One Year Bible Blog

July 31st readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
2 Chronicles 29:1-36 ~ Romans 14:1-23
Psalm 24:1-10 ~ Proverbs 20:12

Brief post today.  Busy weekend!  Back to a full post tomorrow.

New Testament - Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "Love and Liberty: Liberties Love Won't Take" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 24 is a beautiful Psalm!  Check out this brief snippet of commentary from bible.org - "The Israelites have returned from a battle with the Canaanites. They are proceeding up to the sanctuary on the holy mount to give praise to Yahweh for the great and mighty victory in battle, carrying with them the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of Yahweh’s presence with them. As they approach the gate, they are met by the Levites who function as gatekeepers. It is their part to ask who may enter the sanctuary of the Lord; and it is the priests’ part to answer with the stipulations from the Law. Whoever meets these qualifications may enter and fellowship with Yahweh....The psalm then concludes with the worshipers calling to the gates to make way for Yahweh to come in to His sanctuary, for why should the King of Glory stoop to go under a doorway? "  This quote is from and there is much more commentary on Psalm 24 at bible.org 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

July 30th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
2 Chronicles 26:1-28:27 ~ Romans 13:1-14
Psalm 23:1-6 ~ Proverbs 20:11

Old Testament - Today we read about Uzziah ruling in Judah - along with his sin and punishment.  I didn't realize until just now that the artist Rembrandt did a painting of Uzziah, which is below -

Today in Second Chronicles 28 verses 8 through 11 we read - "But a prophet of the LORD named Oded was there in Samaria when the army of Israel returned home. He went out to meet them and said, "The LORD, the God of your ancestors, was angry with Judah and let you defeat them. But you have gone too far, killing them without mercy, and all heaven is disturbed. And now you are planning to make slaves of these people from Judah and Jerusalem. What about your own sins against the LORD your God? Listen to me and return these captives you have taken, for they are your own relatives. Watch out, because now the LORD's fierce anger has been turned against you!""

 

New Testament - How incredibly powerful are Paul's words in Romans 13 verses 8 through 10 - "Pay all your debts, except the debt of love for others. You can never finish paying that! If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill all the requirements of God's law. For the commandments against adultery and murder and stealing and coveting--and any other commandment--are all summed up in this one commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God's requirements."  Wow... great stuff.  Love satisfies all of God's requirements.  Do you believe this to be true?  Well, this will be the very first time I have ever referenced the Beatles on this blog... but maybe they kinda had something there with their song "All You Need is Love"?  (don't worry, I won't be referencing the Beatles all too often... :)

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "The Christian and Civil Government" is at this link and "Love, Law, and the Last Days" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 23!  What a Psalm!!  The first Psalm for sure that I ever really read and was comforted by without a doubt.  As it's getting close to bed time for me, I'm going to link you over to four bible.org commentaries on Psalm 23 at this link, and at this link, and at this link, and at this link.

Proverbs - This week in Proverbs 20 verse 11 we will read – “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.” This is an interesting Proverb for me to meditate upon. I focus in on the word “actions” here. Basically this Proverb to me is saying that actions matter. Even children are known by their actions. Do you think that you and I are known by our actions? If so, what are our actions saying to others? Is our conduct pure and right? I have some friends who seem to think that actions do not matter – particularly once we are in relationship with Jesus. I get very nervous with this line of thinking. I think particularly once we are in a relationship with Jesus, we are called to follow Jesus and we are called to holiness. We are called to be saints. Yes, saints. Now, don’t get me wrong – we will stumble. We will fall. We will not be perfect this side of heaven. Even after being in relationship with Jesus. But, I believe we are called to live our lives such that we incrementally start to look more and more like God’s own son, Jesus. I believe we are called to love like Jesus. Forgive like Jesus. Give like Jesus. And this list goes on – check out the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 for a nice list of godly actions. So – even a child is known by his actions. What would people say about you based on your actions these days? Would they see that you are becoming more and more like Jesus with each passing day, week, month, and year? Do you think your actions matter?

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

Grace,
Mike

July 29th readings

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2 Chronicles 24:1-25:28 ~ Romans 12:1-21
Psalm 22:19-31 ~ Proverbs 20:8-10

Old Testament - Today in Second Chronicles 24 verse 1 we read - "Joash was seven years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem forty years."  Quite a young age to be crowned king!  (yeah, that's Joash on the right there in the image below - the priest presenting him to the people is on the left)

Today in Second Chronicles 25 verse 27 we read - "After Amaziah turned away from the LORD, there was a conspiracy against his life in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish."

 

New Testament - Yes!  I love Romans 12... so many powerful verses...  Verses 1 through 3 have been so powerful for me personally since the early days of my Christian walk - "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."  Wow... I really don't know what commentary I could add to these words of Paul's.  Please re-read these verses again and meditate upon them.  I love the thought of our bodies being living sacrifices to God.  (There is the old joke that the only problem with a living sacrifice is that it tends to crawl off the altar... :)  And the warning to not conform any longer to the pattern of this world is so so so true.... and we all know it.  But I find myself still falling prey to the pattern of this world.  Its temptations do not cease.  But!  We can be transformed by the renewing of our minds to test and approve what God's will is.  Through a loving and growing relationship with Jesus, we can overcome the temptations and the death this world will offer us all too frequently.  In view of God's mercy, will you offer your body today as God as a living sacrifice?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "The Road to Renewal" is at this link and "Thinking Straight about Spiritual Gifts" is at this link and "What is this Thing Called Love" is at this link.

Psalms - What's one good reason to go to church at all?  Check out Psalm 22 verse 22 - "Then I will declare the wonder of your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among all your people."  Praising God with other brothers and sisters through worship, tithing, learning, serving and being in community in church is a great reason to go to church!  To declare the wonder of God's name!  To praise God among all his people.  Wow... yes...  this is church!

Proverbs - Proverbs 20 verse 10 is convicting - "The LORD despises double standards of every kind."  I am afraid that I do have double standards in the way I live my own life.  I am afraid perhaps we all do to a degree.  We hold ourselves to one standard when we are at church and among our friends and maybe even typing on this blog... :)  But, then, late at night or early in the morning or during the day perhaps we let this standard - this Christian standard - simply go.  We become judgmental.  We gossip.  We complain.  We lust.  We give in to our old addictions.  We fall prey to a double standard.  Please don't ever forget that God calls us to the highest standard!  And he sent us his Son Jesus to set us free from the bondage of sin from the bondage of double standards.  Through faith in Jesus we are gifted with the Holy Spirit living within our very bodies, which is an amazing blessing to consider!  God gives us everything that we need to live a life of high moral standards.  Will we pray unceasingly to let our double standards go?  Will we leave the double standards behind once and for all?  Will we stop living our lives with two faces?

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

Grace,
Mike

July 28th readings

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2 Chronicles 21:1-23:21 ~ Romans 11:13-36
Psalm 22:1-18 ~ Proverbs 20:7

Old Testament - Today in Second Chronicles 21 verses 12 through 15 we read about a letter that one would really not want to receive... "Then Elijah the prophet wrote Jehoram this letter: "This is what the LORD, the God of your ancestor David, says: You have not followed the good example of your father, Jehoshaphat, or your grandfather King Asa of Judah. Instead, you have been as evil as the kings of Israel. You have led the people of Jerusalem and Judah to worship idols, just as King Ahab did in Israel. And you have even killed your own brothers, men who were better than you. So now the LORD is about to strike you, your people, your children, your wives, and all that is yours with a heavy blow. You yourself will be stricken with a severe intestinal disease until it causes your bowels to come out."  The face on Jehoram in this image below captures well what one would be feeling like after receiving a letter like this from a prophet of God...

In Second Chronicles 23 today Jehoiada the priest leads a revolt against Queen Athaliah.  Below is French artist Antoine Coypel's (1661-1722) take on the scene-

New Testament - Paul bursts out in some great praise and worship of God today in Romans 11 verses 33 through 36 - "Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are his riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods! For who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who knows enough to be his counselor?  And who could ever give him so much that he would have to pay it back? For everything comes from him; everything exists by his power and is intended for his glory. To him be glory evermore. Amen."  Great stuff!  I love that second to last full sentence that tells us that everything is intended for God's glory.  So true.  And yet so easy for us to forget.  You my friend are intended for God's glory!  It is a beautiful truth to consider.  Are you living your life fully for God's glory?  Are there any areas of your life that would not be seen as giving glory to God?  Will you let those un-glorious aspects of your life go?  Will you walk fully into the light of God's glory?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings from Romans titled "The Kindness and Severity of God" is at this link and "The Wisdom of God and the Wisdom of Man" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 22 is an amazing Psalm.  Re-read this Psalm again and see if you see parallels to Jesus' crucifixion?  There are a lot in this Psalm.   I'll list a few - Psalm 22:1a was quoted by Jesus on the cross - "My God, my God! Why have you forsaken me?"  As we see in Matthew 27:46 - "About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”–which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”[

Verse 8 - ""Is this the one who relies on the LORD? Then let the LORD save him! If the LORD loves him so much, let the LORD rescue him!"" we see in similar fashion in Matthew 27:42-43 - "“He saved others,” they said, “but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ”

Verses 16 & 17 make me want to cry... "They have pierced my hands and feet. I can count every bone in my body." The piercing of the hands and feet of Jesus are apparent with how the crucifixion took place.  And these Psalm 22 verses are similar to John 19:33-37 - "But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,” and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.”"

And verse 18 - "They divide my clothes among themselves and throw dice for my garments." compare to John 19:23-24 - "When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let's not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let's decide by lot who will get it.”"

Proverbs - Proverbs 20 verse 7 today is a wonderful reminder that the way we live our lives today sets an example for children - "The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children after them."  What type of example are you setting for children in your life?  Are you walking with integrity?  Do you believe children will be blessed after you because you walked with integrity?

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

Grace,
Mike

July 27th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37 ~ Romans 10:14-11:12
Psalm 21:1-13 ~ Proverbs 20:4-6

Old Testament - Today in Second Chronicles chapter 19 verse 7 we read – “Now let the fear of the Lord be upon you.” It is important to realize that this verse was said not as a curse upon someone, but really as a blessing and perhaps a warning. Jehoshaphat says these words to judges he is appointing. Why would Jehoshaphat say these words to judges? Why should judges have the fear of the Lord upon them? What is the fear of the Lord? I believe it is a healthy and strong sense of God’s presence – a sense so strong that it would prevent these judges from administering any injustices. Because they know God is in the room. How about for you and me in our lives today? What if I were to say to you right now – “Now let the fear of the Lord be upon you.”?  Would you accept this as a blessing? Or would you think of this as some sort of curse? Do you want the fear of the Lord to be upon you? Why or why not? Right now in your life – is the fear of the Lord upon you? Why or why not?

Below is an image from today's readings from Second Chronicles 19 verse 1 through 3 - "When King Jehoshaphat of Judah arrived safely home to Jerusalem, Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him. "Why should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD?" he asked the king. "What you have done has brought the LORD's anger against you. There is some good in you, however, for you have removed the Asherah poles throughout the land, and you have committed yourself to seeking God."

New Testament - Romans 10 verses 14 & 15 are a powerful call to share the Gospel with a world that so desperately needs it - both home & abroad - "But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!""  Are you bringing good news to people in your life?  Do you realize that you do not need to go abroad to share the Gospel with people who really have probably never heard it before?  Yeah, sure, maybe in our hometowns people have heard the name Jesus.  But have they really heard about the love and life and forgiveness and healing that Jesus offers?  Do they really know who Jesus truly is?  How will they know unless you tell them? Will you tell them?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "Without Excuse" is at this link and "Man's Failures Do Not Frustrate the Purposes of God" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 21 today follows up Psalm 20 from yesterday - yesterday's being a prayer for victory for the king as he goes out to battle - and today's being a psalm of praise for victories granted to the king.  I like the credit given to God in verse 1 - "How the king rejoices in your strength, O LORD! He shouts with joy because of your victory."  The king is not rejoicing in his own strength.  He is not claiming victory as his.  He is giving credit to God!  How about you in your life today?  Do you give credit to God for the blessings and gifts he has given you?  Do you shout for joy and rejoice simply because God is in your life?

Proverbs - Proverbs 20 verse 6 definitely gives me something to think about - "Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is really faithful?"  This is a challenging Proverb for me because I feel like I have many good friends.  Many who are loyal.  And some who even seem faithful.  But... yet.... there are still times on occasion when these friends do let me down.  Or I know for a fact, I let them down on occasion.  It's our human nature.  Fortunately for us, long after this Proverb was written, we were given the most faithful friend we could ever dream up or imagine in Jesus.  Jesus really should be our best friend.  I had a friend kind of shock me with this thought by continually referring to Jesus as his best friend at a lunch we had a few years ago.  For some reason I was very comfortable with Jesus being my savior.  But my friend?  My best friend?  Well, it was a new concept to me.  And maybe this is a new concept to you.  I do honestly believe Jesus wants to be our best friend.  And he will undoubtedly be the one true and loyal and faithful friend we all can have - now and forever.  So, is Jesus your best friend?

Speaking of Jesus being our friend forever - are you familiar with the Delirious song called "What A Friend I've Found"?  It's beautiful.  The chorus repeats the name of Jesus 3 times and then says "friend forever".  Check out lyrics to the song at this link.  You can listen to a brief sampling of the song online at amazon at this link - surf down to Disc 2, song # 4 to sample.

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

Grace,
Mike

July 26th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
2 Chronicles 17:1-18:34 ~ Romans 9:25-10:13
Psalm 20:1-9 ~ Proverbs 20:2-3

Old Testament - Today in 2 Chronicles 18, Ahab is not happy about the Arameans occupying Ramoth-gilead at the beginning of today's readings.   A good location-profile of Ramoth-gilead is at this link. 

King Jehoshaphat of Judah wisely suggests that they should consult God before going into battle against the Arameans.  At which time King Ahab of Israel trots out his 400 yes-men "prophets" who say they should definitely go to war and that they will be victorious.  I love Jehoshaphat's reaction to these 400 yes-men in verse 6 - "But Jehoshaphat asked, "Isn't there a prophet of the LORD around, too? I would like to ask him the same question.""  Ahab's reaction in verse 7 is quite telling...  "There is still one prophet of the LORD, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but bad news for me! His name is Micaiah son of Imlah."  This verse really stands out for me in a big way in our world today.  I wonder if sometimes we - you and me - look for supposed "prophets" of the Lord that are yes-people to our particular likings - instead of looking for Truth.  Meaning...  and I'm just putting this out there, so bear with me.  Do we sometimes maybe even decide to attend a particular church because it tells us basically what we want to hear?  It keeps us in our comfortable place... we get yes-messages...  When, instead, should we be okay with attending a church that will give us some challenging and convicting messages on occasion?  Biblical messages mind you - which surely can be challenging to our modern ears at times.  I heard somewhere once before that church should be a place that "comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable."  I like that...  Now, don't get me wrong.  I am not saying we need to be in super-strict churches per se.  I just think we should really watch for churches that are giving a yes-message all the time to our particular likings verses churches that teach the Truth.  I don't think church is the only area of where we might default to looking for yes-messages.  I think this can happen in books we read, TV we watch, or even with friends or with work.   Are we listening to 400 yes-people in our lives or are we okay with 1 Micaiah coming in and sharing a perceived "bad-news" message?  (which may ultimately be very good news if we'll just listen to it...  if Ahab had really listened to Micaiah's message in today's readings, think he still would have rushed out to battle?)

Below is an image of Micaiah and the false prophets before Ahab and Jehoshaphat -

New Testament - Without a doubt, Romans chapter 10 verses 9 & 10 are the most important verses some of read this year and really take to heart - "For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. "  Do you believe these verses to be true?  Have you acted upon these verses?  If not, will you?

 

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "Israel's Failure is the Scripture's Fulfillment" is at this link and "The Only Road to Righteousness" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 20 is a prayer for a king as he goes out into battle.  Maybe another way to read this Psalm, personally, is as a prayer for yourself as you go out into battle against a sin or a struggle in your life.  And this verse 5 then is for you as you go into this battle - "May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory, flying banners to honor our God. May the LORD answer all your prayers."

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 20 verse 3 is such great wisdom - "Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling."  I once was a fool who insisted on quarreling with Tony back in about 3rd grade :) after either I beat him or he beat me in the 50 yard dash at Field Day.  Tony kept trying to avoid the fight with me.  But I kept on pressing it.  And I got whupped!  It was really a great learning experience for me.  I have avoided fights ever since!  Don't get me wrong.  I don't think we are called to be submissive and let people walk all over us.  I think we can confidently and strongly hold our ground on important issues - without fighting or quarrelling.  How about you?  Do you avoid fights?  Do you realize this is a mark of honor?  Or do you insist on quarrelling?  Think this is a good idea...?

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

Grace,
Mike

July 25th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14 ~ Romans 9:1-24
Psalm 19:1-14 ~ Proverbs 20:1

Old Testament - Today in 2 Chronicles chapter 15 we read about Asa's religious reforms.  Verse 16 tells us - "King Asa even deposed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made an obscene Asherah pole. He cut down the pole, broke it up, and burned it in the Kidron Valley."

New Testament - Powerful readings from Paul today in Romans chapter 9.  A portion of verse 6 made me think about Christians today - "Not everyone born into a Jewish family is truly a Jew!" Do you think that everyone born into a Christian family today is truly a Christian?  I know our various denominations will have various degrees / times / ceremonies that will mark becoming a Christian.  But I think we'd pretty much agree that just because you are born into a Christian family doesn't mean that you are necessarily Christian.  Meaning, I think there has to come a time in each of our lives where we consciously believe in faith that Jesus is our Lord and Savior.  We need to own our faith at some point - not just be a "cultural" Christian because it's what our family and friends are.  I believe at some point in our life we need to enter into relationship with God through his son Jesus through faith.  Again, I know this is going to be viewed a bit differently by different denominations in the body of Christ.  Let us pray for our friends and family members who are perhaps currently "cultural" Christians.  Let us pray that they will enter into a loving and growing relationship with God through Jesus.  Side note - I was prayed into the Kingdom by some amazing friends!  (thanks Chad & Becky & Becky & others!)  It is true.  Prayer for your friends and family is powerful.  Please pray for them regularly.

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "Man Opposes; God Disposes" is at this link and "Divine Election is Questioned" is at this link.

Psalms - Today we read Psalm 19, which is one of my favorite Psalms! In large part this Psalm is one of my favorites because one of my former pastors taught from this Psalm a few years ago in such a powerful way. (Actually, this same pastor is participating with us in the One Year Bible readings this year – hi John! :) Thanks for your powerful ministry!) I find verse 14 in this Psalm to be so powerful – again in large part because this pastor wrote a worship song that simply repeats this verse over and over again – and what a beautiful prayer it is for each of us to repeat over and over again – “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Are the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart pleasing in God’s sight? Is God your Rock? Is God your Redeemer? Why would the Psalmist use the word “heart” in this verse? Why is the heart so important to God? Do you live your life from your heart? Do you worship God from your heart?

Bible.org's commentary on Psalm 19 is at this link.

Proverbs - Proverbs 20 verse 1 today reminds me of the need for and success of our modern day Alcoholics Anonymous - "Wine produces mockers; liquor leads to brawls. Whoever is led astray by drink cannot be wise."  I don't have personal experience with AA, but have heard very good things about it from so many folks.  I do love the AA Serenity Prayer - I think this prayer is a great prayer for all of us - "God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, courage to change the things we can, and wisdom to know the difference."  Amen.

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

Grace,
Mike

July 24th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
2 Chronicles 11:1-13:22 ~ Romans 8:26-39
Psalm 18:37-50 ~ Proverbs 19:27-29

Old Testament - Today in Second Chronicles chapter 12 we read about Egypt invading Judah.  Verse 9 tells us - "So King Shishak of Egypt came to Jerusalem and took away all the treasures of the Temple of the LORD and of the royal palace, including all of Solomon's gold shields."

 

New Testament - Today in Romans chapter 8 verses 27 through 29 we read these famous words of Paul’s – “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Do you believe that we are more than conquerors through our relationship with Jesus? Does this encourage you to know this? Are you living your life in such a way that truly reflects that you know this? Do you believe that there is absolutely nothing in this world that can separate you from the love of God because of our relationship with Jesus as our Lord and Savior?

 

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "Comforting Questions" is at this link.

Psalms - Today we finish up Psalm 18.  (Psalm 19 tomorrow!  So excited! :)  The closing verse 50 of Psalm 18 today is powerful - and I believe can apply to both David and Jesus - "You give great victories to your king; you show unfailing love to your anointed, to David and all his descendants forever."  Are you a spiritual descendent of David?  Do you believe that God shows you unfailing love?

Proverbs - I love Proverbs 19 verse 27 today - "If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you have turned your back on knowledge."  I am afraid that listening seems to be a lost skill in our world sometimes today.  We have a hard time slowing down enough to actually listen to someone else.  To stop thinking about our own self and to listen to someone else.  And, if this is the case, then how much harder do you suppose it is for us to actually quiet the distractions around us to listen to God?  Have we stopped listening to instruction?  Are we turning our back on knowledge?  Now - I do think the discipline of reading, studying, and meditating on God's Word, the Bible, is something that helps us get our listening skills back in fine tuned shape.  I do applaud each of us for going through the One Year Bible, so that we can listen to God on a daily basis.  But let us be ever vigilant to keep listening to instruction.  Let us not turn our backs on knowledge.

 

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

Grace,
Mike

July 23rd readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
2 Chronicles 8:11-10:19 ~ Romans 8:9-25
Psalm 18:16-36 ~ Proverbs 19:26

Old Testament - Today in Second Chronicles chapter 8 we learn that Solomon married Pharaoh's daughter, which was not pleasing to God.  Solomon did this for a military alliance with Egypt.  Solomon's marrying of foreign wives ultimately led to his turning his heart away from God, as we read in 1 Kings 11:1-11.  Interestingly, we see the Solomon won't allow his Egyptian wife to live in David's palace in verse 11 - "Solomon moved his wife, Pharaoh's daughter, from the City of David to the new palace he had built for her. He said, "My wife must not live in King David's palace, for the Ark of the LORD has been there, and it is holy ground.""

In Second Chronicles chapter 9 we read about Solomon's wealth and splendor.  I think it is interesting for us to remember that Solomon likely writes the book of Ecclesiastes, which we will read later this year.  Ecclesiastes seems to wisely tell us that living life for one's own pleasure and for riches is meaningless... but only living for God makes life worthwhile.  Today in Verses 22 through 24 we read - "So King Solomon became richer and wiser than any other king in all the earth.  Kings from every nation came to visit him and to hear the wisdom God had given him. Year after year, everyone who came to visit brought him gifts of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules."

New Testament - Wow... I love Paul's writings today in Romans 8 verses 12 through 14 - "So, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you keep on following it, you will perish. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit you turn from it and its evil deeds, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God."   How do these verses speak to you?  Can you imagine that these words were written for you and your life today?  Do you believe that you have no obligation whatsoever to do what sin urges you to do?  Are you led in your life by the Spirit of God?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "Siding with the Spirit" is at this link and "From Groaning to Glory" is at this link.

Psalms - Great verses today for us to meditate upon in Psalm 18 verses 25 through 27 - "To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the wicked you show yourself hostile. You rescue those who are humble, but you humiliate the proud." 

I really love verse 28 - "LORD, you have brought light to my life; my God, you light up my darkness."   Has Jesus brought light into your life?  Does God light up your darkness?

Proverbs - Proverbs 19 verse 26 is a great reminder of the commandment to honor thy father and mother.  Have you called your mom lately??  :)

 

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

Grace,
Mike

July 22nd readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
2 Chronicles 6:12-8:10 ~ Romans 7:14-8:8
Psalm 18:1-15 ~ Proverbs 19:24-25

Old Testament - Today in Second Chronicles 6 we read about Solomon's dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem!

In Second Chronicles chapter 7 verse 1 today we read - "When Solomon finished praying, fire flashed down from heaven and burned up the burnt offerings and sacrifices, and the glorious presence of the LORD filled the Temple."

New Testament - Romans 7 today has some amazing words about struggling with sin.  I imagine that all of us at one point or another have concurred with Paul - and remember this is preacher Paul writing this! - in verses 15 through 17 - "I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate. I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience shows that I agree that the law is good. But I can't help myself, because it is sin inside me that makes me do these evil things." These verses get at Original Sin in a big way.  We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  Sin can live inside of us and make us do evil things that we hate doing.  What do you suppose - or Whom do you suppose - frees us from this bondage to sin?  Jesus.  Yes, Christ frees us.  How?  He paid the penalty on the cross for our sins.  And he gives us the free gift of salvation and the Holy Spirit to free us from the bondage of sin.   Take a look at these verses again above from Paul.  Is sin living inside of you making you do things you hate?  Do you want to be free from this slavery to sin?  Will you pray to accept Jesus as your savior today and allow him to free you from you bondage to sin?  Please do.  It's the best decision you will ever make.  Please spend a few minutes prayerfully at this website - http://needhim.org/

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "The War Within" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 18 is an amazing one!  We'll get it for the next 3 days of readings, which is great.  And then comes Psalm 19 which is off the charts awesome!   Verse 1 today I love - "I love you, LORD; you are my strength."   How often do you tell God that you love him?  One thing that one of my former pastors does when he prays publicly, which I absolutely love, is that he closes out just about every prayer with "God we love you.  And we pray all of this in the name of your son Jesus Christ."   The last line of course is the powerful line!  But, that second to last line... is just beautiful.  Just telling God that we love him.  I'm not sure I tell God that I love him often enough.  God may not "need" to hear it.  But I think that I need to say it more often.  I love you God.

Proverbs - I hope you don't relate too well to Proverbs 19 verse 24... but I'll confess that I have been able to relate to this in my past - "Some people are so lazy that they won't even lift a finger to feed themselves."  There were days in my past were I was literally this lazy.  What a sad state of affairs.  It's hard to say exactly why I was being so lazy - other than one clear reason:  I was not in a loving and growing relationship with Jesus.  I was living for myself and myself only.  So I thought it was fine to sleep and watch TV 24 x 7.  What did it matter?  Well... it mattered a lot.  Being lazy like this is a scary place to be.  I think it allows the Enemy to move into our lives in big ways.  So - thankfully - as we know from our recent Romans readings, we can be free from our lazy ways! Being in relationship with Jesus has literally cured me of my laziness.  Don't get me wrong - I still chill out and rest on occasion - we oughta take a Sabbath day of rest once a week....  but let us not live our lives as couch potatoes!  Get in the game of Life!

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

Grace,
Mike