Thursday, June 30: Hosea 11-14 ~Cameron

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Hosea 11-14

These four chapters are a beautiful illustration of God's Grace. For brevity, I will refer to the chapter/section headings, though the themes of each section bear this out.

Chapter 11 discusses God's love for Israel as the chosen people even before they were a nation. He called them out of Egypt, provided for them during a desert crossing, and gave them a land on which to grow their society. They rebelled and worshiped other gods even as His Blessings were upon them, and He still loved them.

Chapter 12 reviews Israel's long history of rebellion. A history wrought with examples where they followed other gods, or trusted in themselves rather than in their Protector. A history that clearly shows they are guilty and God is Justified in His Judgement (as if He needs to make a case to us).

Chapter 13 shows that God will bring judgement. He is Holy and will not suffer rebellion forever. And when His Wrath is poured out we get sobering imagery like in verse 8:
I will fall upon them like a bear robbed of her cubs, and will tear open the covering of their heart; there I will devour them like a lion, as a wild animal would mangle them. - Hosea 13:8

Still, even in times of Judgement chapter 14 makes it clear that repentance is available and forgiveness assured. And beyond that, full restoration of all the blessings promised to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the nation of Israel.

We serve a Holy and Merciful God. Even when Judgement comes for our sins, we can repent and be completely restored unto Him.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Kings 17:5, 2 Kings 18:9, Isaiah 28, 2 Kings 17:6-23, 2 Kings 18:10-22, 2 Kings 17:24-41

Wednesday, June 29: Hosea 6-10 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Hosea 6-10

Hosea 6:2-3
In just a short time He will restore us, so that we may live in His presence. Oh, that we might know the LORD! Let us press on to know Him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of the dawn or the coming of the rains in the early spring.

God wants us to call out to Him, asking for forgiveness. He wants us to know Him so that we can live with Him eternally. If we call out to Him, He will answer us with His unfailing love and forgiveness.

Hosea 6:6
"I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings."

God wants to have a deep relationship with us. He doesn't just want us to come to church on Sunday, sing songs, and put money in the basket. He wants a personal relationship with each of us, and He wants us each to pour out our hearts to Him, and get to know Him through daily prayer and reading of His Word (which is like a huge letter written personally from God FOR YOU).

The next couple chapters talk about how much Israel has broken God's heart by sinning against Him, and all the punishments they deserve. It even talks about how we can get to a point where there is "no chance of return". After reading those chapters, I don't understand how anyone can be unafraid of God! Yet, I continue to sin, and disappoint Him everyday. How amazing is it that God is still willing to forgive us after all we've done against Him?!

It absolutely blows my mind how much love God has for me. If I was the only person on earth, God still would've sent His Son to die for me. That's a lot of love!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Hosea 11-14

Tuesday, June 28: Hosea 1-5 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Hosea 1-5

A few verses stood out to me today…

When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, “Go, take to yourself an adulterous wife & children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing the Lord.”
Hosea 1:2

Are we willing to do the hard things God asks of us?  I can't imagine that Hosea was very comfortable with this instruction & yet we don't see any record of him even questioning God (not even asking for another sign to make sure that he didn't misunderstand).

She will chase after her lovers but not catch them; she will look for them but not find them. Then she will say, ‘I will go back to my husband as at first, for I was better off than now.’
Hosea 2:7

We go our own way, chase after things in this world that we think are what we need to be happy, but we “can't catch them & “do not find them.”  How long do we chase before we realize that it is better with God, his way?  

“In that day,” declares the Lord, “you will call me ‘my husband’; you will no longer call me ‘my master.’”

Hosea 2:16

God wants to have a relationship with us where we recognize that is isn't trying to control us, take our fun away.  He's not a master over his slave.  God wants us to have a deep, personal relationship based on love & trust. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Hosea 6-10

Monday, June 27th: 2 Kings 16:10-18, 2 Chronicles 28:16-25, 2 Kings 18:1-8, 2 Chronicles 29:1-2, 2 Kings 15:30-31, 2 Kings 17:1-4 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Kings 16:10-18, 2 Chronicles 28:16-25, 2 Kings 18:1-8, 2 Chronicles 29:1-2, 2 Kings 15:30-31, 2 Kings 17:1-4

Sorry for the late post - I forgot it was my Monday!

In our passage today we see Ahaz trying to get on the good side of successful pagan kings - relying on money and attempted alliances instead of on God.  Unsurprisingly, this was not successful.

How often don't we do the same thing?  We become too consumed with earning/saving up enough money and relying on our own wealth, instead of relying on God.  Obviously, we are to work hard and be good stewards of the money we earn.  But we also need to keep from being self-reliant and materialistic, and keep our trust on the only One on whom we can truly depend.

Thankfully, we see some changes when Hezekiah becomes king.  It was sad to note.....
2 King 18:4 He broke up the bronze serpent that Moses had made, because the people of Israel had been offering sacrifices to it.

My Life Application Bible says (emphasis mine)..
The bronze serpent had been made to cure the Israelites of the bite of poisonous snakes. It had demonstrated God's presence and power and had reminded the people of his mercy and forgiveness. But it had become an object of worship instead of a reminder of whom to worship, so Hezekiah was forced to destroy it. We must be careful that aids to our worship don't become objects of worship themselves. Most objects are not made to be idols, but they become idols by the way people use them. 

What or who do we value so highly it's crossed the line into idolatry?  Our priority must be God above all.  Even good things (spouse, children, etc) can become idols if we're not careful.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Hosea 1-5

Sunday, June 26th: Isaiah 10 - 12, 17 - Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 10 - 12, 17 

In the opening verses in Isaiah 10, the verses talk about the fact that God will judge those who make unjust laws.  This reinforces the fact that we are all accountable to God for what we do.  Further on in this chapter it talks about God's Judgment on Assyria.  When I first read these verses I wasn't sure what I could learn from them.  After reading some commentaries I learned that even though Assyria did not know they were part of God's plan, God still used them to accomplish His plan even though they rejected Him.  I found this to be very interesting.  

Isaiah 10:12
12 When the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, “I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes. 

This verse was a reminder to me that the Assyria thought they had accomplished everything in their own power.  This is a reminder to me to remember that God should be given the credit for any of my accomplishments.

I particularly enjoyed reading Isaiah 12.  This chapter is a hymn of praise and that not only should we give thanks for God but also to tell others about Him.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  2 Kings 16:10-18, 2 Chronicles 28:16-25, 2 Kings 18:1-8, 2 Chronicles 29:1-2, 2 Kings 15:30-31, 2 Kings 17:1-4

Saturday, June 25th: Micah 1, 2 Kings 16:1-9, 2 Chronicles 28:1-15, Isaiah 7-9 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Micah 1, 2 Kings 16:1-9, 2 Chronicles 28:1-15, Isaiah 7-9

Micah 1:13  Harness your chariot horses and flee, you people of Lachish.  You were the first city in Judah to follow Israel in her rebellion, and you led Jerusalem into sin.

My Life Application Bible says: The people of Lachish had influenced many to follow their evil example. They "led Jerusalem into sin." We often do the same when we sin. Regardless of whether you consider yourself a leader, your actions and words are observed by others who may choose to follow your example, whether you know it or not.

Clearly, we need to recognize that our actions affect more than just ourselves.  We also need to remember though, not to put on a false front of perfection, but rather to also model repentance and the grace of God to forgive us when we fail.

2 Chronicles 28:3 [Ahaz] offered sacrifices in the valley of Ben-Hinnom, even sacrificing his own sons in the fire. In this way, he followed the detestable practices of the pagan nations the Lord had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites.

There should be no doubt how God views the detestable practice of abortion that is literally commonplace in our society today, in number that would likely astound Ahaz.  How's that for perspective.

Our Isaiah passage has several messianic prophecies.  Most of these prophecies had two fulfillments, an immediate one and one filled with the birth of the Jesus (or His Second Coming still to come).

Isaiah 7:14-16  All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means 'God is with us'). By the time this child is old enough to choose what is right and reject what is wrong, he will be eating yogurt and honey. For before the child is that old, the lands of the two kings you fear so much will both be deserted.

This is a messianic prophecy in that Mary, a virgin, would bear a son named Immanuel.
It was also a timeline prophecy with a three year fulfillment - a young woman from the house of Ahaz who was not married yet, would marry and have a son. Before 3 years passed (one for pregnancy and two for the child to be old enough to talk) the two invading kings would be destroyed.

Biblical prophecy can often be confusing, but it sure is interesting!


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 10-12, Isaiah 17

Friday, June 24th: 2 Kings 14:28-29, 2 Kings 15:8-29, 2 Kings 15:6-7, 2 Chronicles 26:22-23, Isaiah 6:1-13, 2 Kings 15:32-38, 2 Chronicles 27:1-9 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: 2 Kings 14:28-29, 2 Kings 15:8-29, 2 Kings 15:6-7, 2 Chronicles 26:22-23, Isaiah 6:1-13, 2 Kings 15:32-38, 2 Chronicles 27:1-9

Sorry for the late posting.  I changed my days off this week and it messed up my routine........

In Isaiah chapter 6 we read about the call of Isaiah to his prophetic ministry of warning Judah regarding their wickedness.

In his vision, Isaiah expresses his concern about his worthiness in verse 5: "Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LordAlmighty."

Isaiah's concern was resolved by the seraphim in verses 6-7: "Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. ⁷ With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”"

Isaiah understood that he was not perfect and that the words from his lips are no different than everyone else.  He needed to have his sins atoned for.  We are no different.  We are wicked with our words, thoughts, and actions too.  Lucky for us, we have an opportunity of this atonement too; through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Once again, we have read how the Lord will call people to do His work that do not "feel" worthy to do so.  It is God who equips, prepares, and leads those whom He calls.  It is not our ability, but God's.

When God calls His messenger, He also prepares the people receiving the message.  It is prophesied that the people will hear and see, but will not understand nor perceive (vs 9).  The hearts of the people in the land were hardened, along with having fingers in their ears, and blindfolds covering their eyes.  The result of this hardness was their rejection to God's warnings.

Isaiah's response to this rejection was not that this was going to be an exercise in futility, but rather he asks, "For how long, O lord?" (vs 11)

We are called to tell others of God and His love and He will prepare the hearts of those who hear it.  They may reject those words at the time of hearing them, but it does not mean we are to not plant those seeds.
                
For how long are we to tell others about God?  Until our city is emptied out and the houses are left deserted.  That's how long.  My prayer is that I can have that desire and passion in letting others know of our Saviour.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Micah 1, 2 Kings 16:1-9, 2 Chronicles 28:1-15, Isaiah 7-9

Thursday, June 23rd: Amos 6-9 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Amos 6-9

These passages seem to have a running theme...People's sin, complaceny, comfort and pride vs. God's judgment and punishment. Amos pulls no punches as he describes the sins of the Israelites.  He's bold enough that Amaziah tries to stop Amos's preaching (Amos 7:10-17). But Amos continues relating the visions that God has given him about the future judgements.  After all the judgement, the book of Amos concludes with a message of hope that God will eventually make his people great again and restore them.

These are good questions to ask ourselves...

Have we grown complacent?  Do we ignore those in need? Have other things taken God's place in our lives? Are we obeying God's call on our lives?  Do we give regular time to rest and worship God and is our heart in the right place?

We've been given God's word as our "Plumb Line" so we can know what God desires of us and for us.  We should not assume and be complacent in our faith but let God's love and desires shine through our actions and out to the people around us.

Sinners will not go free and the faithful will not be forgotten. But the good news is that he is always willing to restore us.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2Kings 14:28-29, 2 Kings 15:8-29, 2 Kings 15:6-7, 2 Chronicles 26:22-23, Isaiah 6:1-13, 2 Kings 15:32-38, 2 Chronicles 27:1-9

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29, 2 Kings 15:6

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7, 2 Chronicles

26:22

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23, Isaiah 6:1

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13, 2 Kings 15:32

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38, 2 Chronicles 27:1

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9

Wednesday, June 22nd: Amos 1-5 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Amos 1-5

These first chapters of the book of Amos are written by Amos himself, one of the shepherds of Tekoa, and according to Wikipedia he spoke at a time of relative peace and prosperity and also neglect of God's laws. He spoke against an increasing divide between rich and poor, which was going on then.

In some ways, this sounds familiar, and could have been the current times we live in. In fact, as I look further into what this book has in store for us, I feel like it speaks to us now as if we were around back then, the times that followers of God then went through, the difficulties, were a lot of what we're going through starting now and getting more into, with the persecution we see Christians facing in North America already.

In chapter 4 we read how God gives his people many warnings to come to him and rely on him, but they turn away,

4:5 Burn leavened bread as a thank offering and brag about your freewill offerings — boast about them, you Israelites, for this is what you love to do,” declares the Sovereign Lord.

In the following verses we see how God gives the Israelites many hardships, like hunger (v6), withholding rain, and water to drink (v 7,8), and sending plagues (v 10), and still they refuse to truly go and commit to Him.

In chapter 5 God gives the Israelites clear commands on how to change and live,

5:4 This is what the Lord says to Israel: "Seek me and live"

5:15 Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph.

It won't be easy, but the Israelites will have to change their ways if they want to truly know God and live for Him. This reminds me of our nation, many here have slipped away from truly knowing God. Many still have time to change, but it won't easy. Let's pray for our leaders in government and in private business, that they (and we) will chose wisely and make decisions that God would want.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Amos 6-9

Tuesday, June 21: Jonah 1-4 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Jonah 1-4

But the Lord replied, “Have you any right to be angry”
Jonah 4:1

In today’s reading we read the familiar story of Jonah running from God’s command to go reach the lost people of Ninevah, God working in his heart by placing him in the belly of a fish & him deciding that maybe he should listen after all.

A man of God & yet he purposely chose not to listen/obey.

[Jonah was a prophet (possibly even a member of the company of prophets mentioned together with Elisha’s story in 2 Kings 2:3).  I found that note quite interesting, I always knew the Bible story but never recognized him actually as a prophet of God.]

How often do we as Christians choose & willfully do things that we know would not honor God or what he would have for us.  And yet we do them anyway.

When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, & my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.
Jonah 2:7

All the sudden, we’re dealing with consequences (just like Jonah) & we are begging for forgiveness.  Then, after we have tried to do things our way, failed & begged God for help, we’re ready to do it his way.  Talk about slow learners.  Time & again God shows his patience & love for us as we work through our rebellious nature.

Jonah decides to obey God & then has a fit when the people of Ninevah readily accept God’s love because God is too “gracious & compassionate, slow to anger & abounding in love” Jonah 4:2

It is so ironic how Jonah forgets his own shortcomings & finds other so undeserving.

Sadly to say, as Christians we do that time & again.  One sin is worse than another or how do we accept the thought that a criminal is just as worthy of God’s grace as we are.  So hard to swallow.

One sobering thought came to me as I was processing this; perhaps as Christians (who should know better) we should be even more accountable for our actions when we purposely choose to defy God than someone who’s never known him.

Wow, I'm so thankful for my God who so mercifully forgives me time & again.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Amos 1-5

Monday, June 20: 2 Kings 15:1-4, 2 Chronicles 26:1-15, 2 Kings 15:5, 2 Chronicles 26:16-21 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Kings 15:1-4, 2 Chronicles 26:1-15, 2 Kings 15:5, 2Chronicles 26:16-21

Scripture:  2 Chronicles verse ¹⁶ But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.

Observation: When we are weak, He is strong

Application: We've heard it, and likely experienced it, that it is when we are under the most trying of times that we become the most closest to and dependent on God. How many times have you been listening to someone's testimony and they recount this moment of utter despair that caused them to run towards God because they knew they had no other option. In times of trouble we can feel closest to God because we become fully and completely aware that we cannot do it on our own strength. God uses those times to draw us closer to Him and also to be an example to others to draw them close to Him too. 

On the flip side, when God chooses to bless us and give us more than we could hope for sometimes the reaction that we have is of self-centered-ness as  we begin to believe that we are the source of our own fulfillment. We begin to believe that we don't need God's help--or anyone's help--because things are going so well. This is what happened to King Uzziah. He came believe that all his power and might was of his own making and that God's rules and standards did not apply to him. Uzziah began to make his own rules and defy the commands set by God. Disobedience and disregard for those trying to help you understand and repent has disastrous consequences. They may not be as immediate as King Uzziah faced when he immediately became a leper but there are always consequences for disobedience. When Uzziah was separated from his community and lived alone the rest of his days, I'm sure he had lots of time to ponder his bad decisions which led him to that point. 

 God gives us free choice. We have the freedom and the ability to choose to make decisions that honour God and we have the ability to choose to make decisions to choose to act in a way that dishonours God. Our obedience should not depend on whether we are in a time of chaos in our lives and fully dependent on God to get us through a tough time or whether we are doing "well" on our own. The reality is that we are always dependent on God because our lives can radically change in a second just a Uzziah's did. The bible doesn't explicitly tell us whether Uzziah repented only that he was excluded from the house of the Lord. I wonder if Uzziah leaned on God to be strong when he was weak and whether the time of trials that followed after his time of earthly power caused hime to finally submit to God as he lived out his final days.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You always give us exactly what we need. May we be reminded that every gift is is from you. Gifts of prosperity and strength are from you and gifts of trials and chaos may also be a gift that causes us to lean on you fully. May we see and appreciate all your gifts and may they cause us to recognize that you are strong when we are weak and that You have our eternal future in mind when allowing things to happen according to your purpose. Amen.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:

Jonah 1-4

Sunday, June 19th: 2 Kings 12:17-21, 2 Chronicles 24:23-27, 2 Kings 13:14-14:14, 2 Chronicles 25:1-24, 2 Kings 13:12-13, 2 Kings 14:15-16, 2 Kings 14:23-27, 2 Kings 14:17-22, 2 Chronicles 25:25-28 ~ Jay

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: 2 Kings 12:17-21, 2 Chronicles 24:23-27, 2 Kings13:14-14:14, 2 Chronicles 25:1-24, 2 Kings 13:12-13, 2 Kings 14:15-16, 2 Kings14:23-27, 2 Kings 14:17-22, 2 Chronicles 25:25-28

Happy Fathers Day! Today's passages are very relevant to us as fathers / leaders of our respective families.  The current  books of the Bible we are reading through provide detailed accounts of those leaders who God appoints, they are faced with great challenges and ultimately succeed, they then turn from God, and finally God deals with them severely. It is easy for us to read through and shake our heads at how foolish these leaders seem...but how many of us are consistent in our walk with God and ultimately our leadership?

It was interesting to me the passage that described the interaction between King Jehoash and Elisha in 2 Kings 13.  17 “Open the east window,” he said, and he opened it. “Shoot!” Elisha said, and he shot. “The Lord’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram!” Elisha declared. “You will completely destroy the Arameans at Aphek.”
18 Then he said, “Take the arrows,” and the king took them. Elisha told him, “Strike the ground.” He struck it three times and stopped. 19 The man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.”To me, it looked like Johoash did what Elisha asked him to do...but when striking the ground he hit it a few times (3) and likely thought that was good enough.  The lesson for me here is that if God calls us to do a task or items of service  we need to approach it and go above and beyond what we consider "good enough".  God wants our full effort in whatever we do for Him. 

Another of the concepts that jumped out to me today was the portion that described Amaziah and how he assembled his army, had great success, and then returned to worship the gods of the people he just decimated. At the outset Amaziah took stock of his fighting men and then decided he better get some hired help to assist with the cause, and so hired 100,000 men from Israel. He paid for them, and then was told by the man of God that God would deliver them and they did not require the extra help.  God gave him great victory without the use of the hired help and yet when Amaziah returned home and in 

2 Chronicles 25  - 14 When Amaziah returned from slaughtering the Edomites, he brought back the gods of the people of Seir. He set them up as his own gods,bowed down to them and burned sacrifices to them. 15 The anger of the Lord burned against Amaziah, and he sent a prophet to him, who said, “Why do you consult this people’s gods, which could not save their own people from your hand?”  ; Easy for us to sit back and judge, but how many times does God grant us success or victory and we turn around only to rationalize the outcome form our own perspective...excluding God. Interesting when I read the portion that stated "..the anger of the Lord burned..." I shudder to think about God's anger towards me when we act with similar motivation.  It may not be as overt as burning sacrifices to an idol but placing our confidence and pride in our own abilities..may not be far off.   

As fathers and spiritual leaders of our families, we need to challenge ourselves to continually be reading God's word and seeking his direction. When God grants victory or success for our nations (families) we need to thank Him, with humility communicate the source of our victory, and finally loop back to seek His guidance and direction for the next challenge.  

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:2 Kings 15:1-4, 2 Chronicles 26:1-15, 2 Kings 15:5, 2 Chronicles 26:16-21

Saturday, June 18th: 2 Kings 11:13-16, 2 Chronicles 23:12-15, 2 Kings 11:17-21, 2 Chronicles 23:16-21, 2 Kings 12:1-16, 2 Chronicles 24:1-22, 2 Kings 10:32-36, 2 Kings 13:1-11 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Kings 11:13-16, 2 Chronicles 23:12-15, 2 Kings 11:17-21, 2 Chronicles 23:16-21, 2 Kings 12:1-16, 2 Chronicles 24:1-22, 2 Kings 10:32-36, 2 Kings 13:1-11

It was interesting, and sad, to note that King Joash's faith was based more on the advice given him by Jehoiada the priest, than on God.  As long as the priest was alive, Joash listened to and heeded the priest's advice, but after Jehoiada's death, not only did he listen to poor cousel and prove his faith less than genuine, he murdered the son of the very faithful priest who had guided him so wisely for all those years!

It is important for us to surround ourselves with wise and godly people, as they will influence us.  And it is wise to heed their advice.  But we must also think for ourselves, and make our faith our own, or it will fail as soon as that person is no longer around to help us.  Our faith should never be in another man or woman, but should only be in Jesus Christ.

It was also interesting to note how the priests, though not deceitful, were somewhat derelict in their duties in regards to the repair of the temple, but that the construction supervisors were so known for their honesty and integrity, that they didn't need to be held accountable to anyone.

Do we live with such honesty and integrity that people will trust us unhesitatingly?  Do we have a reputation for hard work and loyalty?  Are we trustworthy and dependable?

And, perhaps most importantly, do we try to attain those things through our own strength, or by relying on God?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  2 Kings 12:17-21, 2 Chronicles 24:23-27, 2 Kings 13:14-14:14, 2 Chronicles 25:1-24, 2 Kings 13:12-13, 2 Kings 14:15-16, 2 Kings 14:23-27, 2 Kings 14:17-22, 2 Chronicles 25:25-28

Friday, June 17th: 2 Kings 10:1-17, 2 Chronicles 22:8-9, 2 Kings 10:18-11:3, 2 Chronicles 22:10-12, 2 Kings 11:4-12, 2 Chronicles 23:1-11 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: 2 Kings 10:1-17, 2 Chronicles 22:8-9, 2 Kings 10:18-11:3, 2 Chronicles 22:10-12, 2 Kings 11:4-12, 2 Chronicles 23:1-11

Today I'm going to concentrate on the passage from 2 Kings chapter 10.

Jehu is on a mission.  He is determined to wipe out all Baal worship throughout Israel.  To do so, he calls for an assembly in honor of Baal so that all the Baal ministers throughout the land would come and be present for this special occasion.  Jehu told the Baal ministers to look around to ensure that there would not be any servants of the Lord present.  When he is certain that only Baal worshipers are present the celebration begins.

 For the Baal worshipers this all seemed like a great idea; perhaps the feeling of something new and exciting with a new leader!  This idea that was presented and packaged up as something special, turned out to be deadly when unfolded - literally.  Jehu was deceiving to the Baal worshipers in order to execute his plan.

The same can happen to us a Christians.  Everyday we are presented with "gifts" or "celebrations" from satan, as he attempts to deceive us.  We need to be careful not to fall into his trap.

"Do not forsake wisdom and she will protect you, lover her and she will watch over you." Proverbs 4:6

We need protection from satan's empty promises, and that protection comes with wisdom which comes from the Lord.  May we keep His commands wrapped around our hearts so that we can truly live.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Kings 11:13-16, 2 Chronicles 23:12-15, 2 Kings 11:17-21, 2 Chronicles 23:16-21, 2 Kings 12:1-16, 2 Chronicles 24:1-22, 2 Kings 10:32-36, 2 Kings 13:1-11

Thursday, June 16: 2 Kings 8:1-17, 2 Chronicles 21:18-20, 2 Kings 8:25-29, 2 Chronicles 22:1-7, 2 Kings 9 ~Cameron

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Kings 8:1-17, 2 Chronicles 21:18-20, 2 Kings 8:25-29, 2 Chronicles 22:1-7, 2 Kings 9

I want to touch on the events in 2 Kings 9, when Jehu becomes king over Israel.

Elisha has a fellow prophet anoint Jehu as the next king of Israel, then flee the scene. That is the state of Israel at this point. Prophets arrived in secret, delivered their message, and ran away. That is not what I think of when imagining God's chosen people.

Jehu hears that both both kings, Joram of Israel and Ahaziah of Judah, are in the city of Jezreel and goes to take the throne. They meet on a field previously owned by Naboth and Jehu slays Joram as the king tries to flee. This field was taken by Ahab after his wife Jezebel has Naboth killed for refusing to sell the land. Elijah prophesied that this field would be where Ahab would meet his demise, and his family would be wiped out. See 1 Kings 21:17-29

At hearing this, Ahab repented and the Lord showed him Mercy. On Ahab! This was a king who, in that very passage, has this to say about him:
"There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord." - 1 Kings 21:25

God showed mercy to Ahab and fulfilled the prophesy with his son, Joram. Grace is not without consequences. Joram died on the field his father acquired by murdering the owner.

I often pause at these passages and reflect on my own life. I'm not putting up Asherah poles or setting up temples to Baal, but am I subtlely accumulating consequences for which my children will pay the price?  I probably have already on some levels, but it motivates me to focus on doing what is right every day.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Kings 10:1-17, 2 Chronicles 22:8-9, 2 Kings 10:18-11:3, 2 Chronicles 22:10-12, 2 Kings 11:4-12, 2 Chronicles 23:1-11

Wednesday, June 15th: 2 Kings 4-7 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Kings 4-7

Two points have really been standing out to me while reading about Elisha: Strong faith in God, and the power of prayer (which I find are connected most times).

For example, chapter 4:32-34 says:
When Elisha arrived, the child was indeed dead, lying there on the prophet's bed. He went in alone and shut the door behind him and prayed to the LORD. Then he lay down on the child's body, placing his mouth on the child's mouth, his eyes on the child's eyes, and his hands on the child's hands. And as he stretched out on him, the child's body began to grow warm again!

Both points are clearly represented here. Elisha showed great faith in God by believing that He could raise this child from the dead through prayer.

In verses 42-44 we are reminded that God keeps His promises:
One day a man from Baal-shalishah brought the man of God a sack of fresh grain and twenty loaves of barley bread made from the first grain of his harvest. Elisha said, "Give it to the people so they can eat."
"What?" his servant exclaimed. "Feed a hundred people with only this?"
But Elisha repeated, "Give it to the people so they can eat, for this is what the LORD says: Everyone will eat, and there will even be some left over!" And when they gave it to the people, there was plenty for all and some left over, just as the LORD had promised.

Also (in chapter 5 verses 2-3), a reminder that no matter how important or unimportant we are, we are all still a part of God's plan:
At this time Aramean raiders had invaded the land of Isreal, and amoung their captives was a young girl who had been given to Naaman's wife as a maid. One day the girl said to her mistress, "I wish my master would go see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy."

And lastly, in chapter 6 verses 16-17, we are reminded that we never have to be afraid because God is always with us:
"Don't be afraid!" Elisha told him. "For there are more on our side than on theirs!" Then Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!" The LORD opened the young man's eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.

That last verse connects to Romans 8:31, which reads:
What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Kings 8:1-17, 2 Chronicles 21:18-20, 2 Kings 8:25-29, 2 Chronicles 22:1-7, 2 Kings 9

Tuesday, June 14th: 1 Kings 22:50, 2 Chronicles 21:1-4, 2 Kings 8:16-22, 2 Chronicles 21:5-7, 2 Kings 2 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Kings 22:50, 2 Chronicles 21:1-4, 2 Kings 8:16-22, 2 Chronicles 21:5-7, 2 Kings 2

It's so refreshing, in the midst of so many kings who “did evil in the eyes of the Lord,” to read about those so faithful.

Elisha was completely submitted to God & his role as a prophet.  In 2 Kings 2:1-6, Elijah’s on his final “tour” to meet with the schools of prophets (seemingly knowing that his end was near).  Elijah repeatedly tells Elisha that he should stay back, but Elisha is unwilling.  Elisha wanted to learn as much as he could while Elijah was still around.

Some commentaries even suggest that Elijah offering Elisha to stay back was somewhat a test to Elisha's commitment & Elisha's determination to stay with Elijah was the indication of his heart.

Elisha was repeatedly told that the Lord was going to take Elijah from him & Elisha’s response was “Yes, I know, but do not speak of this.”  To me, he was saying “I'm not going to think of that right now.  He is still here & I need to learn what I can while there's still time.”

Elijah then asks if he can do anything for Elisha before he is taken.  Elisha's response in not for money or recognition or even respect from the other prophets.  He asks for a double portion of his spirit.

Elisha didn't want to be more powerful than Elijah, rather, he wanted to accomplish more for God.

What an example set before us; to follow faithfully, committed to God fully & to be focused on him.  Elijah didn't get to the point where he said he knew what he needed to know & could take it from here, rather he learnt as much as he could for as long as he could.

We will never completely “arrive” in our Christian walk.  Let's keep seeking.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  2 Kings 4-7

Monday, June 13th: 2 Chronicles 20, 2 Kings 1:1-18, 2 Kings 3:1-27, 1 Kings 22:41-49, 2 Chronicles 20:31-37 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Chronicles 20, 2 Kings 1:1-18, 2 Kings 3:1-27, 1  Kings 22:41-49, 2 Chronicles 20:31-37

From my Life Application Bible.....
Notice how the third captain went to Elijah.  Although the first two captains called Elijah "man of God," they were not being genuine - God was not in their hearts. The third captain also called him "man of God," but he humbly begged for mercy. His attitude showed respect for God, and God spared the lives of his men. Effective living begins with a right attitude toward God. Before religious words come out of your mouth, make sure they are from your heart. Let respect, humility, and servanthood characterize your attitude toward God and others.

Often, it's obvious from our words and deeds what's within our hearts.  But sometimes it's not as clearly visible.  Sometimes people can say all the right things, but not believe them.  God, however, can see past our actions, past our words, and straight through to our motives and our hearts.  We can't fool Him.

It's also a good reminder that, though we can and should judge people's actions according to the Word, we cannot judge their motives or hearts - that's something that only God can do.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  1 Kings 22:50, 2 Chronicles 21:1-4, 2 Kings 8:16-22, 2 Chronicles 21:5-17, 2 Kings 2

Sunday, June 12th - 1 Kings 22:29-40, 2 Chronicles 18:28-34, 1 Kings 22:51-53, 2 Chronicles 19 - Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Kings 22:29-40, 2 Chronicles 18:28-34, 1 Kings 22:51-53, 2 Chronicles 19

These passages shown how important it is to have godly advisers and how a good leader is one who is faithful to God and help grow others with God's values.

It is interesting to read about the different kings and their leadership styles.  It is important that when we seek advice we must carefully weigh the advice we receive.  King Ahab chose to have advisers that would only tell him what he wanted to hear.  By not following God, King Ahab perished in battle just as he was told.

In 2 Chronicles 19, when King Jehoshaphat appointed judges he reminded them that they were accountable to God for the standards to use to judge others.  In my Life Application Bible it said that "Jehoshaphat's advice is helpful for all leaders (1) realize you are judging for God (2) be impartial and honest (3) be faithful (4) act only out of fear of God not men, God holds us accountable for the authority we exercise.

He told them, “Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. 7 Now let the fear of the Lord be on you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”

8 In Jerusalem also, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites, priests and heads of Israelite families to administer the law of the Lord and to settle disputes. And they lived in Jerusalem. 9 He gave them these orders: “You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord. 10 In every case that comes before you from your people who live in the cities—whether bloodshed or other concerns of the law, commands, decrees or regulations—you are to warn them not to sin against the Lord; otherwise his wrath will come on you and your people. Do this, and you will not sin.

I think the advice in these verses can be applied to anyone in a leadership role and it definitely made me think how we are accountable to God in everything we do.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  2 Chronicles 20, 2 Kings 1:1-18, 2 Kings 3:1-27, 1  Kings 22:41-49, 2 Chronicles 20:31-37

Saturday, June 11th: 1 Kings 20:1-22:9, 2 Chronicles 18:1-8, 1 Kings 22:10-28, 2 Chorincles 18:9-27 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Kings 20:1-22:9, 2 Chronicles 18:1-8, 1 Kings 22:10-28, 2 Chronicles 18:9-27

It's amazing to me how often God shows himself to people, even those who are evil and set against Him.  Despite Ahab's wicked ways, God defeated the Aramean army for Ahab so that he would know that He alone is God.  Despite Ahab seeing miracle after miracle, despite God's direct and obvious help in battle, Ahab continued to live as he pleased, without God.

We have that same choice.  God shows Himself to us over and over again.  We can choose to be like Ahab, ignore God, and go our own way.  But if we do, eventually disaster will strike- if not in this life, then for eternity.  Or we can choose to follow Him.  Things may not all go our way in this life, but we will live in victory with Him forever.

In this passage we see the beginnings of a mistake that Jehoshaphat made.  He aligned himself with Ahab through the marriage of his son to King Ahab's daughter, and then made a military alliance with him. This ended absolutely disastrously.

As my Life Application Bible says....
When believers in leadership positions become allied with unbelievers, values can be compromised and spiritual awareness dulled. The Bible often warns against teaming up with unbelievers.

Who do we surround ourselves with?  Obviously, we are to love unbelievers, but they are not to become our closest advisers, or we, too, risk being steered off course.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Kings 22:29-40, 2 Chronicles 18:28-34, 1 Kings 22:51-53, 2 Chronicles 19

Friday June 10th: 1 Kings 17-19 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: 1 Kings 17-19

"Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire—he is God."  1Kings 18:24

I have always enjoyed reading this story.  I find Elijah taunting the prophets to be humorous.  "At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened."  (verse 27)

But today I took note of Elijah's confidence in God.  He could have decided to prepare the altar without all the other prophets watching, but instead he called them all over to watch him (vs 30).  In all their presence, Elijah places the stones and rebuilds the altar and then proceeds to dig a trench around the altar.  He then tells them to "Fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood."

At this point, if someone was betting on this outcome, the odds would not be in Elijah's favour.  When I go camping (and I say "I" because those of you who know Pamela, know it's not "we") I make all effort in ensuring I have everything to making a fire easy; dry wood, paper, and a lighter full of fluid.  But Elijah's faith and his confidence is not placed in the wood being dry, having paper, or the lighter fluid.  His confidence was in the lighter - God Almighty!

This brought me to reflecting on areas in my life that I am not relying on the God who not only brought a fire that Elijah prayed for, but "burnt up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench." (38)  

"At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command.³⁷ Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again."  (vs 36-37)

Elijah's desire for God to send the fire was not for his own benefit.  He initially called everyone around so that God would be able to demonstrate His power for all to see.  Elijah is giving God credit for everything and acknowledging the fact that he is following God's commands.  Elijah prayed that prayer in front of everyone to see and hear, not in solitude.  

How am I doing at telling nonbelievers about the miracles that God has done in my life?  Do I have the desire in making sure that others know about the importance in following God?  Do I give God all the credit He is do?  Do I acknowledge His leading?  Do I obey His commands?  Do I believe that God can send the fire today?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Kings 20:1-22:9, 2 Chronicles 18:1-8, 1 Kings 22:10-28, 2 Chronicles 18:9-27

Thursday June 9th: 1 Kings 15:16-22, 2 Chronicles 16:1-10, 1 Kings 16:1-34, 1 Kings 15:23-24, 2 Chronicles 16:11-14, 2 Chronicles 17:1-19 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Kings 15:16-22, 2 Chronicles 16:1-10, 1 Kings 16:1-34, 1 Kings 15:23-24, 2 Chronicles 16:11-14, 2 Chronicles 17:1-19

I think this must have been a period of time that greatly saddened God.  One king after another provoked the anger of God more than any other before.  I hope that my life and the lives of my children and their children and their children's children, well you get the point, do the exact opposite. I hope that each generation after me loves the Lord and lives lives pleasing to Him.

These chapters are definitely a low point in Israels moral history.  Ahab was an evil man and like those before him "did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him” (1 Kings 16:33)

Cam and I were discussing these chapters last night and he mentioned something that I found really interesting. 1 Kings 16:34 talks about a man name Hiel who rebuilt Jericho and how this fulfilled the prophetic curse that Joshua proclaimed in Joshua 6:26 several hundred years before.

At that time Joshua invoked this curse: "May the curse of the LORD fall on anyone who tries to rebuild the town of Jericho. At the cost of his firstborn son, he will lay its foundation. At the cost of his youngest son, he will set up its gates." - Joshua 6:26

It was during his reign that Hiel, a man from Bethel, rebuilt Jericho. When he laid its foundations, it cost him the life of his oldest son, Abiram. And when he completed it and set up its gates, it cost him the life of his youngest son, Segub. This all happened according to the message from the Lord concerning Jericho spoken by Joshua son of Nun. - 1 Kings 16:34

Hiel's rebuilding of Jericho, the very same walls that the Lord had torn down, was in direct disregard of Joshua's curse and takes place during Ahab's reign, an already decidedly wicked time. I think that this shows the utter contempt with which the warnings of the law were treated, or possibly that the people had removed themselves so far from following God's laws that they were completely ignorant of these types of warnings. Whether Hiel was unaware of the curse or being defiant, he began to rebuild the city and in the process of rebuilding he lost his firstborn. This might have been enough to discourage some from continuing as the curse was clear that he would lose his youngest son as well. Some interpretations believe that he will have lost all of his children in between as well. What kind of a world do you have to live in to be willing to sacrifice two of your children (possibly all of them) to rebuild a wall that God tore down and Joshua cursed?

Again, I pray and hope that I, or the generations to follow me, never stray so far from our God as to be so completely ignorant and defiant of the love of God.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Kings 17-19

Wednesday, June 8: 1 Kings 15:9-15, 2 Chronicles 14:1-8, 1 Kings 14:19-20, 1 Kings 15:25-34, 2 Chronicles 14:9-15, 2 Chronicles 15:1-19

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Kings 15:9-15, 2 Chronicles 14:1-8, 1 Kings 14:19-20, 1 Kings 15:25-34, 2 Chronicles 14:9-15, 2 Chronicles 15:1-19

A few thoughts on today's reading, which mostly covers the reign of king Asa of Judah.

1 Kings 15:14
Although he did not remove the high places, Asa’s heart was fully committed to the Lord all his life.


This made me think of my own life. I feel like I'm fully committed to God as well, but do I also have some areas of my life where I'm not fully committed? Do I let parts of my life slid in order to suit my personal wants? Answer is yes. Next move is to work at fixing these areas to what God wants from me.

2 Chronicles 14:11
Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. Lord, you are our God; do not let mere mortals prevail against you.”

When face to face with a powerful enemy, who wanted to destroy Asa and all of Judah, king Asa first called out to God for help. He didn't try fighting and when realizing he would lose would then call out to God. This too should be the order of events in our day as well, calling out to God in prayer early in the day asking for help. This acknowledges that we turn to God first for help, before facing the days challenges, asking Him for help because we can't do things on our own.

2 Chronicles 15:9
Then he assembled all Judah and Benjamin and the people from Ephraim, Manasseh and Simeon who had settled among them, for large numbers had come over to him from Israel when they saw that the Lord his God was with him.

The Israelites saw God at work in the people of Judah and Benjamin and decided the join them. They knew it was the right way and only way to survive. Do people see God in us, like the Israelites, did in the people if Judah, and want to come join with us in our walk with God?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  1 Kings 15:16-22, 2 Chronicles 16:1-10, 1 Kings 16:1-34, 1 Kings 15:23-24, 2 Chronicles 16:11-14, 2 Chronicles 17:1-19

Tuesday, June 7th: 1 Kings 14:1-18, 21-24, 2 Chronicles 12:13-14, 2 Chronicles 11-18-23, 1 Kings 14:25-28, 2 Chronicles 12:1-12, 1 Kings 14:29-31, 2 Chronicles 12:15-16, 1 Kings 15:1-8, 2 Chronicles 13:1-22 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Kings 14:1-18, 21-24, 2 Chronicles 12:13-14, 2 Chronicles 11-18-23, 1 Kings 14:25-28, 2 Chronicles 12:1-12, 1 Kings 14:29-31, 2 Chronicles 12:15-16, 1 Kings 15:1-8, 2 Chronicles 13:1-22

It's something that we see time & time again throughout Israel’s history & unfortunately too often within our own lives as well.  How quickly we fall.

Rehoboam, only one generation from Solomon & all his splendour, from the completion of the Lord’s temple & they quickly turned their eyes from God.  Because of this, God allowed for them to be invaded & the treasures of the temple & the palace carried off.

In the fifth year of King Rehoboam, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem.  He carried off the treasures of the temple of the Lord & the treasures of the royal palace.  He took everything, including all the gold shields Solomon had made. 
1 Kings 14:25 & 26

When the people became spiritually corrupt & immoral, it was just a short time until they lost everything.  (They even had to replace the gold shields with cheaper bronze.)  Rehoboam tried to keep his appearance of glory, but he couldn't measure up.

It's like that in our lives too.  Just like the “imitation” shields, when God is not our focus, trying to keep the appearance of a Christian life becomes fake (cheap).  Our outer beauty (value) will only come from keeping our hearts & minds in tune with God.

The leaders of Israel & the king humbled themselves & said, “ The Lord is just.”

2 Chronicles 12:6

However, they humbled themselves.  They acknowledged their sins & recognized God’s justice in punishing them. 

It is never too late to repent, to turn back & recommit ourselves to God.

When the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, this word of the Lord came to Shemaiah: “Since they have humbled themselves, I will not destroy them but will soon give them deliverance.  My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak.  They will, however, become subject to him, so that they may learn the difference between serving me & serving the kings of other lands.”
2 Chronicles 12:7-8

God will always take us back, but there may be consequences to work through.  Let's just make sure to learn the lesson God wants to teach us the first time so we don't have to go through it again.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Kings 15:9-15, 2 Chronicles 14:1-8, 1 Kings 14:19-20, 1 Kings 15:25-34, 2 Chronicles 14:9-15, 2 Chronicles 15:1-19