Daily Readings at Southeast

 Scripture: Zechariah 10 Zechariah 11 Zechariah 12 Zechariah 13 Zechariah 14

 Scripture: Zechariah 6 Zechariah 7 Zechariah 8 Zechariah 9

 Scripture: Zechariah 2 Zechariah 3 Zechariah 4 Zechariah 5

  Introduction to Zechariah Zechariah prophesied around the same time as Haggai, encouraging the returned exiles to finish rebuilding the temple. But while Haggai focused on practical action, Zechariah lifts the people’s eyes to the bigger picture—God’s plans for restoration, justice, and the coming of the Messiah. The book begins with a call to return to God so He can return to them. Then it moves into a series of night visions—eight symbolic scenes filled with angels, horses, horns, and lampstands. These images can seem mysterious, but they’re rich with meaning. They reveal that God is still active, still watching over His people, and still guiding His purposes forward. Zechariah also speaks of many Messianic prophecies. He describes a humble king riding on a donkey, a shepherd rejected by the people, and someone betrayed for thirty pieces of silver. All of these are fulfilled in the life of Jesus. In fact, Zechariah is one of the most quoted Old Testament books in the Gospels. T...

  Introduction to Haggai Haggai is a short but urgent call to action. Written after the return from Babylonian exile, it challenges the people of Judah to rebuild the temple—not just physically, but spiritually. When the exiles first returned to Jerusalem, they started work on the temple but quickly got discouraged and distracted. For nearly 15 years, the foundation sat unfinished while the people focused on building their own homes and rebuilding their own lives. Through the prophet Haggai, God speaks directly to this misplaced priority. “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?” His message is clear: they’ve been putting themselves first while neglecting the worship and presence of God. But Haggai doesn’t just confront—he encourages. He tells the people that their obedience matters, that their efforts are seen, and that God is with them. In response, the people begin rebuilding the temple with renewed faith. One of the ...

 Scripture: Zephaniah 2 Zephaniah 3

  Introduction to Zephaniah Zephaniah begins with a sweeping warning: “I will sweep away everything from the face of the earth.” It’s a sobering introduction to a book focused on the “day of the Lord”—a time of judgment for sin but also a promise of restoration for the faithful. Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah, a time of religious reform in Judah. But the revival was surface-deep. The nation still clung to idols, injustice, and spiritual compromise. Zephaniah called them to sincere repentance before it was too late. The book outlines judgment not just for Judah, but for the surrounding nations as well. Pride, violence, and indifference toward God would all be confronted. But near the end, Zephaniah’s tone changes. He describes a future day when God will purify the hearts of His people, restore their fortunes, and rejoice over them with singing. That image—God rejoicing over His people—is one of the most tender in all of Scripture. Zephaniah points to Jesus, the...

 Scripture: Habakkuk 2 Habakkuk 3

  Introduction to Habakkuk Habakkuk is a dialogue between a prophet and God—an honest, raw conversation about injustice, suffering, and faith. Unlike other prophets who speak to the people, Habakkuk begins by speaking to God, asking a question many of us still ask today: Why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer? God’s response is unexpected. He tells Habakkuk that He is raising up the Babylonians—a fierce and ruthless nation—to bring judgment. This confuses Habakkuk even more. How can a holy God use an even more evil nation to punish His people? God doesn’t fully explain His ways, but He does call Habakkuk to trust Him. One of the key verses in the book is: “The righteous will live by faith.” This phrase becomes central in the New Testament, quoted in Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews. Habakkuk moves from confusion to confidence. By the end, he’s not demanding answers—he’s choosing to trust. His final words are a powerful declaration of faith: “Though the fig tree does not...

 Scripture: Nahum 2 Nahum 3

  Introduction to Nahum Nahum is a prophecy of judgment against the city of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. About a century earlier, Jonah had warned Nineveh, and the people repented. But by Nahum’s time, they had returned to their violent and oppressive ways. God’s patience had run out. The Assyrian empire was known for its cruelty—brutal conquests, torture, and public executions. Nahum describes God’s judgment in vivid, poetic detail. His message is clear: Nineveh’s downfall is certain, and God is not indifferent to evil. At first glance, Nahum may seem harsh. But his words remind us that God's justice is part of His goodness. He is slow to anger, but He will not let the guilty go unpunished. The Assyrians had not only oppressed other nations—they had mocked God. Nahum’s prophecy is both a warning and a comfort: evil does not get the last word. For the people of Judah, who had suffered under Assyria’s cruelty, Nahum’s words brought hope. God had not forgotten them. He would defe...

 Scripture: Micah 5 Micah 6 Micah 7

 Scripture: Micah 2 Micah 3 Micah 4

  Introduction to Micah Micah was a prophet during a time of social injustice, corrupt leaders, and religious hypocrisy. He spoke to both the northern and southern kingdoms and delivered a message of both judgment and hope. The book opens with vivid images—mountains melting, valleys splitting—emphasizing the seriousness of God’s message. Micah condemns the leaders of Israel and Judah for using their power for personal gain, exploiting the poor, and pretending to be spiritual while living unjustly. But alongside his warnings, Micah offers incredible promises. He prophesies the birth of a ruler from Bethlehem, one who will shepherd His people in strength and peace. This prophecy points directly to Jesus, the Good Shepherd and Prince of Peace. One of the most famous verses in Micah is a clear summary of what God desires: “To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” This isn't about religious performance—it’s about living with integrity, compassion, and dependence ...

 Scripture: Jonah 2 Jonah 3 Jonah 4

  Introduction to Jonah Jonah is a story about a reluctant prophet, a great fish, and a God whose mercy reaches far beyond Israel. It’s one of the most well-known books in the Bible—but beneath the familiar story is a deep challenge about obedience, grace, and the heart of God. God tells Jonah to go to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria—a brutal and feared enemy of Israel. But instead of obeying, Jonah runs in the opposite direction. He boards a ship to Tarshish, trying to escape God’s call. When a violent storm threatens the ship, Jonah is thrown overboard and swallowed by a giant fish, where he spends three days and nights before being spit out onto dry land. Jonah finally goes to Nineveh and delivers God’s message. To his surprise—and frustration—the people repent. God shows them mercy, and Jonah is angry. He wanted judgment, not forgiveness. The book ends with Jonah sitting outside the city, sulking, as God gently confronts him about his lack of compassion. Though short, Jonah is ...

  Introduction to Obadiah Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, but it delivers a strong message. It’s a prophecy against Edom, a nation descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob. Though Edom and Israel shared ancestry, their relationship was often hostile—and when Jerusalem fell to Babylon, Edom stood by and even took advantage of Israel’s suffering. Obadiah condemns Edom for its pride and betrayal. The nation had built its cities on the cliffs and believed it was untouchable. But God declares that no fortress can stand against His justice. The book is divided into two main parts: judgment for Edom, and hope for Israel. While Edom will fall, God's people will be restored. The final verses look ahead to the day when the kingdom will belong fully to the Lord. Though it’s short, Obadiah reminds us of important truths: God sees injustice, pride leads to downfall, and His promises to His people remain firm. Obadiah points us to Jesus by highlighting God’s faithfulness to H...

 Scripture: Amos 6 Amos 7 Amos 8 Amos 9

 Scripture: Amos 2 Amos 3 Amos 4 Amos 5

  Introduction to Amos Amos was not a trained prophet—he was a shepherd and a farmer. But God called him to speak boldly to the northern kingdom of Israel at a time when everything looked good on the outside. The economy was strong, worship services were full, and the nation seemed secure. But underneath, there was injustice, corruption, and spiritual decay. Amos’s message was direct: God sees through appearances. He cares deeply about how we treat others, especially the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized. While the people were offering sacrifices and songs, they were also exploiting the weak and ignoring justice. Amos warns that God will not accept worship that isn’t matched by righteousness. You’ll hear famous lines like, “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.” These are not just poetic—they are God’s heart. Amos shows that true faith is not only about belief, but about action. The book also includes visions of coming judgment: locust...

 Scripture: Joel 2 Joel 3

  Introduction to Joel Joel is a short but powerful book centered around a devastating natural disaster—a plague of locusts that has destroyed the land. But Joel sees beyond the insects. He uses the moment to call God’s people to repentance and to point to a future “day of the Lord.” That phrase—“the day of the Lord”—is a key theme in Joel. It speaks of judgment and deliverance, of both warning and hope. Joel calls the people to fast, pray, and return to God with their whole hearts. His message is urgent: God wants repentance, not just rituals. But Joel doesn’t leave the people in despair. He speaks of restoration—of grain returning to the fields, of joy being renewed, and of God’s Spirit being poured out. This last promise is especially significant: “I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” Peter quotes this passage in Acts 2 at Pentecost, declaring that Joel’s prophecy was being fulfilled through Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Joel reminds us that God is not distant du...

 Scripture: Hosea 8 Hosea 9 Hosea 10 Hosea 11 Hosea 12 Hosea 13 Hosea 14

 Scripture: Hosea 2 Hosea 3 Hosea 4 Hosea 5 Hosea 6 Hosea 7

Introduction to Hosea Hosea’s story is unlike any other. God calls him to do something shocking—marry a woman who will be unfaithful. His marriage becomes a living picture of God’s relationship with Israel: a faithful husband continually pursuing an unfaithful bride. Hosea’s wife, Gomer, leaves him to chase after other lovers, just as Israel had turned from God to worship false idols. Yet Hosea keeps going after her, even buying her back at one point. His love is painful, persistent, and undeserved—and that’s exactly the point. The rest of the book alternates between God's heartbreak and His hope. He recounts Israel’s long history of rebellion, likening the nation to an ungrateful child or a stubborn animal. But He also speaks of healing, restoration, and a future return. This book is a deep emotional journey. You’ll feel God’s righteous anger at sin—but also His tenderness, His longing, and His unrelenting mercy. He desires not just outward obedience, but hearts that know and love...

 Scripture: Daniel 9 Daniel 10 Daniel 11 Daniel 12

 Scripture: Daniel 5 Daniel 6 Daniel 7 Daniel 8

 Scripture: Daniel 2 Daniel 3 Daniel 4

  Introduction to Daniel Daniel is both inspiring and prophetic. The first half reads like a series of unforgettable stories—lions, fire, and miraculous deliverance. The second half is filled with apocalyptic visions that point toward God’s ultimate plan for the world. Daniel was taken into Babylon as a young man during the exile. Despite being far from home and surrounded by pagan culture, he remained faithful to God. Along with his friends—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—Daniel refused to compromise. Their courage and integrity in the face of pressure are powerful reminders that faith can thrive even in exile. You’ll read about their refusal to eat the king’s food, their bold stand in the fiery furnace, and Daniel’s quiet faith that led him to the lion’s den. Each story highlights God's presence with His people and His power to rescue. The second half of the book shifts to visions. These symbolic prophecies reveal God’s sovereignty over kingdoms and empires—past, present, and fut...

 Scripture: Ezekiel 45 Ezekiel 46 Ezekiel 47 Ezekiel 48

 Scripture: Ezekiel 41 Ezekiel 42 Ezekiel 43 Ezekiel 44

 Scripture: Ezekiel 37 Ezekiel 38 Ezekiel 39 Ezekiel 40

 Scripture: Ezekiel 33 Ezekiel 34 Ezekiel 35 Ezekiel 36

 Scripture: Ezekiel 29 Ezekiel 30 Ezekiel 31 Ezekiel 32

 Scripture: Ezekiel 25 Ezekiel 26 Ezekiel 27 Ezekiel 28

 Scripture: Ezekiel 21 Ezekiel 22 Ezekiel 23 Ezekiel 24

 Scripture: Ezekiel 17 Ezekiel 18 Ezekiel 19 Ezekiel 20