One Year Bible Blog

July 15th One Year Bible Readings

2009-07-14T19:00:00-07:00

1 Chronicles 19:1-21:30 ~ Romans 2:25-3:8 ~ Psalm 11:1-7 ~ Proverbs 19:10-12
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - In First Chronicles 21 we read about David taking a census after being tempted by Satan. Satan didn't force David to do this - Satan tempted him and David fell prey to the temptation. This census was a sin because David was seeking to demonstrate how mighty "his" army was - when he should have realized all that he had came from God and that David's true strength came from God and not his army. The census was a sin of pride. (And it is very interesting to note that Joab, who is not one known for his scruples, realizes this census is a sin!) And so we read in verses 14 & 15 - "So the LORD sent a plague upon Israel, and seventy thousand people died as a result. And God sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem. But just as the angel was preparing to destroy it, the LORD relented and said to the death angel, "Stop! That is enough!" At that moment the angel of the LORD was standing by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite."

New Testament - Paul's writings in Romans 3 verses 7 & 8 today are so powerful for us to remember always: ""But," some might still argue, "how can God judge and condemn me as a sinner if my dishonesty highlights his truthfulness and brings him more glory?" If you follow that kind of thinking, however, you might as well say that the more we sin the better it is! Those who say such things deserve to be condemned, yet some slander me by saying this is what I preach!" Have you ever thought in any way along the lines of "well, it doesn't really matter if I sin?" This is such risky thinking. Let me highly encourage you to read the Bible to see what it says about sin and in particular these early chapters in Romans. In reading these chapters in Romans do you see the risk, and really the stupidity, in continuing in unchecked sin?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "No Excuse for the Jews" is at this link.

Psalms - Today we read Psalm 11, which is one that you might miss the full meaning of if you didn't know some of the commentary behind this Psalm. Basically in this Psalm King David is expressing his unshakable trust in God to other people around him who are very scared of enemy attacks. Knowing this - check out verse 1: "I trust in the LORD for protection. So why do you say to me, "Fly to the mountains for safety!" Like David, do we really trust in God for our protection? Or do we sometimes rely on others or our own cunning - or, our own fear - for protection? Are there times when we are faced with a challenging situation that we feel like running away from it? “Fleeing to the mountains” for safety? When, instead, should we simply trust in God for our protection and move forward in spite of the fear within us? Is there an area of your life where you need to turn over more trust in God for ultimate protection? Will you flee to God only instead of fleeing to the mountains?

Proverbs - Proverbs 19 verse 11 is a bit challenging for me: "People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs." I can see the point of restraining our anger. But overlooking wrongs... I guess I'm having a hard time with this one. I believe there is a point where we do need to speak the truth in love to someone about their wrongs. If we simply overlooked their wrongs, then would we really be doing them any favors? I mean, I guess we would be keeping the peace by overlooking wrongs, but I'm just thinking there is a time and place to speak the truth in love. In love. Not in anger. Let me know what you think on this one? I know just recently I posted up about not getting into an argument with a friend over the way he left a voicemail to me with a bad tone. And that seemed to be the right thing to do, and correlated with a recent Proverb we read. And today's Proverb indicates we earn esteem by overlooking wrongs. I see where this Proverb is often / generally true - but is it always true? Let me know your thoughts on this in the Comments below if you will! Thanks!

YouTube Video: Today's readings in Romans reminds me of Jeremy Camp's song "Let it Fade:"

Will you let your old life fade? Click here for your new life!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 (NIV)

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

July 14th One Year Bible Readings

2009-07-13T19:00:00-07:00

1 Chronicles 16:37-18:17 ~ Romans 2:1-24 ~ Psalm 10:16-18 ~ Proverbs 19:8-9
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - The theme of David being a "war" king stands out today in our First Chronicles readings. In fact, we'll get a couple more chapters of David's wars coming up in tomorrow's readings. The wars are what kept David from building the Temple of the Lord. This duty will be passed on to his son Solomon, a "peace" king if you will. There are some great readings today in First Chronicles 17 about the Lord's covenant promise to David via the prophet Nathan!

There is an interesting thing to note in this message to David via Nathan from the Lord in verses 12 through 14. In context these verses are about Solomon. However, interestingly, the New Testament basically applies these verses to Jesus in Luke 1:32-22: "He is the one who will build a house--a temple--for me. And I will establish his throne forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. I will not take my unfailing love from him as I took it from Saul, who ruled before you. I will establish him over my dynasty and my kingdom for all time, and his throne will be secure forever.'" Think these are Messianic verses that can be applied to Jesus?

Today in 1 Chronicles chapter 17 verse 30 we read this prayer of King David – “There is no one like you, O LORD, and there is no God but you.” Have you ever searched for other "gods"? Have you ever really found those other gods? Have they ever delivered on anything? Do you believe there is no other God like the one true and living God that we read about in the Bible? Are you living your life in such a way that you are seeking to know more and more about the character, heart, and will of the one true and living God? Do you love God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit with all of your mind, soul and strength? Have you forsaken pursuing all other false gods for the remainder of your life? Will you leave the idols behind?

New Testament - Again... wow.. Paul's writings in Romans are so convicting and true. So many verses in today's readings bring out so much. One verse that stood out to me was 16 - "The day will surely come when God, by Jesus Christ, will judge everyone's secret life. This is my message." This is powerful to consider. Do you have a secret life? Do you realize that Jesus will judge your secret life? So, really, is there such a thing as a secret life after all? It will all surely come out into the Light and be judged. Do you have skeletons in your closet? Will you confess those skeletons/sins to God right now and repent of them immediately?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Romans titled "No Excuse for the Jews" is at this link.

Psalms - I love Psalm 10 verses 17 & 18 today: "LORD, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will listen to their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so people can no longer terrify them." The Psalmist here tells us that God knows the hopes of the helpless. Do we? Do we care? The Psalmist says God will listen to their cries and comfort them. Are we listening? Are we comforting? God will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so people can no longer terrify them. Should we do this as well? Will we? Will you?

Proverbs - We have a great Proverb in chapter 19 verse 8 today - "To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper." Do you love yourself? Are you continually acquiring wisdom in your life? Do you want to prosper? Do you cherish understanding? Where are you seeking wisdom and understanding in your life today?

YouTube Video: Today's readings in Romans reminds me of Casting Crowns' song "Every Man:"

Do you believe there is hope for you? Click here for Hope!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 (NIV)

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

July 13th One Year Bible Readings

2009-07-12T19:00:00-07:00

1 Chronicles 15:1-16:36 ~ Romans 1:18-32 ~ Psalm 10:1-15 ~ Proverbs 19:6-7
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - Today in First Chronicles chapter 15 we read about David dancing before the Ark as it enters Jerusalem!

David's song of praise in 1 Chronicles 16 is phenomenal. Verse 8 begins his praise with: "Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness." These are two things that I'm afraid I do not do enough - give thanks to God & proclaim his greatness. I am amazed really at how little I give thanks to God. I mean, yes, I say grace and thanks before meals. And I'll maybe give a little prayer of thanksgiving here or there to God on occasion - but it is just very occasionally. Why am I not giving thanks to God frequently?? I am not sure. I think it maybe has to do with the human condition - we always want more. Things are never really good enough. But if we really stop and think about it, we are so fortunate to have lived the # of years we have lived in our lives! Each day in our life has been and is a gift from God. How about you? Do you give thanks to God frequently? Now, as for proclaiming God's greatness, I think I stumble in this area too. I think sometimes I forget the wise saying of - "God is God, and I am not." I think sometimes I try to fall back on my own power and might and strength and spirit - when really all that I have comes from God. I pray that I begin to proclaim God's greatness more and more often.

New Testament - Wow... Paul's writings today in Romans are such a true and stern warning about the dangers of sin. I really can't imagine how sin can be written about much more truthfully. Verse 21 is a strong warning: "Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused." I do believe that this is such an accurate description of what sin does to our minds - it makes our minds dark and confused! Things can get so fuzzy and hazy in our mind due to unchecked sin that we can even get to the point of where we do not realize we are sinning. How sad to live life knowing God, but not worshiping him or even giving him thanks. And then to come up with wacky ideas of what God is like.... ever hear any wacky ideas about God out there? :) The result is that people's minds become dark and confused because of sin... sad. Let us live our lives so that we share the Light of the Gospel of Jesus in the dark places in the world.

Today's readings in Romans chapter 1 verses 18 through 32 consist of Paul describing the sin of the Gentiles, which is probably most of us. In chapters 2 & 3 Paul will describe the sin of the Jews. So, these chapters set the stage that all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God - Gentile and Jew alike. Yep, that covers each of us. An interesting thing to note from today's readings is that Paul writes about "general" revelation - meaning, God is revealed to all people in all times generally through nature. In addition to general revelation, there is also "specific" revelation - God is specifically revealed to us through his Word and his son Jesus. But, as Paul writes today, general revelation is enough for all people to not have any excuse to not believe in God and to continue on in our sin. And yet, sin we do... Thank God for sending us the specific revelation each of us knows about - and hopefully we each personally know - God's own son Jesus!

Bible.org's commentary on today's Romans readings titled "No Excuse for the Heathen" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 10 is a prayer for rescue from attacks from the proud and wicked. Wisely, you'll note that this Psalmist is not taking punishment into his own hands - but asking God for punishment. We would do well to remember that punishment is the Lord's... For some reason much of this Psalm reminded me way too much of our world today - and I realized that not much has changed over 3,000 years! Verse 4 in particular rang true to me about much of our world today: "These wicked people are too proud to seek God. They seem to think that God is dead." Only about 100 years ago the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche uttered those exact words - "God is dead." And I know that this viewpoint of many expressed in this Psalm 3,000 years, and 100 years ago by Nietzsche, is still a viewpoint of many in our world today. What a sad thing. What can we do in our lives today to show the world that God is not dead? How can we live our lives to demonstrate that God is alive? Let us share with this hurting and dying world with all that we are that God is not dead. Obviously, He Lives. What are you doing with your life today to show others that He Lives?

Psalm 10 verse 1 also stood out to me today: "O LORD, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I need you the most?" Have you ever felt like this? I know I have. However, I also have realized later on that just when I thought God was no where near me, he was actually as close as could be taking care of me. Even though it may have seemed that God was "hiding" from me, he was actually right there with me all along!

Proverbs - The second half of Proverbs 19 verse 6 really stands out to me today: "Everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts!" This is obviously very true when we think about our human relations. But what about with God? Who anywhere gives better gifts than God? Who else literally gives us the gift of life? Who gives us every good and perfect gift in our lives? And yet... does everyone rush to be God's friend? I would guess that many of us reading this blog would consider God to be our friend. But what about the rest of the world? Why isn't all of the world rushing to be friends with the giver of all good and perfect gifts? And even us who consider God to be our friend - do we consistently treat God like we do our other friends? Do we spend time with God? Do we laugh, cry, and enjoy life with God? Are you a true and consistent friend of the Giver of every good and perfect gift?

YouTube - Per my Proverbs reflection above about being a friend of God, below is a video of Israel Houghton performing the awesome song "Friend of God." Enjoy!

Are you a friend of God? Click here and meet your friend!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 (NIV)

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

July 12th One Year Bible Readings

2009-07-11T19:00:00-07:00

1 Chronicles 12:19-14:17 ~ Romans 1:1-17 ~ Psalm 9:13-20 ~ Proverbs 19:4-5
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - I think today's readings in First Chronicles could be called "Famous Dave!" As indeed, David moves into his role as the King of Israel in today's readings and we read about his growing fame and support amongst the tribes!

In chapter 13 we read about David bringing the Ark back to Jerusalem - which was good in intention, but poor in execution... God is clear in Numbers 4:5-15 that the Ark was to be moved only by the Levites and only by using carrying poles. No one, not even the Levites were to touch the Ark itself. David ended up following the Philistines example of moving the Ark on a cart, rather than following God's command. Thus, in verses 9 & 10 we read - "But when they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon,the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah put out his hand to steady the Ark. Then the LORD's anger blazed out against Uzzah, and he struck him dead because he had laid his hand on the Ark. So Uzzah died there in the presence of God." I wonder if we are like David was in this chapter in our lives today - how often do we have "good intentions", but poor execution? How often do we take shortcuts on things God has been very clear on? Even if these shortcuts seem like they are good ideas, why do we take them? Why do we take the risk?

New Testament - Today we begin the book of Romans! What a great book we have coming up! We’ve been reading about Paul’s missionary journeys, the storm at sea, and being in chains for the Gospel in Acts. Now get ready to read and study some of Paul’s teachings first-hand! Some commentaries say that the book of Romans is a “Bible within the Bible.” And others: “The most profound book in existence.” Personally, I think we need to obviously consider all 66 books of the Bible to be the Bible and the entirety of the Bible to be the most profound book in existence. But, yes, Romans is a profound book of the Bible no doubt! Martin Luther said this about Romans: “It is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. It can never be read or pondered too much, and the more it is dealt with, the more precious it becomes.” Not a bad quote for us to jump into the book of Romans this week! Let’s go!

Romans
Author: Paul
Place: Corinth
Date: A.D. 57/58
Content: Paul was in Corinth on his third missionary journey and was planning to go to Rome, but had never been there before. This letter was written to introduce himself to the church and to summarize his theological teachings. For the latter reason, it is the most systematically organized letter of Paul. He begins by showing the universal sin of man. Neither Gentile nor Jew has any legitimate claim upon God because sin has invalidated any appeal. But God in his mercy stepped in, while we were still sinners, and opened the way back to himself (Romans 5:8). From this may come a victorious Christian life. Paul then deals with the place of the Jews in God’s plan (Romans 9-11), concluding with a series of ethical exhortations.
Theme: The righteousness of God, his righteous dealings with the world, and the righteous plan of salvation are the focus of this book. God is seen to be the great and holy God of the universe who cannot relax his laws because they are based upon his nature. But consistent with those laws, he devised a plan of salvation for Jews and Gentiles alike that sent his Son down from heaven to die for the sins of the world. Now anyone who trusts in Jesus will be saved (Romans 10:9) and be given the power of God over sin in his life. From God and his love nothing can separate the believer. (Romans 8:38-39) (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 24)

More commentary on Romans is at these 3 links –
http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=843
http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=1153
http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=1165
Bob Deffinbaugh says at this link directly above – “If you can reason your way through Romans, you will have the Gospel under your belt. . . . As you begin this study, I would challenge you to review the Book of Romans often in your mind, seeking to trace its argument from the very first chapter to wherever your study has brought you. It is my hope that you will then seek to apply what you have learned in your own life, and to share the message of the Gospel it contains with those who are lost and without hope, apart from the faith this Epistle describes and defines. May God bless you in your study of this portion of His Word.”

How powerfully strong are Paul's words in Romans chapter 1 verses 16 & 17 today! In fact, the NIV Study Bible's commentary says that these two verses are the theme of the entire book of Romans: "For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes--Jews first and also Gentiles. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."" Do you believe these two verses to be true? Are you not ashamed of the Good News about Jesus Christ? Do you believe that God makes us right in his sight by faith?

Bible.org's commentary on today's Romans Chapter 1 readings is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 9 verse 18 is so true and powerful: "For the needy will not be forgotten forever; the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed." This is a great reminder that God's heart is for the poor in this world! If God's heart is for the poor - should our heart be for the poor too? How is your heart for the poor these days? How do you remember the poor and their hopes?

Proverbs - It is interesting to consider the Psalm verse about compared to Proverbs 19 verse 4 today: "Wealth makes many "friends"; poverty drives them away." This is a true Proverb. I am intrigued by "friends" being in parentheses - what type of friends do we attract with wealth? Will they still be there when the wealth is gone? I do think it's true that poverty drives "friends" away. If the poor do not have many friends, then should we be a friend to the poor? How could we be a friend to the poor? Was Jesus a friend to the poor? What type of poor was Jesus a friend too - poor in spirit; poor in wealth; poor in health; all of the above? Should we emulate Jesus in his friendship to the poor?

YouTube Video: Today's readings in Romans reminds me of Matt Maher's song on the radio these days called "Your Grace is Enough." Here's that same song as originally recorded by Chris Tomlin:

Is God's Grace enough for you? Click here for Overflowing Grace!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 (NIV)

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

July 11th One Year Bible Readings

2009-07-10T19:00:00-07:00

1 Chronicles 11:1-12:18 ~ Acts 28:1-31 ~ Psalm 9:1-12 ~ Proverbs 19:1-3
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - Today in First Chronicles chapter 11 we read about David's Mighty Men! I do love reading about the story of his men who went to the well in Bethlehem to bring David that water that he so loved - when Bethlehem was occupied by the Philistines! These men were no joke. They risked everything to please David. I wonder about this in our lives today. Are we as dedicated to Jesus as these Mighty Men were dedicated to David? Are you willing to risk everything for Jesus? However, keep in mind that we don't need to do un-called for risky things for Jesus - like these Mighty Men didn't have to get that water from the well. But their zeal for David is impressive. I just pray we are at least that zealous for Jesus.

Today in 1 Chronicles 12 verse 18 we read - "Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, who later became a leader among the Thirty, and he said, "We are yours, David! We are on your side, son of Jesse. Peace and prosperity be with you, and success to all who help you, for your God is the one who helps you."" Related to this verse, Tyndale's One Year Bible Companion has the following answer to the question of 'How did the Holy Spirit work in Old Testament times?' - "When there was an important job to be done, God chose a person to do it, and the Spirit gave that person the needed power and ability. The Spirit gave Bezalel artistic ability, Jephthah military prowess, David power to rule, and Zechariah an authoritative word of prophecy. Here the Holy Spirit came upon David's warriors. The Spirit came upon individuals in order to accomplish specific goals. Beginning at Pentecost, however, the Spirit came upon all believers, not only to empower them to do God's will, but also to dwell in them day by day."

New Testament - Today we finish the book of Acts! Romans begins tomorrow! Interesting segment in today's readings when Paul encounters the snake on the island of Malta. Everyone first believes that justice is being done, and that Paul will die by the snake. When he doesn't die, they then decide he is a god. Interesting... They were first cursing him, then suddenly worshiping him. I wonder if we do this in our lives too? Do we sometimes curse things one minute and then worship them the next? Do we sometimes even do this with God? Let us pray for consistency in our lives and actions, in particular in the area of Who we worship.

We then read in today's readings about Paul arriving in Rome and beginning to preach the Gospel just 3 days after he arrives! Paul wastes no time. He is so focused on preaching the Gospel that he makes it happen no matter what. I think we would do well to pay attention to Paul's zeal for the Gospel. Why do you suppose Paul was so zealous for the Gospel? Should we be zealous for the Gospel today like Paul was back then? Are you zealous for the Gospel today like Paul was back then?

Okay, in Acts chapter 28 we have a very important verse for all of us to pay attention to. Verse 28. These are Paul's last words recorded in Acts. Commentaries suggest that this verse is actually the main point of the book of Acts. So if you remember nothing else from the book of Acts, remember the book was about this: "So I want you to realize that this salvation from God is also available to the Gentiles, and they will accept it." Seems like such a simple verse... But do you see the weight of it? Do you believe that salvation from God is available to all? Have you accepted this salvation? Perhaps now is a good time for us to remember Paul's acceptance of this salvation on the Road to Damascus earlier in our Acts readings, as painted by the artist Michelangelo below in the year 1544 -

Bible.org's commentary on today's Acts readings titled "Paul in Rome" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 9 verse 9 stood out to me today - "The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble." When you are in trouble, do you run to God for shelter? Or do you look elsewhere? Where will you ultimately find true peace and rest from the storms of life? Do you believe that the Bible can be a haven for you in the midst of the storms of life?

Proverbs - Today in Proverbs 19 verse 2 we read: “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.” How does this Proverb speak to you? I know it is very convicting to me – particularly the part about being hasty. I am someone who oftentimes finds myself “hurrying.” And when I am hurrying, I am usually worrying. And at this point I am missing everything else going on around me. I’m living in my “own private Idaho”. I am missing the Way. I do believe that God is a passionate God and wants us to be passionate people – particularly for things that are of importance to God, such as serving the poor. But, I don’t think that God wants us to be zealous and hasty people who do not really know what we are zealous and hasty about. We need godly knowledge. Where do you suppose we can obtain godly knowledge? (hint – the Holy Book. . . :) How about you? Are you zealous? What are you zealous for? Are you seeking godly knowledge in your life each and every day? Are you hasty? Are you ever missing the Way because of your haste?

YouTube Video: Today's readings in Acts reminds me of the song by Third Day titled "Call My Name:"

Have you called God's Name? Click here to make the call!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart. " Psalm 7:10 (NIV)

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