Monday, December 16: Micah 5:1-7:20, Revelation 7:1-17, Psalm 135:1-21, Proverbs 30:5-6 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Micah 5:1-7:20, Revelation 7:1-17, Psalm 135:1-21, Proverbs 30:5-6

This verse stood out for me:
Micah 5:7 Then the remnant left in Israel[c]
    will take their place among the nations.
They will be like dew sent by the Lord
    or like rain falling on the grass,
which no one can hold back
    and no one can restrain.

A "remnant" means: a small remaining quantity of something.

When we think of a remnant we think of something leftover or that is not really worth anything because it's so small. Bethlehem was the tiny village and became the birthplace of our Saviour.

Then in Psalm 135:8 
He destroyed the firstborn in each Egyptian home,
    both people and animals.
Moses should have been destroyed but he was a "remnant" left behind and God used him in remarkable ways.

When we are thinking that we are too insignificant to be used, we need to remember that God uses all the remnants and no "scrap" is ever wasted.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Nahum 1:1-3:19, Revelation 8:1-13, Psalm 136:1-26, Proverbs 30:7-9 

Monday, November 11: Ezekiel 23:1-49, Hebrews 10:18-39, Psalm 109:1-31, Proverbs 27:13 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezekiel 23:1-49, Hebrews 10:18-39, Psalm 109:1-31, Proverbs 27:13 

Scripture:
Hebrews 10:18 And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.

Observation: Our sins are completely covered when we have confessed and believe that God has redeemed us.

Application: When reading through this passage today, I immediately thought of the message our pastor preached yesterday in church. Here are my notes:

Our pastor talked about what is the church's "Brand Logo"? Outside of the church it tends to be the cross. The cross can be regarded symbol that Christ died for us. Our pastor suggested that inside the church, the "brand logo" should be the communion elements. The elements are symbols to Christ's willing sacrifice, the act of freely giving of his body and his blood for the forgiveness of our sins. Our sins have been forgiven, bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus.

Prayer: Creator God, we are sinful people so undeserving of your mercy and grace. We fall short every time. Yet, you have redeemed us by your sacrifice and paid for our sins with blood. Let us never forget that sin has a cost and that blood is shed to cover that sin. It was that way in the Garden of Eden and continues today. Help us to share that Your forgiveness of sins is for all of us no matter what we have done and no matter how badly we have messed up that You are ready and willing to forgive us. Amen.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezekiel 24:1-26:21, Hebrews 11:1-16, Psalm 110:1-7, Proverbs 27:14 

Monday, September 30: Isaiah 60:1-62:5, Philippians 1:27-2:18, Psalm 72:1-20, Proverbs 24:11-1 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 60:1-62:5, Philippians 1:27-2:18, Psalm 72:1-20, Proverbs 24:11-1

Scripture:
Though he was God,[a]
    he did not think of equality with God
    as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[b];
    he took the humble position of a slave[c]
    and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,[d]
8     he humbled himself in obedience to God
    and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Observation: If we are to become like Jesus, it means choosing the hard way.

Application: No one likes to do things the hard way. We look for the fast easy solution. This isn't always the best one and often it doesn't last. Think about a home renovation like painting: the quick and easy way means that it might look good for awhile but it won't last and will often look worse in time then when it started if you don't take the time to patch the holes, tape off the baseboards, or prime the surface properly. It's much harder to look at the root cause than to just fix the exterior. Jesus did things the hard way. He came to earth to endure life in an imperfect world and then suffered and died to pay the price of our sin. He looked at the root cause. We sinned. We wrecked our relationship with God. We needed a Saviour. God could have just wiped out humanity as a just punishment. He could have also created us without free will. We were bought with a price and have the chance to choose it or deny it.

Prayer: Creator God, You have always done things the hard way, the right way. We fail You often as we search for quick fixes and easy solutions. It was no easy solution when You sent Your son in our place to die and accept the punishment we deserved. Thank you for Your divine plan of redemption. Amen.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 62:6-65:25, Philippians 2:19-3:3, Psalm 73:1-28, Proverbs 24:13-14 

Monday, September 2: Ecclesiastes 1:1-3:22, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Psalm 46:1-11, Proverbs 22:15

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ecclesiastes 1:1-3:22, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Psalm 46:1-11, Proverbs 22:15 

These verses stood out for me today:

15 What is wrong cannot be made right.
    What is missing cannot be recovered.

We live in a world where almost everything is tolerated...and if you don't you're narrow-minded...even though to tolerate a difference of opinion seems to be what society expects except in matters of truth. There's that saying that you don't know what you have until it's gone. How true that is. When truth begins to erode and crumble, it's a slippery slope. Truth is missing and it can't be recovered very easily.

8 We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors. 

Things weren't all that different for Paul. He was trying to preach the truth because it was missing and yet he faced opposition from those who didn't like what he was saying. May we speak the truth too, even if it's hard.

1 1. God is our refuge and strength,
    always ready to help in times of trouble.

Even when we face opposition, we know that God is on our side.

I thought this was an interesting Proverb today:

15 15. A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness,
    but physical discipline will drive it far away.

"Experts" have been saying that discipline, especially physical, has harmful effects on children. However, it's interesting that there seems to be an increase in unruly children over the exact timeframe of this message being given to parents. Ecclesiastes says: "what is wrong cannot be made right, what is missing cannot be recovered." Taking away discipline (and making it criminal) is not God's plan and now the children growing up without boundaries are experiencing the "missing" and it cannot be recovered. Oh we are thankful that God is our refuge and strength because we live in times of trouble.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ecclesiastes 4:1-6:12, 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7, Psalm 47:1-9, Proverbs 22:16 

Monday, August 19: Esther 4:1-7:10, 1 Corinthians 12:1-26, Psalm 36:1-12, Proverbs 21:21-22 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Esther 4:1-7:10, 1 Corinthians 12:1-26, Psalm 36:1-12, Proverbs 21:21-22

These verses stood out for me:

16 “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”

When we are in trouble, we sometimes prefer to try and handle it on our own. Maybe we are embarrassed, maybe we don't want people to know, maybe we think there's nothing we can do to get out of the mess we're in anyway.  Esther calls Mordecai to get all the Jews...not a few but all...and fast and pray and all of her women as well. Their support gives her bravery and she's not afraid to face death. May we week the support of those around us when we are in times of trouble and despair.

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 

We all have different gifts and talents. We complement each other. We would be unsuccessful if we were all the same. I think it's interesting that society tends to propagate the message that we are all the same and that everyone can do everything. That is such a contrast to God's way that gives everyone a task and a talent to complete it. May we recognize our talents and use them for His glory.

5 Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,
    your faithfulness to the clouds.

We can't ever fully comprehend how God's love is so perfect and unending. We can never reach the heavens or the clouds and that is a perfect comparison to His love. What a blessing to know that we are loved beyond measure.

Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness    will find life, righteousness, and honor.

Whatever you are seeking...you will find. May we strive to seek out God's purpose and plan and submit to Him.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Esther 8:1-10:31 Corinthians 12:27-13:13Psalm 37:1-11Proverbs 21:23-24 

Monday, August 5, 2019: Ezra 1:1-2:70, 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5, Psalm 27:7-14, Proverbs 20:22-23

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezra 1:1-2:70, 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5, Psalm 27:7-14, Proverbs 20:22-23

Scripture:
Ezra 1:1
In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the Lord fulfilled the prophecy he had given through Jeremiah. He stirred the heart of Cyrus to put this proclamation in writing and to send it throughout his kingdom:

1 Corinthians 1:19

19 As the Scriptures say,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
    and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”

10 Psalm 27:10

Even if my father and mother abandon me,
    the Lord will hold me close.

23 Proverbs 20:23

The Lord detests double standards;
    he is not pleased by dishonest scales.


Observation: The Lord keeps His promises.

Application: Whether it is immediate or after many years, God always comes through. Whether it is a prophecy or a spoken promise, God always come through. Whether good (obedience) or bad (punishment) God always comes through. Whether it is in this lifetime or in Heaven, God always comes through. I was reminded this week that God's timing is not our timing. If we think that our time on earth is but a vapour, then even waiting for God's fulfillment of his promise is just a moment for Him and yet it could be years for us to see the answer to prayer or fulfillment of His promises. What an encouragement it is to know God always keeps his word.

Prayer: Creator God, thank you for being faithful. We can trust in You. We know You always keep your promises. Lord, we fall short and we demand answers and we want immediate gratification. Give us patience and endurance as we wait on Your timing and not on our timing.  Amen.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezra 3:1-4:23, 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4, Psalm 28:1-9, Proverbs 20:24-25 

Monday, July 22: 2 Chronicles 6:12-8:10 Romans 7:14-8:8 Psalm 18:1-15 Proverbs 19:24-25 ~ by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Chronicles 6:12-8:10, Romans 7:14-8:8, Psalm 18:1-15, Proverbs 19:24-25 

We once did a bible study about prayer and the acronym A.C.T.S. came up as a way to structure our prayers. How interesting to see Solomon's prayer of dedication follow a similar format:

A-Adoration

“O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven and earth. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion.

Solomon opens his prayer with praise.


C- Confession

“But will God really live on earth among people? Why, even the highest heavens cannot contain you. How much less this Temple I have built!19 Nevertheless, listen to my prayer and my plea, O Lord my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is making to you.

Solomon admits his own inferiority and unworthiness compared to God.

T- Thanksgiving

Yes, hear us from heaven where you live, and when you hear, forgive.

Solomon acknowledges God's faithfulness and ability to restore what is broken.

S- Supplication

then hear from heaven and judge between your servants—the accuser and the accused.

then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel and return them to this land you gave to them and to their ancestors.

then hear from heaven and forgive the sins of your servants, your people Israel. Teach them to follow the right path, and send rain on your land that you have given to your people as their special possession.

then hear from heaven where you live, and forgive. Give your people what their actions deserve, for you alone know each human heart. 

then hear from heaven where you live, and grant what they ask of you. In this way, all the people of the earth will come to know and fear you, just as your own people Israel do.

then hear their prayers from heaven and uphold their cause.

then hear their prayers and their petitions from heaven where you live, and uphold their cause. Forgive your people who have sinned against you.

Solomon finishes with his requests to God. As we pray, we can pray as Solomon did.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Chronicles 8:11-10:19 Romans 8:9-25, Psalm 18:16-36, Proverbs 19:26 

Monday, June 24: Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29, Luke 6:12-38, Psalm 67:1-7, Proverbs 11:27

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29, Luke 6:12-38, Psalm 67:1-7, Proverbs 11:27 

I've got grad on the mind since my youngest child is graduating this week. These verses stood out for me through that lens:

7 For the Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He knows your going through this great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you. You have lacked nothing.”’

It may not have been 40 years that my son has endured through high school (although he may argue that it felt like it ;) but surely God has blessed the work of his hands and he knows the trials that our son endured during that great "wilderness" of the high school experience and the unknown that it brought. When we are following God's plan for our lives, we lack nothing.

35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

Advice for life for the graduate and everyone.
Love people.
Do nice things.
Give generously.
Be like Jesus.
Show compassion.

May God be gracious to us and bless us
    and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
2 that your way may be known on earth,    your saving power among all nations.

A send off to into a new journey or direction.

Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor,^[a]
    but evil comes to him who searches for it.

Work hard and don't look for trouble because you will find it.

I love that the Bible is a living book. Lessons and advice is just as relevant then as it is now.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  2 Kings 8:1-9:13, Acts 16:16-40, Psalm 143:1-12, Proverbs 17:26 

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

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 

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 

Monday, March 18: Numbers 26:52-28:15 Luke 3:1-22 Psalm 61:1-8 Proverbs 11:16-17 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Numbers 26:52-28:15, Luke 3:1-22, Psalm 61:1-8, Proverbs 11:16-17 

Some of the things that stood out for me from today's readings were:

6 And the Lord said to Moses, 7 “The daughters of Zelophehad are right. You shall give them possession of an inheritance among their father's brothers and transfer the inheritance of their father to them. 8 And you shall speak to the people of Israel, saying, ‘If a man dies and has no son, then you shall transfer his inheritance to his daughter. 

So often, to non-believers, Christianity appears to be a religion that suppresses the rights of women. They see "submission" and "helper" as sexist, and the belief that women women are inferior is the general consensus among non-believers. But reading passages like this one show that God does value women and offers them rights and privileges equal to that of a man. Specifically the gift of salvation is freely offered to men and women.

 16 John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 

Over the Christmas break, I read this book and it while it is a fictional account, it really helped me to consider the real person of John. Imagine clearly knowing that you had a job to do with direct specific instructions from God and being aggressive, passionate, and confident in your mission. In Kingsbury's book, John has a neighbour named Anne and in a different situation they may have eventually married. However, John knew his purpose and left all worldly desires behind and he confidently spoke on the errors of people's ways....including King Herod. John knew his mission and would die for the sake of it. Jesus is still mightier than anyone who came before or after him and we should be encouraged by John to share the good news with others before it's too late.

4 Let me dwell in your tent forever!
    Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! 

Last week we experienced a snow storm and many rural divisions cancelled school and roads were closed. One of our teachers, who lives out of town, spent the night at her parent's house in anticipation of the storm. We instinctively look for ways to be safe and to find refuge in times of trouble. We make decisions about our life based on what we feel will be safe. What a comfort to know that no matter what storm of life is coming at us that we can find safety in God's presence.

17 A man who is kind benefits himself,
    but a cruel man hurts himself. 

Sometimes it appears that the wicked prosper and the godly suffer. However, earthly prosperity is fleeting and there is judgement on the actions of all eventually.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Numbers 28;16-29:40Luke 3:23-38Psalm 62:1-12Proverbs 11:18-19