Bible in a Year Blog

Jeremiah 4:19-6:15 + Colossians 1:18-2:7 + Psalm 77:1-20 + Proverbs 24:23-25
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Old Testament – Today in Jeremiah chapter 5 verses 14 through 17 we read God’s words to Israel about the coming of the armies of Babylon! “Therefore, this is what the LORD God Almighty says: “Because the people are talking like this, I will give you messages that will burn them up as if they were kindling wood. O Israel, I will bring a distant nation against you,” says the LORD. “It is a mighty nation, an ancient nation, a people whose language you do not know, whose speech you cannot understand. Their weapons are deadly; their warriors are mighty. They will eat your harvests and your children’s bread, your flocks of sheep and your herds of cattle. Yes, they will eat your grapes and figs. And they will destroy your fortified cities, which you think are so safe.”

Per Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion today – “Babylon was indeed an ancient nation.  The old Babylonian empire had lasted from about 1900 B.C. to 1550 B.C., and earlier kingdoms had been on her soil as early as 3000 B.C.  Babylon in Jeremiah’s day would shortly rebel against Assyrian domination, form its own army, conquer Assyria, and become the next dominant world power.”

It is very interesting to see the rise of Babylon in history and how God foretold Israel that Babylon was coming.  God gave Israel so many chances to repent, but Israel wouldn’t.  Jeremiah in chapter 6 verses 10 & 11 today tells us – “To whom can I give warning? Who will listen when I speak? Their ears are closed, and they cannot hear. They scorn the word of the LORD. They don’t want to listen at all. So now I am filled with the LORD’s fury. Yes, I am weary of holding it in!”  What about us today – do we listen when God speaks?  It is amazing that Israel would not listen to words like these from God in verses 6 through 8 (though… maybe not so amazing… perhaps we can do a good job of ignoring God’s words & warnings in our lives today as well…?)  – “This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Cut down the trees for battering rams. Build ramps against the walls of Jerusalem. This is the city to be punished, for she is wicked through and through. She spouts evil like a fountain! Her streets echo with the sounds of violence and destruction. Her sickness and sores are ever before me. This is your last warning, Jerusalem! If you do not listen, I will empty the land.”

New Testament – I love Paul’s teaching about the Christian life in Colossians chapter 1 verse 27 today! “For this is the secret: Christ lives in you, and this is your assurance that you will share in his glory.”  Were you aware of this secret?  Does Christ live in you?  Have you accepted Jesus into your life and your heart as your Lord and Savior so that he has your permission – your submission – for Him to live within you?  Do you want Jesus to live in you?  Do you have assurance that you will share in Jesus’ glory for eternity?

Paul’s teachings in Colossians chapter 2 verses 6 & 7 definitely stood out to me today: “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him. Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done.”  I absolutely love the thought of letting our roots grow down into Jesus and draw up nourishment from Jesus!  Meditate on this thought for a while…  I honestly haven’t really ever thought about “having roots in Jesus.”  I mean, I certainly know Jesus is my Lord and Savior.  I know Jesus lives within me. And I know the whole Chapter of John 15 about the vine & the branches has gotten me in the past to think about truly being attached to Jesus.  But something about these verses from Paul about letting our roots grow down into Jesus really is profound for me today…  How deep are your roots in Jesus today?  Is there room for growth in your roots?  Let us grow!  And let us overflow with thankfulness!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Colossians titled “The Propagation of Christ’s Work” is at this link.  Below is a powerful image from Colossians 1:18 from today’s readings:

Psalms – Today in Psalm 77 verses 11 and 12 we read – “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” I think these verses get at one of the amazing things about each of us reading the One Year Bible this year – both the Old & New Testaments. We are reading perhaps for the first time – or maybe the 17th time – about God’s miracles of long ago. We are “remembering” God’s miracles for our spiritual ancestors, for ourselves, and for those around us in our lives today whom we will teach about God’s saving love. As you are reading through the One Year Bible this year, are you truly “remembering” God’s miracles of long ago? Are you meditating on all of His mighty works and considering His mighty deeds? Are you being transformed by this process? And will you now go forth and help others in your life “remember” and meditate on God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit’s miracles of long ago?  Let us pray for “remembrance” today for ourselves and for others in our lives. If very modern day post-it notes will help you remember God’s miracles and will help you meditate on all of God’s works, then by all means please use as many post-it notes as you deem necessary! 🙂

Proverbs – Interesting Proverbs today in chapter 24 verses 23 through 25 – “Here are some further sayings of the wise:  It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment. A judge who says to the wicked, “You are innocent,” will be cursed by many people and denounced by the nations. But blessings are showered on those who convict the guilty.” As we know from our readings earlier this year, God cares a lot about judges – and that judges should judge justly.  Honestly, I think being a judge would be a very tough job in a lot of ways.  I imagine there may be a judge or two reading this.  Hats off to you for your work.  I have to believe that obviously most judges would agree with this Proverb.  But… there’s likely some judges that may not follow this Proverb.  That is a sad thing to consider.  Here’s actually a thought that just popped into my mind here as I am typing this.  How about if you and I pray for our local and national judges on occasion?  Do you ever do this?  I confess that I don’t.  And I should.  We all should.  Let us pray that our judges will not show favoritism when passing judgment.  Let us pray that they convict the guilty.  Let us pray God would lead them in wisdom in their judgments that they must make.  Let us pray our judges rightly uphold and interpret the laws they are hired to uphold and interpret.  Let us pray for our judges!

Worship Video: Psalm 77:11 reminded me of the John Mark McMillansong called “How He Loves.” Beautiful song!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQqf8kJ4ALg

Do you know how He loves us?  Click here for Love!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. “ Colossians 1:27 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you know all about the glorious riches of the mystery of Christ in you, the hope of glory! Pray that you will continue to learn more and more about the hope of glory each day of your life, now and forevermore. Pray in thanksgiving for the hope of glory!

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
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.

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

======= Luch:

From Colossians 1:27-2:6-7 we see how true the phrase is “that it is ALL ABOUT JESUS.” The ministry is all about “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” And it’s this Jesus that we offer the world–Him we proclaim, warning every person, teaching every person, that we may present them perfect (mature) in Christ. And it is for this very purpose that Paul poured himself out—to see people be fully formed in Jesus. What a wonderfully focused ‘mission statement’ Paul left for us all to imitate.
We spend so much time in our communities running programs but Paul makes it clear here that the priority ‘programs/ministries’ are the ones that keep Jesus central, and the ones that seek to take those far from Christ, bring them in close with intentionality and grow them up in Christ with passionate intentionality. This is a cause worth giving one’s life to–investing in people who invest in people who invest in people, and so it goes.
Luch

======= Jenny:

wow, psalms n proverbs really spoke to me. I just had a talk with a sibling and now i just feel depressed and sullen. we tend to speak frankly and openly n I’m seeing its not good to always speak your mind. I wasnt sure why i was soo down…to down too even pray, but i grabbed my bible and God showed me! Psalms spoke to me:
v. 2-4 “My soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed…..I am so troubled that I cannot speak.”
Ok…I read the wrong Proverb..i read ch 25:23-25. As I realized I read the wrong one, i see God planned it that way. Prov. 25:23:
“The north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.”
My sibling and i had been discussing other family members and it turned into backbiting. and true to the word, it made me angry and just downcast. Ok…lesson learned, i gotta keep my big mouth shut! i dont always have to speak my mind…I dont always have to permit conversations to escalate like that. it just produces anger and depression. Its hurtful and wrong…and i sure feel lousy now! my fault. my bad. my consequence.
Jenny

======= Andrew:

Verses which struck me this morning are:
“I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.” Col 2:1-4 NIV
Very compact writing from Paul again. It seems his purpose is that people should have “complete understanding”, that is, knowing Christ “the mystery of God”, then they will have all wisdom and knowledge.
But this knowledge of Christ does not come through “fine-sounding arguments”. Fine-sounding arguments may be deceptive.
So it is not through rational mind that we come to know Christ. But it is an encounter of the spirit. We know Him because our spirit recognises Him. And rational knowledge and wisdom follows that recognition.
Andrew

======= Jeff:

From Colossians 1:27-2:6-7 we see how true the phrase is “that it is ALL ABOUT JESUS.” The ministry is all about “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” And it’s this Jesus that we offer the world–Him we proclaim, warning every person, teaching every person, that we may present them perfect (mature) in Christ. And it is for this very purpose that Paul poured himself out—to see people be fully formed in Jesus. What a wonderfully focused ‘mission statement’ Paul left for us all to imitate.
We spend so much time in our communities running programs but Paul makes it clear here that the priority ‘programs/ministries’ are the ones that keep Jesus central, and the ones that seek to take those far from Christ, bring them in close with intentionality and grow them up in Christ with passionate intentionality. This is a cause worth giving one’s life to–investing in people who invest in people who invest in people, and so it goes.
Jeff

======= Ron:

Mike, I thank you for your thoughts. I have been reading the “Bible in a year” for a while but I miss a commentary that I could really understand. In plain English!! Thanks again for that. One question though? When I read the scripture each day I love the NLT translation. When it comes up it always goes to the NIV. Is there a way to have it stay on the NLT for good?? Thank again for all you do and may God always be your guide.
Ron

======= Heidi:

After each one of us has received Christ Jesus as our Savior, we must be “rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” I hope I can learn to be “overflowing with thankfulness.”
Heidi

======= Karen:

Rejoicing in one’s suffering seems to go against all of our natural instinct. I can only face them with a godly perspective when my life is rooted in His word.
Karen

======= Renee:

Jeremiah 4:19-15
God’s anguish, anger and compassion, is Jeremiah’s purpose. Jeremiah is not only God’s voice, but, His heart, eyes and ears. The people are skilled at doing evil. The prophets are liars, the priests rule by their own authority. And, the people of Israel…love it this way. This task had to be a very difficult burden for Jeremiah. But, God is with him.
Love how Paul tells the church to continue to live your lives in Christ and be thankful. As you acknowledge that, He is the head of the church and has everything you need. He is the embodiment of God, in all His fullness.
Colossians 1:18-2:7
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
I am reminded, though times are difficult, God is always Holy and can do amazing things. He is not limited!
Psalm 77
13 Your ways, God, are holy.
What god is as great as our God?
14 You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.
As in Jeremiah’s time, do not call sin good…
Proverbs 24:23-25
23 These also are sayings of the wise:
To show partiality in judging is not good:
24 Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent,”
will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations.
25 But it will go well with those who convict the guilty,
and rich blessing will come on them.
Shalom
Renee

======= Christina:

When I read COL 2:6-7 in the message version it stated it this way:
“My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.” Colossians‬ ‭2:6-7‬ ‭MSG‬‬
This spoke to me. How many times do I think about putting God first or study about it etc versus actually doing what I read & living it. This says start living it! And as you live it let the thanksgivings roll. This convicted me. We should of course stay reading & getting in his word as that helps with the continual & daily renewal of our mind, plus it helps us in our path to grow & learn BUT we need to DO something with those words we read & start living them
Christina

====== Nancy:

Regarding roots..
Ephesians 3.17
So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love.
Colossians 2.7
rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Jeremiah 17.8
They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Nancy

======= Dee:

What sadness that Israel amd Judah would not listen..even priests would say with their mouths but the truth was far from them..how sad and corrupt. I worry that our nation and world is becoming like the days of Judah and Israel..all the lies our country and political leaders tell. How sad. But God you are faithful..you love a cheerful and upright child of God and yet give mercy to those that are ever clinched with sin..may the chains be broken today.
We have to be careful that the teachings of man doesn’t overpower the teachings of God. Have God ingrained in us so deep that nothing can overcome us. I like that. Have deep roots and love and commitment to the gospel of Christ. Amen!
I don’t know why but the song..God of wonders beyond our galaxy. You are holy! You are holy! The Lord of heaven and earth! Gods remembrance of Asaph and Asaph of Him..wow
No one should show favoritism in judgemental. Be fair and just to all. Amen
Dee

======= John:

Colossians 1:18-2:7
“And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”
I have come to look at these passages differently thanks to Ray Stedman.
http://www.pbc.org/library/files/html/4022.html
Christ is the head, the control center, for the body. Through yielding to the Father and accessing the Holy Spirit, it is Christ who runs the body (assembly of believers on earth). There is no titular stand-in here on earth, there is no denigrating this position and elevating someone or something into this position. We do not work for ourselves and/or any employer – we work for Christ.
Why? Because Christ is the beginning. The beginning of the Church. Makes me look at merchant and pearl parable of Matt 13 very differently. Christ is not the pearl, that we go and sell all and buy Him. We cannot buy salvation. No we (the church) are the pearl, something that was grains of sand originally, but forms into something valuable (Christ knows that and sees us as we will be). It is Christ that gives up all, and purchases us (the pearl) for a price.
Christ is the firstborn of the dead – who are the dead – those who are dead in sin. In verse 15 Christ was the firstborn – with all the rights of a firstborn to eventually own and run all of old Creation. Here Christ is the firstborn (with all the rights of a firstborn) of the dead – who will be saved – which is the new Creation (the church). That is the mystery that was held back so long by God, but now revealed to the heavens and earth. Gentile and Jew – born again – in one body with Christ as the Head – Supreme.
======================================================
Col 1:20
“and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”
“Reconcile to” often means salvation, but here I believe it means much more than that thought. The Greek tense is Aorist Active meaning in God’s eyes it is a completed action. Everything in the end – on earth and in heavens will be handled (reconciled). When evil against righteousness will be halted (second coming), when evil men and angels will no longer be able to function in emnity to God. When everything is answered and we all go to our judged places. That is what God sees as being reconciled. Not just a fixing of the problem of evil – but a restoration to what was originally intended, but even better. This process started at the cross with the ability of man to be atoned, saved, and eventually conformed into the image of Christ.
======================================================
Col 1:23
if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.
Continue on in the faith that we must trust in, rely on and depend on God for Salvation and now also for our Christian walk…..
======================================================
Col 2:2
“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,”
We can only be ubnited in love if we yield to the Father-child role and by the richness of His grace be given the power to walk in the Spirit, in love. Walking in the Spirit (so often I think) is thought of as something “we do”. It is not something we do – it is what we “are”. If so, then you will know – have precise and correct knowledge of Christ.
[Remember: In Collossae, the Gnostics are knocking/denigrating Christ to less than deity status.]
Col2:6-7
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Live in Him – or “walk” in Him. Abide in Him as He abides in us – in the sense of “knowing” Christ in the most intimate way.
IF so, [All passive participles meaning they have been done to us] – we are rooted in Christ – He anchors us. We will be built up on these roots (like a tree sprouting)- increasing in faith and experiance, and we will be strengthened in the faith by having it put to the test at home and in life.
With all that we are to be overflowing in thankfulness for whatever God has given us – for it is all from Him and meant for us in the best sense (even if it does not seem like it at the time).
John

======= John:

Jeremiah 4:19-6:15
I think Jeremiah up until today’s reading can be summarized for Israel and for believers gone astray:
Remember – the way it was in the beginning – when God first chose you – the love, the exhilaration, the thankfulness, the worship, etc.
Realize – Where you are at now. Run astray, distant from God, worshipping other idols (computers, money, “things”, etc.) Insulting the Lord by indicating you do not need Him in your life, etc.
Return – to the Lord. Turn back, repent, ask forgivenss from God (for us in the Father-child role). Be restored and rest in Him.
Beware – If you do not there will be consequences. For Israel – Almost complete destruction (but there is always a remnant), and exile from their land. For believers – punishment, chastisement, reduction of rewards in Heaven, called to Him rather than shame Him here on earth.
John

======== John:

Jer 4
Judah’s turn
Judah’s problem is different. They cannot just turn back – as they have no perception that they ever turned away. Judah needs a circumcision of the heart that allows them to see themselves as they really are in God’s eyes.
Jer4:4 “Circumcise yourselves to the LORD,
circumcise your hearts,
you men of Judah and people of Jerusalem,
or my wrath will break out and burn like fire
because of the evil you have done—
burn with no one to quench it.” NIV
[To me, and I may be completely off base here!!! – this is the picture of the unbeliever today. One who plays at faith and religion, but does not believe In Christ. The one who never truly committed to the Lord. They need a change of heart to see their condition, and then they can turn to God, repent and believe IN Christ. If not then the judgment is separation from God.]
What follows? Apparently their was no circumcision of the heart and Jeremiah sees Judah and the coming invasion with all its anguish – and they did it to themselves. God was not the reason it happened – their actions and attitude were the reasons. Just like God does not send anyone to Hell – people choose separation from the Lord after death when they Reject God and Christ in this life.
[Me personally: I believe in the near term this is the Babylonian invasion that Jeremiah sees. They were southeast???, but they came around from the north in their invasion (probably for geographical and surprise reasons)?????In the future the scenario will play out again with invasion again coming from the north. We shall see – one way or another.]
John

======= Vance:

I LIKE THIS QUESTION / CHALLENGE:
“ Are you meditating on all of His mighty works and considering His mighty deeds? Are you being transformed by this process? And will you now go forth and help others in your life ‘ remember ’ and meditate on God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit’s miracles of long ago? ”
Jeremiah 5
23
“But my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned against me and have chosen to practice idolatry.
24
They do not say from the heart, `Let us live in awe of the LORD our God, for he gives us rain each spring and fall, assuring us of plentiful harvests.’
25
Your wickedness has deprived you of these wonderful blessings. Your sin has robbed you of all these good things.
Colossians 1
19
For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ,
20
and by him God reconciled everything to himself. HE MADE PEACE WITH EVERYTHING IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH BY MEANS OF HIS BLOOD ON THE CROSS.
21
This includes you who were once so far away from God. YOU WERE HIS ENEMIES, SEPARATED FROM HIM BY YOUR EVIL THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS,
22
yet now he has brought you back as his friends. He has done this through his death on the cross in his own human body. AS A RESULT, HE HAS BROUGHT YOU INTO THE VERY PRESENCE OF GOD, AND YOU ARE HOLY AND BLAMELESS AS YOU STAND BEFORE HIM WITHOUT A SINGLE FAULT.
23
But you must continue to believe this truth and stand in it firmly. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed by God to proclaim it.
I was meditating on Ephesians 6:15 (NKJV)
15
and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Study from Vine’s Expository Dictionary and my thoughts:
a. SHOD =
Bind underneath (bind / tie on top to bind shoe under feet)
b. PREPARATION =
Firm foundation
c. GOSPEL =
Colossians 1:19 – 22 (above)
d. PEACE =
Completeness (God of Peace = God of completeness)
APPLICATION SUMMARY of meaning of these words:
I.
The Gospel is the firm foundation for me. Thus, by Grace, my life is to be worthy of the Gospel and, as such, my life is a testimony to the Gospel.
II.
The Gospel is not just “simply separated to the spiritual”; i.e., the Gospel is for the WHOLE person: spirit, soul, and body.
I Thessalonians 5 (Amplified)
23
And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).
24
Faithful is He Who is calling you [to Himself] and utterly trustworthy, and He will also do it [fulfill His call by hallowing and keeping you].
BUT…
We must be established in the Gospel to walk in and model the Peace of the Gospel. Jeremiah 5:25 above says: “Your sin has robbed you of all these good things.”
But righteousness expressed by faith and love will ESTABLISH us in God’s Peace.
As Colossians 1:23 above says:
“But you must continue to believe this truth and stand in it firmly. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed by God to proclaim it.”
Vance

Jeremiah 2:31-4:18 + Colossians 1:1-17 + Psalm 76:1-12 + Proverbs 24:21-22
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – We read some harsh words today from God to Israel in Jeremiah chapters 2 & 3 – calling the nation a prostitute and an adulteress.  These are not words a person wants to hear from God – much less an entire nation hearing these words!  Jeremiah wrote this book during the last 40 years of Judah’s existence, which is not surprising to consider when we read this in chapter 3 verses 8 through 10 – “But now Judah, too, has left me and given herself to prostitution. Israel treated it all so lightly–she thought nothing of committing adultery by worshiping idols made of wood and stone. So now the land has been greatly defiled. But in spite of all this, her faithless sister Judah has never sincerely returned to me. She has only pretended to be sorry,” says the LORD.”  Again, not words you want to hear from God.  Can you imagine a much worse insult from God?  A prostitute?  An adulteress?  As harsh as these words are – I almost hesitate to ask this – But I think I should – Today, are we ourselves ever a “prostitute” or an “adulteress” to God?  Do we give ourselves over to sins and lusts and false loves that break God’s heart because of his love for us?  Well, when we act in such a bad way, we are fortunate that God says things like he did in verse 1 of chapter 3 of Jeremiah today – “But you have prostituted yourself with many lovers, says the LORD. Yet I am still calling you to come back to me.”  Even though we may sin gravely against God, he still calls us to come back to Him!  Through Jesus today we can come back to Him!  Do you need to come back to Him in any way in your life?  Will you?  Will you leave behind any and all “adulteress” or “prostitute” behaviors, and return to Him simply as the child of God that you were always made to be?

New Testament – Today we begin Paul’s letter to the church in Colosse!  You can see in the map below that Colesse was about 100 miles east of Ephesus – and very close to Laodicea.  You can also see the island of Patmos on this map below where John wrote the book of Revelation.

~ Colossians ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Rome
Date: A.D. 60 or 61
Content: Paul wrote this letter while a prisoner in Rome to a city he had never visited. He had come to know of these believers while living in Ephesus on his second missionary journey, and now he was concerned because he had heard of some strange pagan theories that were creeping into the church. The views that were troubling the Colossians were a mixture of astrology, magic, and Judaism, which downgraded Christ to being just some sort of angel. Paul wrote to correct this error by showing that Christ is none other than God and possesses the fullness of the eternal God. Instructions follow concerning Christian living.
Theme: In this important letter of Paul’s we are presented with a carefully worked-out defense of Christ’s deity and glory. He is all in all and the believer has everything he needs in Christ. Paul warns that believers out not to be led astray by the foolishness and the false wisdom of men. Instructions for Christian living stress the power of God for men and the joy that believers may have by making use of all the resources that are theirs in Christ. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 27-28)  A wonderful commentary on Colossians by J. Hampton Keathley, III, is at this link.

Colossians chapter 1 verses 15 through 17 are some of the most powerful statements in all of the Bible about Who Jesus truly is!  “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before God made anything at all and is supreme over all creation.  Christ is the one through whom God created everything in heaven and earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see–kings, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities. Everything has been created through him and for him. He existed before everything else began, and he holds all creation together.”  Do you believe these words of Paul’s are true?  Do you believe that Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God?  Did Jesus exist before God made the Earth?  Do you believe that Jesus holds all of creation together?  Does Jesus hold you together?

 

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Colossians titled “The Supremacy of the Person of Christ” is at this link.

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

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

Psalms – I love Psalm 76 verse 4’s reflection on God! “You are glorious and more majestic than the everlasting mountains.”  I wonder how often we look at nature and forget that God created nature?  I think so often we can look at a beautiful sunset or a mountain or a forest or an ocean and temporarily forget that God created these beautiful things.  If God created these beautiful things, then doesn’t it stand to reason that God is more glorious and more majestic than all of his created things?  I’ve said this one before on this blog:  before I believed in Jesus or really even God, I honestly think I was evangelized by creation.  Meaning – I would look at a starry night with my friends and say things like, “How could there be so many stars up there like that and there not be a God?  Things like that can’t just happen by chance!”   Praise God for his creation that was evangelizing me toward Him!  Has creation ever evangelized you?  Do you think creation might be able to evangelize your friends who do not yet know God?  Let us pray that we don’t ever end up worshiping creation instead of the Creator.  Let us be impressed and thankful and admire creation – but let us give the glory and the worship to the Creator, God, who is more glorious and more majestic than the everlasting mountains…

Proverbs – We read an interesting Proverb in chapter 24 verses 21 & 22 today – “My child, fear the LORD and the king, and don’t associate with rebels. For you will go down with them to sudden disaster. Who knows where the punishment from the LORD and the king will end?”  I find it interesting that this Proverb says fear both God and the king.  This is interesting that “fear” of the king – essentially the government – is put on equal footing with fear of God.  I think this is important for us to pay attention to.  God cares about governments.  God though is of course above all governments.  (I think it is important here to note that this Proverb does not say “worship” God and the king – we most definitely should not be worshiping the government….)  It’s interesting that we are instructed here to fear the king and don’t associate with rebels.  Or else you’ll go down with them to sudden disaster.  Generally speaking, I can agree w/ this Proverb.  But, this is also one of those Proverbs where I think to myself – “well, wait a second – what about this type of situation…..”  I am sure we can all think of some situations where we should be associating with “rebels” of the government – and where that association is actually the moral high ground – the right thing to do. (if the government was a Nazi government for example)  What are your thoughts on this Proverb?  Should we always / sometimes / never fear both God and “the king”?

Worship Video: Psalm 76:4 reminded me of the fantastic worship song “Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?” by Delirious.  For some reason every time I hear the lyric “open up the doors and let the music play, let the streets resound with singing” I am reminded of a trip to the Dominican Republic I took several years ago to work on houses with Habitat for Humanity.  Walking down the dusty streets of a tiny village in the DR I distinctly remember the doors being open, the music playing and the streets resounding with the singing of children playing.  God’s presence was so real and tangible to me on that dusty little village in the DR.  I pray you’ve had or will have a similar experience with God walking down “a street that has no name!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB0GBX2-Rms

Have you felt the mountains tremble?  Click here and let the music play!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “For by him (Jesus) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” Colossians 1:16 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving to Jesus for all that He created! Things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, all rulers and authorities. Pray in thanksgiving that Jesus created you!

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

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

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

======= Ramona:

>>This is one of those Proverbs I need to chew on a bit more. If anyone has insights on this one, please post up in the Comments below! >>
I think it’s all about prospective.
My son, [reverently] fear the Lord and the king, and do not associate with those who are given to change [of allegiance, and are revolutionary],
(Pro 24:21 AMP)
1) You could capitalize “king” and then you would have the Words of Jesus to obey. [“If you love me, you will obey my commandments. (Joh 14:15 NET.)]
2) This was written specially to Judah, though Judah, did have some wicked and fallen, very fallen kings and one queen who was totally “off the hook.”
3) From reading this Book, I am convinced we get the leadership we deserve, in my humble estimation, and since we serve our choices, we need to either change our lifestyle, renew our minds and then we will get better leadership when we find ourselves living in a wicked nation. Remember Elijah suffered through the famine called down in Israel although he was God’s man. (I Kings 17-18). Although Elijah did get himself a brook, a raven and a widow to feed him. God always provides a way out.
For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently. (1Co 10:13 AMP)
Any more thoughts and PERSPECTIVES?
Ramona

======== Ramona:

Jeremiah 2:31-4:18
In reading today’s passage, I wonder if there are any “Jeremiahs” walking around today that we are totally ignoring. We have the tendency to think judgment belongs to someone else and the person who is walking around shouting our doom is, well, just plan crazy.
I’ve always found it fascinating how God always uses the language of marital infidelity to describe his people’s idolatry. What is there in marriage that represents God’s Kingdom? People who are “stepping” out on there spouses usually use a multitude of excuses and justifications; however, if God uses the imagery marital faithlessness to describe out pursuit of other god’s then we can learn a great deal about God’s covenant with us and the covenant
For thus says the Lord to the men of Judah and to Jerusalem: Break up your ground left uncultivated for a season, so that you may not sow among thorns. (Jer 4:3 AMP)
Although not stated in the text, I’ve sometimes read this and think on this verse when I come across people who have been in, lets say, very rough “life styles,” who then immerse themselves in the scriptures and just go plum crazy. The Word of God is powerful and sometimes we try to mix that power with a corrupt lifestyle, thinking that the Word will cancel out the corruption. I do not know why I think of that when I read Jeremiah 4:3, except that Jesus compared the “seed” to the Word of God and the soil to our hearts. And I do know several people who have fallen into mental illness after having been enmeshed in drugs and vice, then when caught or exposed, descended into madness upon picking up the Bible.
Colossians 1:1-17
For those of us looking and seeking for our purpose in life, this chapter contains a powerful pray that can be personalized as well as prayed for others. Not only does it seek to help us find our purpose it also prayers for the power of God to enable to fulfill what we have called and been created to do in the Kingdom of God:
For this reason we also, from the day we heard about you, have not ceased praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may live worthily of the Lord and please him in all respects bearing fruit in every good deed, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might for the display of all patience and steadfastness, joyfully giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light. He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son he loves
Grace and peace,
Ramona

====== Andrew:

Interesting to read your comments on Paul’s purpose in writing Collossians. The phrase which struch me was: “… giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (NIV)
So it is God the Father who has “qualified” us – declared us worthy – to share in the inheritance of the Kingdom. He has rescued us from darkness and brought us into His Son’s Kingdom. Through the Son we have been redeemed and forgiven.
Paul writes it very vividly and with a huge depth of meaning beind each word.
Andrew

====== Michelle:

21 Fear the LORD and the king, my son, and do not join with the rebellious, 22 for those two will send sudden destruction upon them, and who knows what calamities they can bring?
Interesting question, Mike, about when we should choose to join the rebellious for moral reasons. I think, in general, just joining the rebellious because they are rebellious exhibits a lack of respect for order in society. However, if the order in society is clearly evil (such as the Nazis)then the higher moral imperative is to fight against them. But the truth of the proverb still doesn’t change. You still need to fear them, and you have no guarantee that things will turn out well for you.
I just watched the Pianist on DVD this week for the first time, and it was a heartbreaking movie. The Polish people (Jews and non-Jews) who resisted the Nazis were doing the right thing, but they were often killed. But what if they hadn’t fought at all??
Michelle

======= Ramona:

Jeremiah 2:31-4:18
Rambling thoughts:
Why do you gad or wander about so much to change your way? You shall be put to shame by Egypt as you were put to shame by Assyria. From [Egypt] also you will come away with your hands upon your head, for the Lord has rejected those in whom you confide, and you will not prosper with [respect to] them. (Jeremiah 2:36-37 AMP)
When God’s people rely on things, people, weapons, political parties, governments, us-four-and-no-more folks instead of their strong right arm, The Lord Jehovah, the Lord Strong and Mighty, we will be pierced through because we lean on a stick that has the appearance of strength but is nothing but decaying wood.
It amazes me how we will do everything to try to get our way, break every Commandment to try to bring about an out come, yet despite our failure to get our way, our failure at playing little gods, more than likely we will not repent until we are utterly crushed by our stupidity
. THAT IS to say, If a man puts away his wife and she goes from him and becomes another man’s, will he return to her again? [Of course not!] Would not that land [where such a thing happened] be greatly polluted? But you have played the harlot [against Me] with many lovers–yet would you now return to Me? says the Lord [or do you even think to return to Me?] Lift up your eyes to the bare heights and see. Where have you not been adulterously lain with? By the wayside you have sat waiting for lovers [eager for idolatry], like an Arabian [desert tribesman who waits to plunder] in the wilderness; and you have polluted the land with your vile harlotry and your wickedness (unfaithfulness and disobedience to God). (Jeremiah 3:1-2 AMP)
One of the things that can be clearly seen when one goes through the prophets is the imagery of a marriage relationship between God and His people. The imager of the spouse running after other men to get what she has already been given by God is so clear that a person who has no sight can see. Is it any wonder that God hates divorce? The Marriage Covenant is supposed to model on the earth, what God is to His people, their Husband.
There is so much to ponder and mediate on in Jeremiah that in seventeen plus years in reading this book over and over again, there are still lots of surprises and I am overwhelmed.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

====== Beth:

I agree with Michelle on the rebellious against a government in a situation like the German resistance during the Nazi regime. What is the saying? All it takes for evil to persist is for good men to do nothing.
My other comment would be to you Mike. C.S. Lewis was also evangelized by creation. One has to be careful though, that one recognizes and worships the Creator, not the created.
Beth

======= Jenny:

I certainly love Col. 1:15:17. “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.”
Now how do those false religions answer to that? Many of them claim Jesus is not God. They try to explain away the words in the Bible…’oh, it doesnt mean that!’ Well, what does it mean? I think it means: Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. lol. sounds like Christ=God to me!
Jenny

====== Cheryl:

About the question on the Proverb about fearing both God and “the king” – Martin Luther King, Jr. immedidately comes to mind. Had he not practiced “civil disobedience” against unjust laws that allowed people to be discriminated against because of the color of their skin/race, our country (USA) would still accept second class citizenship. That was not the way the our country was founded. And yes, people were jailed, beaten and lost their lives, however, the cause was so great the punishment didn’t matter.
Cheryl

======== Billy:

Mike, Loved your comment about being “evangelized by creation.” I enjoy hiking and seeing God’s creation in all its glory evangelizes me every time I go.
Billy

====== LaRhonda:

In reading the verse in Proverbs today, I believe that the higher authority is always God and obedience to him. I was married to a Minster for many years who I submitted to always..until God spoke that which was contrary to what he said…I opted to hear and obey God and am better off today….and single! He is now wandering in a wilderness of deception. Hearing God rescued me and my 7 children!
LaRhonda

====== Russell:

I understand the proverb to be a warning to us to have a healthy fear of the king(government)
Russell

====== Richie:

Paul is happy about how the people in Colossae are faithful to God and love him. Paul encourages them to keep it that way, and that he always thanks God whenever he prays for them because it is God who gives them this faith and love.
Richie

======= Jodie:

My prayer: I ask God that you will know fully what God wants and that you will also have great wisdom and understanding in spiritual things. I pray that you will live life that honors and pleases the Lord in every way and will produce fruit in every good work and grow in the knowledge of God. I pray God will strengthen you with his own great power and you will not give up when troubles come. I pray that you will be patient in time of trouble and you will joyfully give thanks to the Father. I pray that God will make you able to have all that he has prepared for you who live in the light.‭(Colossians‬ ‭1:9-12)
Jodie

======= Karen:

I pray that I have a shepherding heart like Paul who yearns for the spiritual growth of others always.
Karen

======= Renee:

Jeremiah 2:31-4:18
Through Jeremiah, you can feel and hear God’s heart towards His people. They are worshipping idols and treating God as an afterthought…using Him when times get difficult..as if He doesn’t exist. He just wanted them to acknowledge what they were doing was sin. And, truly repent and worship Him as their One true God and Father.
How different are we in 2020?
This is an encouraging prayer for today : )
Colossians 1
9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[e] to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Only God is to be reverenced. When God decides to take action, all will bow before Him.
Psalm 76
7 But you, you are to be feared!
Who can stand before you
when once your anger is roused?
8 From the heavens you uttered judgment;
the earth feared and was still,
9 when God arose to establish judgment,
to save all the humble of the earth.
Proverbs 24:21-22
21 My son, fear the Lord and the king,
and do not join with those who do otherwise,
22 for disaster will arise suddenly from them,
and who knows the ruin that will come from them both?
Shalom
Renee

======== Robert:

Colossians 1:1-17
This summer I ran into an older Christian gentleman that clearly had a mission to bring Biblical truth to splinter religions, in particular Jehovah’s Witness and Mormons. After a few conversations I could see he was very knowledgeable, patient, passionate, kind and I admired him. He has a gift. I say that because I have tried to argue with various cults and I am usually left in the dust. My argument’s come with long deliberate thought and prayer so I have trouble engaging in real time defense of the gospel. I know we are supposed to be prepared to share the gospel and I think God uses me as I give my testimony to others. That is my “mission”.
I really like Colossians 1: 15-20. Paul tells us who Jesus is. I am going to take that one to the bank! Usually I use the Apostles Creed as my grounding belief and simply share that in a way that supports my Christian journey and experiences.
Robert

======= Dee:

Jeremiah was a different kind of prophet than Isaiah was. What Isaiah in his say pacifies and allowed..Jeremiah is calling out. How many times do we “act” sorry but in reality we are not. In fact, we are just sorry of getting caught or called out. We have to repent, truly be sorry and turn from our ways and seek Him.
Colossions 1..the Hope for you..the people were going to Heaven. God qualified them..hope is what we stand when all else is sinking sand..Paul pointed all to Jesus Cbrist..our Savior. The Hope within..not just a destination but a motivation..we should not fear!
Dee

======= John:

Colossians 1:1-17
Paul is writing to Colossae as Mike points out because of the danger of false teachings. Primary amongst these was the “gnostics”. Gnostics believed that worthy individuals received divine revelation from God. This further revelation led them to argue things of the church from a “mystical” standpoint, and were contrary to the teachings of the gospel. [More on this later]
======================================================
Col1:1-14
Quick hits:
– Paul is back to a greeting that emphasizes his position of authority:
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,..”
-“Grace and peace to you from God our Father”: I have been remiss in pointing out that it is always “Grace and Peace” not “Peace and Grace”. Why? Because you cannot have Peace until you receive the Grace of God.
-“..we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus..”: It is not about faith. Today “faith” is a word bandied around a good deal. “faith” in what? Paul is glad because he has heard of their ‘faith IN Christ”.
-“..from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven..”
Just like in Ephesians, and in Philippians “but our citizenship is in heaven” – here the Greek verb tense indicates that your certain expectations are now and will continue to be stored up in heaven.
– Notice in praying that Paul expresses desires and then thanks:
DESIRES
asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will
in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord
being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might
THANKS
who has qualified you to share in the inheritance
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness
brought us into the kingdom of the Son
Paul in his prayer is desiring a growth in spiritual maturity, and thanking God for the gift of Salvation (which is assured). Salvation is of God.
======================================================
Supremecy of Christ
Four false teachings of the Gnostics:
1)It failed to appreciate that Jesus Christ is fully God as well as fully man.
2)It failed to understand that we are made complete in Christ alone.
3)It did not understand the full and complete sovereignty of Christ over all creation.
4)Tried to put the believer under the law and promoted legalistic ideas for living the Christian life. – Gil Rugh
http://www.biblebb.com/files/gr971.htm
Paul’s Refuting of these ideas:
Col1:15 “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”
Many people have trouble with the idea in Genesis of man being made in the “image” of God. Perhaps the concept is made clearer here when refering to Christ. Image – Gk. eikon from which we get the word “icon”. Icon means a representation of something, and connotes a “manifestation” of that thing. Christ is the representation and manifestation of God. While our manifestation as the “image” of God is imperfect because of the fall – Christ is perfect.
Some cults and religious sects will say Christ was created. They will point to this passage and say – ‘See, Jesus is the firstborn’.
“firstborn” has had a different context throughout the Bible.
“The firstborn had the right of inheritance. He had the supreme position in the family. In other words, the firstborn got a double portion of the inheritance. This kept the family fortune intact, so to speak, the land and so on…But it does not always mean the one born first in time. It carries the connotation of the one who is supreme, the one who is in the place of honor.” – Gil Rugh (ibid.)
Examples:
-Ishmael was born first, but Isaac had the rights of firstborn.
-Esau is born first but Jacob has the rights of firstborn.
-Ex4:22b “..This is what the LORD says: Israel is my firstborn son.” Israel is not the first nation in existence, it is highest ranking and holds the position of honor with God.
-Psalm89 in a messianic prophecy “..Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.” Jesus will be in the line of David – but He will be supreme.
Jesus is supreme over all creation.
How so?
Col1:16 “For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by (alternate translation:through)him and for him.
I often think of it as: God is the Architect, Christ is the supplier of materials and builder, and Holy Spirit is overseer. Perhaps that is too simplistic?????
All things were created by Him, through Him, and for Him. “through him” is interesting because it implies to me that all the energy and materials came from Christ (through Him). I think you will be hard pressed to find a scientist who will sign on to this observation 🙂 “for Him” is one of the supports for my belief that all this (the universe, earth, and man) is a “love gift” from the Father to the Son.
What does this mean? Well, all this is metaphorically God’s house. He gets to make the rules. It doesn’t matter if you like the rules, or think it is ok to break the rules.
Example:
Someone has a house, and you get to stay there for a while. The owner is absent, but has either told you or written down what is acceptable and not acceptable actions in the house. You proceed to trash the house, party in the house, neglect the house, etc. The owner returns. What is the first thing the owner will do? Does he have the right to kick you out? Based on what?
[Note: ignoring forgiveness, redemption, etc – just focusing on house and rules and the rights of the owner (creator of the house).]
Col1:17 “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
Christ is eternal. Before all things, Christ exists. “Before Abreham was born, I am. IN HIM is the power that sustains and maintains the creation that He has brought into existence. Deists will not be happy with this thought:)
John

======== John:

Jer 2(cont)
More rejection, more rationalizing, judgment affirmed
======================================================
Jer 3
Jer3:1 “If a man divorces his wife
and she leaves him and marries another man,
should he return to her again?
Would not the land be completely defiled?
But you have lived as a prostitute with many lovers—
would you now return to me?”
declares the LORD.” NIV
According to the Law, remarriage is not allowed. It is hard to tell from the different translations whether God is remarking on Israel’s coming back, or asking Israel to return.
If God is asking Israel to return, then this is an interesting foreshadowing because it would violate the Law. The foreshadowing would be that God’s grace overcomes the Law. God’s Grace can trump all – and without it we would not be saved.
Jer3:10 ” In spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to me with all her heart, but only in pretense,” declares the LORD.” NIV
God hates hypocrisy. He despises lukewarm attitudes (playing both sides of the fence – see Rev 3:15-16 comments on church of Laodicea.)God can deal with true love or true rejection – but do not try to con God. Do you think he does not know your heart? Do you think there is some lukewarm worship and relationships with God around the world? Checking in on Sunday, and going our own way the rest of the week?
Jer3:11 “The LORD said to me, “Faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithful Judah.” NIV
In the Hebrew: Israel who has turned away from is more righteous than Judah who is deceitful in their attitude toward me. Echoing comment from Jer 3:10.
The lord can deal with those who have turned away:
‘Return, faithless Israel,’vs.11
“Return, faithless people,” vs.14
“Return, faithless people; vs.22
When you have turned away all the Lord asks is you turn back (Return). When you are deceitful, you cannot turn back, because that would mean you would have to confront your deceit. In the rationalized mind you never admit that you turned in the first place.
Ah, there is one more condition – Repent. Return and repent of your sins.
Jer3:13
Only acknowledge your guilt—
you have rebelled against the LORD your God,
you have scattered your favors to foreign gods
under every spreading tree,
and have not obeyed me,’ ”
declares the LORD.
Return and repent – the same as what is required for a believer today who has fallen away from the Lord in sin. Turn back to God, repent of your sins, and God will restore you.
Jer3:15 “Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.”
Leaders here, and for us – the promise is the same in the form of the Holy Spirit.
Then a picture of the future:
Jer3:16-17
“In those days, when your numbers have increased greatly in the land,” declares the LORD, “men will no longer say, ‘The ark of the covenant of the LORD.’ It will never enter their minds or be remembered; it will not be missed, nor will another one be made. At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the LORD, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD.”
Some day in the future (has not happened in full yet) – the ark will not be needed (it is gone). Jerusalem will be the throne of the Lord (not the mercy seat between the cherubim on the ark). In those days Judah and Israel will walk as one, and live in the land promised to Abraham.
More entreaties, some wailing, and it appears Jeremiah pleading for some repentance from Israel.
John

======= Vance:

JEREMIAH 3
22
“My wayward children,” says the LORD, “come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.”
JEREMIAH 4
1
“O Israel, come back to me,” says the LORD. “If you will throw away your detestable idols and go astray no more,
2
and if you will swear by my name alone, and begin to live good, honest lives and uphold justice, THEN YOU WILL BE A BLESSING TO THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD, AND ALL PEOPLE WILL COME AND PRAISE MY NAME.”
3
This is what the LORD says to the people of Judah and Jerusalem: “Plow up the hard ground of your hearts! Do not waste your good seed among thorns.
4
Cleanse your minds and hearts before the LORD, or my anger will burn like an unquenchable fire because of all your sins.
NOTE:
Wow!
WE ARE CHILDREN OF ABRAHAM – and we participate in the CALLING and BLESSING of Abraham—because of Jesus!
Galatians 3 (Amplified)
26
For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through faith.
27
For as many [of you] as were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union and communion with Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah] have put on (clothed yourselves with) Christ.
28
There is [now no distinction] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
29
And if you belong to Christ [are in Him Who is Abraham’s Seed], then you are Abraham’s offspring and [spiritual] heirs according to promise.
May we become and fulfill the covenant which God called for Abraham—what the Father established forever by the Life, Death, and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus—the covenant of the Gospel:
“…THEN YOU WILL BE A BLESSING TO THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD, AND ALL PEOPLE WILL COME AND PRAISE MY NAME.”
Our own holiness does not make us righteous. The Lord Jesus, by His grace does. Yet, because God is holy, we must be holy BECAUSE we are His children.
Hebrews 12 (Amplified)
14
Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration and holiness without which no one will [ever] see the Lord.
Vance

Jeremiah 1:1-2:30 + Philippians 4:1-23 + Psalm 75:1-10 + Proverbs 24:17-20
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Old Testament – Today we begin the book of the prophet Jeremiah!  Below is a painting from the year 1630 titled “Jeremiah Laments the Devastation of Jerusalem” by the artist Rembrandt.  This painting can be viewed today in Amsterdam at the Rijksmuseum.

~ Jeremiah ~
Author: Jeremiah
Date: Sixth century B.C.
Content: Jeremiah’s life covered the last forty years of Judah’s existence. The burden of his message was for God’s people to accept the judgment of God so that a new beginning could be made. He lived through the invasions by the Babylonian armies, the deportations of his people by the enemy, the slaughter of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the destruction of the Temple of God. He warned the people concerning these events, pleading with them to turn from their sins, but to no avail. He received only scorn and persecution. Jeremiah’s life is described in some detail, thus making him the best known of the Old Testament prophets.
Theme: In the crisis days during which Jeremiah lived, he had but one message for the people: Repent and turn to God. All false hopes must be abandoned and God must be given his rightful place in the nation. Nothing can save the people – neither their wealth, their armies, their diplomats, nor even their religion – only God can save. The destruction of Jerusalem stands as a memorial for all time that when a nation rejects God, the inevitable result will be ruin. Jeremiah also has a message of hope. Although Judah had abandoned God, God had not abandoned them and would once again show himself mightily on their behalf. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 13)  A great commentary on the book of Jeremiah by Donald Curtis is at this link. 

Today in Jeremiah chapter 2 verse 26 we read this sad statement – “Like a thief, Israel feels shame only when she gets caught. Kings, officials, priests, and prophets–all are alike in this.”  How about us in our lives today?  Do we only feel shame when we get caught?  Do we realize that God knows exactly what we are doing even if we think we might be doing something in “secret”?  Do you realize there are absolutely no secrets with God?

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSK36cHbrk0

New Testament – Wow… so many great teachings from Paul here today as we close out his letter to the church in Philippi!  Paul’s letter to the church in Colosse begins in our readings tomorrow!  I love Philippians chapter 4 verse 4 today – “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again–rejoice!”  How does this verse speak to you?  Are you full of joy in the Lord right now?  Are you always full of joy in the Lord?  Why or why not?  Do you think Paul’s teaching here is correct – should we always be full of joy in the Lord?  Let us rejoice!

Verses 6 & 7 are so very powerful for each of us to truly learn and put into practice in our lives today!  “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”  Do you worry?  Why does Paul tell us not to worry about anything?  What did Jesus say to us about worrying in the Sermon on the Mount?  What does Paul tell us to do instead of worrying?  Pray.  This is a powerful powerful thought!  Think about this the next time you catch yourself worrying.  You know that when you worry you are wasting energy and time.  So, why not follow Paul’s simple instructions here – when you catch yourself worrying, start praying.  Really.  Don’t give one more minute or one more ounce of your energy to worrying.  When you find yourself worrying, get down on your knees and pray!  Tell God what you need – AND thank him for all he has done.  Sure, it may be tough to thank God at your moment of worrying, but you should do so, in addition to telling him what you need.  We should always thank God.  And then… here’s the beauty…. you will experience God’s peace!  His peace will guard your heart and mind as you live in Jesus!  Let us each stop worrying and start praying!  Actually… while I’m already down this path, think about this.  Do you think that you spend more time each day worrying or praying?  Really, think about this.  How many minutes a day would you say that you worry?  And how many minutes a day would you say you pray?  My hunch is that worrying takes up far more minutes for most of us… Look at how we are wasting precious time on worrying!  We don’t have that kind of time…  Let us pray!

And finally Philippians chapter 4 verses 8 and 9 are so beautiful: “And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.”  What type of things do you think about typically?  Do you typically think about what is true and honorable and right?  Do you often think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable?  Do you think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise?  Or are you filling your mind with other thoughts?  Thoughts that, like worry, are a complete waste of your precious time here on this earth?  Will you instead put into practice Paul’s teachings – and the teachings you have received this year from the One Year Bible – and allow the peace of God to be with you? 

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings today in Philippians chapter 4 verses 1 through 9 titled “Stand Fast, Stand Together” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 75 verse 7 is so powerful and so true… I need to hear this over and over again – “It is God alone who judges; he decides who will rise and who will fall.”  You and I do not judge.  Well, we might try to judge, but it’s all in vain if we do.  And we risk turning judgment onto ourselves when we do.  God alone judges.  God alones decides who will rise and who will fall.  We do not.  God is God.  We are not.  This is a very good thing to always remember! 🙂  We should also always remember we are so not this man below when it comes to other people’s hearts or eternal destinies…   

Proverbs – Today in Proverbs chapter 24 verses 17 & 18 we read – “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him.” This is a powerful Proverb and reminds me that Jesus took this Proverb one step further in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter 5. This Proverb says “do not gloat when your enemy falls.” This in and of itself may be a hard teaching in our lives. Well, let us also recall Jesus’ teaching in Matthew chapter 5 verses 44 and 45 – “I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” Jesus tells us to actually love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us!  How’s that for a hard teaching?  But. . . a beautiful teaching.  A True teaching.  A teaching we must put into practice in our lives.  So, yes, let us not gloat or rejoice when our enemy falls.  But more than that, let us love and pray for our enemies.  Why?  Perhaps through love and prayer they will one day not be enemies, but could actually be brothers and sisters?  How are you doing with these teachings in your life?  Do you have any enemies in your life?  Are you not gloating or rejoicing when they fall?  Are you literally praying for and loving your enemies today?  Would this be a holy thing to put into practice in your life this very day?

Worship Video: Philippians 4:6 reminded me of the song “The Prayer” that has been sung by several artists.  I believe Celine Dion wrote the song.  Here is a beautiful version of the song by Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin.  This song starts off a bit slow, but stick with it.  The duet with Yolanda and Donnie by the end is powerful!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ddgmktt-GCQ

Have you ever prayed “The Prayer”?  Click here and pray!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you think about that which is true, noble, right, pure, love, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. Pray that you don’t think about any thing untrue, ignoble, wrong, polluted, hate, despicable, lazy, or condemnable. Pray in Jesus’ name you live out Philippians 4:8 in your life each and every day!

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
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:

Jeremiah 1:1-2:30
Jeremiah is such an intense book and one I can relate too. Here we have a man who loves his country and countrymen but God gives him an assignment to deliver a harsh message to the people he loves, judgment. All truth is confrontational and Jeremiah has been called before the foundation of the world to deliver this confrontational message. If we desire to be used by God according to what He has purposed within us, we will have on-the-job confrontations.
One of the things I have taken note of is the consequence of sin. Reaping and sowing, cause and effect, which is one of the laws God has set in place upon the earth so sin, just like righteousness, has its own rewards.
This is what the Lord says: “What possible fault could your ancestors have found in me that they strayed so far from me? They paid allegiance to worthless idols, and so became worthless to me. .. Your prophets prophesied in the name of the god Baal. All your leaders worshiped idols that could not help them…. “… my people have committed a double wrong: they have left me, the fountain of life-giving water, and they have dug cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns which cannot even hold water.” … You brought it about by leaving the Lord your God, even while he was leading you along the way.
(Jer 2:5-17 NET.)
We would only be fooling ourselves and in deep deception if we think this Word is only for “those back there in Israel” No, this Word is for us today because God’s Word, like Him has no beginning nor ending. And it would behoove us to remember this Word was given to Jeremiah by God to speak to “Church folk.”
Philippians 4:1-23
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
In Paul’s letter to Ephesians, in the six chapter, Paul lists the Spiritual Armor we should always cloth ourselves with. Do we really know what the shoes of peace, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the spirit, etc, are. Do we know what they are analogous too? Or do we just recite the pieces and say “That’s nice.”
Too often I find myself giving mental assent to what the text is saying, yet I don’t really have a “clue” of what is being said or one iota of understanding of how the text relates to my life, much less understand how to apply the text. But I had the light turned on today in understanding what the “Helmet of Salvation” really is. (Eph 6:17). The soldiers’ helmet protects the head and thus the brain, where our thought processes take place. This spiritual helmet is the Peace of God that guards and blocks every thought that is not of God. It is the peace of God that makes up the helmet and that protects my thoughts and guards all that has been transformed by my renewed mind. (Romans 12:2)
Psalm 75:1-10
2
God says, “At the time I have planned,
I will bring justice against the wicked.
For all of us that try to sneak in our licks against those who have wronged us, this second verse should stop us in our tracks. If it is not God’s time, we will never be successful in extracting our pound of flesh; besides we would be stealing from God. (Rom 12:19 Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.)
Proverbs 24:17-20
Enemies and the wicked, God has given us guidelines to follow in dealing with them that are difficult to follow in the flesh. But in the Spirit, all things are possible. The downfall of our enemies and the seemingly prosperity of the wicked should drive us to the throne of God when we are tempted to celebrate our enemies downfall or when we desire the putrid and decaying fruit of the wicked.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

====== Chip:

Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
In today’s reading, I discovered a hidden gem in Phil. 4:6. I’ve read this verse many times, but I overlooked one key phrase, “…with thanksgiving.” God want us to submit our worries and concerns to him, but he wants us to do it with a heart of thanksgiving. This verse commands us to start thanking him, in advance, knowing he will answer us according to his perfect will. Wow…what a concept!
Chip

====== Andrew:

Mike, Thanks for your comments on worry and prayer around Phil 4:6-7. Very applicable.
Andrew

======= Michelle:

I so needed to read this passage in Phil. today because I am worrying myself sick over a particular situation. I know that “Worry doesn’t prevent disaster, it prevents prayer” but I needed to hear that today. Thanks to God for being the source of our peace and caring about every detail of our lives and granting us peace, especially when we lay our burdens at his feet!
Michelle

====== Susan:

phillipians 4;13 has brought me through alot in my life n i Thank God for the verse.
Susan

======= Jordan:

wow, amazing. actually while worriyng i don’t usually pray and now God opened my eyes while reading your article to realize that worry has prevented my prayers.
thank you for sharing. god bless you with grace and peace!
Jordan

======== Dee:

I love love love the 4th Chapter of Phillipians! Who wouldn’t love the words precious Paul wrote about Peace and how to attain it. No failure is to big or small that prayer can’t handle. Worry about nothing, in all things Pray for Everything! and the Peace of God shall be upon you! Isn’t that what everyone on this Earth is striving for? They may not know what they are looking for, however, they know or will find out that it is not in things, or possessions, money, materials, nothing can satisy our appetite like the precious sacred Words of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and His Words is Higher than His name! He exalts them higher than all things, however all things on this Earth will bow and tremble at the Name of Jesus! And in this we know that Phil 4:13 is true. We can do All Things in Christ which Strengthens Us!! Halleluyah!!

Psalms 75, for some reason made me think of the saying, “The sun rises on the Godly and ungodly alike!” We won’t revenge sometimes and wont to take that vengence with our mouth or our fist, or either we have fictious narratives in our head of the should a, would a, could a, to that person, however, the best thing for us to do, is Pray, Forgive Others, Repent of what we did or had a part in the situation, Let God handle the rest! That right there will stop the condemnation and guilt and allow us to be 4-given our selves from Jesus. We can’t come to the Father have “ought” against us, we must go, forgive our “brother” and then turn to God to do the rest! A sweet saint at church told me recently that while reading in the Bible, God spoke to her about forgiveness and resisting the devil. She said when “all” things come against her, people, sickness, persecution, whatever, she said God told her to forgive “it” period. Forgive the sickness, forgive the person, forgive the poverty. The devil wants us persecuted and destroyed one way, somehow or another! The angels minister to our spirits, they only know what to do when we tell them to, so when we forgive the spirit that has come upon us, it will baffle the mess out of the Devil! That is our strongest weapon is Forgiveness!! Take care, be blessed.

Sorry, this is last comment. As you can see, I like to do one chapter at a time, and meditate on it piece by piece so as to not forget what I was going to write.. : ) anyway, I can so relate to Proverbs 24: 17-20 today. It was a little conviction for me and a small ouchie, like a bandaid being ripped off suddenly. That is so true not to gloat against ones we don’t personally like or care for and especially coming to sports of our children! Can I get an Amen in that corner! we played our first game of soccer for Fall season the other week and our opposing team lost and we won, and out of my mouth came, yea, I’m just glad we beat so and so! Immediately I felt shame, I did immediately repent and tell the Lord, I was sorry and that I should be a good sport and encourage all coaches and team players and that by me spouting off bad words, that could turn judgement on me or my child and the ball would be in there court or God’s so to speak! Yes, do not judge! You will feel bad if you have an ounce of a conscience within you and it is best to immediately repent and just be happy for a good mutual fun fellowship between both teams!
Dee

======== Ramona:

Jeremiah 1:1-2:30
Jeremiah is one of my very favorite books. I have rejoiced over it, cried over it, celebrated in it, been confused over who is speaking and to whom while reading it. I have probably read this book more times than all the other books in the Bible carving out months where I read one chapter a day or weeks, where I covered all 52. Is God speaking only to Jeremiah or is He speaking to Jeremiah a message to give to the people? Is this Jeremiah’s lament regarding Israel and Judah, God’s people, or is this God lamenting the choices His people have made?
Jeremiah began hearing from God during the reign of Josiah. Like Isaiah, Jeremiah prophases during periods of religious reform and times of apostasy; good kings and horrible kings, yet God’s message is the same. I wonder with us on this site and within our church’s do we think all our religious activities, all our doing stuff, things for God, exempts us from the messages and warnings of God? Do we have a sense of false security, like those who attended the Temple that we are not idolaters as we bow down to our idols? Do we think we are not blasphemous because we do not blaspheme by our definitions while we blaspheme by God’s point of view?
As we enter into the Words of God through the prophet Jeremiah may our hearts and minds be open for conviction, may they be open for correction, instruction and encouragement when we fall into despair. In Jesus’ Mighty and Glorious Name—Amen and Amen.
Sinners will sin because by nature they sin, but it is God’s people to whom much as been given and thus, much is required. We are without excuse. I think Jeremiah is a very dangerous book to read when one is a Believer but refused to believe the message God give is Jeremiah.
If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 AMP)
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======== Alan:

Phil. 4:4, 6 & 7 stand out to me today. Helped put me in prayer for those I love and those I should love. Thanks Mike
Alan

======= Heidi:

Paul says “I can do all this through him who gives me strength. YET it was good of you to share in my troubles.” This shows that we need to share our burdens with one another and help each other out.
Heidi

======= Angela:

I think Jeremiah 1:7-8 are two valuable verses. God says that saying “I’m too young” is not an excuse to not tell people about the good news. We should go humbly to wherever he sends us and not argue, just like Jesus when he came to Earth to take the punishment for our sins. And we can be assured that God will rescue us because he will be with us every minute of our life. So we do not need to be afraid of anything, because God is at our side.
Angela

======= Richie:

The Philippians support Paul throughout his journeys like no other churches. Paul still says that he is content with whatever he is given because he has learned to trust God to provide for him as he is doing his work. Paul encourages his friends to rejoice in the Lord and stay close to the Lord.
Richie

======= Jessie:

Today’s passage in Philippians was a good reminder (no, command) of what our thinking should be. Paul tells us to stop worrying and start praying and start thinking about anything that is true, noble, right, pure, love, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. When I see this list, I’m reminded of all the worried and ugly thoughts that fill my mind almost constantly. But Paul says that when we pray, God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds.
I was also reminded to support the missionaries and pastors out there like the Philippian church did. They seemed to have supported Paul in his travels and even suffered together for him. I hope we can all be more like the Philippian church in this aspect.
Jessie

======= Renee:

Jeremiah 1:1-2:30
And, so it begins…a one sided love story. God has every right to be upset. His words to Israel are strong but still, so compassionate. They left their first love. But, God…He never gives up on Israel or us. I LOVE the dialogue and conversations between God and Jeremiah. God does speak and still is speaking today.
This passage reminds me that: purity and strength, comes to those whose mind is focused on Jesus.
Philippians 4
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Thank you Father for your judgements are pure.
Psalm 75
9 But I will declare it forever;
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
10 All the horns of the wicked I will cut off,
but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.
A timely and relevant word for 2020
Proverbs 24:17-20
17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,
18 lest the Lord see it and be displeased,
and turn away his anger from him.
19 Fret not yourself because of evildoers,
and be not envious of the wicked,
20 for the evil man has no future;
the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
Shalom
Renee

======= Robert:

FYI – a word for you to use in your vocabulary
jeremiad – a doleful complaint or lamentation; a list of woes.
Example: His jeremiad on the sorry state of the world pushed me deeper into despondency.
Even though we are tempted to be depressed reading Jeremiah, I want to see the other side of the coin. Look at verse 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you….” God has given us lives of direction and purpose. He appointed some to be prophets, some to be teachers, pastors, evangelists, farmers, florists and mom’s. Our very existence is precious.
In my case, for the last 30 years my wife and I have been inn keepers. With all the experiences, I could write a book or make a TV show. Faulty Towers comes to mind. We have seen the full spectrum of people’s lives from the down and out to the brilliance. I have used the gift I have been given as a facilitator by helping them move from one place to another. Good and bad but almost always prayer to pave the road. I retire January 1.
Robert

======== Dee:

Another chapter gone/book..we finish Phillipines .be the light don’t let another ve stomped on..continue to run the race..be good hearted and know that Christ and through Christ we find our joy and inner peace! I love Jeremiah. My fave of Jeremiah is about the plans God has for us to prosper and have a bright future also that we must stay firm like a tree firmly planted and not grow weary. Amen
Dee

======= Nancy:

There are times when we are suppose to judge. For instance when a believer falls into sin.
Galatians 6.1
Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.
This is a judgment. Looking at the situation & making a call. It is important that when we approach the person that our heart & attitude are humble, not haughty or proud. “There but for the grace of God go I.” is the saying. To reach out to them in love. With true motives.
Jude 1.23 nlt
Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.
I believe it needs to be done as a group so there is no question of what took place.
Matthew 18.16
But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses.
Nancy

======== John:

Phil 4
Why rejoice?
Phil4:3b “and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.”
Because you are citizens of heaven, your names also are in the book of life.
The Book of Life, by the way, is the register where God keeps the names of the redeemed. Daniel 12:1, Malachi 3:16 and 17, and Revalation.
Phil4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Why should we not worry? Because we have a resource non-believers do not. We can go to our God and pray with a THANKFUL attitude, and attain peace. How’s that? Because we are not depending on ourselves, but depending on God – that is what pleases the Almighty. Instead of worrying about what you can do, how you can fix a situation – turn it over to God. We can then have peace – because if you truly believe in a soverign God – you have just turned the situation over to the one who has the power to address the situation – perfectly and completely. His Will be done, not ours.
Phil4:8
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
One of my new favorite verses. When things seem tough, when you are unhappy wuith a “brother/sister”, when you seem bogged down in the world – it is a great verse to have in your memory list of Bible verses.
This statement is a command – it is something we need to do – whether it is in regard to a dispute with other Christians (look to the good in the other) or our daily lives in the “world” (protecting our mind).
As to the second thought:
“The point is, you’ve got to protect your mind because that is what determines what you want and what you desire and that’s what determines how you react to the stimuli of life.” – John MacArthur
John

======= Vance:

Jeremiah 1 (NKJV)
4
Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying:
5
“ Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
6
Then said I: “ Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.”
7
But the LORD said to me: “ Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.
11
Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see a branch of an almond tree.”
12
Then the LORD said to me, “You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word.”
NOTE:
God has a plan for us, and He calls us to what His will is. His word and His work cannot be denied, and His Word must come true.
Note verse 11: “I see a branch of an almond tree”.
I like this note of explanation in Matthew Henry’s commentary: “The almond-tree, which is more forward in the spring than any other, represented the speedy approach of judgments.”
If we persistently and consistently resist the Lord—and this would have be over a very long period of time—we will reap judgment if we keep on sinning.
But that is not God’s original plan, intention or design for us. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you.”
Exodus 34 (Amplified)
6
And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord! the Lord! a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving-kindness and truth,
7
Keeping mercy and loving-kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but Who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children, to the third and fourth generation.
God is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving-kindness and truth”.
God is “keeping mercy and loving-kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin”.
The only way we can miss God’s Love and His will is if we persistently ignore the Lord and do not seek Him.
May we take the time to spend time in regular repentance, prayer, worship and learning to listen to the Lord of Love so we can know His will.
~~~
Jeremiah 2 (NKJV)
19
Your own wickedness will correct you, and your backslidings will rebuke you. Know therefore and see that it is an evil and bitter thing that you have forsaken the LORD your God, and the fear of Me is not in you,” says the Lord GOD of hosts.
NOTE:
May this not be so for all who are willing. May we not be primarily taught by our habit of sinning. May we, instead, present ourselves to the Lord to be taught by Him.
Our “natural man” is infected with sin and “the sinful nature” (or “the flesh”) can never please God. God longs to meet us and to show us His way!
Psalm 25 (NKJV)
12
Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.
13
He himself shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth.
14
The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.
15
My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net.
~~~
Philippians 4 (NKJV)
4
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
7
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Meditate on These Things
8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
9
The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
NOTE:
Amen and amen. Take time to be holy.
Take time to praise and worship the Lord, for He is worthy. He is God and we are not.
Planting seeds of obedience in thought, word and action will reap a rich harvest of solid and righteous peace and security.
Even if everything else is against us—we will know the peace of God if we make sure that our lives are planted in
Christ’s Love!
Vance

======= Vance:

JEREMIAH 1
5
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.”
JEREMIAH 2
13
For my people have done two evil things: They have forsaken me–the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!
19
Your own wickedness will punish you. You will see what an evil, bitter thing it is to forsake the LORD your God, having no fear of him. I, the Lord, the LORD Almighty, have spoken!
20
Long ago I broke your yoke and tore away the chains of your slavery, but still you would not obey me. On every hill and under every green tree, you have prostituted yourselves by bowing down to idols.
PHILIPPIANS 4
4
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again–rejoice! 5Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
13
For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
NOTE:
The way we have THE JOY OF THE LORD is through: INTIMACY AND OBEDIENCE. Obviously, obedience, by itself, is not enough. For if we could be made righteous and pleasing to the Father through our “good works” without Jesus, we would have been.
INTIMACY AND OBEDIENCE are the keys! This verse really jumped out to me yesterday in cell group:
HEBREWS 10 (Amplified)
16
This is the agreement (testament, covenant) that I will set up and conclude with them after those days, says the Lord: I will imprint My laws upon their hearts, and I will inscribe them on their minds (on their inmost thoughts and understanding),
This verse quotes from Jeremiah 31:33 and 34.
If we deliberately disobey God, we experience what I quoted above in Jeremiah 1 and 2. Though God imprints within our being a particular calling from birth (like Jeremiah) we are in danger of falling from our calling and we jump into hardness of heart and sinful brokenness. This is different from godly sorrow and brokenness which leads us to repentance, which leaves no regret. Worldly brokenness (because of sin NOT repented of) only brings heartache and sorrow.
THE JOY OF THE LORD IS IN INTIMACY AND OBEDIENCE !
Notice:
“This is the agreement (testament, covenant)… says the Lord:
a. I will imprint My laws upon their hearts
b. I will inscribe them on their minds (on their inmost thoughts and understanding)…”
We need to study God’s Word. But, we need to give ourselves to the Father and the Holy Spirit in the Name Lord Jesus, asking the Spirit to imprint His Word upon our hearts.
Personal relationship with the Lord Jesus in Holy Spirit establishing us in God’s Word.
Then we will know the joy of the Lord—of finding and fulfilling the purpose for our lives—as we discern the voice of the Lord in very personal ways. How? Because we will know the voice of the Lord Jesus because we have yielded ourselves to Him and listened to Him as He taught us His Word!
THANK GOD FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE TAUGHT BY THE LORD HIMSELF… HIS WORD!
THIS IS confirmed in the next verse in Jeremiah
Jeremiah 31 (Amplified)
34
And they will no more teach each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, Know the Lord, FOR THEY WILL ALL KNOW ME [RECOGNIZE, UNDERSTAND, AND BE ACQUAINTED WITH ME]
Vance

Isaiah 66:1-24 + Philippians 3:4-21 + Psalm 74:1-23 + Proverbs 24:15-16
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Old Testament – Today we finish up the book of the prophet Isaiah!  What a great read this book has been for me this year!  I hope it has been a blessing for you as well.  Tomorrow we begin the book of the prophet Jeremiah!  We read powerful words from God in Isaiah chapter 66 verses 2 & 3 today: “I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word. But those who choose their own ways, delighting in their sins, are cursed. Their offerings will not be accepted.”  Have you ever literally trembled at God’s Word, the Bible?  I am not 100% sure if I have.  I hope so.  I have certainly read portions of God’s Word where I have felt very convicted.  Where I have realized I must change my ways.  So, I suppose in this regard I have trembled at God’s Word.  Do you have a humble and contrite heart?  Again, I hope I do.  I know I do sometimes…  But do we have a humble and contrite heart all of the time?  I pray that we learn to.  Let us not choose our own ways.  Let us not delight in our sins.  Let us instead tremble at God’s Word.

God’s words in the last 3 verses of the book of Isaiah are apocalyptic (which is not a bad thing – just the Truth of what is to come) and seems to be a precursor to John’s Book of Revelation that we will read later this year: “”As surely as my new heavens and earth will remain, so will you always be my people, with a name that will never disappear,” says the LORD. “All humanity will come to worship me from week to week and from month to month. And as they go out, they will see the dead bodies of those who have rebelled against me. For the worms that devour them will never die, and the fire that burns them will never go out. All who pass by will view them with utter horror.””

New Testament – Great teachings from Paul today in Philippians chapter 3!  Verses 7 through 9 are so very true – “I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with him.”   How do these words of Paul’s speak to you?  Have you ever valued & loved “things” in your life more than your relationship with Jesus?  Can you now look back and realize that those things – love of power, money, prestige, or material goods, etc. – are worthless because of what Jesus Christ has done for you on the cross?  Can you now see that love of those things is garbage – garbage that can prevent you from growing closer to Jesus if you do not throw it out?  Is there any garbage in your life today that you should be throwing out…?

Today we also read Paul’s amazing teachings in verses 12 through 14 – “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.”  How about you?  Are you all that you should be?  Are you focusing all of your energies on reaching the end of the race and receiving the prize for which God is calling you?  Are you forgetting the past?  Are you looking forward to what lies ahead?  Are you looking forward to heaven?  In this race called life, is your focus on heaven as your prize?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Philippians titled “Paul’s Perspective on Perfectionism” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 74 dates from the time of the exile when the Promised Land was in shambles and the temple destroyed by neighboring nations.  This is very evident by the verses we read in this Psalm.  In light of this, I absolutely love the plea in verse 22 – “Arise, O God, and defend your cause.  Remember how these fools insult you all day long.”  And as we will read later in the Bible this year, God indeed will arise to defend his cause…  Below is an image for verses 13 & 14 of this Psalm: “You split the sea by your strength and smashed the sea monster’s heads. You crushed the heads of Leviathan and let the desert animals eat him.”

Proverbs – Proverbs 24 verses 15 & 16 I think is an interesting look at God’s grace and judgment all at once – “Do not lie in wait like an outlaw at the home of the godly. And don’t raid the house where the godly live. They may trip seven times, but each time they will rise again. But one calamity is enough to lay the wicked low.” This Proverb says that the godly may trip 7 times – but each time they will rise again.  This is a great example I think of God’s grace.  He will pick us back up over and over and over again.  However….  this Proverb tells us that one calamity is enough to lay the wicked low.  Here I think we see God’s judgment.  God indeed will lay the wicked low.  Now, don’t get me wrong.  I do think God offers his grace to all – in hopes of winning all into his Kingdom.  But unfortunately in this fallen world, some will reject God’s grace over and over and over again.  And eventually comes judgment.  Let us pray for God’s continuing grace in our lives and in the lives of those around us.  And let us also realize that God’s judgment is just as real as God’s grace.

Worship Video – Today’s readings in Philippians remind me of the Chris Tomlin song “Jesus Messiah:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz64E2y0_UI

Is Jesus your Messiah?  Click here to meet your Messiah!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” Philippians 3:8 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you consider everything in your life a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

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

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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
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======= Ramona:

Isaiah 66:1-24
My eyes have been opened to whom God is speaking to through his prophet Isaiah. The rebuke and warning is not for the enemies of God but to God’s own people. This is the first time I’m seeing this from the hundreds of times I’ve read this book.
THUS SAYS the Lord: Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house would you build for Me? And what kind can be My resting-place? [Acts 17:24.] For all these things My hand has made, and so all these things have come into being [by and for Me], says the Lord. But this is the man to whom I will look and have regard: he who is humble and of a broken or wounded spirit, and who trembles at My word and reveres My commands. [John 4:24.] [The acts of the hypocrite’s worship are as abominable to God as if they were offered to idols.] He who kills an ox [then] will be as guilty as if he slew and sacrificed a man; he who sacrifices a lamb or a kid, as if he broke a dog’s neck and sacrificed him; he who offers a cereal offering, as if he offered swine’s blood; he who burns incense [to God], as if he blessed an idol. [Such people] have chosen their own ways, and they delight in their abominations;
(Isa 66:1-3 AMP)
This could not have been written to any other people but Israel/Judah because they are the only ones who would understand the reference to God’s resting place or house, that He really didn’t need. The “nations” would not have to be admonished and warned about idolatry and offering up things that would be reckoned as dogs’ and pigs’ blood on God’s alter because they never knew God’s alter unless they were converts. If this was a warning to Israel back then, than this is a warning for the Church and those in the church and clam their Christian status, today.
Flipping over the negative, we go to the positive. For those clinging to God, upholding the scriptures and being persecuted by others who are part of the Church body, then this is cause to rejoice and encouragement to remain steadfast.
Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice for joy with her, all you who mourn over her, That you may nurse and be satisfied from her consoling breasts, that you may drink deeply and be delighted with the abundance and brightness of her glory.
(Isa 66:10-11 AMP)
And Mike I believe having a humble and contrite heart is not so much as one being convicted of ones sin but understanding that EVERYTHING that is done in the Christian walk must be directed by God through His Holy Spirit. In short, submitting to the Will of God and not our will. We can be repented however, repentance without change (Change is not change until it’s changed) is deadly, one is just sorry that they got caught or must serve the consequences of their actions. A humble and contrite heart leads to changed behavior.
Philippians 3:4-21
Paul, in this section of Philippians, speaks of relying on our own righteousness, which is like filthy rags, no matter how we define our so-called righteousness: either by birth, class and or skin, hair texture or geographic location Paul calls it all “dung.” (KJV). Anything outside of relying on Christ is nothing, zip, zero, nada.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
(Phi 3:8-10 KJVR)
Psalm 74:1-23
I read this and chuckle. No, I’m not chuckling at God or making light of this Psalm but I’m humored over how God tells us to put Him in remembrance of His promises to us. God doesn’t forget unless He chooses to. Here the writer is reminding God of the bad things that have happened to Israel, the promise of the mercy of God and God’s grace. God does not need to remember the things He has given us, but we need to be reminded of who we are and what we have in God, through Christ. What better way of having His people remember their responsibilities to God, others and ourselves by having us remind God of what He promised. It brings a smile to my face.
Proverbs 24:15-16
The interesting thing about these two verses is that we really don’t know who the godly or wicked are when they fall. Maybe we think we know but we really don’t. Since both godly and wicked may be sprawled on the ground, so judgment is reserved for those in the know, the spiritual know. I believe this Proverb is written specifically for the Believer who has fallen and can get up. The guilt and fear that comes with falling down can be paralyzing and wrought with terror, having the fallen Believer think that he/she has committed the “unpardonable” sin thus nullifying any positive effect they we’re created to have on the Kingdom of God.
God is saying, “Yes, you can get up and stop counting how many times you have fallen, just get up!”
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======== Jenny:

Isaiah has been a tremendous blessing! I read it before, but got sooo much more out of it this time! We took communion tonight and as the pastor read from Mark, I had Is. 53 going through my mind…it just brought such a deeper meaning, i was in tears! I was so humbled, so grateful!
Jenny

======== Shana:

Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
My father is a spiritual storyteller and is always spreading the word through magnificent stories.
Here is one that he tells often:
The Flawed Stone
In a long forgotten kingdom, many, many years ago, there lived a very wise king who was loved by all in his kingdom. But, alas, the king had one fault, he was at times selfish. In his bedchamber, under his bed, he kept a chest and in that chest there was a magnificent stone. Every night he would take the stone out and he would look at it as he turned it around, it caught the light in its many different sides. It was perfect. One night the king was distracted for the briefest of moments and the stone fell to the ground. When the king picked up the stone, he saw a crack that ran from one end to the other. The stone was flawed. The king called for all the jewelers and gem setters within the kingdom to repair the stone, but, alas, they could do nothing. The king called for the stone and gem cutters and after looking at it they said the only way the stone could be saved was to cleave it in two. The king would not hear of it. The King had a pedestal erected in his throne room, and upon the stand he set the stone with a sign above it that said:
LET IT BE KNOWN TO ALL WITHIN AND WITHOUT MY KINGDOM THAT JUST AS THIS STONE IS FLAWED, SO IS THE KING. LET NO ONE BE SELFISH.
The stone sat upon the stand in the throne room for seven years. In the seventh year there came a rabbi, an old and ancient rabbi, who looked upon the stone and said: “I can fix the stone. I can make it more beautiful than it was before it was flawed.”
The guards thought the sage was old and without skill nor reason, but the king invited the ancient rabbi to look at the stone. The rabbi took the stone and carefully looked at it and said he needed but three days to work upon the stone. Then the rabbi covered stone with a black cloth and took it into a chamber which was provided for him. He closed and bolted the chamber door. The ancient rabbi lifted his hands towards the heavens and he began, “Ribbono she! Olam, Master the universe, give me the strength and the skill to complete the task before me.”
For a day and a half the rabbi prayed, and for day half scratching, scraping, and sounds of broken glass was heard from that chamber. When the third day came everyone gathered in the throne room.
Every eye watched as the black cloth was slowly removed from the stone and there were oo’s and ah’s for the stone was indeed more beautiful than it was before it was flawed. For you see from the crack the old rabbi had etched leaves and out of the top of the stone the rabbi had carved a perfect thirteen petalled rose.
But this is not the end of the tale. For you see that that stone sits in the Crown of Glory. When one looks at a gem stone, one does not look at each facet as an individual, but at the whole stone. If one facet is flawed then the whole stone is flawed. Each person of faith is a facet in the stone and that sits in the Crown of Glory, and the day is fast approaching when every person shall join hands. On that day they will be so strong that no force shall be able to separate them.
Let us all pray for that speedy day to arrive.
Shana

======= Karen:

Shana, Thanks for sharing that story. Mike, I have many times been reading the bible and absolutely burst into tears (and trembling) at the words spoken to me.
Love in Christ,
Karen

========= Stephanie:

7 times i fall and each time he picks me up ,oh pick me up lord ,help me to with stand the fiery darts of the devil thank god i have salvation and of all gods word my armor
Stephanie

======= DeeDee:

I love stepping in and diving into a new book each time in the Bible. Isaiah was a wonderful book to be enjoyed and read with care and careful examination of ourselves and of God’s love for us! Jeremiah was great today..Everytime I read the passages in the Bible about God knowing me before He ever formed me in my mother’s womb..it’s like a glowing annointed feeling I get..because not only did God Form me, little ole me, but He knew me and designed me. It lets me know that I was no accident, I was created in His image and Likeness, for that I smile. 🙂 I like the fact that our Lord is no respector of persons and that He chooses old saints, young prophets, messengers, senders of The Word..whatever title you may like, and says, Don’t say I’m too young..you will GO where I send you, and Say what I tell you to say..(whew) that gets the monkey off of our back from spouting out the wrong thing..However, what happens when God does send us and we “lose” ourself and babble the wrong message, or we go when we are Not being sent. So many times, it seems that way in this world. Many preachers are “preaching” and they haven’t been called and so many of us, “so called” prophets or teachers go and keep quiet or go and just babble, making no sense. I liked Jer 2:20 where it states, the Lord said, “Long ago I broke the yoke that oppressed you and tore away the chains of your slavery.” I look at us, Christians around the world and wonder, how come so many are in such bondage and carrying around those chains that Christ so long ago had released from us?? Why are we carrying around such baggage, don’t we know that we have been set free! Free from the devil, addictions, poverty, health issues, sin, free from lack and doubt and our minds are free from worry, pain, guilt, condemnation! Then we go to verses above it and find out why some are not free..2:13 of Jer. They have abandoned me–says the Lord. the fountain of living water, and they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all! They basically are bowing and worshiping false Gods who pretend to be the source, (or at least in the sinner’s eyes) and have a faulty leak and holes all in it. No peace, no comfort, no joy, no answers or turn around is going to happen with these false Gods, (money, people, false prophets, clothes, materials, shrines, jewelry), etc..They are looking to the wrong source and not to The Source of All our problems for which He has the solution! The destruction comes from the devil, the little “g” (god) of this world, and he but only knows to steal kill and destroy. Jesus come that you may have life and life to the fullest, abundance, overflowing, spilling out where your cup can’t contain it all!!
DeeDee

======= Ramona:

Isaiah 66:1-24
I have noticed throughout Isaiah when God speaks about Jerusalem, the city, He often personifies her and asks all that love her to see her as a person. Either this is a literary devise or Jerusalem represents an ideal a standard. Having said that I am intrigued by the mention of the Temple inside the walls/gates of Jerusalem. The Temple is the life, the heart of His people and the walls of Jerusalem represent the walls of the chest cavity that holds the heart. (Please note: this is my vision/interpretation and mine alone. If I am wrong, God will surely correct me as He has done that before.)
Verse sixth really caught my attention:
Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble at His word: Your brethren who hate you, who cast you out for My name’s sake, have said, Let the Lord be glorified, that we may see your joy! But it is they who shall be put to shame. 6 [Hark!] An uproar from the city! A voice from the temple! The voice of the Lord, rendering recompense to His enemies!
(Isaiah 66:5-6 AMP)
Within every one of our hearts are things that should not be there; things that God will purge out. I wonder if many of the things we go through, the trials, the adversities are more than not God allowing the things deeply entrenched in our hearts to be exposed. While we wrestle with what is going on within us, we realize what we are experiencing emotionally shouldn’t be there.
Just a thought.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======== Jack:

The road to be Christ like is hard and arduous, full of ups and downs.
Paul again reminds us to be humble in our pride, to know Christ and share in His sufferings, to forget the past and strive towards heavenly award. He finished this chapter by telling us to stand firm in the Lord!
Thank you Lord for guiding my path of life, Amen.
Jack

====== Richie:

Whatever we used to be or have doesn’t matter when you follow Christ because your destination is heaven, with God. I also notice how Paul always encourages his fellow believers to follow in his example, probably because he acts for God’s sake. I also found it a bit funny with the part that says “their god is their stomach,” which is like the phrase “thinking with your stomach”.(<-Not in the bible)
Richie

======= Angela:

I found verse 4 of Isaiah 6 really sad (but true). It says, “For when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, no one listened. They did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me.” I don’t know if it’s just the wording, but reading that verse makes me suddenly feel sad. It is basically saying that when God calls for us, we neglect him and do things our own way. But God always wants the best for us… so why do we walk away from him? He created us and has much wisdom, after all. I hope I remember this verse so I can choose to follow God’s instruction, instead of doing things my way.
Angela

======== Karen:

“20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” Keeping a heavenly perspective really helps make forgiving someone easier, letting go of hurt quicker, and quenching bitter faster. I pray that I would not let the things of this world crowd my thoughts but put forth His words so that my mind is captive to His thoughts instead.
Karen

========= Jessie:

Paul wrote some powerful words in today’s passage in Philippians. He puts things in perspective, that since Jesus is the greatest gift of all, everything is nothing, in fact, a loss. I was reminded when a pastor taught that to hold Jesus in your hands, you have to let everything else go. I also like how Paul says that righteousness doesn’t come from rules or laws but from God “that depends on faith”, our faith. I pray that I would let go of things that hold me back from a right relationship with Jesus.
Jessie

====== Jodie:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬) Thank God for reminding me again of my favorite verse. I need to “take every thought captive to obey Christ,” (2 Corinthians‬ ‭10:5‬b‭)
Jodie

========= Dee:

I am sorry I haven’t posted lately. The blog here I couldn’t access last few days. I think internet issues due to Hurricane Ion.. I can’t believe Isaiah is over..such a good book! Humble and contrite hearts. I don’t know if God’s word ever has hit me that hard. I do have songs that I tear up in. Nicole Mullins The God who sees is one of those songs.. in Phillipians..I didn’t know Paul was from tribe of Benjamin..I have read through and listened to stories of Paul..know he was Saul at one time. It’s an interesting story. The greatness of knowing Christ is far better than any loss I have.
Ps 74 Arise and defend your cause..Lord ..how David is pleading with the Lord..
Proverbs..no matter how many times a Christian gets knocked down..they get back up again. Amen
Dee

======== John:

Is 66:16
“For with fire and with his sword
the LORD will execute judgment upon all men,
and many will be those slain by the LORD.”
Some people get upset with Christians when they talk about judgment in the end times or hell. But all the Christian is saying is – in the end there will be wrath and judgment on those who reject the Lord. Don’t shoot the messenger.
Isaiah speaks about things that have not happened yet and for the Bible to be inerrant – they WILL come to pass.
Rejection of God had a penalty of death in the OT, Jesus said in Gospels that the non-believer will suffer eternal separation from God (death), and in the future when Christ comes back – those that oppose and reject Him have the same sentence – death and eternal separation from God.
======================================================
Is 16:18
“And I, because of their actions and their imaginations, am about to come and gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see my glory.”
Just another verse that supports the premise that this whole thing Creation, Salvation, and Apocalypse is about God’s Glory.
John

======= John:

Philippians 3:4-21
This is who Paul was before salvation:
“If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.”
Paul had more reasons than anybody else to think that you could earn your way to heaven by following the Law, yet this is Paul now:
“What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.”
Paul gave up all the trappings of being a big shot in Jerusalem, alll the power, all the fame. He gave them up (lost all things) for Christ. Why did Paul switch teams – this is one of the most startling conversions in the history of Christianity. One should take seriously what Paul, an apostle – appointed by the will of God – says in his writings.
Pressing on Toward the Goal
We have read the last several books of the Bible – and the message has been to depend on God for our Christian walk – alone we can nothing in coforming ourselves to the image of Christ.
Yes Paul is pressing on – but it is in the same mode he has been proclaiming the last few weeks – yielding to God in humilty and weakness, accessing the Holy Spirit who without we could not run the race. Being powerful in Christ, but admitting he himself is nothing.
It is about God – not about us. We cannot run the race and press on unless God is providing the strength to us to walk in the Spirit of love. Remember to even enter the race – one must be a believer.
John

======= Vance:

Isaiah 66 (NKJV) – True Worship and False
1
Thus says the LORD:
“ Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest?
2
For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist,” says the LORD. “ But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.
17
“ Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves, to go to the gardens after an idol in the midst, eating swine’s flesh and the abomination and the mouse, shall be consumed together,” says the LORD.
18
“For I know their works and their thoughts. It shall be that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come and see My glory.
19
I will set a sign among them; and those among them who escape I will send to the nations: to Tarshish and Pul [or Put] and Lud, who draw the bow, and Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands afar off who have not heard My fame nor seen My glory. And they shall declare My glory among the Gentiles
NOTE:
Comment from “The Geneva Bible”:
verse 1:
“My majesty is so great, that it fills both heaven and earth, and therefore cannot be included in a temple like an idol, condemning by this their main confidence which trusted in the temple and sacrifices.”
verse 2:
“To him that is humble and pure in heart, who receives My doctrine with reverence and fear.”
verse 19:
“set a sign among them”:
“I will make these that I chose, that they perish not with the rest of the infidels: by which He alludes to the marking of the posts of His people, whom He preserved. See Exodus 12:7”.
Exodus 12
7
And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it.
~~~
Geneva Bible:
Those who escape = those who escape God’s righteous judgment, God will send to the nations.
The Biblical list of nations with modern names are as follows:
Tarshish = Cecelia
Pul = Africa
Lud = Asia Minor
draw the bow = Parthians
Tubal = Italy
Javan = Greece
they = apostles, disciples and others whom God first chose of the Jews to preach to the Gentiles
~~~
The Holy Spirit spoke the same message with simplicity and clarity in Matthew 3 (NKJV):
7
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8
Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,
9
and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.
~~~
Who we are inside will always—sooner or later—spill out and manifest itself outwardly by our actions where others can see.
Thus, it is far better that we seek God to gain and to maintain purity and love for God.
This can only be gained and maintained by daily repentance and total dependence on the Lord, again only by reliance on Grace.
The “sin nature” in our humanity always wants to reject God and is always prone to the temptations of the enemy.
Romans 8 (Amplified)
5
For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh,
6
Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever].
7
[That is] because the mind of the flesh [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God’s Law; indeed it cannot.
8
So then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him.
~~~
In this respect, I am reminded of what Andrew Murray said in “With Christ In The School of Prayer”.
He reminds us that there must be an “inner fitness” and an “inner likeness” created by Grace so we can properly bear the image of God, by Whom we were created.
~~~
Philippians 3 (NKJV)
7
But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.
NOTE:
May this truly be my experience. I cannot honestly say it always has been.
Knowing Christ and His matchless Glory and Grace is worth any price it may cost—no pleasure, goal or sin of any kind can compare to the Love and Grace in Jesus!
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.
16
Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
NOTE:
It is a daily pressing into Grace—not that Grace resists us, but that our selfish human nature resists God!
And, God uses the process to build in us His character and strong faith.
To the degree that we have already attained, walk in that—and let us be patient with ourselves!
GOD DELIGHTS IN THE FACT WE ARE seeking to be like Him in all we do!
Psalm 74 (NKJV)
12
For God is my King from of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.
NOTE:
May we catch God’s heart for the world and find our place there.
Our life and the borders of our expectation will grow and be fruitful as we walk in surrender to, and in partnership with, the Grace of Jesus for the world.
Proverbs 24 (NKJV)
16
For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.
NOTE:
The righteous man is not righteous in character immediately! THANK GOD that we are immediately “declared righteous”, or justified, in God’s eyes when we sincerely repent and trust in Jesus.
Romans 5 (NKJV)
1
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace [or. . . let us have peace] with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2
through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
~~~
I like the note: “we have peace with God. . . or let us have peace with God”.
Righteousness is not gained and maintained in a day. GOD’S CHARACTER IN US is persistent and will not give up. We can take comfort in this.
Vance

Isaiah 62:6-65:25 + Philippians 2:19-3:3 + Psalm 73:1-28 + Proverbs 24:13-14
~ 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 ~

Fall! And we’re 3/4ths of the way through the Bible!  There is something about the season of Fall and the One Year Bible readings that I just love.  I think it is in part because we start to move through several Epistles in the New Testament quickly.  While we do move through these Epistles in short order – and many of them are just a few chapters – please don’t brush over them too quickly.  There are so many amazing teachings about our Christian faith and how our lives should be transformed as disciples of Jesus’ in these Epistles.  Don’t miss these teachings!  Additionally, we’re coming up to some great books in the Old Testament during this season of Fall with Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel and Daniel on deck. Last but not least, maybe I love the season of Fall and our One Year Bible readings because we have read through 3/4ths of the Bible this year and we’re now in the last 1/4th of our readings.  Maybe I love the fact that we are in the “home-stretch” of our One Year Bible readings.  I do want to congratulate each of you for making it this far.  Press on toward the finish line here in these last 3 months!  Yay God for the season of Fall!  (and for those of you participating in the One Year Bible readings in the southern hemisphere – Yay God for Spring! 🙂

Old Testament – Today in Isaiah chapter 63 we read about God’s judgment against his enemies.  It is interesting dialogue in verses 1 through 3: “”It is I, the LORD, announcing your salvation! It is I, the LORD, who is mighty to save!”  Why are your clothes so red, as if you have been treading out grapes? “I have trodden the winepress alone; no one was there to help me. In my anger I have trampled my enemies as if they were grapes. In my fury I have trampled my foes. It is their blood that has stained my clothes.”

Isaiah chapter 64 verses 5 through 7 stood out to me as a stark reminder of why Jesus came into our world as our Savior eight centuries after this was written by Isaiah – and why we still need Jesus today as our Savior… – “But we are not godly. We are constant sinners, so your anger is heavy on us. How can people like us be saved? We are all infected and impure with sin. When we proudly display our righteous deeds, we find they are but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall. And our sins, like the wind, sweep us away. Yet no one calls on your name or pleads with you for mercy. Therefore, you have turned away from us and turned us over to our sins.”  Do these verses remind you of your need for Jesus?  Has Jesus saved you from your constant sinning?  Have you been saved from the “infection” of sin?  This is great wording in these verses by Isaiah – we are all “infected” with sin… praise God that Jesus saves us from this infection!  C.S. Lewis says this about Christianity being a “good infection” –

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Isaiah chapter 65 titled “The Lord’s Answer: Mercy for Israel” is at this link.

New Testament – Philippians chapter 3 verse 3 is a great teaching from Paul – “For we who worship God in the Spirit are the only ones who are truly circumcised. We put no confidence in human effort. Instead, we boast about what Christ Jesus has done for us.”  How do you worship God?  Do you worship in the Spirit?  Do you put no confidence in your own human efforts?  Do you today boast to others about what Jesus Christ has done for you?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Philippians chapter 2 titled “A Few Good Men” is at this link.

Psalms – Wow… Psalm 73 today is amazing!  I love it.  I actually had lunch with a good friend who said to me verse 13 almost verbatim – “Was it for nothing that I kept my heart pure and kept myself from doing wrong?”  It was so sad for me to hear him say this… but he obviously is not alone.  The Psalmist thought this too, and I imagine each of us might feel like this is at times.  Praise God that the Psalmist rallies, as hopefully do we, in verse 23 – “Yet I still belong to you; you are holding my right hand.” And then I absolutely love where he goes with verse 26 – “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.”  I can quickly think of people in our world today where this verse 26 is so applicable…  let us pray that those in time of failing health and spirit have God remain the strength of their heart!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Psalm 73 titled “Is Your Spiritual Vision 20/20?” is at this link.

Proverbs – I like Proverbs 24 verse 14 a lot to day – “Wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short.”  I don’t know about you, but I want wisdom.  I want a bright future with God.  I don’t want my hopes to be cut short.  I want to be with God forever.  I believe the Bible is the place I will find the wisdom I so crave.  I do not think there is really anything else that will provide the True wisdom that I so desperately crave here on this material earth other than the Bible… What about you?  Do you crave wisdom?  Do you believe that wisdom is sweet to your soul?  What out there will give you more wisdom than the Bible?  Do you look forward to finding wisdom in the Bible today, tomorrow, and every day into your golden years?

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of For King & Country’s song “For God is With Us:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HErRFLapu4

Do you know our God who is with us?  Click here to be with Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh.” Philippians 3:3 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you worship by the Spirit of God. Pray that you glory in Jesus Christ. Pray that you put no confidence in the flesh.

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
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:

Isaiah 62:6-65:25
God’s people, even though they, God’s people, turn their back on God, He is still their God. Though some of His people come to destruction because of their choices, He still keeps a remnant. And even in their sins, our sins, God provided for our Salvation.
For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Savior. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bore them, and carried them all the days of old. (Isaiah 63:8-9 KJV).
While we are in so much sin, God carries us just like the poem, Foot Steps. While we shake our puny little fists at God, He still provides a way of escape for us that is not of our own making. For me it is almost unfathomable in my understanding that God will not hold our sins against us when we accept His Salvation—Glory be to God who Loves us with an everlasting Love.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======== Jim:

I’ve always struggled with the prophet Isaiah because it is such a long book, my mind tends to wander after hearing about the destruction and restoration of Israel told and retold… Blogging about this is new to me and reading other opinions and views helps to break it down “Barney” style (as in Barney the purple dinosaur). Reading Isaiah was a little easier this time and I hope I’ll be able to do better with the remaining major and minor prophets. Keep up the good work.
God Bless,
Jim

======== Luch:

Thanks Mike for your ongoing loving coaching and prodding through the year to finish well, and to be consistent and attentive in our readings. All the ‘extras’ YOU TAKE TIME TO PROVIDE US with serve us OYBERS 🙂 well to keep up this vital spiritual discipline of scripture reading/meditation and application.
you are like timothy of whom Paul said, “I have no one like him genuinely cares for your welfare for they all seek after t heir own interests not those of Jesus Christ. ONe of Jesus’ great interests for us is stated in Matt 4:4 “People do not live by bread alone but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.” Your web site helps us not have any excuse for feeding ourselves.
bless you bro
Luch

======== Rita:

Psalm 73:26 is the scripture that sits atop my computer…. to remind me that its not about what my flesh can do or even my heart believe. My flesh will fail and my heart doubt or be divided… but his relentless love pursues me and strengthens my heart. So it’s not because of anything I have done or said, and in spite of all the things I have done and said…. I come away undertanding afresh that HE is my portion the truest love I will ever know.
Rita

======= Jessy:

Dear Mike, just want to say you have been a real blessing. You have shared so much with us in all these months. You made this journey so interesting. May the Lord anoint you daily for the work He has called you to. And may He minister to you and your family in your every need. I pray the Lord raise up many more faithful Mikes thru your ministry.
Jessy, from Mumbai,India

======== Charlotte:

Hi, I have enjoy the daily reading, it gives me inspiration to go on even in these trying times. my problem seem like your site has change. I can’t get the full site in with the all of the daily scripture. has it change.
Charlotte.

======== Reuben:

Sometime you might consider “Since the World Began” by Glory Revealed as the praise tune. It goes with Isa. 64, and is a really great song for an unheralded but powerful passage of scripture.
Reuben

======= Billy:

Thanks Mike and Ramona. Looking forward to the next 3 months !!
Billy

======= Elizabeth:

I was meditating on the good things that the Lord has done and I felt so guilty that some of us refuse to say ‘Daddy thank you’!. I really like “Isaiah 64:8”. Yes, we need to understand that we are all the work of the Lord’s hand!no doubt about that!when you wake up, say thank you to God.
Elizabeth

======== Dee:

I love how it said that the forefathers may turn their back on us but not God. God is the God of forever! God is the God of second chances. He is not a man that He should lie. Love it. God is so good. I love proverbs ..anytime it talks about the sweetness of our voice like honeycomb..that’s my favorite. Get wisdom, get understanding. Yesterday’s verses about helping the poor resonated with me. I still keep wondering how much I give a helping hand. We should give because that is the greatest act of service and the hands and feet of Jesus. That is when we are surrendering to his will and allowing God to bless us and to pour out a blessing on humanity. Hurricane Hellene comes to mind too..I know devastation is not of God’s but bad things do happen to good people and when it does it allows God’s people the opportunity to show up and give a helping hand..be the hands and feet of Jesus. Amen
Dee

======== Angela:

Psalm 73:23-24 says “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward, you will take me into glory.” This verse stood out to me most because it says that God will always be with me, never forsaking me, even if I sin against him. He will guide me through life and help me make the right choices. And after my life on earth, he will take me to heaven to be with him. This verse was a simple but great reminder that God will always be with me, guiding me with his wisdom.
Angela

========= John:

Phil 2:19-30
“Did you notice something about these two men, Timothy and Epaphroditus–two quite different personalities, weren’t they? But the same essential character in each, for the secret of these two men is not that they struggled and tried to live heroic lives with a devil-may-care attitude. But shining through each man’s life is the splendor of Jesus Christ. Their personalities, you see, were not destroyed. They were enhanced by the presence of Christ.
When Jesus Christ comes into your life, he doesn’t come to destroy your personality. He does destroy your ego, and it’s good for it to go-that independent self that seeks always to be the center of the stage. He will wage relentless, unending war against that, and the weapon he uses is the cross, those hardships and trials and humiliating experiences which he brings you through that brings that ego to an end. It puts it where God put it-on the cross, in the place of death. He does not destroy the essential man; he indwells it, he enhances it, he glorifies it.” – Ray Stedman
http://www.pbc.org/files/html/18094_2009.html
======================================================
Phil 3:2-3
“Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—” NIV
The Greek word contrasts between “circumcision” and “mutilators of the flesh” tells us that Paul is refering to Jewish converts that were legalists. Teaching a combination of the Law with Christianity.
1) Dogs (Gk. “Kuon”)- this is not your cute little pet dog, that is another Greek word. These are the dogs of the street.
These are the dogs outside the gates in (Rev22:15), the ones who licked Lazarus’ sores (Luke16:21), and whom we are not to give that which is holy (Matt7:6). In a derogative fashion the Jews universally called the Gentiles this type of “dog”.
“Dogs roamed the streets. Dogs were scrounges, they were scavengers. They roamed in packs….Would literally prowl the ancient streets without an owner and without home, they would feed on the garbage, on the filth. They would fight one another. They would attack people. – John MacArthur
http://www.biblebb.com/files/mac/50-28.htm
Dogs of the street ate stuff that was once good and useful (like the Law), but now was useless and had been thrown out. They attacked, just as the “dogs” would follow Paul and attack his teaching.
2) men who do evil – in the KJV “beware of evil workers”. They pride themselves on being workers of righteousness. And Pride is the root of the problem. By teaching a list of do’s and don’ts, they are trying to please God – but it is rooted in pride. That (religious) man alone can devise ways to please God or earn His favor is false teaching.
Romayne’s friend is right. It is only by the grace of God that we can do “good” things. Only in “knowing” Christ (Matt 7:21-23)If I ran across a church that had lists of “do’s”; I would head for the exit fast. That church misses the point of being “in Christ”.
(Again) Paul in Romans 7:18 said – he wanted to do good but he could not. We need to depend on the grace of God, the Holy Spirit, and not some list of “do’s”, ritualistic ceremonies, or formulaic prayer. If we depend on the grace of God – the “do’s” will come, the ceremonies would be more meaningful, and the prayer more heartfelt.
3)mutilators of the flesh – Ouch. Originally Circumcision was meant to recognize a person as belonging to God. Because of the false teaching that one could come to God through circumcision, Paul here says it is of no more value than the Baal prophets who mutilated (gashed themselves) on Mt. Carmel in the confrontation with Elijah.
Rom2:29b “…and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code.
“Leviticus 26:41 talks about the circumcised heart. Deuteronomy 10:16, the circumcised heart. Deuteronomy 30 verse 6, the circumcised heart. Jeremiah 4:4, the circumcised heart. Ezekiel 44:7, the circumcised heart. That starts all the way back in Exodus 6…Leviticus, Deuteronomy, the Pentateuch already when God said, “I want an outward sign,” He was saying, “I also want an inward reality.” A circumcised foreskin can only be a sign of the need for a circumcised heart, a cleansed heart. But it wasn’t long after God instituted it that they had already begun to deteriorate and that’s why you have those passages where God says circumcise your hearts. That’s why those are there because already the thing began to deteriorate and all they were living by was the physical sign and disregarding the spiritual counterpart.”
http://www.biblebb.com/files/mac/50-27.htm
So – “it is we who are the circumcision”.
We who worship in the Spirit of God. Not like the dogs who feed on the discarded refuse of the streets, but we feed on the Word of God.
[“But he answered and said, it is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matt:4:4 also in Deut8:2-3 and Luke4:4)]
It is “we” who glory in Christ. The works we do are initiated by God and by knowing Jesus Christ – that the glory may be His.
“we” who put no confuidence in the flesh – for outward signs mean nothing if we are not changed internally – and that can only happen through Christ.
John

======= John:

Is 62:11
The LORD has made proclamation
to the ends of the earth:
“Say to the Daughter of Zion,
‘See, your Savior comes!
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.’ ”
And then comes the end, and I think this is Jesus’ second coming – where “his reward is with Him” is the believing Christians, who were chosen and given by the Father as a love gift to Christ – his brothers and sisters and co-heirs to heaven. There will be tens perhaps hundreds of millions (maybe even billions) of saved sould arriving with Christ at Second Coming.
His recompense or “work” that is before Him – I believe that is the eradication of evil on earth, the final destruction of all non-believers.
======================================================
Is 63:1
Who is this coming from Edom,
from Bozrah, with his garments stained crimson?
Who is this, robed in splendor,
striding forward in the greatness of his strength?
“It is I, speaking in righteousness,
mighty to save.”
If you are coming from Edom and Bozrah then you pass near Petra. This is where many (myself included) think the remnant of Jewish people escaping the Anti-Christ willl be holed up. It is here where the anti-Christ will attack with a huge army to try and destroy the remnant and make God a liar. This is Jesus’ battle. He alone will trod the winepresses in wrath against this army. It will be easy enough – with just a “Word” from His mouth, but the result will be total bloody anihilation of the enemy forces. Thus the reason Jesus’ robe is metaphorically or literally stained red with blood.
======================================================
Is 65:1
“I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me;
I was found by those who did not seek me.
To a nation that did not call on my name,
I said, ‘Here am I, here am I.’
Verse 1 refers to the Gentiles, and verse 2 on to Israel.
This is the picture of Salvation. It is about God – not us. It is the mystery Paul refers to in ephesians where Gentiles and Jews will be saved. The Gentles were not seeking or asking for God – we are ALL sheep gones astray – byt God reveals, God saves, there is nothing we can do to earn Salvation – we must turn to God when He draws us, Repent, and confess Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
John

======== John:

Phil 3:3
2007
“For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—” – NIV
Rememeber Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman:
John 4:23-24
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”
Paul is warning against people who want to tie the Law or rules to a Christian – thus making works necessary to maintain salvation.
As Jesus and Paul say – it is WE (believers) who are correctly circumcised – that is in the heart. It is we who acknowledge the Father-child role and yield to God and access the Spirit. This makes us able to worship God in the Spirit. If you do not believe, you are not a child of God, you cannot access the Spirit, and there is no way you can worship in the Spirit.
Jesus mentions the “true” worshippers worship in the Spirit and the truth. The Spirit part is explained above, the “truth” is Christ (I am the way the truth and the life….). We worship in the Spirit because we (believers) are the children of God, and we abide in Christ and He in us – thus we also worship in the “truth” (Jesus).
John

======= Renee:

Isaiah 64
8 But now, O Lord, you are our Father;
we are the clay, and you are our potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
Isaiah 65:17 24
17 “For behold, I create new heavens
and a new earth,
and the former things shall not be remembered
or come into mind.
18 But be glad and rejoice forever
in that which I create;
24 Before they call I will answer;
while they are yet speaking I will hear.
Psalm 73
23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength[b] of my heart and my portion forever.
Proverbs 24
14 Know that wisdom is such to your soul;
if you find it, there will be a future,
and your hope will not be cut off.
Renee

Isaiah 60:1-62:5 + Philippians 1:27-2:18 + Psalm 72:1-20 + Proverbs 24:11-12
~ 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 – Today in Isaiah chapter 60 we read about Jerusalem’s future glory!  Verses 4 through 6 tell us – “Look and see, for everyone is coming home! Your sons are coming from distant lands; your little daughters will be carried home. Your eyes will shine, and your hearts will thrill with joy, for merchants from around the world will come to you. They will bring you the wealth of many lands. Vast caravans of camels will converge on you, the camels of Midian and Ephah. From Sheba they will bring gold and incense for the worship of the LORD.”

Beautiful imagery in verses 8 & 9 – “And what do I see flying like clouds to Israel, like doves to their nests? They are the ships of Tarshish, reserved to bring the people of Israel home. They will bring their wealth with them, and it will bring great honor to the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he will fill you with splendor.”

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Isaiah titled “The Spirit-filled Servant and the Kingdom of God” is at this link.

New Testament – Our readings in Philippians chapter 2 today have some powerful verses on imitating Jesus’ humility. In verses 3 & 4 we read:  “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Are you doing nothing out of selfish ambition or vanity in your life today? Are you humble? Do you consider others better than yourself? Do you look to the interests of others?  I realize these can be hard teachings to put into practice – in fact, it seems almost impossible in our modern world.  But, let us remember that indeed all things are possible with Jesus Christ in our lives and hearts.  Let us not give up on imitating Jesus’ humility in our lives today.  I pray each of us is becoming more like Jesus in some small or significant way each and every day.  Don’t stop the transformation process.  Don’t quench the Spirit.  Let God change you.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Philippians titled “The Ultimate in Humility – Leaving the Comfort Zone” is at this link.

Psalms – I’ll admit.  I pay attention every single time the Bible talks about serving the poor.  And it is a lot.  And I think it is for a reason.  Here it is again in Psalm 72 verses 12 & 13, speaking about Israel’s king – “He will rescue the poor when they cry to him; he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them.”  What about us today?  Does this Psalm speak to us?  Should we perhaps be “kingly” in this regard?  Do we rescue the poor when they cry to us?  (do we even listen for their cry?)  Do we help the oppressed and those who have no one to defend them?  Do we feel pity for the weak and needy?  Do we rescue them?  Do I?  Do you? 

Verse 20 tells us – “This ends the prayers of David son of Jesse.” And below is a painting of an older King David… perhaps playing a Psalm he wrote…?

Proverbs –  Today in Proverbs chapter 24 verse 12 we read – “If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?”  This reminds me of the old adage that we are “either part of the problem or we are part of the solution”.  If we say “we knew nothing about this” related to some issue in our world today, do you think that God will know if this is truth or a lie?  What is going on in our world today where you feel like you perhaps should be taking some action on being part of the solution?  What is an atrocity that you are being called to help solve?  Do you think you should now move forward and be part of the solution?  If you do nothing – if you say you “knew nothing about this” – will you then instead be part of the problem?  Will you move forward on being part of the solution to issues in our world that God is calling you to?

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Isaiah, Psalms and Proverbs all remind me of the Steven Curtis Chapman song “Yours:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Vu9m8m1lEw

Do you believe than anything is truly yours?  Click here and hand it over to God!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.” Philippians 2:14-15 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you do everything without complaining or arguing. Pray that you are blameless and pure in this crooked and depraved generation. Pray that you shine like a star in the universe, through your saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior.

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
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:

Isaiah 60:1-62:5
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. (Isaiah 61:1-3 KJV)
Have we ever really stopped to think about these three verses, do we admire the prose more than its content? Jesus stood up in the Temple and proclaimed this about Himself (Luke 4:18-21). I copied in the King James because in the NLT, in this particular case, a lot is lost. It is not just the poor, meaning lack of resources, this preaching/good news, is directed too, but to those who are meek in the Hebrew states:
‛ânâv ‛ânâyv
aw-nawv’, aw-nawv’ depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly)
There are many who have an abundance of resources or at least enough to live on. In fact, God has given to each according to his abilities but we have not recognized either the value of what God has given us, or we like the servant who buried his talent, refuse to acknowledge that we are to do something with it. Poverty, or lack of financial resources, is relative based on the culture, climate and economic system you live in anyway. When I read the above verses I am reminded that my biggest job is to work with people in identifying the gifts God has given them and help them place a true value on that gift. The greatest poverty is spiritual poverty. When you are in “poverty,” you recognize neither the God who created you nor the God who gifted you with your gifts, talents and abilities.
Without seeing yourself as God sees you, without valuing yourself as God values you, you will never be able to get out of spiritual poverty. All of the stated bondage listed in Isaiah 61:1-3 are not physical conditions but spiritual conditions from which everything else flows.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
P.S. Joe—It really doesn’t matter what any of us think about what Isaiah saw; what really matters is this Does what he saw change whether or not our salvation is dependent or completed by trying to figure it out. Whatever the vision was and whether it was and is symbolic as in an allegory, we will not fully know this side of heaven. Maybe you will want to jot down you question as one you want to ask God on the other side of heaven.
Ramona

======= Veronica:

Ramona,
Regarding the poor in spirit –
Matthew 5:3 – Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The poor in spirit recognize God and all that He does and they see within themselves that they are poor. They have nothing within themselves. The poor in spirit revere and worship God and will continually look to Him. They will inherit the kingdom of heaven.
Veronica

========== Ramona:

Veronica,
If I have failed to write clearly then I am sorry. From where I stand and the Hebrew words translated to the English word poor, which are many, there is a BIG difference between being “poor in spirit,” and spiritual poverty.
May I suggest you do a word study in both the Hebrew and Greek (Aramaic) on the words translated “poor” using the King James as the text. You will be surprised on the full meaning of the words used and their application.
Ramona

======= Pat:

Good morning one and all!
Yesterday I didn’t stop at Philippians 1:26 but instead went on and read the few verses completing that chapter. When I did, Philippians 1:27 jumped off the page to me, and this morning it still jumps out.
Philippians 1:27 (NIV) “Whatever happens, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” What a powerful and simple verse to commit to our heart! When we become angry, hurt or disappointed or even when we have reason to celebrate, we should conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
My mouth is my big problem! Sometimes I speak before I think about how my words will make someone else feel. Another problem I have is my tone of voice. I was hearing until age 50 and then became deaf overnight. For the past 14 years I have struggled with tone of voice when I speak, and I speak fluently as I had 50 years of practice before deafness! I’m a total communicator – God has blessed me with the abilities to lip read, sign and speak. I have to really work on speaking orally in the right tone, and when I’m upset or tired that is not easy to do. Since I no longer hear what I say, my tone of voice often betrays how I really feel, but it could even come out sounding totally different from how I feel. In sign language the tone is reflected by the speed and size of the signs so it is easier to control. I have to constantly struggle with the fact that people hear how I say something before they hear what I am saying.
I’m going to put Philippians 1:27 as part of my morning prayer, and while the Lord and I are talking I’m going to ask Him to help me conduct myself each day in a manner that is worthy of His gospel! What a wonderful way to start out each day knowing that Christ is there to assist me in conquering not only this problem and all other problems life hands me!
God Bless!
Pat

========= Michelle:

My husband and I had Phil 4:1-11 read at our wedding and I can’t help but think of marriage when I read these verses. This chapter is always such a challenge and an encouragement to me.
Michelle

======== Joe:

Does anyone else think that Isaiah is seeing airplanes?
And what do I see flying like clouds to Israel, like doves to their nests?
Joe

======== Henry:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
These verses are so real and true.
BUT
The worldview may look at these verses this way – “Do everything out of selfish ambition and conceit, not in humility, never consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look only to your own interests, never to the interests of others.”
If these were the true verses, than we are living in a very sad state of affairs.
Something to think about.
Henry

======== Patricia:

The Lord loves those who take care of His children; He will shower you with love and eternal life if you give from your heart, without expecting a material reward. And when you pray and give alms, do so without bragging. Your gift will mean so much more when you do so for other in silence.
Patricia

======== Dee:

My fave verses..Isaiah starts out: Arise and shine for the glory of the Lord shines upon us. Beautiful. I want to live a blameless and pure life and help the helpless and not murmur or complain. In a world where there is sadness, be the joy, be the light. That is a high order..one I really want to live..and yes Mike it talks alot about the poor among us and how they cry out and have nobody..we should show that we care. We hear them.. we know you care Lord
Dee

======= Robert:

Isaiah
September 30, 2021
As we wrap up Isaiah in the next couple of days, it is very important to hear him today especially for us Canadians. We are celebrating a new national “holiday” to commemorate our Indigenous peoples and cultures and honor the 94 calls to action that we decided as a nation in 2015 called the Truth and Reconciliation Agreement.
I hope we can hear the words of a new beginning, a time for peace that Isaiah preaches from the beginning, “beat their swords into plowshares”, (Isaiah 2:4) to the end where he sees, “the new heaven and the new earth”. (Isaiah 66:22).
Robert

======== Renee:

I love the powerful meaning of Isaiah 61, Jesus is talking about himself.
For various reasons, the Torah was not being read as often during that time. Daily, people would go to a certain place to hear God’s words. On that day, Jesus was handed this portion of scripture from Isaiah 61. He sat in a seat as he read it. This was the seat reserved for Moses…the seat of the Messiah….that must have blown minds!
The Year of the Lord’s Favor
61 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;[e]
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;[f]
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
Philippians 2: 3-7
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
Psalm 72
Shalom
Renee

======== Angela:

When I read the passage from Philippians, there were two parts that stood out to me the most. One of them was Philippians 1:29, which says “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him.” I think this is an important verse because although faith is crucial, if we suffer for the sake of Jesus we know that our faith is strong. Maybe we believe in Christ but are not willing to suffer for him.
The other few verses that stuck out to me was Philippians 2:5-8. Here, it says that Jesus humbled himself and became a servant, obeying God without asking questions. Jesus freely gave himself to die for our sins on the cross. When you read those verses, you feel kind of ashamed. Because Jesus came to earth as a servant, when he could have been sitting on a throne in heaven with God! How humble Christ was when he died on the cross. Paul says we should have the same mindset in our relationships with each other: humble and obedient.
Angela

======== Karen:

Paul was not only imprisoned at the time of writing this letter, he was awaiting the end of a trial that would eventually put him to death. It was in such circumstance that he wrote these words. The clarity of who Jesus was to him and his own purpose and mission in life was to imitate Christ gave Paul the ultimate courage and peace to face anything even death for his faith. While I am not even asked to imitate Christ in this way YET, what am I striving to imitate at the moment that is worthy to be called His followers?
Karen

======= Charles:

I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God!
For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation
and draped me in a robe of righteousness.
Isaiah 61:10…
Charles

======== Jeffrey:

Thanks for the email today about us being in the “home-stretch”. I do not post here very often, but I appreciate this blog and the OYB.
I am excited to be nearing the end, once again, of another year of reading through the Bible. The One Year Bible makes it easy. What a blessing the scriptures are!
May the Lord bless everyone who uses the One Year Bible to enjoy his word
Jeffrey

======== Vance:

ISAIAH 60
14
“The children of your tormentors will come and bow before you. Those who despised you will kiss your feet. They will call you the City of the LORD, and Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
NOTE:
I am praying for the Peace (Shalom = Completeness in every area) of Jerusalem. I am praying that the spirit of terrorism be bound. I am also praying former terrorists will then come and willingly bow before the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – and into the city of Jerusalem to bow down to honor Israel as the city of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
ISAIAH 61
1
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, because the LORD has appointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to announce that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.
2
He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
3
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the LORD has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory.
4
They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities long ago destroyed. They will revive them, though they have been empty for many generations.
May the ministry of Jesus – be real IN US and then THROUGH US
ISAIAH 62
1
Because I love Zion, because my heart yearns for Jerusalem, I cannot remain silent. I will not stop praying for her until her righteousness shines like the dawn, and her salvation blazes like a burning torch.
God’s love for the people of God, and the fulfillment of His covenant, is truly amazing!
PHILIPPIANS 1 (NIV)
COMMENT: I really like this in the NIV
27
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel
28
without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.
29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,
30
since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
We need each other! We need each other to support one another! We need each other to contend as one man for the faith of the Gospel!
Do we know and believe that “…it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for Him” ?
PHILIPPIANS 2
8
And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal’s death on a cross.
9
Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name that is above every other name
May we be humble like Jesus—truly in deed and word—so Jesus is seen in us.
We need to be like the Lord Jesus and the world needs to see the Lord Jesus!
I watched the new season opener of “Smallville” last night. In the episode, Jalel (Superman’s father) tells Kalel (Clark Kent) that he must study hard and go through all of the training in order to save the earth. His father Jalel told Kalel (Clark Kent) that his emotions, not controlled, were his weakness.
Thus, his emotions humans must be guided by instruction provided by his father.
It made me think of how Jesus humbled himself before the Lord—which is the same way that we must be humble before the Lord:
HEBREWS 5
HEBREWS 5
7
[JESUS] Who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear,
8
though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.
9
And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,
13
For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.
14
But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
NOTE:
Jesus, the Perfect human, had to learn obedience through what He suffered. Thus, He was made perfect (or, inherent perfection within came through).
We also need to feed on “the doctrine of righteousness—solid food—so our senses are trained by practice to see the difference between right and wrong—and then to obey the right, by the Spirit of Christ within!
Thus, OUR emotions humans must be guided by instruction provided by OUR FATHER through the Word of Righteousness.
Vance

Isaiah 57:15-59:21 + Philippians 1:1-26 + Psalm 71:1-24 + Proverbs 24:9-10
~ 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 – Today in Isaiah chapter 57 verses 20 & 21 we have a chance to think about that sometimes elusive word “peace”: “”But those who still reject me are like the restless sea. It is never still but continually churns up mire and dirt. There is no peace for the wicked,” says my God.”  I don’t know about you, but I know I have gone through many days of my life without true peace – and many days with true peace.  And I do honestly believe that there is no peace in our lives apart from God.  When we live our lives solely for our own selfish motives, we live a very chaotic un-restful un-peaceful life I believe.  But, when we turn our lives over to God, when we embrace God, when we love God, and when we are obedient to God’s will for our lives, we come to know true peace!  And it is indeed a peace that surpasses all understanding.  I pray that each of us is walking in the light of God’s peace this very day.  And tomorrow.  And the next day.  Please, don’t ever step out of the peace of God and back into the chaos of living for yourself.  I know this can seem to be a glib saying at first glance, but there’s a whole lot of truth to this one:

Today in Isaiah chapter 59 we read about warnings against sin – which were written for Israel in 8th century B.C.  Do you think we should heed these warnings today as well?  Any of these warnings in chapter 59 sound like they could have been written for our modern day?   In verses 9 & 10 today we read – “It is because of all this evil that deliverance is far from us. That is why God doesn’t punish those who injure us. No wonder we are in darkness when we expected light. No wonder we are walking in the gloom. No wonder we grope like blind people and stumble along. Even at brightest noontime, we fall down as though it were dark. No wonder we are like corpses when compared to vigorous young men!”  When I read these verses above and look at this image below, I for some reason think of people in our world today who are addicted to pornography.  Pornography is a horrific sin that indeed turns vigorous young men into “corpses” of themselves.  Pornography sells you “vigor”, but it delivers just the opposite – death.  I pray that if anyone reading this is addicted to pornography that you’ll run for your very life to counseling.  Seriously.  Your life is too short and precious to walk around like a corpse any more!  Go for God!  You likely can’t pull out of the addiction on your own.  You’ll need help – immediately.  Find an addiction counselor in your town ASAP.  Please don’t walk in the darkness of this deadly addiction anymore…

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Isaiah chapter 57 titled “God’s Condemnation or God’s Comfort” is at this link.

New Testament – Today we begin Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi!  See # 5 on the map below –

~ Philippians ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Rome
Date: A.D. 61
Content: Paul wrote this letter from prison in Rome to some very dear friends in Philippi as a response to their sending some money to him in order to meet his needs. He begins by expressing his confidence in them and then describes some of the problems he faces in Rome. Whether he will die or not he does not know, but if death does come, he will rejoice in the presence of Christ. If he remains, he will continue to serve God by serving the churches. The example of Christ’s humility is set before the Philippians as an example to follow. False teachings are to be vigorously rejected. Two quarreling sisters are admonished to make up and all believers are admonished to set high ideals for themselves because God will supply all that one needs in life.
Theme: In this very personal letter of Paul the theme of rejoicing may be seen throughout. If one lives, he may rejoice because God loves him. Christ died for him, and all things are given to him by God for his life. If one dies, then he may rejoice by being in Christ’s presence forevermore. This does not mean that Christians will have no problems, however. Even as Jesus had to endure the cross, so we must be ready to follow that example of submission to God, if it must be. But we are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:2) and should live with that thought constantly before us. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 27)  More great commentary on Philippians is at this link.

Today in Philippians chapter 1 verse 21 we read this powerful statement of Paul’s:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Philippians titled “Paul’s Perspective on Life and Death” is at this link.

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE9qqW1-BkU

Psalms – Today in Psalm 71 verses 6 through 8 we will read – “Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you! My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long.”  This is so true that God has cared for each of us since we were in our mother’s womb!  This is a beautiful thing to realize.  There is an interesting thought in these verses – if our live is an example to many – and well, yes, it really is no matter what we actually do.  Hopefully our life is a good example – but there could be seasons of bad example too… If our lives are good examples to many, why is this so?  I agree with the Psalmist – it is simply because of God in our lives.  Is God literally your strength and protection?  Do you praise God unceasingly?   Do you declare God’s glory all day long?   How do you do so?

Proverbs – Interesting Proverb chapter 24 verse 10 – “If you fail under pressure, your strength is not very great.”  I think sometimes we forget that pressure is where we grow.  God will not give us more than we can handle.  Our key is to not fail under pressure.  Stay with the healing / fine tuning / pruning that God is placing you under – even if it comes with pressure.  For at the end of the pressure is transformation.  Let us not fail under the high pressure systems of life that will periodically come our way…

YouTube – Today’s discussion in Isaiah above about pornography reminded me of the movie starring Kirk Cameron called Fireproof.  Have you seen this movie yet?  It is terrific! It is an awesome movie about marriage and God. Kirk’s character does struggle with pornography in the movie, but is redeemed. Please see the movie soon if you can. Below is the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5lSu6GkC2k

Do you think you are Fireproof?  Click here for a Fireproof faith!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you are living for Christ. Pray that you are not living for the world. Pray that you are looking forward to dying because you know that you will live in eternity in heaven with Jesus Christ, your Lord and Savior.

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
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! : )

======= Tamara:

Regarding God not giving us more than we can handle. I feel that He does ~~~ so we have to depend on Him. He is perfectly capable of handling anything, and will help us do so.
Tamara

======= Dee:

Lord I pray for all those encapsulated in sin whether it be pornography, lust, greed, whatever..I pray that one’s will have a heart more set on you..the words in Psalms reminded me of third day..your love oh Lord reaches to the heavens.. your faithfulness..etc..it is so good..be righteous..live faithfully..to die is gain..be like Paul knowing that whatever may come..we are heaven bound. Amen
Dee

======== Ann:

Proven Men (provenmen.org) has excellent tools for breaking addiction to pornography.
Ann

========= Nancy:

Proverbs 24.10 Mike made the statement about how God never gives us more than we can handle. I believe God does give us more because it causes us to turn to Him in our crisis. Otherwise we think we did it. When it is impossible for us, God gets the glory. We then brag on how God helped us.
Nancy

========== Laura:

For those who are batteling sexual sin, I found an excellant web site: http://www.christiananswers.net The site offers information, scripture and some very good resources. I had to print this information out for my husband, please pray for him. Internet porn is not something to take lightly.
Laura

======= Renee:

Timely encouragement…thank you Lord
Isaiah 58:
11 The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
Love/needed this prayer:
Philippians 1:9-11
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
You’re a good good Father!
Psalm 71
19 Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens,
you who have done great things.
Who is like you, God?
Shalom
Renee

======= Karen:

It’s comforting to know that the Lord sees the injustice and will redeem those who trust in Him. Perhaps the redemption does not come on earth, but surely in eternity.
In Philippians 1:21 “for to me to live is Christ, to die is gain”, Paul being imprisoned was clear in the reason of his suffering. He remained bold in his teaching and even had the strength to encourage the believers that were not in chains. How often do we dwindle into our own self pity and bitterness in times of suffering. We can only overcome by having the right perspective in the purpose of difficult times in our lives.
Karen

========= Vance:

ISAIAH 57
15
The high and lofty one who inhabits eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in that high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I refresh the humble and give new courage to those with repentant hearts.
16
For I will not fight against you forever; I will not always show my anger. If I did, all people would pass away–all the souls I have made.
17
I was angry and punished these greedy people. I withdrew myself from them, but they went right on sinning.
18
I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway! I will lead them and comfort those who mourn.
19
Then words of praise will be on their lips. May they have peace, both near and far, for I will heal them all,” says the LORD.
20
“But those who still reject me are like the restless sea. It is never still but continually churns up mire and dirt.
21
There is no peace for the wicked,” says my God.
NOTE:
What more can be said?
“The Holy One, says this: ‘ I live in that high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I refresh the humble and give new courage to those with repentant hearts. ’ ”
I heard a very interesting point about repentance this morning that really blessed me. The context of the discussion is that people become and stay so “sin-conscious” that they never move on past that point. They beg, cry, and really mean they are sorry—and promise never to do it again. And the problem repeats itself all over again.
The minister then went onto to say that once we confess our sins, STOP HAVING FELLOWSHIP with the sin. FOCUS on the Lord, and His wisdom and grace. The minister used this verse, which really blessed me:
Romans 6 (Amplified)
10
For by the death He died, He died to sin [ending His relation to it] once for all; and the life that He lives, He is living to God [in unbroken fellowship with Him].
The minister then said that God spoke in a very personal way through this verse and by the Spirit: Jesus died and ended His relationship to sin. Once you confess your sin, why do you keep having fellowship with the sin and the problem?
HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS! How simple! How true! How profound!
“The Holy One, says this: ‘ I live in that high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I refresh the humble and give new courage to those with repentant hearts. ’ ”
PROVERBS
I like this thought:
“ Proverb chapter 24 verse 10 – “If you fail under pressure, your strength is not very great.” I think sometimes we forget that pressure is where we grow. God will not give us more than we can handle. ”
This makes me think of these wonderful verses—rich with glorious substance. All of God’s verses in Scripture are like fountains from which we can draw water of life!
James 1 (Amplified)
2
Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.
3
Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.
4
But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.
5
If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.
ISAIAH 58
13
Honor the LORD in everything you do, and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly. If you do this,
14
the LORD will be your delight. I will give you great honor and give you your full share of the inheritance I promised to Jacob, your ancestor. I, the LORD, have spoken!”
NOTE:
The particular focus here is about keeping the Sabbath. Every day is for the Lord, and we need to set aside times of quiet and focus where we can yield ourselves to Jesus. So… every day is an opportunity for Sabbath rest!
Hebrews 4 (Amplified)
9
So then, there is still awaiting a full and complete Sabbath-rest reserved for the [true] people of God;
10
For he who has once entered [God’s] rest also has ceased from [the weariness and pain] of human labors, just as God rested from those labors peculiarly His own.
11
Let us therefore be zealous and exert ourselves and strive diligently to enter that rest [of God, to know and experience it for ourselves], that no one may fall or perish by the same kind of unbelief and disobedience [into which those in the wilderness fell].
12
For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.
14
Inasmuch then as we have a great High Priest Who has [already] ascended and passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith in Him].
PHILIPPIANS 1
11
May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation [Greek the fruit of righteousness] — those good things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ–for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
AMEN!
Vance

======== John:

NBC Monday nights 10:00 pm – Studio 60
I do not watch much TV, but there may be something interesting here.
Someone passed on tapes of this NBC show to me and wanted my reaction. In ths show there is a Christian character on a SNL type cast of a fictional network. I was curious as to how the network would portray this character. Would they make her a caricture? Would they make her out to be a right wing nut??? How would her Christianity be portrayed?
Well, I am still not sure what the intent was or is by the producers of the show – but there were some interesting comments made by the character with the inclusion of the name “Jesus Christ”.
In the first episode, mention was made of a “personal relationship with Jesus Christ” when confronted with her praying before each show.
This week when a cast member asked if Jesus was her co-pilot. The character responded,’My mother always told me – if Jesus Christ is your co-pilot – you had better switch seats.’
The ending scenes of the show showed a cast prayer before going onstage, and ended with the phrase, ‘in Jesus’ name’.
The prayer may have been a bit irreverant, but in this day when state legislatures, the ACLU, and others are fighting to take Christ’s name out of all prayer – I found it intriguing.
Like I said, this may be interesting to follow. the character so far – seems to be a stable normal part of the ensemble. So far there does not seem to be any attempt to make her out to be a whack-o.
John

========= John:

Philippians 1:1-6
[I recognize this place :)]
Philippians is often called the “Epistle of Joy”.
Paul’s tone is immediately different from letters to Corinth, Ephesus, and Galatia. He does not refer to his “apostolic status” in the intro – but rather as being a servant (Gk. doulos) of Christ.
in the “Hebrew sense which describes a servant who willingly commits himself to serve a master he loves and respects (cp Ex 21:5, 6 Dt 15:12-16…..
[“Doulos” or bondservant has been written on extensively in previous posts. For new preople or for a refresher see the link below:
http://www.preceptaustin.org/philippians_11-8.htm ]
Paul does not need to establish his authority with the Philippians, he comes to them as a “servant of Christ”.
Why the change? Because the Philippians have been united in fellowship with Paul from the beginning.
Phil1:5 “because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” NIV
“Partnership” is Gk. “koinonia” which implies an intimate and intense fellowship. This is not a backslapping – “How was your day?” kind of thing, but something wonderfully close as befits those in the body of Christ.
Jan might have some further links or explanations on “koinonia”.
======================================================
Assurance of Salvation
This verse is one of the great comforts to me regarding how God operates, and is a reminder of His promise to those that believe IN Christ.
Phil 1:6
“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” NIV
Paul is confident in this – the Greek denotes being “fully persuaded”. What is he fully persuaded of?????
Salvation in three phases:
PAST – “he who began a good work in you”
PRESENT (ongoing) – “will carry it on to completion”
FUTURE: “until the day of Christ Jesus”
So can’t we screw this up somehow??? We are imperfect humans, aren’t we???? When asked if “one can lose salvation?” – Ray Pritchard’s answer is:
“It depends on who saved you:
-If God saved you, you can’t lose it because it depends on God.
-If you saved yourself, you can lose it because it depends on you.
Your salvation is eternally secure if God did the saving. But if you think that salvation is a cooperative venture between yourself and God-where you do a part and he does a part-then you’re in big trouble because anything you start, you could mess up somewhere along the way. But if God started it, he’ll also finish it.”
http://www.calvarymemorial.com/sermons/110297.htm
So which is it? Did God save us, did we save ourselves, is it some kind of partnership? The implications are huge, and each person needs to study it for themselves to come to an answer.
For me, it is a simple as our Savior’s name:
Jesus – Yeshua – Jehova is Salvation.
Not “Man is salvation”, nor “Ceremony (ritual) is Salvation”, nor “Act(s) of Goodness is Salvation”, nor “Bloodline (inherit)is Salvation”,….
it is of GOD.
John1:12-13
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” NIV
Other verses:
Philippians 1:29;2:13,Acts 11:18;13:48,Thessalonians 2:13-14,Titus 3:4,James 1:18
If one can come to accept that salvation is of God, then the verse makes complete sense.
The entire Old Testament is testimony as to how God continually keeps his Word. If God started it, and His Word says He will complete it – HE will.
The idea of “beginning” and completing” in verse 6 is an interesting choice of Greek words:
“the words Paul uses for to begin (enarchomai) and for to complete (epiteleo) are technical terms for the beginning and the ending of a sacrifice….Paul’s whole sentence moves in an atmosphere of sacrifice. Paul is seeing the life of every Christian as a sacrifice ready to be offered to Jesus Christ. It is the same picture as he draws when he urges the Romans to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (see note Romans 12:1).” – Barclay
http://www.preceptaustin.org/philippians_17-8.htm
[A good link to noodle through]
Despite the attempts to associate “good work” with things the Philippians did in and for Paul’s ministry – the Greek is clear – the “noble work” is “IN YOU”.
“Note that the only work that is ever “good” (agathos = “good” in character or constitution and beneficial in effect) in God’s sight is a work which He initiates.” – ibid. {see Matt7:21-23}
So again the actions of God regarding salvation are noted in the past, present, and future in Phil1:6:
“In the past there was God’s unchangeable purpose; in the present there is God’s unlimited power; and in the future there is God’s unbreakable promise. This is God’s guarantee for the final preservation and perseverance of the saints. Salvation is all of God.” – KJV Bible Commentary
John

======== John:

Philippians 1:7-26
Some quick hits:
Phil1:9 “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,” NIV
Paul uses the term “agape” for love here. It is the “love of God” – a willed or chosen love.
http://www.tektonics.org/whatis/whatlove.html
How can we apply this “love” (Like God) – at first perhaps imperfectly.
“And so Paul prays that their agape love might increase. Love displays itself in knowledge and discernment. In proportion as it abounds it sharpens the moral perceptions for the discernment of what is best. Did you realize that the divine love flowing through believers is regulated by an intimate understanding of God’s Word?”
http://www.preceptaustin.org/philippians_19-17.htm
Interesting that – to me – love abounding is not a sloppy overflowing of Loving everybody, everywhere, and at all times turning into some mantra – but rather “love abounding” reflects a Christlike Christian maturity that is rooted in Scripture. Not just the reading of it, but the studying of and meditating on the Bible.
[BTW I am not there yet]
======================================================
Phil 1:18
“But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”
When Salvation is of God – the motives of preachers’ of the gospel do not matter. As long as the message (of Christ) is preached, people will be saved.
As Paul tried to tell the Corinthians – it is the message – not the messenger.
======================================================
Phil 1:21 “To me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
1. In life
That reflects what Paul saw as the summum bonum of his life. Christ was Paul’s raison d’etre–his reason for being. He wasn’t merely saying that Christ was the source of his life, that Christ lived in him, or that Christ wanted Paul to submit to Him. Though all those statements are true in themselves, they are only parts of this great truth: life in its sum is Christ.
2. In death
Since Christ was Paul’s whole life, dying could only be gain since it would relieve him of the burdens of his present life and free him to focus completely on glorifying his Lord. That’s what he lived for in the first place–Paul truly had a one-track mind!
In William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet,” the young prince wondered whether to relieve the sorrows of life by suicide, musing, “To be, or not to be: that is the question” (Act III, scene I, line 61). To Paul the issue was, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).
All John MacArthur
http://www.biblebb.com/files/mac/sg50-9.htm
======================================================
Phil 1:23 “I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far” NIV
This one is pretty explicit. Since Paul is clearly speaking of “dying” here – this is one of the verses that would dispel the notion of “soul sleep” or any idea of a “way-station” or “intermediate place” before arriving in heaven.
Other verses: 2Corinthians 5:6-8, 1 Thessalonians 5:10
John

========= Vance:

Isaiah 57 (NKJV)
15
For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “ I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
16
For I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry; for the spirit would fail before Me, and the souls which I have made.
17
For the iniquity of his covetousness I was angry and struck him; I hid and was angry, and he went on backsliding in the way of his heart.
18
I have seen his ways, and will heal him; I will also lead him,
And restore comforts to him and to his mourners.
19
“ I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near,” says the LORD, “ and I will heal him.”
20
But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
21
“ There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”
NOTE:
This portion of verse 17, “the iniquity of his covetousness” really speaks to me.
The Hebrew word is `avon, Strong’s # 5771: “iniquity”, means: “perversity, depravity, guilt or punishment of iniquity”
Note these definitions according to Webster’s online dictionary: http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/about.us/about.html
Perversity – Noun
1. Deliberate unruliness.
2. Deliberately deviating from what is good.
Depravity – Noun
1. Moral perversion; impairment (i.e., injury, harm, mutilation) of virtue and moral principles
2. A corrupt or depraved or degenerate act or practice:
Note the progression:
a. choosing to give into the sinful tendency and nature, thus deliberately choosing to deviate from what the person knows is good
b. this creates impairment (i.e., injury, harm, mutilation) of virtue and moral principles
c. this creates confusion, which becomes permanent if not sincerely and quickly repented of by the Grace of the Lord Jesus, depending on the Holy Spirit
d. this creates more confusion, eventually leading person to “see good and say it is evil, and to see evil and say it is good”
~~~
Such is the condition of all human hearts before God. This is the reason why we always need to:
a. walk in a continual state of repentance and total dependence on the Lord Jesus,
b. maintain our personal relationship with the Lord Jesus as we depend on the Spirit of God and the Word of God.
God is gracious. He is ever waiting to give and forgive. He must expose our sins so as to save us from its deceiving and destroying power.
I like God’s promise in verse 19: “ I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near,” says the LORD, “ and I will heal him.”
This promise is made to those who are teachable, who are willing to learn as led and taught by the Spirit of God and the Word of God, in fellowship with others who long for the same thing.
God creates the true fruit of lips—not the false fruit of the perverse person who sees evil and calls it good.
We can believe God’s Word, and we can pray: “Lord, I am sorry. Please forgive me. I see what I have been doing is wrong, and I need You to make me into the person who pleases You. I depend on Your Holy Spirit, Lord Jesus, and I receive all of Who You are—Your Mercy and Your power to do Your will—into my life.”
As we believe in our hearts and confess with our lips, then we are saved.
Romans 10 (NKJV)
9
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
10
For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11
For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” [Isaiah 28:16]
12
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.
13
For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” [Joel 2:32]
Note the meaning of the word “saved” (verse 9) in the “Spirit Filled Life Bible”:
Greek word, sozo – Strong’s Greek Dictionary, 4982: “to save, to heal, to cure, preserve, keep safe and sound, rescue from danger or destruction, deliver. Sozo saves from physical death by healing, and from spiritual death by forgiving sin and its effects. Sozo in primitive cultures is translated simply, “to give new life” and “to cause to have a new heart”
~~~
Note this excellent comment about the word “confess” (verse 9) in the “Spirit Filled Life Bible”:
“The word ‘confess’ (Greek: homologeo [i.e., same the same thing as God] has the connotation of ‘a binding public declaration by which a legal relation is contractually established’ (Kittel’s Theological Dictionary of the NT).“
“Thus, as our words ‘contract’ from our side the salvation God has fully provided from His [side] by Christ’s saving work and power, so we have a principle for all of life.”
God creates the fruit of lips by first enabling us to believe as we depend on Him.
Then, we confess with our mouth what we believe in our hearts—praise, worship, praying God’s Word coupled—which allows God’s salvation to be established in our lives.
In this way, we become more like the Lord Jesus Who is “the eternal Word of God”, and “the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced in us”.
~~~
Let us pray for these Muslims during Ramadan:
The Tatars
The Tatar language is Turkic in origin. There are about 7 million Tartars living throughout the Russian federation and several surrounding countries (Tatarstan, Siberia, the Caucasus and Central Asia).
About 900,000 live in the Moscow area. Because of their extensive movements and intermarriage with other peoples, the Tatars have varied physical features from Mongoloid to Caucasian, blond hair to black.
The majority of Tatars are Sunni Muslims. Several Tatar tribes (e.g. the Nagajbaken and the Krjaschenen) were Christianized into Russian Orthodoxy between the 16th and 18th centuries, but truly devoted believers number far less than one percent of all Tartars.
In the last 15 years there has been a significant surge of Islam in Tatarstan, though the majority of the Tatar population remains nominally or culturally Muslim. In 1990 there were about 100 mosques in the entire Republic, and by 2004 there were over 1000.
There are only 176 Russian Orthodox churches in Tatarstan and small numbers of Catholic, Evangelical, Pentecostal, or Charismatic churches.
Pray that the Gospel would be preached to the following cities in Tatarstan.
The Tatar inhabitants in these cities need to discover the Gospel through films, recordings, websites, the Bible, and Christian literature.
Pray for new, healthy, strong, and multiplying churches throughout Tatarstan:
Kazan
This is the capital of Tatarstan with a population of about 1,150,000. Slightly over half of the city is of Russian origin, and about 43% are from a Tartar background.
The largest port on the Volga River, it is a major industrial and commercial center and the most important center of Tatar culture.
The city celebrated its 1000- year history in 2005. The ceremonies included the dedication of the Kul Sharif mosque, one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe.
Naberezhnye Chelny:
This city has a predominately Muslim population of 600,000 people, and Naberezhnye Chelny is the second largest city in Tatarstan.
Other Cities include:
Nizhnekamsk 225,399
Almetyevsk 140,000
Yelabuga 67,500
Leninogorsk 65,600
Zelenodolsk 100,000
Vance

======== Michelle:

The character on Studio 60 is actually loosely based on the actress/singer/Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth. I am also interested in seeing how this Christian character is portrayed, although I have only seen one show.
http://www.kristinchenoweth.com/
Michelle

======== Tish:

Laura, I’m praying for your husband.
It’s true. Satan knows the power of sex. It’s stronger than drugs. Which is why he uses it in so many twisted ways.
Sex is a form of spiritual warfare. In God’s hands, tremendous blessed rain down. In Satan’s hands, death of spirit, vision, earthly relationships and communion with God are the price paid.
To get free is like stopping a freight train. It requires surrender, constant prayer – honest conversation with the one who can bring change, your Savior.
Ask Him to guide you, to connect you with those who can help. He wants you to be victor not a victim!
Tish

======== Lesley:

Bible Blog is so helpful but today it is extra extra special. Thank you so much Mike it really touched my heart.
Blessings,
Lesley

========= Lisa:

I was on the computer this morning at 6am looking at free Spanish lessons for our son for home school, two Spanish songs mentioned Doves carrying the souls of man, cooing, singing. And today’s reading says that man mourns like the dove. Another song said “be careful, very careful you hold my heart in your hands. Yes, God does, but what about us mothers, fathers, teachers, coaches, etc. Do we realize the worth of a soul. I think my Father is teaching me today something of that worth – repenting of not seeing it that way – of seeing that I held their little hearts in my hand for a season, and a lot, most of the time I chose making things work in the world over making sure that their hearts, souls were cared for. Now my 3 sons are 16, 18 and 26. I can still pray, but my influence over them is not what is once was. I just pray they trust the Jesus that I told them about and can realize in my weakness/selfishness I did not mean to hurt them. Only one perfect parent, right? He holds our hearts in His faithful, loving hands and whether we are singing or mourning He abides with us still. Never leaves, never chooses this world system over His dearly beloved.
Lisa

Isaiah 54:1-57:14 + Ephesians 6:1-24 + Psalm 70:1-5 + Proverbs 24:8
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
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Old Testament – Today we read Isaiah chapter 55, which is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible! I went to a wedding several years ago in Napa, California and God led me to a church in that town on a Sunday morning where the pastor preached an incredible sermon from Isaiah 55.  It is a beautiful chapter for all of us who are Thirsty. Let us drink deeply of God’s Word today!  Verse 1 tells us – “Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink–even if you have no money!”  Are you drinking freely of the Bible this year?  Even if you have no money, do you believe that God is inviting you to drink deeply of his True and Holy Water, His Word?  Are you thirsty?

Verse 6 is fantastic… Will you seek? Will you call?

In verses 10-12 we read:

“10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
12 You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.”

How do these above verses resonate with you, based on our One Year Bible readings? Particularly verse 11 above – is God’s Word accomplishing something in you this year through reading the Bible each day? Is the Bible “watering” you? Are you Thirsty? Do you feel that you are going out in joy and being led forth in peace? Have the mountains and hills burst into song before you?  Are the trees of the field clapping their hands in your life today?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Isaiah chapter 55 titled “God’s Exhortation to Receive His Grace” is at this link.

New Testament – We wrap up Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus today!  His letter to the church in Philippi begins tomorrow!  Ephesians chapter 6 verse 7 stood out to me today – “Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”  I realize the context of this verse is that Paul was writing it to slaves.  However, I think this verse works very well today for any of us that work a full time job.  I’m sure you’ve probably seen movies or TV shows that make fun of working and basically encourage folks to work as little as possible when they are on the job.  I think this is a horrible idea!  I had a friend tell me once that if you are acting like a slacker at one job – perhaps a job you really don’t like and are trying to get out of – you’ll end up acting like a slacker at your next job, even if your next job is your dream job.  You’ll goof up that dream job because it will be hard to break habit the habit of being a slacker…  So – I think each of us would do well to take to heart Paul’s words here in verse 7.  Are you working at your job with enthusiasm?  Are you working each and every day as though you are working for the Lord?  As such, are you not “stealing time” from your employer by surfing the net, socializing excessively, doing errands, arriving late, and this list could go on…  If Jesus was your boss, would you act the same way at work that you do now?  Well, is Jesus perhaps really your “boss” even if he isn’t the one signing your pay checks per se…?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Ephesians titled “Spiritual Warfare” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 70 verse 4 is awesome – “But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “God is great!””  Indeed, I think as Christians we should be filled with joy & gladness.  Yes, there will be tough times.  And suffering.  But overall, I pray we are filled with joy and gladness.  And then the second sentence in this verse reminds me of an older Relient K song with lyrics that go something like this – “Your voice has broken my defense.  Let me embrace salvation!”  I like that thought.  Let us embrace salvation.  Let us love salvation.  Let us literally cling to salvation…

Proverbs – Proverbs 24 verse 8 today is a great reminder that we should not get in the habit of planning evil…. 🙂  –  “A person who plans evil will get a reputation as a troublemaker.”  Okay, so I put a smiley face there, because probably none of us consciously decide we’re going to plan something evil.   However, I wonder if any of us maybe do get in the habit of planning things that really are outside of God’s will for our life?  This isn’t evil on the surface.  And we may not get a reputation as a troublemaker.  But, if we are planning things and doing things that are outside of God’s will for our life and how He wants us to spend our time, then we are essentially going against God’s will.  God’s perfect will.  I will confess that I all too often plan and do things that I know are outside of God’s will for my life.  And maybe I do these things so I get a good “reputation” among people…  Well, perhaps my good reputation among people is actually a bad reputation to God because I’m doing things outside of his will…  And I guess I’ve been thinking about this lately and thinking about how often I’m wasting God’s time that he has blessed me with.  And so maybe I’m getting the reputation of being a troublemaker in heaven…  How about you?  What’s your reputation in heaven?  Forget about your reputation here on earth… What’s your reputation with God?  Let us pray that our reputation with God is not:

Worship Video:  My comments in the Proverbs section above today reminded me of the great Aaron Shust song called “Give Me Words to Speak.”  His song includes this lyric: “Calloused and bruised. Dazed and confused. My Spirit is left wanting something more. Than my selfish hopes.  And my selfish dreams. I’m lying with my face down to the floor. I’m crying out for more!”  Awesome song!  Here’s a live version with Aaron on the keys!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7Xk6sc62EY

Has God ever given you words to speak?  Click here and speak to God!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” Isaiah 55:1 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are thirsty for the Lord. Pray that you come to Lord daily with your thirst. Pray that you receive freely Living Water from Jesus on a daily basis and forevermore.

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
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:

Isaiah 54-57:14
Within theses chapters, God gives us a picture of His prosperity and not man’s. In chapter 54 we here God tell the “barren” woman to sing because she has more children/descendants then those who have children by natural birth. In chapter 56 we are told the eunuchs who are without natural descendents will have a memorial and a name far greater then those who have many sons and daughters. The Gentiles, a people not promised the blessings that come through the Mosaic Covenant, will be blessed.
All of this “Reversal of Fortune” is all conditional, all based on committing oneself to the Lord and serving Him (56:6). If those who are oppressed and persecuted because of their righteousness will be lifted up, then those who have lifted themselves up by way of their sin and stepped on the backs of others by way of abusive leadership, will find themselves abased or cast down.
We also learn in this text that what God has to offer cannot be bought with money. What we need to quench our thirst cannot be found in any fast running stream of water, or any refrigerated case in a store it can only be found in God.
“Hey, all who are thirsty come to the water! You who have no money, come! Buy and eat! Come! Buy wine and milk without money and without cost! Why pay money for something that will not nourish you? Why spend your hard-earned money on something that will not satisfy? Listen carefully to me and eat what is nourishing! Enjoy fine food! Pay attention and come to me! Listen, so you can live! Then I will make an unconditional covenantal promise to you, just like the reliable covenantal promises I made to David.
(Isa 55:1-3 NET.)
When we “purchase” what God has to offer then the promises He offers to us are certain and assured and never conditional.
Ephesians 6:1-24
The way of the cross was through submission, Christ submitted Himself to the will of His Father, God. He accepted the shame of the cross to pay the cost of my sin, your sin and the sin of those yet unborn. Here Paul lays down that idea and principal of submission. Minor children are to submit themselves to the godly authority of their parents. “Slaves” (employees) are to submit to the authority of there managers/bosses/employers and those who are the “masters” are to submit to the authority of Christ in order to deal with their workers in a godly righteous manner.
Then everyone must submit to God in order to take up the “armor” of God so that in the day of adversity, in the day of evil (that day when evil shows up) we all will be able to Stand.
Psalm 70:1-5
For those of us who have read through the Bible early enough to have read 1 and 2nd Samuel and 1 Chronicles, we remember that David was always being perused by enemies who shouldn’t have been his enemy: King Saul, his son, Absalom, his General and cousin, Joab, and the list goes on. Instead of taking his own vengeance, it seems that David prayed his feelings and thoughts back to God and allowed God to protect him. Seeing our own vengeance is dangerous because we are stealing from God.
Vengeance is Mine, and recompense, in the time when their foot shall slide; for the day of their disaster is at hand and their doom comes speedily.
(Deu 32:35 AMP)
Proverbs 24:8
Today’s Proverb seems like, “Duh, well YES!” However, if you “flip” it does it mean that all ‘troublemakers” or mischief makers plan evil? Hmmm.
A person who plans evil will get a reputation as a troublemaker.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======== Peggy:

Ephesians chapter 6 verse 7 stood out to me today also- “Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people”
We have been having a lot of problems in our job place, and I hear so many say such negative things. This verse really struck home, because if we would remember who has given us the gift to do our job, and who we are really working for, we would have a changed attituide. I have found that even when things are tough, if I put on a smile, others will too. Thank you for the message today.
Have a blessed day!
Peggy

======== Michelle:

I think the reminder about work is so appropriate. If we remember that even the littlest thing we do is a reflection of our love for Jesus, then we will do it with all of our energy. I am trying to view those tasks that I tend to let slide as opportunities to serve God and to humble myself, instead of as menial things that probably don’t count anyway. It is not only when we are doing “spiritual” things or big jobs that we are supposed to give it all we have, but all the time. When we do the most overlooked task that is ignored by the world it is then that our motives are really being changed, I think. And God notices everything.
Michelle

======Romayne:

Thanks for putting up that info Vance – truly inspirational to hear how our persecuted family cope in these dangerous days. One sentence stood out of that for me:
“This group doesn’t seem to need a “proper church building”. A lesson in tuning guitars would do nothing to improve the fellowship they have.”
I was just praying tonight about freedom of worship, and how I am so grateful to live in a Western free society where I never have to consider such concerns as those in many other countries do, yet even in my free society with my wonderful free church (Methodist), I was thinking how man has changed what God ordained, and how I (in reality) don’t have the full freedom I would desire in church to worship God in the way I want e.g. with hands raised. Our various Protestant doctrines/theologies and other man made rituals etc have many times prevented us from truly exercising the awesome freedom we have here in the West. Sadly we swing between churches that are extreme in both respects – those that practically allow you to do nothing other than sit there and not really participate (yet which would have very solid scriptural teaching), to those where anything goes (including totally leaving scriptural teaching and using their own wisdom!). Sometimes I feel that the Persecuted Church are the ones who God truly blesses, as they truly do connect with Him through their utter need to do so for their very survival regardless of anything else they may desire. So pass on my prayers and good wishes to your friend and his ‘family’ there :)).
Off topic a bit, but just again thinking about the Protestant Evangelical faith – I have a wonderful new ‘converted’ Catholic friend who hit me with something I’d never really thought about before – that the Protestant faith currently is more a doctrine of works than Catholicism could ever be. We have added on so many ‘do’s’ on top of scripture with each doctrine it’s crazy. Even the very act of receiving God’s awesome gift of salvation has in certain churches been made into a 10-point plan of say this, do that, think this etc – yet nowhere does scripture demand the half of what we do in respect of someone becoming a Christian – Paul said simply “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be baptised” and that was IT – something I think we need to consider perhaps when helping others to find Him and discover the joy in this incredible relationship. It’s God’s gift to give – not ours, and we should listen more to how HE says He wants us to tell others about it, than our churches, seminaries or whatever :). My friend has discovered the real truth and exhorts it continually – God is a God of grace, and that is ALL we need to seek in our lives if we are firmly rooted in Jesus and the Living Word as He confirms it to us. An awesome concept and so true!
On the scriptures today – I had one of those ‘God’ moments when He hit me with the fact that Isaiah and Ephesians have more in common than obvious at first glance – somehow I’d totally missed God speaking about spiritual armour in Isaiah – only ever really connecting with it in Ephesians, yet through the entire reading tonight (I listen to it rather than read at first), I kept thinking I was listening to the NT reading and that it was Paul speaking as the content was so incredibly similar. And it just reminded me once more of that age-old saying about how the New is in the Old concealed, and the Old is in the New revealed. Just a further confirmation about the validity and truth of scripture.
Blessings to all
Romayne

======== Dee:

A person that is evil will get reputation as a troublemaker. I know several like that..don’t practice evil. Do right by others and don’t let your envy try to be their demise. Sad. I am drinking freely from the bible and I want to come thirsty for the living word daily. This section reminded me of Jpeseph Prince message about being thirsty no more! Love it
I love how you speak I’m Ephesians today (Paul that is) work for the Lord as you are working for him not man..I try daily to remember that I love to work for Him. It is him I love and adore and want to please him
Dee

======== Renee:

Chapters Isaiah 54 & 55
I can tangibly feel the love, care, compassion and hope that God has declared. Even today…his promises are always true & faithful.
Isaiah 54:10
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 55:
10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
This scripture still teaches me to serve God in all that I do. A job is what I do…not who I am.
Ephesians 6:7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people
Psalm 70
4 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say,
“The Lord is great!”
Shalom to all
Renee

======== Angela:

Ephesians 6:10-17 talks about the armor of God. There are so many things we need to have, like the belt of truth, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, etc. But we need all these things to be able to stand firm against the devil. The passage says that our struggle “is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” We are not battling people, but rather the devil, who is much eviler and powerful than our enemies on earth. That is why we need the armor of God- so we can be strong in the Lord and stand our ground no matter what Satan tries to do. We should remember that God is much, much, more powerful than the devil, so we do not need to worry if we have him on our side.
Angela

======= Anka:

Surely you will summon nations you know not,
and nations that do not know you will hasten to you,
because of the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel,
for he has endowed you with splendor
A while ago a comment was made about christians who love to rant,sadly there are times this is so true.A preacher once said “preach the gospel at all times,if necessary,use words”.I think as we read the bible daily we should also allow the words to cleanse us and transform us.There are christians I know that just have a “something”about them.That “something”must have come from spending time in with God(word,prayer,fellowship with saints) and applying it.God gave them the splendor to draw even people they don’t know to them.Rather than having to rant about the dos and don’ts of christianity,these people show the way by being light.As I read,daily I pray that I let go and let God do His work in my life.I pray that we all let go of our personal opinions and let God whose thoughts are way higher than ours take over…and transform us into the salt of the earth.
God bless you all
Anka

======== John:

Ephesians 6
Slaves and Masters
Eph 6:6-7
“Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men,”
Although Paul is addressing slaves here – a part of the Christian body in those times – I believe it applies to people in their jobs. If you own your own business, then your bosses are really your customers (where your income is derived). The words of Paul ring true for all.
We are citizens of heaven. We do not work for man. We work for the Lord – kurios – Jesus. If we are walking in the Spirit, then we are humble, gentle, patient, and exhibit love – to Christians and non-Christians.
Peter says if you are treated unjustly – so what – did not Christ suffer the ultimate injustice on the cross. We are to be model employees and bosses. Why? So that when people take note of us they think – that guy/gal is different! I sure would like to have whatever it is that they “got”!
======================================================
The Armor of God
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
You can only be strong IN the Lord (kurios-Jesus) and IN His mighty power when you have yielded to the Father in the Father-Child role, submitted your will to His, and have access to the power given in the Holy spirit.
Devil has been mentioned many times in the bible. When surveys are taken most show that around 45% of christians do not believe satan exists – that it is some dark nebulous force. Paul here clearly states that not only the devil exists, but there are others (fallen angels) under his domain that are rulers and authorities.
“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes…so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, ….”
If you are not in the Spirit – you will not be able to put this armor on with full confidence. notice in the above excerpts from ephesians 6 that Paul asks us to stand – to stand firm.
We have protection, and one weapon – the sword which is the Word of God. We are not asked to defeat satan or his minions, just to stand firm. When we stand firm, and pray in the Spirit – God will handle the attack. If we go on the offensive without trusting in, relying on, and depending on the Father – we will lose. In spiritual warfare, God will sustain us, God will be victorious, God will be glorified – not us.
Why doesn’t God just snap His fingers and eliminate satan, his minions and all evil? All it would take is a Word from God. Because something bigger here is playing out. Satan was put in charge of the World and given a chance to run it his way – with hate, evil, and discord.
Why? Why would God do this? I believe so that in the end – there will be no excuses. Satan had his chance, and like anyone that rejects God he will lose – and the sentence for rejection of God in the OT, in salvation, and in the future battles in Revelation is DEATH (eternal separation from God).
In the end, God will: eliminate evil, through salvation have eliminated death, have those that He wanted, and be glorified. It is like a grand slam in bridge (card game). God will win every hand. It may not look like it when the cards are dealt out, but God wins and God is glorified to the highest magnitude. ALL His attributes are magnified to the highest level.
So why hasn’t God done this already? Because it is not yet the fullness of time. He told Abraham the amalekites would be destroyed, but not now. It happened four hundred years later. Jesus, Paul, and Peter talk about the fullness of time. I believe God is waiting to act against evil, because not all the preordained (from before Creation)Christians have been born yet and saved. When that number comes in and the last sheep is in the fold – God will proceed in His destruction of evil. Meanwhile we are to put on the armor of God, stand firm, trust in God, and pray always in the Spirit.

John

======= Vance:

ISAIAH 54 (Amplified)
1
SING, O barren one, you who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who did not travail with child! For the [spiritual] children of the desolate one will be more than the children of the married wife, says the Lord.
2
Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; spare not; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes,
3
For you will spread abroad to the right hand and to the left; and your offspring will possess the nations and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.
7
For a brief moment I forsook you, but with great compassion and mercy I will gather you [to Me] again.
10
For though the mountains should depart and the hills be shaken or removed, yet My love and kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace and completeness be removed, says the Lord, Who has compassion on you.
17
But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord.
NOTE:
There is SO much more that the Church of the Living God—the Lord Jesus—has available to her. We are SO blessed, and God has SO much to give us.
There is a story of a man—who I will call Jones— who went to heaven. St. Peter was giving him a tour. He was amazed: Golden streets, the Manifest Glory of Jesus as the light of heaven, and the beauty of all of the saints.
During the tour by St. Peter, Jones noticed that St. Peter was trying to pass by a large room with the name “Jones” marked on it. He asked to go inside, but St. Peter preferred that they pass on.
Finally, after several attempts to get Jones to ignore the room, the man insisted. St. Peter opened the room. Inside the huge room were shelves upon shelves.
Upon each shelf were boxes and boxes of blessings and wisdom that the Father had intended that Jones receive on earth so as to establish God’s kingdom in the hearts of men.
Yet, Jones had never received because he did not know about the blessings. Thus, he never asked. And, if he had asked, he still would not have received if he had only wanted to spend blessings on himself. (James 4:2-4)
Truly, we are IMMENSELY BLESSED because:
a) God immensely loves us!
b) in order to BE A
BLESSING!
Look at the blessings available to us in Isaiah 54:
1) Faith—believing and acting that what God says will happen before it is seen and felt in human experience. (The woman who has no child is to sing before children because God promises children).
2) Perseverance and focus—persevere in prayer: “For the [spiritual] children of the desolate one will be more than the children of the married wife, says the Lord.”
3) The Father’s everlasting covenant of love and peace:
a. “…My covenant of peace
and completeness…”
(verse 16)
b. “ This [peace,
righteousness,
security, triumph over
opposition] is the
heritage of the
servants of the Lord
[those in whom the
ideal Servant of the
Lord is reproduced] ”
(verse 17)
4) Victory over the devil—peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition.
5) Most of all, being formed in the Image of Jesus—“ This… is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced] ”
Vance

======== Vance:

Isaiah 54 (NKKV)
1
“Sing, O barren, you who have not borne! Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, you who have not labored with child!
For more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married woman,” says the LORD.
2
“ Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes.
3
For you shall expand to the right and to the left, and your descendants will inherit the nations, and make the desolate cities inhabited.
4
“ Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore.
NOTE:
What an excellent passage from God’s Word! May we cultivate the vision to: “Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes.”
Note the comment of the Holy Spirit on Isaiah 54 from Galatians:
Galatians 4 (NKJV)
21
Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?
22
For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman.
23
But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise,
24
which things are symbolic. For these are the [] two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar—
25
for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children—
26
but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.
27
For it is written: “ Rejoice, O barren, you who do not bear! Break forth and shout, you who are not in labor! For the desolate has many more children than she who has a husband.” [Isaiah 54:1]
In particular, I note that “the Jersusalem above” seems to be another way of saying “the Kingdom of Christ” which “is free”, and “is the mother of us all” who have been spiritually reborn.
I like these excellent verses, which provide wonderful comment from the Amplified Bible:
Galatians 4 (Amplified)
28
But we, brethren, are children [not by physical descent, as was Ishmael, but] like Isaac, born in virtue of promise.
29
Yet [just] as at that time the child [of ordinary birth] born according to the flesh despised and persecuted him [who was born remarkably] according to [the promise and the working of] the [Holy] Spirit, so it is now also. [Genesis 21:9]
31
So, brethren, we [who are born again] are not children of a slave woman [the natural], but of the free [the supernatural].
I am reminded of this verse:
Psalm 103 (NKJV):
19
The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.
I thank God for the free gift of salvation. I thank God that Jesus was willing to pay the unimaginable horrible price to carry my sins and your sins so we could be forgiven, receive the Lord Christ into our lives, and no longer live for ourselves but for God.
Isaiah 54 (NKJV)
8
With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; but with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,” says the LORD, your Redeemer.
9
“ For this is like the waters of Noah to Me; for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah would no longer cover the earth, so have I sworn that I would not be angry with you, nor rebuke you.
10
For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has mercy on you.
NOTE:
I like this comment by Andrew Murray in his book, “
“Let us listen to the words in which God’s Word calls us to know, and worship, and trust our Covenant-keeping God it may be we shall find what we have been looking for: the deeper, the full experience of all God’s grace can do in us. In our text Moses says: “Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant with them that love Him.”
“Hear what God says in Isaiah: “The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall My covenant of peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.” More sure than any mountain is the fulfillment of every Covenant promise.”
“Of the New Covenant, in Jeremiah, God speaks: “I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from Me.” The Covenant secures alike that God will not turn from us, nor we depart from Him: He undertakes both for Himself and us.”
Isaiah 54 (NKJV)
13
All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.
14
In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you.
17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the LORD.
NOTE:
May we teach our children and all children that God brings to us to be established in the Lord and to know Him!
I like the excellent rendering of verses 13 and 14 in the Amplified Bible:
13
And all your [spiritual] children shall be disciples [taught by the Lord and obedient to His will], and great shall be the peace and undisturbed composure of your children.
14
You shall establish yourself in righteousness (rightness, in conformity with God’s will and order): you shall be far from even the thought of oppression or destruction, for you shall not fear, and from terror, for it shall not come near you.
And I really like verse 17 in the Amplified Bible:
17
But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord.
May we take it to heart that we be people “in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced” so we can know the fullest measure of God’s will, Love, and Protection.
The most dangerous place in the world is the absolutely safest place to be if we are where God is leading us in His will.
Finally, may we take this promise of God to heart by fully surrendering ourselves to the Lord:
Isaiah 54 (NKJV)
14
In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you.
15
Indeed they shall surely assemble, but not because of Me. Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake.
It is not because of our righteousness—no never. No one is righteous in the eyes of God because of works or what we do. Not ever.
May we be deeply rooted in the righteousness of the Lord Jesus—that is “be established” in that—as our roots go deeply down into the Holiness and the Love of God.
As we totally surrender ourselves to the Lord, this allows Him to totally and fully be in control of our lives and be our protection!
Vance
Finally, let us pray for Muslims during Ramadan:
Written by a Christian in Kazakhstan
My Kazakh friend invited me recently to visit our town’s newest congregation, a gathering of several people at another friend’s home.
I went, my heart full of anticipation. I arrived on time, but the meeting could not yet begin; hardly anyone else had arrived. Soon older and younger Kazakhs arrived one by one. There were many friendly faces, some serious. They were mostly women; all spoke Kazakh, a Turkic language.
The Way
We were sitting in the living room, mostly on the floor. I was surprised that so many had come, perhaps 30 people. Orinbek says a short prayer and then plays his guitar, which needs tuning, but this does not disturb the singing of one song after another. Orinbek explains that there has been a spiritual breakthrough recently; eight people have found “the Way”. After everyone is introduced, we read a passage from the Holy Book.
The sermon is like a conversation. Orinbek and Gulnara do not seem to be specially gifted teachers or leaders. They are more like spiritual parents who take care of their “new-born children” and love them with all their heart. It was a pleasure to watch them.
People Changed
Afterwards, several people shared recent experiences with the Lord. An old Kazakh woman shouted, “Do you remember how I was a month ago? I was so nervous and agitated. Have you noticed the change in me?” Others confirmed that there had been a great change in her during the last month and praised God for this.
This group doesn’t seem to need a “proper church building”. A lesson in tuning guitars would do nothing to improve the fellowship they have.
It is my prayer that there would be such a church on every street of our town. It is a real “house of God”.
Church Growth
Kazakhstan is the size of most of Western Europe, with 16 million inhabitants. Of those, 9 million traditionally share the religion of folk Islam.
Whereas there were hardly any Kazak believers in 1990, they are estimated to number over 10,000 today! The church of God is continually growing.
Prayer guide for Kazakhstan:
– Differences in culture and language are a great challenge for the emerging Kazakh churches. Pray for unity.
– The Gospel has not yet reached most of the villages and rural areas. Pray that the Kazakh churches have the courage and the wisdom to meet this challenge.
– Pray for healthy families and courage to be a witness for Jesus.
– Corruption, prostitution and crime are everywhere present. Pray for the country and the president (1 Tim. 2:1-4).
– The New Testament and half of the Old Testament have been translated into the Kazakh language. Pray for the work of the Bible translators that the Kazakhs would soon have the whole Bible in their native language.
Vance

Isaiah 51:1-53:12 + Ephesians 5:1-33 + Psalm 69:19-36 + Proverbs 24:7
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Old Testament – Isaiah chapter 53 is one of the most powerful chapters of the Bible – and one of the saddest to really meditate upon.  Isaiah chapter 53 is all about Jesus!  This is a powerful chapter to read…  I’m sure you likely caught that this chapter was about Jesus when you first read it, but if not, please re-read the chapter again and do you see how Isaiah is prophesying Jesus’ passion and death?  It is astounding to realize these words of Isaiah’s were written in 8th century B.C.  Verse 5 tells us: “But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed!”  Do you believe that the words of Isaiah’s in chapter 53 today are about Jesus?  Do you believe that Jesus was wounded and crushed for your sins?  Was he beaten that you might have peace?  Are you healed because Jesus was whipped and then murdered on a cross?

Verse 7: “He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.”

Verse 8: “From prison and trial they led him away to his death. But who among the people realized that he was dying for their sins–that he was suffering their punishment?”

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Isaiah chapter 52 and 53 titled “The Triumph of the Suffering Servant” is at this link.  Below is a great image for Isaiah 53:6 from today’s readings:

New Testament – Ephesians chapter 5 is such an incredible chapter!  I know I won’t do it justice in this blog posting.  There is so much I could dive into in nearly every verse.  Actually, I will share this with you.  I met with Pastor friend of mine.  And he shared with me that he is currently memorizing the entire book of Ephesians!  I had shared with him that I’m just starting to memorize Scripture verses – and to invite you along with me on this journey at the bottom of each daily blog posting. Well, you know how Pastors are – they’re always a step ahead!  And my Pastor is memorizing the entire book of Ephesians…  wow.  He shared with me that as he’s memorizing Ephesians he is amazed how some of the words and meanings of words of Scripture are coming alive to him in new ways!  I believe it.  I’m curious if anyone reading this today has ever memorized an entire book of the Bible?  Or even a chapter?  Please post up in the comments below if you have?  I have actually downloaded 1 Corinthians 13 onto my phone nd I am hoping to memorize that chapter soon!  Okay, back to Ephesians chapter 5.  You know how I enjoy posting up YouTube videos these days, so I of course loved reading verses 19 & 20, which you’ll see in this image below!  🙂

Ephesians 5:1-2 touches on a theme I’ve been thinking a lot about lately – living a life of love! – “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (NIV)  Have you ever meditated on what it means to live a life of love?  I have occasionally.  But I’m starting to camp out on this thought a lot more these days.  I think it’s in large part due to the impact 1 Corinthians 13 has had on me this past year.  And it certainly fits in well with Jesus saying the 2 most important commandments are to love God and love people.  But perhaps most significantly, I’ve been trying to live out this thought of “living a life of love” in real life a bit more these days.  I definitely don’t have it all figured out by a long shot!  But I think living a life of love is something we should all seek.  Not strive for.  But seek.  Or maybe “receive” is the better word.  I think we can receive from Jesus the ability to live a life of love.  I don’t think we can get there on our own power.  So, there’s a lot more I could write about what I’ve been thinking about in regards to living a life of love.  But let me at this point just encourage you to think about this concept.  Living a life of love.  Do you want to live a life of love?  Think you can do this on your own?  Or will you invite Jesus and the Holy Spirit into this process each and every day?  How does 1 Corinthians 13 speak to you these days?

Ephesians chapter 5 verse 17 really stood out to me today: “Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.”  I am wondering how often each of acts thoughtlessly?  I am afraid in my case it is far too often.  I can sometimes sleep-walk through my day – or even days – or even weeks…  and miss the point of life completely when doing so!  Paul teaches us here to try to understand what the Lord wants us to do.  Why would we want to try to understand this?  I think in large part so we no longer act thoughtlessly!  I’m afraid we are far too often a thoughtless people in how we live our lives & how we waste so much time in our very short lives this side of heaven…  How about you?  Are you acting thoughtlessly at all these days?  Will you seek to understand what God wants you to do?   And then will you go do it and leave your thoughtless ways behind?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Ephesians titled “The Meaning of Christian Marriage” is at this link.  Below is a nice image for Ephesians 5:21 from today’s readings:

Psalms – I love Psalm 69 verse 33 today – “For the LORD hears the cries of his needy ones; he does not despise his people who are oppressed.”  God hears the cries of his needy ones.  Perhaps the question is then, do we hear the cries of God’s needy ones?  Do we hear the cries of those starving today? Sick from lack of clean water?  Suffering from disease?  Spiritually poor?  Needing a friend?  How is the soil of our hearts if we are not hearing these cries?  Should we be hearing these cries?  And if we do hear them, what then should we do?   Remember Jesus’ words in Matthew chapter 25 verses 34-36:  “‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’”   

Proverbs – Proverbs 24 verse 7 is actually a bit convicting for me – “Wisdom is too much for a fool.”  I’m not sure if you’ve ever experienced this, but there have been times when I honestly have not been able to read or digest the Bible.  I mean, there are times when I can kind of work my way through reading the Bible, but nothing is sticking.  And obviously the Bible is wisdom…  I then wonder if at times I am a fool?  I don’t think I’m a chronic fool…  🙂  But, truly, sometimes I do dumb stuff or live in a dumb season and in retrospect I was acting like a fool in those seasons. And in those foolish seasons wisdom was too much for me…  I do ultimately think Jesus / God / the Bible / wisdom brought me out of those foolish seasons.  But let us pray that we don’t enter into seasons of life where we are acting like a fool, and where wisdom is too much for us.  Being a fool is no way to live this beautiful life God has called us to!

Worship Video:  I’m sure many of you have heard on K-LOVE “By His Wounds” by Mac Powell, Mark Hall, Steven Curtis Chapman and Brian Littrell. This song is based on Isaiah 53 verse 5 from today’s readings. It is a beautiful song about our beautiful Savior Jesus. Here’s a live version of the song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWnSX3X7wbw

By His wounds, have you been healed?  Click here to be healed!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.” Ephesians 5:3 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that there is not even a hint of sexual immorality in your life today. Pray that there is not even a hint of any kind of impurity nor of greed in your life today. Pray that you are living as one of God’s holy people, through your saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
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.

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

======= Ramona:

Isaiah 51:1-53:12
The verses that have spoken to me today are in the 51st chapter, “WOW”!
Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be forever, and my salvation from generation to generation. (Isaiah 51:7-8 KJV)
I have noticed for the first time that throughout Isaiah, God speaks in the present about things that had yet to come to past in the element of time. Of course God is eternal and to Him everything is in The Now, the Right Now. God calls thins that, “Be Not” in our human experience “As though they were,” (Romans 4:17) because in eternantiy they have already happened. [And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Revelation 13:8 KJV)]
God in verses 7 and 8 is still giving us the information to intelligently decide between choosing life or death; blessings or curses. This was the option given to the people by Moses (Deut. 30:19 & Joshua 24:15-22).
[I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
(Deuteronomy 30:19 KJVR)]
For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be forever, and my salvation from generation to generation.
Choose righteousness and not the righteousness of self-righteousness that comes with doing the works of the flesh, but the Righteousness that comes from God, God’s Right Way of Doing and Being.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======== Anka:

28In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— 30for we are members of his body. 31″For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh….
I don’t know why today it just hit me….For most people,courtship and marriage are a really beautiful period.The guy leaves his house with excitement to pick his intended up for a date…Yet for Jesus,it was different.Like we sometimes go through a painful treatment to get rid of a disease…he gave his earthly body to be tortured.
14 Just as there were many who were appalled at him [d]—
his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man
and his form marred beyond human likeness…
That was I guess the courtship for Jesus..preparing to pay the price so we be clean,so we could have the relationship we have today with him.
Yet many times we come to Jesus with the expectation that we’d never be sick,we’d never have any sorrows(cos he nailed them to the cross)we come because we realise we can’t make it without him here.True.But our lives and choices will be paid for by us.Jesus died so we could have eternal life…our life here on earth will never be perfect.It sure is humbling for me today to remember,just how much the price was for my salvation…and I pray the hearts of the muslims,the jews,the “christians”who don’t know Christ will be prepared to receive the gospel.I also pray today that the hearts of the missionaries that face persecution daily for the gospel be strengthened by He who knows what they’re going through…cos He went that road Himself….
God bless you all
Anka

========= Anka:

” I’m not sure if you’ve ever experienced this, but there have been times when I honestly have not been able to read or digest the Bible. I mean, there are times when I can kind of work my way through reading the Bible, but nothing is sticking”
Mike,I think this is a huge testimony….I’m sure so many people who joined the blog (like me)have been through this and from time to time still do.Yet studying together keeps us keeping on.
God bless you(so you can keep blessing us:)
Anka

======= Ramona:

Mike your question regarding the New Testament reading, >>”Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.” I am wondering how often each of acts thoughtlessly?>> and, >> “For the LORD hears the cries of his needy ones; he does not despise his people who are oppressed.” God hears the cries of his needy ones. Perhaps the question is then, do we hear the cries of God’s needy ones?>> are both one and the same in action. If we are not acting thoughtlessly and getting our instruction from God, then we will hear the cry of the needy.
Where we error is in thinking that because God is leading us to do something specific with a group of people that means God is leading everyone else to do that same thing and we get caught up in trying, through guilt and any other means of manipulation, to bring everyone else along. We forget that the Body of Christ is like our own body, as per Paul; each one has a purpose and a call and when we work as one part of the many and do what we have been called and purposed to do, even if it is not what the most vocal and persuasive of person is doing, than the job will get done. In fact, there would be no need to put a call out for help because the job would be done by everyone sticking to their purpose and call.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======== Hunter:

Often I think about terrorism and compare my day with reviewing the torture techniques from olden times. I see so many, and rightly so, joining armies, advocating political means, segregating politics, factioning and fractioning peoples I get wearied and assume I am wrong. I wonder, where have all the martyrs gone? Oh I don’t mean we don’t have missionaries in every corner of the world, because we do, I know, I used to run into them. But what I didn’t grasp till I read Isaiah today was how needy we are to be reminded WHO God is…
I read ” the God who parted the seas” and I recall Israel delivered.
I think too the army of Egypt was wiped out…
Where was our Stryker Brigade? Wasn’t Moses Intelligence report faulty? What happened to the Sword of the Lord?
I am reminded of another expression, Poorly paraphrased by me: “It is necessary I go, it is not necessary I Live”
When God said he raised up Pharoah for a reason and frankly did let Israel suffer some while he set the stage to reveal “divine intervention”, he TOLD ahead of time How Pharaoh would not let them go.
When I see the bin laden hype, the trial in Iraq, the in house fighting in America over who did and does what, I wonder…
Are we missing the boat? In some cases yacht?
Is our message and lifestyle about the kingdom of God or ‘The American Ideal’?
When we start profiling Arabi for Islam sake, I know American History to well to not remember Jewish, Irish, Catholic, Black, Vietnamese, etc persecutions to not know how that deck of cards is played.
I only know in Isaiah 51 and eventually in 52, the great equalizer and changer of Man on the outside is the Son of Man on the inside, and the pattern I would like to say I see more of would be less John Wayne and more Jesus the Christ.
Sadly I don’t think he wore a Uniform, Played football, voted conservative or liberal, or stayed current with events.
I think, and I may be wrong, I think he was pretty focused on only doing exactly, daily,what God His Father wanted Him to do.
That seemed to be his obsession and main profession.
I hope, as Ramona eloquently wrote about diversity with unity, we aren’t following a crowd, but following Him as He leads us individually as well as corporeally.
Hunter

========= Luch:

I love that we are part of the line of Abraham. Just as he was one and God blessed him and Sarah and made them many, we too can believe God to make us fruitful as we seek to enrich the lives of others with the beautiful gospel. “The Lord blessed Abraham and from that one man came many descendants.” Isaiah 51:2
What is exciting is that Paul connects Gentiles together with Abraham in Galatians “And because of what Jesus Christ has done, the blessing that was promised to Abraham was taken to the Gentiles (you and me too)…” Gal 3:14 And then again in Galatians 4:29 that wonderful promise, “So if you belong to Christ, you are now part of Abraham’s family, and you will be given what God has promised.” Is that not exciting to be in the flow of history and connected to ‘father Abraham’, imperfect man that he was, but saved by the gospel (see Gal 3:6-9) He says, in Gal 3:8 ‘This means that everyone who has faith will share in the blessings that were given to Abraham because of his faith.” Now if we are to imitate our forefather we are also called to be a ‘blessing to all the families in the earth.” What a great mission focus for us all!!!
Luch

======== Rob:

These verses stood out and looked like they complimented one another.
Ephesians 5
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord.
Psalm 69
30 I will praise God’s name in song
and glorify him with thanksgiving.
31 This will please the LORD more than an ox,
more than a bull with its horns and hoofs.
32 The poor will see and be glad—
you who seek God, may your hearts live!
Rob

========== Jenny:

I agree, Isaiah 53 is not only perhaps the most powerful chapter in the Bible, but one of the most important. Its incredible to read…I have heard it read so many times during communion and have read it before, but its just sooo powerful each and every time! I can imagine when the disciples got their heads screwed back on after Jesus’ resurrection, they must have read this and just been in awe! Each verse is soooo important and prophetic. It was ALL fulfilled! exactly!! Every T was crossed and i dotted. amazing amazing! I LOVE it!!!
Jenny

======== Art:

I like to memorize. Words come alive to me when I place them in my head in some kind of order. Things make better sense to me when, instead of just looking at words on paper and trying to concentrate on their meaning they are arranged in my head with meaning and “what’s next” follows some logical thinking.
I am motivated by your pastor, Mike, and his memorization of the entire Book of Ephesians. Right now I have a part pending for dramatic stage that needs developed and refined so I’m not setting the entire Book of Ephesians as a goal. I will, however, start learning Ephesians 1 and see how that goes. I’ll let you know.
Thanks!
Art

========= Hutch:

I have been reading your blog for past 2 years and it enhances my daily readings. I memorized I Corinthians 13 and Romans 8 in Jr. High so I could go to summer camp. My father was Minister of Music at Church of the Open Door under Dr. J. Vernon McGee. I walked FAR from the Lord for 30 years but now lead an Overcomers Outreach 12 Step recovery group at our church. My early training brought me back to Him. God bless you for the awesome job you are doing on this blog.
Hutch

======= Marab:

God led me also to memorize the whole book of Philippians – I am almost at the end of Chapter 2. Your pastor is right on and I encourage everyone to do books in memorization – it’s easier and stays with you and above all fills you with a hunger to love as Christ loved in and through others like the Apostles. It has taken more than 40 years to get to this point of memorizing by chapters. The most amazing thing about doing memorizing this way for me is that the Spirit seems to work in the verses that I forget. Those verses are the ones that God is working in me to will and to act according to His good purposes. The world opposes the Word, the enemy opposes the Word but the flesh works overtime in opposing the Word. But God (my favorite phrase in the whole Bible) the Holy Spirit separates the soul from the spirit and discerns God’s will.
Love in the Lamb,
Marab

========= Dee:

I love Isaiah in that it is predicting or foreshadowing the life of Christ but at the same time..it’s the sad moments of Christ. Do we always think in remembrance of Him? Do u?
Then the living the life of love? Are we living it purely and are we listening and helping those in need and do we sometimes act as the fool to the things of God? Do we? I’m sure we have foolishness moments. Thankful for God’s son and His anointing and forgiveness and grace. Amen
Dee

======== Jane:

I memorized Romans 12 years ago! It was very instrumental in applying scripture to my life.
Jane

======== Renee:

Greetings
Isaiah 51:1-53:12 are my fave chapters to read.
Ephesians 5
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Renee

======== Angela:

Ephesians 5:8 was the verse that stood out the most to me. It says “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” This was a powerful message to me because it was God who saved us and brought us into the light. Without him, we’d still be in darkness, doing deceitful things and never knowing him. But with Christ, now we might become children of God and receive his grace and mercy. I am so thankful to God, for bringing us into the light while we were still darkness. Like Romans 5:8 also says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Angela

======== Louise:

Ephesians 5:12 We are not to even talk about what the evil doers do in the dark. That means watch what is in the news, on the TV. Let’s get down to it, speak of what is good and fruitful for our minds so that
we can encourage one another. For example I had a friend that when she came to visit or called me on
the phone she would talk bad about our President. So one day I ask if we not do that anymore, we are
to support him and pray for him. We cannot judge what is happening. I for one believe God placed him
in the Office and He has a greater purpose than we could even image . Just pray…..Keep your mind
set on the Word to learn about God and who He is……Read a One Year Bible every single day. I am on my
29th year and I still love reading it every day….Blessings…
Louise

======= Joyce:

Mike and everyone,
Today these verses stand out for me, thankful for the reminder:
Ephesians 5:1-2 (Amplified Bible)
1 Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father];
2 and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.
will take a moment to pray for this blog:
‘Heavenly Father,
may You continue to use this blog mightily, for the good of Your Kingdom,
may You continue to give Mike wisdom, understanding, and love to write this blog,
may You continue to encourage him as he serves you,
may You continue to use the blog to bring Your Word to the far corners of this world,
pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.’
Thank you Mike! God bless everyone!
Joyce

========= John:

Ephesians 5
“1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
This is not the pantheistic cry of ‘god is everywhere – we are all gods”. It says be imitators of God, be Godlike, or be Godly. There is only one true God encompassed in the Trinity, and we are to try and be like Him, that is take on His characteristics. How do we do that?
First you have to accept and receive Christ – then you are children of God and co-heirs to heaven. Non-believers cannot be children of God – as John states later in Bible: If you do not believe – you are enemies of God.
As children we need to understand our relationship with God. He is the Father and we are His children. Just like a toddler who really has no real power on their own versus their earthly father, we are to rely on tust in, and depend on the Father. To do what? In a loving relationship, the Father will raise us, mold us, teach us, discipline us, comfort us, etc. with the goal being to eventually conform us into the image of Christ. Just as the toddler has no real power to raise himself here on earth, the “baby” Christian has no real power to imitate God in our Christian walk. It is the job of the Father to change us, not ours.
When we acknowledge that relationship with the Father, we can have a life of love. We can revel in the Father’s love, and in turn He will provide the Spirit to guide our walk. We can love like Christ loved us, and like Christ and like Paul says in beginning of Rom 12, we can offer ourselves up to God as a living sacrifice, yielding to the Father and accessing the Holy spirit. That gives us the power by the richness of His grace to walk in the Spirit of love.
======================================================
Eph 5:5
“For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”
Another one of those verses when taken alone some say means you can lose salvation. However, Paul is saying the same thing John does in later books of Bible, and the Greek verb tense is important. In the Present active indicative, “is an idolater—has any inheritance” is now and and in the future or “continually”. If you are acting in these ways in a habitual, continual manner you are not a believer. you will not be in heaven.
Look, Christians sin, we all fall short of the glory of God, but a true believer will not “habitually” commit the same sins over and over. Simply put, the Holy Spirit will not allow it – God will step in to the situation. If this is happening to you, and you are convicted – the solution is simple. Go to God, repent, admit you are a sinner, and with a “right heart” confess Jesus is your Lord and Savior, and submit your will to God.
======================================================
10and find out what pleases the Lord…18b Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
In summary, you must be in fellowship with the Father, acknowledging the Father-child role-yielding your will to His – then you will know what pleases the Lord because you will be filled with and accessing the Spirit.
This is the only way to consistently walk the obediant path Paul exhorts believers to follow- it is God’s way, and anything else is man-driven rooted in pride.
John

========= John:

Eph 5
Wives and Husbands
One of those passages that sometimes sets people’s teeth on edge. What do you mean I have to submit to my husband says the wife. Some professing Christian husbands use this to browbeat their wives over their home life.
Just like their are two sides to any story, there are two sides here, and the important one to look at first is the husband’s role. The husband is to:
-love his wife, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
This is “agape love” – It is an unconditional love and concern for others. Agape is a love that accepts everyone for who they are. This is the same love that God expressed for us through the death of Jesus Christ, His Son (1 John 4:9,10). It is a selfless love.
When you love your wife like that in a total selfless way that is not rooted in physical love – your wife will feel apreciated and totally loved.
-love his wife as he loves himself
To be able to love yourself, you must be in fellowship with the Father, if not you will be in a bad place and find it very hard to love who you are at that time. In fellowship with the Father, you will be walking in love by the power of the Holy Spirit, and then you can love your wife as you love yourself.
When a man is in this place and love his wife in a selfless way – then his relationship will not be about making the wife a servant, but someone much higher – an esteemed and loved partner in marriage.
When a woman sees this she will respect her husband and recognize the roles God has ordained for them, and submitting will not be as much an issue as the two will be in agreement over marital issues and life – because they are one in Christ.
======================================================
Eph 5:32
“This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.”
Paul is saying that it is not only two will become one flesh, as in physical union, but also spiritually in their submission to the Father’s Will. And more importantly the marriage union ultimately is about Christ and the Church. That is the mystery – that Christ who loved us so much he gave himself up for us – will be joined with the Church in marriage and in recognition of the roles God has ordained – We submit to Christ.
So the picture here is about earthly marriage, but the bigger picture here is about Christ and the Church’s marriage. We know Christ loves us selflessly, and we respect Christ and submit to His authoritative role.
Our earthly marriage should mirror and imitate Christ and His marriage to the Church.
John

========= John:

Is 53:2-3
He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Jesus did not have classic beauty, nor that intangible majestic “look” of royalty. There was nothing about His appearance that drew men to Him – but it was his inner beauty and His Word that was from the Father. A relationship with Jesus would not be based on the superficial aspects of His looks – but on His message and His compelling inner self.
[Note: Some want to see Jesus as a macho well built kind of guy, others see Him as a winsome beautiful man (a lot of artists in paintings and drawings), but I believe there was nothing compelling about Jesus’ physical appearance.
Remember not only these things that Isaiah says about Jesus, but Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the desert – what effect did that have on His physical body? In Luke 4:23, I think Jesus reading their thoughts acknowledged that he did not appear well
“Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself!…..]
He was despised and reject by men, because there was no physical beauty to draw people to Him, and His message was one that the nation did not deem acceptable.
Jesus “a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering”. Jesus knew why He was on earth, and He did not look forward to the Cross (from His man perspective). Additionaly, I believe he suffered because he constantly experianced rejection to what He knew was the Truth that came from the Father. He came, and was not accepted – that had to hurt (again from His man perspective).
“Why did Jesus appear ordinary? Because you think you’re ordinary. Jesus took on ordinary flesh and blood, came from an ordinary place and hung out with ordinary people in order to show you that God loves an ordinary person like you (Hebrews 2:14). When he appeared, he hung out with ordinary folks such as himself, not the high and mighty. He became thoroughly acquainted with ordinary human flesh.” – Scott Grant
http://www.pbc.org/library/files/html/Is53-1-3.html
John

========= Vance:

ISAIAH 51
1
“Listen to me, all who hope for deliverance–all who seek the LORD! Consider the quarry from which you were mined, the rock from which you were cut!
2
Yes, think about your ancestors Abraham and Sarah, from whom you came. Abraham was alone when I called him. But when I blessed him, he became a great nation.”
NOTE:
Abraham was called to be “a separate one”, “a called out one”. This is very clear in the Torah. This is verified by how God later called Abram (later Abraham) to leave his land to go do where God was leading him.
Galatians 3 is true, and we are called to follow our spiritual father, Abraham’s, example:
29
And if you belong to Christ [are in Him Who is Abraham’s Seed], then you are Abraham’s offspring and [spiritual] heirs according to promise.
See note below on meditation of the word “Hebrew”:
The original name for the people we now call Jews was Hebrews. The word “Hebrew” (in Hebrew, “Ivri”) is first used in the Torah to describe Abraham (Gen. 14:13).
One tradition teaches that the word comes from the word “eyver,” which means “the other side,” referring to the fact that Abraham came from the other side of the Euphrates, OR REFERRING TO THE FACT ABRAHAM WAS SEPARATED FROM THE OTHER NATIONS MORALLY AND SPIRITUALLY.
***
We are called to make choices. No one else can make these choices for us. Not our mother, father, husband, or wife.
“….Abraham was alone when I called him. But when I blessed him, he became a great nation.”
Jesus wants to demonstrate His Full Glory in the Body, as He prayed that we may be one even as He and the Father are one:
John 17 (Amplified)
21
That they all may be one, [just] as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent Me.
22
I HAVE GIVEN TO THEM THE GLORY AND HONOR WHICH YOU HAVE GIVEN ME, THAT THEY MAY BE ONE [EVEN] AS WE ARE ONE
Yet… it all starts with an individual surrender and relationship with the Lord! Never underestimate the power of “the choice of one—surrendered to the One”.
Vance

======== Vance:

Isaiah 51 (NKJV)
1
“Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, you who seek the LORD: look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the hole of the pit from which you were dug.
2
Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who bore you; for I called him alone, and blessed him and increased him.”
3
For the LORD will comfort Zion, He will comfort all her waste places; He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness will be found in it, thanksgiving and the voice of melody.
NOTE:
“Look to Me” says the Lord.
This reminds me of the beautiful song, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”:
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the Light of His Glory and Grace.”
Colossians 3 (NKJV)
1
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
2
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
3
For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4
When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
~~~
Isaiah 52 (NKJV)
9
Break forth into joy, sing together, you waste places of Jerusalem! For the LORD has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem.
10
The LORD has made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
11
Depart! Depart! Go out from there, touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her, be clean, you who bear the vessels of the LORD.
12
For you shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight; for the LORD will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.
NOTE:
“The LORD has made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations”.
Christ is available for all to see. And where His Name is not heard, we are to pray and go so they may know that the Lord Jesus came, and died for them, and then raised and glorified as our substitute and representative.
Jesus has completed salvation. May we partake of His Word, His Presence, and His Mercy every day!
Romans 8 (Amplified Bible)
2
For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death.
3
For God has done what the Law could not do, [its power] being weakened by the flesh [the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit]. Sending His own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, [God] condemned sin in the flesh [subdued, overcame, deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice],
4
So that the righteous and just requirement of the Law might be fully met in us who live and move not in the ways of the flesh but in the ways of the Spirit [our lives governed not by the standards and according to the dictates of the flesh, but controlled by the Holy Spirit].
~~~
As we persistently do this, seeking God by His grace cleansing us so we have pure hearts, we will be different from the world.
“Depart! Depart! Go out from there, touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her, be clean, you who bear the vessels of the LORD.”
2 Timothy 2 (NKJV)
1
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
19
Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ [the Lord] depart from iniquity.”
20
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.
21
Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
~~~
Isaiah 53 (NKJV)
5
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.
6
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
NOTE:
The Lord Jesus was given as a loving gift from the Father to live, die, raise from death, and ascend at the right hand of the Father— as our substitute and our representative.
May we meditate on this and receive it into our beings by faith.
Ephesians 1 (Amplified Bible)
17
[For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him,
22
And He has put all things under His feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church [a headship exercised throughout the church],
23
Which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all [for in that body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything complete, and Who fills everything everywhere with Himself].
~~~
Ephesians 5 (NKJV)
1
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.
2
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
18
And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit
NOTE:
May we drink daily of the Holy Spirit of Grace and Love. We love as we allow the Spirit within to lead us into loving God with all our hearts. Then, and only then, can we truly walk in the Love of Jesus to those around us.
Ephesians 5 (NKJV)
21
submitting to one another in the fear of God. [Christ]
31
“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” [Genesis 2:24]
32
This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
NOTE:
May we all seek to serve our wives, husbands, and families.
May I, by Grace, be the husband God calls me to be so I can help my wife be the woman God calls her to be. In Jesus’ Name.
Vance

Isaiah 48:12-50:11 + Ephesians 4:17-32 + Psalm 69:1-18 + Proverbs 24:5-6
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Isaiah chapter 49 verse 6 is sometimes referred to as “the great commission of the Old Testament”!  Here it is: “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”  Paul and Barnabas quote this verse in part in Acts 13:47.  The preceding 5 verses (1-5) in chapter 49 are considered the second servant song in Isaiah and are thought to refer to Jesus, the coming Messiah.  Isaiah chapter 50 verses 4 through 9 in today’s readings are considered the third servant song (out of a total of four) in Isaiah.  It’s interesting, when I initially read these verses in chapter 50 I really thought they were solely about the prophet Isaiah.  But, as we all know by now from our readings in Isaiah – and we’ll see this again in big ways in our coming day’s readings – Isaiah often had the coming Savior of the world, Jesus, on his mind when he was writing this incredible book of the Old Testament in the eighth century B.C.!  I love this painting below of Isaiah writing about Jesus…

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Isaiah chapter 50 titled “The Lord Can and Will Help Those Who Trust Him” is at this link.  Below is a nice image for Isaiah chapter 48 verse 17 from today’s readings:

New Testament – Wow.  It is rare that I will copy & paste 8 verses in a row here on this blog – because you can simply read the verses by clicking on the link above.  However – I think these 8 verses of Paul’s in Ephesians chapter 4 verses 17 through 24 bear repeating here and warrant our re-reading and really meditating on these verses.  Please take a few minutes to really reflect and pray on these verses – “With the Lord’s authority let me say this: Live no longer as the ungodly do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their closed minds are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They don’t care anymore about right and wrong, and they have given themselves over to immoral ways. Their lives are filled with all kinds of impurity and greed. But that isn’t what you were taught when you learned about Christ. Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness–righteous, holy, and true.”

Powerful verses above, eh?  I love this teaching – there must be a spiritual renewal of our thoughts and attitudes!  Has there been a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes?  Is there currently a daily spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes?  Or are you maybe on “cruise control” these days?  A great teaching I heard once is that “you are either moving forward or you are sliding backwards.  There is no stable middle ground.”  I believe this to be true in our spiritual life.  We are either moving forward – continually renewing our thoughts and attitudes and displaying our new nature – or we are sliding backwards.  Backsliding as some may say.  I pray that each of us today will really take to heart these teachings of Paul’s in Ephesians.  Let us throw off our old evil nature and our former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception!  Let us each and every day spiritually renew our thoughts and attitudes through Christ Jesus our Lord!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Ephesians titled “Leaving Our Old Ways Behind” is at this link.  Below is a great image for Ephesians 4:25 from today’s readings –

Psalms – Psalm 69 verse 16 today is such a true statement that maybe we need to be reminded of today – “Answer my prayers, O LORD, for your unfailing love is wonderful. Turn and take care of me, for your mercy is so plentiful.”  God does answer our prayers – perhaps not in the way we “want” Him to, but always in the way that is ultimately best for us and the Kingdom.  His unfailing love is wonderful.  His mercy is so plentiful.  But, yet, somehow I think I sometimes forget all of this.  Why?  I think I forget about God’s love & mercy when I am not praying to him.  How about you?  Are you needing a reminder today about God’s unfailing love and his mercy?  Are you praying to God for these very things?  Will you allow God to demonstrate both his love and mercy to you today?  Will you offer up prayers and allow God to answer in his perfect way?

Proverbs – Proverbs 24 verse 5 seems to go against some of our modern world’s teachings about strength being the key to success – “A wise man is mightier than a strong man, and a man of knowledge is more powerful than a strong man.”  Which do you believe to be true?  The world that says strength is mightier?  Or the Bible that says wisdom is mightier?  Let us seek ever-increasing godly wisdom in our lives each day!

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in Ephesians reminded me of Tenth Avenue North’s song “Healing Begins:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe1yKciSlT4

Has your soul been healed by God?  Click here for Healing!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that no unwholesome talk comes out of your mouth or out of your heart. Pray that the words you speak and think are helpful for others, according to their needs. Pray that you encourage and love others through your words.

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
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:

Isaiah 48:12-50:11
Today’s passage includes the third and final verse that spoke to me mightily when I first read through the Bible. Verses 14 through 16 spoke to me through the pain of abandonment. Although a lot of years had past since my childhood the feelings that being abandon caused still lay beneath the surface and caused me to create very superficial relationships. As suicidal thoughts raced through my head and all the destructive behaviors stemming from the mindset of those desperate thoughts,I came upon this passage and collapsed in a torrent of tears knowing that God loved me even when I didn’t love myself, even though I doubted my family loved me or even wanted me.
I love the way these three verses read in the Amplified or the King James Version:
But Zion [Jerusalem, her people as seen in captivity] said, The Lord has forsaken me, and my Lord has forgotten me. [And the Lord answered] Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yes, they may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have indelibly imprinted (tattooed a picture of) you on the palm of each of My hands; [O Zion] your walls are continually before Me. (Isaiah 49:14-16 AMP)
I can’t say that rational thought took over when I read this but there was a warm burning deep within my very core that let me know that God was speaking these words directly to me.
This passage, Psalm 27:4 and Galatians 3:28 began a process of setting me free and renewing my mind but also propelled me to read God’s Word for myself. I now know from my experiences with these three passages that God will send His Holy Spirit to not only speak to me through His Word but bring understanding in due season.
Ephesians 4:17-32
We must be active in putting away our sin and worldy behavior. Yes we pray for strength and empowerment through the Holy Spirit but essentially we must put away the behavior that is of the world.
A lot of times we try to lay there charges that Paul writes about on unbelievers. We demand in subtle ways that they clean up their act, but they can’t because they are sinners and are only doing what sinners do. Paul’s letters, this letter was written to Christians. It is Christians that Paul is telling to stop stealing; it is believers Paul is telling to stop cursing and using coarse language. Believers are being admonished to put away bitterness, rage, anger harsh words, slander and malicious behavior.
Paul tells us to put these things away, which must mean we have to ability to do what he is asking. We cannot use the excuse, “I just can’t help myself,” or pass the buck and thus the responsibility and consequence of bad behavior by saying, “He/She/They made me do it.”
Psalm 69:1-18
When I read this Psalm, I could not help but think about all the people caught in the floodwaters caused by Hurricane Katrina or the Tsunami. Although many died in South East Asia and some died in the Gulf Coast, many had their cries attended to by God and found themselves plucked from the mire and the floodwaters up to their neck.
Proverbs 24:5-6
5 wise man is mightier than a strong man, and a man of knowledge is more powerful than a strong man. 6 So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many counselors.
Nothing is every secured by brute force. The history of Israel fighting against her enemies attests to that. To be wise one must have wisdom, and perfect wisdom is the Wisdom of God. Nothing can defeat God’s Wisdom and that Wisdom is Jesus Christ.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

========= Alice:

The verses to memorize spoke to me. It was confirmed that the only way to live in this world is to have faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior. The only way to survive is to trust God knowing He will provide everything we need to honor Him. Thank you for your diligence.
Alice

========== Kary:

Do you think Psalm 69 might actually have been Jesus’ prayer while on Earth? I really felt this way reading the passage and I looked up my own notes and saw I had felt this way last time we read it and I hadn’t remembered that when I stated reading today.
Even verse 5 where it mentions “my sins” I think that could be explained / understood in at least two different ways. The first could be understood that Jesus had no sin to hide, that is, it is not as if He has a secret sin that is hidden from the Lord because He never sinned, thus his sins are not as if they are hidden from God. It would be interesting to understand deeper how it is written in the original language to explore this possibility further.
The second understanding could be the fact that Jesus while without sin did in fact take on our sins and if He prayed this (in part or in whole) while He was on the cross, He was in deed bearing our sins at that time, which is truly the most amazing and unfathomable thing that He suffered for us. I suppose we will never fully know what that meant for Him to do that, how painful spiritually, how much He had to suffer without ever committing wrong.
Parts of the Psalm are especially clear, such as “Though I have stolen nothing, I still must restore it.” Even if this Psalm is not directly Jesus’ personal prayer I still think that in a way it is a picture or shadow of what He went through.
Praise Jesus!
Kary

========= Julianne:

Thanks for having this blog. I am a Peace Corps volunteer serving in Armenia and after 4 months without being an active part of a church community over here, I’ve started to feel…dry. I have known I need to be in the word–I wake up every morning hungry for it. But it is difficult to know where to turn and what to read. So I just searched under “bible blog” this morning and found your website. I’m going to be following it and reading along from the NT (I can only focus on one passage a day). It helps me that you involve other media–pictures and music and have some focus passages to memorize. For some reason–God knows why–it is more exciting and meaningful to do this with other people. So thanks again~
Julianne

========= Janice:

I agree, this is one of the best blogs on the internet.
Janice

========== Ronald:

Julianne, I will pray for your continued success in God’s word, His plan. This is a wonderfull blog. Mike, Ramona, and others help bring clarity to our daily readings. To them I say, thank you for sharing parts, good or not so good, of your lives with us. You are they of whom Proverbs 24:6 speaks. You are among the counselors that help insure our victories. God bless you.
Ronald

========= Ginny:

Thank you so much for introducing me to Rich Mullins, Mike. I have heard some of his songs performed at church but was unaware of who wrote them. He was a very special individual. I agree with most of his thinking but for one thing…… I believe that God loves us and God will grant us His Grace and His Peace ONLY if we truly repent of our sins and TRY with all our heart and all our might to not repeat them. Being human that is not possible – so God’s Grace and Forgiveness is never-ending. But the point is we must always STRIVE to be Christ-like in our daily lives. A must read to get a different perspective on God, Jesus and the Bible is the book written about Rich Mullins called “An Arrow Pointing To Heaven” by James Bryan Smith. Many quotes in the book are from C.S. Lewis.
Ginny Meyer

========== Mitch:

Great Blog. I read through the one year bible everyday and the blog here thanks so much for the work you put into this and the encouragement. It is my second or third time going through One Year Bible. Every year is a blessing for me and reading through Ephesians was a blessing along with Isaiah. God Bless you
Mitch

======== Dee:

Lord I pray your salvation is brought to the Gentiles and really to the ends of the earth. Let your glory be shown. This Hurricane Hellene and Tropical Storm winds needs to dissipate amd go away. Our nation is strong
Give us strength through the waters..I don’t know where I’ve been ..but I know where you are. Even when the waters rise..you are my anchor. Amen
Dee

======== Robert:

Psalm 69
I really liked Ramona’s reference to Hurricane Katrina and the Tsunami in Southeast Asia 2004. Certainly good visuals there and reflective scripture. Verse 15: Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me.
Good movie that you may want to watch is called “The Impossible” made in 2012 about María Belón and Enrique Álvarez family holidaying for Christmas when the Tsunami struck. Here is the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCqUoPaaH0I
Robert

======== Renee:

Thank you Father God for your blessings and promises!
Isaiah 48:17
17 This is what the Lord says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the Lord your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.
Isaiah 49:15-16
15 “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!
16 See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are ever before
I love the fact that God loved us first…He reached out to us first. Ready to forgive first…Bless the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit
Ephesians 4:30-32
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Great is God’s mercy
Psalm 69
16 Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me.
I am reminded again, Wisdom is critical in all situations
Proverbs 24:5-6
5 The wise prevail through great power,
and those who have knowledge muster their strength.
6 Surely you need guidance to wage war,
and victory is won through many advisers.
Shalom
Renee

======== Angela:

The passage from Ephesians talks about how we, as Christians, should live our lives. It instructs us to be kind, compassionate, truthful, holy, and righteous. The verses that spoke to me the most was verses 25-32. It tells us several times that we should get rid of our falsehood, malice, or unwholesome talk. Instead, we should speak truthfully and build others up according to their needs, because we are all one body. If we do not stop doing sinful things and start being kind and building each other up, then how will we all grow in Christ?
Angela

========= Anka:

5 You know my folly, O God;
my guilt is not hidden from you.
6 May those who hope in you
not be disgraced because of me,
O Lord, the LORD Almighty;
may those who seek you
not be put to shame because of me,
O God of Israel
As christians we are called to be light to the world…yet sometimes we get it wrong.Maybe because we become over righteous,maybe due to lack of knowledge…immaturity etc.I pray we all learn to be tolerant and keep our eyes on God so he in turn can work with us to truly fulfil his purpose in us.
God bless you all
Anka

======== John:

Ephesians 4:17-32
Living as Children of Light
So how do we live as Children of the Light?
Eph 4:22-24
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
“When we believe in Jesus Christ and receive him as our Lord, our Savior, we are renewed in the spirit of our mind. Our basic, fundamental life is changed. In Verse 22, the RSV translation says, “put off your old nature.” I reject that word, “your.” It is not in the original. It is “put off the old nature.” The point is, it is no longer yours. It is there, but it is no longer identified with you. Christ is your life now, a radical difference has come in. You are now identified with him. If you want to leave that word, your in the passage itself, pick it up and move it out of Verse 22 and put it down in Verse 24, “put on your new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ray Stedman
http://www.pbc.org/library/files/html/0120.html
You are to yield to the Holy Spirit and let God change your life. We cannot do it. But God can. this is His work for His glory, but we must let him do it by admitting we cannot do the changes on our own and we MUST surrender our will to God’s.
“That is a choice you are asked to make whenever you recognize the deceitful urges that come from within — put off and put on. Reject the old and turn to the Lord within and say, “Thank you, Lord, for the fact that you in me are able to do through me and in me that which you have desired to do.” Put off the old, refuse to let the old nature manifest itself or to have any place, and then the new will be right there to take its place.” – ray Stedman
“Now right here we meet with some timeworn, familiar excuses. Someone says, “Well, I’ve tried this, but it doesn’t work for me. It works for other people, I can see that. But I’ve tried it, and it doesn’t work….That is a lie. The truth is, you never really wanted it, at least not badly enough to do what the apostle says, to put off the old. You still try to cling to the pleasure of manifesting this egocentric flesh. And as long as you cling to that, then of course you cannot put on God, you cannot put on the new life. – Ray Stedman
Sorry – I had to cut and paste – out tonight for ministry work, but Ray hits on exactly what I wanted to say.
John

========= John:

Isaiah 50
A messianic prophecy.
Is 50:6
“I offered my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;
I did not hide my face
from mocking and spitting.”
Chapter 50 is describing Jesus Christ. Here is the action surrounding the trial of Jesus. I believe the Roman soldiers plucked out Jesus’ beard by hand. This may be why it was so difficult for people to recognize Jeesus when He arose from the tomb. Some may have seen Him bloodied on the cross without a beard, but when He arose and was restored – they might not have recognized Jesus. Ever had a friend with a beard??? If he shaved it off and you see him for the first time clean shaven – did you recognoze him? do a double take?????
======================================================
Is 50:10
Who among you fears the LORD
and obeys the word of his servant?
Let him who walks in the dark,
who has no light,
trust in the name of the LORD
and rely on his God.
Rebellious man walks in the dark. The solution?
Trust in the name of the Lord. Jesus = Jehova is Salvation, and rely on the Father to be saved through Christ.
The thread is maintained. Trust in, rely on, and depend on the Lord. In the Old Testament, for Salvation, and for your Christian walk.
This is God’s work. It is about God, not about us.
John

========= Vance:

I just wanted to leave these thoughts with you today. I received an excellent challenge small group on Friday night.
“We are in a spiritual battle. Our battle is with the principalities and powers (Ephesians 6:10). Yet, because the devil and demons have been disarmed of their power (Colossians 2), they have no power over us unless we allow sin or old sinful habits to have a place.”
“Do not allow a stronghold of sin for the enemy to gain control. After we came to Christ, we are new creations in our spirits. Our minds and souls need to be redeemed.”
“Be like the eagle. Fly high like the eagle, where the arrows and guns cannot reach the eagle. Jesus said that he hates lukewarm Christians. Give yourself totally to the Lord and seek the spiritual heights where the enemy cannot reach you!”
The verses that came to me this morning to support these thoughts are:
Colossians 3:1 – 5 (Amplified)
1
IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2
And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.
3
For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.
4
When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory.
5
So kill (deaden, deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God).
GALATIANS 2:20, 21 (NKJV)
20
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
21
I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”
***
Thank you for the note you gave on Ephesians 4
I like Ephesians 4:17, 18 (NIV)
17
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.
18
They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.
**
We have the literal life of God within us because we have yielded to Chirst—the literal Presence of Jesus in earthen vessels!
We can, if we become spiritually lazy, become separate from the life of God within!
FLY HIGH!
“I surrender all. I surrender all. All to Jesus, I surrender. I surrender all.”
Vance

======== Vance:

Isaiah 49 (NKJV)
6
Indeed He says, ‘ It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant
To raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
NOTE:
May I – may we – really catch God’s vision of Who He is and how He can use us as we trust and obey Him.
One way to fulfill God’s promise in this verse is to pray for Muslims during Ramadan.
Day 3 – Pray for Muslims in Tashkent city, Uzbekistan
Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, lies in a great oasis along the Chirchik River in the foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains.
One of the oldest cities in Central Asia, Tashkent was once a significant rest stop and trading center where merchants and caravans could find refreshment after crossing the mountains and deserts between Samarkand / Bukhara and China on the Great Silk Road.
Although about 50% of the people in Tashkent are Uzbek, the city is also home to significant Russian (30%), Tatar, Tajik, Kazakh, and Korean ethnic minorities.
As a significant transportation hub, the largest city, and the biggest industrial concentration in Central Asia, Tashkent greatly influences its region.
Hospitality and Family Highly Valued
The Uzbek proverb, “a guest is more honorable than your father” reveals two things. First, hospitality is a high virtue. Uzbeks have been known to say, “What is a house for, if not for receiving guests? We must care for all those that God brings to our door.”
Second, the proverb tells us that family is highly valued. The authority of a father or mother is highly regarded, and children are expected to take care of their parents as long as they live.
~~~
Today, most Uzbeks are Sunni Muslims who also practice folk Islam, which includes various animistic practices. A significant minority also claims not to be religious, as a result of communist influence.
Few Christians with a Living Faith
In Tashkent most of the people from European ethnic minority groups call themselves Christians. However there are less than 10,000 (5,000 to 10,000 nationwide) who have a real living faith.
Evangelizing Muslims is prohibited. Persecution of practicing Christians from both the government and society is very real. Uzbek believers have received very harsh treatment, including beatings and torture.
Prayer guide for Tashkent, Uzbekistan:
* Tashkent is being prepared for a church-planting movement through good training of believers. Pray that each of the city’s 11 districts will be evangelised.
* Uzbek believers are learning to use their homes as a place to be hospitable to the body of Christ. Pray that the believers of Tashkent would be even more active, bold, intentional and Spirit-filled.
* Some believers are getting a vision to multiply and proclaim the good news throughout Central Asia. Pray that the Church would go forth from Tashkent and be a healing agent in this hurting land.
AMEN!
~~~
Isaiah 50 (NKJV)
4
“ The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to hear as the learned.
5
The Lord GOD has opened My ear; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away.
6
I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.
7
“ For the Lord GOD will help Me; therefore I will not be disgraced; therefore I have set My face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed.
NOTE:
WHAT a glorious opportunity—that God wants to wake us to teach us Himself through personal relationship with God in the Spirit by the Lord Jesus Christ!
Verses 6 and 7 prophecy the beating of our Lord Jesus before His crucifixion, resurrection and ascension.
Ephesians 4 (NKJV)
22
that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,
23
and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
24
and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
32
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
NOTE:
We have been created new creatures in Christ “in true righteousness and holiness” – or in “truth, righteousness and holiness”.
May we wait on the Lord. May we enter into that personal relationship with the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of our Lord Jesus. Jesus paid such a horrible price on the Cross to pay for us to have a real relationship with Him in this world.
May we really see, with the eyes of the spirit and the eyes of faith, how much Jesus loves us and may we really see the Price that Jesus paid for us. Then, having that reality burned into our souls, we will love and forgive others as Jesus Himself has loved and forgiven us.
Vance