April 21st One Year Bible Readings

Joshua 22:21-23:16 ~ Luke 20:27-47 ~ Psalm 89:14-37 ~ Proverbs 13:17-19
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on BibleOnRadio.com or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Brief post today.  Back to a full post tomorrow.  :)

New Testament - Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 20's readings today titled "One Bride for Seven Brothers" is at this link and commentary titled "David's Son" is at this link.

Psalms - I love Psalm 89:15 today: "Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord." Do you hear the joyful call to worship in your life? Do you worship God with a community of believers each week?  (i.e. at a church...)  Will you choose to walk in the light of God's presence each week?

Proverbs - Proverbs 13:18 is so so so true: "If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept criticism, you will be honored."  I know this may sound strange, but I'm trying to get to the point in my life where I actually appreciate criticism and appreciate making mistakes.  It means I'm learning.  And the key to receiving criticism is indeed to not ignore it.  Reflect on it.  Pray on it.  And yes, sometimes the criticism will be unfounded.  But sometimes it may literally save your life...  Let us be open and appreciative to constructive criticism!  And let us not ignore it!  Nor try to escape from it...

Worship God: Psalm 89:15 reminds me of Chris Tomlin's song "Made to Worship."  Here's a great live version:

Are you made to worship?  Click here and worship!     

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV

Love Your Neighbor:  Harvest Prayer Ministries

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  How are you doing in accepting criticism in your life today?  Do you accept it?  Receive it?  Learn from it?  Or perhaps... ignore it?  Why do you think this Proverb says if you ignore criticism you'll end up in poverty and disgrace?  Do you think many people in our world today ignore criticism?  Is ignoring criticism perhaps a selfish act?  Also, 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

Comments

[Jim]

"How are you doing in accepting criticism in your life today?"

One of my most valuable High School classes was Advanced Art as it provided the only instruction in 18 years of schooling on providing and taking criticism. Alas, most Bible studies, in contrast, seem to preach criticism is always bad. I recently was in one, in fact, that asked whether we preferred encouragement or criticism -- suggesting, of course, that an empty "Be of good cheer" was always better than anything so negative as criticism. Studies in 1990 and in 2002 even showed that HR managers, in fact, would rather have employees that were not critical (or politically correct) with few reading, science, and math skills than the other way around. Many other studies have shown that such empty encouragement, good cries, and even most prayers are worse than nothing because they kill our natural motivation to change and grow (just like the praying Christian on the roof of his house in a flood that refused being saved three times while his unbelieving independent unpraying neighbor was saved right away).

I personally am a fairly slow learner, but I value and respect nothing more highly than thoughtful criticism (even though my slowness requires such to also be persistent). I read a list a couple of weeks ago of the top 30 values that people say motivate their actions (to be the best, etc) where the introduction said the normal person was driven by 5-6 of these things. The only value, though, I read from the list that clearly motivates me is the joy of learning. People look at me strange when I say that I usually prefer to lose than win, but there's generally far greater opportunity to learn in losing (clearly the sliver lining in the cloud called "loser") not to mention that playing against better opponents raises my level of play. Now, whether you just give me the right answer with some good advice or show me the right answer by continually beating me (an easier method to get my attention) - my slowness to learn will tend to ignore you the first time, but I eventually listen. I have shown the same tendencies with God, someone who is slow to learn but who eventually listens (and, in the end, appreciates the attention). Life is not about who makes the most money or has the best time, but who learns the most.

But, I'm like most people. While managers think employees most want money, the number one reason people quit - even when saying it's for more money (whether true or not) as we think we're unusual about the importance of money - is for more training and career advancement.

[nasser]

worshiping God is great it keep reminded me who i am really in chrisr worshiping him give strengtj to overcome my flesh reminded me how much Jesus love us that he was crossed and took the penality instead of me reflecting on this take me back down toward the feet of Jesus humbling myself and remind me how sinful and without hope and strength without the presence ofJesus in my life i pray that God keep his hand on my life and my family and all who read this . listening to God give me to really live the kingdom eterenity life on earth ,i believe when iaccept Jesus in my life as my only saviour,lord of my life i started to experience the kingdom on earth especially when i really had a very strong relatio with the Lord all the time through my life. the Word of GOd will work in your life in a unique way ,i thank the Lord ,the holy spirit for the living word . Amin