Friday, November 30th: Zechariah 12-14; Revelation 4 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Zechariah 12-14; Revelation 4

“And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one Lord —his name alone will be worshiped.”

‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭14:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

No more feeling like outcasts because of our faith, no more homesick feelings as we await His return, no more government issues, no more tears or pain, and no more waiting. 

One day He will return and take away all of these trials we are enduring now on this earth. His name will be the only name that is worshipped, and we will be home at last, eternally joyful with our Father and our family in Him.

Keep pressing on for this day, friends. Jesus is coming soon. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Esther 1-3, Revelation 5

Thursday, November 29th: Zechariah 9-11, Revelation 3:14-22 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Zechariah 9-11, Revelation 3:14-22

Zechariah 9: 9
Rejoice, O people of Zion
Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem
Look, your king is coming to you.
He is righteous and victorious,
yet He is humble, riding on a donkey -
riding on a donkey's colt.

This verse stood out to me because it predicts what Jesus would be like, and is correct. Jesus is our ultimate king, yet was humble and wanting to serve. At the end of the day, Jesus wanted all to turn to Him and live for Him.

He offers all of us an unbelievable deal, give our lives to Him and we get to join Him in heaven forever! When you stop and think about this, it's unbelievable that people would turn away from Him.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Zechariah 12-14, Revelation 4

Wednesday, November 28: Zechariah 5-8, Revelation 3:7-13

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Zechariah 5-8, Revelation 3:7-13

9 “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another.

Simple words, but often easier said than done. I am thankful for the power of the Holy Spirit in me and pray daily for wisdom to discern what is right and courage to do it.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Zechariah 9-11, Revelation 3:14-22

Tuesday, November 27th: Zechariah 1-4, Revelation 3:1-6 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Zechariah 1-4, Revelation 3:1-6

Revelation 3:3 Be sorry for your sins and turn from them.
Pretty blunt.  Pretty basic.  Pretty simple.

But not always easy.

We are so easy to justify our own little pet sins.  But there is no such thing.  Yes, different sins have different consequences.  But all sin is still sin.  All sin is offensive to God.  All sin, no matter how minor, is enough to disqualify us from relationship with Him. 

I am so thankful for His mercy and grace!  I want to take my sin seriously, no matter how "big" or "small" it is.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Zechariah 5-8, Revelation 3:7-13

Monday, November 26th: Haggai 1-2, Revelation 2:18-29

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Haggai 1-2, Revelation 2:18-29

Our Revelation passage makes it clear that God knows everything about us - the good and the bad.  There is no such thing as sinning in secret.  God knows not only our actions, but our motives and thoughts and desires. 

What is amazing to me is that He loves me despite this.  Despite knowing the very worst of me, He loves me and offers me His grace.

It reminds me of these truths.....
There is nothing we can do to make God love us more.
There is nothing we can do to make God love us less.

May we accept His love and mercy, and be obedient to Him.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Zechariah 1-4, Revelation 3:1-6

Saturday, November 24th: Ezra 4-6; Revelation 2:12-17 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezra 4-6; Revelation 2:12-17

As Ezra tells of the struggle the Israelites had with rebuilding the wall, and all the opposition that came with it, it reminds me of a few things.

First - few good things in life come easy.  Generally, things are worth a lot are not just handed to us on a silver platter.  We have to work for them.

Second - when we are doing God's work, we will be opposed.  There will be hardship, it will not be smooth sailing.  This isn't God closing a door, it's a call to perseverance. It's a call to remain faithful despite the difficulty.  It's a call to rely on God's strength instead of our own to complete the work.

Third - God will send encouragement and reinforcements.

Fourth - if God will it, it will succeed, no matter the opposition.  

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Haggai 1-2, Revelation 2:18-29

Friday, November 23rd: Ezra 1-3; Revelation 2:8-11 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezra 1-3; Revelation 2:8-11

Reading through the reading today, it was hard for me to pick something that stood out to me. But I realized that as I was slightly skimming over all of these names and numbers, just how many there actually were. 

“So a total of 42,360 people returned to Judah,”

‭‭Ezra‬ ‭2:64‬

That’s how many people God returned from exile - that’s a lot!

It’s a good reminder of God’s faithfulness, and how He keeps His promises. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezra 4-6; Revelation 2:12-17

Thursday, November 22nd: Daniel 9-12, Revelation 2:1-7 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 9-12, Revelation 2:1-7

Daniel 9: 13-14
Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come on us, yet we have not sought the favor of the LORD our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth. [14] The Lord did not hesitate to bring the disaster on us, for the Lord our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him. 

Just as God warned the people of Israel what would happen if they didn't change their ways and turn to Him - God also warns us what will happen if we don't change our ways, seek forgiveness and give our lives to Him. 

They had many chances, and so do we, but it will come to an end at some point. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Ezra 1-3, Revelation 2:8-11

Wednesday, November 21st: Daniel 5-8, Revelation 1 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 5-8, Revelation 1

There are some pretty amazing stories in our Daniel passage today.

I think it's safe to say Daniel 5 is the reason someone coined the phrase "the writing on the wall" and that it signifies the end or failure of something. I'm sure most secular people don't know the meaning behind this phrase, but we sure do!

And, of course, the story of Daniel in the lion's den has got to be one of the most well known stories of the Bible.

The common thread to me is the absolute sovereignty of God - which is a huge comfort to believers, and should be absolutely terrifying to non-believers.  His sovereignty is truly absolute.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Daniel 9-12, Revelation 2:1-7

Tuesday, November 20: Daniel 1-4, 3 John 1 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 1-4, 3 John 1

3 John 1:11
Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

John is speaking about the leader of the church & his actions. He recognized the sin in how the church was being run & the true heart of this leader. In these words he cautioned them to not just blindly imitate the actions of the leaders but to chose what is good & what is of God

We need to always be aware. It doesn’t matter the position that someone holds, if his actions or words are evil & not good we need to speak out against it. We can’t be fooled into believing the lie that this person has a position of importance so he must be right. We need to be grounded in our faith & in the word of God so that we can recognize these untruths & have the strength to stand up/speak out against it.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Daniel 5-8, Revelation 1

Monday, November 19, 2018: Ezekiel 46-48 2 John 1 ~ by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezekiel 46-48, 2 John 1

Two thoughts from today's readings:

From the OT:

5 The circumference of the city shall be 18,000 cubits. And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord Is There.”

Imagine living in a city with the name "The Lord is There". How can we transform our homes, our workplaces, our neighbourhoods, our city to become one that proclaims the same?

From the NT:

In contrast, too often there is doubt that the Lord is there...

7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we[a] have worked for, but may win a full reward. 9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.

Half truth or stretching the truth or close to truth is so much more dangerous than outright lies. We can be deceived into believing lies. Last week, I heard something on the radio about an "Atheist pastor". (See interview here) We live in a society where this is unfortunately celebrated. We are being deceived and others are being led astray by people claiming to be pastors and yet are not Christ followers. We live in broken world filled with broken people. May we strive to be beacons of truth so that one day our city (and our world) can be named "The Lord is There".

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Daniel 1-4, 3 John 1

Saturday, November 17th: Ezekiel 43-45; 1 John 5 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Ezekiel 43-45; 1 John 5

1 John 5:11 And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.
John couldn't put it any more clearly than that.

Whoever has the Son has life.
Whoever does not have God's Son does not have life.

Who is Jesus?

Your answer to that question determines your eternity.  


v13 I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.But John is blunt for a reason.  He wants us to know, God wants us to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we can be secure in the knowledge that He has saved us.

This is a precious truth that friends and family are clinging to this week at the passing of two fellow believers who have fought the good fight, who have finished the race, and who have kept the faith.  We are secure in the hope that we have, knowing they are safe in the arms of Jesus today and always.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Ezekiel 46-48, 2 John 1

Friday, November 16th: Ezekiel 40-42; 1 John 4 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezekiel 40-42; 1 John 4

“But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”

‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This is such a comforting verse. God is bigger than our struggles, and our fears, and everything else in this world. We don’t need to be afraid because it is the same God who lives in us. We have victory over these struggles we have now because we have God on our side. We belong to the Winner of this war. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezekiel 43-45; 1 John 5

Thursday, November 15th: Ezekiel 37-39; 1 John 3 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezekiel 37-39; 1 John 3

“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.”

‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This verse is very encouraging in the way that we can find comfort in knowing we are God’s children, but we also need to not give up on our secular friends and neighbours. They belong to a very hopeless world. They aren’t adopted in God’s kingdom, so they don’t have the security that we do. Use that as fuel to keep pursuing those friendships, and wanting to share the hope we have in Christ. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezekiel 40-42; 1 John 4

Wednesday, November 14th: Ezekiel 34-36, 1 John 2 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezekiel 34-36, 1 John 2

 1 John 2:³ And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. ⁴ If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. ⁵ But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him.³ And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. ⁴ If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. ⁵ But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him.

Our lives need to show evidence of faith.

It reminds me of the question.... "If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?"

No, our deeds don't save us.  We know that.  BUT, deeds are fruit of genuine faith. And if the deeds are lacking, so is the faith.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Ezekiel 37-39, 1 John 3

Tuesday, November 13: Ezekiel 34-36, 1 John 2 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezekiel 31-33, 1 John 2

1 John 2:20-21
But you have an anointing from the Holy One, & all of you know the truth. I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it & because no lie comes from the truth.

We have been given the truth, we just need to seek it & accept it.

Some of my biggest worries for my children come in the form of being deceived by the enemy & the world (& unfortunately we are seeing that deception invading some churches too).

This verse is an encouragement in that as Christians we “know the truth.”  In whatever way Satan tries to deceive, we are enabled to recognize it because of our anointing in Christ. It is there for us. We need to submit our will to Christ & seek him - as long as we are in the truth, we will know the truth.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezekiel 34-36, 1 John 2

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Ezekiel 28-30, 1 John 1

1 John 1 is all about how we need to do more than just talk about our faith. We need to live out our faith. Verse 6 talks about how even if we have fellowship with God but walk in darkness the we are no closer to God than someone who doesn’t even proclaim his name. We need to talk about our faith and live out our faith every day.



Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezekiel 31-33, 1 John 2

Saturday, November 10th: Ezekiel 25-27, John 21 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezekiel 25-27, John 21

John 21:25 Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.

One of the things I'm definitely looking forward to about heaven is hearing these stories from Jesus, finding out what else He did, both while He was physically on earth, and through angelic and Holy Spirit intervention throughout the ages.  It will be amazing!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezekiel 28-30, 1 John 1

Friday, November 9th: Ezekiel 22-24, John 20 Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezekiel 22-24, John 20

John 20:16 NLT ""Mary!" Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, "Rabboni" (which is Hebrew for "Teacher")."

What stood out to me about this verse is that Mary didn't recognize Jesus until He said her name It reminds me of how a baby knows it's mother as soon as it is held against her chest because it recognizes her heartbeat.

I think that one of the ways God made us in His image is the qualities a mother has. The comfort and love that comes from a mother is the same as what God has for us. Let's try to find time to rest in that comfort and love today.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezekiel 25-27, John 21

Thursday, November 8th: Ezekiel 19-21, John 19 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezekiel 19-21, John 19

John 19: 4-6

Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews gathered there, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him .” [5] When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” [6] As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.”

I always find it interesting how Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent, but was too scared to put a stop to the crucifixion. It shows the human side of Pilate and also how when pressured he went along with what the crowd wanted.

We look at Pilate and think he's too scared to stand up for what's right. Do we do this too? Do we let pressure from others force us into making bad choices?

We all fail and need God's forgiveness and then help to do better the next time. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezekiel 22-24, John 20

Wednesday, November 7th: Ezekiel 16-18, John 18 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezekiel 16-18, John 18

Ezekiel 18: 30 “Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign Lord. Repent, and turn from your sins. Don’t let them destroy you! 31 Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel? 32 I don’t want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn back and live!
This passage clearly depicts God's perspective - He loves the people of Israel, confronts them with their sin, encouraging them to repent, warning them that sin will destroy them, offering them a new heart, demonstrating His desire that they choose life, that they choose Him.

And He does the very same with us today.

The call is clear.
Repent.
Turn from sin.
Turn to God for a new heart.
Choose life!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Ezekiel 19-21, John 19

Tuesday, November 6: Ezekiel 13-15, John 17

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezekiel 13-15, John 17

John 17:17-
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

Jesus prayed for his followers to be sanctified, which happens through the believing & obeying of his Word.

Like the words in the song “Spirit Lead Me,” we need to let go of our own ideas & allow the spirit to lead us. “I’m done chasing feelings “... I did a Bible study not long ago that touched on following God by seeking his desire for us through his word, his advice through others, time spent in prayer. “It feels right” isn’t God. We need to seek him & be willing to follow wherever he leads.

If You say "it's wrong", then I'll say "no"
If You say "release", I'm letting go
If You're in it with me, I'll begin
And when You say to jump, I'm diving in
If You say "be still", then I will wait
If You say to trust, I will obey
Teach me how to follow in Your ways
I'm done chasing feelings
Spirit lead me

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezekiel 16-18, John 18

Monday, November 5: Ezekiel 10-12, John 16~ by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezekiel 10-12, John 16

This stood out for me:

12 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, who have eyes to see, but see not, who have ears to hear, but hear not, for they are a rebellious house.

We live in a rebellious house (society). We live in a world of grey instead of truth and lies (black and white). When you watch the news or hear of the ways that people are choosing to live in opposition to God it is easy to see that some people have had their eyes closed and the ears refuse to listen to the truth. We live in a rebellious house.

28 Therefore say to them, Thus says the Lord God: None of my words will be delayed any longer, but the word that I speak will be performed, declares the Lord God.”

You know how you eagerly wait for something.... the anticipation and the planning and the waiting. It seems like while you are waiting that it takes forever for it to come. Yet when the event is over, when you look back on the waiting it can seem so short. One day Jesus will return. He promised that He would and He keeps His promises. While we wait, the anticipation and the planning and the waiting seem to be taking a LONG time. However, I think that when Christ returns it will seem like it hasn't been that long.

I felt like this was a connection to the NT readings:

21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 

When a mother is waiting for her baby to arrive she waits with eager anticipation. During the labour, it may seem like this baby will never arrive! When it finally does, all the waiting, all the anticipation, and all the pain are worth it. We are waiting for Christ to return and some days are full of pain. However, one day all that will be worth it and we will experience a joy as never before. We know how the story ends:

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezekiel 13-15, John 17

Saturday, November 3rd: Ezekiel 7-9, John 15 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Ezekiel 7-9, John 15

¹² “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. ¹⁴ You are my friends if you do what I command you.

We are to love.
Love one another.
Love God.
Love one another above ourselves.
Love God above ourselves.
Love sacrificially.
Love by obeying God.
Love with eternity in mind.
Love.

Monday's Bible In a Year Passage:  Ezekiel 10-12, John 16

Friday, November 2nd: Ezekiel 4-6, John 14 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezekiel 4-6, John 14

John 14:1-3 stood out to me today, but especially verse three, which says: "When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am."

During my reading today, I could almost hear God saying these words directly to me. Those kinds of moments don't happen often, but when they do, I always feel so at peace, and like I am surrounded by His presence. That was especially the case with this verse. I felt so at peace reading these words. Jesus is coming back for me, and He will always be with me anywhere I am. He is preparing a place specially for me, and in His perfect timing, I will go home to be with Him forever.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezekiel 7-9, John 15

Thurday, November 1st: Ezekiel 1-3, John 13 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezekiel 1-3, John 13

Ezekiel 2: 6-7
And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people. [7] You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. 

These verses stood out to me. Three times it is mentioned "Do not be afraid..."

A reminder to us today as well, "Do not be afraid" when things aren't going well or look gloomy. God is with us to the end, and will see us through difficult situations. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Ezekiel 4-6, John 14