HALF-WAY – Big news! We cross the halfway threshold in our One Year Bible readings today! Whoo-hoo! Yep, June 30th marks the end of our first 6 months of readings and July 1st marks the beginning of our final 6 months of readings. Congratulations!
If by chance you’ve stopped reading the One Year Bible at some point this past six months, how about starting back up with us again as we embark on our final six months? We’d love to have you on the journey with us once again! Let's go!
Old Testament – 2 Kings 17 is a HUGE and very sad chapter today! This is a huge chapter because it is the end of the northern kingdom of Israel. Israel is invaded by Assyria and its people are exiled. It is so sad because the Israelites could have avoided this strife – but the chose to follow in the sins of Jeroboam and worship other gods. After much patience and many second chances by the True and Living God, Israel was allowed to be invaded & exiled for their disobedience. Sad stuff. You can learn more of the history of how this all transpired at this link. An overview map of the Assyrian empire at this time is below:
In 2 Kings 17 verse 41 we will read this about the foreigners in Israel: “Even while these people were worshiping the LORD, they were serving their idols.” If the foreigners both worshiped God AND served idols at the same time back then, do you suppose that we can fall into this same trap today? What would some examples be today of both worshiping God and serving idols at the same time? Are there any areas of your life where you might be serving idols? Will you allow those idols to be turned over to God for his healing and transformation of you? Will you worship God only? Will you leave the idols behind?
Verse 15 stands out and relates to the paragraph & photo above: "They worshiped worthless idols and became worthless themselves." How true is that? Maybe another way to look at it – you are what you worship! (like you are what you eat…) If we worship worthless idols, we become worthless ourselves. If we worship the true living God, we become more like his son Jesus. Would you rather be worthless or becoming like Jesus in this lifetime? And how about after this lifetime? So, who or what are you worshiping these days?
In 2 Kings 18 we are introduced to King Hezekiah of Judah! This is a great day for the southern kingdom of Judah. Check out verses 5 through 7 for an overview of who Hezekiah was – "Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was never another king like him in the land of Judah, either before or after his time. He remained faithful to the LORD in everything, and he carefully obeyed all the commands the LORD had given Moses. So the LORD was with him, and Hezekiah was successful in everything he did." Below is a coloured woodcut from Henry VIII´s Great Bible, from the year 1538, of King Hezekiah burning idols:
New Testament – Acts 20 verse 7 is a great look at an early church service! "On the first day of the week, we gathered to observe the Lord's Supper. Paul was preaching; and since he was leaving the next day, he talked until midnight." Paul preached until midnight? That had to have been one great sermon I am sure!
Well, and yes, Paul raised to life a young man named Eutychus who fell from the window sill during his sermon if you didn't notice! Wow… that's amazing. I honestly think I've kind of flown by this little tidbit before. Paul raised Eutychus from the dead!
Okay, later in the readings Paul gives a powerful farewell address to the elders of the church in Ephesus. Great stuff… Verses 36 & 37 do kind of bring a tear to the eye, no? – "When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. They wept aloud as they embraced him in farewell, sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they accompanied him down to the ship."
Bible.org's commentary on today's Acts readings titled "Paul's Parting Words" is at this link.
Psalms – Psalm 148 is a call for all creation to praise God! I love it. As I was reading this Psalm I was reminded of the Matt Redman song that we sometimes sing in church that goes something like – "Let everything that. Let everything that. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!" I love how the Psalms can stir up worship songs in our minds!
We read this in verse 5 – "Let every created thing give praise to the LORD, for he issued his command, and they came into being." Do you agree with this verse? That you came into being because the Lord commanded it? Do you give thanks to God frequently? And joyfully? Even in the midst of maybe some challenging times in your life, can you still give praise to your Creator?
Proverbs – Proverbs 18:7 today teaches: "The mouths of fools are their ruin; their lips get them into trouble." As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I'm sure all of us probably can think of someone else we think this Proverb really applies to… :) And yet, again, perhaps should we think about ourselves when it comes to this Proverb? How is the condition of your mouth these days? Is it bringing peace, joy, love, teaching, truth, encouragement to others? Or is it bringing talk about you, yourself, and you all of the time… and worse, bringing talk of hate, judgment and ultimately ruin? Let us examine the words that come out of our mouths each and every day! Let our mouth be a fountain of life and love for those around us!
Worship Video: Today's readings in Acts reminded me of Sidewalk Prophets "You Love Me Anyway:"
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:"Let every created thing give praise to the Lord, for he issued his command, and they came into being." Psalm 148:5 NLT
Prayer Point: Pray a prayer of praise to God today for creating you! Pray a prayer of praise every day for God's loving care for you and all of His creation.
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: How have the first 6 months of our One Year Bible readings been for you? Has God changed you in any way these past 6 months because of our readings? What are you looking forward to as we look toward our next 6 months of readings coming up? Also, 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:
II Kings 17:1-18:12
Mike you ask the question, “If the foreigners both worshiped God AND served idols at the same time back then, do you suppose that we can fall into this same trap today?” Sadly the answer is yes and we can fall into that trap and not even know we are in it. Many of us scope-our-horror (horoscopes) while reading the bible and confessing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We idolize the god of Chance as we stand on line to purchase lottery tickets, or head to Atlantic City or Vegas to try our luck. We network in groups with people we don’t like to advance careers we hate by celebrating the god of Business Contacts. We join others in-group worship raising our voices to the gods of group think, Might-Makes-Right and There-Are-More-of-Us-Then-You. We don’t trust God to do what He said He will do.
In truth anything we place above God as our source, provider and protector, to name just a few, is idolatry. We even can idolize God’s laws and commandments instead of looking to the God who gave us the directives.
Acts 20:1-38
Paul had singleness of purpose. He knew what he was called to do, he knew where he was suppose to do it and he was willing to pay whatever the price to accomplish his assignment. The only way one could imitate what Paul did is to know only one thing, “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (I Corinthians 2:2) and what that means. We must not only believe by faith but also somehow translate that faith into a dedicated conviction to stay the course despite hardships and yes, maybe even death.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
20 22 "And now I am going to Jerusalem, drawn there irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, not knowing what awaits me, 23 except that the Holy Spirit has told me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. 24 But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus–the work of telling others the Good News about God's wonderful kindness and love.
Psalm 148:1-14 The best prescription for depression, sadness and just feeling lousy is giving God Praise. Doing this takes your mind off the situation and gives you a godly perspective of what you are going through.
Proverbs 18:6-7
Ah, the running off at the mouth has consequences, for the fool the penalty is squabbling and violence perpetrated upon them. In other words, keep the Mouth Shut!
Grace and peace, Ramona
====
In a day when ministry seems to be more impersonal through various media, cds, etc, it's refreshing to see how Paul modeled a very intentional, life on life, incarnational approach to ministering to people. He lays his thoughts and feelings right out there for the people to really know him. He was no emotionally distant 'pastor' or leader. I especially like the verse that says, "Remember that for three years I never stopped warning EACH OF YOU night and day with tears.: Acts 20:31. No wonder they wept when he left them. People love someone who takes time to know them personally, and is attentive to THEIR potential, needs and growth. Paul practiced the 'be with' principle of ministry. This is a wonderful theme in his ministry. In 1Thessalonians 2 he says, "We exhorted EACH OF YOU as a father would his children." May we all take a lesson from Paul today and 'practice the presence of people/persons' as we go about our day. There is so much talk in churches about 'the body of Christ', and I believe this is a correct emphasis, but the sum total of the Body is impacted by the individual spiritual health of EACH ONE.
Luch
====
The readings in Kings really get to me. It is difficult to get the "big picture" of this book. I remember studying Kings and Chronicles in a great Bible study a few years ago. What sticks out to me is God's righteous judgment, power, and mercy toward those who believe in him. I also believe we are called to be "idol smashers" of sorts in today's world; however, how we go about doing this is the real difficulty because of appearing too self-righteous. I look forward to gettting involved in the readings for the second half. God Bless
Paul
====
2 Kings 17:9 jumped out at me this morning, “And the children of Israel did SECRETLY those things that were not right against the Lord their god.” God knows our heart, what we feel, what we think, and what we do! We can put on a public face for the world to see but it is how we feel and think and what we do when no one is watching that really reveals our faith. We cannot be hypocritical with the Lord like we can with other people. There are no secrets kept from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ because the Holy Spirit abides within the core of our being.
God Bless! Pat
====
I have SO enjoyed the first six months of our readings; I cant believe I am still going … I know that I have been encouraged by the thought of sharing the journey with so many others, so thanks to all of you!
The thing that I have noted recently about the readings from 2 Kings is the constant reference to how the kings were managing their relationship with God: “they did evil in the sight of the Lord” or “they did right …”. This is not supposed to be an historical record of events, though it covers history, but a record of a People’s relationship with the Lord God. This is so much more important than whether they were effective or not, though I guess if they are in God’s will they will be effective anyway. This is a message for us, for me. We are who we are, but God can use us even in our weakness if we listen to him. It is amazing to read such large chunks at a time, because you get a really good picture of how God uses all sorts to achieve his purpose, both great and small. What an encouragement.
Thanks Mike for helping us all to keep at it week after week, and for making even hard passages interesting with your comments and pictures.
Katie
====
How have the first 6 months of our One Year Bible readings been for you? Has God changed you in any way these past 6 months because of our readings? What are you looking forward to as we look toward our next 6 months of readings coming up?
A BLESSING is my first answer! Who'd of known I'd find myself in these circumstances today; pretty much home-bound and life as i'd known it so different. Gosh do i find it challenging to focus & not be distracted- and my main distraction is just me/myself/&i in physical pain. My thought is that the Lord went before, preparing for this time- introducing your Bible study and inviting me. So yeah… it has been a very precious time! I didn't even think bout being half way thru. Rather would think I'm more than half way thru these trials!!!!! Changes- well i've noticed some humbling! Plus i've been led to areas needing repentance. Thinking over the past months- it seems as tho my mind is being renewed and shown where my thoughts are not His. His HOLY SPIRIT is ever busy!!!!! I am sooooooo thankful for God's grace, mercy and great love. I've received instruction and understanding regarding prayers. So things are different and there is a peace despite………. Looking forward- i know chapters that are coming up are ones i have liked better than like Lev./Numbers/Kings. I most enjoy Isaiah. Kings was challenging in keeping up w/ flip-flopping of which king of which kingdom, did good/did bad etc. And i have been trying to learn, but also seeking to hear God's purpose for me digging thru. But hey- He's given me all the time to do so. So you see- I have been GREATLY blessed and I pray THAT for each and everyone of you seeking/worshipping the Lord in Spirit and in Truth. What a precious, precious thing to have amidst all that goes on day upon day. Thank you seems so little to say, but i hope you hear the heart behind it my friends. Praise HIM from Whom all blessings flo…
Whoo-hoo- like Mike says- Let's Go!
Susanna
====
Just a comment on your commentary about the man who was raised from the dead after falling out of a window. You keep saying, "Paul raised him from the dead." I believe it was GOD who raised the man from the dead. A big difference, and I think Paul would be the first to agree.
Rapunzel
====
I'm about 10 months in the OYB readings and it has definitely changed me! I read through the Bible before, but after a while it became more of a duty and i wasnt really receiving and studying so much, just trying to get thru it after a while. I didnt get as much out of it. This time around I'm remaining eager deep in me to learn and hear from God! I am getting 100% more out of God's word! It is life changing. Similar to Suzanne (Grateful1) I have been kinda "forced" in a place i didnt choose, but God chose for me my circumstances allowing me to engage in the Word more and more. Maybe a big part is the accountability the OYB gives plus fellowship with many believers. God has placed many great ppl in my life to help me learn more. My awesome dad has studied the word most his life and i can turn to him with questions and discussions, not to my mention my church, and radio ministries God has ministered to me with. He really has shown me He wants me to totally focus on Him and put Him in first like I never did before and boy am I blessed! Through trials I am experiencing His love, mercy, deep compassion, and also am experiencing great blessing like never before. Life has always been painful for me, but for the first time God has shown me to live in the now…not the past, not the future. For the first time (dare I say, first time ever) I am enjoying life! (which is big for me, because of my long bouts with depression my whole life since the earliest age i remember). There is also a change in me because I just react differently to things. It surprises me when i dont react the way i normally do…it testifies God is greatly at work changing me. I surely see how ppl can "worship" God yet serve idols (though the Bible clearly says we cannot serve two masters) but I think sometimes we try to have one foot on each side. Its a pretty miserable place to be! (tho I think the ppl in these readings werent genuinely worshipping God). Paul's message in Acts is amazing. I love vs 24!! "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." Ha, i wonder if Paul was offended that kid fell asleep during his sermon. I have noticed though, when i am listening to pastors, i can fall into deep sleep too, I think just because hearing God's word is so soothing (not boring!) that it just brings great peace!
Jenny
====
Whoo hoo!!! Half way there.
I'm still here, although I've been very quite for a while. I got behind by about 10-days, but as of today I'm caught up!
Good to be here.
Thanks Mike!
Yours in Christ Skip
====
I have really enjoyed beginning to read through the Bible in one year. I have had the One Year Bible since the beginning of the year but I have only stumbled across this Website recently. It has been such an encouragement to me and has helped me to continue my daily readings. The comments, reflects, illustrations and songs have help me understand the Word of God in an even deeper way. I thank God for this valuable resource and the people who invest their time and talents into making this an exciting journey through the Bible!
Amanda
====
"I'm completely in the dark about what will happen when I get there. I do know that it won't be any picnic, for the Holy Spirit has let me know repeatedly and clearly that there are hard times and imprisonment ahead. But that matters little. What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God."
isn't that so common. We are clueless as to what lies ahead of us but we trust that whatever happens we will keep fighting the good fight.
I pray that like Paul even if I know hard times are ahead, I will still cling to my Lord and God.
Joanna
====
The past 6 months of the one-year Bible plan have been great. It's the first time I've participated in this reading plan, and it's really helped me in accountability. Reading from the Psalms daily helps to focus my mind on praising God, and it is also wonderful to read pieces of wisdom daily from the Proverbs. My hunger for God's Word has grown this year, and I look forward each day to the daily readings. I'm looking forward to continuing to seek God and know Him each day for the rest of this year.
A verse that stood out to me today was Paul's quote of Jesus' words: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Lori
====
Being retouch w/ the word of God is honestly great. Looking forward for more and w/ higher aim that I can always manage my time in reading the word of God. To prioritize it is my prayer to be w/ you in the journey, Thank you Bible Blog that there are changes in areas of my life through reading it.Luv Bob
====
Thank you so much for Bible Blog I so enjoy this each day. This is my second year of reading along with you and I pray for many more. You are gifted in this area Mike and it is such a blessing for all of us to be in this journey with you.
Love, Lesley
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Praise the Lord Mike !! The first 6 months have been fantastic. I can't wait to continue the Journey. Thanks for all your efforts !!
Billy
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I just joined in the other day reading with ya'll. I finished going through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation a couple of weeks ago(Straight through which I enjoyed but took me about 16 months) but I love the way the One Year Bible does this and hope to continue reading the rest of the year with this blog.
Randy
====
Thank you so much for your ministry to us. I haven't read perfectly the Bible half way thru, but I definitely read most days. Love your commentary. God is using his word to draw me closer to him as he transforms my heart and mind. I pray that I would not have any idols but him, wasting time w/ tv and internet are probably idols in my life.
Sheila – Wisconsin
====
Even while these people were worshiping the LORD, they were serving their idols.
This is a very convicting verse. We hope and often believe that when we are worshipping a God we are acting in a way that will please a God. Of course, the big BUT is whether we are also serving other idols at the same time. If we consider our lives, we likely will find other idols which may not be as important to us are nevertheless things we worship Ito some degree. Our call to worship our God only and to the exclusion of other idols is something different than worshipping Him primarily and above other things.
Greg
====
"I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing."
I wish all Christian leaders could say this today
Andrew
====
Hi Mike, please know I am greatly encouraged by your continuing postings. I had a few commitments recently and was about a month behind in my readings but have caught up. Kings 1 and 2 were amazing and I have learned such a lot. I particularly enjoyed Elisha's history and the commentary on the passage "Man of God there is death In the pot" such a wonderful insight into the scripture. Thank you so much. Dianne.
====
Double blessings today ! Not only have I read halfway through the Bible but it is my granddaughter's birthday . These daily readings are daily reminders of how God wants us to live our lives. If I only showed up for church on Sunday mornings, sang a few hymns, listened to a prayer or two, heard some scripture and the sermon, it would have fortified me through the day. And it did for many years. But as I have grown older and started spending more time with my church friends, I was embarrassed by my mediocre Christianity. I felt like a fraud! I knew I needed more. This is my second journey through the Bible with you, although I have started and stopped several other times, and it gets better every year. I also belong to a Bible study, and when people hear the words "Bible study," they may visual a somber group of people plodding through the Bible reading scripture, while tying to stay awake. not so at all. We have so much fun, and we look forward to seeing each other every week so that we can recharge ourselves in our faith.
God bless you, Mike, and thank you for this blog. Judie
====
Good reflection Ramona! Wow we are halfway done with One Year!! How is it so!
2nd Kings..wow the stories of King Hezekiah. You don't hear much about him but many kings in Israel come and go and King Hezekiah lives and reins 29 years. He did everything right and good as his ancestor David. U don't hear that often
Acts: Paul, consistent, meaningful, intentional. His farewell speech at Ephesus. Sweet
Psalm 148, Let everything that has breath praise the Lord, yes!!.
II Kings 17:1-18:12
Mike you ask the question, “If the foreigners both worshiped God AND served idols at the same time back then, do you suppose that we can fall into this same trap today?” Sadly the answer is yes and we can fall into that trap and not even know we are in it. Many of us scope-our-horror (horoscopes) while reading the bible and confessing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We idolize the god of Chance as we stand on line to purchase lottery tickets, or head to Atlantic City or Vegas to try our luck. We network in groups with people we don’t like to advance careers we hate by celebrating the god of Business Contacts. We join others in-group worship raising our voices to the gods of group think, Might-Makes-Right and There-Are-More-of-Us-Then-You. We don’t trust God to do what He said He will do.
In truth anything we place above God as our source, provider and protector, to name just a few, is idolatry. We even can idolize God’s laws and commandments instead of looking to the God who gave us the directives.
Acts 20:1-38
Paul had singleness of purpose. He knew what he was called to do, he knew where he was suppose to do it and he was willing to pay whatever the price to accomplish his assignment. The only way one could imitate what Paul did is to know only one thing, “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (I Corinthians 2:2) and what that means. We must not only believe by faith but also somehow translate that faith into a dedicated conviction to stay the course despite hardships and yes, maybe even death.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
20 22 "And now I am going to Jerusalem, drawn there irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, not knowing what awaits me, 23 except that the Holy Spirit has told me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. 24 But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus–the work of telling others the Good News about God's wonderful kindness and love.
Psalm 148:1-14
The best prescription for depression, sadness and just feeling lousy is giving God Praise. Doing this takes your mind off the situation and gives you a godly perspective of what you are going through.
Proverbs 18:6-7
Ah, the running off at the mouth has consequences, for the fool the penalty is squabbling and violence perpetrated upon them. In other words, keep the Mouth Shut!
Grace and peace,
Ramona
====
In a day when ministry seems to be more impersonal through various media, cds, etc, it's refreshing to see how Paul modeled a very intentional, life on life, incarnational approach to ministering to people. He lays his thoughts and feelings right out there for the people to really know him. He was no emotionally distant 'pastor' or leader. I especially like the verse that says, "Remember that for three years I never stopped warning EACH OF YOU night and day with tears.: Acts 20:31. No wonder they wept when he left them. People love someone who takes time to know them personally, and is attentive to THEIR potential, needs and growth. Paul practiced the 'be with' principle of ministry. This is a wonderful theme in his ministry. In 1Thessalonians 2 he says, "We exhorted EACH OF YOU as a father would his children." May we all take a lesson from Paul today and 'practice the presence of people/persons' as we go about our day. There is so much talk in churches about 'the body of Christ', and I believe this is a correct emphasis, but the sum total of the Body is impacted by the individual spiritual health of EACH ONE.
Luch
====
The readings in Kings really get to me. It is difficult to get the "big picture" of this book. I remember studying Kings and Chronicles in a great Bible study a few years ago. What sticks out to me is God's righteous judgment, power, and mercy toward those who believe in him. I also believe we are called to be "idol smashers" of sorts in today's world; however, how we go about doing this is the real difficulty because of appearing too self-righteous. I look forward to gettting involved in the readings for the second half. God Bless
Paul
====
2 Kings 17:9 jumped out at me this morning, “And the children of Israel did SECRETLY those things that were not right against the Lord their god.” God knows our heart, what we feel, what we think, and what we do! We can put on a public face for the world to see but it is how we feel and think and what we do when no one is watching that really reveals our faith. We cannot be hypocritical with the Lord like we can with other people. There are no secrets kept from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ because the Holy Spirit abides within the core of our being.
God Bless!
Pat
====
I have SO enjoyed the first six months of our readings; I cant believe I am still going … I know that I have been encouraged by the thought of sharing the journey with so many others, so thanks to all of you!
The thing that I have noted recently about the readings from 2 Kings is the constant reference to how the kings were managing their relationship with God: “they did evil in the sight of the Lord” or “they did right …”. This is not supposed to be an historical record of events, though it covers history, but a record of a People’s relationship with the Lord God. This is so much more important than whether they were effective or not, though I guess if they are in God’s will they will be effective anyway. This is a message for us, for me. We are who we are, but God can use us even in our weakness if we listen to him. It is amazing to read such large chunks at a time, because you get a really good picture of how God uses all sorts to achieve his purpose, both great and small. What an encouragement.
Thanks Mike for helping us all to keep at it week after week, and for making even hard passages interesting with your comments and pictures.
Katie
====
How have the first 6 months of our One Year Bible readings been for you? Has God changed you in any way these past 6 months because of our readings? What are you looking forward to as we look toward our next 6 months of readings coming up?
A BLESSING is my first answer!
Who'd of known I'd find myself in these circumstances today; pretty much home-bound and life as i'd known it so different. Gosh do i find it challenging to focus & not be distracted- and my main distraction is just me/myself/&i in physical pain. My thought is that the Lord went before, preparing for this time- introducing your Bible study and inviting me. So yeah… it has been a very precious time! I didn't even think bout being half way thru. Rather would think I'm more than half way thru these trials!!!!!
Changes- well i've noticed some humbling! Plus i've been led to areas needing repentance. Thinking over the past months- it seems as tho my mind is being renewed and shown where my thoughts are not His. His HOLY SPIRIT is ever busy!!!!! I am sooooooo thankful for God's grace, mercy and great love. I've received instruction and understanding regarding prayers. So things are different and there is a peace despite……….
Looking forward- i know chapters that are coming up are ones i have liked better than like Lev./Numbers/Kings. I most enjoy Isaiah. Kings was challenging in keeping up w/ flip-flopping of which king of which kingdom, did good/did bad etc. And i have been trying to learn, but also seeking to hear God's purpose for me digging thru. But hey- He's given me all the time to do so. So you see- I have been GREATLY blessed and I pray THAT for each and everyone of you seeking/worshipping the Lord in Spirit and in Truth. What a precious, precious thing to have amidst all that goes on day upon day.
Thank you seems so little to say, but i hope you hear the heart behind it my friends.
Praise HIM from Whom all blessings flo…
Whoo-hoo- like Mike says- Let's Go!
Susanna
====
Just a comment on your commentary about the man who was raised from the dead after falling out of a window. You keep saying, "Paul raised him from the dead." I believe it was GOD who raised the man from the dead. A big difference, and I think Paul would be the first to agree.
Rapunzel
====
I'm about 10 months in the OYB readings and it has definitely changed me! I read through the Bible before, but after a while it became more of a duty and i wasnt really receiving and studying so much, just trying to get thru it after a while. I didnt get as much out of it. This time around I'm remaining eager deep in me to learn and hear from God! I am getting 100% more out of God's word! It is life changing. Similar to Suzanne (Grateful1) I have been kinda "forced" in a place i didnt choose, but God chose for me my circumstances allowing me to engage in the Word more and more.
Maybe a big part is the accountability the OYB gives plus fellowship with many believers. God has placed many great ppl in my life to help me learn more. My awesome dad has studied the word most his life and i can turn to him with questions and discussions, not to my mention my church, and radio ministries God has ministered to me with. He really has shown me He wants me to totally focus on Him and put Him in first like I never did before and boy am I blessed! Through trials I am experiencing His love, mercy, deep compassion, and also am experiencing great blessing like never before. Life has always been painful for me, but for the first time God has shown me to live in the now…not the past, not the future. For the first time (dare I say, first time ever) I am enjoying life! (which is big for me, because of my long bouts with depression my whole life since the earliest age i remember).
There is also a change in me because I just react differently to things. It surprises me when i dont react the way i normally do…it testifies God is greatly at work changing me.
I surely see how ppl can "worship" God yet serve idols (though the Bible clearly says we cannot serve two masters) but I think sometimes we try to have one foot on each side. Its a pretty miserable place to be! (tho I think the ppl in these readings werent genuinely worshipping God).
Paul's message in Acts is amazing. I love vs 24!! "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."
Ha, i wonder if Paul was offended that kid fell asleep during his sermon. I have noticed though, when i am listening to pastors, i can fall into deep sleep too, I think just because hearing God's word is so soothing (not boring!) that it just brings great peace!
Jenny
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Whoo hoo!!! Half way there.
I'm still here, although I've been very quite for a while. I got behind by about 10-days, but as of today I'm caught up!
Good to be here.
Thanks Mike!
Yours in Christ
Skip
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I have really enjoyed beginning to read through the Bible in one year. I have had the One Year Bible since the beginning of the year but I have only stumbled across this Website recently. It has been such an encouragement to me and has helped me to continue my daily readings. The comments, reflects, illustrations and songs have help me understand the Word of God in an even deeper way. I thank God for this valuable resource and the people who invest their time and talents into making this an exciting journey through the Bible!
Amanda
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"I'm completely in the dark about what will happen when I get there. I do know that it won't be any picnic, for the Holy Spirit has let me know repeatedly and clearly that there are hard times and imprisonment ahead. But that matters little. What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God."
isn't that so common. We are clueless as to what lies ahead of us but we trust that whatever happens we will keep fighting the good fight.
I pray that like Paul even if I know hard times are ahead, I will still cling to my Lord and God.
Joanna
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The past 6 months of the one-year Bible plan have been great. It's the first time I've participated in this reading plan, and it's really helped me in accountability. Reading from the Psalms daily helps to focus my mind on praising God, and it is also wonderful to read pieces of wisdom daily from the Proverbs. My hunger for God's Word has grown this year, and I look forward each day to the daily readings. I'm looking forward to continuing to seek God and know Him each day for the rest of this year.
A verse that stood out to me today was Paul's quote of Jesus' words: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Lori
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Being retouch w/ the word of God is honestly great. Looking forward for more and w/ higher aim that I can always manage my time in reading the word of God. To prioritize it is my prayer to be w/ you in the journey, Thank you Bible Blog that there are changes in areas of my life through reading it.Luv Bob
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Thank you so much for Bible Blog I so enjoy this each day. This is my second year of reading along with you and I pray for many more. You are gifted in this area Mike and it is such a blessing for all of us to be in this journey with you.
Love, Lesley
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Praise the Lord Mike !! The first 6 months have been fantastic. I can't wait to continue the Journey. Thanks for all your efforts !!
Billy
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I just joined in the other day reading with ya'll. I finished going through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation a couple of weeks ago(Straight through which I enjoyed but took me about 16 months) but I love the way the One Year Bible does this and hope to continue reading the rest of the year with this blog.
Randy
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Thank you so much for your ministry to us. I haven't read perfectly the Bible half way thru, but I definitely read most days. Love your commentary. God is using his word to draw me closer to him as he transforms my heart and mind. I pray that I would not have any idols but him, wasting time w/ tv and internet are probably idols in my life.
Sheila – Wisconsin
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Even while these people were worshiping the LORD, they were serving their idols.
This is a very convicting verse. We hope and often believe that when we are worshipping a God we are acting in a way that will please a God. Of course, the big BUT is whether we are also serving other idols at the same time. If we consider our lives, we likely will find other idols which may not be as important to us are nevertheless things we worship Ito some degree. Our call to worship our God only and to the exclusion of other idols is something different than worshipping Him primarily and above other things.
Greg
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"I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing."
I wish all Christian leaders could say this today
Andrew
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Hi Mike, please know I am greatly encouraged by your continuing postings. I had a few commitments recently and was about a month behind in my readings but have caught up. Kings 1 and 2 were amazing and I have learned such a lot. I particularly enjoyed Elisha's history and the commentary on the passage "Man of God there is death In the pot" such a wonderful insight into the scripture. Thank you so much. Dianne.
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Double blessings today ! Not only have I read halfway through the Bible but it is my granddaughter's birthday .
These daily readings are daily reminders of how God wants us to live our lives. If I only showed up for church on Sunday mornings, sang a few hymns, listened to a prayer or two, heard some scripture and the sermon, it would have fortified me through the day. And it did for many years. But as I have grown older and started spending more time with my church friends, I was embarrassed by my mediocre Christianity. I felt like a fraud! I knew I needed more. This is my second journey through the Bible with you, although I have started and stopped several other times, and it gets better every year.
I also belong to a Bible study, and when people hear the words "Bible study," they may visual a somber group of people plodding through the Bible reading scripture, while tying to stay awake. not so at all. We have so much fun, and we look forward to seeing each other every week so that we can recharge ourselves in our faith.
God bless you, Mike, and thank you for this blog.
Judie
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Good reflection Ramona!
Wow we are halfway done with One Year!! How is it so!
2nd Kings..wow the stories of King Hezekiah. You don't hear much about him but many kings in Israel come and go and King Hezekiah lives and reins 29 years. He did everything right and good as his ancestor David. U don't hear that often
Acts: Paul, consistent, meaningful, intentional. His farewell speech at Ephesus. Sweet
Psalm 148, Let everything that has breath praise the Lord, yes!!.
Proverbs: don't be a fool and watch what u say!!
Dee