Daily Bible Verse: Cultivating Spiritual Growth Through Scripture
Today’s Verse: February 7, 2024
Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
1 Kings 10:1-10
{10:1} Then, too, the queen of Sheba, having heard of the fame of Solomon in the name of the Lord, arrived to test him with enigmas.
{10:2} And entering into Jerusalem with a great retinue, and with riches, and with camels carrying aromatics, and with an exceedingly great quantity of gold and precious stones, she went to king Solomon. And she spoke to him all that she held in her heart.
{10:3} And Solomon taught her, in all the words that she had proposed to him. There was not any word which was able to be hidden from the king, or which he did not answer for her.
{10:4} Then, when the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built,
{10:5} and the food of his table, and the dwelling places of his servants, and the rows of his ministers, and their apparel, and the cupbearers, and the holocausts that he was offering in the house of the Lord, she had no longer any spirit in her
{10:6} And she said to the king: “The word is true, which I have heard in my own land,
{10:7} about your words and your wisdom. But I did not believe those who explained it to me, until I went myself and saw it with my own eyes. And I have discovered that the half of it has not been told to me: your wisdom and works are greater than the report that I have heard.
{10:8} Blessed are your men, and blessed are your servants, who stand before you always, and who hear your wisdom.
{10:9} Blessed is the Lord your God, whom you have greatly pleased, and who has placed you upon the throne of Israel. For the Lord loves Israel forever, and he has appointed you as king, so that you may accomplish judgment and justice.”
{10:10} Then she gave the king one hundred twenty talents of gold, and an exceedingly great amount of aromatics and precious stones. No greater quantity of aromatics was ever again brought forth as these, which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.
Today’s Gospel
Mark 7:14-23
7:14} And again, calling the crowd to him, he said to them: “Listen to me, all of you, and understand.
{7:15} There is nothing from outside a man which, by entering into him, is able to defile him. But the things which proceed from a man, these are what pollute a man.
{7:16} Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.”
{7:17} And when he had entered into the house, away from the crowd, his disciples questioned him about the parable.
{7:18} And he said to them: “So, are you also without prudence? Do you not understand that everything entering to a man from outside is not able to pollute him?
{7:19} For it does not enter into his heart, but into the gut, and it exits into the sewer, purging all foods.”
{7:20} “But,” he said “the things which go out from a man, these pollute a man.
{7:21} For from within, from the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
{7:22} thefts, avarice, wickedness, deceitfulness, homosexuality, an evil eye, blasphemy, self-exaltation, foolishness.
{7:23} All these evils proceed from within and pollute a man.
*The readings are from “The Sacred Bible”. It is in the public domain. If you want to read it from another Catholic translation, you can click on the link above the reading
This February we have:
- St. Valentine’s Day
- Ash Wednesday
- Lenten season begins
The month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family.
In this month we remember the role and importance of family in our spiritual walk, as seen through the examples of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus.
How to Cultivate Your Daily Bible Reading
Step 1: Select a Bible Version
The first step in building a daily Bible verse practice is choosing the right Bible version. The richness and depth of the language used can significantly impact our understanding and connection with the text.
As a Catholic, there are only a couple that are for reading. They are the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) and the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE). Both of these versions are approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Step 2: Choose a Devotional Guide
There are many good devotionals available for reading. Depending on where you are in your life, there is a daily devotional for you.
Check out my “Daily Devotional” here! I write a devotional everyday and i changes on what the verse of the day is.
Devotionals are great because they help you focus on Jesus, leads to more worship, and you are able to get closer to God while reading today’s verse and seeing how it can reflect in your day today.
Step 3: Set a Time and Place
Consistency is key to establishing any habit, including daily Bible reading. Select a time and place that is quiet and allows you to focus without interruptions. When you dedicate time to spend with Jesus, the grace and peace that you feel is unlike anything else.
The Holy Spirit will fill you up and by taking time out of your day on a regular basis. Your faith grows deeper and you will not want to be of this world. The power of consistency and reading the Bible daily will improve your life, help you resist evil, give you the power to repel anything wrong, grow in faith, help you understand Jesus and His death and feel closer to the Lord.
Step 4: Read and Reflect
When you’ve selected your verse and devotional guide, it’s time to dive into the Word and let it speak to you. Let our Lord Almighty speak to you through the truth. Jesus is always ready!
Tips for Effective Reading and Comprehension
Start by praying. Let the Holy Spirit lead you. Approach the text with an open mind and heart. Read slowly, pausing to ponder and savor each word. Bring questions to the reading, and be prepared to listen to what the verse may be teaching you. If a particular term or concept is unclear, use resources like commentaries, concordances, or dictionaries to aid your understanding.
The Holy Spirit talks to you through the Bible, you put on this suit of armor. The evil and wicked world won’t affect you as it did. You don’t feel as powerless because you know God and His power. His mercy and how Christ died. His death brought us salvation and we are blessed. Simply reading the Bible will give us that peace.
Reflecting on the Verse’s Meaning and Application
Ask yourself how the verse relates to your life. What is God saying to you through this specific message? How can you apply its wisdom to your actions, interactions, and innermost thoughts? This reflective process deepens the impact of the scripture and allows it to form the fabric of your day.
Reading the verse of the day and a devotional will help you understand more.
Step 5: Journaling and Prayer
After reading and reflecting, take time to write down your thoughts and experiences. Journaling can help solidify your understanding and become a treasured record of your spiritual journey.
Sometimes when we read the bible, you might see words on a page, but we sometimes forget to listen. We can hear Lord Jesus
Importance of Journaling Thoughts and Insights
Write about the emotions, epiphanies, or struggles you experienced while engaging with the verse. Consider keeping track of answered prayers, moments of growth, or recurring themes in your daily readings. This practice can provide a historical perspective on your spiritual walk and serve as a reservoir of strength in challenging times.
Using Prayer to Deepen Understanding and Connection
After journaling, use prayer as a tool to further engage with the scripture. Thank God for His Word and ask for guidance in living it out. Share your gratitude for the insights you’ve gained and request the strength to embody the verse’s teachings in your life.