Sunday, December 11 - I Peter 1-5 - Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is I Peter 1-5

There is a lot of information to cover in these passages but I will highlight just a few points that jumped out at me.  

In my Life Application Bible I liked what it said about I Peter 1.  It said Peter may have been writing to new especially to new Christians and those planning to be baptized.  Peter wanted to warn them about what lay ahead and they needed his encouraging words to help them face opposition.  This letter is still helpful for any Christians facing trials.  It is interesting to me that even though this letter was written so long ago that we can still learn from these verses.  The theme in this chapter is hope which is so wonderful.  I love in verse 3 & 4 where it talks about an inheritance that cannot perish or fade and is kept in heaven for us.  In verse 6 and 7 it talks about experiencing and suffering trials and that because of these trials our faith will be strengthened.  It is hard in the moment when experiencing a hardship to see the big picture and remember that there is a reason for it and that because of this we grow in our faith and see God's purpose.

Another verse that stood out for me was I Peter 3:15  "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping  a clear conscience . . ."  This verse reminded me that I need to consistently be diligent in reading the Bible and praying so that when I am asked about my faith that I may respond and answer questions confidently.  It also made me think am I prepared to talk about God and what he has done in my life when asked?  

The last verse I will point out is I Peter 4:10  "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others".  This verse made me think what my gifts are and if I am using them to serve others.  We all have been given gifts to use and this was a good reminder to me to remember to use them for God's glory.

There are many many more lessons to be learned from all these chapters but these verses are the ones that stood out the most for me.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  2 Peter 1-3

Sunday, November 27th - Romans 8 - 11 - Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Romans 8-11

Out of the 3 chapters that I read Romans 8 stood out the most for me.  I will mention a few things that I learned while reading this particular chapter.

The verses in Romans 8 gives us hope.  Jesus gave himself as a sacrifice for our sins in order that we might have eternal life.  By accepting Jesus as our Saviour we receive the Holy Spirit.  When the Holy Spirit is in work in us we will want to serve God and do His Will.  In Romans 8:16-17 "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.  Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."  I love the part that says we are God's children.  What a wonderful verse.  Being God's children, God has shared some of his treasures with us like His Son, forgiveness and eternal life.  Knowing that God loves us that much is so amazing.  

Another 2 verses that stood out for me is  Romans 8:26-27.  "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."  I love the fact that when I don't always know what to say when praying or how to ask for help that Jesus will still understand our needs and know our hearts as the Spirit will intercede for us.  

While reading verse 28 in Romans 8 I looked at the notes in my Life Application Bible to see what it had to say and it reminded me that God works for our good but this doesn't necessarily mean that everything happens to us is good.  It is hard sometimes to think that God works for our good when something bad happens but when looking back, these circumstances can be seen as God fulfilling His plan.  It's not easy in the moment to remember that God is in control.

Finally, in verses 38 & 29 we are given a wonderful promise that nothing can separate us from the love of God.  No matter what happens we can always know that God loves us and that nothing can take that away from us.  

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Romans 12-14

Sunday, November 13th - Galatians 4-6 ~ Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Galatians 4-6

A few key verses stood to me while reading these chapters.

Chapter 5:6 says. "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."    The last part of this verse stood out for me.  We are saved by faith and our love for others will be shown through our faith. 

Another verse that I really like is Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.  Against such things there is no law.  These are wonderful character traits but they cannot be achieved on our own but through God's help.

Lastly, the final verse that I will mention is Galatians 5:14 "The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'. If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be devastated by each other."  These verses are a good reminder to myself that it is so easy to get caught up and be critical of others around me but to remember to love each other. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Acts 15 - 16

Sunday, October 30th - Matthew 25:1-26, Matthew 26:1-5, Mark 14:1-2, Luke 222:1-2, Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11, Luke 22:3-6, Matthew 26:17-19, Mark 14:12-16, Luke 22:7-13, John 13:1-20, Matthew 26:20-30, Mark 14:17-26, Luke 22:14-30, John 13:21-30 - Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Matthew 25:1-26, Matthew 26:1-5, Mark 14:1-2, Luke 222:1-2, Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11, Luke 22:3-6, Matthew 26:17-19, Mark 14:12-16, Luke 22:7-13, John 13:1-20, Matthew 26:20-30, Mark 14:17-26, Luke 22:14-30, John 13:21-30

The parables in Matthew 25 are good reminders to me to always be ready for Jesus' return.  In verses 1-13 the wise virgins were prepared to wait and be ready for the bridegroom's return while the foolish virgins were not prepared and missed out on the bridegroom's arrival ultimately not being able to attend the wedding banquet.  This represents always being ready for Jesus' return at any time and if we are not prepared we will miss out on heaven.  The parable in verses 14-30 shows us the importance of using what God has given us to the best of our ability.  This made me think about what talents and gifts God has given me and question myself if I am using these gifts to God's glory.  How disappointing it must be for God to see gifts and talents not being used.  

Verses 35-36 say "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."  After reading these 2 verses I thought about whether I share what I have and help those in need.  In my Life Application Bible it describes this parable as acts of mercy that we all can do every day.  These acts do not depend on wealth, ability or intelligence, they are simple acts freely given and freely received.  We have no excuse to neglect those who have deep needs.  What a great reminder to myself to be aware of others around me that may need help in different ways and not necessarily monetary.  

Finally, I found reading the passages of the Last Supper interesting in each of the Gospels.  Each Gospel is very similar yet a few extra details are thrown in some of the verses that not all the Gospels have.  One example would be in Matthew 26:15 where it mentions that Judas received 30 silver coins where Mark and Luke don't mention the number of coins that Judas received for betraying Jesus but that Judas was promised money.

Finally, John 13:1-20 are the verses about Jesus washing the Disciples' Feet.  I have heard this story many many times but after reading this passage again I tried hard to envision what that would have been like to be one of the disciples and what this represented.  I learned that by Jesus washing their feet He was showing humility and servant hood as this was usually done by the lowliest of servants.  This action of servant hood was completely opposite of what the disciples had been arguing about prior to this in Luke 22:24 as to which one of them was the greatest.  This was also an example for us to serve one another in humility and love.  

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Matthew 26:31-35, Mark 14:27-31, Luke 22:31-38, John 13:31-38, John 14-16

Sunday October 16; Matthew 7:1-6, Luke 6:37-42, Matthew 7:7-11, Matthew 7:12-29, Luke 6:43-49, Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:1-17, Matthew 11:1-19, Luke 7:18-35, Matthew 11:20-30 ~ Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is:  Matthew 7:1-6, Luke 6:37-42, Matthew 7:7-11, Matthew 7:12-29, Luke 6:43-49, Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:1-17, Matthew 11:1-19, Luke 7:18-35, Matthew 11:20-30

I really enjoyed reading these passages as a number of songs came to mind when reading these verses.  I remember singing the song about The Man who Built his House on the Rock and the significance of that to me as a child.  How important it is to have a firm foundation in our faith, so that when hard times come we are able to rely on God and trust Him to carry you through them.

Another song popped into my head when reading Mathew 7:7-8.  Seek Ye First is in the name of the song which comes from these verses.  These verses are a great reminder to continually learn about God and ask Him to show you His ways.  It doesn't say to only do it once, but to continually pursue God.

Reading Mathew 7:1-5 talks about judging others.  How easy it is to pick out faults of others and criticize without looking at ourselves first.  Verse 2 is a good reminder to me to remember that I will be judged the same way I judge others, and is a sobering thought. This is a good reminder to look at myself first before saying anything about others around me.

These are just a few tidbits that I took from these passages.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Luke 7:36-50, Luke 8:1-3, Matthew 12:22-37, Mark 3:20-30, Luke 11:14-23, Matthew 12:38-45, Luke 11:24-32, Matthew 12:46-50, Mark 3:31-35, Luke 8:19-21, Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, Luke 8:4-15

Sunday, October 2nd - Nehemiah 11-13 - Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Nehemiah 11-13

There are a couple of things that I learned in these passages.  In Chapter 11 Nehemiah asked one-tenth of the people outside of Jerusalem to volunteer to move and live in Jerusalem.  Even though the leaders of the people settled in the Jerusalem as stated in verse 1, it is interesting that Nehemiah cast lots so that one-tenth of the rest of the people also moved into Jerusalem.  It makes me wonder why not very many seemed to want to move there voluntarily.  Perhaps it meant a lot of work rebuilding their houses.  

In Chapter 12:44 - 47 these verses talk about the various men that were appointed for different tasks.  Some were in charge of the storerooms for the contributions, which were for the Priests and Levites.  In Chapter 13 Tobiah has given a storeroom to a priest named Eliashib.  When Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem and sees what Tobiah has done by giving a storeroom to Eliashib which was against God's commands , Nehemiah takes action.  Nehemiah sees how the people have sinned against God and have turned away from obeying God's commands.  Nehemiah obeys God and tells the Israelites they need to change their ways and obey God's commands.   

My Life Application Bible has a great way of explaining this Book of the Bible.  It said "This book is about rebuilding the wall of a great city, but it is also about spiritual renewal, rebuilding a people's dependence on God.  When we take our eyes off God, our lives begin to crumble."

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  I Chronicles 1-2

Sunday - Daninel 7-9 - Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 7-9

After reading these passages I needed some help from my Life Application Bible to help me understand what these chapters mean.  I will focus more on Chapter 9.  In Chapter 9 Daniel pleads with God about bringing his people back to the promised land. In Daniel's prayer it is interesting that he uses the word "we" throughout his prayer which shows he is not blaming others for the adversity and coming up for excuses.  It is so easy to find blame with others and not look at ourselves when something goes wrong. 

Also Chapter 9:18 "We do not make requests of you because you are righteous, but because of your great mercy." 

I read that "God sends his help, not because we deserve it, but because he wants to show great mercy". This reminds me that when I pray to remember that God doesn't need to show mercy but that he wants us to follow His will and that He wants to show His  mercy when we pray sincerely for forgiveness.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Daniel 5-6

Sunday, September 4th - Jeremiah 31-33 - Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Jeremiah 31-33

In Jeremiah 31 God shows His kindness.  I particularly liked the second half of verse 10 where it says "He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a shepherd."  How reassuring to know that God is such a loving God and carefully watches over us. 

I found Jeremiah 31:29-30 interesting.  The people blamed others for their sins and God recognizes this and says:  "Instead, everyone will die for his own sin; whoever eats sour grapes - his own teeth will be set on edge."  How easy it is to blame others for our mistakes but in the end we are accountable for our own mistakes. 

In Jeremiah 32, God told the prophet Jeremiah told buy a field even though it was currently occupied by soldiers.  Jeremiah showed his faith and trust in God by doing this and what this again shows me that even though we don't always understand God's purpose we should obey and continually trust and pray to God.  I loved the part of verse 17 in this chapter where Jeremiah prays to God and says "Nothing is too hard for you."  How wonderful to know that no matter the circumstances God is always in control. 

Finally Jeremiah 33:3 is another verse that stood out for me.  "Call on me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."  God is able to take care of us without us asking but He wants us to call on Him and by doing so this shows God that we recognize that we cannot do it ourselves but need God to help us.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Ezekiel 26-28

Sunday, August 21th: Jeremiah 29-31` ~ Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is:Jeremiah 29-31

After reading these passages Jeremiah 29 stood out the most for me.  This chapter is a letter from Jeremiah to the captives of Babylon.  He reminded the people that even though they were experiencing troubled time that life keeps moving on and and that they should continue to live their lives and to pray for the nation that they were exiled to.  This was a good reminder to me that when troubles or hardship enter our lives not to forget to continue to pray and trust God.

I particularly like the verse Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."  What a reassurance this verse is especially the part about God giving us hope and a future.  My Life Application Bible had good notes on this verse It said:

We're all encouraged by a leader who stirs us to move ahead, someone who believes we can do the task he has given and who will be with us all the way.  God is that kind of leader.  He knows the future, and his plans for us are good and full of hope.  As long as God, who knows the future, provides our agenda and goes with us as we fulfill his mission, we can have boundless hope.  This does not mean that we will be spared pain, suffering or hardship, but that God will see us through to a glorious conclusion.  

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Jeremiah 49:34-51:58

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 2016; Jeremiah 4-6 ~ Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is; Jeremiah 4-6

Reading these passages made me feel sad that the Israelites had turned their back on God. God gave them countless opportunities to change their ways and gave them many warnings of what is to come and yet they still did not listen. When reading Jeremiah 5:1 this verse gave me hope for the Israelites and also showed God's grace.  “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem, look around and consider, search through her squares.  If you can find but one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive this city."


These chapters led me thinking that we can be stubborn in our ways as well and choose to ignore what God wants us to do and that there are consequences for our actions but God still gives us opportunities to change because He truly loves us.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:2 Kings 22:3-20, 2 Chronicles 34:8-28, 2 King 23:1-20, 2Chronicles 34:29-33, 2 Kings 23:21-28, 2 Chronicles 35:1-19

Sunday, July 24th - Micah 5 - 7 - Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Micah 5 - 7

After reading these passages one of the verses that stood out for me was Micah 6:8 “He has showed you, O man, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humby with your God.”  This verse made me think about whether I show mercy to those who I feel wrong me.  God is shows us mercy and forgiveness and this verse was a good reminder that I need to do the same.  These verse is a good reminder to myself that I need to practice these areas in my life.  

One other verse that stood out for me is Micah 7:7.  “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”   The confidence Micah showed in his faith with this verse made me realize that I need to have the same faith in God that He always hears us when we call on him.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Kings 18:13-18, 2 Chronicles 32:1-8, Isaiah 36:1-3, 2 Kings 18:19-37, Isaiah 36:4-22, 2 Kings 19:1-19, 2 Chronicles 32:9-19, Isaiah 37:1-20

Sunday, July 10th - Psalm 67, 71, 91-94 - Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Psalm 67, 71, 91-94

I really enjoy reading the Psalms.  So many verses remind me of the choruses we sing in church.  

There is a re-occurring theme in Psalm 71.  This Chapter references that even when we grow old we can still serve God and share the Good News with others about what God has done for us.  The older generation will have many life experiences to share and can tell us what God has done throughout their lives.  

Psalm 91:2 is a wonderful verse.  How reassuring to know that God is our refuge in times of trouble.  How often I try to solve my problems myself but this verse is a good reminder to rely and trust on God always.  

Finally I will refer to Psalm 92.  This chapter’s theme is to be thankful and faithful every day.  I like verse 12 where it says “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon.”  I discovered that palm trees are known for their long life and that cedars of Lebanon grew to 120 in height and up to 30 feet in circumference making them solid, strong and immovable.  What a great analogy.  Learning about these types of trees and how they refer to Christians really takes on a new meaning and makes me want to strive in my faith to be like a palm tree and a cedar of Lebanon.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Psalm 95 - 99

Sunday, June 26th: Isaiah 10 - 12, 17 - Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 10 - 12, 17 

In the opening verses in Isaiah 10, the verses talk about the fact that God will judge those who make unjust laws.  This reinforces the fact that we are all accountable to God for what we do.  Further on in this chapter it talks about God's Judgment on Assyria.  When I first read these verses I wasn't sure what I could learn from them.  After reading some commentaries I learned that even though Assyria did not know they were part of God's plan, God still used them to accomplish His plan even though they rejected Him.  I found this to be very interesting.  

Isaiah 10:12
12 When the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, “I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes. 

This verse was a reminder to me that the Assyria thought they had accomplished everything in their own power.  This is a reminder to me to remember that God should be given the credit for any of my accomplishments.

I particularly enjoyed reading Isaiah 12.  This chapter is a hymn of praise and that not only should we give thanks for God but also to tell others about Him.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  2 Kings 16:10-18, 2 Chronicles 28:16-25, 2 Kings 18:1-8, 2 Chronicles 29:1-2, 2 Kings 15:30-31, 2 Kings 17:1-4

Sunday, June 19th: 2 Kings 12:17-21, 2 Chronicles 24:23-27, 2 Kings 13:14-14:14, 2 Chronicles 25:1-24, 2 Kings 13:12-13, 2 Kings 14:15-16, 2 Kings 14:23-27, 2 Kings 14:17-22, 2 Chronicles 25:25-28 ~ Jay

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: 2 Kings 12:17-21, 2 Chronicles 24:23-27, 2 Kings13:14-14:14, 2 Chronicles 25:1-24, 2 Kings 13:12-13, 2 Kings 14:15-16, 2 Kings14:23-27, 2 Kings 14:17-22, 2 Chronicles 25:25-28

Happy Fathers Day! Today's passages are very relevant to us as fathers / leaders of our respective families.  The current  books of the Bible we are reading through provide detailed accounts of those leaders who God appoints, they are faced with great challenges and ultimately succeed, they then turn from God, and finally God deals with them severely. It is easy for us to read through and shake our heads at how foolish these leaders seem...but how many of us are consistent in our walk with God and ultimately our leadership?

It was interesting to me the passage that described the interaction between King Jehoash and Elisha in 2 Kings 13.  17 “Open the east window,” he said, and he opened it. “Shoot!” Elisha said, and he shot. “The Lord’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram!” Elisha declared. “You will completely destroy the Arameans at Aphek.”
18 Then he said, “Take the arrows,” and the king took them. Elisha told him, “Strike the ground.” He struck it three times and stopped. 19 The man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.”To me, it looked like Johoash did what Elisha asked him to do...but when striking the ground he hit it a few times (3) and likely thought that was good enough.  The lesson for me here is that if God calls us to do a task or items of service  we need to approach it and go above and beyond what we consider "good enough".  God wants our full effort in whatever we do for Him. 

Another of the concepts that jumped out to me today was the portion that described Amaziah and how he assembled his army, had great success, and then returned to worship the gods of the people he just decimated. At the outset Amaziah took stock of his fighting men and then decided he better get some hired help to assist with the cause, and so hired 100,000 men from Israel. He paid for them, and then was told by the man of God that God would deliver them and they did not require the extra help.  God gave him great victory without the use of the hired help and yet when Amaziah returned home and in 

2 Chronicles 25  - 14 When Amaziah returned from slaughtering the Edomites, he brought back the gods of the people of Seir. He set them up as his own gods,bowed down to them and burned sacrifices to them. 15 The anger of the Lord burned against Amaziah, and he sent a prophet to him, who said, “Why do you consult this people’s gods, which could not save their own people from your hand?”  ; Easy for us to sit back and judge, but how many times does God grant us success or victory and we turn around only to rationalize the outcome form our own perspective...excluding God. Interesting when I read the portion that stated "..the anger of the Lord burned..." I shudder to think about God's anger towards me when we act with similar motivation.  It may not be as overt as burning sacrifices to an idol but placing our confidence and pride in our own abilities..may not be far off.   

As fathers and spiritual leaders of our families, we need to challenge ourselves to continually be reading God's word and seeking his direction. When God grants victory or success for our nations (families) we need to thank Him, with humility communicate the source of our victory, and finally loop back to seek His guidance and direction for the next challenge.  

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:2 Kings 15:1-4, 2 Chronicles 26:1-15, 2 Kings 15:5, 2 Chronicles 26:16-21

Sunday, June 12th - 1 Kings 22:29-40, 2 Chronicles 18:28-34, 1 Kings 22:51-53, 2 Chronicles 19 - Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 1 Kings 22:29-40, 2 Chronicles 18:28-34, 1 Kings 22:51-53, 2 Chronicles 19

These passages shown how important it is to have godly advisers and how a good leader is one who is faithful to God and help grow others with God's values.

It is interesting to read about the different kings and their leadership styles.  It is important that when we seek advice we must carefully weigh the advice we receive.  King Ahab chose to have advisers that would only tell him what he wanted to hear.  By not following God, King Ahab perished in battle just as he was told.

In 2 Chronicles 19, when King Jehoshaphat appointed judges he reminded them that they were accountable to God for the standards to use to judge others.  In my Life Application Bible it said that "Jehoshaphat's advice is helpful for all leaders (1) realize you are judging for God (2) be impartial and honest (3) be faithful (4) act only out of fear of God not men, God holds us accountable for the authority we exercise.

He told them, “Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. 7 Now let the fear of the Lord be on you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”

8 In Jerusalem also, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites, priests and heads of Israelite families to administer the law of the Lord and to settle disputes. And they lived in Jerusalem. 9 He gave them these orders: “You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord. 10 In every case that comes before you from your people who live in the cities—whether bloodshed or other concerns of the law, commands, decrees or regulations—you are to warn them not to sin against the Lord; otherwise his wrath will come on you and your people. Do this, and you will not sin.

I think the advice in these verses can be applied to anyone in a leadership role and it definitely made me think how we are accountable to God in everything we do.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  2 Chronicles 20, 2 Kings 1:1-18, 2 Kings 3:1-27, 1  Kings 22:41-49, 2 Chronicles 20:31-37

Sunday, May 29: Proverbs 15-18 ~ Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Proverbs 15-18

There is so much to take and learn from these verses in Proverbs.  I was reminded while reading these verses in Proverbs that this is a book of instructions on how to live a life pleasing to God.  The verses that really stood out for me were the the following verses in Chapter 15.

A gentle answer turns away wrath,

    but a harsh word stirs up anger.
    but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
    but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
    but the hearts of fools are not upright.
    but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

² The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,

⁴ The soothing tongue is a tree of life,

⁷ The lips of the wise spread knowledge,

²⁸ The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,

These verses were a good reminder for me how to be aware of how I need to speak wisely and also think before speaking.  I also learned that in Proverbs Chapter 15 these verses show us the difference between wise actions and evil actions.  Chapters 16 - 18 explain wise thoughts, actions and advice.  Discovering the differences between these chapters helped me to see the differences when reading them.  

I enjoyed reading these chapters and pray that I can follow these wise instructions.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Proverbs 19-21

Sunday, May 15th: Psalm 138-141, 143

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Psalm 138, 139,140, 141, 142

I really enjoy reading the Psalms.  When I read some of the verses in Psalm, parts of songs pop into my head that I have either heard or sung.  Out of these chapters that I read for today's devotion, Psalm 139 really stood out the most for me.  This chapter really instills in me how much God cares for me and how He knows everything about me and that He is always with me. 

Psalms 139: 1-10

1 You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.

In my Life Application Bible I read the overview of the other chapters which I found to be a great help.

Psalms 138 Theme is "Thanksgiving for answered prayer"

Psalms 140 Theme is "Prayer for Protection against those who slander or threaten you"

Psalms 141 Theme is "A prayer for help when facing temptation."

Psalms 143 Theme is "A prayer when overwhelmed and desperate.  Only God can keep us safe.

These passages show me how David not only prayed for help for facing temptation and protection, he also remembered to pray to God with thanksgiving.  What a reassurance it is to know that God is everywhere and we can always count on God to always be with us.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Psalm 144, 145, 88, 89, 50

Sunday, May 1st - 2 Samuel 24:1-17, 1 Chronicles 21:7-17, 2 Samuel 24:18-25, 1 Chronicles 21:18-22:19 - Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Samuel 24:1-17, 1 Chronicles 21:7-17, 2 Samuel 24:18-25, 1 Chronicles 21:18-22:19

A few things stood out for me in these passages.

The first 2 passages tell us about David taking a census of his army.  Since the land was at peace at this time there was no reason for David to take a census.  He was even discouraged to do this as well.  David sinned by following through with this census.  In my Application Bible it said “David’s sin was pride and ambition in counting the people so that he could glory in the size of his nation and army, its power and defenses.  By doing this, he put his faith in the size of his army rather than in God’s ability to protect them regardless of their number.”  This can also relate to us today if we put our faith in our possessions or money as well.  We need to remember to rely on God.

David realizes his guilt and pleads for forgiveness from God.  There are always consequences for our actions and this is no different for David.  He is given 3 choices for punishment and he chooses the plaque punishment which results in 70,000 people dying for David’s decision.  This shows me how our actions can affect others around us and I need to think carefully when making decisions.

The other thing that stood out to me was when David was told by God that his son Solomon would build the temple.  Even though David must have been disappointed he accepted this and he made preparations for Solomon to be able to build this temple with all the materials being gathered for him.  In my Life Application Bible this part of the passage can relate to current day as well for us.  It said “We should take steps now to prepare the way for our children to find and fulfill God’s purpose.  Sooner or later our children will have to make their own decisions, but we can help by supplying them with the proper tools: showing them how to pray and study God’s Word, the difference between right and wrong, and the importance of church involvement.”

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Chronicles 23-25

Sunday, April 17th: 1 Samuel 24-26 ~ Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is; 1 Samuel 24-26

In these passages David spares Saul’s life twice.  It is amazing how David had the opportunity to kill Saul but acknowledges the fact that God had appointed Saul as King and he still held respect for this.  It surprises me that after David spared Saul’s life the first time that Saul would keep pursuing David.  In I Samuel 24:15 David tells Saul that “May the Lord be our judge and decide between us.  May he consider my cause and uphold it; may he vindicate me by delivering me from your hand.”  It shows that David acknowledges that God is in control and will ultimately be the judge of each of their actions.  

In Chapter 25 David requests food for his men from a wealthy man named Nabal who refuses to share and give David and his men any food.  I don’t understand his reason for not giving David and his food since they protected Nabal’s land.  Perhaps selfishness.  Nabal’s wife Abigail recognizes what a disastrous decision this was on her husband’s part and she quickly gathers enough food and meets David to avoid any consequences as a result of her husband’s poor decision.  Abigail appears to be a very wise woman and tries to protect her family from a poor decision.  This reminds me to remember when someone is need to share what we have with them and to remember to be thankful for what God has given to us.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Samuel 27:1-7, 1 Chronicles 12:1-7, 1 Samuel 27:8-29:11, 1 Chronicles 12:19, Psalm 56

Sunday, April 3rd: Judges 8-9 ~ Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 8 - 9

When I first read these passages my first thought was how much fighting there was in these chapters.  It would so nice if everyone would just get along and follow God’s commands.  Needless to say there were a few things that stood out for me from these 2 passages.  

At the beginning of Chapter 8 I couldn’t understand at first why the Ephraimites and the the officials of Succoth refused to give Gideon and his army food?  I read in a commentary that these leaders felt left out because they Gideon did not ask them to join the battle but they were left “to clean up the escaping Midianites (the gleanings)”.  Gideon explained to them they were the ones who captured the enemy’s generals and that that this couldn’t be compared to anything Gideon had done.  Many times the “behind the scenes” jobs are often thought of as the less desirable because a lot of times these people are often forgotten or feel unappreciated.  Most of these jobs that no one necessarily sees are extremely important.  I need to remember this lesson in my own life when I feel like a job that I might be doing seems unimportant.

It was disappointing to me when I read in Chapter 8:30-31 that even though Gideon had many wives he also had a concubine.  With his concubine he had a son Abimelech.  In my Life Application Bible it stated “Gideon’s story illustrates the fact that heroes in battle are not always heroes in daily life.  Gideon led the nation but could not lead his family”.  As can be seen in Chapter 9 there were a lot of family problems that happened because of this relationship.  The most shocking for me was when Abimelech had his 69 brothers murdered as he wanted to become King.  Abimlelech’s goal was to have power and this unfortunately controlled and unfortunately as a result there was a lot of bloodshed and the only way this bloodshed could be stopped is with his death. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Judges 10-12