One Year Bible Blog

July 22nd readings

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2 Chronicles 6:12-8:10 ~ Romans 7:14-8:8
Psalm 18:1-15 ~ Proverbs 19:24-25

Old Testament - Today in Second Chronicles 6 we read about Solomon's dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem!

In Second Chronicles chapter 7 verse 1 today we read - "When Solomon finished praying, fire flashed down from heaven and burned up the burnt offerings and sacrifices, and the glorious presence of the LORD filled the Temple."

New Testament - Romans 7 today has some amazing words about struggling with sin.  I imagine that all of us at one point or another have concurred with Paul - and remember this is preacher Paul writing this! - in verses 15 through 17 - "I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate. I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience shows that I agree that the law is good. But I can't help myself, because it is sin inside me that makes me do these evil things." These verses get at Original Sin in a big way.  We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  Sin can live inside of us and make us do evil things that we hate doing.  What do you suppose - or Whom do you suppose - frees us from this bondage to sin?  Jesus.  Yes, Christ frees us.  How?  He paid the penalty on the cross for our sins.  And he gives us the free gift of salvation and the Holy Spirit to free us from the bondage of sin.   Take a look at these verses again above from Paul.  Is sin living inside of you making you do things you hate?  Do you want to be free from this slavery to sin?  Will you pray to accept Jesus as your savior today and allow him to free you from you bondage to sin?  Please do.  It's the best decision you will ever make.  Please spend a few minutes prayerfully at this website - http://needhim.org/

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "The War Within" is 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 I love - "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 I absolutely love, 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 Christ."   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 - I hope you don't relate too well to Proverbs 19 verse 24... but I'll confess that I have been able to relate to this in my past - "Some people are so lazy that they won't even lift a finger to feed themselves."  There were days in my past were I was literally this lazy.  What a sad state of affairs.  It's hard to say exactly why I was being so lazy - other than one clear reason:  I was not in a loving and growing relationship with Jesus.  I was living for myself and myself only.  So I thought it was fine to sleep and watch TV 24 x 7.  What did it matter?  Well... it mattered a lot.  Being lazy like this is a scary place to be.  I think it allows the Enemy to move into our lives in big ways.  So - thankfully - as we know from our recent Romans readings, we can be free from our lazy ways! Being in relationship with Jesus has literally cured me of my laziness.  Don't get me wrong - I still chill out and rest on occasion - we oughta take a Sabbath day of rest once a week....  but let us not live our lives as couch potatoes!  Get in the game of Life!

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings?  Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

July 21st readings

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2 Chronicles 4:1-6:11 ~ Romans 7:1-13
Psalm 17:1-15 ~ Proverbs 19:22-23

Old Testament - Today in Second Chronicles we read about the furnishings for the Temple, including the completion of the Sea in chapter 4 verses 4 & 5 - "The Sea rested on a base of twelve bronze oxen, all facing outward. Three faced north, three faced west, three faced south, and three faced east. The walls of the Sea were about three inches thick, and its rim flared out like a cup and resembled a lily blossom. It could hold about 16,500 gallons of water."

Today we also read about the Ark being brought to the Temple.  Second Chronicles chapter 5 verses 13 & 14 are incredible to consider - "The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the LORD with these words: "He is so good! His faithful love endures forever!" At that moment a cloud filled the Temple of the LORD. The priests could not continue their work because the glorious presence of the LORD filled the Temple of God."

 

New Testament - Great writings by Paul in Romans 7 today about the Law!  I love how he wraps up today's readings in verses 12 & 13 by saying - "But still, the law itself is holy and right and good.  But how can that be? Did the law, which is good, cause my doom? Of course not! Sin used what was good to bring about my condemnation. So we can see how terrible sin really is. It uses God's good commandment for its own evil purposes." Great theology in this chapter today!  Indeed - the law itself is holy and right and good.  But, we couldn't keep the law and sin tempted us to break the law.  And thanks to Jesus, Paul tells us in verse 6 today - "But now we have been released from the law, for we died with Christ, and we are no longer captive to its power. Now we can really serve God, not in the old way by obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way, by the Spirit."  We now serve God by the Spirit!  We are free indeed!

Bible.org's commentary on today's Romans readings titled "The Loveliness of the Law and the Ugliness of Sin" is 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?

Proverbs - I like Proverbs 19 verse 22 today!  "Loyalty makes a person attractive. And it is better to be poor than dishonest."  It is an interesting combination of proverbs in one verse.  I do agree that loyalty is an attractive quality in people.  Are you loyal to God?  And I wholeheartedly agree that it is better to be poor than dishonest.  Dishonestly is a sin that breeds so many other sins and wrong-thinkings in our life.  It's to be avoided - even if it means being materially poor.  You will be wealthy in God's eyes because of your honesty!

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings?  Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

July 20th readings

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2 Chronicles 1:1-3:17 ~ Romans 6:1-23
Psalm 16:1-11 ~ Proverbs 19:20-21

Old Testament - Today we begin Second Chronicles!

Author: Unknown
Date: Fifth century B.C.
Content: Second Chronicles contains the history of Judah that was begun in First Chronicles. It deals with the glory of Solomon’s reign, with a special emphasis being placed upon the glory of the temple. This emphasis is made because a priest point of view pervades the book. The remaining kings of Judah are discussed, with a stress upon how the religious affairs of the nation were going. Hezekiah is given mention because during his reign an extended revival took place. The destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the people to Babylon are described, and the book ends with the Persian king’s decree to let the people return home.
Theme: Judah’s history is described from a religious point of view in this book. The righteous kings are commented on and the evil kings are named so that all can see who is responsible for the rise and fall of the nation. The religious leaders and their ultimate failure to remain true to God added to the sin of Judah – until God allowed his own chosen people to plunge themselves into ruin, as an example for all time that God will not tolerate sin. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 7-8)

More commentary on Second Chronicles is at these 2 links –
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=899
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=956

Today in 2 Chronicles chapter 1 we read about King Solomon asking for wisdom and knowledge from God. In verse 7 we read these words from God to Solomon – “Ask for whatever you want me to give you." In verse 10 we will read this amazing response from Solomon to God – “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?" Solomon could have asked God for anything – more wealth, more power, more strength, more whatever, but he simply asked for wisdom and knowledge. Why? Because he wanted to lead God’s people well and distinguish between right and wrong. Amazing. How would you or I answer this question today? What if God came to you today and said the same thing to you from verse 5 - “Ask for whatever you want me to give you." What would you ask for? Would you ask for Wisdom? Would you ask for Knowledge? If so, God offers these to you and me right now. Where? I believe wisdom and knowledge is offered to us through study of the Bible and by living in a loving and right relationship with God. We can receive the gift of God’s wisdom today! If we would answer this question from God differently – maybe wanting more money, or power, or fame, or whatever – do you think we might forfeit gaining wisdom? So, again, what if God were to say to you right now this same statement he said to Solomon? “Ask for whatever you want me to give you." What do you ask for?

New Testament - Today in Romans chapter 6 verses 17 & 18 we read – “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” Do you believe that you were ever a slave to sin? Is it possible that you are still a slave to sin now? How can you be freed from being a slave to sin? Or, better yet, Who do you think can free you from being a slave to sin? Are you wholeheartedly obeying the teaching to which you have been entrusted? Where can you consistently find the teaching to which you have been entrusted? Do you consider yourself a slave to righteousness? Do you like the idea of being a slave to righteousness?

 

Bible.org's commentary on today's Romans readings titled "An End to the Reign of Death" is at this link and "The Stupidity of Sin" is at this link.

Psalms - Today we read Psalm 16, which I love!  I could probably come up with some questions for reflection on just about every verse in this Psalm. In verse 1 we will read - "Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge."  Do you believe that God will keep you safe when 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.""  This reminds me of a song we sing in church that goes - "Every good and perfect gift comes from You.  Father of Lights."   This is such an amazing truth.  Everything good in our life - absolutely everything good in our life - comes from God.  Do you believe this?

Verse 3 reminds me to rejoice for and pray for pastors and spiritual mentors of mine - "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?

And verse 11 is a powerful closing to this Psalm 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 - Proverbs 19 verse 21 is so true - "You can make many plans, but the LORD's purpose will prevail." I am so amazed by how God's purpose continues to steer the course of my life - tossing to the side my frivolous plans that were not part of His purpose.  I think we do well to realize that God absolutely has a purpose for our lives - and that we very likely do not know what it is.  :)  Well, that's not always true.  I do think many of us have a good indication of what God's purpose is for our lives.  But I think perhaps more of us do not.  And that's okay.  I believe that if we stay close to God in a loving relationship and seek to live godly lives, God's purpose can't help but take over the course of our life.  Without our even realizing it at times.  There was that movie several years back called Mr. Holland's Opus, where the lead character realized that "Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans."  I submit that "God's purpose is what happens while you are busy making other plans."  And thank God for that!

 

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings?  Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

July 19th readings

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1 Chronicles 28:1-29:30 ~ Romans 5:6-21
Psalm 15:1-5 ~ Proverbs 19:18-19

Old Testament - We finish up First Chronicles today!  Today's readings are a nice transition from the reign of King David to his son Solomon. 

Our readings today set the transition scene nicely in 1 Chronicles 28 verses 1& 2  - "David summoned all his officials to Jerusalem--the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of the twelve army divisions, the other generals and captains, the overseers of the royal property and livestock, the palace officials, the mighty men, and all the other warriors in the kingdom. David rose and stood before them and addressed them as follows: "My brothers and my people!""

I love David's prayer of praise to God today in 1 Chronicles 29 verses 10 through 12 - "O LORD, the God of our ancestor Israel, may you be praised forever and ever! Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Riches and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and it is at your discretion that people are made great and given strength."  Have you ever prayed a prayer of praise like this to God?  Would you like to?  You could do so right now.

New Testament - Wow... I don't know what it is about Romans this year, but it is speaking to me like never before.  For those of you that have gone through the One Year Bible multiple times, you probably know how this is.  One year a book will kinda sorta speak to you - God's Word always does.  And then the next year a book will just blow you away with its wisdom.  Romans is one of those books for me this year... 

Paul's words in Romans 5 verses 6 through 8 today spoke to me right away - "When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, no one is likely to die for a good person, though someone might be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."  This is so powerful to think about.  Jesus died for us sinners.  Think about how selfless this is. Would you die for someone right now?  Perhaps your family or maybe someone who is especially good, as this Psalm says.  But would you die for a liar, a thief, a cheat, or a hopeless addict?  Maybe so...  but probably not.  Jesus came for us.  He died for us.  Us thieves.  Us liars.  Us cheat.  Us addicts.  He came to save us!  Have you been saved by Jesus?

We are now called friends of God as Paul tells us in verse 11 - "So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God--all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God."  Do you rejoice in knowing that you are a friend of God?  If someone were to look at how you interact with others and how you spend your time and your days, would they know that you are a friend of God?

Paul's contrast of Adam and Jesus in today's readings is so powerful.  Verses 18 & 19 stand out - "Yes, Adam's one sin brought condemnation upon everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness makes all people right in God's sight and gives them life. Because one person disobeyed God, many people became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many people will be made right in God's sight."

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "From the Curse to the Cure" 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.  Recall from our Romans readings - Jesus came for sinners.  However, I do think there is truth in these Psalm verses in that we can also worship God by living a blameless life (not perfect life - only Jesus was perfect this side of heaven - we will surely need to confess & repent sometimes), 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?  Why or why not?

Bible.org's commentary on Psalm 15 titled "Qualifications for Worship" is at this link.

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 19 verse 18 is a great reminder of the wisdom in godly discipline.

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings?  Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

July 18th readings

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1 Chronicles 26:12-27:34 ~ Romans 4:13-5:5
Psalm 14:1-7 ~ Proverbs 19:17

Old Testament - It is interesting to read about the various gatekeepers, treasurers, officials, military commanders and leaders in today's First Chronicle readings.  In some ways it is sad to read about how well organized things were - knowing that the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple and the exile to Babylon is coming up.  All of this organization will be destroyed.  Why?  Because of sin.  Sin destroys.  Sin kills.  So sad.  It is true that the lineage from Abraham to Judah to David will of course continue through to Jesus and now to us as spiritual descendants.  But, the nation of Israel at this time of First Chronicles, with all of it's great organization, will fall because the leaders and people will turn their backs on God in sin.  Is there a lesson for us in this today?  Do you see the dangers of sin?  Of how it can destroy everything you hold dear?  Please - flee from sin.  Jesus can set you free from the bondage of sin.  Don't lose everything you hold dear to something as stupid as sin.  Sin will sell you lies and leave you with nothing.

New Testament - Wow.  Romans 5 verses 1 & 2 are so true - "Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory."  I do think one of the most amazing things about the Christian Walk is the sense of peace that is given to us.  Christ's peace is gifted to us through the Holy Spirit.  Have you ever had this peace?  Do you have it now?  I know that we do not always sense the peace - but I do not think it leaves us once we've entered into a relationship with Jesus.  I think we can certainly distract ourselves enough or make ourselves worried or frantic enough that we might think the peace is gone.  But I don't think it leaves us.  I do think we need to take time to connect with and rediscover Christ's peace within us each and every day.  Prayer and meditation on Scripture are great ways to do this.  Reading the Bible of course.  I have also found getting outdoors and taking a walk in nature helps me connect with Christ's peace again.  What are other ways that you connect with Christ's peace within you?  Please post up in the Comments section below for others to learn from!  Thanks!

Verses 3 through 5 are incredible today as well - "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." How's that for a paradigm shift?  When we are in relationship with Jesus, we can REJOICE! when we run into problems and trials.  :)  I know I'm smiling here - but it so true.  It is often difficult for us to remember to rejoice when problems and trials come our way - but please do remember these words of Paul in Romans about rejoicing during a time of trial.  Remember our readings in Acts?  Paul was ridiculed, beaten, jailed and shipwrecked - and yet, he never gave into a defeatist attitude.  He kept preaching God's love!  If anyone knows about trials and problems, it is Paul.  And he tells us to rejoice because through problems and trials we learn to endure.  I love that Paul says that character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation!  And that this expectation will not disappoint!  Do you believe this?  Do you have a confident expectation of salvation?  If not, do you want to pray to God for some trials and problems to help get you to this confidence?  :)

 

Psalms - Psalm 14 could be seen at first glance as a discouraging Psalm for us as we look at verse 3 - "But no, all have turned away from God; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not even one!"   I think it is good to keep in mind that there is truth in this verse - but also to keep in mind that this verse was written before Jesus came to the earth.   Jesus will fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament and give us the hope spoken of in the closing of this Psalm in verse 7 - "Oh, that salvation would come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel! For when the LORD restores his people, Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice."   Do you recognize the salvation that has come to us?  Are you shouting for joy for this salvation?  Are you rejoicing!  Below is an image of Mount Zion -

 

Proverbs - Today in Proverbs 19 verse 17 we read – “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.” Do you believe that when you are kind to the poor you are actually lending to God? Are you someone who is consistently kind to the poor? Are you kind to the spiritually, emotionally, materially poor that God has brought into your life? Are you also kind to spiritually, emotionally, materially poor that you do not know? Do you believe this kindness is noticed by God? Do you believe it is rewarded?

 

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings?  Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

July 17th readings

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1 Chronicles 24:1-26:11 ~ Romans 4:1-12
Psalm 13:1-6 ~ Proverbs 19:15-16

Old Testament - Ever wonder why we have music in church today?  I think 1 Chronicles 25 verse 1 is a great argument for the tradition of music in our worship services! "David and the army commanders then appointed men from the families of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to proclaim God's messages to the accompaniment of harps, lyres, and cymbals."

New Testament - Great writings by Paul today in Romans how we are declared righteous before God.  Verse 4 is powerful - "When people work, their wages are not a gift. Workers earn what they receive. But people are declared righteous because of their faith, not because of their work."  Our right relationship with Jesus is a gift.  We do not work to earn it.  It is given to us as a gift.  Our right relationship with God is not because of our work - but because of Jesus' work on our behalf on the cross.  Have you accepted the gift?

Paul's writings about Abraham's faith are wonderful in today's readings.  Verses 9 & 10 stood out to me - "Well, what about Abraham? We have been saying he was declared righteous by God because of his faith. But how did his faith help him? Was he declared righteous only after he had been circumcised, or was it before he was circumcised? The answer is that God accepted him first, and then he was circumcised later!"  These verses are an example of Abraham being accepted into a right relationship with God through faith - not works (circumcision in this case).  I do believe our good works are desired and appreciated by God - he wants us to ultimately live holy & loving lives where we love God and love people.  But, faith and acceptance by God comes first, then our good works for the Kingdom.  Abraham was an example of this as we read in verse 3 - "For the Scriptures tell us, "Abraham believed God, so God declared him to be righteous.""  Below is an portrait of Abraham being called by God by artist Guy Rowe -

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "An Old Testament Illustration of Justification by Faith" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 13 is thought to be a prayer by David for recovery from a grave illness, based on verse 3 - "Restore the light to my eyes, or I will die."  Yet, even in the midst of this serious illness, David amazingly proclaims in verse 5 - "But I trust in your unfailing love."  How about us?  When we are sick or in the midst of a very challenging or sad situation, do we trust in God's unfailing love?  Always?  No matter what is going on around us?

Proverbs - Proverbs 19 verse 15 is quite true - "A lazy person sleeps soundly--and goes hungry."  Have you ever had lazy periods of your life?  Are you maybe in one now?  Do you realize that when you are lazy you are slowly starving yourself?  That you are going hungry?  I believe this can apply to being lazy about our physical world - as well as our spiritual world.  When we are lazy in our faith, yes, I believe we can still "sleep soundly."  But - meanwhile we are starving ourselves spiritually, which is a grave risk.  Are you in a physically or spiritually lazy place right now?  If so, will you turn to Jesus for your work orders - and for your very food?  If you are in a lazy place right now, please do not continue to sleep quite so soundly...

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings?  Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

July 16th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
1 Chronicles 22:1-23:32 ~ Romans 3:9-31
Psalm 12:1-8 ~ Proverbs 19:13-14

New Testament - Today in Romans chapter 3 verses 22 through 24 we read – “But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Please take a moment to re-read these verses and meditate upon them. How do they speak to you? Do you believe that humans are righteous on our own? (One way to consider this is to imagine what our world would look like without a police force, for example – think we would just naturally be good and kind and righteous to each other? Or might there be anarchy and survival of the fittest – ala Lord of the Flies. . . ) Do you believe God is righteous? Do you believe we can be made righteous before God through faith in Jesus? Have you sinned and fallen short of the glory of God? Are you justified freely by God’s grace and through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ?

Psalms - Psalm 12 verses 1 & 2 are intriguing verses for me - "Help, O LORD, for the godly are fast disappearing! The faithful have vanished from the earth! Neighbors lie to each other, speaking with flattering lips and insincere hearts."  Are there days when you feel like this?   I think there are some days when I do... but not too many.  I guess I sometimes wonder about the state of my heart - or if I've gotten enough sleep the night before :) - when I feel like this Psalmist does.  It is interesting how this verse goes into people talking with "flattering lips and insincere hearts".  I do notice this right away when it's happening... particularly the insincerity.  Maybe this is something we should ask of ourselves - do we talk at times with flattering lips or insincere hearts?  Are we sincere people?  I like that thought... being a sincere person.  I pray that we all are and can become more and more "sincere" in our dealings with each other and that we would just simply be sincere people.

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings?  Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

July 15th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
1 Chronicles 19:1-21:30 ~ Romans 2:25-3:8
Psalm 11:1-7 ~ Proverbs 19:10-12

Old Testament - Today in 1 Chronicles 20 we read about Israel's battles with the Philistines.  In verses 6 & 7 we read - "In another battle with the Philistines at Gath, a huge man with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot--a descendant of the giants-- defied and taunted Israel. But he was killed by Jonathan, the son of David's brother Shimea."

Today in 1 Chronicles 21 we read about David taking a census after being tempted by Satan.  Satan didn't force David to do this - Satan tempted him and David fell prey to the temptation.  This census was a sin because David was seeking to demonstrate how mighty "his" army was - when he should have realized all that he had came from God and David's true strength came from God and not his army. The census was a sin of pride.  And thus we read in verses 14 & 15 - "So the LORD sent a plague upon Israel, and seventy thousand people died as a result. And God sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem. But just as the angel was preparing to destroy it, the LORD relented and said to the death angel, "Stop! That is enough!" At that moment the angel of the LORD was standing by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite."

New Testament - Paul's writings in Romans 3 verses 7 & 8 today are so powerful for us to remember always - ""But," some might still argue, "how can God judge and condemn me as a sinner if my dishonesty highlights his truthfulness and brings him more glory?" If you follow that kind of thinking, however, you might as well say that the more we sin the better it is! Those who say such things deserve to be condemned, yet some slander me by saying this is what I preach!"  Have you ever thought in any way along the lines of "well, it doesn't really matter if I sin?"  I believe this is such risky thinking.   Let me highly encourage you to read the Bible to see what it says about sin and in particular these early chapters in Romans.  In reading these chapters in Romans do you see the risk, and really the stupidity, in continuing in unchecked sin?

Psalms - Psalm 11 verse 1 is one that you might miss if you didn't know some of the commentary behind this Psalm.  Basically in this Psalm David is expressing his unshakable trust in God to scared people around him.  Knowing this - check out verse 1 - "I trust in the LORD for protection. So why do you say to me, "Fly to the mountains for safety!"  Do we really trust in God for our protection?  Or do we sometimes rely on others or our own cunning - or, our own fear - for protection?  Are there times when we are faced with a challenging situation that we feel like running away from it?  Fleeing to the mountains for safety?  When, instead, we should simply trust in God for our protection and move forward in spite of the fear within us?  Is there an area of your life where you may need to turn over more trust in God for protection as you move forward in that area?

Proverbs - Proverbs 19 verse 11 is a bit challenging for me - "People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs."  I can see the point of restraining our anger.  But overlooking wrongs...  I guess I'm having a hard time with this one currently.  I believe there is a point where we do need to speak the truth in love to someone about their wrongs.  If we simply overlooked their wrongs, then would we really be doing them any favors?  I mean, I guess we would be keeping the peace by overlooking wrongs, but I'm just thinking there is a time and place to speak the truth in love.  In love.  Not in anger.  Let me know what you think on this one?  I know just recently I posted up about not getting into an argument with a friend over the way he left a voicemail to me with a bad tone.  And that seemed to be the right thing to do, and correlated with a recent Proverb we read.  And today's Proverb indicates we earn esteem by overlooking wrongs.  I guess I'm just wondering about this for some reason today.  I see where this Proverb is often / generally true - but is it always true?  Let me know your thoughts on this in the Comments below if you will!  Thanks!

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings?  Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

July 14th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
1 Chronicles 16:37-18:17 ~ Romans 2:1-24
Psalm 10:16-18 ~ Proverbs 19:8-9

Old Testament - Today in 1 Chronicles chapter 17 verse 30 we read this prayer of King David – “There is no one like you, O LORD, and there is no God but you.” Have you ever searched for other “gods”? Have you ever really found those other gods? Have they ever delivered on anything? Do you believe there is no other God like the one true and living God that we read about in the Bible? Are you living your life in such a way that you are seeking to know more and more about the character, heart, and will of the one true and living God? Do you love God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit with all of your mind, soul and strength? Have you forsaken pursuing all false gods for the remainder of your life?  Will you leave the idols behind?

New Testament - Again... wow..  Paul's writings in Romans are so convicting and true.  So many verses in today's readings bring out so much.  One verse that stood out to me was 16 - "The day will surely come when God, by Jesus Christ, will judge everyone's secret life. This is my message."  This is powerful to consider.  Do you have a secret life?  Do you realize that Jesus will judge your secret life?  So, really, is there such a thing as a secret life at all?  It will all surely come out into the Light and be judged.  Do you have skeletons in your closet?  Will you confess those skeletons/sins to God now and repent of them immediately?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "No Excuse for the Jews" is at this link.

Psalms - I love Psalm 10 verses 17 & 18 today - "LORD, you know the hopes of the helpless.  Surely you will listen to their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so people can no longer terrify them."  The Psalmist here tells us that God knows the hopes of the helpless.  Do we?  Do we care?  The Psalmist says God will listen to their cries and comfort them.  Are we listening?  Are we comforting? God will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so people can no longer terrify them.  Should we?  Will we?

Proverbs - Great Proverb 19 verse 8 today - "To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper."  Do you love yourself?  Are you continually acquiring wisdom in your life?  Do you want to prosper?  Do you cherish understanding?  Where are you seeking wisdom and understanding in your life today?

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings?  Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

July 13th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
1 Chronicles 15:1-16:36 ~ Romans 1:18-32
Psalm 10:1-15 ~ Proverbs 19:6-7

Old Testament - Today in 1 Chronicles 15 we read about David dancing before the Ark as it enters Jerusalem!

David's song of praise in 1 Chronicles 16 is phenomenal.  Verse 8 begins his praise with - "Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness."  These are two things that I'm afraid I do not do enough - give thanks to God & proclaim his greatness.  I am amazed really at how little I give thanks to God.  I mean, yes, I say grace and thanks before meals.  And I'll maybe give a little prayer of thanksgiving here or there to God on occasion - but it is just very occasionally.  Why am I not giving thanks to God frequently??  I am not sure.  I think it maybe has to do with the human condition - we always want more.  Things are never really good enough.  But if we really stop and think about it, we are so fortunate to have lived the # of years we have lived in our lives!  Each day in our life has been and is a gift from God.  How about you?  Do you give thanks to God frequently?  Now, as for proclaiming God's greatness, I think I stumble in this area too.  I think sometimes I forget the wise saying of - "God is God, and I am not."  I think sometimes I try to fall back on my own power and might and strength and spirit - when really all that I have comes from God.  I pray that I begin to proclaim God's greatness more and more often.

New Testament - Wow... Paul's writings today in Romans are such a true stern true warning about the dangers of sin.  I really can't imagine how sin can be written about much more truthfully.  Verse 21 is a strong warning - "Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused." I do believe that this is such an accurate description of what sin does to our minds - it makes our minds dark and confused.  Things can get so fuzzy / hazy in our mind due to unchecked sin that we can even get to the point of where we do not realize we are sinning.  How sad to live life knowing God, but not worshiping him or even giving him thanks.  And then to come up with wacky ideas of what God is like.... ever hear any wacky ideas about God out there?  :)  The result is that people's minds become dark and confused because of sin... sad.  Let us live our lives so that we share the Light of the Gospel of Jesus in the dark places in the world. 

Bible.org's commentary on today's Romans readings titled "No Excuse for the Heathen" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 10 is a prayer for rescue from attacks from the proud and wicked.  Wisely, you'll note that this Psalmist is not taking punishment into his own hands - but asking God for punishment.  We would do well to remember that punishment is the Lord's...

Psalm 10 verse 1 stood out to me today - "O LORD, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I need you the most?"  Have you ever felt like this?  I know I have.  However, I also have realized later on that just when I thought God was no where near me, he was actually as close as could be taking care of me.  Even though it may have seemed that God was "hiding" from me, he was actually right there with me all along!

Proverbs - The second half of Proverbs 19 verse 6 really stands out to me today - "Everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts!"  This is obviously very true when we think about our human relations.  But what about with God?  Who anywhere gives better gifts than God?  Who else literally gives us the gift of life?  Who gives us every good and perfect gift in our lives?  And yet...  does everyone rush to be God's friend?  I would guess that many of us reading this blog would consider God to be our friend.  But what about the rest of the world?  Why isn't all of the world rushing to be friends with the giver of all good and perfect gifts?  And even us who consider God to be our friend - do we consistently treat God like we do our other friends?  Do we spend time with God?  Do we laugh, cry, and enjoy life with God?  Are you a true and consistent friend of the Giver of every good and perfect gift?

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings?  Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike