Friday, December 22nd: Micah 6-7; Revelation 13 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan: Micah 6-7; Revelation 13

"You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea."  Micah 7:19

Forgiveness is the miracle of a fresh start, a new beginning, a second chance.  Because of God's compassion, love, grace, and mercy for us, He offers a pardon for our sins and places them out of sight, out of mind, and out of existence.   

Approaching Christmas there is always the anticipation and excitement with giving and receiving gifts.  Well the gift of forgiveness is one that we should never take for granted nor loose excitement over!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Nahum 1-3; Revelation14

Friday, December 15th: Amos 1-3; Revelation 6 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Amos 1-3; Revelation 6

After reading today's passage, I'll be honest in that not a whole lot stood out to me.  However, the following verses brought a thought in mind to me:

"I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. The heavens receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place." 
Revelation 6:12-14 
 
I was reminded of the fact that our God is all powerful.  Not only has He created all things, but He can also choose to remove or alter all things.  Every day the sun rises.  When we can see it, it is a bright yellow light.  Every evening the moon is high in the sky.  When it is visible, it is bright and provides light as well. 

It is hard to imagine these two God created items to be any different than we have seen every day of our lives.  But yet God has the power to change them to whatever He wants.

Knowing He has this much power, do I give Him the credit that He is due?  Do I trust Him the way I should?  God is all powerful and is always in control of everything.  Something I need to remember when things don't go according to my plan.
  

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Amos 4-6; Revelation 7

Friday, November 24th: Ezekiel 22-23; 1 Peter 1 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Ezekiel 22-23; 1 Peter 1

"uses his power to shed blood"
"have treated father and mother with contempt"
"have oppressed the foreigner"
"mistreated the fatherless and the widow"
"have despised my holy things and desecrated my Sabbaths"
"eat at the mountain shrines and commit lewd acts"
"dishonor their father’s bed"
"violate women during their period"
"commits a detestable offense with his neighbor’s wife"
"shamefully defiles his daughter-in-law"
"accept bribes to shed blood"
"take interest and make a profit from the poor"
"extort unjust gain from your neighbors"
"you have forgotten me"

The above quotes are all from Ezekiel 22.  These verses are describing how the people of Jerusalem have been behaving.  It's sad.  It's disheartening.  It's tragic.  It's hopeless.  It's detestable.  Unfortunately, this is us in 2017 too.  

Thankfully, we have our reading in the NT to follow the words from Ezekiel:

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,"
1 Peter 1:3-4

Despite our fallen world, and within that our own personal failures, we have this hope that is found not in this world, but in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  In the meantime, yes we live here, but we can also live in joy and peace knowing that one day we will be in Heaven with our Heavenly Father.  An inheritance that we do not have to check on to see if the value has risen or crashed, but rather one that will never fade.  What a glorious and powerful hope that belongs to us!                      

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezekiel 24-26; 1 Peter 2

Monday, November 20th: Ezekiel 14-15; James 2 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Ezekiel 14-15; James 2

 "You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.  And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.  You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone."  James 2:22-24

In today's reading, James stresses the importance of our faith and our actions working together.  If we have an active faith, it should be expressed in Christian living.  In other words, a true disciple of Christ will not live in hypocrisy.  If our faith is not expressed in Christian actions, it is useless and dead.  I also appreciated how this passage tied in with the OT reading in Ezekiel 15 (Jerusalem as a useless vine).     

My next point is strictly my own thought, but here is a reason why I believe that our faith and our actions need to go hand in hand........

The Lord looks at our heart, which no one else is able to see or observe.  People on the other hand, can only hear what we say and observe us on the outside along with our actions.  I work at a store where the owner does not advertise.  So the only "advertising" we have is word of mouth from previous customers.  It will either be good or bad.......that just depends on how well the store treats its customers.  The same goes for us a Christians.  How are we advertising our faith? 

The faith Abraham had in God was equally matched with his actions, and is an example for us all.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezekiel 16-17; James 3

Friday, November 17th: Ezekiel 5-7; Hebrews 12 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Ezekiel 5-7; Hebrews 12

 "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:2 

I have read this passage many times, but today this verse stood out to me.  Today I realized that despite the fact that dying on a cross was a shameful death, Jesus focused on the end result. 

Jesus was not troubled by what His opponents thought of Him.  Religious leaders tried to damage His reputation.  He was laughed at and ridiculed.  A crown of thorns was forced onto His head.  A purple robe was put on Him to ridicule Him despite the fact that He was a king.

In spite of all this, did Jesus try to defend His reputation?  No.  The Scripture tells us that He "scorned its shame".  It was far more important that He glorified his Father, and remain focused on doing his Father's will than trying to save face or even to simply execute His own desire of not having to go through with the crucifixion.

This gives me hope and strength that if Jesus would endure the cross with all its pain and shame knowing that afterwards He would be seated beside his Father in Heaven, then I too should focus more on my Heavenly Father and less on my sinful desires and temptations.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezekiel 8-10; Hebrews 13

Friday, November 10th: Jeremiah 48-49; Hebrews 7 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Jeremiah 48-49; Hebrews 7

"Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself."  Hebrews 7:27

Christ came to fulfill the Old Testament.  Jesus is a better revealer of truth than what God employed in the Old Testament.  Christ is better than the angels, Moses, Aaron and the Levitical priests.  His once-for-all sacrifice is better than the sacrifices of the old sanctuary.  The sacrifice of Jesus' blood offers us complete forgiveness and salvation for eternity.

Thank you Jesus for your ultimate sacrifice for us!   

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Jeremiah 50; Hebrews 8

Monday, November 6th: Jeremiah 37-39; Hebrews 3 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Jeremiah 37-39; Hebrews 3

"King Zedekiah, however, sent Jehukal son of Shelemiah with the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah to Jeremiah the prophet with this message: 'Please pray to the Lord our God for us.'"  Jeremiah 37:3

An option that should not be our last is taking the time to pray to God.  Whom better to lay our burdens down to other than the God who created everything and knows everything.  Not always easy to do as that means we have to give up our control......although left on our own long enough, we would only find ourselves spinning out of control.

The other point I took away from this verse is that we should also ask others to pray for us too.  How often do I share with someone the hardships and trials that I am facing so that they can pray for me?  Or how often do I ask someone if there is something that I can pray for them?

As believers, we are one big family, and need to pray for one another and also make ourselves available so that we can pray for others too.  

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Jeremiah 40-42; Hebrews 4

Friday, November 3rd: Jeremiah 30-31; Philemon ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Jeremiah 30-31; Philemon

"'I am with you and will save you,' declares the Lord.  'Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you.  I will discipline you but only in due measure; I will not let you go entirely unpunished.'"   Jeremiah 30:11

Forgiveness and punishment.  Just because we have asked for forgiveness from the Lord, does not mean that He has removed us from punishment, nor does it relieve us or our loved ones from a painful impact of our sin. 

"This is what the Lord says: 'Your wound is incurable, your injury beyond healing.  There is no one to plead your cause, no remedy for your sore, no healing for you.'"  Jeremiah 30:12-13

How true this is for us today.  Left to our own devices, we are beyond healing with no cure. 

"'But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the Lord."  Jeremiah 30:17a

Thankfully we have this hope in Jesus Christ!

"'Only if the heavens above can be measured and the foundations of the earth below be searched out will I reject all the descendants of Israel because of all they have done,' declares the Lord."  Jeremiah 31:37

Even with science and all the technology at our fingertips today, the measurements in this verse could not be answered.  It would have been unfathomable at the time, and is still incomprehensible today.  Today's reading gave us a glimpse into the restoration of Israel, but it can also provide us with a glimpse and hope in restoration for us too.  

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Jeremiah 32-33; Hebrews 1

Friday, October 27th: Jeremiah 12-14, 2 Timothy 1 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Jeremiah 12-14; 2 Timothy 1

"So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God."  2 Timothy 1:8

Being a Christ follower does not mean an easy life; Paul wrote this letter to Timothy at a time when he was lonely and experiencing hard times for himself.  Timothy too, was no stranger to hard times as he struggled with a lack of confidence, while the Christian community was experiencing an increase in persecution and false teachers, which resulted in a deterioration of moral standards.

Paul was confident that eternal life awaited him through Jesus Christ, who has destroyed death.  When hard times strike us, our only source of comfort and hope is in Christ alone.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Jeremiah 15-17; 2 Timothy 2

Friday, October 20th: Isaiah 59-61; 2 Thessalonians 3 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Isaiah 59-61; 2 Thessalonians 3

"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear.  But your
iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.  For your hands are stained with blood, your fingers with guilt.  Your lips have spoken falsely, and your tongue mutters wicked things."  Isaiah 59:1-3

As I was reading this passage, it was comforting in being reminded that our God never leaves us.  He hears all our requests, and He will always keep us in His grasp.  

It's our iniquities that drift us away from God, and it's God's gift of forgiveness that bridges us back.  It's our hands that are stained with blood, and it's Jesus who washes us white as snow.  It's our sinful actions and words that make us guilty, and it's Jesus who redeems us. It's not in our power or what we can do, it's what HE can do!  

2 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 62-64; 1 Timothy 1

Friday, October 6th: Isaiah 26-27; Philippians 2 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Isaiah 26-27; Philippians 2

"Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal." Isaiah 26:4

God is often referred to as a rock, implying that He is the way to stability and safety.  He is a secure place of refuge and is also our protection during the difficult times in our lives.  Because He is our Rock, we can have confidence that we can look to Him for strength and reliability.  He is worthy of all our trust and in Him we will never be shaken.

"for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.  Do everything without grumbling or arguing,"  Philippians 2:13-14

Fulfilling His good purpose without grumbling........not that easy.  To be discontent with God's will is an expression of unbelief that prevents one from doing what pleases God.  We need to be intentional in our obedience to God; it cannot be separated from our faith in Him. 

My prayer is that I would be intentional in being obedient to God, and that I would remember that He is our source of security, and that He should be the unshakable foundation in my life.  
 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 28-29; Philippians 3

Friday, September 29th; Isaiah 7-8; Ephesians 2 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Isaiah 7-8; Ephesians 2

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" Ephesians 2:8

Grace is God's life transforming gift given to those who do not deserve it.  The gift of salvation and forgiveness of sins is available for all who through faith accept His grace revealed in Jesus Christ, but so many miss the gift because they rely on themselves.  

This verse was brought up during the sermon this past Sunday.  One of the points made on this verse was that the value we place on His grace, and how impressed we are by God's greatness, is what shapes us.  

What value have I placed on His grace, and His greatness?  How has this shaped me?  And do I need to place a higher emphasis on Him, and less on me?    

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 9-10; Ephesians 3

Friday, September 22nd: Ecclesiastes 10-12; 2 Galatians 1 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Ecclesiastes 10-12; Galatians 1

A few verses that stood out while reading:

Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.  Ecclesiastes 10:8

How often have I been a part of, or watched on TV, a sports team acting too confident or cocky, and then loosing badly the next game.  This verse is a good reminder to not play with fire; a trap that I may be setting for someone else might catch me.  

So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.  Ecclesiastes 11:10

Youth and vigor are meaningless.  This is a hard one for me.  I don't think or feel that I am old, until I play sports with our 16 year old son.  Each year I find myself getting a little slower on my feet.....somehow the football is not as fast or accurate out of my throwing hand.....and I have a lot more aches and pains than I ever used to.  And then I come across the verse below...   
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.  Ecclesiastes 12:13

My duty isn't to always be physically stronger than my kids.  It's to lead them by example and show them that it is more important to fear God and to keep His commands.  Without that, everything else ultimately is meaningless.

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.  
Galatians 1:10

Where do I seek approval?  From my employer?  My customer?  My neighbor?  My friends?  My family?  My prayer is that I would seek approval from Christ, who knows and sees everything about me......not just what I want Him to see.  
    

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Song of Solomon 1-3; Galatians 2

Friday, September 15th: Proverbs 22-24; 2 Corinthians 8 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Proverbs 22-24; 2 Corinthians 8


Rich and poor have this in common:  The Lord is the Maker of them all.  Proverbs 22:2

We all come into and leave this world the same way.  Typically we are in awe of meeting a star of some sort, and yet they too, put their pants on one leg at a time.  Just like us.  And on the other side, when we see someone downtown on the street corner, we are not in awe of them.  God did make us all, and this verse reminded me of this.       

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;  through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.  Proverbs 24:3-4

Wisdom, understanding, and knowledge; Proverbs is loaded with verses relating to these three.  As parents, we are responsible to educate our children, and God as our Father, has the desire for us to gain all the wisdom, understanding, and knowledge possible.  My hope is that I can be humble enough so that I do not hinder myself from growing in this area.  
  

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Proverbs 25-26; 2 Corinthians 9

Friday, September 8th: Proverbs 3-5; 2 Corinthians 1 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Proverbs 3-5; 2 Corinthians 1

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;"  Proverbs 3:5

Today's reading, if not all of Proverbs, offers sound direction for daily life.  For example, fearing God and shunning evil produces a healthy body.  Hard work brings reward, whereas laziness brings.....well, not much of anything.  Consistent discipline of a child results in a well adjusted adult.

The key word is consistent.  If we want to loose or gain weight, we need to be consistent in our diet.  If we want to learn how to play an instrument, we need to be consistent in our practicing.  If we want to have clear direction and purpose in our life, that's right, we need to be more consistent in not leaning on ourselves, but trusting wholeheartedly in God.     

 "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."  Proverbs 4:23

Interesting how the world would consider our brain to be the center of all human activity, while this verse would indicate otherwise; the heart.  God knows our inner core, the heart, and examines it to see its true devotion.  

May we ask God to take a close look at our hearts, so that He may cut out any evil that lingers there and prepare us for full hearty living right now and for a glorious life beyond the grave. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage is: Proverbs 6-7; 2 Corinthians 2

Friday, September 1st: Psalms 135-136; 1 Corinthians 12 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Psalms 135-136; 1 Corinthians 12

"The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of human hands.  They have mouths, but do not speak; they have eyes, but do not see; they have ears, but do not hear, nor is there any breath in their mouths.  Those who make them become like them, so do all who trust in them."
- Psalm 135:15-18

"But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, everyone of them, just as He wanted them to be."
- 1 Corinthians 12:18

Quite a contrast between the two passages. The OT passage is speaking in regards to idols and how ineffective the parts of the body are when they have been constructed by man, while the NT passage speaks about the importance God has placed on the different body parts and how they need to work together with unity.

Of course the NT passage is speaking metaphorically about parts of a human body, but I found the reading reminded me that we are all dead without Christ. It has been encouraging to hear how many young campers have made a first time commitment to Christ this summer at our church and therefore becoming a part of our body of Christ.

My prayer is that I will remember the importance that I play within the body of Christ, and that I will be willing to let Him use me, just as He wants to.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Psalms 137-139; 1 Corinthians 13

Friday, August 25th : Psalms 119:1-88; 1Corinthians 7:20-40 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Psalms 119:1-88; 1 Corinthians 7:20-40

Today's reading in Psalms 119 provides sound advice for anyone and everyone.  For me, the verses that stood were ones that spoke about and provided guidance for living a pure life.

"How can a young person stay on the path of purity?  By living according to your word."  Psalms 119:9
10 

Seems pretty straight forward.  If we live according to the Bible, we stay on the path of purity.  But how do we stay on that path when everyday we are tempted to please our selfish desires?  The verses that followed verse 9 provided some insight on that:

We need to seek Him (vs 10)

We need to cherish God's truth in our heat (vs 11)

We need to be willing to learn (vs 33)

We need to gain understanding (34)

We need to let the Lord direct us (35)

We need to turn our heart towards His laws (36)

We need to turn our eyes from things of this world (37)

I really like verse 59 below, as it provides a hope for us when we implement the steps (and others) above:

"I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes."  

So encouraging to know that God will empower us so that we can stay on the path of purity!  

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Psalms 119:89-176; 1 Corinthians 8

Friday, August 18th: Psalms 100-102; 1 Corinthians 1 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Psalms 100-102; 1 Corinthians 1

"He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 1:8

Perseverance comes to my mind when reading this verse.  If we remain true in our commitment to God, He will keep us firm.  We do not know the day when we will be called home to be with our Lord, so we need to live every moment of every day as if its our last.

How often do we hear the losing team say that they played a solid 50 minutes in a 60 minute game?  They just need to learn to play the entire 60 minutes in order to win.

It would feel great to have lived a blameless day when the Lord does return.  It would not feel so great to be caught during a "50 minute game" performance.  I pray that my desires would be put aside and that I would ground myself in the Lord Jesus Christ.   

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Psalms 103-104; 1 Corinthians 2

Friday, August 11th: Psalms 81-83; Romans 11:19-36 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Psalms 81-83; Romans 11:19-36

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable His judgements, and His paths beyond tracing out!  Who has known the mind of the Lord?  Or who has been His counselor?  Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?  For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things.  To Him be the glory forever!  Amen"  Romans 11:33-36

Todays reading ends by an outpouring of Paul's praise to God, whose wisdom and knowledge brought about His great plan for the salvation of both Jews and Gentiles.  Paul understands how great and awesome God is and that all things proceed from God, are made by Him, exist for His glory, and are carried out for His purpose; all according to His plan.

Do I have the same understanding and appreciation for God that Paul has?  Do I truly give God the glory that He deserves?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Psalms 84-86; Romans 12

Friday, August 4th: Psalms 66-67; Romans 7 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Psalms 66-67; Romans 7


"For you, God, tested us; your refined us like silver.  You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs.  You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance."     Psalms 66:10-12

This part of todays reading stood out to me.  Just before these verses, the writer was praising God for His awesome deeds and power.  Then the writer changes gears and speaks about how God lead them to a path of distress.

From one point of view, a time of distress can constitute a testing of God's people as to their loyalty and trust in Him.  When we are tested, we have the choice of attempting it on our own (which will ultimately lead to failure) or we can stand firm by putting our faith where it needs to be; in God.

When a precious metal is being refined, the metal needs to be heated up.  It is only when the metal is exposed to heat that the impurities can be separated.  We too are like a precious metal and need to be exposed to difficult times in order to remove our impure thoughts and desires.

I pray that during and after the difficult times that I would be able to praise God as this writer did, and to also have the desire to tell others for what He has done for me. (vs 16)  

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Psalms 68-69; Romans 8:1-21