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 

Friday, September 27th: Isaiah 51:1-53:12, Ephesians 5:1-33, Psalm 69:19-36, Proverbs 24:7 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 51:1-53:12, Ephesians 5:1-33, Psalm 69:19-36, Proverbs 24:7

Ephesians 5:1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. ² Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us^[a] and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

Our church has been searching for a new youth pastor and this weekend is a candidating weekend for the young man our search committee and church board have recommended to the congregation.  Tonight (or last night, by the time you read this) the youth parents (us!) had a chance to meet him and get to know him a bit.

One thing he repeated a few times is how we should all be striving to be imitators of Christ.  I thought it was fitting that this was on our passage today!

We do need to be imitators of Christ.  Obviously, we will not be able to do that perfectly, and certainly not without the power of the Holy Spirit.  But every day we are to desire to become more like Him, and to love Him more, and that others would see Christ in us. 

May we be imitators of Christ today!

Thursday, September 26th: Isaiah 48:12-50:11, Ephesians 4:17-32, Psalm 69:1-18, Proverbs 24:5-6 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 48:12-50:11, Ephesians 4:17-32, Psalm 69:1-18, Proverbs 24:5-6

Isaiah 50:7

Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame.

An example of how to think and live, trusting in the Lord alone. This will be more then enough.

Often we can feel overwhelmed by life, here is a reminder to shut the outside noise off and look to God. "Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced..." 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Isaiah 51:1-53:12, Ephesians 5:1-33, Psalm 69:19-36, Proverbs 24:7
 

Wednesday, September 25th: Isaiah 45:11-48:11, Ephesians 4:1-16, Psalm 68:19-35, Proverbs 24:3-4 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Isaiah 45:11-48:11, Ephesians 4:1-16, Psalm 68:19-35, Proverbs 24:3-4

Ephesians 4:² Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. ³ Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

How much different would our lives be if we actually did this?!  Obviously this is something we can only do through the power of the Spirit.  We are not naturally humble, and we are certainly not naturally patient (I know I'm sure not!).  We are quick to make allowances for ourselves, but not so much for each other's faults.

The first part of v2 reminds me of the Tim McGraw song "Always be humble and kind" and even the live version of Cinderella's "Have courage and be kind" quote.  I wonder where they got it from :)


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Isaiah 48:12-50:11, Ephesians 4:17-32, Psalm 69:1-18, Proverbs 24:5-6

Tuesday, Sept 24th: Isaiah 43:14-45:10, Ephesians 3:1-21, Psalm 68:1-18, Proverbs 24:1-2 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 43:14-45:10, Ephesians 3:1-21, Psalm 68:1-18, Proverbs 24:1-2 

I like the image of the verses in Isaiah 44. How often do we make an idol out of something or someone only to realize that it didn't bring us the joy we longed for. There is only One who can bring us joy and completeness in life. We are very foolish when we look to others or objects to bring us fulfillment.

9 How foolish are those who manufacture idols.
    These prized objects are really worthless.
The people who worship idols don’t know this,
    so they are all put to shame.
10 Who but a fool would make his own god—
    an idol that cannot help him one bit?
11 All who worship idols will be disgraced
    along with all these craftsmen—mere humans—
    who claim they can make a god.
They may all stand together,
    but they will stand in terror and shame.

12 The blacksmith stands at his forge to make a sharp tool,
    pounding and shaping it with all his might.
His work makes him hungry and weak.
    It makes him thirsty and faint.
13 Then the wood-carver measures a block of wood
    and draws a pattern on it.
He works with chisel and plane
    and carves it into a human figure.
He gives it human beauty
    and puts it in a little shrine.
14 He cuts down cedars;
    he selects the cypress and the oak;
he plants the pine in the forest
    to be nourished by the rain.
15 Then he uses part of the wood to make a fire.
    With it he warms himself and bakes his bread.
Then—yes, it’s true—he takes the rest of it
    and makes himself a god to worship!
He makes an idol
    and bows down in front of it!
16 He burns part of the tree to roast his meat
    and to keep himself warm.
    He says, “Ah, that fire feels good.”
17 Then he takes what’s left
    and makes his god: a carved idol!
He falls down in front of it,
    worshiping and praying to it.
“Rescue me!” he says.
    “You are my god!”

18 Such stupidity and ignorance!
    Their eyes are closed, and they cannot see.
    Their minds are shut, and they cannot think.
19 The person who made the idol never stops to reflect,
    “Why, it’s just a block of wood!
I burned half of it for heat
    and used it to bake my bread and roast my meat.
How can the rest of it be a god?
    Should I bow down to worship a piece of wood?”
20 The poor, deluded fool feeds on ashes.
    He trusts something that can’t help him at all.
Yet he cannot bring himself to ask,
    “Is this idol that I’m holding in my hand a lie?”

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 45:11-48:11, Ephesians 4:1-16, Psalm 68:19-35, Proverbs 24:3-4

Monday, September 23rd: Isaiah 41:17-43:13, Ephesians 2:1-22, Psalm 67:1-7, Proverbs 23:29-35 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 41:17-43:13, Ephesians 2:1-22, Psalm 67:1-7, Proverbs 23:29-35

Ephesians 2:8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
May we never take credit for our salvation!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Isaiah 43:14-45:10, Ephesians 3:1-21, Psalm 68:1-18, Proverbs 24:1-2

Friday, September 20th: Isaiah 33:10-36:22, Galatians 5:13-26, Psalm 64:1-10, Proverbs 23:23 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 33:10-36:22, Galatians 5:13-26, Psalm 64:1-10, Proverbs 23:23

Galatians 5:¹³ For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

This verse stood out to me right away, and I really don't think it needs much explaining.  Live in freedom, but use that freedom to serve one another in love.  Simple.  Not always easy.  But simple.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:   Isaiah 37:1-38:22, Galatians 6:1-18, Psalm 65:1-13, Proverbs 23:24

Thursday, September 19th: Isaiah 30:12-33, Isaiah 31, Isaiah 32, Isaiah 33:1-9, Galatians 5:1-12, Psalms 63:1-11, Proverbs 23:22 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Isaiah 30:12-33:9, Galatians 5:1-12, Psalm 63:1-11, Proverbs 23:22

Galatians 5:5-6
But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.

A reminder to not get caught up in the small things, that really don't matter. Often we spend more time worrying about things that have nothing to do with the importance of living for Christ. Our focus needs to be on Jesus,  placing our faith in Him, and showing love to those around us. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:   Isaiah 33:10-36:22, Galatians 5:13-26, Psalm 64:1-10, Proverbs 23:23

Wednesday, September 18th: Isaiah 25:1-28:13, Galatians 3:10-22, Psalm 61:1-8, Proverbs 23:17-18 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Isaiah 25:1-28:13, Galatians 3:10-22, Psalm 61:1-8, Proverbs 23:17-18 

Galatians 3:²² But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.

He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  No one comes to the Father except through Him.

So thankful that Jesus was born, lived the perfect life we never could, died in our place, taking our punishment, and overcame sin and death by rising from the grave.

So thankful that He took our sin, and gave us His righteousness.

May I never lose sight of all that He has done and continues to do!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:   Isaiah 30:12-33:9, Galatians 5:1-12, Psalm 63:1-11, Proverbs 23:22

Monday, September 16: Isaiah 22:1-24:23, Galatians 2:17-3:9, Psalm 60:1-12, Proverbs 23:15-16

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 22:1-24:23, Galatians 2:17-3:9, Psalm 60:1-12, Proverbs 23:15-16 

14 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has revealed this to me: “Till the day you die, you will never be forgiven for this sin.” That is the judgment of the Lord, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

We will face judgement. We all fall short. But we have forgiveness through Christ if we accept it.

3 Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross. 2 Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. 3 How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? 4 Have you experienced[b] so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it?

We can be so foolish. Our forgiveness was bought and paid for and not by our own works.

5 Now rescue your beloved people.
    Answer and save us by your power.
We can only be redeemed through Christ.

¹⁶ Everything in me will celebrate
    when you speak what is right.

Know the truth, speak the truth, live in the truth, be redeemed by the truth.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 25:1-28:13, Galatians 3:10-22, Psalm 61:1-8, Proverbs 23:17-18 

Friday, September 13th: Isaiah 12:1-14:32, 2 Corinthians 13:1-14, Psalm 57:1-11, Proverbs 23:9-11 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is   Isaiah 12:1-14:32, 2 Corinthians 13:1-14, Psalm 57:1-11, Proverbs 23:9-11

^{2 Corinthians 13:7} We pray to God that you will not do what is wrong by refusing our correction.

I know Paul wasn't talking specifically to us in this passage, but it still spoke to me.

Are we quick to accept correction - biblically sound correction from wise Christian whom we respect?

Or are we defensive and quick to justify our sin?

May we be humble enough to accept correction, and willing to listen if someone we love comes to us with a concern.  Simple concept, but so hard to do!

I also love this portion....

11 Dear brothers and sisters,[c] I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
Amen!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Isaiah 15:1-18:7, Galatians 1:1-24, Psalm 58:1-11, Proverbs 23:12

Thursday, September 12th: Isaiah 10:1-11:16, 2 Corinthians 12:11-21, Psalm 56:1-13, Proverbs 23:6-8 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 10:1-11:16, 2 Corinthians 12:11-21, Psalm 56:1-13, Proverbs 23:6-8

Isaiah 10:3 NLT
What will you do when I punish you, when I send disaster upon you from a distant land? To whom will you turn for help? Where will your treasures be safe?

There is no other place to turn to for help, there is only God. The Israelites would learn this, do we know this?

When we are looking for something solid to lean on and trust in, there is only one true and reliable option - God. Do we go to Him first, or only after trying other options that fail?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 12:1-14:32, 2 Corinthians 13:1-14, Psalm 57:1-11, Proverbs 23:9-11

Wednesday, September 11th: Isaiah 8:1-9:21, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Psalm 55:1-23, Proverbs 23:4-5 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 8:1-9:21, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Psalm 55:1-23, Proverbs 23:4-5

12 This boasting will do no good, but I must go on. I will reluctantly tell about visions and revelations from the Lord. ² I^[a] was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don’t know—only God knows. ³ Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know ⁴ that I was caught up^[b] to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell.

This passage is one of the reasons I have massive reservations about any of the "been to heaven" books that have been on the bestseller lists for the past number of years.

The apostle Paul himself was not allowed to speak about what he saw, he admits that he doesn't know whether he was actually there or if it was a vision, and he was given a thorn in his flesh to keep him humble.

If Paul couldn't share, and if no further details are given about heaven (other than what has already been revealed to us in the rest of scripture), why now?  And why would we trust the words of a child (or adult, depending on the novel) more than the words of scripture?

Scripture has given us glimpses of heaven, and I know it is going to be far greater than we could ever imagine!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Isaiah 10:1-11:16, 2 Corinthians 12:11-21, Psalm 56:1-13, Proverbs 23:6-8

Tuesday, September 10th: Isaiah 6:1-7:25, 2 Corinthians 11:16-33, Psalm 54:1-7, Proverbs 23:1-3 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 6:1-7:25, 2 Corinthians 11:16-33, Psalm 54:1-7, Proverbs 23:1-3 

Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.”
Isaiah 6:5-7

Isaiah felt his weakness at this moment and recognized that it was not his ability to speak but God's grace that he should have been placing his self worth in. How often we put our faith in our own abilities rather than recognizing that all that we need is God. He is where our identity lies.

I was reading something similar earlier today in regards to our self-worth.

You are not your past mistakes, you are not your past sins. You have been redeemed by the blood. Keep on pressing on. God is working through your struggles. He knows! God knew you and I were going to be messy. God isn’t frustrated with you so take that out of your head. God hasn’t abandoned you. God’s love is not based on your performance. God’s mercy is not dependent on you. Christ has become our righteousness. He did what you and I could never do.

You were bought with the precious blood of Christ. Not only has God chosen you, not only has God saved you, but God is working in your struggles to make you more like Christ. Don’t let things like sin discourage you. You were bought with the blood of Christ. Now press on. Keep on fighting! Don’t give up. Go to the Lord, confess your sins, and press on! God is not done working yet! If you could have saved yourself by your performance, then you would have never needed a Savior! Jesus is our only claim.

https://biblereasons.com/self-worth-and-self-esteem/

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 8:1-9:21, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Psalm 55:1-23, Proverbs 23:4-5

Monday, September 9th: Isaiah 3:1-5:30, 2 Corinthians 11:1-15, Psalm 53:1-6, Proverbs 22:28-29

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is
Isaiah 3:1-5:30, 2 Corinthians 11:1-15, Psalm 53:1-6, Proverbs 22:28-29

Psalm 53:2-3
God looks down from heaven
    on the entire human race;
he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,
    if anyone seeks God.
³ But no, all have turned away;
    all have become corrupt.^[b]
No one does good,
    not a single one!

We tend to fall for the lie that people are basically good.

We aren't.  No one's natural inclination is to do good.  Our natural inclination is to look out for ourselves.

We are all sinful.  We all need saving.  And none of us can save ourselves.

So thankful for God's forgiveness and mercy, and the incredible power of the Holy Spirit as we are transformed on the inside.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Isaiah 6:1-7:25, 2 Corinthians 11:16-33, Psalm 54:1-7, Proverbs 23:1-3

Friday, September 6th: Song of Solomon 1:1-4:16, 2 Corinthians 8:16-24, Psalm 50:1-23, Proverbs 22:22-23 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Song of Solomon 1:1-4:16, 2 Corinthians 8:16-24, Psalm 50:1-23, Proverbs 22:22-23

Psalm 50:21-22
While you did all this, I remained silent,
    and you thought I didn’t care.
But now I will rebuke you,
    listing all my charges against you.
22 Repent, all of you who forget me,
    or I will tear you apart,
    and no one will help you.

God could justly strike all unbelievers down at any moment.  Indeed, every breathe we take is proof of His mercy and grace. 

And the mistake people make is to think that God's mercy and grace - His silence - means He doesn't care, and that He's not going to do anything about sin.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  He cares!  But He is merciful, and gracious, and patient, and giving people time to repent.  But the day will come when His patience will end and justice will be delivered.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Song of Solomon 5:1-8:14, 2 Corinthians 9:1-15, Psalm 51:1-19, Proverbs 22:24-25

Thursday, September 5th: Ecclesiastes 10-12, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, Psalm 49:1-20, Proverbs 22:20-21 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ecclesiastes 10:1-12:14, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, Psalm 49:1-20, Proverbs 22:20-21 

Psalm 49:16-20

So don’t be dismayed when the wicked grow rich and their homes become ever more splendid.

For when they die, they take nothing with them. Their wealth will not follow them into the grave.

In this life they consider themselves fortunate and are applauded for their success.

But they will die like all before them and never again see the light of day.

People who boast of their wealth don’t understand; they will die, just like animals.

We here in Canada can look and see some that have more than us, but there are also many more that have less than us.

When I read these verses which side am I on - the wealthy who have a lot here on earth? Or the less wealthy who don't have as much?

Either way, from our verses today, we need to be reminded that what we've gathered here on earth we can't take with us into Heaven, it all means nothing. Only living for God and dedicating ourselves to Him means something.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Song of Solomon 1:1-4:16, 2 Corinthians 8:16-24, Psalm 50:1-23, Proverbs 22:22-23

Wednesday, September 4th: Ecclesiastes 7:1-9:18, 2 Corinthians 7:8-16, Psalm 48:1-14, Proverbs 22:17-19 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ecclesiastes 7:1-9:18, 2 Corinthians 7:8-16, Psalm 48:1-14, Proverbs 22:17-19

So many verses jump out at me in our Ecclesiastes passage.

Let's start with Verse 1!

1a - A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfumeSimple but true - and doesn't really need much expanding!

1b - And the day you die is better than the day you are bornSince our death ushers us into the presence of God to enjoy perfect relationship with Him forever - I say "Amen!"

4 - A wise person thinks a lot about death,
    while a fool thinks only about having a good time.
It is so easy to get caught up in the moment, but living without eternity in mind is nothing but foolishness.

5 - Better to be criticized by a wise person
    than to be praised by a fool.
The praise of a fool is meaningless indeed.  We would do well to accept constructive criticism from those who are wise!  Tough on the pride, but good for the character.

On and on, but I'll stop there!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Ecclesiastes 10:1-12:14, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, Psalm 49:1-20, Proverbs 22:20-21

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