One Year Bible Blog

October 23rd One Year Bible Readings

Jeremiah 42:1-44:23 ~ 2 Timothy 2:1-21 ~ Psalm 92:1-93:5 ~ Proverbs 26:3-5
~ 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 - The three Jeremiah chapters today are quite eventful!  It is intriguing that the Israelites ask Jeremiah for a message from God - and that whatever they hear back they will do and obey. But then they don't obey! Are we like this at times... ?  We promise promise promise God that we'll listen & change...  but then do we?  If you are going through struggles in your life today will you call out to God?  Do you trust that He will answer in His own unique and perfect way and timing?  And then will you trust and obey?

Jeremiah chapter 42 gives a good overview of the day's readings, with these closing 2 verses in this chapter from Jeremiah: "And today I have told you exactly what he said, but you will not obey the LORD your God any better now than you have in the past. So you can be sure that you will die from war, famine, and disease in Egypt, where you insist on going." Jeremiah delivered the message from God... but knew that the message would go unheeded.

Chapter 43 reminds me that when we are disobedient to God's will that our disobedience can affect not only ourselves, but others around us too. Mind you, Egypt was not a "house of the holy" - but the Israelites disobedience is going to bring destruction to themselves and Egypt. They're carrying their disobedience and curse on to others.  Jeremiah 43's verses 9 & 10 stood out: ""While the people of Judah are watching, bury large rocks between the pavement stones at the entrance of Pharaoh's palace here in Tahpanhes. I will surely bring my servant Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, here to Egypt." Interesting that God calls Nebuchadnezzar his "servant". Would God have said this about the Israelites at this time? Called them his servants?

Chapter 44 is a great reminder of why it's a bad idea to pursue idols in our life instead of God! Verse 7 asks "Why are you destroying yourselves?" I love this verse. Why are we destroying ourselves? We bring upon self-abuse, self-destruction, when we pursue things that are not of God. Think about it. They may bring a quick temporary pleasure, but in the long run are they building us up or destroying us? Why are we destroying ourselves?

New Testament - 2 Timothy 2, verse 9 has a great verse for us One Year Bible readers! :) "But the word of God cannot be chained." Amen!  Well, I suppose in theory one individual Bible could be chained (as you sadly see below), but not all Bibles.  God's living and active Word overall cannot be chained!

2 Tim 2 is a great chapter today... just jam packed with wisdom. Verse 4 stands out: "And as Christ's soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army." How often do we become tied up in affairs of this life.... ? Every day? Every hour? More often than that... ? If we are constantly "distracted" by the affairs of this life, do we lose sight of Jesus? Do we distract ourselves so much so that we can't serve Jesus well?

Verse 21 is a great closing verse today: "If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for his purpose. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." Will you keep yourself pure?  Have you ever realized that you are indeed a utensil for God's use?  :)

Psalms - Today in Psalm 92 verse 4 we read a joyful verse! “For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.” When was the last time you reflected upon God’s deeds? When was the last time you reflected upon God’s work of his hands? Do you think this might be a good daily habit? Do God’s deeds make you glad? Do you sing for joy regularly for the work of God's hands?

Bible.org's commentary on Psalm 92 titled "Worship - Our Delight and Our Duty" is at this link.

Proverbs - In Proverbs 26 today I think we have a catch-22! Someone correct me if I'm wrong here in verses 4 & 5 - "When arguing with fools, don't answer their foolish arguments, or you will become as foolish as they are. When arguing with fools, be sure to answer their foolish arguments, or they will become wise in their own estimation."  So do we not answer their foolish arguments.... or do we? :) I can see the wisdom in both verses in different circumstances... Let me know what you think on this one in the Comments below!

Worship God:  The wisdom of so many verses in Second Timothy chapter 2 today reminded me yet again of the power of the Gospel to transform our lives.  The power of Jesus to transform our lives!  And so, I'm reminded of Brandon Heath's popular song "I'm Not Who I Was."  I'm not sure if you've seen this video set to this song, but do yourself a favor and watch it all the way through.  It is a grace filled song with a grace filled video to go along with it!  Are you who you were?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrGfA6y9fNI

Are you who you want to be?  Click here to say "I'm Not Who I Was"!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly." 2 Timothy 2:16 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you will avoid godless chatter in your life. Pray that you will not indulge in gossip. Pray that you won't become ungodly by allowing godless chatter to infect your life in any way, shape or form.

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

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

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

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

October 22nd One Year Bible Readings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Love here for you?  Click here for Love!

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

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

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

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

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

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

October 21st One Year Bible Readings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

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

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

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

October 20th One Year Bible Readings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

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

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

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

October 19th One Year Bible Readings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

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

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

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