Old Testament – Today we read about the passing of the prophet Elisha! I am sad that our readings of Elijah and Elisha are now behind us. I don't know what it was about these 2 prophets, but I loved them. Sure, they were a bit rough and gruff at times, but also very tender. They'd send fire down from heaven to kill the prophets of Baal and bears from the trees to kill mockers, but then they'd care for widows. I'm wondering if in our lives today we should be a mix of rough & gruff at times, but also very tender? Should we be rough and gruff toward those that are modern day "prophets of Baal" and tender toward those who need God? I have to confess, I'm rarely rough and gruff toward anyone – well, okay, maybe myself! :) Let me know your thoughts in the Comments below if you think rough and gruff should be in our personality mix at all today? Before Elisha passes he does give one final prophecy to King Joash about beating the Arameans 3 times, just after 2 Kings 13 verses 16 & 17: "Then Elisha told the king of Israel to put his hand on the bow, and Elisha laid his own hands on the king's hands. Then he commanded, "Open that eastern window," and he opened it. Then he said, "Shoot!" So he did."
Then we read about Elisha's passing. Even once Elisha passes on, his bones still give life! I think this is simply because of the life-giving power of God whom Elisha represented during his life. It wasn't the bones themselves that gave life. It was God. Verses 20 & 21 tell us: "Then Elisha died and was buried. Groups of Moabite raiders used to invade the land each spring. Once when some Israelites were burying a man, they spied a band of these raiders. So they hastily threw the body they were burying into the tomb of Elisha. But as soon as the body touched Elisha's bones, the dead man revived and jumped to his feet!" Below is an image from a woodcut from the Nuremberg Bible, from the year 1483, of the recovery of the deadman who touched the bones of Elisha in today's readings:
In 2 Kings 14 today we read about King Amaziah of Judah. I'm not sure if you caught this – I barely did – but we read about the ancient city of Petra, which is located in modern day Jordan, in verse 7: "It was Amaziah who killed ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He also conquered Sela and changed its name to Joktheel, as it is called to this day." Sela/Joktheel is the same city as Petra. I'm curious if anyone reading this has visited the ruins of Petra in Jordan? Can you post up reviews in the Comments? Are they worth visiting? I have heard they are incredible! In fact, Bruce Feiler's book, Walking the Bible, has a wonderful chapter on Petra – I highly recommend this book! I hope to visit Petra someday. A map of where Petra is located in comparison to Amman, Jordan, and Jerusalem is below.
New Testament – Today in our readings in Acts, we are introduced to Apollos! Apollos loved God, but initially he didn't fully understand that Jesus gave believers the gift of the Holy Spirit. Apollos understood repentance of sins very well – that was the "baptism of John (The Baptist)" that he preached. Repent from sins and be baptized was Apollos' message, without a strong teaching of the gift of the Holy Spirit after belief in Christ. Well, Priscilla and Acquila more fully explained the Gospel and then Paul introduced the Holy Spirit to believers who were initially taught by Apollos before he learned the full Gospel. A good overview of "Who was Apollos?" is at gotquestions.org at this link. I love that they say at another commentary, "Apollos was teachable." Inferring that you and I should be teachable too when it comes to our faith! Are you teachable? Or do you know it all? 🙂
Psalms – I love Psalm 146 verse 9 today: "The LORD protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows." If God protects foreigners, orphans and widows, should we protect these folks in our communities as well? How in your life today are you caring for orphans and widows and foreigners? Below is Psalm 146 verses 5 through 10 in another language (can anyone identify this language? I'm sure one of our readers can…), but I think we'll get the point of this image with these 5 verses (re-read verses 5 through 10 again and reflect on this image for a moment):
Proverbs – Proverbs 18 verse 2 remind you of anyone you know? 🙂 "Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions." I am sure each of us is probably thinking of someone else… but I think maybe each of us needs to reflect on this Proverb and ourselves as well… Do you literally listen twice as much as you talk? (hence two ears, once mouth) Do you truly listen to others to gain understanding of their point of view? Or are you quick to rush to air your own opinions? I know that personally I need to reflect on this one… Let us pray each of us has interest in understanding and not just in hearing ourselves talk talk talk! Let us listen!
Worship Video: Today's Psalm and reading about Paul's life in Acts recently reminds me of the Avalon song "Testify to Love:"
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save." Psalm 146:3 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you are not placing your hope or trust or worship in mere human beings, who cannot truly save you. Rather, pray that your allegiance is wholly to Jesus, as your LORD and savior.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
Mike I like your “rough and gruff” question. I for one believe we do not allow the Holy Spirit to tell us how to respond to any given situation or we suppress what we are being led to say and the tone we are being led to speak it in because we are in fear. We fear what others will think of us or that we will offend others. Many of us even believe that if we speak ever so gentile then the person or people we are speaking to will come running to the Lord either for Salvation or to Repentance.
I have been so “rough and gruff” from time to time when speaking or dealing with people at times I have even looked around and said, “Who said that?” I have even dealt gently with people who were out of control, belligerent and just plan “off-the-hook,” when I just wanted to bop the on the head. In a bible study I was leading on the unproductive fig tree, one of the people who lived on the street, a man, became so unruly because of the topic, he began cursing and shouted, “Why are you bringing up this Bible stuff?” I told him, “To seat down, shut up or leave; after all this is a church.” The authority, volume and intensity of my voice stunned even me. About 18 months latter, as I entered a subway train that a very seldom take I hear someone call my name. Recognizing no one on the I proceeded to take a seat. Again, I heard my name and then he added, “This is Padro.” Here before me was the man who had been out of control now in front of me in his right mind and I didn’t even recognize him. He had cleaned himself up, got into rehab, reconnected with his family and was going to church for a reason other than getting a free meal. I was absolutely stunned. When the original incident happened, there were none too few people rebuking me for my “attitude.” However, that “attitude” was what God used to speak to him.
When directed by the Holy Spirit, “rough and gruff” or “sweet as peaches,” God gives you the “attitude” needed to get the job done.
Grace and peace, Ramona
====
I have to admit the kings have become a handful for me…I just don't seem to keep track who's whose son and what who did…it was interesting to note that although Jehoahaz did evil in the eyes of God,God was still merciful…and his son Jehoash although he had no regard for God and did evil in His sight,seemed to be fond of Elisha whom he called his father….strange…What also seems strange is that Elisha had a double portion of the annointing….his bones had raised the dead…yet he himself died due to an illness…. I believe when you have a passion for God in your heart and you seek Him,no matter where you are God'll make sure you are taught his ways.I had planned to read the bible through a few times and failed…the God showed me a way to do it..May God lead us all to those who are searching and whose hearts are ready to receive God…may God sustain us in praying for those whose hearts are hardened so that they too may be ready to receive Him…May God keep our hearts steadfast and our hopes alive even when it seems we're in the eye of a tornado…. God bless you all Anka
====
Anka,
I meant to post this about "double portion" back in 2Kings. It makes sense to me – otherwise why not ask for three, four or five times as much? Double portion was used for a reason, and must have had a Biblical reference – I think the comment below might be correct.
The idea of a double portion was not to ask for twice as much as Elijah had, but to ask for the portion that went to the firstborn son, as in Deuteronomy 21:17. Elisha asked for the right to be regarded as the successor of Elijah, as his firstborn son in regard to ministry. Yet Elisha had already been designated as Elijah’s successor (1 Kings 19:19). This was a request for the spiritual power to fulfill the calling he already received.
A comment about the 'rough and gruffness' of Elijah and Elisha. Although there are times their behaviour seems odd, I like that they are not 'modeling' this "miss good manners' approach to the kingdom way of life. They remind me of wild eyed, passionate, hard driving people like John the baptist. I sometimes think that Christians equate nice behaviour with authentic godliness. Whatever their 'quirks' they model to me 'originality and spontaneity'. Rarely does it say they dishonoured God by their 'oddness'. I think erwin McManus' is on to something profound in his book The Barbarian Way. He suggests we have become way too civilized as Christians. Christianity has become a pseudoynm for politeness and proper manner, yada, yada. We have managed to 'hush' out the passion in the lives of our young and some have opted for other non Christian spiritualities that they will surely find wanting, but for a time find appealing.
thanks Elijah and Elisha for being real and for modeling the God life in its various dimensions. We may not understand you but let's let Jesus have the final word on these guys from Luke 1:17 "And he will go before the Lord, IN THE SPIRIT AND POWER OF ELIJAH, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom fo the righteous–to make a people ready for the Lord."
And james said of elijah in James 5:17 "Elijah was a man just like us…."
Luch
====
I've always had a question about the people in the Old Testament who were unable to keep the law God gave Moses. Did they go to heaven? I'm sure they must have, but how? I've heard different answers. Some say that they when to "the bosom of Abraham". Some say if they believed in the coming Messiah, they went to heaven. What do some of you think?
Shirley
====
Proverbs 18:2 "Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions." This is a great verse. And good advice from Mike about being a better listoner rather than talking all the time. If you are somewhat of an extravert like I am, (one who talks before thinking) It is very good advice to follow. Thinking before writting also applies.
Being a visual person, I was in awe of the photo's of the ruins which showed the buildings that were carved in Rock in Petra. I would love to visit that country to see them for myself. Quite amazing.
Luch, commented about the rough and gruffness of the behavior of Elijah and Elisha. These men were some of the major prophets whose stories are told throughout the bible. We have many examples of modern day leaders and men of God that have very strong personalites. God uses each of us, in a way that we might not even understand. Those whose hearts follow the Lord and yield to His teachings and wisdom, are all valuable and mighty to God. He made us all different for a reason. I always learn something different when I read about the mighty men and woman in bible. Praise God for leaders like Elijah and Elisha.
Anka, I admit all these characters have been a handful for me too, as far as understanding goes. I appreciate always your heartfelt comments and thoughful prayers to the group. Blessings, Laura
Laura
====
I think the language in the graphic is Dutch. No, I can't read it, but with all the o's in between consonants, that's what it looks like
Birdie
====
~Let me know your thoughts in the Comments below if you think rough and gruff should be in our personality mix at all today?
Jesus calls us to be humble as He was. But, I remember when He entered the temple and saw how the people had defiled it…He was tough and gruff. Therefore I believe that we should only be that way if we are defending God stand against evil, or defending our lives or the lives of others. I also remember when Jesus called the Pharisees vipers and whitened sarcophagus. But, He was still humble against verbal attacks. The humbleness He portrayed on the cross was because of the love He feels for us and the obedience He has towards His father. The popular phrase; "What would Jesus do" is a hard thing to live be. There are so many times we Christians try our best to walk in His example but, it is virtually impossible. That is why I am sooooo grateful for His mercy. We serve a mighty Lord!!!!!
~Are you teachable? Or do you know it all? The famous philosopher Plato before he died said: "I only know that I know nothing." I must agree with him 🙂
~If God protects foreigners, orphans and widows, should we protect these folks in our communities as well? Yes we should protect them. We are the church… God commands us to love our neighbor's as ourselves.
~How in your life today are you caring for orphans and widows and foreigners? I help support an orphanage in India. The orphanage consists of 34 children; it is a Christian orphanage in a very pagan country. Various widows live in that orphanage with there small babies. These are called half orphans, because they care for their children, but are fed by the orphanage. The ministry is called "Grace TotalLife Ministry". It is run by Pastor Sunder Lal. He is listed as one of my favorite friends on my profile. Please check to see if you too would like to help.
~(can anyone identify this language? I'm sure one of our readers can…) Yes, It is Dutch. I know that Mae can identify it. Right Mae?":-)
~What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Psalm 146 "The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous: The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down."
As I was looking at the pictures and reading the psalm it really touched me that God says here: " raiseth them that are bowed down".. When a person is homeless they are either on the floor sleeping or walking with there head down. I pray that God will supply there every need. That they would find comfort int he Lord.
"The LORD preserveth the strangers; " Here in Miami we have migrant workers that work the field because no one else wants to do it. They have no legal rights. No one defends them. They are victims of cruel violence. Sometimes people get in there homes at night and steel the little they have and vandalize there homes and sometimes even beat them. Please pray for these people. They need so much and are ignored by society
Carmen
====
Yes, that is Dutch..I only know cause I got it wrong earlier this year. Our dear Mae corrected me! I have never been to Petra. In Acts when Aquila and Priscilla were teaching Apollos, i have heard that scripture used wen discussing women teaching men. It is ok for women to teach men if there are no men who are qualified to step up, such as the case with Deborah. Also, they did it as a husband/wife team.
I liked this Psalm: "Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; In that very day his plans perish."
I think sometimes we become too reliant on other people. I mean its good we love, help, be with people, but we must know they are ppl. I have seen so many turn from God and devote themselves to their romantic relationships over God. BAD CHOICE! I certainly have been prone to that, God has pulled me away many times…its actually very painful! but, God loves me so He disciplines me. Ppl fail us, always. thats just a fact. Jesus Christ never fails! "Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the LORD his God"
I think one way to be kind to foreigners is regarding illegal immigrants. I live in southern CA, its a hot topic here. yes, ppl are to abide by laws..but God is above the laws and God told us to love one another and care for the foreigner, to have compassion on others!
Jenny
====
I think I may need some ruff and gruff myself. While this is hardly a place to air our personal problems, I am crying out to my one year bible family. I am 42, very healthy, and really quite well functioning. My only daughter graduated from high school and my mom retired on Friday. These two events have me so thrown off. I can't stop crying, I can't stop worrying about my inability to pay for my daughter to go to college and yet I know it will work out somehow. I feel afraid because my parents have always been financially stable and strong and now they are not, and it's time for me to grow up. I feel like I need a good talking to, a ruff and gruff moment of "shake it off, knock it off and grow up!" I just need some help. You are all "strangers", but I read your words everyday, and respect you greatly. Sorry about the inappropriateness of this note in this forum. Thanks.
Lori
====
I have been to Petra and YES go when you get the opportunity. It is so much larger in reality than when you see it in pictures or movies. Thank you for pointing out that Sela was Petra; I did not realize that. AND I believe that it will be the place where Israel runs to be saved during the Tribulation.
Margaret
====
Hi Mike, Just wanted you to know how much I am enjoying your blog. Thank you for the countless hours you must sacrifice putting all of this together to allow all of us here to just come and sit and read and worship and pray. I know it is kingdom work and your reward will be from the Lord for your passion to see people in God's Word. I am also thankful that I have been found faithful in my reading and I am thrilled that being part of the One Year Bible Blog has helped me to be so. Blessings to you from this thankful heart.
Jane
====
I came across your blog today. I'm currently reading through the One Year Bible (just started this month). In reading today's passage, several things stood out to me. Including: 1) 2 Kings 13:3-4 the people were being defeated by their enemies due to their own disobedience but when even when a wicked King turned and prayed God heard and answered his prayer. The prayer was Lord answered by sending a person to help defeat their enemies. 2. Even in oppression God did not allow Israel to be completely destroyed. 3) vs. 19 sometimes we quit to quickly-one time victory doesn't mean our enemies will not come back again. 4)where to put my confidence-just to list a few.
Wanda
====
Yes, I do think that sometimes we have to be rough and gruff and I seem to have a problem with that, but I am learning. I have a person in my life who always tries to use my Christianity against me just because I don't do everything just the way they think it should be done.
Stacey
====
I am not sure of the "rough and gruff" aspect of our personalities. This is something good to think about. We dealt with bullying at our school this year, and part of the teaching was working with the 98% who are not the bully or the bullied. The 98% who observe it, stand by and do nothing. I think of that saying (loose paraphrase) "All that it takes for evil to flourish, is that good men stand by and do nothing." This reminds me that we should always resist oppression or evil, and not just stand by wrigning our hands.
Does this mean that we may need to be "rough and gruff" at times? I really don't know!
For myself, I can honestly say that most of the times I have been "rough and gruff" especially with my children, are sin on my part. But possibly, there is a time to be "rough and gruff" in standing up for the gospel? I would welcome others' thoughts.
Eve
====
Rough and Gruff, WOW. As a retired LEO(Law enforcement Officer 40+ years ) I have a very difficult time moving over to the Meek and Mild side. It's almost impossible to do sometime,with the help of the Holy Spirit I am trying to control the Ruff and Gruff. My Ruff and Gruff side sees only Black and White,not to many shades of Grey. Thank You for your Blog.
Martin
====
I agree with you Martin, after 26 years in the military my family still reminds You are not in the Navy now so use your tender voice. Thanks Mike for leading us.
Doug
====
Hello! I visited Jordan including Petra last year. It is one of the most amazing places I've ever seen. I always pick places that are mentioned in the Bible. I also went to Ephesus last year. It is really nice.
Rita
====
I’m thinking of Apollo’s and how he was familiar with John’s baptism but needed the Truth about Jesus Christ’s death resurrection and forgiveness. I recently finished a class called Perspectives which address missions. I have been praying for the Unreached. Muslims and Jews have part of the understandings they need the gospel. They are very much Apollo’s. Please pray for their salvation.
Susan
====
Sadly, rough and gruff comes a bit too easily for me a lot of the time. I often need to show more grace than I do.
The story of Apollos reminds me of the context I was saved in. The Baptist church where I was saved and baptized in 1987 had more or less done away with the Holy Spirit, to the point of referring to Charismatics as children of the Devil simply because they practiced the sign gifts.
I need to blog about that whole experience, I think. It's a big part of why I started drifting quite soon after I was saved. I was young and couldn't just live my whole life on the promise of going to Heaven one day, which was all my church seemed to care about. I wanted life, the fulness of life that I had been promised in the Gospel, but I didn't know how… so I toddled off into the occult and got lost there for 20 years before returning to Christ earlier this year.
He saved me all over again and this time, I'm able to find all the relevant teachings to help me grow online. Once the lockdown is over I pray the Lord will help me find the right church home–One that doesn't deny the gifts of the Spirit.
Fred
====
You asked about Petra. My wife and I visited Petra about 5 years ago. In my opinion, it was well worth the time. It was a bit complicated to get there because the tour originated from the Jordanian side, and we entered from Israel, thus a customs experience. Once on the tour bus, things went smoothly. At Petra, you have a choice of walking into the canyons or doing another guided tour riding in on a buggy pulled by mules. Walking in was downhill, so it was easy. It was hot coming back out, so the uphill walk was a bit more challenging. Do some research before going in, and it will have more meaning.
Edward
====
Yes I love that Ramona. Rough, gruff..smooth as peaches the Lord directs us. And yes Mike it's hard to believe the stories of Elijah and Elisha are behind us. They were a force to be reckoned with.
Acts..got to learn that imperfect people are willing to be taught and taught me that we have to be teachable..
Psalm: praise the Lord..and yes the Lotd cares for us all even the orphans and widows..
Proverbs: and yes I don't want to be a fool. 2 ears one mouth for a reason
3 responses to “June 28th Bible in a Year Readings”
Karen & Ed Stadjuhar
Been to Petra. It is an amazing place and well worth visiting. We walked into the ruins via the canyon. It starts off as what one would think is just a small draw, but the starts a narrow decent into the large deep canyons where the buildings are I am sure there are some uTube videos out there about Petra. Spend some time studying them. Well with the time.
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Karen & Ed Stadjuhar
Been to Petra. It is an amazing place and well worth visiting. We walked into the ruins via the canyon. It starts off as what one would think is just a small draw, but the starts a narrow decent into the large deep canyons where the buildings are I am sure there are some uTube videos out there about Petra. Spend some time studying them. Well with the time.
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Karen & Ed Stadjuhar
Been to Petra. It is an amazing place and well worth visiting. We walked into the ruins via the canyon. It starts off as what one would think is just a small draw, but the starts a narrow decent into the large deep canyons where the buildings are I am sure there are some uTube videos out there about Petra. Spend some time studying them. Well with the time.
Anka,
I meant to post this about "double portion" back in 2Kings. It makes sense to me – otherwise why not ask for three, four or five times as much? Double portion was used for a reason, and must have had a Biblical reference – I think the comment below might be correct.
The idea of a double portion was not to ask for twice as much as Elijah had, but to ask for the portion that went to the firstborn son, as in Deuteronomy 21:17. Elisha asked for the right to be regarded as the successor of Elijah, as his firstborn son in regard to ministry. Yet Elisha had already been designated as Elijah’s successor (1 Kings 19:19). This was a request for the spiritual power to fulfill the calling he already received.
http://www.enduringword.com/commentaries/1202.htm
Thanks for jogging my failing 🙁 memory.
John
====
A comment about the 'rough and gruffness' of Elijah and Elisha. Although there are times their behaviour seems odd, I like that they are not 'modeling' this "miss good manners' approach to the kingdom way of life. They remind me of wild eyed, passionate, hard driving people like John the baptist. I sometimes think that Christians equate nice behaviour with authentic godliness. Whatever their 'quirks' they model to me 'originality and spontaneity'. Rarely does it say they dishonoured God by their 'oddness'. I think erwin McManus' is on to something profound in his book The Barbarian Way. He suggests we have become way too civilized as Christians. Christianity has become a pseudoynm for politeness and proper manner, yada, yada. We have managed to 'hush' out the passion in the lives of our young and some have opted for other non Christian spiritualities that they will surely find wanting, but for a time find appealing.
thanks Elijah and Elisha for being real and for modeling the God life in its various dimensions. We may not understand you but let's let Jesus have the final word on these guys from Luke 1:17 "And he will go before the Lord, IN THE SPIRIT AND POWER OF ELIJAH, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom fo the righteous–to make a people ready for the Lord."
And james said of elijah in James 5:17 "Elijah was a man just like us…."
Luch
====
I've always had a question about the people in the Old Testament who were unable to keep the law God gave Moses. Did they go to heaven? I'm sure they must have, but how? I've heard different answers. Some say that they when to "the bosom of Abraham". Some say if they believed in the coming Messiah, they went to heaven. What do some of you think?
Shirley
====
Proverbs 18:2
"Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions." This is a great verse. And good advice from Mike about being a better listoner rather than talking all the time. If you are somewhat of an extravert like I am, (one who talks before thinking) It is very good advice to follow. Thinking before writting also applies.
Being a visual person, I was in awe of the photo's of the ruins which showed the buildings that were carved in Rock in Petra. I would love to visit that country to see them for myself. Quite amazing.
Luch, commented about the rough and gruffness of the behavior of Elijah and Elisha. These men were some of the major prophets whose stories are told throughout the bible. We have many examples of modern day leaders and men of God that have very strong personalites. God uses each of us, in a way that we might not even understand. Those whose hearts follow the Lord and yield to His teachings and wisdom, are all valuable and mighty to God. He made us all different for a reason. I always learn something different when I read about the mighty men and woman in bible. Praise God for leaders like Elijah and Elisha.
Anka, I admit all these characters have been a handful for me too, as far as understanding goes. I appreciate always your heartfelt comments and thoughful prayers to the group. Blessings, Laura
Laura
====
I think the language in the graphic is Dutch. No, I can't read it, but with all the o's in between consonants, that's what it looks like
Birdie
====
~Let me know your thoughts in the Comments below if you think rough and gruff should be in our personality mix at all today?
Jesus calls us to be humble as He was. But, I remember when He entered the temple and saw how the people had defiled it…He was tough and gruff. Therefore I believe that we should only be that way if we are defending God stand against evil, or defending our lives or the lives of others. I also remember when Jesus called the Pharisees vipers and whitened sarcophagus. But, He was still humble against verbal attacks. The humbleness He portrayed on the cross was because of the love He feels for us and the obedience He has towards His father. The popular phrase; "What would Jesus do" is a hard thing to live be. There are so many times we Christians try our best to walk in His example but, it is virtually impossible. That is why I am sooooo grateful for His mercy. We serve a mighty Lord!!!!!
~Are you teachable? Or do you know it all?
The famous philosopher Plato before he died said: "I only know that I know nothing." I must agree with him 🙂
~If God protects foreigners, orphans and widows, should we protect these folks in our communities as well?
Yes we should protect them. We are the church… God commands us to love our neighbor's as ourselves.
~How in your life today are you caring for orphans and widows and foreigners?
I help support an orphanage in India. The orphanage consists of 34 children; it is a Christian orphanage in a very pagan country. Various widows live in that orphanage with there small babies. These are called half orphans, because they care for their children, but are fed by the orphanage. The ministry is called "Grace TotalLife Ministry". It is run by Pastor Sunder Lal. He is listed as one of my favorite friends on my profile. Please check to see if you too would like to help.
~(can anyone identify this language? I'm sure one of our readers can…) Yes, It is Dutch. I know that Mae can identify it. Right Mae?":-)
~What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?
Psalm 146
"The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:
The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down."
As I was looking at the pictures and reading the psalm it really touched me that God says here:
" raiseth them that are bowed down".. When a person is homeless they are either on the floor sleeping or walking with there head down. I pray that God will supply there every need. That they would find comfort int he Lord.
"The LORD preserveth the strangers; " Here in Miami we have migrant workers that work the field because no one else wants to do it. They have no legal rights. No one defends them. They are victims of cruel violence. Sometimes people get in there homes at night and steel the little they have and vandalize there homes and sometimes even beat them. Please pray for these people. They need so much and are ignored by society
Carmen
====
Yes, that is Dutch..I only know cause I got it wrong earlier this year. Our dear Mae corrected me! I have never been to Petra.
In Acts when Aquila and Priscilla were teaching Apollos, i have heard that scripture used wen discussing women teaching men. It is ok for women to teach men if there are no men who are qualified to step up, such as the case with Deborah. Also, they did it as a husband/wife team.
I liked this Psalm: "Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; In that very day his plans perish."
I think sometimes we become too reliant on other people. I mean its good we love, help, be with people, but we must know they are ppl. I have seen so many turn from God and devote themselves to their romantic relationships over God. BAD CHOICE! I certainly have been prone to that, God has pulled me away many times…its actually very painful! but, God loves me so He disciplines me. Ppl fail us, always. thats just a fact. Jesus Christ never fails!
"Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the LORD his God"
I think one way to be kind to foreigners is regarding illegal immigrants. I live in southern CA, its a hot topic here. yes, ppl are to abide by laws..but God is above the laws and God told us to love one another and care for the foreigner, to have compassion on others!
Jenny
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I think I may need some ruff and gruff myself. While this is hardly a place to air our personal problems, I am crying out to my one year bible family. I am 42, very healthy, and really quite well functioning. My only daughter graduated from high school and my mom retired on Friday. These two events have me so thrown off. I can't stop crying, I can't stop worrying about my inability to pay for my daughter to go to college and yet I know it will work out somehow. I feel afraid because my parents have always been financially stable and strong and now they are not, and it's time for me to grow up. I feel like I need a good talking to, a ruff and gruff moment of "shake it off, knock it off and grow up!" I just need some help. You are all "strangers", but I read your words everyday, and respect you greatly. Sorry about the inappropriateness of this note in this forum. Thanks.
Lori
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I have been to Petra and YES go when you get the opportunity. It is so much larger in reality than when you see it in pictures or movies. Thank you for pointing out that Sela was Petra; I did not realize that.
AND I believe that it will be the place where Israel runs to be saved during the Tribulation.
Margaret
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Hi Mike,
Just wanted you to know how much I am enjoying your blog. Thank you for the countless hours you must sacrifice putting all of this together to allow all of us here to just come and sit and read and worship and pray. I know it is kingdom work and your reward will be from the Lord for your passion to see people in God's Word.
I am also thankful that I have been found faithful in my reading and I am thrilled that being part of the One Year Bible Blog has helped me to be so.
Blessings to you from this thankful heart.
Jane
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I came across your blog today. I'm currently reading through the One Year Bible (just started this month). In reading today's passage, several things stood out to me. Including: 1) 2 Kings 13:3-4 the people were being defeated by their enemies due to their own disobedience but when even when a wicked King turned and prayed God heard and answered his prayer. The prayer was Lord answered by sending a person to help defeat their enemies. 2. Even in oppression God did not allow Israel to be completely destroyed. 3) vs. 19 sometimes we quit to quickly-one time victory doesn't mean our enemies will not come back again. 4)where to put my confidence-just to list a few.
Wanda
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Yes, I do think that sometimes we have to be rough and gruff and I seem to have a problem with that, but I am learning. I have a person in my life who always tries to use my Christianity against me just because I don't do everything just the way they think it should be done.
Stacey
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I am not sure of the "rough and gruff" aspect of our personalities. This is something good to think about. We dealt with bullying at our school this year, and part of the teaching was working with the 98% who are not the bully or the bullied. The 98% who observe it, stand by and do nothing. I think of that saying (loose paraphrase) "All that it takes for evil to flourish, is that good men stand by and do nothing." This reminds me that we should always resist oppression or evil, and not just stand by wrigning our hands.
Does this mean that we may need to be "rough and gruff" at times? I really don't know!
For myself, I can honestly say that most of the times I have been "rough and gruff" especially with my children, are sin on my part. But possibly, there is a time to be "rough and gruff" in standing up for the gospel? I would welcome others' thoughts.
Eve
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Rough and Gruff, WOW. As a retired LEO(Law enforcement Officer 40+ years ) I have a very difficult time moving over to the Meek and Mild side. It's almost impossible to do sometime,with the help of the Holy Spirit I am trying to control the Ruff and Gruff. My Ruff and Gruff side sees only Black and White,not to many shades of Grey. Thank You for your Blog.
Martin
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I agree with you Martin, after 26 years in the military my family still reminds You are not in the Navy now so use your tender voice.
Thanks Mike for leading us.
Doug
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Hello! I visited Jordan including Petra last year. It is one of the most amazing places I've ever seen. I always pick places that are mentioned in the Bible. I also went to Ephesus last year. It is really nice.
Rita
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I’m thinking of Apollo’s and how he was familiar with John’s baptism but needed the Truth about Jesus Christ’s death resurrection and forgiveness. I recently finished a class called Perspectives which address missions. I have been praying for the Unreached. Muslims and Jews have part of the understandings they need the gospel. They are very much Apollo’s. Please pray for their salvation.
Susan
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Sadly, rough and gruff comes a bit too easily for me a lot of the time. I often need to show more grace than I do.
The story of Apollos reminds me of the context I was saved in. The Baptist church where I was saved and baptized in 1987 had more or less done away with the Holy Spirit, to the point of referring to Charismatics as children of the Devil simply because they practiced the sign gifts.
I need to blog about that whole experience, I think. It's a big part of why I started drifting quite soon after I was saved. I was young and couldn't just live my whole life on the promise of going to Heaven one day, which was all my church seemed to care about. I wanted life, the fulness of life that I had been promised in the Gospel, but I didn't know how… so I toddled off into the occult and got lost there for 20 years before returning to Christ earlier this year.
He saved me all over again and this time, I'm able to find all the relevant teachings to help me grow online. Once the lockdown is over I pray the Lord will help me find the right church home–One that doesn't deny the gifts of the Spirit.
Fred
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You asked about Petra. My wife and I visited Petra about 5 years ago. In my opinion, it was well worth the time. It was a bit complicated to get there because the tour originated from the Jordanian side, and we entered from Israel, thus a customs experience. Once on the tour bus, things went smoothly.
At Petra, you have a choice of walking into the canyons or doing another guided tour riding in on a buggy pulled by mules. Walking in was downhill, so it was easy. It was hot coming back out, so the uphill walk was a bit more challenging. Do some research before going in, and it will have more meaning.
Edward
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Yes I love that Ramona. Rough, gruff..smooth as peaches the Lord directs us. And yes Mike it's hard to believe the stories of Elijah and Elisha are behind us. They were a force to be reckoned with.
Acts..got to learn that imperfect people are willing to be taught and taught me that we have to be teachable..
Psalm: praise the Lord..and yes the Lotd cares for us all even the orphans and widows..
Proverbs: and yes I don't want to be a fool. 2 ears one mouth for a reason
Dee