One Year Bible Blog

August 31st One Year Bible Readings

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Job 37:1-39:30 ~ 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10
Psalm 44:9-26 ~ Proverbs 22:13

Old Testament - Today we begin reading four amazing chapters in the book of Job when God speaks to Job! We’ve been reading a lot so far about what Job would like to say to God. Well, stay tuned for chapters 38 through 41 in Job starting today... it appears God was indeed listening to Job and has some things to say to him! (and to us!) I love the opening words of chapter 38 verses 1 through 3 - "Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind: "Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them."  Below is English poet and artist William Blake's engraving below from the year 1825 titled "The Lord answering Job out of the whirlwind":

Below is an amazing painting by modern day artist Rina Coetzee for God's words in Job chapter 38 verses 4 through 6!  "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Do you know how its dimensions were determined and who did the surveying? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?"

And one more fantastic painting below from Rina for verses 8 through 11: ""Who defined the boundaries of the sea as it burst from the womb, and as I clothed it with clouds and thick darkness? For I locked it behind barred gates, limiting its shores. I said, `Thus far and no farther will you come. Here your proud waves must stop!'"

New Testament - Paul's words in Second Corinthians chapter 4 verses 16 through 18 are incredible for each of us to take to heart: "That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever."  I don't know about you, but I confess that I all too often get caught up in the troubles we can see right now.  I forget about the joys to come that will last forever.  It's sad when I forget about the joys to come.  There is so much hurt and disaster in our world that I am afraid all too often I focus only on these negative things and forget that this is a world where bad things happen.  Through our faith and relationship with Jesus we will one day be in heaven where there will be no more tears.  No more crying.  No more suffering.  But, this side of heaven, we will suffer.  Each of our bodies will deteriorate and these earthly bodies will die.  But, as Paul says in these verses above, though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day!  I pray this is the case for you.  I pray this is the case for me.  Are you experiencing renewal in your spirit every day?  Let us pray for renewal!

Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Corinthians readings titled "Death: No Longer a Foe, but a Friend" is at this link.

Psalms - Every time I read Psalm 44 verse 23 it reminds me of one of the amazing aspects of the Psalms - that the Psalms are people like us speaking to God - and in all sorts of emotional ways: "Wake up, O Lord! Why do you sleep? Get up! Do not reject us forever." This type of verse reminds me that it's okay for us to not always talk to God in our "church voice."  It's okay to get a little bit passionate in our prayers to God.  I think God would prefer us to be real with him - where we are right now or at any given moment - rather than try to put on any special facades for God.  If ever you feel like you are at a loss for words for what you might want to say to God - how you might be needing to pray to God - surf through the Psalms...  you'll very likely find voice for what you are trying to say.

Proverbs - Today we read in Proverbs chapter 22 verse 13 – “The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside!" or, "I will be murdered in the streets!" How does this Proverb speak to you? To me it is a reminder of all of the excuses I can make for not participating in God’s will for my life. I strongly believe that God has an amazing purpose and an amazing plan for each of our lives. I also believe that we can often do a very good job of refusing to participate in God’s plan for our life. We either think that God’s plan really isn’t all that good, so we’ll do things our own way. Or we are simply lazy or afraid or cowardly or who knows what. We make a million excuses for why we won’t get on with God’s plan for our life! How about you? Do you believe that God has an amazing purpose and plan for your life? Do you know what it is? If not, will you seek it? In either case, are you actively working on Kingdom things in your life these days? Are you living out in your life the call of the Gospel to actively love and serve others each and every day? Or are you making excuses?

YouTube:  Today's Proverb and this image above reminded me of the old song "The Lions Sleeps Tonight"!  :)  And here's a fun video of an acapella group called Lighthouse singing this song on a cruise ship I believe:

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

August 30th One Year Bible Readings

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Job 34:1-36:33 ~ 2 Corinthians 4:1-12
Psalm 44:1-8 ~ Proverbs 22:10-12

Old Testament - Elihu continues his strong discourse from yesterday! There is a lot of good stuff in his words today.  Chapter 34 verse 12 is awesome - "There is no truer statement than this: God will not do wrong. The Almighty cannot twist justice."  I pray you believe this verse to be very true...?   In chapter 35 the beginning of verse 26 really stood out to me - "Look, God is exalted beyond what we can understand." This is a powerful verse to meditate upon.  It is so true!  Certainly in this life we can know many things about God.  We can read God's Words in the Bible.  We can surrender our lives to God's perfect Son, Jesus.  We can allow God's Holy Spirit to live in our hearts.  And yet, even after all of this, isn't God still exalted beyond what we can understand?  This is beautiful to think about.  Beautiful to know.  We will not fully understand God this side of heaven.  But I do think we can certainly begin to know more and more about God and His holy love and righteousness and grace as we go through our lives.  God's glory is so immense that we have a lifetime of adventure before us as we learn and experience more and more of God's glory.  And then, as we pass on to the other side of this life, there is an eternity with God!  The God of all glory.  Who is exalted beyond what we can fully understand this side of heaven.  Preach it Elihu!

New Testament - I love Second Corinthians chapter 4 verse 1 today.  In fact, if there is nothing else you remember from today's readings I hope you will remember the last 4 words of this verse always - "And so, since God in his mercy has given us this wonderful ministry, we never give up."  We never give up.  That is powerful for each of us to remember.  Why?  Because we will have good and bad days.  Days when we are happy.  Days when we might be feeling sad.  And there will be days when we make mistakes.  When we will stumble.  When we will fall.  But you know what has often gotten me through days like those?  This simple prayer or statement or something that fortunately comes into my mind - "I'm not giving up!"  We shouldn't say this as justification for our falling short of God's plan for our life.  But, when we do fall short, I have found it helpful.  Or, if I haven't fallen short, but bad stuff is happening to me, I say it.  And I don't say it just to myself - as if my own will power will get me through the tough times.  I say it to God.  I say it really as a prayer.  I say it almost as a statement against the devil, who would love nothing more than for us to give up.  The devil would love it if we stumbled and stayed on the ground.  If we decided this Christianity thing was just not for us.  But you know what - don't give up!  When times are tough.  When you stumble, pray it to God - "I'm not giving up."  Tell it to yourself.  We're not giving up!  We're never giving up....  (go frog!)  :)

Verse 7 today is indeed a wonderful reminder that we humans are but jars of clay - "But this precious treasure--this light and power that now shine within us--is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own.'"  We really do have very fragile bodies.  They are wonderful!  But they are fragile.  They break.  They will die.  As one writer puts it, "our condition is terminal."  And it's true.  This side of heaven, our bodies will eventually wear out.  But - as Paul tells us in this verse - there is light and power that shines within us when we are in relationship with Jesus!  The Holy Spirit indwells our earthen vessels.  Our jars of clay.  And hopefully we and others recognize that the glory within us is not our own.  It is of God.  And it is a glory that is available to anyone.  Free of charge.  It is grace and it beckons us to receive God's glory in our jars of clay so that we will live eternally in heavenly bodies.  But for now, we are simply in the hands of the Potter...

Psalms - Psalm 44 verse 3 is a wise statement about where the Israelites and our true strength and victory in life comes from - "They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strength that gave them victory. It was by your mighty power that they succeeded; it was because you favored them and smiled on them." As you look back on your life and at the good things that have happened to you, do you think that these things occurred because of your own power or work alone?  Or, do you think it is possible that God's hand was blessing your life through all of those good things - even if maybe you did not notice God was there at the time?

Proverbs - Proverbs 22 verse 12 is convicting - "The LORD preserves knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the deceitful."  This Proverb reminds me that we truly need to examine our motives.  Why do we do what we do?  Why do we give?  Why do we love?  Why do we volunteer?  And this list goes on.  And I think we need to continually pray that we are doing what we do for pure motives.  Not for any hidden agendas.  Let us not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing.  Because, if we are acting with hidden agendas - selfish motives - it is deceitful.  Deceitful to others and deceitful to ourselves.  We may be tricking ourselves into thinking we are doing something for pure motives when truly there is a selfish agenda in the shadows.  God's grace and love and knowledge can of course heal us of our impure motives.  And this indeed may be a process over the course of our lifetime.  I guess this Proverb jumped out at me because I am realizing that there are times when I do not act with pure motives - particularly when it comes to doing something that on the surface looks good.  I am unfortunately oftentimes subconsciously looking for some glory.  And ultimately, I know that selfish plans will fail.  They will be ruined. How about you?  Why do you do what you do?  Why do you give?  Why do you love?  Why do you volunteer?  Is it all for the glory of God?  Or is there any hint of wanting your own glory?

Worship God: The "never give up" reflections in Second Corinthians above reminded me of the Superchick song "We're Not Done Yet."  Unfortunately I couldn't find that song on YouTube, but did find their more recent song "We Live" which I think works nicely along the "never give up" theme as well!

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

August 29th One Year Bible Readings

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Job 31:1-33:33 ~ 2 Corinthians 3:1-18
Psalm 43:1-5 ~ Proverbs 22:8-9

Old Testament - Great readings in Job today!  In chapter 31 Job basically "rests his case."  He gives his final plea.  This chapter is the last time we'll read this many words from Job.  Late in the book we'll get some brief words of repentance from Job after God speaks.  In chapter 31 I like how Job lays out his case - and lets everyone know what his retribution should be.  He basically gives a series of if / then statements.  If I did this, then that should happen to me.  This is similar to the book of Exodus' concept of the "law of retaliation", from Exodus chapter 21 verses 23-25:  "But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise."  Do you see how Job's logic in chapter 31 is similar to this law of retaliation?  You'll recall in our readings from Matthew chapter 5 that Jesus calls us beyond the law of retaliation (which was really a law of "limited-retribution" in its day, limiting people to retaliate only based on actual harm done - meaning, eye for an eye.  Not a life for an eye, etc.).  Jesus called us beyond this law of retaliation and beyond limited retribution to the highest law of love.  Bible.org has an in depth look at Jesus' taking on the law of retaliation in Matthew 5:38-42 at this link.  I think at the end of chapter 31 as Job rests his case, the scene may have looked something like this image below... with Elihu chomping at the bit to speak (as we know in chapter 32) in the upper left hand corner of this image...

Before we move onto Elihu - today in Job chapter 31 we read what I think is one of Job's most profound pleadings.  It is a 10th century B.C. pleading that is ultimately fulfilled by a little baby born in a manger in Bethlehem who is now seated at the right hand of the Father.  Here is Job's prophetic plea in verse 35: ""If only I had someone who would listen to me and try to see my side!"  You and I are so very fortunate that we do not need to make such a plea as this.  Jesus is in heaven seated on his throne and will receive our prayers!  Jesus listens to us!  Jesus sees our side!  It is humbling to look back toward the time of Job, and realize that Jesus had not yet walked the earth as a man and taken on the sins of the world on the cross.  Jesus had not yet risen from the grave and ascended into heaven.  Job was looking for someone to listen to him and to see his side.  You and I are blessed immensely in this regard.  We do not need to look anywhere else other than to the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.

In Job chapters 32 and 33, Elihu becomes angry at Job and his friends and presents his case!  Elihu was sitting on the sidelines up until this point and obviously was ready to say a few words!  It was amazing to read his words in chapter 32 - it was apparent to me that he was young and energetic and felt he had some very important things to say - and we will hear all that Elihu has to say between now and chapter 37!  :) Interestingly, as we get to God speaking to Job and his friends in chapter 38, you'll note God does not condemn Elihu along w/ Job's 3 other friends.  The English poet and artist William Blake made this wonderful engraving below in the year 1825 titled "The Wrath of Elihu":

New Testament - I love Paul's words in Second Corinthians verse: "Clearly, you are a letter from Christ prepared by us. It is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on stone, but on human hearts."  That is a great concept!  We are living letters from Jesus sent out to the world!  Have you ever thought of yourself as a letter from Jesus?  I have not, but I like it!  It's also interesting to realize that the Spirit living within us as Christians professes and gives witness to the glory of God oftentimes without us even realizing it.  I heard a quote once that said something like, "Who you are is so strong that I cannot hear a word you are saying."  Basically this quote means that the inherent nature of who we are overshadows our very words.  It's more important than our words - people notice our inherent nature!  Be it good or be it not so good...  So, if the Spirit of Jesus is within us I do believe that the Holy Spirit gives witness and gives glory to God to others that we come in contact with - even if we don't say a word!  This is the letter that we are from Christ to the world.  The letter that is written on our hearts.  And of course there is St. Francis of Assisi who said: "Preach the Gospel at all times - use words only when necessary."  Again, the Spirit of Jesus within us preaches the Gospel to the world even without us consciously saying words.  Don't get me wrong - sometimes words are exactly what are needed.  But oftentimes our very presence through the Spirit of Jesus living within us is more than enough.  So, let us go forth into our world this week as living letters from Jesus to a hurting and dying world that so needs the Good News of the Gospel!  Are you a letter from Jesus?!

Psalms - I think Psalm 43 verse 5 starts off with a couple of questions that then answer themselves by the end of the verse - "Why am I discouraged?  Why so sad? I will put my hope in God!  I will praise him again--my Savior and my God!" I would agree with what this verse is getting at.  If I find myself to be discouraged or sad, it comes as no great surprise to me that I have been putting my hope in things other than God.  I have been perhaps even praising false idols.  And the sure fire way to be freed from the discouragement or sadness?  To put my hope once again in God and God only.  And to praise him again!  I think this Psalm verse is a great reminder to make sure we are not placing our hope in anything other than God.  For anything other than God will only leave us empty in the end.

Proverbs - I love Proverbs 22 verse 9: "Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor."  It reads like an additional Beatitude from the book of Matthew / Sermon on the Mount.  And it's so straightforward.  Blessed are those who are generous.  Why?  Because they feed the poor.  Doesn't get more straightforward than that!  Although, I will say that we can be generous not only with our money, but in so many ways that we live our lives.  We can be generous in spirit - to feed the poor in spirit.  We can be generous with our time - to feed those who are time-starved.  We can be generous with our encouragement - to feed those who are feeling down.  We can be generous in our prayers - to feed those who may not yet know how to pray.  And yes, of course, we can be generous with our finances - to feed those who are physically hungry.  What are some ways that you are generous with the poor?

Worship God: Okay, rather than the traditional YouTube music video, below is a video that correlates well I think to Paul's encouragement to be a "letter from Christ" in our Second Corinthians readings today.  I would say the girl in this video is a brilliant letter from Christ!  Thanks to Inga Lisa for sending me this video today!  You'll note this video is not using the YouTube website, but is using www.GodTube.com, which I had not heard of before today.  I look forward to further exploring this website and I'm sure sharing more videos with you in the future like this precious one below!

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

August 28th One Year Bible Readings

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Job 28:1-30:31 ~ 2 Corinthians 2:12-17
Psalm 42:1-11 ~ Proverbs 22:7

Old Testament - Job chapter 28 is incredible!  It could be my favorite chapter of Job so far this year.  I kind of forgot about this chapter from my previous readings of this book.  It seems to me to a large degree this chapter builds up and gets at one of the most important points in the Old Testament Wisdom / Poetry Books (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon) in the closing verse 28 of this chapter: "And this is what God says to all humanity: `The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.'"  Beautiful!  We do hear this theme over and over again in the other Wisdom / Poetry books of the Old Testament.  It is a powerful and true point.  I love the way Job builds up to this point early on in this chapter 28.  Verses 12 through 14 I found to be particularly great: ""But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding? No one knows where to find it, for it is not found among the living. `It is not here,' says the ocean. `Nor is it here,' says the sea."  So, how about for you?  Where do you find wisdom?  Where do you find understanding?  What does it mean to you that the fear of the Lord is true wisdom?  Do you believe this is true?  Do you believe that forsaking evil is real understanding?

In Job chapter 29 today we read about his former blessings, including these in verses 7 through 10: "Those were the days when I went to the city gate and took my place among the honored leaders. The young stepped aside when they saw me, and even the aged rose in respect at my coming. The princes stood in silence and put their hands over their mouths. The highest officials of the city stood quietly, holding their tongues in respect."

New Testament - I absolutely love and appreciate Paul's words today in Second Corinthians chapter 2 verses 14 through 16: "But thanks be to God, who made us his captives and leads us along in Christ's triumphal procession. Now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those being saved and by those perishing. To those who are perishing we are a fearful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved we are a life-giving perfume."  What great imagery!  Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ to God!  I love it.  It does get sad - but true - in verse 16 when Paul says that to those who are perishing we are a fearful smell of death and doom.  Why do you suppose this is?  I think it because when someone is living their life completely enslaved to sin and they encounter the light - the fragrance - of the Gospel, they either will embrace it or push it away.  Unfortunately I am afraid some folks - perhaps even us in our past - are so enslaved to sin that the sin literally makes us fear / flee from the light and fragrance of the Gospel.  Unfortunately sin can ensnare someone such that the Gospel is the fragrance of death and gloom because that is where the sin is leading someone who is enslaved to it - to death and gloom.   Sad... and this reminds us of how urgent it is for us to pray for others who are enslaved to sin.  Let us pray the fragrance of the Gospel and the grace of God will turn them back toward the Savior of the World who can free them forever - Jesus Christ.  Jesus - is there a name more fragrant?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Second Corinthians titled "The Sufficiency of God Through his Spirit" is at this link.

Psalms - Today we read Psalm 42 verse 1, which is one of my favorite verses in the Bible! "As the deer pants for streams of water, so I long for you, O God."  That is so right on.  Lately these days I have been longing for God more than ever - and I love that.  I am thankful for that.  There have been seasons in my life - which can certainly be called "dry" seasons - where I have not longed for God.  Where I have not longed for the true Living Water.  I just love the picture this Psalm verse paints in my mind - a deer in the wilderness is fleeing from hunters.  It is literally dying of thirst as it runs.  It is tired.  It is weary.  It is running from death.  And it needs water.  It pants for streams of water.  Like this deer, I pray that I long for God in the same way.  As I flee from sin.  As I am tired.  As I am weary.  As I run from death.  I need God.  I long for God.   How about you?  Do you long for God these days as a deer longs for water?  Are you consistently drinking from the true Living Water?

Proverbs - We read great wisdom in Proverbs 22 verse 7 today: "Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender." This Proverb reminds me of some of the "Get Out of Debt" seminars and books that are out there.  I haven't read any of the books, but I did attend a half day seminar a while back, and I found it to be really good.  It is true that we are so caught up in a cycle of debt here in the U.S. - and I imagine in other countries too.  The thing I remember from the half day seminar is that we will never get out of debt if we cannot control our "appetites."  If we cannot stop buying and spending and consuming beyond what we really need, we'll continue to be in debt.  And once we are in debt, we are indeed slaves to the lender.  Slaves to our credit card companies.  Pretty scary when you think about it.  I pray that if you are struggling with debt, you do check out a seminar or book - don't buy the book if you can help it!  :)  Get it from the library.  We need to stop our impulses to "BUY NOW" or "DON"T MISS OUT" on x, y or z.  Let's get out of debt and get out of slavery to our lenders.  Literally cut up that credit card if that's what you need to do to control your out-of-control spending...

Worship God:  Our Second Corinthians readings today reminded me of the Delirious song "Majesty."  I had the good fortune to worship to this song with Delirious a few years back just before it was released.  They were playing some of their "new stuff" and this was a great song to worship to live!  You'll notice the crowd in this video is definitely worshiping.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

August 27th One Year Bible Readings

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Job 23:1-27:23 ~ 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11
Psalm 41:1-13 ~ Proverbs 22:5-6

Old Testament - In chapter 23 verse 12 today Job makes such a powerful statement about his relationship with God!  "I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread." (NIV)  The first statement is of course powerful - Job has not departed from the commands of God's.  But the second statement is the one that really stood out to me today - Job has treasured God's words more than food!  This may sound like nice high holy talk from the Old Testament...  but I think each of us should stop and meditate on this one in our lives today.  Do we treasure God's Word, The Bible, more or do we treasure the food we eat each day more?  I'm sure most of us would say the Bible...  But let me put this another way for us to really think about this.  How many minutes a day do you spend eating?   And how many minutes a day do you spend reading the Bible?  What might make this whole equation even a little bit more interesting to consider is how many minutes a day do you think about food?  Prepare food?  Talk about food?  And then how many minutes a day do you think about the Bible?  Prepare for reading the Bible?  Talk about the Bible?  I am afraid that we may be a people today who (when the rubber meets the road and we look at actual time spent in each activity) treasure our food more than we treasure God's Word.  However, the first step in realizing we have a problem is admitting we have a problem!  :)  When it comes to amount of time you spend with food when compared to the amount of time you spend with God's Word, do you have a problem?  Can you learn something from Job's word's today in verse 12: "I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food." (ESV)

New Testament - I love that Paul calls Jesus the "Divine Yes" in today's readings in Second Corinthians chapter 1 verse 19 in the NLT!  Here are verses 18 through 20 in the NIV - "But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No." For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes." For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ."  Amen!  Do you realize that Jesus is the fulfillment of all of God's promises in the Old Testament?  The Law pointed to Jesus in the OT and the Law is fulfilled in Jesus.  The sacrificial system pointed to Jesus in the OT and the sacrificial is fulfilled in Jesus.  Jesus is indeed the Divine Yes!  In your life each and every day, is Jesus your Divine Yes?

Psalms - Today we read in Psalm 41 verse 1 – “Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.” For some reason this verse really opens up my heart. Something about the word “weak.” Maybe this verse really speaks to me because I myself feel weak at times. And yet, I am so blessed in so many ways. And I realize that there are so many others out there in this world who may not have the blessings that I have, and who are struggling through an extremely tough cycle of weakness. And I wonder – what am I doing to help those who are weak? Do I really have regard for the weak? Do you? What in our life really demonstrates that we have regard for the weak? Are we investing time or finances into the weak? Are we praying for the weak? Are we loving the weak?

Proverbs - Proverbs 22 verse 6 today teaches us: "Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it."  You know, this verse actually reminds me of quite a bit of recent work I've had the good fortune to participate in or observe when it comes to early childhood education.  85% of a child's brain develops in the first 3 years of their life.  Think this is a critical period of time to teach children?  Certainly after the age of 3 we still have so much opportunity to teach children to choose the right path.  I am becoming more and more convinced that education for children is so critical here in our own backyards and throughout the world.  And unfortunately, as we all know, quality education is not happening in many sectors of our society and our world.  Let me encourage you to please invest in childhood education in your own backyard and around the world.  Find a child to mentor.  Teach a Sunday school class.  Invest in nonprofits working on childhood education.  Sponsor a child through World Vision where they will get a fantastic Christian education.  Will you join me in personally getting involved with and investing in organizations that teach our children to choose the right path?

Worship God:  Unrelated to our readings today, but I heard the Big Daddy Weave song "Every Time I Breathe" on the radio today and just found a video for it.  Great song!

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

August 26th One Year Bible Readings

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Job 20:1-22:30 ~ 2 Corinthians 1:1-11
Psalm 40:11-17 ~ Proverbs 22:2-4

Old Testament - Today in Job chapter 21 verses 7 through 13 we read these words of Job: ""The truth is that the wicked live to a good old age. They grow old and wealthy. They live to see their children grow to maturity, and they enjoy their grandchildren. Their homes are safe from every fear, and God does not punish them. Their bulls never fail to breed. Their cows bear calves without miscarriage. Their children skip about like lambs in a flock of sheep. They sing with tambourine and harp. They make merry to the sound of the flute. They spend their days in prosperity; then they go down to the grave in peace."   How do these words of Job speak to you?  Is there truth in these words?   If the wicked go to the grave in peace, what happens to them after the grave?  Honestly, I'm not so sure about the wicked living to a good old age and going to the grave in peace...  I personally would not take this chance.  I think living a wicked life leads to inner conflict and an unhealthy life and potentially an early grave.  I understand why Job said these words in his circumstances (he was experiencing suffering without committing the great sins his friends accused him of), but I personally would not bet on a wicked life delivering a long lifetime of wealth or peace...

New Testament - Today we begin Paul's Second Letter to the church in Corinth!  Corinth was a city known in the 1st century for its wealth and lust.  It was a trade center with thousands of sailors who disembarked there.  Its pagan temples encouraged the practice of sexual immorality along with idol worship.  Thus, this was not an easy place for the early church!  But clearly a place where the church was so needed!  Below is a map of where Corinth is in Greece - it is about 48 miles west of Athens.  And below that is a modern day photo of ancient remains of the pagan temple to Apollo from ancient Corinth:

~ Second Corinthians ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Ephesus
Date: A.D. 57
Content: Paul’s earlier letter to the Corinthians had not settled all of the problems. It had some good effect upon them but much more remained to be done. In particular, Paul had to settle the problem concerning his own authority. Deep suspicions had been aroused concerning him, for what reasons we do not fully understand. But in great anguish Paul writes to reestablish his own apostolic authority. He also attempts to deal with some more practical matters, like supporting the poor believers elsewhere.
Theme: Triumph over adversity is seen throughout this letter. It is a very personal one, written by one who loved his people but had been deeply wronged by them. As Paul catalogs the experiences of his life and the nature of the Christian ministry, it is possible to see the grace of God at work bringing good from evil. Satan is active, seeking to destroy God’s work, but God is greater still, establishing those who trust in him. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 25) More commentary on Second Corinthians is at this link. Below is "The Apostle Paul", by the artist Rembrandt from the year 1657:

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Second Corinthians chapter 1 titled "Why Bad things happen to God's people" is at this link.  Below is a great image for 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 from today's readings from what looks to be Guatemala to me.  (though maybe this picture is more South America/Andes region?)  I had the good fortune to travel to Guatemala exactly one year ago - and I miss it!  It is a beautiful country with beautiful people!

Psalms - Today Psalm 40 verse 16 stood out to me for it's pure joy and praise: "But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "The LORD is great!""  Does this verse resonate with you today?  Have you searched for God in your life?  Are you filled with joy and gladness because of that search?  Do you love God's salvation?  Do you shout praises to God for all he has done for you?

Maybe if verse 16 does not resonate for you today, hopefully verse 17 can encourage you: "As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord is thinking about me right now. You are my helper and my savior. Do not delay, O my God."  Do you believe that Jesus is thinking about you right now?  Do you believe that Jesus is your helper and your savior?

Proverbs - Proverbs 22 verse 2 is a great reminder that our wealth or status does not affect who we are in God's eyes or in God's very hands: "The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD made them both."  As we are all created by God, we should not ever consider ourselves better than anyone - nor lesser than anyone - because someone else has a different set of finances than we do.  If you think about it, every single person you meet has a different set of finances than you do.  Some are richer, some are poorer.  And yet we all have this in common - God made us.  How might this affect how you view others in this world?  Do you literally and consciously realize that God made each and every one of us?  Below is Michelangelo's "Creation" from the Sistine Chapel in Rome, circa 1505-1513:

Worship God:  On occasion I like to share with you a current popular song on the radio that may not tie directly into our daily readings.  Today is one of those days.  John Waller's song "The Blessing" has been exactly that for me lately - a blessing.  I love it every time I hear it on the radio.  Unfortunately I couldn't find a video for this song by the artist.  But I did find this YouTube "video" below with song and absolutely no images!  So click play and close your eyes for the next 5 minutes and enjoy the time with God!

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

August 25th One Year Bible Readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Job 16:1-19:29 ~ 1 Corinthians 16:1-24
Psalm 40:1-10 ~ Proverbs 22:1

Old Testament - "But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives!"  Whoo-hoo!  Awesome words from Job today in chapter 19 verse 25!  (And, conveniently enough, words from the YouTube video in yesterday's posting!)

Job chapter 19 verses 23 through 27 are some of the best known and well loved verses of the book of Job.  These verses seem to be where Job hits his high point in his understanding of his relationship with God:  "Oh, that my words could be written. Oh, that they could be inscribed on a monument, carved with an iron chisel and filled with lead, engraved forever in the rock. "But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!"  How powerful are these verses??  Great stuff.  Job starts off saying that he hopes his words could be written and engraved forever - and indeed they were as we are reading them in the Bible!  Then Job makes the incredible statement that even in the midst of all of his suffering and perceived distance from God, he knows that God lives!  The closing two verses are powerful in that they actually indicated a belief in the resurrection by Job.  He says that even after his body has decayed - after his death here on this earth - he will see God with his own eyes in his own body!  How could this possibly be?  Well, only if he believed in a resurrected body after death - as we've been reading about in First Corinthians chapter 15 the past couple of days!  I've read some various commentaries on who is the "Redeemer" that Job is referring to in verse 25.  Jesus?  Could be.  But it seems like most commentaries seem to suggest Job is referring to God himself, rather than Jesus.  Though, of course Jesus is God so maybe this is a moot point!  :) Job does talk about his desire for a mediator in other parts of this book, which could be references to Jesus as well.  I found this great artwork below that was painted based on the chapter of Job 19.   Re-read the entire chapter of Job 19 again and I think you'll see the beauty of this artwork...

New Testament - We wrap up Paul's first letter to the Corinthians today!  What an amazing book!  I have been blessed immensely by it this year.  I hope you have too? I like Paul's instructions to the church in Corinth in chapter 16 verses 1 through 3 today: "Now about the money being collected for the Christians in Jerusalem: You should follow the same procedures I gave to the churches in Galatia. On every Lord's Day, each of you should put aside some amount of money in relation to what you have earned and save it for this offering. Don't wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once."  I love this last sentence!  It made me smile.  Paul knows how us humans are - back then and now - we like to procrastinate!  We like to do things at the last minute if we can.  Well, I concur with Paul that our giving to our churches should be a regular thing.  With each pay check we should "put aside some amount of money in relation to what you have earned."  Really, as I think about it, giving of money to our churches with each paycheck is an act of worship.  We are worshiping God with our finances.  Let us not wait to give to our churches.  Let us give faithfully and regularly with each paycheck God blesses us with!

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Corinthians titled "Paul's Closing Words" is at this link.  Below is a great image and message from First Corinthians 16:14 -

Psalms - U2 fans out there will know that the band released a song called "40" in 1983 inspired by Psalm 40.  The band took most of the lyrics for this song straight from the early verses of this Psalm - and I quote here from the song, not the Psalm per se - "I waited patiently for the Lord, He inclined and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit; Out of the miry clay.  He set my feet upon a rock; And made my footsteps firm. Many will see; Many will see and hear."  The song also could have also been called "6" because the refrain is from Psalm 6 verse 3: "How long, O LORD, how long?"  A quote from Bono on the song is this: "'40' became the closing song at U2 shows and on hundreds of occasions, literally hundreds of thousands of people of every size and shape t-shirt have shouted back the refrain pinched from 'Psalm 6': 'How long to sing this song.' I thought of it as a nagging question - pulling at the hem of an invisible deity whose presence we glimpse only when we act in love. How long...hunger? How long...hatred? How long until creation grows up and the chaos of its precocious adolescence has been discarded? I thought it odd that the vocalising of such questions could bring such comfort; to me too."  Has anyone heard U2 play "40" in concert before?  I did twice - once back on the Joshua Tree tour way back in 1987 and once a few years ago on the Vertigo tour.  It's a beautiful song - written really by David!

Proverbs - We have a beautiful Proverb verse 1 to start off the 22nd Chapter of Proverbs!  "Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than having silver or gold."  Do you believe this Proverb to be true?  Which do you seek after more - a good reputation or money?  You know though, the more I think about this Proverb I have some concerns about it.  Only in that if we seek after having a good reputation, then we may really be focusing on ourselves and how other people look at us, rather than focusing on Kingdom things.  We may decide to do something because it's "popular", rather than it being "right."  We may give to the poor with blazing trumpets because this will help our reputation - but Jesus clearly said we should not do this.  Does this make sense?  I mean given the choice of a good reputation or being rich, this Proverb is clearly true.  But it's not enough.  That's why we need to read the entire Bible to get the full context of everything else that surrounds any 1 particular verse in the Bible, like this one.  One verse is not enough.  It's Truth.  But not enough.  We need the entire Bible.  Good for you for going through the One Year Bible this year!  Please do keep up your study of the entire Bible beyond just this year.  We need the entire Bible for our entire life...

Worship God: For our Job readings today just scroll on down to yesterday's posting to watch the YouTube for "My Redeemer Lives!"  Today as we're reading Psalm 40 and per my comments on this Psalm above, I'd like to share with you a live performance of U2's "40" at Red Rocks on June 5, 1983. (The U2 fans out there will notice that the Edge and Adam switch instruments at the beginning of the song - with the Edge on bass and Adam on guitar.  And, yes, I'm pretty sure you can call Bono's haircut in this video a "mullet"! :)  Watch this video all the way to the end to see the crowd at Red Rocks singing "How long to sing this song?" over and over again...

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

August 24th One Year Bible Readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Job 12:1-15:35 ~ 1 Corinthians 15:29-58
Psalm 39:1-13 ~ Proverbs 21:30-31

Old Testament - I forgot how much trash-talking goes on here in the book of Job!  It occurred to me that all of this bickering back and forth between Job and his friends keeps transpiring without Satan coming up in their comments at all.  Meaning, no one seems to realize that Satan is the one who has afflicted Job!  And I'm wondering if this happens in our lives today as well?  Do we sometimes miss it when Satan is literally attacking us?  Do we blame others?  Blame ourselves?  Maybe even blame God?  When the blame should be directed at the Deceiver?  I think Job and his friends could have used Michael the Archangel to come into the picture here and whoop up on Satan like he's doing in this painting below from the year 1518 by the Italian artist Raphael:

There are some great words of wisdom from Job in today's readings.  I love the poetry of his words in chapter 14.  A lot of it reminds me of the book of Ecclesiastes, which we'll read later this year.  Below is an illustration of Job and his three friends from the Book of Hours of Etienne Chevalier by the 15th century French painter Jean Fouquet:

New Testament - Today in First Corinthians chapter 15 verses 42 through 44 and 49 we read: “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. . . And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven.” Have you thought much about heaven? Have you considered life after death? Do you believe that there will be a resurrection of the dead? Do you believe that your body will be raised imperishable? That your body will raised in glory? In power? Do you believe that there is a spiritual body, just like we now know our earthly body? Are you looking forward to bearing the likeness of Jesus in heaven?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Corinthians 15 titled "A Refresher Course on the Resurrection of the Dead" is at this link.  Below is a great image for First Corinthians 15 verse 54:

Psalms - Today in Psalm 39 verse 5 we read – “My life is no longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath." This is a powerful verse for each of us to meditate upon. How does this verse speak to you? Do you feel like life moves fast sometimes? If so, how are you spending your time? Are you being intentional about how you invest your time? Are you being intentional about your work? Your friends? Your finances? Volunteering? Serving others? Loving others? Watching TV – or better yet, not watching TV? :) If life really is “but a breath” – are you spending your breath wisely? With your breath are you constantly loving God with all your heart and loving your neighbor as yourself?

Proverbs -  Today in Proverbs 21 verse 31 we read: “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.” How does this Proverb speak to you? For me it is a reminder that anything we do in our life is dependent on the Lord. If we want to be successful in life – in our jobs, ministries, marriages, friendships, anything – we will only be successful if the Lord is with us. So, how do we know if the Lord is with us? My first suggestion is prayer. I believe we should commit every thing we do to prayer. I will admit that lately my prayer life has not been very good. And I’ve noticed the effects of it. I want victory is so many areas of my life – but it seems like I am too often “saddling up” the horse without seeking the Lord’s guidance and wisdom and blessing. How is your prayer life these days? Are you committing everything you do to prayer? Are you earnestly seeking through prayer the Lord’s guidance, wisdom and blessing, knowing that victory rests only with the Lord?

Below is a great image for Proverbs 21:30 from today's readings:

Worship God: Our First Corinthians chapter 15 readings about Jesus' resurrection and our resurrection bodies have been amazing!  Unfortunately I couldn't find a song on YouTube about our resurrection bodies.  :)  But while searching, I was reminded of Nicole C. Mullen's beautiful version of "My Redeemer Lives" with a great choir at the end of this video:

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

August 23rd One Year Bible Readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Job 8:1-11:20 ~ 1 Corinthians 15:1-28
Psalm 38:1-22 ~ Proverbs 21:28-29

Old Testament - Okay, so I am sure that most of us have heard the old adage "patience of Job." (As in, "she has the patience of Job." etc.) Well, today's chapters 9 & 10 are probably not where this adage came from!  :)  Job is not showing a lot of patience in these chapters.  Can you blame him?  Would you speak differently if you were in Job's situation?  Or perhaps would your language be worse?  It is important to note that Job does not curse God directly, as Satan said Job would do in the beginning of the book.  Job is certainly complaining about his situation - and, well, not to spoil the book of Job here for you... but Job will repent of what he says to God later in the book.  In Job chapter 10 today we read Job's plea to God, including this in verses 18 through 22: "`Why, then, did you bring me out of my mother's womb? Why didn't you let me die at birth? Then I would have been spared this miserable existence. I would have gone directly from the womb to the grave. I have only a little time left, so leave me alone--that I may have a little moment of comfort before I leave for the land of darkness and utter gloom, never to return. It is a land as dark as midnight, a land of utter gloom where confusion reigns and the light is as dark as midnight.'"

The other adage, in addition to "patience of Job", that I was thinking about in today's readings is "with friends like these, who needs enemies??"  :)   Zophar in chapter 11 seems to really have compassion-deficiency!  I do think that Zophar and Bildad in chapter 8 were trying to say the things they thought Job needed to hear.  But they overstated the case I think in a few places.  I don't agree w/ Zophar saying in chapter 11 verse 3 that Job mocked God: "When you mock God, shouldn't someone make you ashamed?"  Here's my question for us today.  Are we sometimes like Zophar and Bildad?  Do we jump to conclusions about maybe why bad things are happening to our friends?   Do we offer up our big advice and big words and big bluster before really listening to our friends and understanding their situation fully?  I am afraid that sometimes we jump to conclusions far too quickly.  I always try to remember the old Stephen Covey adage (wow, 3 adages here in 1 post! :) from the "7 Habits of Highly Effective People":  "Seek first to understand, and then to be understood."  Let us seek first to really understand our friends or family members issues before we start offering our prescriptions for them.  Let us first try walking a mile in their shoes!

New Testament - We read beautifully true words from Paul today in First Corinthians chapter 15 verses 3 & 4: "I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me--that Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures said."  And then there are some interesting words from Paul in verses 17 through 19: "And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless, and you are still under condemnation for your sins. In that case, all who have died believing in Christ have perished! And if we have hope in Christ only for this life, we are the most miserable people in the world."  He immediately follows up these verses with this statement in verse 20: "But the fact is that Christ has been raised from the dead. He has become the first of a great harvest of those who will be raised to life again."  This is quite a chapter from Paul about the Resurrection of Jesus and the Resurrection of the dead!  I think the key question we each need to ask ourselves is: do you believe that Jesus was born on this earth 2,000 years ago, is the Son of God, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for your sins, and on the third day rose from the dead?  This is the question on which all of Christianity - and your personal faith in Jesus - hinges.  So, what say you?

In verses 5 through 8 today six resurrection appearances of Jesus' are mentioned.  Below is a full list of Jesus' resurrection appearances from Zondervan's NIV Study Bible:
1. The empty tomb (not an appearance per se - but no body was in the tomb - the first indication of the resurrection)
2. To Mary Magdalene in the garden
3. To the other women
4. To two people going to Emmaus
5. To Peter
6. To the ten disciples in the upper room
7. To the 11 disciples in the upper room (including Thomas this time - see painting below)
8. To seven disciples fishing on the Sea of Galilee
9. To the 11 disciples on a mountain
10. To more than 500
11. To James
12. To the disciples at His ascension
13. To Paul on the road to Damascus

One of my favorite paintings of a resurrection appearance of Jesus' is by the Italian artist Caravaggio from the year 1603 titled "Doubting Thomas":

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Corinthians 15 titled "A Refresher Course on the Resurrection of the Dead" is at this link.  Below is a great image for First Corinthians chapter 15 verse 2 from today's readings:

Psalms - Psalm 38 is powerful!  Verses 4 & 5 speak so much to our human condition - "My guilt overwhelms me--it is a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds fester and stink because of my foolish sins."  Does this verse speak to you in any way, shape or form?   If so, please consider then verse 18 - "But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done." Will you confess your sins to God today?  Will you admit that you are truly sorry for your sins?  Will you pray for healing from your sins?  Will you make confession of your sins to God a regular practice?

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 21 verse 29 today is subtle but so true: "The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright proceed with care."  Have you ever seen folks that put up a bold front, but don't have much behind it all?  And then seen those that are so humble and maybe even seem quiet, but then deliver incredible fruits?  As Jesus said - you'll know a tree by its fruit.  A bad tree cannot produce good fruit and a good tree cannot produce bad fruit.  This Proverb is a great reminder that the front / the sales pitch / the first impression is not the fruit!  It's what comes next and what is delivered with quality and consistency that comes next.  Do you put up a bold front at times?  Or do you make it a habit to instead proceed with care?  Let us be an upright people!

Worship God:  Our First Corinthians chapter 15 readings today about Jesus' resurrection reminded me of the Newsboys song "He Reigns!"  I had not seen the video to this song until just now, but I love the video!  Watch the video all the way to the end to see all God's children on the beach singing and dancing "Glory, Glory!  Alleluia!  He Reigns!"  Also, notice how the video changes from night / dark at the beginning to Day / Light as it progresses!  Reminds me of how our hearts change when we finally decide to surrender them on over to Jesus...

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

August 22nd One Year Bible Readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Job 4:1-7:21 ~ 1 Corinthians 14:18-40
Psalm 37:30-40 ~ Proverbs 21:27

Old Testament - Today in Job chapter 4 we read about Eliphaz the Temanite's first response to Job, including these words in verses 3 through 6: "In the past you have encouraged many a troubled soul to trust in God; you have supported those who were weak. Your words have strengthened the fallen; you steadied those who wavered. But now when trouble strikes, you faint and are broken. Does your reverence for God give you no confidence? Shouldn't you believe that God will care for those who are upright?" How do these words of Eliphaz's speak to you?  Are these fair words for him to be saying to Job?  Are they fair words for us to consider in our own lives today as well?

Then in chapter 6 Job responds to Eliphaz as follows in verse 2 through 6: "If my sadness could be weighed and my troubles be put on the scales, they would be heavier than all the sands of the sea. That is why I spoke so rashly. For the Almighty has struck me down with his arrows. He has sent his poisoned arrows deep within my spirit. All God's terrors are arrayed against me. Don't I have a right to complain? Wild donkeys bray when they find no green grass, and oxen low when they have no food. People complain when there is no salt in their food."  How do these words of Job's speak to you?  Are these fair words for him to be saying in reply to Eliphaz?  Are they fair words for us to consider in our own lives today as well?

Below is a powerful image for Job's words in chapter 7 verse 11:

New Testament - I don't know if you've ever heard Billy Graham say that he likes to read the newspaper in one hand with the Bible in the other hand?  I will try to provide an example of how we can do this today, thanks to an article a year or so ago in Newsweek titled "In Search of the Spiritual" at this link.  This is an opportunity to read Paul's words today in First Corinthians chapter 14 on orderly worship, and then compare to what you read in this Newsweek article.  I'll let you work out your own conclusions.  Be like Billy Graham - read the news of the day in one hand with the Bible in the other hand.   Tim Challies (one of my favorite bloggers) has an interesting take on this Newsweek article on his blog at this link.

(On some more Billy Graham / magazine notes, did everyone catch the Newsweek magazine article about Billy titled "Pilgrim's Progress" last year?  You can read it online here.  Billy is now 88 years old - below left is a TIME cover from 13 years ago.  And below right is another TIME cover from just 1 week ago with an article about Billy ministering to President's which you can read at this link.  Most importantly to note today, Billy Graham has unfortunately been in the hospital the past few days of this week with some internal bleeding - news on this here.  Please pray for Billy and his family during this time.)

Tyndale's One Year Bible Companion book dives into the question "Does 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 mean that women should not speak in church services today?"  I encourage you to pick up this book, as it is invaluable in going through the One Year Bible and covers great questions like this.  I will share with you a little bit of their answer on this today - "Women have much to contribute and can participate in worship services. In the Corinthian culture, women were not allowed to confront men in public.  Apparently some of the women who had become Christians thought that their Christian freedom gave them the right to question men in public worship.  This was causing division in the church.  Paul was asking the women not to flaunt their Christian freedom during worship.  The purpose of Paul's words was to promote unity, not to teach about women's role in the church."  Thank you Tyndale for this Q & A.

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Corinthians titled "Spiritual Gifts and Self Control" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 37 verses 30 & 31 read like amazing Proverbs: "The godly offer good counsel; they know what is right from wrong. They fill their hearts with God's law, so they will never slip from his path."  Are you filling your heart with God's teachings?  Are you doing this so that you will never slip from His path?  Are you offering good counsel to those around you?  When others around you see you, do they see someone that clearly knows what is right from wrong?  Below is a little Right & Wrong sign humor for you :) - 

Proverbs - Proverbs 21 verse 27 is one of those that makes you go "ouch" - "God loathes the sacrifice of an evil person, especially when it is brought with ulterior motives."  Well, not the evil person part making me go ouch, so much as the "ulterior motives" part.  I do think there is so much wisdom in Jesus' admonition to give without letting the right hand know what the left hand is doing.  I am afraid that sometimes I have not only let the right hand know when I'm giving - but many other people as well!  That's ulterior motives.  And it's not right obviously, as we see in this Proverb today and as we hear from Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.  How about you and your giving or acts of kindness - Do you give with pure motives?  With no ulterior motives?  With no strings attached?

Worship God: Well, I'm not 100% sure if when Michael Gungor and Israel Houghton wrote the hit song "Friend of God" that they had Job's words mind mind from today's readings in chapter 7 verse 17: “What are people, that you should make so much of us, that you should think of us so often?"  But let me know your thoughts after watching this worshipful video.  This video features Chris Tomlin and Israel Houghton from Passion 2007.  (Israel's voice is like butter!)  Oh - and you might want to take Chris Tomlin's advice in the opening of this video and get up out of your chair and dance!  :)  (this means you Marcia! :)

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike