Bible in a Year Blog

1 Chronicles 5:18-6:81 + Acts 26:1-32 + Psalm 6:1-10 + Proverbs 18:20-21
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ 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 First Chronicles chapter 5 we read about the tribes east of the Jordan River.  This map will give you a good overview of the territory of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh east of the Jordan.  (along with the rest of the tribes)

Today in First Chronicles chapter 6 we read a genealogy of the Levites, the priestly tribe.  I love that the temple musicians were included in the genealogy today!  Check out verse 32: “They ministered with music before the tabernacle.”  Nice touch to include the artists.  Think God likes music? And how true is this – that music ministers to us?  I pray this is true for you.  I know music ministers to me in such a profound way. Particularly Christian and worship music.  Secular music I used to love – and it can still be interesting to listen to.  But the only music these days that truly seems to “minister” to me is Christian music or praise and worship music.  Certainly the music I sing in church every week!  Is music ministering to you these days?

New Testament – Today in Acts 26 verses 24 & 25 we read: “At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.” “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable.””  Have you ever questioned your sanity when thinking about Christianity? 🙂 Don’t worry – I think it is okay if you have. I honestly think that Christianity is the most logical thing of all time – but, I do understand why many in the world may view Christianity as crazy. (or that maybe even we ourselves at times have thought “this is crazy”) The bottom line is this – I believe every human being has faith in something. We may have faith in Jesus. Or we may have faith in a “cosmic being.” Or we may have faith in crystals. Or we may have faith in atheism. (yes, I believe atheism is too a faith – in nothingness – but a faith nonetheless.) Or we may have faith in altruism or government or nature. We all have faith in something. Faith is our human nature. I believe the statistic is that 85%+ of the world’s population believes in something beyond themselves. We are spiritual beings. And if then we are spiritual beings, then I think it is perfectly logical for us to seek out who our Maker truly is. And to seek out whom our Savior truly is. And to seek out what will lead us to Eternal life. I’ve gone through this seeking phase big time in my early life. And I do believe it was the Holy Spirit that led me to Jesus ultimately. And now, once in relationship with Jesus, I believe that Christianity is the most logical faith there is. Do you believe what Paul says to Festus in these verses? Do you believe that Christianity is true and reasonable?  I believe even Spock would find Christianity logical! 🙂

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Acts readings titled “Paul’s Appeal to Aggripa” is at this link.  Below is an image of Paul´s Defense Before Agrippa by C.F. Vos:

Psalms – As I read Psalm 6, it seems very penitential to me – like David was making a confession of sins and praying for forgiveness from God.   As you read through these verses, have you ever felt like this?  I have.  And it ain’t fun.  But, it’s part of the healing process.  I do think we need to allow ourselves to get fully broken before God before we get fully healed.  We can’t mask over or hide from God what’s really going on – we have got to put it all out there on the table before God, for him to be able to truly fix it.   However – there is great encouragement and confidence from David in this Psalm in verse 9: “The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD will answer my prayer.” The Lord will hear your plea!  The Lord will answer your prayer!  Please plea and pray to him if you need to.  He will listen and answer.

Proverbs – I love Proverbs 18 verse 20 today: “Words satisfy the soul as food satisfies the stomach; the right words on a person’s lips bring satisfaction.”  This is so true.  I of course first think of God’s Word, the Bible, in the first part of this Proverb.  God’s Word truly does satisfy, nourish and feed our souls!  And then the 2nd part of this Proverb reminds me of Psalm 19 verse 14: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” How are the words coming out of your mouth these days?  Are they pleasing in God’s sight?

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Tenth Avenue North’s song “Love is Here:”

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

Do you believe Love is Here?  Click here for Love!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping.” Psalm 6:8 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that those who do evil would not be near to you today. Pray that God would save evil-doers. Pray that evil-doers would turn from their sins and repent.

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

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

======= Vance:

I Chronicles 5 (NKJV) – The sons of Reuben, the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh
verse 20
…He [i.e., God] heeded their prayer, because they put their trust in Him.
I Chronicles 5 (NKJV) – The children of the half-tribe of Manasseh
verse 25
And they were unfaithful to the God of their fathers, and played the harlot after the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them.
Acts 26 (NKJV)
15
So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
17
I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you,
18
to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
Psalm 6 (NKJV)
4
Return, O LORD, deliver me! Oh, save me for Your mercies’ sake!
Proverbs 18 (NKJV)
20
A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; from the produce of his lips he shall be filled.
21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
~~~
NOTE:
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been APPROVED, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
[approved]
HEBREW: Dokimos dok’-ee-mos
“In the ancient world there was no banking system as we know it today, and no paper money. All money was made from metal, heated until liquid, poured into moulds and allowed to cool. When the coins were cooled, it was necessary to smooth off the uneven edges.”
“The coins were comparatively soft and of course many people shaved them closely. In one century, more than eighty laws were passed in Athens, to stop the practice of shaving down the coins then in circulation.”
“But some money changers were men of integrity, who would accept no counterfeit money. They were men of honour who put only genuine full weighted money into circulation. Such men were called ‘dokimos’ or ‘approved’.” Donald Barnhouse
SECOND NOTE: The substance within me depends on my response to God in the circumstances of my life [i.e., true substance of solid, real, and eternal faith OR… false substance of undependable, uncertain, and fleeting unbelief]
source: http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/thesaurus?book=Thesaurus&va=solid
Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus
DEFINITION OF SOLID:
1. having a consistency that does not easily yield to pressure
2. not showing weakness or uncertainty
3. worthy of one’s trust
In the spiritual allegory “The Great Divorce”, C.S. Lewis uses the phrase the “grey town” as a depiction of hell which is depicted as a grim and joyless City and the people in hell are ghosts.
A.
Heaven and righteousness as gift from heaven are always solid and trustworthy.
B.
Hell and unrighteousness as sent from hell are always unstable and untrustworthy.
Heaven is very real, and so is hell.
What is in heaven and hell will last for eternity—true substance of life in heaven arising out of God’s love as root for our eternal love for Him,
or
“losing our soul” in hell which means eternal separation from God with our beings under eternal judgment.
We can become completely trustworthy (we can trust the Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit) or we can become untrustworthy by trusting in that which is not trustworthy.
It is my choice, my response to reality now in this present moment on earth, that determines who I will become and where I will spend eternity. God gives me freedom to choose. He does not determine our choices.
Yet, He will speak to each of us individually in many ways through every means possible the reality of the choice between life and death—and He is speaking to us now in this moment to choose life.
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
James 2:11
Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
Vance

======== Judie:

I love listening to music. Thank goodness my choice of what I listen to has changed. When I sing along to some of the songs I listened to growing up, I think, wait a minute, what are they singing about here! From the time I was a small child, I have loved the old hymns played by the church organ. Thank goodness every Sunday morning, God would pull me back to him with the beautiful songs created by Christian people.
When our small church first started to include praise songs in our worship as a way of connecting to the younger generation, some of us older folks kind of raised our eyebrows and were not sure about this kind of music. It was louder and more repetitive. Some of the songs seemed to go on forever and ever. However, over the years, the more I listed to and sang these songs, I realized I was praising and praying to the Lord in a more emotional and active way. I love the song SOUL ON FIRE by Third Day.
Let’s all have our souls on fire for the Lord today!
Judie

======== Ward:

In your comment about Psalm 6, I’m regretful that it took me 60+ years to accept and trust that God KNEW the totality of my life even before I was born. This understanding comes with amazing freedom. When I mess up before God, it is no surprise to him and he loved/loves me anyway! The freedom is that I can live honestly and humbly before God, that he is ever guiding me through my falls and my victories to be what he wants me to be!
Ward

1 Chronicles 4:5-5:17 + Acts 25:1-27 + Psalm 5:1-12 + Proverbs 18:19
~ 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 1 Chronicles 4 verses 9 & 10 we will read 2 verses that modern-day author Bruce Wilkinson wrote a best selling book upon called “The Prayer of Jabez: “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.” I’ll start off with a pretty high level question for you here – Why do you pray? How do you pray? What should we pray? Does God want us to pray? Did Jesus pray? Should we model Jesus in praying? I guess I’m coming to think more and more that we of course should pray. Often. Every chance we get really. “Pray without ceasing” ideally. But I’m starting to believe that we pray primarily to discern God’s will and God’s heart – to hear God’s still small voice – rather than to ask for stuff. I mean, I think it is certainly okay for us to ask for stuff on occasion – if it is within God’s will and plan for our lives. But I don’t think we should pray to God as if he was some cosmic slot machine, and that the more we pray, the more blessings & stuff we will get. I think we should be cautious to not view prayer as a “magical” thing that will produce “magical” results in our life. I believe we pray to know the heart of God. I believe we pray for intercession for others. I believe we do pray sometimes to ask for blessings within God’s will and plans for our lives – and I stress “we” and “our” here, as a collective community of the body of Christ. Why do you pray? Do you pray to “listen” to God? Do you pray to intercede on the behalf of others in need?

New Testament – We see continued incredible wisdom displayed by Paul in today’s readings!  His appeal to Caesar may look like on first glance he was trying to save his life.  Many commentators believe that Paul was actually doing this strategically to get to Rome so he could preach the Gospel in Rome!  Yes, he’d be arriving in Rome as a prisoner, but, if we know Paul at all, we know that being a prisoner will not stop him from preaching the Gospel!  I love this whole scenario.  Paul certainly seems a bit “down and out” on the ways things are going in his life.  He’s been imprisoned for two years, he is barely avoiding being killed or beaten, and yet he’s continuing to think of every way to preach the Gospel and advance the Kingdom of God!  I wonder about this in our lives today?  Are we like Paul in this regard?  Are we constantly thinking of ways to preach the Gospel and advance the kingdom?  My hunch is that most of us are living very nice lives – no real threat of being killed or imprisoned.  And I sometimes wonder if our comfort is maybe the real enemy?  Are we not focused on preaching the Gospel or advancing the Kingdom of God because we are simply too comfortable?  I do think one of the devil’s greatest tricks is to simply distract us.  Not to get us to do evil.  But to distract us.  Make us too comfortable perhaps?  I don’t know…  I’m just so impressed with how Paul was so focused on the Gospel and building the Kingdom, in the midst of all his challenges.  And I worry about why we are not so focused – and I think it might be our comfortable distractions…

Below is a great image of Festus’ conversation with King Agrippa about Paul’s case from verses 21 & 22: “^“But Paul appealed to the emperor. So I ordered him back to jail until I could arrange to send him to Caesar.” “I’d like to hear the man myself,” Agrippa said. And Festus replied, “You shall–tomorrow!”

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

Psalms – I love Psalm 5 verse 3: “Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.”  This is a great reminder to pray in the mornings – before we start the hustle and bustle of the day.  I know that many of you are reading the One Year Bible readings in the morning, which I think is a great way to start your day!  I do see a huge positive difference in my day if I do pray to God in the morning and pray specifically about the upcoming day – and pray for others that I will interact with that day as well.  Praise God for the morning!

Actually, while I’m talking about the morning here, let me go off on a tangent if you don’t mind… 🙂  I honestly have lived much of my life as a “night owl.”  I went to bed late and woke up late.  And I had all kinds of good “reasons” of why I was a night owl.  But, I will be honest here – I don’t think being a night owl was good for me.  I honestly believe there is so much wisdom in the old adage of “early to bed, early to rise, helps make a person healthy, wealthy and wise.”  I personally think that being a night owl was a lack of discipline on my part.  I don’t mean to say all this to make you other night owls out there feel guilty…  🙂  But, I do want to encourage you, in that if you think you are stuck being a night owl the rest of your life, I don’t think it is true.  I believe you can make the transition to being a morning person.  I am an example of someone who has transitioned from being a late-night person to an early-to-bed person.  (well, yes, I’m still a bit in the transition phase sometimes it seems…)  And I am here to tell you, mornings rock!  Early mornings are so beautiful and peaceful!  They really are an amazing time of the day to connect with God…   Praise God for the morning!

Proverbs – Proverbs 18 verse 19 is very timely in my life… “It’s harder to make amends with an offended friend than to capture a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with iron bars.” Recently I received a voicemail from a friend that made me so angry when I listened to it!  And I thought to myself, “that is absolutely no way to talk to me.  I’m gonna call him back right now and set him straight on this!”  And then after settling down a bit, I decided this voicemail was not worth the argument.  I had every apparent “right” to take up an argument because of tone of the voicemail, but something inside of me (thanks God!) encouraged me not to do so.  And I ended up calling this friend back later and didn’t address the voicemail tone, and things have been great ever since.  Did I do the right thing?  Should I have called him out on the voicemail tone?  Should I have started up an argument?  For some reason I didn’t.  And this Proverb seems to make me think I did the right thing.  If I had taken up the argument about the voicemail, I just might have been clicking a “lock” that would have separated us for a season… Have you ever had an experience like this where you didn’t allow your anger or frustration with a friend flare up in order to protect the friendship? Is this wise to do? Is there a time to allow the anger or frustration to not be held back?

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the song “Mighty to Save” sung here by Michael W. Smith:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYZQ6KN13jU

Do you believe our God is mighty to save?  Click here for Might!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. “ Psalm 5:3 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray to God each day in the morning for your day ahead. Share your requests with God and wait expectantly, trusting that God hears your voice.

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:

Cosmic slot machine…that was good! I think that prayer doesn’t have to always be a request. Sometimes I simply have a conversation with God about a fear, an event, or a person that I love…always makes me feel better. I can also relate to the Proverbs reading today and I am very glad I did not “lock out” the friendship with harsh words or actions. Wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. God bless!

Colleen

======= Dee:

Mike, Thanks for your hard work and dedication in writing the daily blogs. I’ve been trying to catch up with my daily readings. Something in your July 7th comments popped out to me. In your blog, “I just think we should be cautious to not view prayer as a “magical” thing that will produce “magical” results in our life.” My father was diagnosed with premature cell leukemia 5 years ago. At the time of diagnosis, his prognosis was recovery was below 50%. Our minister at the time had all the family join hands in a circle around dad’s hospital bed. At the same time, our minister got down on his knees, prayed the most powerful, “magical” prayer we’ve ever witnessed. We believe beyond all doubt that the prayer offered to God that day was the beginning of my father’s healing. I very, very much believe that if a prayer is lifted up to God in faith, believing in His power and might, that wonderful “magical” things can happen. Dad is in full remission to this day. As the old beautiful song says, “Prayer is the key to heaven, but faith unlocks the door.” That is very “magical” to me.
I believe we cannot limit the power of God. We have to pray for God’s will, but there have been numerous times in the Bible when His people have prayed for God to “change His mind”, and God answered them by doing so.
Thanks for your diligence in providing us with insightful comments.
Keep the faith!
Dee

===== Roslyn:

======= Vance:

I Chronicles 5 (NKJV)
1
Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel—he was indeed the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph, the son of Israel, so that the genealogy is not listed according to the birthright;
2
yet Judah prevailed over his brothers, and from him came a ruler, although the birthright was Joseph’s—
NOTE:
The life of Reuben is an very interesting—and very tragic—illustration of what the “mind of the sinful nature (flesh) can do. He lost his birthright.
What is birthright? Note this answer from The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
“Birthright is the right which naturally belonged to the firstborn son. Where there were more wives than one, the firstborn was the son who in point of time was born before the others, apparently whether his mother was a wife or a concubine.”
In the OT, some men had many wives. The firstborn was the first male born, whether from concubine or wife.
What were the benefits from being the first male born (the birthright)? Again, from The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
a. “The birthright of the firstborn consisted in the first place of a double portion of what his father had to leave. This probably means that he had a double share of such property as could be divided.”
b. “The firstborn became head of the family and thus succeeded to the charge of the family property, becoming responsible for the maintenance of the younger sons, the widow or widows, and the unmarried daughters.”
c. “He also, as head, succeeded to a considerable amount of authority over the other members.”
d. “Further, he generally received the blessing, which placed him in close and favored covenant-relationship with Yahweh.”
The oldest son had:
1. double portion of property
2. became head of family after father died
3. assumed authority to rule over the family after father died
4. received spiritual blessing of close and favored covenant relationship with the Father God- Yahweh.
Finally, note this from The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
“According to the accounts which have come down to us, all these gifts and privileges could be diverted from the firstborn son.” This could happen through sin—as in the case of Reuben as well as Esau.
THIS IS IMPORTANT: If there was firstborn with a birthright, the family had no access to God’s authority, blessing, and protection on earth. The firstborn with the birthright were essential for the entire family.
Joseph is a picture of assuming the spiritual birthright because of his obedience to his father. Yet, because he was sold in slavery, he could not perform his role of spiritual birthright—exercising physical authority as protector—over his family until he saw them in Egypt as co-ruler of Egypt.
Judah also obeyed. Because he was with the rest of the family, his spiritual obedience and faith enabled him to assume the regular practice of the authority and the blessing of the birthright over Jacob’s family.
FIRSTBORN IN NEW TESTAMENT
The concepts of “firstborn” and “birthright” find their greatest and fulfilment in the NT in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Consider these verses:
Romans 8 (Amplified)
29
For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.
Colossians 1 (Amplified)
15
[Now] He is the exact likeness of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible]; He is the Firstborn of all creation.
18
He also is the Head of [His] body, the church; seeing He is the Beginning, the Firstborn from among the dead, so that He alone in everything and in every respect might occupy the chief place [stand first and be preeminent].
Hebrews 12 (Amplified)
22
But rather, you have come to Mount Zion, even to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless multitudes of angels in festal gathering,
23
And to the church (assembly) of the Firstborn who are registered [as citizens] in heaven, and to the God Who is Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous (the redeemed in heaven) who have been made perfect,
James 1 (Amplified)
18
And it was of His own [free] will that He gave us birth [as sons] by [His] Word of Truth, so that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures [a sample of what He created to be consecrated to Himself].
Finally, I really like this verse in Romans which is excellent to meditate on.
Remember the physical children of Israel: Their access to all of the rights, protection, and authority of their father after he passed only came through the firstborn with the birthright.
We have access to all of what our Father in heaven has—only through Jesus, the Firstborn:
Romans 8 (Amplified)
16
The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God.
17
And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory.
NOTE that through the amazing grace of Christ, He has made us FELLOW HEIRS WITH CHRIST because Christ has graciously SHARED HIS INHERITANCE WITH US.
But this will only happen if we allow true repentance to break into our hearts so we can enter into the full spiritual inheritance that Jesus has already secured for us.
We share Christ’s authority over sin and Satan. We exercise our spiritual authority through prayer in submission to the Lord
Vance

1 Chronicles 2:18-4:4 + Acts 24:1-27 + Psalm 4:1-8 + Proverbs 18:16-18
~ 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 – Okay, so how are the genealogies treating you today?  No skimming!  🙂  Chronicles chapter 2 verse 20 today mentions a man that you might easily overlook at a quick read: “Hur was the father of Uri. Uri was the father of Bezalel.”  Bezalel is the master craftsman who supervised the building of the tabernacle in Exodus 31:1-5.  Bezalel is only mentioned here in Chronicles and in Exodus, but it is believed that the Chronicler is attempting in this genealogy to show Bezalel as a model for Solomon in the building of the temple.  Just a little Bible minutiae here for you.  It is fun to look for minutiae like this when reading through the genealogies!  Below is an amazing painting by Pat Marvenko Smith of Bezalel’s handiwork with the tabernacle:

Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
To order prints visit her “Revelation Illustrated” site.

New Testament – Today we read about Paul before the Roman Governor Felix.  I love this image below of Paul expertly laying out his case!

(image courtesty of https://www.lamp.ac.uk/hogarth/81to100.htm)

The close of today’s readings are interesting.  It seems to me that Felix has a double-edged reason for keeping Paul in prison for two years.  1.  Felix enjoys talking to Paul!  Why do you suppose this is?  Do you suppose Felix was hearing the Truth from Paul?  I’m sure that he was…   2. Verse 27 tells us: “And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish leaders, he left Paul in prison.”  So, Felix gets to hear the Truth from Paul and hopefully keep his job by appeasing the Jewish leaders.  Sounds reasonable, right?  However… it is interesting to see that he is balancing the Truth with the World.  How often in our lives do we try to balance the Truth with the World?  I am afraid this is a tough balance to keep…  Remember always that we are to be “in the world, but not of it.”  Don’t let the World outweigh the Truth in your life…

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Acts readings titled “Paul Stands Before Felix: The Preacher and the Politician” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 4 is a wonderful Davidic Psalm.  Verse 7 stood out to me today: “You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and wine.”  Do you believe that God’s Spirit can give you greater joy than any amount of money or material goods or even human love can give?  Will you seek a deeper relationship with God this year and ask God for this holy joy?

Proverbs – Proverbs 18 verse 17 is so important for us to remember: “Any story sounds true until someone sets the record straight.” I think so often we forget that there are indeed two sides to every story.  And oftentimes we’ll believe what we hear about a situation or person based on the very first story we hear.  When, we really need to make sure we have the straight story.  Keep this in mind in particular if you ever hear something about someone else.  This would be gossip – which hopefully you aren’t partaking in.  But, nonetheless, I am sure there will be times when you do indeed have gossip delivered to you by someone else.  Don’t believe that gossip story at face value.  That person very likely does not have the story straight…  And most important – please don’t be the one passing forward gossip – you may very well be passing forward a false story – which is a lie! Have you ever believed a story that sounded true, but then later turned out to be false? How do you discern true stories from false?

Worship Video:  Today’s Psalm reminded me of Peter Furler’s fantastic song “Reach:”

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

Do you know that God is reaching for you? Click here and allow Him to reach you!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.” Psalm 4:3 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving that God hears when you call to Him! Through a saving relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior!

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

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

I Chronicles 2:18-4:4
“It is fun to look for minutiae like this when reading through the genealogies!.”

Mike I’m not so sure minutiae, (small or trivial details) is the right word, maybe hunting down little details that lead to greater revelation should be called “Gold.”

I became fascinated with the genealogy of Caleb, specifically the descendants of his son Hur, at the end of the second chapter (50-55). Not only was Bezalel’s work the model for Solomon’s Temple, but the descendents of Shobal another of Hur’s sons populated the cities of Zorah and Eshtaol, which play a major role in the story of Sampson and the tribe of Dan (Judges 13-18). Also Caleb’s descendents, members of the tribe of Judah populated the little town of Bethlehem, which translates into The House of Bread in Hebrew, the birth place of Jesus. (4:4)

Caleb means dog in Hebrew and for me it is uplifting and encouraging that a man with a name of an animal that is considered lower than low in Judaism is used by God not only as a great warrior in conquering the Promise Land, but to point and prepare the way to and for our soon coming King, Jesus. Even the “Dog’s” of society have hope in God.

Acts 24:1-27

What struck me in this reading is how the theme of false accusations runs through the readings for Acts, with Paul’s situation, and through Psalm and Proverbs.

We try to make lies truth by gathering up a posse of people to agree with us, the greater the departure from the truth the bigger the posse and the louder the voices. Paul has the high priest, Jewish leaders and their lawyer, upstanding members of the community forming an alliance to conquer truth by volume and numbers cannot overcome the light of truth no matter how big the mob.

Felix the governor, knowing the truth, is willing to suppress and corrupt the truth because he is looking for a bribe. I don’t know how much of what Paul observed in human behavior contributed to his Letter to the Romans stating,

18 But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who push the truth away from themselves. 19 For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. 20 From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.

Obviously, Paul knew something about the subversion of truth in his travels and his imprisonment.

Psalm 4:1-8
David also is battling false accusation in this Psalm. Verse two states,

How long will you people ruin my reputation?
How long will you make these groundless accusations?
How long will you pursue lies?

Gossip, falsehoods, rumors and innuendoes have been around since the fall in the garden, but no matter how long we know people have been “bad-mouthing” others, it still hurts when we are the brunt of the attack. And truth be known we have all been on the “giving” end of passing along false information, as well as the receiving.

Proverbs 18:16-18

So, because I realize that I have been receiving as well as giving false words, the three Proverbs in today’s reading take on a whole new meaning, a very personal one that I need to heed.

A gift, a bribe can cause people to turn their heads away from truth, like Felix was hoping Paul would do, subverting truth. Setting the record straight, after the first story is released, may be stonewalled and blocked, thus allowing the first story to circulate freely and unhindered for a while truth is blocked. A lie is halfway ‘round the world before truth gets out of bed. Casting lots and throwing dice may be the least confrontational method in settling disputes, but again truth is not the primary concern when one bases a decision or choice on the throw of a die.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

====== Pat:

The verse that really stands out to me today is Psalm 4:4 “In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.” I think anger can bring out characteristics in each of us that are totally against our Christian nature. It makes us do, think and say things that we would not otherwise. I love the advice to lay in our bed and search our hearts and be silent. How much easier and nicer life would be if all of us would pray and sleep on it before exploding in anger or allowing the anger to grow and eat us up on the inside. Pat

Pat

====== Anka:

Felix hoped Paul would bribe him…he stayed to listen to what was convenient but when it came to righteousness,self control and judgement to come he sent Paul away….When I started out as a christian,I heard so many”come to God so He’ll sort out your problems”sermons that I actually believed that was what being a christian was all about…How many people today start out believing God’s some genie you can order about,bribe(by sowing seeds)put into a tight corner by fasting and declaring His word till it comes to pass….I pray we all become followers of Christ(starting with me)because Christ didn’t have rose petals on road or chariots taking him places..My prayer today is that this reality really sinks into my heart….
God bless you all
Anka

====== Rosemary:

======= Vance:

Acts 24 (NKJV)
24
And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25
Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.”
26
Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him.
NOTE:
I admire Paul’s boldness. It is obvious he is a man who has already died to the fear of death, for as he faces physical death he is very bold with Felix who was one of the rulers of Rome.
Truly, Paul lived what he preached: “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Psalm 4 (NKJV)
2
How long, O you sons of men, will you turn my glory to shame? How long will you love worthlessness and seek falsehood? Selah
3
But know that the LORD has set apart [made wonderful] for Himself him who is godly; the LORD will hear when I call to Him.
4
Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah
5
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
NOTE:
I was reading some of the earlier notes that were written to me in response to some of my comments about “The Da Vinci Code” and the concept of the “divine feminine”.
I would like to ask forgiveness if —in any way—I gave the impression that I believe in or revere or honor “gods” and “goddesses” or the “divine feminine”.
Anyone —in any time in history or any place on the earth— who believes in any form of dualism or in “becoming god” through the “sacred feminine” has already exchanged the truth of God for a lie.
Those people are living examples of the people in Psalm 4:3: “HOW LONG, O YOU SONS OF MEN, WILL YOU TURN MY GLORY TO SHAME? HOW LONG WILL YOU LOVE WORTHLESSNESS AND SEEK FALSEHOOD? Selah”
At the time of my original comments against dualism and Baalism, we were reading through passages in the Scripture that were dealing with the sin of the people of Israel worshiping the evil Baalism (which is a form of dualism—with the “male” god Baal and the “female” goddess Chemosh).
Any quotes I had in my comment about becoming like “a god” through the “sacred feminine” were simply quotes directly from
“The Da Vinci Code” or from other sources explaining
“The Da Vinci Code”.
In contrast to the evil of dualism and Baalism,
may we seek the Lord with all of our hearts with God’s truth that we understand—so we can live in obedience to that.
Again, any confusion I may have caused – please forgive me.
May we allow God to glorify Himself through us. As He is glorified in us, then we are made complete and wonderful as we worship the true Lord Jesus Christ, as can be seen in Psalm 4:3 (NKJV) below:
“But know that the LORD has set apart [made wonderful] for Himself him who is godly; the LORD will hear when I call to Him.”
Vance

1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17 + Acts 23:11-35 + Psalm 3:1-8 + Proverbs 18:14-15
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today we begin the book of First Chronicles!   Let’s Go!

~First Chronicles~
Author: Unknown
Date: Fifth century B.C.
Content: First and Second Chronicles form one book in the Hebrew Bible and are written from a priest’s point of view. In this way they supplement the Book of Kings, which were written from a prophet’s point of view. First Chronicles begins with a series of genealogies that record the family histories of David the king and the descendants of Levi the priest. This is followed by the death of Saul and the reign of David, with special emphasis being placed upon the religious affairs of the nation. It closes with Solomon’s being made king.
Theme: Because First Chronicles was written from a priestly point of view, many details about Judah’s religion are given to supplement the history found in the Book of Kings. The stress is upon the supreme importance of worshiping God and the positive effect that has upon the life of a nation. God blesses those nations that trust in him. The mention of so many unfamiliar names, while seemingly irrelevant, actually shows that God forgets no one. Those who go to their graves unknown by men are personally remembered by God. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 7)  More commentary on First Chronicles is at this link.

(image courtesy of IronOrchid Photo Clipart)

Bible Project: Here is a terrific video overview of 1st Chronicles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR7xaHv3Ias

Today in First Chronicles chapter 1 we begin a genealogy that will take us through to chapter 9.  I know you may have the temptation to skim or skip these genealogy readings, but I encourage you to read them!  They are fascinating if you really take the time to read through them.  You will notice, for example, that most of today’s genealogies come from the book of Genesis.  The author of Chronicles is essentially writing this genealogy for the nation of Israel, after their return from Babylonian exile.  The Chronicler is taking the nation of Israel back to Adam – to very creation! – to demonstrate God’s care for the Israelites since the creation of humankind.  You will also notice in today’s genealogies that the Chronicler is paying special attention to the tribe of Judah from whence King David will come.  This genealogy from Abraham to Judah to David ultimately leads to Jesus, as we can read in the 1st chapter of the Gospel of Matthew.  Are you enjoying reading genealogies in the Bible? Why or why not? The genealogy in Matthew is sometimes illustrated by a “Jesse Tree” showing the lineage of Jesus from Jesse, father of King David:

New Testament – Our readings in Acts today open up with a very encouraging word to Paul from Jesus in verse 11 – “That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have told the people about me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome.””  That is awesome that this occurred in the midst of all of Paul’s trials and imprisonment.  Jesus was there with him.  How about in our lives today – think Jesus is always with us?   Is there any circumstance you can find yourself in that Jesus won’t be there?  Is there anywhere on this earth you can go where Jesus won’t be there?

An interesting note on verses 12 & 13 in today’s readings – “The next morning a group of Jews got together and bound themselves with an oath to neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. There were more than forty of them.”  It is believed by some scholars that these 40 men may have been part of the Zealots – the group that later led the revolt against Rome in A.D. 66-70.

Paul is taken to Governor Felix at the end of today’s readings in Acts.  Felix is in the same position that Pontius Pilate was.  I find it kind of interesting that both Jesus and Paul were brought before the same-positioned Roman ruler.  It reminds me of Jesus’ words in John 15 verse 20 to his disciples – “Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” If Jesus was brought before a Roman governor, it’s no surprise that Paul was too.  I think you and I should remember Jesus’ words in the Gospel of John as well.  I know oftentimes we don’t seem persecuted at all – maybe most of the time really.  But, I think we need to remember, it can happen.  If we are truly living our faith and truly following Jesus, persecution will come in some form or another.  No servant is greater than his master… Have you ever been persecuted for your faith? Are you willing to be persecuted for your faith?

Psalms – Psalm 3 is a wonderful Psalm of David’s, when he was fleeing his own son Absalom – details of which we read about earlier this year.  Verse 5 stood out to me today: “I lay down and slept. I woke up in safety, for the LORD was watching over me.”  God watches over us as we sleep!  I like that a lot!  I hope this verse comforts you as you sleep tonight! Have you ever seen any correlation in how well (or not well) you sleep and where you are spiritually with the LORD?

Proverbs – Today in Proverbs 18 verse 15 we read – “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.” Are you acquiring knowledge in your life today? Are you actively seeking out knowledge in your life through a “quiet time” with the Bible every day? Why would you want to acquire knowledge? Do you realize that acquiring knowledge may compel you to change many of your current behavior patterns? Are you prepared to change? Do you believe that reading, studying, and reflecting upon the Bible will bring you godly knowledge? Will you then allow your life and behavior and heart to be transformed by this godly knowledge?

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the terrific CeCe Winans song, “Believe For It:”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd24fpsF1Qw

Do you believe God? Click here to Believe in Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. “ Psalm 3:5 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will sleep deeply tonight, knowing that the LORD is sustaining you while you sleep. Pray for great rest and sleep in your life, resting in your saving relationship with Jesus.

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

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

======= Vance:

Geneologies – GOD’S FAITHFULNESS SEEN IN “HUMAN SKIN”.
We are “living epistles (letters)” and “living stones”. What kind of message are we giving to those around us?
We can always draw encouragement from those who have gone before. To me, the Scriptures are like God’s love letter, and God’s personal diary of “faithfulness in human skin” for us to always read.
2 Corinthians 3 (NKJV)
2
You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men;
3
clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.
Hebrews 12 (NKJV)
1
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Psalm 3 (NKJV)
6
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.
7
Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone;
You have broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8
Salvation belongs to the LORD. Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah
(NIV)
8
From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. Selah
I like Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible
“See what God is to his people, what he will be, what they have found him, what David found in him.
1. Safety; a shield for me; which denotes the advantage of that protection.
2. Honour; those whom God owns for his, have true honour put upon them.
3. Joy and deliverance.
If, in the worst of times, God’s people can lift up their heads with joy, knowing that all shall work for good to them, they will own God as giving them both cause and hearts to rejoice. (Ps 3:4-8)”
Note the relationship between Psalm 3:8 in NKJV and also in NIV.
a. God’s blessing in chapter 3 (safety, honor, joy, deliverance) is upon God’s people.
b. God’s people must receive God’s blessings.
FAITH GRABS GOD’S PROMISES LIKE A FEROCIOUS DOG, and will not let go. When Jesus was on earth, He spoke of the need to believe and receive, as does the rest of God’s Word.
Mark 11:24 (NKJV)
24
Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
Philippians 3 (NKJV)
12
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
13
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
15
Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.
God bless you.
Vance

2 Kings 23:31-25:30 + Acts 22:17-23:10 + Psalm 2:1-12 + Proverbs 18:13
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today we finish up the book of Second Kings!  First Chronicles begins tomorrow!  It is an incredibly sad day of readings in 2 Kings today… literally, it’s the end of the Kings.  We finish up the day’s readings with a “governor” of Judah – who was quickly assassinated – and the former King of Judah living in exile in Babylon.  Yes, Babylon has taken the stage.  Babylon, which we will read much more about in the book of Daniel and some of the books of the prophets later this year. This map below shows the scope of the Babylonian Empire in the late 7th through early 6th centuries B.C.:

In today’s readings we are introduced to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.  The readings move at a fast pace in 2 Kings 24 & 25.  However, later this year in the Bible we’ll get many more details leading up to the fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile.  Very sad readings today in 2 Kings 25 verse 9 when the Temple of the Lord is burned in Jerusalem by Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, and the Babylonian army!

So, why did the exile happen?  Judah’s exile from the Promised Land was the most dire of the covenant curses for disobedience from Leviticus 26:14-39 (see verse 33 in particular) and Deuteronomy 28:15-68 (see verse 36 in particular).  Below is an image of the blind and chained Zedekiah being deported to Babylon in today’s readings from a 14th century French Bible:

The book of Second Kings closes out today with hope for Israel’s royal line to continue through King Jehoiachin, who is exiled in Babylon.  With God there is always hope!  More to come on the fall, exile, and restoration of Israel in our readings later this year.  What stood out to you in reading Second Kings this year? Did it make sense to you that the exile happened by the end of the book? Do you think the exile was just and fair, considering the circumstances? Below is an image courtesy of lavistachurchofchrist.org of 2 Kings 25:27: “In the thirty-seventh year of King Jehoiachin’s exile in Babylon, Evil-merodach ascended to the Babylonian throne. He was kind to Jehoiachin and released him from prison on April 2 of that year.”

New Testament – Today at the end of Acts 22 Paul threw out this incendiary statement that shocked the crowd:  “”But the Lord said to me, `Leave Jerusalem, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles!'”  This reminds me that the Gospel today still shocks people.  The Gospel is still moving forward in our world to people that we sometimes may not think “deserve” it, like this crowd didn’t think the Gentiles deserved relationship with “their” God of Israel.  God is bigger than we think He is.  God is pursuing the whole world.  Let us pray he continues to shock crowds like he did in Acts 22…  It’s so interesting – looking at this image below of Paul’s presence and words creating chaos in a crowd and the Roman guards being there in the midst.  This is so reminiscent of Jesus’ final day in Jerusalem before he walked up the hill to Golgotha.  Think Paul was emulating his Savior?  How about you?  Are you emulating your Savior?  Or are you playing it safe?

We can see Paul’s wisdom at work in today’s Acts readings!  First he shares at the appropriate time that he is a Roman citizen – by birth – which means he cannot be punished until proven guilty.

Then, before the High Council he wisely throws out in Acts 23 verse 6 – “”Brothers, I am a Pharisee, as were all my ancestors! And I am on trial because my hope is in the resurrection of the dead!”  This instantly divides the Pharisees and Sadducees at the council – and allows things to get heated enough that the soldiers take Paul out of the council for his safety.  Bible.org’s fantastic look at “Paul’s Trial before the Sanhedrin” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 2 today is a prophetic and Messianic Psalm!  This Psalm is frequently quoted in the New Testament in reference to Jesus as God’s Anointed and the great son of King David.  The word “Messiah” comes from the Hebrew word for “anointed one.”  And the word “Christ” comes from the Greek word for “anointed one.”  (as we read Anointed One in verse 2 of this Psalm today)

Verses 11 & 12 in this Psalm are encouraging and also a strong warning for us at the same time: “Serve the LORD with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling.  Submit to God’s royal son, or he will become angry, and you will be destroyed in the midst of your pursuits–for his anger can flare up in an instant. But what joy for all who find protection in him!”  I think the closing sentence should be a huge encouragement to us.  If we are seeking to love God and Jesus and other people with all of our hearts, mind, strength and souls – God knows it.  And he will provide eternal protection for us.  Yes, there will be suffering in this life – but joy can be found in knowing that we will have an eternity to spend with God and his royal son! How are you serving the LORD with reverent fear? Do you find joy and protection in Jesus?

Proverbs – Proverbs 18 verse 13 today teaches us: “What a shame, what folly, to give advice before listening to the facts!”  This is a great reminder to actually listen to people instead of immediately espousing our own wise advice!  🙂  Listening…  it sometimes seems to be a lost human skill these days…   Are you listening?  Who are you listening to?  Are you listening to God?  Are you listening with love to others in your life?

Worship Video: Today’s Psalm reminds me of the song “I’ve Always Loved You” by Third Day:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nYmMlrbCL8

Do you know One who has always loved you? Click here for Love!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame. “ Proverbs 18:13 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you listen to others more than you speak. Pray that you listen deeply when talking to others, before giving your advice.

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! : )

======= Roslyn:

======= Stacey:

Roslyn, I also struggle with the same question.
I know I need to learn to listen before speaking. I am working on this. I doing if really hard with certain people.
Thank you Mike, for doing this for us. If keeps me in Scripture daily. Happy Fourth!
Stacey

2 Kings 22:3-23:30 + Acts 21:37-22:16 + Psalm 1:1-6 + Proverbs 18:11-12
~ 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 – Wow… I thought today’s readings in Second Kings are some of the best readings we’ve had in a while!  King Josiah cleaned up house for God!  He went to town on all the idols, pagan altars and high places.  Unfortunately, as we’ll see in tomorrow’s readings, the southern kingdom of Judah is about to meet a similar fate as the northern kingdom of Israel did in recent days readings.  But King Josiah goes down with a fight for the Lord in today’s readings!  I wonder about this in our lives today – are we willing to fight for the Lord and his values in the way that Josiah did today?  Or, perhaps “fight” isn’t quite the right word, as Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek….  but, then, considering this, should we simply be meek and mild and not fight for things of the Lord?  I don’t think Jesus modeled this entirely either.  Jesus turned over some tables in the Temple and turned over some ideas about God during His life…  What can we learn about a zeal for God from Josiah and Jesus’ lives? Please post up your thoughts in the Comments section below.  Below is an image of King Josiah and his men destroying a pagan altar from today’s readings:

2 Kings 22 verse 8 reminds me of the old adage – “Dusty Bibles lead to dirty lives…”  🙂 – “Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the court secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the LORD’s Temple!” Then Hilkiah gave the scroll to Shaphan, and he read it.”  That is amazing to think about – that finding the Book of the Law in the Lord’s Temple was a big find!  Most commentaries suggest that the scroll was either the entire Pentateuch (Genesis-Deuteronomy) or possibly just Deuteronomy. Imagine if you will that the Bible was “forgotten” about for generations and then finally discovered today!

King Josiah’s words in verse 13 are wonderful repentful words – “Go to the Temple and speak to the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah. Ask him about the words written in this scroll that has been found. The LORD’s anger is burning against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words in this scroll. We have not been doing what this scroll says we must do.”  Have you ever had ah-ha experiences like this in your life?  Where you realize finally what God wants you to do – and you realize that you have not been doing it?  Well, fortunately God is a God that Psalm 145 verse 8 tells us, “is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.”  There is room for repentance with God!  When you have these ah-ha moments like King Josiah did, will you turn in repentance and humble yourself before God?

2 Kings 23 verses 1 through 3 demonstrate true leadership from King Josiah!  “Then the king summoned all the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem. And the king went up to the Temple of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, and the priests, and the prophets–all the people from the least to the greatest. There the king read to them the entire Book of the Covenant that had been found in the LORD’s Temple. The king took his place of authority beside the pillar and renewed the covenant in the LORD’s presence. He pledged to obey the LORD by keeping all his commands, regulations, and laws with all his heart and soul. In this way, he confirmed all the terms of the covenant that were written in the scroll, and all the people pledged themselves to the covenant.”  Below is Josiah renewing the covenant:

New Testament – We get some classic Paul in today’s Acts readings!  You’ll recall from yesterday’s readings, the crowd in Jerusalem got riled up against Paul and the crowd was beating on Paul.  Then, some Roman soldiers come to try to keep the peace and end up arresting Paul and putting him in chains. But what does Paul do?  Go quietly into that good night?  No way!  He speaks to the Roman commander in Greek – which surprises the commander.  (It is thought that Paul spoke 4 languages – Greek, Aramaic, Hebrew & Latin)  And then he speaks to the crowd in Aramaic.  The crowd that was just beating on him!  He turns around and speaks with Love and Truth.  So amazing…  What do you think you or I would do in this type of situation today?  Could we continue to speak Love and Truth to people that were just beating on us?  I am not so sure that I could… I pray that I could!  I pray that I would…  Below is an oil on canvas painting by the Spanish painter El Greco from the year 1614 of “St. Paul”:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Acts readings titled “Paul’s Defense to the Jews in Jerusalem” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 1 today begins the 150 Psalms of the Psalter again!  You’ll note that in the One Year Bible we actually read through the Psalms twice during the course of the year. I think this is good because the Psalms have taken some time to really sink in for me personally. Once they sink in, they are phenomenal. I have a great friend who has shared with me that she “Prays the Psalms” every morning. I pray that during the course of this year you will have the experience of Praying the Psalms as you go through the One Year Bible.  I do believe praying the Psalms can indeed renew our passion for God:

It is often said that in 65 of the books of the Bible God speaks to us, but in the Psalter, the book of Psalms, we have the opportunity to speak to God. And in all kinds of ways and with all kinds of emotions. The Psalms can help you learn to express in pray everything to God – what you are happy about and what is troubling you. The Psalms are religious poetry. The 150 Psalms are comprised of Laments, Confessions, Crys, Petitions, Praise, Reflection, Reports, History, Blessings, and Wisdom. The author of many of the Psalms was King David. The Psalms were compiled over centuries and reached this final form in approximately the third century B.C. The Psalms were prayed in the temple and have been prayed in churches for the past two thousand years. The Psalms were quoted by Jesus, including Psalm 22:1 when Jesus was on the cross: “”My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”” (see Matthew 27:46) It is thought that the book of Psalms is one of the two books of the Old Testament most frequently quotes in the New Testament – along with the book of Isaiah.  See more commentary of the Psalms online at bible.org at this link.  Martin Luther said this about the book of Psalms: “The Psalter is the favorite book of all the saints. Each person, whatever his circumstances may be, finds in the book psalms and words which are appropriate to the circumstances in which he finds himself and meet his needs as adequately as if they were composed exclusively for his sake, and in such a way that he himself could not improve on them nor find or desire any better psalms or words.”

Today we read this reflection on the godly in Psalm 1 verse 2: “But they delight in doing everything the LORD wants; day and night they think about his law.”  How well does this verse ring true with your life today?  Do you delight in being obedient to God?  Do you think about God’s Word, the Bible, day and night?  Should you? This year, will you?   

Proverbs – Proverbs 18 verse 12 is one of the wisest Proverbs around in my opinion – “Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.” The Message puts it this way – “Pride first, then the crash, but humility is precursor to honor.” Pride is such a deadly condition…  I pray that we ask God for humility very often.  Maybe daily?  Maybe hourly?

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Forrest Frank’s song “Your Way’s Better:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1LRsp8qBY0

Is God’s way better than your way? Click here for His way in your life!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Blessed are those who do not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but who delight in the law of the LORD and meditate on his law day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you delight in the law of the LORD. Pray that you are meditating on his law day and night. Pray that through grace you are not walking in step with the wicked or sitting in the company of mockers.

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

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

======= John:

2Kings22-23
They had Lost the Book?????
Not having read this part of the Bible before I was shocked. I knew there had been idolatrous worship, but no idea that it went as far as the temple confines. None of the feasts celebrated as proscribed, Baal, Asherah, temple prostitutes, the book of the Law (2Kings22:8 Hebrew – “Torah”) kicked into a corner somewhere. How does this happen?
The priest calls it the Book of Torah, Shaphan calls it a “book”.
Perhaps it starts with the family. Maybe the parents are too tired at night to go over the Scripture with their children – soon their are generations of the common people with a vague (if any) memory of the “Word”.
Perhaps the rules just became too much for the family. Sacrifice this, stone that, give money, worship only here, follow only one God – the God of Israel, etc. Acch! there must be a simpler way.
Maybe, Maybe, we can just follow the basic tenets of the “Word”. I mean we get the picture. That should be enough to please God. We don’t really have to take the Law to heart, meditate on it, go to sleep with it, wake up with it – I mean WE are the chosen people. We get the idea.
Meanwhile, as time passes – the memory fades, and lines get blurred with time. What harm would it do to worship a few other gods? It looks like fun, the little idols in the house are cute, we cover a few bases, it really isn’t that big a deal. Afterall “Baal” means “Lord” – it is kind of the same thing – right?
But what about the priests? Surely they will keep the “Word”. The priests would do all the things God proscribed? That is their job right?
Maybe attendance was down. Maybe offerings were off. Maybe the priests tried to figure out a way to get people back to the temple. What do the people want? What will bring them back in to hear the “Word”.
I know, we can bring some of the other gods into the outer courts and let them be worshipped in that place. Do a little redecorating, maybe liven up the worship, temple prostitutes seem to be a big drawing card. What can it hurt if it gets people through the doors? We can always preach the “Word” when we get them in the right mood. The important thing is the people respond when we give them what they want? What can it hurt to shake things up a bit?
Over time, the idol(s) worship becomes the big drawing card – the money maker – and eventually the “Torah” gets kicked into a corner somewhere. Too strict, too technical, no fun, doesn’t appeal to the people, etc. We can always come back to the “Torah” if need be.
[Time passes] Have you seen the “Book” anywhere? Anyone? Where is that thing….
AAACHHH! No wonder the prophets went out to live in the hills and away from the Big City!
======================================================
I keep reading that their was a big revival in Israel. Their king repented and had a soft heart – did the people?
Apparently not. Oh, they said all the right words, probably went to worship, and showed up at the newly revived Passover feast. But had they really turned back to God and repented of their ways? Not according to Jeremiah.
Nevertheless, not long after his reign Judah was severely judged by the Lord. This shows that despite all Josiah’s efforts, there was an outward conformity among the people of Judah, yet their hearts were not really turned towards the Lord. “They pretended and professed to do so; but the most of them dissembled and dealt deceitfully, not turning to God with their whole hearts, as good Jeremiah complaineth.” (Trapp)
Jeremiah ministered in the days of Josiah, and his message to the people of Israel shows this. Through Jeremiah, God promised that if the people genuinely turned to Him that they would dwell in the land securely (Jeremiah 7:5-7). Nevertheless, God looked at the people of Judah and said: Judah has not turned to Me with her whole heart, but in pretense. (Jeremiah 3:10) – David Guzik
We’ll never know if the nation would have been spared had they truly repented and turned back to God. But apparently they did not and Babylon is looming around the corner.
So the revival was just a lot of smoke and mirrors by the people? People showed up got inspired by their king, and got swept up to declaring the covenant again – declaring their belief. Meanwhile holding something back, not really repenting, not turning with their hearts back to God.
Yet there will always be a “remnant”. Because He is a faithful God who will complete His works.
Note: I wonder if the man-made revivals of today are any different?
John

======= Ramona:

To John–
We can legislate behavior but we cannot legislate the heart. Israel and Judah became the cursed fig tree (Mat. 21:19-20), all leaves but no fruit giving off the appearance of righteousness hiding the lack of fruit with a lot of leaves.
Ramona

======= Vance:

Don’t know exactly where this fits in with the daily readings. It most likely fits in with Psalm 1
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand (inactive) in the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of scoffers.
But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.
That man [person] will be like a tree planted by streams of [living] water which yields its fruit IN SEASON and whose leaves NEVER WITHER.”
~~~
Hebrews 11 (Amplified)
1
NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for,
being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].
DEFINITION: title deed
source: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/title+deed
title deed – a legal document proving a person’s right to property
deed of conveyance, deed, title – a legal document signed and sealed and delivered to effect a transfer of property and to show the legal right to possess it; “he signed the deed”; “he kept the title to his car in the glove compartment”
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_deed (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
A deed is a legal instrument used to grant a right. The deed is best known as the method of transferring title to real estate from one person to another.
Historically under common law, for an instrument to be a valid deed it needed five things:
1.
It must indicate that the instrument itself [I.E., DEED] conveys some privilege or thing to someone. This is indicated by using the word “hereby” or the phrase “by these presents” in the sentence indicating the gift.
2.
THE GRANTOR MUST HAVE THE LEGAL ABILITY TO GRANT
the thing or privilege.
3.
THE PERSON RECEIVING the privilege or thing MUST HAVE THE LEGAL CAPACITY TO RECEIVE it.
4.
A seal must be affixed to it.
5.
IT MUST BE DELIVERD TO AND ACCEPTED by the recipient.
Conditions attached to the acceptance of a deed are known as COVENANTS.
Hebrews 11:1 (Amplified): “NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for…”
KEY INSIGHT:
* God’s Word is title deed, guaranteeing God’s will to me in writing
* Jesus has the LEGAL ABILITY to grant these privileges as He became a man– the Perfect Man.
As such–as a man, a human–He is able to give to you and I–as people–the promises of God’s written will.
Also, Jesus paid the price of the debt I owe, so He can give me the GIFT of God’s will written in writing– which I can then experience in my life.
* Jesus gave me the legal capacity to receive God’s will by making it possible for me to be right with God through the Lord Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.
Jesus gave me the legal capacity to receive God’s will by making me a new creation as I trust in Him and His work for me by faith
* Jesus sealed the ratification of God’s promises by blood covenant: He took on my sin and death, and He gave me His righteousness.
The Holy Spirit is the seal–the down payment and guarantee–of God accomplishing His will in my life.
* All of this will mean nothing to me if I do not receive and accept what God has done by faith in Jesus and His work and Word.
*
My words are intertwined with my heart.
*
My words reflect what is in my heart
*
I will be judged by my words
* Place good treasure of God’s Word in my heart (meditate)
* Choose to speak (meditate) words:
– that come from good treasure of God’s Word
– that plant more of good treasure in my heart
Vance

======== Johnnie:

Vance — God had me look up the exact same thing about the title deed about 6-8 months ago. It’s amazing all that God has to say about it!
Thanks for bringing it to my remembrance.
Johnnie

2 Kings 20:1-22:2 + Acts 21:18-36 + Psalm 150:1-6 + Proverbs 18:9-10
~ 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 – In 2 Kings 20 today we read about King Hezekiah’s sickness and recovery.  The thing that stood out to me in these passages is that after Hezekiah heard from Isaiah that he was going to die, Hezekiah did not just wallow in sorrow and let what was supposed to happen, happen.  No!  What does Hezekiah do?  He prays to the living God!  This is convicting and encouraging for me. I am afraid that sometimes I will just wallow in my sorrow over a situation, when I should be praying about the situation to God!  If we don’t take it to God in prayer, how can God really help us?  I know that oftentimes God does show amazing mercy to us and do things for us when we do not pray.  But, why don’t we pray to God in times of sorrow?  How about you – when sorrow comes to your doorstep, do you take the situation to God in prayer?   Below is an image of Isaiah warning Hezekiah of his impending death in verse 1 – and Hezekiah immediately praying!

Hezekiah later in this chapter receives envoys from Babylon. Unfortunately, he 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 in this chapter.  We will read more about the Babylonian exile later in this year’s One Year Bible readings.  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?  Is this dangerous?

 

New Testament – Wow… tough week for Paul in today’s readings.  Scary how the readings end today – with the mob chanting “Kill Him!  Kill Him!”  Does this remind you of anyone else?  Perhaps Paul’s Savior?

You might be asking why did Paul agree to take part in the Jewish purification ceremony in today’s readings?  I think you’ll find the answer to this question in Paul’s own words from his first letter to the Corinthians, verses 19 through 23 – “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”  How about you in your life today?  Do you make yourself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible?  Do you become all things to all people so that by all possible means you might save some?  Below is an image of the Apostle Paul, by Rembrandt, from 1657:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Acts readings titled “The Giving and Taking of Advice” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 150 is a wonderful end to the Psalter filled with a call to Praise God with all that we are!  Give it up for God and God only!

Proverbs – Today we read one of my favorite Proverbs – Proverbs 18 verse 10 – “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Do you believe that the name Jesus is a strong tower that can keep us safe? I honestly do. I actually went through a period of nightmares several years ago – and somehow, in those nightmares, I began to call out the name “Jesus” in my sleep, and the nightmares ended instantly! Seriously. It was incredible. Whenever a nightmare began, I was able to call upon Jesus’ name and they kept ending right away. Ever since then I have come to realize how incredibly powerful the name of Jesus truly is. Do you believe that the name of Jesus is a strong tower? Will you run to Jesus for safety in times of trouble? Will you call upon the name of Jesus in your hour of need?

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Jordan St. Cyr’s song “Fires:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOrSj9w01xw

Have you been through fires? Click here for Holy Water!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that the name of the LORD is your strong tower. Pray that you run to the LORD daily and are safe in Him. Pray that the LORD is your fortress when you are weak.

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

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

======= John:

Romayne,
I too was shocked by Hezekiah’s response. It seemed selfish – ‘it’s all good as long as peace and security in my lifetime is secured’.
[Aside: Reminds me of politicians today who never seem to act with vision of the future, but only react to what is going on today.]
Hezekiah prayed to God for Jerusalem when under attack, and he went to God about his illness and impending death. Yet, Hezekiah did not drop to his knees and pray right then and there to God asking how to avert such a “coming” disaster. No repentance, no praying, no concern for the nation – instead – ‘my lifetime and legacy will be secure – cool!’.
The signs of this selfish nature seem to be indicated in the reading:
– Hezekiah needed a “sign”? Why? Was Isaiah not a prophet of the “Lord”. Had the true prophets of the Lord not proven themselves over time? Was God’s Word not good enough for Hezekiah?
– I found in 2Kings20 seven uses of personal pronouns in vs 13 and 15 – “his, my, I”. Hezekiah had a chance to testify to the glory of God, and instead chose to show them “his” possessions.
======================================================
Babylon – King’s son
Berodach-Baladan: His presence shows that this was more than a courtesy call. This was an attempt to bring the kingdom of Judah on to the side of the Babylonians against the Assyrians.
i. “According to Josephus (Ant. X.2.2.) the purpose of the visit was to secure Hezekiah as an ally against an anti-Assyrian coalition.” (Wiseman)
ii. “The real reason of the visit was political; Babylon desired to throw off the yoke of Assyria. What nation was more likely to help them than the one at the hands of which Assyria had been so completely defeated? Babylon sought alliance with Judah against Assyria.” (Morgan)
And Hezekiah was pleased with them: We can imagine that this was flattering for King Hezekiah. After all, Judah was a lowly nation with little power, and Babylon was a junior superpower. To receive this notice and recognition from the king of Babylon must have really made Hezekiah feel he was important.
“It was not spiritual pride, as with his great-grandfather Uzziah; but worldly pride – ‘the pride of life,’ we might say. It was his precious things, his armor, his treasures, his house, his dominion, etc., that he showed the ambassadors from Babylon.” (Knapp)
Missing opportunity, in that he had a great opportunity to testify to the Babylonian envoys about the greatness of God and the Lord’s blessing on Judah. Instead, he glorified himself.
“Why did he not show these learned heathen God’s house? ‘Every whit’ of which showeth ‘His glory’ (Psalm 29:9, margin). There he could have explained to them the meaning of the brazen altar, and the sacrifices offered thereon; and who can tell what the results might not have been in the souls of these idolaters?” (Knapp)
They have seen all that is in my house: There is the flavor that Hezekiah was proud to tell Isaiah this. He was like a small-town boy who was awed by the attention of a big-city man. “Isaiah, you should have seen how impressed those Babylonians were by all I have. They really know we are something here in Judah!” Hezekiah’s pride and inflated ego seemed to make him blind.
======================================================
It seems to me that while Hezekiah was the “best of the best” since David – he was still a king that started out great and ended with a “whimper”
David, Solomon, Hezekiah are all just examples that none of us are good enough on our own. No matter all the good things we do, our lives are ultimately not comprable to God’s holiness.
Ultimately (no matter how good we are) we (spiritually) hang ourselves with the rope (free will) we are given.
That is why we needed a Savior, a Redeemer to help bridge the gap between mankind and God.
John

======= John:

Acts 21:29
(They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple area.) NIV
This would be highly unlikely:
It was absolutely prohibited for Gentiles to go beyond the designated “Court of the Gentiles” in the temple grounds. Signs were posted which read (in both Greek and Latin): “No foreigner may enter within the barricade which surrounds the temple and enclosure. Any one who is caught trespassing will bear personal responsibility for his ensuing death.” The Romans were so sensitive to this that they authorized the Jews to execute anyone that offended in this way, even if the offender was a Roman citizen. – David Guzik
The reason the Roman guards heard and responded so quickly was the adjacent nature of their garrison to the Temple.
From the Tower of Antonia, at the northwest corner of the temple mount, more than 500 Roman soldiers were stationed only two flights of stairs from the court of the Gentiles. – ibid.
John

======= John:

2Kings19
God’s word to the King of Assyria and his representatives (parts that struck me)
Who is it you have insulted and blasphemed?
Against whom have you raised your voice
and lifted your eyes in pride?
Against the Holy One of Israel! – NIV
This really hit me, and should be asked to every person that blasphemes, mocks, jokes, and denigrates God.
Of course, the problem for most is they do not know the answer to the first question.
‘Have you not heard?
Long ago I ordained it.
In days of old I planned it;
now I have brought it to pass,…NIV
As good a picture of the soverign God as there is…
‘But I know where you stay
and when you come and go
and how you rage against me.
Because you rage against me
and your insolence has reached my ears,
I will put my hook in your nose
and my bit in your mouth,
and I will make you return
by the way you came.’ NIV
There wasn’t and there will not be any escape (no place to hide) when God’s judgment comes.
This was an especially dramatic statement, because this is exactly how the Assryians cruelly marched those whom they forced to relocate out of their conquered lands. They lined up the captives, and drove a large fishhook through the lip or the nose of each captive, strung them all together and marched them. God said, “I’m going to do the same thing to you.” – David Guzik
i. “The Assyrian practice of leading foreign princes captive with a ring or hook in the nose is depicted on Esarhaddon’s stela at Zenjirli showing him holding Tirhakah of Egypt and Ba’alu of Tyre.” (Wiseman)
John

2 Kings 18:13-19:37 + Acts 21:1-17 + Psalm 149:1-9 + Proverbs 18:8
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – 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 2 Kings 18.  Verse 35 includes this boast, which didn’t make God too happy – “What god of any nation has ever been able to save its people from my power? Name just one! So what makes you think that the LORD can rescue Jerusalem?”

It is wonderful to see that in 2 Kings 19 Hezekiah takes all of this to God in prayer.  Good move!  How often in our lives today, when challenges come our way, do we take the challenges everywhere else BUT to God?  Wouldn’t it be easier to take them directly to God?  Why do we turn to alcohol or drugs or food or worrying or whatever – can we simply take our challenges to the one true living God who can actually do something with them?  Can we model what Hezekiah did when he received distressing news from the King of Assyria, in verses 14 through 16 – “After Hezekiah received the letter and read it, he went up to the LORD’s Temple and spread it out before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed this prayer before the LORD: “O LORD, God of Israel, you are enthroned between the mighty cherubim! You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You alone created the heavens and the earth. Listen to me, O LORD, and hear! Open your eyes, O LORD, and see! Listen to Sennacherib’s words of defiance against the living God.”

New Testament – Wow.  Check out Paul’s words in Acts 21 verse 13 after it was prophesied that he would be jailed in Jerusalem: “But Paul said, “Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! For I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but also to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.””  What about you?  Are you ready to be jailed for your faith?  Are you willing to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus?  These are challenging questions to consider I realize.  But, I think they are useful for us to ask.  If we are not ready to be jailed for our faith or not willing to die for the sake of Jesus, are we truly following Jesus?  Or are we just pretending?

Paul’s arrival in Jerusalem wraps up his 3rd missionary journey.  Below is a quick recap of this journey of Paul’s we’ve been reading about the past couple of days:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Acts readings titled “The Giving and Taking of Advice” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 149 is a beautiful song of praise today!  Verse 3 I love: “Praise his name with dancing, accompanied by tambourine and harp.”  Do you praise God’s name with dancing and music?  Yes, I confess, I am a huge fan of the praise and worship thing going on in churches and with CCM artists and their concerts these days.  I know this is not the only way to praise or worship God by any means.  Are you praising God’s name each day with the very “dance” of your life?? 

Proverbs – Please note that Proverbs 18 verse 8 is not advocating spreading rumors!  🙂 “What dainty morsels rumors are–but they sink deep into one’s heart.”  So true… rumors may seem like “dainty morsels” at first… but if you buy into receiving them and spreading them, they will infect your very heart! Do you agree with this Proverb that rumors will affect our hearts? How do you avoid hearing or spreading rumors?

Worship Video: Today’s reflection in Psalms about CCM music reminds me of this video by Jars of Clay for their song “Two Hands” which was filmed in part in Africa:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0h2sUC6wPg

Do you have two hands? Click here to meet the One who gave you your Hands!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “But Paul said, ‘Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.'” Acts 21:13 NLT

Prayer Point: Pray that you are willing to die for the sake of your Lord, Jesus. Pray that you are prepared to not only be jailed for your faith in Jesus, but to die for your faith in 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:

2 Kings 17:1-18:12 + Acts 20:1-38 + Psalm 148:1-14 + Proverbs 18:6-7
~ 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 ~

HALF-WAY – Big news! We cross the halfway threshold in our One Year Bible readings today! Whoo-hoo! Yep, June 30th marks the end of our first 6 months of readings and July 1st marks the beginning of our final 6 months of readings. Congratulations!

If by chance you’ve stopped reading the One Year Bible at some point this past six months, how about starting back up with us again as we embark on our final six months? We’d love to have you on the journey with us once again! Let’s go!

Old Testament – 2 Kings 17 is a HUGE and very sad chapter today! This is a huge chapter because it is the end of the northern kingdom of Israel. Israel is invaded by Assyria and its people are exiled.  It is so sad because the Israelites could have avoided this strife – but the chose to follow in the sins of Jeroboam and worship other gods.  After much patience and many second chances by the True and Living God, Israel was allowed to be invaded & exiled for their disobedience.  Sad stuff.  You can learn more of the history of how this all transpired at this link.  An overview map of the Assyrian empire at this time is below:

In 2 Kings 17 verse 41 we will read this about the foreigners in Israel: “Even while these people were worshiping the LORD, they were serving their idols.” If the foreigners both worshiped God AND served idols at the same time back then, do you suppose that we can fall into this same trap today? What would some examples be today of both worshiping God and serving idols at the same time? Are there any areas of your life where you might be serving idols? Will you allow those idols to be turned over to God for his healing and transformation of you? Will you worship God only? Will you leave the idols behind?

Verse 15 stands out and relates to the paragraph & photo above: “They worshiped worthless idols and became worthless themselves.” How true is that?  Maybe another way to look at it – you are what you worship!  (like you are what you eat…) If we worship worthless idols, we become worthless ourselves.  If we worship the true living God, we become more like his son Jesus.  Would you rather be worthless or becoming like Jesus in this lifetime?  And how about after this lifetime?  So, who or what are you worshiping these days?

In 2 Kings 18 we are introduced to King Hezekiah of Judah!  This is a great day for the southern kingdom of Judah. Check out verses 5 through 7 for 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 idols:

New Testament – Acts 20 verse 7 is a great look at an early church service!  “On the first day of the week, we gathered to observe the Lord’s Supper.  Paul was preaching; and since he was leaving the next day, he talked until midnight.”  Paul preached until midnight?  That had to have been one great sermon I am sure!

Well, and yes, Paul raised to life a young man named Eutychus who fell from the window sill during his sermon if you didn’t notice!  Wow… that’s amazing.  I honestly think I’ve kind of flown by this little tidbit before.  Paul raised Eutychus from the dead!

Okay, later in the readings Paul gives a powerful farewell address to the elders of the church in Ephesus.  Great stuff…  Verses 36 & 37 do kind of bring a tear to the eye, no? – “When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. They wept aloud as they embraced him in farewell, sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they accompanied him down to the ship.”

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Acts readings titled “Paul’s Parting Words” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 148 is a call for all creation to praise God!  I love it.  As I was reading this Psalm I was reminded of the Matt Redman song that we sometimes sing in church that goes something like – “Let everything that.  Let everything that.  Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!”  I love how the Psalms can stir up worship songs in our minds!

We read this in verse 5 – “Let every created thing give praise to the LORD, for he issued his command, and they came into being.”  Do you agree with this verse?  That you came into being because the Lord commanded it?  Do you give thanks to God frequently?  And joyfully?  Even in the midst of maybe some challenging times in your life, can you still give praise to your Creator?

Proverbs – Proverbs 18:7 today teaches: “The mouths of fools are their ruin; their lips get them into trouble.” As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I’m sure all of us probably can think of someone else we think this Proverb really applies to… 🙂  And yet, again, perhaps should we think about ourselves when it comes to this Proverb?  How is the condition of your mouth these days?  Is it bringing peace, joy, love, teaching, truth, encouragement to others?  Or is it bringing talk about you, yourself, and you all of the time… and worse, bringing talk of hate, judgment and ultimately ruin?  Let us examine the words that come out of our mouths each and every day!  Let our mouth be a fountain of life and love for those around us!

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Acts reminded me of Sidewalk Prophets “You Love Me Anyway:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8BBCYFAYRI

Do you know that God loves you anyway? Click here for true love!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Let every created thing give praise to the Lord, for he issued his command, and they came into being.” Psalm 148:5 NLT

Prayer Point: Pray a prayer of praise to God today for creating you! Pray a prayer of praise every day for God’s loving care for you and all of His creation.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  How have the first 6 months of our One Year Bible readings been for you?  Has God changed you in any way these past 6 months because of our readings?  What are you looking forward to as we look toward our next 6 months of readings coming up?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

======= John:

Preaching the Gospel
Paul was a thorough teacher of the “Word” and shared the “whole counsel of God”.
I ran across a sharing of the gospel by the primitive tribe from the movie “End of the Spear”. It is too long an article to post, so I will post an excerpt – and provide a link. the article starts 60% down the page and is labeled #4.
Dawa, the Huaorani woman is elequent to in her own way – she is also pretty thorough.
[article by Stephen Saint (son of Nate) in the most recent Christianity Today (March 2, 1998, 42-45)…. I remember an encourter I witnessed between some Huaorani Christians and members of a secular North American tour groups who were visiting a Huaorani camp. There were 34 students in this group, all from the University of Washington and Western Washington University…..
….Then they explained to our 34 highly educated young people from the most technologically advanced society in history how they learned from the missionaries that the Man Maker sent his Son to die for people full of hate, fear, and desire for revenge.
“Badly, badly we lived back then,” Dawa said. “Now, walking God’s trail which he has marked for us on paper [the Bible], we live well. All people still die, but if living you follow God’s trail, then dying will lead you to heaven. But only one trail leads there. All other trails lead to where God will never be after death.”
Dawa’s clear explanation had left her audience spellbound. Now she had a question for her listeners.
“Have you heard me well? Which one of you wants to follow God’s trail, living well?”
There was silence again. Then the seed of Dawa’s message landed in the fertile soil of at least one heart as a lone hand raised into the night air. Dawa understood the American student’s gesture and joyously clapped her hands. “Now I see you well,” she said. “Leaving, we will still see each other in God’s place some day.” Then she looked around at the others. “Dying, I will never see you again if you don’t follow God’s trail. Think well on what I have spoken, so that dying, we will live happily together in heaven.”]
John

======= John:

Acts 20
vs. 12
“The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.”
I believe “comforted” refers to the whole evening, not just “comforted” by the boy being alive.
Gk. “parakaleo” is word translated “comfort”. In its root words – the idea is of “calling by name” – in a more specific translation:
“to address, speak to, (call to, call upon), which may be done in the way of exhortation, entreaty, comfort, instruction, etc.”
I can see Paul’s instruction (preaching) of the Gospel being peppered with people’s names (one way to keep their attention over a long sermon  : )
In the end – people were personally strengthened and encouraged in the “Word”, and their strength was reinforced by the tangible sign of a miracle. The miracle was a testament as to what they heard – that it was true.
Bob says:
“I believe that both Luke and Paul were firmly convinced that while miracles would come and go, but that the Word of God would be eternal. I believe that both were convinced that while miracles will not sustain faith, the Word of God will. This is why Paul and Luke deal briefly with the miracle and deal emphatically with the teaching. Faith is not based upon what is seen (miracles, for example), but on the Word of God (see Hebrews 11). Thus miracles will not sustain our faith, but the Word of God will.”
The miracle just deepened the impact of the Word. I felt the same thing when my arm was healed by prayer. My faith is strong, but it was attested to by God’s continued interaction in my life.
======================================================
vs. 27
“For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.” NIV
We also must demand that we are being taught the whole counsel of God; not just interesting topics, not just what we want to hear, not just the things that will “grab” people, but what God says to all of our lives. – David Guzik
It seems like “prayer” comes up a lot in Acts. I always feel convicted that I need to “pray” more. If I had one prayer request it would be that my “prayer efforts” be strengthened and more consistent.
John

======= John:

2Kings17
Random notes:
God’s patience: 204 years after the division into Judah and Israel, God’s punishment has come to an Israel thaht has been idolatrous throughout.
“When God brings judgment, He first brings warning – and often many warnings over a long period. It is only after these warnings are rejected that the judgment comes.” – David Guzik
i. 200 years and 19 kings after the time of Solomon (the last king over a united Israel), the northern kingdom of Israel fell. It was not because the God of Israel was unable to help them, but because they had so forsaken that God and ignored His guidance and correction that He finally stopped actively protecting them and let them rot and degrade according to their desire.
ii. As they carried Israel away to Assyria, they followed their typical custom. When the Assyrians depopulated and exiled a conquered community, they led the captives away on journeys of hundreds of miles, with the captives naked and attached together with a system of strings and fishhooks pierced through their lower lip. God would make sure they were led in this humiliating manner through the broken walls of their conquered cities (Amos 4:2-3).
iii. This shows another principle of God’s judgment: When it comes, it is often humiliating and degrading.
iv. It seems that Sargon II, the brother and successor of Shalmaneser, finished this siege or at least took credit for it: “The men of Samaria with their king were hostile to me and consorted together not to carry out their vassal obligations and bring tribute to me, so they fought me . . . I clashed with them and took as booty 27,280 people with their chariots and their gods in whom they trusted. I incorporated 200 chariots into my army. The rest of the people I made to dwell within Assyria. I restored the city of Samaria and made it greater than before.” (Inscribed Prisms of Sargon II from Nimrud, cited in Wiseman)
God cast out the Canaanite nations in the days of Joshua because of these sins. Now He had cast out the northern kingdom of Israel for the same sins. God’s judgment was not against the ancient Canaanites because of race or ethnicity; it was because of their conduct. As Israel shared the same conduct, they would share the same judgment.
They followed idols, became idolaters: The NIV translates this, “They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless.” The NASB has it, “They followed vanity and became vain.”
i. “The original is more accurate at this point: ‘They worshipped emptiness and became empty.’ The word here is hebel meaning ‘air,’ ‘delusion,’ or ‘vanity.’ The idea is that they became like the gods they worshipped. They bowed down to nothingness and became nothing.” (Dilday)
Yet, it is a mistake to think of these ten northern tribes as lost. Far back in the days of Jeroboam and his original break with the southern kingdom of Judah, the legitimate priests and Levites who lived in the northern ten tribes did not like the Jeroboam’s idolatry. They, along with others who set their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel, then moved from the northern kingdom of Israel to the southern kingdom of Judah (2 Chronicles 11:13-16). So actually, the southern kingdom of Judah contained Israelites from all of the ten tribes.
Spiritually speaking, Judah was more faithful to God than the northern kingdom of Israel. Yet they also began to imitate their sinful neighbors to the north.
i. Judah had the lesson right in front of them – the conquered nation of Israel was evidence of what happened when hearts turned from God. Yet they ignored these plain lessons and imitated the sins of Israel.
We see now the background of Samaria and why it was never accepted by the Jews after the return from Babylonian captivity, even until Christ’s time.
It seems that God was more lenient with these Samaritans of corrupt belief than He was with disobedient Israel. This teaches us that those with more revelation from God are held to stricter account before Him. – David Guzik
Even to the point that Jesus went and taught in Samaria, as did the apostles in “Acts”.
John

======= Vance:

About IDOLS.
2 Kings 17 (NKJV)
10
They set up for themselves sacred pillars and wooden images [Hebrew Asherim, Canaanite deities]
on every high hill and under every green tree.
2 Kings 18 (NKJV)
4
He removed the high places and broke the sacred pillars, cut down the wooden image [Hebrew Asherah, a Canaanite goddess]
and broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made; for until those days the children of Israel burned incense to it, and called it Nehushtan.
[Literally Bronze Thing]
NOTE:
I may have to write a well thought out and well-researched treatise against dualism. I note how much of the idolatry of the northern kings of Israel was a version of dualism. It is still prevalent today. I keep coming back to the clarity of this one certain reality: good and evil are not equal, and good and evil are not eternal. God alone is good, and evil can only exist as it chooses to actively oppose God.
All people—including athiests and dualists—really enjoy and great value freedom of choice. Yet, they very freedom of choice we value is the reason for evil. God is not evil. We have chosen evil.
And how do we know what good is? We can all chose “what is good for us”. But that avoids that real question: How do we know what is good versus bad? If there is no God, there is no true good versus evil.
~~~
All idols are formed in the imagination of the mind. Temptation to sin only becomes sin when a person’s will receives the thought, so the person is carried off by that desire.
So…instead of clear thinking, sober thinking in the Holy Love and Presence of God, man is turned to being carried by emotions. Thus, the spirit and the mind take second place to the emotions and “the senses”.
James 1 (NKJV)
14
But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
15
Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
2 Peter 1
(NKJV)
21
for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
(NIV)
21
For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were CARRIED ALONG by the Holy Spirit.
We either give ourselves to the Lord, to be carried by Him—which is our only freedom—or we are give ourselves to something or someone else—which is bondage and harsh servitude to empty emotions.
May we be like the Apostle Paul, in Acts 20 (NKJV)
24
But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
We all have much to praise God for, even if we are in dire circumstances. Why? Again, it goes back to the clear thinking of reality: because God alone is good.
Psalm 148 (NKJV)
13
Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven.
14
And He has exalted the horn of His people, the praise of all His saints—of the children of Israel, a people near to Him. Praise the LORD!
Finally, as a meditation the Jesus, consider this excellent song, Words and Music: Jim Gum, Jay LaVergne © 1998, from the Young Life songbook
HE WALKED THAT ROAD
VERSE 1
A long and lonely path,
Up a dusty road
To carry the sin,
That was not his own
He walks that road for all, Who have come before
And for those
Yet to be born
CHORUS:
He walked that road for me,
He took my place
He wiped out my regrets,
And didn’t leave a trace
He walked that road for you, To set you free
He walked that road for you and me
VERSE 2
He stumbled on his way, Just like I’ve done
Yet his gaze was fixed On the great beyond
Beneath a crown of thorns, I saw his bloody face
Beaten by the hands Of this fallen race
CHORUS
VERSE 3
He laid out his hands,
And when the nails went through
He was pierced for me,
He was pierced for you
And then the sky grew dark,
And when he breathed his last
He opened up a way,
So I could pass
CHORUS, END
Vance

======= John:

Vance,
I liked your comments on “good and evil”. I have never been comfortable with the idea that evil is the “absence of God”.
I tend to think of “evil” as choices we make when we are “turned from God”. Jesus said in Matt 7:22-23
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Even what people consider “good” choices are wrong when they are not rooted in “knowing” Christ. Being turned from God those supposedly good decisions are rooted in “self” and “pride”. It may be very subconcious, but self and pride are the source. ex: ‘it makes me feel good to do this’, I did a good job, acknowledgement of others for an act, etc….
The most important choice people need to make first is “receive Him and Believe IN Jesus”. Then the good choices will be reflected in knowing Christ, and the bad ones (of the flesh) are covered by His blood. (and we will make bad choices  : (
Note: Still thinking this through so I am “way” open to other viewpoints.
John

2 Kings 15:1-16:20 + Acts 19:13-41 + Psalm 147:1-20 + Proverbs 18:4-5
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Old Testament – In 2 Kings 15 today we read about several kings in very short order!  The thing that amazed me was that things were obviously going from bad to worse in the northern kingdom of Israel with the kings, whereas things appeared a bit more stable in Judah (for this chapter…).  2 Kings 15 opens up with Uzziah reigning in Judah for 52 years – whereas Israel I think has 6 or so kings during Uzziah’s reign, most of whom are assassinated!  We will see how this all plays out over the next couple of days in our 2 Kings readings.  There are definitely some ramifications coming for Israel based on how things are going down in these days.  Verses 13 & 14 today really showed how tough it was to be king in Israel in these days – “Shallum reigned in Samaria only one month. Then Menahem son of Gadi went to Samaria from Tirzah and assassinated him, and he became the next king.”  Reading about Shallum only reigning one month reminds me of how the hearts of men and women are sometimes – that very thing in our world which we seek so strongly, sometimes can be our very downfall.  I have no doubt that Shallum wanted to be king very badly – he assassinated King Zechariah in public in verse 10!  And yet, becoming king for Shallum did not give him control over all things – he himself was killed just 1 month into his reign.  This all makes me think about us today – is there anything in this world that we are striving after that may not be all that it’s cracked up to be?  Might we risk “gaining the whole world, but losing our soul” in some of our pursuits?  Is there anything in this world today that you are pursuing that you are putting above your relationship with God?  If so, will you let it go?  Will you focus primarily on your relationship with God first and foremost?  Will you follow the truths of Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  Let us not be greedy in this short and precious life!

In 2 Kings 16 today King Ahaz of Judah messes up big time…  Whaddya think about his idea to remove the bronze altar from the Temple and install an altar that was designed in Damascus?  Think God will be happy about this?  Essentially King Ahaz swapped his security in God to placing his security in King Tiglath-pileser of Assyria and his pagan gods.  Stay tuned to upcoming readings…  Again – I come back to our lives today.  Are we ever similar to King Ahaz in doing something in our lives that we know is not pleasing to God?  Do we know what is right and what is wrong and sometimes choose what is wrong?  Why do we do this?  Can we stop doing this?  If so, how?  Might it help us to stop doing wrong things if the #1 priority in our lives today were God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit?  What is the #1 priority in your life today?

New Testament – Wow – strong readings today in Acts 19 verses 13 to 16 about the power of Jesus’ name – and how to incorrectly try to “use” his name too – “A team of Jews who were traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus. The incantation they used was this: “I command you by Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. But when they tried it on a man possessed by an evil spirit, the spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul. But who are you?” And he leaped on them and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and badly injured.”  Jesus’ name is the name above all other names – but we should never try to “use” Jesus’ name as an incantation or spell.  We can call upon Jesus believing that he and his power will be there with us.  But we should not call upon Jesus’ name as if His name was “magic” in some way.  It is holy.  It is not magic. When is the last time you called on Jesus’ name? How has calling on the holy name of Jesus ever changed a situation in your life?

Sad stuff that Demetrius stirs up the Ephesians against Paul for one primary reason – his pocketbook.  Paul’s preaching of the one true living God was cutting into D’s profits of handmade gods.  And so D called on patriotism and loyalty to Artemis to go against Paul’s truthful teaching.   I wonder if we in our lives today ever choose our finances over God?  Have you ever chosen finances over God? How does this play into your giving/tithing?  An interesting note from today’s readings is that the temple of Artemis in Ephesus was one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World”.  Jesus obviously is the One wonder of the entire world – ever ancient, ever new.  But fyi the temple of Artemis may have looked something like the image below:

 

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

Psalms – Psalm 147 was thought to have been written for Levitical singers on the happy occasion of the dedication of the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem – see Nehemiah 12:27-43.  Psalm 147 was divided into two Psalms – verses 1 through 11 and 12 through 20 – in the Septuagint, the pre-Christian Greek translation of the Old Testament.  However, the Hebrew text has the Psalm as one whole Psalm.  Verses 10 and 11 are an incredible middle point of this Psalm that stood out to me today: “The strength of a horse does not impress him; how puny in his sight is the strength of a man. Rather, the LORD’s delight is in those who honor him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.” These verses remind me that God really is not impressed with our shows of “strength” or “independence.”  God is much more impressed when we are dependent on Him.  Are you honoring the Lord with your life today?  Do you put his hope in his unfailing love?  Or do you rely on your own strength?

Today in Psalm 147 I liked verse 15 a lot: “how swiftly his word flies!”  Indeed, it is true!  I pray God’s Word, the Bible, is flying swiftly (and powerfully!) in your life this year!

Proverbs – I love Proverbs 18 verse 4 – “A person’s words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.”  Have you ever received words of life-giving water from someone?  Have you ever given words of life-giving water to someone?  I love the analogy of true words of wisdom being as refreshing as a bubbling brook!  So true!

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminds me of the For King and Country song “Joy:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5xIZZmVUJM

Are you Joyful? Click here for JOY!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” Psalm 147:11 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have a healthy fear of the LORD today, and forevermore. Pray that you are putting your hope in the LORD’s unfailing love above anything else this world might offer.

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

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

======= Vance:

I like this verse and comment from Psalm 147:
“Rather, the LORD’s delight is in those who honor him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.”
Do you put his hope in his unfailing love? Or do you rely on your own strength?
~~~
All of life on earth, in this fallen world, seems dedicated to drawing us away to distractions from the one true thing.
It is NOT wrong to have strong desires. It is wrong, however, to let seemingly “innocent” desires—even for good things—to grow into strong desires that take us away from delighting in the Lord.
And, of course, it is wrong to allow “small” evil desires for what is sinful to develop into strong desires that we later cannot control.
Yet, as I read this morning in an excellent devotional book, “…the devil can dangle a carrot in front of your face, but there is something inside you that actually wants the carrot. You aren’t lustful because some demon comes on you. You are lustful because you have within you a desire for what isn’t right. Jesus said, ‘For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things which defile the man…’ (Matthew 15:19, 20). The devil can appeal to that lust, but he did not create it. It’s already in us.”
Again, the correct understanding of the nature of reality and the nature of God is key. If there is no God, there is no right or wrong—only human opinion and the military force to back up one opinion versus another.
Satan and/or darkness are not equals with God. Only God can create. The only thing Satan can do is pervert what God has already created.
So we see the extremely sad saga of the northern kings, that they chose evil. Wow! I know that sin is deceptive, and that it appears to be the best way even though it is killing us because it distorts our feelings and perceptions.
Yet, it seems amazing to me that while watching their fathers get judged by the Lord directly or through circumstances that at least one son—a future king of Israel—did not realize that what their fathers were doing was not working.
Just from a practical point of view, I would think that the son would have realized, “What my father as king is doing is not working. Therefore, I will be different and seek the Lord.”
Yet, the darkness of sin is very deceptive, and one cannot see outside of that bubble without seriously determining to forsake sin and seek the Lord. It can be painful, but it is worth it.
Psalm 147 (NKJV)
1
Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.
2
The LORD builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.
3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
4
He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name.
5
Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.
6
The LORD lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground.
Proverbs 18 (NKJV)
4
The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.
NOTE:
It is good to meditate on the reality and goodness of the Lord.
A choice to set aside time for thanksgiving and praise is one good way to do this. And, the words that we speak to and over ourselves are extremely important. We can speak the wisdom of God over us—and establish us in God and His Word—or we can speak foolishness.
May we abide or “remain” where God has already planted us—in Christ Jesus—by delighting in His Word and His Presence.
John 15 (NKJV)
7
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
8
By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
Vance

====== John:

2Kings15
It was late yesterday when I posted this link to chart of Kings of Judah and Israel.
http://www.geocities.com/thekingsofisrael/kings.html
Uzziah
(AKA Azariah)
Why was Azariah (Uzziah) afflicted with leprosy?
Unfortunately, later in his 52-year reign Uzziah presumed to alter the worship of the LORD, placing himself in the spotlight by entering the temple and burning incense, a duty reserved by the LORD for the priests only. A group of 81 priests confronted the king, informing him of his violation — a courageous act, given the unquestioned power of the king in those days. Uzziah became furious. While he raged at the priests, the LORD showed his support for the priests by afflicting Uzziah with leprosy, which became immediately visible on his forehead. As no leprous person was permitted in the temple, the priests began urging the now-unclean king to leave. Uzziah, himself in a panic, rushed away.
Uzziah never recovered from leprosy. For the rest of his life he lived in seclusion, and his son Jotham acted as king during his absence.
http://www.geocities.com/thekingsofisrael/biography_Uzziah.html
Kings of Israel
Four of the five kings listed in this reading were assasinated. Some after very brief reigns. I am not so sure it was a brilliant career move to desire the “king’s role” in Israel????
Ahaz of Judah
King Ahaz devoted himself to pagan worship and its associated evil, touring the nation building shrines, and seeking the aid of every powerless religion he knew of. He even sacrificed his own sons, burning them alive in a ritual to the idol Molech. As a result of his infidelity, the LORD opposed Ahaz’ administration, and during his 16-year reign Judah lost the empire built by his grandfather King Uzziah and his father King Jotham, suffered constant military raids by neighbors, and even lost national sovereignty, becoming a vassal to Assyria
http://www.geocities.com/thekingsofisrael/biography_Ahaz.html
“He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree.”
When did he have time to rule?????
There is some dispute as to what the sacrifices to Molech were like. Whatever they were they were prohibited for Jews as mentioned five times in Leviticus. (eight times overall in Bible)
http://www.blueletterbible.org/tmp_dir/words/m/1151621125-6378.html
For what it’s worth the rabbinical description of Molech sacrifices was:
Moloch was represented as a huge bronze statue with the head of a bull. The statue was hollow, and inside there burned a fire which colored the Moloch a glowing red. Children were placed on the hands of the statue. Through an ingenious system the hands were raised to the mouth (as if Moloch were eating) and the children fell into the fire where they were consumed by the flames. The people gathered before the Moloch were dancing on the sounds of flutes and tambourines to drown out the screams of the victims.
A different rabbinical tradition says that the idol was hollow and was divided into seven compartments, in one of which they put flour, in the second turtle-doves, in the third a ewe, in the fourth a ram, in the fifth a calf, in the sixth an ox, and in the seventh a child, which were all burnt together by heating the statue inside.
Let’s see: Ahaz worshipped everywhere possible, possibly sacrificed to Molech, used silver and gold from Temple treasury to buy Assyria’s help, and finally altered the temple from God’s instructions to the way he desired the configuration…..led to King Ahaz’ contribution as King……
…through evil practices and poor leadership, lost all the two previous generations had gained, and lost national sovereignty as well, leaving Judah a vassal of Assyria.
John

======= John:

Acts 19
I think the best commentary I have seen giving detail as to the Ephesian artisans, Artemis, and political climate of Ephesus is here:
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=5&source=1&seq=i.51.19.1
Artemis and Ephesus
(Excerpts from link above)
The catalyst for the disturbance is Demetrius, a manufacturer of silver shrines of Artemis. These were plaques, silver reliefs of the goddess within her temple. The New York Metropolitan Museum of Art has a second/first-century B.C. bronze matrix of Artemis in her temple (Reeder 1987). It is the form into which a sheet of silver or bronze was pressed to make such a plaque. Once dedicated in the Great Temple of Artemis, these would serve local worshipers and pilgrims as votive offerings, family worship centers, amulets or just souvenirs…..
…The temple of the great goddess Artemis, the pride of Ephesus and Asia, will be reckoned as nothing. It may be hard for Demetrius’s hearers to imagine that this structure could totally lose its value in the eyes of the world. After all, Antipater deemed it one of the seven wonders of the world. Its precincts covered an area 425 225 feet, four times the size of the Parthenon, with 127 sixty-foot columns. It was the foremost worship center of Asia and a world-renowned bank (Pausanias Description of Greece 7.5.4; Dio Chrysostom Orations 31.54)….
… In Rome the Aventine temple of Diana (Roman equivalent of Artemis) had a statue modeled on the Ephesian type, and on the occasion of the marriage of Emperor Claudius to Agrippina, commemorative coins were struck at Ephesus with the profiles of the newlyweds on one side and a figure of the statue with the legend “Diana Ephesia” on the other (Kreitzer 1987:61)…..
….The theater (capacity twenty-four thousand) was the largest and most impressive of all structures in ancient Ephesus. Built into the steep western slope of Mount Pion with a view of the city and the broad street to the sea, it was used for large gatherings of inhabitants, as well as the citizens’ assembly (Finegan 1981:162).
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The chant Great Diana of the Ephesians! must have sent a chill up the backs of the Christians, including Paul who no doubt could hear it from outside the theater.
i. “The noise must have been deafening. The acoustics of the theater are excellent even today and at that time were even better because of bronze and clay sounding vessels placed throughout the auditorium.” (Williams)
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Once again an offshoot of Gallio’s line of thought prevails, and due to the persuasive speech of the city clerk (a very high position in the city)the crowd disperses.
The last point of four the clerk makes is very important:
Ephesus is a “free city”: Rome had granted it self-government, so sure was she of its citizens’ loyalty. It never suffered the indignity of having garrison troops quartered in it as, say, Jerusalem did. It was an assize town, where major court trials were held, and the centre, too, for the Pan-Ionian Games. Ephesus witnessed often the pageantry, pomp and splendour that was Rome.
If a riot took place with needless bloodshed – then Rome would show up and squash the insurgency and at best establish a garrison and roman pro-consul there – something the Ephesians did not want to happen.
Once again through slightly different means – God’s soverignty is in view as the church seems to be protected from the years 50 A.D. to around 60 A.D. by secular reasoning. Again this allows it time to grow past infant stage – to a stage where it would be impossible to stamp out Christianity.
John