Bible in a Year Blog

April 15th Bible in a Year Readings

Joshua 11:1-12:24 + Luke 17:11-37 + Psalm 84:1-12 + Proverbs 13:5-6
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament - An interesting note on Joshua 11 verse 21 - "During this period, Joshua destroyed all the descendants of Anak, who lived in the hill country of Hebron, Debir, Anab, and the entire hill country of Judah and Israel."  The descendants of Anak were the giants the Israelite spies feared some 40 years earlier in Numbers chapter 13 verses 32 & 33 - and you'll recall these verses kept the Israelites wandering in the desert for the next 40 years... "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them."  Interesting to see how the fear of 40 years prior had turned into the faith and confidence here in Joshua.  I wonder if this type of change can happen in our lives too?  A change from fear to faith and confidence?  Is there an area in your life where you might need this type of change?  Below is a good map of the nations of Canaan at the time of the conquest:

New Testament - Wow.  I love Jesus' teaching in Luke chapter 17 verses 20 & 21 - "Jesus replied, "The Kingdom of God isn't ushered in with visible signs. You won't be able to say, `Here it is!' or `It's over there!' For the Kingdom of God is among you.""  And truly, of course, literally the Kingdom of God was amongst those Jesus was speaking to with this verse - Jesus himself was there.  But, also the Kingdom of God is still amongst us today.  Jesus has risen from the dead.  He lives in the hearts of men and women.  We do not need to look for visible signs to which we can say - here it is!  Truly, the Kingdom of God can be within you.  And once the Kingdom of God is within you it is amazing to see how Jesus can transform your life and those around you through his peace, grace and power.   Is the Kingdom of God among you?

Bible.org's commentary on our Luke chapter 17 readings titled "Putting Faith in Perspective" is at this link and commentary titled "Sign-Seeking and the Coming of the Kingdom" is at this link.

Psalms - Today in Psalm 84:5 we read: “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.” Where does your strength come from? God? Or your own will-power? Why might it be a good idea to rely on God for your strength rather than yourself? Have you set your heart on a pilgrimage? Is the pilgrimage toward God? Do you think this will be a life-long pilgrimage? Later in this Psalm, verse 10, we read: “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” This is a song many of us have probably sung before at church. What does this verse mean to you? What does one day in God’s courts look like for you? Why would one day in God’s courts be better than one thousand days elsewhere? Do you look forward to spending an eternity in God’s courts? Is your heart on a pilgrimage to God’s courts?

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 13 verse 5 - "Those who are godly hate lies; the wicked come to shame and disgrace." 

Worship Video:  Today's Psalm reminded me of the terrific song "Better is One Day" by Matt Redman:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEr5Wn7LHvw

Are you in God's courts? Click here to enter God's courts today!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." Psalm 84:10 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are in God's courts today. Pray that you'll stay in God's courts forevermore. Pray that you will not dwell in the tents of the wicked.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on this Proverb above, is it ever okay to lie?  I've spoken with friends who have said they believe it is okay to lie to preserve an innocent life.  And I guess if you think about maybe someone who saved lives in the Holocaust by lying, then this would seem to be an okay instance to lie?  I mean, you are lying to save an innocent life. Is that okay?  I realize the trick becomes where do you draw the lines on when it is okay to lie.  We could rationalize almost anything saying it was okay to lie because of x, y, z greater good.  This Proverb says those who are godly hate lies.  I am sure we all do hate lying.  But is it ever okay to lie?  To save an innocent life - is it okay?  Please post up in the Comments if you have thoughts on this.  One more thing I just thought of - Jesus never lied.  I'm guessing this is a pretty strong hint to the answer to my questions above...  but, as sinners, could we perhaps lie to save an innocent life and then confess it to God right away??  :)  This is some tricky theology ground I'm treading - and probably not very well...  I'm sure there are books written on this subject right??  Yeah, I know, the book by Moses about the Ten Commandments....  :)  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

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

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

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

April 14th Bible in a Year Readings

Joshua 9:3-10:43 + Luke 16:19-17:10 + Psalm 83:1-18 + Proverbs 13:4
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament - As we read about the Gibeonites deception today, Joshua chapter 9 verses 14 & 15 teach a valuable lesson for each of us: "So the Israelite leaders examined their bread, but they did not consult the LORD. Then Joshua went ahead and signed a peace treaty with them, and the leaders of Israel ratified their agreement with a binding oath."  They did not consult the Lord - and thus signed a binding oath based on a deception.  How about you in your life today?  How often do you consult God on major decisions in your life?  Even minor decisions?  I know that I don't do this enough.  I do know that more and more I have found myself praying "thy will - not mine - be done" when major decisions are before me.  I am seeking God's will and guidance in my life.  But, I'm not sure that I'm really consulting God all that often.  And I'm afraid when I don't I can rush into quick & bad decisions...  I pray each of us will consult God with all of our plans & decisions in our lives - be they major or minor.  Bible.org's commentary on our Joshua chapter 9 readings today titled "The Peril of Walking by Sight" is at this link.

Today in Joshua chapter 10 we read about the day the sun stood still!  Have you ever received the email about this chapter titled "NASA and the Bible?" - basically the email goes into how a man from NASA proved that the sun stood still.  I have received this email a bunch of times over the past 5 years or so.  I have read many commentaries on this chapter and do believe that a miracle took place, as we read in verse 13: "So the sun and moon stood still until the Israelites had defeated their enemies. Is this event not recorded in The Book of Jashar?  The sun stopped in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day."  Do you believe this miracle took place?  Do you believe in miracles?  Here's a great stained glass image below from Duke University Chapel with Joshua and the son and the moon:

Bible.org's commentary on our Joshua chapter 10 readings today is at this link.

New Testament - Today in Luke chapter 16 we read about the rich man and Lazarus.  I have always found verse 31 to be such a great reflection on what it means to have having a soft heart and a strong faith - ""But Abraham said, `If they won't listen to Moses and the prophets, they won't listen even if someone rises from the dead.' "" Basically, Abraham is saying that people whose hearts are hardened to faith will not even believe it if a dead man returns to them and tells them to repent.  They still won't repent even with this miracle.  And I believe this is true.  Let us pray that our hearts are soft and open to faith and that we can share the Good News of Jesus with others in our life whose hearts may be becoming more and more hardened with each passing day...

Bible.org's commentary on our Luke Chapter 16 readings today titled "The Rich Man and Lazarus" is at this link and commentary titled "Death: The Door to Eternity" is at this link.

Wow.  I love Luke 17 verse 10 - "In the same way, when you obey me you should say, `We are not worthy of praise. We are servants who have simply done our duty.'"  I wonder if sometimes we do good works for Jesus expecting some praise or return on our works?   This is obviously not a good motive.  We should simply be obedient to Jesus and not expect praise for our obedience - from Jesus or from others.  It is simply a blessing for us to be called to Jesus' service.  That is more than enough.

Bible.org's commentary on our Luke chapter 7 readings today titled "Taking Sin Seriously" is at this link.

Psalms - Ever feel like the Psalmist in Psalm 83 verse 1 - "O God, don't sit idly by, silent and inactive!"  I think the beauty of the Psalms is seeing some of our human emotions expressed so well.  Considering this verse - I don't think that God is ever sitting idly by, silent or inactive.  I believe God is a Living God who is always with us.  But, perhaps sometimes God's perceived silence in our lives is for a purpose that we may not fully understand now, but will later.  If God seems very "silent" to you now, I would encourage you to pray to God - and really listen in your prayers - don't just speak.   I believe you'll soon hear Him...

Proverbs chapter 13 verse 4 is brilliant - "Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper and be satisfied."  Hard work pays off.  It really does.  I do thank God for the blessing of work in my life.  I pray you do to.  And I do thank him for occasional vacation days too!  :)  But - overall - I honestly cannot imagine a life of just "vacation."  It would be a bit of a hell for me personally....   I do love and appreciate the opportunity to work!

Worship Video:  Today's readings remind me of Francesca Battistelli's song, "Write your Story:"

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

Has God written His story on your heart? Click here for your story!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper." Proverbs 13:4 NLT

Prayer Point: Pray that you are a hard worker for the Lord, who prospers in your work. Pray that you are not lazy, wanting much but getting little.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Do you agree with today's Proverb that hard work brings prosperity and satisfaction?  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

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

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

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

April 13th Bible in a Year Readings

Joshua 7:16-9:2 + Luke 16:1-18 + Psalm 82:1-8 + Proverbs 13:2-3
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament - In Joshua chapter 7 today we continue to read about Achan's sin, which caused 36 Israelites to die in the first attack on the city of Ai.  I realize that the destruction of Achan and his family may be tough for us to read, but I think it's important to remember Achan's sin caused other Israelites to die.  I found Joshua's words interesting in verse 19 as he spoke to Achan: "My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, by telling the truth."  He has a fatherly tone here - and I like the thought of giving glory to God by telling the truth.

In chapter 8 verse 1 we read this today - "Then the LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid or discouraged."  This repeats what we heard God say to Joshua in chapter 1 verse 9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."  This makes sense that in the midst of the conquest of the Promised Land that this would need to be repeated often.  I'm wondering if we need to hear this in our lives today as well from God often - do not be afraid or discouraged.  It is so true.  With God in our lives we do not need to be afraid or discouraged!  I need to be reminded of this often...

Now that we are just past the Pentateuch in our readings - the first five books in the Old Testament - verses like 34 & 35 stand out to me as God's covenant is renewed with the Israelites - "Joshua then read to them all the blessings and curses Moses had written in the Book of the Law. Every command Moses had ever given was read to the entire assembly, including the women and children and the foreigners who lived among the Israelites."  After our recent readings about the Israelites victories at Jericho and Ai, I am not surprises by Joshua chapter 9 verse 2 at all....  - "These kings quickly combined their armies to fight against Joshua and the Israelites."   Seems like a logical idea to try to band together.  We get some interesting tactics coming from the Gibeonites in tomorrow's readings.  Stay tuned!  Below is nineteenth century French artist Gustave Dore's take on today's readings about Ai:

Bible.org's commentary on Joshua chapter 7 is at this link and at this link.  Commentary on Joshua chapter 8 is at this link.

New Testament - The story of the shrewd manager in Luke chapter 16 today concludes with some powerful teachings from Jesus.   Verses 8 & 9 stand out to me today - "And it is true that the citizens of this world are more shrewd than the godly are. I tell you, use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. In this way, your generosity stores up a reward for you in heaven."  I like that teaching - we should use our worldly resources to benefit others.  I've been thinking about this a bit more lately.  And I wondered what it would be like if I went through my days consciously trying to make other people happy.  I don't think I've really ever done this over a sustained period.  Maybe I've glimpses of using my resources to benefit others.  To make them happy.  I want to do more of this...  How about you?  Are you consciously using your resources (time, treasure & talents) to make others happy in your life each day?

Verse 10 is also a strong teaching from Jesus today - ""Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities."  I think there was a very popular book out there a while back called "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff."  Well, it looks to me in this verse that God sweats the small stuff.  And you and I should sweat the small stuff.  We need to be faithful in small matters in our daily lives or else indeed we will not be faithful in large matters.  Will you join me in sweating the small stuff when it comes to matters of our integrity before God?

Bible.org's commentary on our Luke chapter 16 readings today titled "Does Christ commend the crook or "The Sting?"" is at this link.

Psalms - I love Psalm 82 verses 3 & 4 - ""Give fair judgment to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.  Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people."  I realize these verses were spoken to Israel's judges.  But, I think they can speak to you and I today as well.  Particularly, "rescue the poor and helpless" stands out to me today.  What are some ways you are rescuing the poor and helpless in your life today?  How are you delivering them from the grasp of evil people?   This actually reminds me of a couple of friends of mine who are so passionate about rescuing young girls from the sex slave industry in some Asian countries - I think Thailand is where they do most of their work.  Clearly, young girls that have to sell their bodies in this type of situation are under the grasp of evil people.  And I am so humbled by my friends' work toward delivering girls from this grasp.  My friends are only able to do this really well because of their relationship with Jesus.  Jesus is the true rescuer - first of my friends and now through my friends to these young girls.  But, wow, it makes me wonder if I am truly allowing Jesus to rescue the poor and helpless through me?  How about you?

Proverbs - There is probably absolutely nothing I could or should add to Proverbs chapter 13 verse 3 :) - "Those who control their tongue will have a long life."

Worship Video: Today's readings in Luke reminded me of Zach Williams song "Less Like Me:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkYL1b7MCEw

Do you want to be less like you? Click here and be more like Jesus!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." Luke 16:13 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are serving God alone. Pray that you are not in love with or devoted to money.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Do you agree with this Proverb above?  Are you able to control your tongue?  Or sometimes does your tongue control you?  Any advice on how someone can control their tongue?  Prayer, Grace, and the Holy Spirit are 3 antidotes that come to mind for me!  :)  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

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

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

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

April 12th Bible in a Year Readings

Joshua 5:1-7:15 + Luke 15:1-32 + Psalm 81:1-16 + Proverbs 13:1
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament - Fascinating! verses today in Joshua chapter 5 verses 13 - 15 - "As Joshua approached the city of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man facing him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you friend or foe?"  "Neither one," he replied. "I am commander of the LORD's army." At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. "I am at your command," Joshua said. "What do you want your servant to do?" The commander of the LORD's army replied, "Take off your sandals, for this is holy ground." And Joshua did as he was told."  Tyndale's One Year Bible Companion says this about these verses - "The captain of the host was no mere angel.  His presence was an appearance of Christ in person.  Joshua worshipped the captain; his worship was accepted and he was neither rebuked nor instructed otherwise."  Whaddya think?  Was this Jesus in these verses??  Bible.org's commentary on "The Captain of the Lord's Army" is at this link.

In Joshua chapter 6 we read about the fall of Jericho to the Israelites - but... things take a turn for the worse in chapter 7 with the defeat at the city of Ai.  It is interesting to note why the defeat happened in Ai, in verse 1 - "But Israel was unfaithful concerning the things set apart for the LORD."  Think about it.  Israel just had a great victory at Jericho and then they were unfaithful toward God.  I wonder if perhaps we are like this in our lives today as well?  Maybe something amazing happens in our life, and we get so swept up in the victory dance that we forget about God.  And yet... it is God who gave us that victory.  It is God who gives us every good thing we have in our lives.  Are we being unfaithful in our lives concerning things set apart for God?  Below is an image for verses 2 & 3 as Joshua sends out some men to spy on Ai, before the defeat" "Joshua sent some of his men from Jericho to spy out the city of Ai, east of Bethel, near Beth-aven. When they returned, they told Joshua, "It's a small town, and it won't take more than two or three thousand of us to destroy it. There's no need for all of us to go there.""

Bible.org's commentary on Joshua chapter 5 is at this link, chapter 6 is at this link, and chapter 7 is at this link.

New Testament - Beautiful verses today in Luke chapter 15 verses 8 through 10 - ""Or suppose a woman has ten valuable silver coins and loses one. Won't she light a lamp and look in every corner of the house and sweep every nook and cranny until she finds it? And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her because she has found her lost coin. In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents.""  Do you believe that there was joy in the presence of God's angels when you repented?  Or... when you will repent?  That is a beautiful thought indeed!

More beautiful verses today (22-24) as we read through the famous Prodigal Son story: ""But his father said to the servants, `Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger, and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening in the pen. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.' So the party began."

Bible.org's commentary on our Luke chapter 15 readings today titled "Lost and Found" is at this link.

Psalms - I always like reading verses like 1 & 2 in Psalm 81 today - verses that speak of music & God - "Sing praises to God, our strength. Sing to the God of Israel. Sing! Beat the tambourine. Play the sweet lyre and the harp."  Do you sing praises to God?  Is God your strength?  I'll go off on a tangent here, which is always a risky thing to do...  :)  I'll admit that I am a music junkie.  Really.  I have loved music immensely ever since I was a pre-teen and heard K-TEL's Hit Explosion with such songs as Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger."  :) Well, ever since then music has played an interesting role in my life - both positive and negative.  Bottom line is that I think God used music to bring me to Him.  Seven years ago I ended up at a rock & roll postmodern evangelical church where I really first heard songs about Jesus in a rock song!  It was a paradigm shifter for me...  I ended up accepting Jesus as my Lord & Savior at that church two months later - thanks in large part to an amazing pastor there at the time and thanks in large part to the rock & roll worship.  I have to confess that I do love any opportunity I can get to flat out worship God in a rock & roll worship way!  :)  I do realize the risks of high energy rock music...  it can propel people to do very dumb things.  But I think it can also propel people toward Jesus.  Maybe music is like anything else - it's a double edged sword.  I will share with you that a buddy of mine shared with me how he threw out every single one of his worldly / secular rock & rap CD's after becoming a Christian.  He said he didn't want to be fed by that garbage anymore.  I tried following his lead on this - and actually threw a few CD's in the trash...  but I pulled them out before taking them to the dumpster.  :)  I'm starting to think though that I have a few CD's that need to get to that dumpster here sooner rather than later... I don't listen to them.  But why keep them around at all?  Hope you don't mind this long tangent.  Does anyone else have any music / God experiences that you would be up for sharing with us all?  Please post up in the Comments section below!  (And please forgive me for this image below...  I couldn't resist... :)

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 13 verse 1 may at first glance seem to be speaking about young children - but... I believe it can definitely speak to how we also should respond to God, our heavenly Father - "A wise child accepts a parent's discipline; a young mocker refuses to listen."   Are you a wise child of God accepting His discipline in your life?

Worship Video: Today's readings in Luke about the Prodigal Son reminds me of the Jeremy Camp song "Take You Back:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j33hBQKr_k

Have you run away from God? Click here to be taken back into His arms!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." Luke 15:7 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have repented of your sins. Pray that you are evangelizing others you know to repent of their sins and turn to Jesus. Pray that the angels in heaven will rejoice over the lost you know being Found.

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

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

April 11th Bible in a Year Readings

Joshua 3:1-4:24 + Luke 14:7-35 + Psalm 80:1-19 + Proverbs 12:27-28
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament - Today is a major day in our readings as the Israelites cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land!  The significance of the events in today's readings cannot be overstated.  The Israelites 40 years in the Wilderness are over.  God's Promise made to Abraham is being fulfilled!

I am intrigued by verse 5 in Joshua chapter 3 today as the Israelites are about to cross the Jordan - "Then Joshua told the people, "Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do great wonders among you.""  I'm wondering what the Israelites did to purify themselves?  Some sort of ritual purification I'd guess - likely similar to the purification before meeting God at Mount Sinai, which included washing all their garments as well as themselves.  I also wonder what we do in our lives today to purify ourselves?  The first thought comes to mind that we are of course purified today completely by the blood of Christ.  But, then, I also know that once we have made the decision to follow Christ we will still sin on occasion.  And then, is purification needed?  Not from a salvation standpoint - but from simply having a pure heart before God?  I'm thinking that our purification today is confessing directly to God our sins and repenting.  And I think through this process God's grace arrives in a nanosecond and purifies us.  I think we're purified by God's grace today.  But, I think in part we need to recognize our own need for purification and confess to God our shortcomings and repent.  Let me know what you think on this in the Comments below if you'd like.  Again, I'm not looking at this from a salvation / justification perspective - more of the sanctification perspective.  I like the thought of purification - of being pure before God.  I pray for this for each of us.  No dark corners.  No secrets.  Just a pure heart before our heavenly Father.

A watercolor painting is below for verses 16 & 17 - "Then all the people crossed over near the city of Jericho. Meanwhile, the priests who were carrying the Ark of the LORD's covenant stood on dry ground in the middle of the riverbed as the people passed by them. They waited there until everyone had crossed the Jordan on dry ground."

Bible.org's commentary on Joshua's readings today titled "Crossing the Jordan" is at this link.

New Testament - Wow.  Jesus' teachings in Luke chapter 14 verses 12 through 14 are so powerful - ""When you put on a luncheon or a dinner," he said, "don't invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will repay you by inviting you back. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the godly, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.""  How often do we do something for others - in hopes of getting something back in return?  Maybe it's simply praise?  Or maybe it's indeed an invite to something else in the future?  Kind of the whole idea of "I'll scratch your back if you'll scratch mine."  Jesus tells us there is another way - care for others that cannot repay you.  Because God will repay you.  And who would you rather receive repayment from for your good deeds - humans or God?  Do you think that caring for the poor is giving to God?  Will you give to God?

Today in Luke chapter 14 verse 27 we read – "And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."  I don’t know about you, but I’m not so good at carrying “crosses.” I’m not so good at taking on perceived burdens. I’m not so good at suffering at all. I like to get my way. I often feel entitled to get a lot of good stuff in my life. . . And yet. . . Jesus says if I am to be his disciple I must carry my cross. And I must follow him. I think sometimes in our culture we want to keep up with our neighbors – be hip; be cool; be relevant; know the latest styles; wear the latest fashions; and this list can go on. Jesus tells us to carry our cross. And truly, this is the eternally hippest / coolest / most relevant decision any one of us can make – to take up our cross and follow Jesus. Nothing else matters.

Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 14's readings today titled "Table Talks" is at this link and commentary on today's readings titled "How to Hate your Wife" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 80 verse 19 today is powerful - "Turn us again to yourself, O LORD God Almighty. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved." I like that opening - "turn us again to you God."  I don't believe that God turns himself away from us - but that we do indeed turn ourselves away from God.  And like the Psalmist, maybe sometimes we literally need to pray that God will turn us back toward him.   I kind of come up with the imagery of us maybe sometimes being like pouty kids with our arms folded and our backs toward God - and God is looking at us lovingly - all we simply need to do is turn our face toward God and his grace will heal that pout and whatever is troubling us immediately...   If you need to, will you turn yourself again toward God? 

Proverbs - Today in Proverbs chapter 12 verse 28 we read - "In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality." What is the way of righteousness? How does one find the way of righteousness? How does one share with others the way of righteousness? Do you believe there is immortality along the way of righteousness?

Got K-LOVE?  A couple of times each year, I enjoy sharing the impact K-LOVE radio has had in my life. First and foremost, I want to simply share with each of you that listening to K-LOVE has absolutely redeemed so much time I have spent in my car. I cannot tell you how many times I've jumped into my car thinking or worrying about x, y, or z and then some amazing song comes on K-LOVE (which is, oh, about all the time!) and I just start singing along and oftentimes worshiping God. This radio ministry has blessed my relationship with God significantly and turned me into a frequent car worshiper! I have a hunch there are many of you out there who know exactly what I am talking about here? I used to be someone who would listen to news or talk radio frequently while driving. However, I now pretty much listen to K-LOVE all of the time in the car. I can get my news easily from other news sources at different times of the day. I cannot get back the opportunity to worship God so frequently in my car that K-LOVE affords.

So, if you're not a K-LOVE listener, I want to encourage you to please find your local station and give this ministry some time to work in your heart and life! I have a hunch you'll soon realize how K-LOVE can redeem the time in your car significantly. You can find your local K-LOVE radio station by simply typing in your zip code at this link: https://www.klove.com/. Also, you can easily listen to K-LOVE online at klove.com or on iTunes under their Radio tab, then select "Religious" category, then K-LOVE.

If you are a K-LOVE listener, I do want to encourage you to please consider supporting their ministry. They have been doing their Spring Pledge Drive recently and I encourage you to please make a monthly pledge if you are not doing so already? Will you join me in making a gift of $10 (or more) each month to K-LOVE? You can even make a monthly pledge, one-time gift, or pledge of prayer support right now at this link: https://www.klove.com/. Thank you so much for your support of K-LOVE!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llLaUpp8-6A

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: ""Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Luke 14:34-35 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are the salt of the earth through your relationship with Jesus. Pray that you will not lose your salt and light.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Luke 14:27 readings today about carrying our cross, how about you? Are you a disciple of Jesus carrying your cross?  Do you know what your cross is?  Do you want to know?  Are you following Him?  Are you letting worldly and pop-cultural cares fall to wayside of your life as you walk along the true path of following Jesus?  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

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

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

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

April 10th Bible in a Year Readings

Deuteronomy 34:1-Joshua 2:24 + Luke 13:22-14:6 + Psalm 79:1-13 + Proverbs 12:26
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament - Today we come to the end of Moses' life in our readings!   And - we come to the end of Moses' writings of the first five books of the Old Testament - the Pentateuch:  Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.  I will miss reading Moses' writings - but - we only have to wait until January 1 next year when we will all embark on the Chronological or One Year Bible adventure and read Moses' writings once again, right??  :)  An image for Deuteronomy chapter 34 verses 5 through 7 is below: "So Moses, the servant of the LORD, died there in the land of Moab, just as the LORD had said. He was buried in a valley near Beth-peor in Moab, but to this day no one knows the exact place. Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever."

Today we begin the book of Joshua!

~Joshua~
Author: Probably Joshua
Date: Either fourteenth century or twelfth century B.C.
Content: After the death of Moses, the leadership of the nation passed into the hands of Joshua and he was their commander-in-chief throughout the entire time of conquest when Israel was taking over the land. While still in the plains of Moab, Joshua mobilized his forces and prepared them for battle. There were three campaigns fought, one in the north, one in the central region, and one in the south, and all described, though not fully. After the initial victories, the land was divided among the various tribes of Israel. Joshua then exhorted the people and died in peace.
Theme: The book of Joshua shows that God is true to his promise. He had promised his people a land and they were now entering in to possess it. However, it was not automatic; God required of them that they actively engage in warfare in order to gain what he had given them. God's judgment upon the sin of the Canaanites in the form of Israel's armies is also a prominent feature. (Above commentary is from "The One Year Bible Companion" pp. 3-4)More commentary on Joshua is at this link.

Bible Project:  Here is a great video overview of the book of Joshua!

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

Today in Joshua chapter 1 verse 9 we read one of my favorite verses in the Bible – "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."  Incredible verse!  God spoke these words to Joshua just before he was about to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.  And I do believe these words can apply to us today in our lives as well.  Do you believe it is possible that God has commanded you to be strong and courageous?  In what areas of your life might you need to really hear this command from God?  Do you believe that God will be with you wherever you go?

In verse 8 – just one verse prior to the verse above – we read –  "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."   How does this verse speak to you today?  Is it possible that you should not let the Bible depart from your mouth?  Do you meditate on the Bible day and night, so that you are careful to do what is written in it?  Do you believe meditating and following the truth of God as described in the Bible will allow you to be prosperous and successful?

Today in Joshua chapter 2 we read about Rahab protecting the two Israelite spies.  Verses 4 through 6 tell us: "Rahab, who had hidden the two men, replied, "The men were here earlier, but I didn't know where they were from. They left the city at dusk, as the city gates were about to close, and I don't know where they went. If you hurry, you can probably catch up with them." (But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them beneath piles of flax.)"

New Testament - Bible.org's wonderful commentary on Luke chapter 13's readings today titled "Striving to Enter the Narrow Door" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 79 verse 13 stood out to me today - "Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will thank you forever and ever, praising your greatness from generation to generation."  I like that imagery of being sheep in God's pasture.  And Jesus, of course, is our Good Shepherd.  Are you content with the idea of being a sheep in God's pasture?

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 12 verse 26 today teaches us: "The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray." This is a great opportunity for us to reflect upon what type of advice or counsel we give to our friends.  Is it wise?  Or are we perhaps subtly leading our friends astray in any way?

Worship Video:  Psalm 79:13's discussion of praising God from generation to generation reminded me of the importance of loving our children well and modeling for them life in Christ.  This reminded me of the great song by Steven Curtis Chapman about his daughter called "Cinderella:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrWMBC6yoME

Are you dancing with God? Click here to dance!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray for strength. Pray for courage. Pray that you will not be terrified, nor discouraged. Pray that you know that the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go, now and forevermore.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  How has your journey through the first 5 books of the Bible, the Pentateuch or the Books of Law, been for you this year?  Have you ever read all 5 of these books in a row before?  Are there any new insights you have learned from Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy this year?  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

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

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

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

April 9th Bible in a Year Readings

Deuteronomy 33:1-29 + Luke 13:1-21 + Psalm 78:65-72 + Proverbs 12:25
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament - Allright, I don't know about you, but I'm getting a little teary eyed reading about Moses' final blessings of the tribes today!  It reminded me of Jacob's blessings of his sons in Genesis Chapter 49 - though, it seems to me that Moses' blessings were a bit more positive overall than Jacob's, no?  Jacob's were a bit more realistic though perhaps... as we'll read later this year in the One Year Bible.  The other thing about reading Moses' final blessings of the tribes today that makes me sad is the realization that we are in the 2nd to last chapter of the Pentateuch! (The first five books of the Bible - the books of the Law.)  Tomorrow we'll read about the death of Moses in Deuteronomy chapter 34 and then it's onto the Promised Land with Joshua!

An image is below for Moses' blessing of the tribe of Joseph in verse 17: "Joseph has the strength and majesty of a young bull; his power is like the horns of a wild ox. He will gore distant nations, driving them to the ends of the earth. This is my blessing for the multitudes of Ephraim and the thousands of Manasseh."" (I'm not sure why the image below says "unicorn" - it doesn't look like a unicorn to me! :)

New Testament - I love Jesus' teachings in Luke chapter 13 verses 18 & 19: "Then Jesus said, "What is the Kingdom of God like? How can I illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds come and find shelter among its branches."  I think if we can have faith in the seed that Jesus plants in our hearts - the Gospel - we will see an amazing plant grow that will ultimately bless others.  From the tiniest beginnings, with patience and faith, can come the largest of plants.  Will you let Jesus plant a mustard seed in your heart?  And will you be patient and allow the seed time & space to grow?  And will you water and care for the seed of the Gospel planted in your heart so that one day it will be a beautiful tree of life for yourself and others you come in contact with?

Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 13's readings today titled "A Problem of Perspective" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 78 verse 71 is awesome - "He took David from tending the ewes and lambs and made him the shepherd of Jacob's descendants--God's own people, Israel."  This verse reminds me that we'll be reading about David later this year in the One Year Bible!  It is interesting that the Psalmist refers to David as a shepherd and not king of Israel in this verse.  The shepherd analogy seems like it might be foreshadowing Jesus, the Good Shepherd.  Here's an image below of a young David as a shepherd - perhaps singing some Psalms??  :)

Proverbs - Today in Proverbs chapter 12 verse 25 we read – “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” How is the state of your heart today? Is it anxious? Might I cheer you up with a kind word? :) You are amazing for reading the One Year Bible this year! Not many people take on this significant holy endeavor to learn more about God’s very Word and to allow themselves to be transformed by it.

Worship Video:  Luke 13:18-19 reminded me of the Sanctus Real song "Whatever You're Doing:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN9J8eqKovY

Is God doing something inside of you? Click here for inner transformation!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Then Jesus asked, "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches." Luke 13:18-19 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that your faith is like a mustard seed. Small perhaps at first, but ever growing and expanding as your heart grows and expands for love of Jesus, is filled with the Spirit, and is full in the Kingdom of God.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Proverb, are there others in your life that you know are being weighed down with an anxious heart?  Will you reach out to them today and tomorrow and the next day with a kind word to cheer them up?  Never underestimate the power of a kind word toward others. It is life-giving. Please never fail to pass along life & joy to others through kind words as you journey through this life. And please accept kind words when they are given to you.  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

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

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

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

April 8th Bible in a Year Readings

Deuteronomy 32:28-52 + Luke 12:35-59 + Psalm 78:56-64 + Proverbs 12:24
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament - These words of Moses today in Deuteronomy chapter 32 verse 47 stood out to me - "These instructions are not mere words--they are your life!"   Wow.  Do we think this way about the Bible?  Are these mere words we read in the Bible?  Or are they our very life?

New Testament - In Luke chapter 12 verse 40, Jesus is speaking about his second coming at the end of the age - "You must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."  But, this verse also always seems to speak to me about the end of my life here on earth as well.  One of 2 things will happen during our life that will bring our earthly life as we know it to an end - 1.  Jesus' second coming (which no one knows the day or hour) or 2. we will die.  I know it's not something we all want to think about... but someday our earthly bodies will die.  And I guess when I read verse 40 above, it makes me realize that not only do we not know the day or hour when Jesus' 2nd coming will be.  We also don't know the day or the hour of the end of our life either.  So...  this verse then speaks to me clearly - you must be ready all the time!  And, I don't view this as something to be anxious over.  But, I do think it's serious for us to consider.  I don't know about you - but sometimes I'm a procrastinator.  And when it comes to our faith in Jesus, there is no luxury of procrastination.  We must have faith in Jesus, be living for Jesus, and really, be willing to die for Jesus - today.  Now.  Not tomorrow.  Today.   Are you ready all the time?

Chapter 12 verse 48 is also a powerful teaching from Jesus for us today - "But people who are not aware that they are doing wrong will be punished only lightly. Much is required from those to whom much is given, and much more is required from those to whom much more is given."  This is convicting...  think about it.  The more we begin to know about Jesus and God and the Bible, the more we essentially have been "given."  And when this holy knowledge has been given to us - much is required.  Much is expected.  Maybe in our past we were not aware of our sins.  Maybe we were not aware of sin at all really.  Today, if we have been blessed with the knowledge of living by Jesus' teachings, we should not be acting as we did in the past when we did not know any better.  Have you been given much?  Are you living up to what is required of you?

Bible.org's commentary on our Luke chapter 12 readings today titled "The Way to Wait" is at this link and commentary titled "The Consequences of Christ's Coming" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 78 verse 57 is a metaphor that I pray is never used upon any of us! :)  "They were as useless as a crooked bow."  Can you imagine a worse insult?  Well, yeah, I suppose there are worse.  But coming from a Psalmist, this is no good.  What does it mean to be a crooked bow?  What does it mean to be a straight bow?  How is your bow these days?  Crooked, and perhaps focused on things of this world?  (and thus basically useless)  Or straight, and focused on advancing the Kingdom of God in your life and the lives of others around you?  (and thus very useful)

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 12 verse 24 is great wisdom for each of us today - "Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave."   I do think each of us are called to be "leaders" in various aspects of our lives.  Leaders in the home.  Leaders at school.  Leaders at work.  Leaders at our church.  Even if maybe you don't think you are a "leader" per se - maybe you're not comfortable with public speaking or whatever - I think you're still a leader.  At the very least, we obviously have to lead our own lives. 

Worship Video:  Today's readings in Luke chapter 12 reminded me of the MercyMe song "All of Creation:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UADsz7ToO8w

Are you singing with all of creation? Click here and sing!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."" Luke 12:39-40 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are ready for Jesus to return right this very moment. Pray that you will always stay ready for Jesus' return, and that you will not quench the Spirit by sinning. Pray earnestly, "Come Lord, Jesus, quickly come!"

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Proverb, in all of the areas you are called to be a leader in your life, are you working hard?  Or, by chance, are you being lazy in some areas?  Will you work hard and become a leader?  Will you work hard and walk the path of leadership? 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

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

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

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

April 7th Bible in a Year Readings

Deuteronomy 31:1-32:27 + Luke 12:8-34 + Psalm 78:32-55 + Proverbs 12:21-23
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament - "Be strong and courageous!" is the encouragement & exhortation we hear 3 times in chapter 31 today.  It was said by Moses to the Israelites in verse 6, then by Moses to Joshua in verse 7, and finally by God to Joshua in verse 23.  Why do you think this was said 3 times?  Why would the Israelites and Joshua need to be reminded to be strong and courageous?  And if these words were needed back then, do you think perhaps we might need to hear them still today?  Do we need to be reminded oftentimes to be strong and courageous?  Today, this side of the Cross, where does our strength and courage truly come from?  Below is Joshua being commissioned by Moses in a Fresco in the Sistine Chapel by Luigi Signorelli, circa 1481:

Today in Deuteronomy chapter 31 verses 10-12 we read – “Then Moses commanded them: "At the end of every seven years, in the year for canceling debts, during the Feast of Tabernacles, when all Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God at the place he will choose, you shall read this law before them in their hearing. Assemble the people - men, women and children, and the aliens living in your towns-so they can listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and follow carefully all the words of this law.” Incredible verses! I like that Moses was setting up a way for God’s Word to continue to be taught & heard by God’s People every 7 years! I think this gets at a couple of things – 1. We humans are very forgetful. We may hear something once, but we need to hear it over and over again – particularly if it is God’s Word. 2. There is always a new generation of people coming up behind us. It is so important to educate this new generation about God’s Word. So – how do these verses above speak to you today? Are you hearing or reading God’s Word on a consistent basis? I know the answer is yes, for this year, as you’re in the One Year Bible! And I know that many of you have been reading the One Year Bible for many years now. However, I know not everyone will read the OYB every year. Here’s a suggestion – what about committing to reading the entire Bible – in the One Year Bible or Chronological or other format – once every 7 years? Thus, if you live to be 101, you’ll have read the Bible through at least 10 times (not counting those early years :). Just a thought to keep in the back of your mind – please consider reading the entire Bible at least once every 7 years. Though, I would encourage you to at least read some portion of the Word each and every day, in each and every year. Next question – are you somehow involved in teaching others the Word? Are you encouraging your friends or family members to read God’s Word? Maybe consider inviting your family & friends to participate in the One Year Bible next year? Are you somehow involved in teaching the younger generation coming up behind you to learn God’s Word? Maybe through your church you can get involved in Sunday school ministries or maybe there is a younger person in your community that you can mentor and disciple?

 

New Testament - Today in Luke 12:25-26 we read: "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?" In regards to these verses I once heard someone say that worry is a form of "low-grade atheism." Which I think is brilliant! When we worry, we are in a sense doubting God. Doubting that God has the situation in control, no matter how dire it may seem. Do you worry much these days? Do you see how worry is in a sense a form of "low-grade atheism"?

Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 12's readings today titled "Greed: The Affliction of the Affluent" is at this link and commentary titled "A Disciple's Perspective on Possessions" is at this link.  Also, below is a brief commentary from Bible.org on the "Unpardonable Sin" from Luke 12:10, which can be found near the bottom of this link:

"At first appearance this text seems to be warning the disciple that he might lose his salvation by denying the Savior, by his hypocrisy. This is not the case, however. There are several reasons why this cannot be the case.

(1) Man’s salvation is not based upon his works, or his faithfulness, but on Christ’s shed blood and His faithfulness.

(2) The Scriptures consistently teach that man did not choose God but that He has chosen man, and that the one who is saved is eternally secure.

(3) In our text, there is a definite change from the second person (“you”) to the third person (“whoever,” “him,” “everyone”).

(4) The unpardonable sin, referred to in verse 10, is elsewhere clearly a sin which an unbeliever commits, which terminates any further opportunity to be saved."

Psalms - Psalm 78 verses 41 & 42 stood out to me today - "Again and again they tested God's patience and frustrated the Holy One of Israel. They forgot about his power and how he rescued them from their enemies."  I am continually amazed at how similar we are today to the Israelites when they were wandering in the desert.  I am sure that we can on occasion test God's patience and frustrate him.  I would also venture a pretty good guess that many of us forget about God's power.  And forget how God rescued us from our enemies - and continues to rescue us daily.  How about you - do you ever forget about God's power?  Do you ever forget about how he has rescued you?   What can we do to help ourselves remember?  How do we stop testing God's patience and forgetting about Him? 

Proverbs - Today in Proverbs 12:21 we are taught: "No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble." Do you believe this is true?  Or does sometimes the opposite seem true?  I think sometimes the opposite of this Proverb may seem true this side of heaven.  (though not always - I think wickedness reaps much trouble on this earth as well...) But I think clearly from an eternal perspective, this Proverb is absolute Truth.  Eternally, no harm comes to godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble...   Let us not lose sight of our celestial horizons!

Worship Video:  Luke 12:25-26's "Don't worry" message reminded me of the JJ Heller terrific song "Your Hands:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-F6DGGF4Qs

Are you in God's Hands? Click here for His Hands!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?" Luke 12:25-26 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you won't worry. Pray that you will cast all of your cares upon the Lord, Jesus. Pray that you will recognize how worry is a form of "low-grade atheism." Pray that you will never doubt God's sovereignty in your life by worrying.

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

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

April 6th Bible in a Year Readings

Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20 + Luke 11:37-12:7 + Psalm 78:1-31 + Proverbs 12:19-20
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament - Deuteronomy chapter 29 verse 29 is intriguing today - "There are secret things that belong to the LORD our God, but the revealed things belong to us and our descendants forever, so that we may obey these words of the law."  I think this is good for us to remember - there are secrets of God that we will not know this side of heaven.  And I don't think we need to worry or speculate on what these secret things might be, because "the revealed things belong to us."  God has revealed himself to us in the Bible!  His very Word.  He has revealed himself in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  And he reveals himself in the life of the body of Christ today - the church.  We have everything we need to know to love & follow God.  And I think God's secrets can remain secret to us this side of heaven - I don't know about you, but I like a little mystery in God!  :)

New Testament - Wow... Jesus goes after the Pharisees in Luke chapter 11 today...  Verses 39 through 41 are powerful: "Then the Lord said to him, "You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are still filthy--full of greed and wickedness! Fools! Didn't God make the inside as well as the outside? So give to the needy what you greedily possess, and you will be clean all over."  I think these verses are important for us to meditate upon as well today.  Are we clean inside?  Or are we putting on a show and just cleaning up our external appearances for others?  As we saw in Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew - God is very interested in the condition of our hearts.  Our insides.  Are our insides clean?  Bob Deffinbaugh with Bible.org's great commentary on our Luke chapter 11 readings today titled "Fundamentalists in Formaldehyde" is at this link.

Jesus' teachings in Luke chapter 12 verses 2 through 3 are also important for us to reflect upon in our lives today - "The time is coming when everything will be revealed; all that is secret will be made public. Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!"  I once heard a pastor say during a sermon - "nobody sins in a vacuum.  Meaning, nobody's sin does not affect others.  When we sin - even when we are "alone" - it affects our community in ways we do not fully realize."   I think this is so true.  When we sin - even what we have done or said in the "dark" - we hurt not only ourselves, but others.  And God the Father, Son & Holy Spirit, who is pure Light, have heard and know what we do in the dark.  We cannot hide it from them.  Better to confess it to God, repent, and be cleansed by the Light.  Then, go, and sin no more.  Plus - it's a darn scary thought to think that what we do in the dark might be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!  :)  Live your life such that no matter what you do or what you say, you wouldn't be embarrassed to read about it in tomorrow's papers... 

Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 12 readings today titled "The Hazard of Hypocrisy for Heralds of the Gospel" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 78 verse 4 is a wonderful reminder that we have an important opportunity to disciple and teach others in the generation coming up behind us - "We will not hide these truths from our children but will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD. We will tell of his power and the mighty miracles he did."  Are you discipling or teaching someone about God's truth, deeds, and love?  How are you helping the next generation learn about God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit? 

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 12 verse 19 is a great testament to the strength of the Bible - now some 3,400 years old since the writings of Moses!  "Truth stands the test of time; lies are soon exposed."  Do you believe the Bible is Truth?

Worship Video:  Today's readings reminds me of Micah Tyler's song (with a fun/silly video here :) "Praise the Lord!"

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

Is the devil trying to get you? Click here and Praise the Lord!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: ""I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." Luke 12:4-5 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not be afraid of mere mortal men. Pray that you will only fear the Lord. Pray that you will learn that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom and righteousness.

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

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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