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

Saturday, July 9th: Psalm 1-2, 10, 33, 66 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Psalm 1-2, 10, 33, 66

Psalm 1 is one of my favourites, and is the first chapter of the Bible (well, other than Psalm 23) that I memorized in its entirety.  It clearly contrasts the differences between the faithful and the wicked. Reading it makes me resolve again not to follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.  Instead, I want to live my life in such a way that it is noticeably different from those around me.  If we live what we say we believe, our lives should be visibly different.  Is mine?  Is yours?

Psalm 10 expands on the idea that the wicked have mistaken God's patience for His approval or indifference.  Not so!  The wicked will be held to account, justice will prevail, God's patience will come to an end - and then it will be too late to change.

The same principle holds true for believers as well.  Today is the day we must do whatever it is we've been putting off until tomorrow. We are not promised tomorrow.  We must put things right today.

Psalm 33:3 always jumps out at me.
Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy.

My piano teacher referenced that verse numerous times.  Why?  Notice the word skillfully.  God does not entrust us with talents just for us to let them lie dormant, or to be poor stewards of our gifts.  We are not just to randomly and lazily use the talents He's given us.  We are to develop them.  We are to play skillfully.  For His glory though, not our own.

Psalm 66:2
Tell the world how glorious he is.

Well, that's pretty basic, pretty blunt, pretty direct.  Tell the world.  When's the last time I've told someone... anyone (!) how glorious God is?

Some toe stepping was going on for me in today's passage.  What about you?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Psalm 67, 71, 91-94

Friday, July 8: July 8: Psalms 47-49, 84, 85, 97 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Psalms 47-49, 84, 85, 97

A few things stood out from today's reading:

48:4-6 For behold, the kings assembled;
    they came on together.
5 As soon as they saw it, they were astounded;
    they were in panic; they took to flight.
6 Trembling took hold of them there,
    anguish as of a woman in labor.

One would imagine that it would take A LOT to impress a KINGS. Not that I know any kings personally ;) but I would imagine that kings have riches, power and authority, and most things of earthly importance. However, this verse says that the assembled kings were "astounded" and "they were in panic". No amount of riches, power and authority, or anything else is worth anything compared to God. Everything pales in comparison and one day everyone -even those with all their earthly power- will also tremble at their unworthiness in the face of Christ.

48: 13b- 14 that you may tell the next generation
14     that this is God,
our God forever and ever.
    He will guide us forever.

I know each generation complains about the previous one thinking about how "bad" things are with "young people these days". I worry about my kids and my grandkids growing up in such a sinful world where Christianity is increasingly under attack. I worry about them facing a world where there are no wrong behaviours and "if it feels good then do it" attitudes abounding everywhere. I worry about the normalcy they will grow up in where God's specific plans for each gender (male and female) as complimentary partners are dismissed and instead individuals are replaced as non-gender  (even removing gender from driver's licenses?!) and celebrated as progressive and trailblazing. Noisy movements to support abortion and euthanasia are in the forefront of many news stories and pop culture normalizes it. Our kids are immersed in this reality. It's scary. However, we can take comfort that God is the beginning and the end. We can teach the next generation that God is our guide and that He is eternal. He does not change even when the society we live in does change.

10 49: 10-12 For he sees that even the wise die;
    the fool and the stupid alike must perish
    and leave their wealth to others.
11 Their graves are their homes forever,[c]
    their dwelling places to all generations,
    though they called lands by their own names.
12 Man in his pomp will not remain;
    he is like the beasts that perish.

We all die. Rich people die. Poor people die. Old people die. Even sometimes young people die. All the money and power does't stop the inevitable. Our earthly possessions, everything we've worked for, can't stop our deaths from happening. We become as worthless as a dead animal even despite all we've managed to accumulate on earth. It is sometimes hard to not get caught up in building up treasures because we do like our stuff but let us not let it get in the way of lasting treasures like building the kingdom of God and sharing last gifts of love and time with others.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Psalm 1-2, 10, 33, 66

Thursday July 7: Psalms 42-46 ~ Cameron

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Psalms 42-46

Chapters 42-43 look like the same song, don't they? Complete with a repeating phrase in 42:5, 42:11, and 43:5. Sometimes I forget Scriptures were not written with the chapters and verses included. That is something added in much later. Does it matter? Not really. But there are times when the phrasing suggests no such break was necessary.

I love the verse though.

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
    and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
    my salvation and my God.

The psalmist acknowledges that they do not feel like rejoicing...but that is not good enough. We serve an Almighty God, Creator of the universe, Timeless and Immutable from everlasting to everlasting. As such, the psalmist follows up with the conviction that they "shall again" praise God.
What do we do when we don't want to worship? Do we force ourselves to worship or open a new tab and check Facebook? Everlasting to everlasting means God was here before Facebook (gasp) and will still Exist long after the universe has ended. I find that focusing on God's Infinite Attributes brings my small perspective back to where it should be, even if I don't feel like it. Give it a try and let me know if it helps you.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Psalms 47-49, 84, 85, 97

Wednesday, July 6: Proverbs 29-31 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Proverbs 29-31
A few verses that stood out to me as I read through this passage:

Proverbs 29:4
By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.

A contradiction here between what a good king does and what greedy people do. The king thinks of the whole country and what's best for it, the greedy think only of themselves and what's best for them only. I want to be a team player (like the king) not thinking of only myself but of what's best for God's family.

Proverbs 30: 5,6
“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.   Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

When in trouble, do I take refuge in God? At all times good and bad,  do I go to Him first?

Also, God is supreme, do I think I can add or top what he is saying? 

Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

As I get older,  I can appreciate this more and more,  I don't have the same youthful athleticism I once did, but I do strive to have a deeper knowledge of God.  This verse says to me that youthful traits will fade with time, but respect for God and knowledge of how He works will grow, for those that seek Him. Getting older isn't a bad thing after all, it can be  beneficial!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Psalm 42-46

Tuesday, July 5th: Proverbs 25-28 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Proverbs 25-28

Just a few verses among the many that Proverbs brings you to consider…

Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, & a gentle tongue can break through a bone.
Proverbs 25:15

This verse speaks directly to me.  I often recognize in me how little patience I have & how quickly the volume of my voice rises (especially with my kids).  If I were to be less quick to get frustrated, rather taking the time to teach instead of expecting things of them that as kids they need to learn, they would feel less frustrated & the situation would become positive instead of negative.  I don't want people to yell at me & can imagine that someone would respond better if I spoke with gentleness too.

He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses & renounces them finds mercy. 
Proverbs 28:13

When someone admits a sin with remorse or we hear a testimony of someone who has received forgiveness, we don't look at that person with disgust but rather with compassion & grace.  Why, then, is it so hard to admit to our own mistakes & sins?  (sadly our pride often gets in the way)  Without acknowledging our mistakes, it's hard to learn from them.

I find, for myself, that it's easy to just kind of throw away the thought that I really sinned on any given day (I mean, I didn't steal anything, I didn't swear or even call someone a bad name, etc).  However, if I'm really honest with myself & take time to consider my actions & thoughts, it can be a little overwhelming how short I fell.  How often did I raise my voice, how often did I think something of someone else that wasn't gracious, etc?  I need to take time to recognize my failings & God will show me mercy.  Only once I have acknowledged them can I change my ways & prosper in my walk with God.

He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
Proverbs 28:26

It is so easy to go about my day, making decisions & feeling that I have everything under control.  There's a degree of pride in feeling like we can do it on our own.  However, our limited vantage point cannot always direct us to the right path (we can't always clearly see or predict the consequences of our choices).  We need to depend on God & seek his direction to know that we are not making decisions with less than 20/20 vision.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Proverbs 29-31

Monday, July 4: 2 Chronicles 29:3-31:21 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Chronicles 29:3-31:21

Scripture:  2 Chronicles 30:8-9  8 Do not now be stiff-necked as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the Lord and come to his sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever, and serve the Lord your God, that his fierce anger may turn away from you. 9 For if you return to the Lord, your brothers and your children will find compassion with their captors and return to this land. For the Lord your God is gracious and merciful and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him.”

Observation:We cannot always blame our current situation on others but we need to own up for our mistakes and repent.

Application: I teach Grade 1. I spend so much time dealing with little situations that happen after recess or during class time and often the argument for disobedience boils down to "But they were doing it and so I did too". Grade 1 friends are not easily able to identify their own role in bad behaviour but are very quick to point out that others did it too. We too can be stubborn to admit our own failings and can be quick to blame others when we fail.

This passage says "do not be stiff-necked as your fathers were..." What exactly does it mean to be "stiff necked"? I found this commentary that highlighted 8 attributes of "stiff necked people" and the main cause:

They had an attitude problem.

Pride keeps us from hearing what God is saying. Pride makes our necks stiff. 

What are the marks of stiff-necked people?

1. Certainty that you are right.
2. Refusal to listen to anyone else.
3. Defensive when criticized.
4. Making excuses for your shortcomings.
5. Lashing out at others.
6. No desire to examine your own life.
7. Repeated pattern of misbehavior.
8. Prayer without repentance.

This can happen to any of us when we become hardened in our ways and so certain of ourselves that no one can reach us. We don’t realize what has happened until judgment comes. 

When our attitudes are the problem and we refuse to see what we need to do we become like the 6 year olds in my class lashing out and refusing to listen to anything because we believe we are in the right. However, our refusal to accept responsibility has a greater consequence beyond the current circumstance of disobedience. It results in #7 above "Repeated pattern of misbehaviour" and this often passed from parents to their children as the passage states. When we exhibit a pattern of disobedience we invite God's anger and wrath on us just as the people of Israel experienced.

Disobedience invites God's wrath but repentance is received when we return to God. He is always willing to welcome us back with open arms. What's that quote?? No matter how far you've moved away from God you are only 1 step away from returning to Him. What a comfort to know that no matter how stiff-necked we get, not matter what kind of family environment we've grown up in, no matter what we've done in the presence of bad company we are just one step away from forgiveness if we ask for it.

Hezekiah had a big job before him. He had to teach people how to repent and follow the commands of God long after they were almost forgotten. He had to endure hardship as he encouraged people back on the right path. He was laughed at and teased. Hezekiah did not back down despite adversity. He completed what he set out to do and what God wanted him to do and God was faithful to Hezekiah. Hezekiah did not blame his family circumstance and he owned up to his shortcomings and became an example to those around him. This commentary summarizes Hezekiah's life:

Hezekiah, a son of the wicked King Ahaz, reigned over the southern kingdom of Judah for twenty-nine years, from c. 726 to 697 BC. He began his reign at age 25 (2 Kings 18:2). He was more zealous for the Lord than any of his predecessors (2 Kings 18:5). During his reign, the prophets Isaiah and Micah ministered in Judah.

After Ahaz’s wicked reign, there was much work to do, and Hezekiah boldly cleaned house. Pagan altars, idols, and temples were destroyed. The bronze serpent that Moses had made in the desert (Numbers 21:9) was also destroyed, because the people had made it an idol (2 Kings 18:4). The temple in Jerusalem, whose doors had been nailed shut by Hezekiah’s own father, was cleaned out and reopened. The Levitical priesthood was reinstated (2 Chronicles 29:5), and the Passover was reinstituted as a national holiday (2 Chronicles 30:1). Under Hezekiah’s reforms, revival came to Judah.

Because King Hezekiah put God first in everything he did, God prospered him. Hezekiah “held fast to the Lord and did not stop following him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook” (2 Kings 18:6–7).

Prayer: Lord, we have many excuses that we make to justify or excuse our disobedience. You see right through our excuses into our sinful hearts. Help us to take responsibility for our actions and know that we alone are responsible. Let us humble ourselves to seek forgiveness and accept correction. Thank you for giving Your grace so freely if we just ask. Amen.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:

Sunday July 3 : Isaiah 5, 2 Kings 16:19-20, 2 Chronicles 28:26-27, Isaiah 13-16 ~ Jay

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Isaiah 5, 2 Kings 16:19-20, 2 Chronicles 28:26-27, Isaiah 13-16 

The first passage struck me as it vividly depicts how much care and effort an individual put into preparing the land, choosing the vines and raising grapes...yet despite his best efforts the vines only yielded bad grapes.  This passage is written to depict Israel (Isaiah 5:7) yet can be applicable to us as well. God has invested much into us personally ... what type or fruit do we bear? How does God feel in light of the fruit we bear?

The other verse that stood out to me was Isaiah 5:20.  Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. The lines between right and wrong have become so blurred, that even if someone stands up for what they believe to be right...they are looked upon as being wrong.  Not wanting to make a political statement here, but following the recent news events regarding the upcoming marches in Steinbach and the wishes of  some politicians not to participate due to their beliefs....and being called out as haters. Woe to us as we slide further and further down a path where there is no right and wrong....and do nothing to support those who do make a stand.   

In Isaiah 13, we read about the judgement towards Babylon and other pagan nations, but it stood out to me that the Lord's Day of Judgement is coming for all. Isaiah 13:9-13  . Wail, for the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty.^{[a] 7} Because of this, all hands will go limp, every heart will melt with fear. ⁸ Terror will seize them, pain and anguish will grip them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look aghast at each other, their faces aflame. ⁹ See, the day of the Lord is coming —a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger- to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it. We often think of God as a very patient and tolerant God, yet when we read this passage one only gets a glimpse into Gods anger towards sin. Yet in all of this, God remembers those who are faithful and part of His family.  In Isaiah 14:1-2 it describes how the Lord will have compassion on Israel and will bless them.  This serves as a reminder to me that even though I am one of God's children and have the promise of eternal life...sin is something God cannot tolerate.   

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:

Saturday, July 2: Isaiah 1:1-4:6 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 1:1-4:6

Scripture: "Come now, let's settle this," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool." - Isaiah 2:18

Observation: During these passages, God is warning us of the doom we will face if we don't choose to follow Him. He is making us fear Him, and showing us His power by telling us what will happen if we disobey His commands, and live according to our desires instead of His. Even though we are not worthy of His mercy whatsoever, He is still willing to save us. He still wants us even though we disappoint Him everyday.

It also makes me think of the song lyrics:

Amazing love, how can it be? That you my King would die for me?

Application: God knows we aren't worthy of His forgiveness, which just shows how much He loves us. In return, He asks us to give our lives to Him and live for Him everyday. How can I live my life for God? Well, the answer is in Matthew 22:37-29, which reads:

Jesus replied, "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'"

If you haven't caught on yet, the main point here would be love. God loves us and He wants us to love Him first, and then others second.

Prayer: Loving Father, help us to love You more and more everyday. Thank You for Your unfailing love, and unending grace. Help us to show others Your love so that they may come to know You and Your mercy as well. In Your name we pray, amen.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 5, 2 Kings 16:19-20, 2 Chronicles 28:26-27, Isaiah 13-16

Friday, July 1st: 2 Kings 17:5, 2 Kings 18:9, Isaiah 28, 2 Kings 17:6-23, 2 Kings 18:10-22, 2 Kings 17:24-41 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: 2 Kings 17:5, 2 Kings 18:9, Isaiah 28, 2 Kings 17:6-23, 2 Kings 18:10-22, 2 Kings 17:24-41

"The Israelites persisted in all the sins of Jeroboam and did not turn away from them".
2 Kings 17:22

In 2 Kings chapter 17 we read about how Israelites are exiled because of their sin.  The Israelites were called to repentance by turning from their evil ways (vs 13), but they would not listen (vs14).

For every action there's a reaction, and with sin there's a consequence.  No sin goes unpunished; the Israelites received punishment for their disobedience to God.  A scary point as I type this out and reflect on my own life......    

"But the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt with mighty power and outstretched arm, is the one you must worship. To him you shall bow down and to him offer sacrifices."
2 Kings 17:36

Throughout Scripture we are invited to worship God, who is worthy to be praised.  We are to adore and give Him glory for all He has done.    

Without turning from every evil way, and keeping God's statutes, there can be no true godliness.  So why did Israel fall?  Because they did not follow the one true God.

This reading was a good reminder for me to continually praise God for what He has done for me, and to stay focused on Him and His commands.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 1:1-4:6