Bible in a Year Blog

September 3rd Bible in a Year Readings

Ecclesiastes 4:1-6:12 + 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7 + Psalm 47:1-9 + Proverbs 22:16
~ 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 - I heard a good chunk of today's readings in the book of Ecclesiastes at a wedding a few years ago.  And really, these verses work out quite nicely for a wedding if you think about it.  Chapter 4 verses 9 through 12: "Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."   Pretty good stuff for a wedding, eh?  The kicker is that last little bit about the triple-braided cord.  The pastor at the wedding I was at said that God is the third strand in the triple-braided cord in marriage.  I like that!  Two people come together in marriage, and it's good.  But, throw God into the mix of the marriage, as I'm sure we would all want to do, and you've got a very strong triple braided cord!  Great stuff.  If you are married, is there a triple braided cord in your marriage?  Is God always part of your marriage?  Part of your every day life?

New Testament - Second Corinthians chapter 7 verse 1 today is powerful - "Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete purity because we fear God." How does this verse speak to you?  What promises do we have as followers of Jesus Christ?  In light of these promises, should we cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body?  And cleanse ourselves of everything that can defile our spirit?  Are you living your life in such a way that you are moving toward complete purity?  Do you believe that the Cross of Jesus Christ purifies you?  What does the Cross of Jesus ultimately purify you for?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Second Corinthians titled "Choosing Sides" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 47 is an awesome Psalm!  I can almost hear and feel music and a drum beat as I read this Psalm today!  This Psalm was used in later Jewish synagogue liturgies for Rosh Hashanah, the New Year Festival.  This Psalm has also been used by the Christian church in the Celebration of Jesus' ascension, in particular with emphases on verse 5 - "God has ascended with a mighty shout. The LORD has ascended with trumpets blaring."  Do you hear and feel the music as you read this Psalm?  Verse 1 sets the stage so very well for verse 2 in the image below - "Come, everyone, and clap your hands for joy! Shout to God with joyful praise!"

Proverbs - There is an interesting "or" statement in Proverbs chapter 22 verse 16 today - "A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty."  I hadn't really ever thought that showering gifts on the rich might put one in the same boat as oppressing the poor.  Oppressing the poor seems like the obvious no-no. But showering gifts on the rich... why do you suppose this is a no-no as well?  What's wrong with showering the gifts on the rich?  I'm wondering if it is because our gifts would be better given elsewhere?  e.g. to the poor?

Worship Video: Today's readings in Ecclesiastes and Second Corinthians reminded me of Santcus Real's awesome song "Lead Me:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBdFn4YgxPY

Is God leading you? Click here to be led!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If they fall down, they can help each other up. But pity those who fall and have no one to help them up! " Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have at least one great friend, and that you in turn are a great friend to someone else. Pray that you will help out your friend if they fall, and that they in turn will help you out if you fall.

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!

September 2nd Bible in a Year Readings

Ecclesiastes 1:1-3:2 + 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 + Psalm 46:1-11 + Proverbs 22:15
~ 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 lnk or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament - Today we begin the book of Ecclesiastes!  We will be reading about the vanity of life apart from God in this book. I think some people may find this to be a depressing book. I find it hopeful!  Yes, indeed life is depressing apart from God. But life with God is an unending beautiful adventure. (certainly with some trials along the journey...)  I pray the book of Ecclesiastes draws you into thanksgiving for the amazing life we can indeed have in relationship with Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit!  Below is an image of King Solomon writing the words of the book of Ecclesiastes.

~ Ecclesiastes ~
Author: Probably Solomon, the son of David
Date: Probably tenth century B.C.
Content: This difficult book displays the dark philosophy of one who sought to find peace apart from God, but in the end realized that only futility is to be found there. The only possible solution to life’s puzzle concludes this book: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13) Leading up to that positive statement is a series of pictures, each one portraying the futility of life without God. Wealth, wisdom, popularity, and pleasure are all put down as so much vanity. Only when a man turns from this world to God will he find true happiness.
Theme: There is a negative lesson to be learned from this book. It is a series of things not to do. It shows the emptiness of trying to live for oneself and to please oneself alone without considering the needs of others or considering God our Maker. There is a positive side, however. If one can see how not to live, perhaps then he will see what he ought to do and be spared the heartaches of living a wasted life. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 10) 

Fantastic commentary on the book of Ecclesiastes titled "On The Wings of Eternity" is at this link and commentary titled "The Theology of Ecclesiastes" is at this link.

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Ecclesiastes titled: "Life and Death in Biblical perspective: An Examination of Genesis 5, Ecclesiastes 1, and 1 Corinthians 15:50-58" is at this link.

Bible Project: Here is a terrific video overview of the book of Ecclesiastes!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrsQ1tc-2wk

New Testament - I love Paul's opening words in Second Corinthians chapter 6 verses 1 and 2 today, as he quotes from the prophet Isaiah - "As God's partners, we beg you not to reject this marvelous message of God's great kindness. For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, God is ready to help you right now. Today is the day of salvation."  How does this verse speak to you?  What does it mean to you?  Do you believe that God is ready to help you right now?  Do you believe that today is the day of salvation?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Second Corinthians titled "Authentic Apostleship" is at this link.

Psalms - Today we read Psalm 46, which is an incredible Psalm! This Psalm represents a song of hope celebrating the certain triumph of God’s kingdom – even in the midst of times of severe trouble. This Psalm served as the inspiration for Martin Luther’s famous Hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” Just after 9/11 I saw emails on the internet floating around with the entirety of Psalm 46. I would encourage you to keep this Psalm in your “back-pocket” as a Psalm to meditate upon whenever you personally might be going through times of severe trouble – or whenever our world might be going through times of severe trouble. Near the end of this Psalm in verse 10 we will read a tiny little verse that I think is the key to this Psalm – “Be still, and know that I am God.” If you are going through a time of trouble in your life right now, will you take some time to meditate upon Psalm 46 and in particular verse 10? What does it mean to you to “Be still, and know that I am God?” Do you believe that being still during times of trouble can draw you closer to God? Will you be still today before God? In this stillness will you seek to know that He is indeed God? Even in the midst of whatever might be troubling you, will you seek to know that I AM is your God?

Proverbs - Today Proverbs 22:15 teaches us: "A youngster's heart is filled with foolishness, but discipline will drive it away."  This is a great reminder that loving and godly discipline is of great benefit to a youngster whose heart is filled with foolishness.  Do you suppose that discipline is of great benefit to even us oldsters :) who might have hearts filled with foolishness at times?  Do you appreciate loving and godly discipline in your life today? Do you practice discipline in your life today?  Are you disciplined?  Are you a Disciple?  Speaking of which, has anyone read Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book "The Cost of Discipleship"?  It is a great book! If anyone has read this book, please post up reviews in the Comments section below.  Thanks!

Worship Video: Per the Psalm 46 notes above, here is Steve Green singing "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" acapella in 1987!  Watch this video all the way to the end.  Wow...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRJHKzU_t1M

Is God your mighty fortress? Click here and be fortified!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot." Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you recognize the seasons of your life that God calls you to. Pray that you recognize your times to plant and times to uproot. Pray you will recognize God's perfect timing in all things in your life.

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!

September 1st Bible in a Year Readings

Job 40:1-42:17 + 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 + Psalm 45:1-17 + Proverbs 22:14
~ 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 - We finish up the book of Job today!  King Solomon's book of Ecclesiastes begins tomorrow!  In our Job readings today, one very interesting thing that I really want to now study further is what exactly was the "behemoth” in Job Chapter 40 and what was the "leviathan” in Job Chapter 41? Were these dinosaurs?? :) Currently my thinking is lined up with the New Living Translation saying that the behemoth is a hippopotamus and that the leviathan is a crocodile – and obviously you can view my blog entry below to see I have images up of a hippo and croc.  A few website links about the question of dinosaurs being mentioned in the Bible are at this link, this link, and this link. Below is artwork titled "Behemoth and Leviathan" by William Blake from the year 1825:

In our Job readings today, God talks all about Intelligent Design.  :)  Seriously, when I read today's chapters in Job 40 about the hippopotamus and 41 about the crocodile, I could not help but praise God for indeed being the Almighty Intelligent Designer!   Great stuff.  You cannot argue with Job chapter 40 verses 15 through 18 where God says to Job - ""Take a look at the mighty hippopotamus. I made it, just as I made you. It eats grass like an ox. See its powerful loins and the muscles of its belly. Its tail is as straight as a cedar. The sinews of its thighs are tightly knit together. Its bones are tubes of bronze. Its limbs are bars of iron. It is a prime example of God's amazing handiwork."  Amen.  Thank you hippopotamus for reminding us today that God intelligently designed you too!

And we can't forget about your intelligent and powerful design either Mr. Crocodile!  :)  God's words about you in Job 41 verses 31 through 34 - ""The crocodile makes the water boil with its commotion. It churns the depths. The water glistens in its wake. One would think the sea had turned white. There is nothing else so fearless anywhere on earth. Of all the creatures, it is the proudest. It is the king of beasts."  I thought the mighty Lion was the king of the beasts??  I guess not.  The title goes to you Mr. and Mrs. Crocodiles!

Today in Job chapter 42 verse 1 we read – “Then Job replied to the Lord: ‘I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.’” This verse comes just after God speaks his mind to Job for the preceding 4 chapters. Job replies quite humbly and wisely in this verse above. This week as you read through God’s words to Job in chapters 38 through 41, please some time to meditate upon who God is and how great God is. Ask yourself, do you truly know that God can do all things? Do you know that no plan of God’s can be thwarted? In light of this knowledge, how then should you live your life? Will you align your entire life with God’s plans and purposes? Will you consciously choose each and every day to live your life in accordance with God’s will? Will you live in accordance with the will of the Creator of the universe and the very Creator of you? Or will you rebel against your Creator in some areas of your life? Will you dare to hold something back from God? Why? Why not let the rebellion toward God depart from your life? Why would you not live a fully holy and pleasing life for God?

New Testament - Today in Second Corinthians chapter 5 verses 17 and 18 we read – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come. All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” How do these 2 verses speak to you? I have a hunch that you have probably heard the first of these 2 verses before? (Michael W. Smith has a child reciting this verse at the beginning of one of his Worship albums.) I find it interesting to consider the first verse – being a new creation – along with the second verse – because God reconciled us through Jesus. I absolutely love the first verse. If we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus is our Lord and Savior, we are indeed a new creation. Our old self has gone and the new self has come. And why do we receive this amazing gift? Because the Creator of All has reconciled his Creation (us) to himself through Jesus and the ministry of reconciliation. We have been reconciled to God! This is a powerful thought to consider. It is a joyful thought! It is also a thought that should make us realize that there was a time in our life when we were not reconciled with God. And it should make us realize that there are people in this world right now whom we know who are hurting and are not reconciled with God. Are you reconciled with God through Jesus? Do you rejoice frequently in the Spirit and in prayers of thanksgiving that you are a new creation? Are you working and praying for reconciliation for your family and friends and others God has brought into your life? Do you believe that they want to leave their old self behind and become a new creation?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Second Corinthians titled "Out With the Old, In With the New" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 45 is very likely a song of praise to King David on his wedding day.  Interestingly, after the Babylonian exile, this Psalm was applied to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the promised Son of David.  I can see how some verses in this Psalm could apply to both the current king of the day and the true king yet to come.  Verse 7 is a good example: "You love what is right and hate what is wrong. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else."  Below is Mary's (Martha's sister) anointing of Jesus from the Gospel of John chapter 12 verses 1-8.   

Proverbs - Proverbs 22 verse 14 teaches us today: "The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; those living under the LORD's displeasure will fall into it." Let us all watch our mouths - though really it is our hearts we must guard, for what comes out of our mouths starts in our hearts.  And let us not fall into the trap of listening to anyone's immoral talk.  Immoral talk is indeed a deep pit!  (or for you old-school Atari fans out there, perhaps a Pitfall?... :)

Worship Video: Today's readings in Second Corinthians reminded me of Casting Crown's song "Until the Whole World Hears:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7qi2KlUffs

Are you singing about Jesus until the whole world hears? Click here to Sing!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you are completely "in Christ" through a saving faith and relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Pray with rejoicing that you are a new creation! Pray that the old is truly gone from your life and your new life with Jesus has come!

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!

August 31st Bible in a Year Readings

Job 37:1-39:30 + 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10 + Psalm 44:9-26 + Proverbs 22:13
~ 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 begin reading four amazing chapters in the book of Job when God speaks to Job! We’ve been reading a lot so far about what Job would like to say to God. Well, stay tuned for chapters 38 through 41 in Job starting today... it appears God was indeed listening to Job and has some things to say to him! (and to us!) I love the opening words of chapter 38 verses 1 through 3 - "Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind: "Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them."  Below is English poet and artist William Blake's engraving below from the year 1825 titled "The Lord answering Job out of the whirlwind":

Below is an amazing painting by modern day artist Rina Coetzee for God's words in Job chapter 38 verses 4 through 6!  "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Do you know how its dimensions were determined and who did the surveying? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?"

And one more fantastic painting below from Rina for verses 8 through 11: ""Who defined the boundaries of the sea as it burst from the womb, and as I clothed it with clouds and thick darkness? For I locked it behind barred gates, limiting its shores. I said, `Thus far and no farther will you come. Here your proud waves must stop!'"

New Testament - Paul's words in Second Corinthians chapter 4 verses 16 through 18 are incredible for each of us to take to heart: "That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever."  I don't know about you, but I confess that I all too often get caught up in the troubles we can see right now.  I forget about the joys to come that will last forever.  It's sad when I forget about the joys to come.  There is so much hurt and disaster in our world that I am afraid all too often I focus only on these negative things and forget that this is a world where bad things happen.  Through our faith and relationship with Jesus we will one day be in heaven where there will be no more tears.  No more crying.  No more suffering.  But, this side of heaven, we will suffer.  Each of our bodies will deteriorate and these earthly bodies will die.  But, as Paul says in these verses above, though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day!  I pray this is the case for you.  I pray this is the case for me.  Are you experiencing renewal in your spirit every day?  Let us pray for renewal!

Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Corinthians readings titled "Death: No Longer a Foe, but a Friend" is at this link.

Psalms - Every time I read Psalm 44 verse 23 it reminds me of one of the amazing aspects of the Psalms - that the Psalms are people like us speaking to God - and in all sorts of emotional ways: "Wake up, O Lord! Why do you sleep? Get up! Do not reject us forever." This type of verse reminds me that it's okay for us to not always talk to God in our "church voice."  It's okay to get a little bit passionate in our prayers to God.  I think God would prefer us to be real with him - where we are right now or at any given moment - rather than try to put on any special facades for God.  If ever you feel like you are at a loss for words for what you might want to say to God - how you might be needing to pray to God - surf through the Psalms...  you'll very likely find voice for what you are trying to say.

Proverbs - Today we read in Proverbs chapter 22 verse 13 – “The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside!" or, "I will be murdered in the streets!" How does this Proverb speak to you? To me it is a reminder of all of the excuses I can make for not participating in God’s will for my life. I strongly believe that God has an amazing purpose and an amazing plan for each of our lives. I also believe that we can often do a very good job of refusing to participate in God’s plan for our life. We either think that God’s plan really isn’t all that good, so we’ll do things our own way. Or we are simply lazy or afraid or cowardly or who knows what. We make a million excuses for why we won’t get on with God’s plan for our life! How about you? Do you believe that God has an amazing purpose and plan for your life? Do you know what it is? If not, will you seek it? In either case, are you actively working on Kingdom things in your life these days? Are you living out in your life the call of the Gospel to actively love and serve others each and every day? Or are you making excuses?

Worship Video: Today's readings in Second Corinthians reminds me of Switchfoot's song "Your Love is a Song:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmISCVDtow8

Is God's Love a song in your life? Click here to Sing!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." 2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will never lose heart. Pray that you are being renewed day by day through your saving faith with Jesus Christ. Pray that your relationship with Christ encourages you and strengthens you, even while outwardly you may be wasting away.

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!

August 30th Bible in a Year Readings

Job 34:1-36:33 + 2 Corinthians 4:1-12 + Psalm 44:1-8 + Proverbs 22:10-12
~ 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 - Elihu continues his strong discourse from yesterday! There is a lot of good stuff in his words today.  Chapter 34 verse 12 is awesome - "There is no truer statement than this: God will not do wrong. The Almighty cannot twist justice."  I pray you believe this verse to be very true...?   In chapter 35 the beginning of verse 26 really stood out to me - "Look, God is exalted beyond what we can understand." This is a powerful verse to meditate upon.  It is so true!  Certainly in this life we can know many things about God.  We can read God's Words in the Bible.  We can surrender our lives to God's perfect Son, Jesus.  We can allow God's Holy Spirit to live in our hearts.  And yet, even after all of this, isn't God still exalted beyond what we can understand?  This is beautiful to think about.  Beautiful to know.  We will not fully understand God this side of heaven.  But I do think we can certainly begin to know more and more about God and His holy love and righteousness and grace as we go through our lives.  God's glory is so immense that we have a lifetime of adventure before us as we learn and experience more and more of God's glory.  And then, as we pass on to the other side of this life, there is an eternity with God!  The God of all glory.  Who is exalted beyond what we can fully understand this side of heaven.  Preach it Elihu!

New Testament - I love Second Corinthians chapter 4 verse 1 today.  In fact, if there is nothing else you remember from today's readings I hope you will remember the last 4 words of this verse always - "And so, since God in his mercy has given us this wonderful ministry, we never give up."  We never give up.  That is powerful for each of us to remember.  Why?  Because we will have good and bad days.  Days when we are happy.  Days when we might be feeling sad.  And there will be days when we make mistakes.  When we will stumble.  When we will fall.  But you know what has often gotten me through days like those?  This simple prayer or statement or something that fortunately comes into my mind - "I'm not giving up!"  We shouldn't say this as justification for our falling short of God's plan for our life.  But, when we do fall short, I have found it helpful.  Or, if I haven't fallen short, but bad stuff is happening to me, I say it.  And I don't say it just to myself - as if my own will power will get me through the tough times.  I say it to God.  I say it really as a prayer.  I say it almost as a statement against the devil, who would love nothing more than for us to give up.  The devil would love it if we stumbled and stayed on the ground.  If we decided this Christianity thing was just not for us.  But you know what - don't give up!  When times are tough.  When you stumble, pray it to God - "I'm not giving up."  Tell it to yourself.  We're not giving up!  We're never giving up....  (go frog!)  :)

Verse 7 today is indeed a wonderful reminder that we humans are but jars of clay - "But this precious treasure--this light and power that now shine within us--is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own.'"  We really do have very fragile bodies.  They are wonderful!  But they are fragile.  They break.  They will die.  As one writer puts it, "our condition is terminal."  And it's true.  This side of heaven, our bodies will eventually wear out.  But - as Paul tells us in this verse - there is light and power that shines within us when we are in relationship with Jesus!  The Holy Spirit indwells our earthen vessels.  Our jars of clay.  And hopefully we and others recognize that the glory within us is not our own.  It is of God.  And it is a glory that is available to anyone.  Free of charge.  It is grace and it beckons us to receive God's glory in our jars of clay so that we will live eternally in heavenly bodies.  But for now, we are simply in the hands of the Potter...

Psalms - Psalm 44 verse 3 is a wise statement about where the Israelites and our true strength and victory in life comes from - "They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strength that gave them victory. It was by your mighty power that they succeeded; it was because you favored them and smiled on them." As you look back on your life and at the good things that have happened to you, do you think that these things occurred because of your own power or work alone?  Or, do you think it is possible that God's hand was blessing your life through all of those good things - even if maybe you did not notice God was there at the time?

Proverbs - Proverbs 22 verse 12 is convicting - "The LORD preserves knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the deceitful."  This Proverb reminds me that we truly need to examine our motives.  Why do we do what we do?  Why do we give?  Why do we love?  Why do we volunteer?  And this list goes on.  And I think we need to continually pray that we are doing what we do for pure motives.  Not for any hidden agendas.  Let us not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing.  Because, if we are acting with hidden agendas - selfish motives - it is deceitful.  Deceitful to others and deceitful to ourselves.  We may be tricking ourselves into thinking we are doing something for pure motives when truly there is a selfish agenda in the shadows.  God's grace and love and knowledge can of course heal us of our impure motives.  And this indeed may be a process over the course of our lifetime.  I guess this Proverb jumped out at me because I am realizing that there are times when I do not act with pure motives - particularly when it comes to doing something that on the surface looks good.  I am unfortunately oftentimes subconsciously looking for some glory.  And ultimately, I know that selfish plans will fail.  They will be ruined. How about you?  Why do you do what you do?  Why do you give?  Why do you love?  Why do you volunteer?  Is it all for the glory of God?  Or is there any hint of wanting your own glory?

Worship Video: Today's readings in Second Corinthians about "Jars of Clay" reminds me of this Jars of Clay :) song called "Two Hands:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUBn1_A_XPU

How are you using your two hands? Click here to raise them High!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that though you may be hard pressed on every side that you will not be crushed, through your saving faith in Jesus. Pray that that though you may find times in your life that you are perplexed, that you will not despair. Pray that if you are ever persecuted, you will not feel abandoned, but know that Jesus holds you in His hands.

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!

August 29th Bible in a Year Readings

Job 31:1-33:33 + 2 Corinthians 3:1-18 + Psalm 43:1-5 + Proverbs 22:8-9
~ 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 - Great readings in Job today!  In chapter 31 Job basically "rests his case."  He gives his final plea.  This chapter is the last time we'll read this many words from Job.  Late in the book we'll get some brief words of repentance from Job after God speaks.  In chapter 31 I like how Job lays out his case - and lets everyone know what his retribution should be.  He basically gives a series of if / then statements.  If I did this, then that should happen to me.  This is similar to the book of Exodus' concept of the "law of retaliation", from Exodus chapter 21 verses 23-25:  "But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise."  Do you see how Job's logic in chapter 31 is similar to this law of retaliation?  You'll recall in our readings from Matthew chapter 5 that Jesus calls us beyond the law of retaliation (which was really a law of "limited-retribution" in its day, limiting people to retaliate only based on actual harm done - meaning, eye for an eye.  Not a life for an eye, etc.).  Jesus called us beyond this law of retaliation and beyond limited retribution to the highest law of love.  Bible.org has an in depth look at Jesus' taking on the law of retaliation in Matthew 5:38-42 at this link.  I think at the end of chapter 31 as Job rests his case, the scene may have looked something like this image below... with Elihu chomping at the bit to speak (as we know in chapter 32) in the upper left hand corner of this image...

Before we move onto Elihu - today in Job chapter 31 we read what I think is one of Job's most profound pleadings.  It is a 10th century B.C. pleading that is ultimately fulfilled by a little baby born in a manger in Bethlehem who is now seated at the right hand of the Father.  Here is Job's prophetic plea in verse 35: ""If only I had someone who would listen to me and try to see my side!"  You and I are so very fortunate that we do not need to make such a plea as this.  Jesus is in heaven seated on his throne and will receive our prayers!  Jesus listens to us!  Jesus sees our side!  It is humbling to look back toward the time of Job, and realize that Jesus had not yet walked the earth as a man and taken on the sins of the world on the cross.  Jesus had not yet risen from the grave and ascended into heaven.  Job was looking for someone to listen to him and to see his side.  You and I are blessed immensely in this regard.  We do not need to look anywhere else other than to the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.

In Job chapters 32 and 33, Elihu becomes angry at Job and his friends and presents his case!  Elihu was sitting on the sidelines up until this point and obviously was ready to say a few words!  It was amazing to read his words in chapter 32 - it was apparent to me that he was young and energetic and felt he had some very important things to say - and we will hear all that Elihu has to say between now and chapter 37!  :) Interestingly, as we get to God speaking to Job and his friends in chapter 38, you'll note God does not condemn Elihu along w/ Job's 3 other friends.  The English poet and artist William Blake made this wonderful engraving below in the year 1825 titled "The Wrath of Elihu":

New Testament - I love Paul's words in Second Corinthians verse 3: "Clearly, you are a letter from Christ prepared by us. It is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on stone, but on human hearts."  That is a great concept!  We are living letters from Jesus sent out to the world!  Have you ever thought of yourself as a letter from Jesus?  I have not, but I like it!  It's also interesting to realize that the Spirit living within us as Christians professes and gives witness to the glory of God oftentimes without us even realizing it.  I heard a quote once that said something like, "Who you are is so strong that I cannot hear a word you are saying."  Basically this quote means that the inherent nature of who we are overshadows our very words.  It's more important than our words - people notice our inherent nature!  Be it good or be it not so good...  So, if the Spirit of Jesus is within us I do believe that the Holy Spirit gives witness and gives glory to God to others that we come in contact with - even if we don't say a word!  This is the letter that we are from Christ to the world.  The letter that is written on our hearts.  And of course there is St. Francis of Assisi who said: "Preach the Gospel at all times - use words only when necessary."  Again, the Spirit of Jesus within us preaches the Gospel to the world even without us consciously saying words.  Don't get me wrong - sometimes words are exactly what are needed.  But oftentimes our very presence through the Spirit of Jesus living within us is more than enough.  So, let us go forth into our world this week as living letters from Jesus to a hurting and dying world that so needs the Good News of the Gospel!  Are you a letter from Jesus?!

Psalms - I think Psalm 43 verse 5 starts off with a couple of questions that then answer themselves by the end of the verse - "Why am I discouraged?  Why so sad? I will put my hope in God!  I will praise him again--my Savior and my God!" I would agree with what this verse is getting at.  If I find myself to be discouraged or sad, it comes as no great surprise to me that I have been putting my hope in things other than God.  I have been perhaps even praising false idols.  And the sure fire way to be freed from the discouragement or sadness?  To put my hope once again in God and God only.  And to praise him again!  I think this Psalm verse is a great reminder to make sure we are not placing our hope in anything other than God.  For anything other than God will only leave us empty in the end.

Proverbs - I love Proverbs 22 verse 9: "Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor."  It reads like an additional Beatitude from the book of Matthew / Sermon on the Mount.  And it's so straightforward.  Blessed are those who are generous.  Why?  Because they feed the poor.  Doesn't get more straightforward than that!  Although, I will say that we can be generous not only with our money, but in so many ways that we live our lives.  We can be generous in spirit - to feed the poor in spirit.  We can be generous with our time - to feed those who are time-starved.  We can be generous with our encouragement - to feed those who are feeling down.  We can be generous in our prayers - to feed those who may not yet know how to pray.  And yes, of course, we can be generous with our finances - to feed those who are physically hungry.  What are some ways that you are generous with the poor?

Worship Video:  Today's readings reminds me of Matthew West's song "Me on Your Mind:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hie9q5aOA6k

Do you believe you are on God's mind? Click here and find out!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor." Proverbs 22:9 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are generous to the poor. Pray that you share your food with the poor. Pray that you yourself will be blessed, just as you are blessing the poor.

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!

August 28th Bible in a Year Readings

Job 28:1-30:31 + 2 Corinthians 2:12-17 + Psalm 42:1-11 + Proverbs 22:7
~ 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 - Job chapter 28 is incredible!  It could be my favorite chapter of Job so far this year.  I kind of forgot about this chapter from my previous readings of this book.  It seems to me to a large degree this chapter builds up and gets at one of the most important points in the Old Testament Wisdom / Poetry Books (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon) in the closing verse 28 of this chapter: "And this is what God says to all humanity: `The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.'"  Beautiful!  We do hear this theme over and over again in the other Wisdom / Poetry books of the Old Testament.  It is a powerful and true point.  I love the way Job builds up to this point early on in this chapter 28.  Verses 12 through 14 I found to be particularly great: ""But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding? No one knows where to find it, for it is not found among the living. `It is not here,' says the ocean. `Nor is it here,' says the sea."  So, how about for you?  Where do you find wisdom?  Where do you find understanding?  What does it mean to you that the fear of the Lord is true wisdom?  Do you believe this is true?  Do you believe that forsaking evil is real understanding?

In Job chapter 29 today we read about his former blessings, including these in verses 7 through 10: "Those were the days when I went to the city gate and took my place among the honored leaders. The young stepped aside when they saw me, and even the aged rose in respect at my coming. The princes stood in silence and put their hands over their mouths. The highest officials of the city stood quietly, holding their tongues in respect."

New Testament - I absolutely love and appreciate Paul's words today in Second Corinthians chapter 2 verses 14 through 16: "But thanks be to God, who made us his captives and leads us along in Christ's triumphal procession. Now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those being saved and by those perishing. To those who are perishing we are a fearful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved we are a life-giving perfume."  What great imagery!  Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ to God!  I love it.  It does get sad - but true - in verse 16 when Paul says that to those who are perishing we are a fearful smell of death and doom.  Why do you suppose this is?  I think it because when someone is living their life completely enslaved to sin and they encounter the light - the fragrance - of the Gospel, they either will embrace it or push it away.  Unfortunately I am afraid some folks - perhaps even us in our past - are so enslaved to sin that the sin literally makes us fear / flee from the light and fragrance of the Gospel.  Unfortunately sin can ensnare someone such that the Gospel is the fragrance of death and gloom because that is where the sin is leading someone who is enslaved to it - to death and gloom.   Sad... and this reminds us of how urgent it is for us to pray for others who are enslaved to sin.  Let us pray the fragrance of the Gospel and the grace of God will turn them back toward the Savior of the World who can free them forever - Jesus Christ.  Jesus - is there a name more fragrant?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Second Corinthians titled "The Sufficiency of God Through his Spirit" is at this link.

Psalms - Today we read Psalm 42 verse 1, which is one of my favorite verses in the Bible! "As the deer pants for streams of water, so I long for you, O God."  That is so right on.  Lately these days I have been longing for God more than ever - and I love that.  I am thankful for that.  There have been seasons in my life - which can certainly be called "dry" seasons - where I have not longed for God.  Where I have not longed for the true Living Water.  I just love the picture this Psalm verse paints in my mind - a deer in the wilderness is fleeing from hunters.  It is literally dying of thirst as it runs.  It is tired.  It is weary.  It is running from death.  And it needs water.  It pants for streams of water.  Like this deer, I pray that I long for God in the same way.  As I flee from sin.  As I am tired.  As I am weary.  As I run from death.  I need God.  I long for God.   How about you?  Do you long for God these days as a deer longs for water?  Are you consistently drinking from the true Living Water?

Proverbs - We read great wisdom in Proverbs 22 verse 7 today: "Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender." This Proverb reminds me of some of the "Get Out of Debt" seminars and books that are out there.  I haven't read any of the books, but I did attend a half day seminar a while back, and I found it to be really good.  It is true that we are so caught up in a cycle of debt here in the U.S. - and I imagine in other countries too.  The thing I remember from the half day seminar is that we will never get out of debt if we cannot control our "appetites."  If we cannot stop buying and spending and consuming beyond what we really need, we'll continue to be in debt.  And once we are in debt, we are indeed slaves to the lender.  Slaves to our credit card companies.  Pretty scary when you think about it.  I pray that if you are struggling with debt, you do check out a seminar or book - don't buy the book if you can help it!  :)  Get it from the library.  We need to stop our impulses to "BUY NOW" or "DON"T MISS OUT" on x, y or z.  Let's get out of debt and get out of slavery to our lenders.  Literally cut up that credit card if that's what you need to do to control your out-of-control spending...

Worship Video:  Our Second Corinthians readings today reminded me of the Delirious song "Majesty."  I had the good fortune to worship to this song with Delirious many years ago just before it was released.  They were playing some of their "new stuff" and this was a great song to worship to live!  You'll notice the crowd in this video is definitely worshiping.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNjH8QDpBFY

Do you know our Majestic Lord? Click here for your Majesty!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. " Psalm 42:1 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that your soul is panting for God today. Pray that your soul pants for God as a deer pants for streams of water. Pray that your soul is panting today for Living Water, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

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!

August 27th Bible in a Year Readings

Job 23:1-27:23 + 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11 + Psalm 41:1-13 + Proverbs 22:5-6
~ 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 - In chapter 23 verse 12 today Job makes such a powerful statement about his relationship with God!  "I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread." (NIV)  The first statement is of course powerful - Job has not departed from the commands of God's.  But the second statement is the one that really stood out to me today - Job has treasured God's words more than food!  This may sound like nice high holy talk from the Old Testament...  but I think each of us should stop and meditate on this one in our lives today.  Do we treasure God's Word, The Bible, more or do we treasure the food we eat each day more?  I'm sure most of us would say the Bible...  But let me put this another way for us to really think about this.  How many minutes a day do you spend eating?   And how many minutes a day do you spend reading the Bible?  What might make this whole equation even a little bit more interesting to consider is how many minutes a day do you think about food?  Prepare food?  Talk about food?  And then how many minutes a day do you think about the Bible?  Prepare for reading the Bible?  Talk about the Bible?  I am afraid that we may be a people today who (when the rubber meets the road and we look at actual time spent in each activity) treasure our food more than we treasure God's Word.  However, the first step in realizing we have a problem is admitting we have a problem!  :)  When it comes to amount of time you spend with food when compared to the amount of time you spend with God's Word, do you have a problem?  Can you learn something from Job's word's today in verse 12: "I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food." (ESV)

New Testament - I love that Paul calls Jesus the "Divine Yes" in today's readings in Second Corinthians chapter 1 verse 19 in the NLT!  Here are verses 18 through 20 in the NIV - "But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No." For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes." For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ."  Amen!  Do you realize that Jesus is the fulfillment of all of God's promises in the Old Testament?  The Law pointed to Jesus in the OT and the Law is fulfilled in Jesus.  The sacrificial system pointed to Jesus in the OT and the sacrificial is fulfilled in Jesus.  Jesus is indeed the Divine Yes!  In your life each and every day, is Jesus your Divine Yes?

Psalms - Today we read in Psalm 41 verse 1 – “Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.” For some reason this verse really opens up my heart. Something about the word “weak.” Maybe this verse really speaks to me because I myself feel weak at times. And yet, I am so blessed in so many ways. And I realize that there are so many others out there in this world who may not have the blessings that I have, and who are struggling through an extremely tough cycle of weakness. And I wonder – what am I doing to help those who are weak? Do I really have regard for the weak? Do you? What in our life really demonstrates that we have regard for the weak? Are we investing time or finances into the weak? Are we praying for the weak? Are we loving the weak?

Proverbs - Proverbs 22 verse 6 today teaches us: "Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it."  You know, this verse actually reminds me of quite a bit of recent work I've had the good fortune to participate in or observe when it comes to early childhood education.  85% of a child's brain develops in the first 3 years of their life.  Think this is a critical period of time to teach children?  Certainly after the age of 3 we still have so much opportunity to teach children to choose the right path.  I am becoming more and more convinced that education for children is so critical here in our own backyards and throughout the world.  And unfortunately, as we all know, quality education is not happening in many sectors of our society and our world.  Let me encourage you to please invest in childhood education in your own backyard and around the world.  Find a child to mentor.  Teach a Sunday school class.  Invest in nonprofits working on childhood education.  Sponsor a child through World Vision where they will get a fantastic Christian education.  Will you join me in personally getting involved with and investing in organizations that teach our children to choose the right path?

Worship Video:  Today's readings in Second Corinthians reminds me of the Matt Redman song “10,000 Reasons:”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtwIT8JjddM

How many reasons to you have to follow Jesus? Click here for 10,000 Reasons!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you train your children in a godly manner. Pray that you, as a child of God, are living in the way you know you should go. Pray that you and your children will not turn from living a godly life.

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!

August 26th Bible in a Year Readings

Job 20:1-22:30 + 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 + Psalm 40:11-17 + Proverbs 22:2-4
~ 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 - Today in Job chapter 21 verses 7 through 13 we read these words of Job: ""The truth is that the wicked live to a good old age. They grow old and wealthy. They live to see their children grow to maturity, and they enjoy their grandchildren. Their homes are safe from every fear, and God does not punish them. Their bulls never fail to breed. Their cows bear calves without miscarriage. Their children skip about like lambs in a flock of sheep. They sing with tambourine and harp. They make merry to the sound of the flute. They spend their days in prosperity; then they go down to the grave in peace."   How do these words of Job speak to you?  Is there truth in these words?   If the wicked go to the grave in peace, what happens to them after the grave?  Honestly, I'm not so sure about the wicked living to a good old age and going to the grave in peace...  I personally would not take this chance.  I think living a wicked life leads to inner conflict and an unhealthy life and potentially an early grave.  I understand why Job said these words in his circumstances (he was experiencing suffering without committing the great sins his friends accused him of), but I personally would not bet on a wicked life delivering a long lifetime of wealth or peace...

New Testament - Today we begin Paul's Second Letter to the church in Corinth!  Corinth was a city known in the 1st century for its wealth and lust.  It was a trade center with thousands of sailors who disembarked there.  Its pagan temples encouraged the practice of sexual immorality along with idol worship.  Thus, this was not an easy place for the early church!  But clearly a place where the church was so needed!  Below is a map of where Corinth is in Greece - it is about 48 miles west of Athens.  And below that is a modern day photo of ancient remains of the pagan temple to Apollo from ancient Corinth:

~ Second Corinthians ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Ephesus
Date: A.D. 57
Content: Paul’s earlier letter to the Corinthians had not settled all of the problems. It had some good effect upon them but much more remained to be done. In particular, Paul had to settle the problem concerning his own authority. Deep suspicions had been aroused concerning him, for what reasons we do not fully understand. But in great anguish Paul writes to reestablish his own apostolic authority. He also attempts to deal with some more practical matters, like supporting the poor believers elsewhere.
Theme: Triumph over adversity is seen throughout this letter. It is a very personal one, written by one who loved his people but had been deeply wronged by them. As Paul catalogs the experiences of his life and the nature of the Christian ministry, it is possible to see the grace of God at work bringing good from evil. Satan is active, seeking to destroy God’s work, but God is greater still, establishing those who trust in him. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 25) More commentary on Second Corinthians is at this link. Below is "The Apostle Paul", by the artist Rembrandt from the year 1657:

Bible Project:  Here is a terrific video overview of 2nd Corinthians!:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lfPK2vfC54

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Second Corinthians chapter 1 titled "Why Bad things happen to God's people" is at this link.  Below is a great image for 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 from today's readings from what looks to be Guatemala to me.  (though maybe this picture is more South America/Andes region?)  I had the good fortune to travel to Guatemala two years ago - and I miss it!  It is a beautiful country with beautiful people!

Psalms - Today Psalm 40 verse 16 stood out to me for it's pure joy and praise: "But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "The LORD is great!""  Does this verse resonate with you today?  Have you searched for God in your life?  Are you filled with joy and gladness because of that search?  Do you love God's salvation?  Do you shout praises to God for all he has done for you?

Maybe if verse 16 does not resonate for you today, hopefully verse 17 can encourage you: "As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord is thinking about me right now. You are my helper and my savior. Do not delay, O my God."  Do you believe that Jesus is thinking about you right now?  Do you believe that Jesus is your helper and your savior?

Proverbs - Proverbs 22 verse 2 is a great reminder that our wealth or status does not affect who we are in God's eyes or in God's very hands: "The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD made them both."  As we are all created by God, we should not ever consider ourselves better than anyone - nor lesser than anyone - because someone else has a different set of finances than we do.  If you think about it, every single person you meet has a different set of finances than you do.  Some are richer, some are poorer.  And yet we all have this in common - God made us.  How might this affect how you view others in this world?  Do you literally and consciously realize that God made each and every one of us?  Below is Michelangelo's "Creation" from the Sistine Chapel in Rome, circa 1505-1513:

Worship Video:  Today's readings in Psalm 40 reminded me of The After's wonderful song called "Light Up the Sky." Here's a great live version of this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UpWVQbbKVo

Has God lit up the sky for you? Click here for Light!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray a prayer of praise to God, our Father of compassion and comfort! Pray that you will comfort those in your life who are in any trouble, with the comfort you yourself have received from God through a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

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!

August 25th Bible in a Year Readings

Job 16:1-19:29 + 1 Corinthians 16:1-24 + Psalm 40:1-10 + Proverbs 22:1
~ 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 The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament - "But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives!"  Whoo-hoo!  Awesome words from Job today in chapter 19 verse 25!

Job chapter 19 verses 23 through 27 are some of the best known and well loved verses of the book of Job.  These verses seem to be where Job hits his high point in his understanding of his relationship with God:  "Oh, that my words could be written. Oh, that they could be inscribed on a monument, carved with an iron chisel and filled with lead, engraved forever in the rock. "But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!"  How powerful are these verses??  Great stuff.  Job starts off saying that he hopes his words could be written and engraved forever - and indeed they were as we are reading them in the Bible!  Then Job makes the incredible statement that even in the midst of all of his suffering and perceived distance from God, he knows that God lives!  The closing two verses are powerful in that they actually indicated a belief in the resurrection by Job.  He says that even after his body has decayed - after his death here on this earth - he will see God with his own eyes in his own body!  How could this possibly be?  Well, only if he believed in a resurrected body after death - as we've been reading about in First Corinthians chapter 15 the past couple of days!  I've read some various commentaries on who is the "Redeemer" that Job is referring to in verse 25.  Jesus?  Could be.  But it seems like most commentaries seem to suggest Job is referring to God himself, rather than Jesus.  Though, of course Jesus is God so maybe this is a moot point!  :) Job does talk about his desire for a mediator in other parts of this book, which could be references to Jesus as well.  I found this great artwork below that was painted based on the chapter of Job 19.   Re-read the entire chapter of Job 19 again and I think you'll see the beauty of this artwork...

New Testament - We wrap up Paul's first letter to the Corinthians today!  What an amazing book!  I have been blessed immensely by it this year.  I hope you have too? I like Paul's instructions to the church in Corinth in chapter 16 verses 1 through 3 today: "Now about the money being collected for the Christians in Jerusalem: You should follow the same procedures I gave to the churches in Galatia. On every Lord's Day, each of you should put aside some amount of money in relation to what you have earned and save it for this offering. Don't wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once."  I love this last sentence!  It made me smile.  Paul knows how us humans are - back then and now - we like to procrastinate!  We like to do things at the last minute if we can.  Well, I concur with Paul that our giving to our churches should be a regular thing.  With each pay check we should "put aside some amount of money in relation to what you have earned."  Really, as I think about it, giving of money to our churches with each paycheck is an act of worship.  We are worshiping God with our finances.  Let us not wait to give to our churches.  Let us give faithfully and regularly with each paycheck God blesses us with!

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Corinthians titled "Paul's Closing Words" is at this link.  Below is a great image and message from First Corinthians 16:14 -

Psalms - Psalm 40 starts off in verse 1 with a beautiful reflection on David "waiting patiently for the Lord" about his prayer, and in turn God "heard his cry." David then goes forward in the Psalm rejoicing in the Lord and culminating in this powerful statement in verse 8: "I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart." How does this Psalm speak to you today? Do you wait patiently for the Lord in your prayer life? Do you desire to do God's will? Is His law within your heart today?

Proverbs - We have a beautiful Proverb verse 1 to start off the 22nd Chapter of Proverbs!  "Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than having silver or gold."  Do you believe this Proverb to be true?  Which do you seek after more - a good reputation or money?  You know though, the more I think about this Proverb I have some concerns about it.  Only in that if we seek after having a good reputation, then we may really be focusing on ourselves and how other people look at us, rather than focusing on Kingdom things.  We may decide to do something because it's "popular", rather than it being "right."  We may give to the poor with blazing trumpets because this will help our reputation - but Jesus clearly said we should not do this.  Does this make sense?  I mean given the choice of a good reputation or being rich, this Proverb is clearly true.  But it's not enough.  That's why we need to read the entire Bible to get the full context of everything else that surrounds any 1 particular verse in the Bible, like this one.  One verse is not enough.  It's Truth.  But not enough.  We need the entire Bible.  Good for you for going through the One Year Bible this year!  Please do keep up your study of the entire Bible beyond just this year.  We need the entire Bible for our entire life...

Worship Video: For our Job readings today, here's a YouTube for "My Redeemer Lives" by Nicole C. Mullen: (she sings the first verse in Spanish, then transitions to English)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plk4hA4hCtI

Do you know that our Redeemer lives? Click here to meet our Redeemer!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you desire a good name more than riches. Pray that you desire godly esteem more than silver and gold.

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!