Bible in a Year Blog

1 Chronicles 24:1-26:11 + Romans 4:1-12 + Psalm 13:1-6 + Proverbs 19:15-16
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – In First Chronicles chapter 24 today we read about the divisions of the priests and the Levites.  It is important to note that the priests and Levites had differing roles.  The priests actually performed the sacrifices whereas the Levites assisted the priests in their duties – including assisting in the sacrifices, playing music, baking goods, and care of the Tabernacle/Temple (to name a few things the Levites did).  Both priests and Levites were from the tribe of Levi, but the priests also had to be descendants of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel.

Ever wonder why we have music in church today?  First Chronicles 25 verse 1 could be where the stage is set for the tradition of music in our worship services! “David and the army commanders then appointed men from the families of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to proclaim God’s messages to the accompaniment of harps, lyres, and cymbals.” Do you find music in church to be inspiring?  Do you worship God with music in church? Why do you suppose music moves people so profoundly in church?  Do you think music can bring people closer to Jesus?  Has music brought you closer to Jesus?

New Testament – We have great writings by Paul today in Romans how we are declared righteous before God!  Verse 4 is powerful: “When people work, their wages are not a gift. Workers earn what they receive. But people are declared righteous because of their faith, not because of their work.”  Our right relationship with Jesus is a gift.  We do not work to earn it.  It is given to us as a gift.  Our right relationship with God is not because of our work – but because of Jesus’ work on our behalf on the cross.  Have you accepted the gift?  If not, will you accept Jesus’ invitation to receive this free gift today?

Paul’s writings about Abraham’s faith are wonderful in today’s readings.  Verses 9 & 10 stands out: “Well, what about Abraham? We have been saying he was declared righteous by God because of his faith. But how did his faith help him? Was he declared righteous only after he had been circumcised, or was it before he was circumcised? The answer is that God accepted him first, and then he was circumcised later!”  These verses are an example of Abraham being accepted into a right relationship with God through faith – not works (circumcision in this case).  I do believe our good works are desired and appreciated by God – he wants us to ultimately live holy & loving lives where we love God and love people.  But, faith in Jesus and acceptance by God comes first, then our good works for the Kingdom come as fruits of our faith.  Abraham was an example of this as we read in verse 3: “For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, so God declared him to be righteous.””  Below is an portrait of Abraham being called by God by artist Guy Rowe:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Romans titled “An Old Testament Illustration of Justification by Faith” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 13 is thought to be a prayer by David for recovery from a grave illness, based on verse 3: “Restore the light to my eyes, or I will die.”  Yet, even in the midst of this serious illness, David amazingly proclaims in verse 5: “But I trust in your unfailing love.”  How about you?  When you are sick or in the midst of a very challenging or sad situation, do you trust in God’s unfailing love?  Always?  No matter what is going on around you?  Do you trust that God will ultimately restore the light to your eyes? If not in this world, then in the world to come?

Proverbs – Proverbs 19 verse 15 is quite true – “A lazy person sleeps soundly–and goes hungry.”  Have you ever had lazy periods of your life?  Are you maybe in one now?  Do you realize that when you are lazy you are slowly starving yourself?  That you are going hungry?  I believe this can apply to being lazy about our physical world – as well as our spiritual world.  When we are lazy in our faith, yes, I believe we can appear to “sleep soundly.”  But – meanwhile we are starving ourselves spiritually, which is a grave risk.  Are you in a physically or spiritually lazy place right now?  If so, will you turn to Jesus for your work orders – and for your very food?  If you are in a lazy place right now, please do not continue to sleep quite so soundly…

Worship Video – Today’s readings remind me of the New Life terrific worship song, “Great I Am:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGv5d8EE34k

Do you know the great I Am? Click here to meet Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Lazy people sleep soundly, but idleness leaves them hungry.” Proverbs 19:15 NLT

Prayer Point: Pray that you are not a lazy person. Pray against laziness in your life. Pray that you will rest well and enjoy Sabbath rest, but that you will not be lazy nor idle nor hungry.

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:

Romans 4 (Amplified)
3
For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed in (trusted in) God, and it was credited to his account as righteousness (right living and right standing with God).
6
Thus David congratulates the man and pronounces a blessing on him to whom God credits righteousness apart from the works he does:
7
Blessed and happy and to be envied are those whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered up and completely buried.
8
Blessed and happy and to be envied is the person of whose sin the Lord will take no account nor reckon it against him.
NOTE:
Of course, we must absolutely receive the gift of righteousness, as we can never earn this on our own.
I pray, therefore, there will be a true, deep, and lasting repentance of sin so we are able to receive the cleansing and righteousness that God promises.
~~~
The faith and lives Abraham and David appear to show two sides of justification:
one side of taking away and one side of putting in.
I think of a financial account ledger:
one side shows what money is owed and the other side shows what money is in bank
One side has a debt that must be taken away and removed.
The other side has the amount that must be given.
The “money” of heaven is righteousness, if I can say it like that.
David represents the “debt taken away” side of the accounting.
Romans 4:8 – “Blessed and happy and to be envied is the person of whose sin THE LORD WILL TAKE NO ACCOUNT NOR RECKON IT AGAINST HIM.”
Abraham represents the “credit given” side of the accounting.
Romans 4:3 – “…Abraham believed in (trusted in) God, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIS ACCOUNT AS RIGHTEOUSNESS(right living and right standing with God).”
May we truly live our lives on earth like that:
1. Really and truly surrendering to the Lord everything that offends Him and is not pleasing to Him.
2. Really and truly, then, receiving from the Lord His gift to be pleasing to Him.
Only God can make our inability to do what is right to become His gift of His goodness to us!
Vance

======= Imja:

Greetings
Focusing on God and how much He has done for all of us. Keep choosing to trust God, for He is GOOD:)
He will never leave or forsake us. Thank you Father!
Ps. 13
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me.
Shalom!
Imja

1 Chronicles 22:1-23:32 + Romans 3:9-31 + Psalm 12:1-8 + Proverbs 19:13-14
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today’s readings in First Chronicles chapter 22 reminded me that none of us does anything in life on our own.  We always rely on those that came before us.  We stand on the shoulders of our ancestors.  The thing that made me think about this was how many preparations David worked on for his son Solomon to then later build the Temple of the Lord.  Solomon would not have been able to build the Temple as quickly (or probably as well) without his father David’s help.  Solomon was standing on the shoulders of his father David. Do you realize that many good things that have happened in your life are thanks to those that came before you?  Do you realize you are standing on the shoulders of your parents, your teachers, your pastors, and your community leaders?  And, to take this a step further, do you realize that in the future people will be standing on your shoulders?  They are going to need your shoulders!  So, like David was making preparations for his son Solomon and the future Temple of the Lord, are you making preparations for others in your life for their future?  Perhaps even for people you may never meet?  Let us always remember we are standing on the shoulders of those that came before us – and that there will be others who will need to stand on our shoulders in the future!

Okay, quick flashback to yesterday’s readings – you’ll recall we finished up the readings with David buying Araunah’s threshing floor to build an altar to the Lord to offer sacrifices on to stop the plague (which occurred due to the sin of the census).  Well, to continue the story, today in First Chronicles 22 verse 1 we read this: “Then David said, “This will be the location for the Temple of the LORD God and the place of the altar for Israel’s burnt offerings!”  This is Araunauh’s threshing floor that is going to be the location for the Temple.  The very interesting note about Araunah’s threshing floor is that it is believed to have been located on Mount Moriah!  Yes, the same Mt. Moriah where Abraham nearly sacrificed Isaac.  And the same spot where the Temple was to be built by Solomon!  So, this brings to light the importance of David actually buying the threshing floor from Araunah and not just taking it for free, as was offered in yesterday’s readings.  David not only bought the threshing floor to build the altar for the burnt & peace offerings, but he bought the land for the Temple of the Lord to soon be built on by his son Solomon!  Below is an image of Araunah the Jebusite offering his threshing floor to David:

New Testament – Today in Romans chapter 3 verses 22 through 24 we read – “But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Please take a moment to re-read these verses and meditate upon them. How do they speak to you? Do you believe that humans are righteous on our own? (One way to consider this is to imagine what a city would look like without a police force, for example – think we would just naturally be good and kind and righteous to each other? Or might there be crime and maybe even anarchy and survival of the fittest – ala Lord of the Flies. . . ) Do you believe God is righteous? Do you believe we can be made righteous before God through faith in Jesus? Have you sinned and fallen short of the glory of God? Are you justified freely by God’s grace and through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ?

I want to focus a bit more on verse 24 because I think this is one of the most important concepts for us to understand: we “are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”  Justified.  That’s an important word to understand!  Per the NIV Study Bible, Paul uses the Greek verb for justified 27 times, mostly in the letters of Romans and Galatians.  The term describes what happens when people believe in Jesus as their Savior.  God declares them to not be guilty and credits (or imputes) righteousness to them.  Jesus’ righteousness is credited to believers as their own, with a few key characteristics that we read in verse 24 (look at this verse above again):  1. It is freely given as a gift,  2. by God’s grace, 3. through the redemptive act of Jesus on the Cross, where He paid the price for our sins and redeemed us, 4. and through faith.  Got all this?  🙂   Have you been justified with the free gift of grace and faith through Christ’s redemption?  If not, today will you dive into the river of everlasting justification through faith in our Lord Jesus?  Please jump into the river of faith!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Romans 3 titled “Some Bad News, And Good News” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 12 verses 1 & 2 are intriguing verses for me – “Help, O LORD, for the godly are fast disappearing! The faithful have vanished from the earth! Neighbors lie to each other, speaking with flattering lips and insincere hearts.” Are there days when you feel like this?   I think there are some days when I do… but not too many.  I guess I sometimes wonder about the state of my heart – or if I’ve gotten enough sleep the night before 🙂 – when I feel like this Psalmist does.  It is interesting how this verse goes into people talking with “flattering lips and insincere hearts”.  I do notice right away when that’s happening… particularly the insincerity.  Maybe this is something we should ask of ourselves – do we talk at times with flattering lips or insincere hearts?  Or are we sincere people?  I like that thought… being a sincere person.  I pray that we all are and can become more and more “sincere” in our dealings with each other and that we would just simply be sincere people.  Are you a sincere person?  Do you want to be sincere?  Was Jesus a sincere person?

Proverbs – Proverbs 19:14 today teaches us: “Parents can provide their sons with an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the LORD can give an understanding wife.” This is interesting to consider in light of my “standing on the shoulders” comments in First Chronicles above.  Parents may try to give us material things, but they can’t provide us with an understanding spouse!  A wise wife or husband is a gift from God.  Praise God for the gift of understanding spouses in our lives!

Worship Video: Per my reflections on diving into the river of faith in Romans above, check out Steven Curtis Chapman’s video for his awesome song “Dive!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXqXIicm8uU

Have you Dived in to the River of Faith? Click here and Dive!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you realize that you have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God. Pray that you have or will put your faith in Jesus to take the punishment for your sins on the Cross. Pray that you have repented of your sins and are born again through a saving faith in Jesus.

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

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

1 Chronicles 19:1-21:30 + Romans 2:25-3:8 + Psalm 11:1-7 + Proverbs 19:10-12
~ 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 – In First Chronicles 21 we read about David taking a census after being tempted by Satan.  Satan didn’t force David to do this – Satan tempted him and David fell prey to the temptation.  This census was a sin because David was seeking to demonstrate how mighty “his” army was – when he should have realized all that he had came from God and that David’s true strength came from God and not his army. The census was a sin of pride.  (And it is very interesting to note that Joab, who is not one known for his scruples, realizes this census is a sin!) And so we read in verses 14 & 15 – “So the LORD sent a plague upon Israel, and seventy thousand people died as a result. And God sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem. But just as the angel was preparing to destroy it, the LORD relented and said to the death angel, “Stop! That is enough!” At that moment the angel of the LORD was standing by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.”

New Testament – Paul’s writings in Romans 3 verses 7 & 8 today are so powerful for us to remember always: “”But,” some might still argue, “how can God judge and condemn me as a sinner if my dishonesty highlights his truthfulness and brings him more glory?” If you follow that kind of thinking, however, you might as well say that the more we sin the better it is! Those who say such things deserve to be condemned, yet some slander me by saying this is what I preach!”  Have you ever thought in any way along the lines of “well, it doesn’t really matter if I sin?”  This is such risky thinking.   Let me highly encourage you to read the Bible to see what it says about sin and in particular these early chapters in Romans.  In reading these chapters in Romans do you see the risk, and really the stupidity, in continuing in unchecked sin?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Romans titled “No Excuse for the Jews” is at this link.

Psalms – Today we read Psalm 11, which is one that you might miss the full meaning of if you didn’t know some of the commentary behind this Psalm.  Basically in this Psalm King David is expressing his unshakable trust in God to other people around him who are very scared of enemy attacks.  Knowing this – check out verse 1: “I trust in the LORD for protection. So why do you say to me, “Fly to the mountains for safety!”  Like David, do we really trust in God for our protection?  Or do we sometimes rely on others or our own cunning – or, our own fear – for protection?  Are there times when we are faced with a challenging situation that we feel like running away from it?  “Fleeing to the mountains” for safety?  When, instead, should we simply trust in God for our protection and move forward in spite of the fear within us?  Is there an area of your life where you need to turn over more trust in God for ultimate protection?  Will you flee to God only instead of fleeing to the mountains?

Proverbs – Proverbs 19 verse 11 is a bit challenging for me: “People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs.”  I can see the point of restraining our anger.  But overlooking wrongs…  I guess I’m having a hard time with this one.  I believe there is a point where we do need to speak the truth in love to someone about their wrongs.  If we simply overlooked their wrongs, then would we really be doing them any favors?  I mean, I guess we would be keeping the peace by overlooking wrongs, but I’m just thinking there is a time and place to speak the truth in love.  In love.  Not in anger.  Let me know what you think on this one?  I know just recently I posted up about not getting into an argument with a friend over the way he left a voicemail to me with a bad tone.  And that seemed to be the right thing to do, and correlated with a recent Proverb we read.  And today’s Proverb indicates we earn esteem by overlooking wrongs.  I see where this Proverb is often / generally true – but is it always true?  Let me know your thoughts on this in the Comments below if you will!  Thanks!

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Romans reminds me of Jeremy Camp’s song “Let it Fade:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h843f2GXie0

Will you let your old life fade? Click here for your new life now!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face.” Psalm 11:7 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are living an upright life. Pray that you are seeking justice. Pray that you will one day see our righteous God face to face.

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 16:37-18:17 + Romans 2:1-24 + Psalm 10:16-18 + Proverbs 19:8-9
~ 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 – The theme of David being a “war” king stands out today in our First Chronicles readings.  In fact, we’ll get a couple more chapters of David’s wars coming up in tomorrow’s readings.   The wars are what kept David from building the Temple of the Lord.  This duty will be passed on to his son Solomon, a “peace” king if you will. There are some great readings today in First Chronicles 17 about the Lord’s covenant promise to David via the prophet Nathan!

There is an interesting thing to note in this message to David via Nathan from the Lord in verses 12 through 14.  In context these verses are about Solomon.  However, interestingly, the New Testament basically applies these verses to Jesus in Luke 1:32-22:  “He is the one who will build a house–a temple–for me. And I will establish his throne forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. I will not take my unfailing love from him as I took it from Saul, who ruled before you. I will establish him over my dynasty and my kingdom for all time, and his throne will be secure forever.'”  Think these are Messianic verses that can be applied to Jesus?

Today in 1 Chronicles chapter 17 verse 30 we read this prayer of King David – “There is no one like you, O LORD, and there is no God but you.” Have you ever searched for other “gods”? Have you ever really found those other gods? Have they ever delivered on anything? Do you believe there is no other God like the one true and living God that we read about in the Bible? Are you living your life in such a way that you are seeking to know more and more about the character, heart, and will of the one true and living God? Do you love God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit with all of your mind, soul and strength? Have you forsaken pursuing all other false gods for the remainder of your life? Will you leave the idols behind?

New Testament – Again… wow..  Paul’s writings in Romans are so convicting and true.  So many verses in today’s readings bring out so much.  One verse that stood out to me was 16 – “The day will surely come when God, by Jesus Christ, will judge everyone’s secret life. This is my message.”  This is powerful to consider.  Do you have a secret life?  Do you realize that Jesus will judge your secret life?  So, really, is there such a thing as a secret life after all?  It will all surely come out into the Light and be judged.  Do you have skeletons in your closet?  Will you confess those skeletons/sins to God right now and repent of them immediately?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Romans titled “No Excuse for the Jews” is at this link.

Psalms – I love Psalm 10 verses 17 & 18 today: “LORD, you know the hopes of the helpless.  Surely you will listen to their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so people can no longer terrify them.”  The Psalmist here tells us that God knows the hopes of the helpless.  Do we?  Do we care?  The Psalmist says God will listen to their cries and comfort them.  Are we listening?  Are we comforting?  God will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so people can no longer terrify them.  Should we do this as well?  Will we?  Will you?

Proverbs – We have a great Proverb in chapter 19 verse 8 today – “To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.”  Do you love yourself?  Are you continually acquiring wisdom in your life?  Do you want to prosper?  Do you cherish understanding?  Where are you seeking wisdom and understanding in your life today?

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminds me of MercyMe’s song “To Not Worship You:”

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

Who do you worship? Click here to worship Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Those who get wisdom love their own lives; those who cherish understanding will soon prosper.” Proverbs 19:8 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are getting wisdom in your life each and every day. Pray that you cherish understanding. Pray that you will prosper in your life through living a godly life that honors Jesus.

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

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

======= Vance:

I Chronicles 17 (NKJV)
20
O LORD, there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
NOTE:
I agree. There is no God like the true and living God. THANK GOD that He has always revealed Himself in a way that can be traced in history.
Thank God that David sought the Lord (in all of his weaknesses and sins), and that he was found faithful.
Thank God that God chose David through whom to build a house (royal dynasty). Thank God that this royal dynasty can be traced directly to the Perfect human—the Lord Jesus.
This is evident in Matthew 1 and Luke 1.
Romans 2 (J B Phillips Translation Of The New Testament)
12-13
All who have sinned without knowledge of the Law will die without reference to the Law; and all who have sinned knowing the Law shall be judged according to the Law. It is not familiarity with the Law that justifies a man in the sight of God, but obedience to it.
14-15
When the Gentiles, who have no knowledge of the Law, act in accordance with it by the light of nature, they show that they have a law in themselves, for they demonstrate the effect of a law operating in their own hearts. Their own consciences endorse the existence of such a law, for there is something which condemns or commends their actions.
16
We may be sure that all this will be taken into account in the day of true judgment, when God will judge men’s secret lives by Jesus Christ, as my Gospel plainly states.
NOTE:
I like this quote from the article titled, “No Excuse for the Jews (Romans 2) By: Bob Deffinbaugh , Th.M.”
“God judges every man according to what he knows of divine revelation: ‘For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law; and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law’ (Romans 2:12).”
MY COMMENT:
Each man has an imprint of God’s Law on his heart.
The memory of the Law of God on each human heart in each human culture might differ somewhat, but it is still there nonetheless.
Consider this excellent quote by C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity.
Source: Online text of “Mere Christianity” – http://lib.ru/LEWISCL/mere_engl.txt
“I know that some people say the idea of a Law of Nature or decent behaviour known to all men is unsound, because different civilisations and different ages have had quite different moralities.”
“I need only ask the reader to think what a totally different morality would mean. Think of a country where people were admired for running away in battle, or where a man felt proud of double-crossing all the people who had been kindest to him. You might just as well try to imagine a country where two and two made five.”
“Men have differed as regards what people you ought to be unselfish to- whether it was only your own family, or your fellow countrymen, or everyone. But they have always agreed that you
ought not to put yourself first. Selfishness has never been admired.”
“Men have differed as to whether you should have one wife or four. But they have
always agreed that you must not simply have any woman you liked.”
This is also a true statement from the article titled, “No Excuse for the Jews (Romans 2)
By: Bob Deffinbaugh , Th.M.”
“Although a man is saved on the basis of faith, he is condemned on the basis of his works”
Finally, I think of what the Holy Spirit says in Romans 2 (J B Phillips Translation Of The New Testament):
“…God will judge men’s secret lives by Jesus Christ…”
This applies to Christians just as much as to those who do not believe that Christ existed and who do not have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus through repentance.
We need to be daily washing our hearts and keeping them pure in the Light and Blood of the Lord Jesus.
Why?
Because we are called to glorify God.
Because we are called to be “living letters” demonstrating God’s nature to those around us—which can only be done as the Spirit works through us.
Because we are called to be set aside FROM our purposes and set aside FOR God’s purposes.
May we intercede daily for the lost—and ask the Holy Spirit how He wants to use us to reach them with the Life-giving Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ!
Vance

1 Chronicles 15:1-16:36 + Romans 1:18-32 + Psalm 10:1-15 + Proverbs 19:6-7
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today in First Chronicles chapter 15 we read about David dancing before the Ark as it enters Jerusalem!

David’s song of praise in 1 Chronicles 16 is phenomenal.  Verse 8 begins his praise with: “Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness.”  These are two things that I’m afraid I do not do enough – give thanks to God & proclaim his greatness.  I am amazed really at how little I give thanks to God.  I mean, yes, I say grace and thanks before meals.  And I’ll maybe give a little prayer of thanksgiving here or there to God on occasion – but it is just very occasionally.  Why am I not giving thanks to God frequently??  I am not sure.  I think it maybe has to do with the human condition – we always want more.  Things are never really good enough.  But if we really stop and think about it, we are so fortunate to have lived the # of years we have lived in our lives!  Each day in our life has been and is a gift from God.  How about you?  Do you give thanks to God frequently?  Now, as for proclaiming God’s greatness, I think I stumble in this area too.  I think sometimes I forget the wise saying of – “God is God, and I am not.”  I think sometimes I try to fall back on my own power and might and strength and spirit – when really all that I have comes from God.  I pray that I begin to proclaim God’s greatness more and more often.

New Testament – Wow… Paul’s writings today in Romans are such a true  and stern warning about the dangers of sin.  I really can’t imagine how sin can be written about much more truthfully.  Verse 21 is a strong warning: “Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused.” I do believe that this is such an accurate description of what sin does to our minds – it makes our minds dark and confused!  Things can get so fuzzy and hazy in our mind due to unchecked sin that we can even get to the point of where we do not realize we are sinning.  How sad to live life knowing God, but not worshiping him or even giving him thanks.  And then to come up with wacky ideas of what God is like…. ever hear any wacky ideas about God out there?  🙂  The result is that people’s minds become dark and confused because of sin… sad.  Let us live our lives so that we share the Light of the Gospel of Jesus in the dark places in the world. 

Today’s readings in Romans chapter 1 verses 18 through 32 consist of Paul describing the sin of the Gentiles, which is probably most of us.  In chapters 2 & 3 Paul will describe the sin of the Jews.  So, these chapters set the stage that all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God – Gentile and Jew alike.  Yep, that covers each of us.  An interesting thing to note from today’s readings is that Paul writes about “general” revelation – meaning, God is revealed to all people in all times generally through nature.  In addition to general revelation, there is also “specific” revelation – God is specifically revealed to us through his Word and his son Jesus.  But, as Paul writes today, general revelation is enough for all people to not have any excuse to not believe in God and to continue on in our sin.  And yet, sin we do…  Thank God for sending us the specific revelation each of us knows about – and hopefully we each personally know – God’s own son Jesus!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Romans readings titled “No Excuse for the Heathen” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 10 is a prayer for rescue from attacks from the proud and wicked. Wisely, you’ll note that this Psalmist is not taking punishment into his own hands – but asking God for punishment.  We would do well to remember that punishment is the Lord’s…   For some reason much of this Psalm reminded me way too much of our world today – and I realized that not much has changed over 3,000 years!  Verse 4 in particular rang true to me about much of our world today: “These wicked people are too proud to seek God.  They seem to think that God is dead.”  Only about 100 years ago the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche uttered those exact words – “God is dead.”  And I know that this viewpoint of many expressed in this Psalm 3,000 years, and 100 years ago by Nietzsche, is still a viewpoint of many in our world today.  What a sad thing.  What can we do in our lives today to show the world that God is not dead?  How can we live our lives to demonstrate that God is alive?  Let us share with this hurting and dying world with all that we are that God is not dead.  Obviously, He Lives.  What are you doing with your life today to show others that He Lives?

 

Psalm 10 verse 1 also stood out to me today: “O LORD, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I need you the most?”  Have you ever felt like this?  I know I have.  However, I also have realized later on that just when I thought God was no where near me, he was actually as close as could be taking care of me.  Even though it may have seemed that God was “hiding” from me, he was actually right there with me all along!

Proverbs – The second half of Proverbs 19 verse 6 really stands out to me today: “Everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts!”  This is obviously very true when we think about our human relations.  But what about with God?  Who anywhere gives better gifts than God?  Who else literally gives us the gift of life?  Who gives us every good and perfect gift in our lives?  And yet…  does everyone rush to be God’s friend?  I would guess that many of us reading this blog would consider God to be our friend.  But what about the rest of the world?  Why isn’t all of the world rushing to be friends with the giver of all good and perfect gifts?  And even us who consider God to be our friend – do we consistently treat God like we do our other friends?  Do we spend time with God?  Do we laugh, cry, and enjoy life with God?  Are you a true and consistent friend of the Giver of every good and perfect gift?

Worship Video: – Per my Proverbs reflection above about being a friend of God, below is a video of Israel Houghton performing the awesome song “Friend of God.”  Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Warah3cS2F4

Are you a friend of God? Click here and meet your true Friend!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Romans 1:21 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you know God, glorify Him, give thanks to Him and have a saving relationship with Him through Jesus. Pray for your family, friends, coworkers and neighbors who do not know God. Pray that their foolish and darkened hearts will be redeemed through their saving faith in Jesus.

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

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

======= Vance:

PROBLEM:
18
But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who push the truth away from themselves.[a]
19
For the truth about God is known to them instinctively.[b] 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.
24
So God let them go ahead and do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies.
25
Instead of believing what they knew was the truth about God, they deliberately chose to believe lies. So they worshiped the things God made but not the Creator himself, who is to be praised forever. Amen.
SOLUTION:
This makes me think of what Jesus Himself said:
“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
NOT that He knows the way (though He surely does), but HE IS the Way, Truth, and Life – He is “I AM”
This same truth I saw in the reading from I Chronicles 16:
11
Search for the LORD and for his strength, and keep on searching.
And we can trust Him, because of the immutability and inability to lie – the certain, guaranteed hope of God fulfilling His covenant:
15
He always stands by his covenant[g]– the commitment he made to a thousand generations.
AND where is His strength found?
27
Honor and majesty surround him; strength and beauty are in his dwelling.
HIS PRESENCE is the SOURCE, the TREE, the PLACE from which I can find His strength.
Honor, majesty, strength, and beauty ARE:
 His “environment”
 His “clothing”
When I spend time with Him, His environment can be mind and His clothing can be mine—throughout the day!
I often do not know what to do—and I am at the end of my understanding and keep hitting a wall. But, if I spend time in His Presence—cultivating my relationship with Him–
THEN, out of our knowledge of God, and our acting on it (faith without works is dead)—we have the vital experience to share His glory and strength to those around us!
28
O nations of the world, recognize the LORD,
recognize that the LORD is glorious and strong.
Vance

======= Vance:

I Chronicles 15 (NKJV)
11
And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites:…
12
He said to them, “You are the heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites; SANCTIFY YOURSELVES, you and your brethren, that you may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel to the place I have prepared for it.
13
For because you did not do it the first time, the LORD our God broke out against us, because we did not consult Him about the proper order.”
NOTE:
SANCTIFY YOURSELVES. The Hebrew word for “sanctify” is the word Qadash (pronounced: kaw-dash).
Its meaning is: to consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed, be holy, be sanctified, be separate
IN OUR LIVES, we are literally carrying around the Presence of the Lord Jesus.
2 Corinthians 4 (NKJV)
6
For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
11
For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
~~~
I really need to meditate on this in order to COME TO REALLY KNOW THAT I KNOW that this is fully true. Then, I can allow the full impact of this to fully change all of me—from the inside out.
2 Corinthians 3 (NKJV)
17
Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
~~~
Romans 1 (J B Phillips New Testament)
The righteousness of God and the sin of man
chapter 1
18
Now the holy anger of God is disclosed from Heaven against the godlessness and evil of those men who render truth dumb and inoperative by their wickedness.
19
It is not that they do not know the truth about God; indeed he has made it quite plain to them.
20
For since the beginning of the world the invisible attributes of God, e.g. his eternal power and divinity, have been plainly discernible through things which he has made and which are commonly seen and known, thus leaving these men without a rag of excuse.
21
They knew all the time that there is a God, yet they refused to acknowledge him as such, or to thank him for what he is or does. Thus they became fatuous in their argumentations, and plunged their silly minds still further into the dark.
NOTE:
The wrath of God. How does fit in with the Love of God?
I think of one verse from David’s song of praise from I Chronicles 16 (NKJV):
27
Honor and majesty are before Him; strength and gladness are in His place.
God is glorious—this is His natural Presence. The Father is known as the “Father of glory” (Ephesians 1:18).
According to Hebrews 1:3 (Amplified), look at Who the Lord Jesus is:
“He is the sole expression of the glory of God [the Light-being, the out-raying or radiance of the divine]”
God is Glorious, and God is Love. Thus, His Love—by nature—is glorious, full of honor and majesty. God’s Presence—by His very nature—will break out against sin.
THANK GOD FOR JESUS CHRIST! He took on a real human body to take on our sins—and the punishment for our sins—in His real human body. Then, He deposited those sins in hell, and was raised bodily—demonstrated to be the Son of God when He raised from death.
I thoroughly enjoy how the Perfect Man—our representative—did for you and I while He was on earth, as in Romans 8:3 (Amplified):
“For God has done what the Law could not do, [its power] being weakened by the flesh [the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit]. SENDING HIS OWN SON IN THE GUISE OF SINFUL FLESH AND AS AN OFFERING FOR SIN, [GOD] CONDEMNED SIN IN THE FLESH [SUBDUED, OVERCAME, DEPRIVED IT OF ITS POWER OVER ALL WHO ACCEPT THAT SACRIFICE]”
Notice that the Father God sent His Son “in the guise [or disguise] of sinful flesh”. He was truly human, but was not born with a human body infected with sin.
In fact, He was more truly human than we are as man was never inherently created to be sinful or to have a human body infected with sin.
Then, as the Son of God and as a real man—facing real temptations to their fullest degree (and NOT GIVING IN)—the Lord Jesus:
* SUBDUED sin
* OVERCAME sin
As such, the Lord Jesus Deprived sin of its power over all who accept His Great Sacrifice.
ISN’T THAT GREAT?!?
~~~
The next question that comes to my mind is this: Is God’s wrath too harsh or unfair?
Many, many people confuse the Love of God with complete acceptance of all we think and do. I hear people all the time say something like this: “Because God is love, He will not judge me or what I do. All ways lead to God. He accepts me.”
~~~
Yet, the Holy Spirit says this in I Corinthians 13:6 (NKJV):
“[LOVE] does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth”
Yes, it is true: God will not force Himself upon us, though He has every right to.
His Love even allows us to have our choice—even if it means that we are walking towards death.
Yet, God’s Love is fierce—because God loved us so much that He gave His only Son to die in our place for our sins.
GOD’S WRATH DEFINED: God will give us over to the desires of our hearts so that we can have what we believe we so ‘desperately’ want – as in the verses below:
Romans 1 (NKJV)
24
Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,
25
who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
Then, as we begin to feel the effects of the pain and disappointment of our sin, He is always speaking—“COME TO JESUS, Who alone can forgive and cleanse!”
Vance

======= John:

Romans 1
Deniers
See this Pew poll on Religious landscape of U.S.
http://religions.pewforum.org/reports
In the United States polling information indicates only 1.6% of the population responded as atheists (deny God exists). Another 2.4% are agnostics (those who say one cannoty know if God exists or not).
Are these the only deniers of God? Actually, no. There are a number of religions that do not believe in the God of the Bible. So they would also deny His existence and neither give Him thanks nor Glory. In the U.S. that would up the ante of deniers to around 15-20% of the population.
My personal view on religion is not very good. Religion or religious is only mentioned 11 times in the Bible. Negatively when the heart was not in the ceremony. Positively when the rituals were done with the right heart. However, belief and faith are mentioned 250+ times in the Bible. God is a God of personal relationships first and foremost.
Religion is too many times man’s effort to build a ladder to God; while true Christianity is God coming down to man, saving man, and taking him to heaven without the benefit of a man-made ladder.
I trust in and rely on God because He has proved Himself to me both through His Word, and His involvement in my life. On the other side I look at the track record of mankind and I do not see mankind getting anything right on a large scale. Ex: politics, social issues, sports, international relations, etc.
=================================================================================
SO HOW DO WE, AS CHRISTIANS, TALK TO DENIERS.
I have watched many hours of debates of Richard Dawkins or Christopher Hitchens vs. Christian apologists. Have seen some of the Rational Response Squad’s videos, and a number of people purporting to be atheists who post on youtube (and other video sites).
All you can do is share out of love.
Answer their questions as best you can. Frequently ask God to help you with answers (“Help me” is a valid short prayer to God).
Try to keep your cool, as at least in my case, that was me (a denier) five short years ago. The conversation can be very frustrating as most will not buy into anything you are saying, and they may mock you personally quite a bit.
Do not let them limit you in the way you respond. They may ask you not to give a Biblical answer, but give a ratonal (man-made) answer. This would put you in their camp, and is not advisable. If they ask you something about God – answer them using the God of the Bible as He is revealed. They may not like the answer, but they need to understand that because you believe in God – your source has to be the Bible.
Do some homework. take the time to go to some apologetic websites, and every so often listen to some debates or read some articles. Get informed.
http://apologetics315.blogspot.com/2009/06/100-christian-apologists.html
Stay in God’s Word, and pray that when you are ready God will put someone in front of you to dialogue with about faith.
=================================================================================
Deniers will Deny.
Unless they are seeking God and their heart has been softened by God, or their heart has been softened and they are seeking God – DENIERS WILL DENY AND DENY AND DENY.
Ex: Richard Dawkins was asked what if a man was raised from the dead right in front of him. how would he respond? His answer: (paraphrase) I would straightaway make an appointment with a psychiatrist, because I would be delusional.
See this link here for an interview with Ben Stein. Dawkins has backtracked from saying a possibility of a hyper evolutionized alien race may have seeded the population of earth. He says now that he was just throwing a bone to intelligent design people but he did not mean it. Elsewhere Dawkins said that it merely was more plausible for an alien intelligent design theory to be valid then there being a “god” involved.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/BtV22JPjmsk?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Hitchens is more fascinating. He always starts off cool, collected and very urbane. but as debate goes on Hitch gets worked up into a lather about how reprehensible the God of the Bible is in his eyes.
Hitch at least is honest. God cannot exist because the idea is morally reprehensible, and if God of the Bible exists – Hitch says – ‘I want no part of Him. I am liberated and free because I can use my mind and run my own life. That is the way I want it, and it makes me happy.’ (paraphrase).
John

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