Monday, June 6: 1 Kings 12:1-20, 2 Chronicles10:1-19, 1 Kings 12:21-24, 2Chronicles 11:1-4, 1 Kings 12:25-33, 2Chronicles 11:5-17, 1 Kings 13 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is

1 Kings 12:1-20, 2 Chronicles10:1-19, 1 Kings 12:21-24, 2Chronicles 11:1-4, 1 Kings 12:25-33, 2Chronicles 11:5-17, 1 Kings 13

Advice. Sometimes we seek it. Sometimes we give it. Sometimes it comes to us unasked for. It's always hard to know which advice to take and which advice to leave and which advice is truly beneficial in the end. 

Today's passage explores King Rehoboam's rise to the throne and also his desire to seek advice. When questioned if he could ease the load of his new citizens, Rehoboam's was wise to not answer immediately. Instead he asked for time to carefully consider a decision over the next 3 days. Sometimes we jump in to a situation without carefully considering the options and this isn't always good. Rehoboam first seeks the advice of his father's counsel--a group of people who worked closely with Solomon and were experienced in knowing the ways of the people. They recommended that he give in and ease the load in order to create happy citizens who were willing to serve him. Then not really liking what he heard, he sought the advice of his peers who gave him the advice to come down even harder to show them who was boss....and he did just that. We can weigh out our options and take careful time to make sure we don't make a quick decision but we can still sometimes end up following bad advice. 

Although it is sometimes wise to consider all options, I think it also can be detrimental to continually search out advice until you find what you are looking for. With the handy invention of the internet, you can find support for almost any argument you want to make regardless of how crazy or harmful it may be. Even Bible verses can be grossly misinterpreted to support a stance that is contrary to biblical teachings. If you look long enough or ask enough people, you will find people who will give you the advice you are hoping to find.

In the final part of today's reading, we learn about the holy man who is sent on a mission from God to bring a warning. This man had his mission, had his instructions, and was there to follow them. However, he was easily swayed from his instructions by a false prophet who brought him bad advice: to ignore what God had told him and instead follow the words of a man. The holy man made the decision to disobey God's order ‘You shall neither eat bread nor drink water nor return by the way that you came.' because of the lie of the false prophet. Maybe he was hungry? Maybe he thought he was not supposed to stay with the king but an ordinary citizen was ok? Maybe he thought because the man had met him on a different road than he had arrive on that this was part of a new plan? Who knows. What we do know is that there is always a choice to obey and a choices to disobey and with disobedience comes consequences. The prophet's consequences were swift and he met his end at the hands of a lion just mere hours later. 

There's a verse I have up  in my classroom at school "Get all the advice and instruction you can so that you will be wise the rest of your life" Proverbs 19:20 and it's a good grade 1 motto since they are learning by leaps and bounds each day but it is also good for us "seasoned" students too as be work at being discerning when we receive all the advice and instruction and we evaluate its validity and truth. May we seek good advice and follow good advice and know what God would want us to do.
 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:

1 Kings 14:1-18, 21-24, 2Chronicles 12:13-14, 2 Chronicles11:18-23, 1 Kings 14:25-28, 2Chronicles 12:1-12, 1 Kings 14:29-31,2 Chronicles 12:15-16, 1 Kings 15:1-8,2 Chronicles 13:1-22

Sunday, June 5th:Ecclesiastes 9-12~Jay

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is; Ecclesiastes 9-12

A one of the stated wisest men in the world (based on his request to God and God granting it), personally it is very interesting to see Solomon's perspective and thoughts.  In today's media, there is no end of opinion and posturing from those that I would consider less than wise (I apologize to those who may be Trump enthusiasts).

There were a few gems that stuck with me from today's reading:

1) Chapter 9 vs 12:  Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come: We can plan, work hard and make all sorts of preparation for the future, but no-one knows his appointed time to die.  For me, I often need to take a step back and view my thoughts, actions, and ultimately my plans in light of this.  Am I prepared? Have I done all I can or should have to further the Lord's kingdom?

2) Chapter 9 vs 17:  The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.We often turn our attention to the loudest and most bold of individuals (sorry...again Trump leaps to mind) while wisdom needs to be sought out from those who may be meek, but are able to impart true wisdom.

3) Chapter 10 vs 4: If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post;
 calmness can lay great offenses to rest.  If someone in a position of authority (or anyone for that matter) reacts with strong emotion towards us...it is best to take a breath and be calm in our response as we carry on.  It can diffuse many a situation where we have the potential to only escalate the situation if we respond with emotion.

4) Chapter 10 vs 20: Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird in the sky may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.Whatever our opinion is of those who may be in authority over us (Government Leaders, Pastors, Employers, etc) we should not speak ill of them...even in the privacy of our homes. Somehow in life whenever we speak poorly of someone else...it has a tendency to get back to them. Better to not speak the words at all...than worry about who will repeat what you have said. (Guess I should have paid attention to this before I wrote the comment on Trump:)   

5) Chapter 12 vs 1: Remember your Creator in the days of your youth,
before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say,    “I find no pleasure in them” We need to have a consistent walk with God throughout our lives.  When we are younger (I no longer place myself in this category) we might tend to think that we will have plenty of time to work on our relationship with God once we are not so busy. The habits and activities of our youth have a way of causing scars on our lives. Service to God should be a life-long commitment, regardless of age.    

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:

Saturday, June 4th: Ecclesiastes 5-8 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ecclesiastes 5-8

Most of the verses that spoke to me today were in Chapter 5.

v1-2 As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut. It is evil to make mindless offerings to God. Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few.

I love that last part in particular.  Who do we think we are?  We need to remember that God is God, and we are not.  Maybe, just maybe, we should sit and listen and let Him do the talking once in awhile!

v4-6  When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him.It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it. Don’t let your mouth make you sin. And don’t defend yourself by telling the Temple messenger that the promise you made was a mistake. That would make God angry, and he might wipe out everything you have achieved.

If the phrase "think before you speak" is true, "think before you promise God" even more so!  We've all heard people make empty promises to us that you know they have no intention of keeping.  God knows, beyond  a shadow of a doubt, whether or not we mean what we say and if we have any intention on following through on our promises.  He cannot be mocked.

v10-11 Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth—except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers!

So true! Wealth does not bring true happiness.  Of course, it can buy stuff that brings fleeting happiness, but it is never a source of true joy.

v18-20 Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life.  And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God.  God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.
Though God never promises material wealth on this earth, He does want us to derive pleasure from the good things this life has to offer, and the good things He brings into our lives.  And there always are good things, if you look for them!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ecclesiastes 9-12

Friday June 3rd: 1 Kings 11, 2 Chronicles 9:29-31, Ecclesiastes 1-4 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: 1 Kings 11, 2 Chronicles 9:29-31, Ecclesiastes 1-4

A couple of things I thought about while reading today's passages:

"He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray. "  1 Kings 11:3

I am pretty certain that I know Pamela better than Solomon knew any of his wives.  Along with that, we have a mutual relationship consisting of respect, trust, and humility that you just cannot have with 700 wives.  But an even more important characteristic in our marriage is our joint decision to put God first.  King Solomon loved many foreign women besides Pharoah's daughter.  Solomon did not follow the Lord completely in His instruction to not intermarry.  

The first 11 verses in this chapter spoke of the danger of a mixed marriage.  Solomon's decision to intermarry resulted in the nation that he helped build, to become split after his reign.  Taken from what should have been his sons, and placed into the hands of Solomon's subordinates.  

It has always been on our prayer list for our kids to marry a strong believer and this is even more so now in our prayers as the dating years appear to be upon them. 

"Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher.  “Utterly meaningless!  Everything is meaningless."  Ecclesiastes 1:2

The author for this book is finding that the meaning of life appears to be meaningless.  They are unable to discover a pattern that makes sense.  God is a mystery and death will eventually strike everyone.

"I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was good for people to do under the heavens during the few days of their lives."  Ecclesiastes 2:3

The author is not content with what he is finding.  He actively went out to search for answers.  There were different areas of investigation; education, pleasures, working hard to gain material possessions - all to no avail.  He does not want to stop searching until he finds the answer to the meaning of life.  

Do you know anyone like this?  I do.  They are unsure just as the author is here.  They travel, save money, purchase expensive vehicles, shop for clothes, engage in relationships, but are unable to find the answer.

If life seems to have no purpose to us, we too should be searching.  With God's Word giving us light, we will find the answer!

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:"  

Ecclesiastes 3:1

When God created the world, He also designed time; day and night.  More important are significant periods in one's personal life; there is a time for everything.  Even when we go through tough times, He wants us to make the most out of each opportunity that He places before us.    

As each day passes, God is moving towards the final chapter in history.  The most important fact is to realize that today is the day of salvation.  Just like Pastor Ron's last sermon; "Don't stand around waiting for Me to return".

    

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ecclesiastes 5-8

Thursday June 2: Song of Solomon 5-8 ~Cameron

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Song of Solomon 5-8

Is anyone else a little hot and bothered? Song of Solomon contains some of the earliest recorded erotica. The final part of chapter 5 (verses 10-16) contains one of the earliest accounts of a woman describing the appealing aspects of her lover's physique.

But why, in verse 1, does he say "my sister"? Some modern translations have substituted "my sister" with "my treasure" or something similar. "My sister" was originally used in order to communicate a truth about relationships.

From Dr. Joel Hoffman
Similarly, kinship terms like “father,” “brother,” “sister,” etc. were used in the Bible specifically to indicate power structure. This is why the romantic Song of Solomon — the Bible’s only full length treatise on relationships — says “my sister, my bride” or “my sister, my spouse.” On its face, that English translation is not only unromantic but in fact felonious. The original point, however, was that the woman in this relationship should be the man’s equal.

Considering the point in history this was written, equality in a relationship would have been very progressive.

I have friends who perform marriage seminars (Doing Family Right). During the intimacy section of the weekends, they have spouses read portions of Song of Solomon to each other. It can get awkward. Try it. Husbands, read chapter 7:1-9 to your wife. Wives, respond with chapter 7:10-13. Now tell the kids to go to bed.

Marriage is a blessing to be cherished and nurtured. Invest in it and you will reap returns.



Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Kings 11, 2 Chronicles 9:29-31, Ecclesiastes 1-4

Wednesday, June 1st: Song of Songs 1-4 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Song of Solomon 1-4

I found this book a little confusing when I first started to read these chapters, I wasn't always sure who was represented by what.. etc, so I used the help of the Matthew Henry commentary to help me understand what I was reading. I wanted to get an understanding of this book at the beginning, so I have an idea what I'm reading as we go through it in the coming days.

In the first chapter we read an exchange between God and the church (believers), going back and forth expressing their love for each other. We see poetry used in these verses to show God's great love for us,

Song of Solomon 1:15 How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes are doves.

In the second chapter we read how Christ speaks, concerning himself and the church, and encourages us to get up and come with Him,

Song of Solomon 2:10 My beloved spoke and said to me, “Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me.

Chapter 3 talks at the beginning of how the church has lost its way and is searching again for God, and to be right with God again.

Song of Solomon 3:4 Scarcely had I passed them when I found the one my heart loves. I held him and would not let him go till I had brought him to my mother's house, to the room of the one who conceived me.

In chapter 4 we read how Jesus has adopted and called the church to be His. He compliments her beauty in poetic fashion in verse 11,

Song of Solomon 4:11 Your lips drop sweetness as the honeycomb, my bride; milk and honey are under your tongue. The fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Song of Solomon 5-8

Tuesday, May 31st: Proverbs 22-24 ~ Danae

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

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. 
Proverbs 22:1

Do we work as hard toward having a “good name” on a daily basis as we do to make sure that we are living comfortably & affording our desires?

What do we do to achieve a “good name”?

He who loves a pure heart & whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend. 
Proverbs 22:11

How do our words come through?  Do we speak with love & gentleness?

Apply your heart to instruction & your ears to words of knowledge. 
Proverbs 23:12

How do we accept advice from others?  Does our pride get in the way or can we take it & use it to better ourselves?

Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. 
Proverbs 23:17

Do we try to get away with doing things that we know are not honouring to God?  Are we “Sunday morning” Christians or do we live for God every day of the week?

For waging war you need guidance, & for victory many advisers. 
Proverbs 24:6

Are we able to seek counsel from others when we need to make big decisions?

Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice. 

Proverbs 24:17

Can we love & hurt for those that have mistreated us when it is clear that they need God or to we relish when they fall?

Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, or use your lips to deceive.  Do not say, “I'll do to him as he has done to me; I'll pay that man back for what he did.”

Proverbs 24:28&29

Are we willing to forgive?

What do people think of when they think of us?

Do they know us to be considerate in our words, humble & willing to consider advice, an example of a Godly person every day of the week, forgiving & not finding joy in others’ pain?

Do our names & who we are reflect God daily?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Song of Solomon 1-4

Monday, May 30th: Proverbs 19-21 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Proverbs 19-21

Once again, sooo many verses stood out to me, but here a few I chose to comment on.....

Proverbs 19:3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.

People are quick to blame God for everything bad in their lives, or even in the world around them, but are not so quick to praise Him for the good.  

The truth is, when we live foolishly, we have no one to blame for our troubles but ourselves.  We are responsible for our choices.  There are no excuses.  Yes, there are things outside of our control that can make it more difficult to make the right choice or to live wisely, but ultimately, we are still responsible.  Despite a bad childhood.  Despite difficult circumstances.  Despite a job loss.  Despite moving. Despite having a lack of friends.  At some point, we need to stop passing the buck and place the blame where it clearly belongs, at our own feet.

Thankfully, Jesus stands ready to forgive our foolish mistakes if we only run to Him instead of away from Him.

Proverbs 19:11 Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. 

How many times to we take offense to something someone said or did, that they probably didn't even mean to offend us in the first place?  How often to we presume upon someone's motives?  How often do we hold a grudge for a small infraction or a perceived insult?  Maybe someone didn't acknowledge us for something we did, or said something that offended us?  Nurturing this bitterness is toxic to us.

We need to give people the benefit of the doubt.  When someone we love says something, and there are two ways to take it, one of which is hurtful and one of which is not, we need to assume they did not intend to hurt us.  We need to give the benefit of the doubt.

And sometimes, even when there is intent, it's really ok to let it go, and overlook the wrong.

Proverbs 20:11 Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.

Our actions reveal who we are.  Even in children.  As parents, we cannot excuse sinful actions on the basis of age.  Our hearts are wicked, right from the beginning.  If their behaviour would not be cute when they're 14, it shouldn't be allowed when they're 3.  And, it's also something to remember about ourselves!  What do our actions say about us?

Proverbs 21:2 People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.

Isn't it so easy to justify our own sin?  We can make excuse after excuse.  But God cannot be mocked and He cannot be fooled.  He can see our hearts and knows our motives.  And truthfully, it doesn't matter what we think, it matters what God thinks.  If my opinion differs from His, guess who's wrong?  Me.  Every time.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Proverbs 22-24

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

Saturday, May 29: Proverbs 11-14 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Proverbs 11-14

Sorry, this is late, we had some troubles posting.

A few verses stood out to me in today's passage:

A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. - Proverbs 12:16

This is a struggle for me. My first instinct when someone insults me is to defend myself in a not-so-kind way. This does not match up to the phrase "what would Jesus do?" That's what I often need to remind myself when someone is insulting me, or in any situation. Jesus would act out of love. Insulting that person back, and starting an argument? Probably not what Jesus would do. 

Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. - Proverbs 12:25

There are many little things we can do or say that could make someone's day, or cheer them up. Making eye contact with someone you pass in the hallway and giving them a smile, asking someone how they day was and actually caring about their answer, opening doors for people, saying "sorry" when you bump into someone, and many more things.

Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. - Proverbs 13:3

How many times have I said something and while saying it realised it wasn't something I should say? And how many times have I tried to make it better by saying something else which really made it worse? This would be a very long blog post if I explained all the times I've done that. Coming from a talkative family (😉), I often speak without thinking, and this has gotten me into trouble many a time. It's something God is teaching me; be slow to speak, and quick to listen.

Father, help us to be slow to speak, and quick to listen. Help us to remember "what would Jesus do?" And help us to encourage somebody in a small way this week, because we know You can take anything and turn it into something amazing.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Proverbs 15-18