One Year Bible Blog

May 31st readings

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2 Samuel 17:1-29 ~ John 19:23-42
Psalm 119:129-152 ~ Proverbs 16:12-13

Old Testament - Interesting readings in Second Samuel today.  For some reason these readings today reminded me of the 1st Lord of the Rings movie when Frodo & crew are leaving the Shire and traveling on foot trying to avoid the wraiths.  Maybe it was Ahimaaz and Jonathan hiding in the well that triggered this for me.  Seems like something Frodo & crew would have done!  :)

Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Samuel readings titled "The Darkest Days of David's Life" is at this link.

New Testament - Amazing to read about the actions of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two secret followers of Jesus on the Jewish council, in verses 38 through 40 - "Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take Jesus' body down. When Pilate gave him permission, he came and took the body away. Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night, also came, bringing about seventy-five pounds of embalming ointment made from myrrh and aloes. Together they wrapped Jesus' body in a long linen cloth with the spices, as is the Jewish custom of burial."  That is a beautiful scene - these 2 men.  They were risking much to do this.  They were risking this for Jesus.  What about you and me?  Would we have taken this type of risk back then?  Would we take this type of risk even today?  What might be a risk - for Jesus - that we could take but that we are not taking today?

Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "The Crucifixion" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 119 is continuing with it's amazing verses about God's holy Word, the Bible, and how it can transform our lives.   Verse 138 is just one more small example from this incredible Psalm - "Your decrees are perfect; they are entirely worthy of our trust."  Do you believe that God's Word, the Bible, is perfect?  Is it entirely worthy of our trust?

I can't forget verse 130 which I have at the top of this blog in the NIV translation!  "The unfolding of your words gives light..."  Do you believe this is true?  Does reading God's Word, the Bible, bring light into your life?  If you did not read God's Word would you be in darkness? 

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

May 30th readings

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2 Samuel 15:23-16:23 ~ John 18:25-19:22
Psalm 119:113-128 ~ Proverbs 16:10-11

Old Testament - More sad readings today in Second Samuel.  However, it is impressive to see David's countenance in the midst of all of the chaos going on around him.  I love David's words in verses 10 through 12 when Shimei is cursing David - "If the LORD has told him to curse me, who am I to stop him? My own son is trying to kill me. Shouldn't this relative of Saul have even more reason to do so? Leave him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to do it. And perhaps the LORD will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses."  That is incredible faith in my view!  David says first that perhaps God has told Shimei to curse him, so why try to stop it.  Then at the end David basically says if God has not told Shimei to curse him, then perhaps David will be blessed by God because of these wrongful curses.  Great stuff...  How do you act in your life today if someone is cursing you or wronging you?  Do you act like David does here?  With patience and wisdom?  Or, do you "react" with anger and spite?  Which is the better way to go?

At the end of today's readings we read about Ahithophel advising Absalom to sleep with David's concubines.  It is sad to read about this.  I actually saw the new Star Wars movie last night and this reminds me of the "advice" that the governor Palpatine gives to Anakin right after he turns to the dark side.  Advice to commit a horrible act that is "beyond hope of reconciliation", as verse 21 says in today's readings.  What a sad thing to do - to commit an act so atrocious that it goes beyond hope of reconciliation.

Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Samuel readings titled "A Friend in Need or the Trail of Tears" is at this link.

New Testament - In John chapter 18 verse 38 we come across what many say is the most ironic question asked in all of history, as Jesus stands before Pilate - ""What is truth?" Pilate asked." Why is this ironic?  Because Pilate asks what is truth, when Truth is standing right before him!  Jesus is truth!  And Pilate couldn't see it.  It's interesting to keep this in mind when you watch The Passion of the Christ movie.  It's subtitled of course, but train your ears to hear Pilate saying "Veritas", which is Latin for Truth.  There is a scene where Pilate is with his wife Claudia in the movie and without watching the subtitles, you can hear him ask "Quod est Veritas?"  What is truth.  And this is a question asked of you and me today.  What is truth?  Who is truth?

Below is a painting from 1890 by Russian artist Nikolay Gay titled "Quod Est Veritas?" Christ and Pilate. This is a fascinating painting!  At first glance I do not like it because Jesus is painted so darkly.  But... maybe that's the point of this painting. PIlate is asking What is Truth - and he cannot see Truth right before him....  wow...  think there are others in our world today who see Jesus like Pilate does in this painting?  I pray you and I see Jesus much more clearly... much more in the light!

Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "Jesus before Pilate: Part I" is at this link and "Part II" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 119 verse 127 today is powerful - "Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold."  I think this is something each of us needs to ask ourselves.  Do we love God's commands - his Word - the Bible - more than we love any and all material possessions?  Do we value the Bible above all the money this world could every offer us?  This is an important decision to make... I pray we realize the eternal worth of God's commands compared to the passing and transitory nature of "even the finest gold."

Proverbs - Proverbs 16 verse 11 is important for each of us to keep in mind in our daily work lives - "The LORD demands fairness in every business deal; he sets the standard."  God cares about our work.  He cares about our business deals.  He knows if we are conducting our work fairly or not.  If we are not fair in our business deals - if we are cheating our employer of our full and diligent work during our hours worked - then we are sinning.  God sets the standard.  Work fairly and honestly as if you were working for God as your boss.  Because, truly, you are working for God in all that you do.  No matter where you work.

Like this image below, work each and every day as if you have a halo above you and keep that halo going strong!!  :)

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

May 29th readings

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2 Samuel 14:1-15:22 ~ John 18:1-24
Psalm 119:97-112 ~ Proverbs 16:8-9

Old Testament - Well..  this is a tough couple of chapters to read today!  On one hand we see David showing much grace to Absalom and meanwhile Absalom is plotting to rebel against his father and then does so!  At first glance it makes me wonder what on earth was David thinking?  Why did he bring Absalom back to Jerusalem?  But, I believe David was doing the right thing.  Absalom was his son.  David was trying to restore that relationship.  I think about this with people in my life who have maybe "stung" me in some way.  On the one hand I want to write them off - believing that they will sting me again.  And maybe they will...  but, I don't think writing people off is healthy ultimately for me and I don't think it is the right thing to do.  I think showing grace, forgiveness and compassion is the right thing to do.  I think David did this - and then he wisely got out of town when he realized Absalom was up to no good!  So, he didn't completely let Absalom walk all over him.  He still used wisdom.  I don't know...  this is a tough couple of chapters.  What do you think?  Did David do the right thing by bringing Absalom back to Jerusalem?  Do you see any parallels in your life where someone has stung you - and then perhaps stung you again?  Was it still maybe the right thing to do to show them grace and forgiveness?  And maybe even to do so again?

Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Samuel readings titled "Absalom" is at this link.

New Testament - Sad to see this parallel... David was betrayed by Absalom in today's readings and Jesus was betrayed by Judas...  seems that betrayal has been a part of our human condition for maybe all time?  Well, since the Fall to be sure, which is pretty much all time for us humans...  (you'll recall just after the Fall Cain murdered Abel - yet another betrayal... )  Do betrayals continue today?  Why do you think this is?  What can free us from betraying each other?  Or should I ask Whom can free us from betraying each other?

Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "Jesus, Lord at Thy Death" is at this link and "Did Jesus take the Fifth Amendment?" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 119 verse 105 is powerful for us to reflect upon - "Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path."  Do you believe God's Word, the Bible, is a lamp for your feet?  A light for your path?  To help put this in perspective - without God's Word, the Bible, is it possible that we would have no lamp for our feet?   No light for our paths?  That we'd essentially be groping in the darkness without God's Word, the Bible?

Verse 111 wow...  "Your decrees are my treasure; they are truly my heart's delight."  What is your treasure?  Where is your treasure?  Is God's Word, the Bible, truly your heart's delight?

Proverbs - Proverbs 16 verse 9 is one of those seemingly simple Proverbs, that I think has a lot more depth to it than first glance - "We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps."  Do you think this is true?  We make our plans - but God determines our steps.  Do you see this to be true in your own life?  Have you made plans before, but then seen your steps somehow be guided in perhaps a different direction - perhaps a more godly direction?  And then do you realize that it was God determining your steps?  I have experienced this in my life - thankfully.  I have made some interesting (i.e. bad) plans in my life in the past - and probably am still making some bad plans even today.  But, I am trying to pray regularly to God to "lead me."  I want God to determine my steps - and truly, I want God to determine my plans as well.  But, if God's plan is not immediately clear for my life, I do believe he gives wisdom to discern direction - and then ultimately I believe God will determine our steps.  Thank goodness!

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

May 28th readings

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2 Samuel 13:1-39 ~ John 17:1-26
Psalm 119:81-96 ~ Proverbs 16:6-7

Old Testament - Second Samuel chapter 13 is a sad chapter to read in so many ways.  Amnon is David's first born son, so he is heir to the throne at this point.  Absalom is David's third born son - but at this point he may have been second in line to the throne because David's 2nd born son, Kileab, was only mentioned once and may have died young.  You'll note that there are unfortunately are some parallels in David's sin with Bathsheba and Uriah with his 2 sons' behavior in this chapter.  David sinned sexually with Bathsheba - Amnon sinned sexually against Tamar in a horrible way.  David sinned by ordering the murder of Uriah.  Absalom sinned by ordering the murder of Amnon.  Unfortunately we see a pattern of "like father, like sons..." in this chapter.  I don't think this always has to be the case in our human condition - I do believe we can be redeemed and transformed and not act in sinful ways like our parents may have acted.  But, I also do believe we need Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit to save us from ourselves - in this regard of breaking the cycle/pattern of sin and in all regards. 

Bible.org's commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled "Tragedy in the Royal Family" is at this link.

New Testament - John 17 is such an amazing chapter... this is Jesus praying!  So powerful.  I honestly am at a loss for words on this chapter.  I could probably try to write something about each and every verse.  But, maybe what makes the most sense is for you to re-read this chapter again.  Do you see Jesus praying for you in this chapter?

Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings are extensive!  They've divided this chapter up into 3 commentaries, which shows the depth of what's going on in this chapter.  I recommend you take a few minutes to check out each of these commentaries.  The first commentary titled "The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus: Part I" is at this link, "Part II" is at this link, and "Part III" is at this link.

Psalms - I am continuing to love our readings of Psalm 119!  This is an incredible Psalm...  I somehow am re-reminded of how amazing this Psalm is each time I read it.  Just about every verse speaks to me in some way.  I could write something on each verse...  For example, I love the imagery in verse 81 today - "I faint with longing for your salvation; but I have put my hope in your word."  I faint!  I long! I hope!  Verse 83 - "I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, exhausted with waiting. But I cling to your principles and obey them."  I am shriveled!  I am exhausted!  I wait!  I cling!  I obey!   I love this Psalm...

Proverbs - Proverbs 16 verse 7 is interesting today - "When the ways of people please the LORD, he makes even their enemies live at peace with them." Do you believe this to be true?  I do... And I think I've seen this in action in my own life very recently.  Sometimes I think we can get so worried about our perceived enemies or whatever - when really all we should be focusing on is our relationship with God.  And this other stuff will work itself out.  It's secondary.  Our relationship with God is primary.  Is this true in your life today?

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

May 27th readings

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2 Samuel 12:1-31 ~ John 16:1-33
Psalm 119:65-80 ~ Proverbs 16:4-5

Quick post today... back in full swing tomorrow...  :)  Hope everyone is ready for Memorial Day weekend!  (well, those in the U.S. that is)  I'll be blogging through the weekend of course.  No days off!  :)

Old Testament - Bible.org's commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled "David and God (Nathan)" is at this link and "Real Repentance" is at this link and "The Death of David's Son" is at this link.

New Testament - Bible.org's commentary on our John readings today titled "The Ministry of the Holy Spirit" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 119 verse 71 has an interesting take on suffering -  "The suffering you sent was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your principles."  Suffering.  Not something we like to think about - much less experience...  Do you believe suffering can be good for you?  Can it teach you to pay attention to God?

Christianity Today magazine had a great article on Suffering in last December's issue, which you can read at this link.  Also, I did find some reflections on Suffering & Grief on ChristianityToday.com that are worth reading at this link.

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

May 26th readings

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2 Samuel 9:1-11:27 ~ John 15:1-27
Psalm 119:49-64 ~ Proverbs 16:1-3

Old Testament - Interesting set of readings today in Second Samuel.  We start off with David showing kindness to Saul's crippled grandson Mephibosheth and we end with David committing adultery, ordering the murder of one of his warriors, and making God very unhappy.  What happened to change the course of events like this??  I think this is something that each one of us should take heed of - even when things are going very well in our walk with God, things can suddenly go the wrong direction if we are not vigilant in fleeing from sin and temptation.  David was obviously tempted when he saw Bathsheba from his rooftop.  He should have left that temptation there, and fled from it, but instead he gave into it.  He asked about Bathsheba and invited her over and then committed adultery.  Then... things got worse.  That's how sin goes.  Once we let it start to run our life it can quickly start to ruin our life.  David thought he could trick Uriah into thinking Uriah got his wife pregnant - but Uriah in chapter 11 was behaving much more honorably than the king.  He would not sleep with his own wife when he knew other warriors were sleeping on the battlefields.  Uriah acted honorably.  David did not.  David allowed sin to run the show.  Again - back to our lives - have you ever seen a pattern of sin running the show in your life?  I know I have.  It's a dangerous pattern to see taking place in our lives.  It can lead to all kinds of pain and suffering for ourselves and those around us. 

If you are perhaps even in the midst of sin running the show in your life now, there is hope.  There is confession and repentance.  David does give us this example in Psalm 51.  Psalm 51 David wrote after the events in chapter 11 took place with Bathsheba & Uriah.   Psalm 51 is a powerful Psalm of confession and repentance.  You may be at the point where you need to pray this Psalm to God now.  I think each of us does well when we pray this Psalm to God regularly.  We certainly may not be at the point where David was in chapter 11 - but, we likely have sin to confess to God - even right now.  Click here if you'd like to pray Psalm 51 now. 

Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Samuel readings titled "David and Bathsheba" is at this link and "David and Uriah" is at this link.

New Testament - Today we read one of my favorite chapters in the Bible - John 15. I cannot tell you how much this chapter means to me and I hope to you as well. John 15 takes place just after the Last Supper, the night before Jesus dies on the cross, so this is one of Jesus’ last teachings to the disciples – and to you and me. It is so beautiful. My quick personal story on this chapter is that I have only preached verbally once – and it was when I was in Bulgaria a few years ago on a short-term mission trip. Our team ended up going to a small gypsy church – and I mean small – in a village outside of the capital city of Sofia. As we drove up to the village where the church was located I saw rows and rows of vineyards in and around the village. I knew I would be preaching that evening – each person on our team took a turn. And initially I was planning to preach from a Psalm – but, when I saw the vineyards I quickly decided to preach from John 15, and it turned out to be so beautiful. I literally ended up outside of the church – all of us could not fit in the tiny 1 room church - under some vineyards preaching from John 15. God showed up. I cannot even remember what I said, but God moved. I pray that as you read John 15 today God moves for you as well. John 15 is something special. (John 16 & 17 are something special as well. . .)

Today in John 15 verses 12 & 13 we will read these words of Jesus - “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Why would Jesus give us such a command as this? Why would Jesus give this command the night before he died on the cross? How did Jesus show his love for us? Do you agree that there is no greater love than laying down one’s life for his friends? Did Jesus do this for you and me? If we are to love each other as Jesus loved us, how do we do this? When we look at Jesus’ life and how he lived it, what might we be able to model in our lives? When we look at Jesus laying down his life for us, how might we be able to “lay down our life” for our friends? Do you love others as Jesus loved you?

Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "Abiding in Christ" is at this link and "The Christian and the World" is at this link.

Psalms - Wow.  I love Psalm 119 verse 54 today - "Your principles have been the music of my life throughout the years of my pilgrimage."  What a beautiful metaphor - God's principles being the music of our lives through all our years as we are on our pilgrimage.  Great stuff!  How might God's principles actually become the music of your life?  Do you think you'd need to be reading God's Word frequently to tune into his frequency?  I commend you for reading the Bible each day this year as we go through the One Year Bible.  I pray you'll continue to read the Bible daily in all of your years to come.  I pray God's principles are and will be the music of your life.

 

Verse 59 today is a great verse for each of us to consider - "I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your statutes."  Have you ever reached a mid-life or maybe even a quarter-life crisis where you pondered the direction of your life?  Do you like the direction your life is heading?  Do you want to change that direction?  Will you turn to follow God's way?  God's truth?  God's life for you?  Do you believe that God's plans for you are so much bigger than any plans of your own that you could dream up?

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 16 verse 3 is so very wise for each of us - "Commit your work to the LORD, and then your plans will succeed."  Do you commit your work to God?  Do you pray about your work and pray that it will be pleasing to God?  Do you pray for others at your work?  Do you pray for specific projects and meetings?  Do you commit your work to God each and every day?  If you do so, do you think your plans will succeed?

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

May 25th readings

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2 Samuel 7:1-8:18 ~ John 14:15-31
Psalm 119:33-48 ~ Proverbs 15:33

Old Testament - Second Samuel 7 today is a big chapter!  God essentially establishes a covenant with David - it isn't expressly called a covenant, so I suppose it is more of a promise.  Verse 16 is a nice sum-up of God's promise to David - "Your dynasty and your kingdom will continue for all time before me, and your throne will be secure forever.'"  The throne is secure forever because from the lineage of David comes Jesus.  Jesus is forever.  Genealogies in Matthew 1 and Luke 3 will give you more details on this lineage.

It is interesting that God does not want David to build him a temple, but lets David know one of his descendents will in verses 12 & 13 - "For when you die, I will raise up one of your descendants, and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house--a temple--for my name."  We will later learn the reasons for this in 1 Chronicles 28 verse 3 when David says - "But God said to me, 'You are not to build a house for my Name, because you are a warrior and have shed blood.'"  David was a warrior - as is very evident in Second Samuel 8 today.  David's purpose was to unite and establish Israel.  David's son Solomon will build the temple for God.

I love David's prayer of thanksgiving to God in 2 Samuel 7 verses 18-29 today!  How often do you pray prayers of thanksgiving like this?

An image is below for Second Samuel chapter 8 verses 9 through 11 today - "When King Toi of Hamath heard that David had destroyed the army of Hadadezer, e sent his son Joram to congratulate David on his success. Hadadezer and Toi had long been enemies, and there had been many wars between them. Joram presented David with many gifts of silver, gold, and bronze. King David dedicated all these gifts to the LORD, along with the silver and gold he had set apart from the other nations he had subdued."

Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Samuel readings today titled "Building God's House" is at this link.

New Testament - Wow.  Today's John chapter 14 readings start off strong with a very short sentence of teaching from Jesus in verse 15 - "If you love me, obey my commandments."  Not too complicated there, eh?  :)  Really... it's quite easy to understand.  And believe.  But to obey... hmmm...   I've been thinking about that "obey" word quite a bit lately.  In fact, it's a word that has been spray painted around my neighborhood lately - "obey" - I think for some political statement reasons.  It's not really a popular word.  But it's a pretty straightforward teaching from Jesus.  Obey.  Obey my commandments.  "If you love me, obey my commandments."  I really do believe that true freedom is found in this.  When we are obedient to Jesus' teachings and God's will in our lives, we truly will be living "free" lives.  I know it sounds like an oxymoron.  But I believe it is true.  The more we obey Jesus' teachings, the freer we truly become.  Do you think this is true?  Are you obeying Jesus' teachings in your life?  Do you feel freer?

Want to see obedience in action?  Look no further than below.  :)

Well, if we are wondering how on earth we can possibly obey Jesus' teachings, he graciously answers this for us in the next two verses in today's readings - "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you." Basically, we cannot obey Jesus' teachings on our own.  Using our own will power or smarts or strength, we will fail.  We need the Holy Spirit, living with in us, to give us the grace and strength to obey Jesus' teachings.  The Holy Spirit rounds out the Trinity and leads us and guides us.  Are you looking for the Holy Spirit?  Do you recognize the Holy Spirit living within you?  Do you believe the Holy Spirit is leading you into all truth?

Verse 27 is a beautiful teaching from Jesus - ""I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid."  Have you received the gift of peace from Jesus?  Do you have peace of mind and heart? 

Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings today titled "Having a Friend in High Places" is at this link.

Psalms - Today in Psalm 119 verses 47 & 48 we read – “I delight in your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to your commands which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.” Do you believe it is possible to delight in God’s commands? Why might this be a good thing? Do you believe it is possible to actually love God’s commands? What are God’s commands? Where can we find them? (okay, I’ll give you a hint – the answer is all over Psalm 119 :) - God’s Word, the Bible is where we can find God’s commands) Do you meditate upon God’s decrees as found in the Bible? Do you love the Bible? This seems like a strange question to ask in some regards. . . but, maybe ask yourself this – do you love books in general? I think many of us would say we love books. (Maybe using the term loosely. . .) So, if we were to consider just one book that it would really make sense to invest our time in; to meditate upon; to read for all of our lives; to love – what would that book be? Why would it be that book?

In verse 37 today we read: “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” Do you believe that your life can be preserved by the Word of God – the Bible? How will you continue to preserve your life according to God’s Word in 2005?  Are there currently things in your life that you are spending time on – focusing your eyes on – that are worthless? Do you want to turn your eyes away from these things? Will you?

Proverbs - Wow... how powerful is Proverbs 15 verse 33 today? - "Fear of the LORD teaches a person to be wise; humility precedes honor."  Do you believe this to be true?  Does fear of God teach us to be wise?  Why would humility precede honor?

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

May 24th readings

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2 Samuel 4:1-6:23 ~ John 13:31-14:14
Psalm 119:17-32 ~ Proverbs 15:31-32

Old Testament - 2 Samuel 4 verse 11 stood out as David said this to the 2 murderers of Ishbosheth - "Now what reward should I give the wicked men who have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed? Should I not also demand your very lives?"  Similar to the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul and reported this news to David, David was not happy with the news.  This all reminds me of the old adage that you cannot fight evil with evil - you'll get corrupted in the process.  These 2 guys murdered an innocent man, thinking they were doing a greater good for David.  David disagreed.  Are there times in our lives where we do something wrong / bad / lie / evil for what we think might be a greater good?  Aren't we then corrupted in the process?

In 2 Samuel 5 David is anointed King of Israel.  Pretty amazing that he reigned for 40 years total.  Israel and Judah are now united - but they will be divided again only a short 75 years later.  Verse 7 is the first time the term Zion is used in the Bible - "But David captured the fortress of Zion, now called the City of David"  Below is a visual of Jerusalem at about this time that David conquered it from the Jebusites - and to the right the map shows the growth of Jerusalem just 50 years later in Solomon's time.  (1000 B.C. to 950 B.C.) We'll come back to this visual when we get to Solomon in our readings.

 

In 2 Samuel 6 when the Ark is brought back to Jerusalem verse 14 is phenomenal to imagine - "And David danced before the LORD with all his might, wearing a priestly tunic."  And David's words in verse 21 are something for you and I to consider in our lives today - "So I am willing to act like a fool in order to show my joy in the LORD."  Are you willing to act like a food to show your joy in God?  Have you ever danced before God with all your might?  Think you ever could?

Bible.org's commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled "A Place of One's Own" is at this link and "When God Rained on David's Parade" is at this link.

New Testament - I love the dialogue today between Thomas and Jesus in John 14 verses 4 & 5 & 6.  Somehow I didn't quite remember the context of Thomas' question setting up Jesus' profound statement in verse 6.  Beautiful.  Jesus starts us off in verse 4 - "And you know where I am going and how to get there."" "No, we don't know, Lord," Thomas said. "We haven't any idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."  These last two sentences of Jesus' we've probably all heard many times.  But how often have we asked Thomas' question either to ourselves or to God or to now one in particular - "how can I know the way?"  Jesus answers this for us perfectly.  Do you believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life?

Verses 12 through 14 today are so convicting for me - because I really rarely follow this teaching (or fully believe in it?) of Jesus' - "The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, because the work of the Son brings glory to the Father. Yes, ask anything in my name, and I will do it!" Do you believe that you can do the same works Jesus has done, and even greater works?  I'll confess - I'm not so sure that I do.  I mean, it's encouraging to think that I could, even if I don't fully believe it.  And, yet, I believe most everything else Jesus teaches.  Why would I doubt this teaching?  Maybe it's because I have some sort of inferiority complex - or maybe I think it would be prideful to think this.  But Jesus teaches it quite plainly.  Or...  maybe...  I haven't really asked Jesus for the guidance and wisdom to believe this - and asked for even just this in his name.

Bible.org's commentary on our John readings today titled "Having a Friend in High Places" is at this link.

Psalms - Wow.  Psalm 119 verse 29 is powerful - "Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your law." Do you ever lie to yourself? If you answered no, are you lying to yourself now?  :)  I think lying to ourself is part of our human condition.  I think we're all probably pretty good at it.  And I think that maybe the cure for this is even found in this same verse - the prayer of "give me the privilege of knowing your law."   It is a privilege to know God's Word.  It is a free privilege, but a privilege none the less that we should not take for granted.  And, through our study of God's Word let us pray that we allow God to show us any area of our life where we might be lying to ourselves.  And let us allow God to redeem that area and give us the clarity of Truth.

Proverbs - Proverbs 15 verse 32 I think is one great reason for us to be in community with others - "If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding."  I think if we are not in community with others, we can avoid criticism.  Which is just as good as rejecting criticism.  But, if we are truly in community with others - and yes, community can and should be messy really - then we will inevitably be criticized at some point and in some way by those around us in community.   But this is a very good thing!  We need to listen to correction from those around us.  We need to grow in understanding.  Are you in community?  A community that will actually constructively criticize you from time to time?  And will you listen to this criticism so that you might grow in understanding?

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

May 23rd readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
2 Samuel 2:12-3:39 ~ John 13:1-30
Psalm 119:1-16 ~ Proverbs 15:29-30

Old Testament - Today's Second Samuel readings are quite dramatic!  Interesting to see how David got so mad at Joab for killing Abner.  Understandable for many reasons - murder being the main one - but also Abner was working to bring David's kingship to all of Israel.  Joab's murder of Abner threatened the civil war between Judah and the rest of Israel to start up again.  Below is an image of David mourning at Abner's graveside as we read in 2 Samuel 3 verse 32 today - "They buried Abner in Hebron, and the king and all the people wept at his graveside."

Bible.org's commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled "Two Bald Men, Fighting over a Comb" is at this link.

New Testament - Wow.  Jesus' teaching in John 13 verses 14 - 17 are so powerful today - "And since I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. How true it is that a servant is not greater than the master. Nor are messengers more important than the one who sends them. You know these things--now do them! That is the path of blessing."   Are you on the path of blessing?  What might it mean to "wash other's feet" today?  Yes, perhaps at times it literally means wash other's feet.  Could it mean other acts of service as well that perhaps we maybe think we are "too good for" or "above" in any way?  Jesus humbled himself to wash other's feet.  Are you humbling yourself to serve others in ways that your ego might not like?

Bible.org's commentary on our John readings today titled "Menial Service" is at this link and commentary titled "Judas" is at this link.

Psalms - Today we begin Psalm 119, the longest Psalm and chapter in the Bible. This Psalm is a beautiful meditation on God’s Word and how it helps us stay pure and grow in faith. Almost every verse in this Psalm mentions God’s Word.  I pray that this Psalm is encouraging to you as you read through the One Year Bible.

Verse 11 jumps out at me today - "I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." This is such a great reminder for us to memorize scripture - to hide the Word of God in our hearts.  Why?  So that we might not sin against God.  Are you memorizing scripture?  Do you believe doing so will help you to not sin?

Proverbs - Proverbs 15 verse 30 is a great reminder to spread good cheer to others and to not hesitate in sharing good news with others whenever possible. It's healthy and brings joy to the heart!

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

May 22nd readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
2 Samuel 1:1-2:11 ~ John 12:20-50
Psalm 118:19-29 ~ Proverbs 15:27-28

Old Testament - Today we begin the book of Second Samuel!

Second Samuel
Author: Unknown
Date: Probably tenth century B.C.
Content: Second Samuel covers approximately forty years, which is the bulk of David’s reign as king. It begins with David’s being proclaimed king and consolidating his position against others who claimed the throne. David moved the capital to Jerusalem, brought the sacred Ark of the Covenant there, and ultimately defeated the Philistines for all time. David’s troubled career is described in some detail, including his family problems (his son Absalom) and his personal problems (adultery with Bathsheba). A summary of David’s later years concludes the book.
Theme: The life of David is given as an example of good and of evil. The sins of David are exposed – so that too much trust will not be put in men. The victories of David are recorded – so that it may be seen what God can do with someone who wholly trusts in him. God used David in spite of his faults because he found in David a willingness to repent and start again, no matter how far he had fallen. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 5-6)

More commentary on Second Samuel is at these 3 links –
http://bible.org/page.asp?page_id=965
http://bible.org/page.asp?page_id=557
http://bible.org/page.asp?page_id=954

Today in 2 Samuel chapter 1 we read about David’s lament for Saul & Jonathan. This year in going through the One Year Bible, I have really been intrigued by Jonathan and David’s relationship. They became incredible “brothers” it seems – much like we now have “brothers” and “sisters” in Christ today. And there seems to have been an amazing love between Jonathan and David – not sexual in any way, but a pure brotherly love. In verse 26 we will read – “I grieve for you Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful.” Personally, I have been thinking about this word “love” quite a bit in recent months. I don’t know if this is going to sound strange – I hope it’s a good sign :) - but I find myself using the word “love” more and more often when referring to and thinking of others in my life. I have found myself saying recently, for example, “there are so many people in my church that I love and I believe love me.” I guess I’m getting to this stage in my life that may seem at first glance sentimental – but I think it is something more. I believe God is love. And yes, God is judge and many other things. But I do believe that love is a very godly thing. And I guess I’m getting to the point in life where I realize that I truly do love so many people in my life – with a brotherly or sisterly love – and maybe perhaps a few love me too. I pray this is the case in some way in your life? Are there people in your life that you love with a brotherly or sisterly love? Are there people in your life that were like Jonathan was to David? Are there people in your life where you are like Jonathan was to David? How familiar are you with love as expressed in 1 Corinthians 13? Did Jonathan have this type of love? Do you?

Bible.org's commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled "What an Amalekite is Dying to Tell David" is at this link.

New Testament - Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "The Greeks Seek Jesus" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 118 is the last half of the psalm sung by Jesus and the disciples after the Last Supper - see yesterday's posting below for details.   What an amazing Psalm...

Verse 22 was quoted by Jesus in Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10 and Luke 20:17 and he used this verse to refer to himself - "The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone."  Do you believe this verse applies to Jesus?  Is Jesus the cornerstone in your life? 

Verse 26 was the chant of the crowds as Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday - "Bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD."   And verse 29 I'm pretty sure is a Michael W. Smith song - "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever."   :)

Proverbs - Okay, I'm going to go very topical here today with Proverbs 15 verse 27 - "Dishonest money brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live."  Has anyone seen the movie Millions by chance?  I have heard wonderful things about this movie from so many people and finally saw it this weekend.  It is definitely a feel good movie - with some interesting Christian themes (not all that I agree with how they portrayed in the movie - but overall good).  I do recommend checking this film out.  It really does this particular Proverb great justice.  See Christianity Today's review of Millions at this link.

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike