September 23rd readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Isaiah 41:17-43 ~ Ephesians 2:1-22
Psalm 67:1-7 ~ Proverbs 23:29-35

Old Testament - Today in Isaiah chapter 42 we read some amazing prophecies about Jesus!  Verses 1 through 4 in Isaiah 42 are known as the "Servant Song," in which the servant is the coming Messiah, Jesus.  There are 3 other servant songs in Isaiah we'll read in the coming days.  The nation of Israel, as well as the Messiah, are both often called servant.  The nation of Israel was to be a kingdom of priests and the Messiah is the high priest who atones for the sins of the world. In Isaiah chapter 42 verse 1 today we read: “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations.”  Verses 1 through 4 are quoted in part in Matthew 12:18-21.  Do you see the prophecies about Jesus as you read today's chapter 42? Is this chapter and its prophecies encouraging to you? Check out a webpage with an overview of "121 Messianic Prophecies of Isaiah fulfilled in Jesus Christ and His Church" at this link.  Surf down and you'll see Isaiah chapter 42's prophecies and fulfillments.  Another website with prophecies from Isaiah about the Messiah is at this link.

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Isaiah titled "The Lord is the Gracious Redeemer" is at this link.

New Testament - Today in Ephesians chapter 2 verses 8 through 10 we read - “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Have you been saved by grace through faith?  Do you believe that salvation is a gift that cannot be earned?  Have you ever felt that you had to work for your salvation?  What does Paul say about works related to salvation in these verses?  Do you believe that you are God’s very workmanship?  Do you believe you were created in Christ Jesus to do good works?   Do you believe that God has prepared good works for you to do in advance?  Are you participating in God’s plan for you life?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Ephesians titled "The Guilt of Men and the Grace of God" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 67 verse 2 today sounds very Great Commission-ish - "May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere." It's interesting to read this verse when just an hour or so ago I was reading a review in my local newspaper about a book that "exposes" evangelical Christians. (of which I am one)  This book really dives into how "successful" evangelical Christians are in "recruiting" young adults ages 20 to 35 with their ministries.  And this book reviewer - and the book author - were very disdainful of Christianity.  Saying it threatened secular society...  and this just made me realize that the more we do indeed make God's ways known throughout the earth - the more we introduce people to God's saving power among people everywhere - well, then the secular world will push back big time with books and reviews like the one I just read.  And the secular world will even push back in more severe ways as well.  This makes me realize that indeed our efforts to make God's was known - God's love, grace, mercy, salvation, call to repentance - are being noticed by others.  But hopefully more than just being noticed by others, let us pray that our Kingdom work actually introduces others to God's only son Jesus, who transforms hearts and lives for eternity.  How are you helping to make God's ways be known throughout the earth?  Are you sharing with other's God's saving power?  Does the life you live reflect God's glory to others?

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 23 verses 29 through 35 is about one of the largest portions of Proverbs that we will read in one given day this year in the One Year Bible.  I'm sure you've noticed that usually our Proverbs readings each day are 1 verse or 2.  Well, these 7 verses today are well worth presenting together all at once!  I pray these verses speak to each of us powerfully about the dangers of overdoing alcohol and being out late partying - "Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks. Don't let the sparkle and smooth taste of wine deceive you. For in the end it bites like a poisonous serpent; it stings like a viper. You will see hallucinations, and you will say crazy things. You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast. And you will say, "They hit me, but I didn't feel it. I didn't even know it when they beat me up. When will I wake up so I can have another drink?"  This is so very true!  I have to share with you here that I have really been convicted lately of how dangerous alcohol can be for so many people in our society.  I will confess that I still drink a little bit here and there - but rarely.  I honestly watch myself big time when drinking to make sure I don't drink too much.  Which - is easier said than done when drinking!  Recently I've had a couple of good friends share with me their struggles with alcohol - and they are heartbreaking stories.  Alcohol can literally destroy lives and relationships, as we all know.  I'm not a prohibitionist.  But, I do see so much truth in this Proverb and I think we all need to recognize the danger of alcohol - not to mention the dangers of drugs.  Please please please, don't ever let the sparkle and smooth taste of wine deceive you!  For in the end it does indeed bite like a poisonous serpent...

Comments from you - What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

Grace,
Mike

Comments

[Rosemary]

Oh brother, can I testify to that last statement! I have not drank since August 19, 1987. By God's saving grace.

HE IS TELLING THE TRUTH.

[Ramona]

>>Alcohol can literally destroy lives and relationships, as we all know. >>

Mike—Anything done in excess is dangerous and will destroy your life and I’m using “life” as more than the breathing in an out of air.. The life that is destroyed is the abundant life Jesus talks about in John 10:10. In the USA, we are destroying our lives by being intoxicated with food. Driving while full (DWF), to me, can be the same as DUI/DWI. Anything done in excess is “sin.”

Societies and cultures just excepts certain kinds of excess and puts it's stamp of approval on it. Anything that destroys our relationship with God, anything that causes us to sacrifice our family for the so called "greater good," or for our own personal feel goods, is sin.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

[Lori Johnson]

Mike,
This is my first time writing- I started the one year bible blog with you on jan.1st!! I have been so blessed by you and your awesome efforts! I've told many others about you also, including my 75 yr. old mother who also is enjoying your blog!! Thank you - thank you - keep up the great work!
I would like to share a book that is the absolute best on the subject of christians drinking alcohol: "Sipping Saints" by David Wilkerson. It is a very short book, but very powerful!! A must read for all christians! I use to drink once in awhile until I read this book- now I never do.
May God Bless you for the aawesome work you are doing in sharing His Word with us!
Lori

[Mike]

Thanks Rosemary, Ramona and Lori for the comments on the subject of alcohol today! It's quite a subject... I really did almost drink myself to death in college. And so perhaps it's foolish for me to drink at all these days - but I do think I've found the "moderation" / not-excess point that you refer to Ramona.

I appreciate the book recommendation Lori. I do hope to read it for further study on this subject of alcohol. And I'm glad you've been on board w/ us since Jan 1!

God bless,
Mike