Jeremiah 33:1-34:22 + 1 Timothy 4:1-16 + Psalm 89:1-13 + Proverbs 25:23-24
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Old Testament – Today in our readings we get the famous Jeremiah 33:3 verse: “‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'” (NIV) Verses 15 & 16 are powerful Messianic verses, harkening back to Jeremiah 23:6 (The Lord Our Righteousness): “In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness.”
Verse 22 is a great verse echoing the covenant promises to Abraham: “I will make the descendants of David my servant and the Levites who minister before me as countless as the stars of the sky and as measureless as the sand on the seashore.”
Verse 18 threw me for a loop initially, trying to figure out how this could still be – “nor will the priests, who are Levites, ever fail to have a man to stand before me continually to offer burnt offerings, to burn grain offerings and to present sacrifices.'” I wondered – where are the Levites today? Fortunately, I read a commentary that set me straight – Jesus is fulfilling this ministry for us today! Jesus is our Levitical priest standing before God continually. Beautiful, eh? Do you consider Jesus to be your High Priest?
Jeremiah chapter 34 is interesting with the freedom for the slaves – and then the reversal of that decision. Could this story remind us of our lives at times? Do we sometimes promise God that we’ll do something he wants us to do? Maybe even start to do it? And then change our minds? Why are we not consistent with what we tell God we will do? Let us pray for consistency in our spiritual walk!
New Testament – Today in 1 Timothy 4:7-8 we will read: “Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” How are you doing on training yourself to be godly? Do you believe this is something you can be trained in? Are you practicing spiritual disciplines on a regular basis? Spiritual disciplines might include: prayer, journaling, quiet time, fasting, retreats, Sabbaths, reading the Bible :), to name a few.
Psalms – Psalm 89 verse 11 is so powerful for us to remember – “The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; everything in the world is yours–you created it all.” Everything in this world is God’s. Everything. This means every single person we meet is God’s. However… they might not realize it. But, I think it is important for us to remember that every single person we meet – no matter how “bad” they may seem or whatever – is still made in the image of God. And there is the possibility of that person getting to know they are God’s. There is the possibility of redemption – not by our human power, but by the power of God. I think sometimes we go through our day thinking the world is bad. People are bad. It all is bad. And certainly, it is a fallen world. But it is still God’s world – and yes, the devil is thrashing around his temptations as rapidly as he can in the hearts of men and women. This is the great spiritual battle. But, God is so much stronger than the devil. The name of Jesus expels the devil quicker than anything. So, know that while we are in a fallen world, it is God’s world. Everything in this world is God’s. What are you and I doing to let others know that they are God’s – particularly if they don’t know it? What are we doing to bless others with the knowledge that there is another Way than the devil’s temptations in this world? What are we doing? Really. What are we doing with our lives to let others know about Jesus? Whew… this one gets to me for some reason. There are people suffering so much in our world. If only they knew there was another way…. Will you help to show them to the Way?
Continuing on the thoughts in the paragraph above – take a moment to reflect on this image below. Wow… Can you make out the angel on the right coming from the prayers of the woman to defend her from the evil one? Who are we praying for today to defend them from the evil one?
Proverbs – Today’s Proverbs chapter 25 verses 23 & 24 teach us: “As surely as a north wind brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger! It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.” These verses are great teachings of – 1. don’t gossip. 2. don’t be contentious. Or if you are a gossip or if you are contentious, then you just might find your spouse hiding from you in the attic… 🙂
YouTube: I’ve had a lot of great conversations lately with people about the power of not only reading Scripture, but actually listening to it! I know many of you are following along in our One Year Bible readings using the Tom Dooley link or are listening on Bible Gateway. A few years ago I listened to the Bible using “The Bible Experience.” It is fantastic – see the video below for an overview. Does anyone have any other audio Bible versions you could recommend in the Comments section below? Thanks!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM9JTjI39Co
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” First Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that you are training yourself to be godly each and every day. Pray that you are pursuing godliness for both the present life and the life to come!
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you from today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
Grace, love, peace, and joy!
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:
Ahhh, apart from God everything is dead—but we serve a God that majors in resurrected lives; resurrected relationships; resurrected communities. The things that have been burnt up, crushed down and flatten because they became marred in the Potter’s Hands, God reworks—brings back to life, Hallelujah. Not only is our Lord and Savior resurrected and no longer on the cross; but the mercies of God give us assurance that the dead things will be brought back to life.
Moreover the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the second time, while he was yet shut up in the court of the prison, saying, Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name; Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. For thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah, which are thrown down by the mounts, and by the sword; They come to fight with the Chaldeans, but it is to fill them with the dead bodies of men, whom I have slain in mine anger and in my fury, and for all whose wickedness I have hid my face from this city. Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth. And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them, as at the first. (Jer 33:1-7)
Grace and peace,
Ramona
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I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU for the following web site: http://www.spirithome.com/spirdisc.html.
It is very challenging and encouraging! Again, I want to say: THANK YOU!
In a world where there are no encouragers to really seek God—and even when those closest to me in my family do not encourage me to really seek God—websites like this are a REAL blessing! THANK YOU!
JEREMIAH 33
3
Ask me and I will tell you some remarkable secrets about what is going to happen here.
17
For this is what the LORD says: David will forever have a descendant sitting on the throne of Israel.
18
And there will always be Levitical priests to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings and sacrifices to me.”
JEREMIAH 34
10
The officials and all the people had obeyed the king’s command,
11
but later they changed their minds. They took back the people they had freed, making them slaves again.
12
So the LORD gave them this message through Jeremiah:…
16
BUT NOW YOU HAVE SHRUGGED OFF YOUR OATH and defiled my name by taking back the men and women you had freed, making them slaves once again.
I TIMOTHY 4
7
Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. SPEND YOUR TIME AND ENERGY IN TRAINING YOURSELF FOR SPIRITUAL FITNESS.
14
DO NOT NEGLECT THE SPIRITUAL GIFT YOU RECEIVED through the prophecies spoken to you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you.
16
Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right, and God will save you and those who hear you.
~~~
Rees Howells is a wonderful man whose life entered into the victory that Jesus paid for. He not only entered into victory for his life, but for others. For, as the Ascended Lord Jesus is THE intercessor, so Jesus trained Rees Howells to be an intercessor. Rees Howells really is an example of Jeremiah 33:17, 18 – to be a priest always offering sacrifices to Jesus.
“Intercession is not substitution for sin. There has only ever been one substitute for a world of sinners: Jesus the Son of God. But intercession so identifies the intercessor with the sufferer that it gives him a prevailing place with God…”
“Mr. Howells would often speak of ‘the gained position of intercession,’ and the truth of it is obvious on many occasions in his life. It is a fact of experience. The price is paid, the obedience is fulfilled, the inner wrestlings and groanings take their full course, and then ‘the word of the Lord comes.’ The weak channel is clothed with authority by the Holy Ghost and can speak the word of deliverance. ‘Greater works’ are done. Not only this, but a new position in grace is gained and maintained, although even then that grace can only be appropriated and applied in each instance under the guidance of the Spirit.”
MY NOTE:
So, we need to make sure we do not “shrug off” and “neglect” our calling. Rather, by the PERSEVERING grace of God, we can “make our calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1:10)
VANCE
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Tim 4:1-2: “…some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars,..” (NIV)
Rather explicit that demons can work through people. I guess it puts us on our guard to maintain our spiritual discernment of the teachers we follow.
Andrew
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We need to pray for worldwide revival(2 Chronicles 7:14). We need to spread the gospel everywhere because Jesus will return to reign and he will destroy those who reject him, that’s why we need to get people to Christ before it is too late, he’s the only way. God doesn’t want people to be in darkness any longer. It is up to us to make a difference. For the kingdom of God is within you(Luke 17:21)
Maribel
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great post! and yes, I have actually purchased the NT audio of The Bible Experience when it came out last year. I think the full Bible is in stores soon – can’t wait for it. The NT was amazing, so I’m excited to have the complete thing.
Tim
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The Bible Experience looks interesting! Of course, I was crying when Jesus (Blair
Underwood speaking) was being crucified. Very powerful.
Johnnie
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I have the cd version of “The Bible Experience”. It is wonderful, fantastic, great! Although I spend much time each day reading the Word of God, how great it is to listen to the Word as I exercise, drive, or just sit on my porch enjoying time spent outdoors! There are 18 discs in the set covering the entire New Testiment. It is my understanding that 2008 will bring the Old Testiment to “The Bible Experience”.
Yes, this audio version has brought a whole new dimension to my study of the Word.
Art
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Just watching that 10 minute documentary on “The Bible Experience” gave me chills. That was amazing!!!!! I think I might be going to Lifeway tomorrow to purchase it and The One Year Bible for New Believers.
Allie
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I am writing from the National Youth Workers conference in San Diego and guess what Art – the Bible Experience OT is OUT! I heard some samples from Song of Songs and Genesis and it is incredible, talk about engaging! Denzel and his wife do Song of Songs and if every couple listened to this together I promise you the divorce rate would go down and romance would be rekindled like never before! And Allie, if you don’t find the Bible Experience at Lifeway try Family Christian Stores, I saw it in our local FCS and I think it’s available on Amazon.com as well.
Paul
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The best audio version of One Year Bible I have found is narrated by Tom Dooley. It has comments & scripture. EXCELLENT!
Chris
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Today’s reading talking about how mighty is our Lord, says in Psalm 89:9 “You rule the raging of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them.” stood out to me.
This is exactly what Jesus did on the Sea of Galilee in the storm, and so specifically answers the question of the disciples: “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” (Mark 4:41) Jesus is the Lord, that’s who!
Secondly, Jeremiah 33:3, they used to say if you wanted to know what God’s phone number was, it was Jeremiah 33:3 (this was back in the day when telephone numbers were a mix of names and numbers).
In this way it is a great verse for witnessing to the lost, if they are struggling with the idea of God, then just ask them” why don’t you call God and ask Him if He is real?” When they say something like “yeah, right” you can say “yeah, in fact, here’s his number: Jeremiah 33:3,‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’” It may very well be enough for that person to at least pray to ask God if He is real and I know God will hear this prayer and will show him or her.
Kary
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Daily Audio Bible podcast is a great way to listen. They choose a different version each week to read out of, and is convenient. Thanks so much for this blog, it has been a blessing to me!
Lorri
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Training yourself to be godly, is more than just reading God’s word, the Bible. It is knowing the God of the Bible, having revelation knowledge of Him, His character and attributes. Knowing that Christ lives in you by faith and all his fullness is in you. Mediate on this and really see who lives in you and you will accomplish great things for our God. Be filled with all HIS fullness. Its not about you or me it is about Jesus. What can He not do through a surrendered life, empty of self, full of God.
Wendy
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Thank you so much for the clip on The Bible Experience. It had me in tears, I cant wait to get this audio Bible. I feel that resources like this one needs to be given to the next generation, it is just the way the youth would listen to the Bible.
God is so good! and I can see from the clip that it had to have been God inspired. I for one will be playing this to the youth group in my church – it is awesome 🙂
Renee
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Daily Audio Bible ministers to us each day!
Renee
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WOW, thanks for posting, Mike. Glad I backtracked on the days I missed reading. TYG! Perfect gift for a family of 8 that are being baptized this Sunday…Sharing on fb. Too good not to share! “Even the stones would cry out…”
Andy
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I purchased a Royal Audio bible. It allows you to read as well as listen to the word of God in two translations The King James & the English Standard. You can use ear plugs or speaker. The Royal Electronic Bible is only 4 inches wide&two and half inches long. It fits right in your pocket.It looks like a cell phone. It operates on two AA Batteries. and will last about 240 hours. You can purchased it for only $52.00. I t is well worth it and I love it.
Duane
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1 Timothy 4: 8-9
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.”
These two verses are saying that physical things/training on Earth is worth close to nothing, but godliness is of great value and very promising. If we devote ourselves to be godly, then we will succeed in our current life and in heaven. This also reminds me of Matthew 6:20: “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” It’s basically the same lesson.
Angela
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Mike, I listen and read along with The Daily Audio Bible, which is a free App. I enjoy the scriptures, which are read from a different translation each week. Brian, the reader, has wonderful commentary and I love the journal where I can record my thoughts and prayers. I always review your thoughts as well. Thank you for your faithfulness.
Susan
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Thumbs up for Tom Dooley’s reading everyday. I especially like his commentaries. It sets up your thinking in the right direction.
A lot of my friends use a devotional called Our Daily Bread. Short, sweet and to the point. Here is the link: https://odb.org/
Or in the same format but you may have to buy it quarterly (Lutheran Publication): Portals of Prayer: https://www1.cph.org/portals/default.aspx#options
Robert
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Psalms 89 :11 stood out this morning as I was Praying for one particular person the Holy Spirit lead me to call out so many other names in Prayer this morning. M
Blessing!
Mary
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Roman’s 10.17 states…
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Prior to me discovering this site I would read the words of the Bible while also listening to it. That way the word was impacting me in two ways, seeing & hearing. This also caused me to really read & not skim over it. I also like to use different versions. It causes words to pop out at me because the words used are different.
Nancy
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Consistency: I struggle with that. In the commentary it asked do you confess that you will do something and stay the course but don’t get it done? Be consistent. Don’t give up. Ask the Lord for help. Mine is organization. I want to break those chains that cripple me in that area. Because the lack of..causes such time lost and hurts me in the long run. This is the first time I read Jeremiah was imprisoned. So many are taken and put away for their faith. It’s sad
I definitely need to use the keys to disciplining me. Both in food, Journaling, prayerfully speaking things I need in my life to show and distinguish as holy.
Psalm 89..talking about prayer and praying for protection from the evil one and encapsulation others in protection and prayer. Yes , Lord I have several around me so negative and they need lifting up and removing them from evil thoughts and showing there is a better way and we need to stand in the gaps for our kids. And for some adults..need prayer for protection of the enemies grip.
Dee
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