Saturday, June 30th: Hosea 11-14; 2 Timothy 3 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Hosea 11-14; 2 Timothy 3

Unfortunately, these words are very descriptive of society today.....
 2 Timothy 3: 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

BUT!

14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

I am thankful to have grown up in a Christian home.  But I am also aware that I cannot simply stay stagnant in what I learned as a child, or even what I have learned as an adult.  I always need to be proactive in growing my faith, in being sure of what I have been taught, and being faithful to live it out.

His Word is true, and it is relevant today!


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Kings 16-18, 2 Timothy 4:1-8

Friday, June 29th: Hosea 7-10; 2 Timothy 2:14-26 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Hosea 7-10; 2 Timothy 2:14-26

“Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:25‬

Gently instruct

When having a discussion with someone about things society is for but God is against, it can be very easy to start yelling or harshly stating our opinions. Social media is an especially easy platform for this kind of behaviour. But God says we need to be gentle with how we tell others about the truth. He is the one changing hearts, not us. So instead of getting into a heated argument with someone who doesn’t believe the truth, we need to be gentle and voice our opinions in a way that honours God. He will do the judgement later. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Hosea 11-14; 2 Timothy 3

Thursday, June 28th: Hosea 4-6, Timothy 2: 1-13 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Hosea 4-6, 2 Timothy 2:1-13

Hosea 6:3
Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth"

2 Timothy 2:10
Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

Both verses, one in the Old Testament portion and one in the New Testament, stood out to me.

Both verses speak to the importance of living for God, by acknowledging Him first then obtaining salvation from Him and therefore commiting ourselves to Him.

A good reminder to me to focus on God and what He's all done for me, giving thanks and then doing my best to live how He wants.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Hosea 7-10, 2 Timothy 2:14-26

Wednesday, June 27th: Hosea 1-3, 2 Timothy 1 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Hosea 1-3, 2 Timothy 1

2 Timothy 1:5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Lois taught Eunice who taught Timothy.  A legacy of faith is the biggest thing you and I could ever do.  Teaching our children the truths of God's Word, instilling in them a familiarity and love for His Word, these things are vital.

And God notices.  He rewards those who are faithful to Him.

9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.
We have done nothing to merit His grace or favour.  He saved us. He called us.  All glory belongs to Him alone.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Hosea 4-6, 2 Timothy 2:1-13

Tuesday, June 26: Amos 5-9, 1 Timothy 6 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Amos 5-9, 1 Timothy 6

1 Timothy 6:11-
But you, man of God, flee from all this, & pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance & gentleness.

Being a victorious Christian doesn’t mean that we can just sit back & say that we love God & expect our lives to change. The verse tells us that we need to be active in our faith.

We need to “flee” from all things that keep us from growing closer to God. This means that we may have to stop any actions that are in opposition to God’s truth, however this looks. Perhaps we have to stop spending time in places or with certain people that have a negative effect on us. Maybe we are watching something on TV or listening to music that is putting thoughts in our minds that take us from God. Or, possibly, we are just too busy to take time to serve him, go to church, read the Bible, etc & we need to “flee” from our lifestyle.

We then need to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance & gentleness.” We don’t just naturally have these traits, we need to work for it. This will only happen with our own (sometimes painful) efforts. Are we honest with ourselves & admit when we just simply mess up?  How do we handle it? Do we “pull up our big girl panties” (sorry guys 😋) & work to do better next time or do we just ignore it (maybe believe that it wasn’t really a big deal).  If we aren’t willing to recognize our shortcomings, how can we change? Big deal or not, if we don’t take the small steps to change, the big ones won’t come either. Say sorry, show kindness rather than irritation, use gentle words instead of speaking in frustration, look for ways to love & encourage others rather than being caught up in yourself.

I believe that when we become active in our faith, God will bless us for it, He will be evident in our lives & we will have an impacting testimony to those around us.



Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Hosea 1-3, 2 Timothy 1

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Amos 1-4, 1 Timothy 5

1st Timothy 5 is all about how we must treat the elderly and widows in our church, and it made me think how I don't see many meetings or church groups with the widows, we have something for the kids, youth, young adults, and elders, but not the widows. It is hard to understand what they have gone through but the Lord tells us that we need to be there for them always.









Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Amos 5-9, 1 Timothy 6

Saturday, June 23rd: 2 Kings 13-15; 1 Timothy 4 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Kings 13-15; 1 Timothy 4

1 Timothy 4:12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
I've always loved this verse - both when I was young, and now that I have children who are young but old enough to choose to live this way.

It's a good reminder to me not to belittle or stereotype the youth in our church.  God can do great things through them, and their example an be an inspiration and encouragement to me in my own faith.

It's also a good reminder that no matter how old we are, we need to be that example to other believers.  We need to watch what we say and how we live.  Our love, faith, and purity should be evident to all.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Amos 1-4, 1 Timothy 5

Friday, June 22nd: Jonah 1-4; 1 Timothy 3 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Jonah 1-4; 1 Timothy 3

“He said, “I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and Lord, you heard me!” - Jonah‬ ‭2:2‬

God always answers our prayers. He is always there to listen, and He is waiting for us to cry out to Him. Whether we feel troubled like Jonah, or we’re having a great day, we should talk to God. He wants to hear from us, and is always there to listen. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Kings 13-15; 1 Timothy 4

Thursday, June 21st: Joel 1-3, Timothy 2 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Joel 1-3, 1 Timothy 2 

1 Timothy 2: 3-6
This is good, and pleases God our Savior, [4] who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. [5] For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, [6] who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.

Verse 4 of these verses stood out to me the most... " who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."

Most of all God wants us to surrender ourselves to Him, and be saved. We may have lived a sinful life so far, or we may have done everything right according to the world, but the most important thing we need to do is give our lives to God and trust in Him from here on. Let's not be deceived by the world's promises, they won't last.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:   Jonah 1-4, 1 Timothy 3

Wednesday, June 20th: 2 Chronicles 22-24, 1 Timothy 1 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Chronicles 22-24, 1 Timothy 1

1 Timothy 1:7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.
Just because a speaker is confident doesn't mean they are right.  We need to test what people say according to the Word - not according to their words, not according to our desires, but according to God's Word.

12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.
I, too, am thankful that God has considered me trustworthy, that He has called me to serve Him, and that He has given me strength to do so.

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Amen indeed!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Joel 1-3, 1 Timothy 2

Tuesday, June 19: 2 Kings 10-12, 2 Thessalonians 3 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Kings 10-12, 2 Thessalonians 3

3a Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us.

Why is it so hard for us to ...

1-recognize the importance/power of prayer

2-ask for it

Why is prayer our last resource rather than our first response? Why do we do everything in our own strength & getting to the point of being completely overwhelmed & exhausted before giving it to God. Do we really understand the importance of prayer & the power it brings that is available to us? Do we understand how God wants to be not just a part of our life but our everything?  Only by seeking him daily & giving everything (the big, the small, the easy, the hard, the life changing & the day to day) will we have the opportunity to see him actively working in our lives.

Why are we too proud to ask our friends, family & other fellow Christian’s to pray for us? Why can’t we feel free to share our hurts, concerns, & even failures/struggles knowing that we are no more imperfect than the person next to us? “Where 2 or 3 are gathered”...imagine the power behind a few Christian’s lifting you up before God.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Chronicles 22-24, 1 Timothy 1

Monday, June 18: 2 Kings 7-9, 2 Thessalonians 2

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Kings 7-9, 2 Thessalonians 2

So many things stood out for me in today's readings. I'd like to start with one of the last things:

15 With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.

What a good reminder. "With all these things in mind"..."stand firm"..."keep a strong grip on the teaching" as we too are having knowledge passed on to us in person (our pastors, bible school teachers, Sunday School teachers, etc.) and in letters (Scripture, Christian authors, podcasts, etc.) and as we keep all these things in mind may it help us to stand firm in our knowledge.

This also stood out for me:

God always, always, always is true to His promises!

“Listen to this message from the Lord! ... “You will see it happen with your own eyes, but you won’t be able to eat any of it!” 

and it happened.

“Go and tell him, ‘You will surely recover.’ But actually the Lord has shown me that he will surely die!” ....But the next day Hazael took a blanket, soaked it in water, and held it over the king’s face until he died. 

and he did die.

 But the Lord did not want to destroy Judah, for he had promised his servant David that his descendants would continue to rule, shining like a lamp forever.

and Jesus was born from the line of David and will reign forever.

“This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I anoint you king over the Lord’s people, Israel. 7 You are to destroy the family of Ahab, your master. In this way, I will avenge the murder of my prophets and all the Lord’s servants who were killed by Jezebel. 8 The entire family of Ahab must be wiped out. I will destroy every one of his male descendants, slave and free alike, anywhere in Israel. 9 I will destroy the family of Ahab as I destroyed the families of Jeroboam son of Nebat and of Baasha son of Ahijah. 10 Dogs will eat Ahab’s wife Jezebel at the plot of land in Jezreel, and no one will bury her.”

and that is exactly what happened.

The Lord pronounced this message against him: 26 ‘I solemnly swear that I will repay him here on this plot of land, says the Lord, for the murder of Naboth and his sons that I saw yesterday...

and so it was done.

and the Bible continues to demonstrate truth:

3 Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction.

Every day we see evidence of those who are in rebellion against Biblical truths. (Most recently this ruling)  and surely destruction will continue to follow.

May we stand firm in the knowledge of Christ.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Kings 10-12, 2 Thessalonians 3

Saturday, June 16th: 2 Kings 4-6; 2 Thessalonians 1 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Kings 4-6; 2 Thessalonians 1

If you're ever needing ideas of what exactly to pray for someone, 2 Thessalonians 1 has several things!

After all, everyone could use prayer that.....
* their faith would flourish
* their love for others would grow
* they would display endurance and faithfulness in the face of persecutions or hardships
* God would enable them to live a life worthy of His call
* God would give them power to accomplish all the good things their faith prompts them to do
* the name of Jesus would be honoured because of the way they live
* they would be honoured along with Him
* that they would recognize the grace of God in their lives

That's a good prayer list!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  2 Kings 7-9, 2 Thessalonians 2

Friday, June 15th: 2 Kings 1-3; 1 Thessalonians 5 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Kings 1-3; 1 Thessalonians 5

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

- ‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:18‬

This verse has always been a bit of a struggle for me. Trusting God through difficult circumstances is hard enough, but thanking Him for them? That seems impossible. 

And yet, “with God, all things are possible.” So we need to thank Him in all circumstances. He works in mysterious ways, ways that we could never understand. Maybe that difficult circumstance you’re going through is leading you into great things. Or maybe, it’s not even for you, but for someone else to come to know Christ through you. You never know what God will make happen in your life. He is always “working things together for the good of those who love Him.” So trust Him and thank Him in all circumstances. He is good. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Kings 4-6; 2 Thessalonians 1

Thursday, June 14th: 2 Chronicles 19 - 21, 1 Thessalonians 4 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  2 Chronicles 19-21, 1 Thessalonians 4

2 Chronicles 20:15
He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.

This verse reminded me of the importance of leaving our troubles with God, and relying on Him instead of trying to do things on our own.

The people of Judah faced a very real threat, they knew this could wipe them completely out, only God could help them. Do I leave my smaller scale (comparison to Judah's) worries and fears with God ?

2 Chronicles 20: 32-33
He followed the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them; he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. [33] The high places, however, were not removed, and the people still had not set their hearts on the God of their ancestors.

Jehoshaphat did a lot of good and relied on God for help, but here is a reminder that he wasn't perfect. A reminder to me that my work is never over, there's always the next generation that also needs to know God.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Kings 1-3, 1 Thessalonians 5

Wednesday, June 13th: 2 Chronicles 16-18, 1 Thessalonians 3 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Chronicles 16-18, 1 Thessalonians 3

1 Thessalonians 3:2a-3a We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith,  and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through.
I remind that we need to strengthen each other, encourage each other in our faith, and keep each other from being shaken by our troubles.  Being a part of a faith community is important!  But we can't just be passive members, we must be the hands and feet of Jesus to each other.
~~~~~

12 And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. 13 May he, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people. Amen.
I want a strong heart, to be blameless and holy!  Notice the phrase in there "as a result".  As a result of what?  As a result of love.  When our love for others overflows with the love of God, not only do others benefit from the love we show them, but so do we.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Chronicles 19-21, 1 Thessalonians 4

Tuesday, June 12: 1 Thessalonians 2, 1 Kings 21-22 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Thessalonians 2, 1 Kings 21-22

1 Thessalonians 2:13-
And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.

The bible is not only words read in church or a good book for us to read, it is the Word of God.  It is a word of real & living power. Do we believe that?  This verse says that, for those who believe, it is at work.  If we are truly seeking to learn, we are promised to be changed.

Sometimes I feel like I’m so far from the person I’d like to be.  I make the same mistakes over & over again & feel like I’m no better today than I was yesterday or will be tomorrow...

Am I relying on my own abilities or believing in the power of God. He has given us his word & we have direct access to him in prayer.  If we are going to change, it won’t be in our own strength but through the power of God.

Lord, help me to read the bible, not as a book, but as your living word with the power to change.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Chronicles 16-18, 1 Thessalonians 3

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Thessalonians 1, 1 Kings 19-20

1 Thessalonians 6 says, " And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit." In our lives we need to be more like Thessalonians and receive the word with affection and desire, and have a joy and passion to grow in our faith, and be imitators of the Lord.



Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2, 1 Kings 21-22

Saturday, June 9th: 1 Kings 16-18; Romans 16 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Kings 16-18; Romans 16

I always love the story of Elijah and the battle on Mount Carmel.  I love the absolute and undeniable display of God's power.  I think that sometimes, because we don't see those type of drastic miracles anymore, we tend to forget that we serve that God.   Not only that, that power lives within us through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  That's amazing!

Romans 16:19 But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong.

I was fortunate to grow up in a Christian home, and our kids have that same blessing.  This is my prayer (one of many!) for them - that they would continue to be wise in doing what is right and to stay innocent of any wrong.  I remember as a teen sometimes thinking that my testimony was boring.  But honestly, to not have a dramatic testimony to share is a blessing in itself.  To have never known a time without Christ is truly a good thing!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Kings 19-20, 1 Thessalonians 1

Friday, June 8th: 2 Chronicles 13-15; Romans 15 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Chronicles 13-15; Romans 15

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:38-39‬

God has chosen us to be His children. And because of this, nothing could ever separate us from His love. No matter how many times we sin, or how “bad” the sin is, He still loves us. Nothing could ever separate us from the unconditional love we receive from the Father. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Kings 16-18; Romans 16

Thursday, June 7th: 2 Chronicles 10 - 12, Romans 14 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Chronicles 10-12, Romans 14

2 Chronicles 12:1
After Rehoboam’s position as king was established and he had become strong, he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 12: 12
Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the LORD ’s anger turned from him, and he was not totally destroyed. Indeed, there was some good in Judah.

2 Chronicles 12: 14
He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the LORD.

These verses, to me, summed up Rehoboam. He did evil then turned to God, who made some good out of the situation, but at the end of the day Rehoboam wasn't committed to serving God.

I also sin, then ask for forgiveness and turn back to God, but I want to be fully committed to God. I don't want to be back and forth with commitment to Him, this is my prayer.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Chronicles 13-15, Romans 15

Wednesday, June 6th: 2 Chronicles 7-9, Romans 13 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Chronicles 7-9, Romans 13

Dr Rayburn says this about the first portion of Romans 13......
Let’s sum up: 1) Paul does not mean that Christians are to do what the government commands if it commands that which God forbids; 2) but clearly the government has a role that the individual does not have and Christians are obliged to respect that role and honor that government as instituted of God; and 3) obedience is required even of those governments that are overtly hostile to the Christian faith and way of life unless and until it orders the violation of God’s law. Even then Christians are not to resist violently but to suffer as an act of reverence for God and his law and to leave the outcome to God.

Take heed. Get this clear in your minds. You may feel this is not particularly relevant to your daily life. Who is to say what will be relevant weeks, months or years from now? This is our watchword and it will be, I fear, more and more as it has been in ages past. It is by obedience to these instructions of Paul that faithful Christians have lived from the beginning and it is by this same obedience that they have remained and prospered in a hostile world in which governments, however owing their origin to the Almighty enthusiastically did and do the will of the Devil. It is today in many places in this world as it was in days gone by, Christians proving themselves the most loyal of citizens even as their governments mistreat and kill them. As Augustine reminds us, the church won the Roman world not by fighting but by suffering and in their suffering proving that there was a higher law and a greater loyalty and a much more wonderful love than anything known in the Roman world.

The last section of Romans 13 also stood out to me today.  We are to love people, we are to fight the sin in our lives, and in doing so the way we live our lives will stand out as being different from the way everyone else lives - knowing we can only do this in His strength, not our own.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Chronicles 10-12, Romans 14

Tuesday, June 5: 2 Chronicles 4-6, Romans 12 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Chronicles 4-6, Romans 12

Romans 12 is one of those passages that should be posted to read again & again to be a reminder of how we are to live.  There are so many verses in this chapter that hit me; I need to do better.

Vs 2 - don’t copy the behaviours & customs of this world but let the Word of God transform you

Vs 3 - don’t think that you’re better than you really are

Vs 6-8 - use the gifts that God has given you for his purposes

Vs 9 - don’t pretend to love others; really love them

Vs 9 - hate what is wrong

Vs 11 - never be lazy; work hard & serve the Lord

Vs 12 - be patient in trouble & keep on praying

Vs 13 - when people are in need, help them

Vs 14 - bless those that persecute you, don’t curse them

Vs 16 - don’t be proud

Vs 18 - live at peace with everyone

These verses aren’t easy & are definitely in contrast with what we find in the world, but they aren’t suggestions, they are commands for every Christian.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Chronicles 7-9, Romans 13

Monday, June 4: 1 Kings 13-15, Romans 11 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Kings 13-15, Romans 11

Scripture: Romans 11:17-21
17 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, 18 do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” 20 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.

Observation: Jesus came for all...Jew and Gentile and neither is more important than the other.

Application: Our faith is what brings us into the family of Christ. We don't deserve it, we didn't earn it, and we can't buy our way into it. I found this commentary:

The gospel is the greatest riches of every place where it is. As therefore the righteous rejection of the unbelieving Jews, was the occasion of so large a multitude of the Gentiles being reconciled to God, and at peace with him; the future receiving of the Jews into the church would be such a change, as would resemble a general resurrection of the dead in sin to a life of righteousness. Abraham was as the root of the church. The Jews continued branches of this tree till, as a nation, they rejected the Messiah; after that, their relation to Abraham and to God was, as it were, cut off. The Gentiles were grafted into this tree in their room; being admitted into the church of God. Multitudes were made heirs of Abraham's faith, holiness and blessedness. It is the natural state of every one of us, to be wild by nature. Conversion is as the grafting in of wild branches into the good olive. The wild olive was often ingrafted into the fruitful one when it began to decay, and this not only brought forth fruit, but caused the decaying olive to revive and flourish. The Gentiles, of free grace, had been grafted in to share advantages. They ought therefore to beware of self-confidence, and every kind of pride or ambition; lest, having only a dead faith, and an empty profession, they should turn from God, and forfeit their privileges. If we stand at all, it is by faith; we are guilty and helpless in ourselves, and are to be humble, watchful, afraid of self-deception, or of being overcome by temptation. Not only are we at first justified by faith, but kept to the end in that justified state by faith only; yet, by a faith which is not alone, but which works by love to God and man.

Prayer: Creator God, thank you for grafting us all in to your family. Help us to be supported by your roots and let us not be puffed up with pride to be part of you but remind us often that we became your heirs only by your design. Help us to contain our wild ways and submit to You, help us to avoid temptation, and help us to thrive with our new roots. Amen.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Chronicles 4-6, Romans 12

Saturday, June 2nd: 1 Kings 10-12; Romans 10 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Kings 10-12; Romans 10

14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”[g]

More verses jumping out about preaching the good news.  Not just with actions, but with actual words.  We can't just "be kind to people", we need to tell them why we're doing it, we need to tell them the Good News!

17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
A reminder how important it is to study the Word of God.  For initial saving faith, and also for continual development of our faith.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  1 Kings 13-15, Romans 11

Friday, June 1st: 1 Kings 7-9; Romans 9 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Kings 7-9; Romans 9

“So you see, God chooses to show mercy to some, and he chooses to harden the hearts of others so they refuse to listen. Well then, you might say, “Why does God blame people for not responding? Haven’t they simply done what he makes them do?” No, don’t say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, “Why have you made me like this?””

‭‭Romans‬ ‭9:18-20‬

I’ve often wondered why God would chose to harden some hearts and soften others. But these verses remind me that I am not God - not even close! So who am I to question His ways? We know that everything He allows to happen is all for His glory. So we need to trust that He is who He says He is: good, fair and loving. Our human minds can’t even begin to comprehend His ways, so we should stop trying to “figure God out” and start trusting that everything will work out for His glory, and for the good. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Kings 10-12; Romans 10