Bible in a Year Blog

Job 23:1-27:23 + 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11 + Psalm 41:1-13 + Proverbs 22:5-6
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – In chapter 23 verse 12 today Job makes such a powerful statement about his relationship with God!  “I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.” (NIV)  The first statement is of course powerful – Job has not departed from the commands of God’s.  But the second statement is the one that really stood out to me today – Job has treasured God’s words more than food!  This may sound like nice high holy talk from the Old Testament…  but I think each of us should stop and meditate on this one in our lives today.  Do we treasure God’s Word, The Bible, more or do we treasure the food we eat each day more?  I’m sure most of us would say the Bible…  But let me put this another way for us to really think about this.  How many minutes a day do you spend eating?   And how many minutes a day do you spend reading the Bible?  What might make this whole equation even a little bit more interesting to consider is how many minutes a day do you think about food?  Prepare food?  Talk about food?  And then how many minutes a day do you think about the Bible?  Prepare for reading the Bible?  Talk about the Bible?  I am afraid that we may be a people today who (when the rubber meets the road and we look at actual time spent in each activity) treasure our food more than we treasure God’s Word.  However, the first step in realizing we have a problem is admitting we have a problem!  🙂  When it comes to amount of time you spend with food when compared to the amount of time you spend with God’s Word, do you have a problem?  Can you learn something from Job’s word’s today in verse 12: “I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.” (ESV)

New Testament – I love that Paul calls Jesus the “Divine Yes” in today’s readings in Second Corinthians chapter 1 verse 19 in the NLT!  Here are verses 18 through 20 in the NIV – “But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.”  Amen!  Do you realize that Jesus is the fulfillment of all of God’s promises in the Old Testament?  The Law pointed to Jesus in the OT and the Law is fulfilled in Jesus.  The sacrificial system pointed to Jesus in the OT and the sacrificial is fulfilled in Jesus.  Jesus is indeed the Divine Yes!  In your life each and every day, is Jesus your Divine Yes?

Psalms – Today we read in Psalm 41 verse 1 – “Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.” For some reason this verse really opens up my heart. Something about the word “weak.” Maybe this verse really speaks to me because I myself feel weak at times. And yet, I am so blessed in so many ways. And I realize that there are so many others out there in this world who may not have the blessings that I have, and who are struggling through an extremely tough cycle of weakness. And I wonder – what am I doing to help those who are weak? Do I really have regard for the weak? Do you? What in our life really demonstrates that we have regard for the weak? Are we investing time or finances into the weak? Are we praying for the weak? Are we loving the weak?

Proverbs – Proverbs 22 verse 6 today teaches us: “Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.”  You know, this verse actually reminds me of quite a bit of recent work I’ve had the good fortune to participate in or observe when it comes to early childhood education.  85% of a child’s brain develops in the first 3 years of their life.  Think this is a critical period of time to teach children?  Certainly after the age of 3 we still have so much opportunity to teach children to choose the right path.  I am becoming more and more convinced that education for children is so critical here in our own backyards and throughout the world.  And unfortunately, as we all know, quality education is not happening in many sectors of our society and our world.  Let me encourage you to please invest in childhood education in your own backyard and around the world.  Find a child to mentor.  Teach a Sunday school class.  Invest in nonprofits working on childhood education.  Sponsor a child through World Vision where they will get a fantastic Christian education.  Will you join me in personally getting involved with and investing in organizations that teach our children to choose the right path?

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in Second Corinthians reminds me of the Matt Redman song “10,000 Reasons:”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtwIT8JjddM

How many reasons to you have to follow Jesus? Click here for 10,000 Reasons!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you train your children in a godly manner. Pray that you, as a child of God, are living in the way you know you should go. Pray that you and your children will not turn from living a godly life.

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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Job 23:1-27:23

Now that I am reading Job using a different perspective, I see amongst his words and his “friend’s” words many things from a different view point. One of the things I see is this belief that when things are going badly for us, God must not be anywhere near.

If I knew where on earth to find him [God], I’d go straight to him. I’d lay my case before him face-to-face, give him all my arguments firsthand. I’d find out exactly what he’s thinking, discover what’s going on in his head. (Job 23:3-5 MSG)

This kind of thinking is not held exclusively by Job all of us do it, believers and unbelievers. Things not going our way or how we think they should go then either we begin making a list of everything we feel guilty of; or, if we have truly repented of our sin and we are not operating out of “false” guilt, we question God’s justice for beating us up adding, “God if you only knew!” We think God is hiding from us because we just don’t understand what is going on.

If we really stop and think and look at the process of refining silver and gold and or study how precious metals and minerals are formed in the earth, we would understand that everything valuable that God has created comes by way of seeking (Ask, Seek and Knock) pressure and/or heat. It takes heat to melt silver to skim off the dross; and even greater heat to purify gold. Diamonds are nothing but pieces of black dirty coal under a lot of pressure for a very long time. The value is increased; the beauty of the metal or mineral is enhanced by stress, lots of stress.

Mike I love your food analogy in today’s comment on Job. If we, those who are believers in Jesus Christ really examined your questions we would think about why so many of us, and in some areas, most of us, are so focused on physical food and have no relationship with the Words of God and His Christ, the Bible. Let’s just get real: Ask the question, at least pertaining to the Church in the United States, “Why are there so many obese folk filling the church pews across the country?” It could give the appearance that many of us are not getting our comfort from the Word of God but from the plate, and not the collection plate, the dinner plate. About 12-18 months ago my pastor, before he began his message, read a letter from the manager of the local Red Lobster that asked him to speak to the congregation about their behavior. You see, after Sunday services (three serves 8am; 10:30am; 1pm) folks were going over to the restaurant and demanding to be seated ahead of everyone else already on the waiting list because they were CCC members. How rude, crude and totally not Christ like. Obviously, their physical bellies were not being controlled by what they just had been given spiritually. Christ like behavior is manifested through the Fruit of the Spirit—so, show me the fruit!

Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Luch:

It’s interesting today how Job 24:12 and Psalm 41:1 tie in together. On the one hand, Job says “the groans of the dying rise from the city, and the wounded cry for help, yet God does not respond to their moaning.” At this point that was Job’s reality. Although he did not abandon God, his experience seemed to indicate that God DOES NOT pay attention to people’s pain. But then in Psalm 41:1 it says, “Blessed is he who has regard for the weak…” Perhaps one of the primary ways that God does pay attention to humanity’s groaning is through followers of Jesus who do ‘have regard for the weak’. Philip Yancey once said, “the question is not ‘where is God when it hurts’ but rather, “where is the church when people hurt?” Worth thinking about, isn’t it??

Luch

======= Pat:

Job 23: 2 “Even today my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy in spite of my groaning. 3 If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling! 4 I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments.”

Every time I study the Book of Job these same verses stand out to me. If Job did have a kink in his relationship with God, this summarizes it. Job never lost his faith in God. He never lost his awe for God’s power. However, instead of wanting to seek out God to fall on his knees before Him and ask for release from his perils, Job wants to seek out God for sole the purpose of arguing with Him. I feel that we as Christians experience this same situation from time to time. We know that God is all-powerful. We know that only God can change the tides and deliver any and all things. It is because we recognize this that we at times tend to tell God what we want, how we want it done, and when to do it, instead of asking God to take over and do what He knows is best for us. When we do this, we are as Job and actually wanting to argue our case before God instead of submitting to God’s will. We want to be the puppet master and want God to be our puppet and deliver what we want for out life. Well, we are to be God’s puppet and let God be the puppet master, we are to be the clay and let God be the potter! Yes, we are to present our case before God but then we are to turn it over to God. We are to listen to the Holy Spirit and let God take control of the situation in His on way.

God Bless!
Pat

======= Carmen:

======= Vance:

Job 23 (NKJV)
10
But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.
11
My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside.
12
I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.

NOTE:
Can I say I have truly followed the example of Job’s words? Honestly, I have to say I have not.

I am delighted by the following words by Andrew Murray from “With Christ In The School Of Prayer”:

“Faith is simply surrender: I yield myself to the impression the tidings I hear make on me. By faith I yield myself to the living God. His glory and love fill my heart, and have the mastery over my life.”

“Faith is fellowship; I give myself up to the influence of the friend who makes me a promise, and become linked to him by it. And it is when we enter into this living fellowship with God Himself, in a faith that always sees and hears Him, that it becomes easy and natural to believe His promise as to prayer.”

“Faith in the promise is the fruit of faith in the promiser: the prayer of faith is rooted in the life of faith. And in this way the faith that prays effectively is indeed a gift of God. Not as something that He bestows or infuses at once, but in a far deeper and truer sense, as the blessed disposition or habit of soul which is wrought [i.e., shaped, fashioned, formed] and grows up in us in a life of intercourse [i.e., intimate fellowship] with Him.”

“Though we have God’s promises in the Bible, with full liberty to take them, the spiritual power is wanting, except as God Himself speaks them to us. And He speaks to those who walk and live with Him. Therefore, HAVE FAITH IN GOD.”

WOW!

I read the verses which the Holy Spirit placed in Scripture from Job’s experience in Job 23:12—“I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.”

I believe Job is saying the same thing—using different words—as Andrew Murray said in his journey of faith.

May this be true for me, and for you: “His glory and love fill my heart, and have the mastery over my life.”

I am definitely not there. I allow other unnecessary distractions to keep me from deep fellowship with the Lord. But it doesn’t have to remain that way. We can grow, little by little, each day!

The Holy Spirit is using Job and Andrew Murray to show me that no trial or heartache is an excuse to turn away from God to other things—to turn away from seeking God as the comfort of life.

source: http://www.intouch.org/myintouch/mighty/portraits/andrew_murray_213652.html

“Murray’s life was not without testing. As a young man, an enduring sickness left him weak and exhausted. Later at the prime of his ministry, a severe illness resulted in his absence from the pulpit for two years. But God used each trial to remove all that hindered his devotion to Christ.”

”Murray wrote, ‘That awful pride and self complacency which have hither to ruled in my heart.’ He fought an insidious battle with pride, but God had the victory.”

“’What is the matter? Here I am, knowing that God has justified me in the blood of Christ, but I have no power for service. My thoughts, my words, my actions, my unfaithfulness – everything troubled me.’ “

“Murray’s daughter wrote of her father, ‘It was after the “time of silence” [in sickness] when God came so near to father and he saw more clearly the meaning of a life of full surrender and simple faith. He began to show in all relationships that constant tenderness and unruffled lovingkindness and unselfish thought for others which increasingly characterized his life from that point. At the same time he lost nothing of his strength and determination.’ “

May I—may we—be like that.

I know that Job was not perfect and that he regularly confessed his sins and the sins of his family (Job 1). In this context, Job’s persistent determination to love God and obey is remarkable:

Job 27 (NKJV)
6
My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go; my heart shall not reproach me as long as I live.

2 Corinthians 1 (NKJV)
20
For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
21
Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God,
22
who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

NOTE:
Jesus specifically came, and the Holy Spirit is specifically given to us, that we might learn to be “established” and to walk in God’s very practical “anointing”. God has already “sealed us” and has given the Spirit in our hearts “as a guarantee”.

The only thing that is holding us back is US.

The devil is a liar and a loser, and he has no power against God. And, as we maintain vital and living fellowship with the Lord, the devil cannot keep us in his mindset of sin and confusion. “Greater is He Who is in you than what is in the world.” (I John 4:4)

Psalm 41 (NKJV)
9
Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

NOTE:
This passage is interpreted and applied by the Holy Spirit to the Lord Jesus:

John 13 (NKJV):
21
When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.”
22
Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke.
18
“I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with Me [or, eats My bread] has lifted up his heel against Me.’ [Psalm 41:9]

Proverbs 22 (NKJV)
5
Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; he who guards his soul will be far from them.

NOTE:
We can have real and great sorrow from living in this world. May we grieve in a way that draws us closer to the Lord.

May our souls be far from thorns and snares.

May our souls always be very close to the Presence and the Word of the Father, so we can have real strength and joy in all of the experiences of life on earth—and forever in heaven.

Vance

======= John:

2Cor1-2

When Paul got updated on Corinth, it appears the Christians had taken to heart what Paul had said on his visit and what Paul wrote in 1Cor. Yet, there were still some that were at odds with Paul – taking some pot shots at him for not returning to Corinth. Paul greets, updates, and addresses the concerns about his not returning during the time between visit and 2Cor.
======================================================
ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED

Shortly after being saved, I had a social conversation with a Pastor of a local church. He asked me, if I believed in the “security” of my Salvation. I did and still do. At that point he ran to his house and returned giving me some books he had written. The minister did not believe in security, he felt a Christian could lose his/her salvation. We talked off and on for a while, but neither one of us budged from our position.

I thought it strange. To me, from a common sense standpoint, “assurance” frees you from that worry of waking up every morning thinking, “Am I saved or am I lost?” So we are free to go about growing in Christian maturity.

However, I do not base my belief in assurance on my “feelings”, there is plenty of evidence in Scripture. One set of verses is here:

1Cor1:1-22
“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” NIV

God “makes” – in Greek tense is an ongoing action.

Anointed, sealed, deposit – are in aorist tense – completed action.

Anointed: God has identified us, chosen if you will, and consecrated us for lives as Christians.

Sealed: Authenticated us, “In the ancient world, a seal was used to identify and to protect. If something was sealed, everyone knew who it belonged to (the seal had an insignia), and the seal prevented anyone else from tampering with the item. The Holy Spirit is upon us to identify us and to protect us.” – David Guzik

Deposit – “earnest” in KJV (the idea of giving earnest money to someone).GK. word “arrhabon” meaning – “money which in purchases is given as a pledge or downpayment that the full amount will subsequently be paid.”
http://www.blueletterbible.org/tmp_dir/words/7/1156685302-7592.html

How comforting are these words. God has identified us, authenticated us, and put a down payment on us that will be fulfilled in Heaven.

This is why I think the idea from the OT that God keeps His Word is so important. God in OT over and over showed He was not a fickle God – He did what He said He would do. God’s promise of salvation and our status as “co-heirs” to heaven is as rock solid as the entity standing behind those promises. Personally, I have no doubts 🙂
======================================================
FORGIVENESS FOR THE SINNER

Much speculation about who the “sinner” was that Paul referred to in this text. It could be the man who acted immorally with his stepmother in 1Cor5.

Whoever the “sinner was”, although it bothered Paul – his point was the sinner’s actions grieved the “assembly”. By majority he was sent away from the “assembly. Apparently, the sinner repented, but was not allowed back.

The Corinthians were of two extremes. In 1COr5 the brethren winked and nodded at the sin – they were loathe to condemn the man. Now they were loathe to forgive the sinner even though he repented of his sin.

“Paul told them to do more than forgive, he also told them to comfort. “There may be a judicial forgiveness which is hard, and leaves the soul always conscious of the past. Comfort takes the soul to heart, and forgets. That is how God forgives, and so should we who are His children.” (Morgan)

“If discipline is largely lacking in the Church of today, so also is the grace of forgiving and comforting those who, having done wrong, are truly repentant. How often, alas! souls have been indeed swallowed up with overmuch sorrow because of the harshness and suspicion of Christian people toward them in view of some wrong which they have done . . . Love never slights holiness; but holiness never slays love.” (Morgan)

2Cor2:11
“in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” NIV

“outwit” (the Greek word pleonekteo) is used in four other verses in the New Testament (2 Corinthians 7:2, 12:17-18, 1 Thessalonians 4:6). It has the idea of cheating someone out of something that belongs to them. When we are ignorant of Satan’s strategies, he is able to take things from us that belong to us in Jesus, things like peace, joy, fellowship, a sense of forgiveness, and victory.” – David Guzik

Satan’s schemes were recognizable to Paul:

“Satan’s strategy against the man was first of lust, then of hopelessness and despair. Satan’s strategy against the church was first the toleration of evil, then of undue severity in punishment. Satan’s strategy against Paul was to simply make him so stressed and upset over the Corinthian Christians that he lost peace and was less effective in ministry!” – David Guzik

[NOTE: Once again the idea of a “nebulous evil force” does not jive with Paul’s talk of “outwitting” and “schemes”. Paul is talking about a “real” entity.]

John

Job 20:1-22:30 + 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 + Psalm 40:11-17 + Proverbs 22:2-4
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today in Job chapter 21 verses 7 through 13 we read these words of Job: “”The truth is that the wicked live to a good old age. They grow old and wealthy. They live to see their children grow to maturity, and they enjoy their grandchildren. Their homes are safe from every fear, and God does not punish them. Their bulls never fail to breed. Their cows bear calves without miscarriage. Their children skip about like lambs in a flock of sheep. They sing with tambourine and harp. They make merry to the sound of the flute. They spend their days in prosperity; then they go down to the grave in peace.”   How do these words of Job speak to you?  Is there truth in these words?   If the wicked go to the grave in peace, what happens to them after the grave?  Honestly, I’m not so sure about the wicked living to a good old age and going to the grave in peace…  I personally would not take this chance.  I think living a wicked life leads to inner conflict and an unhealthy life and potentially an early grave.  I understand why Job said these words in his circumstances (he was experiencing suffering without committing the great sins his friends accused him of), but I personally would not bet on a wicked life delivering a long lifetime of wealth or peace…

New Testament – Today we begin Paul’s Second Letter to the church in Corinth!  Corinth was a city known in the 1st century for its wealth and lust.  It was a trade center with thousands of sailors who disembarked there.  Its pagan temples encouraged the practice of sexual immorality along with idol worship.  Thus, this was not an easy place for the early church!  But clearly a place where the church was so needed!  Below is a map of where Corinth is in Greece – it is about 48 miles west of Athens.  And below that is a modern day photo of ancient remains of the pagan temple to Apollo from ancient Corinth:

~ Second Corinthians ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Ephesus
Date: A.D. 57
Content: Paul’s earlier letter to the Corinthians had not settled all of the problems. It had some good effect upon them but much more remained to be done. In particular, Paul had to settle the problem concerning his own authority. Deep suspicions had been aroused concerning him, for what reasons we do not fully understand. But in great anguish Paul writes to reestablish his own apostolic authority. He also attempts to deal with some more practical matters, like supporting the poor believers elsewhere.
Theme: Triumph over adversity is seen throughout this letter. It is a very personal one, written by one who loved his people but had been deeply wronged by them. As Paul catalogs the experiences of his life and the nature of the Christian ministry, it is possible to see the grace of God at work bringing good from evil. Satan is active, seeking to destroy God’s work, but God is greater still, establishing those who trust in him. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 25) More commentary on Second Corinthians is at this link. Below is “The Apostle Paul”, by the artist Rembrandt from the year 1657:

Bible Project:  Here is a terrific video overview of 2nd Corinthians!:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lfPK2vfC54

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Second Corinthians chapter 1 titled “Why Bad things happen to God’s people” is at this link.  Below is a great image for 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 from today’s readings from what looks to be Guatemala to me.  (though maybe this picture is more South America/Andes region?)  I had the good fortune to travel to Guatemala two years ago – and I miss it!  It is a beautiful country with beautiful people!

Psalms – Today Psalm 40 verse 16 stood out to me for it’s pure joy and praise: “But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The LORD is great!””  Does this verse resonate with you today?  Have you searched for God in your life?  Are you filled with joy and gladness because of that search?  Do you love God’s salvation?  Do you shout praises to God for all he has done for you?

Maybe if verse 16 does not resonate for you today, hopefully verse 17 can encourage you: “As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord is thinking about me right now. You are my helper and my savior. Do not delay, O my God.”  Do you believe that Jesus is thinking about you right now?  Do you believe that Jesus is your helper and your savior?

Proverbs – Proverbs 22 verse 2 is a great reminder that our wealth or status does not affect who we are in God’s eyes or in God’s very hands: “The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD made them both.”  As we are all created by God, we should not ever consider ourselves better than anyone – nor lesser than anyone – because someone else has a different set of finances than we do.  If you think about it, every single person you meet has a different set of finances than you do.  Some are richer, some are poorer.  And yet we all have this in common – God made us.  How might this affect how you view others in this world?  Do you literally and consciously realize that God made each and every one of us?  Below is Michelangelo’s “Creation” from the Sistine Chapel in Rome, circa 1505-1513:

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in Psalm 40 reminded me of The After’s wonderful song called “Light Up the Sky.” Here’s a great live version of this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UpWVQbbKVo

Has God lit up the sky for you? Click here for Light!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray a prayer of praise to God, our Father of compassion and comfort! Pray that you will comfort those in your life who are in any trouble, with the comfort you yourself have received from God through a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Job 20-22:30
Mike I will attempt to give a brief answer to your question about Job’s perspective on the wicked. The problem with Job’s observation is just that, it is his observation and his own conclusion. Since we look at things with our own eyes, we have our perspective not God’s. People can witness the same accident, and depending on where they are standing, whether their view is obstructed, and throw into this mix, partiality, we will testify on a stack of bibles that what we have seen is true, but each saw things differently.
Job is experiencing internally the pain of what happened to him, his three friends are observing from the outside and making their own conclusion of the cause, all four are wrong because none has God’s point of view and none understands that it was not God that brought Job down, albeit, temporarily but it was Satan, though God allowed it.
Several things have crossed my mind as I read this, Job’s three “friends” are judging him by what they see and judge themselves by their intentions. That is something we do. They have set themselves “higher” then Job, thus they believe they have the “right” to make judgments against Job by saying he must have sinned because of his state, so they are unable to hear Job’s rebuke of them. They consider themselves wiser than Job because Job is destitute and they are not. There are those who believe their wealth, multiple degrees, etc. make them smarter, wiser and above reproach, so they can give advice, ungodly advice, to everyone they deem beneath them.
Job and his friends see the same things, yet hold differing views because each has a different perspective; however, seeing “effects” and then judging what they think is the “cause,” sin, is dangerous business
What I also find in this by all four men are a lot of truth in their speech with a little bit of untruth mixed in. So trying to ascertain which part of their speech is true and/or false, with some assumptions thrown in is kind of like trying to remove the cup of saltwater that has been mixed in with a barrel full of fresh water, impossible. The whole barrel must be emptied and then filled with fresh water again, sans the seawater.
II Corinthians 1:1-11
Interesting how the trial Job is experiencing is dealt with by Paul. If Paul’s words had been available to Job while he was experiencing this “test”, Job might have had a brighter disposition. However, we today are able to read Paul’s words so we need to stop murmuring and complaining every time something doesn’t go our way.
3 All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 6 So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. 7 We are confident that as you share in suffering, you will also share God’s comfort.
Psalm 40:11-17
The 16th verse is the one that caught my attention just like it did to Mike and Vance.
But may all who search for you
be filled with joy and gladness.
May those who love your salvation
repeatedly shout, “The LORD is great!”
Usually we shout Amen, Hallelujah and the Lord is great when something wonderful happens but even if something bad happens the Lord is Still Great! When a natural disaster comes upon the earth and tens of thousands die, the Lord is Great. When we lose our job, the Lord is Great. God’s greatness doesn’t depend on us having a great day, God is great because He IS Great! Great is part of His Character.
Proverbs 22:2-4
2 The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD made them both.
Another verse in God’s Word that proves no one’s wealth seats them in a higher position or place in life as far as God is concerned. Man is the one who operates in a “class” system. We all want to think we are better than someone else is. Even the poorest of the poor, the lowest on man’s social scale, will observe someone’s behavior and say, “Even I don’t do that,” as if they, me, I, we, set the High Mark for righteousness and social decorum. God have mercy.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Ramona:

Job 20:1-22:30
Something else came to me while reading Job this year, Job, though loved and studied for his trials and how he came out, could not stand up to the pressure of the enemies nor his “friends.” Jesus did. Job had wealth on the earth; Jesus’ wealth was in heaven with His Father. Job involuntarily lost his wealth; Jesus gladly gave us His (Heb. 12:2) to become flesh and live amongst us. Job delivered widows, orphans and the oppressed from their poverty and subjugation, which is temporary state; Jesus delivered us from sin and death, which is eternal. Job became accusatory under his temporary loss and pain; Jesus said, “… Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. (Mark 14:36 KJV)
There are many more opposite comparisons between Job and Jesus; however, my purpose is not to vilify Job or even to point out his faults. Throughout the Old Testament, we find men and woman who acted heroically and operated in faith as stated in the 11th chapter of Hebrews; however, all they could do was provide a temporary deliverance from difficult situations. Jesus is the only one who could and would deliver permanently.
Job is a case study in how to stand. By looking out the rebuke and correction God eventually gives his friends and Job, we have a case study showing how to persevere, but first we must recognize that our enemy is not God but the devil, and more than likely ourselves for blaming the wrong guy for our problems and coming to wrong conclusions.
Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (Ephesians 6:11-17 KJV)
Ramona

======= Sharlena:

Romona & Mike,
Thank you so much helping me better understand why
Job would have to suffer as he was. Reading your comments helps me to see it from a very different perspective.
Thank you both for your part in my journey to become closer to God. Each day I look forward to all that is offered on this website.
Blessings to all.
Sharlena

======= Art:

God speaks to me through Rembrandt’s painting “The Apostle Paul”. Thank you, Mike, for always including such inspiring visual arts to the readings, commentary, and music.
A prayer of deliverance from pressing trouble:
Psalm 40:13
Please Lord, rescue me!
Come quickly, Lord, and help me.
The language of believing prayer– deliver me, help me. looking for deliverance and help from God only.
Of earnest prayer– make haste to help me.
Of submissive prayer– be pleased, O Lord, if according to your good pleasure.
Of consistent prayer– “Help me” which implies efforts for his own deliverence, putting his own shoulder to the wheel.
Oh, the far-reaching beauty and wisdom of the Psalms. Study, sing, pray them daily!
Art

======= Janice:

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO POST HERE AND HELP IN SHARING THEIR VIEWS…I COME HERE EACH DAY TO REFLECT AND TRY TO OBTAIN SOME PEACE..TAHNK YOU ALL…GOD BLESSINGS TO ALL
JANICE

======== Dee:

I love this song! Yes u do light up the sky and let us know u are with me..
Job! Bless his heart. Jobs perception was all over the place..he was correct. He had not sinned. He was doing the right thing..however..saying people are loving longer in peace while sinning..I can’t get on that bandwagon.
2nd Corinthians today!!so God is with us when we are weighted down..
Psalms 40 even when disaster hits God is still great!!
Proverbs the rich and poor..God made them all! Amen!
Dee

======= Vance:

JOB 21
12
They sing with tambourine and harp. They make merry to the sound of the flute.
13
They spend their days in prosperity; then they go down to the grave in peace.
14
All this, even though they say to God, `Go away. We want no part of you and your ways.
15
Who is the Almighty, and why should we obey him? What good will it do us if we pray?’
16
But their prosperity is not of their own doing, so I will have nothing to do with that kind of thinking.
29
But I tell you to ask those who have been around, and they can tell you the truth. 30Evil people are spared in times of calamity and are allowed to escape.
31
No one rebukes them openly. No one repays them for what they have done.
32
When they are carried to the grave, an honor guard keeps watch at their tomb.
33
A great funeral procession goes to the cemetery. Many pay their respects as the body is laid to rest and the earth gives sweet repose.
34
“How can you comfort me? All your explanations are wrong!”
I notice what Job said in verse 16:
But their prosperity is not of their own doing, so I will have nothing to do with that kind of thinking.
Sometimes the wicked do prosper and do very well. The answer is, even if those who reject God and reject Christ seem to do exceedingly well and seem to have a “good” life, there is accountability in the next life.
Hell is not a tool to use to “scare” people or “hit people over the head with”. It is the reality that nothing goes unnoticed or unaccounted for…even if it may seem that way.
Luke 16 (NKJV)
25
But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.
26
And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’
27
“Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house,
28
for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’
29
Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’
30
And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’
31
But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”
2 CORINTHIANS 1
3
All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source[b] of every mercy and the God who comforts us.
4
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
5
You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.
THANK GOD FOR THE NEARNESS OF THE PRESENCE AND REALITY OF CHRIST!
PSALM 40
16
But may all who search for you
be filled with joy and gladness.
May those who love your salvation
repeatedly shout, “The LORD is great!”
Do we— do I —experience the reality of Jesus, His Presence, and His joy? The “Joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10)
The world does not care how much we know.
People want to know how much we care… and how much we having a living, vital faith.
John 15
7
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will[b] ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
8
By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
9
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.
10
If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
11
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
Vance

======= Vance:

I found the name of “Job” interesting in Hebrew:
“Iyov (ee-YOHV) n. Job. Book of the Ketuvim [i.e., God’s writings] dealing with ultimate mysteries regarding evil and God’s existence. Iyov means ‘persecuted’ or ‘hated.’”
Source – Messianic Jewish website:
http://hebrew4christians.com/Glossary/Hebrew_Glossary_-_I/hebrew_glossary_-_i.html
~~~
This is interesting, especially since Job’s “friends” strongly mocked and accused him.
Job 21 (NKJV):
1
Then Job answered and said:
2
“Listen carefully to my speech, and let this be your consolation.
3
Bear with me that I may speak, and after I have spoken, keep mocking.
~~~
There is no truly satisfactory answer we can give to anyone to explain good and evil.
We must come to the place where we believe there is a God, that He exists, and is ultimately a rewarder of those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
We must come to know that creation is not, and that people do not always act, as God intended— that something went wrong. The “something that went wrong” is sin.
Thus, we can and must come to the place where we see that so called “acts of God” (when nature destroys) and that the acts of people do not reflect the Good, Powerful and Loving character of God.
And we can and must see God—not just in the New Testament—but all through Scripture reaching out to man in Love and Mercy in the midst of questions which perplex us people.
~~~
Job 21 (NKJV)
7
Why do the wicked live and become old, yes, become mighty in power?
8
Their descendants are established with them in their sight, and their offspring before their eyes.
9
Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them.
NOTE:
This question leads me to the very excellent verses in Psalm 37 (NKJV):
1
Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
2
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
Note that these verses simply state the OBJECTIVE fact of reality of God’s view: “For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.”
If you invert the numbers of Psalm 37 to Psalm 73, we find the SUBJECTIVE, human view of the same question:
Psalm 73 (NKJV)
1
Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart.
2
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.
3
For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
16
When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me—
17
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.
18
Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction.
19
Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.
20
As a dream when one awakes, so, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image.
21
Thus my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind.
22
I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.
23
Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand.
~~~
This is why it is SO NECESSARY AND GOOD to be in regular fellowship with God’s people.
God’s plan is teach us and establish us personally while we are in the community of God with others who know and seek God.
Matthew 18 (NKJV)
20
For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
2 Timothy 2 (NKJV)
22
Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
~~~
Job 22 (NKJV) – Eliphaz Accuses Job of Wickedness
25
Yes, the Almighty will be your gold [The ancient versions suggest defense] and your precious silver;
26
For then you will have your delight in the Almighty, and lift up your face to God.
NOTE:
It is interesting that the Holy Spirit chose to keep all of the words of Job’s “friends” who constantly accuse and mock Job wrongly.
Even though Eliphaz is accusing Job of wickedness in this chapter, yet these particular words of the Holy Spirit in the Bible really impressed me.
They touched on a deep longing not just to know about God from Scripture and reading, but to spend time with God.
This makes me think of a quote by Andrew Murray. He is often called “The Apostle Of Abiding Love”. Note this brief sketch of the ministry of Andrew Murray according to In Touch Ministries:
“Even at this early stage of ministry, he already showed signs of becoming a noted author. The ‘deeper Christian life’ was a favorite subject for Murray. He told how God was committed to revealing more of Himself to those who would seek Him.”
”As a preacher, he consistently drew large crowds and led many to trust Christ as their Savior.”
(source: http://www.intouch.org/myintouch/mighty/portraits/andrew_murray_213652.html)
I like this quote by Andrew Murray in “With Christ In The School of Prayer”:
“Count it one of the chief blessings of prayer to exercise faith in God, as the Living Mighty God who waits to fulfil in us all the good pleasure of His will, and the work of faith with power.”
“See in Him the God of Love, whose delight it is to bless and impart Himself.”
Amen.
2 Corinthians 1 (NKJV)
3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4
who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
NOTE:
As we really know the true joy in fellowship with the Lord, even our sorrow becomes a means of receiving God’s comfort.
Then, in our lives and words, we can be a living witness to the true and living God, and to the Lord Jesus.
Psalm 40 (NKJV)
16
Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; let such as love Your salvation say continually,
“The LORD be magnified!”
17
But I am poor and needy; yet the LORD thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God.
NOTE:
Our words we speak and the thoughts we repeat to ourselves either produce life or death. May we follow the wise advice and will of the Holy Spirit: “let such as love Your salvation say continually, ‘The LORD be magnified!’ ”
This is a spiritual discipline of worship before the Lord.
The next verse is amazing: “But I am poor and needy; yet the LORD thinks upon me.”
May we really come to know this loving God and receive His thoughts about us. Isn’t it amazing that the Lord sets His thoughts upon us?
In the fog and confusion of the questions as we live our lives on this “desert” called earth, may we receive the Living Water of God’s Thoughts and Presence!
Vance

Job 16:1-19:29 + 1 Corinthians 16:1-24 + Psalm 40:1-10 + Proverbs 22:1
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives!”  Whoo-hoo!  Awesome words from Job today in chapter 19 verse 25!

Job chapter 19 verses 23 through 27 are some of the best known and well loved verses of the book of Job.  These verses seem to be where Job hits his high point in his understanding of his relationship with God:  “Oh, that my words could be written. Oh, that they could be inscribed on a monument, carved with an iron chisel and filled with lead, engraved forever in the rock. “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!”  How powerful are these verses??  Great stuff.  Job starts off saying that he hopes his words could be written and engraved forever – and indeed they were as we are reading them in the Bible!  Then Job makes the incredible statement that even in the midst of all of his suffering and perceived distance from God, he knows that God lives!  The closing two verses are powerful in that they actually indicated a belief in the resurrection by Job.  He says that even after his body has decayed – after his death here on this earth – he will see God with his own eyes in his own body!  How could this possibly be?  Well, only if he believed in a resurrected body after death – as we’ve been reading about in First Corinthians chapter 15 the past couple of days!  I’ve read some various commentaries on who is the “Redeemer” that Job is referring to in verse 25.  Jesus?  Could be.  But it seems like most commentaries seem to suggest Job is referring to God himself, rather than Jesus.  Though, of course Jesus is God so maybe this is a moot point!  🙂 Job does talk about his desire for a mediator in other parts of this book, which could be references to Jesus as well.  I found this great artwork below that was painted based on the chapter of Job 19.   Re-read the entire chapter of Job 19 again and I think you’ll see the beauty of this artwork…

New Testament – We wrap up Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians today!  What an amazing book!  I have been blessed immensely by it this year.  I hope you have too? I like Paul’s instructions to the church in Corinth in chapter 16 verses 1 through 3 today: “Now about the money being collected for the Christians in Jerusalem: You should follow the same procedures I gave to the churches in Galatia. On every Lord’s Day, each of you should put aside some amount of money in relation to what you have earned and save it for this offering. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.”  I love this last sentence!  It made me smile.  Paul knows how us humans are – back then and now – we like to procrastinate!  We like to do things at the last minute if we can.  Well, I concur with Paul that our giving to our churches should be a regular thing.  With each pay check we should “put aside some amount of money in relation to what you have earned.”  Really, as I think about it, giving of money to our churches with each paycheck is an act of worship.  We are worshiping God with our finances.  Let us not wait to give to our churches.  Let us give faithfully and regularly with each paycheck God blesses us with!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in First Corinthians titled “Paul’s Closing Words” is at this link.  Below is a great image and message from First Corinthians 16:14 –

Psalms – Psalm 40 starts off in verse 1 with a beautiful reflection on David “waiting patiently for the Lord” about his prayer, and in turn God “heard his cry.” David then goes forward in the Psalm rejoicing in the Lord and culminating in this powerful statement in verse 8: “I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” How does this Psalm speak to you today? Do you wait patiently for the Lord in your prayer life? Do you desire to do God’s will? Is His law within your heart today?

Proverbs – We have a beautiful Proverb verse 1 to start off the 22nd Chapter of Proverbs!  “Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than having silver or gold.”  Do you believe this Proverb to be true?  Which do you seek after more – a good reputation or money?  You know though, the more I think about this Proverb I have some concerns about it.  Only in that if we seek after having a good reputation, then we may really be focusing on ourselves and how other people look at us, rather than focusing on Kingdom things.  We may decide to do something because it’s “popular”, rather than it being “right.”  We may give to the poor with blazing trumpets because this will help our reputation – but Jesus clearly said we should not do this.  Does this make sense?  I mean given the choice of a good reputation or being rich, this Proverb is clearly true.  But it’s not enough.  That’s why we need to read the entire Bible to get the full context of everything else that surrounds any 1 particular verse in the Bible, like this one.  One verse is not enough.  It’s Truth.  But not enough.  We need the entire Bible.  Good for you for going through the One Year Bible this year!  Please do keep up your study of the entire Bible beyond just this year.  We need the entire Bible for our entire life…

Worship Video: For our Job readings today, here’s a YouTube for “My Redeemer Lives” by Nicole C. Mullen: (she sings the first verse in Spanish, then transitions to English)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plk4hA4hCtI

Do you know that our Redeemer lives? Click here to meet our Redeemer!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you desire a good name more than riches. Pray that you desire godly esteem more than silver and gold.

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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Job 12:1-15:35 + 1 Corinthians 15:29-58 + Psalm 39:1-13 + Proverbs 21:30-31
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – I forgot how much trash-talking goes on here in the book of Job! It occurred to me that all of this bickering back and forth between Job and his friends keeps transpiring without Satan coming up in their comments at all. Meaning, no one seems to realize that Satan is the one who has afflicted Job! And I’m wondering if this happens in our lives today as well? Do we sometimes miss it when Satan is literally attacking us? Do we blame others? Blame ourselves? Maybe even blame God? When the blame should be directed at the Deceiver? I think Job and his friends could have used Michael the Archangel to come into the picture here and whoop up on Satan like he’s doing in this painting below from the year 1518 by the Italian artist Raphael:

There are some great words of wisdom from Job in today’s readings. I love the poetry of his words in chapter 14. A lot of it reminds me of the book of Ecclesiastes, which we’ll read later this year. Below is an illustration of Job and his three friends from the Book of Hours of Etienne Chevalier by the 15th century French painter Jean Fouquet:

New Testament – Today in First Corinthians chapter 15 verses 42 through 44 and 49 we read: “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. . . And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven.” Have you thought much about heaven? Have you considered life after death? Do you believe that there will be a resurrection of the dead? Do you believe that your body will be raised imperishable? That your body will raised in glory? In power? Do you believe that there is a spiritual body, just like we now know our earthly body? Are you looking forward to bearing the likeness of Jesus in heaven? On a side note, Randy Alcorn’s book “Heaven” is a fantastic look at life after death for those whose lives have been surrendered to Jesus. Please please read this book if you haven’t yet! It will change your perspective on heaven!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in First Corinthians 15 titled “A Refresher Course on the Resurrection of the Dead” is at this link. Below is a great image for First Corinthians 15 verse 54:

Psalms – Today in Psalm 39 verse 5 we read – “My life is no longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath.” This is a powerful verse for each of us to meditate upon. How does this verse speak to you? Do you feel like life moves fast sometimes? If so, how are you spending your time? Are you being intentional about how you invest your time? Are you being intentional about your work? Your friends? Your finances? Volunteering? Serving others? Loving others? Watching TV – or better yet, not watching TV? 🙂 If life really is “but a breath” – are you spending your breath wisely? With your breath are you constantly loving God with all your heart and loving your neighbor as yourself?

Proverbs – Today in Proverbs 21 verse 31 we read: “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.” How does this Proverb speak to you? For me it is a reminder that anything we do in our life is dependent on the Lord. If we want to be successful in life – in our jobs, ministries, marriages, friendships, anything – we will only be successful if the Lord is with us. So, how do we know if the Lord is with us? My first suggestion is prayer. I believe we should commit every thing we do to prayer. I will admit that lately my prayer life has not been very good. And I’ve noticed the effects of it. I want victory is so many areas of my life – but it seems like I am too often “saddling up” the horse without seeking the Lord’s guidance and wisdom and blessing. How is your prayer life these days? Are you committing everything you do to prayer? Are you earnestly seeking through prayer the Lord’s guidance, wisdom and blessing, knowing that victory rests only with the Lord?

Below is a great image for Proverbs 21:30 from today’s readings:

Worship Video: Our First Corinthians chapter 15 readings about Jesus’ resurrection and our resurrection bodies have been amazing! They reminded me of the Chris Tomlin song “Home:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIb4NC5ikYo

Are you looking forward to heaven as your home? Click here to find your way Home!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed — in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving and anticipation for the day you will be raised imperishable through a saving faith in Jesus Christ. Pray in thanksgiving for God’s incredibly good gift of Heaven.

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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Job 8:1-11:20 + 1 Corinthians 15:1-28 + Psalm 38:1-22 + Proverbs 21:28-29
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Okay, so I am sure that most of us have heard the old adage “patience of Job.” (As in, “she has the patience of Job.” etc.) Well, today’s chapters 9 & 10 are probably not where this adage came from!  🙂  Job is not showing a lot of patience in these chapters.  Can you blame him?  Would you speak differently if you were in Job’s situation?  Or perhaps would your language be worse?  It is important to note that Job does not curse God directly, as Satan said Job would do in the beginning of the book.  Job is certainly complaining about his situation – and, well, not to spoil the book of Job here for you… but Job will repent of what he says to God later in the book.  In Job chapter 10 today we read Job’s plea to God, including this in verses 18 through 22: “`Why, then, did you bring me out of my mother’s womb? Why didn’t you let me die at birth? Then I would have been spared this miserable existence. I would have gone directly from the womb to the grave. I have only a little time left, so leave me alone–that I may have a little moment of comfort before I leave for the land of darkness and utter gloom, never to return. It is a land as dark as midnight, a land of utter gloom where confusion reigns and the light is as dark as midnight.'”

The other adage, in addition to “patience of Job”, that I was thinking about in today’s readings is “with friends like these, who needs enemies??”  🙂   Zophar in chapter 11 seems to really have compassion-deficiency!  I do think that Zophar and Bildad in chapter 8 were trying to say the things they thought Job needed to hear.  But they overstated the case I think in a few places.  I don’t agree w/ Zophar saying in chapter 11 verse 3 that Job mocked God: “When you mock God, shouldn’t someone make you ashamed?”  Here’s my question for us today.  Are we sometimes like Zophar and Bildad?  Do we jump to conclusions about maybe why bad things are happening to our friends?   Do we offer up our big advice and big words and big bluster before really listening to our friends and understanding their situation fully?  I am afraid that sometimes we jump to conclusions far too quickly.  I always try to remember the old Stephen Covey adage (wow, 3 adages here in 1 post! 🙂 from the “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”:  “Seek first to understand, and then to be understood.”  Let us seek first to really understand our friends or family members issues before we start offering our prescriptions for them.  Let us first try walking a mile in their shoes!

New Testament – We read beautifully true words from Paul today in First Corinthians chapter 15 verses 3 & 4: “I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me–that Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures said.”  And then there are some interesting words from Paul in verses 17 through 19: “And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless, and you are still under condemnation for your sins. In that case, all who have died believing in Christ have perished! And if we have hope in Christ only for this life, we are the most miserable people in the world.”  He immediately follows up these verses with this statement in verse 20: “But the fact is that Christ has been raised from the dead. He has become the first of a great harvest of those who will be raised to life again.”  This is quite a chapter from Paul about the Resurrection of Jesus and the Resurrection of the dead!  I think the key question we each need to ask ourselves is: do you believe that Jesus was born on this earth 2,000 years ago, is the Son of God, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for your sins, and on the third day rose from the dead?  This is the question on which all of Christianity – and your personal faith in Jesus – hinges.  So, what say you?

In verses 5 through 8 today six resurrection appearances of Jesus’ are mentioned.  Below is a full list of Jesus’ resurrection appearances from Zondervan’s NIV Study Bible:
1. The empty tomb (not an appearance per se – but no body was in the tomb – the first indication of the resurrection)
2. To Mary Magdalene in the garden
3. To the other women
4. To two people going to Emmaus
5. To Peter
6. To the ten disciples in the upper room
7. To the 11 disciples in the upper room (including Thomas this time – see painting below)
8. To seven disciples fishing on the Sea of Galilee
9. To the 11 disciples on a mountain
10. To more than 500
11. To James
12. To the disciples at His ascension
13. To Paul on the road to Damascus

One of my favorite paintings of a resurrection appearance of Jesus’ is by the Italian artist Caravaggio from the year 1603 titled “Doubting Thomas”:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in First Corinthians 15 titled “A Refresher Course on the Resurrection of the Dead” is at this link.  Below is a great image for First Corinthians chapter 15 verse 2 from today’s readings:

Psalms – Psalm 38 is powerful!  Verses 4 & 5 speak so much to our human condition – “My guilt overwhelms me–it is a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds fester and stink because of my foolish sins.”  Does this verse speak to you in any way, shape or form?   If so, please consider then verse 18 – “But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done.” Will you confess your sins to God today?  Will you admit that you are truly sorry for your sins?  Will you pray for healing from your sins?  Will you make confession of your sins to God a regular practice?

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 21 verse 29 today is subtle but so true: “The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright proceed with care.”  Have you ever seen folks that put up a bold front, but don’t have much behind it all?  And then seen those that are so humble and maybe even seem quiet, but then deliver incredible fruits?  As Jesus said – you’ll know a tree by its fruit.  A bad tree cannot produce good fruit and a good tree cannot produce bad fruit.  This Proverb is a great reminder that the front / the sales pitch / the first impression is not the fruit!  It’s what comes next and what is delivered with quality and consistency that comes next.  Do you put up a bold front at times?  Or do you make it a habit to instead proceed with care?  Let us be an upright people!

Worship Video:  Today’s readings remind me of Josiah Queen’s song “The Prodigal:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K0Yy9EH48k

Are you a prodigal? Click here to return to Jesus!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” 1 Corinthians 15:17 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you wholeheartedly believe in the Resurrection of Jesus. Pray that you wholeheartedly believe in your resurrection after death, if you have a saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:

Job 4:1-7:21 + 1 Corinthians 14:18-40 + Psalm 37:30-40 + Proverbs 21:27
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today in Job chapter 4 we read about Eliphaz the Temanite’s first response to Job, including these words in verses 3 through 6: “In the past you have encouraged many a troubled soul to trust in God; you have supported those who were weak. Your words have strengthened the fallen; you steadied those who wavered. But now when trouble strikes, you faint and are broken. Does your reverence for God give you no confidence? Shouldn’t you believe that God will care for those who are upright?” How do these words of Eliphaz’s speak to you?  Are these fair words for him to be saying to Job?  Are they fair words for us to consider in our own lives today as well?

Then in chapter 6 Job responds to Eliphaz as follows in verse 2 through 6: “If my sadness could be weighed and my troubles be put on the scales, they would be heavier than all the sands of the sea. That is why I spoke so rashly. For the Almighty has struck me down with his arrows. He has sent his poisoned arrows deep within my spirit. All God’s terrors are arrayed against me. Don’t I have a right to complain? Wild donkeys bray when they find no green grass, and oxen low when they have no food. People complain when there is no salt in their food.”  How do these words of Job’s speak to you?  Are these fair words for him to be saying in reply to Eliphaz?  Are they fair words for us to consider in our own lives today as well?

Below is a powerful image for Job’s words in chapter 7 verse 11:

New Testament – I don’t know if you’ve ever heard Billy Graham say that he likes to read the newspaper in one hand with the Bible in the other hand?  I will try to provide an example of how we can do this today, thanks to an article a couple of years ago in Newsweek titled “In Search of the Spiritual” at this link.  This is an opportunity to read Paul’s words today in First Corinthians chapter 14 on orderly worship, and then compare to what you read in this Newsweek article.  I’ll let you work out your own conclusions.  Be like Billy Graham – read the news of the day in one hand with the Bible in the other hand.   Tim Challies (one of my favorite bloggers) has an interesting take on this Newsweek article on his blog at this link.

On some more Billy Graham / magazine notes, did everyone catch the Newsweek magazine article in 2006 about Billy titled “Pilgrim’s Progress”?  You can read it online here. 

The One Year Bible Companion book dives into the question “Does 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 mean that women should not speak in church services today?”  I encourage you to pick up this book, as it is invaluable in going through the One Year Bible and covers great questions like this.  I will share with you a little bit of their answer on this today – “Women have much to contribute and can participate in worship services. In the Corinthian culture, women were not allowed to confront men in public.  Apparently some of the women who had become Christians thought that their Christian freedom gave them the right to question men in public worship.  This was causing division in the church.  Paul was asking the women not to flaunt their Christian freedom during worship.  The purpose of Paul’s words was to promote unity, not to teach about women’s role in the church.”  Thank you Tyndale for this Q & A.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in First Corinthians titled “Spiritual Gifts and Self Control” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 37 verses 30 & 31 read like amazing Proverbs: “The godly offer good counsel; they know what is right from wrong. They fill their hearts with God’s law, so they will never slip from his path.”  Are you filling your heart with God’s teachings?  Are you doing this so that you will never slip from His path?  Are you offering good counsel to those around you?  When others around you see you, do they see someone that clearly knows what is right from wrong?  Below is a little Right & Wrong sign humor for you 🙂 – 

Proverbs – Proverbs 21 verse 27 is one of those that makes you go “ouch” – “God loathes the sacrifice of an evil person, especially when it is brought with ulterior motives.”  Well, not the evil person part making me go ouch, so much as the “ulterior motives” part.  I do think there is so much wisdom in Jesus’ admonition to give without letting the right hand know what the left hand is doing.  I am afraid that sometimes I have not only let the right hand know when I’m giving – but many other people as well!  That’s ulterior motives.  And it’s not right obviously, as we see in this Proverb today and as we hear from Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.  How about you and your giving or acts of kindness – Do you give with pure motives?  With no ulterior motives?  With no strings attached?

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Mountain People Worship’s song “My Heart Wants You:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQahQg8ymyQ

What does your heart want? Click here for your true desire!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Blessed are those whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” Job 5:17 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are blessed by the gift of God’s discipline. Pray for holy correction from God to make you more and more like Jesus each day.

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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Job 1:1-3:26 + 1 Corinthians 14:1-17 + Psalm 37:12-29 + Proverbs 21:25-26
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Yesterday we wrapped up Esther and today we begin Job! We are jumping back in time from 5th century B.C. (Esther) to 10th century B.C. (Job).  Below is an image of Job with his friends by artist Guy Rowe:

~ Job ~
Author: Unknown
Date: Tenth century B.C.
Content: This long narrative poem deals with one of the deepest problems of man: How do we explain sin and suffering, if there exists a God powerful enough to do something about them? The book begins with the suffering of Job being given three sets of speeches by some friends of his: Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, each of whom tries to explain Job’s misery in a different way. A fourth man, Elihu, tries to summarize the situation, offering yet another explanation of why Job was suffering. Finally, the Lord himself speaks to Job, and Job recognizes that we do not so much need “answers” to life’s problems, as we need God himself. Job is then healed and given material and spiritual blessings far beyond his former state.
Theme: The mystery that surrounds human existence and the need to trust in God runs throughout the book. Mankind simply does not have enough knowledge to explain why things happen the way they do. It is possible to rise above our limitations by faith in God, however, because God does know why everything happens and will work good for those who love him. We may thus learn the profound truth that when we have nothing left but God, God is enough. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 9-10)  More commentary on Job titled “The Ideal of Submission” is at this link.  Below is an image from 15th century German artist Mittelalter of Job being smitten by sores by Satan from today’s readings and Job’s wife saying to him in chapter 2 verse 9: “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die.”

Bible Project Here is a terrific video overview of the book of Job!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQwnH8th_fs

Today Job has a very interesting chapter 1 discussion between God and Satan. Do you believe in the existence of Satan? Demons? Evil? In the introduction to the wonderful book, “The Screwtape Letters,” C.S. Lewis writes: “There are two equal and opposite errors into which the human race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.” I’ll be honest – in my early Christian walk, I did not really believe in the existence of Satan, demons, evil. I believed in God and Christ and Love, and thought that was enough – evil didn’t need to exist in my universe.  🙂  Unfortunately, I’ve heard another quote that: “Satan’s greatest trick is to convince a person that Satan does not exist.” I now could not agree more. If you don’t believe in Satan or evil’s existence then you are left open to subtle attacks, without even realizing it. God is so much more powerful than anything Satan can throw at you. But, keep in mind, Satan is throwing temptations at you. How do you combat the devil’s temptations? Read Ephesians chapter 6 verses 10-18 at this link. Do you believe in the existence of Satan? Demons? Evil?

New Testament – First Corinthians chapter 14 is an interesting chapter.  I personally have not spoken in tongues – nor heard it as far as I know.  But, I do know many people that have both spoken in tongues and heard it and have heard interpretations.  I do think Paul makes it clear in this chapter that both speaking in tongues and prophecy are gifts.  I do think we do well to pay attention to Paul’s conclusion to today’s readings in verses 15 through 17: “Well then, what shall I do? I will do both. I will pray in the spirit, and I will pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will sing in words I understand. For if you praise God only in the spirit, how can those who don’t understand you praise God along with you? How can they join you in giving thanks when they don’t understand what you are saying? You will be giving thanks very nicely, no doubt, but it doesn’t help the other people present.”  Bible.org’s commentary on speaking in tongues is at this link.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in First Corinthians titled “The Measure of a Gift” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 37 verse 16 is powerful today – “It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and possess much.”  I don’t know what I can add to this…. I think you probably get it.  🙂  Do you live it?

Verse 23 is so amazing… “The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives.”  I don’t mean to infer that I am godly here… but, I will admit that there are times in my life where I really sense that God is directing my steps – and taking care of every detail.  And basically, it feels like I am sort of just going with God’s flow.  Things are just happening beautifully.  And I do sense the Spirit often during these times.  My sadness in this area is that I don’t realize that God is directing my steps all of the time.  And that he is delighting in every detail of my life – most of the time…  🙂  I pray you and I will come to a greater awareness of this in our lives each and every moment: “The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives.”

Proverbs – Proverbs 21 verses 25 & 26 are fantastic – “The desires of lazy people will be their ruin, for their hands refuse to work. They are always greedy for more, while the godly love to give!”  What an interesting juxtaposition of how the lazy are greedy and they have strong desires, while the godly love to give!  Beautiful.  Do you love to give?  What was the last intentional (not random) act of kindness you performed?  Do you perform intentional acts of kindness regularly?

Worship Video:  Yep, as we’re starting the book of Job it seems the most appropriate time to share with you Matt Redman’s “Blessed Be Your Name”.  Matt wrote this song just after September 11th when the world was in mourning for the U.S.  (Matt lives in England)  The song includes the line: “Blessed Be Your name, When I’m found in the desert place, Though I walk through the wilderness, Blessed Be Your name.”  I think we’ll find Job singing a similar song to God when we get to the very end of this powerful book we’re embarking on today… Below is this song performed live:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8okACq1TowQ

Is God’s name blessed to you? Click here for your true Blessings!

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our readings in First Corinthians chapter 14 today, I’m wondering if anyone has experiences with speaking in tongues that you’d be willing to share in the Comments section below?  Feel free to post up anonymously without using your name or email if you’d like.  Maybe you’ve experienced tongues yourself or have heard others speaking in tongues?  I definitely don’t want to create any debates with this question.  I’m just genuinely interested in hearing others thoughts or experiences regarding speaking in tongues?  Thanks.  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Esther 8:1-10:3 + 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13 + Psalm 37:1-11 + Proverbs 21:23-24
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – We wrap up the book of Esther today!  Job begins tomorrow!  Okay, somehow I forgot that the book of Esther ended with the Jewish holiday of Purim being instituted.  A good FAQ from a Jewish website about Purim is at this link.  In doing a google image search on Purim I quickly realized that folks dress up for this celebratory Jewish holiday!  Below is a modern day Purim mask:

There is also a device called the Purim “gragger”, which is a noisemaker.  When the Purim story is read aloud from the book of Esther everyone boos and shakes their graggers whenever Haman’s name is mentioned!  (I’m not kidding – it sounds like fun to me! 🙂  More on Purim graggers, including how you can make your own, is online here. Below is a picture of a gragger, and below that is a picture of a woman shaking a gragger at the sound of Haman’s name being read during Purim!

New Testament – Today in First Corinthians chapter 13 we will read verses that you have likely heard many times at many weddings. It is the “Love” chapter of the Bible. This chapter goes way beyond just romantic or marital love – it gets at how we live our very lives each and every moment in relationship to all of creation. In verses 1 through 3 we read: “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” How do these verses speak to you? Do you notice the juxtaposition of the concept of love and the concept of nothingness? Do you see that without love there is nothing? Do you believe that if we live our lives without love, we are nothing? Even if we have amazing spiritual gifts. Even if we have faith that can move mountains. Even if we give away all of our possessions to the poor. If we do not have love, we are nothing. We gain nothing. We give nothing. Do you see how important love is in our lives? Do you see that we must live each and every day from a starting point of love? Why do you suppose Paul spends this entire chapter telling us about the importance of love? Do you think that God is love and wants us to be love as well? I love (pun intended 🙂 how this chapter ends: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Amen and amen.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in First Corinthians titled “What Is This Thing Called Love?” is at this link and “But The Greatest of All These…” is at this link. (this second commentary link focuses in on “agape” love and is phenomenal – please read!)

Psalms – Today we read Psalm 37, which is most definitely a Wisdom Psalm! It’s like we are reading Proverbs! I love verse 5: “Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.” Do you commit everything you do to God? EVERYTHING? Your waking life? Your sleeping life? Your job? Your relationships? Your family? Your finances? Your time? If so, do you trust that God will help you in everything you do in your life? Do you believe what verse 4 teaches? “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” I love that thought – take delight in God. Do you take delight in God each and every day? Do you believe that he will give you your heart’s desires?

Proverbs – Proverbs 21 verse 23 today teaches us: “If you keep your mouth shut, you will stay out of trouble.” This Proverb is so wise that I will say no more!  🙂

Worship Video: Today’s readings in First Corinthians 13 inspired this beautiful song by Brandon Heath called “Love Never Fails:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP0iDVmzb80

Are you experiencing love that never fails? Click here for true Love!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you are filled with Christ’s love. Pray that you are sharing and giving love to others in your life continually. Pray that love is the greatest gift that you receive and give each and every day.

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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Esther 4:1-7:10 + 1 Corinthians 12:1-26 + Psalm 36:1-12 + Proverbs 21:21-22
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today in Esther chapter 4 we read about Mordecai persuading Queen Esther to help save the Jews from Haman’s evil plot. In verse 14 we read these amazing words of Mordecai’s to Esther: “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” For such a time as this. Powerful words to consider. You’ll recall similar words were used in the narrative of Joseph in Genesis – Joseph was sent ahead to Egypt by God to save his family from famine “for such a time as this.” Esther was married to the Persian King for such a time as this. And I believe that you and I have been placed on this earth this very day for such a time as this. Do you believe it is true that you really have been placed on this earth by God for such a time as this? Do you believe that there is a definite purpose for your life that God has called you to? Do you realize that you have the choice – as Esther had the choice – to move forward with God’s vision and plan for your life or to say no to God? Our time on this life is short. We can live our lives in accordance with God’s will and purpose for us or we can waste away our life with useless distractions. Trust me – the devil wants nothing more than to distract you from what God has called you to for such a time as this. So, what say you? Will you live your life wholly and purposefully for God for such a time as this? Will you leave the distractions behind?

Below is an amazing painting by Rembrandt from the year 1660 of Esther revealing the evil plans of Haman to King Xerxes at the banquet in chapter 7.  Check out how Haman is off in the left in the shadows… apropos!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Esther titled “Esther’s Dilemma and Decision” is at this link and “Sleepless in Susa” is at this link.

New Testament – First Corinthians 12 is once again another amazing chapter in this book!  Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ…  it gets no better!  I love verses 4 through 7: “Now there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service in the church, but it is the same Lord we are serving. There are different ways God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work through all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church.”  If you are a believer in Jesus as your Lord, do you believe that a spiritual gift has been given to you?  Do you know what your spiritual gift is?  Are you using your spiritual gift as a means of helping the entire church?  (I think my spiritual gift is a gift that Paul did not write about in this chapter – the gift of blogging!  🙂

I love Paul’s discourse on the Body of Christ.  Verse 26 stands out: “If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.”  This makes me wonder about the Body of Christ in our world today.  Do you think that there are Christians in our world today who are suffering?  Who are starving?  Who are being persecuted?  Who are dying of disease?  And… if there are Christians – part of the Body of Christ just as we are part of the Body of Christ – who are suffering, are we sharing in the suffering with them in any way, shape, or form?  If we are not, are we ignoring part of our Body?  As Casting Crowns put it in their big hit Christian song – “If we are the Body, why aren’t His hands healing?  Why is His love not showing them there is a Way?”  Why?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in First Corinthians titled “Spirituality and Spiritual Gifts” is at this link.

Psalms – I love Psalm 36 today!  There are some powerful verses in this Psalm…  Starting off with verse 1 being a scary & true verse…  “Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God to restrain them.”  Wow.   I’ll admit – I’ve been there.  I know what it is like to have sin whispering deep within my heart.  Thank God for the gift of Jesus – the savior of my world…  Thank God for the gift of the fear of God.  And thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit who directs us along the narrow path – the path of life and light.  I pray that verse 1 does not ring too true for you today – but if it does, please pray to Jesus to instead fill your heart with Jesus’ Spirit, which is the only power that can truly dispel the whisper of sin within.

Verses 5 & 6 reminded me immediately of the Third Day song “Your Love Oh Lord”, which borrows nicely from these verses (and is our YouTube for the day, below): “Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths.”

Verse 9 just has so much simplicity in it’s truth… I love it…  I hope you believe this too  – “For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see.”  Are there really any other lights by which we may see?  Are there really any other fountains of life?

Proverbs – Proverbs 21:21 is a great one to live by! “Whoever pursues godliness and unfailing love will find life, godliness, and honor.”  What is godliness?  What is unfailing love?   Are you pursuing both of these?  Do you believe that in this pursuit you will find life?  Godliness?  Honor?  Are these worth pursuing?  If so… pursue!

Worship Video: Per my Psalm 36 reflections above, here is Third Day’s great song “Your Love Oh Lord!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP_Q4z0x_Fw

Do you know God’s love that reaches to the heavens? Click here to reach for faithfulness that reaches to the sky!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray for God to reveal to you why you are on the planet right now, for such a time as this. Pray for God’s perfect will in your life each and every day. Pray that you will stay in the center of God’s will for your life, for such a time as this.

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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Jan:

Esther 1:1-3:15 + 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 + Psalm 35:17-28 + Proverbs 21:19-20
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today we begin reading about Queen Esther! Hold on tight because Esther is an amazing book – and next week we launch into Job, which is incredible in its spiritual depth. We’re entering some amazing spiritual territory of the Old Testament. Don’t miss it!  Below is Esther:

~ Esther ~
Author: Unknown
Date: Fifth century B.C.
Content: The book of Esther deals with a momentous event that took place after the Persians had destroyed Babylon and while many Jews were still living in the land of their captivity. The story concerns a Jewess named Ester who had become the wife of the Persian King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I). An evil advisor to the king, named Haman, sought the destruction of the Jews in order to gain control of their wealth, but Esther tactfully intervened and saved her people from this fate. Haman was executed, and after some civil strife things quieted down once more. The remarkable deliverance of the Jews was celebrated by a feast named Purim and it remains to this day.
Theme: The providence and power of God are the central points of this book. God was protecting his people even in their captivity and was working al things together for their good. God’s power is seen in the overthrow of Israel’s enemies. It is important to note that God used human beings to accomplish his purpose here, rather than doing it directly himself. We must be ready at all times to do God’s will when he so directs. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 9)  More commentary on the book of Esther is at this link.  Below is a fresco of “Queen Esther” from 1450 by Italian artist Andrea Del Castagno:

A map of the Persian empire at the time of the book of Esther in approximately 480 B.C. is below.  You can see the city of Susa, just above the Persian Gulf, where the book of Esther begins, as we read in verses 1 & 2 today: “This happened in the days of King Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. At that time he ruled his empire from his throne at the fortress of Susa.”

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Esther titled “Miss Persia” is at this link and “Hanging Out At the Gate” is at this link.

Bible Project: Here is a terrific video overview of the book of Esther!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JydNSlufRIs

New Testament – Wow..  great verses from Paul today!  I think most of us will recognize these words, or slight variations, as to how The Lord’s Supper happens at many churches today.  It is beautiful to come across these words in verses 23 through 26 in the context of Paul’s overall letter to the Corinthians.  It reminds me of how The Lord’s Supper comes upon us at church in the midst of our often busy / distracted lives. We so need to hear these words and so need to receive The Lord’s Supper: “For this is what the Lord himself said, and I pass it on to you just as I received it. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”  In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and you, sealed by the shedding of my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.” For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.”  How is The Lord’s Supper experience for you these days?  Do you consciously take The Lord’s Supper in remembrance of Jesus?  Do you consciously realize when you participate in The Lord’s Supper you are announcing Jesus’ death until he comes again?

Paul’s teachings in verses in 27 through 29 are something for us to take note of: “So if anyone eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily, that person is guilty of sinning against the body and the blood of the Lord. That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking from the cup. For if you eat the bread or drink the cup unworthily, not honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself.” How do these verses speak to you?  Do you examine yourself before participating in The Lord’s Supper? 

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in First Corinthians titled “Corrections for Communion” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 35 verses 22 & 23 are two very impassioned verses that I think we should take note of: “O LORD, you know all about this. Do not stay silent. Don’t abandon me now, O Lord. Wake up! Rise to my defense! Take up my case, my God and my Lord.” I think what these verses do is remind me that we don’t have to always speak to God in “hushed” tones or in our “church voices”.  We can interact with God at any moment as we really are.  I don’t think we should try to hide our emotions from God.  We should come before God at any time – as we are – and let Him take us from there…  and heal us from there…  When is the last time you literally cried out to God?

Proverbs – Proverbs 21 verse 19 I’ll let someone else pick up in the Comments… 🙂  Verse 20 is intriguing – “The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.”  Why do you suppose this is?  Do the wise spend money?  Do they save money?  Do they give money away to their church and charities?  And fools spend whatever they get… on what?  Maybe there is a difference in how the wise and fools interact with money.  I guess some foolish pursuits that come to mind on how one might spend money would be potential addictive behaviors such as gambling, pornography, or drugs.  It’s probably safe to say that the wise aren’t too into these types of things.  How are you doing with money these days?  Are you spending it wisely?  Are you saving it?  Are you giving it away to your church and charity?  Do you think it matters how we spend our money?  If a $100 bill appeared in your hands right this very moment, what would you do with it?

Worship Video: As Paul teaches on The Lord’s Supper today in First Corinthians, it seems an appropriate time to post up this video of Kutless’ “Sea of Faces.”  I have loved this song since I first heard it.  And every time I hear it I immediately think of The Lord’s Supper!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLHE4P-B2FA

Are you lost in a sea of faces? Click here to be Found!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:26 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you participate in the Lord’s Supper regularly. Pray that you are proclaiming the Lord’s death whenever you participate in the Lord’s Supper. Pray that you examine yourself before partaking in the Lord’s Supper.

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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona: