Bible in a Year Blog

1 Chronicles 12:19-14:17 + Romans 1:1-17 + Psalm 9:13-20 + Proverbs 19:4-5
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – I think today’s readings in First Chronicles could be called “Famous Dave!”  As indeed, David moves into his role as the King of Israel in today’s readings and we read about his growing fame and support amongst the tribes!

In chapter 13 we read about David bringing the Ark back to Jerusalem – which was good in intention, but poor in execution…  God is clear in Numbers 4:5-15 that the Ark was to be moved only by the Levites and only by using carrying poles.  No one, not even the Levites were to touch the Ark itself.  David ended up following the Philistines example of moving the Ark on a cart, rather than following God’s command.  Thus, in verses 9 & 10 we read  – “But when they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah put out his hand to steady the Ark. Then the LORD’s anger blazed out against Uzzah, and he struck him dead because he had laid his hand on the Ark. So Uzzah died there in the presence of God.”  I wonder if we are like David was in this chapter in our lives today – how often do we have “good intentions”, but poor execution?  How often do we take shortcuts on things God has been very clear on?  Even if these shortcuts seem like they are good ideas, why do we take them?  Why do we take the risk?

New Testament – Today we begin the book of Romans! What a great book we have coming up! We’ve been reading about Paul’s missionary journeys, the storm at sea, and being in chains for the Gospel in Acts. Now get ready to read and study some of Paul’s teachings first-hand! Some commentaries say that the book of Romans is a “Bible within the Bible.” And others: “The most profound book in existence.” Personally, I think we need to obviously consider all 66 books of the Bible to be the Bible and the entirety of the Bible to be the most profound book in existence. But, yes, Romans is a profound book of the Bible no doubt! Martin Luther said this about Romans: “It is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. It can never be read or pondered too much, and the more it is dealt with, the more precious it becomes.” Not a bad quote for us to jump into the book of Romans this week! Let’s go!

Romans
Author: Paul
Place: Corinth
Date: A.D. 57/58
Content: Paul was in Corinth on his third missionary journey and was planning to go to Rome, but had never been there before. This letter was written to introduce himself to the church and to summarize his theological teachings. For the latter reason, it is the most systematically organized letter of Paul. He begins by showing the universal sin of man. Neither Gentile nor Jew has any legitimate claim upon God because sin has invalidated any appeal. But God in his mercy stepped in, while we were still sinners, and opened the way back to himself (Romans 5:8). From this may come a victorious Christian life. Paul then deals with the place of the Jews in God’s plan (Romans 9-11), concluding with a series of ethical exhortations.
Theme: The righteousness of God, his righteous dealings with the world, and the righteous plan of salvation are the focus of this book. God is seen to be the great and holy God of the universe who cannot relax his laws because they are based upon his nature. But consistent with those laws, he devised a plan of salvation for Jews and Gentiles alike that sent his Son down from heaven to die for the sins of the world. Now anyone who trusts in Jesus will be saved (Romans 10:9) and be given the power of God over sin in his life. From God and his love nothing can separate the believer. (Romans 8:38-39) (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 24)

More commentary on Romans is at these 3 links –
https://bible.org/seriespage/1-introduction-book-romans
https://bible.org/seriespage/6-romans-introduction-argument-and-outline 
https://bible.org/seriespage/1-introduction-romans
Bob Deffinbaugh says at this link directly above – “If you can reason your way through Romans, you will have the Gospel under your belt. . . . As you begin this study, I would challenge you to review the Book of Romans often in your mind, seeking to trace its argument from the very first chapter to wherever your study has brought you. It is my hope that you will then seek to apply what you have learned in your own life, and to share the message of the Gospel it contains with those who are lost and without hope, apart from the faith this Epistle describes and defines. May God bless you in your study of this portion of His Word.”

Bible Project: Here is a terrific video introduction the book of Romans!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej_6dVdJSIU

How powerfully strong are Paul’s words in Romans chapter 1 verses 16 & 17 today!  In fact, the NIV Study Bible’s commentary says that these two verses are the theme of the entire book of Romans:  “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes–Jews first and also Gentiles. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.””  Do you believe these two verses to be true?  Are you not ashamed of the Good News about Jesus Christ?  Do you believe that God makes us right in his sight by faith?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Romans Chapter 1 readings is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 9 verse 18 is so true and powerful: “For the needy will not be forgotten forever; the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed.”  This is a great reminder that God’s heart is for the poor in this world!  If God’s heart is for the poor – should our heart be for the poor too?  How is your heart for the poor these days?  How do you remember the poor and their hopes?

Proverbs – It is interesting to consider the Psalm verse about compared to Proverbs 19 verse 4 today: “Wealth makes many “friends”; poverty drives them away.”  This is a true Proverb.  I am intrigued by “friends” being in parentheses – what type of friends do we attract with wealth?  Will they still be there when the wealth is gone?  I do think it’s true that poverty drives “friends” away.  If the poor do not have many friends, then should we be a friend to the poor?  How could we be a friend to the poor?  Was Jesus a friend to the poor?  What type of poor was Jesus a friend too – poor in spirit; poor in wealth; poor in health; all of the above?  Should we emulate Jesus in his friendship to the poor?

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Romans remind me of Matt Maher’s song “Christ is Risen:”

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

Do you believe that Christ is risen? Click here to meet the Risen Lord!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Romans 1:16 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are not ashamed of the Gospel in any way, shape or form. Pray that you proclaim the Gospel throughout your life in every way. Pray that you fully know and believe that the Gospel is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.

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

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

1 Chronicles 12:19-14:17

Regarding Mike’s statement, “good in intention, but poor in execution… “ , I’m going to be harder on David then Stacey. I don’t see what David did or didn’t do regarding moving the Ark from Kirjath-Jearim to the City of David as an act done out of ignorance with good intentions. There is a saying, “The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions.”

David had been King of Judah, in Hebron for seven years, he had been anointed king while still a teenager and in all those years, David had vast experience with getting the Mind of God. He did not learn that while running from Saul but in tending his father’s sheep. David had a deep relationship with God way before Samuel came to his house looking to anoint one of Jesse’s son as king. I am not writing this to poke holes and criticize what David did or didn’t do, but to learn from his mistakes.

1) David consulted with his army commanders and with the political leaders about moving the Ark, but he did not consult the Levities and the Priests. They, the commanders and political leaders, either remembered stories of how the Philistines sent the Ark back after they captured it or they were witness to the event, either way the Philistines were used as a model for transporting the Ark. Lesson: Don’t use the world as a model for handling the things of God.

2) David failed to follow a command given by Moses for all kings to do, study the Word!!

14 … Then you may begin to think, `We ought to have a king like the other nations around us.’… 18″When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy these laws on a scroll for himself in the presence of the Levitical priests. 19He must always keep this copy of the law with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the LORD his God by obeying all the terms of this law. 20This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. This will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel.

If David had kept this commandment, he would have known how the Ark was to be transported. Lesson: Make the study of God’s Word a lifestyle.

So often, we have the Word right in front of us but we fail to read what is in the Book, especially in the United States. And if we do read it, we read portions and don’t take in the Whole Counsel of God. We convince ourselves that it is too difficult, too inflexible or too dry to keep our interest, not realizing that understanding only comes by seeking understanding. Our children are sent to school to learn the fundamentals of reading, math, science and hopefully the arts which upon graduation from High School and College the why of all the learning will make sense. How often do we say, “If I knew then what I know now …” because we realize the foundation for our life was poured in our youth. New construction is always easier then reconstruction.

David’s failure cost someone else their life. My failures cost others their lives. It may not have been the actual cessation of their natural life, although that could have happened and I didn’t know, but life to the fullest could have been delayed or totally blocked by decisions I made from ignorance because I failed to get complete information.

Also, take note of the Ark sitting in Obed-edom’s house for three months bringing a blessing on the entire household. Now the Ark had sat in Kiriath-jearim for almost 100 years and nobody was getting blessed, why? This speaks so powerful to me because I killed off God in my own mind and tried to get others to kill Him off also. For almost twenty years, I raged, cursed and ridiculed people reading the bible on public transportation because of what “church folks” did to me. I judged God and Jesus by those who claimed to be His disciples. I saw no blessings associated with the God they said they believed in and served.

How many people in Israel thought God was just the God in the Box in Kiriath-jearim, because they saw no evidence of changed lives? I am not talking about material things but behaviors and mannerisms that cry out, “They have been with God!” Can people look at me and say, “She has been with Jesus.”

Grace and peace,
Ramona

====

With regards to David and moving the Ark of the Covenant: There are many things we “should” know from the Bible, but we really don’t get a handle on them until we are faced with a test. David’s position and influence had just increased by finally becoming the king. With the new status and increase in influence, God requires more of him in the area of faithfulness to God’s Word and counsel. 1 Cor 4:2, Luke 12:48

Many of us try to take on new roles and use our old ways of doing things. When God does grant increased favor to us by putting us in leadership roles, the best thing that we can do is seek His Word on how to carry out the new mission. It is at these times that we can expect our knowledge of God’s word to be tested by a refiner’s fire. These trials and testings do show what we have been building on the foundation of Christ. 1 Cor 3:9-15 and 1 Pet 1:6,7 We do get the opportunity through times of testing and failure to get on our knees in humble prayer to find out from the Lord what we thought we knew needs to be replaced with a real and correct response to what was already spoken in His Word. We often miss out on some of the best direction from God because we write off some of His scriptures consciously or unconciously with an attitude of “that doesn’t apply to me” so I’ll just skip that requirement. One of the best examples of that in my experience is about tithing. For many years I missed the blessing of tithing by saying that it was Old Testament and it really didn’t apply to me. So although I gave a lot of money to the church, I missed out on all of God’s blessings and benefits as “I did it my way”. I have been seriously tithing and giving offerings now for 3 years and am fully experiencing the blessings of God. Are God’s blessings financial? There are truly financial rewards to tithing as you cannot outgive God. But God’s real blessing over the tithe is that it puts Him in first place as Sovereign. When He is honored in His rightful place as God and I am in my rightful place as humble and obedient to His Words, then life just seems to bloom and blossom everywhere around me.

Stacey

====

======== Vance:

I Chronicles 12 (NKJV)
23
Now these were the numbers of the divisions that were equipped for war, and came to David at Hebron to turn over the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD
NOTE:
God’s word ALWAYS—in every case, 100% of the time—comes true. Merging with God’s Word, however, is the fact of our lives. We have to choose to consistently yield to, to believe, and to allow God’s Word to come true IN OUR LIVES.
God had promised David that he would be king. It took YEARS for God’s Word to be fulfilled. David stayed faithful to God with the right heart even through the YEARS when Saul—who had given himself over to what displeased God—tried to kill David.
David is a great example of one who believed God. God is able to use David as an example of the 100% faithfulness of His will and His Word.
Psalm 89 (NKJV)
20
I have found My servant David; with My holy oil I have anointed him,
21
With whom My hand shall be established; also My arm shall strengthen him.
30
“If his sons forsake My law and do not walk in My judgments,
31
If they break My statutes and do not keep My commandments,
32
Then I will punish their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.
33
NEVERTHELESS MY LOVINGKINDNESS I WILL NOT UTTERLY TAKE FROM HIM, NOR ALLOW MY FAITHFULNESS TO FAIL.
34
MY COVENANT I WILL NOT BREAK, NOR ALTER THE WORD THAT HAS GONE OUT OF MY LIPS.
35
Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David:
36
His seed shall endure forever, and his throne as the sun before Me;
37
It shall be established forever like the moon, even like the faithful witness in the sky.” Selah
~~~
Abraham was also an excellent person of noble spirit whose life allowed God to display His amazing faithfulness to His Word:
Romans 4 (NKJV)
16
Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all
18
who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” [GENESIS 15:5]
19
And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb.
20
HE DID NOT WAVER AT THE PROMISE OF GOD THROUGH UNBELIEF, BUT WAS STRENGTHENED IN FAITH, GIVING GLORY TO GOD,
21
AND BEING FULLY CONVINCED THAT WHAT HE HAD PROMISED HE WAS ALSO ABLE TO PERFORM.
22
AND THEREFORE “IT WAS ACCOUNTED TO HIM FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” [GENESIS 15:6]
~~~
May we be people like David and Abraham who love God and His Word. May our lives be showcases of the God’s 100%, guaranteed commitment to His Word!
I Chronicles 13 (NKJV)
10
Then the anger of the LORD was aroused against Uzza, and He struck him because he put his hand to the ark; and he died there before God.
11
And David became angry because of the LORD’s outbreak against Uzza; therefore that place is called Perez Uzza [LITERALLY OUTBURST AGAINST UZZA] to this day.
NOTE:
God’s Word cannot be broken, and God is holy. As mentioned, God had already given His specific Word on how the ark was to be handled in Numbers 4:5-15.
We need to pray and yield ourselves to God and His Word, or we live our lives very dangerously. I have not always lived my life according to God’s Word.
Yet, thank God for GRACE which is received by faith, which will enable us to live by God’s Word as we yield and surrender to God.
Romans 1 (NKJV)
17
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” [HABAKKUK 2:4]
NOTE:
Consider this wonderfully challenging quote about FAITH from this text: PREFACE TO THE LETTER OF ST. PAUL TO THE ROMANS BY MARTIN LUTHER, 1483-1546
“Faith is a work of God in us, which changes us and brings us to birth anew from God (cf. John 1). It kills the old Adam, makes us completely different people in heart, mind, senses, and all our powers, and brings the Holy Spirit with it.”
“What a living, creative, active powerful thing is faith! It is impossible that faith ever stop doing good. Faith doesn’t ask whether good works are to be done, but, before it is asked, it has done them. It is always active.”
“Faith is a living, unshakeable confidence in God’s grace; it is so certain, that someone would die a thousand times for it.”
“Through faith, a person will do good to everyone without coercion, willingly and happily; he will serve everyone, suffer everything for the love and praise of God, who has shown him such grace.”
“It is as impossible to separate works from faith as burning and shining from fire.”
“ASK GOD TO WORK FAITH IN YOU; OTHERWISE YOU WILL REMAIN ETERNALLY WITHOUT FAITH, NO MATTER WHAT YOU TRY TO DO OR FABRICATE.”
~~~
Psalm 9 (NKJV)
19
Arise, O LORD, do not let man prevail; let the nations be judged in Your sight.
20
Put them in fear, O LORD, that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah
NOTE: What a wonderful and awesome prayer to pray. God does not belong to any single nation—but to all nations that will honor Him as the Sovereign God, and honor Jesus as Son of God and Lord.
Proverbs 19 (NKJV)
5
A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies will not escape.
NOTE:
I keep coming back to God’s faithfulness to the TRUTH of His Word. God will forever honor His Word.
Thus, God will expose everything that is not true.
If I am not living by God’s Word—not living and speaking truth—I will be exposed sooner or later.
May we live the way the Lord Jesus taught.
Matthew 5 (NKJV)
3
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
8
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Vance

1 Chronicles 11:1-12:18 + Acts 28:1-31 + Psalm 9:1-12 + Proverbs 19:1-3
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today in First Chronicles chapter 11 we read about David’s Mighty Men!  I do love reading about the story of his men who went to the well in Bethlehem to bring David that water that he so loved – when Bethlehem was occupied by the Philistines!  These men were no joke.  They risked everything to please David.  I wonder about this in our lives today.  Are we as dedicated to Jesus as these Mighty Men were dedicated to David?  Are you willing to risk everything for Jesus?  However, keep in mind that we don’t need to do un-called for risky things for Jesus – like these Mighty Men didn’t have to get that water from the well.  But their zeal for David is impressive.  I just pray we are at least that zealous for Jesus.

Today in 1 Chronicles 12 verse 18 we read – “Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, who later became a leader among the Thirty, and he said,  “We are yours, David! We are on your side, son of Jesse. Peace and prosperity be with you, and success to all who help you, for your God is the one who helps you.””  Related to this verse, Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion has the following answer to the question of ‘How did the Holy Spirit work in Old Testament times?’ – “When there was an important job to be done, God chose a person to do it, and the Spirit gave that person the needed power and ability.  The Spirit gave Bezalel artistic ability, Jephthah military prowess, David power to rule, and Zechariah an authoritative word of prophecy.  Here the Holy Spirit came upon David’s warriors.  The Spirit came upon individuals in order to accomplish specific goals.  Beginning at Pentecost, however, the Spirit came upon all believers, not only to empower them to do God’s will, but also to dwell in them day by day.”

New Testament – Today we finish the book of Acts!  Romans begins tomorrow!  Interesting segment in today’s readings when Paul encounters the snake on the island of Malta.  Everyone first believes that justice is being done, and that Paul will die by the snake.  When he doesn’t die, they then decide he is a god.  Interesting…  They were first cursing him, then suddenly worshiping him.  I wonder if we do this in our lives too?  Do we sometimes curse things one minute and then worship them the next?  Do we sometimes even do this with God?  Let us pray for consistency in our lives and actions, in particular in the area of Who we worship.

We then read in today’s readings about Paul arriving in Rome and beginning to preach the Gospel just 3 days after he arrives!  Paul wastes no time.  He is so focused on preaching the Gospel that he makes it happen no matter what.  I think we would do well to pay attention to Paul’s zeal for the Gospel.  Why do you suppose Paul was so zealous for the Gospel?  Should we be zealous for the Gospel today like Paul was back then?  Are you zealous for the Gospel today like Paul was back then?

Okay, in Acts chapter 28 we have a very important verse for all of us to pay attention to.  Verse 28.  These are Paul’s last words recorded in Acts.  Commentaries suggest that this verse is actually the main point of the book of Acts.  So if you remember nothing else from the book of Acts, remember the book was about this:  “So I want you to realize that this salvation from God is also available to the Gentiles, and they will accept it.”  Seems like such a simple verse…  But do you see the weight of it?  Do you believe that salvation from God is available to all?  Have you accepted this salvation?  Perhaps now is a good time for us to remember Paul’s acceptance of this salvation on the Road to Damascus earlier in our Acts readings, as painted by the artist Michelangelo below in the year 1544 –

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

Psalms – Psalm 9 verse 9 stood out to me today – “The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.” When you are in trouble, do you run to God for shelter?  Or do you look elsewhere?  Where will you ultimately find true peace and rest from the storms of life?  Do you believe that the Bible can be a haven for you in the midst of the storms of life?

Proverbs – Today in Proverbs 19 verse 2 we read: “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.” How does this Proverb speak to you? I know it is very convicting to me – particularly the part about being hasty. I am someone who oftentimes finds myself “hurrying.” And when I am hurrying, I am usually worrying. And at this point I am missing everything else going on around me. I’m living in my “own private Idaho”. I am missing the Way. I do believe that God is a passionate God and wants us to be passionate people – particularly for things that are of importance to God, such as serving the poor. But, I don’t think that God wants us to be zealous and hasty people who do not really know what we are zealous and hasty about. We need godly knowledge. Where do you suppose we can obtain godly knowledge? (hint – the Holy Book. . . 🙂 How about you? Are you zealous? What are you zealous for? Are you seeking godly knowledge in your life each and every day? Are you hasty? Are you ever missing the Way because of your haste?

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Acts reminds me of the song by Third Day titled “Call My Name:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEXXUdU–Zg

Have you called God’s Name? Click here to make the call!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Desire without knowledge is not good — how much more will hasty feet miss the way!” Proverbs 19:2 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you crave godly knowledge. Pray that you are pursuing godly knowledge. Pray that you are not enslaved to your fleshly desires. Pray that you are not hasty in making major life decisions.

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

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

========= Jane:

“‘Go to this people and say,
“You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”
27 For this people’s heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
Acts 28:26-27’
I’m thinking about ppl closing their hearts n minds tomm Gods word!
People are blinded to God word
I wanna be a true light to ppl around me. I pray my heart never goes callous.
And messy Christian your right about making hasty judgement and opinion when it comes to famiky situations. I’ve seen where quick words lead to destroyed relationships.better to have facts or sometime let God work out the details and the less said the better
Jane

1 Chronicles 9:1-10:14 + Acts 27:21-44 + Psalm 8:1-9 + Proverbs 18:23-24
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today in our First Chronicles readings, in between chapters 9 and 10, we go back to the future!  Or something like that… 🙂

Chronicles chapter 9 recounts the return from exile in Babylon, which took place between 538 B.C. and 458 B.C.  Then in chapter 10 we go back in time 500 years to some of our earlier readings in First Samuel when Saul was king and dies in approx. 1010 B.C.  Why this dramatic shift in chronology of events?  Well, the Chronicler basically wanted to take us through Israel’s history from Creation to the return from exile in Babylon in chapters 1 through 9.  In chapter 10 the Chronicler takes us back to the beginning of Israel’s kingdom period when Saul was the first King.  However…  you will notice that the Chronicler spends all of only 1 chapter on Saul!  (and just a 14 verse chapter at that…)   And then, coming up in our readings, the Chronicler will spend the next 18 chapters on the life of David and his kingdom through the end of First Chronicles!   Think this Chronicler had his favorite?  Why do you suppose this is?  Well, the Chronicler of course tells us very plainly why in verses 13 and 14 in chapter 10 today:  “So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD. He failed to obey the LORD’s command, and he even consulted a medium instead of asking the LORD for guidance. So the LORD killed him and turned his kingdom over to David son of Jesse.”  This Chronicler wants to spend more time on obedience than on disobedience!  How about you in your life today?  Do you focus on being obedient to God?  Do you seek and pray to God for guidance on what obedience to God would look like in your life?  Are you like David – a person after God’s own heart?  Do you want to know God’s heart and plan for your life?  Will you remain faithful to God no matter what the world tries to tempt you with?

For today, in chapter 10 we get one more reminder of disobedience from Saul, and I’ll throw in this image below from artist Guy Rowe of the prophet Samuel denouncing Saul, as you’ll recall from our First Samuel chapter 13 readings, verses 13 & 14:  “”You acted foolishly,” Samuel said. “You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD’s command.””

New Testament – In stark contrast to Saul in our First Chronicles readings, I love seeing Paul’s leadership in action in today’s readings in Acts 27!  He shows big-time leadership through his encouragement in verse 22: “But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down.”  And then Paul also shows some leadership in a very simple thing, namely eating, in verses 33 & 34: “As the darkness gave way to the early morning light, Paul begged everyone to eat. “You haven’t touched food for two weeks,” he said. “Please eat something now for your own good.”  The best demonstration though of Paul’s leadership I think was when he did what reminded me of his Savior’s Last Supper in verse 35…  “Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it.”  Does this action of Paul’s remind you of anyone else you might know?

Julius, the centurion, shows some amazing respect for Paul in the last 3 verses of today’s readings! “The soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners to make sure they didn’t swim ashore and escape. But the commanding officer wanted to spare Paul, so he didn’t let them carry out their plan. Then he ordered all who could swim to jump overboard first and make for land, and he told the others to try for it on planks and debris from the broken ship. So everyone escaped safely ashore!” Below is the 19th century woodcut artist Gustave Dore’s take on this very last sentence:

And then it looks like the island of Malta, where Paul and the ship’s passengers were shipwrecked, decided to create a stamp that looks quite a bit like Gustave Dore’s artwork above… 🙂

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Acts readings titled “A Biblical Look at Leadership” is at this link.

Psalms – Today we read Psalm 8!  Verses 3 & 4 I love: “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers– the moon and the stars you have set in place– what are mortals that you should think of us, mere humans that you should care for us?” What I love about this verse is that before I had faith in Jesus, and even God, I used to always look toward the night sky and just be amazed by the stars!  I would always think to myself – there is no way that this all just happened by chance.  There’s gotta be something bigger going on making all of this happen.  The night sky was evangelizing me!!  🙂  What a beautiful thing. Have you ever had the experience of nature, God’s creation, evangelizing you? When you are out in nature, do you offer up praise and thanks to God for His amazingly beautiful creation?

Proverbs – Proverbs 18:23 today teaches us:  “The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults.”  Wow… this Proverb should make us stop and think.  Who are the poor in our world today?  And who are the rich?  Do you think that the poor are pleading for mercy today?  And how are the rich answering this plea?  Have times changed from the days of when this Proverb was written to today?  Meaning, are we now answering the poor with love and justice and care consistently today?  Or are we still basically answering the poor with insults?  Please know that over 1.2 billion people in the world today are living on less than $1 a day.  That’s abject poverty.  My hunch is that most people reading this blog posting right now are very rich in comparison to this 1.2 billion in abject poverty.  The poor are indeed pleading for mercy in our world today.  How will you answer their plea today?  And tomorrow?  And the day after that?

Worship Video: Today’s Psalm 8 reminds me of MercyMe’s song “All of Creation:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UADsz7ToO8w

Has Creation evangelized you? Click here to meet the Creator!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what are mere mortals that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” Psalm 8:3-4 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that when you enjoy the beauty of creation you worship your Creator, and that you don’t worship creation. Pray that God’s creation points all people toward Himself and ultimately a saving relationship with Jesus. Pray a prayer of praise to God for being mindful of you and for creating you in His image.

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

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

======= Vance:

I Chronicles 10 (Amplified)
14
And inquired not so of the Lord [in earnest penitence]. Therefore the Lord slew him and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.
NOTE:
I think of King Saul, who lost his kingdom because of sheer, persistent disobedience.
Why did he do such a foolish thing? Though not specifically stated, I am certain it was because he did not follow his own advice — and the advice of others– in the book of Proverbs.
The Holy Spirit breathed through Solomon and others to write the book of Proverbs, yet Solomon allowed his heart to be distracted and enticed.
PROVERBS
“My son give attention to my wisdom, incline your ear to my understanding…” (5:1)
“For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching is a light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life, to keep you from the evil woman [i.e., or man], from the smooth tongue of the adulteress [i.e., or adulterer]” (6:23 and 34)
“My son, keep my words, and treaure my commandments within you…” (7:1)
~~~
Contrast this with Paul, who– in all of his failings — continually gave himself to the Lord and His grace
Psalm 8 (Amplified)
5
Yet You have made him but a little lower than God [or heavenly beings], and You have crowned him with glory and honor.
6
You made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet
NOTE:
We were created in the image of God Himself — the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. “Let US make man in OUR image…” (Genesis 1)
We were created to be like God and to represent God on the earth– to give glory to the Lord and, in doing so, reach our full potential of humanness.
Yet, sin and the deceitfulness of sin can keep us from that.
Proverbs 18 (Amplified)
23
The poor man uses entreaties, but the rich answers roughly.
24
The man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
NOTE:
Thank God for the grace of the Lord Jesus who became our Friend who always sticks the closest to us– unless we through foolish persistence over many years push Him away.
I choose to use poor in the passage in the sense of “poor in spirit”– which is to apply to all of us.
I like this quote from a book called “With Open Hands” by Henri J.M. Nowen:
“But whenever you do come upon this silence, it seems as though you had received a gift, one which is ‘promising’ in the true sense of the word.”
“The promise of this silence is that new life can be born. It is this silence which is the silence of peace and prayer, because you are brought back to the other who is leading you. In this silence you lose the feeling of being compulsive and you find a person who can be himself along with other things and other people.”
“Then you realize that you can do many things, but it isn’t necessary. It is the silence of the ‘poor in spirit’, where you learn to see your life in its proper perspectives. In this silence, the false pretenses fade away and you can see the world again with a certain distance, and in the midst of all of your cares, you can pray with the psalmist:
If Yahweh does not build
the house, in vain the
masons toil;
if Yahweh does not guard
the city, in vain the
sentries watch. (Psalm
127)”?
Just want to add these verses, which I have the honor of meditation upon:
Romans 6
(NKJV)
verse 1
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?
(Amplified Bible)
verse 1
WHAT SHALL we say [to all this]? Are we to remain in sin in order that God’s grace (favor and mercy) may multiply and overflow?
(J B PHILLIPS Translation of the NEW TESTAMENT)
Righteousness by faith, in practice
verse 1
Now what is our response to be? Shall we sin to our heart’s content and see how far we can exploit the grace of God?
Vance

======= John:

Re: concubines and polygamy
I have heard only one explanation that comes remotely close to “being acceptable” about multiple partners.
In Genesis before the fall – it was supposed to be one man – one woman.
After the fall everything was broken. Pure love was tainted by lust and carnal desires, desire for wealth (more children – more workers), and with a “wicked heart” man rationalized multiple partners. The spirit came and went, and while some were righteous by faith – they still had the battle of the “flesh” to deal with in earthly life.
With Christ’s death on the cross – mankind had the chance for regenerated heart and salvation. Things went back to one man – one woman.
Originally, if no one was going to die than one man – one woman would be enough to populate the earth.
When “death” came on the scene – multiple partners ensured the growth of the different nations. Primarily I am thinking of Abram and his relatively little tribe that became Israel. Of course non-believers were going to do what they wanted anyway.
God’s silence on this is deafening, but perhaps it is the case that man was given his “free will” choice in this area. God simply used what man had already decided to do, to fulfill his purposes and plan – i.e. rapid growth of Israel. In fact, if I remember correctly there were even some “Laws” regarding treatment of concubines and other wives in the Torah – and rules of inheritance(?).
This seems much like the case of slavery and divorce. Nowhere condoned by God, but certainly regulated.
We don’t know how much – if at all – the choice of multiple partners limited the rewards of some of the Old Testament saints.
Perhaps this is a weak argument, but it is the “best” explanation I have heard on the subject. The idea may have suffered in my effort to recall the thought process.
Anyway – on my list of ten questions to ask God in Heaven: this one is on the list 
John

1 Chronicles 7:1-8:40 + Acts 27:1-20 + Psalm 7:1-17 + Proverbs 18:22
~ 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 interesting verses to consider today in First Chronicles 8 verses 8 through 10: ^“After Shaharaim divorced his wives Hushim and Baara, he had children in the land of Moab. Hodesh, his new wife, gave birth to Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam, Jeuz, Sakia, and Mirmah. These sons all became the leaders of clans.”  These verses basically record polygamy & divorce by Shaharaim.  However, just because these actions are recorded in the Bible, it does not mean they are condoned by God.  Since the creation of Adam and Eve, God has meant for there to be one man with one wife.  But, we humans don’t always follow what God wants for us… (as we each well know)  The Bible records both the good & the bad in human actions.  If someone were to chronicle our lives today, would what the chronicle recorded be pleasing in God’s sight?  Don’t worry so much about your past & past mistakes.  God can forgive and redeem those, if you will turn to him in repentance.  But right now – what would the chronicler capture in your life today?  Would it be pleasing in God’s sight?  Would you want other people to read about your life today?  Would you be comfortable with any aspect of your life showing up on the front page of tomorrow’s news?

New Testament – Today in Acts 27 verses 1 & 2 we read: “When the time came, we set sail for Italy. Paul and several other prisoners were placed in the custody of an army officer named Julius, a captain of the Imperial Regiment. And Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was also with us. We left on a boat whose home port was Adramyttium; it was scheduled to make several stops at ports along the coast of the province of Asia.”  A great map of Paul’s journey to Rome is below:

In verses 10 & 11 Paul’s wise advice about the storm is not heeded: “”Sirs,” he said, “I believe there is trouble ahead if we go on–shipwreck, loss of cargo, injuries, and danger to our lives.” But the officer in charge of the prisoners listened more to the ship’s captain and the owner than to Paul.” I wonder about this in our lives today – are we like the officer in charge of the prisoners and ignoring Paul’s advice?  Do we hear Paul’s advice to us in his Epistles, and yet are we ignoring it?  Are we instead paying attention to the ship’s captain, or the world, rather than Paul, when a storm is indeed bearing down upon us?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Acts readings titled “A Biblical Look at Leadership” is at this link.

Psalms – Today in Psalm 7 verse 10 we read: “God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right.” What stood out to me here is that it does not say that God saves those who “do” what is true and right.  It says that God saves those whose “hearts are” true and right.  As discussed in yesterday’s Matthew 5 post, below, this is getting toward our interior motives and thoughts and hearts – the important thing is not what we do on the “exterior”, but who we are on the “interior”.  And then certainly if our hearts are true and right, a natural outflow of this is doing good things on the exterior.  But, it’s the interior – our hearts – that matter most.  How is your heart these days?  Is it true and right?  And do you believe that God is indeed your shield?

Proverbs – Proverbs 18 verse 22 I believe is a two way street: “The man who finds a wife finds a treasure and receives favor from the LORD.”  And the woman who finds a husband finds a treasure and receives favor from the Lord!  I think all of us are fortunate to find a wife or husband.  The sad thing of course in our world today is that marriages statistically are not lasting.  I believe the divorce rate is around 50% now?  Pretty high to say the least…  My thought is that God needs to be the center of any marriage for it to really last.  Really, God needs to be in the center of anything we do in our lives for it to truly last…  Is God in the center of all areas of your life today?

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Acts 27 and Psalm 7 remind me of Laura Story’s song “Blessings:”

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

What if your blessings come through raindrops? Click here for the most amazing blessing you could ever imagine!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart. “ Psalm 7:10 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that God is your shield that has saved you. Pray for an upright heart. Pray that your lost family and friends come to a saving faith in Jesus and will then have God as their shield.

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

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

======== Rosella:

It all boils down to that to whom we will FOLLOW and PLEDGE our ALLEGIANCE to.
The GOD of GOOD, LOVE and TRUTH? Or the father of evil, death and lies?
There is only two choices. HEAVEN or HELL.
Our CREATOR, SAVIOR and HOLY SPIRIT of GOD?
Or the ETERNALLY CONDEMNED.
That is the foundation upon which we BUILD our LIVES on EARTH.
The ROCK. Or the sinking sand.
***
Thanks Michael for what, where, why, and how you SERVE the LORD with. We are BLESSED.
Thank you, also, Ramona for your comment. It blessed me to.
Rosella

1 Chronicles 5:18-6:81 + Acts 26:1-32 + Psalm 6:1-10 + Proverbs 18:20-21
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today in First Chronicles chapter 5 we read about the tribes east of the Jordan River.  This map will give you a good overview of the territory of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh east of the Jordan.  (along with the rest of the tribes)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

======= Vance:

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

======== Judie:

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

======== Ward:

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

1 Chronicles 4:5-5:17 + Acts 25:1-27 + Psalm 5:1-12 + Proverbs 18:19
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

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

Colleen

======= Dee:

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

===== Roslyn:

======= Vance:

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

1 Chronicles 2:18-4:4 + Acts 24:1-27 + Psalm 4:1-8 + Proverbs 18:16-18
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

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

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

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

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

Acts 24:1-27

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 18:16-18

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

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

Grace and peace,
Ramona

====== Pat:

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

Pat

====== Anka:

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

====== Rosemary:

======= Vance:

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

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

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

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

(image courtesy of IronOrchid Photo Clipart)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

======= Vance:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

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

======= Roslyn:

======= Stacey:

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

2 Kings 22:3-23:30 + Acts 21:37-22:16 + Psalm 1:1-6 + Proverbs 18:11-12
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

======= John:

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

======= Ramona:

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

======= Vance:

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

======== Johnnie:

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