Bible in a Year Blog

December 19th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Zephaniah 1:1-3:20 ~ Revelation 10:1-11
Psalm 138:1-8 ~ Proverbs 30:11-14

Old Testament - Today we start and finish the book of the prophet Zephaniah!  Zephaniah was different from some of the recent prophets that we have read, in that he came from royal lineage.  He was the descendent of king Hezekiah.  Thus, Zephaniah writes about the upper class, courts, and priests with quite a bit of authority and clarity. Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah of Judah.  He prophesied in approx. 640-620 B.C.  The purpose of his prophecies were to announce God's coming judgment against Judah.  But, as we see with the other prophets, Zephaniah also writes about God saving a remnant of people who love and honor God with their lives - thus preserving and carrying on the covenant promise to Abraham.  Good overviews of the book of Zephaniah are at bible.org at this link, and at this link, and at this link.  The first link of these 3 links has a funny opening line - "The Book of Zephaniah is probably best known for being the least known book of the entire Bible."  :)

Zephaniah chapter 3 verse 5 jumped out at me in today's readings - "But the LORD is still there in the city, and he does no wrong. Day by day his justice is more evident, but no one takes notice--the wicked know no shame."  As you read the 4 preceding verses, you'll note that God is calling the people and leaders of Jerusalem to the carpet for their sinful ways.  And in the midst of all this, comes this beautiful verse 5.  God is still there in the city.  In the midst of all the chaos and shame.  And even through all of this, God's justice actually becomes more and more evident.  I think this verse really jumped out at me today because I read a horribly depressing story in the paper this morning about just some awful things that were done to children in a nearby city.  And this story reminded me that we indeed live in a fallen world.  There is evil in our world that invades the hearts of men and women.  And yet, even in the midst of all of this chaos and shame in our world today, "The LORD is still there in the city, and he does no wrong. Day by day his justice is more evident, but no one takes notice--the wicked know no shame."  Do you take notice of God in our world today?  Even in the midst of everything else going on that may attempt to distract you from God?  Is God's justice (and love and compassion and mercy and call to holiness) becoming more and more evident to you each day of your life?

Chapter 3 verses 11 & 12 also jumped out at me in today's readings - "I will remove all the proud and arrogant people from among you. There will be no pride on my holy mountain. Those who are left will be the lowly and the humble, for it is they who trust in the name of the LORD."  We of course continue to see the sin of pride coming up over and over again in the Old Testament.  Here God reminds us that pride and arrogance are not attributes of those who love him.  It is indeed the lowly and the humble that better reflect the attributes of those who love and trust God.  Is pride something that you struggle with?  Do you realize that pride can be a hindrance to a fully loving and obedient relationship with God?  Will you lay down your pride and seek humility and will you seek to place your trust in God rather than your own abilities?

New Testament - Revelation chapter 10 brings forth the angel and the little scroll.  Note that this scroll is not the same as the scroll in Revelation chapter 5, verse 1.  This first scroll contains a revelation of judgments against evil, whereas this little scroll's contents are not disclosed - though, it may contain a judgment as well.  You will recall from our readings of Ezekiel earlier this winter that, similar to John in this chapter, Ezekiel was instructed in a vision to eat a scroll that was sweet to taste but contained judgments against Israel.    From Ezekiel chapter 3 verse 3 you'll recall - "Then he said to me, "Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it." So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth. " 

Revelation Chapter 10 Verse 1 in today's readings has some cool stuff going on in it - "Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, surrounded by a cloud, with a rainbow over his head. His face shone like the sun, and his feet were like pillars of fire."  The angel being surrounded by a cloud recalls God speaking to Peter James and John on the mountain of the Transfiguration in Matthew chapter 17 verse 5 - "While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”   The rainbow over the angel's head recalls God's promise to Noah after the flood to never destroy the earth by water again, as we see in Genesis chapter 9 verses 15 & 16 - "I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.  Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.""  And the angels feet being like pillars of fire recalls the pillars of fire and cloud that guided and protected the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt, as we see in Exodus chapter 13 verses 21 & 22   "By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people."

Psalm - Psalm 138 is an awesome Psalm of thanksgiving and praise to God from David!   Verse 3 jumped out at me - "When I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me the strength I need."  Do you believe that God answers your prayers?  Maybe not exactly in the way you'd expect, but that they are answered?  Do you believe that God answers your prayers through encouragement and giving you strength?  Do you believe that prayer changes things?

Verse 7 jumped out at me as well - "Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will preserve me against the anger of my enemies. You will clench your fist against my angry enemies! Your power will save me."  Do you believe that God's power will save you in times of trouble?  Or do you rely on your own power and maybe forget about God during times of trouble?  Will you rely on God, realizing that his power will save you?

Proverbs 30 verses 11 through 13 are a great reminder of the commandment to honor our father and mother...

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

December 18th readings

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Habakkuk 1:1-3:19 ~ Revelation 9:10-21
Psalm 137:1-9 ~ Proverbs 30:10

Old Testament - Today we start and finish the book of the prophet Habakkuk!  This is a great book... there is a lot going on in it.  In some ways it reminded me of the end of the book of Job, with the conversation going on between Habakkuk and God.  Habakkuk was a prophet from Judah who prophesied between the fall of Nineveh in 612 B.C. and Babylon's invasion of Judah in 588 B.C.    Assyria fell in 612-605 B.C. and Babylon was becoming the world's dominant nation.  In the first 2 chapters of this book Habakkuk argues with God about God's ways, and then in the 3rd chapter Habakkuk responds with an incredible prayer to God.  In the first 2 chapters the big questions are - 1.  why does evil seem to go unpunished?  and 2.  why does God not seem to respond to prayers?  These are age-old questions...   A good overview of the book of Habakkuk is online at bible.org at this link, and at this link, and at this link.

Chapter 1 Verse 5 jumps out in today's reading - "The LORD replied, "Look at the nations and be amazed! Watch and be astounded at what I will do! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it."  The powerful thing about this verse is that the apostle Paul utilizes this same verse in concluding a sermon in Antioch in Acts chapter 13 verses 38-41 - "“Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: “ ‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.'”

Chapter 3 verses 18 & 19 are powerful verses for us to consider in our own lives in the midst of challenging times - "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains."   Do you rejoice in God?  Are you joyful in God as your salvation?  Even in the midst of challenging times in your life?  Do you trust that God will bring you to safety?

New Testament - Revelation chapter 9 brings forth the 5th and 6th trumpet plagues at the end times.  A note on the star in verse 1 - this is likely an angel that descends from heaven with the key from Jesus to open the abyss.  The fierce demonic locusts - you will recall that we read about locusts in a similar fashion recently in the Old Testament in Joel chapter 1 through chapter 2, verse 11. 

Verses 20 & 21 in this chapter jump out - "But the people who did not die in these plagues still refused to turn from their evil deeds. They continued to worship demons and idols made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood--idols that neither see nor hear nor walk! And they did not repent of their murders or their witchcraft or their immorality or their thefts."  Even in the midst of such destruction and horror, many people do not repent.  Is it possible that we receive much less severe signs in our own life to repent, and we ignore them?

Psalms - Psalm 137 is a Psalm reflecting upon the exile in Babylon and about how much Jerusalem was missed.  We also read about a call to punish Edom for their rejoicing in the fall of Jerusalem.  As you'll recall, we recently read prophesies against Edom in the book of the prophet Obadiah at this link. 

Proverbs 30 verse 10 is a great reminder to not talk behind someone's back - particularly to their employer!

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

December 17th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Nahum 1:1-3:19 ~ Revelation 8:1-13
Psalm 136:1-26 ~ Proverbs 30:7-9

Old Testament - Today we start and finish the book of the prophet Nahum!  Nahum prophesied against Nineveh, about 100 years after Jonah prophesied against Nineveh.  Nahum was prophesying between 663 and 612 B.C., when Nineveh was at the height of it's power.  Nineveh was capital of the Assyrian empire and it had control of the Fertile Crescent area.  Assyria had recently conquered Israel, the northern kingdom, and was threatening and causing much suffering to Judah.  Nineveh was eventually conquered by Babylon in 612 B.C., as Nahum prophesied.  Good overviews of the book of Nahum are online at bible.org at this link, and at this link, and at this link.

Chapter 1 verse 7 jumped out at me in today's reading - "The LORD is good. When trouble comes, he is a strong refuge. And he knows everyone who trusts in him."  This is a comforting verse.  Do you seek God when trouble comes?  Do you realize that he is a strong refuge - if you will seek him and let him be a strong refuge for you?  Do you know that God is good?  Do you trust in him?

Chapter 3 verse 18 jumped out at me for some reason today - "O Assyrian king, your princes lie dead in the dust. Your people are scattered across the mountains. There is no longer a shepherd to gather them together."  For some reason this verse made me very thankful that we do indeed have a shepherd to gather us together today.  The shepherd whose birth we will be celebrating in about a week.  A shepherd who was born in a stable in a little town called Bethlehem.  Will you allow Jesus be your shepherd this Christmas season?  Will you allow Jesus to gather you together with others to celebrate his birth?

New Testament - Revelation chapter 8 transitions from the breaking of the seals on the scroll to the trumpets.  In Old Testament times trumpets represented the announcement of important events or times of war.  Here we will see plagues that are more devastating than the seals, but not as devastating as the bowls to come in Revelation chapter 16.  The eagle in this chapter represents swiftness and destruction.  When the eagle speaks of "all who belong to this world" in verse 13, it is referring to people who are not in relationship with God.

Verses 3 & 4 in this chapter today are beautiful - "Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great quantity of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God's people, to be offered on the gold altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of the saints, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out."  I love that analogy of the incense mxing with the prayers of the saints.  Do you believe that your prayers reach God's altar in heaven? 

Psalms - Psalm 136 is another Michael W. Smith song!  :)  C'mon, you know the one - verse 1 - "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever."  (and Smitty carries on - "for he is good, he is above all things, his love endures forever.  Sing praise.  Sing Praise! Forever God is faithful, forever God is strong... ")   Okay - is it a bad thing if I start reading a Psalm and a Michael W. Smith song pops into my mind?  I don't think so....  but I could be wrong.  :)  I gotta say, I really like the 2 Michael W. Smith Worship CD's.  They are good stuff.  This Psalm reminds me that I need to listen to them again.  Okay, I'm really digressing...

Psalm 136 is a liturgy of Praise to God as Creator and Redeemer.  A Levitical priest singer likely led the recital, while either worshippers or a Levitical choir responded with the refrain.  Cool Bible factoid here - the response "His love endures forever" is repeated 26 times in this Psalm, which is the numerical value of God's name "Yahweh" - back when Hebrew letters were also used as numbers.  A lot of intricacies went into the Psalms... some of which do get lost in translation from Hebrew to English.

Proverbs 30 verses 8 & 9 are two of my favorite Proverbs verses!  "Give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, "Who is the LORD?" And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God's holy name."  Wow.  Think there is some truth in this Proverb?.... 

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

December 16th readings

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Micah 5:1-7:20 ~ Revelation 7:1-17
Psalm 135:1-21 ~ Proverbs 30:5-6

Old Testament - Okay, we get an amazing few verses in Micah today, which are perfect for the Christmas / Advent season we are in!   Keep in mind that these verses were written 700 years before the birth of Jesus.  Micah was the Old Testament prophet who prophesied that the Messiah, Jesus, would be born in Bethlehem.  Reading these verses In Micah chapter 5 verses 2 through 5 gives me the chills... 

"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village in Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past. The people of Israel will be abandoned to their enemies until the time when the woman in labor gives birth to her son. Then at last his fellow countrymen will return from exile to their own land.  And he will stand to lead his flock with the LORD's strength, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. Then his people will live there undisturbed, for he will be highly honored all around the world. And he will be the source of our peace."

Wow... I love it!  Please read these verses again.  Perfect for the Christmas season, no?  Okay, since we are talking the birth of Christ here, hope you don't mind I throw out a few verses from he Gospel of Matthew - where the chief priests tell Herod about the location of the birth of Jesus based on the verses above from Micah.  I usually don't like to bombard you with too many / too long of verses here in this blog, but this is too beautiful - the tie in from the Old Testament to the New.  From Matthew chapter 2 verses 1 through 6 -

"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”  When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"

In Micah chapter 6 verse 8 I read a commentary that this verse is the "most memorable statement in the OT defining a proper relationship to God".  Here it is - "No, O people, the LORD has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."   Not a very big and complicated list, eh?  Do what is right.  Love mercy.  And walk humbly with God.  How are you doing on this list?

Micah chapter 7 verse 7 definitely jumped out at me in today's readings - "As for me, I look to the LORD for his help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me."  I love the confidence and surety of this verse from Micah.  Where do you look for your help?  Will you wait confidently for God to save you?  Do you believe that God will certainly hear you?

New Testament - Revelation chapter 7 can be interpreted a lot of different ways...  :)  I am sure you have heard some of the various theories of the 144,000, the rapture, etc.  I'm going to keep things pretty high level here. 

Verse 3 in today's reading is - "Wait! Don't hurt the land or the sea or the trees until we have placed the seal of God on the foreheads of his servants."  Commentaries suggest that the seal represents the name of God being stamped on the foreheads of his followers - to protect them from the coming judgments.  This imagery is very similar to Ezekiel 9:4 - ""Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it."

Verse 4 tells us - "And I heard how many were marked with the seal of God. There were 144,000 who were sealed from all the tribes of Israel:"  Some interpret this to mean 144,000 descendents of the actual Jewish tribes during the time of tribulation.  Others interpret this passage to be symbolic of all the faithful believers who live during the time of tribulation.

Verses 5 through 8 are interesting in that Judah is listed first, which is unusual.  When the twelve tribes of Israel are listed usually Reuben, his older brother, is listed first.  The thought here is that since Jesus and David came from the tribe of Judah, that is why it is listed first.  Also, the tribe of Dan is not listed - which may be because Dan had some idolatry issues in Judges 18:30.  Instead, Manasseh, one of Joseph's son's is listed - along with Joseph.

Verse 12 is a very cool one in today's readings in that it has 7 attributes of God - "Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and forever."  Will you attribute to God - Blessing?  Glory?  Wisdom?  Thanksgiving?  Honor?  Power?  Strength?  Forever...

Psalms - Psalm 135 is a wonderful Psalm of praise for God today!  I personally love verse 3 - "Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; celebrate his wonderful name with music."  Music ministers to me so much in my life.  I grew up on the 80s & 90s pop / rock, etc. and only in the past 3 or 4 years got into Contemporary Christian Music / Praise & Worship music.  And now I'm addicted to it!  I love celebrating God's wonderful name through this type of music!  You can see a few of my favorite CD's off to the left here on this blog...  :)  (Okay, maybe U2 is not your "typical" CCM, but they've got some great God stuff going in their lyrics these days...)

Proverbs 30 verse 5 is strong today - "Every word of God proves true. He defends all who come to him for protection."  Do you believe that every word of God proves true?  Does the Bible prove to be true?  Do you believe that God will defend you if you come to him for protection?  Do you believe that reading and studying and memorizing the word of God can provide spiritual protection for you?  (I really really really do....  I pray you do to...)

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

December 15th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Micah 1:1-4:13 ~ Revelation 6:1-17
Psalm 134:1-3 ~ Proverbs 30:1-4

Old Testament - Today we start the book of the prophet Micah!  Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah and prophesied in approximately 730 - 700 B.C. primarily to the southern kingdom of Judah.  Micah's name means "Who is like the Lord?"  This following quote is from bible.org's Hampton Keathley IV , Th.M. on the book of Micah - "Micah prophesied during a period of upheaval and crisis. The reign of Ahaz brought spiritual lethargy, apostasy and hypocrisy. The people still worshipped Yahweh, but it was ritual without life-changing reality. Their treatment of fellow Israelites violated the basic tenants of the Mosaic covenant as they failed to practice justice, or covenant loyalty-love and their pursuit of idolatry revealed their failure to walk humbly before Yahweh." This quote and much more on the book of Micah is at this link.   A good introduction to the book of Micah is at this link and a good overview of the book is at this link. 

In today's readings in Micah we read about Grief over Samaria and Jerusalem, Judgment against Wealthy Oppressors, True and False Prophets, Hope for Restoration, Judgment against Israel's Leaders, The LORD's Future Reign, and Israel's Return from Exile.  In chapter 1 verse 8 jumped out at me - "Because of all this, I will mourn and lament."  Micah was obviously saddened by the sins of those around him and the harm they were causing to themselves and to others.  Do we mourn and lament for the sins of others in our world?  Do we mourn and lament over our own sins?  Do we pray for healing and repentance in the lives of others - and ourselves?  Is it okay to be sad for others and ourselves because of sin?

Chapter 2 verse 11 is a powerful one to consider - "Suppose a prophet full of lies were to say to you, "I'll preach to you the joys of wine and drink!" That's just the kind of prophet you would like!" At times in our lives, do we pick and choose the "prophets" we will listen to?  Do we pick and choose the pastors or priests we will listen to?  Do we look for people that will tell us basically what we want to hear?  Instead, Is it maybe okay for a pastor or priest to "afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted"?  Is it maybe okay if we get uncomfortable with some things we read in the Bible - at first read.   But, we start to meditate on what the challenging passages of the Bible really are saying and mean?  Are we seeking Truth more than seeking being Comfortable in our religion and our lives?

Chapter 4 verse 1 jumped out at me - "In the last days, the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem will become the most important place on earth. People from all over the world will go there to worship."  What are the most important places on earth today for most people?  Could it be the movies, sporting events, work, vacations, etc.  What are the most important places in your life?  Should church or coming together with others to worship be the most important place on earth?  Why or why not?

New Testament - Revelation chapter 6 is starting to get into the tougher stuff to give a clear commentary on!  There are 4 major views or approaches to interpretation on the book of Revelation, as we discuss in the December 9th readings in this blog below.  And a bunch of variant commentaries within these 4.  So, I may keep things kinda high level here...  :)

Revelation chapter 6 begins the first of 3 seven-part judgments with the opening of the seals on the scroll.  The seven trumpets in chapters 8 & 9 and the seven bowls in chapter 16 are the remaining two.  The unsealing of the seals on the scroll by Jesus in this chapter sets in motion events that will bring about the end of human history.

The imagery of the four horsemen in this chapter comes from Zechariah chapter 1 verses 8-17 and chapter 6 verse 1-6.  In chapter 1 of Zechariah verses 8-10 we read - "During the night I had a vision-and there before me was a man riding a red horse! He was standing among the myrtle trees in a ravine. Behind him were red, brown and white horses. I asked, "What are these, my lord?"  The angel who was talking with me answered, "I will show you what they are." Then the man standing among the myrtle trees explained, "They are the ones the LORD has sent to go throughout the earth.""  This is a good example of how John is utilizing a lot of imagery for the book of Revelation from the Old Testament.  And of course it is a great example of the Old Testament is fulfilled by the New Testament. 

A portion of verse 8 should be noted about the 4 horsemen- "They were given authority over one-fourth of the earth."  Some commentators have noted that this demonstrates that even in the end of days, God is showing compassion.  He only allows the four horsemen to do their work over 1/4th of the earth, giving everyone in the other 3/4ths of the earth an opportunity to repent and return to God.

Psalms - Psalm 134 is a very cool little Psalm!  This Psalm is basically taking place as worshippers are leaving the temple in Jerusalem for the night - and in the first two verses the Worshippers are speaking to the Levites in the temple - giving blessings to the Levites and asking them to bless God overnight.  Then, in the third verse the Levites give a departing blessing to the worshippers as they leave the temple - "May the LORD, who made heaven and earth, bless you from Jerusalem."  And that is certainly my prayer for each of you reading this - May God bless you!

Proverbs chapter 30 verses 1 & 3 we should consider - "I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One." This might be an appropriate thought for man of us these days - "I am weary God.  I am weary and tired."  If this is you, will you seek true rest?  Rest that can be found only in a relationship with God?  Will you seek the Holy One and seek true wisdom from God?

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

December 14th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Jonah 1:1-4-11 ~ Revelation 5:1-14
Psalm 133:1-3 ~ Proverbs 29:26-27

Old Testament - Today we start and finish the book of Jonah!   Wow.  There is so much information to consider in this short 4 chapter book, that I know I won't do the book justice.  I am definitely going to encourage you to do some further study on this book in a Commentary or online.  Or - at the very least, rent the Veggie Tales movie about Jonah...  :)

I have to confess - I did see the Veggie Tales Jonah movie when it came out in the theaters with my friends & their kids - and as I started to read today, I did envision Jonah as the asparagus or whatever type of green vegetable he was in that movie...  :)  It is a fun movie for kids of all ages!  Okay, I digress...

Jonah was likely written in approximately 750 B.C. and potentially by the prophet Jonah himself, though there are some questions about this.  Jonah is a unique book in that it tracks just one mission / episode of a prophet - similar in some ways to the book of Ruth where basically one episode was tracked.  A good overview of the book of Jonah is online at this link, and at this link, and at this link (this 3rd link is actually really interesting....). 

Jonah is called by God to prophesy to the city of Nineveh - which was not part of Israel or Judah - but was a "Gentile" city to the east.  If you are wondering why Jonah got so grouchy with God's command - this is why.  Jonah did not think he should be prophesying to Gentile nations - because, as we read later in the book, Jonah knows that God is a compassionate God who will show mercy on Nineveh. 

Last thing to point out before we check out some verses.  There is a lot of dispute over whether Jonah is a real history when it comes to him being in the belly of a whale for 3 days.  I guess this comes down to the basic question of whether you believe in miracles or not?  If you do believe in miracles, then it is of course possible that Jonah lived in the belly of the whale for 3 days.  I believe in miracles...   

Or, check out what Jesus had to say about Jonah's history of being in the belly of the whale in Matthew chapter 12 verse 40 - "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."  Here we see Jesus compares his 3 days of death, burial and resurrection to Jonah's 3 days in the belly of the whale...  Do you believe in miracles?

Jonah chapter 1 verse 3 jumped out at me in today's reading - "But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction in order to get away from the LORD."  How often in our own lives are we like Jonah?  Do we sense God wanting us to do something?  For others?  And we run in the opposite direction of God's will?  If we do this, might we bring storms upon our lives as Jonah did?   Might we even bring storms upon other people's lives by disobeying God's will as Jonah did?  Will we learn from Jonah?

Chapter 2 Verse 8 also jumped out at me - "Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God's mercies."  Do you believe that God wants to show us mercy all the time?  But, it's possible that we sometimes literally turn our backs on God?  Will we turn back toward God, and God only?  And not turn away again?  And receive his mercies?

Jonah chapter 4 verse 2 I have to confess made me chuckle when I first read it - "So he complained to the LORD about it: "Didn't I say before I left home that you would do this, LORD? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you were a gracious and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. I knew how easily you could cancel your plans for destroying these people."  I love it!  Jonah complaining to God about how gracious he is!  :)  Is it possible that we do this in our own lives too?  Do we complain to God about how good he is to others?  Are we at times like Jonah or the Prodigal Son's brother, showing jealousy toward God's goodness toward others?  Shouldn't we rejoice in this, realizing that God show's this same unfailing love toward us too?

New Testament - Revelation 5 is another beautiful chapter looking at worship in heaven.   And in this chapter we see the worship of Jesus, the Lion and the Lamb, who opens the scroll.  It is interesting that Jesus is described first as the Lion of Judah in verse 5 and then as a Lamb in verse 6.  This demonstrates both Jesus' authority and power (lion) and his submission to God's will (lamb).

Verse 9 is certainly powerful in today's readings - "And they sang a new song with these words: "You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were killed, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation."  Do you believe that Jesus' blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation?  How do people accept this gift - this ransom?

And verse 12 is powerful - "And they sang in a mighty chorus: "The Lamb is worthy--the Lamb who was killed. He is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing."  Do you believe that Jesus is worthy to receive power?  And riches?  And wisdom?  And honor?  And glory?  And blessing?  Will you give these things to Jesus in your life?

Psalms - Psalm 133 is a great short Davidic Psalm about harmony!   Verse 1 sets the pace of this psalm nicely - "How wonderful it is, how pleasant, when brothers live together in harmony!"  Do you consistently seek harmony in your interactions with others?

Proverbs 29 verse 26 is a great reminder that though we may seek justice through worldly institutions and rulers, justice truly only comes from God.

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

December 13th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Obadiah 1:1-21 ~ Revelation 4:1-11
Psalm 132:1-18 ~ Proverbs 29:24-25

Old Testament - Today we start and finish the book of Obadiah - the shortest book in the Old Testament!  Obadiah was a prophet from Judah, who prophesied against Edom, Israel's neighbor to the southeast of Jerusalem & the Salt Sea.  Edom was a descendent of Esau - and Israel a descendent of Jacob.  Esau & Jacob were the twin sons of Isaac and fought during their lifetimes, and the fighting of the nations of Israel & Edom continued throughout the Old Testament.  A quick flashback of Jacob & Esau is here from Genesis 25:23 - "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger."

There is some uncertainty over when Obadiah prophesied.  It was either approx 853-841 B.C. when Edom rebelled against Judah during the reign of Jehoram - in which case Obadiah would be a contemporary of Elisha.  Or, more likely, it was approx 605-586 B.C. when Babylon was attacking Jerusalem - in which case Obadiah would be a contemporary of Jeremiah.  A good overview of the book of Obadiah is at this link, at this link, and at this link.

Verse 15 jumped out at me in Obadiah today - "As you have done to Israel, so it will be done to you." This is a good reminder to do unto others, as we would have done unto us....  Or, what goes around, comes around.  :)  I read a bit into Obadiah today that God was upset that Edom sat around and did nothing while Israel was attacked.  They could have done something, but did nothing.  Is it possible that in our world today people are being attacked - or hurt - or starving - or dying of AIDS.   If so, should we be doing something about it?

New Testament - Revelation chapter 4 today is an amazing chapter, where we get a great glimpse of worship in heaven!   Verse 3 jumps out today with a great glimpse of God's glory - "The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones--jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow." You'll note that there is not a clear description of God, as he is often described as dwelling in an "unapproachable light".  But I think the gemstones and the emerald rainbow are pretty good starters for envisioning God's glory...  Can you imagine seeing God face to face some day?  Does this make your heart leap with excitement and joy?

Verse 4 jumps out in today's readings as well - "Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads." It is said that these 24 thrones represent both the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles of Jesus.  Thus, representing all righteous and redeemed men and women before and after Jesus' life.

Verses 6 & 7 will remind us of the seraphs in Isaiah and the cherubim in Ezekiel - "In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. The first of these living beings had the form of a lion; the second looked like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth had the form of an eagle with wings spread out as though in flight."  These creatures are said to represent aspects of the attributes of God.  The lion representing majesty & power.  The ox representing faithfulness.  The human representing intelligence.  And the eagle representing sovereignty.

Verses 10 & 11 is a beautiful look at elders worshiping God!  "The twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one who lives forever and ever. And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, "You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created."   Imagine yourself in heaven with a crown of some sort.  Will you lay down your crown before the throne of God and worship God in this same manner?  Do you believe that God is worthy to receive all glory, and honor, and power?  Do you believe that it was for God's pleasure that everything exists and was created? 

Psalms - Psalm 132 is a fantastic psalm of the King David era!  It is thought that this Psalm may have been written for the dedication of the temple or it may have been used in a coronation ceremony.  Verses 4 & 5 jumped out at me today as demonstrating David's dedication to God  - "I will not let my eyes sleep nor close my eyelids in slumber until I find a place to build a house for the LORD, a sanctuary for the Mighty One of Israel."  What in your life is keeping you awake at night?  Is it something of God's will?  Or perhaps something worldly (not of God's will)?   Will you pursue God's will in your life, and leave worldly things behind you?  Will you pursue building "a sanctuary for God" in your life above all else?

Proverbs 29 verse 25 is a great reminder to "respect all, but fear none" - except for God that is... :)

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

December 12th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Amos 7:1-9:15 ~ Revelation 3:7-22
Psalm 131:1-3 ~ Proverbs 29:23

Old Testament - Today we finish up the book of Amos!  I like this part of the year in the Old Testament.  Feels like we are cranking through some books!   :)

Today in Amos we read about Amos & Amaziah's interactions, visions of Locusts, Fire & a Plumb line, Ripe Fruit, God at the Altar, and then finish up the book with a Promise of Restoration.  I like the beginning of Amos chapter 7 a lot.  Here we see Amos praying for the forgiveness of Israel's sins and asking God to forgo the visions of Locusts & Fire.  This is a good reminder to myself to pray for others, and not just only for myself. 

Also, in chapter 7 verses 14 & 15 jumped out at me when Amos was speaking with the priest Amaziah  - ""I'm not one of your professional prophets. I certainly never trained to be one. I'm just a shepherd, and I take care of fig trees. But the LORD called me away from my flock and told me, `Go and prophesy to my people in Israel.'"  This reminds me of something I actually heard from Mac Powell, the leader singer of Third Day, at a concert I went to just last night in Colorado Springs.  Mac reminded us all that sometimes we think that they only way we can really be serving God and others in big ways is if maybe we are pastors or missionaries.  And Mac reminded us that this is not the case - all of us as believers, no matter what our profession or walk of life, can serve God and others in big ways!  We are all pastors and missionaries in the kingdom of God!  I like that.  And here's Amos saying, "hey - I'm not a professional prophet.  I'm just doing what God asked me to do."   What might God be asking you to do in your life to love and serve him and others?

Amos chapter 8 verses 11-13 are a great reminder of how fortunate we are to have the opportunity to read God's word, the Bible - where not everyone in our world has this blessing - " The time is surely coming," says the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine on the land--not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the LORD. People will stagger everywhere from sea to sea, searching for the word of the LORD, running here and going there, but they will not find it. Beautiful girls and fine young men will grow faint and weary, thirsting for the LORD's word."  Is it possible that we self-impose on our own lives famines?  Famine's from hearing and reading God's word?  If you are in the midst of a famine from God's Word, the Bible, will you seek out an opportunity to read God's Word each day?   Do you thirst for God's Word?  Will you drink from it?

Amos chapter 9 verse 11 is a great Messianic foretelling of the coming of Jesus - "In that day I will restore the fallen kingdom of David. It is now like a house in ruins, but I will rebuild its walls and restore its former glory."   And verse 13 a foretelling of a Garden of Eden-like paradise to come - "The time will come," says the LORD, "when the grain and grapes will grow faster than they can be harvested. Then the terraced vineyards on the hills of Israel will drip with sweet wine!"  Are you looking forward to this time?  Are you part of the restored kingdom of David?

New Testament - Today in Revelation chapter 3 we read about The Message to the Church in Philadelphia and Laodicea.   Verse 8 today is powerful, from Jesus - "I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can shut."  Jesus has opened the door for us to enter God's kingdom through faith in him.  No one can keep us from entering through this open door - besides ourselves.  Will you walk through the door Jesus has opened for you?

Verses 15 and 16 are convicting from Jesus - ""I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth!"   Are you hot or cold in your faith for God?  Or maybe lukewarm?  Will you seek after a hot faith in God?

And verse 20 is beautiful from Jesus - ""Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends."  As we read above - the door to entering into the kingdom of God through faith in Jesus is open and no one can shut it - except maybe we will shut the door ourselves in our own lives.  If you have shut the door, is it possible that you hear Jesus knocking on the door?  Is it possible Jesus is calling to you from the other side of the door you have shut?  Will you open it?  Do you want to share a meal with Jesus as friends?

Psalms - Psalm 131 verse 2 is a beautiful reflection!   "But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me." What a great reflection and reminder to take 1 day a week as a Sabbath day of rest.  A day to still and quiet yourself.  Just like a small child is with its mother.  Have you been still and quieted yourself recently?  Why would the Psalmist here write about this?  Why would this be a good thing to do?

Proverbs 29 verse 23 reminds us that it is so much better to be humble than proud...

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

December 11th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Amos 4:1-6:14 ~ Revelation 2:18-3:6
Psalm 130:1-8 ~ Proverbs 29:21-22

Old Testament - Today in Amos chapters 4, 5, & 6 we read about Israel's failure to listen, a call to repentance, and warning of coming Judgment.   In chapter 4 verse 13 jumped out at me in today's readings - "For the LORD is the one who shaped the mountains, stirs up the winds, and reveals his every thought. He turns the light of dawn into darkness and treads the mountains under his feet. The LORD God Almighty is his name!"   Here we are reminded that God is the creator of all things, and he still is in control of what happens in the present time.  He is the past, present, and future.  I like that phrase, "reveals his every thought."  Meaning, God wants his ways, his character, his thoughts, his love to be know by all.  Do you believe God reveals his every thought to us?  Where might you best find out what God's every thought is?

I think chapter 5 verse 14 today is a good reminder and warning to each of us - "Do what is good and run from evil--that you may live! Then the LORD God Almighty will truly be your helper, just as you have claimed he is."  I think sometimes we think we can overcome evil through our own sheer will power.  Or we can change evil.  This verse reminds us to simply RUN.  :)  I like that reminder.  Sometimes you just gotta get out of Dodge to avoid evil influencing you or overtaking you.  (As one of my favorite musicians David Wilcox tells us in his song Rule #1 on dating - "If he's rude to the waiter, and it makes your heart confused.  This is lesson number 1. RUN!  Get up and run, don't walk, don't wait.  Rule #1 don't hesitate.  Your date is done.  RUN.")  Are there temptations / bad habits in your life that you have been trying to overcome, battle, change - and perhaps you should just Run from them?  Flee from them?  So that you may truly live?

Amos chapter 6 verse 5 jumped out at me for some reason today - "You sing idle songs to the sound of the harp, and you fancy yourselves to be great musicians, as King David was."  I guess a couple of things jumped out at me here.  First, the singing idle songs to the sound of the harp made me ask myself, are we sometimes idle with our time?  When perhaps God is wanting us to be purposeful or intentional with our time?  Don't get me wrong - rest is good.  But, is idleness good?  I think rest can be purposeful and intentional and healthy.  Or it can potentially be the opposite...   Next - do we sometimes fancy ourselves to be "great musicians as King David was" - meaning, do we sometimes try to pretend to be someone who we are not?  Are we masking over who we really are, and playing fake?  Should we instead be real?  And sincere?  And intentional and purposeful?   I guess I'm just getting at here - are there times when we are poseurs, fakers, and wannabees?  (a Great title of a book written by Jim Hancock and Brennan Manning!  And I've heard a good book too by the way).  When, perhaps God is simply calling us to be real?

New Testament - Revelation chapter 2 verse 19 is awesome as Jesus says - ""I know all the things you do--your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things."   How are we doing on these areas in our life?  Are we focusing on love, faith, service and patience?  Are we constantly improving in these areas in our life?

Revelation chapter 3 verse 3 is powerful from Jesus - "Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly and turn to me again."  The thought here is that sometimes we are so on fire for our faith in Jesus and God - when we first believe.  And then this fire and initial strong faith begins to wane over time.  And to a degree, this is okay.  We will not be on the "mountaintop" all the time - but must traverse through the valleys as well.  But, is it possible that we might need to go back to what we heard and believed at first?  Might we need to hold to these first beliefs more firmly?  And turn to Jesus again?

Psalms - Psalm 130 is awesome today!  Each verse is jam packed with good stuff to think about....  Actually - if you get a chance - please read through each of these verses again, and meditate for a moment on each one and what each verse might be speaking into your life and your heart.  I think you will find tons of relevant meditations in this Psalm for your life....

I'll simply highlight verse 5 today, since we're going through the One Year Bible here... :)  - "I am counting on the LORD; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word."  Are you counting on God in your life?  Really counting on him?  Have you put your hope in his Word, the Bible?  Do you believe that reading and meditating and reflecting on the Bible can transform your life and your relationship with God?

Proverbs 29 verse 21 is a good reminder not to spoil others - and maybe ourselves? - too much....  For some reason this verse reminds me of the paraphrased quote here - "God, please don't make me too rich that I forget about you.  Nor, too poor that I curse you."

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

December 10th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Amos 1:1-3:15 ~ Revelation 2:1-17
Psalm 129:1-8 ~ Proverbs 29:19-20

Old Testament - Today we start the book of Amos!   Amos was a unique prophet in that he was a shepherd and fig grower.  His prophecies come from about 760 to 750 B.C. at a height of Israel & Judah's prosperity - materially.  Though Amos was from Judah, his messages were primarily directed at Israel.  A good introduction the book of Amos is at this link and at this link. 

Amos chapter 1 verse 2 sets the stage for this book and the prophecies to come - "This is his report of what he saw and heard: "The LORD's voice roars from his Temple on Mount Zion; he thunders from Jerusalem! Suddenly, the lush pastures of the shepherds dry up. All the grass on Mount Carmel withers and dies."   Then in the remainder of chapter 1 and 2 there are prophecies against Israel and Judah's surrounding neighbors all starting with - ""The people of _(fill in the blank)__ have sinned again and again, and I will not forget it. I will not let them go unpunished any longer!"  Is it possible that this blank could maybe be filled in on our life or habits at times?  Is it possible that this blank could be filled in by nations in our world today?  If God were to punish, might it be a holy discipline to bring us back to repentance and right relationship with God?

In chapter 4 verse 2 it jumped out at me that Judah was being called to the carpet as well as the neighboring nations - "They have rejected the laws of the LORD, refusing to obey him. They have been led astray by the same lies that deceived their ancestors."   Do we obey God today in our lives?  Are there areas in our life where we might be deceived - either by others, or maybe even in our own minds?

And Israel is called to the carpet in verses 6 & 7 - "They have perverted justice by selling honest people for silver and poor people for a pair of sandals. They trample helpless people in the dust and deny justice to those who are oppressed."  It seems that God is very interested in the care of the poor back then.  Do you think he is still interested in the care of the poor today?  Are we caring for the poor, the hungry, in our world today?  In our own lives are we caring for the poor?

New Testament - Revelation chapter 2 begins our journey of Jesus' messages to the seven churches in Asia Minor, or modern day Turkey.  Check out a pretty good map of the 7 churches of Revelation at this link.  Depending on what type of Bible you read, you might notice that ALL of the words in chapter 2 in today's readings are highlighted red - meaning, we are hearing directly from Jesus in these verses, so it's good to pay attention here...  :)

The beginning of Revelation 2 verse 2 jumps out at me today - ""I know all the things you do."  Short and simple....  Think this is true about Jesus and your life?  Do you think he knows all of the things you do?

Verse 7 certainly jumps out today as well from Jesus - "Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Everyone who is victorious will eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God."  The tree of life takes us back to the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve.  Adam and Eve ended up eating from the forbidden tree of knowledge - which gave them the knowledge of good and evil.  God then banished them from the Garden before they could eat from the tree of life and live eternally.  The tree of life represents eternal life, and as we see in this verse it is offered to all who are victorious.  What does it mean to be victorious?  Do you want to eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God?  Will you listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying?

Verse 17 is cool!  "Everyone who is victorious will eat of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it."   Manna of heaven - think this means we won't have to cook or do dishes in heaven??  I like that idea...  :)  The second sentence is very intriguing to me - a white stone will be given with a new name upon it.  I need to do some more research on what exactly this means, but again, it sounds cool to me!  if anyone has thoughts / comments on this new name, please post up in the comments below.

Psalms - Psalm 129 is a prayer for the continuing withering of Israel's enemies and verse 4 likely represents a celebration from Babylonian captivity - "But the LORD is good; he has cut the cords used by the ungodly to bind me." 

Proverbs 29 verse 20 is a good reminder to think before speaking!

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike