One Year Bible Blog

December 13th One Year Bible Readings

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Obadiah 1:1-21 ~ Revelation 4:1-11 ~ Psalm 132:1-18 ~ Proverbs 29:24-25
~ 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 we start and finish the book of Obadiah - the shortest book in the Old Testament!  Obadiah was a prophet from Judah, who prophesied against Edom, Israel's neighbor to the southeast of Jerusalem & the Salt Sea.  Edom was a descendent of Esau - and Israel a descendent of Jacob.  Esau & Jacob were the twin sons of Isaac and fought during their lifetimes, and the fighting of the nations of Israel & Edom continued throughout the Old Testament.  A quick flashback of Jacob & Esau is here from Genesis 25:23 - "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger."  Below is clear map of where Edom was located - in modern day Jordan - in relationship to Israel:

Quick tangent - This map above, which shows the ancient city of Petra reminds me of an amazing book I read last year.  It's called "Walking the Bible: A journey by land through the Five Books of Moses" by Bruce Feiler.  Has anyone read this book by chance?  I had a good friend give it to me several years ago, and I avoided reading it because it looked kind of long and boring... :)  But it's not!  It's fantastic.  I cannot believe I waited years to read it.  In the book Bruce writes about his journey across the land that he takes from Mt. Ararat in Turkey, where Noah's Ark was thought to have landed, through Abraham's journey in the fertile crescent to Canaan, to the Israelites going to Egypt, through the Exodus, the Sinai, the Negev, and the finally to Petra and Edom and to the edge of the Promised Land.  It is an amazing modern day retracing the steps of the patriarchs!  I cannot recommend it highly enough.  It's a nonfiction book.  And not really religious per se - though it's all about the Bible, so in my mind it was.  This is a great read!

Back to Obadiah - There is some uncertainty over when Obadiah prophesied.  It was either approximately 853-841 B.C. when Edom rebelled against Judah during the reign of Jehoram - in which case Obadiah would be a contemporary of Elisha.  Or, more likely, it was approx 605-586 B.C. when Babylon was attacking Jerusalem - in which case Obadiah would be a contemporary of Jeremiah.  A good overview of the book of Obadiah is at this link.  Verse 11 today tells us this about the reasons for Edom's punishment - "For you deserted your relatives in Israel during their time of greatest need. You stood aloof, refusing to lift a finger to help when foreign invaders carried off their wealth and cast lots to divide up Jerusalem. You acted as though you were one of Israel's enemies."

Verse 15 stood out to me in Obadiah today: "As you have done to Israel, so it will be done to you."  This is a good reminder to do unto others, as we would have done unto us...  Or, what goes around, comes around?  :)  God was upset that Edom sat around and did nothing while their neighbor Israel was attacked.  They could have done something, but did nothing.  In our world today are our neighbors are being attacked - or hurt - or starving - or dying of AIDS?  If so, should we be doing something about it?  Should we be like the Good Samaritan, caring for our neighbor?  Who is your neighbor?

 

New Testament - Revelation chapter 4 today is an amazing chapter, where we get a great glimpse of worship in heaven!  Verses 1 & 2 are an awesome start to this chapter with John first seeing an open door in heaven and then being instantly in the Spirit!  "Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” And instantly I was in the Spirit." 

Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site.

Verse 3 stands out today with a great glimpse of God's glory - "The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones--jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow." You'll note that there is not a clear description of God, as he is often described as dwelling in an "unapproachable light".  But I think the gemstones and the emerald rainbow are pretty good starters for envisioning God's glory...  Can you imagine seeing God face to face some day?  Does this make your heart leap with excitement and joy?

Verse 4 stood out in today's readings as well: "Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads." It is said that these 24 thrones represent both the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles of Jesus.  Thus, representing all righteous and redeemed men and women before and after Jesus' life.

Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site.

Verses 6 & 7 will remind us of the seraphs in Isaiah and the cherubim in Ezekiel - "In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. The first of these living beings had the form of a lion; the second looked like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth had the form of an eagle with wings spread out as though in flight."  These creatures are said to represent aspects of the attributes of God.  The lion representing majesty & power.  The ox representing faithfulness.  The human representing intelligence.  And the eagle representing sovereignty.

Verses 10 & 11 is a beautiful look at elders worshiping God!  "The twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one who lives forever and ever. And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, "You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created."   Imagine yourself in heaven with a crown of some sort.  Will you lay down your crown before the throne of God and worship God in this same manner?  Do you believe that God is worthy to receive all glory, and honor, and power?  Do you believe that it was for God's pleasure that everything exists and was created?

Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site.

Psalms - Psalm 132 is a fantastic psalm of the King David era!  It is thought that this Psalm may have been written for the dedication of the temple or it may have been used in a coronation ceremony.  Verses 4 & 5 stood out to me today as demonstrating David's dedication to God  - "I will not let my eyes sleep nor close my eyelids in slumber until I find a place to build a house for the LORD, a sanctuary for the Mighty One of Israel."  What in your life is keeping you awake at night?  Is it something of God's will?  Or perhaps something worldly (not of God's will)?   Will you pursue God's will in your life, and leave worldly things behind you?  Will you pursue building "a sanctuary for God" in your life above all else?

 

 

Proverbs - Proverbs 29 verse 25 teaches us today: "Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but to trust the LORD means safety."  This is a great reminder to "respect all, but fear none" - except for God that is... :)

Worship God - Today's readings in Revelation 4:8-11 reminded me of the Chris Tomlin song "We Fall Down." Here's a great live video of Chris and Steven Curtis Chapman talking about the song and playing it together:

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

Do you fall down?  Click here and fall down at the feet of Jesus!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "The twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: 'You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.'" Revelation 4:10-11 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you will always fall down and lay your crown at the feet of Jesus. Pray that you will praise and worship Jesus giving Him all glory and honor and power.

Comments from you:  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. 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!

December 12th One Year Bible Readings

Amos 7:1-9:15 ~ Revelation 3:7-22 ~ Psalm 131:1-3 ~ Proverbs 29:23
~ 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 we finish up the book of Amos!  Obadiah is up next tomorrow! I like this part of the year in the Old Testament as we move through the Minor Prophets at a quick pace.  Today in Amos we read about Amos & Amaziah's interactions, visions of Locusts, Fire & a Plumb line, Ripe Fruit, God at the Altar, and then finish up the book with a Promise of Restoration.  I like the beginning of Amos chapter 7 a lot. Here we see Amos praying for the forgiveness of Israel's sins and asking God to forgo the visions of Locusts & Fire.  This is a good reminder to each of us to pray for others, and not just only for ourselves.

Also, in chapter 7 verses 14 & 15 stood out to me when Amos was speaking with the priest Amaziah: ""I'm not one of your professional prophets. I certainly never trained to be one. I'm just a shepherd, and I take care of fig trees. But the LORD called me away from my flock and told me, `Go and prophesy to my people in Israel.'"  This reminds me of something I actually heard from Mac Powell, the leader singer of Third Day, at one of their concerts.  Mac reminded us all that sometimes we think that the only way we can really be serving God and others in big ways is if maybe we are pastors or missionaries.  And Mac reminded us that this is not the case - all of us, no matter what our profession or walk of life, can serve God and others in big ways!  We are all pastors and missionaries in the kingdom of God!  I like that.  And here's Amos saying, "hey - I'm not a professional prophet.  I'm just doing what God asked me to do."   What might God be asking you to do in your life to love and serve Him and others?

Amos chapter 8 verses 11-13 are a great reminder of how fortunate we are to have the opportunity to read God's word, the Bible - where not everyone in our world today has this blessing.  Actually, I have to admit - these are some of the most breathtaking verses for me in all of the Bible.  For some reason I pay attention so acutely every time I hear these verses... this is scary stuff to consider... "The time is surely coming," says the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine on the land--not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the LORD. People will stagger everywhere from sea to sea, searching for the word of the LORD, running here and going there, but they will not find it. Beautiful girls and fine young men will grow faint and weary, thirsting for the LORD's word."  Is it possible that we self-impose on our own lives famines?  Famine's from hearing and reading God's word?  If you are in the midst of a famine from God's Word, the Bible, will you seek out an opportunity to read God's Word each day?   Do you thirst for God's Word?  Will you drink from it?

Amos chapter 9 verse 11 is a great Messianic foretelling of the coming of Jesus: "In that day I will restore the fallen kingdom of David. It is now like a house in ruins, but I will rebuild its walls and restore its former glory."   And verse 13 a foretelling of a Garden of Eden-like paradise to come: "The time will come," says the LORD, "when the grain and grapes will grow faster than they can be harvested. Then the terraced vineyards on the hills of Israel will drip with sweet wine!" Are you looking forward to this time?  Do you want to be part of the restored kingdom of David?

New Testament - Today in Revelation chapter 3 we read about The Message to the Church in Philadelphia and Laodicea.   Verse 8 today is powerful, from Jesus: "I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can shut."  Jesus has opened the door for us to enter God's kingdom through faith in him.  No one can keep us from entering through this open door - besides ourselves.  Will you walk through the door Jesus has opened for you?

Verses 15 and 16 are convicting words from Jesus!  ""I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth!"  Are you hot or cold in your faith for God these days?  Or maybe lukewarm?  Will you live now and tomorrow with only a hot faith in God?  Hot Tamales Hot?  :)

Verse 20 is beautiful from Jesus:  ""Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends."  As we read above - the door to entering into the kingdom of God through faith in Jesus is open and no one can shut it - except maybe we will shut the door ourselves in our own lives.  If you have shut the door, is it possible that you hear Jesus knocking on the door?  Is it possible Jesus is calling to you from the other side of the door you have shut?  Will you open it?  Do you want to share a meal with Jesus as friends?

Psalms - Psalm 131 verse 2 is a beautiful reflection!  "But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me." What a great reflection and reminder to take 1 day a week as a Sabbath day of rest.  A day to still and quiet yourself.  Just like a small child is with its mother.  Have you been still and quieted yourself recently?  Why would David, the Psalmist, write about this?  Why would this be a good thing to do?

Proverbs - Proverbs 29 verse 23 teaches us today: "Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor." How counterintuitive is this in our culture today?  This Proverb reminds me that Jesus' kingdom is an upside-down kingdom.  The last shall be first.  And the humble will be honored.  How are you doing with being last and being humble these days?  Are you comfortable with being "upside down" when compared to the world's values?

YouTube: Today's readings in Amos reminds me of the NeedToBreathe song "Washed By the Water:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMAmTLXJG2U

Have you been washed by the water?  Click here and be made clean!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Revelation 3:15-16 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you are hot for the Lord. Pray against any lukewarm-ness in your life when it comes to your love and faith in Jesus.

Comments from you:  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. 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!

December 11th One Year Bible Readings

Amos 4:1-6:14 ~ Revelation 2:18-3:6 ~ Psalm 130:1-8 ~ Proverbs 29:21-22
~ 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 - Today in Amos chapters 4, 5, & 6 we read about Israel's failure to listen, a call to repentance, and warning of coming Judgment.  Chapter 4 verse 13 stood out to me in today's readings: "For the LORD is the one who shaped the mountains, stirs up the winds, and reveals his every thought. He turns the light of dawn into darkness and treads the mountains under his feet. The LORD God Almighty is his name!"   Here we are reminded that God is the creator of all things, and he still is in control of what happens in the present time.  He is the past, present, and future.  I like that phrase, "reveals his every thought."  Meaning, God wants His ways, His character, His thoughts, His love to be known by all.  Do you believe God reveals His every thought to us?  Where might we best find out what God's every thought is?  Do you want to know God's thoughts above all else?

I think chapter 5 verse 14 today is a good reminder and warning to each of us: "Do what is good and run from evil--that you may live! Then the LORD God Almighty will truly be your helper, just as you have claimed he is."  I believe that sometimes we think we can overcome evil through our own sheer will power.  Or that we can change evil.  This verse reminds us to simply RUN! I like that reminder.  Sometimes you just gotta get out of Dodge to avoid evil influencing you or overtaking you.  Are there temptations or bad habits in your life that you have been trying to overcome, battle, change - and perhaps you should just RUN from them?  Flee from them?  So that you may truly live?

Amos chapter 6 verse 5 stood out to me for some reason today: "You sing idle songs to the sound of the harp, and you fancy yourselves to be great musicians, as King David was."  I guess a couple of things jumped out at me here.  First, the singing idle songs to the sound of the harp made me ask myself, are we sometimes idle with our time?  When perhaps God is wanting us to be purposeful or intentional with our time?  Don't get me wrong - rest is good.  But, is idleness good?  I think rest can be purposeful and intentional and healthy.  Or it can potentially be just the opposite.

Next - do we sometimes fancy ourselves to be "great musicians as King David was" - meaning, do we sometimes try to pretend to be someone who we are not?  Are we masking over who we really are, and playing fake?  Should we instead be real?  And sincere?  And intentional and purposeful?   I guess I'm just getting at here - are there times when we are being fake? When, perhaps God is simply calling us to simply be real?  To be who we are?  Who are you?  If you need to, will you take off your mask and just be who God made you to be?

New Testament - Today in Revelation we continue to read Jesus' messages to the 7 churches in Asia Minor - see yesterday's posting below for a map of where these 7 churches were located.  Also, don't forget the powerful vision that John saw of Jesus in Revelation chapter 1 verses 12 through 14 and verse 20 just before we began reading these messages to the 7 churches: "When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest. His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance... This is the meaning of the mystery of the seven stars you saw in my right hand and the seven gold lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches."

Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site.

Revelation chapter 2 verse 19 is awesome as Jesus says: ""I know all the things you do--your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things."   How are you doing in these areas in your life?  Are you focusing on love, faith, service and patience?  Are you constantly improving in these areas in your life?

Revelation chapter 3 verse 3 is powerful from Jesus: "Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly and turn to me again."  My thought here is that sometimes we are so on fire for our faith in Jesus and God – particularly when we first believe.  And then this fire and initial strong faith begins to wane over time.  And to a degree, this is okay.  We will not be on the "mountaintop" all of the time – we must traverse through the valleys as well. But, if perhaps we’ve been camped out in the valleys for a bit too long now, is it possible that we might need to go back to what we heard and believed at first?  Might we need to hold to these first beliefs more firmly?  And turn to Jesus again? This Advent and Christmas season, will you return to Jesus once again? Will you return to the Manger in Bethlehem?

Psalms - Psalm 130 is amazing today!  Each verse is jam packed with good stuff to think about....  Actually - if you get a chance - please read through each of these verses again, and meditate for a moment on each one and what each verse might be speaking into your life and your heart.  I think you will find tons of relevant meditations in this Psalm for your life.  Today in Psalm 130 verse 5 we read - "I am counting on the LORD; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word."  Are you counting on God in your life?  Really counting on him?  Have you put your hope in his Word, the Bible?  Do you believe that reading and meditating and reflecting on the Bible can transform your life and your relationship with God? What is your plan next year to stay in God’s Word each and every day? Should you have a plan to be in God’s Word each and every day?

Proverbs - Proverbs 29 verse 21 teaches us today: "A servant who is pampered from childhood will later become a rebel." This is a good reminder not to spoil others - and how about not spoiling ourselves? For some reason this verse reminds me of this old adage, paraphrased here - "God, please don't make me too rich that I forget about you.  Nor too poor that I curse you."  Let us be cautious not to be spoiled, nor to spoil others in our lives...  :)

 

YouTube: Today's readings in Revelation remind me of the Christmas carol "Do You Hear What I Hear" performed here by Josh Wilson:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0y4ZS0Upk4

Do you hear what I hear?  Click here and hear all about Jesus!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "I wait for the Lord, more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. " Psalm 130:6 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you wait for the Lord each and every day. Pray that you are patient in your wait for the Lord.

Comments from you:  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. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our One Year Bible readings at this link.

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!

December 10th One Year Bible Readings

Amos 1:1-3:15 ~ Revelation 2:1-17 ~ Psalm 129:1-8 ~ Proverbs 29:19-20
~ 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 we start the book of Amos!   Amos was a unique prophet in that he was a shepherd and fig grower.  His prophecies come from about 760 to 750 B.C. at a height of Israel & Judah's prosperity - materially.  (not spiritually...)  Though Amos was from Judah, his messages were primarily directed at Israel.  A good introduction to the book of Amos is at this link.  Below is an image of Amos, the "shepherd prophet":

Amos chapter 1 verse 2 sets the stage for this book and the prophecies to come: "This is his report of what he saw and heard: "The LORD's voice roars from his Temple on Mount Zion; he thunders from Jerusalem! Suddenly, the lush pastures of the shepherds dry up. All the grass on Mount Carmel withers and dies."   Then in the remainder of chapter 1 and 2 there are prophecies against Israel and Judah's surrounding neighbors all starting with - ""The people of _(fill in the blank)__ have sinned again and again, and I will not forget it. I will not let them go unpunished any longer!"  Is it possible that this blank could maybe be filled in on our life or habits at times?  Is it possible that this blank could be filled in by nations in our world today?  If God were to punish, might it be a holy discipline to bring us back to repentance and right relationship with God?  Below is a portrait by artist Guy Rowe of Amos and the people:

In chapter 4 verse 2 it stood out to me how Judah was being called to the carpet as well as the neighboring nations: "They have rejected the laws of the LORD, refusing to obey him. They have been led astray by the same lies that deceived their ancestors."   Do we obey God today in our lives?  Are there areas in our life where we might be deceived - either by others, or maybe even in our own minds?  Below is an image of Amos preaching to Kings Uzziah and Jeroboam II - from a 14th century illuminated Bible:

And Israel is called to the carpet in verses 6 & 7: "They have perverted justice by selling honest people for silver and poor people for a pair of sandals. They trample helpless people in the dust and deny justice to those who are oppressed."  It seems that God is very interested in the care of the poor back then.  Do you think he is still interested in the care of the poor today?  Are we caring for the poor & the oppressed in our world today?  In your life, are you caring for the poor & oppressed?  Consistently?  How?

New Testament - Revelation chapter 2 begins our journey of Jesus' messages to the seven churches in Asia Minor! (modern day Turkey).  Below is a map of the 7 churches of Revelation:

Depending on what type of Bible you read, you might notice that ALL of the words in chapter 2 in today's readings are highlighted red - meaning, we are hearing directly from Jesus in these verses, so it's good to pay attention here!  :)

The beginning of Revelation 2 verse 2 stands out to me today - ""I know all the things you do."  Short and simple.... Do you suppose this is true about Jesus and your life?  Do you think Jesus knows all of the things you do?  Even every single thing that you think?

Verse 7 certainly stands out today as well from Jesus: "Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Everyone who is victorious will eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God."  The tree of life takes us back to the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve.  Adam and Eve ended up eating from the forbidden tree of knowledge - which gave them the knowledge of good and evil.  God then banished them from the Garden before they could eat from the tree of life and live eternally.  The tree of life represents eternal life, and as we see in this verse it is offered to all who are victorious.  What does it mean to be victorious?  Do you want to eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God?  Will you listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying?  Below is a stained glass image of the Tree of Life:

Verse 17 is intriguing!  "Everyone who is victorious will eat of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it."  The second sentence is very intriguing to me - a white stone will be given with a new name upon it.  I need to do some more research on what exactly this means.  If anyone has thoughts on the white stone / new name, please post up in the comments below.

Psalms - Psalm 129 is a prayer for the continuing withering of Israel's enemies and verse 4 likely represents a celebration from Babylonian captivity - "But the LORD is good; he has cut the cords used by the ungodly to bind me." How about in our lives today?  Has Jesus cut any cords used by the ungodly to bind you?  Are there still some cords being used by the ungodly to bind you?  Will you let Jesus cut those cords?  Will you let Jesus free you from that captivity?  Do you believe that Jesus is good and that he wants to cut the cords that bind you?  Do you believe that Jesus cares for you?

Proverbs - Proverbs 29 verse 20 is fairly well known: "There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking." This a good reminder to think before speaking!  Do you ever speak without thinking?  Is this foolish?  Do you listen more than you speak when you are with others?  Do you speak wisely?  Thoughtfully?  Let us each think as we speak!  And let us not speak incessantly...

YouTube: Today's readings in Revelation 2:2 and Psalm 129 remind me of the Building 429 song "Always:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi39oAOgJn0

Do you believe Jesus is with you Always?  Click here for Always!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it." Revelation 2:17 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray for ears to hear. Pray for victory. Pray that you will receive a white stone with a new name written on it. Pray for the gift of hidden manna.

Comments from you:  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. 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!

December 9th One Year Bible Readings

Joel 1:1-3:21 ~ Revelation 1:1-20 ~ Psalm 128:1-6 ~ Proverbs 29:18
~ 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 we start and finish the book of Joel!  The book is basically about locusts.  :)  Well, okay, more than that.  This book was written by pretty much an unknown author.  There are 12 other Joel's mentioned in the Old Testament, and none are thought to be this book's author.  Joel's name means "The Lord is God" or "Yahweh is God."  Not a bad name eh!  This name is actually the reverse of Elijah - "God is Lord/Yahweh".   Different commentators estimate that this book was probably written between the 8th and 5th centuries B.C.  And, yes, since you know I like images on this blog, will you please indulge me in one locust swarm picture? :)

~ Joel ~
Author: Joel
Date: Ninth century B.C.
Content: This beautifully written book uses a plague of locusts to describe symbolically God’s coming judgment on Jerusalem. Just as locusts devour the land, so will the enemy armies devour Jerusalem unless the nation repents of its sins. If the people do respond, there will be a time of prosperity and a return of God’s favor. God’s favor is seen as going beyond the immediate future to a time when God would pour out his Holy Spirit upon all flesh. The New Testament sees this as being fulfilled at Pentecost.
Theme: Joel’s message is one of coming judgment if Jerusalem does not repent. Just as surely as the locusts strip the trees bar, so will God strip bare the land. Joel also speaks of coming prosperity, and final blessing, if the people respond in faith. (Above commentary is from “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 15-16)  A wonderful commentary on the book of Joel by Hampton Keathley IV is at this link.  Below is an image of Joel prophesying when Israel had just been struck by two plagues - locusts and drought - from a 14th century illuminated Bible:

Joel chapter 2 verse 13 stood out to me in today's readings: "Don't tear your clothing in your grief; instead, tear your hearts. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful. He is not easily angered. He is filled with kindness and is eager not to punish you." I like that - tear your hearts.  One of my favorite musicians, David Wilcox, often talks and sings about hearts not working right - until they are broken.  I think he's actually preaching the Gospel message with this thinking.   When we finally get to the point of surrendering our lives to Jesus, we come with broken-open hearts.  Hearts that have been torn.  We've given up our pride.  We're reading for God to fill our hearts instead.  And as this verse tells us - God is gracious and merciful.  Has your heart been torn for God?

Joel chapter 2 verses 28-32 are amazing!  ""Then after I have poured out my rains again, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions. In those days, I will pour out my Spirit even on servants, men and women alike. I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth--blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon will turn bloodred before that great and terrible day of the LORD arrives. And anyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. There will be people on Mount Zion in Jerusalem who escape, just as the LORD has said. These will be among the survivors whom the LORD has called."  I didn't realize until recently that these verses were quoted by Peter on the day of Pentecost - seven weeks after Jesus' resurrection - in the book of Acts.  Check out the similarities at this link, Acts Chapter 2 verses 16-21.  Back to Joel chapter 2 verse 29: "In those days, I will pour out my Spirit even on servants, men and women alike."  We are in those days...  Has God's Spirit been poured out upon you?  Into your heart?

New Testament - Today we start the book of Revelation!  I have to confess that I have been a bit nervous about blogging through the book of Revelation.  But here goes nothing!  :)   Revelation has been called "The Revelation of John", but really this book is "The Revelation of Jesus Christ".   It is believed that the apostle John wrote this book.  He also wrote the Gospel of John and the letters of First, Second, and Third John.  There was some dispute about the apostle John writing this book in the third century by a bishop named Dionysius - as he thought the writing style of this book was so different from the Gospel of John & his letters.   But most do believe that the apostle John did indeed write the book of Revelation on the Island of Patmos, off the coast of Ephesus, or modern-day Turkey.  It is said that one of the major purposes of this book, written in circa 95 A.D., was to encourage Christians to resist the Roman empire's demands of emperor worship. The other important thing to note is the Revelation is apocalyptic literature, which means that its writing is highly symbolic.  Below is artwork of John on Patmos writing the book of Revelation:

There are basically 4 lines of thinking on how to interpret the book of Revelation, which I think are helpful to consider before diving into this book.  I am editing these comments below from bible.org at this link: Please check out this link for more details on these 4 points below and the book of Revelation overall - these comments were edited on bible.org from M. C. Tenney, Interpreting Revelation.

"(1) The preterist approach believes that “Revelation is simply a sketch of the conditions of the empire in the first century.”

(2) The historicist view (or continuous-historicist view) “contends that Revelation is a symbolic presentation of the entire course of the history of the church from the close of the first century to the end of time.”

(3) The futurist approach usually argues that “all of the visions from Revelation 4:1 to the end of the book are yet to be fulfilled in the period immediately preceding and following the second advent of Christ.”

(4) In the idealist approach, “the Revelation represents the eternal conflict of good and evil which persists in every age, although here it may have particular application to the period of the church.”"

Into the readings today... Chapter 1 verse 8 certainly stands out in today's readings, as we hear from Jesus himself: ""I am the Alpha and the Omega--the beginning and the end," says the Lord God. "I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come, the Almighty One."  I like that - the Alpha & Omega.  The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.  Jesus is the beginning and end of all things.  Jesus is God.

 

In verses 17 & 18 today we hear this similar theme from Jesus again to John: "Don't be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one who died. Look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave."  It is awesome that Jesus uses the term Living One here.  This is very similar to Old Testament verses we hear about God being a Living God.  Jesus is also truly Living today in our lives.  Do you believe Jesus is the Alpha & Omega?  The Living One?

 

Psalms - Psalm 128 verse 1 stands out today: "How happy are those who fear the LORD-- all who follow his ways!" Do you think it is possible to be happy and to fear God at the same time?  Do you believe a healthy fear of God is, well, healthy?  Why would we fear God - God who loves us immensely?  What is this Psalmist saying to us today in our lives?

Proverbs - It is very interesting that Proverbs 29 verse 18 may help answer these questions immediately above: "When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is happy."  Do you see parallels to this Proverb and the Psalm verse above?  Are you accepting divine guidance in your life?  Are you happy?

Worship God: Revelation chapter 1 verse 8 in today's readings reminds me of the fantastic song by Mark Harris called "One True God:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xuTmGRYFqM

Do you know the One true God?  Click here and meet the One!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "'I am the Alpha and the Omega,' says the Lord God, 'who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.'" Revelation 1:8 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you know that Jesus is your Alpha and Omega. Pray today and every day, Come Lord Jesus, Come!

Comments from you:  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. 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!