Proverbs

• Seeking Wisdom and Understanding: The importance of wisdom and understanding in daily life (Proverbs 1-31).

• Righteous Living: Numerous proverbs on living righteously, honestly, and ethically (e.g., Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 10:9).

• Guarding One’s Speech: The significance of controlling one’s tongue (e.g., Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 15:1).

Ecclesiastes

• Living a Meaningful Life: Reflections on finding meaning and satisfaction in life (e.g., Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

• Enjoying Life’s Simple Pleasures: Advice to enjoy the simple, everyday pleasures of life (e.g., Ecclesiastes 3:12-13).

Song of Solomon

• Celebrating Love and Intimacy: This book is a celebration of love, often interpreted as symbolic of the love between Christ and the Church, or as an encouragement for the purity and beauty of marital love (throughout Song of Solomon).

Isaiah

• Trust and Hope in God: Encouragements to trust in God during difficult times (e.g., Isaiah 40:31, Isaiah 41:10).

• Holiness and Righteousness: Calls for righteous living and turning away from sin (e.g., Isaiah 1:16-17, Isaiah 6:3).

• Seeking God: Urging to seek the Lord while He may be found (Isaiah 55:6-7).

Jeremiah

• Faithfulness in Suffering: Jeremiah's example of remaining faithful despite persecution (throughout Jeremiah).

• Repentance and Return to God: Calls for repentance and turning back to God (e.g., Jeremiah 3:12-13, Jeremiah 29:13).

Lamentations

• Mourning and Hope in God’s Mercy: Expressions of deep sorrow for sins, yet hope in God’s compassion and faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-24).

Ezekiel

• Responsibility and Individual Accountability: Teaching on individual responsibility and repentance (Ezekiel 18).

• God’s Sovereignty and Holiness: Revelations of God’s holiness and sovereign power (e.g., Ezekiel 1, Ezekiel 36:23).

Daniel

• Faithfulness and Integrity: Daniel's and his friends' faithfulness to God in a foreign land (e.g., Daniel 1, Daniel 3, Daniel 6).

• Prayer and Dependence on God: Daniel’s practice of regular prayer, even in the face of persecution (Daniel 6:10).

• God’s Control over History and Kingdoms: Insights into God’s control over earthly kingdoms and history (e.g., Daniel 2, Daniel 7).

Hosea

• Faithfulness in Relationships: Hosea’s marriage as a metaphor for God’s faithful love to an unfaithful Israel (Hosea 1-3).

• Repentance and Return to God: Calls for Israel to return to God and His love (Hosea 14:1-2).

Joel

• Repentance and Seeking God: Urgent call for repentance and turning to God amidst disaster (Joel 2:12-13).

• Promise of the Spirit: Prophecy about the outpouring of God's Spirit (Joel 2:28-29).

Amos

• Social Justice and Righteousness: Strong messages against social injustice and a call to seek good, not evil (Amos 5:14-15, 24).

Obadiah

• Warning Against Pride and Injustice: Obadiah’s prophecy against Edom as a warning against pride and mistreating others (Obadiah 1:3-4).

Jonah

• Obedience to God’s Call: Jonah’s initial disobedience and subsequent obedience to God’s call to preach to Nineveh (Jonah 1-3).

• God’s Mercy: Theme of God’s mercy even to those who seem undeserving (Jonah 4).

Micah

• Justice, Mercy, and Humility: Exhortation to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).

Nahum

• God’s Justice and Power: Focus on God’s justice and power over evil nations (Nahum 1:2-8).

Habakkuk

• Faith in Difficult Times: Habakkuk’s struggle and faith in God despite injustice and suffering (Habakkuk 1-3).

Zephaniah

• Seeking God and Humility: Calls to seek the Lord, humble oneself, and live righteously (Zephaniah 2:3).

Haggai

• Prioritizing God’s Work: Encouragement to prioritize the rebuilding of God’s temple (Haggai 1:4-8).

Zechariah

• Repentance and Hope: Calls for repentance and paints pictures of hope and restoration (Zechariah 1:3-4).

Malachi

• Faithfulness in Tithes and Offerings: Call to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse (Malachi 3:10).

• Warning Against Injustice and Neglect of God’s Ways: Admonitions against social injustices and neglecting God’s covenant (Malachi 2:17-3:5).

New Testament

Matthew

• Repentance: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:17)

• Being Salt and Light: “You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world...” (Matthew 5:13-16)

• Love Your Enemies: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...” (Matthew 5:44)

• Private Prayer: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen...” (Matthew 6:6)

• Forgiveness: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14)

• Seek First God’s Kingdom: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

• Judging Others: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1)

• The Golden Rule: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you...” (Matthew 7:12)

Mark

• The Greatest Commandment: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Mark 12:30-31)

Luke

• The Good Samaritan (Active Compassion): “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37, in the context of the parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:30-35)

• Humility: “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)

• The Importance of Repentance: “I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)

• Persistent Prayer: “And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?” (Luke 18:7)

John

• New Birth: “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (John 3:3)

• Belief in Christ: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

• Love One Another: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)

• Abiding in Christ: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you...” (John 15:4)

Acts

• Repentance and Baptism: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

• Community and Sharing: “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” (Acts 2:44-45)

• Devotion to Teaching and Fellowship: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42)

Romans

• Living a Holy Life: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1)

• Love and Harmlessness: “Love must be sincere... Be devoted to one another in love... If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:9-18)

• Obedience to Authorities: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities...” (Romans 13:1)

• Acceptance of One Another: “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” (Romans 15:7)

1 Corinthians

• Avoiding Immorality: “Flee from sexual immorality...” (1 Corinthians 6:18)

• Doing Everything for God’s Glory: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

• Using Spiritual Gifts for the Common Good: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7)

• The Pre-eminence of Love: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

2 Corinthians

• Reconciliation and Forgiveness: “If anyone has caused grief...you ought to forgive and comfort him...” (2 Corinthians 2:5-7)

• Generosity in Giving: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

• Relying on God’s Strength in Weakness: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Galatians

• Living by the Spirit: “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)

• Bearing One Another’s Burdens: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

• Doing Good to All: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:10)

Ephesians

• Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)

• Living as Children of Light: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8)

• Mutual Submission in Marriage: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21)

• Putting on the Full Armor of God: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:11)

Philippians

• Rejoicing in the Lord: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

• Peace through Prayer and Thanksgiving: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

• Focusing on the Positive: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Colossians

• Seeking Things Above: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2)

• Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, and Patience: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)

• Forgiving Each Other: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)

• Letting the Peace of Christ Rule: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” (Colossians 3:15)

1 Thessalonians

• Living to Please God: “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality...” (1 Thessalonians 4:3)

• Encouraging One Another: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

• Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

2 Thessalonians

• Standing Firm and Holding to Traditions: “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you...” (2 Thessalonians 2:15)

• Responsibility and Work: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10)

1 Timothy

• Prayer for All People: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people...” (1 Timothy 2:1)

• Pursuing Righteousness and Godliness: “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11)

2 Timothy

• Faithfulness in Teaching: “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Timothy 2:2)

• Endurance in Suffering: “Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:3)

Titus

• Living Self-Controlled, Upright, and Godly Lives: “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age...” (Titus 2:11-12)

• Doing What is Good: “And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.” (Titus 3:14)

Philemon

• Forgiveness and Restoration in Relationships: “If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.” (Philemon 1:18) – This speaks to interceding and advocating for reconciliation and forgiveness.

Hebrews

• Persevering in Faith: “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus...” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

• Encouraging One Another: “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:13)

• Hospitality to Strangers: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2)

• Honoring Marriage: “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure...” (Hebrews 13:4)

James

• Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry...” (James 1:19)

• Faith and Deeds: “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” (James 2:14)

• Taming the Tongue: “No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:8)

• Drawing Near to God: “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” (James 4:8)

1 Peter

• Living as God’s Chosen People: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession...” (1 Peter 2:9)

• Submission and Respect: Instructions on submission and respect in various relationships (e.g., 1 Peter 2:13-3:7).

• Casting Anxiety on God: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

2 Peter

• Growing in Faith and Virtue: “Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge...” (2 Peter 1:5-7)

• Being Alert for False Teachers: “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you...” (2 Peter 2:1)

1 John

• Walking in the Light: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another...” (1 John 1:7)

• Loving One Another: “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God...” (1 John 4:7)

2 John

• Walking in Truth and Love: “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands.” (2 John 1:6)

3 John

• Supporting Fellow Believers: “Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you.” (3 John 1:5)

Jude

• Contending for the Faith: “Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith...” (Jude 1:3)

Revelation

• Endurance and Faithfulness: “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” (Revelation 2:10)

• Heeding the Prophecy: “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it...” (Revelation 1:3)

I trust that this might provide some additional food for thought as we ruminate on, and chew this over further!

May God Bless you, as you seek Him and draw closer to Him!