Saturday, September 30th: Isaiah 9-10; Ephesians 3 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 9-10; Ephesians 3

Isaiah 9:2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
a light has dawned
on those living in the land of darkness.
Oh, how I wish this could be said about us now!  That Canada (and America) would recognize the darkness for what it is, and see the Light.  That we would awake out of our slumber and LIVE!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you're ever unsure of what to pray, here is a great prayer!!


Ephesians 3:16-21
I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or thinkaccording to the power that works in us— to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Isaiah 11-13; Ephesians 4

Friday, September 29th; Isaiah 7-8; Ephesians 2 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Isaiah 7-8; Ephesians 2

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" Ephesians 2:8

Grace is God's life transforming gift given to those who do not deserve it.  The gift of salvation and forgiveness of sins is available for all who through faith accept His grace revealed in Jesus Christ, but so many miss the gift because they rely on themselves.  

This verse was brought up during the sermon this past Sunday.  One of the points made on this verse was that the value we place on His grace, and how impressed we are by God's greatness, is what shapes us.  

What value have I placed on His grace, and His greatness?  How has this shaped me?  And do I need to place a higher emphasis on Him, and less on me?    

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 9-10; Ephesians 3

Thursday, September 28th: Isaiah 5-6; Ephesians 1 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 5-6; Ephesians 1

There was a bit of a mixup this week with one passage being done twice, so this one got missed entirely - figured I'd finally fix it (in November, backdating it to September!)



Isaiah 6: 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
"Here am I. Send me!"  Bold words.  Words of willingness.  Words of faithfulness.  Words of trust in God's faithfulness, to follow wherever He leads, no matter the cost.

Costly words!

Am I willing to say, "Here am I. Send me!"

Perhaps those words, and the obedience they require, are made somewhat easier when we fully grasp and understand all the amazing truths in Ephesians 1, and who we are in Christ.

After all....
We are blessed with EVERY spiritual blessing (v3)
We are chosen to be holy and blameless (v4)
We are loved, and we are His adopted children through Jesus (v5)
We are the recipients of His glorious grace (v6)
We are redeemed through His blood and our sins are forgiven (v7)
He has lavished His grace upon us (v8)
And on and on it goes.  We are all those things, we have been given all those things - do we live like it?

Thursday, September 28th: Isaiah 3-4; Galatians 6 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 3-4; Galatians 6

Galatians 6:1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so that you also won’t be tempted.
When fellow believers fall into sin, our goal in addressing this must be restoration, not punishment, and this needs to be done with great care.  It also needs to be done in humbleness.  God's grace covers our sin, just as it covers theirs.

We should not be arrogant that we have not fallen in the same way.  Everyone has different weaknesses.  We would do well not to look down our nose at something who struggles with something that we do not find difficult.  We have our weaknesses too.

We need to be on guard that we are not overtaken by sin.  We can never become complacent, and must always be on guard spiritually.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Isaiah 5-6; Ephesians 1

Wednesday, September 27th: Isaiah 1-2, Galatians 5 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Isaiah 1-2; Galatians 5

Isaiah 1:11
“The multitude of your sacrifices— what are they to me?” says the Lord. “I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.

God doesn't need anything from us, He can provide for Himself if He wants. What He does want is for us to want to give to Him, and to others, with the right attitude.


Galatians 5: 6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love

The old rules and laws are replaced by a simple command, to love others through faith in our Lord Jesus. Jesus showed us how much He loved us by dying on the cross for us, now it's up to us to do our best to love others.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 3-4; Galatians 6

Tuesday, September 26th; Song of Solomon 6-8; Galatians 4 ~ Jody

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is:Song of Solomon 6-8; Galatians 4

I found a great sermon by John Piper here that talks about "Hagar and Slavery vs Sarah and Freedom" from Galatians 4:21-31. I appreciated how he explained the desire that is needed to rely on God's strength being a critical part of living in freedom - and in our salvation. Here is an excerpt:

Freedom is what you have when there is opportunity, ability, and desire to do what will make you happy in a thousand years. Surely everyone here wants this full freedom—to have occasion and ability to do what you love to do with the result that you live in perfect joy forever. If that's what you want, then this text is crucial for you, because Paul says the Ishmael-types don't have this freedom but the Isaac-types do.

Why aren't the Ishmael-types free? They are not free because they lack the desire to rest in God's promises. They lack the desire to show their own resourcefulness. It's not that they desire to reject God. They simply want him on their own terms. Abraham and Hagar wanted God's blessing, but not on his terms.

The Judaizers want God's blessing, but not on his terms. Ishmael-types in every age rely on human resources and don't desire to feel like children in need of a father, or like a patient in need of a doctor. Ishmael-types think you can outgrow:

Jesus loves me, this I know
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong,
We are weak but he is strong.

Therefore, when it comes to saving faith, Ishmael-types do not have the freedom of desire. They do not want it. Therefore, they also lack the freedom of eternal life, because no one who prefers to live in his own strength rather than trusting God will be saved and go to heaven. And what's more, the hardness of heart that spurns childlike dependence on God will also darken the understanding. Every one of us knows that the most common use of the mind is to justify our desires. Therefore, deeply wrong desires will deeply mislead the mind until it is not able to understand what is right. So Ishmael-types are not free because they lack the freedom of desire to rest in God's sovereign grace; and therefore, they lack the freedom of ability to understand God's will; and finally, they lack the freedom of eternal joy, because the life they have chosen leads to destruction.

But we, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise (Galatians 4:28). We have been born of the Holy Spirit. The essence of Christianity is the miracle of new birth. The hallmark of the Isaac-types is that we have been converted, changed, transformed at the center of our lives, so that we desire to rest in God's sovereign grace. We desire to become as little children and receive the power and wisdom and holiness from our all-sufficient Father. We hate the remaining tendencies in us to be proud and to trust in ourselves or other people instead of God. Our delight is in the law of the Lord, and our choicest food is to do his will in reliance on his power. This is what it means to be born according to the Spirit. This is what it means to say I no longer live but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20). His passion becomes our passion.

Therefore, Isaac-types have the freedom of desire. We don't labor slavishly under the burden of having to do what we don't want to do. We are free to do what we love to do and to do it forever in perfect joy. For God has caused us to be born again by the Spirit of his Son, and is shaping our desires according to his will.

"For freedom Christ has set us free! Stand fast, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 1-2; Galatians 5

Monday, September 25th: Song of Solomon 6-8; Galatians 4 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Song of Solomon 6-8; Galatians 4

Galatians 4:4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship
We are not naturally children of God.  We are sinners.  And we deserve judgement.  But God sent His Son Jesus to fully pay the penalty for our sin, and, incredibly, to make us His children and heirs to His kingdom.  Amazing!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Song of Solomon 6-8; Galatians 4

Sunday, September 24th: Song of Solomon 4-5; Galatians 3

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Song of Solomon 4-5; Galatians 3

“For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” - Galatians‬ ‭3:26‬

This was such a powerful read for me today, the Lord really spoke to me through it. It doesn’t matter how many laws we break or how many good things we do to “redeem” ourselves, that is not what saves us. It is through faith that we are saved. Jesus is the atonement for our sins, not any other sacrifice, or any “good” thing we do. It is in Christ alone that we are saved and can have a right relationship with God. We are His children through Jesus. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Song of Solomon 6-8; Galatians 4

Saturday, September 23rd: Song of Solomon 1-3; Galatians 2 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Song of Solomon 1-3; Galatians 2

Galatians 2:21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.
I love what this verse by verse commentary says about this verse....

We now conclude Paul’s address to Peter. This verse is the knockout punch of chapter 2. This is Paul’s final stroke to those who claim salvation or sanctification by law. 

 

I do not set aside the grace of God; 

The words “set aside” mean make void, cancel God’s grace. If we go back to the law, we cancel out the work of the cross. The grace of God is put as of no value, set aside, nullified, annulled. Self-righteousness declares invalid God’s provision in Christ. We annul God’s grace when we inject our righteousness. If we nullify grace, then Christ died without an adequate cause [“vain”]. Christians must recognize the validity of grace.

We do nothing to attain God’s grace. We do not go through religious motions or righteous works. We do not have to climb any mountain, swim any sea, or cross any deserts. God gave us salvation and the Christian way of life free of charge.

Principle:

Legalism voids God’s grace; grace and law are mutually exclusive.

Application:

If we maintain that we gain God’s approval by works then we abolish grace. Then there is no reason for the death of Christ. His death would be unwarranted and superfluous. It is a serious thing to negate grace.

The essence of God’s grace is to give us something we do not deserve. Salvation is a gift (Romans 4:4). Grace and merit are mutually exclusive. If God gives salvation by grace, then it is not I who do the work. If I do the work, then it is not God who gives salvation. If I do the work, then I get the glory. If God does the work then He gets the glory.

“And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work” (Romans 11:6 ).

When we inject our righteousness into salvation or sanctification, we thwart the efficacy of Christ’s work for us. God’s grace and our work are contradictory. We must choose one or the other. They cannot both be true at the same time....

There is no point or purpose to Christ’s death if we can work for salvation. There is no reason for the death of Christ. Righteousness through faith in Christ’s cross is not one of the reasons but the only reason for salvation. This is exactly what Peter did by entering into legalism. We cannot unite grace and law because they are mutually exclusive ways to please God. If we do, then we imply that Christ died on the cross needlessly. It invalidates grace.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Song of Solomon 4-5; Galatians 3

Friday, September 22nd: Ecclesiastes 10-12; 2 Galatians 1 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Ecclesiastes 10-12; Galatians 1

A few verses that stood out while reading:

Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.  Ecclesiastes 10:8

How often have I been a part of, or watched on TV, a sports team acting too confident or cocky, and then loosing badly the next game.  This verse is a good reminder to not play with fire; a trap that I may be setting for someone else might catch me.  

So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.  Ecclesiastes 11:10

Youth and vigor are meaningless.  This is a hard one for me.  I don't think or feel that I am old, until I play sports with our 16 year old son.  Each year I find myself getting a little slower on my feet.....somehow the football is not as fast or accurate out of my throwing hand.....and I have a lot more aches and pains than I ever used to.  And then I come across the verse below...   
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.  Ecclesiastes 12:13

My duty isn't to always be physically stronger than my kids.  It's to lead them by example and show them that it is more important to fear God and to keep His commands.  Without that, everything else ultimately is meaningless.

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.  
Galatians 1:10

Where do I seek approval?  From my employer?  My customer?  My neighbor?  My friends?  My family?  My prayer is that I would seek approval from Christ, who knows and sees everything about me......not just what I want Him to see.  
    

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Song of Solomon 1-3; Galatians 2

Thursday, September 21st: Ecclesiastes 7-9; 2 Corinthians 13 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Ecclesiastes 7-9; 2 Corinthians 13

Ecclesiastes 7:9: Don’t let your spirit rush to be angry, for anger abides in the heart of fools.
There are times when we are filled with righteous anger and react accordingly and appropriately.

But, if we're honest, those times are few and far between.

What is far more likely to happen is that we are filled with unrighteous anger and we lose our temper, overreacting inappropriately.  And wind up looking like a fool.

Yup, that's much more common, unfortunately.

May we be purposeful about guarding our temper and our tongue, exercising self-control, responding with love and gentleness instead of anger and harshness, relying on His strength and not our own.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ecclesiastes 10-12; Galatians 1

Wednesday, September 20th: Ecclesiastes 4-6, 2 Corinthians 12 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Ecclesiastes 4-6; 2 Corinthians 12

Ecclesiastes 5: 18
This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot.

Some people can enjoy an easier life, but some have to work hard all their days, God gives some alot and some not as much. Am I thankful for what I've been given? Am I willing to work my whole life for Him?

2 Corinthians 12: 10
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Paul was given a "thorn in his flesh (v7)" to torment him, in order to keep him from being conceited, and he used this to glorify God all the more. Do I approach my own shortcomings this way? Or do I feel sorry for myself?


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ecclesiastes 7-9; 2 Corinthians 13

Tuesday, September 19; Ecclesiastes 1-3; 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 ~ Jody

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Ecclesiastes 1-3; 2 Corinthians 11:16-33

There is an occasion for everything,
and a time for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to give birth and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to uproot;[t]
3 a time to kill and a time to heal;
a time to tear down and a time to build;
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance;
5 a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing;
6 a time to search and a time to count as lost;
a time to keep and a time to throw away;
7 a time to tear and a time to sew;
a time to be silent and a time to speak;
8 a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

This is an all time favourite passage of mine. I found a devotional on Bible.org that talks more about "time" in these verses:

The key word in this section is “time,” and it is used thirty times in 3:1-8. There are three insights worth noting in 3:1. First, Solomon is not going to be making judgments on the topics that follow in 3:2-8, he is merely recording the events that occur “under heaven.” Second, Solomon builds his argument upon the word “appointed.”77 The events of our lives do not randomly happen by chance; God has a purpose behind them. Third, Solomon uses an unusual Hebrew word translated “event.” This word conveys the idea of “delight.”78 By using the word “delight” instead of one of the standard nouns, Solomon implies that there is a good sense that one experiences by fitting into a given event at the right time. In other words, there is a sense of success based on appropriate timing—even if the activity, by its nature, is not delightful.79Again, timing is everything.

Even though we may not (in our humanness) like the season or time we are in, this passage is a reminder that God is in all of them! He has appointed these seasons and walks near us through them all.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ecclesiastes 4-6; 2 Corinthians 12

Monday, September 18th: Proverbs 30-31; 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Proverbs 30-31; 2 Corinthians 11:1-15

Proverbs 30:8-9

Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me.
Give me neither poverty nor wealth; feed me with the food I need.
Otherwise, I might have too much and deny you, saying, “Who is the Lord?”
or I might have nothing and steal, profaning the name of my God.
There is a danger in both poverty and wealth, and the writer wisely asks God to rather grant him something in between in order to avoid the temptations that come with either one.

Thankfully, no matter our circumstances, we are never tempted beyond what we are able to bear - God will always provide a way out, no matter what (1 Corinthians 10:13). We are without excuse.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ecclesiastes 1-3; 2 Corinthians 11:16-33

Sunday, September 17th: Proverbs 27-29; 2 Corinthians 10 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Proverbs 27-29; 2 Corinthians 10

I thought it was interesting that our passages today began and ended with a similar theme....


Proverbs 27:1-2
Don’t boast about tomorrow,
for you don’t know what a day might bring.
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—
a stranger, and not your own lips.
and

2 Corinthians 10:17-18 So let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.  For it is not the one commending himself who is approved, but the one the Lord commends.
We really have nothing to boast about.  Anything good or positive about ourselves is a gift from God.  The only One we should be considered about praising and glorifying is God.

That said, it is also good to be encouraging to one another, and pointing out when someone around us has done something for the kingdom or for His glory.

May we stay humble and recognize that all glory belongs to Him.
May we encourage those around us to continue to use the gifts He's blessed them with for His glory and for our good.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Proverbs 30-31; 2 Corinthians 11:1-15

Saturday, September 16th: Proverbs 25-26; 2 Corinthians 9 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Proverbs 25-26; 2 Corinthians 9

Proverbs 26:4-5 

Don’t answer a fool according to his foolishnessor you’ll be like him yourself. 

Answer a fool according to his foolishness or he’ll become wise in his own eyes.
At first glance, these two verses appear contradictory.

GotQuestions says this......
These seemingly contradictory verses are actually a common form of parallelism found in the Old Testament, where one idea builds upon another. Verse 4 warns against arguing with a fool on his own terms, lest we stoop to his level and become as foolish as he is. Because he despises wisdom and correction, the fool will not listen to wise reason and will try to draw us into his type of argument, whether it is by using deceit, scoffing at our wisdom, or becoming angry and abusive. If we allow him to draw us into this type of discourse, we are answering him “according to his folly” in the sense of becoming like him.

The phrase “according to his folly” in verse 5, on the other hand, tells us that there are times when a fool has to be addressed so that his foolishness will not go unchallenged. In this sense answering him according to his folly means to expose the foolishness of his words, rebuking him on the basis of his folly so he will see the idiocy of his words and reasoning. Our “answer” in this case is to be one of reproof, showing him the truth so he might see the foolishness of his words in the light of reason. Even though he will most likely despise and reject the wisdom offered to him, we are to make the attempt, both for the sake of the truth which is always to be declared, and for the sake of those listening, that they may see the difference between wisdom and folly and be instructed.

Whether we use the principle of verse 4 and deal with a fool by ignoring him, or obey verse 5 and reprove a fool depends on the situation. In matters of insignificance, it’s probably better to disregard him. In more important areas, such as when a fool denies the existence of God (Psalm 14:1), verse 5 tells us to respond to his foolishness with words of rebuke and instruction. To let a fool speak his nonsense without reproof encourages him to remain wise in his own eyes and possibly gives credibility to his folly in the eyes of others.

In short, in negligible issues we should just ignore fools, but in issues that matter, they must be dealt with so that credence will not be given to what they say.
Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Proverbs 27-29; 2 Corinthians 10

Friday, September 15th: Proverbs 22-24; 2 Corinthians 8 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Proverbs 22-24; 2 Corinthians 8


Rich and poor have this in common:  The Lord is the Maker of them all.  Proverbs 22:2

We all come into and leave this world the same way.  Typically we are in awe of meeting a star of some sort, and yet they too, put their pants on one leg at a time.  Just like us.  And on the other side, when we see someone downtown on the street corner, we are not in awe of them.  God did make us all, and this verse reminded me of this.       

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;  through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.  Proverbs 24:3-4

Wisdom, understanding, and knowledge; Proverbs is loaded with verses relating to these three.  As parents, we are responsible to educate our children, and God as our Father, has the desire for us to gain all the wisdom, understanding, and knowledge possible.  My hope is that I can be humble enough so that I do not hinder myself from growing in this area.  
  

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Proverbs 25-26; 2 Corinthians 9

Thursday, September 14th: Proverbs 19-21; 2 Corinthians 7 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Proverbs 19-21; 2 Corinthians 7

These proverbs stood out to me today....

Proverbs 19:3 A person’s own foolishness leads him astray, yet his heart rages against the Lord.We'll blame anyone, even God Himself, for our foolish mistakes.  Taking responsibility for our own sin is necessary before coming to a place of repentance. 

Proverbs 19:17 Kindness to the poor is a loan to the Lord, and he will give a reward to the lender.

What a beautiful picture!

Proverbs 19:20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise later in life.
We are most wise when we realize how much we still have to learn.  But we must be sure to listen to wise and biblical council - so choose your counsellors/friends wisely!

Proverb 19:22 What is desirable in a person is his fidelity; better to be a poor person than a liar.
It is so important to be known as a man/woman who speaks the truth.  Obviously, the only way to do that, is to speak the truth (in love).... always, no matter the cost to ourselves.

Proverbs 20:11 Even a young man is known by his actions—by whether his behavior is pure and upright.

We can expect great things from our young people.  More often than not they will rise or fall to our expectations.  Let's expect them to choose rightly!

Proverbs 20:22 Don’t say, “I will avenge this evil!”Wait on the Lord, and he will rescue you.

This. is. hard. 

I think I'll stop there for today :)

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Proverbs 22-24; 2 Corinthians 8

Wednesday, September 13th: Proverbs 16 - 18, 2 Corinthians 6 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Proverbs 16-18; 2 Corinthians 6

I find these chapters of Proverbs both very insightful and valuable, and also at the same time hard to read and pay attention to the whole time while reading. Each verse is powerful, but the verses don't connect from one to the next, each one tells a different story. I've come to the conclusion that if I can pick a few that speak to me and ones that I can learn from, then I've gained.

Proverbs 16:16
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!

Wisdom and insight are more valuable than riches. Makes me think of my grandparents, who weren't extremely wealthy, but had wisdom and followed Christ, and I remember them with good memories.

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2 Corinthians 6: 4 - 10
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses;  in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed;  sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

Paul goes from telling about the painful parts of spreading the gospel, to why he preaches the gospel, to talking about the rewards of giving up everything to follow Christ. As I read through this portion, it makes it clear to me that it's worth it to live for Christ!


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Proverbs 19-21; 2 Corinthians 7

Tuesday, September 12th: Proverbs 13-15; 2 Corinthians 5 ~ Jody

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Proverbs 13-15; 2 Corinthians 5

A tranquil heart is life to the body,
but jealousy is rottenness to the bones. Proverbs 14:30


Love this Proverb. The peace and tranquility that is beyond our own human ability really is life!


14 For the love of Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion: If one died for all, then all died. 15 And he died for also that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

As we share the gospel and His truth, it should be our love that pushes us to share. That we know he died for all of us in His love for us! This love should always be the fuel that carries us to share our faith.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Proverbs 16-18; 2 Corinthians 6

Monday, September 11th: Proverbs 10-12; 2 Corinthians 4 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Proverbs 10-12; 2 Corinthians 4

Proverbs 10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life
The tongue has the power to build up or destroy.  May we breath life into those we encounter today!

Proverbs 12:4 A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a wife who causes shame
is like rottenness in his bones.This is a good reminder that we are not islands, and our behaviour does not just affect or reflect on us.    I want to be a wife and mother that my husband and children are proud of, not ashamed of.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed.
Today marks another anniversary of the September 11th attacks.  I thought these verses were appropriate for today - even if we are crushed in this life, we have this hope in the life to come.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Proverbs 13-15; 2 Corinthians 5

Sunday, September 10th: Proverbs 8-9; 2 Corinthians 3 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Proverbs 8-9; 2 Corinthians 3

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” - ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3:17‬

I like this verse because it reminds me that the Lord died for my freedom. Before that, I was a slave to sin. But because of Him and His mercy, I am free.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Proverbs 10-12; 2 Corinthians 4

Saturday, September 9th: Proverbs 6-7; 2 Corinthians 2 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Proverbs 6-7; 2 Corinthians 2

The writer of our Proverbs passage warns against many things - financial entanglements, laziness, maliciousness, arrogance, deceit, murder, evil intent, dissension, and adultery.

Perhaps it is a good reminder that the capacity for every kind of evil resides in our hearts if we do not surrender lordship to Jesus Christ. Sin blinds us.  Giving in to temptation once makes it easier to do it again, and again, and again.  Compromising once can quickly become a slippery slope until we're so far gone we can't even see where we started from.

Sin is serious.

We like to turn a blind eye to our own sin. We justify it.  We rationalize it.  We minimize it.

We must not.

We must be determined to destroy the sin in our life.  We must be determined to hate the things God hates.  We must be determined to see our sin the way God sees it.

And come to the foot of the cross with complete and utter gratitude for His mercy on us.  And then pursue the process of sanctification as He continues His work in us.  Thanks be to God for this glorious gift.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Proverbs 8-9; 2 Corinthians 3

Friday, September 8th: Proverbs 3-5; 2 Corinthians 1 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Proverbs 3-5; 2 Corinthians 1

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;"  Proverbs 3:5

Today's reading, if not all of Proverbs, offers sound direction for daily life.  For example, fearing God and shunning evil produces a healthy body.  Hard work brings reward, whereas laziness brings.....well, not much of anything.  Consistent discipline of a child results in a well adjusted adult.

The key word is consistent.  If we want to loose or gain weight, we need to be consistent in our diet.  If we want to learn how to play an instrument, we need to be consistent in our practicing.  If we want to have clear direction and purpose in our life, that's right, we need to be more consistent in not leaning on ourselves, but trusting wholeheartedly in God.     

 "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."  Proverbs 4:23

Interesting how the world would consider our brain to be the center of all human activity, while this verse would indicate otherwise; the heart.  God knows our inner core, the heart, and examines it to see its true devotion.  

May we ask God to take a close look at our hearts, so that He may cut out any evil that lingers there and prepare us for full hearty living right now and for a glorious life beyond the grave. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage is: Proverbs 6-7; 2 Corinthians 2

Thursday, September 7th: Proverbs 1-2; 1 Corinthians 16 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Proverbs 1-2; 1 Corinthians 16

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 2: 1-5 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, listening closely to wisdom and directing your heart to understanding; furthermore, if you call out to insight
and lift your voice to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God.
Fear can mean terror, respect, and awe.  Fearing God is a combination of all of these.  And we only fear Him when we recognize Him for who He is and understand why we should fear Him.

He is all powerful.  He is sovereign.  He is perfect.  He abhors sin.

And He knows every single thing we think, say, or do.

Yes, we should fear Him.  We should worship Him, and praise Him for His mercy to us.

As this site says (emphasis mine)....

When the reality of God’s true nature has caused us to fall down in worship, we are then in the right position to gain wisdom. Wisdom is merely seeing life from God’s perspective and responding accordingly. Wisdom is a priority, and we are told to seek it above all else (Proverbs 3:13; 16:16). Proverbs is known as the wisdom book, and the entire second chapter gives a detailed explanation of the value of gaining wisdom.

Until our hearts are in a right relationship with God, we are unable to have the “wisdom that comes from heaven” (James 3:17). Without the fear of the Lord, we may gain knowledge of earthly things and make some practical choices for this life, but we are missing the one ingredient that defines a wise person (Psalm 14:1; Exodus 20:3; 34:14; Jeremiah 25:6; Matthew 22:37). In the parable of the rich farmer, the rich man had a “wise” and practical plan for his profits, but God said to him, “You fool!” because the farmer’s plans were made with no thought of God and eternity (Luke 12:16–21).

Without the fear of the Lord, we make final decisions based on our faulty human understanding (Proverbs 3:5–6). When we incorporate the fear of the Lord into every moment of our lives, we make decisions based upon His approval. We live with the knowledge that the Creator of the universe is intimately involved in our every move. He sees, knows, and evaluates all our choices, and we will answer to Him (Psalm 139:1–4).

Our respect for God’s majesty causes us to honor Him (Psalm 29:2). Our gratitude for His mercy causes us to serve Him well (Psalm 2:11; 107:15). And the understanding that our God of love is also a God of wrath inspires enough fear to help us stay away from evil (Romans 1:18; Proverbs 8:13). Sin is foolish; righteousness is wise. When we live righteously, we are on the path to wisdom, and everyone in our lives benefits (Proverbs 13:20; 19:8).
Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Proverbs 3-5; 2 Corinthians 1

Wednesday, September 6th: Psalms 148 - 150, 1 Corinthians 15: 29-58

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Psalms 148-150; 1 Corinthians 15:29-58

The first thing I noticed when reading today's scripture, was the word "praise". It's mentioned 30 times in today's reading.

To me "praise" is a positive word, I like to be praised. But more importantly, it's important that we praise God, who truly deserves our praise.

In Psalm 148: 5-6
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at his command they were created, and he established them for ever and ever---he issued a decree that will never pass away.

The writer talks about how God created all things, and therefore they should praise Him. Do I praise, and thank Him? He created me and gave me everything I have, therefore I need to remember to praise Him, consistently.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Proverbs 1-2; 1 Corinthians 16

Tuesday, September 5th: Psalms 146-147; 1 Corinthians 15:1-28 ~ Jody

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Psalms 146-147; 1 Corinthians 15:1-28

The Lord sets the prisoners free;
8     the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
    the Lord loves the righteous.
9 The Lord watches over the sojourners;
    he upholds the widow and the fatherless,
    but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

10 The Lord will reign forever,
    your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the Lord!

Our God is the only answer! Too often we put our hope in politicians, business leaders or even celebrities/sports stars. We can live in fear or unrest because of decisions that our leaders here on earth are making. At the end of every day, we can be thankful that our faith is not in these leaders of our countries, but rather in the only One who will reign forever!


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:Psalms 148-150; 1 Corinthians 15:29-58

Monday, September 4th: Psalm 143-145; 1 Corinthians 14:21-40 ~ Kezia

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Psalm 143-145; 1 Corinthians 14:21-40

"The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look up to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing." Psalm 145:13b-16

I like the way this passage starts: the Lord is faithful. He will ALWAYS keep his many promises.

He will always fight for us.
He will always love us.
He will always give us strength.
He will never leave us.
He will always go before us.
He has a plan for us, and it is good.

And so many more. It's comforting to know we serve a Mighty God who never breaks His promises, even if that's hard to understand in the world we live in today.

Another thing I like about this passage is the way it emphasizes the fact that God provides. Not only will He give us everything we need, we will also be satisfied.

Let's live in the comfort that we will always be cared and provided for, because God will never break that promise to us!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Psalm 146-147; 1 Corinthians 15:1-28

Sunday, September 3rd: Psalms 140-142; 1 Corinthians 14:1-20 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Psalms 140-142; 1 Corinthians 14:1-20

"When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn." - Psalm 142:3a

It doesn't matter where we are, or what we're doing, or how we're feeling, God always knows best. This is especially comforting when we've come to a point where we literally can't see which direction to turn and everything seems too much. Not only can God see the big picture, He created it! So we know that He is there, and will guide and walk with us through whatever we're going through. He knows.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Psalms 143-145; 1 Corinthians 14:21-40