Bible in a Year Blog

2 Kings 3:1-4:17 + Acts 14:8-28 + Psalm 140:1-13 + Proverbs 17:22
~ 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 – In 2 Kings 3 verse 3 today we are reminded that King Jeroboam’s legacy is held out as a unfavorable legacy… “Nevertheless he (Joram) continued in the sins of idolatry that Jeroboam son of Nebat had led the people of Israel to commit.”  That is an interesting thing to think about – a legacy.  Jeroboam’s legacy was obviously not one we’d like to have.  So, what type of legacy would you like to have?  And what type of legacy are you in fact leaving these days?  The more I think about my legacy, the more I simply hope and pray that my legacy is something along the lines of “one who loved God and loved people.”  Pretty simple really.  But also really tough in our modern world full of so many distractions!  And I am not so sure that I am really leaving this legacy some days.  I don’t want to pursue this type of legacy for the wrong reasons – for any sort of appearing “righteous” or prideful reasons.  But I in fact I really do want to spend the rest of my days simply loving God and loving people.  Whatever else I do – career, ministry, whatever – pales in comparison to loving God and loving people.  I even hesitate to write this hope for a legacy on this blog – I feel like I should go back and delete everything I just wrote.  Except – I think this might be the type of legacy we are called to as Christians.  Remember the two great commands Jesus gave us in Matthew 22:37 & 39 – “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Love God and love people.  So – whaddya think?  Is this a good legacy for us to aim for?  Should we be aiming for a legacy at all?  What will your legacy be?

2 Kings 4 verse 8 definitely demonstrates that in addition to being a prophet, Elisha was a very wise man!  “One day Elisha went to the town of Shunem. A wealthy woman lived there, and she invited him to eat some food. From then on, whenever he passed that way, he would stop there to eat.”   🙂

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s 2 Kings readings titled “The Rebellion of the Moabites” is at this link,  “Elisha Prepares to Hear God’s Word” is at this link, “The Victory Over Moab” is at this link, “God’s Supply in the Midst of Poverty” is at this link, and “The Shunammite Woman Receives a Son” is at this link.

New Testament – Wow… amazing readings today… Do you see the depth and strength and love of Paul’s faith in verses 19 & 20 – “Now some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and turned the crowds into a murderous mob. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, apparently dead. But as the believers stood around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.”  Paul is stoned and then gets back up and keeps going forward in his ministry for God!  Next thing you know he is praying and fasting for elders in churches – after nearly getting stoned to death!  I want a faith like that…  Also, it is wonderful to read in today’s readings how Paul and Barnabas tear their garments because they are so distressed that people were worshiping them as if they were gods!  Would we react so quickly to stop people from worshiping us today I wonder… ?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Acts readings titled “Mission Accomplished” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 140 is a prayer for deliverance from evil.  And this Psalm certainly should be a good reminder of the Lord’s Prayer, where we pray – “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”  What is the one thing that can truly deliver us from evil?  Can we deliver ourselves from evil on our own?  Or do we need something beyond ourselves for this deliverance?

Verse 7 in this Psalm gives each of us something to consider and should be an encouragement: “O Sovereign LORD, my strong savior, you protected me on the day of battle.”   Do you believe God is your strong savior who will protect you from evil on the day of battle?  Do you believe that perhaps every day is a day of battle?  Do you believe that Satan or evil ever rests in attempting to tempt people?  Should we pray for protection from evil on a very regular basis?  The Lord’s Prayer / Our Father is one great way to do this each day…

From 1928’s Book of Common Prayer: “Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.”  Lord, teach us how to pray…

Proverbs – Proverbs 17 verse 22 for some reason reminds me of Paul again from today’s Acts readings: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.”  Think back again to Paul being nearly stoned to death in today’s readings.  Think he would have a good “reason” to have a broken spirit after something like that happened to him?  But…. we see what he goes and does for the Kingdom just after that tragic incident!  My hunch is that Paul had a very cheerful heart – because he was in such close relationship with Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit.  And his cheerful heart was certainly good medicine for him.  He did not allow himself to have a broken spirit – even after nearly being stoned to death!  Seriously, Paul is amazing – but don’t worry, I’m not worshiping him… 🙂  I am just amazed at how in love he was with Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit – and how he let that love guide him and propel him forward no matter what.  So, back to this Proverb – do you think it is possible for us at times to “decide” whether to have a cheerful heart or a broken spirit?  All of us have something bad happen at some time or another.  Is it possible that we can “decide” to be cheerful or broken after something bad happens to us?  If it is possible to be cheerful after something bad happens to us, why?  I think we could learn from Paul’s example.  If we are so close in relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, I pray we can weather any storm that life might bring.  Any storm.  Do you believe this is true?

Worship Video: 2nd Kings today reminds me of the song “Legacy” by Nichole Nordeman:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah1COE39ARs

Do you want to leave a legacy?  Click here for the true Legacy!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that your heart is cheerful, through the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit living within you through your faith in Jesus. Pray that you encourage others in their spiritual journeys to have cheerful hearts as well. Pray that you will minister to those in your life with a crushed spirit.

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:

====== Anka:

A note on circumcision and the law…1(A)Some men came down from Judea and began teaching (B)the brethren, “Unless you are (C)circumcised according to (D)the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Now,some translations say”some of the sect of the pharisees,while others say some of the believers….When we say Paul was the founder of christianity,we need to ask”by whose definition”?Man’s or Gods.Circumcision was a seal of righteosness for Abraham,we know that Abraham believed in God and it was credited to him as righteousness…As believers we have the seal and guidance of the Holy Spirit who will lead us to ALL truth,if we let Him.I always asked myself this question…if Israel was called out to be separate,given a set of rules which Jesus Himself said He had not come to abolish(Mat5:17),if God doesn’t change and wants us to be one body(jews and gentiles then then God change His rules to suit us…In the past,His laws were both to the jew and the aliens who lived among Israel,now as grafted in branches(romans 11) do we change the original tree….or become one with the original,natural olive tree.Jesus was brought up according to jewish law,circumcised,attended the feasts His Father had ordered(doesn’t mention his supoosed birthday on christmas)and upheld the commandments…Did God give a set of rules to change them….or did man have a better idea on how to worship God….There are many misunderstandings,some texts say the law was abolished and we are not to keep the law,Timothy and Titus who had greek heritage were circumcised…Pater when faced with having to kill and eat unclean animals said(after the resurrection)that he would not eat any unclean thing…now that dream was interpreted in acts to mean he could go into the house of a gentile…but if it did mean he could eat what God had not considered food but “unclean”how come Jesus never taught him that in three years,surely if Peter had seen Jesus eat pork then he would have changed his mind about what’s food and what’s unclean.The pharisees had added a bit more to the Law….rituals on how to wash your hands,the distance you were allowed to walk on the Sabbath that were not part of God’s law…Jesus came to teach and explain what the teachers of the law had complicated….so if He did according to the law(even sent the lepers to present themselves to the priests according to the law)…who are we to follow..our church fathers who have done as good a job as the teachers in distorting the word,helped by bad translations…or do we ask the Holy Spirit to teach us the Truth..I pray that we find the Truth and that it may set us free…. “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time,” declares the LORD.
“I will put my law in their minds
and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people…….
11Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (that done in the body by the hands of men)— 12remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
14For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations.
…..abolishing the law….if now we are brought near,now we are not excluded from the citizenship of Israel….if now we are one with Israel in whose heart God will write the law..then later abolish it….it just doesn’t make sense..God doesn’t contradict Himself…He says we should ask for wisdom and I pray you are challenged in your study to seek the Truth and let the Holy Spirit teach us all because God sure isn’t the author of confusion….
God bless you all
Anka

====== Reuben:

Good thoughts today, Mike.
Reuben

====== Billy:

Mike, I think your legacy would be just perfect.
Billy

2 Kings 1:1-2:25 + Acts 13:42-14:7 + Psalm 139:1-24 + Proverbs 17:19-21
~ 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 the book of Second Kings!

Author: Unknown
Date: Sixth century B.C.
Content: Second Kings covers a period of approximately 250 years during which time two national tragedies occurred. In 722 B.C. the northern kingdom of Israel was destroyed by the Assyrians, and in 586 B.C. the southern kingdom of Judah was destroyed by the Babylonians. The reigns of the various kings are described in some detail with care being taken to show the spiritual significance of what they were doing. Throughout this whole time of good and bad kings, war and peace, prosperity and ruin, God is seen to be at work, in particular sending prophets to preach his word and warn of judgment to come.
Theme: God’s control over the affairs of men and nations is constantly seen throughout this book. The rulers of men may think they are in control, but even the enemies of God’s people fit into God’s plan by executing judgment upon the wayward nations of Israel and Judah. It must be stressed that sin invariably brings judgment upon the people and righteousness brings God’s blessing. Second Kings also shows that God never sends his judgment without a warning first; in this instance, the warning came through the prophets who were sent. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 6-7) More commentary on Second Kings is at these 3 links –
https://bible.org/article/introduction-books-first-and-second-kings
https://bible.org/article/argument-first-and-second-kings 
https://bible.org/seriespage/1-introduction-and-historical-setting-elijah (Introduction to Elijah)

2 Kings 1 today…  wow…  Elijah is not to be messed with when he is sitting on top of that hill!  Elijah asks a very poignant question twice in this chapter – “Is there no God in Israel?” This is a question each of us will need to ask in our lives at some point – “Is there or is there no God in my life?”  Hopefully we’ve already answered this question affirmatively.  It’s a sad state of affairs to imagine a country without God.  It is a sad state of affairs to imagine our own lives without God. 

Today in 2 Kings 2 we read about Elijah going up to heaven in the whirlwind!  Elijah was taken to heaven without dying.  He is the 2nd person in scripture to do so – Enoch was the first (see Genesis 5:21-24).  Jesus of course was also taken to heaven in bodily form after His resurrection from the dead (see Acts 1:9).  Below is Italian artist Giovanni Battista’s (1683-1754) painting of Elijah’s whirlwind scene:

Okay, so 2 Kings 2 verses 23 & 24 are some of the most unique verses in the Bible no doubt…  “Elisha left Jericho and went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, a group of boys from the town began mocking and making fun of him. “Go away, you baldhead!” they chanted. “Go away, you baldhead!” Elisha turned around and looked at them, and he cursed them in the name of the LORD. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of them.”  Zondervan’s NIV Study Bible has some good commentary on these verses as follows: “The youths from Bethel no doubt assumed that Elisha was going up to Samaria to continue Elijah’s struggle against royal apostasy.  Some believe that the youths, in their mocking, were telling Elisha to ascend to heaven as Elijah had done.  By calling Elisah “baldhead” the youths from Bethel expressed that city’s utter disdain for the Lord’s representative, who, they felt, had no power.  Elisha pronounced a curse that gave warning of the judgment that would come on the entire nation of Israel should it persist in disobedience and apostasy.”

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s 2 King’s readings titled “Chariots of Fire” is at this link and “Elisha’s Accreditation” is at this link and “Elisha and the Two Bears” is at this link.

New Testament – Great readings today about how Paul and Barnabas’ ministry to the Gentiles was growing!  Verse 52 is awesome: “And the believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”

Psalms – Today we read Psalm 139! I LOVE this Psalm… and had somehow forgotten about it.  Is this Psalm anyone’s favorite Psalm out there?  I would not doubt it if was.  This is just an incredibly beautiful Psalm about how much God loves and cares for us.  And just how well God knows us.  Please read and re-read this Psalm this week if you can.  And rejoice in how much God loves you and how much he knows you. Each of the verses in this Psalm are incredible.  I’ll highlight a few.  Verse 3 – “You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am.”  Do you believe that God charts out your path for you?  Do you believe that God gives you true rest?  Do you believe God knows where you are every single moment of your life?

Verses 13 & 14 – “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous–and how well I know it.”  Do you believe that God was loving and caring and creating you in your mother’s womb?  Are you amazed by the complexity and wonder of the human body?  Could it be anything other than the marvelous workmanship of a loving and creative and living God?  (next two images below courtesy of heartlight.org)

And verses 23 & 24 to close out the Psalm: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”  Do you consistently ask God to search your heart and mind?  Do you confess to God what is not right in your heart and mind?  What needs healing?  Do you ask God to even point out to you things that you may not realize are destructive to you and others in your heart and mind?  Do you believe that this process of confessing your sins to God and asking for forgiveness and healing will lead you along the path of everlasting life?

Proverbs – Proverbs 17 verse 20 stood out to me today – “The crooked heart will not prosper.”   Do you believe this is true?  What would make a heart crooked?  Whom can heal a crooked heart?  Jesus?  Has Jesus healed your heart yet?  Will you let Him do so?

Worship Video: Today’s readings in 2 Kings reminded me of the awesome song, “Days of Elijah!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDf6PtSckio

Are these the days of Elijah for you?  Click here to meet Elijah’s God!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13-14 NIV

Prayer Point: Praise God for making you in your mother’s womb. Praise God for His wonderful works. Pray that your inmost being is living fully for God today and forevermore.

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:

====== Tina:

Mike…wow…thanks for this. I am on my second time through the One Year Bible plan and wish I had stumbled across this site way before now!

Tina

====== Anka:

Elisha left everything behind to follow Elijah and refused to leave him even at the last moment…God honoured his loyalty.
So many times men of God are treated with disrespect,critised…again and again God shows us his displeasure at such acts…
I was suprised to see in the NT reading that “the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region”…God fearing people against God’s people…hmmm…guess it was God fearing without disernment..
It’s pretty awesome that God knows our hearts,our thoughts and still loves us…this really should make me think twice before judging anyone…
God bless you all
Anka

====== Caryn:

======= John:

2Kings1
“You shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die:”
This was the same message Elijah gave to the men Ahaziah sent to inquire of Baal-Zebub. The message from God did not change just because Ahaziah didn’t want to hear it the first time.
In fact, this was a mercy to Ahaziah. God told him something that few people know – that his death was imminent and that he had time to repent and prepare to meet God. – David Guzik
2Kings2
“Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me”
The idea of a double portion was not to ask for twice as much as Elijah had, but to ask for the portion that went to the firstborn son, as in Deuteronomy 21:17. Elisha asked for the right to be regarded as the successor of Elijah, as his firstborn son in regard to ministry. Yet Elisha had already been designated as Elijah’s successor (1 Kings 19:19). This was a request for the spiritual power to fulfill the calling he already received.
“He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him:”
Think of what it was like for Elisha to pick up that mantle. The mantle did not fall from heaven and rest on his shoulders; he had to decide to pick it up and put it on. He had to decide: do I really want to put this on? Elijah’s ministry was one of great power, but also of great pressure and responsibility.
John

======= Vance:

2 Kings 1 (NKJV)
2
Now Ahaziah fell through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria, and was injured; so he sent messengers and said to them, “Go, inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover from this injury.”
3
But the angel [NOTE: Or Angel] of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say to them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?’
4
Now therefore, thus says the LORD: ‘You shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’” So Elijah departed.
NOTE:
Many commentators believe that the “Angel of the Lord” is none other than the pre-incarnate Lord Jesus, i.e., Jesus appearing on earth before taking on a human body to die for our sins once for all as our Savior.
Many people say that because the “Angel of the Lord” in the OT in cross-reference verses is called God, and the “Angel of the Lord” accepts worship. No other angel would allow that, nor would that be proper.
Having said that, here is the Lord Jesus again…appearing personally to Elijah to tall Elijah to confront the Samarian king, Ahaziah, because of the king’s unbelief.
Jesus always comes to establish, seal, and confirm God’s Word.
Unbelief and allowing our hearts to wander from the love of the truth will always lead us away from the only Savior. With no Savior, there is no salvation.
I imagine that Elijah recognized the Lord Jesus when he entered the glory of heaven. I imagine that Elijah is bowing before and rejoicing with the Lord Jesus!
2 Kings 2 (NKJV)
6
Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.” But he [i.e., Elisha] said, “As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So the two of them went on.
NOTE:
I admire Elisha’s single-minded determination to honor his mentor and follow the Lord. May we share in that single mindedness. Jesus Himself talked about this, as in Matthew 6.
Matthew 6 (NKJV)
22
“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.
23
But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
Acts 14 (NKJV)
3
Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
4
But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
NOTE:
May we spend time really praising and yielding, and then receiving and taking from the Lord Jesus all that He wants for us.
As we fully yield to Him, then we can fully complete our purpose of being here: to glorify the Lord Jesus in this world. There will be opposition, for truth always stirs up those who refuse to accept truth.
But, the truth will only lead those who love “the love of the truth” to full salvation and joy in every circumstance on earth, and heaven after life on earth.
Acts 13 (NKJV)
51
But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium.
52
And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 139 (NKJV)
5
You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me.
6
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it.
17
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
18
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You.
23
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties;
24
And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
NOTE:
May the closeness of the Presence of God become more real to my spiritual experience every day as I meditate on the Lord and His wonderful Person. May the Presence in me, deposited there by grace draw others closer to the Presence of God and to purity.
I like this meditation on prayer from the book, “With Open Hands”, by Henri J. M. Nowen (pg 102):
“Prayer means giving up false security, no longer looking for arguments which will protect you if you get pushed into a corner, no longer setting your hope on a couple of lighter moments which your life might still offer.”
“Praying means to stop expecting from God that same small-mindedness which you discover in yourself.”
“To pray is to walk in the light of God, and to say simply, without holding back, ‘I am a man and you are God.’ At that moment, conversion occurs, the restoration of the true relationship.”
“Man is not the one who once in a while makes a mistake and God is not the one who now and then forgives. No, man is a sinner and God is love. Conversion makes this obvious with a stunning simplicity and a disarming clarity.”
Vance

======= Barbara:

Hello. My first blog comment ever. Before i started studying the bible and when my son was little, i read him The Runaway Bunny. When i first read Psalm 139 it was very familiar like i read it before. I know its a secular childrens book, and Psalm 139 is so beautiful and worth memorizing, and i cant help but wonder if book author had read Psalm 139 first.
Barbara

1 Kings 22:1-53 + Acts 13:16-41 + Psalm 138:1-8 + Proverbs 17:17-18
~ 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 finish the book of First Kings! Second Kings begins tomorrow!  Ahab is not happy about the Arameans occupying Ramoth-gilead at the beginning of today’s readings.   A location profile of Ramoth-gilead is at this link.  Ramoth-gilead was on a hilltop that could have looked something like this:

King Jehoshaphat of Judah wisely suggests that they should consult God before going into battle against the Arameans.  At which time King Ahab of Israel trots out his 400 yes-men “prophets” who say they should definitely go to war and that they will be victorious.  I love Jehoshaphat’s reaction to these 400 yes-men in verse 7: “But Jehoshaphat asked, “Isn’t there a prophet of the LORD around, too? I would like to ask him the same question.””  Ahab’s reaction in verse 8 is quite telling…  “There is still one prophet of the LORD, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but bad news for me! His name is Micaiah son of Imlah.”  This verse really stands out for me in a big way in our world today.  I wonder if sometimes we – you and me – look for supposed “prophets” of the Lord that are yes-people to our particular likings – instead of looking for Truth.  Meaning…  and I’m just putting this out there, so bear with me.  Do we sometimes maybe even decide to attend a particular church because it tells us basically what we want to hear?  It keeps us in our comfortable place… we get yes-messages…  When, instead, should we be okay with attending a church that will give us some challenging and convicting messages on occasion?  Biblical messages mind you – which surely can be challenging to our modern ears at times.  I heard somewhere once before that church should be a place that “comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable.”  I like that…  Now, don’t get me wrong.  I am not saying we need to be in super-strict churches per se.  I just think we should really watch for churches that are giving a yes-message all the time to our particular likings verses churches that teach the Truth.  I don’t think church is the only area of where we might default to looking for yes-messages.  I think this can happen in books we read, TV we watch, or even with friends or with work.   Are we listening to 400 yes-people in our lives or are we okay with 1 Micaiah coming in and sharing a perceived “bad-news” message?  (which may ultimately be very good news if we’ll just listen to it…  if Ahab had really listened to Micaiah’s message in today’s readings, think he still would have rushed out to battle?) Below is an image of Micaiah and the false prophets before Jehoshaphat and Ahab:

New Testament – Acts 13 is a great sermon from Paul today!  Really… this is about as good as it gets for a solid Gospel presentation.  Go Paul.  I love how he starts off in verse 16: “So Paul stood, lifted his hand to quiet them, and started speaking. “People of Israel,” he said, “and you devout Gentiles who fear the God of Israel, listen to me.”  You’ll note that Paul delivers this message to both Jews and Gentiles – he is preaching the Gospel for the world!  Are you really listening to Paul’s message to you in today’s readings in Acts?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Acts titled “Putting the Past in Perspective” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 138 is an awesome Psalm of thanksgiving and praise to God from David!   You’ll note that the word Temple is used in verse 2 – and of course the Temple was built by David’s son Solomon.  It is thought that David used the word Temple in reference to the tent holding the Ark of the Covenant.  Some have also thought that this Psalm possibly was written after David’s time, in the post-exile period.  Either way, it is a beautiful Psalm of praise.  Psalm 138 begins a final collection of eight “Davidic” Psalms, which are framed by songs of Praise in Psalm 138 & Psalm 145 – and Psalms 139 through 144 are six prayers.

In Psalm 138 today, verse 3 stood out to me – “When I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me the strength I need.”  Do you believe that God answers your prayers?  Maybe not exactly in the way you’d expect, but that they are answered?  Do you believe that God answers your prayers through encouragement and by giving you strength?

Verse 7 stood out to me as well – “Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will preserve me against the anger of my enemies. You will clench your fist against my angry enemies! Your power will save me.”  Do you believe that Jesus’ power will save you in times of trouble?  Or do you rely on your own power and maybe forget about Jesus during times of trouble?  Will you rely on Jesus, realizing that only His power will ultimately save you?

Proverbs – Proverbs 17 verse 17 is fantastic: “A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.”  The thing I think about here is that Jesus tells us in the Gospel of John that we are his friends.  That is an amazing thing to think about.  As a friend, do you believe Jesus is always loyal to us?  Conversely, are we as Jesus’ friends, always loyal to Him?  Then, in the second half of the Proverb, as brothers and sisters in Christ, I do believe that we are to help each other in a time of need – much like a family brother or sister would help us.  Through Jesus, we become a spiritual family.  A family of brothers and sisters that is born to help each other in a time of need.  Are you available to help your brothers and sisters – both in your birth and spiritual family – during their time of need?

 

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Matt Maher’s fantastic song “Your Grace is Enough:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7dW6d2-6B0

Is God’s Grace enough for you?  Click here for Amazing Grace!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.” Acts 13:38-39 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have been forgiven of your sins, through your faith in Jesus. Pray that you have been set free from every sin and are justified by Jesus.

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:

======= Vance:

I Kings 22 (NKJV)
8
So the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is still one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD; but I hate him, because he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say such things!”
NOTE: I like this challenge and question: “I wonder if sometimes we – you and me – look for supposed ‘prophets’ of the Lord that are yes-people to our particular likings – instead of looking for Truth.”
Honestly, the temptation to do what I want instead of what God wants is there all the time. So, I must be equipped with intimacy with the Lord Jesus and spiritual weapons in Jesus’ Name to overcome in this spiritual battle.
Yet, THANK GOD!… that the core of the spiritual battle is REST in the Lord.
Psalm 37 (NKJV)
4
Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
If I “delight” in the Lord and really focus on praising Him—I will find Him to be my delight. He, as God—as the most High—is the One who can save me from sin, Satan, temptation, and deception.
Oh… to delight in and trust in the Lord with all of my heart!
~~
I Kings 22 (NKJV)
23
Therefore look! The LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these prophets of yours, and the LORD has declared disaster against you.”
NOTE:
What I have in my heart will determine my destiny. When we do not consistently and persistently seek the Lord and depend on Him because of God’s mercy, then we will be given over to the desire in our hearts.
God will give me over to what I want in my heart—whether good or evil. So I must persistently decide wisely.
Acts 13 (NKJV)
38
Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins;
39
and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.
NOTE:
THANK GOD!… for grace. I am drawn back to the verse I quoted above from Psalm 37 (NKJV):
4
Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
THANK GOD!… that I do not have to save myself through my works, through the law. THANK GOD!… that I can love the Lord with all my heart as I give myself to Him in worship and praise. God will give me the desire and ability to obey.
IN HIM is my salvation! This leads me directly to the wonderful Psalm reading today.
Psalm 138 (NKJV)
1
I will praise You with my whole heart; before the gods I will sing praises to You.
7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me.
8
The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever; do not forsake the works of Your hands.
GOD IS FAITHFUL!
Vance

1 Kings 20:1-21:29 + Acts 12:24-13:15 + Psalm 137:1-9 + Proverbs 17:16
~ 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 1 Kings 20 today we read about King Ahab’s battles with King Ben-hadad of Aram.  Verse 11 today was sharp! “The king of Israel sent back this answer: “A warrior still dressing for battle should not boast like a warrior who has already won.””  Not a bad little saying from Ahab to Ben-hadad!  Sounds sort of like a Proverb.  Actually, this really sounds like our modern day saying of: “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch!”  🙂

Alas, even though King Ahab was given victories by God’s grace in today’s readings, he goofs things up by letting King Ben-hadad of Aram go free. Then, as we get into First Kings chapter 21 today, things go from bad to worse for Ahab in terms of his relationship with God.  Chapter 21 is a sad story of Naboth and his vineyard…  Would it be safe to say that King Ahab was coveting Naboth’s vineyard?  Would Ahab be breaking a commandment in the Mosaic Law here in this image…?

I couldn’t quite remember why Jezebel was cast in such a bad light in our readings a few days ago.  Today I remember why…  It is great to see Elijah show up on the scene and say to Ahab in verse 20 – “I have come because you have sold yourself to what is evil in the LORD’s sight.” How sad.  Do you think people today can still sell themselves to what is evil in God’s sight?  Below is an image of Elijah denouncing Ahab for the evil that transpired over Naboth’s vineyard in today’s readings.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s 1 Kings readings titled “Israel’s Deliverance” is at this link and “Ahab Buys the Farm or Payday Someday” is at this link.

New Testament – Wow.  It is fun to read about Paul’s first missionary journey!  A very cool thing to note about today’s readings is that Paul started his missionary journey not after an extensive planning session / retreat / etc. (all our modern day stuff of what we have to do before embarking on something…)  No!  Paul started his missionary journey after a time of worship & fasting and being filled with the Holy Spirit!  The Spirit moved and thus Paul moved!  It was that simple.  Think we can learn something from this in our lives today?  Are you listening to the Spirit’s prompting in your life today?  What is the Spirit prompting you to do?  Will you do it?  Check out Acts 13 verses 2 and 3 that show all it took for Paul to begin his missionary journey: “One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work I have for them.” So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.”

I am a huge fan of Paul’s epistles, and greatly enjoyed verses 9 through 11, which are Paul’s first words that we’ve read in Acts since his conversion on the road to Damascus – “Then Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked the sorcerer in the eye and said, “You son of the Devil, full of every sort of trickery and villainy, enemy of all that is good, will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord? And now the Lord has laid his hand of punishment upon you, and you will be stricken awhile with blindness.””  Paul was no joke!  Below is a map of Paul’s first missionary journey:

I love the way today’s Acts readings finish up in verses 14 & 15 – “Barnabas and Paul traveled inland to Antioch of Pisidia.  On the Sabbath they went to the synagogue for the services. After the usual readings from the books of Moses and from the Prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for us, come and give it!”  Uh-oh!  Think the folks in charge of the service are ready for a word from Paul and Barnabas?  🙂  Stay tuned for the word of encouragement from Paul in tomorrow’s readings!  Below is an image of Barnabas:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Acts titled “What a Way to Go” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 137 is a Psalm reflecting upon the Israelites exile in Babylon and about how much Jerusalem was missed.  We also read about a call to punish Edom for their rejoicing in the fall of Jerusalem.  Later this year we will read prophesies against Edom in the book of the prophet Obadiah.  Below is an image of ancient Jerusalem – the tower of David – that this Psalmist missed greatly:

Proverbs – Proverb 17 verse 16 is interesting to consider: “It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a fool who has no heart for wisdom.”   This is a great question for each of us to ask ourselves.  Today in your life – do you have a heart for wisdom?  What type of “tuition” are you paying to gain wisdom / to be educated?  Are you paying the “tuition” of time invested in studying the Bible each day?  Are you paying the “tuition” of joining a Bible study at your church?  What other types of “tuition” are you paying to gain wisdom?  Will you pray to God today for a heart for wisdom?

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Acts about Paul’s missionary journey reminds me of the Britt Nicole song “The Lost Get Found:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO2prEoATH8

Are you Lost?  Click here to be Found!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “But the word of God continued to increase and spread.” Acts 12:24 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that the Word of God continues to increase and spread in our world today. Pray that you are part of helping the Word of God increase and spread.

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:

======== Vance:

I Kings 20 (NKJV)
42
Then he said to him, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Because you have let slip out of your hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore your life shall go for his life, and your people for his people.’”
Psalm 137 (NKJV)
8
O daughter of Babylon, who are to be destroyed, happy the one who repays you as you have served us!
9
Happy the one who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock!
~~~
NOTE:
We reap what we sow. If we constantly greatly desire what is not right, God will give us over to the harvest that we create from the planting seeds of sin, folly, and unrighteousness. I see this both in King Ahab and in the prophecy against Babylon in Psalm 137. When an individual or a nation persists in sin, they will reap destruction. Period.
Proverbs 18 (NKJV)
20
A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; from the produce of his lips he shall be filled.
21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Romans 1 (NKJV)
18
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
19
because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
28
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
~~
God had determined that the king of Samaria had reaped death from his own sin. Ahab was to be a part of God’s judgment on him.
What is interesting about this is that Ahab, himself, was not following the Lord with a pure heart. He had married a woman—Jezebel—who was an idolater. She worshiped the male god of Baal and the female goddess, and this faith system in a false god produced sexual immorality as a means of knowing this false god of Baal.
God uses leaders—even flawed and sinful leaders—to accomplish His purposes in the world. He is God, and he uses leaders available as instruments for His purposes.
~~
I Kings 20 (NKJV)
43
So the king of Israel went to his house sullen and displeased, and came to Samaria.
NOTE:
See how important our attitudes are. Ahab was like a spoiled child, given to self pity. If we allow the seeds of self pity to grow into resentment and a focus on self centeredness, we will do stupid things.
Ahab, given over to self pity, killed Naboth so he could have his field.
Self pity and envy blinds us to contentment in what God has given us already.
This reminds me of this wonderful prayer of the psalmist:
Psalm 86 (NKJV)
11
Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name.
12
I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forevermore.
~~
May we give ourselves over the Lord in prayer and surrender as the early church did in Acts 13, and as the Lord Jesus did as the Perfect Man.
Vance

1 Kings 19:1-21 + Acts 12:1-23 + Psalm 136:1-26 + Proverbs 17:14-15
~ 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 – Great chapter today!  We are introduced to Elisha, who will be mentored by Elijah to succeed him as a prophet at the end of First Kings 19 today.  However, before we get to Elisha, we read about Elijah being very “dejected” in the desert to say the least.  Some commentaries on this early portion of chapter 19 are not super-kind to Elijah for heading to the desert.  Commentaries I think wisely suggest that verses 9 & 13 demonstrate God trying to gently let Elijah know he’s off course and feeling too sorry for himself, when asked twice in these verses: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”  This kind of reminded me of Jonah fleeing from God’s will on the boat.  (which we’ll read about later this year).  And this kind of reminded me of me – and maybe you too.  🙂  Have you ever had that nagging question enter your heart or mind when you suddenly realize that you are off course from God’s will in your life?  That question of:  “What are you doing here??”  I know I have…  Praise God when we are actually able to hear and understand that question and get out of the desert and back to life and back to loving this hurting world!  Below is a wonderful painting from the year 1464 by the Flemish artist Dirk Bouts for verses 5 & 6, early on in the chapter when Elijah was fleeing to Mount Sinai – “Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” He looked around and saw some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again.”

Today in 1 Kings 19 verses 11 through 14 we read about how God appears to Elijah in a way that he was not expecting – “Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind.  After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.  After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire.  And after the fire came a gentle whisper.  When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.  Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”  The interesting thing to note about these verses is that Elijah was expecting or hoping God would appear in judgment to the Israelites in a windstorm, earthquake or fire. But God did not appear in any of these forms. Instead, God comes to Elijah in a simple gentle whisper. A gentle whisper. And I wonder about us in our lives today as well – do we often expect God to move mountains or to really show himself to us in big bold ways? When, perhaps, God may be speaking to you or me right now, but we’re missing it? Why? Well, is it possible that God is speaking to you right now with a simple gentle whisper? Is it possible that you have built up so many distractions or duties or activities or worries in your life that you cannot hear God’s gentle whisper? I know that I have been in this place too many times – I’ve gotten myself so busy looking for God in all the wrong places. And then finally I will slow myself down for just long enough to hear God speaking to my heart in a gentle whisper! A gentle whisper that I am sure was there all along. . . but I was looking for God in the windstorm and earthquake and fires of life. When instead I should have simply slowed down and listened for God’s gentle whisper. Will you slow down long enough to listen for God’s gentle whisper for you? Do you believe that God can speak to you in a simple gentle whisper this very moment?

 

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s 1 Kings readings titled “The Vulnerability of Victory” is at this link.  “The Crisis of Elijah” is at this link. “The Restoration of Elijah” is at this link.  And “Taking Up Your Mantle” is at this link.  Below is a painting in a Carmelite cloister in Frankfurt, Germany from the year 1517 by an unknown artist showing the life of the prophet Elijah, including what I think is the anointing/calling of Elisha in the middle portion – and you’ll see the angel tending to Elijah in the desert on the left and the burnt offering from yesterday’s readings on the right:

New Testament – There is a lot going on in today’s Acts readings as Peter is freed from jail by an angel!

I love verse 5 in this chapter as Peter was put in jail – “But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.”  Who are you praying for very earnestly these days?  Do you think that prayer changes things?  How is your prayer life this very day?

Verses 21 through 23 are a great great reminder to not ever accept anyone calling you a god – nor for you to every think of yourself as a god – “When the day arrived, Herod put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to them. The people gave him a great ovation, shouting, “It is the voice of a god, not of a man!”  Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died.”  We should never accept worship from others.  The glory should always go to God.  As the Psalmist so wisely and worshipfully says in Psalm 115:1, “Not to us, not to us, O LORD, but to your name be the glory.”

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Acts readings titled “The Death of James and the Deliverance of Peter” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 136 is a liturgy of Praise to God as Creator and Redeemer.  A Levitical priest singer likely led the recital, while either worshippers or a Levitical choir responded with the refrain.  Fun Bible factoid here – the response “His love endures forever” is repeated 26 times in this Psalm, which is the numerical value of God’s name “Yahweh” – back when Hebrew letters were also used as numbers.  A lot of intricacies went into the Psalms… some of which do get lost in translation from Hebrew to English.  Below is an image of the Hebrew letters yud, hey, vav, hey — often depicted in English as YHWH or Yahweh — spelling the name of God.

Psalm 136 is also a Michael W. Smith song!  🙂  C’mon, you know the one – verse 1 – “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”  (and Smitty carries on – “for he is good, he is above all things, his love endures forever. Sing praise. Sing Praise! Forever God is faithful, forever God is strong…”)

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 17 verse 14 today is a great reminder that the best way to end a quarrel is to stop it before it starts! “Beginning a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”  Once the quarrel starts, the waters can quickly flow out of control like a flood.  Is there a simmering matter in your life that you need to address quickly and head-on before it breaks out into a quarrel?  Before the floodgate opens?

Worship Video: In Psalms above, I mention Michael W. Smith’s version of Forever, which then somehow reminds me of Chris Tomlin’s song “Praise Him Forever:” 🙂

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrDzdew4AOk

Do you believe God’s love endures forever?  Click here for Forever!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving to the Lord for His Goodness today! Pray in thanksgiving that his love endures forever!

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:

1 Kings 18:1-46 + Acts 11:1-30 + Psalm 135:1-21 + Proverbs 17:12-13
~ 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 – Wow!  Great readings today in 1 Kings 18.  This is an amazing chapter of the Bible, and one that I heard a wonderful sermon on a couple of years ago.  This is strong stuff.  One thing that kind of got me chuckling was the subtitle the New Living Translation puts at the top of this chapter – “The Contest on Mount Carmel!”  For some reason this got my mind thinking of WWF Championship Wrestling… yes… strange place for my mind to wander I realize.  🙂  But then, this imagery kind of stuck with me throughout the readings and I definitely think Elijah threw down a WWF level taunt in verse 27 when the prophets of Baal were not having any luck getting their fire started: “About noontime Elijah began mocking them. “You’ll have to shout louder,” he scoffed, “for surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or he is relieving himself. Or maybe he is away on a trip, or he is asleep and needs to be wakened!””  Perhaps he is relieving himself??  The prophet Elijah puts even Hulk Hogan’s WWF taunt’s to shame!  🙂

Okay… in all seriousness… 1 Kings 18 is an amazing chapter.  There were several verses that stood out to me.  First was verses 17 and 18 when Ahab meets Elijah – “”So it’s you, is it–Israel’s troublemaker?” Ahab asked when he saw him. “I have made no trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “You and your family are the troublemakers, for you have refused to obey the commands of the LORD and have worshiped the images of Baal instead.”  I love Elijah’s directness and boldness to Ahab.  Ahab tries to go after Elijah and maybe intimidate him, since Ahab is King.  And Elijah does not back down one iota – he tells Ahab exactly why Ahab is the troublemaker.  I love that.  I wonder about our lives today.  If someone comes after us and maybe attacks our faith or integrity falsely in some way, will we immediately stand up for our faith like Elijah did to King Ahab?

Verses 20 & 21 are powerful – “So Ahab summoned all the people and the prophets to Mount Carmel. Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How long are you going to waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent.”  What a great question – and one that we may need to ask ourselves – “How long are you going to waver between two opinions?  If the Lord is God, follow him!”  Are we wavering at all in our commitment to God?  Are we being silent like the people were when Elijah asked this question?  Let us not waver between two opinions…  If the Lord is God, are you following him?  Wholeheartedly? 

Below is an image of Elijah’s “Sermon on the Mount Carmel”…  🙂  bad pun… sorry.  (I really should know better than to start off a blog post with the Hulkster… it sets me off on the wrong foot… 🙂

I love the little story at the end of today’s chapter where Elijah falls to his knees in prayer on Mt. Carmel and tells his servant to go look toward the sea – 7 times!  And then soon comes the little cloud….

Last but not least, verse 46 is a great closing to this eventful chapter! “Now the LORD gave special strength to Elijah. He tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab’s chariot all the way to the entrance of Jezreel.”  Think about this day’s events – Elijah meets with Obadiah.  Summons Ahab.  Meets with Ahab.  Summons the people of Israel and the prophets of Baal and Asherah.  Conducts a WWF Smackdown tourney 🙂 – and God wins big time!  Prays for rain.  And then what better way to finish out this type of day but to “tuck his cloak into his belt” and run faster than Ahab’s chariot back to Jezreel!  Great stuff!  What a chapter!  Elijah rocks!

Bible.org has tons of great commentary on today’s readings in 1 Kings 18, which is not surprising considering how much happens in this chapter today.  Commentary titled “The Word of the Lord Comes to Elijah” is at this link.  “Elijah ministers to Obadiah” is at this link.  “Elijah Meets and Rebukes Ahab” is at this link.  “When One Becomes a Majority” is at this link.  “The Ineffectual Prayers of the Baal Priests” is at this link.  And finally, “The Prayers of Elijah” is at this link.

New Testament – I love how Peter answers his “critics” in Acts chapter 11 today.  He simply tells them the story of what happened.  And through this plain and simple act of telling his story truthfully we get to verse 18 – “When the others heard this, all their objections were answered and they began praising God. They said, “God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of turning from sin and receiving eternal life.””  And this makes me wonder about our lives today.  How do we answer our “critics” when it comes to our faith?  Is it possible that we can answer our critics simply by telling our story?  Just like Peter simply answered his critics with his story?  Is it possible that our story of how God reached out and changed our lives could be very effective in winning hearts and minds for Jesus?  I think sometimes we underestimate the power of simply telling our story.  It is our story – and after we tell it, how can anyone really criticize it?  Or argue with it?  It is our story.  Let us tell it.  And let us tell our story often and with great love.  I believe God can work wonders when we simply tell our stories…

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Acts readings titled “Peter is Called on the Carpet” is at this link and “One Step Backward and Two Steps Forward” is at this link.

Psalms – Today in Psalm 135 verse 3 we will read this very simple, yet profound verse – “Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.” The words I want to focus in on here are “the Lord is good.”  Do you believe this to be true? Do you really – in your heart – believe that God is good? I think this is important for us to really meditate upon. I’m afraid sometimes we get into our minds that maybe God is not always good. Maybe we start to think that God is out to get us. Or out to trick us. Really isn’t looking out for us. Doesn’t really like us. Doesn’t really love us. These are all of course lies that come into our mind from the Enemy, the Destroyer. God is obviously good. So good. All of the time. And maybe sometimes we really need to remind ourselves of this. Even in the midst of challenges and struggles and addictions and hardships – God is good. God is there with us. God is leading us – and maybe even taking us through a hardship to bring us to the Promised Land on the other side. Our human minds will often not understand God’s ways. But, I think for us to always remember that God is good is so important for our continuing growth in our relationship with God. So, again, do you believe the words of this Psalmist? Do you believe that God is good?

Proverbs – Yikes… Proverbs 17 verse 13 is no joke – “If you repay evil for good, evil will never leave your house.”  Let us be diligent and prayerful to make sure we never repay evil for good… 

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Acts reminded me of Rhett Walker’s song “When Mercy Found Me:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50hYXJzNMM0

Has mercy found you?  Click here for mercy!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool bent on folly.” Proverbs 17:12 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you do not associate with fools. Pray that you avoid folly. Pray you are a disciplined and loving follower of Jesus.

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:

======= John:

1Kings18
“So Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him, and Ahab went to meet Elijah. When he saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, you troubler of Israel?” NIV
Ahab is a blamer. No thought in his mind that he could be to blame.
“At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.” NIV
Psa 121:4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
“Elijah took twelve stones, one for each of the tribes descended from Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come, saying, “Your name shall be Israel.” NIV
The altar was not built for North or South, but all Israel.
“At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. 37 Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” NIV
A humble prayer unlike the Baal prayers. YOU are God…YOUR servant…YOUR command…YOU, O Lord, are God….YOU are turning….
“When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The LORD -he is God! The LORD -he is God!” NIV
Literally:
“Jehova is Elohim” The personal God of Israel is the Powerful Creator God. The personal God of Israel is the one True God.
Remmeber back in Genesis that up until creation was finished – Hebrew word for God in text is always Elohim. After Creation is completed it is Jehova.
JEHOVA (or YAHWEH):is the covenant name of God, the personal God of Israel.
ELOHIM: God as Creator, Preserver, Transcendent, Mighty and Strong.
Amen and Amen.
[NOTE: By personal God of Israel – it is meant in a “relationship” sense, not an “ownership” sense.]
Jonh

======= Arielle:

Hey all
It was puzzling to read the scripture where it says Elijah had to pray 7 times for the rains to come. I am not sure what its significance is. But I am sure GOD is trying to show us something in this reading.
Any comments/suggestions?
Arielle

======= Amy:

I wondered about that too, Arielle. God had already said He was going to send rain. Why did Elijah need to pray so fervently for it? I like his tenacity though, and his sense of humor while mocking the baal priests,and I love how God gave him the strength to run long distance. I was listening to todays verses while I ran this morning and that verse jumped out at me.
Amy

======= Tammy:

I’ve wondered if the fact that he prayed and then checked for clouds 7 times showed a small amount of doubt. Perhaps so. If true, it would actually be encouraging to me – that even this great prophet of God had moments of doubt.
Our community choir just sang a song titled “Elijah Rocks” LOL
Tammy

======= Amy:

Sounds like a fun song. He does seem doubtful or worried. He sure jumped all over that one small cloud though. That took some believin’!
Amy

1 Kings 15:25-17:24 + Acts 10:24-48 + Psalm 134:1-3 + Proverbs 17:9-11
~ 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 – 1 Kings 15 verse 26 stood out to me right away today: “But he did what was evil in the LORD’s sight and followed the example of his father, continuing the sins of idolatry that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit.”  The key word that stood out to me in this verse is “example.”  I think sometimes we can forget that every action we take is an example to others.  We are either exampling godly behavior or ungodly behavior.  Obviously Jeroboam exampled ungodly behavior – and unfortunately, since he was king of Israel, his bad example had far reaching effects.  Even though you or me aren’t king of any land, I do believe that the examples we set have bigger impacts than we realize.  Our kids, our parents, our siblings, our neighbors, our co-workers, the stranger on the street, the person at the coffee shop, are all watching what we do.  How we behave.  Who we are.  Our very lives are examples to so many people each and every day.  What type of example are you setting with your life?  Do you realize that people are literally following your example each and every day?

1 Kings 16 is quite the chapter full of drama!  It’s like a soap-opera.  As I was reading this chapter, and in particular when Zimri was plotting to kill Elah, I was reminded of Macbeth’s old quote – “Heavy is the head that wears the crown.”   Indeed very true in this chapter!

Great readings in 1 Kings 17 today!  We are introduced to the prophet Elijah!  And what an introduction.  I love the visual of Elijah being fed by ravens.  Elijah was completely dependent on God for his food delivery via birds.  This image reminds me of how dependent you and I are today on God…  (even if we do not realize how dependent we really are….)

Elijah was the first prophet in a long line of prophets to come over the next 300 years in Israel.  As the kings of Israel were now all sinning and there were few Levitical priests left in Israel (most were in Judah), God brought forth the prophets to bring God’s word to his people in Israel.  More on who Elijah was is at Bible.org at this link.  More on the message of Elijah is at this link.

Great readings today about Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath!  Verses 21 through 23 are awesome – “And he stretched himself out over the child three times and cried out to the LORD, “O LORD my God, please let this child’s life return to him.” The LORD heard Elijah’s prayer, and the life of the child returned, and he came back to life! Then Elijah brought him down from the upper room and gave him to his mother. “Look, your son is alive!””

Bible.org’s commentary on our 1 Kings 17 readings on Elijah today titled “Testings By the Brook” is at this link and commentary titled “Testings and Ministry at Zaraphath” is at this link and commentary titled “The Death and Resurrection of the Widow’s Son” is at this link.   There is a lot of great in-depth commentary on 1 Kings 17 at Bible.org! 

New Testament – Acts 10 verses 25 & 26 stood out to me today – “As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell to the floor before him in worship. But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being like you!”   This reminds me that this type of stuff can still happen today.  I am afraid that sometimes we can end up worshiping people today, instead of worshiping God.  And I’m afraid that this can oftentimes happen in the context of our churches.  I have to say that I have seen what almost looks like worship of Pastors at churches.  And that ain’t a good thing…  Pastors are human beings just like us!  Yes, they are called to a very high standard in Paul’s letter to Timothy, which we’ll read later this year.  But Pastors are not God.  They are not divine.  They should not be worshiped.  Yes, they can help lead us in worship of God in great ways and with great messages.  But let us make sure we are directing our worship at the true Rock and Light and Author of All who will never fail us and never let us down – God.  So, stand up before your pastor.  Pastors are humans just like us…

Peter’s words in verses 34 – 36 are so powerful and are a huge turning point in the Gospel beginning to be preached to the Gentiles (non-Jews) – “I see very clearly that God doesn’t show partiality. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.  I’m sure you have heard about the Good News for the people of Israel–that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.”  Do you believe that God does not show partiality?  Do you believe that in every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right?  Do you believe there is peace with God through Jesus?  Do you know this peace?

Psalms – Psalm 134 is a great little Psalm!  This Psalm is basically taking place as worshippers are leaving the Temple in Jerusalem for the night – and in the first two verses the Worshippers are speaking to the Levites (priests) in the temple – giving blessings to the Levites and asking them to bless God overnight.  Then, in the third verse the Levites give a departing blessing to the worshippers as they leave the temple: “May the LORD, who made heaven and earth, bless you from Jerusalem.” And that is certainly my prayer for each of you reading this – May God bless you!

Proverbs – Wow. Proverbs 17 verse 9 is a challenging one for me today – “Disregarding another person’s faults preserves love; telling about them separates close friends.”  I get the wisdom of it initially.  Makes sense.  Makes me think about a marriage relationship really… 🙂  But, what about speaking the truth in love?  Isn’t there is a time and place to let folks know about something that is maybe a major issue that needs some attention?  If someone is doing something wrong that is harming them or others around them, shouldn’t we speak up?  I know there is a fine line here…  I need to meditate on this Proverb a bit more…  (This is the beauty of the Bible!  We will not understand every single verse every single time.  Could take years!  The Bible’s got depth, that is for sure.  I am glad you are on this journey into the depths of the Bible with me this year.)  Let me know your thoughts on this Proverb in the Comments section below?  When do we close our mouth to preserve love and when do we not close it?

Worship Video: Today’s 1 Kings readings today about Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath reminded me of the Natalie Grant song “Held:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UTiei4ftMc

Do you know what it is like to be Held?  Click here to be Held!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” Proverbs 17:9 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you do not repeat your neighbors offenses to others. Pray that you foster love by covering over an offense. Pray that you do not separate close friends through gossiping or busy-bodying.

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:

Proverbs 17:9 can be seen as either as a positive or negative. I did some looking up because I wanted to see the Hebrew word supporting the English word “fault.” At first I was thinking, before I did any looking up, that there is a difference between a fault and a sin. I was moving toward the things people comment on or criticize when someone does not do an activity or ritual the same way we do something, then we criticize them. However, that word translated “fault” in the NLT is not the word denoting sin, but transgression and it still is a “wrong.”

“Disregarding another person’s faults preserves love; telling about them separates close friends.”

If the “fault” you are disregarding is a criminal act so that “love” can be preserved, than what has happened is an accessory after the fact to a crime (according to the judicial/criminal codes in most jurisdictions in the United States.) If the person loves to pick their teeth in public and it drives you crazy but the person is righteous, than disregarding, their fault is needful to keep the relationship.

Many of us enter relationships/marriages out of a touchy/feely kind of emotional distrubance love (I think the loved used here is the love with feelings and not the love as a verb type love) that covers “faults” which need to be exposed before we say, “I do.” Once this kind of love ceases, then all the faults that have been there all the time, will pop up like goose bumps on a skinny dipper diving into 30° water (2 below Celsius)

Just my thoughts,
Ramona

===== Nathan:

I have that tendency to get upset with my wife and son when they continue to procrastinate on things or take shortcuts on areas that…require their attention. they build up into huge projects. They both have ADHD, so I know it’s hard for them to focus at times. I remind them at times hoping it will change, but doesn’t. The problem is…..me. Instead of nicely reminding or trying to help, I criticize & tear down. I get so frustrated. I can relate to the proverbs passage for today. Who am I is the question that needs to be asked?
A mirror would be a good place to look. I have so many areas that I need to work on. I am reminded today that real love overlooks the faults of others. I will try to be more understanding and constructive in how I approach situations & when I feel like people need some changing to do, I better consider what needs changing in my life. I can only change myself with God’s help & pray that God will help them to overcome the areas they struggle in. God bless & thank you for the words of wisdom & encouragement each day. My wife & I look forward to it. We have used the one year Bible for the last couple of years, but it wasn’t till recently that God lead us to this site. We were looking for more…..deeper study…..we found it. In the truth,
Nathan

====== Rob:

======= John:

Readings
In 1Kings, I feel like I am reading (seeing) a WWF wrestling tag-team promotion where the bad guys one after the other tag each other and go in the ring. I surf past it on TV, but here I wade my way through it in our readings : (
======================================================
Nestled in the end of 1Kings16 is the comment on the rebuilding of Jericho by Hiel of Bethel. His oldest and youngest son died as God’s Word said would happen to anyone who rebuilt Jericho.
Over and over, God’s word is affirmed, but the “king(s)” never seem to heed. When your heart is not right (or turned) to the Lord, you can rationalize away anything. I can just see “Ahab” saying about Hiel – “Bad Luck” and going right along his merry way.
======================================================
I am struck how sometimes the Old Testament readings seem to “nestle” in with our New Testament readings.
Elijah and Peter
Elijah at the Cherith (“cutting”) brook seems to be stripped down to essentials by God. Peter is growing and maturing in Christianity. In both cases they are having the “legalism” purged from them, and doing the unthinkable in ministering to Gentile(s). Depending only on God for their direction, needs, and marching orders.
Elijah is supplied food by ravens (unclean birds). The fact that the birds touched the food would make it “unclean” to a Jew. Elijah obeyed and ate, putting the “legalism” behind him.
Peter’s vision revolved around clean/unclean animals, and how it related to Gentile/Jew.
Elijah was to go and live with the Gentile widow. Elijah obeyed. Certinly in the time there he had a chance to talk (testify) about the Lord. Possibly to others in the town. It is encouraging that at the end the woman said:
“Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from your mouth is the truth.” NIV
Peter was ordered to go with the Gentiles. Peter obeyed. Peter had the amazing statement exemplifying his growth:
“I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.” NIV
Peter had an “evangelist’s dream gathering” – a group of people who were ripe to be harvested.
In Old Testament is the foreshadowing of what Peter experianced – when Israel rejects God’s Word from a prophet, the prophet would go out to the Gentiles with God’s Word. When God’s Word (Jesus) was rejected by Israel – the Gospel would go out to the Gentiles.
Ultimately to fulfill God’s plan that the Church would be one Body – Gentile and Jew – united in Christ.
John

======= Janice:

This verse comes to mind when I reflect on Proverbs 17:9.
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV I believe in context of Prov 17:9
– it is more of a forbearance. And and others pointed out, that we should not be “repeating” someone else’s offense over and over again, especially to others.
The word “transgression” is “pasha” in Hebrew.
It is not the same word in Hebrew as “sin” which is “chattah” IE: “‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass (pasha) of your brothers and their sin (chattah) for they did evil to you.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭50‬:‭17‬A ‭NKJV‬‬
Janice

1 Kings 14:1-15:24 + Acts 10:1-23 + Psalm 133:1-3 + Proverbs 17:7-8
~ 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 – Allright, now we are getting into the story of the Kings!  I really like this portion of the Bible.  I am fascinated by the back-and-forth stories and timelines of the Kings of Israel and the Kings of Judah.  The one very unfortunate thing you will notice over and over are verses like 1 Kings 14 verse 22: “During Rehoboam’s reign, the people of Judah did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, arousing his anger with their sin, for it was even worse than that of their ancestors.” Or verses like 1 Kings 15 verse 3: “Abijam committed the same sins as his father before him, and his heart was not right with the LORD his God, as the heart of his ancestor David had been.”  And we will read far too few verses like verse 11 as we read about the Kings of Judah and Israel: “Asa did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight, as his ancestor David had done.”  I think what is interesting to note in all of these verses – and in the verses to come about future Kings we will read about – is that it really didn’t much matter what the Kings “did” in their reigns.  Their wars or their building of cities or whatever really didn’t matter compared to did they sin against God or not?  Did they lead Israel or Judah into sin or not?  Did they love God or not?  And I think this is the same for our lives today.  God does not so much care what our careers are or what our social status is or how many friends  or how much money we have.  God cares whether we love Him with all of heart, mind, soul and strength.  God cares whether we are sinning against Him or not.  As Jesus tells us: “seek first the kingdom of heaven, and all of these things will be yours as well.”  So, yes, God ultimately does care about our lives and careers and friends and such too – but he first wants us to seek a right relationship with Him – and then everything else will flow from our relationship with God.  Someone should have let some of these Kings of Israel and Judah know this!

Okay, a good overview of the Divided Kingdoms of Israel and Judah at this point in our readings in First Kings is this image below:

 

Below is an image for 1 Kings 14 verses 25 & 26 – “In the fifth year of King Rehoboam’s reign, King Shishak of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem. He ransacked the Temple of the LORD and the royal palace and stole everything, including all the gold shields Solomon had made.”

New Testament – I love it!  Almost every time we see an angel visit someone the visited person is panic stricken by the angel!  🙂  Verse 4 today – “Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel.””  Seriously, it’s pretty consistent that people in the Bible get freaked out by angelic visitors.  Probably because it’s a pretty rare thing.  Don’t you think you’d get freaked out / scared if an angel visited you?  I am pretty sure I would.  Maybe that’s why angels only show up in our human world visuals when something big needs to happen.  Something big happens in today’s (and tomorrow’s) readings with Cornelius and Peter.  I’m thinking if you or I were visited by an angel today, we might end up with an expression somewhat like this…  🙂

Before we get to the big thing that happens today with Peter, check the remainder of verse 4: “And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have not gone unnoticed by God!”  Hmmm…  think God pays attention when we give gifts to the poor?  Have you found a consistent way to give gifts to the poor?

Okay, back to today’s readings and the big happenings.  I think Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion answers the question well of “What was the meaning of the vision Peter saw?” as follows:  “According to Jewish law, certain foods were forbidden to be eaten (see Leviticus 11).  The food laws made it difficult for Jews to eat with Gentiles without risking defilement.  In fact, the Gentiles themselves were often seen as ‘unclean.’  Peter’s vision meant that he should not look upon the Gentiles as inferior people whom God would not redeem.  Before having the vision, Peter would have thought that a Roman officer could not accept Christ.  Afterward, he understood that it was his responsibility to go with the messengers into a Gentile home and tell Cornelius the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ.”

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Acts readings titled “Is Cleanliness Next to Godliness?” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 133 is a great short Davidic Psalm about harmony!   Verse 1 sets the pace of this psalm nicely: “How wonderful it is, how pleasant, when brothers live together in harmony!”  Do you consistently seek harmony in your interactions with others? Do you pray for peace?

Proverbs – Proverbs 17 verse 7 teaches us today:  “Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool; even less are lies fitting for a ruler.”  This is a great reminder, once again, to not lie.  One thing I’ve noticed that people do a lot these days is exaggerate…  and I gotta say it makes me uncomfortable.  Exaggerating feels like a lie to me.  Why exaggerate?  Why not just tell it like it is.  I mean, I think it’s okay to encourage or market or get excited about things truthfully.  (hopefully my little World Vision goat sales pitch above doesn’t go too far? 🙂  But, why exaggerate?   Particularly when it comes to factual numbers… why exaggerate those?  How about you – do you exaggerate?  Think this might be a very close cousin to a lie?  If so, can you focus on just telling things straight, like they are? 

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the song “Lord, I need you” by Matt Maher, sung here by Lauren Daigle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xambgAwkGg0

Do you need the Lord?  Click here for your need to be fulfilled!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are living in unity today with God’s people! Pray that your life is good and pleasant to other Believers in your 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:

======= Vance:

I Kings 14 (NKJV)
16
And He will give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who sinned and who made Israel sin.”
Acts 10 (NKJV)
13
And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”
15
And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.”
20
Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”
Psalm 133 (Amplified)
1
BEHOLD, HOW good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
2
It is like the precious ointment [i.e., for anointing] poured on the head, that ran down on the beard, even the beard of Aaron [the first high priest], that came down upon the collar and skirts of his garments [consecrating the whole body].
NOTE:
This morning on the way to work I heard Josh McDowell explain what is the single, most important reason which will determine if young people believe the Truth about Jesus or not. Keep in mind God’s Truth true, and there is clear evidence to support it.
Yet, the Truth being true is not enough to convince people. Josh McDowell said that the one, single most important factor that would determine if a young person believed the truth is LOVING RELATIONSHIP.
A 30 year study by Johns Hopkins showed that these two (2) reasons determine if a young person will adopt the values and beliefs of their parents:
1. a loving environment
2. parents modeling what they believe
You and I can speak to non-Christians and to other Christians precisely and accurately about truth—but without love, it is incomplete.
~~~
I share this because if Jeroboam had really meditated on the character and love of God, he would have never did the foolish thing he did in the sinful flesh to consolidate “his” power.
Psalm 103 (NKJV)
8
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
Romans 5 (NKJV)
8
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
SECOND NOTE:
Then I heard on “Family Life Today” the importance of a man loving his wife. Wow! As a fairly new husband, it seems humanly impossible to obey the verse below in I Peter. However, as I wait on the Lord, that will go a long way in giving me authority to talk to our children and to others about Jesus. SPEAK THE TRUTH— IN LOVE.
I Peter 3 (NKJV)
7
Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
GOD IS GOOD – ALL THE TIME!
May we be live God and be GIVERS of money, time, and love – trusting in and waiting on the Lord Jesus to release His ability of love to work through us.
Ephesians 5 (NKJV)
1
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.
2
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
Walking in love will normally create a very sweet and wonderful UNITY. UNITY allows for the anointing oil of God’s grace to flow over us and through us in deeper way.
When I think of oil, I also think of Psalm 23. See note below.
Psalm 23 (Amplified)
5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil [SEE FOOTNOTE]; my [brimming] cup runs over.
FOOTNOTE (in Amplified Bible):
It is difficult for those living in a temperate climate to appreciate, but it was customary in hot climates to anoint the body with oil to protect it from excessive perspiration. WHEN MIXED WITH PERFUME, THE OIL IMPARTED A DELIGHTFULLY REFRESHING AND INVIGORATING SENSATION. Athletes anointed their bodies as a matter of course before running a race.
As the body, therefore, anointed with oil was refreshed, invigorated, and better fitted for action, so the Lord would anoint His “sheep” with the Holy Spirit, Whom oil symbolizes, TO FIT THEM TO ENGAGE MORE FREELY IN HIS SERVICE AND RUN IN THE WAY HE DIRECTS–IN HEAVENLY FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM.
Vance

====== John:

1Kings14
[Sigh!] Well you can tell I have never read the whole Bible before this blog  : )  I posted yesterday about the northern tribes not protesting against idol worship, the Levites leaving for the south,…
And now today we read that the south did basically the same thing under Abijah (or Abijam) the King of Judah for three years.
======================================================
I could not figure out why, when the cloak was torn or God spoke it was ten tribes and one tribe. I knew the Benjamites had been decimated in “Judges”, but they still existed.
[Later, when the Kingdom of Israel was divided, the Tribe of Benjamin joined with the Tribe of Judah to form the Kingdom of Judah, while the other tribes formed the reduced kingdom of Israel which was subsequently conquered and the people exiled. Benjamin was very much the minor partner, as the ruling House of David came from the far more numerous and powerful tribe of Judah. Thus it was the tribe of Judah who in time became identified with the entire people of the southerly Israelite kingdom, and gave their name to the Jews.]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribe_of_Benjamin
1Kings14:9
“..And have cast Me behind your back”: This was a powerful description of intense contempt towards God, as in Ezekiel 23:35 – Because you have forgotten Me and cast Me behind your back, therefore you shall bear the penalty Of your lewdness and your harlotry.
i. “The last reason implies a neglect, a scorning of God. It is the same figure of speech used to describe God’s forgiveness of our sins. He puts them behind His back, or in other words, He forgets them. That is good news when it describes God’s treatment of our sins [Isaiah 38:17], but it is tragically bad news when it describes a person’s treatment of God.” (Dilday)
======================================================
Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem:
“Sheshonq I (Shishak) had founded the Egyptian (Libyan) Dynasty XXII (945-924 b.c.) and his raid into Palestine in this year (925 b.c.) is well attested on the Amon temple reliefs at Thebes (Karnak). From the one hundred and fifty place-names recorded there, his aim seems to have been to reassert Egyptian control over the main trade routes throughout Palestine and the Negeb.” (Wiseman)
He also took away all the gold shields which Solomon had made: 1 Kings 10:16-17 mentions these 500 shields, 200 large and 300 small. These shields made beautiful displays in the House of the Forest of Lebanon, but they were of no use in battle. Gold was too heavy and too soft to be used as a metal for effective shields. This was an example of the emphasis of image over substance that began in the days of Solomon and worsened in the days of Rehoboam.
i. According to Dilday, each large shield was worth about $120,000. The smaller shields were worth $30,000. $33 million was invested in gold ceremonial shields – and now in the hands of the Egyptians.
King Rehoboam made bronze shields in their place:. The replacement of gold with bronze is a perfect picture of the decline under the days of Rehoboam. They dynasty of David went from gold to bronze in five years.
John

======= John:

Acts 10
vs.2
“He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.” NIV
“Cornelius was in the category of what the Jews called God-fearers (one who feared God). These were Gentiles who loved the God of Israel and were sympathetic to and supportive of the Jewish faith. Yet they stopped short of becoming full Jews in lifestyle and in circumcision.”- David Guzik
The Three Kinds of Gentiles
Cornelius was “a devout man” (Ac. 10:2). That means he was pious and honestly religious–he feared God. The phrase “feared God” became a technical term for Gentiles. There were three kinds of Gentiles in the mind of a Jew.
1. A GENTILE
2. A GOD-FEARER
A Gentile who had become sick of his own religion–of its immoralities and idolatries–and had come to the conclusion that the God of Israel is the true God, was termed “a God- fearer. ” This type of Gentile began to pray to God, and perhaps became involved in the worship at a synagogue (e. g. the eunuch whom Philip met in Acts 8:26-39). The God-fearer believed in the ethics of the Old Testament, but had never been circumcised. He was not a full proselyte.
3. A PROSELYTE
The third level of Gentile was the proselyte who had come all the way to Judaism. He had actually gone through the act of circumcision and become fully identified with Israel. He was considered a Jew in a spiritual sense.
a. Cornelius Was a God-Fearer
He was not a full Jew, so he was considered a Gentile. Cornelius was sick of the immorality and emptiness of his own religion, and had attached himself to the Jewish religion. He probably didn’t accept the ceremonial laws and circumcision, but there is no doubt that he often attended worship. He believed in one God and in the ethics of the Old Testament.
When Paul went into the synagogues of the Gentile cities he journeyed to, he usually would lead the God-fearers to Christ first. They were the people who had lived up to the light that they had been given. When Paul arrived, they received more light and were saved. As Paul moved from city to city, small groups of God-fearers were saved. They became a terrible threat to the Jews in each city.
======================================================
I COULD NOT AGREE WITH THIS STATEMENT MORE:
“Cornelius was a very religious man, yet someone can be very religious and not be saved….”
In Acts 11:14 Peter later related that the angel in Cornelius’s vision said this: ” [Peter] shall tell thee [Cornelius] words, by which thou and all thy house shall be saved. ” Cornelius was not saved–he was not a Christian. He did not know Jesus Christ. He did not belong to the body of Christ. But he was living up to the light that he did have, and God was moving to give him more light. Until he heard the gospel from Peter, he did not have enough information to be saved. There are many unsaved religious people involved in many religious activities who aren’t seeking God. But Cornelius’s religion was honest–He was seeking the true God with a true heart. God always honors that.
Unless otherwise noted – thoughts came from John MacArthur sermon.
John

1 Kings 12:20-13:34 + Acts 9:26-43 + Psalm 132:1-18 + Proverbs 17:6
~ 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 – Well, Jeroboam didn’t last very long before worshipping other gods!  Keep in mind Jeroboam’s name as we continue to read through the book of Kings – you will continue to hear about “Jeroboam’s sin” and “the sin Jeroboam caused Israel to commit” many times in our upcoming readings – even long after he is dead.  Not a legacy one would want to leave behind…  Here is an image of Jeroboam leading the Israelites into the sin of worshiping a golden calf:

 

Interesting story about the man of God from Judah prophesying against the altar at Bethel.  The man of God delivers his prophecy and then shuns Jeroboam’s invite to go to his palace for food and a gift.  The man of God appears very strong.  And then later… he lets down his guard.  And he falls prey to the lie of the old prophet.  Now why on earth the old prophet decided to pursue the man of God and tell this lie is beyond me.  If anyone has insights on this, please post up in the Comments below.  I think the lesson here for us today is this – we cannot let down our guard when it comes to spiritual matters.  I think sometimes we think we can – but we simply cannot!  If we do let down our guard, then we often stumble.  And thanks to God’s grace we can recover from that stumble.  But, there is always the dangerous risk that our stumble could be very severe, as it certainly was for the man of God in today’s readings…

New Testament – Wow.  Something about Acts chapter 9 verse 31 really stood out to me as we read about the early church today: “The believers were walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.”  Read this verse again.  Whaddya think?  The believers of the early church were walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.  I don’t know about you, but I want to walk like that!  I love that dichotomy – that balance – of walking in fear and comfort.  No – don’t get me wrong – I’m not talking about a fraidy-cat type of fear.  But I am talking about a healthy / respectful fear – I mean, just look at the image above again of the lion and the man of God.  I don’t mean to bag on the man of God by any means, but I think it is safe to say that he was walking in the “fear of the Lord” when he shunned Jeroboam’s invite, but then he may have not been walking in the “fear of the Lord” when accepted the old prophet’s lie.  And, like the old prophet in today’s Kings readings, do you think that people will lie to you and me today?  Will the Enemy, the Destroyer, seek to lie to us?  If so, do you think there is value in walking in the “fear of the Lord” today?  While – at the same time walking in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.  There is something about the wisdom of this verse in Acts today that I really really like.  This may be one of those verses to really meditate upon.  I think there is so much value in this verse for our lives…   Today – are you walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit?

Great readings today about Peter healing and raising the dead in Jesus’ name!  Verse 40 is amazing: “But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, “Get up, Tabitha.” And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up!” Below is a fresco of this scene (though Peter is not kneeling and everyone had not left the room… still some great art! 🙂 from the year 1424 by the Italian Renaissance painter Masaccio, which is in the Brancacci Chapel in Florence, Italy:

Psalms – Psalm 132 is a fantastic psalm of the King David era!  It is thought that this Psalm may have been written for the dedication of the temple or it may have been used in a coronation ceremony.  Verses 4 & 5 stood out to me today as demonstrating David’s dedication to God  – “I will not let my eyes sleep nor close my eyelids in slumber until I find a place to build a house for the LORD, a sanctuary for the Mighty One of Israel.”  What in your life is keeping you awake at night?  Is it something of God’s will?  Or perhaps something worldly (not of God’s will)?   Will you pursue God’s will in your life, and leave worldly things behind you?  Will you pursue building “a sanctuary for God” in your life above all else?

Proverbs – Proverbs 17 verse 6 is an amazing Proverb today: “Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.”  The obvious slam-dunk commentary is the grandchildren portion – and I’ve got an image below for you on that one.  But I really want to camp out on “parents are the pride of their children.”  This is beautiful!  You’d think it would go the other way around – and certainly it works the other way around nicely:  Kids are the pride of their parents.  But parents being the pride of their children – this is great!  (and very reminiscent of the Commandment to honor your father and mother) And something each of us should really meditate upon and remember as our parents get older.  They are going to need us to care for them.  And they should be our pride!  And now… back to the cute grandchildren photo to close us out today 🙂 –

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Acts reminds me of the Jason Gray song “More Like Falling in Love:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA9IfB7coKg

Have you Fallen in Love with God?  Click here to fall in love!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “The believers were walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:31 NLT1

Prayer Point: Pray that you are walking in the fear of the Lord today. Pray that you are walking with the comfort of the Holy Spirit today. Pray that forevermore you will walk in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

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:

======= John:

Acts9:43 Peter is definately changing (maturing)
“So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.”
a. He stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner: For a law-keeping Jew of that time, it was strictly forbidden to associate with anyone who routinely worked with dead animals. According to the laws of that time, a tanner had to live at least 75 feet outside a village because of his ritual uncleanness.
i. “The trade of a tanner was held in such supreme contempt that if a girl was betrothed to a tanner without knowing that he followed that calling, the betrothal was void.” (Morgan)
b. Because he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner, we see Peter is less concerned about Jewish traditions and ceremonial notions than he was before. This work of God in Peter’s heart lays groundwork for what God will do in Peter in the following chapter.
1Kings12
Everyone has done such a complete job of talking about Jeroboam and the prophets. I wanted to go back to chapter 12.
I found interesting that there was no outcry from the people. Most of the Levites left for southern region, and the people of the North seemed to “go along to get along”. How deep was their faith in God? Not very. Apparently even after the “sign” from God from the prophet – it seemed business returned as usual. Did it “tickle” their ears – or was it really all about convenience? Regardless, the “north” will pay a price for this sin.
Jeroboam seemed intent on following his own way (seeking advice that agreed or just going it on his own), much like Rehoboam and his young advisors.
======================================================
Therefore the king asked advice: There was no point in asking advice for this evil purpose. Jeroboam wanted advice on how to do a bad thing in the best way.
i. Jeroboam was even more foolish than it first appears. “It literally says, ‘Therefore the king took counsel of himself.’ ” (Dilday) “The phrase discovers the fountain of his error, that he did not consult with God, who had given him the kingdom; as in all reason, and justice, and gratitude he should have done.” (Poole)
d. It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, which brought you up from the land of Egypt! Jeroboam appealed to their natural desire for convenience. Men will usually take the easy way out when they can; therefore it is good if an idol in Bethel or Dan can replace a trip all the way to Jerusalem.
i. Jeroboam becomes an example of a political leader who shapes religion for his own purpose. The issue of true religion was unimportant to Jeroboam; he was interested in useful religion.
ii. Here are your gods, O Israel: Jeroboam repeats the same words of Aaron about 500 years before his time (Exodus 32:4).
iii. It is possible – perhaps even likely – that Jeroboam intended the gold calves to represent the God of Israel. This wasn’t the introduction of a new god, but a perversion of the proper worship of the true God. “Men are willing to worship God if they are allowed to have a ritual and symbols which they have themselves devised.” (Spurgeon)
The legitimate priests and Levites who lived in the northern ten tribes did not like this. They, along with others who set their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel, moved from the northern kingdom of Israel to the southern kingdom of Judah during this period (2 Chronicles 11:13-16). Spiritually speaking, Israel was struck twice – by the ungodly religion of Jeroboam and by the departure of the godly and faithful. There were few godly people left in the northern kingdom.
For the most part, the world embraces the religion of Jeroboam. Not necessarily his particular expression of golden calves and high places, but a religion created according to taste. In the book Habits of the Heart, Robert Bellah and his colleagues interviewed a young nurse named Sheila Larson, whom they described as representing many Americans’ experience and views on religion. Speaking about her own faith and how it operated in her life, she said: “I believe in God. I’m not a religious fanatic. I can’t remember the last time I went to church. My faith has carried me a long way. It is ‘Sheilaism.’ Just my own little voice.” This “pick-and-choose-as-I-go-along-according-to-my-inner-voice” approach is the modern version of Jeroboam’s religion – and in opposition to the revealed religion of the Bible.
NOTE: I would debate the term “revealed religion” and prefer “revealed message on faith”.
John

1 Kings 11:1-12:19 + Acts 9:1-25 + Psalm 131:1-3 + Proverbs 17:4-5
~ 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 – Wow… things go south in today’s readings big time for Solomon!  Why?  Simple.  1 Kings 11 verses 5 & 6 tell us: “Solomon worshiped Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech, the detestable god of the Ammonites. Thus, Solomon did what was evil in the LORD’s sight; he refused to follow the LORD completely, as his father, David, had done.”  This is sad stuff to read.  Solomon had a great life, great relationship with God and he plain and simple fumbled the ball.  He knew God and knew he was not to worship other gods.  And he did so anyway?  Why?  Well, yeah, maybe having 1,000 wives & concubines was a bit of a distraction – but I don’t blame them per se.  It was Solomon that decided to marry outside of Israel and it was Solomon that decided to have all those wives and concubines (and polygamy is not God’s plan – God’s plan since Adam & Eve was one man, one woman – not one man, many women).  And it was Solomon that decided to worship other gods.  He was running a strong race early on – but stumbled.  Fumbled.  This all reminds me of Paul’s wisdom in 1 Corinthians 9 verses 25 through 27: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”   Paul wisely realized that even with all of his preaching to others, he still had to be diligent to make sure that he himself would not be disqualified!  Incredible wisdom…  Think Solomon could have learned from these words of Paul?  Think you and I can learn from these words of Paul?  And can we learn not to repeat Solomon’s mistakes?  How are you running the race?  Are you running in such a way as to get the prize?

Below is an image for these sad verses of 7 & 8: “On the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, Solomon even built a shrine for Chemosh, the detestable god of Moab, and another for Molech, the detestable god of the Ammonites. Solomon built such shrines for all his foreign wives to use for burning incense and sacrificing to their gods.”

King Rehoboam’s bad decision making in 1 Kings 12 is an excellent example of why we should respect our elders…  Rehoboam blew off the advice of his elders and instead heeded the foolish advice of the young men around him.  And then the kingdom was divided.   Of course, this turn of events was the will of God.  But, still, a good example I think of why we should listen to and respect our elders….

New Testament – Big readings today!  Saul is converted to Christianity by Jesus himself!  I think this is the most powerful conversion story in all of the Bible!  Below is the phenomenal painting “The Conversion (of Saul) on the Way to Damascus” by the Italian Baroque Era painter Caravaggio, circa 1600:

As I was reading Acts chapter 9 today, I thought more about Ananias than I have before.  Can you imagine being Ananias and being asked to go find Saul of Tarsus?  Ananias demonstrated amazing faith in today’s readings.   God’s words to Ananias about Saul in verses 15 & 16 are powerful – and as we now know, so very true: “But the Lord said, “Go and do what I say. For Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for me.””  Great stuff…  In your life, who might God be calling you to go visit – like he called Ananias to visit?  Is there someone who is waiting for you to visit them, lay hands on them, and open up their hearts to receive the Holy Spirit?  Will you be Ananias for that person?  Below is an image of Saul/Paul (kneeling) and Ananias from today’s readings:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Acts readings titled “The Conversion of Saul” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 131 verse 2 is a beautiful reflection!  “But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me.” What a great reflection and reminder to take 1 day a week as a Sabbath day of rest.  A day to still and quiet yourself.  Just like a small child is with its mother.  Have you been still and quieted yourself recently?  Why would David, the Psalmist, write about this?  Why would this be a good thing to do?

Proverbs – Proverbs 17 verse 5 is quite convicting for us to consider: “Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.”  That is a powerful realization – if you mock the poor, you mock God.  If you care for the poor, you care for God.  I have a friend who met Mother Teresa many years back at her home for the sick & dying in Calcutta.  And my friend when he met her was trying to tell her all the great stuff he was doing in his life and in his ministry.  But, Mother Teresa really didn’t care to hear about all his ministry stuff.  All she said to him was “Do you want to meet Jesus?  Do you want to meet Jesus?”  And of course he said “Yes!  Of course I do Mother Teresa.”  So, she led him by the hand down a hall and into a room where a man was on his deathbed.  She sat my friend down at a chair by this man’s bed.  And she placed my friend’s hands on this dying man’s hands.  And she said, “Now you will meet Jesus.”  And she left the room…  and left him in the room with the dying man for about 30 minutes.   And you know what – my friend met Jesus that day in a way he had never done so before.  So, how about you.  Do you want to meet Jesus?

Worship Video: Today’s readings about Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus reminds me of the Selah song “Unredeemed:”

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

Are you Unredeemed?  Click here for Redemption!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.” Proverbs 17:5 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you will never mock the poor, but love the poor. Pray that you never gloat over a disaster, but serve in the midst of a disaster.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  In your life, what was your conversion story?  Do you mind sharing your testimony here with others?  Perhaps it may not be as dramatic as Saul/Paul’s story, but do you think it is just as special in God’s eyes?  (I do!)  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! : )

======= Al:

======= Vance:

I Kings 11 (NKJV)
4
For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God, as was the heart of his father David.
5
For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.
6
Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and did not fully follow the LORD, as did his father David.
7
Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, on the hill that is east of Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the people of Ammon.
8
And he did likewise for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods.
~~~
NOTE:
I like this question from Mike:
“And can we learn not to repeat Solomon’s mistakes? How are you running the race?”
~~
Psalm 34 (NKJV)
18
The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Psalm 132 (NKJV)
13
For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place:
14
“This is My resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.
SANCTITY – defined by Miriam Webster Dictionary
Etymology:
Middle English saunctite,
from Middle French saincteté,
from Latin sanctitat-, sanctitas, from sanctus sacred
SANCTITY means: holiness of life and character : GODLINESS
~~
According to Jewish tradition, the place for the Temple was the same place where Adam and Noah sacrificed.
This was the same place where Jacob set up a stone and an altar when God appeared to him at the place Jacob called Bethel (when he was running from Esau).
This was also the same place where Abraham offering his son Isaac for sacrifice.
This was the place where David found, where he set up an altar that was to be the site of the Temple.
OH… that we would seek the Lord like David did. If only Solomon had sought the Lord as his father had!
Also (very interesting), according to Jewish tradition, there was a Foundation Stone in front of the Ark in the Holy of Holies. The entire world began from this stone, the first part of the earth to be created.
MY NOTE: What is interesting to me is that at the PLACE of the NEW CREATION (2 Corinthians 5:17) – in our spirits—is the place where God greatly desires that His Presence dwell.
Inherent in God’s Presence is the demonstration of His manifest intensity and strength.
Isaiah 66 (NKJV)
1
Thus says the LORD: “ Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest?
2
For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist,” says the LORD. “ But on this one will I look:
On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.
Matthew 5 (NKJV)
3
“ Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4
Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.
Vance

======= Maria:

Thanks for making this blog, I really wanted to read the daily readings in NIV and this helped me.
Maria