Bible in a Year Blog

2 Chronicles 32:1-33:13 + Romans 15:23-16:9 + Psalm 25:16-22 + Proverbs 20:16-18
~ 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 – Well, it was bound to happen.  Assyria conquered Israel.  They were bound to go after Judah / Jerusalem soon enough.  Tough to stop an ego / power like that.  It’s “never enough”.  So, we get the bold boasts before the walls of Jerusalem by King Sennacherib of Assyria’s representatives in Second Chronicles 32.  Verse 14 includes this boast, which probably didn’t make God too happy: “Name just one time when any god, anywhere, was able to rescue his people from me! What makes you think your God can do any better?”

It’s great to see that Hezekiah took all of this to God in prayer in verse 20 – “Then King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to God in heaven.”  Good move!  How often in our lives today, when challenges come our way, do we take the challenges everywhere else BUT to God?  Wouldn’t it be easier to take them directly to God?  Why do we turn to alcohol or drugs or food or worrying or whatever – can we simply take our challenges to the one true living God who can actually do something with them?  Below is a painting of “The destruction of Sennacherib and his army” by the artist Rubens (1577-1640), which is currently at the Alte Pinakothek Museum in Munich –

Hezekiah later in this chapter receives envoys from Babylon.  You’ll recall from our Second Kings readings (full details are in Second Kings 20:12-20) that unfortunately, Hezekiah is a bit too hospitable with these envoys.  He believes showing off his wealth will prove that he has worldly power and that the Babylonians will respect him and Judah.  Isaiah sees that Hezekiah is relying on worldly wealth and not God, and Isaiah delivers a word from God that Judah will be exiled to Babylon.  Indeed, this comes true in 115 years from when Isaiah delivers this word. How about us, in our lives today – do we try to impress people with our worldly wealth or toys or stuff, like Hezekiah was trying to impress the Babylonians?  And further, do we actually try to rely on this worldly stuff rather than rely on God?

New Testament – Paul’s words in Romans 15 verse 30 stood out to me today – “Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit.”  The thing that stood out to me in these verses is Paul’s encouragement to his brothers and sisters in Christ in Rome to pray for him.  Not only to pray for him – but to “join me in my struggle.”  That is pretty powerful to consider.  That we can actually join someone in their struggle – in their work for the Kingdom of God – by praying for them!  And I’ll be honest – I do not do this enough.  I rarely join my pastors and family and friends and spiritual mentors in their struggle by praying to God for them.  I rarely join my missionary friends in their struggle by praying for them.  I rarely join my brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted in other countries for being Christian by praying for them.  I simply do not pray for others enough.  And in not doing so, I honestly think I am missing out on something powerful.  I am missing out on joining them in their struggle for the Kingdom of God!  My selfishness in not praying for others doing Kingdom work in this world is my loss.  But – this actually sounds selfish – “my missing out – my loss.”  Sometimes I guess I try to trick myself into doing something good (praying for others) by attaching a selfish reason (so I won’t miss out).  The truth here is that our pastors and priests and missionaries and spiritual mentors need us to take up the struggle with them by praying to God for them.  Even Paul needed this prayer coverage – and he asked for it!  I am afraid that too often our pastors and priests and missionaries and others doing God’s work may not ask us for our prayers.  But they need them!  So – are you regularly praying for others in your life who are in ministry?   Are you joining them in their struggle?  Will you begin today / tonight by praying for someone in your life that you know who is in ministry?  Will you take up the struggle with them?

Below is a great image for Romans 15:32 today –

Psalms – Psalm 25 verse 22 really stood out to me today: “O God, ransom Israel from all its troubles.”  As I read this, the Christmas carol, “O Come O Come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel” comes to my mind.  Indeed, God would answer this prayer of King David’s and send his Son to ransom Israel!

Proverbs – I love Proverbs 20 verse 17!  What a great analogy – “Stolen bread tastes sweet, but it turns to gravel in the mouth.”  Stealing is obviously a sin.  And the spoils of this sin may taste sweet at first – but quickly turn to inedible gravel in our mouths.  Well, I think this analogy works really with any sin we might commit.  For one brief moment it seems sweet.  But it quickly rots!  Why do we sin in the first place?  I think we’re obviously looking for something.  We’re thinking the sin is going to deliver us something we’re missing.  But, of course, it doesn’t deliver.  It’s empty.  And sin can only pay the wage of decay and death.  Only God can deliver what we mistakenly look to sin to deliver.  Will you repent of sins you are committing?  Will you instead turn to God to deliver what you are looking for?  He will deliver.   Will you stop building upon any mountains of sin in your life that turn quickly to nothing but mountains of gravel?

Worship Video: King Hezekiah’s prayer to God in our 2nd Chronicles readings today reminded me of Chris Tomlin’s fantastic song “How Great Is Our God:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-ZtKzw-ipo

Do you know how great our God is? Click here for His Greatness!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.” Romans 15:30 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray for your pastors and spiritual mentors on a regular basis. Join them in their struggles of ministry by praying for them.

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:

II Chronicles 32-33:13

An unholy alliance that is what this invasion is about; the reason Sennacherib is jockeying to position himself to knock down the door is because Assyria was given a foothold. Israel made them, Judah made them my country, the USA has made them and every other country on the face of the earth has made them, unholy alliances. Since countries are made up of its people as in math, it is a principal—the whole is equal to the sum of its parts, the country only does what its people do, only it does it on a macro level.

We make relationships not based on their righteousness but based on what we can get and what that relationship will do for us. Israel, Judah and we ourselves, sin because we fail to submit to God who is the only whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. God is the whole and God is also the great I Am, the parts. God is the I Am everything you need me to be, yet we fail to seek Him, but we will seek others to get what we should be getting from God.

I believe Assyria entered Judah because she had already invited Assyria into her midst, just like Israel did, and she failed to learn from her sister Israel’s mistake (II Kings 15-16), you can’t make peace with someone who has war in their heart, in Israel’s’ case you can’t buy peace. You cannot bribe the devil. If you do you are giving him a foothold into your life, your house, and the lives of your children’s children.

Hezakiah not only repeated what Israel did, he also followed in his predecessors footsteps, King Ahaz, giving Assyria a bribe to back off or come to Judah’s aid.

At that time King Rezin of Syria and King Pekah son of Remaliah of Israel attacked Jerusalem. They besieged Ahaz, but were unable to conquer him. (At that time King Rezin of Syria recovered Elat for Syria; he drove the Judahites from there. Syrians arrived in Elat and live there to this very day.) Ahaz sent messengers to King Tiglath-pileser of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your dependent. March up and rescue me from the power of the king of Syria and the king of Israel, who have attacked me.” Then Ahaz took the silver and gold that were in the Lord’s temple and in the treasuries of the royal palace and sent it as tribute to the king of Assyria. The king of Assyria responded favorably to his request; he attacked Damascus and captured it. He deported the people to Kir and executed Rezin. When King Ahaz went to meet with King Tiglath-pileser of Assyria in Damascus, he saw the altar there. King Ahaz sent to Uriah the priest a drawing of the altar and a blueprint for its design. Uriah the priest built an altar in conformity to the plans King Ahaz had sent from Damascus. Uriah the priest finished it before King Ahaz arrived back from Damascus.
(2Ki 16:5-11 NET.).

Also in II Kings, Hezekiah states that he had a treaty with the Assarians, violated that treaty then pays for that violation.

In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah’s reign, King Sennacherib of Assyria marched up against all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them. King Hezekiah of Judah sent this message to the king of Assyria, who was at Lachish, “I have violated our treaty. If you leave, I will do whatever you demand.” So the king of Assyria demanded that King Hezekiah of Judah pay three hundred units of silver and thirty units of gold.
(2Ki 18:13-14 NET.)

God delivered Hezekiah from the enemy, but the enemy came back after Hezekiah’s death. The enemy was not the king the enemy was the Kingdom of Assyria itself, not the men who ruled.

Jesus said, Do not give that which is holy (the sacred thing) to the dogs, and do not throw your pearls before hogs, lest they trample upon them with their feet and turn and tear you in pieces. (Mat 7:6 AMP). I believe when we look for alliances with others without forming an alliance with God to defeat our enemies, we may be successful using our own skills and cunning, but we are only delaying the attack, the enemy will be back. Bribing the enemy won’t work, appeasing him may last until he gets tired of using you as entertainment but he will turn and rend you to pieces.

The things that belong to God, are God’s. We cannot take what is holy and pay the enemy off, it won’t work.

God is in the miracle business; however, it is one thing to need a miracle because sin is in the earth, but is is another to need a miracle because of bad choices. We run the risk of “testing” God when we make the same bad choices over and over and over again. This is tough stuff to think about.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Vance:

2 Chronicles 32:31

31
However, when ambassadors arrived from Babylon to ask about the remarkable events that had taken place in the land, God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart.

The Lord says that He “withdrew” in order to “test” Hezekiah

The word “withdrew” is translated “left” in the King James Version. In Strong’s Concordance, the Hebrew word and meaning are:

HEBREW WORD: `azab {aw-zab’}

1) to leave, loose, forsake
a) (Qal) to leave
1) to depart from, leave behind, leave, let alone
2) to leave, abandon, forsake, neglect, apostatise
3) to let loose, set free, let go, free

The word “test”. In Strong’s Concordance, the Hebrew word and meaning are:

HEBREW WORD: nacah {naw-saw’}

1) to test, try, prove, tempt, assay, put to the proof or test
a) (Piel)
1) to test, try
2) to attempt, assay, try
3) to test, try, prove, tempt

I am sure this seems very cruel to many people. They ask “Why would God leave someone at any time, or at their point of need?” Others are convinced that this only proves to them that the Bible contradicts itself.

Yet, consider this: We need to be tested. We need to see FOR OURSELVES what is IN US. Otherwise, I am convinced we may only learn the “doctrine” of the need to depend totally on the Lord God…and not practice that truth.

This makes me think of the following verses:

NLT: James 1:12
God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

KJV: Psalm 66:10
For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.

KJV: Deuteronomy 8:2, 3
All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers.

And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, [and] to prove thee, to know what [was] in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only,
but by every [word] that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.

Genesis 22:15-17
And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time,

And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son]:

That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which [is] upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

The test of Abraham, according to the Jewish Torah, is very instructive. According to the Scriptures, Abraham took servants, the donkey with the wood, and Isaac to obey God. However, according to the Torah, one of the servants was Ishmael. When they reached the place for the offering, Abraham saw the place for the offering:

Genesis 22:4 – Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.

According to the Torah, this means that Abraham, being a man of spiritual sight because He had walked with the Lord faithfully, saw the Presence of HASHEM (God of Mercy) hovering over the place of the offering.

Further, according to the Jewish Torah, Abraham turned to Ishmael and asked him, “Do you see it?” This question meant: “Do you see God’s Presence which marks the place of offering?” Ishmael replied, “No.” Then Abraham asked Isaac, “Do you see it?” And Isaac replied, “Yes.”

Then Abraham said to Ishmael, “Because you, like the donkey, do not have the spiritual perception to see God’s Presence, stay here with the donkey.” Then, because Isaac had the spiritual depth and perception to see God’s Presence, he went with his father Abraham.

Isn’t that the point of testing? After all, it is very easy to only rely on comfort and our humanity. We always need to press through “the veil” as it were—I am interpreting the “veil” here as our senses. Press through to experience the Presence of HASHEM, the God of Mercy!

As the Apostle Paul says in the Amplified Bible:

Philippians 3:8
Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord
and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly].
For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One).

Vance

====== John:

Romans

1) Like Mike I am humbled at Paul’s prayer request. It seems no matter how many lists I make, computer aided memo, or remember in my head – I always forget someone or something each day. My prayer life is way better than when I was saved, but it is still woefully lacking. Praise God, that the Holy Spirit makes up for my ineptitude in this area.

2) I was impressed by the sheer number of people Paul greets at the end of Romans. Men AND Women, who were integral to the “body of Christ” in Rome.

3) Rom 16:7 has provided some discussion as to who is an “apostle”. I thought I understood, but need to think on it more – (definately a non-essential :). John MacArthur has an answer to this question, and I merely post it for info.
http://www.biblebb.com/files/macqa/1301-N-16.htm

There is also an issue that Junias may be a women’s name that would lead to interesting discussion involving leadership in the church. However, from the Greek and few articles I find – there is no definitive way to tell the gender of Junias.

John

====== Vance:

2 Chronicles 32 (NKJV)
7
“Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him.
8
With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

NOTE:
We have the wonderful opportunity to meditate on, and wait in the Lord’s Presence daily in worship and praise so that we can know that we know that we know—that “with us is the LORD our God”.

May people know we are different by our lives and our words. May people be encouraged and challenged just by who we are. May people see the Lord Jesus in us.

Acts 4 (NKJV)
13
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
~~~

2 Chronicles 32 (NKJV)
31
However, regarding the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, whom they sent to him to inquire about the wonder that was done in the land, God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart.

NOTE:
God knows what is in our hearts. However, we need to know. I think I know what is in my heart, but do I really? I need God’s Spirit to show me.

And I need to regularly spend time in prayer and in the words of the Lord Jesus so I really see my heart before God.

Mark 7 (NKJV)
20
And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man.
21
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
22
thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.
23
All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”
~~~

“God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart.” WOW!

I am convinced this was God’s Mercy and Love in action, to show Hezekiah that he really needed to rely on God—and that he should never forget it.

We can have—and we must have—inner strength in the inner man of our spirits that sustain and refresh us. However, our strength is from being “poor in spirit”.

Psalm 51 (NKJV)
17
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart— these, O God, You will not despise.
~~~

2 Chronicles 33 (NKJV)
10
And the LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they would not listen.
11
Therefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the army of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh with hooks [That is— nose hooks], bound him with bronze fetters, and carried him off to Babylon.
12
Now when he was in affliction, he implored the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,
13
and prayed to Him; and He received his entreaty, heard his supplication, and brought him back to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God.

NOTE:
THANK GOD that Hezekiah’s son Manasseh finally “knew that the LORD was God”. But what a tragically unnecessary route to go to discover that!

Surely Manasseh saw his father follow after the Lord and he saw the benefit of following the Lord.

Manasseh also saw his father’s faults and sins, and how the Lord dealt with Hezekiah as a result of those.

We really need to pray for the children of the world, of our nation, and of our families! THEY ARE THE NEXT GENERATION!

What kind of generation will they be? May we “strive together with [them] in prayers to God for” the children! (Adapation of Romans 15:30).

Romans 15 (NKJV)
26
For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.
27
It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.

NOTE:
Thank God for Israel. Thank God for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Thank God for David and all for all of his descendants who followed wholeheartedly after the Lord.

THANK GOD FOR THE LORD JESUS—the son of David, the son of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob.

May we pray daily and give out of the monies with which God has blessed us to the Christians in Jerusalem and in the nearby Arabic nations.

Thank God for the oldest Christian communities which are in Israel and in Arabic nations (like Turkey, Egypt, etc.)

May we pray daily for the peace of Jerusalem.

Amen.

Vance

====== Jennie:

As I read the stories of the Kings of Israel, I’m encouraged by the fact that God always gives his forgiveness to those who truly repent. One generation would fall, but the other would take up His cause. An individual King would fall, then realize his sin, and take up His cause again. I also know, that when I fail, I can renew my love for Him and take up His cause again. What a blessing, and an encouragement!

Jennie

2 Chronicles 30:1-31:21 + Romans 15:1-22 + Psalm 25:1-15 + Proverbs 20:13-15
~ 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 The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – We have great readings today in Second Chronicles chapter 30 about King Hezekiah inviting all of Israel and Judah to celebrate the Passover of the Lord!  Yeah, sure, they ended up celebrating it a month later than normal because not enough priests had been purified, nor enough folks gathered in Jerusalem at the original time.  But, in light of the Passover not being widely celebrated in many years, this was huge. I love Hezekiah’s letter that he wrote – and verse 9 in particular: “For if you return to the LORD, your relatives and your children will be treated mercifully by their captors, and they will be able to return to this land. For the LORD your God is gracious and merciful. If you return to him, he will not continue to turn his face from you.”  Think these words of Hezekiah’s could apply to us in our lives today as well?  Do you need to return to the Lord in any area of your life?  Is there a sin that you are still indulging in that is hampering your relationship with God?  Will you confess and repent of that sin?  Will you return to the Lord?  For the Lord your God is indeed gracious and merciful…

New Testament – Romans 15 verses 2 and 3 definitely give us much to think about: “We should please others. If we do what helps them, we will build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t please himself.”  That’s a bit of a counter-intuitive statement compared to what our culture preaches.  We should please others?  I think our culture would say instead, “We should please ourselves!  It’s all about you!  You are #1!”  and so on.  This is the beauty of the Gospel.  It is counter-cultural in so many beautiful ways.  It’s the great revolution.  It turns the world upside down.  The last shall be first.  Blessed are the peacemakers.  Rejoice when you are persecuted.  We should please others.  So, are you living your life to please others?  Are you doing what helps them?  Are you building them up in the Lord?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Romans titled “Pleasing Others and Praising God” is at this link.  Below is a great image for Romans 15:5 –

Psalms – Psalm 25 has some amazing verses today!  I think I could write some reflections and questions on each of the verses today…  Maybe a good thing for each of us to do is to re-read this Psalm today and really reflect on what the verses are saying to our hearts.  David wrote this Psalm as a prayer for God’s mercies when he was suffering affliction for his sins and when enemies were seizing this occasion to attack him.  It’s a very penitential Psalm.  One that we might need to pray to God from time to time as David did. I do like verse 5 a lot and I believe it will speak to each of you going through the One Year Bible this year – “Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.”  Do you believe that reading God’s Word each day is allowing you to be led by God’s truth?  Are you being taught each day?  Then – that last sentence in verse 5 is amazing.  I cannot honestly say that all day long I put my hope in God.  I pray that I do… but I think sometimes I drift away from putting my hope in God and I put my hope in myself – or maybe even sometimes I lose hope!  I get discouraged about a situation.  I get stressed.  I worry. If we put our hope all day long in God, do you think we would get discouraged, stressed, or worried?  I don’t think we would…

Psalm 25 verse 15 really stood out to me today – “My eyes are always looking to the LORD for help, for he alone can rescue me from the traps of my enemies.”  I have come to realize more and more lately that the Enemy is indeed constantly setting traps for us.  I don’t mean to scare anyone here – but I think this is something very important for us to realize.  It has been said that the greatest trick the Devil can play on us is to make us think that he does not exist.  If we don’t think the Devil exists, then we logically won’t think that he’s setting any traps for us.  Let me assure you – this is clearly Biblical – the Devil exists.  Evil exists in this world.  Temptation exists.  And evil does not rest.  However – the good news – God is so much bigger and stronger and brighter (and this list can go on) than the Devil – the Enemy.  David says in this Psalm that his eyes are ALWAYS looking to the Lord for help.  Why?  Because God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit alone can rescue us from the traps of the Enemy.  Again, the traps are out there for us in this modern world.  The temptations and dark alleys and wrong turns call to us unceasingly.  But – again, great news here – we can be saved from all of that nonsense; all of that darkness; indeed all of that death, through a relationship with Jesus.  Jesus saves.  Jesus saves us from ourselves.  From our sin.  And from the Enemy that sets traps for us.  Like David in this Psalm, are your eyes always looking to the Lord for help?  Please don’t ever take your eyes off God and His mercies, power, and strength.

Proverbs – Proverbs 20 verse 15 is so true for our modern world: “Wise speech is rarer and more valuable than gold and rubies.”  I hope I don’t come off sounding too critical or judgmental here, but I seem to notice that people today talk more and more about “nothing.”   I mean, I guess it just seems to me that so many of us – myself included – major in minor things.  Meaning, we will know every single statistic about our local sports team and talk about these stats all the time.  Which then makes me wonder – do we invest as much time into know God’s Word, knowing God’s Will, as we do in knowing stats?  Or knowing gossip on celebrities?  Or knowing what’s going on with the latest TV reality show?  I guess this Proverb today just rings so true for me – Wise speech is rarer and more valuable than gold and rubies.  It is rare.  And it is valuable.  What type of words are coming out of your mouth these days?  Is it wise speech?  Or is it perhaps on occasion a whole lot of nothing?  Let us invest our words thoughtfully each day in wise speech.  Let us share with others that which is more valuable than gold and rubies.

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Second Chronicles reminded me of Britt Nicole’s song “You:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iduL7r_8sWs

Are you coming back to You? Click here to make your heart more like the ultimate You!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” Romans 15:1-2 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are bearing with the failings of the weak every days. Pray that you are building up your neighbor. Pray for strength – to serve.

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:

II Chronicles 30-31:21
There were six passages in today’s readings that really struck me, four are in the thirtieth chapter.

1) 4 This plan for keeping the Passover seemed right to the king and all the people.

Interesting how when we don’t know what to do, the first place we have a tendency to go is our sense of fairness of right and wrong. However, as we’ve learned in reading through the book of Judges (17:16; 21:25), what seems right could be deadly wrong. However, this time it turned out good.– There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death. (Pro 14:12 AMP)

2) 10 The messengers went from town to town throughout Ephraim and Manasseh and as far as the territory of Zebulun. But most of the people just laughed at the messengers and made fun of them. 11However, some from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem.

When we make a decision to submit to the Will of God and walk the narrow path, we must be prepared to face ridicule and isolation. That old gang of ours probably won’t be as supportive as they were when we were on our way to hell.

3) 18 Most of those who came from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun had not purified themselves. But King Hezekiah prayed for them, and they were allowed to eat the Passover meal anyway, even though this was contrary to God’s laws. For Hezekiah said, “May the LORD, who is good, pardon those 19 who decide to follow the LORD, the God of their ancestors, even though they are not properly cleansed for the ceremony.” 20 And the LORD listened to Hezekiah’s prayer and healed the people.

We can mess up and be wrong, wrong, wrong; however, earnest heartfelt prayer for those in error can bring those who are out of step with God’s commands, back into favor. God is Good!

4) 25 The entire assembly of Judah rejoiced, including the priests, the Levites, all who came from the land of Israel, the foreigners who came to the festival, and all those who lived in Judah. 26 There was great joy in the city, for Jerusalem had not seen a celebration like this one since the days of Solomon, King David’s son. 27 Then the Levitical priests stood and blessed the people, and God heard them from his holy dwelling in heaven.

“God heard them…” Why did God hear them? Sometimes we think that we must do all kinds of jumping through hoops for God to hear us. I’ve heard people asking for others to join in with them to pray for a situation because they want to “Storm the Gates of Heaven,” as if we have to force the Grace of God in order for God to act. Grace by its very nature cannot be earned or merited; the Grace of God is free. He hears us because we are His. I believe God heard them from his holy dwelling in heaven because there was joy in the city. — He said to them, “Go and eat delicacies and drink sweet drinks and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared. For this day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Neh 8:10 NET.)

5) 1 Now when the festival ended, the Israelites who attended went to all the towns of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh, and they smashed the sacred pillars, cut down the Asherah poles, and removed the pagan shrines and altars. After this, the Israelites returned to their own towns and homes.

Society today tells us that we must be tolerant of the religious practices of others, and I believe we should. However, these idols and sacred pillars and Asherath poles that were smashed and cut down did not belong to foreigners, but to fellow Jews who considered the Holy One of Israel, just one of the many gods. How much tolerance should I show, if any, to those who call themselves Christians, yet worship at the alters of idols, both things and people that are placed above God.

6) 21 In all that he did in the service of the Temple of God and in his efforts to follow the law and the commands, Hezekiah sought his God wholeheartedly. As a result, he was very successful.

Our success, true success does not come from following the latest marketing trends and business models discussed in Forbes or Business Week and the Wharton School of Business, but in following the Word of God. That is the only success that will last and satisfy.

Romans 15:1-22
I seem to be really focusing on specific scriptures in today’s reading. The fourth verse states, Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises.

We are on this journey, reading through the Bible in one year, to not only form a relationship with God, God and His Word are One (John 1:1), but to find out about God. We are journeying to discover the patterns and principals He desires us to adhere to so that we can be a success, and to encourage us by reading how God dealt with His people in the past and to truly know in our very fiber of being that God is Love.

Psalm 25:1-15

3
No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.

Wow! We can find ourselves so tied up in knots because we are in bondage to what other people think.. We tremble in our beds, in the midst of a crowded room, on our jobs because we are afraid that our mouths, our actions may cause us to be disgraced. And if we do put our size ten feet in our mouths, we allow that “shame” to hound our every waking moment, and that ain’t good. But this word says, only those who try to deceive others will be disgraced.

Here is some free advice, if embarrassments come because of missteps which come to anyone and everyone, then laugh it off and live a life free of the shame that can totally paralyze you. Now, if disgrace came because of deception and deceit, repent and go ask for forgiveness and do not do it again.

Proverbs 20:13-15
13 If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat!

I got this feeling this verse is talking about spiritual sleep, and not the forty winks and eight hours of rest kind of sleep. There are many different Hebrew words translated poor or poverty and they all don’t mean, lacking resources.

Decided to do a quick “Word Study” by seeking out my friend, Mr. Strong and in his dictionary I get confirmation that this sleep and poverty has more to do with one’s spiritual condition then sleeping too long in one’s bed:

H3423 (Strong’s Number)
ירשׁ ירשׁ
yârash yârêsh
yaw-rash’, yaw-raysh’
A primitive root; to occupy (be driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish, to ruin: – cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive (-ing) out, enjoy, expel, X without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit (-ance, -or), + magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, X utterly.

This poverty comes by not taking care of business.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

====== John:

Genealogy

I was looking at Romans 15:4 about the scripture (OT) were written for our learning and to give us hope. Then I ran across this:

Look in Genesis 5. I buckle sometimes at reading genealogies, but if you look at names from Adam to Noah and look at translations (meanings of names) – it gets kind of interesting.

Seth – Appointed
Enosh – Man
Kenan – To Acquire
Mahalalel – God’s Praise
Jared – To descend
Enoch – Dedicated
Methusaleh – Man who was sent
Lamech – Mighty
Noah – Rest, Quiet, Peace
http://www.biblicalbabyname.com/

So we have:

Appointed Man to Acquire God’s Praise to descend…Dedicated Man who was sent..Mighty…Rest,Quiet, Peace

I guess you have to assume that the appointed man was to bring: Rest, Quiet, Peace. However, I think this is a good enough description of Christ.

I apologize if this is “old hat” to some, but I found it kind of neat and wanted to share.

John

====== Vance:

I heard a statement on “Family Life Today” (sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ) with Dennis Rainey that really blessed me:

“Spiritual growth occurs when we exercise our soul in response to the problems of life not on the basis of our feelings, but on the basis of the Word of God.”

WOW! I agree 100%, and that is excellent.

When we are born again, we are born again in our spirits. We feed our spirits by reading and feeding on the Word of God.

Romans 8 (Amplified Bible)
10
But if Christ lives in you, [then although] your [natural] body is dead by reason of sin and guilt, the spirit is alive because of [the] righteousness [that He imputes to you].

I Peter 2 (NKJV)
2
as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby [up to salvation]
3
if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

~~

Yet, the rest of our personality —

(our souls: mind, will, emotions, etc., and our bodies) —

then also need to fully surrendered, brought to maturity, and saved.

THANK GOD that “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ”. (Philippians 1:6)

PRAISE THE LORD!
~~~

2 Chronicles 30 (NKJV)
18
For a multitude of the people, many from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet they ate the Passover contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “May the good LORD provide atonement for everyone
19
who prepares his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he is not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.”
20
And the LORD listened to Hezekiah and healed the people.

NOTE:
THANK GOD that He looks on our hearts. THANK GOD that we do not have to “perform with perfection” every one of God’s commands. (Of course, if we love God, we will WANT to obey with all of our beings!)

We can prepare our hearts to seek the Lord. We can trust the Lord to help us to exercise our souls in response to the problems of life not on the basis of our feelings, but on the basis of the Word of God.

We can feed our spirits so they become stronger and stronger!

2 Chronicles 31 (NKJV)
20
Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and true before the LORD his God.
21
And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, in the law and in the commandment, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart. So he prospered.

NOTE:
God desires to truly prosper us—that is, that we be enriched spiritually so we walk in God’s wisdom to be blessed in every area of our life.

THEN, WE CAN GIVE MORE AND SACRIFICE MORE to the Lord. A godly heart with a deep thirst to honor God always wants to serve the Lord and God’s people.

WHAT AN HONOR! To offer all of what we have that God has given to us out of worship and love for God–

and to suffer persecution for the Name of the Lord Jesus! This is the calling of Jesus.

“Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God.” (Romans 12:1)

Romans 15 (NKJV)
1
We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
2
Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.

NOTE: AMEN! May we be so established in the Lord that we are unbendable and unshakable witnesses of God’s Word!

Romans 15 (NKJV)
20
And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation,

NOTE: I wonder if “where Christ is not named” now applies to America as well as other countries in which the Gospel historically has been planted.

I just met another person last Sunday who forcefully informed me that Jesus in the early years not recorded in the New Testament studied and learned from a Buddha in India. He also informed me that there are more “gospels” than what are included in the New Testament.

I had a chance to share God’s Word with him.

May we pray for all to know Jesus, and may we embrace the passion that others will really see and know the Lord Jesus!

Psalm 25 (NKJV)
12
Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.
13
He himself shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth.
14
The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.
15
My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net.

NOTE: Amen and Amen!

“The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.”

May we spend time in secret with the LORD away from the cares and distractions of family and of the world.

May we place ourselves under God’s grace and authority so He can teach us the secrets He has for us, and so we can personally learn from God His covenant.

AMEN!

Vance

====== John:

Romans 15:1-22

Paul continues on the idea of the “strong in faith” subordinating themselves to the “weak in faith. In Romans 15 he adds a caveat.

Don’t yield yourself to the weak because it makes you feel good, or smug. Do it out of goodness, love for your brother, and to build up his faith.

We are to reflect the qualities of Christ who humbled himself by coming to earth as a “man”, who came because He loved us, and it was the Father’s Will. In all things we should strive to emulate Christ.

[NOTE: Yielding to the one with weaker faith is not about condoning unbiblical practices, it is about yielding to one who has a sincere belief in his non-essential practices. Paul is very tough in later Epistles on those who Sin continuosly or practice deceit within the church.]
======================================================
Rom 15:4 “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” NIV

Paul writes this after citing Psalm 69 to emphasize the OT was written to teach us.

Teach us what?

That through the steadfastness and encouraging promises of the Scripture we see: That God keeps his Word, that his plan is unfolding by His Will, and thus God’s Word and plan will be fulfilled in the future according to the prophecies.

So what are we to be hoping (having certain expectations) for?

Not justification, that is already accomplished. We now are to look forward to the day when Jesus comes the second time.
======================================================
WE CANNOT DO IT ON OUR OWN

Paul comes back to the idea of unity in the church, and prays:

Rom 15:5 “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,” NIV

In Rom 7:18 makes clear there is no power in the new nature. The power to do the suggested items in the last few chapters is not in us. It goes against the “flesh”.

When we access the Holy Spirit by offering ourselves as a continual living sacrifice – focused on God, His Word, and prayer – then God will unleash the power and abundance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Then the changes will occur and we will start fulfilling suggestions of Paul. It is an on-going process and will not be completed until we reach heaven.

Paul repeats this concept here by asking God to “give” (Gk. didomi: give, grant, bestow) the spirit of unity amongst the “brotherhood”.

We should want this because this is how Christ accepted us – and twice Paul mentions it is to praise and give glory to God.
======================================================
Paul gives four OT verses to encourage the Gentiles – this was suppose to happen, God foreknew it in his plan, it was foretold, and it came to pass. That the Gentiles would be part of the elect and co-heirs to heaven.
======================================================
Paul has written to the Romans to reaffirm things they know. In other words, Paul was long-distancing his encouragement and exhortation phase of ministry.

He had been busy preaching from Jerusalem to Yugoslavia and back to those who had not heard of Christ. Not that he reached EVERY person, but he established churches, as beacons of light that would emit more light to the area through its members.

Now that that has been done – his eyes are westward, and he hopes to finally get to Rome via a trip to Spain. Paul gets there but he gets there by God’s plan 🙂

John

====== Janice:

thank you RAMONA FOR HELPING TO MAKE THE READINGS EASIER TO UNDERSTAND AND FOR GIVING ME THE MUCH NEEDED HELP WITH INERPRETATION..WHEN I OPEN MY EYES TO UNDERSTANDING AND FEEL IN MY HEART THIS IS THE RIGHT THING..THEN I CAN BE FULL….MAY GOD SHINE HIS LIGHT ON ALL

Janice

====== Billy:

Thanks Mike. Your words about “knowing every sports statistic” hit home as I am a big fan of the Olympics and stay up late when I normally would go to bed. Give me the strength to devote as much time to God’s word !!

Billy

====== Jane:

Amen Mike! Today’s readings and your blog are spot on! God wants us to please others. We are living in a self seeking world. Its all about self. How can we turn away from self? Philippians 2:3-4, 8 ” Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interest of others. Just as Jesus humbled himself..”
There’s is such a joy in serving others, just as Christ came to serve.
Also our hope is in him. He is our rest and rescue as in psalms 25:5 Do you know the Christian song “Shoulders” by King and country? It’s a fabulous song with great lyrics for one to meditate on. I’m so thankful for these spirit filled Christian artists who share their love of Christ through music.
We have to hope because once we lose hope we lose our way because it’s hope that leads us to our eternal Father.
Blessings to all today and you Mike!

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:20‬ ‭NIV‬‬
http://bible.com/111/eph.3.20.niv
This verse came to me as I read your blog Mike. The devil is at work. Oh yeah we need to recognize it!!! We need to have power over him! That’s where eph 3:20 comes in . Believe God to have given us power to defeat the devil. He is able. God can .
I spent a couple days at the beach with friends. The girl had s reality show on. It was trash. Nothing constructive. I chose to walk away. I want my
Life to reflect Christ . I want my words to be wise not senseless!

Jane

===== Robert:

2 Chronicles 30 – 32

For some reason I enjoyed reading this chronicle about Hezekiah today. Some things that stood out were the invitation letter to the people in 30: 6-10 that is comparable to what God said to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7:14. It’s all sort of a template of what we do in church and a similar action we see in vs. 19, the forgiveness we receive during a sacrament, like the Lord’s Supper.

In Chapter 31 we see all the people named, even kids, everyone was important enough to be named and made special. Imagine your name in the Bible! The best part of all this is the result of doing right and the chapter ends….And so he prospered.

Romans 15:14-22

Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles reminded me of a good friend’s similar compelling passion to speak the Gospel and do a ministry to the people in Liberia. Karen founded a wonderful organization called THE PROVISION OF HOPE in 2000 when things were in chaos after a devastating war in Liberia. She continues her loving outreach and gives hope to thousands of people.
https://www.provisionofhope.com/

Psalm 25:15

My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.
I think this scripture lines up nicely with what the Lord taught us in his prayer, “and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil”.

Robert

======= Dee:

2 Chronicles 29:1-36 + Romans 14:1-23 + Psalm 24:1-10 + Proverbs 20:12
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – We are re-introduced to King Hezekiah of Judah in today’s readings!  The quantity of the Chronicler’s writings about the reign of Hezekiah is second only to the reigns of David & Solomon.  We’ll be reading about Hezekiah again in the coming days.  Reading about Hezekiah today was such a breath of fresh air after the atrocities of King Ahaz in yesterday’s readings…  Hezekiah is a hero!  He re-opens the Temple!  He reinstitutes the sacrifices to God!  You’ll recall from our readings in Second Kings chapter 18 verses 5 through 7 we got an overview of who Hezekiah was – “Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was never another king like him in the land of Judah, either before or after his time. He remained faithful to the LORD in everything, and he carefully obeyed all the commands the LORD had given Moses. So the LORD was with him, and Hezekiah was successful in everything he did.”  Below is a coloured woodcut from Henry VIII´s Great Bible, from the year 1538, of King Hezekiah burning pagan idols:

New Testament – Paul’s writings in Roman’s chapter 14 about the dangers of criticizing and judging others are powerful!  I love verses 12 & 13: “Yes, each of us will have to give a personal account to God. So don’t condemn each other anymore. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not put an obstacle in another Christian’s path.”  Wow…  that is something for each of us to consider.  That we ourselves can actually put obstacles in another Christian’s path toward God!  Do you think that you have ever done this in your life?  I do think that I have.  Never intentionally. But, when I have stopped loving and serving others and instead began judging and criticizing others, I do believe I have placed obstacles in other people’s paths!  Not to mention my own path!  Let us pray that we are not obstacles to others by judging and criticizing…

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Romans titled “Love and Liberty: Liberties Love Won’t Take” is at this link.  Below is a great image for Romans 14:8 from today’s readings –

Psalms – Psalm 24 is a beautiful Psalm!  Check out this brief snippet of commentary on this Psalm from bible.org: “The Israelites have returned from a battle with the Canaanites. They are proceeding up to the sanctuary on the holy mount to give praise to Yahweh for the great and mighty victory in battle, carrying with them the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of Yahweh’s presence with them. As they approach the gate, they are met by the Levites who function as gatekeepers. It is their part to ask who may enter the sanctuary of the Lord; and it is the priests’ part to answer with the stipulations from the Law. Whoever meets these qualifications may enter and fellowship with Yahweh… The psalm then concludes with the worshipers calling to the gates to make way for Yahweh to come in to His sanctuary, for why should the King of Glory stoop to go under a doorway? ”   (also, any Chris Tomlin fans out there will definitely recognize this Psalm – on his CD “Arriving” I think the 2nd or 3rd to last song is called “King of Glory” based on this Psalm – it’s the best song on this overall fantastic CD in my humble opinion! 🙂

Proverbs – Proverbs 20:12 today teaches us:  “Ears to hear and eyes to see–both are gifts from the LORD.”  Amen!  It is interesting that this Proverb doesn’t mention our mouths to talk…  Seems like this Proverb is really a good reminder that listening and seeing are amazing gifts.  Gifts that allow us to listen to others and enjoy God’s beautifully created world.  And yes, I do believe our mouths are gifts too for communication to others.   But it is interesting that we have 2 ears and 2 eyes, and just 1 mouth.  Think there is a message in this math equation for us?  🙂

YouTube:  Based on Psalm 24, here is Chris Tomlin and Jesse Reeves talking about the song “King of Glory” and how it relates to Psalm 24.  This is a powerful song…  Who is this King of Glory!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M59h6hDG40Q

Do you know the King of Glory? Click here to meet Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” Romans 14:8 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are living for the Lord today. Pray that you will die in the Lord. Pray that you belong to the Lord.

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:

2 Chronicles 26:1-28:27 + Romans 13:1-14 + Psalm 23:1-6 + Proverbs 20:11
~ 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 – Today in Second Chronicles chapter 26 we read about Uzziah ruling in Judah – along with his sin and punishment.  Uzziah, like other kings of Judah we’ve read about recently honored God in his early years, but then fell away in his later years.  Sad!  I pray that none of us fall into the trap of honoring God now and then dishonoring him later in our lives.  How do you suppose we can avoid this trap?  I think one of the key things is to read the Bible daily.  But I also am realizing more and more that we need to be in community with other Christians consistently.  Yes, church every weekend.  But more than that – small groups, Bible studies, accountability groups, etc.  We need to encourage and challenge each other in community to continue running our race strong!  Are you in consistent community with other Christians in your life today?   If not, will you consider joining a small group or Bible study at your church?  If you’re not going to church, will you start going to church this weekend?   Do you see the danger of not being in community with other Christians, and ending up perhaps like some of the kings of Judah who dishonored God later in their lives?  Please, please, please – be in a consistent community with other Christians!  Below is an oil painting by Rembrandt titled “The King Uzziah Stricken with Leprosy” from the year 1635:

Today in Second Chronicles chapter 28 we read about King Ahaz of Judah.  You will note that the reign of Ahab is the only reign in which the Chronicler does not mention a single redeeming feature…  Things are obviously getting worse for the southern Kingdom of Judah!  A very interesting thing happens in verses 9 through 15 where we are introduced to the prophet Obed in Samaria, and the northern captors show kindness to their captives from Judah.  In fact, some scholars believe that verses 14 & 15 may even be the background for Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan!!  This is very powerful to consider!  Do you see how these 2 verses could be background for Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan?  “So the warriors released the prisoners and handed over the plunder in the sight of all the leaders and people. Then the four men mentioned by name came forward and distributed clothes from the plunder to the prisoners who were naked. They provided clothing and sandals to wear, gave them enough food and drink, and dressed their wounds with olive oil. They put those who were weak on donkeys and took all the prisoners back to their own land–to Jericho, the city of palms. Then they returned to Samaria.”  Below is the artist Vincent van Gogh’s take on the parable of the Good Samaritan from the year 1890:

New Testament – Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion has a great overview of three historical interpretations of how Christians are to submit to the government per Paul’s writings in Romans chapter 13 verse 1 today:  “1. Some Christians believe the state is so corrupt that Christians should have as little to do with it as possible. 2. Others believe that God has given the state authority in certain areas and the church authority in others.  Christians can be loyal to both and can work for either.  They should not however confuse the two.  3. Still others believe that Christians have a responsibility to make the state better.  They can do this politically by electing high-principled leaders.  None of these 3 views advocate rebelling against or refusing to obey the government’s laws or regulations unless those laws clearly require you to violate the moral standards revealed by God.”  Bible.org’s commentary on this subject titled “The Christian and Civil Government” is at this link.  I lean toward a mix of #2 and #3 these days.  I think there is much value in Christians paying attention to local and national and international governments, and getting involved.  Let us not just throw our hands up in the air and think that our government is nothing but this image below…  🙂   (or if we do think our government is nothing but this image below, then let us work to change the reality!)

How incredibly powerful are Paul’s words in Romans 13 verses 8 through 10 – “Pay all your debts, except the debt of love for others. You can never finish paying that! If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill all the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments against adultery and murder and stealing and coveting–and any other commandment–are all summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.”  Wow… great stuff.  Love satisfies all of God’s requirements.  Do you believe this to be true?  What type of love do you think Paul is talking about here?  A passive love?  An active love?  Who is the last person you paid the debt of love to?  Who is the next person you will pay the debt of love to?  Will you pay the debt of love to somebody in your life each and every day?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Romans titled “Love, Law, and the Last Days” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 23!  What a Psalm!!  This is the first Psalm for sure that I ever really read and was comforted by without a doubt.  Psalm 23 is a profession of joyful trust in God as the good Shepherd-King by David.  I like The Message’s take on Psalm 23 at this link.  Bible.org has a wonderful commentary on Psalm 23 titled “A Psalm that calms the soul” at this link.   

Proverbs – Today in Proverbs 20 verse 11 we read – “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.” This is an interesting Proverb for me to meditate upon. I focus in on the word “actions” here. Basically this Proverb to me is saying that actions matter. Our actions don’t save us or make us right with God, but they matter. Even children are known by their actions. Do you think that you and I are known by our actions? If so, what are our actions saying to others? Is our conduct pure and right? I have some friends who seem to think that actions do not matter – particularly once we are in relationship with Jesus. I get very nervous with this line of thinking. I think particularly once we are in a relationship with Jesus, we are called to follow Jesus and we are called to holiness. We are called to be saints. Yes, saints. Now, don’t get me wrong – we will stumble. We will fall. We will not be perfect this side of heaven. Even after being in relationship with Jesus we will make mistakes. But, I believe we are called to live our lives such that we incrementally start to look more and more like God’s own son, Jesus. I believe we are called to love like Jesus. Forgive like Jesus. Give like Jesus. And this list goes on – check out the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 for a nice list of actions for us to emulate. So – even a child is known by his actions. What would people say about you based on your actions these days? Would they see that you are becoming more and more like Jesus with each passing day, week, month, and year? Do you think your actions matter?

YouTube:  As we’re reading Psalm 23 today, this video of Abby reciting Psalm 23 seems wholly appropriate!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3buLQoCN6KY

Is the Lord your Shepherd? Click here to not be in want!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on six verses of Scripture today: “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:1-6 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that the Lord is your shepherd. Pray that you are not in want. Pray that your soul is being restored by the Lord. Pray that you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Pray you will memorize Psalm 23 today, and pray this Psalm frequently.

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:

2 Chronicles 24:1-25:28 + Romans 12:1-21 + Psalm 22:19-31 + Proverbs 20:8-10
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today in Second Chronicles 24 verse 1 we read – “Joash was seven years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem forty years.”  This is quite a young age to be crowned king!  (yep, that’s Joash on the right in the image below – the priest presenting him to the people is on the left)

Did you notice in today’s readings that Joash followed God in his early years, when Jehoiada the priest was alive (verses 1-16), and then turned to evil and idolatry after Jehoiada’s death (verses 17-27)?  One of the saddest parts was Joash’s murder of Jehoiada’s grandson Zechariah in verse 20.  (Note that the text says son, but scholars believe Jehoiada’s son was Berekiah, and Zechariah was Berekiah’s son – Biblical genealogies sometimes skip a generation.)  Jesus Himself references the atrocity of this murder when facing His own murderers in Matthew 23:35! This quote of Jesus’ comes just after delivering his seven woes in Matthew 23:  “And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.”

New Testament – Wow!  Could Romans chapter 12 be one of the most powerful chapters in the Bible??  I love this chapter…  Please take a moment to re-read this chapter if you can. Verses 1 through 3 have been so powerful for me personally since the early days of my Christian walk – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”   I really don’t know what commentary I could add to these words of Paul’s. I love the thought of our bodies being living sacrifices to God.  (There is of course the old joke that the only problem with a living sacrifice is that it tends to crawl off the altar… 🙂  And the warning to not conform any longer to the pattern of this world is so so so true…. and we all know it.  But I find myself still falling prey to the pattern of this world.  Its temptations do not cease.  But!  We can be transformed by the renewing of our minds to test and approve what God’s will is.  Through a loving and growing relationship with Jesus, we can overcome the temptations and the death this world will offer us all too frequently.  In view of God’s mercy, will you offer your body today as God as a living sacrifice?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Romans titled “The Road to Renewal” is at this link and “Thinking Straight about Spiritual Gifts” is at this link and “What is this Thing Called Love” is at this link.  Below are 2 wonderful images for Romans chapter 12 verse 2 and verses 4 & 5:

Psalms – What’s one good reason to go to church at all?  Check out Psalm 22 verse 22: “Then I will declare the wonder of your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among all your people.” Praising God with other brothers and sisters through worship, tithing, learning, serving and being in community in church is a great reason to go to church!  To declare the wonder of God’s name!  To praise God among all his people.  Wow… yes…  this is church!

Proverbs – Proverbs 20 verse 10 is convicting – “The LORD despises double standards of every kind.”  I am afraid that I often do have double standards in the way I live my own life.  I am afraid perhaps we all do to a degree.  We hold ourselves to one standard when we are at church and among our friends and maybe even typing on this blog… 🙂  But, then, late at night or early in the morning or during the day perhaps we let this standard – this Christian standard – simply go.  We become judgmental.  We gossip.  We complain.  We lust.  We give in to our old addictions.  We fall prey to a double standard.  Please don’t ever forget that God calls us to the highest standard!  And he sent us his Son Jesus to set us free from the bondage of sin from the bondage of double standards.  Through faith in Jesus we are gifted with the Holy Spirit living within our very bodies, which is an amazing blessing to consider!  God gives us everything that we need to live a life of high moral standards.  Will we pray unceasingly to let our double standards go?  Will we leave the double standards behind once and for all?  Will we stop living our lives with two faces?

Worship God:  Today’s readings reminded me of Christian Paul’s song “Yes I am:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t7T5Bz78Jc

Are you born again? Click here to be born again!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is true worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are offering your body as a living sacrifice to God today. Pray that you are not conforming to the pattern of this world, but are being transformed by the renewing of your mind. Pray you are walking and living in the center of God’s will for your life – His good, pleasing and perfect will.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

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:

2 Chronicles 21:1-23:21 + Romans 11:13-36 + Psalm 22:1-18 + Proverbs 20:7
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today in Second Chronicles 21 verses 12 through 15 we read about a letter that one would really not want to receive… “Then Elijah the prophet wrote Jehoram this letter: “This is what the LORD, the God of your ancestor David, says: You have not followed the good example of your father, Jehoshaphat, or your grandfather King Asa of Judah. Instead, you have been as evil as the kings of Israel. You have led the people of Jerusalem and Judah to worship idols, just as King Ahab did in Israel. And you have even killed your own brothers, men who were better than you. So now the LORD is about to strike you, your people, your children, your wives, and all that is yours with a heavy blow. You yourself will be stricken with a severe intestinal disease until it causes your bowels to come out.”  The face on Jehoram in this image below captures well what one would be feeling like after receiving a letter like this from a prophet of God…

In Second Chronicles 23 today Jehoiada the priest leads a revolt against Queen Athaliah.  Below is French artist Antoine Coypel’s (1661-1722) take on the scene:

New Testament – Paul bursts out in some great praise and worship of God today in Romans 11 verses 33 through 36: “Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are his riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods! For who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who knows enough to be his counselor?  And who could ever give him so much that he would have to pay it back? For everything comes from him; everything exists by his power and is intended for his glory. To him be glory evermore. Amen.”  Great stuff!  I love that second to last full sentence that tells us that everything is intended for God’s glory.  So true.  And yet so easy for us to forget.  You my friend are intended for God’s glory!  It is a beautiful truth to consider.  Are you living your life fully for God’s glory?  Are there any areas of your life that would not be seen as giving glory to God?  Will you let those un-glorious aspects of your life go?  Will you walk fully in the LIGHT of God’s glory?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings from Romans titled “The Kindness and Severity of God” is at this link and “The Wisdom of God and the Wisdom of Man” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 22 is an amazing Psalm.  This Psalm is the most quoted Psalm in the New Testament.  Re-read this Psalm again and see if you see parallels to Jesus’ crucifixion?  There are a lot in this Psalm.   I’ll list a few – Psalm 22:1a was quoted by Jesus on the cross – “My God, my God! Why have you forsaken me?”  As we see in Matthew 27:46 – “About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”–which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 

Psalm 22 Verse 8: “”Is this the one who relies on the LORD? Then let the LORD save him! If the LORD loves him so much, let the LORD rescue him!”” We see in similar fashion in Matthew 27:42-43: ““He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ”

Psalm 22 verses 16 & 17 make me want to cry… “They have pierced my hands and feet. I can count every bone in my body.” The piercing of the hands and feet of Jesus are apparent with how the crucifixion took place.  And these Psalm 22 verses are similar to John 19:33-37: “But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,” and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.””

And verse 18: “They divide my clothes among themselves and throw dice for my garments.” Compare to John 19:23-24 – “When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.””

Proverbs – Proverbs 20 verse 7 today is a wonderful reminder that the way we live our lives today sets an example for children: “The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children after them.”  What type of example are you setting for children in your life?  Are you walking with integrity?  Do you believe children will be blessed after you because you walked with integrity?

Worship Video: Our Psalm 22 readings today reminded me of Chris and Conrad’s song called “Lead me to the Cross.” Here is a terrific live version of this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zuwm5H8-Kw

Have you been led to the Cross? Click here and be led!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.” Proverbs 20:7 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are leading a blameless life. Pray that you hunger and thirst for righteousness each and every day of your life. Pray that your children are blessed because of your godly example.

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:

2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37 + Romans 10:14-11:12 + Psalm 21:1-13 + Proverbs 20:4-6
~ 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 – Today in Second Chronicles chapter 19 verse 7 we read: “Now let the fear of the Lord be upon you.” It is important to realize that this verse was said not as a curse upon someone, but really as a blessing and perhaps a warning. Jehoshaphat says these words to judges he is appointing. Why would Jehoshaphat say these words to judges? Why should judges have the fear of the Lord upon them? What is the fear of the Lord? I believe it is a healthy and strong sense of God’s presence – a sense so strong that it would prevent these judges from administering any injustices. Because they know God is in the room. How about for you and me in our lives today? What if I were to say to you right now – “Now let the fear of the Lord be upon you.”?  Would you accept this as a blessing? Or would you think of this as some sort of curse? Do you want the fear of the Lord to be upon you? Why or why not? Right now in your life – is the fear of the Lord upon you? Will you consider praying for the fear of the Lord to be upon you?

New Testament – Romans 10 verses 14 & 15 are a powerful call to share the Gospel with a world that so desperately needs it! “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!””  Are you bringing good news to people in your life?  Do you realize that you do not necessarily need to go abroad to share the Gospel with people who really have probably never heard it before?  Yeah, sure, maybe in our hometowns people have heard the name Jesus.  But have they really heard about the love and life and forgiveness and healing that Jesus offers?  Do they really know who Jesus truly is?  How will they know unless you tell them? Will you utilize the gift of your beautiful feet?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Romans titled “Without Excuse” is at this link and “Man’s Failures Do Not Frustrate the Purposes of God” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 21 today follows up Psalm 20 from yesterday – yesterday’s being a prayer for victory for the king as he goes out to battle – and today’s being a psalm of praise for victories granted to the king.  I like the credit given to God in verse 1: “How the king rejoices in your strength, O LORD! He shouts with joy because of your victory.”  The king is not rejoicing in his own strength.  He is not claiming victory as his.  He is giving credit to God!  How about you in your life today?  Do you give credit to God for the blessings and gifts he has given you?  Do you shout for joy and rejoice simply because God is in your life?

Proverbs – Proverbs 20 verse 6 definitely gives me something to think about: “Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is really faithful?”  This is a challenging Proverb for me because I feel like I have many good friends.  Many who are loyal.  And some who even seem faithful.  But… yet…. there are still times on occasion when these friends do let me down.  Or I know for a fact I let them down on occasion.  It’s our human nature.  Fortunately for us, long after this Proverb was written, we were given the most faithful friend we could ever dream up or imagine in Jesus.  Jesus really should be our best friend.  I had a friend kind of shock me with this thought by continually referring to Jesus as his best friend at a lunch we had a few years ago.  For some reason I was very comfortable with Jesus being my savior.  But my friend?  My best friend?  Well, it was a new concept to me.  And maybe this is a new concept to you.  I do honestly believe Jesus wants to be our best friend.  And he will undoubtedly be the one true and loyal and faithful friend we all can have – now and forever.  So, is Jesus your best friend?

Worship God:  Today’s readings remind me of the classic hymn “Amazing Grace” performed here with over 200 bagpipes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKQULTTnaI8

Have you received amazing grace? Click here for Grace!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'” Romans 10:14-15 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have beautiful feet. Pray that your beautiful feel are bringing the Good News of Jesus to those that have not truly heard about Jesus. Pray that you are being sent to preach to the lost and help them call on the name 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:

II Chronicles 19-20:37

Johoshaphat, I believe, is the first king, besides David, that accepts a rebuke form God, albeit by way of Hanani, a prophet. He doesn’t become angry or sullen but gets himself up, brushes himself off and continues to use God’s Law as a standard in how he rules the people but requires the judges he appoints to do the same.

It seems to me when a person follows “hard” after God the means and methods used to make decisions or carry out their responsibilities do not fit into normal methods of operations nor do they seem to fit into any standard of common sense by man’s point of view. If I had been one of those appointed singers to stand in front of the Army while the enemy advanced, I don’t know what I would have done. Would I have had enough faith not to second-guess God and the king? Would I be thinking and saying, “Feets don’t fail me now!” as I rushed off in the opposite direction away from the battle lines?

Or would the words of Jahaziel have pierced my heart and empowered me to do what in the natural didn’t make sense? I’m not sure but it is clear that God chose to fight this battle differently then what man would do.
Romans 10:14-11:12

18 But what about the Jews? Have they actually heard the message? Yes, they have:
“The message of God’s creation has gone out to everyone,
and its words to all the world.”
19 But did the people of Israel really understand? Yes, they did, for even in the time of Moses, God had said,
“I will rouse your jealousy by blessing other nations.
I will make you angry by blessing the foolish Gentiles

What has captured my attention is the last line of verse 19 (Tenth Chapter), I will make you (Israel) angry by blessing the foolish Gentiles. I am a Gentile and is my life lived in such a way, can the blessings of God be seen upon me in such a way that I make the Jews, the natural Israel, angry? If I honestly answer to that, I would have to say, no.

Psalm 21:1-13

I know that it is recorded by scholars that David wrote this Psalm about himself. However, I see in each and every one of the lines something pointing to Jesus. For example:

3 You welcomed him back with success and prosperity.
You placed a crown of finest gold on his head

I see this as also speaking to Jesus’ triumph over the grave. To welcome someone back they must have already been there, went some place else and are now returning. Jesus was always with the Father since before the world began. There are riches with the Father that Jesus gave up when he took on the form of man and came to earth. After his triumph over death, He went back to sit at the Right Hand of the Father (Acts 2:33). Jesus being the King of kings, I think would have a crown made of the finest gold because by Him and through Him there was nothing made that did not have His creative touch and that he did not own.
Proverbs 20:4-6

4If you are too lazy to plow in the right season, you will have no food at the harvest.

I have always read this as if it is the person who doesn’t plow who will have no food, but it says the one who does not plow in the RIGHT SEASON. Have I plowed in the wrong season then wondered why there was not food. This Proverb implies one can be very busy plowing away, yet not produce any harvest because I plowed and sowed in the winter instead of the spring.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Ramona:

2 Chronicles 17:1-18:34 + Romans 9:25-10:13 + Psalm 20:1-9 + Proverbs 20:2-3
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today in 2 Chronicles 18, King Ahab of Israel is not happy about the Arameans occupying Ramoth-gilead!  Unfortunately for King Jehoshaphat of Judah, he entered into a political alliance with Ahab by having his son marry Ahab’s daughter, Athaliah.  This basically bound him into going into battle with Ahab – but even worse, as we’ll read in the coming day’s readings, Ahab’s daughter Athaliah nearly kills all of the descendants of David in Judah….  more on this sad drama is coming up in chapter 22.  Ramoth-gilead was on a hilltop that could have looked something like this first image below.  The 2nd image below is a map (look to the center-right):

 

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 6 – “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 7 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 – In Romans chapter 10 verse 1 today, Paul reminded me of the modern-day ministry called Jews for Jesus: “Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is that the Jewish people might be saved.”  Paul was certainly a Jew for Jesus!  How about you – are you a Gentile for Jesus?  Or perhaps you are also a Jew for Jesus?  Whoever you are – are you for Jesus?

Below is a wonderful image courtesy of heartlight.org of Romans chapter 10 verse 4 from today’s readings:

Without a doubt, Romans chapter 10 verses 9 & 10 are the most important verses some of us will read this year and really take to heart: “For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. “  Do you believe these verses to be true?  Have you prayed these verses with your heart and your mouth to God?  If not, will you today?

image courtesy of heartlight.org

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Romans titled “Israel’s Failure is the Scripture’s Fulfillment” is at this link and “The Only Road to Righteousness” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 20 is a prayer for a king as he goes out into battle – check out verses 1 through 5 again and you can imagine a group of people saying these words to the king.  Maybe another way to read this Psalm, personally, is as a prayer for yourself as you go out into battle against a sin or a struggle in your life.  And this verse 5 then is for you as you go into this battle: “May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory, flying banners to honor our God. May the LORD answer all your prayers.”  Amen! Let the banners fly soon in your life!

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 20 verse 3 is such great wisdom: “Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.”  I once was a fool who insisted on quarreling with Tony back in about 3rd grade 🙂 after either I beat him or he beat me in the 50 yard dash at Field Day.  Tony kept trying to avoid the fight with me.  But I kept on pressing it.  And I got whupped!  It was really a great learning experience for me.  I have avoided fights ever since!  Don’t get me wrong.  I don’t think we are called to be submissive and let people walk all over us.  I think we can confidently and strongly hold our ground on important issues – without fighting or quarrelling.  How about you?  Do you avoid fights?  Do you realize this is a mark of honor?  Or do you insist on quarrelling?  Think this is a good idea…?

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the Aaron Shust song “My Savior My God:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UnyaQt9Dt4

Do you know our savior God? Click here for your savior!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray with your mouth and heart that Jesus is Lord. Pray in belief that God raised Jesus from the dead. Pray that you are justified and saved today!

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! : )

======= Pat:

I have to add my comment this morning because I cannot shake what the Scripture is saying to me. I keep reading and rereading 2 Chronicles 18. I feel the true meaning in 2 Chronicles 18 is not in the actions of either King Ahab of Israel or King Jehoshaphat of Judah but instead in the actions of God’s prophet Micaiah. When the messenger went to Micaiah to bring him before the king, the messenger warned Micaiah that he should agree with the other 400 prophets (vs. 12), but Micaiah insisted that he would only deliver God’s message and nothing more (vs. 13). HOWEVER, when Micaiah was actually standing before the kings, he tried to sidestep God’s message and go along with the crowd of 400 prophets that advised the king to attack Ramoth-gilead (vs. 14). When the king insisted that Micaiah swear to that in the name of the Lord (vs. 15), Micaiah finally had to admit the truth and tell the king what God had really revealed to him (vs. 16-21).

Aren’t we Christians today like Micaiah in so far as we try to sidestep the message the Holy Spirit is giving us because we are fearful, don’t want to disappoint or hurt the feelings of others, or just because we want to fit in with the crowd? Today is the day when the teachings of Christianity and Christianity itself is being challenged on all sides, and we should be standing up for God instead of sitting passively on the sidelines. What is it going to take to make us own up to the directions provided us by the Holy Spirit????

Pat

====== Ramona:

>>I feel the true meaning in 2 Chronicles 18 is not in the actions of either King Ahab of Israel or King Jehoshaphat of Judah but instead in the actions of God’s prophet Micaiah. >>

Pat may I add something to the above statement. The Word of God is multi-faceted and what is the “True” meaning for you is based on where you are at any given time. We make a big mistake thinking that when the Holy Spirit is speaking to us about a particular passage or even a behavior like a fast or prayer that he must be telling everyone in our circle: church, family, work and friends that everyone must do it. Most of the time that is not so, it is usually God speaking directly to us about something within us. Just something I learned in a been there done that situation. You may even share something with someone and even discuss it and everyone is in agreement, you think. Only latter you find out that their understanding of the use of a word or even how it applies to their lives is completely different from yours. That doesn’t make it not true.

Math is always 2+2 but our use of it and understanding of it is vastly different if one is an engineer, doctor, accountant or student and maybe someone just trying to balance their checkbook.

Ramona

====== Pat:

Ramona, I started out my comment by stating what 2 Chronicles 18 was saying directly to me this morning – not to any other person nor to the masses – just what the Holy Spirit was laying on my heart. I was only sharing what I felt deeply from the reading of this morning’s Scripture. We can all read the same Scripture and get a different emphasis from it because it is the living Word of the living Lord and he speaks to each of us individually as we read His Word. Isn’t it wonderful how our Lord takes the time to speak to each of us, His children, individually! We are so blessed to be loved by and serving the living God!!!!

God Bless!
Pat

======= Ramona:

Pat,

There was no slight intended. Because we only have access to each other’s words and cannot see body language or here voice inflections, we only have to go by the words. I also have to conclude if it appeared to me that you were making a blanket statement, then others may have thought the same thing. I am sorry no disrespect intended.

Ramona

====== Peggy:

I too agree that ,” Romans chapter 10 verses 9 & 10 are the most important verses some of us will read this year and really take to heart” – “For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
If we only read this one verse in the bible this year, and believed by faith, these words. we would not need any other verse. However, if we believed these words we all would be longing for a closer walk with the Lord. Have a blessed day! Peggy

======= Jan:

======= Vance:

2 Chronicles 17

7
In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent out his officials to teach in all the towns of Judah. These officials included Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah.
8
He sent Levites along with them, including Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah. He also sent out the priests, Elishama and Jehoram.
9
They took copies of the Book of the Law of the LORD and traveled around through all the towns of Judah, teaching the people.
10
Then the fear of the LORD fell over all the surrounding kingdoms so that none of them declared war on Jehoshaphat.
11
Some of the Philistines brought him gifts and silver as tribute,
and the Arabs brought
seventy-seven hundred
rams and seventy-seven
hundred male goats.

The English Standard Version (ESV) of verse 11 reads:
11
Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver for tribute,
and the Arabians also
brought him 7,700 rams
and 7,700 goats.

Eastman’s 1897 Bible Dictionary says this about Arabians in the Bible:

It was anciently divided into three parts:,
(1.) Arabia Felix (Happy Arabia), so called from its fertility. It embraced a large portion of the country now known by the name of Arabia. The Arabs call it Yemen…

(2.) Arabia Deserta, the el-Badieh or “Great Wilderness” of the Arabs. From this name is derived that which is usually given to the nomadic tribes which wander over this region, the “Bedaween,” or, more generally, “Bedouin,”

(3.) Arabia Petraea, i.e., the Rocky Arabia, so called from its rocky mountains and stony plains. It comprehended all the north-west portion of the country, and is much better known to travellers than any other portion. This country is, however, divided by modern geographers into
(a) Arabia Proper, or the
Arabian Peninsula;
(b) Northern Arabia, or
the Arabian Desert;
(c) Western Arabia, which
includes the peninsula
of Sinai and the
Desert of Petra…
In later times, this
was inhabited by the
descendants of Esau,
and known as the Land
of Edom or Idumea,
also as the Desert of
Seir or Mount Seir.

The whole land appears (Gen. 10) to have been inhabited by a variety of tribes of different lineage, Ishmaelites, Arabians, Idumeans, Horites, and Edomites; but at length becoming amalgamated, they came to be known by the general designation of Arabs. The modern nation of Arabs is predominantly Ishmaelite. Their language is the most developed and the richest of all the Semitic languages, and is of great value to the student of Hebrew.

NOTE: True devotion of the heart, life, and worship led the children of Israel in this passage enabled them to experience the reality of the one and true God (God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). This, in turn, caused the Arabs of their day to worship and bring offerings.

Would that happen today!!!

Are we willing
—not out of obligation to “earn” favor in any way—

but out of a disciplined commitment to yield ourselves to the Father so we regularly fast and pray for Arabs and Muslims?

Can you imagine what practical effec that would have on erasing terrorism in the world?

TRY TO IMAGINE THIS… in prayer !

What would happen if we decided to really get serious?… how about fasting once a week, every week, to fast and pray for Arabs and against terrorism.

Then, by God’s grace, this wonderful promise could be fulfilled IN us and THROUGH us… so many Muslims would have NO choice but to bow to Jesus as Lord and Savior !

Romans 16:20 (Amplified Bible)

And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) be with you.

Vance

====== Erin:

have just joined – looking forward to reading and sharing. best, Erin

2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14 + Romans 9:1-24 + Psalm 19:1-14 + Proverbs 20:1
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today in 2 Chronicles chapter 14 we read about the early years of King Asa’s reign, including his incredible prayer to God in verse 11!  “Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God, “O LORD, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O LORD our God, for we trust in you alone. It is in your name that we have come against this vast horde. O LORD, you are our God; do not let mere men prevail against you!”  Unfortunately by the end of our readings today, in chapter 16, we read about Asa falling away from God and relying on a foreign king and physicians without any prayer for healing from God.  He replaced God in his life with mere men.  I wonder how often we do this in our lives today?  Can you think of any times in your life where you have relied on people in the place of relying on God?  How did that work out?  I do think we can rely on people certainly – if we are also relying on God more so and if God is in the midst of the relationship with the people we are relying on.  I think all would have gone well with King Asa in his later years if he had only been taught this motto that we teach our kids today: “Be a FROG!”  🙂  Fully Rely On God!  What about you in your life today?  Are you a FROG?  🙂  Let us all be FROG’s!

(apologies for the silly start to this posting today… 🙂 don’t worry, I get more serious by the time we get to Proverbs as you’ll see below…)

New Testament – Powerful readings from Paul today in Romans chapter 9!  In verse 5 we read one of the clearest statements in the New Testament about the deity of Jesus!  “Their ancestors were great people of God, and Christ himself was a Jew as far as his human nature is concerned. And he is God, who rules over everything and is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.”  Paul says here that Jesus is God!  So, what say you?  Is Jesus God?

A portion of verse 6 made me think about Christians today: “Not everyone born into a Jewish family is truly a Jew!” Do you think that everyone born into a Christian family today is truly a Christian?  I know our various denominations will have various degrees / times / ceremonies that will mark becoming a Christian.  But I think many of us would agree that just because you are born into a Christian family doesn’t mean that you are necessarily Christian.  Meaning, I think there has to come a time in each of our lives where we consciously believe in faith that Jesus is our Lord and Savior.  We need to own our faith at some point – not just be a “cultural” Christian because that’s what our family and friends are.  I believe at some point in our life we need to enter into relationship with God through his son Jesus through faith.  Let us pray for our friends and family members who are perhaps currently “cultural” Christians.  Let us pray that they will enter into a loving and growing relationship with God through Jesus.  Side note – I was prayed into the Kingdom by some amazing friends!  (thanks Chad & Becky & others!)  It is true.  Prayer for your friends and family is powerful.  Please pray for them tonight…

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Romans titled “Man Opposes; God Disposes” is at this link and “Divine Election is Questioned” is at this link.

Psalms – Today we read Psalm 19, which is one of my favorite Psalms! In large part this Psalm is one of my favorites because one of my former pastors taught from this Psalm 3 a few years ago in such a powerful way. Have you had this type of experience? Where you hear a sermon on a chapter of the Bible and then that chapter becomes one of your favorites? I do hope that this One Year Bible experience will allow you to tune-in a little bit more whenever you hear your pastors or ministers or priests teaching you from the Bible in church. I know this is the case with me. Thanks to reading the Bible each day, I now have better context of what is being taught from the pulpit and it makes going to church a richer experience overall. I also now often catch some Bible verses in the worship songs or hymns we sing as well. And this adds a lot to my worship of God now through music. This year, as you go through the One Year Bible and as you go to church, will you tune-in to the sermons and the songs in church more than ever and look for and appreciate how they tie in to the Bible?

 

Back to Psalm 19 – I do encourage everyone to really read through and meditate on every verse in this Psalm of David and how this Psalm might be speaking to you this week. Please do take a few minutes to go through the Psalm twice if possible and really reflect upon it. You may even want to journal to God some thoughts or ideas or prayers that come to you through reading this Psalm. I find verse 14 in this Psalm to be so powerful – again in large part because one of my former pastors often sang a worship song that simply repeats this verse over and over again – and what a beautiful prayer it is for each of us to repeat over and over again as well: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Are the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart pleasing in God’s sight? Is God your Rock? Is God your Redeemer?

Proverbs – Proverbs 20 verse 1 today reminds me of the need for and success of modern day Alcoholics Anonymous – “Wine produces mockers; liquor leads to brawls. Whoever is led astray by drink cannot be wise.”  I don’t have personal experience with AA, but have heard very good things about it from several friends.  I do love the AA Serenity Prayer – I think this prayer is a great prayer for all of us – “God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, courage to change the things we can, and wisdom to know the difference.”  Amen. 

While I’m on the subject of alcohol, since the Bible brought it up and all :), mind if I go on a bit of a tangent on this subject?  Thanks.  🙂  I would be very interested to hear others views / experiences with alcohol in their lives in the Comments below.  (I know that some of our denominations have very different views on alcohol.)  I’ll share with you here that I struggled with alcohol abuse big time in my teens and early 20’s. Certainly this Proverb was true in my case – wine produced a mocker out of me.  Liquor led to brawls – oftentimes more psychological brawls than physical.  And certainly I don’t think I had the ability to be wise back in the days when I was led astray by excessive drink.  Very frankly, I nearly drank myself to death the night before I graduated college.  Alcohol poisoning / a black out got a hold of me that night.  I’ll spare you all the details, other than to say that after my near-death experience with alcohol, I knew I had a decision to make.  Keep going the way I was going and I would die.  Or go another direction.  I didn’t quite know what that other direction was or would look like, but I knew I had to go in the other direction away from alcohol / the party life.  And thankfully God led me to Him.  It took me 6 years of searching from the night I almost drank myself to death to the night when I accepted Jesus as my Savior, but it was the most important journey to undertake in my life.  (The journey to Jesus is the most important journey in all of our lives…)  So, yes, alcohol can be a dangerous thing, to say the least.  I do know many Christians who do not / never have really struggled with it.  I don’t fault anyone for drinking in moderation.  (These days I don’t drink anymore – gave it up when I became a father.)  I just know that many people reading this blog likely struggle with or know someone who struggles with alcohol.  All I know is that if alcohol is something that you are “allergic” to, stay away from it.  Don’t touch it.  Get into AA if tomorrow if you need to.  (please… do it if you need to…)  Let each of us never forget this Proverb 20:1 – “Wine produces mockers; liquor leads to brawls. Whoever is led astray by drink cannot be wise.”

Worship Video:  As we’re reading Psalm 19 today, I think it’s appropriate to share this “God of Wonders and Agnes Dei” video with Third Day and Caedmon’s Call!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rkv-DFmjxNU

Do you know our God of Wonders? Click here for Mr. Wonderful!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. “ Psalm 19:14 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart today is pleasing in God’s sight.

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:

II Chronicles 14:1-16:15

Warning, warning, warning! This is what I see in the life of Asa, a warning. Asa ruled forty-one years and of those years it seems thirty-four, possibly thirty-five Asa relied, and trusted in God. But then … Why did Asa turn and trust in the treasury of silver and gold that had been acquired because he trusted in God?

A little over 85% of his reign was a good reign. He stopped running a good race after God as he got closer to the finish line. Why did he stop?

May we not follow Asa’s example and give up and give out as we approach the finish line. Take a clue from the Apostle Paul,

For I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for me to depart is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith! Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day — and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on his appearing.
(2Ti 4:6-8 NET)

Romans 9:1-24

O to have the heart for my people as Paul does for his. To grieve over those who are lost. But Paul is grieving for a people who have been given the Truth and rejected it. Giving people a precious gift and having them reject it must break the heart of God. He gave us Jesus Christ, a gift, but many after having known Him, like King Asa reject the free gift of God and turn and rely on our own strength or the strength of our substance, which belongs to God anyway ‘cause He made everything. .

Psalm 19:1-14

Yes Mike this is a sweet Psalm. Verses seven through eight are awesome and give instructions on finding ones’ true identity, for emotional and mental healing, wisdom, completeness and wholeness, insight and what so many people search for but is always elusive, joy. We look for significance in what we can afford, the people we think we know and our jobs and level of education; but David writes that all that can be found in obeying the commands and commandments of the Lord.

Proverbs 20:1

WINE IS a mocker, strong drink a riotous brawler; and whoever errs or reels because of it is not wise.
(Pro 20:1 AMP)

This very interesting Proverb deserves to be looked at in many ways. You can either look at wine and strong drink, in this passage, literarily, figuratively and/or symbolically.

I know a young man, a youth minister who used this Proverb as a foundation scripture for speaking to youth about sex and the “pick-up” lines guys and girls use to get it. He divides those seeking to fulfill their sexual desires into two categories, wine folk and beer or hard alcohol folk. One is cunning and smooth in their approach and the other is in your face and out there being upfront in what they want. To give in based on the type of approach and not on the commands of God is all the same in the end. You find yourself falling down, stinking drunk from the effects of a mind altering and defense lowering individual.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Hank:

2 Chronicles 11:1-13:22 + Romans 8:22-39 + Psalm 18:37-50 + Proverbs 19:27-29
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – In Second Chronicles chapter 11 today we read about Jeroboam appointing his own priests who served at pagan shrines and encouraged idol worship!  Think this was a smart idea…?  This led the Levites to abandon their homes in Israel and head south to Judah.  Just imagine the spiritual vacuum this departure of the Levites left in Judah… maybe this is kind of like the spiritual vacuum that happens in our lives today when we don’t go to church for a while??  🙂  This sin of Jeroboam unfortunately plays itself out over and over in the northern Kingdom until its destruction.  Below is a sad image of Jeroboam leading the Israelites into the sin of worshiping a golden calf:

Today in Second Chronicles chapter 12 we read about Egypt invading Judah.  Why?  Because Rehoboam and all of Israel abandoned God’s Law.  You will notice often in Chronicles the patterns of obedience=blessing and disobedience=punishment.  In chapter 12 we’re going into punishment…  Verse 9 tells us: “So King Shishak of Egypt came to Jerusalem and took away all the treasures of the Temple of the LORD and of the royal palace, including all of Solomon’s gold shields.”  Bible History Online says this about Shishak: “Shishak’s invasion of Judah has been confirmed by archaeologists. Shishak’s own record of his campaign is inscribed on the south wall of the Great Temple of Amon at Karnak. In his campaign he presents 156 cities of Judea to his god Amon.”  Image below is courtesy of Bible History Online and shows “Shishak Smiting His Captives”:

A map with a good overview of the Divided Kingdoms of Israel and Judah at this point in our readings in Second Chronicles is below:

New Testament – Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion has a very interesting Q & A today on Romans 8 verses 24-25: “Now that we are saved, we eagerly look forward to this freedom. For if you already have something, you don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently.” Tyndale’s commentary says:  “In Romans, Paul presents the idea that salvation is past, present, and future.  It is past because we were saved the moment we believed in Jesus Christ as Savior; our new life (eternal life) begins at that moment.  And it is present because we are being saved.  But at the same time, we have not yet fully received all the benefits and blessings of salvation that will be ours when Christ’s new kingdom is completely established.  That’s our future salvation.”   This is pretty amazing to consider that our salvation is past, present and future!  Do you appreciate being saved from your past?  Are you living fully for God in the present?  Are you waiting patiently and confidently for the future?

Today in Romans chapter 8 verses 27 through 29 we read these famous words of Paul’s: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Do you believe that we are more than conquerors through our relationship with Jesus? Does it encourage you to know this? Are you living your life in such a way that truly reflects that you know that you are more than a conqueror? Do you believe that there is absolutely nothing in this world that can separate you from the love of God because of your relationship with Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Romans titled “From Groaning to Glory” is at this link and “Comforting Questions” is at this link.  A great image for Romans 8:28 from today’s readings is below:

Psalms – Today we finish up Psalm 18.  (Psalm 19 tomorrow!  So excited! 🙂  The closing verse 50 of Psalm 18 today is powerful – and I believe can apply to both David and Jesus: “You give great victories to your king; you show unfailing love to your anointed, to David and all his descendants forever.”  Are you a spiritual descendent of David?  Do you believe that God shows you unfailing love?  Do you think that God’s Word, the Bible, shows His unfailing love for you?

Proverbs – I love Proverbs 19 verse 27 today: “If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you have turned your back on knowledge.”  I am afraid that listening seems to be a lost skill in our world oftentimes today.  We have a hard time slowing down enough to actually listen to someone else.  To stop thinking about our own self and to listen to someone else.  And, if this is the case, then how much harder do you suppose it is for us to actually quiet the distractions around us to listen to God?  Have we stopped listening to instruction?  Are we turning our back on knowledge?  Now – I do think the discipline of reading, studying, and meditating on God’s Word, the Bible, is something that helps us get our listening skills back in fine-tuned shape.  I do applaud you for going through the One Year Bible, so that you can listen to God on a daily basis.  But let us be ever vigilant to keep listening to instruction.  Let us not turn our backs on knowledge!

Worship Video:  I think this video and song ties in very well with the transformation we’re reading about – and hopefully experiencing – in the book of Romans.  The great thing about this video is that the artist, Brandon Heath, opens and closes the song with some great comments.  Be forewarned – this video just might make you cry…  Beautiful stuff.  Enjoy Brandon Heath’s “I’m Not Who I Was.”  And as you watch this video and listen to the song, take some time to reflect on how God has changed you over time…  Does this song tell the story of who you are today too?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrGfA6y9fNI

Are you who you were? Click here to become who you were meant to be!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving to God that all things in your life are working for your good, because of your love for Him and because you have been called according to his purpose. Pray that you see the good that is happening in your life, even in challenging circumstances.

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:

II Chronicles 11-13:22

From a glorious state to apostasy, Israel is broken in two, ruled by men who either totally abandoned God after achieving power by God’s hand, or continued their free fall into total sin after being handed a godly legacy. Two nations fathered by One God, how low could you go.

What is so sad about this state is how churches follow this same model today. We have not learned to have unity in diversity. We have failed to take hold of the whole counsel of God, we choose which sacraments, which law, which commands we will keep, calling the things we reject old and obsolete. Church’s with great legacies, churches broken off from organizations, denominations because of practices seem as going against the Word of God have themselves been accused of abandoning God’s flock to pursue personal gain, leaving the Sheep to fend off the wolves on their own.

We see in chapter twelve Rehoboam rehearsing the goodness of God, His statutes, His laws and commands in the ear of his adversary, Jeroboam. Handed victory by God’s grace and His grace alone, Rehbobam quickly abandons God and His commands after his kingdom is secured. The nation is then punished by way of the Egyptians, they repent but like father, like son. The on again off again relationship with God continues with Abijah who we are told only rules for three years (2 Chron 13:1). Ah, but Abijah was a very busy man. He managed to have fourteen wives and twenty-two sons, does not mentioned daughters, which more than likely were not counted. Think this was passed down from his grandfather, Solomon?

Reworked and with modern days church’s as the model in the microcosm how out of place would this story sound, think church split.
Romans 8:26-39

It’s amazing how the Holy Spirit has been designed and sent to us to strengthen us, to pray in our stead when we cannot, to empower us to move out into our calling, yet we say, I say, I can’t do because … Are we just lazy, fearful, lacking knowledge of the Word? What is it? There are probably multitudes of reasons and empty excuses we use to keep from moving out in our calling our purpose. Yet, we are without excuse and despite all our pretext and justifications God still works His purpose in the universe He created.

31 What can we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since God did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else?
(Romans 8:31-32 NLT)

Psalm 18:37-50
Even in this Psalm written by David years before Paul’s letter to the Romans, the equipping for battle, the coming along side to help in time of trouble is known about and written by David as documentation for our learning. God never changes. His works of old are not old but are ever in the continuous NOW of life until the end of days.

I am so thankful and grateful to God that He has not left us to our own devices to try to figure Him out. He has left us the written Word, inscribed upon the hearts of all those who call on His Name. The victory over God’s enemies was secured by Jesus’ death on the cross and now I have been given access to what Jesus had done. Thanks be to God because,
39 You have armed me with strength for the battle;
you have subdued my enemies under my feet.

40 You made them turn and run;
I have destroyed all who hated me.

41 They called for help, but no one came to rescue them.
They cried to the LORD, but he refused to answer them.

42 I ground them as fine as dust carried by the wind.
I swept them into the gutter like dirt.

43 You gave me victory over my accusers.
You appointed me as the ruler over nations;
people I don’t even know now serve me.

Proverbs 19:27-29

27 If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you have turned your back on knowledge.

Jesus accuses the experts of the Mosaic Law of taking away the key of knowledge concerning the Law so the common man, the lay person is not able to understand (Luke 11:52; Matthew 23:13); but here we see our own behavior can stop us from getting knowledge. We don’t lock ourselves out and away from that knowledge, we walk away and turn our back on the knowledge we have access too. This fits in with what Paul states in the first chapter of the Book of Romans (Romans 1:25),

They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served the creation rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
(Rom 1:25 NET.)

Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= John:

Romans 8:26-39

The chapter started with “no condemnation” and ends with “no separation”, and in between “all things God works for the good”. Pretty good stuff!

The Power of the Holy Spirit

Paul transitions from other’s (perhaps creation) high expectations of God’s work, to our expectations of redemption as we groan inwardly, to the Holy Spirit who also groans – but it seems for a different reason.

We have a weakness. As a beginning Christian and even a mature Christian, we do not and will not ever know on this earth how to pray perfectly in the “Will of God”. Whether you forget someone, or you are asking for something that is not in God’s purposes, etc – we don’t pray perfectly.

(Forgetting “tongues” – as that is a peripheral issue.) To me the important thing here is two fold: Holy Spirit is our intercessor in us, the Holy Spirit DOES PRAY in the Perfect Will of God. And why not, The Holy Spirit is God, and is part of the Trinity, and they have been in perfect communication and perfect accord from before time.

It is kind of neat to have God representing us and petitioning for us to God. You know his prayers are answered!
======================================================Our New Purpose

Verse 28) A statement where Paul “knows” and assumes the Roman readers know which is explained in the next verse.

28″And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” NIV

I think we have covered in the past – “in all things God works for the good”. It is done for the good of those who love him. “those who love him” is a wonderful way to describe “believers”.

1Cor2:9
“However, as it is written:
“No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him.” NIV

True Christians love God: their hearts’ desire is to know Him, glorify Him, commune with Him, and obey Him. We don’t obey as completely as we ought, but that’s our desire….Those who are Christians don’t love God as much as they should, but their hearts’ desire is to love and obey Him. How can people who are dead in sin–who hate God–ever be turned around to love God? http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/sg45-65.htm

Those who love Him, who have been called – that is either invited or divinely appointed. Which is it? From vs. 29 it seems to be “divinely appointed” like Paul was to be an apostle.

according to his purpose – ok God had a reason,what was it? ===>
======================================================
29″For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” NIV

foreknew – Gk. “proginosko” 1) to have knowledge before hand 2) to foreknow a) of those whom God elected to salvation 3) to predestinate

predestined – Gk. “proorizo” 1) to predetermine, decide beforehand 2) in the NT of God decreeing from eternity 3) to foreordain, appoint beforehand.

I had some problems with these words in the past. To my knowledge, there is no variations in any Greek transcripts. The words mean what they mean, and those who oppose “election” usually use other verses to defend their position. If I am incorrect in this – please post or email.

As it is – like Ramona, while I may not understand – I accept. God is sovereign, and He can do what He wants.

Some want to call it foresight not “foreknew” but that doesn’t wash if you read Ephesians.

Eph1:4-5
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will

[Holy and blameless is “sanctified”, and we know you cannot be sanctified unless you are justified.]

Back to God’s purpose for the believer: It is to take the “believers” and make them into the same form as Christ – inside and out. Outwardly with a glorified body, inwardly as holy and blameless. The completion of this process will be in heaven. So that Christ may be the pre-eminent among many brothers. Why?

This is just my thoughts: God from before creation is making a love gift to His Son. And in return the Son will use the gift to “glorify” the Father.

Paul then presents a type of math equation of vs. 28-29.

#predestined=#called=#justified=#glorified

None will be lost. Personally, I liken it to a father taking a young child to a big-time football game. 100,000+ people. When the game is over, Father takes son’s hand and they head to exit. The crowd swarms and the father/son are jostled. There is no way the Father is going to let go of his son’s hand.

How much more so with God? When we are in the Father’s hands we will not be separated from Him!
======================================================
No Separation

When God looks at us after “justification” He sees Christ. That is His Word. As co-heirs what would God not do for us?

God protects us, God loves us, will give us all things – if not here than in heaven.

If God justifies, who dares to say He is wrong?

Christ is at his right hand and in God’s eyes we already are there with Him.

Eph 2:6
“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,” NIV

[Note: raised up is in aorist active – completed action done by the subject – God.]

“In 2:6 the believer is conceived as already seated with
Christ. Heaven is the real abode of the citizen of Christ’s
kingdom” http://www.ccel.org/r/robertson_at/wordpictures/htm/EPH1.RWP.html

In addition to all this Holy Spirit and Christ are both interceding for us.

It seems to me that if all the above is true – to think one could lose salvation would not just denigrate God, but the Trinity.

In fact Paul closes saying, ‘No act, No entity, will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus’ – and if it is in Christ Jesus it is in us.

John

====== Peggy: