Bible in a Year Blog

June 19th One Year Bible Readings

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1 Kings 20:1-21:29 ~ Acts 12:24-13:15
Psalm 137:1-9 ~ Proverbs 17:16

Old Testament - In 1 Kings 20 today we read about King Ahab's battles with King Ben-hadad of Aram.  Verse 11 today was sharp! "The king of Israel sent back this answer: "A warrior still dressing for battle should not boast like a warrior who has already won.""  Not a bad little saying from Ahab to Ben-hadad!  Sounds sort of like a Proverb.  Actually, this really sounds like our modern day saying of: "Don't count your chickens before they hatch!"  :)

Alas, even though King Ahab was given victories by God's grace in today's readings, he goofs things up by letting King Ben-hadad of Aram go free. Then, as we get into First Kings chapter 21 today, things go from bad to worse for Ahab in terms of his relationship with God.  Chapter 21 is a sad story of Naboth and his vineyard...  Would it be safe to say that King Ahab was coveting Naboth's vineyard?  Would Ahab be breaking a commandment in the Mosaic Law here in this image...?

I couldn't quite remember why Jezebel was cast in such a bad light in our readings a few days ago.  Today I remember why...  It is great to see Elijah show up on the scene and say to Ahab in verse 20 - "I have come because you have sold yourself to what is evil in the LORD's sight." How sad.  Do you think people today can still sell themselves to what is evil in God's sight?  Below is an image of Elijah denouncing Ahab for the evil that transpired over Naboth's vineyard in today's readings.

Bible.org's commentary on today's 1 Kings readings titled "Israel's Deliverance" is at this link and "Ahab Buys the Farm or Payday Someday" is at this link.

New Testament - Wow.  It is fun to read about Paul's first missionary journey!  A very cool thing to note about today's readings is that Paul started his missionary journey not after an extensive planning session / retreat / etc. (all our modern day stuff of what we have to do before embarking on something...)  No!  Paul started his missionary journey after a time of worship & fasting and being filled with the Holy Spirit!  The Spirit moved and thus Paul moved!  It was that simple.  Think we can learn something from this in our lives today?  Are you listening to the Spirit's prompting in your life today?  What is the Spirit prompting you to do?  Will you do it?  Check out Acts 13 verses 2 and 3 that show all it took for Paul to begin his missionary journey: "One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work I have for them." So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way."

I am a huge fan of Paul's epistles, and greatly enjoyed verses 9 through 11, which are Paul's first words that we've read in Acts since his conversion on the road to Damascus - "Then Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked the sorcerer in the eye and said, "You son of the Devil, full of every sort of trickery and villainy, enemy of all that is good, will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord? And now the Lord has laid his hand of punishment upon you, and you will be stricken awhile with blindness.""  Paul was no joke!  Below is a map of Paul's first missionary journey:

I love the way today's Acts readings finish up in verses 14 & 15 - "Barnabas and Paul traveled inland to Antioch of Pisidia.  On the Sabbath they went to the synagogue for the services. After the usual readings from the books of Moses and from the Prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: "Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for us, come and give it!"  Uh-oh!  Think the folks in charge of the service are ready for a word from Paul and Barnabas?  :)  Stay tuned for the word of encouragement from Paul in tomorrow's readings!  Below is an image of Barnabas:

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Acts titled "What a Way to Go" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 137 is a Psalm reflecting upon the Israelites 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.  Later this year we will read prophesies against Edom in the book of the prophet Obadiah.  Below is an image of ancient Jerusalem - the tower of David - that this Psalmist missed greatly:

I realize that verse 9 in this Psalm may be troubling.  I found a couple of links with essays / thoughts on this verse. I'll need to reflect on these - and study further - to see if I agree or disagree w/ what these are saying:
http://www.learnthebible.org/q_a_dashing_little_ones_against_stones.htm
http://www.jimmcguiggan.com/nonbelievers2.asp?id=6
http://www.brfwitness.org/Articles/1986v21n4.htm

Proverbs - Proverb 17 verse 16 is interesting to consider: "It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a fool who has no heart for wisdom."   This is a great question for each of us to ask ourselves.  Today in your life - do you have a heart for wisdom?  What type of "tuition" are you paying to gain wisdom / to be educated?  Are you paying the "tuition" of time invested in studying the Bible each day?  Are you paying the "tuition" of joining a Bible study at your church?  What other types of "tuition" are you paying to gain wisdom?  Will you pray to God today for a heart for wisdom?

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

June 18th One Year Bible Readings

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1 Kings 19:1-21 ~ Acts 12:1-23
Psalm 136:1-26 ~ Proverbs 17:14-15

Old Testament - Great chapter today!  We are introduced to Elisha, who will be mentored by Elijah to succeed him as a prophet at the end of First Kings 19 today.  However, before we get to Elisha, we read about Elijah being very "dejected" in the desert to say the least.  Some commentaries on this early portion of chapter 19 are not super-kind to Elijah for heading to the desert.  Commentaries I think wisely suggest that verses 9 & 13 demonstrate God trying to gently let Elijah know he's off course and feeling too sorry for himself, when asked twice in these verses: "What are you doing here, Elijah?"  This kind of reminded me of Jonah fleeing from God's will on the boat.  (which we'll read about later this year).  And this kind of reminded me of me - and maybe you too.  :)  Have you ever had that nagging question enter your heart or mind when you suddenly realize that you are off course from God's will in your life?  That question of:  "What are you doing here??"  I know I have...  Praise God when we are actually able to hear and understand that question and get out of the desert and back to life and back to loving this hurting world!  Below is a wonderful painting from the year 1464 by the Flemish artist Dirk Bouts for verses 5 & 6, early on in the chapter when Elijah was fleeing to Mount Sinai - "Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, "Get up and eat!" He looked around and saw some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again."

Today in 1 Kings 19 verses 11 through 14 we read about how God appears to Elijah in a way that he was not expecting – “Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind.  After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.  After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire.  And after the fire came a gentle whisper.  When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.  Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?”  The interesting thing to note about these verses is that Elijah was expecting or hoping God would appear in judgment to the Israelites in a windstorm, earthquake or fire. But God did not appear in any of these forms. Instead, God comes to Elijah in a simple gentle whisper. A gentle whisper. And I wonder about us in our lives today as well – do we often expect God to move mountains or to really show himself to us in big bold ways? When, perhaps, God may be speaking to you or me right now, but we’re missing it? Why? Well, is it possible that God is speaking to you right now with a simple gentle whisper? Is it possible that you have built up so many distractions or duties or activities or worries in your life that you cannot hear God’s gentle whisper? I know that I have been in this place too many times – I’ve gotten myself so busy looking for God in all the wrong places. And then finally I will slow myself down for just long enough to hear God speaking to my heart in a gentle whisper! A gentle whisper that I am sure was there all along. . . but I was looking for God in the windstorm and earthquake and fires of life. When instead I should have simply slowed down and listened for God’s gentle whisper. Will you slow down long enough to listen for God’s gentle whisper for you? Do you believe that God can speak to you in a simple gentle whisper this very moment?

 

Bible.org's commentary on today's 1 Kings readings titled "The Vulnerability of Victory" is at this link.  "The Crisis of Elijah" is at this link. "The Restoration of Elijah" is at this link.  And "Taking Up Your Mantle" is at this link.  Below is a painting in a Carmelite cloister in Frankfurt, Germany from the year 1517 by an unknown artist showing the life of the prophet Elijah, including what I think is the anointing/calling of Elisha in the middle portion - and you'll see the angel tending to Elijah in the desert on the left and the burnt offering from yesterday's readings on the right:

New Testament - There is a lot going on in today's Acts readings as Peter is freed from jail by an angel!

I love verse 5 in this chapter as Peter was put in jail - "But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him."  Who are you praying for very earnestly these days?  Do you think that prayer changes things?  How is your prayer life this very day?

Verses 21 through 23 are a great great reminder to not ever accept anyone calling you a god - nor for you to every think of yourself as a god - "When the day arrived, Herod put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to them. The people gave him a great ovation, shouting, "It is the voice of a god, not of a man!"  Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people's worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died."  We should never accept worship from others.  The glory should always go to God.  As the Psalmist so wisely and worshipfully says in Psalm 115:1, "Not to us, not to us, O LORD, but to your name be the glory."

Bible.org's commentary on today's Acts readings titled "The Death of James and the Deliverance of Peter" is at this link.

Psalms - 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.  Below is an image of the Hebrew letters yud, hey, vav, hey -- often depicted in English as YHWH or Yahweh -- spelling the name of God.

Psalm 136 is also a 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...")

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 17 verse 14 today is a great reminder that the best way to end a quarrel is to stop it before it starts! "Beginning a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out."  Once the quarrel starts, the waters can quickly flow out of control like a flood.  Is there a simmering matter in your life that you need to address quickly and head-on before it breaks out into a quarrel?  Before the floodgate opens?

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

June 17th One Year Bible Readings

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1 Kings 18:1-46 ~ Acts 11:1-30
Psalm 135:1-21 ~ Proverbs 17:12-13

Old Testament - Wow!  Great readings today in 1 Kings 18.  This is an amazing chapter of the Bible, and one that I heard a wonderful sermon on a couple of years ago.  This is strong stuff.  One thing that kind of got me chuckling was the subtitle the New Living Translation puts at the top of this chapter - "The Contest on Mount Carmel"!  For some reason this got my mind thinking of WWF Championship Wrestling... yes... strange place for my mind to wander I realize.  :)  But then, this imagery kind of stuck with me throughout the readings and I definitely think Elijah threw down a WWF level taunt in verse 27 when the prophets of Baal were not having any luck getting their fire started: "About noontime Elijah began mocking them. "You'll have to shout louder," he scoffed, "for surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or he is relieving himself. Or maybe he is away on a trip, or he is asleep and needs to be wakened!""  Perhaps he is relieving himself??  The prophet Elijah puts even Hulk Hogan's WWF taunt's to shame!  :)

Okay... in all seriousness... 1 Kings 18 is an amazing chapter.  There were several verses that stood out to me.  First was verses 17 and 18 when Ahab meets Elijah - ""So it's you, is it--Israel's troublemaker?" Ahab asked when he saw him. "I have made no trouble for Israel," Elijah replied. "You and your family are the troublemakers, for you have refused to obey the commands of the LORD and have worshiped the images of Baal instead."  I love Elijah's directness and boldness to Ahab.  Ahab tries to go after Elijah and maybe intimidate him, since Ahab is King.  And Elijah does not back down one iota - he tells Ahab exactly why Ahab is the troublemaker.  I love that.  I wonder about our lives today.  If someone comes after us and maybe attacks our faith or integrity falsely in some way, will we immediately stand up for our faith like Elijah did to King Ahab?

Verses 20 & 21 are powerful - "So Ahab summoned all the people and the prophets to Mount Carmel. Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, "How long are you going to waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!" But the people were completely silent."  What a great question - and one that we may need to ask ourselves - "How long are you going to waver between two opinions?  If the Lord is God, follow him!"  Are we wavering at all in our commitment to God?  Are we being silent like the people were when Elijah asked this question?  Let us not waver between two opinions...  If the Lord is God, are you following him?  Wholeheartedly? 

Below is an image of Elijah's "Sermon on the Mount Carmel"...  :)  bad pun... sorry.  (I really should know better than to start off a blog post with the Hulkster... it sets me off on the wrong foot... :)

I love the little story at the end of today's chapter where Elijah falls to his knees in prayer on Mt. Carmel and tells his servant to go look toward the sea - 7 times!  And then soon comes the little cloud....

Last but not least, verse 46 is a great closing to this eventful chapter! "Now the LORD gave special strength to Elijah. He tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab's chariot all the way to the entrance of Jezreel."  Think about this day's events - Elijah meets with Obadiah.  Summons Ahab.  Meets with Ahab.  Summons the people of Israel and the prophets of Baal and Asherah.  Conducts a WWF Smackdown tourney :) - and God wins big time!  Prays for rain.  And then what better way to finish out this type of day but to "tuck his cloak into his belt" and run faster than Ahab's chariot back to Jezreel!  Great stuff!  What a chapter!  Elijah rocks!

Bible.org has tons of great commentary on today's readings in 1 Kings 18, which is not surprising considering how much happens in this chapter today.  Commentary titled "The Word of the Lord Comes to Elijah" is at this link.  "Elijah ministers to Obadiah" is at this link.  "Elijah Meets and Rebukes Ahab" is at this link.  "When One Becomes a Majority" is at this link.  "The Ineffectual Prayers of the Baal Priests" is at this link.  And finally, "The Prayers of Elijah" is at this link.

New Testament - I love how Peter answers his "critics" in Acts chapter 11 today.  He simply tells them the story of what happened.  And through this plain and simple act of telling his story truthfully we get to verse 18 - "When the others heard this, all their objections were answered and they began praising God. They said, "God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of turning from sin and receiving eternal life.""  And this makes me wonder about our lives today.  How do we answer our "critics" when it comes to our faith?  Is it possible that we can answer our critics simply by telling our story?  Just like Peter simply answered his critics with his story?  Is it possible that our story of how God reached out and changed our lives could be very effective in winning hearts and minds for Jesus?  I think sometimes we underestimate the power of simply telling our story.  It is our story - and after we tell it, how can anyone really criticize it?  Or argue with it?  It is our story.  Let us tell it.  And let us tell our story often and with great love.  I believe God can work wonders when we simply tell our stories...

Bible.org's commentary on today's Acts readings titled "Peter is Called on the Carpet" is at this link and "One Step Backward and Two Steps Forward" is at this link.

Psalms - Today in Psalm 135 verse 3 we will read this very simple, yet profound verse – “Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.” The words I want to focus in on here are “the Lord is good.”  Do you believe this to be true? Do you really – in your heart – believe that God is good? I think this is important for us to really meditate upon. I’m afraid sometimes we get into our minds that maybe God is not always good. Maybe we start to think that God is out to get us. Or out to trick us. Really isn’t looking out for us. Doesn’t really like us. Doesn’t really love us. These are all of course lies that come into our mind from the Enemy, the Destroyer. God is obviously good. So good. All of the time. And maybe sometimes we really need to remind ourselves of this. Even in the midst of challenges and struggles and addictions and hardships – God is good. God is there with us. God is leading us – and maybe even taking us through a hardship to bring us to the Promised Land on the other side. Our human minds will often not understand God’s ways. But, I think for us to always remember that God is good is so important for our continuing growth in our relationship with God. So, again, do you believe the words of this Psalmist? Do you believe that God is good?

Proverbs - Yikes... Proverbs 17 verse 13 is no joke - "If you repay evil for good, evil will never leave your house."  Let us be diligent and prayerful to make sure we never repay evil for good... 

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

June 16th One Year Bible Readings

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1 Kings 15:25-17:24 ~ Acts 10:24-48
Psalm 134:1-3 ~ Proverbs 17:9-11

Old Testament - 1 Kings 15 verse 26 stood out to me right away today: "But he did what was evil in the LORD's sight and followed the example of his father, continuing the sins of idolatry that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit."  The key word that stood out to me in this verse is "example."  I think sometimes we can forget that every action we take is an example to others.  We are either exampling godly behavior or ungodly behavior.  Obviously Jeroboam exampled ungodly behavior - and unfortunately, since he was king of Israel, his bad example had far reaching effects.  Even though you or me aren't king of any land, I do believe that the examples we set have bigger impacts than we realize.  Our kids, our parents, our siblings, our neighbors, our co-workers, the stranger on the street, the person at the coffee shop, are all watching what we do.  How we behave.  Who we are.  Our very lives are examples to so many people each and every day.  What type of example are you setting with your life?  Do you realize that people are literally following your example each and every day?

1 Kings 16 is quite the chapter full of drama!  It's like a soap-opera.  As I was reading this chapter, and in particular when Zimri was plotting to kill Elah, I was reminded of Macbeth's old quote - "Heavy is the head that wears the crown."   Indeed very true in this chapter!

Great readings in 1 Kings 17 today!  We are introduced to the prophet Elijah!  And what an introduction.  I love the visual of Elijah being fed by ravens.  Elijah was completely dependent on God for his food delivery via birds.  This image reminds me of how dependent you and I are today on God...  (even if we do not realize how dependent we really are....)

Elijah was the first prophet in a long line of prophets to come over the next 300 years in Israel.  As the kings of Israel were now all sinning and there were few Levitical priests left in Israel (most were in Judah), God brought forth the prophets to bring God's word to his people in Israel.  More on who Elijah was is at Bible.org at this link.  More on the message of Elijah is at this link.

Great readings today about Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath!  Verses 21 through 23 are awesome - "And he stretched himself out over the child three times and cried out to the LORD, "O LORD my God, please let this child's life return to him." The LORD heard Elijah's prayer, and the life of the child returned, and he came back to life! Then Elijah brought him down from the upper room and gave him to his mother. "Look, your son is alive!""

Bible.org's commentary on our 1 Kings 17 readings on Elijah today titled "Testings By the Brook" is at this link and commentary titled "Testings and Ministry at Zaraphath" is at this link and commentary titled "The Death and Resurrection of the Widow's Son" is at this link.   There is a lot of great in-depth commentary on 1 Kings 17 at Bible.org! 

New Testament - Acts 10 verses 25 & 26 stood out to me today - "As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell to the floor before him in worship. But Peter pulled him up and said, "Stand up! I'm a human being like you!"   This reminds me that this type of stuff can still happen today.  I am afraid that sometimes we can end up worshiping people today, instead of worshiping God.  And I'm afraid that this can oftentimes happen in the context of our churches.  I have to say that I have seen what almost looks like worship of Pastors at churches.  And that ain't a good thing...  Pastors are human beings just like us!  Yes, they are called to a very high standard in Paul's letter to Timothy, which we'll read later this year.  But Pastors are not God.  They are not divine.  They should not be worshiped.  Yes, they can help lead us in worship of God in great ways and with great messages.  But let us make sure we are directing our worship at the true Rock and Light and Author of All who will never fail us and never let us down - God.  So, stand up before your pastor.  Pastors are humans just like us...

Peter's words in verses 34 - 36 are so powerful and are a huge turning point in the Gospel beginning to be preached to the Gentiles (non-Jews) - "I see very clearly that God doesn't show partiality. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.  I'm sure you have heard about the Good News for the people of Israel--that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all."  Do you believe that God does not show partiality?  Do you believe that in every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right?  Do you believe there is peace with God through Jesus?  Do you know this peace?

Psalms - Psalm 134 is a great 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 (priests) 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 - Wow. Proverbs 17 verse 9 is a challenging one for me today - "Disregarding another person's faults preserves love; telling about them separates close friends."  I get the wisdom of it initially.  Makes sense.  Makes me think about a marriage relationship really... :)  But, what about speaking the truth in love?  Isn't there is a time and place to let folks know about something that is maybe a major issue that needs some attention?  If someone is doing something wrong that is harming them or others around them, shouldn't we speak up?  I know there is a fine line here...  I need to meditate on this Proverb a bit more...  (This is the beauty of the Bible!  We will not understand every single verse every single time.  Could take years!  The Bible's got depth, that is for sure.  I am glad you are on this journey into the depths of the Bible with me this year.)  Let me know your thoughts on this Proverb in the Comments section below?  When do we close our mouth to preserve love and when do we not close it?

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

June 15th One Year Bible Readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
1 Kings 14:1-15:24 ~ Acts 10:1-23
Psalm 133:1-3 ~ Proverbs 17:7-8

Old Testament - Allright, now we are getting into the story of the Kings!  I really like this portion of the Bible.  I am fascinated by the back-and-forth stories and timelines of the Kings of Israel and the Kings of Judah.  The one very unfortunate thing you will notice over and over are verses like 1 Kings 14 verse 22: "During Rehoboam's reign, the people of Judah did what was evil in the LORD's sight, arousing his anger with their sin, for it was even worse than that of their ancestors." Or verses like 1 Kings 15 verse 3: "Abijam committed the same sins as his father before him, and his heart was not right with the LORD his God, as the heart of his ancestor David had been."  And we will read far too few verses like verse 11 as we read about the Kings of Judah and Israel: "Asa did what was pleasing in the LORD's sight, as his ancestor David had done."  I think what is interesting to note in all of these verses - and in the verses to come about future Kings we will read about - is that it really didn't much matter what the Kings "did" in their reigns.  Their wars or their building of cities or whatever really didn't matter compared to did they sin against God or not?  Did they lead Israel or Judah into sin or not?  Did they love God or not?  And I think this is the same for our lives today.  God does not so much care what our careers are or what our social status is or how many friends  or how much money we have.  God cares whether we love Him with all of heart, mind, soul and strength.  God cares whether we are sinning against Him or not.  As Jesus tells us: "seek first the kingdom of heaven, and all of these things will be yours as well."  So, yes, God ultimately does care about our lives and careers and friends and such too - but he first wants us to seek a right relationship with Him - and then everything else will flow from our relationship with God.  Someone should have let some of these Kings of Israel and Judah know this!

Okay, a good overview of the Divided Kingdoms of Israel and Judah at this point in our readings in First Kings is this image below:

 

Below is an image for 1 Kings 14 verses 25 & 26 - "In the fifth year of King Rehoboam's reign, King Shishak of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem. He ransacked the Temple of the LORD and the royal palace and stole everything, including all the gold shields Solomon had made."

New Testament - I love it!  Almost every time we see an angel visit someone the visited person is panic stricken by the angel!  :)  Verse 4 today - "Cornelius stared at him in terror. "What is it, sir?" he asked the angel.""  Seriously, it's pretty consistent that people in the Bible get freaked out by angelic visitors.  Probably because it's a pretty rare thing.  Don't you think you'd get freaked out / scared if an angel visited you?  I am pretty sure I would.  Maybe that's why angels only show up in our human world visuals when something big needs to happen.  Something big happens in today's (and tomorrow's) readings with Cornelius and Peter.  I'm thinking if you or I were visited by an angel today, we might end up with an expression somewhat like this...  :)

Before we get to the big thing that happens today with Peter, check the remainder of verse 4: "And the angel replied, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have not gone unnoticed by God!"  Hmmm...  think God pays attention when we give gifts to the poor?  Have you found a consistent way to give gifts to the poor?  (If not, might I suggest one avenue?  World Vision.  I know they do amazing work caring for and creating self-sufficiency for the poorest of the poor worldwide.  I've been sponsoring children with them for the past 6 years and volunteering with them the past three years.  One very cool thing you can do with World Vision - in addition to sponsoring a child, which I think is the coolest - is that you can literally buy things like a goat or a cow or fruit trees for the poorest of the poor worldwide.  And you can buy these things for someone you know, in their honor, as a gift.  Really.  So, next time you are struggling with what to buy the person who has plenty of stuff a wedding gift or a birthday gift or whatever, buy a goat in their honor at World Vision!  It's a beautiful thing.  All you'd ever want to know about the life-changing opportunity of sponsoring a child through World Vision is at this link - www.WorldVision.org - and click on Gift Catalog link for all the details on buying goats and cow and fruit trees.  Thanks for considering.  Oh - and feel free to tell me and others your favorite orgs that serve the poor in the Comments section below.  Seriously, I'd love to hear orgs that you dig!)

Okay, back to today's readings and the big happenings.  I think Tyndale's One Year Bible Companion answers the question well of "What was the meaning of the vision Peter saw?" as follows:  "According to Jewish law, certain foods were forbidden to be eaten (see Leviticus 11).  The food laws made it difficult for Jews to eat with Gentiles without risking defilement.  In fact, the Gentiles themselves were often seen as 'unclean.'  Peter's vision meant that he should not look upon the Gentiles as inferior people whom God would not redeem.  Before having the vision, Peter would have thought that a Roman officer could not accept Christ.  Afterward, he understood that it was his responsibility to go with the messengers into a Gentile home and tell Cornelius the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ."

Bible.org's commentary on today's Acts readings titled "Is Cleanliness Next to Godliness?" is at this link.

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? Do you pray for peace?

Proverbs - Proverbs 17 verse 7 teaches us today:  "Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool; even less are lies fitting for a ruler."  This is a great reminder, once again, to not lie.  One thing I've noticed that people do a lot these days is exaggerate...  and I gotta say it makes me uncomfortable.  Exaggerating feels like a lie to me.  Why exaggerate?  Why not just tell it like it is.  I mean, I think it's okay to encourage or market or get excited about things truthfully.  (hopefully my little World Vision goat sales pitch above doesn't go too far? :)  But, why exaggerate?   Particularly when it comes to factual numbers... why exaggerate those?  How about you - do you exaggerate?  Think this might be a very close cousin to a lie?  If so, can you focus on just telling things straight, like they are? 

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

June 14th One Year Bible Readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
1 Kings 12:20-13:34 ~ Acts 9:26-43
Psalm 132:1-18 ~ Proverbs 17:6

Old Testament - Well, Jeroboam didn't last very long before worshipping other gods!  Keep in mind Jeroboam's name as we continue to read through the book of Kings - you will continue to hear about "Jeroboam's sin" and "the sin Jeroboam caused Israel to commit" many times in our upcoming readings - even long after he is dead.  Not a legacy one would want to leave behind...  Here is an image of Jeroboam leading the Israelites into the sin of worshiping a golden calf:

 

Interesting story about the man of God from Judah prophesying against the altar at Bethel.  The man of God delivers his prophecy and then shuns Jeroboam's invite to go to his palace for food and a gift.  The man of God appears very strong.  And then later... he lets down his guard.  And he falls prey to the lie of the old prophet.  Now why on earth the old prophet decided to pursue the man of God and tell this lie is beyond me.  If anyone has insights on this, please post up in the Comments below.  I think the lesson here for us today is this - we cannot let down our guard when it comes to spiritual matters.  I think sometimes we think we can - but we simply cannot!  If we do let down our guard, then we often stumble.  And thanks to God's grace we can recover from that stumble.  But, there is always the dangerous risk that our stumble could be very severe, as it certainly was for the man of God in today's readings...

New Testament - Wow.  Something about Acts chapter 9 verse 31 really stood out to me as we read about the early church today: "The believers were walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit."  Read this verse again.  Whaddya think?  The believers of the early church were walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.  I don't know about you, but I want to walk like that!  I love that dichotomy - that balance - of walking in fear and comfort.  No - don't get me wrong - I'm not talking about a fraidy-cat type of fear.  But I am talking about a healthy / respectful fear - I mean, just look at the image above again of the lion and the man of God.  I don't mean to bag on the man of God by any means, but I think it is safe to say that he was walking in the "fear of the Lord" when he shunned Jeroboam's invite, but then he may have not been walking in the "fear of the Lord" when accepted the old prophet's lie.  And, like the old prophet in today's Kings readings, do you think that people will lie to you and me today?  Will the Enemy, the Destroyer, seek to lie to us?  If so, do you think there is value in walking in the "fear of the Lord" today?  While - at the same time walking in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.  There is something about the wisdom of this verse in Acts today that I really really like.  This may be one of those verses to really meditate upon.  I think there is so much value in this verse for our lives...   Today - are you walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit?

Great readings today about Peter healing and raising the dead in Jesus' name!  Verse 40 is amazing: "But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, "Get up, Tabitha." And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up!" Below is a fresco of this scene (though Peter is not kneeling and everyone had not left the room... still some great art! :) from the year 1424 by the Italian Renaissance painter Masaccio, which is in the Brancacci Chapel in Florence, Italy:

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 stood out to 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 - Proverbs 17 verse 6 is an amazing Proverb today: "Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children."  The obvious slam-dunk commentary is the grandchildren portion - and I've got an image below for you on that one.  But I really want to camp out on "parents are the pride of their children."  This is beautiful!  You'd think it would go the other way around - and certainly it works the other way around nicely:  Kids are the pride of their parents.  But parents being the pride of their children - this is great!  (and very reminiscent of the Commandment to honor your father and mother) And something each of us should really meditate upon and remember as our parents get older.  They are going to need us to care for them.  And they should be our pride!  And now... back to the cute grandchildren photo to close us out today :) -

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

June 13th One Year Bible Readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
1 Kings 11:1-12:19 ~ Acts 9:1-25
Psalm 131:1-3 ~ Proverbs 17:4-5

Old Testament - Wow... things go south in today's readings big time for Solomon!  Why?  Simple.  1 Kings 11 verses 5 & 6 tell us: "Solomon worshiped Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech, the detestable god of the Ammonites. Thus, Solomon did what was evil in the LORD's sight; he refused to follow the LORD completely, as his father, David, had done."  This is sad stuff to read.  Solomon had a great life, great relationship with God and he plain and simple fumbled the ball.  He knew God and knew he was not to worship other gods.  And he did so anyway?  Why?  Well, yeah, maybe having 1,000 wives & concubines was a bit of a distraction - but I don't blame them per se.  It was Solomon that decided to marry outside of Israel and it was Solomon that decided to have all those wives and concubines (and polygamy is not God's plan - God's plan since Adam & Eve was one man, one woman - not one man, many women).  And it was Solomon that decided to worship other gods.  He was running a strong race early on - but stumbled.  Fumbled.  This all reminds me of Paul's wisdom in 1 Corinthians 9 verses 25 through 27: "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."   Paul wisely realized that even with all of his preaching to others, he still had to be diligent to make sure that he himself would not be disqualified!  Incredible wisdom...  Think Solomon could have learned from these words of Paul?  Think you and I can learn from these words of Paul?  And can we learn not to repeat Solomon's mistakes?  How are you running the race?  Are you running in such a way as to get the prize?

Below is an image for these sad verses of 7 & 8: "On the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, Solomon even built a shrine for Chemosh, the detestable god of Moab, and another for Molech, the detestable god of the Ammonites. Solomon built such shrines for all his foreign wives to use for burning incense and sacrificing to their gods."

King Rehoboam's bad decision making in 1 Kings 12 is an excellent example of why we should respect our elders...  Rehoboam blew off the advice of his elders and instead heeded the foolish advice of the young men around him.  And then the kingdom was divided.   Of course, this turn of events was the will of God.  But, still, a good example I think of why we should listen to and respect our elders....

New Testament - Big readings today!  Saul is converted to Christianity by Jesus himself!  I think this is the most powerful conversion story in all of the Bible!  Below is the phenomenal painting "The Conversion (of Saul) on the Way to Damascus" by the Italian Baroque Era painter Caravaggio, circa 1600:

As I was reading Acts chapter 9 today, I thought more about Ananias than I have before.  Can you imagine being Ananias and being asked to go find Saul of Tarsus?  Ananias demonstrated amazing faith in today's readings.   God's words to Ananias about Saul in verses 15 & 16 are powerful - and as we now know, so very true: "But the Lord said, "Go and do what I say. For Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for me.""  Great stuff...  In your life, who might God be calling you to go visit - like he called Ananias to visit?  Is there someone who is waiting for you to visit them, lay hands on them, and open up their hearts to receive the Holy Spirit?  Will you be Ananias for that person?  Below is an image of Saul/Paul (kneeling) and Ananias from today's readings:

Bible.org's commentary on today's Acts readings titled "The Conversion of Saul" is at this link.

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 David, the Psalmist, write about this?  Why would this be a good thing to do?

Proverbs - Proverbs 17 verse 5 is quite convicting for us to consider: "Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished."  That is a powerful realization - if you mock the poor, you mock God.  If you care for the poor, you care for God.  I have a friend who met Mother Teresa many years back at her home for the sick & dying in Calcutta.  And my friend when he met her was trying to tell her all the great stuff he was doing in his life and in his ministry.  But, Mother Teresa really didn't care to hear about all his ministry stuff.  All she said to him was "Do you want to meet Jesus?  Do you want to meet Jesus?"  And of course he said "Yes!  Of course I do Mother Teresa."  So, she led him by the hand down a hall and into a room where a man was on his deathbed.  She sat my friend down at a chair by this man's bed.  And she placed my friend's hands on this dying man's hands.  And she said, "Now you will meet Jesus."  And she left the room...  and left him in the room with the dying man for about 30 minutes.   And you know what - my friend met Jesus that day in a way he had never done so before.  So, how about you.  Do you want to meet Jesus?

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  In your life, what was your conversion story?  Do you mind sharing your testimony here with others?  Perhaps it may not be as dramatic as Saul/Paul's story, but do you think it is just as special in God's eyes?  (I do!)  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

June 12th One Year Bible Readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
1 Kings 9:1-10:29 ~ Acts 8:14-40
Psalm 130:1-8 ~ Proverbs 17:2-3

Old Testament - Well, we can gather from today's First Kings readings that Solomon was clearly wise and rich!  I have to confess... when I was reading today's readings I briefly thought to myself, "well, it was just inherited wealth from his father David..."  :)  How wrong was this thinking!  Yes, David was certainly wealthy and Solomon inherited the throne if you will.  But Solomon had to administer the Kingdom, including the building of the Temple and the Palace, which were no small tasks!  He was able to do this successfully I think because he asked God for wisdom - rather than riches or wealth - earlier in First Kings.  Solomon sought God first and asked for wisdom, and I do think God blessed him with riches too.  You'll recall that Jesus referred to "Solomon's splendor" in the Sermon on the Mount when he talked about the lilies of the field and his teachings on not worrying, from Matthew 6:29:  "Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these."  Below is a painting of Solomon in all of his splendor in "The Queen of Sheba before Solomon" by Nicolas Knupfer, c. 1640:

These are very interesting readings today.  The thing that I'm thinking about now, after reading about Solomon's wealth and wisdom - and also thinking back to David's warrior skills - is that it is not surprising to me that many people in Jesus' day were expecting a differing kind of Messiah.  When Jesus came on the scene, people were reading these sacred texts of King David and King Solomon.  They were reading about how wise and wealthy and what great warriors these Kings were.  And these Kings were shown great favor by God.  So - surely the coming Messiah would be all of this and more!  Right??  Well... no.  As we know Jesus was not a Warrior-Messiah.  He did not come to set free the Jews from the Roman rule by the sword.  Jesus did not come into the world with wealth - he came into the world in a stable with animals nearby.  Now - in terms of wisdom, yes, obviously Jesus was wiser than David or Solomon of course.  But in terms of being wealthy and being a warrior - Jesus was neither - on this earth.  However - in the heavenly realm Jesus is obviously wealthy beyond all comprehension.  And he is a warrior for you and for me.  He is battling for the souls of men and women.  He leads a legion of angels against a legion of darkness.  Jesus is not meek.  Nor is he eternally poor.  But... what an interesting contrast of how Jesus was not a warrior nor wealthy during his time here on earth - and he warned us against both of these trappings.  What to make of all of this?  I'm not sure.  I'm full-on going stream of consciousness writing here.  :) I think the take-away for me is this - Solomon rightly sought after wisdom above all else.  (He wrote many of the Proverbs!)  And Jesus was of course wise beyond all measure.  So, I think for you and I the key to life is first and foremost to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior - this is the wisest decision we will ever make.  And after we have accepted Jesus, then we need to actually follow him.  Follow his teachings.  Follow his wisdom.  And as we follow Jesus, we really should not be concerned about being wealthy or being a warrior.  Perhaps these things will be part of our Walk in some regard.  But they should not be the focus.  Jesus should be the focus.  Godly wisdom should be the focus.  What is the focus in your life?  Is it Jesus?  Is it godly wisdom?  Are you following Jesus with all that you are?  Are taking up your cross daily?  Are you following Jesus all the way up that hill?

Okay, back to today's readings.  I do think map's can often give us a great overview / understanding of what we're reading about in the Bible.  I think now is a good time to show a good map of Solomon's Kingdom compared to modern day Israel, below.  Take a few minutes to really study this map and reflect upon places you recognize from today's readings and previous day's readings:

At the very end of First Kings chapter 9 today we read these interesting verses 26-28: "Later King Solomon built a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, a port near Elath in the land of Edom, along the shore of the Red Sea. Hiram sent experienced crews of sailors to sail the ships with Solomon's men. They sailed to Ophir and brought back to Solomon some sixteen tons of gold."  You will see the port of Elath in the map above.  Then, the big question I had today was where is Ophir?  Well, it turns out that Ophir was likely in the land of "Sheba" from whence Queen Sheba comes to visit Solomon!  So, it is interesting to see how these last 3 verses in chapter 9 lead us to First Kings 10 today we read about the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon.  Below is about the best map I could find with the land of Sheba, and Ophir, in comparison to Israel.  The Queen obviously traveled quite a distance in those days to visit Solomon!  And I think we can now understand how she learned of Solomon - he built a fleet of ships and sailed them to her land!

New Testament - Wow.  Acts chapter 8 verses 18 & 19 should be a warning to each of us to not lose sight of where spiritual power truly comes from - "When Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given when the apostles placed their hands upon people's heads, he offered money to buy this power. "Let me have this power, too," he exclaimed, "so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!""  Scary stuff...  but I have a hunch this type of thing still happens today.  People want to "buy" faith or buy spiritual power.  God ain't selling it.  It's a free gift.  Salvation is free.  It ain't for sale.  I pray that each of us realizes that our faith in Jesus is a free gift.  We didn't buy it.  We didn't earn it.  And we most definitely should not exploit our free gift of faith in any way for $.  That is scary to consider.  And if we are blessed with what appears to be spiritual power in any way, I pray we realize that this power comes only from God, and not from ourselves.  And if we ever happen to think that spiritual power comes from ourselves, then I am sure we will quickly learn the maxim - "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away."  Spiritual power goes bankrupt quick if we ever try to claim it as our own...

Today in Acts chapter 8 we read about Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch. In verses 34 and 35, just after the eunuch has finished reading verses in Isaiah 53 about Jesus, we will read – “The eunuch asked Phillip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else? Then Phillip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.”  I wonder about this in our lives today – do you think there are people that you know who are trying to understand who God is and what God is saying, just like this eunuch was trying to understand? Are there people in your life who may be seeking God and Jesus? If so, will you be like Phillip was for this eunuch for these people in your life? Will you begin with wherever these people are (“that very passage”), even if they are very far from God, and begin to share with them the good news about Jesus? Yes, this story about the Ethiopian eunuch is a very quick conversion story. Not all of our stories of having conversations with others seeking God will turn out like this. In fact, I’d venture to say that many will take many months and maybe even several years. But, even if it takes a lifetime of conversations with someone about the good news of Jesus, isn’t it worth it? Who in your life is God calling you to share the good news about Jesus with? Will you begin those conversations now? And, perhaps most importantly, will you begin praying for those that God has placed in your life – praying that they will come to understand who God truly is?

Bible.org's commentary on today's Acts readings titled "Simon and Simon" is at this link and commentary titled "The Ethiopian Eunuch" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 130 is amazing 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.  Today in Psalm 130 verse 5 we read - "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? What is your plan for 2007 to stay in God’s Word each and every day? Should you have a plan to be in God’s Word each and every day?

Proverbs - I love Proverbs chapter 17 verse 3 today - "Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the LORD tests the heart."  I think sometimes in our lives we tend to forget to live from our hearts.  We live from our minds I think so often - and we can tend to silence our hearts.  But God wants our hearts.  He wants our hearts to be fully his.  God oftentimes will speak to us through our hearts - sometimes I find that God's "still small voice" or God's whisper can only be discerned through my heart.  So, let us live from our hearts.  And let us realize that God is very interested in our hearts - and will test the purity of our hearts.  The heart is so critically important for our spiritual life...  how is the landscape of your heart today?  What would God find inside your heart right now?  Is your heart pure?  Is your heart for God?

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What was your reaction today to reading about "Solomon's splendor" in First Kings?  Did you view this wealth of Solomon's as a blessing from God or perhaps as excess?  What's your reaction to seeing this level of wealth of Solomon's versus Jesus' lack of wealth while walking the earth?  What about in today's world - is there such a thing as too much wealth?  Should we seek material wealth for our lives?  Or should we be seeking other things?  Should we seek to be like Solomon?  Or like Jesus?  Or perhaps like both?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

June 11th One Year Bible Readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
1 Kings 8:1-66 ~ Acts 7:51-8:13
Psalm 129:1-8 ~ Proverbs 17:1

Old Testament - Today we read about the Ark of the Covenant being brought into the Temple!

In verses 10 & 11 we read: "As the priests came out of the inner sanctuary, a cloud filled the Temple of the LORD. The priests could not continue their work because the glorious presence of the LORD filled the Temple."  It is thought that the cloud of the presence of God here in the Temple was the same cloud of the presence of God that guided the Israelites by day through the desert as they left Egypt for the Promised Land, as you'll recall from this image below:

Solomon's prayer in today's readings is awesome!  Verses 12 & 13 at the start of the prayer are interesting to contrast with a later verse: "Then Solomon prayed, "O LORD, you have said that you would live in thick darkness. But I have built a glorious Temple for you, where you can live forever!"  These verses seem quite bold and confident...  and maybe even seem to our modern ears that Solomon is trying to put God "in a box."  But, then I was very pleased to read Solomon say this in verse 27 - "But will God really live on earth? Why, even the highest heavens cannot contain you. How much less this Temple I have built!"  Clearly, Solomon gets it that God is bigger than the Temple and that God does not "need" the Temple for a home.  But, as we read about the cloud of God's presence coming into the Temple, it is apparent that God is certainly pleased with the Temple. I think God was pleased that the Israelites were building a Temple to honor God and his name & fame.  It was a Temple for God.  And though God did not "need" it, I think he appreciated it.  I think God appreciated "King" Solomon and the Israelites praying to and honoring God as the true King of Israel.  Below is an image of Solomon's prayer and the dedication of the Temple:

New Testament - Today is a sad day of readings as we read about the stoning of Stephen - the first Christian martyr.  Verses 59 & 60 are incredible and reminiscent of Jesus on the cross: "And as they stoned him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And he fell to his knees, shouting, "Lord, don't charge them with this sin!" And with that, he died."  Below is Rembrandt's "The Stoning of Stephen" from the year 1625:

In verse 58 we are ominously introduced to who we now know as Paul, the author of many of the epistles in the Bible:  "The official witnesses took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul."  This laying of coats at Saul's feet may be signifying that Saul was the highest official at the stoning of Stephen and may be signifying that Saul gave permission for this stoning of Stephen to occur.  Saul is Paul's Hebrew name.  Paul is his Greek name.  (which is a significant distinction, as Paul's ministry reaches out to the Gentiles, including the Greeks - hence going from the Hebrew name Saul to the Greek name Paul is significant)   In a few chapters ahead we will learn about Saul's encounter with Jesus and how his persecution of Christians will soon take a dramatic U-turn...   Take a look at the cloaked figure in the image below to the left - this looks to me to be Saul watching over the stoning of Stephen with coats laid at his feet.  (and I think Saul is in Rembrant's painting above to the left on the horse)  God has an amazing conversion for Saul coming up...

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Acts titled "The Stoning of Stephen" is at this link.

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." How about in our lives today?  Has Jesus cut any cords used by the ungodly to bind you?  Are there still some cords being used by the ungodly to bind you?  Will you let Jesus cut those cords?  Will you let Jesus free you from that captivity?  Do you believe that Jesus is good and that he wants to cut the cords that bind you?  Do you believe that Jesus cares for you?

Proverbs - Proverbs 17 verse 1 is so very wise... "A dry crust eaten in peace is better than a great feast with strife." I don't know about you, but this Proverb hits home.  I have eaten very simple meals in peace that have been so beautiful.  And I have also eaten at great feasts filled with drama and angst and strife.  The world may preach to us that the latter is better - the feast with all it's drama.  But, I think the still small quiet voice of God through the Bible indicates the former is better.  Which do you think is better?  The peaceful crust or the strifeful feast? 

Below is an image of a "strifeful feast" to say the least from the artist Rembrandt again.  This is from Daniel chapter 5 verses 1 through 6 - "King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles and drank wine with them.  While Belshazzar was drinking his wine, he gave orders to bring in the gold and silver goblets that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines might drink from them. So they brought in the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them. As they drank the wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone. Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote.  His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his knees knocked together and his legs gave way."  (As Paul Harvey would say, check out the rest of this story in Daniel chapter 5 at this link and learn what the writing on the wall means!  Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin!)

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

June 10th One Year Bible Readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
1 Kings 7:1-50 ~ Acts 7:30-50
Psalm 128:1-6 ~ Proverbs 16:31-33

Old Testament - Today we read about the building of King Solomon's Palace!

Whoops.  My mistake. I guess this photo above is of the modern-day "King Solomon's Palace" Hotel in Eliat, Israel.  :)  I suppose Solomon did not actually build this hotel palace with a "Water slide 48 meters long. Floodlit tennis courts, table tennis"....  :)  but it is thought that Solomon may have actually built this one:

 

Interesting note in Tyndale's One Year Bible Companion on the Sea discussed in verse 23 - "Then Huram cast a large round tank, 15 feet across from rim to rim; it was called the Sea. It was 7 1/2 feet deep and about 45 feet in circumference."  Apparently the sea was a huge tank that could hold approximately 12,000 gallons of water.  It was used by the priests for their ceremonial washings.  Impressive structure per the image below!

New Testament - Stephen's great sermon to the temple council continues today!  Great timing on his sermonizing in verses 46 through 50 related to the Temple Solomon built - ""David found favor with God and asked for the privilege of building a permanent Temple for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who actually built it. However, the Most High doesn't live in temples made by human hands. As the prophet says, `Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you ever build me a temple as good as that?' asks the Lord. `Could you build a dwelling place for me? Didn't I make everything in heaven and earth?'"  The last 2 verses came from Isaiah chapter 66 verses 1 & 2 (as the prophet says..)  Indeed it is true!  We do not need a temple for God today.  God does not live in a temple built by human hands.  I have heard it said before - "If you are in relationship with God through his son Jesus, you are God's temple."  Do you believe this is true?  Do you believe that your body is a temple that God can live in?

A great look at the characteristics of Stephen's sermon today is at Bible.org at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 128 verse 1 stands out today: "How happy are those who fear the LORD-- all who follow his ways!" Do you think it is possible to be happy and to fear God at the same time?  Do you believe a healthy fear of God is, well, healthy?  Why would we fear God - God who loves us immensely?  What is this Psalmist saying to us today in our lives?

Proverbs - I love Proverbs 16 verse 31 today!  "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life."  Let us pray that we all get gray hair - and be thankful for it!  Don't dye it away.  It is a crown of glory!

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Per Psalm 128:1 today, what are some ways that you are literally "fearing the Lord" in your life today?  Do you agree with the Psalmist that those who fear the Lord are happy?  Why or why not?  Have you gone through periods of your life where you did not fear the Lord?  Were you happy then?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike