One Year Bible Blog

September 30th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Isaiah 60:1-62:5 ~ Philippians 1:27-2:18
Psalm 72:1-20 ~ Proverbs 24:11-12

Old Testament - Today in Isaiah chapter 60 we read about Jerusalem's future glory!  Verses 4 through 6 tell us - "Look and see, for everyone is coming home! Your sons are coming from distant lands; your little daughters will be carried home. Your eyes will shine, and your hearts will thrill with joy, for merchants from around the world will come to you. They will bring you the wealth of many lands. Vast caravans of camels will converge on you, the camels of Midian and Ephah. From Sheba they will bring gold and incense for the worship of the LORD."

Beautiful imagery in verses 8 & 9 - "And what do I see flying like clouds to Israel, like doves to their nests? They are the ships of Tarshish, reserved to bring the people of Israel home. They will bring their wealth with them, and it will bring great honor to the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he will fill you with splendor."

New Testament - Our readings in Philippians chapter 2 today have some powerful verses on imitating Jesus’ humility. In verses 3 & 4 we read:  “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Are you doing nothing out of selfish ambition or vanity in your life today? Are you humble? Do you consider others better than yourself? Do you look to the interests of others? I realize these can be hard teachings to put into practice – in fact, it seems almost impossible in our modern world. But, let us remember that indeed all things are possible with Jesus Christ in our lives and hearts. Let us not give up on imitating Jesus’ humility in our lives today. I pray each of us is becoming more like Jesus in some small or significant way each and every day. Don’t stop the transformation process. Let God change you.

Psalms - I'll admit.  I pay attention every single time the Bible talks about serving the poor.  And it is a lot.  And I think it is for a reason.  Here it is again in Psalm 72 verses 12 & 13, speaking about Israel's king - "He will rescue the poor when they cry to him; he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them."  What about us today?  Does this Psalm speak to us?  Should we perhaps be "kingly" in this regard?  Do we rescue the poor when they cry to us?  (do we even listen for their cry?)  Do we help the oppressed and those who have no one to defend them?  Do we feel pity for the weak and needy?  Do we rescue them?  Do I?  Do you?

Verse 20 tells us - "This ends the prayers of David son of Jesse." And below is a painting of an older King David... perhaps playing a Psalm he wrote...?

Proverbs -  Today in Proverbs chapter 24 verse 12 we read – “If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?” This reminds me of the old adage that we are “either part of the problem or we are part of the solution”. If we say “we knew nothing about this” related to some issue in our world today, do you think that God will know if this is truth or a lie? What is going on in our world today where you feel like you perhaps should be taking some action on being part of the solution? What is an atrocity that you are being called to help solve? Do you think you should now move forward and be part of the solution? If you do nothing – if you say you “knew nothing about this” – will you then instead be part of the problem? Will you move forward on being part of the solution to issues in our world that God is calling you to?

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

Grace,
Mike

September 29th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Isaiah 57:15-59:21 ~ Philippians 1:1-26
Psalm 71:1-24 ~ Proverbs 24:9-10

Old Testament - Today in Isaiah chapter 59 we read about warnings against sin - which were written for Israel in 8th century B.C.. Do you think we should heed these warnings today as well?  Any of these warnings in chapter 59 sound like they could have been written for our modern day?   In verses 9 & 10 today we read - "It is because of all this evil that deliverance is far from us. That is why God doesn't punish those who injure us. No wonder we are in darkness when we expected light. No wonder we are walking in the gloom. No wonder we grope like blind people and stumble along. Even at brightest noontime, we fall down as though it were dark. No wonder we are like corpses when compared to vigorous young men!"

New Testament - Today we begin Paul's letter to the church in Philippi!  See # 5 on the map below -

~ Philippians ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Rome
Date: A.D. 61
Content: Paul wrote this letter from prison in Rome to some very dear friends in Philippi as a response to their sending some money to him in order to meet his needs. He begins by expressing his confidence in them and then describes dome of the problems he faces in Rome. Whether he will die or not he does not know, but if death does come, he will rejoice in the presence of Christ. If he remains, he will continue to serve God by serving the churches. The example of Christ’s humility is set before the Philippians as an example to follow. False teachings are to be vigorously rejected. Two quarreling sisters are admonished to make up and all believers are admonished to set high ideals for themselves because God will supply all that one needs in life.
Theme: In this very personal letter of Paul the theme of rejoicing may be seen throughout. If one lives, he may rejoice because God loves him. Christ died for him, and all things are given to him by God for his life. If one dies, then he may rejoice by being in Christ’s presence forevermore. This does not mean that Christians will have no problems, however. Even as Jesus had to endure the cross, so we must be ready to follow that example of submission to God, if it must be. But we are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:2) and should live with that thought constantly before us. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 27)

More commentary on Philippians is at these 2 links –
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=1429
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=1333

Today in Philippians chapter 1 we read this powerful statement of Paul's -

Psalms - Today in Psalm 71 verses 6 through 8 we will read - "Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother's womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you! My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long."  So true that God has cared for each of us since we were in our mother's womb! This a beautiful thing to realize.  There is an interesting thought in these verses - if our live is an example to many - and well, yes, it really is no matter what we actually do.  Hopefully our life is a good example - but there could be seasons of bad example too. . . If our lives are good examples to many, why is this so?  I agree w/ the Psalmist - it is simply because of God in our lives.  Is God literally your strength and protection?  Do you praise God unceasingly?   Do you declare God's glory all day long?   How do you do so?

Proverbs - Interesting Proverb chapter 24 verse 10 - "If you fail under pressure, your strength is not very great."  I think sometimes we forget that pressure is where we grow.  God will not give us more than we can handle.  Our key is to not fail under pressure.  Stay with the healing / fine tuning / pruning that God is placing you under - even if it comes with pressure.  For at the end of the pressure is transformation.  Let us not fail under pressure.

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

Grace,
Mike

September 28th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Isaiah 54:1-57:14 ~ Ephesians 6:1-24
Psalm 70:1-5 ~ Proverbs 24:8

Old Testament - Today we read Isaiah chapter 55, which is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible! I went to a wedding several years ago in Napa, California and ended up at a random church in that town on a Sunday morning where the pastor preached an incredible sermon from Isaiah 55. It’s a beautiful chapter for all of us who are Thirsty!  Verse 1 tells us - "Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink--even if you have no money!"  Are you drinking freely of the Bible this year?  Even if you have no money, do you believe that God is inviting you to drink deeply of his True and Holy Water, His Word?  Are you thirsty?

Today in Isaiah chapter 55 verses 10-12 we read:

“10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
12 You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.”

How do these above verses resonate with you, based on our One Year Bible readings? Particularly verse 11 above – is God’s Word accomplishing something in you this year through reading the Bible each day? Do you feel that you are going out in joy and being led forth in peace? Have the mountains and hills burst into song before you? Are the trees of the field clapping their hands in your life today?

New Testament - We wrap up Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus today!  His letter to the church in Philippi begins tomorrow!  Ephesians chapter 6 verse 7 stood out to me today - "Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than fo people."  I realize the context of this verse is that Paul was writing it to slaves.  However, I think this verse works very well today for any of us that work a full time job.  I'm not sure if you've ever seen the movie Office Space?  If not, don't.  It's very crass. But, if you have then you'll know that this movie makes fun of working and basically encourages folks to work as little as possible when they are on the job.  I think this is a horrible idea!  I had a friend tell me once that if you are acting like a loser at one job - perhaps a job you really don't like and are trying to get out of - you'll end up acting like a loser at your next job, even if your next job is your dream job.  You'll goof up that dream job because it is hard to break habits...  So - I think each of us would do well to take to heart Paul's words here in verse 7.  Are you working at your job with enthusiasm?  Are you working each and every day as though you are working for the Lord?  As such, are you not "stealing time" from your employer by surfing the net, socializing excessively, doing errands, arriving late, and this list could go on...  If Jesus was your boss, would you act the same way at work that you do now?  Well, is Jesus perhaps really your "boss" even if he isn't the one signing your pay checks per se...

Psalms - Psalm 70 verse 4 is awesome - "But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "God is great!""  Indeed, I think as Christians we should be filled with joy & gladness.  Yes, there will be tough times.  And suffering.  But overall, I pray we are filled with joy and gladness.  And then the second sentence in this verse reminds me of an older Relient K song (one of my current favorite bands) with lyrics that go something like this - "Your voice has broken my defense.  Let me embrace salvation!"  I like that thought.  Let us embrace salvation.  Let us love salvation.  Let us literally cling to salvation...

Proverbs - Proverbs 24 verse 8 today is a great reminder that we should not get in the habit of planning evil.... :)  -  "A person who plans evil will get a reputation as a troublemaker."  Okay, so I put a smiley face there, because probably none of us consciously decide we're going to plan something evil.   However, I wonder if any of us maybe do get in the habit of planning things that really are outside of God's will for our life?  This isn't evil on the surface.  And we may not get a reputation as a troublemaker.  But, if we are planning things and doing things that are outside of God's will for our life and how He wants us to spend our time, then we are essentially going against God's will.  God's perfect will.  I will confess that I all too often plan and do things that I know are outside of God's will for my life.  And maybe I do these things so I get a good "reputation" among people...  Well, perhaps my good reputation among people is actually a bad reputation to God because I'm doing things outside of his will...  Again, I'm not talking evil / sinful stuff here at all - just worldly stuff.  And I guess I've been thinking about this lately and thinking about how often I'm wasting God's time that he has blessed me with.  And so maybe I'm getting the reputation of being a troublemaker in heaven...  How about you?  What's your reputation in heaven?  Forget about your reputation here on earth... that really does not matter. What's your reputation with God?  Let us pray that our reputation with God is not:

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

Grace,
Mike

September 27th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Isaiah 51:1-53:12 ~ Ephesians 5:1-33
Psalm 69:19-36 ~ Proverbs 24:7

Old Testament - Isaiah chapter 53 in today's readings is all about Jesus!  Powerful powerful chapter to read...  I'm sure you likely caught that this chapter was about Jesus when you first read it, but if not, please re-read the chapter again and do you see how Isaiah is prophesying Jesus' passion and death?  It is astounding to realize these words of Isaiah's were written in 8th century B.C.  You may recall that Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of the Christ" opened up with these words on the screen from Isaiah chapter 53 verse 5 - "He was wounded for our trangressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."  Do you believe that the words of Isaiah's in chapter 53 today are about Jesus?  Do you believe that Jesus was wounded for your transgressions?  Was he bruised for your iniquities?  Are you healed by his stripes?  (whip marks)

Today in Isaiah chapter 52 we read about deliverance for Jerusalem.  Verses 7 through 10 in this chapter tell us - "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! The watchmen shout and sing with joy, for before their very eyes they see the LORD bringing his people home to Jerusalem. Let the ruins of Jerusalem break into joyful song, for the LORD has comforted his people. He has redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD will demonstrate his holy power before the eyes of all the nations. The ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God."

New Testament - Hmmm... for some reason Ephesians chapter 5 verse 17 really stood out to me today - "Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do."  I am wondering how often each of acts thoughtlessly?  I am afraid in my case it is far too often.  I can sometimes sleep-walk through my day - or even days - or even weeks...  and miss the point of life completely when doing so!  Paul teaches us here to try to understand what the Lord wants us to do.  Why would we want to try to understand this?  I think in large part so we no longer act thoughtlessly!  I'm afraid we are far too often a thoughtless people in how we live our lives & how we waste so much time...  How about you?  Are you acting thoughtlessly at all these days?  Will you seek to understand what God wants you to do?   And then will you go do it and leave your thoughtless ways behind?

Psalms - I love Psalm 69 verse 33 today - "For the LORD hears the cries of his needy ones; he does not despise his people who are oppressed."  God hears the cries of his needy ones.  Perhaps the question is then, do we hear the cries of God's needy ones?  Do we hear the cries of those starving today? Sick from lack of clean water?  Suffering from HIV / AIDS?  Spiritually poor?  Needing a friend?  How is the soil of our hearts if we are not hearing these cries?  Should we be hearing these cries?  And if we do hear them, what then should we do?   Remember Jesus' words in Matthew chapter 25 verses 34-36  "‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’" 

Proverbs - Proverbs 24 verse 7 is actually a bit convicting for me - "Wisdom is too much for a fool."  I'm not sure if you've ever experienced this, but there have been times when I honestly have not been able to read or digest the Bible.  I mean, there are times when I can kind of work my way through reading the Bible, but nothing is sticking.  And obviously the Bible is wisdom...  I then wonder if at times I am a fool?  I don't think I'm a chronic fool...  :)  But, truly, sometimes I do dumb stuff or live in a dumb season and in retrospect I was acting like a fool in those seasons. And in those foolish seasons wisdom was too much for me...  I do ultimately think wisdom / the Bible / God / Jesus brought me out of those foolish seasons.  But let us pray that we don't enter into seasons of life where we are acting a fool, and where wisdom is too much for us.  Being a fool is no way to live this beautiful life God has called us to...

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

Grace,
Mike

September 26th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Isaiah 48:12-50:11 ~ Ephesians 4:17-32
Psalm 69:1-18 ~ Proverbs 24:5-6

Old Testament - Today in Isaiah chapter 49 we read about God's promises of Israel's restoration.  In verses 15 through 18 today we read - "I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on my hand. Ever before me is a picture of Jerusalem's walls in ruins. Soon your descendants will come back, and all who are trying to destroy you will go away. Look and see, for all your children will come back to you. As surely as I live," says the LORD, "they will be like jewels or bridal ornaments for you to display."

New Testament - Wow.  It is rare that I will copy & paste 8 verses in a row here on this blog - because you can simply read the verses by clicking on the link above.  However - I think these 8 verses of Paul's in Ephesians chapter 4 verses 17 through 24 bear repeating here and warrant our re-reading and really meditating on these verses.  My brothers and sisters, please take a few minutes to really reflect and pray on these verses - "With the Lord's authority let me say this: Live no longer as the ungodly do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their closed minds are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They don't care anymore about right and wrong, and they have given themselves over to immoral ways. Their lives are filled with all kinds of impurity and greed. But that isn't what you were taught when you learned about Christ. Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness--righteous, holy, and true."  Powerful verses, eh?  I love this teaching - there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes!  Has there been a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes?  Is there currently a continuing spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes?  Or are you maybe on "cruise control" these days?  My friends, a great teaching I heard once is that "you are either moving forward or you are sliding backwards.  There is no stable middle ground."  I believe this to be true in our spiritual life.  We are either moving forward - continually renewing our thoughts and attitudes and displaying a new nature - or we are sliding backwards.  Backsliding as some may say.  I pray that each of us today will really take to heart these teachings of Paul's in Ephesians.  Let us throw off our old evil nature and our former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception!  Let us each and every day spiritually renew our thoughts and attitudes through Christ Jesus our Lord!

Psalms - Psalm 69 verse 16 today is such a true statement that maybe we need to be reminded of today - "Answer my prayers, O LORD, for your unfailing love is wonderful. Turn and take care of me, for your mercy is so plentiful."  God does answer our prayers - perhaps not in the way we "want" Him to, but always in the way that is ultimately best for us and the Kingdom.  His unfailing love is wonderful.  His mercy is so plentiful.  But, yet, somehow I think I sometimes forget all of this.  Why?  I think I forget about God's love & mercy when I am not praying to him.  How about you?  Are you needing a reminder today about God's unfailing love and his mercy?  Are you praying to God for these very things?  Will you allow God to demonstrate both his love and mercy to you today?  Will you offer up prayers and allow God to answer in his perfect way?

Proverbs - Proverbs 24 verse 5 seems to go against some of our modern world's teachings about strength being the key to success - "A wise man is mightier than a strong man, and a man of knowledge is more powerful than a strong man."  Which do you believe to be true?  The world that says strength is mightier?  Or the Bible that says wisdom is mightier?

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

Grace,
Mike

September 25th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Isaiah 45:11-48:11 ~ Ephesians 4:1-16
Psalm 68:19-35 ~ Proverbs 24:3-4

Old Testament - Isaiah chapter 45 verses 22 & 23 are powerful and foreshadow Jesus' ministry here on earth - "Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other. I have sworn by my own name, and I will never go back on my word: Every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will confess allegiance to my name." These verses are also foreshadowing of the book of Revelation that we will read later this year.  Do you believe that all the world should look to God for salvation?  Is there another god?  Is Jesus God?  Do you believe that one day every tongue will confess allegiance to the name of Jesus and every knee will bow to Jesus?

New Testament - Great teachings from Paul today about unity in the body of Christ!  Chapter 4 verses 4 through 6 are beautiful - "We are all one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future. There is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and there is only one God and Father, who is over us all and in us all and living through us all."  Do you believe these words of Paul's?  Do you believe that all of us in Christ are all one body?  That we have the same Spirit?  And that we have been called to the same glorious future?  I like that last piece of verse 6 - God the Father is living through us all!  Do you realize that God the Father, who is indeed over you, is also literally living through you?  This is powerful to consider...

Psalms - Today in Psalm 68 verse 20 we read – “Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.” This is a nice verse for Good Friday.... Do you believe God is a God who saves us? How did / does God do this saving? Do you believe that escape from death comes from God and his Son? I’ve been reflecting on this “death” aspect of our fallen world a bit lately, which has been sad to reflect upon. I had an experience with a few friends very recently where I was reminded of how self-destructive we can be in our lives. I think that without Jesus we can oftentimes not know where to turn for an escape from death – we do not know where to turn from an escape from our own self destructive behaviors. My friends need Jesus. I need Jesus. The world needs Jesus. Our God is a God who saves. From God and Jesus comes escape from death. May this day bring us, our friends, and families closer to Jesus - who saves.

Proverbs - Proverbs 23 verses 3 and 4 can be looked at literally or metaphorically - "A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables."  Has your house been built by wisdom?  Has your life been built by wisdom?  Is your house strong through good sense?  Is your life strong through good sense?  Is your house filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables through knowledge?  Through knowledge, is your very life filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables?

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

Grace,
Mike

September 24th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Isaiah 43:14-45:10 ~ Ephesians 3:1-21
Psalm 68:1-18 ~ Proverbs 24:1-2

Old Testament - Allright, Isaiah's word's in chapter 44 verses 18 & 19 today are classic Old Testament words!  Great stuff - "Such stupidity and ignorance! Their eyes are closed, and they cannot see. Their minds are shut, and they cannot think. The person who made the idol never stops to reflect, "Why, it's just a block of wood! I burned half of it for heat and used it to bake my bread and roast my meat. How can the rest of it be a god? Should I bow down to worship a chunk of wood?"  I wonder about us in our lives today - do we create idols of our own today?  Maybe our idols are not made out of chunks of wood.  But do we create idols perhaps out of other people?  Do we create idols out of our material goods?  Do we create idols out of our careers?  Do we create idols out of how we spend our time?  Are you bowing down and worshiping any "chunks of wood" in your life today?  Will you throw that worthless idol into the fire?

New Testament - Wow, Paul's opening verse 1 in chapter 3 of Ephesians today reminded me that Paul literally wrote this letter to the church in Ephesus while he was in prison in Rome! "I, Paul, am a prisoner of Christ Jesus because of my preaching to you Gentiles."  I think if we keep this fact in mind, Paul's words in this letter become all that more poignant and powerful.  Could you ever imagine yourself being a prisoner of Jesus because of your preaching the Word to others?

Psalms - I always like the idea and reminder to sing to God!  Do you sing to God at places other than church?  Maybe in your car?  Maybe at home with the headphones on?  Do you "sing" to God with the way you live your life?  Here's verse 4 in Psalm 68 today which I love - "Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the LORD-- rejoice in his presence!"

Proverbs - Proverbs 24 verses 1 & 2 today are powerful - "Don't envy evil people; don't desire their company. For they spend their days plotting violence, and their words are always stirring up trouble." Have you ever found yourself desiring the company of evil people?  Have you ever found yourself envying them?  The bottom line to both of these things - waste of time.  Really.  Spending your time with people who do evil - those whose words stir up trouble - is simply a waste of your time.  Envying evil people?  Waste of your time as well.  Don't waste your time!  Our life is short and precious.  Spend your time loving and serving God and other people.  How are you spending your time these days?  Wisely?  Please don't waste your time...

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

Grace,
Mike

September 23rd readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Isaiah 41:17-43 ~ Ephesians 2:1-22
Psalm 67;1-7 ~ Proverbs 23:29-35

Old Testament - Today in Isaiah chapter 42 we will read some amazing prophecies about Jesus. In Isaiah chapter 42 verse 1 today we will read – “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations.” Do you see the prophecies about Jesus as you read today's chapter 42? Is this chapter and its prophecies encouraging to you? Check out a webpage with an overview of "121 Messianic Prophecies of Isaiah fulfilled in Jesus Christ and His Church" at this link.  Surf down and you'll see Isaiah chapter 42 prophecies and fulfillments.

New Testament - Today in Ephesians chapter 2 verses 8 through 10 we read - “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Have you been saved by grace through faith? Do you believe that salvation is a gift that cannot be earned? Have you ever felt that you had to work for your salvation? What does Paul say about works related to salvation in these verses? Do you believe that you are God’s very workmanship? Do you believe you were created in Christ Jesus to do good works? Do you believe that God has prepared good works for you to do in advance? Are you participating in God’s plan for you life?

Psalms - Psalm 67 verse 2 today sounds very Great Commission-ish - "May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere." How are you helping to make God's ways be known throughout the earth?  Are you sharing with other's God's saving power?  Does the life you live reflect God's glory to others? 

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 23 verses 29 through 35 is about one of the largest portions of Proverbs that we will read in one given day this year in the One Year Bible.  I'm sure you've noticed that usually our Proverbs readings each day are 1 verse or 2.  Well, these 7 verses today are well worth presenting together all at once!  I pray these verses speak to each of us powerfully about the dangers of overdoing alcohol and being out late partying - "Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks. Don't let the sparkle and smooth taste of wine deceive you. For in the end it bites like a poisonous serpent; it stings like a viper. You will see hallucinations, and you will say crazy things. You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast. And you will say, "They hit me, but I didn't feel it. I didn't even know it when they beat me up. When will I wake up so I can have another drink?"  So very true!  This is a bit of a tangent off these verses, but I think it serves.  Has anyone out there read Anne Lamott's book Traveling Mercies by chance?  It's not quite your standard evangelical Christian book fare...  :)  But, it was reviewed reasonably favorably by Christianity Today and some other Christian book reviewers.  Anne Lamott is a born-again Christian - she says so herself in this book.  I actually just started reading it a few nights ago and have not yet completed it.  But I have been compelled by Anne's story and writing in this book.  When I read these verses above I think of Anne's early life - and Anne basically says everything above (and way more) from these verses about her life.  But, one of the coolest portions of her book so far is when she finally gives her life over to Jesus.  It is an incredible incredible story.  Be forewarned - Traveling Mercies is full of curse words, you will very likely disagree w/ some of Anne's theology (I definitely did at times), and Anne's early life is full of actions that are tough to read about - but she gets to redemption many times in the book.  I haven't completed the book yet - so I may regret posting up this somewhat favorable review of this book...  :)  But, if you want to read a spiritual memoir that begins with today's Proverbs verses and leads to Jesus, then Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott will serve.

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

Grace,
Mike

September 22nd readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Isaiah 39:1-41:16 ~ Ephesians 1:1-23
Psalm 66:1-20 ~ Proverbs 23:25-28

Old Testament - Today in Isaiah chapter 39 we read about Hezekiah receiving envoys from Babylon.  Unfortunately, he is a bit too hospitable with these envoys.  He believes showing off his wealth will prove that he has worldly power and that the Babylonians will respect him and Judah.  Isaiah sees that Hezekiah is relying on worldly wealth and not God, and Isaiah delivers a word from God that Judah will be exiled to Babylon  Indeed, this comes true in 115 years in the future from when Isaiah delivers this word in this chapter.  We will read more about the Babylonian exile later in this year’s One Year Bible readings.  How about us, in our lives today – do we try to impress people with our worldly wealth or toys or stuff, like Hezekiah was trying to impress the Babylonians?  And further, do we actually try to rely on this worldly stuff rather than rely on God?

This week in Isaiah chapters 40 & 42 we will read some amazing prophecies about Jesus. (I get chills reading some of the verses in these chapters realizing they were written in the 8th century B.C. . .)  Do you see a foretelling of John the Baptist today in chapter 40 verses 3 through 5 – "Listen! I hear the voice of someone shouting, "Make a highway for the LORD through the wilderness. Make a straight, smooth road through the desert for our God. Fill the valleys and level the hills. Straighten out the curves and smooth off the rough spots. Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together."

New Testament - Today we begin Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus!  The map below shows where Ephesus is located, as well as other churches Paul wrote his epistles to -

~ Ephesians ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Rome
Date: A.D. 60 or 61
Content: Paul wrote this letter while a prisoner in Rome, his purpose being to comfort and encourage the believers in Asia Minor. He presents them with an overview of history, beginning in eternity past where God worked out his plans for the world, moving to the present where God is saving those who believe in Christ, and then to the future where all evil will be overcome. He points out that in the present there will be great conflict because our battle is with the forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12), but because we are members of Christ’s body, we have the power to withstand. Paul then deals with practical matters relating to living the Christian life: marriage, behavior, parents and children, and servants.
Theme: The basic idea in Ephesians is that God’s eternal plan is being worked out through Christ and his body, the church. When a man believes, he is in Christ and finds salvation and safety. God had planned for this from all eternity and has given to the believer everything that he needs for his Christian life, but it is for him to avail himself of the resources at his command. Paul closes the book by describing the provision that God has made for the believer so that he may withstand the worst of Satan’s attacks and when the battle is over, to be victorious. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 26)

More commentary on Ephesians is at these 3 links –
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=483
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=1332 
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=2283 

Psalms - Psalm 66 verses 1 & 2 are awesome!  "Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth! Sing about the glory of his name! Tell the world how glorious he is."  Do you tell the world about how glorious God is?  How do you do this?  Think these kids below might be singing & shouting joyfully to God?  Think there is anything we might be able to learn from these kids?  :)

Proverbs - I love Proverbs 23 verse 26 today - "O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes delight in my ways of wisdom."  Can you imagine God saying this Proverb to you?  What does it mean to give God your heart?  How does one do this? Have you fully given God your heart?  Are your eyes delighting in the ways of God's wisdom?

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

Grace,
Mike

September 21st readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Isaiah 37:1-38:22 ~ Galatians 5:13-26
Psalm 64:1-10 ~ Proverbs 23:24

Old Testament - Great readings in Isaiah featuring King Hezekiah today!  I love Hezekiah's poem of praise in chapter 38.  Verse 16 stood out to me - "Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health." Would you agree with Hezekiah on this point?  Is God's discipline good?  Does God's discipline lead to life and health? Are you accepting God's discipline in your life today? 

In chapter 37 we read about Hezekiah seeking the Lord's help.   In verses 14 through 17 we read - "After Hezekiah received the letter and read it, he went up to the LORD's Temple and spread it out before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed this prayer before the LORD: "O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, you are enthroned between the mighty cherubim! You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You alone created the heavens and the earth. Listen to me, O LORD, and hear! Open your eyes, O LORD, and see! Listen to Sennacherib's words of defiance against the living God."

New Testament - We finish up Paul's letter to the Galatians today.  Ephesians begins tomorrow!  Powerful teachings in Galatians chapter 6 today.  I love verse 1 - "Dear brothers and sisters, if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself."  This is such a great teaching.  And one that I have a hunch we do not follow often enough...  When was the last time you gently and humbly helped someone who is overcome by sin get back on the right track?  I know for me that it has not been recently.    And I know I've missed some opportunities in this regard.  The last sentence in this verse is powerful and reminds me that we need to be particularly careful around sexual sin I think - to make sure we don't fall into the same temptation ourselves.  One important note for all of us is to not discuss with someone of the opposite sex their struggles with sexual sin - it's foolish to do so I believe.  Men can discuss and counsel men in the area of sexual sin.  And women, women.  But I think it is just way too risky for men to discuss or counsel women in the area of sexual sin - and vice versa.  I think we just open ourselves up potentially to temptation if we do this.  I'm sure there are exceptions to this, but generally speaking, don't go into a discussion on personal sexual sin struggles with someone of the opposite sex.  While I'm on the topic here of sexual sin, does anyone have any good book recommendations for anyone who struggles in this area?  I've mentioned Lauren Winner's "Real Sex: The Naked Truth about Chastity" recently on the blog.  Another good book in this area is Josh Harris' book "Not Even a Hint: guarding your heart against lust." 

Psalms - Psalm 65 has some amazing verses about nature!  I love verse 8 - "Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy." When is the last time you have been inspired to shout for joy to God for the beautiful sunset he created?

Proverbs - Proverbs 23 verse 24 is one of those Proverbs that simply states a fact without giving advice per se - "The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure it is to have wise children."  This is of course indeed true.  My question for us today - are we ourselves godly children to our parents?  Are we giving our parents pleasure because we ourselves are wise children?

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

Grace,
Mike