July 15th One Year Bible Readings

1 Chronicles 19:1-21:30 ~ Romans 2:25-3:8 ~ Psalm 11:1-7 ~ Proverbs 19:10-12
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Old Testament - In First 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 that David's true strength came from God and not his army. The census was a sin of pride.  (And it is very interesting to note that Joab, who is not one known for his scruples, realizes this census is a sin!) And so 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?"  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?

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

Psalms - Today we read Psalm 11, which is one that you might miss the full meaning of if you didn't know some of the commentary behind this Psalm.  Basically in this Psalm King David is expressing his unshakable trust in God to other people around him who are very scared of enemy attacks.  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!"  Like David, 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, should we 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 need to turn over more trust in God for ultimate protection?  Will you flee to God only instead of fleeing to the mountains?

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.  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 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!

Worship God: Today's readings in Romans reminds me of Jeremy Camp's song "Let it Fade:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h843f2GXie0

Will you let your old life fade? Click here for your new life now!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face." Psalm 11:7 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are living an upright life. Pray that you are seeking justice. Pray that you will one day see our righteous God face to face.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  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

Comments

[Ramona]

Hi Mike,

I will need to think on this for a while but one thing I know, in the Hebrew usually the word translated to English as Transgression, is not the same as the one for Sin. Could this possibly be a personal boundary violation and not the doing something wrong “sin?”

Boundary issues can be a simple as someone who is an acquaintance thinking they have access to your personal information or info that is not privy to them because of their relationship. Example: When I was involved in teaching a Bible Study to homeless men, who happened to me sexual predators, I was very aware that I needed to have a strong sense of decorum around them no hugs, no physical signs of affection: you get the drift.

One day one of these men saw me hug and kiss on the check someone who used to be a co-worker, in fact the former Comptroller of my school who was a Christian. d We would mutually encourage each other and pray in times of strife and acrimony on the job. I hadn’t seen this gentleman in about three years and we by happenstance ran into each other. After we converses for about half-an-hour on the street and we went our ways, one of the Bible Study Members, walked up to me and demanded I should do the same thing to him.

Well three weeks after I began that study, this gentleman tried to get up a posse to gang-rape me, to put me in my place, which I latter, way latter, found out they had done before to someone else and the church did nothing about it because, “We after all are supposed to forgive our brothers.” Forgiveness and holding someone accountable for their actions are two separate things I think we get the two confused and mix up boundary violations with out right sin, which it could turn out to be if left un-checked.

I will think on your questions regarding this Proverb throughout the day.

Grace and peace
Ramona

[Charles]

HI Mike

I've enjoyed reading your blog and this is my second time thru.
Thank you for your service and it has inspired me to go thru Gods Word!

Regarding overlooking wrongs, this is a topic that my wife and I discuss often.
Justice and mercy, an initial comment:
In my mind overlooking wrong means not requesting the punishment due for the wrong doer, not necessarily acting as if nothing happened. This would allow opportunity to correct the wrong without enforcing the penalty.
Could discuss further if you like...

Thanks again,
Charles

[Mcwebster36]

Hi Mike,
Was considering the question of overlooking a wrong committed and I was thinking in terms similar to Charles. As well as thinking in terms of a personal wrong. Rather than seeking justice or exacting a punishment to fit the crime we are encouraged to extend grace to that person. And we leave the justice of it in the hands of our Father and trust the outcome to Him. My first time here. I like it and hope to return soon. Thanks so much.
Mary