Haggai 1:1-2:23 + Revelation 11:1-19 + Psalm 139:1-24 + Proverbs 30:15-16
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~
Old Testament – Today we start and finish the book of the prophet Haggai! This is the second shortest book in the Old Testament, with Obadiah being the shortest. This short book does have a lot to offer! Haggai prophesied in 520 B.C. about 18 years after the Jews had returned from exile in Babylon in 538 B.C. When Cyrus, king of Persia, conquered Babylon, he issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and to rebuild the temple. About 50,000 Jews returned to Jerusalem and began building the temple’s foundation in 538 B.C. under the leadership of Zerubbabel. However, neighboring nations were alarmed by the rebuilding of the temple and politically stopped the progress in 536 B.C. Here is where the story picks up with the prophet Haggai encouraging the process of the temple rebuilding to commence. A good overview of the book of the prophet Haggai is online at bible.org at this link. Below is an image of Haggai telling the people to repair the Temple from a 14th century illuminated Bible:
Today in Haggai chapter 1 verse 3 we read: “So the LORD sent this message through the prophet Haggai: “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?” What stands out in my mind when reading this verse is the concept of tithing. Check out this amazing verse in Malachi 3:10 on tithing (which we’ll read on December 31st) – “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” It is very rare in the Bible that God says “test me” and follows it up with an incredible promise of a blessing. Will you test God with a tithe to your church, ministries, and nonprofits this next year?
Bible Project: Here is a terrific video overview of the book of Haggai!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGgWaPGpGz4
Chapter 1 verse 8 is a strong one for us to consider as well: “Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the LORD.” I think the key word in this verse is the very small but very powerful – Go. Go…. Where in your life is God calling you to go? Is there something God is calling you do to? If you are obedient in this calling, do you believe it will bring pleasure to God? Will you go?
Okay, I know I’ve been talking about a lot of obedience in this post today… I’ll close out here with a great verse of a promise of a blessing from God for obedience, from Haggai chapter 2 verse 19: “I am giving you a promise now while the seed is still in the barn, before you have harvested your grain and before the grapevine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have produced their crops. From this day onward I will bless you.” Below is a Greek icon of the prophet Haggai from the 18th century:
New Testament – Today in Revelation chapter 11 we read about the Two Witnesses and the Seventh Trumpet bringing the third terror! The two witnesses in today’s reading are modeled after Moses and Elijah. They may be representing two actual believers who will be martyred or they may be symbolic of all testifying believers in the final days. Below are two incredible pieces of artwork from Pat Marvenko Smith of the two witnesses prophesying and being taken up to heaven:
Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
To order prints visit her “Revelation Illustrated” site.
Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
To order prints visit her “Revelation Illustrated” site.
In verse 11:7 we have the first mention of the beast in the book of Revelation – the enemy that comes from the bottomless pit and wages war in the hearts and lives of men and women. In verse 11:8 allowing dead bodies to lie out in the street is a major violation of decency. In verse 15 things begin to shift in big ways as we read: “Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices shouting in heaven: “The whole world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.”” Is the whole world now part of the kingdom of God? What are some examples of why or why not?
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Revelation chapter 11 titled “The Temple, the Two Witnesses, and the Seventh Trumpet” is at this link.
Psalms – Today we read Psalm 139! I LOVE this Psalm… and had somehow forgotten about it. Is this Psalm anyone’s favorite Psalm out there? I would not doubt it if was. This is just an incredibly beautiful Psalm about how much God loves and cares for us. And just how well God knows us. Please read and reread this Psalm this week if you can. And rejoice in how much God loves you and how much he knows you. Each of the verses in this Psalm are incredible. I’ll highlight a few. Verse 3 – “You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am.” Do you believe that God charts out your path for you? Do you believe that God gives you true rest? Do you believe God knows where you are every single moment of your life?
Verses 13 & 14 – “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous–and how well I know it.” Do you believe that God was loving and caring and creating you in your mother’s womb? Are you amazed by the complexity and wonder of the human body? Could it be anything other than the marvelous workmanship of a loving and creative and living God? (next two images below courtesy of heartlight.org)
And verses 23 & 24 to close out the Psalm: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Do you consistently ask God to search your heart and mind? Do you confess to God what is not right in your heart and mind? What needs healing? Do you ask God to even point out to you things that you may not realize are destructive to you and others in your heart and mind? Do you believe that this process of confessing your sins to God and asking for forgiveness and healing will lead you along the path of everlasting life?
Proverbs – Proverbs 30 verses 15 & 16 today tells us: “The leech has two suckers that cry out, “More, more!” There are three other things–no, four!–that are never satisfied: the grave, the barren womb, the thirsty desert, the blazing fire.” The “grave” is a reminder to each of us that this earthly life is temporary… An old saying goes – “no one gets out of here alive.” I don’t think this saying took into account heaven – but you get the point for this earthly life. What are you investing your temporary earthly life in? What is God calling you to do with your life? Next year, how will you live joyously to love and serve others and God?
Worship Video: Today’s readings in Revelation 11:15 reminded me of Handel’s Messiah “Hallelujah Chorus:”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYzOQFpGPYE
Do you know Jesus, who will reign forever? Click here and meet your eternal King!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving that you are fearfully and wonderfully made! Pray that you know full well that God’s works are wonderful, including and particularly His work of creating you!
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:
======= Luch:
I appreciate Mike’s challenge on the tithing deal. I know Jesus mentions the tithe in passing as he deals with legalism in Matthew 23, and seems to indicate that ‘tithing’ is something you should do without neglecting the ‘weightier matters of the law like justice, mercy, etc’. My question relates to whether the tithe (10%) should ALL go to the local church. Can one really base this teaching on malachi 3:10ff? Why do we not take other old testament laws to heart that apply to the temple? Isn’t the new temple our bodies–temples of the Holy Spirit.
As well, were tithing to be the primary practice of the church in the 1st century why did Paul not even mention it. He teaches extensively on giving in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 and 1 Corinthinans 16:1ff. I am just asking a sincere question.
Some of the best teaching on this subjec that isn’t biased is from Randy FRiesen’s classic book called Decision Making and the Will of God. In that book he deals in depth with the tithing teaching and giving. I do believe that 10% can be a starting point for giving but not everyone can start at that point. I also know that some well meaning pastors INSIST on starting at 10% and create people who ‘give under compulsion’ or worse, by their insistence on this teaching cause people to not even give at all, which is tragic in light of mike’s challenge. Stewards we must be but we must gain a good balanced knowledge of this teaching without making it another form of legalism to ‘meet our budgets’.
And if we are going to follow old testament precedents my calculations from reading old testament is that we should be giving as much as 28% of our income, but I don’t hear anyone insisting on that.
Further to tithe reflection, Mike has encouraged us often to go to http://www.bible.org for helpful biblical background. For further biblical studies on ‘tithe’ go to http://www.bible.org and search “tithe’. I found some really helpful teaching there, especially biblical context and background.
Luch
======== Gina:
Haggai is awesome! One, because our church is currently in a campaign to expand and build a Children’s building and also a branch location. Our pastor has referred to these verses many times. My personal thoughts on the full tithe are this…it’s all God’s anyway…and he’s only asking for 1 out of 10! That’s pretty generous! He wants us to have all 9!!! When I first was saved, I didn’t understand tithing…it was not something that was discussed in my previous church…so I was a bit leary about giving up my shopping money!
But I must tell this story…I hope it will bless you all…when God allowed me to fully understand tithing, I prayed and asked exactly for what He wanted me to start giving. He layed an amount on my heart and I freaked! It was more than I had expected and I wasn’t sure how I could do it. But I decided to give it a try. About 2 months later, I received a raise at work that was for the exact amount that God had told me to give! It was one of the first times I saw God provide like that for me…I never looked back when it came to tithes and offerings again…God is faithful!!! He is our Great Provider!!!
Yes!!! Psalm 139 is my abslolute favorite. It always reminds me that I’m no surprise to God! He knew what He was getting when He got me! All my junk, He knew it…all my actions, He knew it…NOTHING is a surprise to Him! Yet He still loves us more than we can imagine!
In Rev 11:15 – about the world becoming the Kingdom of our Lord…you ask a great question…Is the whole world now part of the kingdom of God? Scripture says that the world NOW belongs to Satan. He is the ruler of the earth…it’s mentioned several times in other verses (John 14:30, 2 Cor. 4:4, Rev. 2:13 and 1 John 5:19). But we know that Satan’s rule is very much a temorary thing!!! In verse 15 we read that the world BECOMES the Kingdom of our Lord…He takes the earth back and Satan will finally have no more power over it!!! I don’t know about any of you, but I can’t wait to see that day!!!
Gina
======== Art:
Ps 139:23-24 are such wonderful words. Yet, as I read this I feel that it has been written for others much better than me. The psalmist asks for a search, which hints that his faults might be trivial or easily hidden. Mine are great, and would be most obvious to God. A search would not be necessary I am sure. The author requests that God point out anything that would offend Him. Anything? Try almost everything for me! Yet, I try each day to truly seek the path of everlasting life and be faithful to God. I ask today; Forgive me, my Lord.
Art
===== Anka:
19Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant.
It’s quite amazing to see there was a temple in heaven,an ark of covenant…It would almost seem that God asked Israel to build the temple with a plan similar to what is in heaven….my thoughts of course.
The issue of tithing amongst so many other issues that are in the OT I really consider that if God said something to His people in the past,he won’t change in the present…I’ve had so many questions while reading through the OYB,I’ve had some answers and some”I’ll tell you as you go”nudges…But something struck me really hard…in summary”God’s word is His word,it is truth,NEVER changes”.It is good as we study the word to understand the context,the people it was spoken to,even the circumstance and the culture.A little bit of church history can be truly revealing.I pray God opens my eyes even more to His truth…that we all learn to obey His word…and disern doctrines that are man made.God bless you all
Anka
====== Mae:
Wow … what a powerful reading!
I indeed love Psalm 139! Well, as most of you know: I LOVEEEEEEEEEEE reading Psalms and I have many many many that I love!
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” verse 23/24 are defenitly standing out for me. I can clearly feel when I wish something that’s not meant for me. It starts to be a chase … when it comes right at me, then it’s meant for me. Then it’s Gods plan for me and I have to let the other thing go. God really knows me, He knows my heart! And I give Him my heart! I go to the altar with my questions, with my love, with my thoughts and I know this is the only way for Him to lead me along the path of everlasting life. When I give Him my heart at the altar, He can lead me, He can heal me …
Wow … your questions with the Proverbs are true headscratchers … thanks for that! LOL I have only been saved for a short periode of time. Something has become clear for me; one of the things that I’m here for is to have other people to find Jesus. I know that is important for all Christians. Become more and more like God, so people will see God in you and start ask questions … so you can show them the directions. You know, it was pretty funny … yesterday my co-worker found an eyelash on my cheek, she said I could make a wish. Then she asked me what I wished for, she said “You wished for a long and healthy life, right?”. I told her that was not necerary because I have a certain place in heaven for my eternal life”. Ha ha ha!!! She didn’t answer that … But today she asked me what I meant with that. Do I need to say more?
Mae
======= Jenny:
Rev. is fascinating! I believe the two witnesses will be Elijah and Moses. v.9 was once considered impossible: “For three and a half days men from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial.” How can every person witness this? Well, today with the technology we have it is possible, the news like cnn and not to mention the internet, watching things live…this makes it possible for every people, language, tribe to view this!
Here is what my study Bible says regarding the two witnesses: “While it is impossible to be dogmatic about the identity of the two witnesses, several observations suggest they might be Moses and Elijah: 1) like Moses they strike the earth with plagues, and like Elijah they have the power to keep it from raining; 2) Jewish tradition expected both Moses (Deut. 18:15-18) and Elijah (Mal 4:5-6) to return in the future (john 1:21); 3) Both Moses and Elijah were present at the Transfiguration, the preview of Christ’s second coming; 4) Both Moses and Elijah used supernatural means to provoke repentence; 5) Elijah wa staken up alive into heaven, and God buried Moses’ body where it would never be found; and 6) the length of the drought the two witnesses bring (3 1/2 yrs) is the same as that brought by Elijah (James 5:7).”
–Not that beleivers will be here, but I find it intruiging. Rev also mentions the Ark of the Covenant within God’s temple. We’ll finally know where that thing is! I posted awhile back some options of where the ark could be. Cant wait to find out all these mysteries!!! (whoa..do sum ppl say Christianity is boring??? ha!)
Psalms is indeed one of my faves too! Wow! When u ask God to reveal your heart to you…as I have recently…dont expect to be happy. I had prayed for God to reveal my heart to me and the next day I said some terrible things and hurt and shocked others. One said…’that was just ugly!’. It was really bad…but God showed me, my heart is positively evil…not that I am condemned, but its a heartbreaking thing to see our hearts. My pastor had spoken on this just prior and had said, God will only reveal a little at a time, because to see our heart all at once would be more then we could bare. After God showed me part of my heart…I understand! Its sooo painful, but we must see oursleves in the Light, not compared to other ppl…we can always look good compared to others, or bad, but when the Light exposes youre heart, its a very sad thing…to say I was in mourning after that would be approprate. But God has forgiven me! I will not carry it with me, i repent and let it go.
I definatley believe in tithing! But God wants a cheerful giver…if you give begrudgingly, you might as well not tithe at all. There’s no pride in this whatsoever, but for an example, I tithe faithfully and my blessings never cease, not that I’m rich at all, but God has never let me go without my needs, I’ve never been had financial trouble, neither has my dad who tithes. My family member doesnt tithe is always in a financial crunch…I asked her if she tithes…she kinda hesitated…the two are related. God is faithful…but we dont tithe to receive anything, but to please the Lord. ALL we receive is His anyway. The Bible tells us to tithe so I dont feel it should be thought of as offensive to discuss the tithe and if it is…we need to be offended!
Wow…I wrote a book today, I better stop, haha…Just so much good stuff! I love it!
Jenny
======= Frederick:
Thanks Jenny for your sharing. I learn from you. About the two witnesses, I read from a Christian magazine (now a web magazine) Omega Times some years ago that they might be Enoch (Genesis 5:21-22) and Elijah. Both Enoch and Elijah are the only two humans who had not tasted death, but were taken to Heaven by God. You may be like to visit http://www.omegatimes.com to find out (That article was published several years ago, around 2006-2007, I guessed.)
Mike, thank you for the cartoon: Life is short, Pray hard, UP! I love that!
Frederick
======= Elizabeth:
Psalm 139 is my favorite psalm as well. I think it’s because I find tremendous comfort in His omniscient nature. What else can I do but throw up my hands at the depth of His knowledge of me? Waking or sleeping, traveling, or at home, from before He knows all about it!
Yet, the desire to “hide” from God goes all the way back to the garden of Eden, doesn’t it? It’s easy to look at Adam & Eve and say “how silly to think they could hide from God?” Then, like the man who looks in the mirror and forgets what he saw, we turn around and try to hide pieces of ourselves all the time. Ugly bits, selfish bits, weak bits–mentally, emotionally, spiritually.
I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit, who is able to come to the bottom of us–I cannot come to the bottom of myself, but praise God He can!
Elizabeth
======== Gary:
I have been thinking about the nature of faith we have in God as our Savior and Sustainer. John Piper had a recent article about God always initiating (moving first) in our lives. He never leaves us without what we need. He moves first, then we respond to him.
Haggai 1 reminded me of this once again.
14 So the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of the whole remnant of the people. They came and began to work on the house of the LORD Almighty, their God,
Note how the Lord stirred up the spirit of his people. God provided what was required, … just in time. So if God initiates just in time, what should my faith look like? What kind of confidence should I have in God? Whatever God brings into my life, will He provide the energy, wisdom, power, money, and right words to bring the outcomes that He desires? What an awesome God. What great gifts He showers on us.
Just as God moved the spirits of Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the whole people, He will move first in the lives of those He has chosen today, who humbly seek His face. The way God works in our lives brings me great joy and confidence in Him.
Gary
======= Jim:
The Two Witnesses will be Enoch and Elijah. they are the only two men that has never Died. Moses Already Died.
Jim
======= Will:
Something is striking me today, and I would be interested in any comments. Today is the beginning of Hanukkah, the celebration of the Feast of Dedication (of the Temple on the 25th day of the ninth month, after the Maccabean revolt.) This would be the day after the anniversary of the same day we read about in Haggai 2:18, “From this day on, from this twenty fourth day of the ninth month, give careful thought to the day when the foundation of the Lord’s temple was laid. It was generations later, but nonetheless a day of renewal and rededication.
Will
======= Billy:
Hi Mike, Yeah Psalm 139 is one of my favorites. A Very evident and Pro-Life Message !!
Billy
====== Calypso:
I love LOVE the video. Thanks for posting. Your insight is remarkable.
I like the Proverbs verse today. Reminds me of the movie, New Jack City. Judd Nelson was given the thesis very similiar to these words. “This whole drug —, it’s not a black thing, it’s not a white thing. It’s a death thing. Death don’t give a —- about color. You don’t have to like me. —-, I don’t even know if I like you. But we’re in this together..”
Calypso
======= Doug:
I like Psalm 139 verses 23-25. I still remember and sing a song I first heard at a Youth for Christ rally in Chicago over 50 years ago.
Written by Dr James Orr and as follows:
Search me O God and know my heart today
Try me O Savior, know my thoughts I pray
See if there be some wicked way in me
Cleanse me from every sin and set me free
Thank You Mike for your leadership and comments as we go through the Bible every year.
Doug
======= Stacey:
Loved your “book” you wrote, Jenny! Your enthusiasm and honesty are much needed among the Lord’s people! I, too, think Revelation is fascinating. Thanks for sharing those points from your study Bible. I think I’ll copy them down. The Lord has been revealing things to me about my heart, too. It’s a cleansing process…He is purifying His bride!!! I need to seek the Lord’s will on how I should “tithe”. My husband is not saved (yet) and I do not earn money of my own at this time. Thanks for your post.
I recently found this blog and am starting the One Year Bible for the first time next year. I am very thankful for all the things here!
Stacey
======== Alan:
Thanks Mike for this One Year Bible Blog and thanks Jenny for sharing today. I learned much today and have so much to be thankful for. I too am a cheerful giver. God’s still working in my life at 70yo. The temple was rebuilt with men older than I am.
Alan
======== Dan:
I like Psalm 139 also and like the song of verse 23 Search me O God
and know my heart today, try me O Savior know my thoughts I pray, See
if there be some wicked way in me Cleanse me from every sin and set me free (song by Orr)
Dan
======= Judie:
Yes I love psalm 139. It really gets to the “heart” of our existence.
Judie
======== Sam:
Thanks for sharing Jenny. Your thoughts are encouraging.
Sam
======= Karen:
Reading about the 24 elders gives me chills. Indeed it was time for the Lord return soon. How ready am I?
Karen
======= Robert:
The Two Witnesses
Revelation 11
I think it is timely that we will be reading Zechariah 3 and 4 where there is a good possibility that these 2 guys are Joshua and Zerrubabel. In Bible.org Mike suggests reading J Hampton Keathley III. He explains this about half way down his commentary.
Robert
Leave a Reply