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We are following a One Year Bible plan with 15-minute daily readings from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms & Proverbs.Your options for joining us include: 1. Subscribe to our daily readings emails above. 2. Read online using our daily links to Bible Gateway. 3. Listen online using the links at the top of each daily blog post (the daily readings by Tom Dooley are terrific!). 4. Read from your own Bible using your preferred translation. You can print out a listing of our entire year's readings in PDF format at this link. 5. Purchase a One Year Bible which organizes our daily readings. 6. Email me with any questions at [email protected]
Please note that we are not following a Chronological Bible plan on this blog - however, you can find my Chronological Bible Blog at this link, New Testament in a Year Blog at this link and Old Testament in a Year Blog at this link.
God bless! Mike
p.s. Keep scrolling down to see our latest daily readings blog post and email content below this welcome post. ⬇️
Old Testament - Today in Exodus chapter 29 we read about the dedication of Aaron and his sons as priests!
Verse 37 stood out to me in this chapter: "After that, the altar will be exceedingly holy, and whatever touches it will become holy." It's interesting to consider the verses prior to this - with the 7 days of sacrifices of young bulls. For some reason this verse reminded me of Jesus and how people could simply touch the tassels of his robes and they would be healed. I think it's fair to say that Jesus was much more holy than this altar was - and Jesus did not require purification rituals or sacrificing of bulls to make Jesus holy, as this altar did. Jesus "embodied" holiness! (and we'll get to the power of Jesus' body in today's Matthew readings...) Below is an image of the altar of burnt offering in use:
In Chapter 30 we read about the incense altar. I read a commentary that said the incense from this altar represented prayers to God from his people. We can see this similarity in Revelation chapter 8 verses 3 & 4: "Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great quantity of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God's people, to be offered on the gold altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of the saints, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out." It is wonderful imagery to realize that our prayers to God are like fragrant incense!
New Testament - Today in Matthew 26 verse 14 we read: "Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, "How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?" And they gave him thirty pieces of silver." The NIV Study Bible says that 30 pieces of silver was equivalent to about 120 denarii. Laborers at that time typically received 1 denarius for 1 day's work. So, Judas was basically paid about 4 months worth of work for the betrayal of Jesus. Sad... Bible.org has a powerful essay on "The Biography of the Betrayer"at this link. Below is a fresco from the early 14th century by the Italian Renaissance Florentine painter Giotto titled "Pact of Judas." In this fresco the two priests on the right discuss Judas's treachery, while the third plots with Judas, who is in the clutches of the devil...
Verses 26 through 28 today certainly will remind us of why Communion / the Lord's Supper is so important to us as believers in Jesus. This all took place the night before Jesus was crucified. The bread represents Jesus' body, given for us. The wine represents Jesus' blood, poured-out for many through Jesus' atoning death.
Verse 35 always stands out to me whenever I read it: "No!" Peter insisted. "Not even if I have to die with you! I will never deny you!" And all the other disciples vowed the same." I guess what jumps out at me in this verse is the question - are we really any different from Peter? Would we proclaim that we would not deny Jesus if you asked us straight up? Yes I think we would proclaim that. But then... I get to thinking. About how we live our life sometimes. About the decisions we make. About maybe even the bad habits we foreswore off when we were a new Christian. And yet... do we still find ourselves going back to those bad habits - back to those sins? And, if we are doing this conscientiously - are we in a way denying Jesus when we knowingly sin now? Are we at times denying Jesus as our Lord by our actions? At times, are we really that different from Peter?
The Garden of Gethsemane... verses 38 & 39 are heartbreaking: "Jesus told them, "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and watch with me." Jesus went on a little farther and fell face down on the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine."" Zondervan's commentary on these 2 verses really seemed to shake me up a bit about what Jesus did for us - and how we was not a typical martyr - "Jesus did not die serenely as many martyrs have. He was no mere martyr - he was the Lamb of God bearing the penalty of the sins of the entire human race. The wrath of God was turned loose on him. Only this can adequately explain what took place at Gethsemane." The atonement was coming the next day. And Jesus knew it. And he prayed for God's will above all else. And God's will was done. And those who believe in Jesus as the Son of God must be so thankful for Jesus' fervent face down prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane... Through Jesus' atoning death, we are saved from our sins. We are saved from God's wrath. I think it's really worth reflecting upon - Jesus took God's wrath in our place. Think this qualifies Jesus as Savior? Below is Italian painter Sebastiano Conca's beautiful "Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane" from the year 1746:
Psalms - This is a wonderful look at God's goodness in Psalm 31 verse 19: "Your goodness is so great! You have stored up great blessings for those who honor you. You have done so much for those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world." Do you believe that God's goodness is indeed great? Are you honoring God with your life and your actions and your thoughts each day? Do you believe that God is storing up blessings for you? Do you believe that God will bless you if you go to him for protection?
Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 8 verse 22 is powerful to consider as it speaks of Wisdom: "The LORD formed me from the beginning, before he created anything else." If Wisdom was created before anything else, think this lends some credence to intelligent design? :)
Worship Video: Matthew 26:26-28 reminded me of the song by the Christian band Kutless called "Sea of Faces". This song reminds me of The Lord's Supper every time I hear it - "I see the city lights all around me - Everyone's obscure. Ten million people each with their problems - Why should anyone care? And in Your eyes I can see - that I am not just a man, vastly lost in this world. Lost in a Sea of Faces. Your body's the bread, Your blood is the wine. Because you traded Your life for mine...."
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today:"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" Matthew 26:26-28 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you will examine yourself and confess your sins to Jesus before partaking in the Lord's Supper. Pray that you will fully receive Jesus when partaking in the Lord's Supper.
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Do our readings in Matthew today remind you of Communion / The Lord's Supper at your church? Is this a positive remembrance for you? How important is Communion / The Lord's Supper to you personally these days? Do you look forward to this remembrance at your church? Have you ever experienced Communion / The Lord's Supper with others in settings outside of your normal worship experience? Maybe at a prayer gathering or outside or in other beautiful settings? 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.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 - 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!
Old Testament - Today in Exodus chapter 28 we read about the ephod for the priests! The ephod was a sleeveless outer vest that typically extended down to the hips and had a waistband to hold the front and back of the ephod to the priest's body. The ephod is the blue cloth in this image below, and the chestpiece you'll see has the four rows of gemstones:
The high priest wearing the ephod and chestpiece:
Exodus chapter 28 verse 1 stood out to me in today's readings: "Your brother, Aaron, and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, will be set apart from the common people. They will be my priests and will minister to me." Here we see that the priests are being set apart as mediators between the people of Israel and God. And this role is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ as our high priest. Jesus is now the mediator between God and us. Personally, I still do see so much value in pastors and clergy in our lives and churches today. We'll study more about these important roles in Paul's writings in the New Testament. However, I also personally believe that we can approach the throne of God through Jesus Christ as our mediator - and that we don't need another human mediator here on earth to approach God. Jesus is more than enough. Do you believe that Jesus is our high priest today? Do you believe that Jesus is the mediator between you and God?
More information on the Urim and Thummim we read about today is online at this link.
New Testament - Today in Matthew chapter 25 we read about the Final Judgment. Verses 34 is an amazing thing to imagine coming in the future: "`Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." What a beautiful thought - come and inherit the Kingdom prepared for YOU from the foundation of the world! Do you believe in this inheritance? Do you look forward to this inheritance?
Verses 37 through 40 are so powerful for each of us to consider while we are still here on earth: "Then these righteous ones will reply, `Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?' And the King will tell them, `I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" Whatever we do for one of the least among us, we do for Jesus. And - what we do not do for the least among us, we do not do for Jesus. Is God calling you in any way to give food, give water, show hospitality, give clothing, visit the sick, or visit those in prison for the least among us? Will you do this for Jesus?
In Matthew chapter 26 today we read the beautiful story of Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus (Mark 14 identifies Mary), who anoints Jesus, and as he tells us in verse 12: "She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial." An interesting insight from the NIV Study Bible's commentary - In Jesus' day it was a normal Jewish custom to anoint a dead body with aromatic oils in preparing for burial. Jesus seems to be anticipating suffering a "criminal's" death, for only in that circumstance was there no anointing of the dead body...
Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 25 titled "The Sheep and The Goats" is at this link.
Psalms - Have you ever felt like Psalm 31 verse 10... "I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness. Misery has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within." Do you believe that God can rescue you from this? Will you pray to God to save you from this?
Proverbs - Proverbs 8 verse 13 is a powerful look at what Wisdom hates! "That is why I hate pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverted speech." When you look at your own life - do you hate pride, arrogance, corruption and perverted speech in your own behavior?
Worship Video: Today’s readings in Matthew reminded me of this wonderful song by Keith & Krysten Getty called “The Lord is My Salvation:
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today:"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'" Matthew 25:34-36
Prayer Point: Pray that you will be on Jesus' right hand side when He comes again to judge the living and the dead. Pray that you will feed, clothe, visit in prison, care for and provide hospitality to the "least of these" here on Earth today, in Jesus' name.
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Back to Psalm 31 verse 10 above. I recently read C.S. Lewis' book "A Grief Observed". Has anyone read this? It is a very short book. But, wow, it is a powerful short book! It is a memoir C.S. Lewis wrote after the death of his wife and it is so incredibly thoughtful and moving as C.S. Lewis works through his grief and his questions for and about God. Psalm 31:10 reminds me of this book... though not really... it seems like C.S. Lewis didn't quite get as down as the level of this verse. Anyhow - great book I think for any Christian who has lost a loved one. Let me know reviews in the Comments section below if you've read A Grief Observed, or know others who have? Has it been consoling for you during a time of loss? Do you have any other book recommendations for people who might be going through grief? Books that were helpful to you when you went through a time of grief? 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.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 - 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!
Old Testament - Today in Exodus chapters 26 & 27 we read about God's plans for the Tabernacle, the Altar and the Courtyard. I have to admit, I have zoned out a bit when reading these chapters in years past. But for some reason this year these details were fascinating to me today! Why the change? I'm not 100% sure, other than I do think repeated study of the Bible year after year does bear fruit and does grow our interest in every iota of God's Word. So, if by chance you felt like you were zoning out a bit when reading these chapters today, don't be discouraged. The interest will definitely come with time and further study of all of God's Word. Let me recommend to you that you don't skim over chapters like these though. Please do read each word. If you skim this year, you'll skim next year and you'll miss out on the fruit that will come from this study. I have found images really help my understanding of chapters like these, so I'll post up a few images, which will hopefully help you visualize what we've read about today. Below are a couple of images of the tabernacle and its layout:
New Testament - Today in Matthew chapter 25 we read about the 10 bridesmaids and verse 13 certainly stands out as Jesus teaches: ""So stay awake and be prepared, because you do not know the day or hour of my return." What do you think it means in our lives today to be "awake" and ready for Jesus' return? Are you "awake" this very moment and ready for Jesus' return? One of the most important points of this parable is that when Jesus returns you won't be able to barter or buy your way into the Kingdom. (as the 5 un-wise bridesmaids tried to do). You yourself will be ultimately responsible for your own spiritual condition! Have you owned up to this responsibility? Below is a watercolor by William Blake from 1822 of the parable of the ten bridesmaids:
Today we read in Matthew chapter 25 verses 14 through 30 Jesus’ “Parable of the Talents.” This story of the three servants has often been a parable I have struggled with. For a long time I didn't get what was so wrong about the guy who buried the money. "He at least gave back to the master the same amount he was originally given," I thought. "What's so wrong with that?" Well, as I read this parable again, the thing that really stands out to me is that this parable is not talking about simply money. . . but I think it is talking about our very lives and our time here on earth. I read it now as if God gives each of us a certain amount of time to live on this earth and a certain amount of gifts and skills. And then, we have to ask ourselves - will we simply just go through life very stably & comfortably with those gifts and skills – perhaps even just going through the motions and serving ourselves – to the extent that when God calls us home, we have really not produced much of anything in our lives? What if we spend our time & gifts in such a way that by the end of it we haven't really blessed or served others? We simply give back to God at the end of our lives what God gave to us and nothing more. OR - is it possible that God is calling each of us to do so much more with our lives? Is God calling us to really use the time, gifts and skills he has given us for something bigger than ourselves? Is God calling us to produce a great harvest of loving and serving and blessing others in our lives? So that when we arrive at heaven's gate at the end of our lives we will hear verse 21 from God Himself - "The master was full of praise. `Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!'" How about your life today? Are you multiplying the skills and gifts that God has given you in your life? Are you investing your skills and gifts in loving service of others? Are you at least "doubling" God's investment in you?
Great commentary on Matthew chapter 25 titled "The Parables in the Olivet Discourse" is online at bible.org at this link.
Psalms - Psalm 31 verse 1 is such a powerful start to this powerful Psalm of David's - "O LORD, I have come to you for protection; don't let me be put to shame. Rescue me, for you always do what is right." In your life today, do you need protection from something? If so, will you run to God for your protection? Do you believe that God can rescue you? Do you believe that God can save you from shame? Do you believe that God always does what is right?
Did you catch that verse 5 from this Psalm were Jesus' last words on the cross.... "Into your hands I commit my spirit." (NIV) Here it is from Luke 23:46 - "Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last."
Proverbs - I love the beginning of Proverbs chapter 8 with the imagery of Wisdom calling out to all humankind! Do you hear the call of wisdom in your life today??
Today we read in Proverbs chapter 8 verses 10 & 11: "Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge over pure gold. For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can be compared with it.”
Worship Video: Today's readings in Matthew today about the Parable of the Talents reminded me of the fantastic Matthew West song called "The Motions." Here are two video versions of this song, below. The first video is a great live version of the song. The second video is from a documentary shows Matthew going through vocal cord surgery, which is quite a scary thing for any of us to go through, much less a singer..
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her." Proverbs 8:10-11 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you would choose wisdom each day in your life, over money. Pray that growing in the wisdom of the Lord would be more important to you than climbing the corporate ladder.
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Based on Proverbs 8:10-11 above, Are you seeking God’s instruction in your life above all else? Do you agree with this Proverb that wisdom is far more valuable than riches? Is reading the Bible each day this year adding to your wisdom? Are you seeking to do more than just read the Bible this year? Are you diving into further study of the Bible? Are you allowing your study of the Bible to transform you? Are you allowing the Bible to change how you think, act, and live? Are you allowing the Bible to give you godly wisdom? Will you accept God’s free gift of Biblical wisdom each and every day of 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.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 - 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!
Old Testament - Today in Exodus chapter 23 we read about the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Harvest, and the Festival of Final Harvest (also known as Festival of Booths or Ingathering or Tabernacles). Commentary on Exodus chapter 24, entitled "The Magnificent Meal on Mt. Sinai" is at bible.org at this link. This old covenant meal was a foreshadowing of Jesus' new covenant Last Supper with his disciples just before his death and resurrection. In chapter 24 Moses is called up on the mountain for forty days and forty nights - similarly Jesus spent forty days and forty nights in the desert after his baptism and before beginning his public ministry. Below is a wonderful image by C.F. Vos of Moses receiving the Law from God on Mount Sinai:
New Testament - Jesus' teaching in Matthew chapter 24 verse 36 has always stood out to me - particularly when my friends today want to dive into conversations about "if" the end is near: "However, no one knows the day or the hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows." No one knows the day or the hour - only God. Good for us to keep in mind. We're not God. :) For more commentary on "The Textual Problem Of oujdeV oJ uiJov" In Matthew 24:36" at bible.org click on this link. No, I don't think oujdeV oJ uiJov is a typo. :) Can someone tell me - is this the original Greek? I think so.
Verse 35 is an amazing reminder that Jesus' words in the Bible will outlast every single material thing around us today: "Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever." Do you believe that Jesus' words will remain forever? Commentary on Matthew 24:40-41 called "Taken for Salvation or Judgment?" is online at bible.org at this link.
Psalms - Today in Psalm 30 verses 4 through 5 we read: “Sing to the Lord; you saints of his; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” How does this verse speak to you? Do you believe that God’s anger can last only a moment, but his favor last a lifetime? If you are weeping now in some area of your life, do you believe that God can bring rejoicing to you? Will you pray to God to grant you favor in this life and in life everlasting? Will you pray to God to heal any situation that you are weeping over today, and to bring you rejoicing tomorrow? Do you look forward to this rejoicing that will allow you to sing to the Lord as a saint and to praise his holy name?
Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 7 verse 25 reminds us once again of the importance of guarding our hearts, the very wellspring of our lives: "Don't let your hearts stray away..." Is there anything in your life that is causing your heart to stray away from God's Truth? Will you not allow you heart to go down that dangerous path? Will you return your heart's allegiance wholly to your Maker and Provider? Will you allow your heart to be chained to God alone, and not to any temptations or sins?
Worship Video: Matthew 24:35 reminded me of the amazing MercyMe song "Word of God Speak." Here's a video of some great images and Scripture verses set to this song:
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." Matthew 24:35 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you would read and study God's Word each and every day knowing that it is eternal.
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: In today and yesterday's readings in Matthew chapter 24 we read about the end times. Do you do much study of the end times? What are some books or resources or websites you could point others to, to study more about the end times? I have to admit, I don't think about the end times very much. I know they will come, but I guess I feel like focusing on the end times too much might distract me from doing other ministry here and now. How often do you think about the end times? Do you think there should be a balance of time and study when it comes to reflecting on the end times versus being active in ministry in our world today? 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.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 - 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!
Old Testament - Today in Exodus chapter 21 we read the very well-known verses 24 & 25: "If an eye is injured, injure the eye of the person who did it. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the person who did it. Similarly, the payment must be hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise." What you may not realize about this "law of retaliation" is that it actually was meant to limit the punishment to fit the crime, which prevented cruel and barbaric punishments that were seen in many ancient cultures. Meaning - before this law it might have been seen as "acceptable" for someone to kill someone in return for knocking out an eye - whereas this law limited the retaliation to fit the crime. Jesus of course invokes the higher law of love in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 verses 38 through 42: "You have heard that the law of Moses says, `If an eye is injured, injure the eye of the person who did it. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the person who did it.' But I say, don't resist an evil person! If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other, too. If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow." Do you see how Jesus exemplified this higher law of love for us through his ministry, life, death and resurrection? Bible.org has a great article titled "Jesus and the Law of Retaliation (Lex Talionis)"at this link.
I find it very fascinating to read all of the laws in these chapters today. I think what is incredible is to remember is that these laws are coming directly from God to the Hebrews. I find it very encouraging that God is so interested in the minutiae details that are discussed in these laws! God is not an impersonal God who just sets up the universe like a clock and lets it tick. God is engaged and concerned with our behavior - back then and today! Do you believe that God is engaged and concerned with your behavior today?
New Testament - Matthew chapter 24 verse 2 was literally fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Romans, under Titus, completely destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple building: ""Do you see all these buildings? I assure you, they will be so completely demolished that not one stone will be left on top of another!"
Verse 15 stood out to me today's readings: "The time will come when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about: the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place"--reader, pay attention!" Per Zondervan's commentary, the primary reference in Daniel 9:27 & 11:31 & 12:11 was to 168 B.C. when Antiochus Epiphanes erected a pagan altar to Zeus on the sacred altar in the temple of Jerusalem. Some believe this is a progressive prediction, which was also fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the temple was destroyed - and will also be fulfilled in the future by the antichrist.
Verses 26 & 27 really stood out to me today as some very wise teaching's of Jesus' (well, yes, all of Jesus' teachings are wise! :), which we would all do well to take note of: ""So if someone tells you, `Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,' don't bother to go and look. Or, `Look, he is hiding here,' don't believe it! For as the lightning lights up the entire sky, so it will be when the Son of Man comes." For some reason that little line, "don't bother to go and look" really stood out to me. Basically, Jesus is saying that if you have to GO somewhere to see the "messiah" in the end of days, it ain't the messiah! :) When the true Messiah Jesus comes again, you will know it without a doubt - Jesus will light up the entire sky! What a beautiful thing to imagine...
Psalms - Speaking of Jesus lighting up the sky when he returns... check out Psalm 29 today! What a beautiful hymn of praise to God the Creator! Verses 3 and 4 are awesome: "The voice of the LORD echoes above the sea. The God of glory thunders. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty." And verse 2 is something for each of us to joyfully obey - "Give honor to the LORD for the glory of his name. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness." Amen!
Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 7 verses 22 & 23 have always stood out to me, reminding me of the mortal danger of sin in our lives: "He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter or like a trapped stag, awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life." Yes, these verses are speaking about adultery. But, I think you can apply these verses to many sins that we fall prey to. Once we let the temptation or seduction of the sin overtake our senses we run the risk of the "arrow" or the "snare." Sin has consequences. Very real and often mortal consequences. We need to stay off the path of sin and pray to God to keep us on the paths of truth and righteousness. Please don't walk into the traps of temptation!
Worship Video: Today's readings in Matthew reminded me of Danny Gokey's song "Haven't Seen It Yet:"
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on five verses of Scripture today:"Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains." Matthew 24:4-8 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you will not be deceived in the end times. Pray that you will keep your eyes and heart fixed on Jesus alone in all times and all places.
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: I read an interesting commentary on Psalm 29 verse 2 today - "Give honor to the LORD for the glory of his name. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness." This commentary suggested that possibly "worshiping God in the splendor of his holiness" may have been a call for the ancient worshipers to basically dress up before going to the Temple. To wear the proper white robes or garb for worship. And this made me think about how we dress for church today. I'm wondering if maybe we're getting too casual in the way we dress for church these days? I know in my grandparents' day, you were in a suit / nice dress. Today, it seems like we can go to church in just about whatever we want to wear - jeans, T-shirts, flip-flops, etc. And maybe this is okay? Maybe this is a good thing? Or maybe not? Dennis Prager on his radio show talks about this very topic and says that if we were going to meet with the Queen of England, how would we dress? Obviously, we'd dress nicely. Well, if in church we're going to meet with the King of all creation, how then should we dress? At least as nicely as we'd dress for meeting with the Queen of England? Or no...? Please let me know your thoughts on this topic. Do you dress up for church? Why or why not? (I'll confess - I wear jeans to church... and sometimes even sandals in the summer...) Are we getting too casual with what we wear to church these days? Should we maybe learn something from this Psalm and "worship God in the splendor of his holiness"? 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.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
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