One Year Bible Blog

March 7th One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 8:1-9:23 ~ Mark 13:14-37 ~ Psalm 50:1-23 ~ Proverbs 10:29-30
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or ESV.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or Daily Audio Bible ~

Old Testament - Today in Numbers chapter 8 we read about the dedication of the Levites and in Numbers chapter 9 we read about the Second Passover:

In chapter 9 we read about the fiery cloud over the tabernacle!  Verses 22 & 23 stood out to me in today's readings: "Whether the cloud stayed above the Tabernacle for two days, a month, or a year, the people of Israel stayed in camp and did not move on. But as soon as it lifted, they broke camp and moved on. So they camped or traveled at the LORD's command, and they did whatever the LORD told them through Moses."  Below is an incredible image of the Israelites' camp at rest:

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

New Testament - In Mark chapter 13 today we read about the signs of the end of the age. For me personally, Jesus’ words in verses 32 & 33 have always been so powerful when it comes to end-times considerations – “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” I think this teaching from Jesus is so important for each of us to keep in mind. No one knows the day or the hour of the end of times. Only God the Father. I have some friends who are very into speculating and discussing end-times prophecies and events. For me personally, these verses above make me realize that we truly do not know when the end of time will come – but, yes, we know it will come. And therefore I believe we should live every day loving God and loving people around us – and not get so focused on speculation of end times that we forget about these 2 great commandments. . .  :) My other thought on these verses is this – not only do we not know when the end of the age will come, but we do not know when the end of each of our lives will come. Hopefully we will live long lives. But it’s not guaranteed. You know how life is – there is cancer and there are accidents and the list could go on. So, I guess I’d recommend this – don’t worry about when the end of the age will be. Don’t worry about when the end of your life will be. Instead, be on guard and be alert each and every day to make sure you are loving God and loving people – as if each day might be your last day.

Psalms - Psalm 50 verses 14 & 15 are beautiful words from God to Israel - "What I want instead is your true thanks to God; I want you to fulfill your vows to the Most High. Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory." Do you believe these words can apply to us today as well?  Are you giving true thanks to God each day?  Are you trusting in God in your times of trouble?  Are you giving God glory for all that he has done for you?  How often do you say "thank you" to God?  Below is a great image for verse 1 from Psalm 50 today:

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 10 verse 29 teaches us today: "The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous."  This is a great teaching that those who trust in God are covered with a hedge of protection.  Thank God for this protection!  I know I need it.  And I believe that God oftentimes protects us in ways that we do not even consciously realize...  As we pray in the Lord's prayer - "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."  Amen.

Worship Video: Today's readings in Mark about Jesus' Second Coming reminds me of the FFH song "One of these Days:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHdSgQVIb5c

Are you prepared for Jesus' Second Coming? Click here and be prepared for that Day!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens." Mark 13:26-27 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are looking forward to the day of Jesus' return. Pray "Come, Lord Jesus, quickly come."

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on my reflections above on Mark 13:32-33, I am reminded of something I read on another Christian blog recently and it really did make me think. Here’s how this blog put it, and I think this relates well to these Mark verses – “Breaking News: mortality rate is STILL 100%! You are not guaranteed all the days you believe you have coming to you. What would you do differently if today was your last day alive?”  Powerful question for each of us to consider, no?  What would you do differently if today was your last day alive?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

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

March 6th One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 6:1-7:89 ~ Mark 12:38-13:13 ~ Psalm 49:1-20 ~ Proverbs 10:27-28
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or ESV.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or Daily Audio Bible ~

Old Testament - Today in Numbers chapter 6 we read about the Nazirite laws!  The Nazirite vows could be taken for as little as 30 days or as long as a lifetime.  It was voluntary - except parents could take the vow for their children, making them Nazirites for life.  Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist are all thought to have been Nazirites for life.  Below is a painting by C.E. Brock of Samson and the lion from Judges 14:6 -

Today in Numbers chapter 6 verses 22-27 we will read the well known “Aaronic Blessing”, which I’ve underlined in the verses (and is in the image below) – “The LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." "So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them."” How does this blessing speak to you today? Have you heard this blessing prayed aloud before? Can you imagine this ancient blessing that has been prayed innumerable times in history being prayed over you today? Take a few moments to really meditate upon the 3 sections of the blessing. Do you notice that each section begins with God’s name? Do you believe that God can indeed bless you and keep you (favor & protect you)? That he can indeed make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you (be pleased & be merciful and compassionate to you)? And do you believe that God can indeed turn his face toward you and give you peace (give approval & peace to you)? It is also of note that this blessing “put God’s name on the Israelites and they were blessed.” Do you believe that God’s name is upon you today? Do you want God’s name to be upon you today?

Chapter 7 is the longest chapter in the book of Numbers, and certainly an amazing one.  It is awesome to read about the presentation of offerings for the dedication of the altar over 12 days.  At the end of this chapter we read in verse 89: "Whenever Moses went into the Tabernacle to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the Ark's cover--the place of atonement--that rests on the Ark of the Covenant. The LORD spoke to him from there."

New Testament - In Mark chapter 12 verses 41 through 43 today we read the powerful narrative of the Widow's Mite - "Jesus went over to the collection box in the Temple and sat and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two pennies. He called his disciples to him and said, "I assure you, this poor widow has given more than all the others have given. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.""  How does this narrative speak to you?  When it comes to your time, treasure, and talents, do you give to God out of your surplus?  Or do you give to God all that you have?  What should we learn today from the widow about giving?

Psalms - Psalm 49 verses 1-3 are a fantastic teaching that the Word of God, the Bible, is for everyone, no matter what our lots in life may be - "Listen to this, all you people! Pay attention, everyone in the world! High and low, rich and poor--listen! For my words are wise, and my thoughts are filled with insight." Are you listening today?  Are you paying attention to the wise words and insights of the Bible?  Are you truly studying the Bible and then applying the Bible's teachings to your life?  Then, verse 15 in this Psalm is beautiful: "But as for me, God will redeem my life.  He will snatch me from the power of death."  How about for you?  Will God redeem your life?  Like the parable of the lost sheep that we read about in Luke 15:3-7, has Jesus saved you from being snatched from the power of death?

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 10 verse 27 teaches us - "Fear of the LORD lengthens one's life, but the years of the wicked are cut short." Below is a great image for Proverbs 10:28 from today's readings:

Worship Video: Based on reading the Aaronic blessing today in Numbers, here's the blessing sung as a duet.  Beautiful!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQNZs7preGw

Has the Lord blessed you? Click here to be kept forever!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: ""The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that God will bless you and keep you. Pray that Jesus will give you peace. Pray Numbers 6:24-46 for your family and neighbors today.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on Proverbs 10:27 above, do you agree that the fear of the Lord lengthens your life?  Why or why not?  Do you think fear of the Lord is a good thing?  Why or why not?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

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

March 5th One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 4:1-5:31 ~ Mark 12:18-37 ~ Psalm 48:1-14 ~ Proverbs 10:26
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or ESV.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or Daily Audio Bible ~

Old Testament - Today in Numbers chapter 4 we read about the duties of the Kohathites, Gershonites and the Merarites!  Reading this chapter reminded me of the church where I used to work - where we had to set up and tear down the sanctuary each Sunday, because we were holding services in a rented community center building.  And truly, most Sundays my days felt like verse 31 and the Merarites: ""Their duties at the Tabernacle will consist of carrying loads."  But, even though this task of carrying loads back then and today may seem "menial" at first glance, the task was of utmost importance for the community's worship!  So, I hope this chapter can be an encouragement to you if at times you feel like you are simply "carrying loads" at your church - keep in mind it is a holy task that the Merarites faithfully conducted before you in the time of Moses!

New Testament - I have heard Jesus' teaching about the 2 greatest commandments in Mark chapter 12 verses 29-31 summarized as simply Love God & Love People:  "Jesus replied, "The most important commandment is this: `Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' The second is equally important: `Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these.""

Here is a very interesting note about Jesus' quote above from Deuteronomy 6:4 that starts '"Hear, O Israel!" - This verse begins what is known as the Shema - which was named after the first word in this verse and means "Hear."  The Shema became the Jewish confession of faith, which was recited by pious Jews every morning and evening and it is still recited in synagogue services today.  More very interesting information about The Shema from a Jewish website is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 48 is a celebratory Psalm of Mount Zion in Jerusalem, as verse 8 reads:  "We had heard of the city's glory, but now we have seen it ourselves- the city of the LORD Almighty. It is the city of our God; he will make it safe forever."

I like verse 10 a lot in this Psalm: "As your name deserves, O God, you will be praised to the ends of the earth."  I have had the good fortune to travel many places on this planet, and I will admit that it always encourages me to no end when I see God being praised and worshiped in other cultures.  I always try to visit churches wherever I travel on Sundays, and I love seeing how different cultures worship God.  One of the most memorable experiences was in the Dominican Republic in a very impoverished community.  I honestly don't know that I have ever seen a congregation worship God so wholeheartedly than I did that day in the DR.  It was beautiful.  The other thing I am reminded of when traveling is that when we are in relationship with Jesus, God is always with us no matter where we go.  When we're 35,000 feet above the ground in an airplane, God is with us.  When we're in the middle of nowhere that has no church - God is with us.  So, no matter where we go, if God is with us, we have the opportunity to praise God's name to the ends of the earth!  Even if you're traveling to some far off locale where no one else around you would praise God, will you?

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 10 verse 26 teaches us: "Lazy people are a pain to their employer. They are like smoke in the eyes or vinegar that sets the teeth on edge."  I think this gives each of us a chance to reflect upon how diligently we work for our employers.  I think about this a lot.  I know there are friends of mine that surf the net at work or send personal emails or play video games.  I suppose some of this is okay, if you really are counting it as "break time" and not letting it eat into the actual hours you are supposed to be working.  I would simply say that I think this is a very slippery slope for each of us - wasting time at work on personal stuff or games on the computers.  I pray that each of us are so diligent to not start down this slope at work...  and if we are on this slope already, to get off of it immediately!   Actually, while I'm going on this tangent, I'll keep going...  :)  A friend of mine once gave me some very wise advice.  He was in a job that he really didn't like.  He knew he wouldn't be there long, and he was looking for other jobs - outside of work time.  But, when he was at this job he was still giving it 100% - he was working hard.  I asked him why he was working so hard if he knew he was leaving soon.  He simply said to me, "Mike, if you pick up bad habits in one job, let me guarantee you that you are going to carry forward those bad habits to your next job.  Don't kid yourself and think that you can turn those bad habits off overnight.  You can't.  I don't want to carry forward any bad habits when I land my dream job."  Wow... what amazing wisdom from my friend here!  I also kind of wonder that if we have bad habits at work, if they will also carry over into our personal lives?  I think they might... I think we'd all do well to meditate on this Proverb and ask ourselves are we really working an honest day's work each and every day for our employer?

Worship Video: Today's readings in Mark today about the Shema reminded me of this singing of the Shema in both Hebrew and English:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKIcvrMm8S8

Do you love the Lord your God? Click here and love Him forevermore!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: ""The most important commandment," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:29-31 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will love God today with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. Pray that you will love your neighbor as much as you love yourself. Pray that God would show you today who your neighbor is and that you will love them.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on my reflections in the OT, have you ever had volunteer duties at your church that were less than glamorous duties?  :)  Do you think that maybe these duties were actually very glamorous to God, even if they weren't glamorous to the world?  Do you make it a habit of volunteering at your church regularly?  What are some volunteer things you do for your church to help "carry the load" of your church's ministry?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike

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

March 4th One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 2:1-3:51 ~ Mark 11:27-12:17 ~ Psalm 47:1-9 ~ Proverbs 10:24-25
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or ESV.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or Daily Audio Bible ~

Old Testament - Today in Numbers chapter 2 we read about the organization of Israel's camp!  For some reason I really like these types of chapters - chapters where we get what may seem at first glance to be "just a bunch of details" and maybe we even ask occasionally, "what's the point?"  For me, the details are the point!  I don't know about you, but I'll confess this here and now on the blog - I'm a bit of a packrat.  :)  Seriously.  And not only that - but I have seasons of crazy disorganization in my house and in my life.  And I of course remember the old adage, "cleanliness is next to godliness...."  :)  And yes, I guess I can at times feel guilty about my disorganization.  But, for some odd reason just this past few weeks I've been on an organization kick.  The homestead has been getting a serious cleaning.  I'm getting rid of stuff that I really really don't need to keep.  And then I read chapters like this in Numbers, and I realize that God is a God of order.  He likes things organized.  And I think we as followers of God do well when we get things organized in our lives too - our housekeeping, our finances, how we spend our time, etc.  Now, don't hear me say that you should be obsessive compulsive about order... :)  But...  I am seeing amazing benefits in my life of being organized.  A good overview of the camp in Numbers chapter 2 is in this image below:

New Testament - In Mark chapter 12 we read Jesus’ profound Parable of the Tenants, which exposes the planned attempt on Jesus’ life. At the end of the parable Jesus quotes from Psalm 118 verses 22 & 23 when he says in Mark chapter 12 verse 10: “Haven't you read this scripture: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”” I have heard some awesome sermons on this verse – about how our Christian lives should be based upon and aligned with the true foundational Cornerstone – and that cornerstone being Jesus Christ. Do you believe that Jesus is the cornerstone of Christianity? Is Jesus the cornerstone of your life? Do you align your life with Jesus’ teachings? Do you live your life based on being in alignment with the true Cornerstone – the only Cornerstone – Jesus? Will you pray to Jesus that He will be your Cornerstone now and forever?

Today we also read about Jesus' teaching of giving Caesar what belongs to him, and I came across this very cool image below, which shows a silver denarius coin that was from Jesus' era with Tiberius Caesar's image & name stamped on it.  The wording on this coin below reads from right to left: "TI (BERIUS) CAESAR DIVI AUG (GUSTI) F (ILIUS) AUGUSTUS" - which reads translated: "Tiberius Caesar, august son of the deified Augustus". Jesus could have been holding such a coin as below when he said in verses 15 through 17 - "Show me a Roman coin..." When they handed it to him, he asked, "Whose picture and title are stamped on it?" "Caesar's," they replied. "Well, then," Jesus said, "give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God." This reply completely amazed them."

Commentary on our Mark chapter 11 & 12 readings today are at bible.org at this link and at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 47 is an awesome Psalm!  I can almost hear and feel music and a drum beat as I read this Psalm today!  This Psalm was used in later Jewish synagogue liturgies for Rosh Hashanah, the New Year Festival.  This Psalm has also been used by the Christian church in the Celebration of Jesus' ascension, in particular with emphases on verse 5 - "God has ascended with a mighty shout. The LORD has ascended with trumpets blaring."  Do you hear and feel the music as you read this Psalm?  Verse 1 sets the stage so very well for verse 2 in the image below - "Come, everyone, and clap your hands for joy! Shout to God with joyful praise!"

Proverbs - Proverbs 10 verse 25 is a verse for each of us to meditate upon a bit - "Disaster strikes like a cyclone, whirling the wicked away, but the godly have a lasting foundation."  Do you have a lasting foundation?  Do you have a Cornerstone?

Below is an image from Proverbs 10:24 in today's readings:

Worship God: Today's readings in Mark reminded me of the song "Cornerstone" sung here by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjSQa2q94PU

Is Jesus your Cornerstone? Click here and meet the Cornerstone!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." Mark 12:17 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you would give your heart, mind, soul and strength to God today, and not to worldly things.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on my OT reflections today, are there any other closet packrats out there that will fess up in the Comments section below??  :) Or any former packrats / disorganized folks that can give us some advice in the Comments below on how you got orderly?  Do you think that God is a God of order?  Should we be a people of order?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike

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

March 3rd One Year Bible Readings

Leviticus 27:14-Numbers 1:54 ~ Mark 11:1-26 ~ Psalm 46:1-11 ~ Proverbs 10:23
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or ESV.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or Daily Audio Bible ~

Old Testament - Today we wrap up Leviticus and transition into Numbers!  Congratulations on staying the course through the book of Leviticus!  Have you Learned to Love Leviticus this past month??  :)  Commentary on Leviticus chapter 27 by Bob Deffinbaugh titled "The Value of a Vow" is at bible.org at this link.   Numbers is an amazing book! I encourage you to reflect on words “Obedience” and “Disobedience” as we read through the book of Numbers. We’ll read much about both of these words in this book. And – I think as we read about both Moses’ and the Israelites Obedience and Disobedience, we will see many parallels in our own lives today. We have an opportunity with the book of Numbers to reflect upon where we have been both Obedient and Disobedient to God in our lives. We also have the opportunity to reflect upon the fruits and blessings of Obedience and the consequences of Disobedience – in Moses’, the Israelites, and our lives today. I hope you are ready to experience the book of Numbers!

~The Book of Numbers~
Author: Moses
Date: 1420 or 1220 B.C.
Content: This book deals with the journey of Israel from Mt. Sinai to the edge of Canaan and the Israelites’ preparation to enter the Promised Land. Because of sin and unbelief, however, they were not allowed by God to claim their inheritance but were condemned to wander in the wilderness for forty years. After the forty years they slowly made their way back to Canaan – this time ready to obey God’s commands. After winning some important battles to the east of the Jordan River, the Israelites prepared for the entrance into the land itself.
Theme: The book shows the continual faithfulness of God and the unbelievable sin of man. Israel rejected God but God remained true to his word, in leading the people through the wilderness and providing for their needs. In the New Testament the Christian life is likened to a wandering in the wilderness with the promise of a heavenly Canaan before us. (Above commentary is from “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 2-3) Excellent commentary on the Book of Numbers is at this link.

Today in Numbers chapter 1 verse 1 we read: “The LORD spoke to Moses in the Tent of Meeting in the Desert of Sinai on the first day of the second month of the second year after the Israelites came out of Egypt.” You’ll definitely notice as we read through the book of Numbers that God speaks to Moses, and through Moses to Israel. This fact is stated over 150 times and in more than 20 different ways in the book of Numbers – all the way from this first verse above until the very last verse of Numbers in chapter 36 verse 13 – “These are the commands and regulations the LORD gave through Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho.” The Israelites were dependent on Moses at that time to hear from God. How do you hear from God in your life today? Do you believe that you are hearing from God as you read the Bible? Do you believe that you can hear from God during times of prayer? Do you believe that today you can hear from God through your faith in Jesus and in your participation in the body of Christ, the church? Are you hearing from God today? Do you want to hear from God today?

New Testament - Today in Mark chapter 11 we read about Jesus' Triumphal entry in Jerusalem!  This entry is an important transition point in Jesus' ministry, in large part because it is the last week of Jesus' life, which inaugurates Passion Week.  But also because Jesus' ministry will now be focused in the confines of Jerusalem, the Holy City.  Jesus' triumphal entry is a deliberate Messianic action and the clue to its understanding is found in Zechariah chapter 9 verse 9: "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." Hosanna in the highest!  (Hosanna is a Hebrew expression meaning “Save!” which became an exclamation of praise).  Commentary on Mark chapter 11 readings for today by Bob Deffinbaugh titled "The Triumphal Tragedy" is at bible.org at this link. 

Today we read in verse 17: "Jesus taught them, "The Scriptures declare, `My Temple will be called a place of prayer for all nations,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves.""

Below is a great image for Mark 11:25 in today's readings:

Psalms - Today we read Psalm 46, which is an incredible Psalm! This Psalm represents a song of hope celebrating the certain triumph of God’s kingdom – even in the midst of times of severe trouble. This Psalm served as the inspiration for Martin Luther’s famous Hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” Just after 9/11 I saw emails and posts on the internet floating around with the entirety of this Psalm. I would encourage you to keep this Psalm in your “back-pocket” as a Psalm to meditate upon whenever you personally might be going through times of severe trouble – or whenever our world might be going through times of severe trouble. Near the end of Psalm 46 in verse 10 we read a tiny little verse that I think is the key to this Psalm – “Be still, and know that I am God.” If you are going through a time of trouble in your life right now, will you take some time to meditate upon Psalm 46 and in particular verse 10? 

Proverbs - Today in Proverbs chapter 10 verse 23 we read: “Doing wrong is fun for a fool, while wise conduct is a pleasure to the wise.” This is one of those convicting Proverbs for me, as I have found myself on both sides of this coin. In my past, I’ve had fun in doing wrong. And in recent years I have found wise conduct to be a pleasure. As I’ve walked along the Way of following Jesus, I do know that I’m spending more time than ever enjoying wise conduct – thanks to the grace of God. However, this Proverb still makes me really examine how I am living my life today. Have I really stopped finding pleasure in doing wrong? Are there still some subtle ways perhaps that I am having fun doing wrong? Am I still acting foolishly at times? How about you? How does this Proverb speak to you? Have you found yourself on both sides of this coin? What does wise conduct look like to you in your life today? Will you seek to live a life of wise conduct? I believe we cannot live this life of wise conduct solely on our strength. Will you pray unceasingly to God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit to give you the grace and strength to live a life of wise conduct?

Worship Video: Based on my Psalm 46 reflections above, here's Steve Green in 1987 singing an incredible acapella version of Martin Luther's "A Mighty Fortress is our God:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRJHKzU_t1M

Is God your mighty fortress? Click here and be strengthened!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will be still today. Pray that you will seek God in the stillness. Pray that you will know without a doubt that Jesus is God.

Comments from You & Question of the Day - Back to Psalm 46 verse 10 - “Be still, and know that I am God.”  What does it mean to you to “Be still, and know that I am God?” Do you believe that being still during times of trouble can draw you closer to God? Will you be still today before God? In this stillness will you seek to know that He is indeed God? Even in the midst of whatever might be troubling you, will you seek to know that I AM is your God?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike

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