One Year Bible Blog

April 12th One Year Bible Readings

Joshua 5:1-7:15 ~ Luke 15:1-32 ~ Psalm 81:1-16 ~ Proverbs 13:1
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or ESV.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or Daily Audio Bible ~

Old Testament - Fascinating! verses today in Joshua chapter 5 verses 13 - 15 - "As Joshua approached the city of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man facing him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you friend or foe?"  "Neither one," he replied. "I am commander of the LORD's army." At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. "I am at your command," Joshua said. "What do you want your servant to do?" The commander of the LORD's army replied, "Take off your sandals, for this is holy ground." And Joshua did as he was told."  Tyndale's One Year Bible Companion says this about these verses - "The captain of the host was no mere angel.  His presence was an appearance of Christ in person.  Joshua worshipped the captain; his worship was accepted and he was neither rebuked nor instructed otherwise."  Whaddya think?  Was this Jesus in these verses??  Bible.org's commentary on "The Captain of the Lord's Army" is at this link.

In Joshua chapter 6 we read about the fall of Jericho to the Israelites - but... things take a turn for the worse in chapter 7 with the defeat at the city of Ai.  It is interesting to note why the defeat happened in Ai, in verse 1 - "But Israel was unfaithful concerning the things set apart for the LORD."  Think about it.  Israel just had a great victory at Jericho and then they were unfaithful toward God.  I wonder if perhaps we are like this in our lives today as well?  Maybe something amazing happens in our life, and we get so swept up in the victory dance that we forget about God.  And yet... it is God who gave us that victory.  It is God who gives us every good thing we have in our lives.  Are we being unfaithful in our lives concerning things set apart for God?  Below is an image for verses 2 & 3 as Joshua sends out some men to spy on Ai, before the defeat" "Joshua sent some of his men from Jericho to spy out the city of Ai, east of Bethel, near Beth-aven. When they returned, they told Joshua, "It's a small town, and it won't take more than two or three thousand of us to destroy it. There's no need for all of us to go there.""

Bible.org's commentary on Joshua chapter 5 is at this link, chapter 6 is at this link, and chapter 7 is at this link.

New Testament - Beautiful verses today in Luke chapter 15 verses 8 through 10 - ""Or suppose a woman has ten valuable silver coins and loses one. Won't she light a lamp and look in every corner of the house and sweep every nook and cranny until she finds it? And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her because she has found her lost coin. In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents.""  Do you believe that there was joy in the presence of God's angels when you repented?  Or... when you will repent?  That is a beautiful thought indeed!

More beautiful verses today (22-24) as we read through the famous Prodigal Son story: ""But his father said to the servants, `Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger, and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening in the pen. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.' So the party began."

Bible.org's commentary on our Luke chapter 15 readings today titled "Lost and Found" is at this link.

Psalms - I always like reading verses like 1 & 2 in Psalm 81 today - verses that speak of music & God - "Sing praises to God, our strength. Sing to the God of Israel. Sing! Beat the tambourine. Play the sweet lyre and the harp."  Do you sing praises to God?  Is God your strength?  I'll go off on a tangent here, which is always a risky thing to do...  :)  I'll admit that I am a music junkie.  Really.  I have loved music immensely ever since I was a pre-teen and heard K-TEL's Hit Explosion with such songs as Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger."  :) Well, ever since then music has played an interesting role in my life - both positive and negative.  Bottom line is that I think God used music to bring me to Him.  Seven years ago I ended up at a rock & roll postmodern evangelical church where I really first heard songs about Jesus in a rock song!  It was a paradigm shifter for me...  I ended up accepting Jesus as my Lord & Savior at that church two months later - thanks in large part to an amazing pastor there at the time and thanks in large part to the rock & roll worship.  I have to confess that I do love any opportunity I can get to flat out worship God in a rock & roll worship way!  :)  I do realize the risks of high energy rock music...  it can propel people to do very dumb things.  But I think it can also propel people toward Jesus.  Maybe music is like anything else - it's a double edged sword.  I will share with you that a buddy of mine shared with me how he threw out every single one of his worldly / secular rock & rap CD's after becoming a Christian.  He said he didn't want to be fed by that garbage anymore.  I tried following his lead on this - and actually threw a few CD's in the trash...  but I pulled them out before taking them to the dumpster.  :)  I'm starting to think though that I have a few CD's that need to get to that dumpster here sooner rather than later... I don't listen to them.  But why keep them around at all?  Hope you don't mind this long tangent.  Does anyone else have any music / God experiences that you would be up for sharing with us all?  Please post up in the Comments section below!  (And please forgive me for this image below...  I couldn't resist... :)

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 13 verse 1 may at first glance seem to be speaking about young children - but... I believe it can definitely speak to how we also should respond to God, our heavenly Father - "A wise child accepts a parent's discipline; a young mocker refuses to listen."   Are you a wise child of God accepting His discipline in your life?

Worship Video: Today's readings in Luke about the Prodigal Son reminds me of the Jeremy Camp song "Take You Back:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-H8TE5UeX0

Have you run away from God? Click here to be taken back into His arms!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." Luke 15:7 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have repented of your sins. Pray that you are evangelizing others you know to repent of their sins and turn to Jesus. Pray that the angels in heaven will rejoice over the lost you know being Found.

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

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

April 11th One Year Bible Readings

Joshua 3:1-4:24 ~ Luke 14:7-35 ~ Psalm 80:1-19 ~ Proverbs 12:27-28
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or ESV.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or Daily Audio Bible ~

Old Testament - Today is a major day in our readings as the Israelites cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land!  The significance of the events in today's readings cannot be overstated.  The Israelites 40 years in the Wilderness are over.  God's Promise made to Abraham is being fulfilled!

I am intrigued by verse 5 in Joshua chapter 3 today as the Israelites are about to cross the Jordan - "Then Joshua told the people, "Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do great wonders among you.""  I'm wondering what the Israelites did to purify themselves?  Some sort of ritual purification I'd guess - likely similar to the purification before meeting God at Mount Sinai, which included washing all their garments as well as themselves.  I also wonder what we do in our lives today to purify ourselves?  The first thought comes to mind that we are of course purified today completely by the blood of Christ.  But, then, I also know that once we have made the decision to follow Christ we will still sin on occasion.  And then, is purification needed?  Not from a salvation standpoint - but from simply having a pure heart before God?  I'm thinking that our purification today is confessing directly to God our sins and repenting.  And I think through this process God's grace arrives in a nanosecond and purifies us.  I think we're purified by God's grace today.  But, I think in part we need to recognize our own need for purification and confess to God our shortcomings and repent.  Let me know what you think on this in the Comments below if you'd like.  Again, I'm not looking at this from a salvation / justification perspective - more of the sanctification perspective.  I like the thought of purification - of being pure before God.  I pray for this for each of us.  No dark corners.  No secrets.  Just a pure heart before our heavenly Father.

A watercolor painting is below for verses 16 & 17 - "Then all the people crossed over near the city of Jericho. Meanwhile, the priests who were carrying the Ark of the LORD's covenant stood on dry ground in the middle of the riverbed as the people passed by them. They waited there until everyone had crossed the Jordan on dry ground."

Bible.org's commentary on Joshua's readings today titled "Crossing the Jordan" is at this link.

New Testament - Wow.  Jesus' teachings in Luke chapter 14 verses 12 through 14 are so powerful - ""When you put on a luncheon or a dinner," he said, "don't invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will repay you by inviting you back. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the godly, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.""  How often do we do something for others - in hopes of getting something back in return?  Maybe it's simply praise?  Or maybe it's indeed an invite to something else in the future?  Kind of the whole idea of "I'll scratch your back if you'll scratch mine."  Jesus tells us there is another way - care for others that cannot repay you.  Because God will repay you.  And who would you rather receive repayment from for your good deeds - humans or God?  Do you think that caring for the poor is giving to God?  Will you give to God?

Today in Luke chapter 14 verse 27 we read – "And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."  I don’t know about you, but I’m not so good at carrying “crosses.” I’m not so good at taking on perceived burdens. I’m not so good at suffering at all. I like to get my way. I often feel entitled to get a lot of good stuff in my life. . . And yet. . . Jesus says if I am to be his disciple I must carry my cross. And I must follow him. I think sometimes in our culture we want to keep up with our neighbors – be hip; be cool; be relevant; know the latest styles; wear the latest fashions; and this list can go on. Jesus tells us to carry our cross. And truly, this is the eternally hippest / coolest / most relevant decision any one of us can make – to take up our cross and follow Jesus. Nothing else matters.

Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 14's readings today titled "Table Talks" is at this link and commentary on today's readings titled "How to Hate your Wife" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 80 verse 19 today is powerful - "Turn us again to yourself, O LORD God Almighty. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved." I like that opening - "turn us again to you God."  I don't believe that God turns himself away from us - but that we do indeed turn ourselves away from God.  And like the Psalmist, maybe sometimes we literally need to pray that God will turn us back toward him.   I kind of come up with the imagery of us maybe sometimes being like pouty kids with our arms folded and our backs toward God - and God is looking at us lovingly - all we simply need to do is turn our face toward God and his grace will heal that pout and whatever is troubling us immediately...   If you need to, will you turn yourself again toward God? 

Proverbs - Today in Proverbs chapter 12 verse 28 we read - "In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality." What is the way of righteousness? How does one find the way of righteousness? How does one share with others the way of righteousness? Do you believe there is immortality along the way of righteousness?

Got K-LOVE?  A couple of times each year, I enjoy sharing the impact K-LOVE radio has had in my life. First and foremost, I want to simply share with each of you that listening to K-LOVE has absolutely redeemed so much time I have spent in my car. I cannot tell you how many times I've jumped into my car thinking or worrying about x, y, or z and then some amazing song comes on K-LOVE (which is, oh, about all the time!) and I just start singing along and oftentimes worshiping God. This radio ministry has blessed my relationship with God significantly and turned me into a frequent car worshiper! I have a hunch there are many of you out there who know exactly what I am talking about here? I used to be someone who would listen to news or talk radio frequently while driving. However, I now pretty much listen to K-LOVE all of the time in the car. I can get my news easily from other news sources at different times of the day. I cannot get back the opportunity to worship God so frequently in my car that K-LOVE affords.

So, if you're not a K-LOVE listener, I want to encourage you to please find your local station and give this ministry some time to work in your heart and life! I have a hunch you'll soon realize how K-LOVE can redeem the time in your car significantly. You can find your local K-LOVE radio station by simply typing in your zip code at this link: https://www.klove.com/. Also, you can easily listen to K-LOVE online at klove.com or on iTunes under their Radio tab, then select "Religious" category, then K-LOVE.

If you are a K-LOVE listener, I do want to encourage you to please consider supporting their ministry. They have been doing their Spring Pledge Drive recently and I encourage you to please make a monthly pledge if you are not doing so already? Will you join me in making a gift of $10 (or more) each month to K-LOVE? You can even make a monthly pledge, one-time gift, or pledge of prayer support right now at this link: https://www.klove.com/. Thank you so much for your support of K-LOVE!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llLaUpp8-6A

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: ""Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Luke 14:34-35 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are the salt of the earth through your relationship with Jesus. Pray that you will not lose your salt and light.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Luke 14:27 readings today about carrying our cross, how about you? Are you a disciple of Jesus carrying your cross?  Do you know what your cross is?  Do you want to know?  Are you following Him?  Are you letting worldly and pop-cultural cares fall to wayside of your life as you walk along the true path of following Jesus?  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

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

April 10th One Year Bible Readings

Deuteronomy 34:1-Joshua 2:24 ~ Luke 13:22-14:6 ~ Psalm 79:1-13 ~ Proverbs 12:26
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or ESV.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or Daily Audio Bible ~

Old Testament - Today we come to the end of Moses' life in our readings!   And - we come to the end of Moses' writings of the first five books of the Old Testament - the Pentateuch:  Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.  I will miss reading Moses' writings - but - we only have to wait until January 1 next year when we will all embark on the Chronological or One Year Bible adventure and read Moses' writings once again, right??  :)  An image for Deuteronomy chapter 34 verses 5 through 7 is below: "So Moses, the servant of the LORD, died there in the land of Moab, just as the LORD had said. He was buried in a valley near Beth-peor in Moab, but to this day no one knows the exact place. Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever."

Today we begin the book of Joshua!

~Joshua~
Author: Probably Joshua
Date: Either fourteenth century or twelfth century B.C.
Content: After the death of Moses, the leadership of the nation passed into the hands of Joshua and he was their commander-in-chief throughout the entire time of conquest when Israel was taking over the land. While still in the plains of Moab, Joshua mobilized his forces and prepared them for battle. There were three campaigns fought, one in the north, one in the central region, and one in the south, and all described, though not fully. After the initial victories, the land was divided among the various tribes of Israel. Joshua then exhorted the people and died in peace.
Theme: The book of Joshua shows that God is true to his promise. He had promised his people a land and they were now entering in to possess it. However, it was not automatic; God required of them that they actively engage in warfare in order to gain what he had given them. God's judgment upon the sin of the Canaanites in the form of Israel's armies is also a prominent feature. (Above commentary is from "The One Year Bible Companion" pp. 3-4)More commentary on Joshua is at this link.

Today in Joshua chapter 1 verse 9 we read one of my favorite verses in the Bible – "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."  Incredible verse!  God spoke these words to Joshua just before he was about to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.  And I do believe these words can apply to us today in our lives as well.  Do you believe it is possible that God has commanded you to be strong and courageous?  In what areas of your life might you need to really hear this command from God?  Do you believe that God will be with you wherever you go?

In verse 8 – just one verse prior to the verse above – we read –  "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."   How does this verse speak to you today?  Is it possible that you should not let the Bible depart from your mouth?  Do you meditate on the Bible day and night, so that you are careful to do what is written in it?  Do you believe meditating and following the truth of God as described in the Bible will allow you to be prosperous and successful?

Today in Joshua chapter 2 we read about Rahab protecting the two Israelite spies.  Verses 4 through 6 tell us: "Rahab, who had hidden the two men, replied, "The men were here earlier, but I didn't know where they were from. They left the city at dusk, as the city gates were about to close, and I don't know where they went. If you hurry, you can probably catch up with them." (But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them beneath piles of flax.)"

New Testament - Bible.org's wonderful commentary on Luke chapter 13's readings today titled "Striving to Enter the Narrow Door" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 79 verse 13 stood out to me today - "Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will thank you forever and ever, praising your greatness from generation to generation."  I like that imagery of being sheep in God's pasture.  And Jesus, of course, is our Good Shepherd.  Are you content with the idea of being a sheep in God's pasture?

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 12 verse 26 today teaches us: "The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray." This is a great opportunity for us to reflect upon what type of advice or counsel we give to our friends.  Is it wise?  Or are we perhaps subtly leading our friends astray in any way?

Worship Video:  Psalm 79:13's discussion of praising God from generation to generation reminded me of the importance of loving our children well and modeling for them life in Christ.  This reminded me of the great song by Steven Curtis Chapman about his daughter called "Cinderella:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrWMBC6yoME

Are you dancing with God? Click here to dance!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray for strength. Pray for courage. Pray that you will not be terrified, nor discouraged. Pray that you know that the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go, now and forevermore.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  How has your journey through the first 5 books of the Bible, the Pentateuch or the Books of Law, been for you this year?  Have you ever read all 5 of these books in a row before?  Are there any new insights you have learned from Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy this year?  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

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

April 9th One Year Bible Readings

Deuteronomy 33:1-29 ~ Luke 13:1-21 ~ Psalm 78:65-72 ~ Proverbs 12:25
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or ESV.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or Daily Audio Bible ~

Old Testament - Allright, I don't know about you, but I'm getting a little teary eyed reading about Moses' final blessings of the tribes today!  It reminded me of Jacob's blessings of his sons in Genesis Chapter 49 - though, it seems to me that Moses' blessings were a bit more positive overall than Jacob's, no?  Jacob's were a bit more realistic though perhaps... as we'll read later this year in the One Year Bible.  The other thing about reading Moses' final blessings of the tribes today that makes me sad is the realization that we are in the 2nd to last chapter of the Pentateuch! (The first five books of the Bible - the books of the Law.)  Tomorrow we'll read about the death of Moses in Deuteronomy chapter 34 and then it's onto the Promised Land with Joshua!

An image is below for Moses' blessing of the tribe of Joseph in verse 17: "Joseph has the strength and majesty of a young bull; his power is like the horns of a wild ox. He will gore distant nations, driving them to the ends of the earth. This is my blessing for the multitudes of Ephraim and the thousands of Manasseh."" (I'm not sure why the image below says "unicorn" - it doesn't look like a unicorn to me! :)

New Testament - I love Jesus' teachings in Luke chapter 13 verses 18 & 19: "Then Jesus said, "What is the Kingdom of God like? How can I illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds come and find shelter among its branches."  I think if we can have faith in the seed that Jesus plants in our hearts - the Gospel - we will see an amazing plant grow that will ultimately bless others.  From the tiniest beginnings, with patience and faith, can come the largest of plants.  Will you let Jesus plant a mustard seed in your heart?  And will you be patient and allow the seed time & space to grow?  And will you water and care for the seed of the Gospel planted in your heart so that one day it will be a beautiful tree of life for yourself and others you come in contact with?

Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 13's readings today titled "A Problem of Perspective" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 78 verse 71 is awesome - "He took David from tending the ewes and lambs and made him the shepherd of Jacob's descendants--God's own people, Israel."  This verse reminds me that we'll be reading about David later this year in the One Year Bible!  It is interesting that the Psalmist refers to David as a shepherd and not king of Israel in this verse.  The shepherd analogy seems like it might be foreshadowing Jesus, the Good Shepherd.  Here's an image below of a young David as a shepherd - perhaps singing some Psalms??  :)

Proverbs - Today in Proverbs chapter 12 verse 25 we read – “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” How is the state of your heart today? Is it anxious? Might I cheer you up with a kind word? :) You are amazing for reading the One Year Bible this year! Not many people take on this significant holy endeavor to learn more about God’s very Word and to allow themselves to be transformed by it.

Worship Video:  Luke 13:18-19 reminded me of the Sanctus Real song "Whatever You're Doing:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN9J8eqKovY

Is God doing something inside of you? Click here for inner transformation!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Then Jesus asked, "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches." Luke 13:18-19 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that your faith is like a mustard seed. Small perhaps at first, but ever growing and expanding as your heart grows and expands for love of Jesus, is filled with the Spirit, and is full in the Kingdom of God.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Proverb, are there others in your life that you know are being weighed down with an anxious heart?  Will you reach out to them today and tomorrow and the next day with a kind word to cheer them up?  Never underestimate the power of a kind word toward others. It is life-giving. Please never fail to pass along life & joy to others through kind words as you journey through this life. And please accept kind words when they are given to you.  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

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

April 8th One Year Bible Readings

Deuteronomy 32:28-52 ~ Luke 12:35-59 ~ Psalm 78:56-64 ~ Proverbs 12:24
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or ESV.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or Daily Audio Bible ~

Old Testament - These words of Moses today in Deuteronomy chapter 32 verse 47 stood out to me - "These instructions are not mere words--they are your life!"   Wow.  Do we think this way about the Bible?  Are these mere words we read in the Bible?  Or are they our very life?

New Testament - In Luke chapter 12 verse 40, Jesus is speaking about his second coming at the end of the age - "You must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."  But, this verse also always seems to speak to me about the end of my life here on earth as well.  One of 2 things will happen during our life that will bring our earthly life as we know it to an end - 1.  Jesus' second coming (which no one knows the day or hour) or 2. we will die.  I know it's not something we all want to think about... but someday our earthly bodies will die.  And I guess when I read verse 40 above, it makes me realize that not only do we not know the day or hour when Jesus' 2nd coming will be.  We also don't know the day or the hour of the end of our life either.  So...  this verse then speaks to me clearly - you must be ready all the time!  And, I don't view this as something to be anxious over.  But, I do think it's serious for us to consider.  I don't know about you - but sometimes I'm a procrastinator.  And when it comes to our faith in Jesus, there is no luxury of procrastination.  We must have faith in Jesus, be living for Jesus, and really, be willing to die for Jesus - today.  Now.  Not tomorrow.  Today.   Are you ready all the time?

Chapter 12 verse 48 is also a powerful teaching from Jesus for us today - "But people who are not aware that they are doing wrong will be punished only lightly. Much is required from those to whom much is given, and much more is required from those to whom much more is given."  This is convicting...  think about it.  The more we begin to know about Jesus and God and the Bible, the more we essentially have been "given."  And when this holy knowledge has been given to us - much is required.  Much is expected.  Maybe in our past we were not aware of our sins.  Maybe we were not aware of sin at all really.  Today, if we have been blessed with the knowledge of living by Jesus' teachings, we should not be acting as we did in the past when we did not know any better.  Have you been given much?  Are you living up to what is required of you?

Bible.org's commentary on our Luke chapter 12 readings today titled "The Way to Wait" is at this link and commentary titled "The Consequences of Christ's Coming" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 78 verse 57 is a metaphor that I pray is never used upon any of us! :)  "They were as useless as a crooked bow."  Can you imagine a worse insult?  Well, yeah, I suppose there are worse.  But coming from a Psalmist, this is no good.  What does it mean to be a crooked bow?  What does it mean to be a straight bow?  How is your bow these days?  Crooked, and perhaps focused on things of this world?  (and thus basically useless)  Or straight, and focused on advancing the Kingdom of God in your life and the lives of others around you?  (and thus very useful)

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 12 verse 24 is great wisdom for each of us today - "Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave."   I do think each of us are called to be "leaders" in various aspects of our lives.  Leaders in the home.  Leaders at school.  Leaders at work.  Leaders at our church.  Even if maybe you don't think you are a "leader" per se - maybe you're not comfortable with public speaking or whatever - I think you're still a leader.  At the very least, we obviously have to lead our own lives. 

Worship Video:  Today's readings in Luke chapter 12 reminded me of the MercyMe song "All of Creation:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UADsz7ToO8w

Are you singing with all of creation? Click here and sing!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."" Luke 12:39-40 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are ready for Jesus to return right this very moment. Pray that you will always stay ready for Jesus' return, and that you will not quench the Spirit by sinning. Pray earnestly, "Come Lord, Jesus, quickly come!"

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Proverb, in all of the areas you are called to be a leader in your life, are you working hard?  Or, by chance, are you being lazy in some areas?  Will you work hard and become a leader?  Will you work hard and walk the path of leadership? 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

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!