One Year Bible Blog

October 17th One Year Bible Readings

Jeremiah 30:1-31:26 ~ 1 Timothy 2:1-15 ~ Psalm 87:1-7 ~ Proverbs 25:18-19
~ 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 - Wow. These two chapters in Jeremiah today are the most hopeful we've read yet in the book of Jeremiah! These chapters give so much joy to my heart to read them, as the promises of deliverance and hope of restoration are given by God!  In Jeremiah chapter 31 verses 15 through 17 today we read - "This is what the LORD says: "A cry of anguish is heard in Ramah--mourning and weeping unrestrained. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted--for her children are dead." But now the LORD says, "Do not weep any longer, for I will reward you. Your children will come back to you from the distant land of the enemy. There is hope for your future," says the LORD. "Your children will come again to their own land."

Did you notice verse 15 above is also in the New Testament?  It is quoted in Matthew chapter 2 verse 18 based on Herod's orders to murder all of the male infants being a fulfillment of this verse.  Here's verses 16 through 18 in Matthew chapter 2:  "When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."  I almost hesitate to share this image below of the slaughter of "The Holy Innocents" by the Florentine painter and architect Giotto di Bondone from the year 1304, but I think this artwork does capture the full weight of the tragedy of Herod's orders and the horrible manner in which this verse in Jeremiah was fulfilled:

Jeremiah 31:18 gives a great example of the true relationship we can have with God - "I have heard Israel saying, `You disciplined me severely, but I deserved it. I was like a calf that needed to be trained for the yoke and plow. Turn me again to you and restore me, for you alone are the Lord my God." Israel was finally beginning to repent and return to God. I know the word "discipline" can maybe be a tough one for us - we've probably all experienced some unjust discipline. I pray that you can see that God's discipline for us is ultimately very loving - training us, turning us, restoring us. If you feel that God is disciplining you in your life right now, will you let him? So that he can train you, turn you, restore you?

I love the last verse in Jeremiah's readings today! 31:26 - "At this, I woke up and looked around. My sleep had been very sweet." Very sweet readings in Jeremiah today indeed!  When is the last time you've had sweet sleep?  Do you think sweet sleep is a gift from God? 

New Testament - 1 Timothy 2 starts of with yet another reminder to pray for others... I love and need this type of reminder in verses 1 and 2... often! "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God's mercy upon them, and give thanks. Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity." This is powerful. Pray for all people. Make requests for them. Plead God's mercy upon them. Give thanks. Pray for those leading our government. I think these verses are very appropriate during a time of local and national elections coming up. Pray for all of the candidates. Make requests for them. Plead God's mercy upon them. Give thanks.  Pray.

The other thing these opening two verses remind me of is to "Pray the News." I think often times we read about all of the bad news in the world and maybe feel a bit helpless or hopeless in the midst of it all. However, I strongly believe that God has blessed us with the ability to "Pray the News." Pray for earthquake victims, the people starving and dying in other parts of the world, the person who was in a car crash in your town, etc. etc. Pray for them. Make requests for them. Plead God's mercy upon them. Give thanks.  Will you join me in "Praying the News" each day?

I realize that Paul's instructions for women in today's readings can be controversial.  This is one of those days that if you have the Tyndale Publishers One Year Bible Companion to please read the 3 questions & answers for today.  All 3 relate to these instructions of Paul's.  Basically, the instructions for women in today's readings can either be interpreted as being: 1. historically conditioned - instructions just for the women of the church in Ephesus at that time and place or 2. universal and timeless instructions.  Honestly, different Christian denominations interpret these verses different ways - but probably along one of the two lines above for the most part.  The One Year Bible Companion does a great job of going down these 2 paths, with some detail placed on why the instructions could be being historically conditioned because of the Ephesian church having a unique case of prevalent false teachings.  Overall, know that Paul did not forbid women from ever teaching or being active in church life.  Priscilla taught Apollos, a great preacher from Acts.  Phoebe worked in the church (see Romans 16:1).  Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Eudia and Syntyche were all women who were the Lord's workers in the New Testament as well (see Romans 16:6, 12 and Philippians 4:2). If you want to dive into further study on 1 Timothy 2:15 today: "But women will be saved through childbearing..." please check out an in depth look at this verse on bible.org at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 87 is a celebration of Jerusalem as the City of God, as we read in verse 3 - "O city of God, what glorious things are said of you!"  As we continue to read through the One Year Bible this year it is amazing to reflect upon how much focus there is on Jerusalem as the city of God.  Truly, so many of the Psalms glorify Jerusalem, often as a foreshadowing of the Heavenly City of God.  Indeed, as this verse suggests, many glorious things are said of Jerusalem in the Bible!

Proverbs - Proverbs 25:18 today teaches us of the danger of spreading lies about others!  This indeed can indeed be "as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow." How are you doing in your life today of not engaging in telling lies about others?  Do you see how this can be as harmful as hitting someone with an ax?

Pray the News:  Okay, here's the spot on the blog where I typically post up a five minute video from a contemporary Christian artist.  Well, today I hope you don't mind me doing something a lot different, which relates to the Pray the News comments above.  I actually just today came across the entire documentary for "Invisible Children" online, which was posted up by the documentary makers.  This is an incredibly powerful 55 minute documentary recorded in 2003 about the child abductions / child soldiers in Northern Uganda.  I highly encourage you to watch this documentary if you haven't yet!!  A brief overview of the documentary is: "In the spring of 2003, three young Americans traveled to Africa in search of a story. What they found was a tragedy that disgusted and inspired them. A story where children are weapons and children are the victims. The "Invisible Children: rough cut" film exposes the effects of a 20 year-long war on the children of Northern Uganda. These children live in fear of abduction by rebel soldiers, and are being forced to fight as a part of violent army. See this film, you will be forever changed." There have been some improvements to the situation since 2003.  Learn the latest on the Invisible Children's website: https://www.invisiblechildren.com/  Note that the first 10 minutes of the documentary can be a bit slow or silly with the guys, but it really picks up the pace and the story at 10 minutes!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUKsyA_z7n8

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." Jeremiah 31:25 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray for rest, in the Lord. Pray for satisfaction, in the Lord. Pray you will not seek rest or satisfaction apart from the Lord.

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 16th One Year Bible Readings

Jeremiah 28:1-29:32 ~ 1 Timothy 1:1-20 ~ Psalm 86:1-17 ~ Proverbs 25:17
~ 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 - In our Jeremiah readings today we get two different declarations of how long the exile to Babylon will last - 2 years versus 70 years!  Just a slight difference...  Of course we simply need to look at which of the declarations are coming from a false prophet (Hananiah, 2 yrs) versus a true prophet of God's (Jeremiah, 70 yrs).  Biblical scholars debate the exact dates of when this 70 years of captivity in Babylon took place: 1)  605 to 538 B.C. would cover the first deportation until the arrival of the first exiles back in Jerusalem.  2) 586 to 516 B.C. would cover the time between the destruction of the temple and its rebuilding.  3) Some believe the number 70 was an approximate number meant to signify a lifetime.

Jeremiah chapter 28 has a good lesson for us in the false prophet Hananiah. I think we need to be careful when we use words like, "God says", or "this is God's will", or "I know God will do x, y, and z." Hananiah was using words like this... and he may have really thought this to be true... but he was wrong big-time. And paid a big price. I'm thinking in our lives it might be better to say, "God-willing, this hopefully will happen..." or "I believe God is leading me this way. I pray I'm right" - and then be prepared to adjust if we realize it wasn't quite the right way. I'm sure most of us are seeking God's will for our lives. We maybe should be cautious on making declarative statements on precisely what God's will is for our lives?   Let us instead simply try to follow God's lead in our life each and every day and trust that his lead will take us where he wants us to go.

Jeremiah 29:8-9 today tells us: "The Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says, "Do not let the prophets and mediums who are there in Babylon trick you. Do not listen to their dreams because they prophesy lies in my name. I have not sent them," says the Lord."  My thought on these verses is that often times I think that we too are tricked by lies that the world is often selling us. "Money, Power, Status, Sex-Appeal, etc. etc. are things to be strived for above all else" are the type of things that I think we often hear. But, are these True? Or are they tricks - are they lies? Will you find emptiness or happiness in what the world is selling you? Where can you find True happiness and peace? I think these questions are answered for us today in verses 11-13: "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me."  Are you looking for God in earnest?  If you've found God, are you following Him alone and not the tricksters of this world?  Do you believe that God has a beautiful plan for you and your life?  A plan much better than any plan you could dream up on your own?

New Testament - This week we begin Paul’s first and second letters to Timothy! These are very powerful letters to read because Paul wrote them toward the end of his life. Paul’s second letter to Timothy was likely the last letter he ever wrote. Some call this letter Paul’s “last will and testament.” Please pay close attention to Paul’s teachings in these letters this next week. We cannot hear the teachings in these letters often enough!

~ First Timothy ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Uncertain
Date: A.D. 64
Content: This letter was written by Paul near the end of his life and he addressed it to his associate Timothy, whom he had left in Ephesus to correct some problems in the church. By this time problems had arisen concerning doctrine, church practice, church government, and various aspects of Christian living. Paul wrote to instruct Timothy concerning these matters so that the church would function properly. He also wrote to encourage Timothy so that he would not become weary in his Christian life, but would live wholly to the glory of God. There are some specific regulations given for the ordination of church officers as well.
Theme: The importance of right belief and right behavior form the theme of this book. Paul stresses that we must know the truth and defend it against the false doctrines that arise. We must also be very careful to live lives that are consistent with the truth so that Satan will not get an advantage over the people of God. The importance of dedicated and pure-hearted men to lead the church is also stressed. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 29)  Below is an image of Timothy receiving from a messenger one of Paul's letters to him:

First and Second Timothy and Titus are considered to be "The Pastoral Letters" because they provide instruction about the care of churches.  We have some powerful teachings from Paul today in First Timothy chapter 1.  One very interesting thing to note is that Paul uses the clause "This is a trustworthy saying" in verse 15.  What's interesting about this is that this clause is found nowhere else in the New Testament except for its use 5 times in the Pastoral Letters to identify an important teaching.  So, here is the important teaching in verse 15: "This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"" What do you think about this teaching?  So simple a teaching at first glance, and yet of course so profound in it's meaning!  I like how Paul starts off this letter to Timothy with a lot of humility.

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Timothy chapter 1 titled “Critical Concerns for Pastoral Ministry” is at this link.

Check out this great video overview of 1st Timothy from The Bible Project:

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

Psalms - Wow. Today in Psalm 86 we read an amazingly wise prayer of David to God in verse 11 – “Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name.” How do you think this verse works as a prayer? Can you imagine praying it to God? Do you want God to teach you his way? Do you want to walk in God’s Truth? What does it mean to you to have an undivided heart? It is possible that your heart is now divided in some way? Will you pray to God for an undivided heart? What does it mean to fear God’s name? Why would David pray to fear God’s name? I read an interesting commentary on this verse saying that David is wisely praying for God to save him from his frailty within himself. Oftentimes in the Psalms we will read about David praying for God to deliver him from his enemies. In this verse David is praying for deliverance from what is within. This is a critical point to consider. I think sometimes we always look toward “external” circumstances as the cause of all of our problems. When perhaps we need to look at some “internal” things going on inside of us as causes of some of our problems? And in realizing that there are some internal things that need to be fixed, perhaps we can humbly pray Psalm 86 verse 11 like David did thousands of years ago?  “Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name.”

Proverbs - Proverbs 25:17 is a great one! "Don't visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome."  This kind of reminds me of the old adage: "fish and friends go bad after 3 days..."  :)

Worship God:  The great news of Jeremiah 29:11 reminded me of the great Christian movie called "Facing the Giants." Have you seen this movie yet?  My wife and I just watched it for the first time a couple of weeks ago on DVD and loved it.  It's made by the same folks that made the movie "Fireproof."  Here's a trailer for it, below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xneiV7Ru6Q

Are you facing the giants in your life?  Click here and face the giants!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving that the Lord knows His plans that He has for you! Pray in thanksgiving that the Lord plans to prosper you and to give you a hope and a future, through your saving faith as 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 15th One Year Bible Readings

Jeremiah 26:1-27 ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 ~ Psalm 85:1-13 ~ Proverbs 25:16
~ 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 Jeremiah 26 we are reminded again how tough it is to be a prophet - the people of Judah want to kill him!  It is an interesting series of events with the courts and priests. It reminds me of some ways of Jesus and his last hours. Except that Jeremiah of course gets reprieved. However, at the end of the chapter we hear about the prophet Uriah and he was not so fortunate. He was chased into Egypt (interesting escape into Egypt parallel w/ Christ's early life), captured and killed. The lesson for us in this chapter 26 may be this - when we are confronted with a call to repent from sins, do we?  Or do we rage back and accuse the accuser of sins?  Do we repent or do we deny?  Do we return to the Lord?

Jeremiah Chapter 27 seems to be a chapter of "obedience" to me. Jeremiah is called once again to be obedient to preach - and to wear an ox yoke this time!  And the people of Judah are called to be obedient to the Babylonian conquest. Let it happen. Be exiled. And eventually you will return. Fight this call to obedience - and you will die. I know obedience is not a very popular term in our culture today. But, I do think it is still so relevant to our relationship with God. In what area of your life is God calling you to be obedient? Will you be obedient?  Below is a portrait by Guy Rowe of Jeremiah's obedience of wearing a yoke from today's readings:

New Testament - Second Thessalonians chapter 3 is a nice closing chapter to this 2nd letter of Paul's! The first few verses remind us of the need to pray. Pray for those doing the Lord's work! How are you doing in praying for your pastors, your church, other ministries you support?

Paul then goes into an exhortation for proper living. These verses remind me of the importance of work in our lives. We are not called to be blissful aesthetics - but called to work. Paul worked hard during his time of ministry. He was at times a "tentmaker" - making a living during the day and preaching and conducting ministry in the evenings and weekends. How are you doing with work these days? Are you giving your all, your 100% for the hours you are at work?  No matter where you are working - are you working as if you were working for God?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Second Thessalonians chapter 3 titled "Final Exhortations Regarding Idleness in the Church" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 85 is awesome today!  So many great verses... I love verse 8 - "I listen carefully to what God the LORD is saying, for he speaks peace to his people, his faithful ones. But let them not return to their foolish ways."   I like that thought - God speaks peace to his people.  Are we listening carefully to what God is saying?  Are we receiving his peace into our hearts?   And so importantly - are we not returning to our foolish ways?  Verse 6 reminds me of the Jeremy Camp tune "Revive Me", which is an amazing tune - "Won't you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you?"   Do you need God to revive you?  Will you pray for revival?

Proverbs - Today in Proverbs 25 verse 16 we read – “If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit.”  This is a great teaching about not eating junk food!  :) Well, a little bit is okay on occasion – but not too much!  Seriously, I do think we should be mindful of what we are eating.  There are so many studies out there that show that so many of us are not eating well.  We are eating way too much “honey.”  I simply pray that each of us realizes that our body is a temple that is indwelled by the Holy Spirit.  We should not worship our bodies.  But we should not neglect them either.  Let us care for our bodies so that we may serve God and serve others for a long time in this life.  God has so many great things for you to do in this life – please eat healthy and exercise regularly so that he can work through you fully and for a good length of time!  I think the culture sells us junk food – just like it sells us sexual immorality or materialism.  These things might seem appealing on the surface initially – but give them too much attention and they can literally kill you.  Leave the junk food alone.  Eat God’s good food that is good for you!  How are your eating habits these days?  How is your exercise life?  Is God calling you to improve in either your eating habits or your exercise habits?   Why might it be a very good idea to improve your eating habits or exercise habits?  Will you do so?  Today?

Worship God:  I mention Jeremy Camp's song "Revive Me" in the Psalm 85 reflection above.  Unfortunately I couldn't find Jeremy performing that song on YouTube.  However, I did find a video for his song "I'll Take You Back," which I think works well for the call to repentance from our readings in Jeremiah today.  This song also reminds me of Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son!

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

Have you allowed God to take you back?  Click here and be taken back!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "If you find honey, eat just enough — too much of it, and you will vomit." Proverbs 25:16 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray for healthy eating habits in your life. Pray that you don't eat too many sweets. Pray that you realize your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and that you are disciplined and loving as to what goes into your body. Pray for strength and energy for each day to complete the work the Lord has given you to do.

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 14th One Year Bible Readings

Jeremiah 23:21-25:38 ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 ~ Psalm 84:1-12 ~ Proverbs 25:15
~ 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 23 continues on from yesterday's readings with the problems of false prophets. Verses 21 & 22 really stood out to today: "I have not sent these prophets, yet they claim to speak for me. I have given them no message, yet they prophesy. If they had listened to me, they would have spoken my words and turned my people from their evil ways."  I think the key word in these verses above is "listen". The false prophets' problems all started because they were not listening to God. How well do we listen to God today?  Think we should slow down our lives a bit and create some time and space to listen?  When we pray - are we speaking or listening more?   Let us have ears to listen!  :)

Verse 29 is a great one! "Does not my word burn like fire?" asks the Lord. "Is it not like a mighty hammer that smashes rock to pieces?" In your life today does God's Word burn like fire?  In your life today is God's Word like a mighty hammer that smashes rock to pieces?

 

Jeremiah Chapter 24 and the good and bad figs is interesting. It's interesting in that the captives that end up in Babylon are the good figs - and those that stay behind in Judah & Jerusalem are the bad. You might think the opposite would be true. But, it seems that the 70 years of captivity coming up in Babylon will be a "refining" process for those Israelites, and will bring them back closer to God, before returning to the land.  In verse 1 we read: "After King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon exiled Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, to Babylon along with the princes of Judah and all the skilled craftsmen, the LORD gave me this vision. I saw two baskets of figs placed in front of the LORD's Temple in Jerusalem."

Jeremiah Chapter 25 is the bit of a tough read at first.  I would certainly like to study more of the theology on the "cup of the Lord's anger."  The best I can tell is that the land was so full of sin & rejection of God, that the cup of anger and the coming judgment was the only option for God.  My thought is that God showed graciousness time and time and time again - and was ignored, and things got worse. So, keep in mind that God didn't just go ballistic here in Chapter 25 - it was a long time coming and I think a lot of grace & mercy & compassion was shown for a long time - but eventually this had to happen.  Actually, this does remind me of a sermon I heard actually last year.  The pastor was preaching from the "feast of the wedding banquet" in Matthew where a king (God) invites his townsfolk to attend the wedding feast for his son (Jesus).  But people refuse the invitation - saying they have to work / they are too busy, etc.  The 2nd time the king extends the invitation, the people even beat up his servants!  Well, the pastor's point in preaching was that God does continue to show us grace and pursue us, but at some point we have to accept the invitation from God!  We have to accept the invitation of faith in his son Jesus.  We have to accept the invitation to repent of our sins.  We have to accept the invitation...  While God will extend his grace and the invitation time and time and time again - he won't do so forever for us if we keep rejecting him.  Israel, leading up to chapter 25, did not accept the invitation from God to repent.  In your life today, are you accepting the invitation from God to repent through faith in his son Jesus?  Do you believe that you have been invited?  Have you accepted the invitation?

New Testament - Second Thessalonians chapter 2 is a good look at the 2nd coming of Jesus. Verse 7 is interesting - "For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way." Seems that this is alluding to sin and the temptation to sin that pursues people in our world today. The lawlessness is at work - secretly - and will remain secret until it comes out in the open in the form of the anti-christ?  Again, I'm not big into end times stuff.  But, clearly, there will come the day of Jesus' return.  And the Bible is preparing believers for what to expect and to know that God is bigger than whatever evil comes in those days.   God is bigger!

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Second Thessalonians chapter 2 titled "Challenges to Believers in View of the Day of the Lord" is at this link.

Psalms - Today in Psalm 84:5 we read: “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.” Where does your strength come from? God? Or your own will-power? Why might it be a good idea to rely on God for your strength rather than yourself? Have you set your heart on a pilgrimage? Is the pilgrimage toward God? Do you think this will be a life-long pilgrimage? Later in this Psalm, verse 10, we read: “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” This is a song many of us have probably sung before at church. What does this verse mean to you? What does one day in God’s courts look like for you? Why would one day in God’s courts be better than one thousand days elsewhere? Do you look forward to spending an eternity in God’s courts? Is your heart on a pilgrimage to God’s courts?

Proverbs - Proverbs 25 verse 15 is a beautiful meditation in the midst of our hussle-bussle world of today - "Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can crush strong opposition."  Basically this Proverb tells us that we don't need to be in a hurry or be loud!  Are you a patient person?  Do you speak softly / humbly?  Well, since I opened up today's post with an image of a cute dog with big ears, mind if I close the post out today with an image of a dog demonstrating patience with a cute kitten?   Thanks...  :)  Do you demonstrate patience regularly like this dog is demonstrating below?

Worship God:  Psalm 84 certainly had me thinking about Matt Redman's fantastic worship song based on this Psalm titled "Better is One Day."  My hunch is that many of you have worshiped to this song in your churches.  Well, I tried to find this song on YouTube with Matt performing it, but couldn't.  Instead I found a version by the hard rock Christian band Kutless.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNNQQGScPS4

Have you entered God's courts? Click here for a better "one day" today!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere." Psalm 84:10 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you are in God's courts today through a saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Pray that you will not return to the courts of the world, which is slavery to sin. Pray that you will remain in God's courts now and forevermore.

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 13th One Year Bible Readings

Jeremiah 22:1-23:20 ~ 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 ~ Psalm 83:1-18 ~ Proverbs 25:11-14
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~ 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 Jeremiah we read about one of the last Old Testament era kings to sit on the throne of David in Judah!  This was King Jehoiachin and God makes it clear that this is one of Judah's last Davidic kings (with Zedekiah being governor/king of Judah briefly subsequently) in chapter 22 verse 30: "This is what the Lord says: ‘Let the record show that this man Jehoiachin was childless. He is a failure, for none of his children will succeed him on the throne of David to rule over Judah.’" Immediately after reading about this king of Judah, Jeremiah 23:1-8 gives us a great Messianic foreshadowing of Jesus, the true and eternal Davidic king! Verses 5 & 6: "For the time is coming," says the Lord, "when I will place a righteous Branch on King David's throne. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land. And this is his name: `The Lord Is Our Righteousness.' In that day Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety." Great stuff! A righteous branch on King David's throne.... rules with wisdom... will do what is just and right throughout the land... Think this is Jesus??

The remaining verses in Jeremiah 23 go after false prophets. I know in reading Jeremiah I've been pondering how hard it would be to be Jeremiah, a prophet with some tough messages.  Well, in this chapter it looks like being a false prophet is really the wrong way to live. If you're gonna be a prophet, make sure you're prophesying the truth... :)   Do you think there are any false prophets in our world today?  Do you avoid listening to the teachings of false prophets in our world today?  (other than if you need to listen to what they say to repudiate it)  Can we sometimes even be false prophets to our own selves and others on occasion?  Who can free us from the lies of false prophets?  (see the image above - not the modern day false prophets image below...)

Other verses that stood out at me today included Jeremiah 22:15-16 - "But a beautiful palace does not make a great king! Why did your father, Josiah, reign so long? Because he was just and right in all his dealings. That is why God blessed him. He made sure that justice and help were given to the poor and needy, and everything went well for him. Isn't that what it means to know me?"  "Isn't that what it means to know me?" Justice and help were given to the poor and needy, and everything went well for him!  Is that what it means to know God?  Do you know God in this way?  Below is a great image for Jeremiah 22:29 from today's readings:

New Testament - Today we begin Paul's second letter to the church in Thessalonica!

~ Second Thessalonians ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Corinth
Date: A.D. 51
Content: Either Paul’s first letter or a forged letter purporting to be from him had disturbed the Thessalonians concerning the second coming of Jesus. Perhaps adding to the confusion was the continued persecution that they were enduring. Paul writes to assure the believers that Jesus will certainly return to comfort the believers and to punish those who are troubling them. He also tells them that the great Day of Judgment (the Day of the Lord) will not take them by surprise but will be preceded by a series of events. In the light of Jesus’ sure return, Christians are to live above reproach.
Theme: Throughout this short letter the promise of God’s victory over evil is stressed. Believers may suffer now, but God has planned comfort and reward for them. For those who refuse to obey God, however, there will be distress and judgment. Paul also stresses the need for living in such a way that God is honored. Some people at Thessalonica may have stopped working because they believed Christ would return soon. This does not honor God and Paul says concerning it, “He who does not work shall not eat.” (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 28-29) A wonderful commentary on Second Thessalonians by J. Hampton Keathley, III, titled “The Struggles and Growth of a Church” is at this link.

Check out this great video overview of 2nd Thessalonians from The Bible Project:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbPBDKOn1cc

 

Paul's encouragement during times of persecution is powerful in chapter 1 verse 5 today:  "But God will use this persecution to show his justice. For he will make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering."  If there is persecution in your life today, I hope this verse is encouraging to you. It reminds me of the old adage - "it builds character." I know this is tough to realize in the midst of persecution - that God is working in the midst of it to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom.  Your suffering is for His Kingdom.  You are not suffering alone.

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Second Thessalonians chapter 1 titled "Commendation and Comfort in the Face of Persecution" is at this link.  Below is a great image for 2 Thessalonians 1:12 from today's readings:

Psalms - Ever feel like the Psalmist in Psalm 83 verse 1 - "O God, don't sit idly by, silent and inactive!"  I think the beauty of the Psalms is seeing some of our human emotions expressed so well.  Considering this verse - I don't think that God is ever sitting idly by, silent or inactive.  I believe God is a Living God who is always with us.  But, perhaps sometimes God's perceived silence in our lives is for a purpose that we may not fully understand now, but will later.  If God seems very "silent" to you now, I would encourage you to pray to God - and really listen in your prayers - don't just speak.   I believe you'll soon hear Him...

Proverbs - The 4 verses in Proverbs today are all spot on. How about the last one today in 25:14: "A person who doesn't give a promised gift is like clouds and wind that don't bring rain." Don't be that person!  Make sure you give promised gifts.  And how about giving unexpected gifts?  Gifts for no particular reason?  When is the last time you surprised someone with a gift out of the blue?  Below is a great image for Proverbs 25:13 from today's readings:

Worship God:  It's been, oh, about 3 days since I've posted up a Casting Crowns video - much too long!  :)  I definitely love their ministry.  Here's the song that started it all for them, "If we are the Body."  I was reminded of this song by Jeremiah 22:16 in today's readings. This is definitely a song worthy of launching a ministry with the powerful lyrics:  "But if we are the Body, why aren't His arms reaching? Why aren't His hands healing? Why aren't His words teaching?  Why is His love not showing them there is a way?  There is a way!"  Jesus is the Way!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYbGMQ5Y3Uo

Are you part of the Body? Click here and learn that there is a Way!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you." 2 Thessalonians 1:6 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray for God's justice in our world today. Pray that you will not take justice into your own hands, but will leave justice to the Lord.

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!