Thursday, October 31st: Lamentations 4-5, Hebrews 2, Psalms 103, Proverbs 26:23 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Lamentations 4-5, Hebrews 2, Psalms 103, Proverbs 26:23

Lamentations 5:8-14

Slaves have now become our masters; there is no one left to rescue us. We hunt for food at the risk of our lives, for violence rules the countryside. The famine has blackened our skin as though baked in an oven. Our enemies rape the women in Jerusalem and the young girls in all the towns of Judah. Our princes are being hanged by their thumbs, and our elders are treated with contempt. Young men are led away to work at millstones, and boys stagger under heavy loads of wood. The elders no longer sit in the city gates; the young men no longer dance and sing. 

After reading this portion, the reality of the situation for the Israelites has become more real. They were starving, had been abused both physically and sexually, tortured and harshly worked. How could they have ignored God for so long? Did they think that God would never punish them? 

Where are we on this scale, do we ignore God and continue to sin? Or have we realized that we are sinners and need to be forgiven by God, then live a changed life? 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezekiel 1:1-3:15, Hebrews 3:1-19, Psalm 104:1-23, Proverbs 26:24-26

Wednsesday, October 30th: Lamentations 3, Hebrews 1, Psalms 102, Proverbs 26:21-22 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Lamentations 3, Hebrews 1, Psalms 102, Proverbs 26:21-22

Lamentations 3:
²² Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
    therefore I will wait for him.”

Tremendous words of faith in the midst of utter destruction.  And yet so true!

I remember reading Angie Smith's words when she found out that the baby she was carrying had a fatal condition - “I think that my Jesus is the same as He was before I walked into this room.”

Jesus is the same.
Whether today is the best or worst day of your life, Jesus is the same.
He is still sovereign.
He is still on His throne.
He is still good.
His love is great.
We are not consumed.
His compassions never fail.
His compassions are new every morning.
Great is His faithfulness.
He is our portion.
We will wait for Him.

Today - no matter what kind of day today is.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Lamentations 4-5, Hebrews 2, Psalms 103, Proverbs 26:23

Monday, October 28th: Jeremiah 51:54-52:34, Titus 3:1-15, Psalm 100:1-5, Proverbs 26:18-19 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Jeremiah 51:54-52:34, Titus 3:1-15, Psalm 100:1-5, Proverbs 26:18-19

It was so sad to read about the defeat of the Israelites, the killing and capturing of slaves, and the destruction of the temple and city of Jerusalem.  What was sad was that it was unnecessary and preventable, if only the people had continued to follow God or repented of their rebellion at any point after warning after warning by prophet after prophet.  Perhaps the people mistook God's patience for leniency, perhaps they just wanted to continue in their sin no matter the consequence, but the day of reckoning finally came.

The ultimate day of reckoning will come sometime.  We don't know when.  And we would be foolish to mistake God's patience for leniency.

God is always ready to provide grace when we repent.  We see this in our Titus passage....
³ At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Psalm 100 is a very familiar psalm and one of my favourites.

Our Proverbs passage is also striking....
¹⁸ Like a maniac shooting
    flaming arrows of death
¹⁹ is one who deceives their neighbor
    and says, “I was only joking!”

It reminds me of the cruel things people say to each other, followed by "just joking".  Joking and teasing can be fun, but it needs to be good natured and it has to be fun for everyone, not just the person making the joke at someone else's expense.  We can't expose our poor behaviour or mean or thoughtless words by claiming we were just joking.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Lamentations 1:1-2:22, Philemon 1:1-25, Psalm 101:1-8, Proverbs 26:20

Friday, October 25th: Jeremiah 48:1-49:22, 2 Timothy 4:1-22, Psalm 95:1-96:13, Proverbs 26:9-12 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Jeremiah 48:1-49:22, 2 Timothy 4:1-22, Psalm 95:1-96:13, Proverbs 26:9-12

^{2 Timothy 4:3} For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. ⁴ They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

It definitely feels like this is that time.  It's likely not the first time in history to have felt like it, and unfortunately it probably won't be the last either.

There are people who profess to be Christians that have twisted and reinterpreted scripture to align with what our culture says is true. There will always be someone willing to justify your sin to you.

This is also a time where very few people are familiar with the Word of God and what it actually teaches, so they don't recognize the lie for what it is.

We need to be so familiar with the Word that anything even slightly off is immediately recognizable to us.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Jeremiah 49:23-50:46, Titus 1:1-16, Psalm 97:1-98:9, Proverbs 26:13-16

Thursday, October 24th: Jeremiah 44:24-47:7, 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17, Psalm 94:1-23, Proverbs 26:6-8 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Jeremiah 44:24-47:7, 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17, Psalm 94:1-23, Proverbs 26:6-8 

2 Timothy 3:11-12

You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Paul lists a few of the places where he was persecuted, but adds importantly that God rescued him from all of them. He goes on to say that all believers will suffer persecution. 

This means us, do we face any opposition because we live for Jesus, at home or work or school?

God will rescue us, it may not be immediate, but He will help us. Pray for strength and wisdom, then trust. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Jeremiah 48:1-49:22, 2 Timothy 4:1-22, Psalm 95:1-96:13, Proverbs 26:9-12

Wednesday, October 23rd: Jeremiah 42:1-44:23, 2 Timothy 2:1-21, Psalm 92:1-93, Proverbs 26:3-5 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Jeremiah 42:1-44:23, 2 Timothy 2:1-21, Psalm 92:1-93, Proverbs 26:3-5

2 Timothy 2:¹⁰ So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

That is a very bold statement.

Am I willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen?

Are you?


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Jeremiah 44:24-47:7, 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17, Psalm 94:1-23, Proverbs 26:6-8

Monday, October 21: Jeremiah 37:1-38:28, 1 Timothy 6:1-21, Psalm 89:38-52, Proverbs 25:28

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Jeremiah 37:1-38:28, 1 Timothy 6:1-21, Psalm 89:38-52, Proverbs 25:28

These verses from the Old Testament stood out for me:

2 But neither King Zedekiah nor his attendants nor the people who were left in the land listened to what the Lord said through Jeremiah.

5 King Zedekiah agreed. “All right,” he said. “Do as you like. I can’t stop you.”

10 So the king told Ebed-melech, “Take thirty of my men with you, and pull Jeremiah out of the cistern before he dies.”

19 “But I am afraid to surrender,” the king said....

No one listened. The king was wishy-washy: first saying do whatever you want and punish Jeremiah and then saying rescue him. The king calls a secret meeting but then refuses to take the advice of Jeremiah because he is afraid.

Today is election day in Canada. We are voting for our new Prime Minister. The one who will lead our country. We pray that our new leader will listen to what the Lord commands. We pray that our new leader will not be wishy-washy. We pray that our new leader will stand up for what is right even if afraid of what others will think.

Another verse from the New Testament that I thought about with today being election day:

9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Not just money but fame and power as well cause so much trouble.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Jeremiah 39:1-41:18, 2 Timothy 1:1-18, Psalm 90:1-91:16, Proverbs 26:1-2 

Friday, October 18th: Jeremiah 31:27-32:44, 1 Timothy 3:1-16, Psalm 88:1-18, Proverbs 25:20-22 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Jeremiah 31:27-32:44, 1 Timothy 3:1-16, Psalm 88:1-18, Proverbs 25:20-22

^{Jeremiah 31:33} “But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

The biggest thing that jumps out to me is that God will do it.

The Israelites couldn't keep the covenant, nobody could.
We cannot live sinlessly, nobody can.

Only God can change our hearts.
Only God can heal us.
Only God can redeem us.
Only God can transform us.
Only God.

Thursday, October 17th: Jeremiah 30:1-31:26, 1 Timothy 2:1-15, Psalm 87:1-7, Proverbs 25:18-19 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Jeremiah 30:1-31:26, 1 Timothy 2:1-15, Psalm 87:1-7, Proverbs 25:18-19

Jeremiah 31:10-14

“Listen to this message from the Lord , you nations of the world; proclaim it in distant coastlands: The Lord , who scattered his people, will gather them and watch over them as a shepherd does his flock. For the Lord has redeemed Israel from those too strong for them. They will come home and sing songs of joy on the heights of Jerusalem. They will be radiant because of the Lord ’s good gifts— the abundant crops of grain, new wine, and olive oil, and the healthy flocks and herds. Their life will be like a watered garden, and all their sorrows will be gone. The young women will dance for joy, and the men—old and young—will join in the celebration. I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing. The priests will enjoy abundance, and my people will feast on my good gifts. I, the Lord , have spoken!”

The message in these verses mirrors how things are today... like the Israelites we too have sinned and fallen away from God. But just as God gathered His people who had sinned but now wanted to change, He also will gather us back to Him today - after living a sinful life.

We too can have a second chance in life, we just need to ask God to forgive our sins then live our best for Him only, the rest of our lives. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Jeremiah 31:27-32:44, 1 Timothy 3:1-16, Psalm 88:1-18, Proverbs 25:20-22

Wednesday, October 16th: Jeremiah 28:1-29:32, 1 Timothy 1:1-20, Psalm 86:1-17, Proverbs 25:17 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Jeremiah 28:1-29:32, 1 Timothy 1:1-20, Psalm 86:1-17, Proverbs 25:17

Jeremiah 29:¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

This is definitely one of the most well known verse in the Bible, and rightfully so, for it is a message of hope.

The caution, of course, is not to mistake this as a message of prosperity or a life of ease.  In fact, in this verse, the Lord is speaking to the Israelites who are in exile.  And He told them they would continue to be in exile for 70 years.  That's the background of this promise.  He wasn't telling them they were about to be rescued any time soon.  He was telling them that the exile was going to last a long time, but that He still had a plan, He was still in control, and His plans are for our good and for His glory.

Though this promise was specifically for the exiled Israelites, it does still hold true for us today.  And we can grab onto that same hope.  No matter how bad your circumstances, and no matter how long they will last, God is still in control, He still has a plan, He is still good, His plans for you are good (thought maybe not the ones you would choose for yourself) and for His glory.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Jeremiah 30:1-31:26, 1 Timothy 2:1-15, Psalm 87:1-7, Proverbs 25:18-19

Monday, October 14th: Jeremiah 23:21-25:38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17, Psalm 84:1-12, Proverbs 25:15 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Jeremiah 23:21-25:38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17, Psalm 84:1-12, Proverbs 25:15

2 Thessalonians 2:15 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.

Stand firm

Keep a strong grip on theology

So important!


16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, 17 comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.

I always love doxology type verses, and this is no exception!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Jeremiah 26:1-27, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18, Psalm 85:1-13, Proverbs 25:16

Friday, October 11th: Jeremiah 16:16-18:23, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3, Psalm 81:1-16, Proverbs 25:6-8 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Jeremiah 16:16-18:23, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3, Psalm 81:1-16, Proverbs 25:6-8

Jeremiah 17: 7- 10

“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord
    and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
⁸ They are like trees planted along a riverbank,
    with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat
    or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green,
    and they never stop producing fruit.

⁹ “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things,
    and desperately wicked.
    Who really knows how bad it is?
¹⁰ But I, the Lord, search all hearts
    and examine secret motives.
I give all people their due rewards,
    according to what their actions deserve.”

The first section of this passage always reminds me of Psalm 1.

The second portion is sobering.  The human heart IS deceitful, it IS wicked.  We are so quick to justify our sin, to let our emotions rules our decision making, and to be led astray by our own sinful wants and desires. God sees the heart - with all it's failings.  And though He does give us what we deserve, He also gives us what we don't deserve - mercy.  Thanks be to God for this indescribable gift!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Jeremiah 19:1-21:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:4-28, Psalm 82:1-8, Proverbs 25:9-10

Thursday, October 10th: Jeremiah 14:11-16:15, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-3:13, Psalm 80:1-19, Proverbs 25:1-5 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Jeremiah 14:11-16:15, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-3:13, Psalm 80:1-19, Proverbs 25:1-5

Jeremiah 14:22
Can any of the worthless foreign gods send us rain? Does it fall from the sky by itself? No, you are the one, O Lord our God! Only you can do such things. So we will wait for you to help us. 

This verse stood out to me... what can actually be done without the help of God? Can we rely on human help only? 

Can we provide our own heat, rain, wind, etc, to make plants grow and provide us with food? Did we create our own rivers, lakes and mountains to enjoy and use?

On top of this, He loved us enough to send His own son to earth - to die for us, in order that we could spend eternity with Him. 

Is it worthwhile then to trust and believe in Him, and to wait for help from God alone? 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Jeremiah 16:16-18:23, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3, Psalm 81:1-16, Proverbs 25:6-8

Wednesday, October 9th: Jeremiah 12:1-14:10, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:8, Psalm 79:1-13, Proverbs 24:30-34 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Jeremiah 12:1-14:10, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:8, Psalm 79:1-13, Proverbs 24:30-34

Psalm 79:9 
Help us, O God of our salvation!
    Help us for the glory of your name.
Save us and forgive our sins
    for the honor of your name.

A good reminder in our self-absorbed world, everything that God does is for His glory.  Yes, for our good, but ultimately for His glory.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Jeremiah 14:11-16:15, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-3:13, Psalm 80:1-19, Proverbs 25:1-5

Monday, October 7th: Jeremiah 8:8-9:26, Colossians 3:1-17, Psalm 78:32-55, Proverbs 24:27 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Jeremiah 8:8-9:26, Colossians 3:1-17, Psalm 78:32-55, Proverbs 24:27

Colossians 3 is a very practical chapter.

It tells us what not to do with words such as....
sexual immorality
impurity
lust
evil desires
greedy
idolator
anger
rage
malicious behaviour
slander
dirty language
lying

It also tells us what to do with words such as...
setting your sights on heaven
think about the things of heaven
tenderhearted
merciful
kindness
humility
gentleness
patience
make allowances for each other's faults
forgive
love
perfect harmony
peace
thankful
teach
counsel
wisdom
sing

That's a lot to pack into one chapter!


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Jeremiah 10:1-11:23, Colossians 3:18-4:18, Psalm 78:56-72, Proverbs 24:28-29

Friday, October 4th: Jeremiah 2:31-4:18, Colossians 1:1-17, Psalm 76:1-12, Proverbs 24:21-22 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Jeremiah 2:31-4:18, Colossians 1:1-17, Psalm 76:1-12, Proverbs 24:21-22

Jeremiah 4:1 “O Israel,” says the Lord,
    “if you wanted to return to me, you could.
You could throw away your detestable idols
    and stray away no more.

The way of repentance and restoration is always open.  If we want to repent, we can, He is waiting with open arms.  But do we want to?  Are we willing to give up our sin? Are we willing to give up Lordship of our lives to Him?  Are we willing to trust Him with everything?


~~~~~~~~

Colossians 1:16b-17 Everything was created through him and for him.
¹⁷ He existed before anything else,
    and he holds all creation together.

I love this portion of Colossians.  Everything was created through him and for him.  He is glorified in His creation, and He takes pleasure in it.  And the amazing thing is - we are a part of that!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Jeremiah 4:19-6:15, Colossians 1:18-2:7, Psalm 77:1-20, Proverbs 24:23-25

Thursday, October 3rd: Jeremiah 1:1-2:30, Philippians 4:1-23, Psalm 75:1-10, Proverbs 24:17-20 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Jeremiah 1:1-2:30, Philippians 4:1-23, Psalm 75:1-10, Proverbs 24:17-20

Jeremiah 1:8
"... And don't be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken! "

Philippians 4:6‭-‬7
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Good reminders today not to worry or be anxious. This is easy to say, and hard to do... at least for me.

Lately I've had a few work issues that I have no control over but that need to be dealt with. This reminds me that God is in charge, and I can trust in Him, and then not worry. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Jeremiah 2:31-4:18, Colossians 1:1-17, Psalm 76:1-12, Proverbs 24:21-22

Wednesday, October 2nd: Isaiah 66:1-24, Philippians 3:4-21, Psalm 74:1-23, Proverbs 24:15-16 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 66:1-24 Philippians 3:4-21, Psalm 74:1-23, Proverbs 24:15-16

Philippians 3:¹² I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. ¹³ No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

We cannot attain perfection in this life.  We know this.  But that doesn't mean we throw our hands up in the air in despair and don't bother trying.  We need to be purposeful about eradicating the sin in our lives, about becoming more like Jesus, about deepening our relationship with Him, and about sharing the gospel with others - all under the power of the Holy Spirit, and not our own strength.

But it IS work.  We press on.  We focus.  We race.  We reach for the prize.  And in the end - we will receive it! Because He who promised is faithful.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:   Jeremiah 1:1-2:30, Philippians 4:1-23, Psalm 75:1-10, Proverbs 24:17-20