July 26th One Year Bible Readings

2 Chronicles 17:1-18:34 ~ Romans 9:25-10:13 ~ Psalm 20:1-9 ~ Proverbs 20:2-3
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Old Testament - Today in 2 Chronicles 18, King Ahab of Israel is not happy about the Arameans occupying Ramoth-gilead!  Unfortunately for King Jehoshaphat of Judah, he entered into a political alliance with Ahab by having his son marry Ahab's daughter, Athaliah.  This basically bound him into going into battle with Ahab - but even worse, as we'll read in the coming day's readings, Ahab's daughter Athaliah nearly kills all of the descendants of David in Judah....  more on this sad drama is coming up in chapter 22.  A good location-profile of Ramoth-gilead is at this link.  Ramoth-gilead was on a hilltop that could have looked something like this first image below.  The 2nd image below is a map (look to the center-right):

King Jehoshaphat of Judah wisely suggests that they should consult God before going into battle against the Arameans.  At which time King Ahab of Israel trots out his 400 yes-men "prophets" who say they should definitely go to war and that they will be victorious!  I love Jehoshaphat's reaction to these 400 yes-men in verse 6 - "But Jehoshaphat asked, "Isn't there a prophet of the LORD around, too? I would like to ask him the same question.""  Ahab's reaction in verse 7 is quite telling...  "There is still one prophet of the LORD, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but bad news for me! His name is Micaiah son of Imlah."  This verse really stands out for me in a big way in our world today.  I wonder if sometimes we - you and me - look for supposed "prophets" of the Lord that are yes-people to our particular likings - instead of looking for Truth.  Meaning...  and I'm just putting this out there, so bear with me.  Do we sometimes maybe even decide to attend a particular church because it tells us basically what we want to hear?  It keeps us in our comfortable place... we get yes-messages...  When, instead, should we be okay with attending a church that will give us some challenging and convicting messages on occasion?  Biblical messages mind you - which surely can be challenging to our modern ears at times.  I heard somewhere once before that church should be a place that "comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable."  I like that...  Now, don't get me wrong.  I am not saying we need to be in super-strict churches per se.  I just think we should really watch for churches that are giving a yes-message all the time to our particular likings verses churches that teach the Truth.  I don't think church is the only area of where we might default to looking for yes-messages.  I think this can happen in books we read, TV we watch, or even with friends or with work.   Are we listening to 400 yes-people in our lives or are we okay with 1 Micaiah coming in and sharing a perceived "bad-news" message?  (which may ultimately be very good news if we'll just listen to it...  if Ahab had really listened to Micaiah's message in today's readings, think he still would have rushed out to battle?) Below is an image of Micaiah and the false prophets before Jehoshaphat and Ahab -

New Testament - In Romans chapter 10 verse 1 today, Paul reminded me of the modern-day ministry called Jews for Jesus: "Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is that the Jewish people might be saved."  Paul was certainly a Jew for Jesus!  How about you - are you a Gentile for Jesus?  Or perhaps you are also a Jew for Jesus?  Whoever you are - are you for Jesus?

Below is a wonderful image courtesy of heartlight.org of Romans chapter 10 verse 4 from today's readings:

Without a doubt, Romans chapter 10 verses 9 & 10 are the most important verses some of us will read this year and really take to heart: "For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. "  Do you believe these verses to be true?  Have you prayed these verses with your heart and your mouth to God?  If not, will you today?

image courtesy of heartlight.org

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "Israel's Failure is the Scripture's Fulfillment" is at this link and "The Only Road to Righteousness" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 20 is a prayer for a king as he goes out into battle - check out verses 1 through 5 again and you can imagine a group of people saying these words to the king.  Maybe another way to read this Psalm, personally, is as a prayer for yourself as you go out into battle against a sin or a struggle in your life.  And this verse 5 then is for you as you go into this battle: "May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory, flying banners to honor our God. May the LORD answer all your prayers."  Amen! Let the banners fly soon in your life!

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 20 verse 3 is such great wisdom: "Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling."  I once was a fool who insisted on quarreling with Tony back in about 3rd grade :) after either I beat him or he beat me in the 50 yard dash at Field Day.  Tony kept trying to avoid the fight with me.  But I kept on pressing it.  And I got whupped!  It was really a great learning experience for me.  I have avoided fights ever since!  Don't get me wrong.  I don't think we are called to be submissive and let people walk all over us.  I think we can confidently and strongly hold our ground on important issues - without fighting or quarrelling.  How about you?  Do you avoid fights?  Do you realize this is a mark of honor?  Or do you insist on quarrelling?  Think this is a good idea...?

YouTube: Based on our readings today in Romans, I think this clip below from the Logan Show of Aaron Shust performing "My Savior My God" serves well.  This is currently one of my favorite songs!

Do you know our savior God?  Click here for your Savior!

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

Comments

[John]

Romans 9:25-33

Israel (past)
Paul continues with the idea - 'If you still think God has abandoned Israel remember the prophets, Hosea and Isaiah:

There will come a time when God will call the people of Israel (as opposed to Judah in Hosea): "my people"

Isaiah reminds us there will always be a "remnant", if not the nation would have been like Sodom and Gomorah.

(NOTE: Reminds me of when Elijah thought he was the only one, and the Lord informed him there were 7,000 thousand in Israel that had not bent their knee to Baal.}

Paul moves to Israel (Present)- what they did wrong and what they can do now.

Why do the Gentiles get to attain righteousness, and the Israelites did not? The Gentiles accepted and believed by faith, the Jewish nation is still caught up in "works".

The nation of Israel (not all individual Jews) fell on the stumbling block of Christ, just as Isaiah said, but yet if they trust in that rock - that stone - they will not be shamed - they can still be saved.
======================================================
Romans 10:1-13
Israel (Present)

Paul again expresses his heart and prayers so Israel may be saved. Who better than Paul to talk about having the zeal for God, but not the knowledge. It describes Paul perfectly before Damascus incident.

Since they did not know (alternate translation: being ignorant of) the righteousness that comes from God - they did not know Jesus. Israleites coninued in the I, me, us mode of "working" their way to salvation. They did not know, they went their own way - so it was impossible to submit to what they did not know. Christ was the end of the Law - fulfilling prophecy and the sacrificial aspect of the Law - when Christ said,"It is finished". It was the end of the Law.

Moses said, 'you need to live by the law'. In Deut 30:12-14 - Moses talks about you don't have to go to the heavens or the depths, the word is near you - right here.

Paul says we are saying the same thing - you don't have to go on some complicated search - the answer is in front of you. Christ was and is now in front of you.

Confess with your mouth - "Jesus is Lord". Believe in your heart that God raised Him from the Dead - You will be saved.

The Greek tenses indicate it is the "completed action" of confessing and believing that will make you saved. Not an ongoing thing - do it once - complete it and go on to the sanctification process.

Also "believe in all places is that GK. word "pisteuo" with the concept of "Knowing", "belief", and "trust" wrapped into one word. Again I think Trust is the key - it cannot be just head knowledge. You must "trust" in your heart".

"Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."

Actually the trusts here is also "pisteuo" again showing the interchangability of the word.

Paul says there is One Lord, not one for Gentile and one for Jew, and He will bless all who call on Him.

"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (comes from)

Joel 2:32
"..that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered"

That name is - Jesus - "Jehovah is Salvation". It is not of works but of God.

[Peggy]

I too agree that ," Romans chapter 10 verses 9 & 10 are the most important verses some of us will read this year and really take to heart" - "For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
If we only read this one verse in the bible this year, and believed by faith, these words. we would not need any other verse. However, if we believed these words we all would be longing for a closer walk with the Lord. Have a blessed day! Peggy

[Pat]

I have to add my comment this morning because I cannot shake what the Scripture is saying to me. I keep reading and rereading 2 Chronicles 18. I feel the true meaning in 2 Chronicles 18 is not in the actions of either King Ahab of Israel or King Jehoshaphat of Judah but instead in the actions of God’s prophet Micaiah. When the messenger went to Micaiah to bring him before the king, the messenger warned Micaiah that he should agree with the other 400 prophets (vs. 12), but Micaiah insisted that he would only deliver God’s message and nothing more (vs. 13). HOWEVER, when Micaiah was actually standing before the kings, he tried to sidestep God’s message and go along with the crowd of 400 prophets that advised the king to attack Ramoth-gilead (vs. 14). When the king insisted that Micaiah swear to that in the name of the Lord (vs. 15), Micaiah finally had to admit the truth and tell the king what God had really revealed to him (vs. 16-21).

Aren’t we Christians today like Micaiah in so far as we try to sidestep the message the Holy Spirit is giving us because we are fearful, don’t want to disappoint or hurt the feelings of others, or just because we want to fit in with the crowd? Today is the day when the teachings of Christianity and Christianity itself is being challenged on all sides, and we should be standing up for God instead of sitting passively on the sidelines. What is it going to take to make us own up to the directions provided us by the Holy Spirit????

Pat

[Jan]

I was affiliated with "Jews for Jesus" back in 1976 in a Baptist church that was so pro-Israel - they traveled to Israel all the time & even brought back wine & served it in communion (you had a choice). They also had Hebrew classes.

Here is something I read the other day & found it quite interesting & thought I would share it with you:

An excerpt from "Secrets of the Secret Place/Keys to Igniting Your Personal Time with God," by Bob Sorge -Chapter 8/The Secret of Decision Making: Those who make decisions based upon external data become "thermometers" of society: Their lives reflect the natural forces that shape their destiny. But those who make their decisions based upon what they see in God become "themostats" of society: They infulence their world through the forcefulness of bringing divinely received initiatives to bear upon this earthly sphere.

[Vance]

2 Chronicles 17 (NKJV)
3
Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the former ways of his father David; he did not seek the Baals,
4
but sought the God of his father, and walked in His commandments and not according to the acts of Israel.
5
Therefore the LORD established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah gave presents to Jehoshaphat, and he had riches and honor in abundance.
6
And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD; moreover he removed the high places and wooden images from Judah.

NOTE:
I am really challenged and encouraged by verse 6:
“And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD; moreover he removed the high places and wooden images from Judah.”

Knowing and studying Scripture—as incredibly important as that is to walking with Christ—is not in itself the same as delighting in the Lord. Delighting in the Lord is a step beyond.

Note that “moreover he removed the high places and wooden images from Judah”. Because King Jehoshaphat did this, note the results mentioned in verse 5:

a. the LORD established the kingdom in his hand

b. all Judah gave presents to Jehoshaphat

c. he had riches and honor in abundance

I believe that we TOO can delight in the Lord AND get rid of all idols (in the secret chamber of our inner person as well as what people can see outside).

After all, God is no respecter of persons or nations.

Oh, for the joy that we can have in the Lord if he allow Him to be completely and fully Who He is in us!

Now, I am not for one minute trying to imply that every time we sincerely and wholeheartedly delight in the Lord and get rid of all idols (hidden or obvious), that people will always load us up with presents and we will always have riches in abundance.

This certainly was not true for Jeremiah or John the Baptist. Yet, they were and are tremendously blessed with a great spiritual blessing.

Jesus Himself said in Matthew 5 (NKJV):
10
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
~~~

Yet, it is also very true that God desires to bless us in every way SO WE CAN BE A BLESSING.

Note the following verses, first from Jesus (Mark 10) and from the God the Father (Deuteronomy 8).

Mark 10 (NKJV)
21
Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”
22
But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
~~~
24
And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!

28
Then Peter began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.”
29
So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s,
30
who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.
31
But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Note in this case, the man who is commonly called the “rich young ruler” turned aside because he was not willing to give up the possessions that were his possession.

Jesus must be Who He is, that is Lord.

Then, note that Peter honestly and accurately pointed out to what Jesus that they had left all to follow Him. The disciples were shocked to hear Jesus say how hard it was for those who have riches to enter the Kingdom of God.

Then Jesus further clarified what He told them, in the following verse (NKJV):
24
And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!

So Peter, in effect, said, “We have left all, unlike the rich young ruler” (which is true). Shall we receive anything?

Note what Jesus Himself said that His followers who left all can receive in this lifetime:

a. a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands

b. with persecutions

Then in the age to come, eternal life.

NOTE… material blessings with persecutions in this lifetime, and eternal life in the age to come.

Jesus Himself wants to bless us with everything so we can be a blessing to others.

I believe it is possible to love God with all of one’s heart and be blessed with great wealth, and not trust in riches. But it is not possible to love or serve God with a greedy heart.

I Timothy 6 (NKJV)
17
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
18
Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,
19
storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
~~~

But it all depends on why we want riches and the state of our heart. The Lord Jesus will bless us in every way in His time and His way—but He will not bless us if we are greedy and if our hearts are not right.

Note again God’s reason for blessing His people financially in Deuteronomy 8 (NKJV):
18
“And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

So, there is no new revelation here given by Jesus—simply the Lord Jesus continuing and establishing His Father’s will. We are called to establish God's covenant on the earth-- in this day it means the Gospel of Jesus.

We are called to establish this Gospel of God's covenant in the earth: We not saved by works, but by trusting and receiving the righteousness of God in Jesus.

Oh that we may truly abide in Christ so that—whether we are given material blessing or whether we are poor in material goods—we are quick to give and serve others.

This is a challenge to America. This is a challenge to me personally. The call to surrender to be a servant is the call for all Christians everywhere—in all nations. To be a servant.

As Jesus is the eternal Servant—Whose yoke is easy and Whose burden is light—so we are called to be like Him.
~~~

I think about abiding in Christ. I would like to share some quotes from a book called “Abiding In Christ” by Andrew Murray.

SOURCE: http://www.worldinvisible.com/library/murray/5f00.0562/5f00.0562.p.htm

“During the life of Jesus on earth, the word He chiefly used when speaking of the relations of the disciples to Himself was: ‘Follow me.’ When about to leave for heaven, He gave them a new word, in which their more intimate and spiritual union with Himself in glory should be expressed. That chosen word was: ‘Abide in me.’ ”

“IT IS TO BE FEARED THAT THERE ARE MANY EARNEST FOLLOWERS OF JESUS FROM WHOM THE MEANING OF THIS WORD, WITH THE BLESSED EXPERIENCE IT PROMISES, IS VERY MUCH HIDDEN. While trusting in their Saviour for pardon and for help, and seeking to some extent to obey Him, THEY HAVE HARDLY REALIZED TO WHAT CLOSENESS OF UNION, TO WHAT INTIMACY OF FELLOWSHIP, TO WHAT WONDROUS ONENESS OF LIFE AND INTEREST, He invited them when He said, ‘Abide in me.’ ”

“This is not only an unspeakable loss to themselves, but the Church and the world suffer in what they lose.”

“In conclusion, I ask to be permitted to give one word of advice to my reader. It is this. It needs time to grow into Jesus the Vine: do not expect to abide in Him unless you will give Him that time. IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO READ GOD'S WORD, OR MEDITATIONS AS HERE OFFERED, AND WHEN WE THINK WE HAVE HOLD OF THE THOUGHTS, AND HAVE ASKED GOD FOR HIS BLESSING, TO GO OUT IN THE HOPE THAT THE BLESSING WILL ABIDE.”

“NO, IT NEEDS DAY BY DAY TIME WITH JESUS AND WITH GOD. We all know the need of time for our meals each day--every workman claims his hour for dinner; the hurried eating of so much food is not enough."

"If we are to live through Jesus, we must feed on Him (John 6:57); we must thoroughly take in and assimilate that heavenly food the Father has given us in His life.”

“Therefore, my brother, who would learn to abide in Jesus, take time each day, ere you read, and while you read, and AFTER YOU READ, TO PUT YOURSELF INTO LIVING CONTACT WITH THE LIVING JESUS, TO YIELD YOURSELF DISTINCTLY AND CONSCIOUSLY TO HIS BLESSED INFLUENCE; SO WILL YOU GIVE HIM THE OPPORTUNITY OF TAKING HOLD OF YOU, OF DRAWING YOU UP AND KEEPING YOU SAFE IN HIS ALMIGHTY LIFE.”

Amen.
~~~

Romans 10 (NKJV)
10
For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11
For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” [Isaiah 28:16]
12
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.
13
For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” [Joel 2:32]

NOTE:
Oh may we never forget the time and day that we surrendered to and trusted in Christ as Savior and Lord.

May we never forget. And may we continue to grow in that same grace of the Lord Jesus every day, and abide in Jesus.

Psalm 20 (NKJV)
4
May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose.
5
We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.

NOTE: May this be our true experience. May we truly delight in the Lord with all of our hearts in the reality of our lives full of activity.

May we take time to abide in Christ, spending that time to truly delight in the Lord because He is worthy of praise and because He is holy.

May He be able to grant the prayer of the Holy Spirit in this verse -- to grant
our heart’s desire and fulfill the purpose He has placed in our hearts.

Psalm 37 (Amplified Bible)
4
Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.
5
Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.

~~~
We never fully arrive in this lifetime, and we are always called to keep pressing toward the goal for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Though we never reach perfection in this lifetime, may we always be reaching for it out of deep love and gratitude for God’s grace. Then each one of us—me and you—can receive God’s purpose and His blessings that He designed for each of us.

Then, by grace, we can fulfill that purpose.

Vance

[Jo Anne]

Pat, I like your insights very much; thanks for sharing.

Concerning 'yes' people/churches...several months ago, I was going through an emotional situation with my adult daughter. The issues were complex, relational, involving her life, her children, her need for me and how I should respond in order for us all to receive God's best within the circumstances. I so much did not want to make the wrong decisions and I was so confused and convoluted about what was right. In desperation I asked my sister-in-law to please speak the truth (as she saw it) to me. Because if she only told me what I wanted to hear...she was not helping me. THAT was a powerful declaration for me, but I know it is so true.

[Amber]

A verse that particularly stands out to me in this passage is in the midst of a geneological head count at the end of chapter seventeen. It is speaking of the mighty men of valor from each tribe and in verse sixteen it speaks of "Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the Lord." This really caught my heart and excited me to see this. In the middle of speaking of the numbers of the tribes the Lord took the time to mention a man who willingly offered himself. Imagine how the Lord feels when we willingly offer ourself to him. Isn't it thrilling to think that if God took time to mention Amasiah then how much more will he be pleased when we willingly offer ourselves up to HIM. I can only speak for myself but I intend from here on out to take Amasiah as an example and to willingly offer myself to the Lord Heart, Mind and Soul.