One Year Bible Blog

May 18th One Year Bible Readings

2013-05-18T00:01:00-07:00

1 Samuel 22:1-23:29 ~ John 10:1-21 ~ Psalm 115:1-18 ~ Proverbs 15:18-19
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Very sad readings today in First Samuel 22 as we read about the slaughter of the priests. Sadly fitting that Doeg betrayed the priests to Saul and then Saul commanded Doeg to kill the priests, because no one else would. This whole incident shows how far Saul has strayed away from God. He has lost his moral compass completely. It's interesting to recall earlier in our First Samuel readings how Saul looked like he might be a decent king initially. But, then he was disobedient to God. And then his sin continued and continued to where he is in today's readings. This should be a warning to each of us to not stray from God like this. If we are allowing ourselves to be disobedient to God or if we are continuing in a sin, we are slaves to that sin. And this slavery to sin can grow and grow until we lose all moral control, as Saul has. This image below by Gerard Hoet from a 1728 Bible is courtesy of Bizzell Bible Collection, University of Oklahoma Libraries:

I love the mini-reunion of Jonathan and David in First Samuel 23 verses 16 & 17 - "Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God. "Don't be afraid," Jonathan reassured him. "My father will never find you! You are going to be the king of Israel, and I will be next to you, as my father is well aware." What great words of encouragement from Jonathan! Who is the last person you encouraged? Do you make it a habit to encourage people around you regularly? Who is someone you can encourage big-time today or tomorrow?

Bible.org's commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled "Saul Loses His Grip" is at this link and commentary titled "A Friend Indeed" is at this link.

New Testament - I love Jesus' teachings today in John 10 verses 9 & 10 - "Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. Wherever they go, they will find green pastures. The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness." What a great analogy - Jesus is the gateway to salvation. Life in relationship with Jesus will be full of green pastures - this reminds me of Psalm 23 verse 2! And then Jesus tells us that his purpose is to give us life in all its fullness. I think all too often we look for fullness of life in all the wrong places... when all we have to do is walk through the gate. Have you walked through the gate?

Jesus calling himself the Good Shepherd is so very beautiful and fitting in verses 14 &15 - "I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep." After we walk through the gate of faith to fullness of life with Jesus, he will be our Good Shepherd forever. He is a shepherd that knows us - and we know him. He will protect us with his rod and staff - again, a little Psalm 23 verse 4. :) And more than anything else, this Good Shepherd has laid down his life for us. Do you consider Jesus to be your Good Shepherd?

Bible.org's commentary on our John 10 readings today titled "The Good Shepherd" is at this link.

Psalms - Today in Psalm 115 verse 1 we will read – “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name be the glory.” (Chris Tomlin fans out there will recognize this as one of his many awesome worship tunes. . .) I don’t know how this verse strikes you, but it strikes me hard. Which is good. I think sometimes I do things for my own glory. And this verse, and really the entire Bible, is clear that the glory is God’s and not ours. Yeah, sure, we will live our lives full of “glorious” moments when we are loving God and loving people. But, we should not be living our lives to build up our own fame or our own glory. As Rick Warren states so well in the 1st sentence of the 1st chapter of his book “Purpose Driven Life”- “It is not about you.” And this is true. It is about God. And this is good news! Really. I have tried to live my life in the past where it was all about me. And this was a miserable way to live life. I pray that you see the incredible wisdom in this verse - “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name be the glory.” How are you living your life? Are you living your life to advance the fame and glory of God? Are you doing this by loving God and loving other people with all that you are? Or, are you by chance living your life to advance the fame and glory of yourself? And if so. . . how’s this going for you?

Proverbs - Proverbs 15 verse 19 today teaches us: "A lazy person has trouble all through life; the path of the upright is easy!" This is a great reminder that we should live our lives upright, intentionally, and not be afraid of a little hard work!

Worship God: Per Psalm 115:1 reflections above, here's Chris Tomlin's "Not to Us:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zt9K5rLHVk

Not to you? But to Your Name!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "I (Jesus) am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." John 10:11 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving to Jesus for laying down his life for you, if you have given your life over in faith to Him. Thank him for being your Good Shepherd! Pray for the lost "sheep" that you know, that they would come to know Jesus as their Good Shepherd.

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

May 17th One Year Bible Readings

2013-05-17T00:01:00-07:00

1 Samuel 20:1-21:15 ~ John 9:1-41 ~ Psalm 113:1-114:8 ~ Proverbs 15:15-17
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Great readings about Jonathan & David today! 1 Samuel 20 verse 13 today seems to indicate that Jonathan realizes that David will be the king after his father Saul: "May the LORD be with you as he used to be with my father." Verse 17 is beautiful - "For Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself." Who are people in your life that you love as much as you love yourself? Do you think that there should be people in your life that you love as much as you love yourself? Do you love Jesus as much as you love yourself? Do you think that God loves you as much as He loves Himself?

Below is the artist Rembrandt's take on Jonathan & David from possibly verse 41: "Both of them were in tears as they embraced each other and said good-bye, especially David."

In First Samuel 21 as David is fleeing from Saul, we read verse 6 which Jesus refers to in the New Testament - "So, since there was no other food available, the priest gave David the holy bread--the Bread of the Presence that was placed before the LORD in the Tabernacle. It had just been replaced that day with fresh bread." Jesus uses this incident to illustrate the principle that the ceremonial law was not to be viewed in a legalistic manner in Matthew chapter 12 verses 3 & 4 - "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests." I love verse 13! David is definitely a good actor - "So he pretended to be insane, scratching on doors and drooling down his beard."

Bible.org's commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled "When Saul Slings His Spear, Jonathan Gets the Point" is at this link and "A Man Without a Country" is at this link.

New Testament - Jesus' teaching in John chapter 9 verse 3 is powerful - "It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins," Jesus answered. "He was born blind so the power of God could be seen in him." Wow. He was born blind so that God's power could be seen in him. I wonder about this in our lives today. When we have challenges or struggles, is it possible that they are happening so that the power of God can been seen? I know this can be tough to fathom when you are in the midst of a challenge or struggle - or, if you are blind for example, like this man in John 9. But... no matter what life throws our way, do you think that God's power can be seen in any circumstance? Below is Cretan-born painter El Greco's "Christ Healing the Blind Man" from the year 1567:

Verse 27 is great when the healed man says - ""Look!" the man exclaimed. "I told you once. Didn't you listen? Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?"" Hmmm.... Verses 39 through 40 are a dialogue that each one of us should reflect upon - "Then Jesus told him, "I have come to judge the world. I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind." The Pharisees who were standing there heard him and asked, "Are you saying we are blind?" "If you were blind, you wouldn't be guilty," Jesus replied. "But you remain guilty because you claim you can see." How are we behaving today? Are we allowing Jesus to give us spiritual sight? Or do we think we can see well enough spiritually without Jesus? Without Jesus, can we see or are we blind...? Will we allow Jesus to heal us of our spiritual blindness right now?

Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "The Light of the World" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 113 & 114 today are very interesting and important Psalms! These are 2 of 6 Psalms, 113 to 118, that form the "Egyptian Hallel." These Psalms were used in Jewish liturgy at the great religious festivals of Passover, Tabernacles, Dedication, Weeks, New Moon. At Passover Psalm 113 & 114 were sung before the meal and Psalms 115 - 118 were sung after the meal. As you read these two Psalms today, do you sense joy in the Lord's work? Justice? Glory? Power? Does reading these two Psalms make you want to celebrate and give thanks for the Lord and all he has done throughout history and in your life?

Proverbs - Proverbs 15 verses 16 & 17 today are so powerfully true - "It is better to have little with fear for the LORD than to have great treasure with turmoil. A bowl of soup with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate." However, what then do we do about a steak soup combo?? (sorry, couldn't resist a bad attempt at humor... thanks to this image below... :)

Worship God: Today's reading in John about Jesus healing a man born blind reminded me of Phil Wickham's song "Safe:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzhuirT74VU

Are you safe in His arms? Click here for Safety!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil. Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred." Proverbs 15:16-17 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will be content with little in your life, as long as you have the wealth of a relationship with the LORD. Pray that your meals are filled with more love than with fancy foods.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Do you agree with today's Proverb that it is better to have just a little and fear the Lord versus having much and much turmoil? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

May 16th One Year Bible Readings

2013-05-16T00:01:00-07:00

1 Samuel 18:5-19:24 ~ John 8:31-59 ~ Psalm 112:1-10 ~ Proverbs 15:12-14
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - This is a powerful verse in First Samuel 18:14 today: "David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the LORD was with him." I think that is so important to know - David succeeded in all he did because God was with him. And I believe this applies to us today as well. We will succeed in all we do if God is with us. Now - don't get me wrong - when I say succeed, I do not mean "succeed" as the world might define this word. I mean we will succeed spiritually in all we do if we are in a loving and growing and obedient relationship with God the Father through Jesus the Son (who is God). This success might mean that we actually become "poor" in the world's eyes and serve overseas or in our own town in a ministry that won't make us a million. But - if we are living in right relationship with God than we have truly succeeded in life. Nothing else matters. Below's an image of a young David succeeding in saving a lamb from the jaws of a lion and offering up praise to God for the success!

It is great to see Jonathan asking his father Saul to not murder David in First Samuel chapter 19. I read a commentary that said Jonathan had really been won over by David after David killed Goliath. It is thought that perhaps David shared with Saul and Jonathan his faith in God and why he was fearless of Goliath early in chapter 18 or late in chapter 17 (in yesterday's readings), and that Jonathan believed David's faith was true. In any case, we do see in chapter 18 verses 3 & 4 these words: "And Jonathan made a special vow to be David's friend, and he sealed the pact by giving him his robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt." Jonathan is obviously living up to this pact here in chapter 19. (the images above and below are really from yesterday's readings, but I thought they were both quite good pictures of David - and Jonathan below. Oh, and Goliath too... :)

An image by Gustave Dore is below for First Samuel 18 verses 10 & 11: "The very next day, in fact, a tormenting spirit from God overwhelmed Saul, and he began to rave like a madman. David began to play the harp, as he did whenever this happened. But Saul, who had a spear in his hand, suddenly hurled it at David, intending to pin him to the wall. But David jumped aside and escaped."

Bible.org's commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled "David Joins Saul's Family" is at this link and commentary titled "David's Divine Deliverance" is at this link.

New Testament - John chapter 8 verses 34 through 36 are such powerful teachings for each of us to recognize - "Jesus replied, "I assure you that everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free." Do you believe it is possible to be a slave of sin? Do you believe Jesus can set us free from the slavery of sin? Are you free?

I believe verse 58 is one of the most powerful statements Jesus makes in the Gospels - "Jesus answered, "The truth is, I existed before Abraham was even born!"" Or the NIV of this verse is - ""I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" Jesus is quoting Exodus 3:14 here when Moses asks God who he should say sent him to free the Israelites from Egypt and God says - "I AM. Tell them I AM sent you." Jesus here knows what he is doing when he says that even before Abraham was born, I AM. Jesus is saying he is God. And He is. But, to the religious leaders at this time, this was blasphemy to their ears. And hence, they attempted to stone Jesus in the very next verse. Do you believe Jesus when he says, "before Abraham was born, I AM"?

Bible.org's commentary on our John chapter 8 readings today titled "Like Father, Like Son" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 112 is a great look at a godly person's life. Today in verse 1 we read: “Blessed is the person who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands.” Is fear of the Lord healthy? Why or why not? Is fear of the Lord the beginning of wisdom? Are you blessed if you fear the Lord? Do you find great delight in God’s commands? What are God’s commands?

Verse 4 stands out - "When darkness overtakes the godly, light will come bursting in." This is encouraging. When darkness overtakes us, if we stay true to God and Christ and faith, light will come "bursting in"! I like that... Know that the light is coming... Below is a fresco from 1517 by Raphael of God separating the light from the darkness -

And verse 9 is a great reminder - "They give generously to those in need." Are you doing something in your life to serve the poorest of the poor? There are 1.2 billion people living in our world today on less than $1 per day. Is there something you can do to give generously to those in need? Below is an oil on canvas painting from 1611 by Bartolomeo Schedoni titled "The Charity" -

Proverbs - Proverbs 15 verse 14 is so powerful - "A wise person is hungry for truth, while the fool feeds on trash." I will humbly submit that since YOU are going through the One Year Bible, you are a wise person who is hungry for truth! :) Well, really, I mean it. The Bible is the best place to find Truth. And trash? Well, interestingly I was having a conversation with 3 friends recently - 2 of whom participated in this One Year Bible with us last year - and we were discussing how each of us don't watch TV. We didn't quite use the word "trash" when discussing TV, but I think the term can fit...

Worship God: Today's Psalm & Proverb reminded me of Casting Crowns' song "American Dream:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DumlIIHSrsQ

Are you chasing the American Dream? Click here and surrender to Jesus!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin." John 8:34 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are not a slave to sin. Pray that Jesus has set you free from slavery to sin, and that you are free indeed! Pray for your friends and family that are enslaved to sin that they will be freed through faith in Jesus and repentance of their sins.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Can you imagine living your life feeding only on TV? Yikes... So, really, when you look at how you invest your time are you hungry and feeding on truth or perhaps are you feeding on some trash? Will you throw that trash away? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

May 15th One Year Bible Readings

2013-05-15T00:01:00-07:00

1 Samuel 17:1-18:4 ~ John 8:21-30 ~ Psalm 111:1-10 ~ Proverbs 15:11
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - We are beginning the story of David, which is always a blessing to read. As you know, David wrote many of the Psalms, so we’ve been reading some of David’s writings already this year. Now we begin his story! Hang on! This is a wonderful part of the Bible – reading about David and reading the Gospel of John at the same time. . . great stuff! Bob Deffinbaugh with Bible.org has a terrific overview of David becoming Israel’s King at this link.

Today in 1 Samuel chapter 17 read about David & Goliath. In verse 45 we read – “David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty.” How often in our lives today are we like Goliath, where we try to make things work or do things with our own strength or our latest technology? Goliath relied on his strength and sword and spear and javelin – and perhaps we today rely on our intellectual pride and Blackberry and career and money. David simply relied on God. David moved in the name of God. How often do you move in the name of God today? How often do you completely rely on only God today? Can you move beyond relying solely on your “strengths” and “technologies” and instead move and breathe and rely on God in every circumstance in your life? Below is "David Slaying Goliath" by Peter Paul Rubens from the year 1620:

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings titled "David and Goliath" is at this link.

New Testament - I love John 8 verse 29 where Jesus says - "And the one who sent me is with me--he has not deserted me. For I always do those things that are pleasing to him." If Jesus always did those things that are pleasing to God, do you think that you and I should do those things that are pleasing to Jesus and to God? Meaning, it seems to me that Jesus was clearly very intentional with how he spent his time. He only did those things that are pleasing to God. How intentional are you and I in how we spend our time? Do we make sure we are only doing those things that are pleasing to Jesus (who is God) and God the Father? I know I don't. I wish I did. I pray that I will spend more and more of my time doing those things that are pleasing to God. Let us pray that Jesus' personality permeates our personality and all that we do!

Psalms - Psalm 111 is a wonderful Psalm of praise! I love the way it ends in verse 10: "Reverence for the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him. Praise his name forever!" Do you believe that reverence for God is the foundation of true wisdom? Do you believe that there are rewards of wisdom if you obey God? Will you praise his name forever?

Proverbs - Proverbs 15:11 today teaches us: "Even the depths of Death and Destruction are known by the LORD. How much more does he know the human heart!"

YouTube: As we're reading David & Goliath today, it seems only appropriate to share with you a cute 6 minute cartoon from the 1960's about David and Goliath:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7WT4Y08o_s

Do you believe God can defeat "Goliaths" in your life? Click here for Victory!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "David said to the Philistine (Goliath), "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied... All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."" 1 Samuel 17:45,47 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not attempt battles against "Goliaths" in your life on your own, but that you will realize the battle is always the LORD's. Pray that you will never trust your technologies over the LORD.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Today's Proverb is a wonderful reminder that God not only knows us, he knows our very hearts! How is the state of your heart today? Does your heart belong to God? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

May 14th One Year Bible Readings

2013-05-14T00:01:00-07:00

1 Samuel 15:1-16:23 ~ John 8:1-20 ~ Psalm 110:1-7 ~ Proverbs 15:8-10
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Wow. Big reading day today! David is anointed by Samuel. Saul meets David for the first time! The story of David begins! I am excited! In First Samuel 15 we read about Saul destroying most - but not all... - of the Amalekite nation. God's commands were clear to destroy all. Saul, simply put, disobeyed. Verses 22 and 23 sum up this chapter powerfully when Samuel says this to Saul: "What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obedience is far better than sacrifice. Listening to him is much better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as bad as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you from being king."" Obedience is far better than sacrifice... think this is still true today? Are you more of an obedient person or a sacrificial person before God? Do you believe that rebellion is as bad as witchcraft and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols? Below is a powerful painting of Samuel reproving Saul from today's readings by the Boston-born colonial artist John Singleton Copley from the year 1798:

The One Year Bible Companion has a great answer to this question about today's readings, "Why did David not become king after he was anointed?" as follows: "David was anointed king, but it was done in secret; he was not publicly anointed until much later in Second Samuel 2:4 and 5:3. Saul was still legally the king, but God was preparing David for his future responsibilities. The anointing oil poured on David's head stood for holiness. It was used to set people or objects apart for God's service. Each king and high priest in Israel was anointed with oil. This commissioned him as God's representative to the nation." First Samuel 16 verse 13 is the first mention of David's name in the Bible, and it is a great verse to begin the story of David's life in relationship with God: "So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the olive oil he had brought and poured it on David's head. And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him from that day on." Below "Samuel Anoints David" by the Renaissance artist Raphael from the early 16th century:

At the end of First Samuel chapter 16 today we read about David being summoned by Saul to play the harp to relieve Saul from the evil spirit that tormented him. The current and future (and now anointed) Kings of Israel meet! Below is "David Playing the Harp for Saul" by the French painter James Tissot from the year 1858:

Bible.org's commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled "Saul and the Amalekites" is at this link and commentary titled "The Designation of David as King" is at this link.

New Testament - I love John chapter 8 verse 12 today: "Jesus said to the people, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."" Do you believe that Jesus is the light of the world? Why would we want or need a light in this world? Do you believe there is darkness in this world? Do you need the light that leads to life?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in John titled "The Light of the World" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 110 is a powerful Psalm today! It is considered Messianic and some say the most prophetic of all the Psalms. Verses 1 & 4 are the 2 verses that are believed to be most prophetic of Jesus and both verses are referenced in the New Testament, most often verse 1.

Verse 1 -
"The LORD said to my Lord,
"Sit in honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies,
making them a footstool under your feet.""

Verse 4 stands today, with very similar teachings to what we've just been reading about this in Hebrews this past week or so!
"The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow:
"You are a priest forever in the line of Melchizedek.""

Bible.org's commentary on Psalm 110 titled "David's Lord" is at this link.

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 15 verses 8 & 9 today teach us: "The LORD hates the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright. The LORD despises the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness." I'm a bit late on this image below that is perfect for Mother's Day regarding the prayers of the upright:

Worship God: Much of today's readings reminded me of the book The Reason for God by Dr. Tim Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC. Here is Dr. Keller talking about this book - at Google's headquarters of all places!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kxup3OS5ZhQ

Do you believe God is reasonable? Click here for Reason!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "When they kept on questioning him, he (Jesus) straightened up and said to them, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:7 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you recognize your own sinfulness. Pray that you have repented of your sin and placed your faith in Jesus' work on the Cross to redeem you from your sin. Pray that you will not "throw stones" at other sinners, like yourself.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Today's Proverb is a great opportunity to ask yourself - 1. How's your prayer life? and 2. Are you pursuing godliness in your life each and every day? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike