Friday, May 31st: 2 Samuel 17:1-29, John 19:23-42, Psalm 119:129-152, Proverbs 16:12-13 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Samuel 17:1-29, John 19:23-42, Psalm 119:129-152, Proverbs 16:12-13

Rivers of tears gush from my eyes
    because people disobey your instructions.
- Psalm 119:136

This verse reminds me of the saying, “break my heart for what breaks yours.” I think this is a prayer we should pray more often. As followers of Christ, we want as many people to follow Him as possible, and it should break our hearts that not nearly everyone does. We should want to be moved by the same things God is moved by, and we should work even harder to get others to believe and be passionate about the same things. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Samuel 18:1-19:10; John 20:1-31; Psalm 119:153-176; Proverbs 16:14-15

Thursday, May 30th: 2 Samuel 15:23-16:23, John 18:25-19:22, Psalm 119:113-128, Proverbs 16:10-11 - Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  2 Samuel 15:23-16:23, John 18:25-19:22, Psalm 119:113-128, Proverbs 16:10-11 

John 19:4
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."

Pilate shows a few times that he could find no charge worthy of death for Jesus. He knows this, but goes on to let the crowd determine what Jesus' fate will be, he feels uncomfortable, but won't take a stand. This, of course, fulfills scripture.

Do we take stand, as well as back it up, when confronted with anything that's against what Jesus would want? It's often easy to know what to do when we're not under pressure, but harder to act when the pressure is on. I pray for strength that I would take that stand and back it up when under pressure.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:   2 Samuel 17:1-29, John 19:23-42, Psalm 119:129-152, Proverbs 16:12-13

Tuesday, May 28th: 2 Samuel 13:1-39, John 17:1-26, Psalm 119:81-96, Proverbs 16:6-7 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Samuel 13:1-39, John 17:1-26, Psalm 119:81-96, Proverbs 16:6-7

The verses in Proverbs 16:6-7 really struck me today and I like the way the Message reads.

Guilt is banished through love and truth;
    Fear-of-God deflects evil.

Fear-of-God deflects evil...I think today's society has to some degree forgotten what a motivator fear can be. We want to feel that there are other ways to motivate...but sometimes some good, healthy fear can keep us on the right path. It may be a fine line but I do believe there is a place in our lives to live out of fear. Like in high-school when you had Mr. McMillan as your teacher you knew not to fall asleep in his class out of fear of his meter stick slamming on the desk beside your head...fear kept you awake...LOL.

And I find verse 7 very intriguing...

When God approves of your life,
    even your enemies will end up shaking your hand.

What would it be like to know that you had lived a life so pleasing to God that even your enemies would have to concede and shake your hand on a job well done...let's strive for that kind of approval.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Samuel 14:1-15:22, John 18:1-24, Psalm 119:97-112, Proverbs 16:8-9

Monday, May 27: 2 Samuel 12:1-31, John 16:1-33, Psalm 119:65-80, Proverbs 16:4-5 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Samuel 12:1-31, John 16:1-33, Psalm 119:65-80, Proverbs 16:4-5 

12 For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.

The truth hurts. When Nathan rebukes David, David doesn't even immediately see that Nathan's story is about him. Sin often begins in secret but it doesn't always stay that way and if it does, it often requires more lying and deception to keep it a secret. It is only when sin is brought to light that it can be dealt with and forgiven.


20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.

In the midst of trouble, we don't often see our trouble as something worthy of joy. However, it is often through those tough times that God is working behind the scenes to bring us closer to Him or to be an example to others in a way that an "easy" life can't.

66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
    for I believe in your commandments.

What a prayer! I think it's easy to talk the talk but not as easy to walk the walk. To have the desire to have good judgement and knowledge as to apply it to our daily life is crucial to bringing others to realize their need for salvation. God will give us the words to say if we rely on Him.

4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose,
    even the wicked for the day of trouble.

Sometimes we question God's plan. We don't understand it and we can't see how it will work out for good. We need to have faith and trust in Him who created us for His purpose.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Samuel 13:1-39, John 17:1-26, Psalm 119:81-96, Proverbs 16:6-7

Friday, May 24th: 2 Samuel 4:1-6:23, John 13:31-14:14, Psalm 119:17-32, Proverbs 15:31-32 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Samuel 4:1-6:23, John 13:31-14:14, Psalm 119:17-32, Proverbs 15:31-32

If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself;
    but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.

- Proverbs 15:32

This is a good reminder for us all to not let our pride get in the way when people give us instructions on how to get better. For myself, this means when it comes to my music studies. Even though I like to think I know everything, I know I don’t, and I need to be open to criticism from those who do know better than me. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Samuel 7:1-8:18; John 14:15-31; Psalm 119:33-48; Proverbs 15:33

Thursday, May 23rd: 2 Samuel 2:12 - 3:39, John 13: 1-30, Psalm 119: 1-16, Proverbs 15: 29-30 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Samuel 2:12-3:39, John 13:1-30, Psalm 119:1-16, Proverbs 15:29-30 

John 13:26-29 NIV
26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. [27] As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” [28] But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. [29]  Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor.

Seems obvious to me as I've read this many times, and also heard this story many times, that Judas is the guilty one. How can the others not see that?

Do I ignore, or not notice some sin around me? I truthfully know that it happens. I need to be more aware and work harder to root out or stay away from the sin in my life, and not take it casually.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  2 Samuel 4:1-6:23, John 13:31-14:14, Psalm 119:17-32, Proverbs 15:31-32

Monday, May 20th: 1 Samuel 26:1-28:25, John 11:1-54, Psalm 117:1-2, Proverbs 15:22-23 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 26:1-28:25, John 11:1-54, Psalm 117:1-2, Proverbs 15:22-23

From my devotional book regarding our John passage......

Resurrection can seem so religious, so unreal, so far removed when we stand by a grave with our family. It's possible to have a theological understanding of resurrection life but to find no joy or comfort in it, to have no ability to rest in it, or simply to not believe it. And Jesus knows our belief in him as the Resurrection and the Life is pivotal - foundational - to how we face grief and sorrow. So he asks us along with Martha, "Do you believe this?"

Lord, we do believe. Help our unbelief. Hep us respond to death in our family in a way that reflects a genuine belief in resurrection life. Give us the grace we need to grieve with hope and not as those who have no hope. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Samuel 29:1-31:13, John 11:55-12:19, Psalm 118:1-18, Proverbs 15:24-26 

Saturday, May 18th: 1 Samuel 22:1-23:29, John 10:1-21, Psalm 115:1-18, Proverbs 15:18-19 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 22:1-23:29, John 10:1-21, Psalm 115:1-18, Proverbs 15:18-19

John 10:2-4

2 But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice.
From my devotional book....
Jesus wants us to know that he is not just our King ruling over us, He's not just our Redeemer paying the ransom for us. He's not just our Mediator making peace for us. He's our Shepherd, taking care of us, calling out to us, feeding us, caring for our wounds, and protecting us from falling and from predators.

As good as we seek to be as parents, our children need something more. They need a Shepherd. And they have one. The Good Shepherd will care for them in ways that we can't and at times when we can't. He will protect them from pitfalls we don't see and wolves we don't recognize. Best of all, we can be sure that when he gathers his flock, he will call his sheep by name and lead them.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  1 Samuel 24:1-25:44, John 10:22-42, Psalm 116:1-19, Proverbs 15:20-21

Tuesday, May 14th: 1 Samuel 15:1-16:23, John 8:1-20, Psalm 110:1-7, Proverbs 15:8-10 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 15:1-16:23, John 8:1-20, Psalm 110:1-7, Proverbs 15:8-10 

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 
1 Samuel 16:7

This is a really great passage to remember and live out. But it's not always easy to do. It's so much easier to look through our human eyes and see what we see on the surface rather than what's in the heart. I think because it takes more time and effort to see the heart so we take the easy way out and judge what's on the surface.

I pray that God will open my heart and mind to those around me that I am not quick to judge and rather take the time to get to know people and see them as God sees them.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Samuel 17:1-18:4, John 8:21-30, Psalm 111, Proverbs 15:11

Monday, May 13: 1 Samuel 14:1-52, John 7:31-53, Psalm 109:1-31, Proverbs 15:5-7

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 14:1-52, John 7:31-53, Psalm 109:1-31,  Proverbs 15:5-7


Scripture: 26 
Help me, O Lord my God!
    Save me according to your steadfast love!

Observation: Whatever we need deliverance from, God hears our prayers

Application: Sometimes people may ask: where is God in times of trouble? Why does bad stuff happen to good people? If God is so good, why is there suffering?

However, it is in those times of trouble where people are forced to lean on God, to trust in His ways, and to submit that they are not the ones in control. Whether we realize it or not, we all need saving and deliverance from our sin. Only God can do that.

Prayer: Creator God. You are the Almighty and All-powerful Creator of the universe. You know everything and we do not. In our times of trouble, help us to draw near to You and lean on You for all our needs and comfort. Save us and redeem us and remind us that You have everything under control.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Samuel 15:1-16:23, John 8:1-20, Psalm 110:1-7, Proverbs 15:8-10 

Sunday, May 12th: 1 Samuel 12:1-13:23, John 7:1-30, Psalm 108:1-13, Proverbs 15:4 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 12:1-13:23, John 7:1-30, Psalm 108:1-13, Proverbs 15:4 

My devotional book made two good points I hadn't considered before, regarding the fact that Jesus' brothers did not believe in Him.

Those of us who wonder if our family members would put their faith in Christ if only we were a better witness, if only we had the words to convince them, if only we were all-around better Christians, can find consolation as we look into the unbelief in Jesus' own family. Evidently having a perfect witness in the household doesn't guarantee that our loved ones will see and embrace Christ.

But we can also find hope as we consider the rest of the story. While it must have seemed unlikely that Jesus' brothers would ever become his disciples, after his resurrection, they did! In Jesus' own family we find hope for our own as we see that long-term resistance to Christ can give way to a glad embrace of him as Savior.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  1 Samuel 14:1-52, John 7:31-53, Psalm 109:1-31, Proverbs 15:5-7

Tuesday, May 7th: 1 Samuel 1:1-2:21, John 5:1-23, Psalm 105:37-45, Proverbs 14:28-29 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Samuel 1:1-2:21, John 5:1-23, Psalm 105:37-45, Proverbs 14:28-29

The story of Eli and his two sons is an interesting story. His sons were very obviously disobeying God's instructions and Eli just ignores it. It's really hard when we have to watch someone we love do something we know is wrong and it's sometimes so much easier to not say anything. We are afraid to rock the boat and possibly have them walk away from us. But are we really helping them or ourselves by ignoring such obvious sins? God doesn't like complacency any more than he likes the sin. We need to find ways to lovingly be clear and certain about right and wrong. And pray that God opens the hearts of those we may need to confront.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Samuel 2:22-4:22, John 5:24-47, Psalm 106:1-12, Proverbs 14:30-31

Friday, May 3rd: Judges 17:1-18:31, John 3:1-21, Psalm 104:1-24, Proverbs 14:20-21 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 17:1-18:31, John 3:1-21, Psalm 104:1-24, Proverbs 14:20-21

O Lord, what a variety of things you have made!

    In wisdom you have made them all.

    The earth is full of your creatures.

• Psalm 104:24

It’s good to take a moment every once in a while to stop and appreciate all that God has created. The earth really is full of the magnificent works of His hand, let’s make sure we praise Him for it. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Judges 19:1-20:48; John 3:22-4:3; Psalm 104:24-35; Proverbs 14:22-23

Thursday, May 2nd: Judges 15:1-16:31, John 2:1-25, Psalm 103:1-22, Proverbs 14:17-19 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Judges 15:1-16:31, John 2:1-25, Psalm 103:1-22, Proverbs 14:17-19

John 2:7 Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, 8 he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions.

9 When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. 10 “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!”

I love the faith displayed by the servants.  They filled those jars with water themselves.  They knew there was no wine in there.  But Jesus told them to bring some to the master of ceremonies and they did.  And the water was changed into wine.  The best wine!

May I have that same type of faith - willing to believe before I've seen the results.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:   Judges 17:1-18:31, John 3:1-21, Psalm 104:1-24, Proverbs 14:20-21

Tuesday, April 30th: Judges 11:1-12:15, John 1:1-28, Psalm 101:1-8, Proverbs 14:13-14 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 11:1-12:15, John 1:1-28, Psalm 101:1-8, Proverbs 14:13-14

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.  He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
John 1:10-13

The devotional I am reading along with this plan talks about the idea that our children (well all of us) are born spiritually dead. And only the work of the Spirit can bring them (us) to the spiritual birth that we desire for our children and those we love. I'm finding that as my children get older it is not an easy thing to let go and let God, as it were. I want to make them choose Jesus but I'm finding that this is something they have to do on their own. I always knew that they would have to one day believe for themselves, but I find myself lacking the patience to let them figure this all out on their own. Lord, let me trust that you will draw them to you and patience to know that it will be in your perfect time.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Judges 13:1-14:20, John 1:29-51, Psalm 102:1-28, Proverbs 14:15-16

Monday, April 29: Judges 9:22-10:18, Luke 24:13-53, Psalm 100:1-5, Proverbs 14:11-12

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 9:22-10:18, Luke 24:13-53, Psalm 100:1-5, Proverbs 14:11-12 

Things that stood out for me today:

54 Then he quickly called the young man who was carrying his weapons and told him, “Draw your sword and kill me. I don't want it said that a woman killed me.” So the young man ran him through, and he died.

This reminds me of when Pilate washed his hands of Jesus' fate and yet all this time later, everyone reads the testimony from the Bible that Pilate was responsible for the death of Jesus. Even though the weapon carrier finished the deed, readers know the truth of what really happened. We can try to wash our hands of our problems or make it look in a way that skews the facts but the truth always comes out.

29 but they held him back, saying, “Stay with us; the day is almost over and it is getting dark.” So he went in to stay with them.......33 They got up at once and went back to Jerusalem, where they found the eleven disciples gathered together with the others 

The day was almost over and it was getting dark....but they got up at once to share what they had just seen and heard. I will be the first to admit that I CANNOT keep a secret. Especially when it is good news and exciting and I can't wait to share it. These men couldn't keep it a secret either because they didn't even wait for the next day before they made the journey back to share it with the disciples.

The Lord is good;
    his love is eternal
    and his faithfulness lasts forever.

In an ever changing and complex world, what an encouragement it is to know that The Lord is good. His love and faithfulness are without an end.

What you think is the right road may lead to death.

I've read this verse before but today it reminded me about the Bible College student who recently died while on a mission trip. He seemed to be on the right road: serving and giving of himself to others in God's name. However, he died due to a medical complication. Now, assuming this guy was a believer, his death should be looked at as a positive since he would be experiencing Heaven upon his death but it is still sad for the people he left behind as they wait to join him. I also have read this verse with the interpretation that what we might think is the right road--a white lie, a small indiscretion, a half truth---may lead to a slippery slope away from God forever.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Judges 11:1-12:15John 1:1-28Psalm 101:1-8Proverbs 14:13-14 

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

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