You are invited to join us on the One Year Bible journey in 2016! We have over 15,000 people in 78 countries around the world signed up for our free emails filled with commentary, encouragement, and questions for reflection. To join us on the One Year Bible journey in 2016 click on this link for more details and to sign up! Or, you may be interested in joining us on the Chronological Bible journey in 2016 at this link: www.chronologicalbibleblog.com
Malachi 3:1-4:6 ~ Revelation 22:1-21 ~ Psalm 150:1-6 ~ Proverbs 31:25-31
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Happy New Year! Congratulations to everyone who completed the One Year Bible journey in 2015 today! It has been awesome to go through the journey this year with each of you. It is quite a blessing to realize that you've read through God's Word this past year! It has been a huge blessing for me. God has continued to transform me this past year through this journey. Reading through the Bible in a year will change us. For the better! :) For those of you wrapping up the One Year Bible today in 2015, I'd like to ask you to post up your reflections on this experience in the Comments section below. The reason for this request is because we have hundreds of new folks signing up to take the One Year Bible journey in 2016. What advice would you give them? Any encouragement? What has reading the Bible on a daily basis meant to you over the past year? Has this experience changed you in any way? Thanks for sharing!
Old Testament - Today we finish the book of the prophet Malachi, and it is an awesome 2 chapters we read today! The first half of Malachi chapter 3 verse 1 is prophesying 400 years in advance of the coming of John the Baptist, who will prepare people's hearts for Jesus by preaching repentance of sins: ""Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me." This is a great thing to reflect on as we close out one year and begin anew. Do we need a messenger from God to encourage us to repent from our sins? Will we listen to that messenger and make way for the coming of Jesus into our hearts and lives? The second half of verse 1 then prophesies that Jesus is indeed coming to usher in the new covenant, or the new testament: "The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming," says the LORD Almighty." The Good News for us today is that Jesus has come already for the forgiveness of sins and Jesus is coming again in glory!

To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site.
Verse 2 tells us this about Jesus: "For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal or like a strong soap that whitens clothes." Will you allow Jesus to refine you through his holy fire? And make you pure through his holy soap? (Okay, I realize this is a bit cheesy wording here - has anyone ever called Jesus holy soap before?? :) Actually, would you believe it - I found an image of "Jesus soap" online, as you'll see below! How this all ties into our Malachi readings today I've lost track of... I apologize for my end-of-year giddiness... :)

Verses 6 & 7 are so powerful for us to reflect upon: ""I am the LORD, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already completely destroyed. Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my laws and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty." As I reflect back upon our One Year Bible readings this year, it is so true that God does not change. He has shown so much compassion over and over again to the Israelites in the Old Testament. And he continues to show so much compassion to us today over and over again. In light of God's holy and unchanging love and compassion for us, will we return to Him? As you look back on our One Year Bible readings this year, do you agree with God's statement here that He does not change? Do you believe that all the way from the Old Testament's Genesis to the New Testament's Revelation God does not change?

Verse 10 is one of my favorites and one of the most challenging in the Bible: "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do," says the LORD Almighty, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you!" This verse has and will continue to be interpreted so many ways. Check out the NIV translation of Malachi 3:10 (slightly different than the NLT version above) - "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." It is very rare in the Bible that God says "test me" and follows it up with an incredible promise of a blessing. This next year, will you test God with a tithe? In this new year, will you trust God with your tithe?

Chapter 4 verse 2 makes me smile with the metaphor of us being compared to a calf frolicking in a field: "But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture." Do you want to be set free? Truly free from your burdens and doing things that you do not want to do? Will you entrust your life to the Sun (Son?) of Righteousness, Jesus? And then - are you looking forward to leaping with joy like a calf let out to pasture?? :) I love this metaphor... it will stick with me.

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Malachi titled "God's Justice and Faithfulness" is at this link and "Preparing for the Day of the Lord" is at this link.
New Testament - Today we finish the book of Revelation with a glorious chapter describing the New Jerusalem in heaven, and with a clear reminder that Jesus is coming again! Below is artist Pat Marvenko Smith's look "Through the Gate of the Eternal City" from Revelation 22:1-6 in today's readings:

To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site.
Chapter 22 verses 1 & 2 are so beautiful: "And the angel showed me a pure river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb, coursing down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations." This river combines the elements of the river in the Garden of Eden - see Genesis 2:8-14 - and the river flowing from the temple in Ezekiel's vision - see Ezekiel 47:1-12. I love this idea of this "river of life". There are so many beautiful allusions to God and grace being like water or a river in the Bible - particularly in the Psalms. A river that heals us. I love this. There is a great song by Steven Curtis Chapman about diving into the river. I think it's called "Dive" on his Speechless CD. This song of his reminds me so much of these verses. One of his lyrics goes something like: "The River's deep, the river's wide, the river's water is ALIVE! So sink or swim, I'm diving in!" Do you want to dive into this holy river of God? Do you want to be healed and purified by it's waters? Will you dive in?

Verse 8 is powerful for us to reflect upon, where we see an angel speaking to John after he fell to worship the angel: ""No, don't worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this scroll. Worship God!"" My thought here is that do we sometimes worship other people in our life? And does this worship of other people ultimately take away from our worship of God? Meaning, I think it might sometimes be tempting for us to "worship" our pastors or ministers or spiritual mentors. But, should we do this? I think we would do well to remember that these people in our life are simply servants of God, like this angel. They are not God. We are called to give our hearts and minds and souls and worship to God and God only.

Verse 20 (almost) closes out the book of Revelation with these words: “Come, Lord Jesus!” Are these three words a prayer of your heart? Should they be? It’s only recently that I started praying these words from my heart, and it is an amazing thing to truly pray and truly desire. Come Lord Jesus!

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Revelation chapter 22 titled "The Epilogue" is at this link and "Famous Last Words" is at this link.
Psalms - Psalm 150 is a wonderful end to the Psalter filled with a call to Praise God with all that we are! Give it up for God and God only!

Proverbs - Proverbs 31:25-31 are a continued great look at what a godly woman does. I really like verse 30 which seems so opposite of what our culture is often selling us today: "Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised." I think this holds so true for women and men - our beauty or good looks or outer appearances do not last. They are not eternal. What matters is what's inside - our relationship with and love of God and other people. So, I think this is a great reminder for us to focus on what's inside - which is what's eternal. And yes, our culture will continue to try to sell us on the latest fads to look better on the outside. Will you refuse to buy into that which will not last? Do you realize that holiness is beautiful? This picture below comes from Memphis, Tennessee:

YouTube - Today's readings in Revelation reminded me of the Steven Curtis Chapman song "Dive." However, rather than share that song with you in the video below, our readings in Revelation chapter 22 also reminded me of his powerful song about his daughter called "Heaven is the Face." Here's a great live version of this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nT88tmF5O8
Can you imagine meeting Jesus in heaven? Click here and make your imagination real!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let those who hear say, "Come!" Let those who are thirsty come; and let all who wish take the free gift of the water of life." Revelation 22:17 (TNIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that you are thirsty for Jesus today and every day! Pray that you are daily responding to Jesus' call to you to "Come!" Pray that you will follow Jesus and take the free gift of the water of Life He offers you, today and forevermore.
Comments From You and Question of the Day: For those of you wrapping up the One Year Bible today in 2015, I'd like to ask you to post up your reflections on this experience in the Comments section below. The reason for this request is because we have hundreds of new folks signing up to take the One Year Bible journey in 2016. What advice would you give them? Any encouragement? What has reading the Bible on a daily basis meant to you over the past year? Has this experience changed you in any way? Thanks for sharing! Also, for everyone, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our One Year Bible readings at this link.
p.p.s. Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!
It is with a sense of great accomplishment and gratefulness that I comment today. A year ago I started reading the One Year Bible blog without much hope of finishing, because of the times I'd failed before. Although I skipped out most of Ezekiel because I got really behind at one stage, I got through the rest. YAY!
Knowing that there was a community of readers doing this with me, and being able to interact with you all through comments was a key ingredient for me. Thank you to all who posted.
Mike, thank you so much. Your commitment to this blog is admirable, and your humility is inspiring. I think you must be one of Jesus' heros when I see how many lives you are touching daily through your obedience to Him.
Having read the whole Bible now, I have a much better idea of God as the beginning and the end, God working through history, God unravelling His love-plan and God reaching out to us. I have a much better understanding of Israel and the Jewish nation, and how they are a precious part of the fact that I am a Christian today. Praise You, Lord for drawing near to us. Praise You for The Message.
Posted by: Caryn | December 30, 2015 at 07:56 PM
Good Morning all, and Happy New Year. I have been reading, and studying through the One Year Bible Blog for at least five years. What amazes me most, is how when I read the same verse each time, God speaks to me ,through His word, and it's like I think, I don't remember that. I have found, that He is telling me what I need to hear, that day. This year I started sharing what I learned that day, with my friends of Facebook, and it has been amazing to see, how God has touched so may lives, through His word. I will start all over again tomorrow, in His word, because I can't wait to see what He is going to teach, in 2016. If you are new to this teaching, I just say hang on, it's going to be a great ride. God Bless you all.
Posted by: Peggy Sue Williams | December 31, 2015 at 04:37 AM
I have been going through the bible for several years now & I love it every year I listen to Bryan on the audio bible & I love how he brings it alive in my soul.
Posted by: Ed Brooks | December 31, 2015 at 05:54 AM
My commute to work takes me by a farm field with cows grazing...one rainy Monday I didn't have a very good attitude about going to work. As I passed the field a calf with her mother was leaping and playing and Malachi 4:2 came to mind: " but for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays.And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves"... I laughed out loud and thank Our Lord for his sense of humor ...I praised Him for his word on my heart...that smile lasted all day. This is what reading Gods word does for us...it is His love letter to His people. I will begin my third year with this blog tomorrow. Thank you Mike for all you do to give this to us!
Posted by: Kathy | December 31, 2015 at 06:27 AM
This is the completion of my second year reading through the Bible, God is always showing me things I did not see the first time around and He still shows me new discernment for things in His Word that I thought I understood, but didn't. Thank you Lord for using Mike to share what You put upon His heart to faithfully write to us each and every day, may You bless him in a very special way. In Jesus name I pray. Happy New Year Mike and thank you for another year in God's Word!!
Posted by: Marie Johnson | December 31, 2015 at 06:48 AM
The one year bible reading experience is one of the best endeavors of my life. If you are considering this for 2016, I highly recommend it. Each month and each day Mike gives you many opportunities to delve in more deeply into the bible readings. You can spend 15 minutes or hours on the readings.it is up to you. My only advice to new readers in 2016 is to stick with it! There will be times when you fall behind and that is ok. Just try not to fall more than one week behind and catch up over the next week. You can do it!
Thank you Mike for your commitment and I am looking forward to the chronological reading in 2016!
Celia
Posted by: Celia | December 31, 2015 at 07:58 AM
This is my 4th year of journeying with OneYearBibleBlog.com and as with the other 3 years - I found it to be for the most part uplifting and convicting as the same time. There are times when I would want to stop (too tired, too busy etc.) but I would tell myself during those weak times to just continue reading through the distractions. Even if I got nothing out of the reading for that day(s) I would just continue to read. On those days I would rely on Mike's insightful commentary to push, probe and prod me through. Thank you Mike for your time and effort in bringing the word of God to us.
Posted by: Virginia Meyer | December 31, 2015 at 08:29 AM
Happy New Year to all of you. I have been reading the One Year Bible Blog for a few years but I can honestly say that this year I completely finish God's word from cover to cover. There were some days I got behind but I was able to get caught up. Mike, thank you for your diligence in doing this blog. May God richly bless you and your family. With you posting questions about each reading it helps me to understand what I just read (of course with God's help). To those who are going to start this journey into God's word tomorrow, always start with a prayer to God asking Him for guidance through His word. Also try to read in the morning before you start your day. I get up three hours early before I have to start work. It takes me almost an hour to drive to work which I either talk to to God or listen to praise and worship songs. Then when I do get to work before I read I get on my knees to ask for insight into His word. God has blessed me with hope and love and strength. Don't give up in your relationship with God. Read His word with all your heart and mind and soul and He will be there to guide you all the way in your journey to Jesus. God Bless!!
Posted by: Ron | December 31, 2015 at 10:05 AM
Mike,
Thank you for your faithfulness in serving God and serving us daily through this blog!
In 2015, by following the One Year Bible Blog, I was able to read through the whole Bible for the first time in my life!
What a blessing that is!
I would open this blog first thing in the morning, read Mike's comment and others' comments, and read the Scripture portion of the day.
As I read I would pray for God to teach me from His Word.
Almost every day, I get to share a portion of that day's Scripture, and what I learn from it, with my family.
Mike, I pray that the Lord will continue to give you spiritual insights, and His joy and His peace as your strength to write this blog;
I pray that many believers will be encouraged by following this blog - encouraged by His Word, and Mike's and others' comments;
I pray that many who do not yet know the Lord will come to know Him and accept Jesus' gift of eternal salvation through this blog.
pray all in Jesus' faithful Name - amen.
From today's reading -
Revelation 22 Amplified Bible
20 He who testifies and affirms these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
I learn this from sermonnotebook.org, Revelation 22:20 The Invitation of Completion, by Pastor Alan Carr:
'When Jesus uses the word “quickly”, He is not talking about swiftness of time ... The word actually means “without delay”. Jesus is telling us that when everything is in place, He will return without delay ... Jesus does not, cannot and will not tarry, Heb. 10:37! He will return right on schedule!'
(Hebrews 10:37 For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay.)
Father, please grant us pure hearts as little children to trust You and Your Word! May Your Word be real to each of us today and every day!
May we look forward to and live expectantly toward Jesus' coming.
Jesus, when You do come back, may You find each of us living faithfully!
May Your grace be with us and enable us to live this way every day.
pray in Your faithful Name - amen.
May God bless each of you!
Joyce
Posted by: Joyce | December 31, 2015 at 12:43 PM