One Year Bible Blog

January 21st One Year Bible Readings

Genesis 42:18-43:34 ~ Matthew 13:47-14:12 ~ Psalm 18:16-36 ~ Proverbs 4:7-10
~ 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 - Hi everyone - I'm a bit short on time today, so here is a brief OT post.  Bible.org's commentary on Genesis chapter 42 titled "The Proper Use of Power" is at this link and commentary on Genesis chapter 43 titled "The fears of Jacob and the tears of Joseph" is at this link.

New Testament - Today in Matthew chapter 13 verse 54 we read about Jesus going to his hometown of Nazareth where he was raised as a child.  Jesus was born in Bethlehem, as we know, but raised in Nazareth, where Mary & Joseph met and married and returned after their flight to Egypt after Jesus' birth.  Below is a NASA photo courtesy of ebibleteacher.com that shows where Nazareth is located in comparison to Bethlehem and Jerusalem:

In verse 57 we read this when Jesus was in Nazareth:  "Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor."" This verse remind me that sometimes when we really move forward in our faith, our friends (“hometown” from the verse above) and our relatives can sometimes not understand what is going on with us. I think there are phases of our walk with God where really it becomes very personal – between us and God – and through that process God will transform us. And our friends and relatives sometimes may not appreciate our change for various reasons – just as Jesus’ friends and relatives did not appreciate his ministry in this verse. I hope that this verse can be of comfort to you if by chance you are having challenges reconciling your faith and your changed heart with your friends & relatives expectations of who you were in the past. Know that you are on the right path. As long as you are staying focused on God and his will for your life, you may have to accept some loss of “honor” (per the verse above) in your status with your friends and relatives. You may not seem to be as “cool” or “fun” or whatever as you once were in your friends’ eyes. But – if in God’s eyes you are loving Him with all of your heart and you are loving your neighbors as yourself, then you are eternally cool and fun in the Kingdom of Heaven. And that’s where it really counts. Where are you seeking “honor” in your life today? In the eyes of your friends and relatives – or in God’s eyes?

Today we read about the beheading of John the Baptist.  I found this painting below by the Italian artist Caravaggio from the year 1610 titled "Salome with the Head of St. John the Baptist."  I almost hesitated to post this painting up, but I think it's worth us considering.  This is what happened to the man who proclaimed Jesus' ministry was coming.  This is what happened to the man who baptized Jesus in the Jordan.  And of course this brutality pales in comparison to what Jesus went through on the road to Golgotha.  This painting below and thinking about Jesus' passion, suffering, and death just made me think that sometimes following God does not lead strictly to "health and wealth."  But sometimes truly following God leads to suffering and poverty.  But - and here's the key but - it also leads to eternal life!  So, no, perhaps many/most/all of us will not go through what John went through in today's readings or in this painting below.  But you know what, if we are truly following God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, I think we need to realize that this type of thing can happen.  But if this type of thing happens while pursuing and loving Jesus with all that you are, then it's of course worth it because Jesus will raise you up on the other side!

Psalms - There are so many great verses today for us to meditate upon in Psalm 18!  I love verses 25 through 27: "To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the wicked you show yourself hostile. You rescue those who are humble, but you humiliate the proud."  Are you showing yourself to be faithful to God?  Are you living with integrity?  Are you showing yourself to be pure?  Is God showing you these things as well?

I really love verse 28: "LORD, you have brought light to my life; my God, you light up my darkness."   Has Jesus brought light into your life?  Does God light up your darkness?

Proverbs - I love Proverbs 4:7 today! "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."  How simple and yet profound is that first sentence?  The beginning of wisdom = get wisdom.  Can't argue with that!  :)  The question then becomes how do we get wisdom?  Or, where do we get wisdom.  I will say simply, The Bible is the best fount of Wisdom I know of.  So, reading and studying the Bible on a daily basis = wisdom.  Then the second sentence in the verse above is great too - though it cost all you have, get understanding.  Where does understanding come from?  Again, I'd say the Bible.  But I'll also say that I think understanding comes from investing in a community of people and being invested in by other people.  We can't really get understanding on our own, being a "lone ranger."  We need others in our life so that iron sharpens iron.  I hope and pray you are in a local church community?  And I hope and pray you are in a small group of some sort?  We need others to do life with and to gain understanding.  Will you find a church or a small group in this next month if you're not part of a church or small group yet? 

Worship God: Our readings today in Psalm 18 verse 28 remind me of the Charlie Hall song "Marvelous Light:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAQJKZJB-kE

Are you running into the Marvelous Light?  Click here and run!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." Proverbs 4:7 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you would grow in Wisdom in this new year. Pray that God would lead you to the ways He would have you grow in Wisdom this year. Pray that you will pursue wisdom.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Based on my comments above in Matthew, have you ever lost some "honor" with your friends or family as you've moved forward in your faith?  If you did lose honor with your friends did you gain honor with God?  Do you think you sometimes base your decisions more on what other people will think?  Or do you base your decisions on what God will think?  At times in your faith walk have you had to distance yourself from some old friends so that you can move forward in your faith walk?  Has this been hard?  Has it been worth it?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

January 20th One Year Bible Readings

Genesis 41:17-42:17 ~ Matthew 13:24-46 ~ Psalm 18:1-15 ~ Proverbs 4:1-6
~ 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 Genesis chapter 41 we read about Joseph interpreting Pharaoh's dreams - and not just interpreting them, but offering a solution!  Joseph suggests finding a wise man to administer a program to collect crops during the 7 years of plenty to save up for the 7 years of lean.  Verses 39 & 40 in this chapter tell us: "Turning to Joseph, Pharaoh said, "Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, you are the wisest man in the land! I hereby appoint you to direct this project. You will manage my household and organize all my people. Only I will have a rank higher than yours.""  Notice that Joseph did not ask for this position.  He probably could have, in light of interpreting the dream and offering a solution.  But he didn't.  The position was simply thrust upon him.  And I wonder in our lives - are we like Joseph - humbly offering our gifts and skills with no need of a payback?  Or, do we expect something in return?  Do we want to be put in charge?  I do wonder this about myself - if I was put in charge of all of Egypt, would I still remember God?  Or would the power go to my head and would I think it is all about me?  And then I wonder if there are similar, smaller temptations like this in my life - in my work or ministries or in my social circles. Are there times where I offer my skills & gifts, and expect to be put in charge of something, forget about God, and think it's all about me? How about you? Do you give freely and humbly from your God-given gifts with no need of a payback?  Payback... This would be like me suggesting this blog is free and then later coming back to you looking for a handout through your monitor! :)

Below is an image from a modern day production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" of Pharaoh appointing Joseph to be #2 in the land (and giving him his signet ring... and dressing him... and giving him the royal gold chain... and giving him the chariot... and renaming him... and giving him a wife...  think all this would possibly inflate one's ego?  It really does scare me to think about me being put in this type of position...)

In Genesis chapter 42 Jacob sends Joseph's brothers to Egypt for grain.  Verse 4 stood out: "Jacob wouldn't let Joseph's younger brother, Benjamin, go with them, however, for fear some harm might come to him." As you'll recall both Benjamin and Joseph were Rachel's only sons.  And Jacob loved Rachel dearly.  It seems that in light of Jacob already losing one of Rachel's sons, he didn't want to lose the other.  Or - I wonder - did Jacob maybe have some sort of mistrust in the back of his mind of the other 10 brothers?  (as obviously Joseph disappeared when going to find the 10 brothers many years back) This is outside of the text I realize.  Just a thought.  Below is a cute etching by Rembrandt from 1637 of Jacob and his son Benjamin:

Verse 6 also stood out: "Since Joseph was governor of all Egypt and in charge of the sale of the grain, it was to him that his brothers came. They bowed low before him, with their faces to the ground."  This fulfilled the dreams Joseph had in Genesis chapter 37 verse 6 & 7! "He said to them, "Listen to this dream I had:  We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it."  And verse 6 was 21 years after Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers at the age of 17 - Joseph has spent 11 years as a slave, 2 years in prison, and 7 to 8 years in charge of Egypt (through the 7 fat years of the harvest, and now they are likely in the first year of the famine).  And even after 21 years Joseph recognized his brothers immediately.  I read a commentary that his brothers probably didn't recognize Joseph because he was decked out in Egyptian robes & garb, he may have been speaking through an interpreter, and he was likely clean shaven - Egyptians shaved, whereas Hebrews typically wore beards.  So now, Joseph's reunited with his brothers and what takes place next is coming up in our readings tomorrow...  Below is a painting from 1745 by the Austrian painter Franz Anton Malbertsch of Joseph meeting his brothers once again after 21 years apart:

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings on Genesis chapter 41 titled "From the Pit to the Palace" is at this link and commentary on chapter 42 titled "The Proper Use of Power" is at this link.

New Testament - In today's Matthew readings we go through 5 parables that begin "The Kingdom of Heaven is like..."   Great way to start these parables!  They do indeed give us a glimpse of what the Kingdom of Heaven is like.  Do these parables speak to you as you read through them?  I know they do for me.  Sometimes in encouraging ways.  Sometimes in convicting ways.  I love verses 31 & 32: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants and grows into a tree where birds can come and find shelter in its branches."  I think if we cultivate the seed that Jesus plants in our hearts - the Gospel - we will see an amazing plant grow that will ultimately bless others.  From the tiniest beginnings, with patience and faith, can come the largest of plants.  If you haven't yet, will you let Jesus plant a mustard seed in your heart?  And will you be patient and allow the seed time & space to grow?  And will you water and care for the seed of the Gospel planted in your heart so that one day it will be a beautiful tree of life for yourself and others you come in contact with?  Will you allow Jesus to grow a mustard seed tree with your life?

I love the last 2 parables in today's readings!  The treasure buried in a field and the pearl of great price.  And the thought of being willing to give up absolutely everything to be a part of the Kingdom of Heaven.  How about for you?  Are you willing to give up absolutely everything to be a part of the Kingdom of Heaven?  Is there a price too high that you would not be willing to pay?   I will share with you this somewhat related tangent.  I had this really interesting jog several years ago.  And it was before I was a Christian, so I didn't equate my thinking with the "Kingdom of Heaven" at this time.  But, here were my thoughts that night on the jog.  As I was jogging I thought to myself - I am a "billionaire"!  Why?  Because I am blessed with this opportunity to jog, and to check out the beautiful night air around me, and more than anything because of this wonderfully complex thing in my skull called the brain. :)   The brain that allows me to do all these things and to simply think and enjoy life.  And I thought to myself - at what price would I give up the ability to use my brain?  Would I sell my brain for 1 billion dollars?  And the answer is obviously no - because there would then be no point to living in this life without the brain.  So - I reasoned with myself, well - "Then I am a billionaire!"  I have a billion dollar asset in my skull!  :)   I hope this isn't too random of a tangent.  Maybe you'll realize that you are a billionaire today too though?  :)  To tie this back to the Kingdom of Heaven.  Would I sell of my rights to the Kingdom of Heaven for 1 billion dollars.  No.  So - I guess then technically, I am a multi-billionaire now!  1 billion asset value for the brain + 1 billion asset value for the Kingdom of Heaven!  The point being...   or maybe the question to you.  Which would you prefer  - 1 billion in cash, or the Kingdom of Heaven?   Is there any price you would place on giving up the Kingdom of Heaven?   If not - will you pursue the Kingdom of Heaven with all of your worth?  And will you then share this amazing "pearl of great price" with others around you?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 13 titled "The Parables of Matthew 13" are at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 18 is an amazing one!  We'll get it for the next 3 days of readings, which is great.  And then comes Psalm 19 which is off the charts awesome!   Verse 1 today is so beautiful: "I love you, LORD; you are my strength."  How often do you tell God that you love him?  One thing that one of my former pastors does when he prays publicly, which absolutely moves me, is that he closes out just about every prayer with "God we love you.  And we pray all of this in the name of your son Jesus."   The last line of course is the powerful line!  But, that second to last line... is just beautiful.  Just telling God that we love him.  I'm not sure I tell God that I love him often enough.  God may not "need" to hear it.  But I think that I need to say it more often.  I love you God!

Proverbs - Proverbs 4 today are some wonderful verses from Solomon reminiscing on instructions he received from his father David!  Below is a stained glass image of David giving instructions to Solomon - we can imagine that David was even telling Solomon verses 4 through 6 in this image below: "My father told me, "Take my words to heart. Follow my instructions and you will live. Learn to be wise, and develop good judgment. Don't forget or turn away from my words. Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you."

Worship God: Psalm 18 verse 1 in today's readings and Proverbs today reminded me of the beautiful Hillsong United song "From the Inside Out:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-afZJ9_TIM

Have you been changed from the inside out?  Click here to be turned Inside Out!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:  "I love you, Lord; you are my strength." Psalm 18:1 NLT

Prayer Point: Pray that you would love God every moment of every day. Pray that you would say "I Love You God" daily. Pray that God is your strength.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Okay, back to all of my fretting above about if I was given all that Joseph was given by the Pharaoh in today's readings... :)  What are your thoughts on this - if you were given all of these things, would it inflate your ego possibly?  Would you possibly forget about God?   It's interesting to reflect upon the devil's temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, from our earlier readings this year in Matthew - the devil was tempting Jesus with a lot of "stuff" - and Jesus refused it all!  I'm just wondering if even today in our modern world if we need to be careful about being tempted by too much wealth or power or pride, etc.?  But then I also wonder if sometimes God elevates us to important positions, like Joseph, so that we may be a blessing to many?  I do think this is possible for sure - I just think maybe the richer we get or the more powerful we get, the more we need to pray and stay as absolutely close to God as possible.  Would you want to be in Joseph's type of situation today?  Think you could handle it?  I pray that each of us could, and will, no matter what position in this life we are called to by God! Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

January 19th One Year Bible Readings

Genesis 39:1-41:16 ~ Matthew 12:46-13:23 ~ Psalm 17:1-15 ~ Proverbs 3:33-35
~ 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 Genesis chapter 39 we read about Joseph in Potiphar's house!  Verse 5 stood out to me in this chapter: "From the day Joseph was put in charge, the LORD began to bless Potiphar for Joseph's sake. All his household affairs began to run smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished."  I found it fascinating that God was blessing Potiphar for Joseph's sake.  It reminded me of God blessing Laban for Jacob's sake earlier in Genesis.  And I wonder - does God today continue to bless others around those who love God?  For the sake of those who love God?  I will admit that there are definitely times in my work life, where I feel like some very positive things are happening that are beyond me.  Things I am not "controlling" on my own - it's something more.  I do try to pray about my work life and pray that God will bless my business dealings - mostly to keep me honest & moral in my business dealings.  And that God will allow me to love and serve others during the day.  And big crazy good things continue happen - something happened just today that was unbelievable to me.  It did not happen because of my own wits or power.  Below is an image from a modern day production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" of Joseph in Potiphar's house:

Verses 8 & 9 also stood out to me in today's readings, demonstrating Joseph's strong moral integrity when being approached by Potiphar's wife: "But Joseph refused. "Look," he told her, "my master trusts me with everything in his entire household. No one here has more authority than I do! He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I ever do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.""  I admire this so much.  Joseph was gaining more and more favor with Potiphar and more and more "power" so to speak.  And here we see a situation where Joseph could have abused his favor and power.  But he did not.  He stood strong with his moral convictions.  And I wonder about this in our lives.  As we maybe gain more and more favor in our work or personal or ministry lives, do we also gain more and more "power" so to speak?  And when this happens, do the temptations maybe even somehow seem to get bigger and bigger and our opportunity to abuse our favor or power get easier and easier?  And in light of all this, will we stand strong by our moral convictions?  Will we realize, like Joseph, that our favor or power only comes from God - and it can be taken away in an instant if we sin against God?  If we give in to the temptation that pursues us...  Below is an oil on canvas painting by Rembrandt from 1655 titled "Joseph Accused by Potiphar's wife":

In Genesis chapter 41 we read about Pharaoh's dreams and Joseph is called from prison to interpret them.  The cup-bearer finally remembered Joseph 2 years later!  :)  Verse 16 is powerful for us to consider as Pharaoh calls for Joseph to interpret his dreams: ""It is beyond my power to do this," Joseph replied. "But God will tell you what it means and will set you at ease.""  What I like about this reply from Joseph is that he is giving credit to God for his "gift" of being able to interpret dreams!  And really, it is God interpreting the dreams, and letting Joseph know what to say.  I wonder about this in our lives today.  Do we have some unique gifts in our lives?  Things that we are really good at?  And do we give credit to God for these gifts in our life?  Or do we claim them as gifts we developed on our own?  Do you believe that God is truly the Gift-Giver of all your skills and talents and wisdom in your life?  Below is an image of Joseph before Pharaoh interpreting his dreams:

Bible.org's commentary on Genesis chapter 39 titled "From the Penthouse to the Prison" is at this link and commentary on chapter 40 titled "How to Get Out of the Pits" is at this link.

New Testament - Matthew 12 verses 48 through 50 are powerful: "Jesus asked, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Then he pointed to his disciples and said, "These are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!""  I read an interesting commentary that said that these words from Jesus were stating that spiritual bonds are as strong as physical bonds.  And that in this teaching Jesus was paving the way for a new community of believers - the church!  Very cool...  Are you a brother and sister and mother of Jesus?

Matthew chapter 13 verses 11 & 12 are important for us to consider: "Then he (Jesus) explained to them, "You have been permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others have not. To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But to those who are not listening, even what they have will be taken away from them."  There is so much truth in these last 2 sentences.  This is why personally I feel so blessed to be reading the One Year Bible each and every day - currently in my 18th year of doing so - and God-willing, for all of my years to come.  I personally absolutely need the grace and wisdom that comes from being in God's Word every day - and truly, more and more understanding and knowledge of God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit does come my way I believe each day - even if (and especially if!) I am reading the Bible again for the 18th time.  The repetition is not repetitive, but really allows for insights to soak in and to be revealed.  I can't quite say that I feel like I have an abundance of knowledge... :)  But - I know that I am on that road by reading the Bible each day and I so look forward to gaining more and more knowledge of God's story as I go.  And - to grow deeper into relationship with God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  So - the knowledge itself is great, but the relationship and peace and grace that comes from the Trinity - even better.  I pray that you too see the value in reading the Bible each day and being open to Jesus' teachings so that more understanding will come your way?

Verse 22 in this chapter is convicting for me, as I have experienced this in my life in the past....  "The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the Good News, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares of this life and the lure of wealth, so no crop is produced." .... and I still struggle with the "cares of this life" crowding out the Good News in my life today!  I think in some ways this might be a life long struggle.  How are you doing on this verse?  Where is God's seed of the Good News being sown in your life?  In the good soil of your heart?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 13 titled "The Parable of the Sower and the Seed" is at this link and "The Parables of Matthew 13" are at this link.

Psalms - In Psalm 17 David appeals to God as Judge when he is being attacked by foes.  Verse 7 is a great prayer and comfort! "Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. You save with your strength those who seek refuge from their enemies." Do you seek refuge with God from whatever might attacking you?   Do you believe that God will show you his unfailing love in wonderful ways?  Have you been saved by God's strength?  Have you sought refuge with God from your "enemies"?

Proverbs - Proverbs 3:33 is a great reminder to be upright, 3:34 is a great reminder to be humble and 3:35 a great reminder to be wise!  How are you doing on being upright, humble, and wise these days?  (I think this owl below has got two out of three of these attributes... I'm not so sure about humble though... :)

Worship God: Our readings in Psalm 17:7 today remind me of the song "Mighty To Save." Here's Laura Story performing the song live:

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

Is God Mighty to Save in your life?  Click here for his Might!

Please join me in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Matthew 12:50 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you would do the will of God each and every day in your life. Pray that you would be Jesus' brother and sister and mother now and forevermore.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Based on my comments above related to our readings in Genesis about God blessing Potiphar for Joseph's sake - I wonder - does God intervene and bless our work lives?  I think He does.  I'd love to get your opinions on this - do you pray about your work life regularly?  Do you think God blesses your work life?  And like Joseph, does God maybe bless those around you, even if they aren't necessarily in relationship with God?   And maybe does He do this for your sake?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

January 18th One Year Bible Readings

Genesis 37:1-38:30 ~ Matthew 12:22-45 ~ Psalm 16:1-11 ~ Proverbs 3:27-32
~ 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 Genesis chapter 37 we begin the incredible last portion of the book of Genesis where we read about Joseph!  This portion of the story that starts in today's readings will carry us through the rest of the book of Genesis and will set the stage for the exodus from Egypt.  Below is an image of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" from a modern day play of the same name (which I've heard is good - but I've never seen it - can anyone offer any reviews in the Comments below?):

In chapter 37 today we read about Joseph's dreams and how these dreams make his brothers jealous.  A couple of things came to mind to me today as reading through this.  First is that it is clear that God does some communicating through dreams in the Old Testament.  We've already seen this in our previous readings - via a dream Abimelech had or a dream Laban had.  And here we see some powerful prophetic dreams that Joseph has.  My first question I had was whether Joseph should have shared these dreams with his family?  And I asked this question because I wonder if sometimes we also maybe get an insight or what we believe to be a word from God - and if we should share these things with others?  Or keep them between God and ourselves?  I don't have an easy answer on this one...   If you have some thoughts on this, please post up in the "Comments" section below.  The other thing that came to mind for me here is what role do dreams play for us today?  Does God still communicate to people via dreams today?  I know this might be going out on some fringe thoughts or theology here...  but, if anyone has some Christian perspective on dreams, I'd appreciate it.  I'm just curious.  I honestly have had some dreams in the past that have scared me in big ways... and honestly helped me set my life on a better course back when I had them.  Below is a painting from the year 1853 by French painter Emile-Jean-Horace Vernet of Joseph's brothers in today's readings putting goat's blood on his coat:

Actually, while I am on this topic of dreams, let me share this.  I did used to have nightmares periodically.  However, when I started reading the One Year Bible each night before going to bed a few years ago the nightmares basically went away.  Seriously.  I honestly believe because of the Light & life-giving power of the Word of God that the nightmares went away.  Just a little testimony here for you on the power of reading the Bible each day.  It is spiritual food and nourishment and protection for you in ways that you may not consciously realize.  For me, there has been maybe a time or two in recent years where a nightmare has still come to fruition - and I don't remember the details of the nightmares, but somehow I know that in the midst of my dream I called out the name of Jesus and the nightmare stopped immediately!  I am not kidding.  I don't know how I got myself to call out Jesus' name in the nightmare, but I am so thankful that I did!  Maybe this is something that prayer brings - or maybe this is something that happens when we really understand and believe in the all-powerful name of Jesus?  If you suffer from nightmares, my two prescriptions are to 1. read the Bible before going to bed, 2. somehow someway say the name of Jesus in your nightmare.  Pray about this before you go to bed.  Maybe this will help you do this in your dream.  I hope so!   Below is a painting from 1630 by Spanish painter Velasquez Diego of Joseph's brothers presenting his bloody coat to their father Jacob from today's readings:

Genesis chapter 38 brings us the story of Judah and Tamar.  Keep in mind that Judah, Tamar, and Perez from this chapter are all part of the genealogy of King David and Jesus as we recently read in Matthew chapter 1 verse 3: "Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron."  Verse 24 stood out to me in this chapter as sad irony: "About three months later, word reached Judah that Tamar, his daughter-in-law, was pregnant as a result of prostitution. "Bring her out and burn her!" Judah shouted."  This verse reminded me quite a bit of a recent teaching we read about from Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter 7 verse 3: "“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"  Is it possible that we too are sometimes like Judah?  Condemning others for sins that we ourselves commit too?  Even if we don't commit the same sin as someone else, should we instead leave the judging and condemning to God?  Below is a painting from 1650 from the school of Rembrandt of Judah and Tamar from today's readings:

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Genesis chapter 37 titled "Jacob, Joseph, Jealousy, and a Journey to Egypt" is at this link and commentary on chapter 38 titled "The Skeleton in Judah's Closet" is at this link.

New Testament - Jesus' teaching in Matthew Chapter 12 verse 30 stood out to me in today's readings: "Anyone who isn't helping me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me."  This is a really really powerful verse if you think about it.  And I think we then need to ask ourselves - are we really helping Jesus?  Are we really working with Jesus?  Are we really being obedient to Jesus' teachings for our life?   And if not, are we then actually working against Him?

Jesus' teaching on the sign of Jonah in this chapter is awesome!  In verse 40 Jesus prophesies His death, burial and resurrection: "For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so I, the Son of Man, will be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights."  And then the following verse is just so powerful and convicting: "The people of Nineveh will rise up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah. And now someone greater than Jonah is here--and you refuse to repent."  Do you believe that Jesus is greater than Jonah?  And greater than Solomon? (as we read in verse 42) Do you understand Jesus' teachings?  Are you repenting?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 12 titled "Beelzebub or the Holy Spirit?" is at this link and "The Sign of Jonah" is at this link.

Psalms - Today we read Psalm 16, which I absolutely love!  I could probably share with you some thoughts on just about every verse in this Psalm. Verse 1 tells us: "Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge."  Do you believe that God will keep you safe if you come to Him for refuge? And verse 2 is so true: "I said to the LORD, "You are my Master! All the good things I have are from you.""  Everything good thing in our life - absolutely everything good thing in our life - comes from God.  Do you believe this? Verse 3 reminds me to rejoice for and pray for our pastors and spiritual mentors: "The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them!"  Do you appreciate your pastors / ministers / priests and spiritual mentors?  And do you appreciate other godly people you know too?  Are they true heroes?  Do you pray for these folks regularly? If not, will you?

And verse 11 is a powerful closing to this Psalm 16 and perhaps a prayer for us to pray fervently: "You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever."   Do you want to be shown the way of life from God?   Do you want to be granted the joy of God's presence?  Do you want the pleasure of living with God forever?  Have you prayed to God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit to give you these things in your life?  Will you pray this prayer?

Proverbs - Today we read Proverbs chapter 3 verses 27 and 28: "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them.  If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, "Come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you.""  How often do we say to ourselves when we think about serving the poor – "oh, I'll maybe do that in the future." Is this similar to saying "come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you" as this Proverb tells us? Can you help your neighbor now? Do you regularly volunteer with ministries or nonprofits that serve the poor?   Do you consistently give offerings of your finances to ministries and/or nonprofits that serve the poor?  Are the poor your neighbor?  Should you be helping them today?  Is it in your power to do so? Will you not wait until tomorrow?

Worship God: Today's readings reminded me of Matt Redman's song "10,000 Reasons:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk11x52nc04

Do you have any reason to love God?  Click here for 10,000 reasons!

Please join me in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." Matthew 12:30 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that every moment of your life that you would be with Jesus. Pray that you would be gathering people for Jesus' Kingdom in your life. Pray that you would never be against Jesus and never scatter his people.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Back to my comments on dreams and how reading the Bible and proclaiming the name of Jesus has brought forth Light into my sleep - have you experienced the Bible or the name of Jesus doing powerful things in your life?  Has the Bible or the name of Jesus freed you from addictions?  Does reading the Bible make you a calmer person or more grounded person if you read it the morning?  Basically, do you believe that reading the Bible changes things in your life?  Does the name of Jesus change things in your life?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

January 17th One Year Bible Readings

Genesis 35:1-36:43 ~ Matthew 12:1-21 ~ Psalm 15:1-5 ~ Proverbs 3:21-26
~ 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 ~

Old Testament - Today is a big day for Jacob in that he finally returns to Bethel - the same place where his pilgrimage began with God in Genesis 28:10-22!  Bethel is where Jacob had his dream of the angels ascending and descending the staircase, when he was leaving the promised land for 20 years in Haran.  Below is a map of Jacob's journeys for his entire life:

Bethel was the place where God first gave to Jacob His covenant promise that was also given to Abraham and Isaac - and the covenant promise is reconfirmed in today's readings in chapter 35 verses 11 and 12: "Then God said, "I am God Almighty. Multiply and fill the earth! Become a great nation, even many nations. Kings will be among your descendants! And I will pass on to you the land I gave to Abraham and Isaac. Yes, I will give it to you and your descendants."  These 2 verses are essentially thought to be the climax of the Isaac-Jacob portion of Genesis.  In tomorrow's readings we begin the Jacob-Joseph portion of Genesis. (which is an amazing narrative that begins tomorrow...)  The covenant continues!

Today we read about the passing of Isaac and Rachel.  What was interesting to me today about the death of Isaac was that he passed away after Jacob and Esau reconciled.  I honestly forgot that Isaac had lived this long - I thought when he gave Esau's blessing to Jacob 20 years prior that he was on his deathbed!  Obviously not.  However, even with Jacob and Esau being reconciled at this point, going forward in the Old Testament we will see that this reconciliation didn't carry forward to their descendants.  The nation of Israel (Jacob) and the kingdom of Edom (Esau) will have much strife in their coming generations toward each other, which we'll read about later this year.  The red area in the map below shows the kingdom of Edom at its largest extent in approximately 600 B.C.:

In chapter 36 we read about Esau's descendants.  One interesting note on verse 11 per Zondervan's NIV Study Bible - "Eliphaz: Teman - One of Job's friends was named Eliphaz the Temanite (Job 2:11), and Job himself was from the land of Uz (Job 1:1).  Thus Job probably lived in Edom (see verses 28 & 34 in Genesis readings today)."  Interestingly, I have a friend reading a Chronological Bible where Job is the book that is read just after this portion of Genesis - I think even before the Jacob-Joseph narrative coming up, some Chronological Bibles place the book of Job in the timeline of being read at this point.  Below is an image of Eliphaz the Temanite and Job:

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Genesis chapter 35 titled "The Way Back" is at this link.

New Testament - Today in Matthew chapter 12 we read about Jesus' teachings surrounding his healing on the Sabbath.  Note that in verse 14 the plots to kill Jesus begin: "Then the Pharisees called a meeting and discussed plans for killing Jesus." Why do you suppose these plots started at this point?  I don't think it was this one incident per se that began the plots in and of itself - but it was probably a culmination of Jesus' teaching, preaching, and healing ministries up to this point that started murmurs and discussions and finally led to plots.  I think Jesus' wisdom and power and popularity with the people were seen as a threat.  Do you suppose that Jesus' wisdom and power and popularity with the people are seen as a threat by some in our world today?

I read an interesting commentary on verses 11 & 12 today: "And he (Jesus) answered, "If you had one sheep, and it fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn't you get to work and pull it out? Of course you would. And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep!" The commentary said that in this verse Jesus contrasts the worth of an animal with that of a human being.  I think for most of us, we would agree that a human life is more valuable than an animal life.  However - interestingly, not everyone in our world today feels that way.  I recently heard a radio talk show host ask a woman if she saw both her beloved dog and a stranger drowning in a lake and she could only save one of the two, who would she save.  And the woman basically said her dog - she hemmed and hawed about saying that straightforwardly, but basically she said her dog was her family...  And so the stranger - the human - would lose out in that situation.  What about you - if you could only save your beloved pet or a stranger (human) from drowning, who would you save?  Who would God save?  Do you think God places a higher value on human life than animal life?  (since we just read the creation narrative in Genesis, this should be a slam-dunk answer! :)

I love the Isaiah prophecy in today's readings, summarizing the quiet aspects of the ministry of Jesus!  Verse 21 makes me tear up to really meditate upon: "And his name will be the hope of all the world." How does this verse strike you?  Do you believe that Jesus' name is the hope of the world?  Is Jesus' name the hope of your own personal world?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 12 titled "The Lord of the Sabbath" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 15 verses 1 & 2 today are awesome: "Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts."  Psalm 15 was written for those that wished to have access to God in his Temple in Jerusalem.  However, I do believe that today, through Jesus, anyone can worship God anywhere - in a church or in our homes or wherever we find ourselves.  However, I do think there is truth in these Psalm verses in that we can worship God beautifully by living a blameless life (not perfect life - only Jesus was perfect this side of heaven - we will need to confess sins & repent), doing what is right, and speaking the truth from sincere hearts.  I do believe these are acts of worship that demonstrate our friendship with God and our growth in becoming more like his son Jesus in our lifetimes.  Do you seek to lead a blameless life?  Do you seek to do what is right?  Do you speak the truth from a sincere heart?  Do you seek to worship God in some way each and every day?  How?

Proverbs - I love Proverbs 3 verses 21-23 today: "My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling." These verses remind me of a couple of things.  First is the old adage of "Trust in God.  And tie up your camels."  Meaning, tying up your camels to a pole so they don't wander away is good planning and good insight.  It's common sense.  Obviously you don't want to live your life on solely your own smarts and your own planning and your own insight.  We need God to be our foundation.  But, at the same time I think God wants us to be smart about how we live our lives.  Yes, trust in God, but wear your seatbelt.  Trust in God, but save some money for a rainy day.  See where I am going with this?   The other thing that these Proverbs verses remind me of is one of my favorite three word quotes: "Habits determine success."  I've spoken about this in some of my weekly emails in regards to reading the One Year Bible each day.  It takes some planning and insight for us to figure out when we will realistically read the Bible for 15 minutes every day.  After this planning and insight and after a week or two we've suddenly built up a great habit!  A habit that will determine our success in reading the Bible in a year.

Worship God: Matthew 12:21 reminded me of the Chris Tomlin song "How Great is Our God" with the line "Name Above All Names!" Please watch this video from start to finish. It's incredible to see Chris start with the piano only, then have the band play along, and to hear the crowd sing. Please feel free to worship along with this one!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpIcqoKOz2Mw

How great is our God?  Click here and find out!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy mountain? Those whose walk is blameless, who do what is righteous, who speak the truth from their hearts." Psalm 15:1-2 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you would dwell with God today. Pray that your walk would be blameless. Pray for righteousness. Pray that you would always speak the truth from your heart. Pray for Truth in our world.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Based on my reflections in Proverbs above, how do you go about planning things in your life?  In what ways do you invite God into the process of planning your life?  And in what ways, or at what times, do you simply make decisions based on your own knowledge or common sense?  What is the foundation of your own knowledge or common sense?  Is it the Bible?  Is it God?  Do you suppose with the foundation of God and the Bible in our lives, that we may not need to take every single decision throughout our day to God in prayer because we are operating (generally speaking) from a biblical godly worldview?  How do you balance taking things to God for guidance and making decisions on your own?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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