One Year Bible Blog

October 22nd One Year Bible Readings

Jeremiah 39:1-41:18 ~ 2 Timothy 1:1-18 ~ Psalm 90:1-91:16 ~ Proverbs 26:1-2
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on One Year Bible Online Audio, ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Jeremiah chapter 39 brings the fall of Jerusalem! :( It is sad to read about king Zedekiah's fate. But, he was forewarned many times by Jeremiah of the coming destruction. It is interesting that King Nebuchadnezzar sought out Jeremiah and told his soldiers to free Jeremiah - and give him the option of staying in Judah or coming to Babylon, where he would be taken care of. Almost seemed like Nebuchadnezzar feared God more than Zedekiah?  Actually, in Jeremiah 40:2, we do see that the Babylonians did have a good understanding of God's prophecies and they seemed to believe them: "The captain of the guard called for Jeremiah and said, "The Lord your God has brought this disaster on this land, just as he said he would. For these people have sinned against the Lord and disobeyed him. That is why it happened." Is it possible in our lives today that sometimes others can see more clearly than we can of how God is moving in our lives?  Below is an image of the fall of Jerusalem from today's readings:

Jeremiah chapter 40 continues with Gedaliah being appointed governor of Judah by Babylon. Gedaliah seems to be a good sort, as he invites the people living in the country side to: "Settle in any town you wish, and live off the land. Harvest the grapes and summer fruits and olives, and store them away." (v. 10). However, things don't go well too long for Gedaliah, which is sad...  Ishmael enters the scene in chapter 40 and into chapter 41, and ultimately murders Gedaliah. This definitely made me sad! Things seemed to be getting a bit peaceful in Judah, and prosperous to a degree. And then evil enters the scene once again... How many times have we seen this scenario play out over history?  Below is an image of Ishmael's treachery to the remnant of Judah in 41:6 -

New Testament - Today we begin Paul’s second letter to Timothy, which was likely the last letter Paul ever wrote. Some call this letter Paul’s “last will and testament!”

~ Second Timothy ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Probably Rome
Date: A.D. 66 or 67
Content: This letter was probably the last letter that Paul ever wrote, and he addressed it to his former associate Timothy. It is a personal letter that expresses Paul’s deepest feelings and the assurance that though his earthly life might end, God had eternal life waiting for him in heaven. Paul also reflects upon the faithfulness of God (who led him through his entire life) and upon the coming desperate days when men would depart from the truth, refusing to acknowledge God as Lord. He exhorts Timothy to stand firm in the face of the coming persecutions.
Theme: The sovereign control of God over all things is the basic theme of this book. Although distress has come and will continue to increase, God is in control and those who trust him will have nothing to fear. Paul also adds his own testimony of faith, describing how he fought for the truth and will be rewarded by God in the end. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 29-30)  .

Second Timothy chapter 1 verse 6 is a very important teaching of Paul's that each of us should consider in our own lives: "This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you."  Do you notice that Paul says "fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you"?  What does this say to you?  This says to me that when God gives us spiritual gifts, they don't typically come in full bloom all at once!  The gifts are given, and then we are to partner with the Spirit of God in fanning the embers of the spiritual gifts into full flames!  This is really powerful to think about.  I think sometimes we think that once we're saved, that's it.  We're done.  We've got all we need and there's nothing more to do except wait for heaven.  Well...  I think once we're saved the spiritual adventure really begins!  God's gives us spiritual gifts.  He gives us Kingdom work to do on this side of heaven!  Do you believe that you have spiritual gifts?  Do you know what they are?  If not, do you suppose that perhaps your spiritual gifts are currently embers and now is the time for you to "fan into flames the spiritual gifts God gave you"?  Let us fan the flames folks!

Psalms - Today in Psalm 91:11-12 we read the words quoted by Satan to Jesus during the temptation in the desert: “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” As you read this Psalm, do these words apply to Jesus only? Or to those who trust in the Lord as well? Do you believe that the Lord is guarding you in all your ways? Do you believe this is possible? (I hope your answer is yes!)

Do you recall Jesus’ response to Satan in Matthew 4:7: “It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” What do Jesus’ words to Satan tell you about these words in the Psalm? Can we believe these words of the Psalmist, and also not put God to the test at the same time? As an example, is driving over the speed limit putting God to the test? Is deciding to skip church one week (or for many weeks) because we have some chores to catch up on / or fun stuff to do / or because we’re just tired, putting God to the test in some ways?  Think we just might look like this little guy below to God when we come up with all of our excuses of why we don't go to church...?  :)

Bob Deffinbaugh with Bible.org has commentary on Psalm 90 titled "Place for Pessimism" at this link and his commentary on Psalm 91 titled "A Psalm of Safety" is at this link.

Proverbs - Proverbs 26 verse 2 is a great reminder to not curse anyone!  We are not the judge.  God is.  We cannot truly curse anyone.  Any curse we offer is an unfair curse.  "Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an unfair curse will not land on its intended victim."  Why do we ever behave like fluttering sparrows or a darting swallows by giving unfair curses?  Do we realize that any curse we attempt to impose will not land on our intended victim, but could come right back on ourselves like a boomerang?

Worship God:  Today's readings in 2 Timothy 1 reminded me of Tenth Avenue North's great song, "Love Is Here:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sBuajPzBTw

Is Love here for you?  Click here for Love!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. " Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray you are numbering your days aright. Pray that you are wholeheartedly seeking a heart of wisdom through a saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our One Year Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

October 21st One Year Bible Readings

Jeremiah 37:1-38:28 ~ 1 Timothy 6:1-21 ~ Psalm 89:38-52 ~ Proverbs 25:28
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on One Year Bible Online Audio, ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - We read about some very interesting dynamics in Jeremiah chapters 37 & 38 today... Jeremiah goes from dungeon to prison to cistern to prison to being the king's confidant. Being a prophet is quite a life!!

I continue to admire Jeremiah's boldness in speaking the truth in these chapters. 37:17 stood out: "Later King Zedekiah secretly requested that Jeremiah come to the palace, where the king asked him, "Do you have any messages from the Lord?" "Yes, I do!" said Jeremiah. "You will be defeated by the king of Babylon." Jeremiah goes right to the truth... no beating around the bush! And then 3 verses later he asks Zedekiah - "Listen, my lord the king, I beg you. Don't send me back to the dungeon in the house of Jonathan the secretary, for I will die there." He speaks a harsh truth to Zedekiah and then asks for a favor. I like that! Do we speak the truth in our lives? Even if we know we'll need to ask for a favor of someone later, will we still speak the truth?  Or will we default to the un-truthful position of "hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil...."

New Testament - Today we wrap up First Timothy!  Second Timothy begins tomorrow!  First Timothy chapter 6 today is full of great wisdom. Verse 7: "Yet true religion with contentment is great wealth." Are you seeking true religion? What is true religion? I think Paul gives some great hints to us in verses 11-14: "Run from all these evil things, and follow what is right and good. Pursue a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for what we believe. Hold tightly to the eternal life that God has given you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses. And I command you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate, that you obey his commands with all purity."  Are you holding tightly to the eternal life that God has given you?  Hold tight!

Verse 10 is powerful today - "For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." It is important to note that the "love of money" is the root of all kinds of evil. Not money in and of itself - that's not the root of evil. But the love of money... this is a great distinction and a great truth. Do you love money? If so, should you be worried about this? If we love money, might we wander from the faith and pierce ourselves with many sorrows?

Psalms - Psalm 89 verse 48 is something important to keep in mind as I think it does help us think about how we are really living our short earthly lives - "No one can live forever; all will die.  No one can escape the power of the grave."  Knowing this, how are you living your life?  Are you living your life with love?  Are you loving God and loving other people with all that you are?  Are you living your life intentionally?  Are you living your life as God would want you to live your life?  I heard someone once state: "Just keep in mind that we're not going to live forever.  100 years from now on this planet?  It will be all new people."  That is an interesting thing to keep in mind...  100 years from now...  all new people.  Hopefully this is a fact that encourages each of us not to waste our precious time here on things that are not of God!  No one escapes the grave.  Our condition is terminal.  But of course our condition can be eternal through faith in Jesus!

Proverbs - Today in Proverbs 25:28 we are taught: "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control."  Does this Proverb remind you of our recent readings in Jeremiah?  Are there parallels to the captivity of the Israelites and this Proverb?  How does this Proverb speak to you personally?  Are your walls in need of some repair? Will you allow Jesus to repair them?  Will you allow Jesus to restore self-control in those areas of your life that are lacking in self-control?

Worship God:  Today's readings reminded me of the MercyMe song "Flawless:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjLlLPZderk

Has the Cross made you Flawless?  Click here to remove your Flaws!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you do not love money. Pray that you are not eager for money. Pray that you are not pursuing all kinds of evil, nor many griefs, through love or eagerness for money.

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our One Year Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

October 20th One Year Bible Readings

Jeremiah 35:1-36:32 ~ 1 Timothy 5:1-25 ~ Psalm 89:14-37 ~ Proverbs 25:25-27
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on One Year Bible Online Audio, ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Jeremiah chapter 35 today is a fantastic example of obedience from the Recabites!  Interestingly, the Recabites are being obedient to a human's word... This stands in stark contrast to the Israelites disobedience to God's Word... Do we do this sometimes in our lives? Obey human words and disobey God's Word?

Jeremiah 36 is a great chapter. It is awesome to read about the writing down of God's words to Jeremiah on a scroll by Baruch!  Unfortunately, that first scroll gets burned. Pretty crazy to think about King Jehoiakim listening to God's words in the scroll and then burning it as he listens...  I love how today's readings end in verse 32:  "Then Jeremiah took another scroll and dictated again to his secretary Baruch. He wrote everything that had been on the scroll King Jehoiakim had burned in the fire. Only this time, he added much more!" You better believe God had Jeremiah add much more to the 2nd scroll after King Jehoiakim cut up and burned the first scroll!

New Testament - First Timothy 5:8 is a powerful teaching from Paul today: "But those who won't care for their own relatives, especially those living in the same household, have denied what we believe. Such people are worse than unbelievers." This is such a great reminder to care for our parents as they get older! I have seen some family members and friends do this for their parents - and uncles and other relatives - and it is such a blessing to see in action. This reminds me of the commandment of "Honor your father & mother." What a blessed way to honor your father and mother by caring for them when they are older!

First Timothy 5:24 is so important: "Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later."  There is so much I could say about this verse.  First and foremost, I think each of us needs to consider this verse in our own lives.  Are there sins in our life that no one else knows about?  Do you think that God knows about these secret sins?  Do you think those secret sins will indeed eventually be revealed?  I recently heard Dennis Prager (radio talk show host) talking about secrets.  And basically he made the point that none of us should have secrets in our life because if we do those secrets will not "keep" - they'll spoil us inside and, worst case, someday they could explode in horrendous ways.  Prager made the comment that someone in our life needs to know absolutely everything in our life.  (not that everyone in our life needs to know everything - but at least one person does)  He ranked this in order of who he thought should know everything about us: 1. your spouse 2. a good trusted friend. 3. a clergy or professional counselor.  It was interesting that Prager did make the point that he didn't think that your child(ren) need to know absolutely everything - but someone does...  Obviously, we all know that God knows everything about us.  But, I think there is so much truth in that one of the key ways to rid ourselves of a secret sin is to bring it out of the dark and into the Light by sharing that secret with someone else.  And if it's a continuing sin, ask that person for help and accountability.  Let us not wait until we meet the Lord face to face for us to rid ourselves of the rotten burden of secrets!  Let us shine a Light on the secrets now for healing & peace!

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... be it a house church or regular church or some church...)  Will you choose to walk in the light of God's presence each week?

Proverbs - Proverbs 25:6 today is strong: "If the godly compromise with the wicked, it is like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring." Is there an area in your life where you might be compromising? Will you return to the pure spring water of life?  Where can you find the pure spring water of life?  Will you stop polluting in your own life?

Proverbs 25:7 is strong too - "Just as it is not good to eat too much honey, it is not good for people to think about all the honors they deserve." Do you think we sometimes focus too much on honors and recognition? Can this cloud our sight of God? Why are we sometimes so attracted to all the honors "we deserve..."?  What do these honors gain us in the end?  Can these honors even become idols in our lives?

Worship God - Today's readings reminded me of the Steven Curtis Chapman song "Love take me over:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qn5mi5G9RQY

Has love taken you over?  Click here for true Love!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." 1 Timothy 4:16 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you watch your life and your doctrine closely each and every day. Pray that you persevere in your faith daily through a saving faith and relationship in Jesus Christ, your Lord and Savior.

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our One Year Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

October 19th One Year Bible Readings

Jeremiah 33:1-34:22 ~ 1 Timothy 4:1-16 ~ Psalm 89:1-13 ~ Proverbs 25:23-24
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on One Year Bible Online Audio, ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Today in our readings we get the famous Jeremiah 33:3 verse: "'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'" (NIV)  Verses 15 & 16 are powerful Messianic verses, harkening back to Jeremiah 23:6 (The Lord Our Righteousness): "In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David's line; he will do what is just and right in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness."

Verse 22 is a great verse echoing the covenant promises to Abraham: "I will make the descendants of David my servant and the Levites who minister before me as countless as the stars of the sky and as measureless as the sand on the seashore."

Verse 18 threw me for a loop initially, trying to figure out how this could still be - "nor will the priests, who are Levites, ever fail to have a man to stand before me continually to offer burnt offerings, to burn grain offerings and to present sacrifices.'" I wondered - where are the Levites today? Fortunately, I read a commentary that set me straight - Jesus is fulfilling this ministry for us today! Jesus is our Levitical priest standing before God continually. Beautiful, eh?  Do you consider Jesus to be your High Priest?

Jeremiah chapter 34 is interesting with the freedom for the slaves - and then the reversal of that decision. Could this story remind us of our lives at times? Do we sometimes promise God that we'll do something he wants us to do? Maybe even start to do it? And then change our minds?  Why are we not consistent with what we tell God we will do?  Let us pray for consistency in our spiritual walk!

New Testament - Today in 1 Timothy 4:7-8 we will read: “Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” How are you doing on training yourself to be godly? Do you believe this is something you can be trained in? Are you practicing spiritual disciplines on a regular basis? Spiritual disciplines might include: prayer, journaling, quiet time, fasting, retreats, Sabbaths, reading the Bible :), to name a few.

Psalms - Psalm 89 verse 11 is so powerful for us to remember - "The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; everything in the world is yours--you created it all."  Everything in this world is God's.  Everything.  This means every single person we meet is God's.  However... they might not realize it.  But, I think it is important for us to remember that every single person we meet - no matter how "bad" they may seem or whatever - is still made in the image of God.  And there is the possibility of that person getting to know they are God's.  There is the possibility of redemption - not by our human power, but by the power of God.  I think sometimes we go through our day thinking the world is bad.  People are bad.  It all is bad.  And certainly, it is a fallen world.  But it is still God's world - and yes, the devil is thrashing around his temptations as rapidly as he can in the hearts of men and women.  This is the great spiritual battle.  But, God is so much stronger than the devil.  The name of Jesus expels the devil quicker than anything.   So, know that while we are in a fallen world, it is God's world.  Everything in this world is God's.  What are you and I doing to let others know that they are God's - particularly if they don't know it?  What are we doing to bless others with the knowledge that there is another Way than the devil's temptations in this world?  What are we doing?  Really.  What are we doing with our lives to let others know about Jesus?  Whew... this one gets to me for some reason.  There are people suffering so much in our world.  If only they knew there was another way....   Will you help to show them to the Way?

Continuing on the thoughts in the paragraph above - take a moment to reflect on this image below.  Wow... Can you make out the angel on the right coming from the prayers of the woman to defend her from the evil one?  Who are we praying for today to defend them from the evil one?

Proverbs - Today's Proverbs chapter 25 verses 23 & 24 teach us: "As surely as a north wind brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger! It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home." These verses are great teachings of - 1. don't gossip.  2. don't be contentious.  Or if you are a gossip or if you are contentious, then you just might find your spouse hiding from you in the attic...  :)

YouTube:  I've had a lot of great conversations lately with people about the power of not only reading Scripture, but actually listening to it!  I know many of you are following along in our One Year Bible readings using the Bible on Radio link on the left or are listening on Bible Gateway.  Last year I listened to the Bible using "The Bible Experience." It is fantastic - see the video below for an overview. Does anyone have any other audio Bible versions you could recommend in the Comments section below?  Thanks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM9JTjI39Co

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." First Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you are training yourself to be godly each and every day. Pray that you are pursuing godliness for both the present life and the life to come!

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our One Year Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

October 18th One Year Bible Readings

Jeremiah 31:27-32:44 ~ 1 Timothy 3:1-16 ~ Psalm 88:1-18 ~ Proverbs 25:20-22
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on One Year Bible Online Audio, ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Jeremiah chapter 31 today is encouraging reading!  It seems we've rounded the corner from the coming destruction and captivity prophecies in the book of Jeremiah, and God is now speaking about rebuilding Jerusalem. We get a good Messianic foreshadowing today in verse 31: ""The day will come," says the Lord, "when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah." The new covenant is coming!

Today in Jeremiah 31:33 we read: “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.” This verse reminds me of the importance in memorizing scripture – not just reading scripture, but memorizing it and writing it upon our hearts. I have been amazed oftentimes how Proverbs 3:5-6 comes to my mind and heart at some very needed and specific times. (if you can only memorize 2 scripture verses, please memorize these Proverbs verses) Do you memorize scripture? Do you not just memorize it, but internalize its teachings and meanings into your heart?  Do you see the value in memorizing scripture and writing it upon your heart?

Jeremiah Chapter 32 is intriguing. God asks Jeremiah to buy land - even though all of the land of Jerusalem will soon fall under captivity. Jeremiah is - once again - obedient. God goes on in this chapter to indeed confirm that Jerusalem will fall - but that God will eventually restore the Israelites back to Jerusalem and buying and selling of land will occur again. Interesting chapter. The call to Jeremiah to buy land was to set the stage for reminding the Israelites that they will soon lose this ability, but it will come back to them again eventually.  I like this example.  What about you in your life today - is there anything God is asking you to be obedient in?  Even if you perhaps won't see an "immediate" return on your investment of your obedience, will you obey God?  Is the eternal return on your investment of obedience worth it?  Below is an image of Jeremiah in the court of the prison buying his kinsman's field from today's readings:

New Testament - Paul's teachings in 1 Timothy 3 gives some great rules and regulations for leaders in a church. It all makes a lot of sense. I would encourage anyone who has interest in leading in your church - or if you are currently leading in your church - to prayerfully read through these. How are you doing on these? Are there some areas in your life discussed here that need redeeming?   One of my favorite verses in all of these is verse 5 - "For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church?"  How very true is that?  How are you doing in managing your own household?

Verse 16 today beautifully demonstrates Jesus' divinity and his humanity!
"Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith:
Christ appeared in the flesh
and was shown to be righteous by the Spirit.
He was seen by angels
and was announced to the nations.
He was believed on in the world
and was taken up into heaven."
Do you believe in everything written above?  When is the last time you meditated upon the fact that Jesus ascended into heaven?  I heard a Pastor recently say that he thinks the Ascension is one of the most overlooked facts of Jesus' life in the church today.  Jesus ascended into heaven and sits at the Father's right hand!  This is very good news for us indeed!  Below is a painting by the Italian artist Garofalo from the year 1510 titled "The Ascension of Christ":

Psalms - Psalm 88 is quite a Psalm!  Interestingly many churches read this Psalm during their Good Friday liturgies, interpreting this Psalm as a prayer of Jesus suffering on the road to Golgotha.  Take a read through this Psalm again with this perspective... 

Proverbs - Proverbs 25 verse 20 is intriguing to me today: "Singing cheerful songs to a person whose heart is heavy is as bad as stealing someone's jacket in cold weather or rubbing salt in a wound." I've always kind of thought you should try to "cheer someone up" when they are feeling down.  But... this Proverb seems to suggest otherwise?  Actually, this does remind me that if someone is grieving the loss of a loved one, we should allow them to grieve.  If they don't grieve now, they'll grieve later.  It's better to go through the grieving process than to repress it.  So, let us be judicious in when we sing cheerful songs to someone whose heart is heavy...  They probably don't need to see these 3 folks below at their doorstep early on in the grieving process...

Worship God:  Based on Psalm 88's look at what Jesus endured for us and based on the ascension discussed in 1 Timothy today, it seems like a great time to share with you this awesome live video of "Jesus Paid It All" led by Kristian Stanfill.  This is a great worship song!  And the last half I particularly love when the whole crowd is worshiping: "Oh praise the One who paid my debt, and raised this life up from the dead. Jesus!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FHwdx5BIvc

Do you believe that Jesus Paid It All for you?  Click here and receive payment on your debt!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory." 1 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you believe wholeheartedly in this mystery of godliness. Pray in thanksgiving that Jesus appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, is believed on, and was taken up to glory to sit at God the Father's right hand!

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our One Year Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!