One Year Bible Blog

September 21st One Year Bible Readings

Isaiah 37:1-38:22 ~ Galatians 6:1-18 ~ Psalm 65:1-13 ~ Proverbs 23:24
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - Great readings in Isaiah featuring King Hezekiah today!  You'll recall from yesterday's readings that King Sennacherib of Assyria's representative threw down some serious trash-talking at the walls of Jerusalem.  (see yesterday's blog entry below).  Well today in chapter 37 we read about Hezekiah seeking the Lord's help.  Hezekiah takes all of this to God in prayer.  Good move!  How often in our lives today, when challenges come our way, do we take the challenges everywhere else BUT to God?  Wouldn't it be easier to take them directly to God?  Why do we turn to alcohol or drugs or food or worrying or _______ (fill in your blank here) when we can simply take our challenges to the one true living God who can actually do something with them?  Will you model what Hezekiah did when he received distressing news from the King of Assyria, in verses 14 through 17: "After Hezekiah received the letter and read it, he went up to the LORD's Temple and spread it out before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed this prayer before the LORD: "O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, you are enthroned between the mighty cherubim! You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You alone created the heavens and the earth. Listen to me, O LORD, and hear! Open your eyes, O LORD, and see! Listen to Sennacherib's words of defiance against the living God."

Well, Hezekiah's prayer is clearly answered as we read in verse 36: "That night the angel of the LORD went out to the Assyrian camp and killed 185,000 Assyrian troops. When the surviving Assyrians woke up the next morning, they found corpses everywhere." Below is an engraving of this verse by Gutave Dore.

I love Hezekiah's poem of praise in chapter 38.  Verse 16 stood out to me: "Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health." Would you agree with Hezekiah on this point?  Is God's discipline good?  Does God's discipline lead to life and health? Are you accepting God's discipline in your life today?  I found this little reminder of some "good discipline" from a school website below.  Not quite "the" Golden Rule below, but overall good stuff!  :)

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Isaiah chapter 38 titled "The Deliverance of Judah's King" is at this link.

New Testament - We finish up Paul's letter to the Galatians today.  Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus begins tomorrow!  We read some powerful teachings in Galatians chapter 6 today.  I love verse 1: "Dear brothers and sisters, if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself."  This is such a great teaching.  And one that I have a hunch we do not follow often enough...  When was the last time you gently and humbly helped someone who is overcome by sin get back on the right track?  I know for me that it has not been recently.  And I know I've missed some opportunities in this regard.  The last sentence in this verse is powerful and reminds me that we need to be particularly careful around sexual sin I think - to make sure we don't fall into the same temptation ourselves.  One important note for all of us is to not discuss with someone of the opposite sex their struggles with sexual sin!  It is foolish to do so I believe.  Men can discuss and counsel men in the area of sexual sin.  And women, women.  But I think it is just way too risky for men to discuss or counsel women in the area of sexual sin - and vice versa.  I think we just open ourselves up potentially to temptation if we do this.  I'm sure there are exceptions to this, but generally speaking, don't go into a discussion on personal sexual sin struggles with someone of the opposite sex!  While I'm on the topic here of sexual sin, does anyone have any good book recommendations for anyone who struggles in this area?  I've mentioned Lauren Winner's "Real Sex: The Naked Truth about Chastity" recently on the blog.  Another good book in this area is Josh Harris' "Sex is Not the Problem (Lust Is): Sexual Purity in a Lust-Saturated World." 

Bible.org's excellent commentary on today's readings in Galatians titled "Bearing Burdens: How One Sinner Relates to the Sin of Another" is at this link and "Sowing and Reaping" is at this link.  Below is an image for Galatians 6:14 in today's readings:

Psalms - Psalm 65 has some amazing verses about nature!  I love verse 8 - "Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy." When is the last time you have been inspired to shout for joy to God for the beautiful sunset he created?

Verse 7 of the Psalm says this - "You quieted the raging oceans with their pounding waves and silenced the shouting of the nations."  When is the last time you have stood in complete silence before God because of his beautiful Creation?

Proverbs - Proverbs 23 verse 24 is one of those Proverbs that simply states a fact without giving advice per se: "The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure it is to have wise children."  This is of course true.  My question for us today - are we ourselves godly children to our parents?  Are we giving our parents pleasure because we ourselves are wise children?

Worship God:  I realize I'm on a Casting Crowns kick these days, but, wow, they have some amazing worship songs!  In our Isaiah readings today, King Hezekiah reminded me that when the world comes after us with taunts and lies like he was getting from the King of Assyria, well, we either have the option to believe those lies or instead we'll choose to listen to the voice of Truth!  (as King Hezekiah did in prayer!)  Here's Mark Hall from Casting Crowns singing "Voice of Truth" solo on the piano.  This is such a beautiful song...

Do you know the Voice of Truth?  Click here and receive beautiful Truth!

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!

God bless,
Mike

September 20th One Year Bible Readings

Isaiah 33:10-36:22 ~ Galatians 5:13-26 ~ Psalm 64:1-10 ~ Proverbs 23:23
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - Today we read Isaiah chapter 35, which is a wonderful glimpse of God's Kingdom Come!  The preceding Chapter 34 is a message of judgment to the nations during the end times.  And then Chapter 35 is a message of hope for those who love, believe in and are obedient to the Lord. I love verse 8 in chapter 35: "And a main road will go through that once deserted land. It will be named the Highway of Holiness. Evil-hearted people will never travel on it. It will be only for those who walk in God's ways; fools will never walk there."  I like that concept!  The Highway of Holiness! If you could take the Highway of Holiness right now, would you?  Do you look forward to walking on the Highway of Holiness in the future?  In the midst of our often chaotic and un-holy world, will you seek only the Highway of Holiness for your life today and forevermore? 

As I mentioned above, Isaiah chapter 34 is a message of judgment.  An interesting thing to note about the "the horned owl, the hawk, the screech owl, and the raven" listed in verse 11 and the owl and the vulture in verse 15 is that these are all unclean birds per Deuteronomy 14:11-18.  In verse 8 today we read - "For it is the day of the LORD's vengeance, the year when Edom will be paid back for all it did to Israel."

In Isaiah chapter 36 today you probably noticed that we've read this story about Sennacherib threatening Jerusalem before.  In fact, much of Isaiah chapters 36 through 39 are sometimes verbatim of Second Kings 18:13 through 20:19.  The compiler of Second Kings may have utilized Isaiah chapters 36 through 39 as a source, or it is also thought that both may have drawn from another common source.  Today in chapter 36 we are in the year 701 B.C., and we get some bold boasts before the walls of Jerusalem by King Sennacherib of Assyria's representatives...  Verse 20 includes this boast, which didn't make God too happy: "What god of any nation has ever been able to save its people from my power? Name just one! So what makes you think that the LORD can rescue Jerusalem?"

New Testament - I love Paul's teaching in Galatians 5 verses 22 & 23 today - "But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."  It is incredible I think for each of us to really meditate on this question - does the Holy Spirit control your life?  I think so often - even after coming to faith in Christ - we still try to hold onto the controls of our life!  I know I do.  And yet, when I finally realize that I should instead "let go, and let God", my life gets 100 times easier.  I don't stress and worry about things any more.  When I let myself be controlled by the Holy Spirit I finally realize that this is where true LIFE is at!  It's not in hanging on so tightly to the steering wheel...   Then, as we truly let the Holy Spirit control our lives, we begin to see amazing fruits being born in us!  Do you see these fruits in your life today?  Love?  Joy?  Peace?  Patience?  Kindness?  Goodness?  Faithfulness?  Gentleness?  Self-control?  How are you doing on letting the Holy Spirit control your life these days?  Who is holding on to your steering wheel - you or the Holy Spirit?  Will you now let go of that steering wheel?  Will you "let go, and let God."  Will you let the fruits of the Spirit fully grow in your life?

Bible.org's terrific commentary on today's readings in Galatians titled "The War Without And the War Within" is at this link.  Below is a great image for Galatians 5:16 from today's readings!

Psalms - Psalm 64 verse 10 is beautiful - "The godly will rejoice in the LORD and find shelter in him."  Do you consider God a shelter for your life?  When storms come into your life, do you find shelter in God?  How about the Bible?  Is the Bible a sort of shelter in your life?  Do you find refuge in the Bible?

Bible.org's commentary on Psalm 64 titled "A Prayer for Protection from the Conspiracy of Terror" is at this link.

Proverbs - Today in Proverbs 23:23 we read: “Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.” What does this Proverb mean to you?  Can you “buy the truth” or is this perhaps a metaphor?  Why shouldn’t you sell it?  Why get wisdom, discipline and understanding? Why is discipline good to get?  What is truth?  Where can you find truth? Is the Bible Truth?  Will you learn from this Truth in some way each day for the rest of your life?

Worship God:  The "Haven in a Storm" image above in the Psalms reflection reminded me immediately of the incredible Casting Crowns song "Praise You in This Storm."  I don't know what it is about all these storm songs on the radio that are resonating with me lately - MercyMe's "Bring the Rain" being my current favorite song - other than I know this:  It's not a matter of "if" storms will come in our life.  It's a matter of "when."  Storms will come.  And when they do, we have the option to try to weather the storms all on our own.  Or we have the option to invite God into the storms with us.  Well, I believe God's already there with us in the storms even if we don't realize it - so, I think we can simply open our hearts and praise God in the storms!  He will never abandon us or leave us.  Even in the midst of the worst storms this fallen world might bring, God is there with us.  Will you praise God in the storms?

Do you believe there is a God who is worthy of being praised even in the midst of storms in your life?  Click here to get to know God of heaven and earth who is worthy of being praised in the storms!

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!

God bless,
Mike

September 19th One Year Bible Readings

Isaiah 30:12-33:9 ~ Galatians 5:1-12 ~ Psalm 63:1-11 ~ Proverbs 23:22
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - Today in Isaiah chapter 30 we read about blessings for God's people!  You'll notice in verses 12 and 15 the term "Holy One of Israel" is used for God.  An interesting thing to note about this term "Holy One of Israel" is that it occurs a total of 26 times in the book of the prophet Isaiah - and only 6 times elsewhere in the rest of the Old Testament!  (I think it is such a beautiful term - maybe in part because my church sings a wonderful song occasionally w/ these lyrics: "For I am the Lord your God.  The Holy One of Israel.  Your Savior.  I am the Lord - do not fear - I am the Lord".  Anyone else's church sing this song?)  Some scholars over history have challenged whether the entire 66 chapters of the book of Isaiah were really all written by the same person, Isaiah.  Well, the continuity of the use of the term "Holy One of Israel" throughout the book has been the strongest argument for the unity of the book of Isaiah.  Below is a painting by modern day artist Simon Dewey titled "The Holy One of Israel" - One whom Isaiah certainly prophesies a lot about in his book!

New Testament - Galatians chapter 5 is a great teaching on our freedom in Christ!  Verse 1 is so very powerful: "So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law."  Has Jesus set you free?  Has He set you free from the slavery of sin?  Has He set you free from the slavery of the law?  If you are not yet free, today will you hand over the controls of your life to Jesus and let Him once and for all set you free!

I also love verses 5 & 6 - "But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive everything promised to us who are right with God through faith. For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, it makes no difference to God whether we are circumcised or not circumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love."  I like that thought of eagerly waiting to receive everything promised to us who are right with God through faith.  Are you eagerly waiting for everything promised?  Do you have the hope of glory?  And then the last sentence of what is important is powerful - faith expressing itself in love!  Not faith expressing itself in hate....  Faith expressing itself in love.  Is your faith expressing itself in love?  This reminds me of the old song - "They will know we are Christians by our love.  By our love.  Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love."  Amen!

Bible.org's fantastic commentary on today's readings in Galatians titled "The Goal of the Gospel" is at this link.  Below is a great image for Galatians 5:6 from today's readings:

Psalms - Psalm 63 is beautiful!  So many amazing verses...  The imagery in verse 1 is fantastic - "O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water."  Do you earnestly search for God in your life?  Each and every day?  Does your soul literally thirst for God?  Does your whole body long for God in this dry and weary land....

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 23 verse 22 reminds me of the Ten Commandment to honor your father and mother! "Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don't despise your mother's experience when she is old."  I do think that listening to our parents and not despising their experience when they are old is very honoring.  Are you listening to your parents these days?  Are you not despising their experience?

Worship God:  Based on my Galatians 5 verse 6 reflection above, you knew I'd find "They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love" on YouTube right?  :)  Here's the song performed by Jars of Clay set to a powerful video with U.S. and worldwide poverty statistics and some related Scripture verses.  Please watch this video and see if God speaks to you in any new ways about loving others who are living in poverty.

Is God's precious love flowing through you to others?  Click here if you haven't yet received God's saving love!

Do Something:  If the video today moved you to love others in a more active way, I encourage you to look for volunteer needs within your local church.  Perhaps it's serving with an internal ministry or an external ministry.  Secondly, I encourage you to find a way to love others outside of the church walls by volunteering with a local nonprofit in your community.  A great way to find volunteer opportunities in communities throughout the United States is through VolunteerMatch.org.  All you have to do is type in your zip code at this website link and they will show you volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood!  Will you please take just 5 minutes to explore VolunteerMatch.org at:  http://www.volunteermatch.org/

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!

God bless,
Mike

September 18th One Year Bible Readings

Isaiah 28:14-30:11 ~ Galatians 3:23-4:31 ~ Psalm 62:1-12 ~ Proverbs 23:19-21
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - Today the Lord continues his messages of woe against Jerusalem and Judah through the prophet Isaiah!

Isaiah chapter 29 verses 15 and 16 I found to be so powerful to consider... "Destruction is certain for those who try to hide their plans from the LORD, who try to keep him in the dark concerning what they do! "The LORD can't see us," you say to yourselves. "He doesn't know what is going on!" How stupid can you be? He is the Potter, and he is certainly greater than you. You are only the jars he makes! Should the thing that was created say to the one who made it, "He didn't make us"? Does a jar ever say, "The potter who made me is stupid"?"  How true are these words?  Have you ever tried to hide your plans from God?  Did it work out?  How apropos the point in verse 16 is where some people said: "God didn't make us!"  Ever hear words like this today from others?  How sad is this?  Will you pray for others in your life today who may feel that God didn't make them?  Will you pray for those in your life today that do not believe in God?  Will you pray for them to learn that indeed the potter who made them is not stupid?  Will you pray that they learn that the Potter who made them is God who loves them so very dearly!

New Testament - I love Paul's teachings today in Galatians chapter 4 verses 3 through 7! "And that's the way it was with us before Christ came. We were slaves to the spiritual powers of this world. But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because you Gentiles have become his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, and now you can call God your dear Father. Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, everything he has belongs to you."  Do you believe these teachings of Paul's to be true?  Are you a child of God?  Has God sent the Spirit of Jesus into your heart?  Do you today call God your dear Father?  Do you believe that everything God has belongs to you because you are his child?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Galatians titled "The Contribution of the Mosaic Covenant" is at this link, "The Inferiority of Immaturity" is at this link, and "Paul Gets Personal" is at this link.  Below is a great image for Galatians 3:28 from today's readings:

Psalms - Today we read in Psalm 62 verse 11 - "God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times: Power, O God, belongs to you." This is a powerful verse - no pun intended. . .  :)  Really, think about it. Where does power come from? Who gives power? Who takes it away? I think it is such a blessing when we truly understand this verse and then live it out. When we realize that we really have no power of our own. Any power - any thing - we have comes from God and God alone. And thank God for that. It's when we start believing we create or own or control power that we begin to get prideful or we'll misuse the power given to us. I think a great teaching on where power truly comes from comes from Jesus when he is before Pilate in John chapter 19 verses 10 & 11 - "“Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above."" Where do you think your power to do anything at all comes from? Do you believe it was given to you from above? If so, how might truly realizing this change how you live your life? How might it change how you utilize the power given to you?  Below is a great image for verses 7 and 8 from Psalm 62:

Proverbs - Today's Proverbs verses 19-21 in chapter 23 are very applicable to each of our lives today in this modern world... "My child, listen and be wise. Keep your heart on the right course. Do not carouse with drunkards and gluttons, for they are on their way to poverty. Too much sleep clothes a person with rags." How do these verses speak to you?  Is your heart on the right course?  Do you avoid carousing with drunkards & gluttons?  Think this Proverb has some value for our lives today in this modern world?  Is gluttony or drinking at times portrayed as "good" or hip or cool in our world today...?  Do you realize the danger and poverty that this lifestyle can lead to?

Worship God: I'm not 100% sure how to tie this song into today's readings, other than I think the line of "I did not make it, though it is making me" is a great reminder of us being made by the Potter per our Isaiah readings.  This song came to mind because K-LOVE radio did a tribute to Rich Mullins last year.  Anyone else catch this tribute?  Great stuff!  Here's Rich Mullins' classic song "Creed":

Do believe in God the Father?  Click here and get to know the Almighty Maker of Heaven and Earth!

Book Recommendation:  I'm going to go out on a limb here with a book recommendation for a book that I have not yet read.  I own it!  :)  But haven't yet found the time to read it.  This book did come highly recommended to me by a trusted friend. The book is called "Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven" by James Bryan Smith.  The book is described as a "devotional biography," giving readers an insight into Rich's life, but more importantly, allowing the readers to learn what was most important to Rich - urging people to draw near to God.  If anyone has read this book, please post up reviews in the Comments section below for others?  Thanks.

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!

God bless,
Mike

September 17th One Year Bible Readings

Isaiah 25:1-28:13 ~ Galatians 3:10-22 ~ Psalm 61:1-8 ~ Proverbs 23:17-18
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - We have great readings in Isaiah today about the judgment and restoration of Israel!  Below is a great image for Isaiah 26:9 from today's readings -

I think Isaiah chapter 27 verses 11 through 13 capture the essence of today's readings: "The people are like the dead branches of a tree, broken off and used for kindling beneath the cooking pots. Israel is a foolish and stupid nation, for its people have turned away from God. Therefore, the one who made them will show them no pity or mercy. Yet the time will come when the LORD will gather them together one by one like handpicked grain. He will bring them to his great threshing floor--from the Euphrates River in the east to the brook of Egypt in the west. In that day the great trumpet will sound. Many who were dying in exile in Assyria and Egypt will return to Jerusalem to worship the LORD on his holy mountain."

New Testament - Today in Galatians chapter 3 verses 10 and 11 we read: “All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, "The righteous will live by faith.””  What is Paul saying here?  Why would those who rely on observing the law be under a curse?  Do you rely on the law?  And, no, I'm not asking about this type of law below... :)

Bible.org's fantastic commentary on today's readings in Galatians titled "What the Law Cannot Do" is at this link.  Below is a powerful image for Galatians 3:13 from today's readings -

Psalms - Today we read Psalm 61, which has some powerful verses for us to meditate upon when the storms of life come crashing down upon us. This Psalm reminds us of who is indeed our true Rock – our true Refuge. Verses 1 through 5 are so powerful to meditate upon when you are going through a storm in your life –

“Hear my cry, O God;
  listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you,
    I call as my heart grows faint;
    lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge,
    a strong tower against the foe.
I long to dwell in your tent forever
    and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
For you have heard my vows, O God;
    you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.”

Do you cry out to God in prayer during the storms in your life? When your heart grows faint, do you call on God’s holy name, and allow him to lead you to his Rock? Do you believe that God can be your refuge? Your strong tower against the foe? Do you long to dwell in God’s house forever? Do you long to take refuge in the shelter of God’s wings?

Proverbs - Proverbs 23 verses 17 & 18 are so applicable to our modern day: "Don't envy sinners, but always continue to fear the LORD. For surely you have a future ahead of you; your hope will not be disappointed."  Do you ever find yourself envying sinners?  I have on occasion.  And what a mistake that is.  When we envy sinners, we take our eyes and heart off of God.  We are no longer fearing the Lord.  I do think we'd do well here also to realize that we ourselves are sinners.  And we can likely even envy ourselves - or envy our old ways - or envy our "glory days" in the past that may have been full of sin.  Let's not go down this path at all!  For surely you have a future ahead of you with God.  And your hope will not be disappointed!

Worship God:  Psalm 61 today reminded me of the incredible song "Bring the Rain" by MercyMe!  I have a hunch this song is blessing countless numbers of people these days!  I know it has blessed me.  I had a bit of a rough week last week, and one day in particular this song pretty much brought me to tears in a beautiful way.  Yep, the storms of life can bring us closer to Jesus if we'll run to Him during those storms!  It's called intimacy with God and it is a beautiful thing.  So, below are 2 videos related to this song.  The first short video is a brief "story behind the song."  And the second video is the band performing the song live in a tiny little room!  I'd loved to have been in that room worshiping along!

Are you weathering the storms of life apart from God?  Click here for your only true shelter in the storm!

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!

God bless,
Mike

September 16th One Year Bible Readings

Isaiah 22:1-24:23 ~ Galatians 2:17-3:9 ~ Psalm 60:1-12 ~ Proverbs 23:15-16
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - Today in Isaiah chapter 23 we read a message about Tyre.  Ancient Tyre was a city on the seacoast of Phoenicia and is still a city today in modern day southern Lebanon.  In the days of the prophet Isaiah, it was a major trading center, wealthy and full of corruption. Tyre was also rebuked by the prophets Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Joel, Amos, and Zechariah - books that we'll read later this year in the One Year Bible.  A good history & overview of ancient and modern day Tyre is at this website link.  Below is a map of modern day Lebanon that shows the location of Tyre.  And below that is a modern day picture of Tyre's ancient ruins.  Some more great images of ancient Tyre's ruins are at this link.

Isaiah chapter 24 today begins 4 chapters of judgment and blessing in the final days!  The time of God's final victory over evil.  There is some pretty "heavy" stuff to consider about the last days when reading this chapter, to say the least.  But, I absolutely love the way the chapter ends - as God's story truly will end as we'll read about more in the book of Revelation later this year - with verses 21 through 24: "In that day the LORD will punish the fallen angels in the heavens and the proud rulers of the nations on earth. They will be rounded up and put in prison until they are tried and condemned. Then the LORD Almighty will mount his throne on Mount Zion. He will rule gloriously in Jerusalem, in the sight of all the leaders of his people. There will be such glory that the brightness of the sun and moon will seem to fade away."  Are you looking forward to this moment of the Lord's final victory?

New Testament - Paul's message in Galatians chapter 3 verses 6 through 9 is very good news to the 1st century Gentiles and to you and me today too! "In the same way, "Abraham believed God, so God declared him righteous because of his faith." The real children of Abraham, then, are all those who put their faith in God. What's more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would accept the Gentiles, too, on the basis of their faith. God promised this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, "All nations will be blessed through you." And so it is: All who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith." Do you believe that you can share in the same blessing Abraham received?  How?  Are you a spiritual descendent of Abraham?  Why?  What do Paul's words "faith in Christ" mean to you?  Is this all very good news to you?  Below is a painting from the year 1850 by Hungarian artist Jozsef Molnar of "Abraham's journey from Ur to Canaan":

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Galatians titled "The Cost of Changing Course" is at this link.  Below is a great image - nice take off from the "Intel Inside" graphic! - from Galatians 2:20 in today's readings:

Psalms - I like the imagery of Psalm 60 verse 4 a lot - "But you have raised a banner for those who honor you -- a rallying point in the face of attack."  I do believe that if we honor God, he will in some profound way "raise up a banner" for us.  A banner that will rally and encourage us in the face of attack - in the face of doubt or despair or sickness or just plain old fashioned attack from the Enemy - I believe God will give us a banner of hope.  This banner could end up being one of a million different things I think, depending on the circumstances.  For me, certainly a banner that rallies me each and every day is God's very Word, the Bible.  I believe the Bible is indeed a banner that rallies us in the face of attack...   What are some banners in your life that God is providing to rally you in the face of attack?  Uh-oh, this whole banner imagery has reminded me of an old childhood song...  :)  Remember that children's song that goes something like this (over and over and over again...) - "Peter built the church on the rock of our faith.  HIS banner over me is love."?  What a great simple song!  God's love very well should be a banner in our lives!

Proverbs - When I read Proverbs 23 verses 15 & 16 today I felt like God was saying this directly to me - "My child, how I will rejoice if you become wise. Yes, my heart will thrill when you speak what is right and just."  Yes, it's true that I do not believe I am wise!  Isn't it a Proverb that says something like "be not wise in thine own eyes"?  Wise advice...  :)  Truly, I love the thought of actually someday being wise.  On my better days, I seek after wisdom.  But I'm not there yet by a long shot.  So, I guess today's Proverb seemed to be a bit of encouragement to me from God.  Do you believe that God will rejoice if you become wise?  Do you believe that God's heart will thrill when you speak what is right and just?

Worship God: Okay, I am having way too much fun with YouTube these days!  Based on my Psalm reflection above, I went hunting for my old childhood song "His Banner Over Me Is Love" and found out that this song is alive and well today!  I found a ton of great videos of people singing this song, but it came down to 2 videos I just had to share with you.  The first video is about 90 seconds long and just incredibly cute as you'll see.  The second video is 9 minutes long, but I encourage you to watch it all the way through.  And, let me encourage you to participate in this second video.  When he encourages everyone to stand up, please do!  :)  And then try to follow the arm motions of the woman that stands up to his right as they go through the song!  So fun!  :)

Is God's banner over you? Click here and get under God's banner of love!

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!

God bless,
Mike

September 15th One Year Bible Readings

Isaiah 19:1-21:17 ~ Galatians 2:1-16 ~ Psalm 59:1-17 ~ Proverbs 23:13-14
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - Today in Isaiah chapter 19 we read the message concerning Egypt!  You can gain further context on this chapter today by reading Jeremiah chapter 46 and Ezekiel chapters 29-32.  Both of these books we will be reading later this year, just after Isaiah.  Below is an image of the Egyptians in dismay, seeking counsel from their idolatrous priests per verse 3: "The Egyptians will lose heart, and I will confuse their plans. They will plead with their idols for wisdom. They will call on spirits, mediums, and psychics to show them which way to turn."

There are some really interesting verses at the end of chapter 19, beginning in verse 18 and going through the end of the chapter.  Verses 19 & 20 are awesome: "In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the heart of Egypt, and there will be a monument to the LORD at its border. It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD Almighty in the land of Egypt. When the people cry to the LORD for help against those who oppress them, he will send them a savior who will rescue them."  This reminds me of Joseph & Mary's flight to Egypt with Jesus as an infant to be safe from Herod's decree to kill all boys under the age of 2!  (see Matthew 2:13-21)  Our Savior was sent into Egypt for a brief period of His life!

New Testament - We have great readings today in Galatians chapter 2 as Paul confronts Peter!  I think this is a powerful lesson for us to learn.  It is okay - in fact good - to confront other Christians when they are out of line.  We should do so in the spirit of love.  Speak the truth in love to our brothers and sisters who step out of line.  But let us not be too meek in this area and let somebody we love slide by because we're too scared to say anything.  Is there anybody in your life today that you are being led by God to speak the truth in love to?  (there is someone in my life I'm being led to do this... and I confess that I have been dragging my feet...)  Let us learn today from the example of Paul confronting Peter!

I have to tell you, for some reason the parenthetical point from Paul in verse 6 today really stood out to me - "(By the way, their reputation as great leaders made no difference to me, for God has no favorites.)"  This is really a profound thing for each of us to realize!  No one is above you!  No one is below you!  God has no favorites!  I really really love thinking about this.  This means we should respect all, but fear none.  God is the only one we should fear.  You, your pastor, your president, the homeless person on the street corner are no more or no less favored by God comparatively.  God has no favorites!  And - if God has no favorites, what do you think this should mean to us.  Should we have favorites?  Should we give more respect to those who we think are in better social standing than others?  Should we love the pastor more than the homeless person?  Should we love the celebrity over the waiter?  This really is something for us to think about...  Paul said people's reputation as great leaders made NO difference to him.  Should people's reputations in our world today make any difference to us?

 

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Galatians titled "Was Paul a Man-Pleaser?" is at this link and "Peter's Capitulation and Paul's Correction" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 59 has some powerful imagery of the "night of danger" in verse 14 and the "morning of deliverance" in verse 16 - "But as for me, I will sing about your power. I will shout with joy each morning because of your unfailing love."  I like that thought - shouting for joy each morning because of God's unfailing love.  I pray that in some way I "shout" for joy each morning because of God's love.  How about you?  Do you in some way "shout" for joy each morning because of God?

Proverbs - We have a powerful Proverb in chapter 23 verses 13 & 14 today: "Don't fail to correct your children. They won't die if you spank them. Physical discipline may well save them from death."  I can see how this Proverb applies to our own children, as long as we are disciplining in a godly manner with love - "tough love" though it may be at times.  (Actually, I'm not sure how I feel about spanking kids personally - I'm a big softie.  But I don't have kids yet, so maybe this changes w/ real kids?  Any parents want to weigh in on this one?? :)   I can also see how this Proverb applies to you and me from our Heavenly Father.  I honestly believe that God does not fail to correct us!  :)  Really....  He'll "spank" us if he needs to.  Because He loves us.  And when He disciplines us, he may very well be saving us from death...   Do you believe there is such a thing as positive discipline?  One of the best books I read on this concept of God disciplining us is Bruce Wilkinson's "Secrets of the Vine."  This book does a great job of explaining how God "prunes" off the sin in our life.  And while the pruning can hurt, it is critically important for us to stay under the Godly pruning!  And not try to run from it!  Plus this book goes deeper into John chapter 15, which is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible.  Oh - and it's a quick read too, which is nice.  Check this book out if you haven't ever really thought about the concept of God disciplining you on occasion as a parent might discipline a child.

Worship God:  I have to admit that I'm posting up these 2 videos because I woke up singing this song yesterday and sung it to myself for a good chunk of the morning!  Which is a great sign.  :)  It's a great song to have stuck in your head.  I think it stuck because I had the good fortune to get lost in worship to this song at my church last weekend.  It was the opening song to the service, and it is an amazing song to worship to.  To tie it into today's readings, I do think this song works well for Psalm 59 verse 16.  I found 2 versions of this song on YouTube, and really liked both, so I hope you don't mind me sharing both with you.  The first video below shows Chris talking about how the song got written, along with him playing it acoustic.  The second video is the full band version of the song at Passion 2006.  Here's Chris Tomlin's "Made to Worship!"  Twice!  :)

Are you made to worship?  Not sure?  Click here and be made to worship!

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!

God bless,
Mike

September 14th One Year Bible Readings

Isaiah 15:1-18:7 ~ Galatians 1:1-24 ~ Psalm 58:1-11 ~ Proverbs 23:12
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - This week is Isaiah we will read many prophecies against cities and kingdoms. I realize these can be tough to read in some ways.  As you read these prophecies, consider why these prophecies were written. Why were these prophecies proclaimed by Isaiah?   Bible.org's excellent commentary on this section of the book of Isaiah titled "The Burdens Upon the Nations" is worth spending a few minutes reading at this link.

Today we read in Isaiah chapter 15 a message against Moab, or the Moabites!  Now, the big question for each of us is how many sermons in your life have you ever heard that touch on the Moabites??  I will admit that there is only one I can think of - and I actually just heard it on my iPod while jogging yesterday!  From a previous post, many of you know that I'm a fan of Josh Harris and listen to his sermons often.  Well, he has a recent sermon about the Moabites from Numbers 22 through 25, where the Moabites were first fearful of Israel (Num. 22) because of their size, and they realized they could not defeat them in open warfare.  So, they tried to get Balaam to curse the Israelites (Num 23 & 24), but Balaam wouldn't do it because God was giving him messages of blessings upon the Israelites!  So, finally the Moabites decide to simply seduce the Israelites (Num 25) into worshiping their gods and this strategy worked!  To the point where God ended up killing 24,000 Israelites with a plague (Num 25:9) because of their disobedience!  Josh Harris does a great job of integrating this story of the Israelites and the Moabites into our lives and how we can fall prey to temptation just like the Israelites if we're not careful. You can download an MP3 of this great sermon on temptation at this link.  And you can check out more of Josh Harris' sermons online at this link: http://www.covlife.org/sermons/  A very bright map that shows where Moab is located in comparison to Judah and Israel is below:

New Testament - Today we begin Paul's letter to the church in Galatia!  Paul’s letter was sent from either point #1 to point #2 or from #3 to #4 in the image below:

~ Galatians ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Unknown
Date: A.D. 48 or 49
Content: Paul had preached to the inhabitants of Galatia on his first missionary journey (Act 13:14-14:23). Shortly after his departure, a group of Jewish believers arrived to insist that the Gentile Christians submit to the laws of Moses in order to be saved. Paul writes to combat this error by showing that Abraham, who lived over four hundred years before the giving of the law, was saved by faith in the gospel – so how could it be argued that the law could either save a man or make a believer in Christ more perfect? Paul couples this with a vigorous defense of himself as an apostle and with a discussion of how a Christian ought to live.
Theme: Paul energetically defends the truth of the gospel, which is that man is saved by the grace of God through faith in Christ and nothing else. Any other teaching is a perversion of the truth of God (Galatians 1:7). We are made right in the sight of God by faith (Galatians 2:16) and become the people of God (sons of Abraham) in the same way, by faith (Galatians 3:7). Because we are free in Christ, we must never allow anyone to drag us back to the idea of working for our salvation, but must live out of the gospel. This involves submission to the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:16) and loving our neighbor as ourselves (Galatians 5:14). (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 25-26) More great commentary on Galatians is at this link

Wow. I have to share with you that Paul's words in Galatians chapter 1 verse 1 stopped me in my tracks today when reading them: "This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group or by human authority. My call is from Jesus Christ himself and from God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead."  The thing that struck me about this was Paul saying that he was not appointed by any group or by human authority to be an apostle of Jesus Christ.  His call was from Jesus Himself!  And this just made me think about our modern world today, where I am afraid that sometimes we will only maybe do bold things in our life for the Gospel - for the Kingdom of God - if we feel like we have been appointed by some group or by some human authority to do it.  When, in fact the important thing is if we have been called by Jesus to do it!  I hope humbly here I can share with you that there are probably a ton of reasons of why I "shouldn't" be leading an online Bible study like this one.  I don't have a Seminary degree.  I am not an ordained minister or pastor.  Yes, I have been in a Bible study before, and I do a lot of studying each day for this ministry.  But - no group or human authority has appointed me to do this.  I have just done it because I do feel very called to it!  And I share this with you not to pat myself on the back, but to encourage you.  Maybe you've never been to Seminary.  Maybe you're not an ordained minister or pastor.  Maybe you've never done _____,  ____, or ____.  (fill in your blanks)  But, maybe God is calling you to do something bold for his Kingdom, and the question becomes when will you do it?  When will you stop relying on an old excuse of not being appointed by a group or human authority to do it? If God is calling you to something, please, please, do it!  Our time is short.  Your time is now.  The water is fine.  Please, dive in!

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Galatians Chapter 1 titled "Giving Up the Gospel" is at this link and "Was Paul a Man-Pleaser?" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 58 verse 11 stood out to me today - ""There truly is a reward for those who live for God; surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth.""  I think this is wise for us to remember that God indeed judges.  We don't.  We shouldn't.  But God indeed judges justly.  This verse also brings up the question - are we living for God?  If so, what will our reward be?  Are you looking forward to the reward?

Proverbs - Today in Proverbs 23:12 we read: “Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.”  Does this describe your heart and your ears?  Are you open to instruction?  Do you have a "teachable heart"?  Are you listening for words of knowledge?  What are some specific things in your life that demonstrate this?

Worship God:  Okay, with my comments above on Galatians 1:1 and the picture of the boy jumping into the pool, I want to share with you today Steven Curtis Chapman's amazing song "Dive."  What in your life is God calling you to dive into?  Dive in!

Have you dived into a relationship with God yet?  Click here and dive!

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!

God bless,
Mike

September 13th One Year Bible Readings

Isaiah 12:1-14:32 ~ 2 Corinthians 13:1-13 ~ Psalm 57:1-11 ~ Proverbs 23:9-11
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

We wrap up the book of Second Corinthians today!  Paul's letter to the church in Galatia begins tomorrow!

Old Testament - Today Isaiah chapter 12 is a very short chapter.  But it is a wonderful song of praise to God!  Verse 2 reads: “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation." How does this verse resonate with you? Do you frequently sing songs of praise to the Lord? Do you trust in God? Are you not afraid? Is God your strength and your song?

In Isaiah chapter 13 we are beginning a new section of the book.  Chapters 1 through 12 were primarily chapters of judgment against the southern kingdom of Judah, as well as some mentions of the northern kingdom of Israel.  Chapter 13 begins 11 chapters of judgment on other nations, beginning with Babylon.  At this time in history (early 700's B.C.) Babylon was still part of the Assyrian empire.  So this oracle from Isaiah was incredible in that it spoke of Babylon's destruction even before Babylon became a world power!  Babylon brought about the downfall of Judah and Jerusalem later between the years of 605 and 586 B.C.   But then Babylon would be conquered by Cyrus the Persian in 539 B.C.  Below is a map of the Babylonian empire from the late 7th / early 6th centuries B.C.  You'll note in this map below that the actual city of Babylon is located in modern day Iraq, about 90 kilometers south of Baghdad.  An interesting quick history of the city of Babylon, along with some pictures, is at this website link.

An interesting commentary I read on chapter 14 verses 12 through 15 is that some think Isaiah is giving a description of the fall of Satan from heaven in these verses.  However, most commentaries seem to say contextually that these verses are about the king of Babylon.  I do see how some could think that these 4 verses could apply to the fall of Satan - ""How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, `I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God's stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.' But instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths."  Below is an engraving titled "Satan Falls" by the artist Gustave Dore:

New Testament - I love Paul's words today in Second Corinthians chapter 13 verse 11! "Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Rejoice. Change your ways. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you."   Imagine that these words were written to you.  Are you rejoicing?  Are you changing your ways?  Are you encouraging others?  Are you living in peace?  Is God's love with you this very moment?  Is God's peace with you now?

Bible.org's commentary on today's (and yesterday's) readings in Second Corinthians titled "Paul's Closing Argument, Appeal, and Blessing" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 57 verse 8 is amazing - "Wake up, my soul!"  What 4 great words. . . wake up my soul!  Do you ever feel like you need to say this to your soul?  I know that I have in my past.  There have been times in my life where I have felt spiritually asleep.  Just completely slumbering. . .  and I have begged my soul to wake up!  Fortunately, I finally learned that I could not wake up my soul on it's own.  I needed the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to wake up my soul. . .  and being in relationship with our Triune God keeps it awake today.  If you feel that you need your soul to wake up, will you prayer to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to indwell your soul and to wake it up?

Proverbs - Proverbs 23 verse 9 is one of those verses in the Bible that really makes you think about your own life - "Don't waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice."  This is very wise advice.  But it is hard advice at times.  I think each of us often will want to give advice to others.  But truly, some people do not want to hear what we have to say - no matter how wise the advice is.  I struggle with this.  I don't want to ever think that I am "wasting my breath on fools"...  That seems so harsh.  But if we do persist in giving wise advice to those that absolutely don't want to hear it, they will end up despising us as this Proverb says.  How does this proverb speak to you?  In any areas of your life, are you wasting your breath?

Worship God: Psalm 57 verse 8's call to the soul to wake up reminded me of the Jars of Clay song "Something Beautiful."  I love the chorus to this song: "Close my eyes and hold my heart. Cover me and make me something. Change this something normal into something beautiful... "

Has God changed your something normal into something beautiful?  Click here for your spiritual makeover!

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!

God bless,
Mike

September 12th One Year Bible Readings

Isaiah 10:1-11:16 ~ 2 Corinthians 12:11-21 ~ Psalm 56:1-13 ~ Proverbs 23:6-8
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - Isaiah chapter 11 in today's readings is an incredible Messianic chapter of the Old Testament!  Check out a webpage outlining the Messianic prophecies from Isaiah chapter 11 and then their fulfillment in the New Testament at this link .  Also, an overview of "121 Messianic Prophecies of Isaiah fulfilled in Jesus Christ and His Church" is at this link.  Surf down and you'll see today's Isaiah chapter 11 prophecies and fulfillments.   The life and character of Jesus is so clear in chapter 1 verses 1 through 5 today: "Out of the stump of David's family will grow a shoot--yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him--the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. He will delight in obeying the LORD. He will never judge by appearance, false evidence, or hearsay. He will defend the poor and the exploited. He will rule against the wicked and destroy them with the breath of his mouth. He will be clothed with fairness and truth."  Does this sound like anyone you personally know?  I pray so.

Then, verses 6 through 9 are such a beautiful reflection on the peace and safety of the coming Messianic age when Jesus returns: "In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard and the goat will be at peace. Calves and yearlings will be safe among lions, and a little child will lead them all. The cattle will graze among bears. Cubs and calves will lie down together. And lions will eat grass as the livestock do. Babies will crawl safely among poisonous snakes. Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes and pull it out unharmed. Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain. And as the waters fill the sea, so the earth will be filled with people who know the LORD."  Can you imagine all of this?  Can you imagine all of this ever taking place, apart from Jesus coming into our world?  Do you look forward to experiencing the day of the lion and the lamb living together in peace!  (Or as I heard a pastor quip once, the dog and the cat eating out of the same bowl! :)

New Testament - Paul's words in Second Corinthians chapter 12 verses 20 and 21 were written for the church in Corinth.  But, imagine if you will that these words were written to you and me today... "For I am afraid that when I come to visit you I won't like what I find, and then you won't like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfishness, backstabbing, gossip, conceit, and disorderly behavior. Yes, I am afraid that when I come, God will humble me again because of you. And I will have to grieve because many of you who sinned earlier have not repented of your impurity, sexual immorality, and eagerness for lustful pleasure."  What would Paul find if he came to visit our lives today?  Would he find quarreling, jealousy, outbursts, selfishness, backstabbing, gossip, conceit, or disorderly behavior?  Impurity?  Sexual immorality?  Eagerness for lustful pleasure?  Or - instead, would Paul find peace, joy, love, giving, and purity in our lives?  Would we grieve Paul or make him joyful?  Better yet, let us reflect upon what Jesus would find in our lives if He came back today?  Would our lives grieve Jesus in any way?

Bible.org's commentary on today and tomorrow's readings in Second Corinthians titled "Paul's Closing Argument, Appeal, and Blessing" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 56 verse 10 makes a One Year Bible blogger quite happy :) "O God, I praise your word. Yes, LORD, I praise your word."  Does this verse make you happy?  Do you praise God for the gift of the Bible?  Do you praise God's very Word, the Bible?

Proverbs - Today's Proverbs 23 verses 6 through 8 teach us: "Don't eat with people who are stingy; don't desire their delicacies. "Eat and drink," they say, but they don't mean it. They are always thinking about how much it costs. You will vomit up the delicious food they serve, and you will have to take back your words of appreciation for their "kindness."" This is a great teaching on not eating with people who are stingy.  I hope in turn we can reflect upon whether or not we ourselves are stingy?  If so, God is instructing people not to eat with us!  :)

Worship God: I heard this song on the radio today, and loved the add-on lyrics (My Chains Are Gone) to the original lyrics of "Amazing Grace."  I think this song works very well when considering the Messianic verses in Isaiah today.  God's new covenant of Grace through his son Jesus was clearly being foretold in the Old Testament through the prophet Isaiah!  The great thing about this video is that I didn't realize this song was in the movie "Amazing Grace," which is an incredible movie about the life of antislavery pioneer William Wilberforce!  Have you seen this movie yet?  If not, please please please do!  (I can't beg you enough :) This is one of those movies with a message that I think can change your life if you'll let it.  The Amazing Grace movie website is here: http://www.amazinggracemovie.com/  And a powerful companion website called "The Amazing Change" about the staggering number of slaves still in our modern world today (an estimated 27 million - more than at any other time in history!!) is here:  http://www.theamazingchange.com/   Please take a few minutes to explore these 2 website links - particularly The Amazing Change's site.  Without further ado, here is Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace / My Chains Are Gone":

Have you experienced God's gift of Amazing Grace?  Click here and let your chains be gone!

YouTube #2:  Okay, it's pretty rare that I post up 2 YouTube's in one day.  But I just came across a movie trailer clip for the movie "Amazing Grace," which I will share with you to encourage you even more to please please please see this movie if you haven't yet!  :)

Hmm.... since I'm now way down this rabbit trail about "Amazing Grace" the movie and modern day slavery, let me give you a related book recommendation too.  This book was written by a 15 year old boy named Zach Hunter, who truly can be called a modern day abolitionist and activist who spends much of his time working to end slavery around the world.  If you have teenagers this could be a great book to get them inspired!  This book is definitely geared for teens, but I think adults or anyone in youth ministry can get a ton out of this book too.  The book is boldly titled "Be the Change: Your Guide to Freeing Slaves and Changing the World!"  Check it out on Amazon.com here.  Here's the cover:

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!

God bless,
Mike