One Year Bible Blog

June 2nd One Year Bible Readings

2 Samuel 19:11-20:13 ~ John 21:1-25 ~ Psalm 120:1-7 ~ Proverbs 16:16-17
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on One Year Bible Online Audio, ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Today is a great day of readings in Second Samuel!  David returns to Jerusalem!  I love the entire flow of today's readings as David crosses the Jordan River toward Jerusalem and shows incredible kindness to Shimei, Mephibosheth, and Barzillai along the way.  However, don't forget the name Shimei just yet - the "rock thrower & curser" when David fled Jerusalem a few chapters back...  On David's deathbed, later in our readings in First Kings 2:9, David will pass along to his son Solomon these instructions: "Bring his (Shimei's) gray head down to the grave in blood..."  But, this day was not a day of bloodshed, but a day of amnesty, as David exclaimed in 2 Samuel 19:22 today: "This is not a day for execution but for celebration! I am once again the king of Israel!" An image of Mephibosheth, Saul's grandson, meeting David on his return to Jerusalem is below:

In Second Samuel chapter 20 today we read about the revolt of Sheba from the tribe of Benjamin.  Zondervan's commentary today points out that an important thing to keep in mind here is that tribal jealousy still was brewing over the transfer of the kingship from Benjamin (Saul's tribe) to Judah (David's tribe).  Sheba appeals to the Israelite suspicion that David favored his own tribe over the other tribes.  As this chapter progresses Joab again shows his true colors by murdering Amasa.  I'm beginning to wonder about Joab...  he's ruthless.  I suppose as being the commander of the army for so long, this was his "job" to be ruthless?  Let me know your thoughts on Joab in the Comments section below.  Ramona, thanks for the comment in yesterday's readings saying "Joab operated out of Justice with no Love."  Great point!  In Amasa's case, Amasa was part of the rebellion against David led by Absalom, so again here Joab is acting out "Justice"... (and certainly no Love...) I wonder if we ever fall into this trap in our lives today as well?  Operate in an unbalanced way showing nothing but Justice, and yet no Love?  Or, on the other hand do we sometimes operate with just Love, and no Justice?  Should we be operating with a balance of Love and Justice?  Or should one (Love or Justice) outweigh the other in our life?  Below is a stained glass window showing Joab killing Amasa while pretending to greet him:

Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Samuel readings today titled "David's Return to Jerusalem" is at this link.

New Testament - John 21 is one of my favorite chapters of the Bible in so many ways!  In some ways it is because of a beautiful modern day book written by the late Henri Nouwen titled "In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership", which is based on this chapter and Jesus asking Peter 3 times if he loves him.  Has anyone else read this book by Nouwen?  If so, please post up reviews in the Comments section below.  I know I make a lot of book recommendations on this blog over the course of a year, but if there is just 1 book you read based on my recommendations (other than the One Year Bible of course :), "In the Name of Jesus" by Henri Nouwen would be the book.  In this book Henri writes about the end of his life ministry where he is a spiritual director at a L'Arche Daybreak community in Toronto, working amongst mentally handicapped.  It is so incredible to read about how Henri learns from what the world would see as "the least of these" and how Henri realizes in his Christian ministry throughout his life he's been fighting 3 temptations:
1. the temptation to be relevant.
2. the temptation to be spectacular.
3. the temptation to be powerful.
I could go on and on about this book, but the last thing I will say is that it is so beautiful how Henri ties his learnings in this book to Jesus and Peter's Q & A here in John 21. If you serve in any way, shape, or form in Christian ministry (or even if you don't :), please pick this book up.  You will be blessed by it immensely!

Okay, back to the Bible.  :)  Below is an image of the risen Jesus from today's readings by the Sea of Galilee (Tiberias is the same Sea, just another name for it) by artist William Hole:

One of my absolute favorite red letter quotes from Jesus in the Gospels arrives today in John 21.  Verse 12: ""Now come and have some breakfast!" Jesus said."  There is something about the simplicity and beauty and every-day-ness of this command from Jesus to the 7 disciples that I just absolutely love!  Can you image Jesus saying this to you?  Can you imagine Jesus making breakfast for you on the beach?  In the words of the famous Mercy Me song, "I can only imagine..." 

Okay, now onto the big question probably for many of us from today's readings is why did Jesus ask Peter 3 times if he loved him?  Many commentaries call these passages "the reinstatement of Peter" - meaning that he was reinstated as the rock / confessor of the foundation of Jesus' church based on Matthew 16:16.  And that he needed this reinstatement after denying knowing the Lord 3 times before his crucifixion (and the then rooster crowing, as we know...).  Interestingly, Tyndale's One Year Bible Companion has the following suggestions on the original Greek used when John wrote about this Q & A exchange between Jesus and Peter:  "Two different Greek words are used for "love." The first two times the word agapo, which means devoted love, is used.  When Peter refuses to use the same word, Jesus turns to the word phileo, which indicates the love of friendship.  Peter accepts this word and admits that he loves Jesus in this way.  Peter was humbler now than earlier in his life, and was making no claim to superior love (see John 13:36-37)."  In verse 18 Jesus says to Peter: "The truth is, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked and go wherever you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will direct you and take you where you don't want to go."  The early church understood this as a prophecy of crucifixion.  Peter would be a martyr and tradition suggests that he was crucified upside down.  Below is a beautiful stained glass image of this exchange between Peter and Jesus in today's readings:

Okay, I realize this has been a long post today... but the last thing I want to point out is that I love Jesus' response to Peter when Peter asks about what will happen to John and Jesus says this is verse 22: "Jesus replied, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You follow me."  I think this is a great word from Jesus to both you and me today as well!  How often do we worry about others and their relationship with the Lord?  How often do we perhaps think that we are so saved, and "they" are so not...?  Or how often do we wonder why someone seems like they are so blessed, and perhaps we think that we are not?  Well, what does Jesus say to all of this to you and me today?  I believe he would say the same words from verse 22:  "What is that to you? You follow me."   Indeed, let us not worry so very much about others.  But let us worry instead about ourselves simply following Jesus! 

Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "What is this thing called Love?" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 120 is the beginning of 15 Psalms known as "songs of ascent!"  This could mean the ascent of the stairs to the Temple in Jerusalem - or more likely the annual religious pilgrimages and the ascent to Mount Zion in Jerusalem.   Are you ready for the next 15 Psalms of Ascent?

Verse 1 in this Psalm should be encouraging to each of us: "I took my troubles to the LORD; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer."  Do you have troubles in your life?  Have you brought them to God in prayer?  Will you?  Will you allow him to answer your prayer?

Proverbs - Proverbs 16:16 today teaches us: "How much better to get wisdom than gold, and understanding than silver!"  Do you believe this Proverb to be true?  How do you spend the majority of your time in your life - pursuing wisdom & understanding or pursuing money?  What are some ways in your life you can spend more time pursuing wisdom & understanding and less time pursuing money?

YouTube: Today's readings in Psalm 120:1 remind me of the song "What if His People Prayed" by Casting Crowns:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF-lXgjEHo0

Are you praying to Jesus?  Click here and Pray!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!." Proverbs 16:16 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are seeking wisdom in your life. Pray that gaining wisdom is a higher priority to you than gaining money. Pray that you are growing more like Jesus each day, the author and perfecter of wisdom!

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What are your thoughts on our readings in John today with Jesus asking Peter 3 times if he loved him?  Why do you think this was asked of Peter 3 times?  Was this a "reinstatement" of Peter?  What are your thoughts overall on this closing chapter of John today?  (Acts begins tomorrow!! :)  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. 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!

June 1st One Year Bible Readings

2 Samuel 18:1-19:10 ~ John 20:1-31 ~ Psalm 119:153-176 ~ Proverbs 16:14-15
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on One Year Bible Online Audio, ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Wow.  Intense readings today.  As could be expected from Absalom's pursuit of his ego and pride the past few chapters, his sin catches up with him.  One commentary had the interesting point that Absalom's "pretty head & long hair" (as you'll recall from 2 Samuel 14:25-26) ironically ended up being his undoing as his long hair got caught up in a tree.  This seems very symbolic of how pride and ego can be it's own undoing.  This image I think it sums up well where unchecked pride and ego can ultimately lead...

Well, Absalom did incorporate some long term ingenuity in his pride & ego - like the Egyptian Pharaoh's of old, Absalom decided to make sure he built a monument to himself! as we read about in verse 18 today: "During his lifetime, Absalom had built a monument to himself in the King's Valley, for he had said, "I have no son to carry on my name." He named the monument after himself, and it is known as Absalom's Monument to this day."  Below is an image of Absalom's Monument (Pillar) -

While on one hand I do appreciate David's grace and love for his son Absalom, I have to say that I really do appreciate Joab's boldness & wisdom in rebuking David in verses 5 through 8: "We saved your life today and the lives of your sons, your daughters, and your wives and concubines. Yet you act like this, making us feel ashamed, as though we had done something wrong. You seem to love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that we mean nothing to you. If Absalom had lived and all of us had died, you would be pleased. Now go out there and congratulate the troops, for I swear by the LORD that if you don't, not a single one of them will remain here tonight. Then you will be worse off than you have ever been."  That is quite a speech by Joab to David!  And I believe he was right.  David's love for his son was admirable in one sense - but it also could be seen as selfish in another sense.  David seemed to care more for his son than for the nation of Israel, and Joab called him out on this.  It is interesting how sometimes our love for one person can cloud everything else going on in our lives.  Love for one person is a beautiful thing.  But it seems that we should also be cognizant of others around us too - and love them.  And sometimes, like David, we may need to realize that there is a greater good - a greater love - than the singular love we have been focusing on.  This is not easy to discern of course...   hopefully this makes some sort of sense or doesn't sound too harsh?  Below is a portrait by artist Guy Rowe of David mourning for his son Absalom with Joab in the background giving his speech in the verses above:

Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Samuel readings titled "The Darkest Days of David's Life" is at this link.

New Testament - Today we read about Jesus' glorious resurrection! Verse 18 is awesome - "Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, "I have seen the Lord!""

Tyndale's One Year Bible Companion gives a great list today of the order of Jesus' 11 appearances after his resurrection:
1. Mary Magdalene and the other women
2. the disciples on the road to Emmaus
3. Peter
4. the ten disciples in the upper room
5. the eleven in the upper room with Thomas present (Below is an oil painting by Carravaggio from the year 1601 titled "The Incredulity of Saint Thomas")
6. the disciples at the Sea of Tiberius
7. the eleven on a mountain in Galilee
8. five hundred of the brethren
9. James
10. all of the apostles
11. those present when he ascended into heaven

Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "The Burial and Resurrection" is at this link and "On Seeing and Believing" is at this link.

Psalms - We finish Psalm 119 today...  :(  I am sad.  I loved reading through this Psalm again!  For some reason it meant so much to me these past few days.  I pray this Psalm has been good for you as well this go round.  I think the last 3 verses of this Psalm are worth us camping out on here for a moment.  In verses 174, 175 & 176 the author of Psalm 119 closes out the Psalm with what I think is a prayer and a confession all in one - "O LORD, I have longed for your salvation, and your law is my delight. Let me live so I can praise you, and may your laws sustain me. I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands."  Wow... not a bad prayer and confession, eh?  Is God's Word your delight?  Do you wish to live so you can praise God?  Does His Word sustain you?

Proverbs - Proverbs 16:15 today is nice: "When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a gentle rain."  What else in our life today refreshes like a gentle rain?  When a baby smiles at you?  When you smile at someone else?  When someone else smiles at you when you're having a rough day?  Let us be like gentle rain for each other!

Worship God - Today's readings in John about Thomas' doubts reminded me of the FFH song "Come Undone." Here's a great live version of this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCLLNcWO6fo

Have you come undone?  Click here and become undone!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." John 20:21-22 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have received the Holy Spirit. Pray that you will allow Jesus to send you. Pray that you know Jesus' peace that surpasses all understanding.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What is your reaction to David's grief over his son Absalom today?  Why do you think he grieved so much?  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. 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!

May 31st One Year Bible Readings

2 Samuel 17:1-29 ~ John 19:23-42 ~ Psalm 119:129-152 ~ Proverbs 16:12-13
~ 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 - Interesting readings in Second Samuel today!  The dynamics between Ahithophel's advice and Hushai's advice is fascinating. Hushai plays smartly to Absalom's ego and insecurity with the advice he gives. Ahithophel seems to realize that he's lost his status in Absalom's kingdom - and I wonder if maybe perhaps Ahithophel realized this kingdom of Absalom's would soon fall?  And thus decided to kill himself?  It was probably more of an ego / pride / status thing though that played into Ahithophel's tragic decision.  Ahithophel, a betrayer of David, ended up taking his life in the same manner Judas, the betrayer of Jesus, does.  (Not to be morbid here, but just fyi that there are 7 suicides documented in the Bible - you can view this list of 7 on bible.org at this link.)  It does make me very sad to read about suicide, even in the case of Ahithophel or Judas.  I know obviously suicide happens still in our world today at alarming rates, which makes me incredibly sad.  I just feel like all of us can have some serious down times in our life and maybe sometimes feel like just giving it up completely.  I pray that if ever we really do get that down in our life, that we always remember there is redemption.  There is hope.  There is love.  There is forgiveness.  There is Jesus.  No matter what we've done or what we've failed to do, let us not every give up on the everlasting hope that is Jesus in our lives.  Jesus saves.  Jesus even saves us from ourselves.

For some reason the readings today about Hushai trying to get a message to David reminded me of the 1st Lord of the Rings movie when Frodo & crew are leaving the Shire and traveling on foot trying to avoid the wraiths.  Maybe it was Ahimaaz and Jonathan hiding in the well that triggered this for me.  Seems like hiding in the well is something Frodo & crew would have done!  :)

Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Samuel readings titled "The Darkest Days of David's Life" is at this link.

New Testament - I read an interesting commentary on John 19 verse 25: "Standing near the cross were Jesus' mother, and his mother's sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene."  Zondervan's commentary says that Mary Magdalene appears in the crucifixion and resurrection narratives of all four Gospels, but outside of these narratives we only read about her in Luke 8:2-3.  It is interesting to note that these are the only places in the Gospels where we find Mary Magdalene - though crucially important places in the Gospels!  Below is an oak painting by an unknown artist from Cologne, Germany from the year 1465 titled "Christ on the Cross with Mary, John and Mary Magdalene":

It is amazing to read about the actions of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two secret followers of Jesus on the Jewish council, in verses 38 through 40 - "Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take Jesus' body down. When Pilate gave him permission, he came and took the body away. Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night, also came, bringing about seventy-five pounds of embalming ointment made from myrrh and aloes. Together they wrapped Jesus' body in a long linen cloth with the spices, as is the Jewish custom of burial."  That is a beautiful scene - these 2 men.  They were risking much to do this.  They were risking this for Jesus.  What about you and me?  Would we have taken this type of risk back then?  Would we take this type of risk even today?  What might be a risk - for Jesus - that we could take but that we are not taking today?  Below is an image of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus carrying Jesus' body into the tomb:

Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "The Crucifixion" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 119 is continuing with its amazing verses about God's holy Word, the Bible, and how it can transform our lives.   Verse 138 is just one more small example from this incredible Psalm - "Your decrees are perfect; they are entirely worthy of our trust."  Do you believe that God's Word, the Bible, is perfect?  Is it entirely worthy of our trust?  Would you consider the Bible to be a perfect book of counsel for your life?

I love verse 130, which I used to have at the top of this blog in the NIV translation:  "The unfolding of your words gives light..." Do you believe this is true?  Does reading God's Word, the Bible, bring light into your life?  If you did not read God's Word would you be in darkness?

Proverbs - Proverbs 16:13 today teaches us: "The king is pleased with righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly."  This Proverb reminds me of a worship song we sing in my church on occasion that goes:  "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight."  Which, now that I type this I realize is Psalm 19:14.  How are the words of your mouth these days?  Are your lips righteous?  Is speaking honestly pleasing to your King?  Today, who is your King?  Is your king yourself?  Is your king Jesus?

YouTube - Today's readings in Psalm 119 reminded me of Donnie McClurkin's song "Holy Holy Holy:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfwf79E81Ac

Do you want to be holy? Click here for Holiness!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." Psalm 119:130 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will unfold, or read & study, God's Word every day of your life. Pray that you will gain understanding and wisdom from your daily study of God's Word. Pray that you will teach others God's Word.

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. 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!

May 30th One Year Bible Readings

2 Samuel 15:23-16:23 ~ John 18:25-19:22 ~ Psalm 119:113-128 ~ Proverbs 16:10-11
~ 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 have more sad readings today in Second Samuel!  However, it is impressive to see David's countenance in the midst of all of the chaos going on around him.  I love David's words in verses 10 through 12 when Shimei is cursing David: "If the LORD has told him to curse me, who am I to stop him? My own son is trying to kill me. Shouldn't this relative of Saul have even more reason to do so? Leave him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to do it. And perhaps the LORD will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses."  That is incredible faith and humility!  David says first that perhaps God has told Shimei to curse him, so why try to stop it.  Then at the end David basically says if God has not told Shimei to curse him, then perhaps David will be blessed by God because of these wrongful curses.  Great stuff!  How do you act in your life today if someone is cursing you or wronging you?  Do you act like David does here?  With patience and wisdom?  Or, do you "react" with anger and spite?  Which is the better way to go?  Below is a powerful image for 2 Samuel 15:23 today: "There was deep sadness throughout the land as the king and his followers passed by. They crossed the Kidron Valley and then went out toward the wilderness."

At the end of today's readings we read about Ahithophel advising Absalom to sleep with David's concubines.  To sleep with a king's wives or concubines was to make a claim to the throne.  It is sad to read about this advice to commit a horrible act that is "beyond hope of reconciliation", as verse 21 says in today's readings.  I read a commentary that said Ahithophel advises Absalom to do this horrible act so that all of Israel will hear about it.  Well, Absalom is in such a deep state of sin and wickedness at this point that he wanted Israel to also see that he was commiting this sin by setting the tent up on the palace roof.  It is striking to me to see David's humility toward Shimei's curses in today's readings versus Absalom's complete pride and rebellion.  See what unchecked sin can do in a life?  Do you think Absalom knew he was going the Wrong Way?  Or was he blinded by sin?  In a couple of days we'll read about where the Wrong Way leads Absalom...

Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Samuel readings titled "A Friend in Need or the Trail of Tears" is at this link.

New Testament - Today in John chapter 18 verse 38 we come across what many say is the most ironic question asked in all of history, as Jesus stands before Pilate: ""What is truth?" Pilate asked."  Why is this ironic?  Because Pilate asks what is truth, when Truth is standing right before him!  Jesus is Truth!  And Pilate couldn't see it.  Below is a painting from 1890 by Russian artist Nikolay Gay titled "Quod Est Veritas?" Christ and Pilate. This is a fascinating painting!  At first glance I do not like it at all, because Jesus is painted so darkly.  But, maybe that's the point of this painting. Pilate is asking What is Truth? - and he cannot see the very Truth right before him! Wow. . .  think there are people in our world today who see Jesus so dimly, like Pilate does in this painting?  I pray you and I see Jesus much more clearly, and much more as the Light! What is truth. This is a question that is still asked today of you and me.  What is truth?  Who is truth?

In chapter 19 verse 17 today we read: "Carrying the cross by himself, Jesus went to the place called Skull Hill (in Hebrew, Golgotha)."   I'm sure you've probably heard the term "Calvary" used for this hill as well.  Note that Calvary came from the Latin word calvaria, which means a skull.  In the past I used to get confused as to why sometimes I'd hear this hill called Calvary or Skull Hill or Golgotha.  It's all the same place, just different "translations" of a horribly sad place... 

Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "Jesus before Pilate: Part I" is at this link and "Part II" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 119 verse 114 is beautiful a beautiful reflection on our relationship with God and his Word, the Bible - "You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my only source of hope."  This ties in so well with the reflections on false teachers above.  The Bible is clearly a refuge and shield from false teaching!  Is God's Word your only source of hope?  And remember, Jesus is the very Word made flesh, so Jesus would clearly be your only source of hope too, if the Word truly is.  Let us take refuge in God's Word each day of our lives!

Verse 127 today is powerful - "Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold."  I think this is something each of us needs to ask ourselves.  Do we love God's commands - his Word - the Bible - more than we love any and all material possessions?  Do we value the Bible above all the money this world could ever offer us?  This is an important decision to make... I pray we realize the eternal worth of God's commands compared to the passing and transitory nature of "even the finest gold."  Let us always remember the great peril of ignoring God's Word and instead chasing after the world's "fool's gold..."

Proverbs - Proverbs 16 verse 11 is important for each of us to keep in mind in our daily work lives - "The LORD demands fairness in every business deal; he sets the standard."  God cares about our work.  He cares about our business deals.  He knows if we are conducting our work fairly or not.  If we are not fair in our business deals - if we are cheating our employer of our full and diligent work during our hours worked - then we are sinning.  God sets the standard.  Work fairly and honestly as if you were working for God as your boss.  Because, truly, you are working for God in all that you do.  No matter where you work. Like this image below, work each and every day as if you have a halo and keep that halo going strong!!  :)

Worship God: Today's readings in John & Psalm 119 remind me of the song "How Great Thou Art," sung here live by Donnie McClurkin:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxSqm6OpwKA

Is your soul singing "How Great Thou Art?" Click here and Sing!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." "What is truth?" Pilate asked." John 18:37-38 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you realize Jesus is Truth. Pray that Jesus is your King. Pray that you are listening, trusting, and obeying Jesus.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Do you believe that God cares about your work?  Every single detail of your work?  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. 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!

May 29th One Year Bible Readings

2 Samuel 14:1-15:22 ~ John 18:1-24 ~ Psalm 119:97-112 ~ Proverbs 16:8-9
~ 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 - Well..  this is a tough couple of chapters to read today!  On one hand we see David showing much grace to Absalom and meanwhile Absalom is plotting to rebel against his father and then does so!  At first glance it makes me wonder what on earth was David thinking?  Why did he bring Absalom back to Jerusalem?  But, I believe David was doing the right thing.  Absalom was his son.  David was trying to restore that relationship.  I think about this with people in my life who have maybe "stung" me in some way.  On the one hand I want to write them off - believing that they will sting me again.  And maybe they will...  but, I don't think writing people off is healthy ultimately for me and I don't think it is the right thing to do.  I think showing grace, forgiveness and compassion is the right thing to do.  I think David did this - and then he wisely got out of town when he realized Absalom was up to no good!  So, he didn't completely let Absalom walk all over him.  He still used wisdom.  I don't know...  this is a tough couple of chapters.  What do you think?  Did David do the right thing by bringing Absalom back to Jerusalem?  Do you see any parallels in your life where someone has stung you - and then perhaps stung you again?  Was it still maybe the right thing to do to show them grace and forgiveness?  And maybe even to do so again?  Below is twentieth century Russian painter Marc Chagall's "David and Absalom" from today's readings in 2 Samuel 14:33 - "So Joab came to the king, and told him; and when he called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom."

Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Samuel readings titled "Absalom" is at this link.

New Testament - Sad to see this parallel... David was betrayed by Absalom in today's readings and Jesus was betrayed by Judas...  David kissed Absalom, his betrayer.  Judas kissed Jesus to betray Him.  Seems that betrayal has been a part of our human condition for maybe all time?  Well, since the Fall to be sure, which is pretty much all time for us humans...  (you'll recall just after the Fall Cain murdered Abel - yet another betrayal... )  Do betrayals continue today?  Why do you think this is?  What can free us from betraying each other?  Or should I ask Whom can free us from betraying each other?  Below is the nineteenth century "The Judas Kiss" by French artist Gustave Dore:

Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "Jesus, Lord at Thy Death" is at this link and "Did Jesus take the Fifth Amendment?" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 119 verse 105 is one of my favorite verses in the Bible! "Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path." Do you believe God's Word, the Bible, is a lamp for your feet?  A light for your path?  To help put this in perspective - without God's Word, the Bible, is it possible that we would have no lamp for our feet?   No light for our paths?  That we'd essentially be groping in the darkness without God's Word, the Bible?

Verse 111 wow...  "Your decrees are my treasure; they are truly my heart's delight."  What is your treasure?  Where is your treasure?  Is God's Word, the Bible, truly your heart's delight?

Proverbs - Proverbs 16 verse 9 is one of those seemingly simple Proverbs, that I think has a lot more depth to it than first glance: "We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps."  Do you think this is true?  We make our plans - but God determines our steps.  Do you see this to be true in your own life?  Have you made plans before, but then seen your steps somehow be guided in perhaps a different direction - perhaps a more godly direction?  And then do you realize that it was God determining your steps?  I have experienced this in my life - thankfully.  I have made some interesting (i.e. bad) plans in my life in the past - and probably am still making some bad plans even today.  But, I am trying to pray regularly to God to "lead me."  I want God to determine my steps - and truly, I want God to determine my plans as well.  But, if God's plan is not immediately clear for my life, I do believe he gives wisdom to discern direction - and then ultimately I believe God will determine our steps.  Thank goodness!

YouTube: Psalm 119:105 reminds me of the song "Thy Word is a Lamp," sung here by Michael W. Smith & Amy Grant:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSZlIVP9u0Y

Is God's Word a lamp unto your feet? Click here for the Light of the World!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105 KJV

Prayer Point: Pray that the Bible is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path. Pray that you know that the Bible is the Word of God.

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

God bless,
Mike

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!