Bible in a Year Blog

Zechariah 4:1-5:11 + Revelation 14:1-20 + Psalm 142:1-7 + Proverbs 30:21-23
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Old Testament – Today in the book of the prophet Zechariah we read about Zechariah’s visions of a Lampstand and Two Olive Trees, a Flying Scroll, and a Woman in a Basket.  Chapter 4 is essentially a vision of encouragement for the Jews to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem – not by their own might, but by relying on the Spirit of God.  The rebuilding will be led by Zerubbabel, the political leader of Jerusalem at this post-exilic time, as well as by Joshua, the priest – and these two are represented by the 2 olive trees in the vision.  The bowl of oil held by the lampstands in the vision represents God’s power through his spirit.  Below is an image of Zechariah’s vision of the lampstand and olive trees from a Cervera Bible from Spain from approximately the year 1300:

Chapter 4 verse 6 stood out to me in today’s readings: “It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD Almighty.”  How often in our own lives do we try to do things by our own force or our own strength?  And not look to God?  Would we ultimately lead more productive and peaceful and joyful and restful lives if we instead allowed God’s Spirit to move in our lives?  Or will we continue to try to do things by our own force and strength?

Verse 10 is a great reminder for each of us – “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”  If we do feel led by the Spirit of God to work on something – and it turns out to be maybe something bigger than ourselves – do we sometimes get discouraged by the task before us?  Do we despise small beginnings?  Be encouraged to know that God rejoices in small beginnings!  Take the first step!  Take the plumb line in your hand!  (I will be honest – it’s not always easy to get motivated for typing in this blog each evening.  Most days I am motivated – but not always.  Sometimes I just have to “take the plumb line in my hand” – get started with the typing – and God shows up….)

In chapter 5 we read about the vision of the flying scroll – which is a very large scroll with a purpose of encouraging repentance with a clear message of judgment.  The second vision of the woman in the basket is essentially purging sin from the land of Jerusalem, and plopping it down in a more fitting place where they will build a temple for it!   To worship the sin… Babylon…  Are there areas in our life where we need to deposit some sin into a basket, close the lid, and let the basket be taken away to another place far from us?  Is it possible that there are areas of sin in our life where we actually worship the sin somehow?  Will we turn away from this false idol worship and return to loving God whole-heartedly?

New Testament – Today in Revelation chapter 14 we read about Jesus (the Lamb) and all believers (the 144,000) in the heavenly Jerusalem (Mount Zion).   I love verses 4 and 5 in this chapter: “For they are spiritually undefiled, pure as virgins, following the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been purchased from among the people on the earth as a special offering to God and to the Lamb. No falsehood can be charged against them; they are blameless.”  Are these 2 verses attractive to you?  Do you want to be like this someday in heaven?  Spiritually undefiled?  Pure?  Following Jesus wherever he goes?  Blameless?

We then read about the Three Angels and In verse 8 we read: “Then another angel followed him through the skies, shouting, “Babylon is fallen–that great city is fallen–because she seduced the nations of the world and made them drink the wine of her passionate immorality.””  Babylon, as we know from our recent readings in the Old Testament, such as Daniel, was in ancient Mesopotamia and the commercial, political, and religious center of a world empire led by Nebuchadnezzar.  Some commentators believe that John is writing about Rome here when he says Babylon – and that John uses the term Babylon because it would be too dangerous for him to say Rome.  Some others believe this reference to Babylon refers to the time of the antichrist in the end days, and represents the corrupt political and religious systems of the world in the end times.

Verse 12 is likely referring to the end times, but it does make me think about the persecuted Christians in our world today – “Let this encourage God’s holy people to endure persecution patiently and remain firm to the end, obeying his commands and trusting in Jesus.”  There are thousands, if not millions, of Christians in our world today who suffer for their belief in Christ.  They are persecuted.  Today.   How can we encourage these holy people of God who are enduring persecution today?  Prayer is certainly one thing we can do, as a starter.  Have you heard of the International Day of the Persecuted Church?  Please visit their website by clicking on this link – and then click on the links on their home page to check out some great ministries that are serving the needs of the Persecuted Church.  Thank you for considering praying and getting involved in the Persecuted Church.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Revelation chapter 14 titled “Special Announcements” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 142 is a prayer of David’s when he was fleeing Saul and was hiding in a cave.  David is praying for deliverance to God from his enemies.  I thought verse 3 was powerful – “For I am overwhelmed, and you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me.”  Have you ever felt this way?  Overwhelmed?  And traps every which way you look?  And you have no idea which way to go?  At a time like this, will you cry out to God as David did in this Psalm?  Will you “pour out your complaints before him and tell him all your troubles”? (v. 2)  Do you believe that God knows which way you should turn?  Will you allow God to “”be your place of refuge”?  In times like these, will you allow God to be “all you really want in life“?  (v. 5)  Some say that David wrote Psalm 142 while in a cave in Adullam. 

Proverbs – Proverbs 30 verses 21-23 are a continuation of the sayings of Agur, from probably around 700 B.C. during the reign of King Hezekiah.  Agur was probably a non-Israelite wise man like Job and his friends.

Worship Video: As it is almost Christmas, here is Casting Crown’s “I Heard Bells on Christmas Day” live:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7670CXvPX0

Do you know the peace of God’s Silent Night?  Click here for heavenly peace!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “I cry to you, LORD; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.'” Psalm 142:5 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray to God in thanksgiving that He is your portion in this land of the living. Pray that God will always be your refuge, now and forevermore.

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:

======= Mae:

“I will be honest – it’s not always easy to get motivated for typing in this blog each evening. Most days I am motivated – but not always. Sometimes I just have to “take the plumb line in my hand” – get started with the typing – and God shows up….” ~ I know what you mean, there are days that I hardly have time to read the verses for the day. Then I think to myself “When and where am I going to do the readings???!!!”. And somehow there’s always enough time to read it and to comment it. Beautiful and inspiring things happen when all of a sudden God shows up. All I have to do is give God the opportunity to show up. All I have to do is make some time for Him and His word and He’s there to inspire me. Then all kinds of thoughts go through my mind and I can go on and on commenting the verses. Just sit down, get in touch with myself and I come at ease and find more than enough time to read the Bible and have enough inspiration to write about it. Same thing with church, there are times (just sporaticly – spell check- I’m thankfull for that) that I’m just too tired to go to church. When it happens, it happens on Wednesday, at the midweek service. Yep yep … I’m admitting this … WOW ain’t I the worst Christian in the world??? LOL Anyways, it’s not always easy to work all day, come home at 5.30pm, cook, freshen up, have Jaden all cleaned up and be in church at 7.30pm. While I’m going through rush our I panic “Okay … how am I going to be in church in time … ohhhh noooo … I’m tired ….”. Then I come home, need to fix dinner while Jaden is running around me, then we take a shower and I’m in the shower thinking “This is lovely … maybe I should put on sweats and curl up in the coutch once I’m out of the shower”. But how wonderful I feel about myself when I’m in church!!! And the services are even better when I’ve had this big struggle beforehand! And then I’m soooo happy that I went anyway! God will show up if you open the door … He’ll be there to inspire … always!!!
Mae

======= Luch:

I was pleasantly surprised by the recent release of Rocky Balboa, the last in the sequel after sequel Rocky movies. In one scene there is a retired boxer whose name is Spider. Spider is obviously a Christian and just before a big fight he reads to Rocky right out of Zechariah 4:6 “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord. Pretty cool!!
I also read Focus on the Family’s Plugged In review on Rocky Balboa. The editors of Plugged In interviewed Sylvester Stallone and Stallone said he had drifted for a long time from the faith of his childhood but in recent years found himself being drawn back to the faith. Whether you like boxing or not is not the issue, but there is much redemptive value in this film.
By the way, the other great film that gives the whole gospel story in 3 acts is World trade Center. It’s also a must see in my opinon. You can read a review on this one from movieglimpse.com
Luch

======= Mike:

Thanks Luch for the movie reviews! I have been encouraged by Sly’s interviews about the new Rocky and how he talks openly about his faith. Now that I know there is a Zechariah quote in this movie, I’m definitely going!  (plus, honestly, it’s not a rated R movie… I know this is a whole other topic, but I rarely see R’s for obvious reasons – no desire to support all that financially nor see it)
Two more movie reviews for all. The Nativity Story was incredibly well done I thought. Just a very simple movie – not Hollywood hyped at all. The humanity and poverty of Mary & Joseph and Nazareth was powerful. Herod was a scary dude… and the 3 wise men in the movie were terrific comic relief.
The other movie I saw recently that I loved was Will Smith’s Pursuit of Happyness. Great father/son movie with a good look at how hard it can be to make it when you’re the working poor. I am afraid so many of our neighbors in our cities and towns struggle like Will did in this movie and we don’t see it. Good look at homelessness as well, though I don’t think they portrayed it as roughly as I think it really was for Chris Gardner, the real life guy this movie was based on. The lines to wait to get in the shelters scenes though were so sad & powerful…
Merry Christmas everyone! Any other movie reviews? 
Mike

======== Alice:

This was my first year in this study. I’ve learned so much about God’s plan, His power, and His love. I want to thank you for affording me the opportunity to read God’s word. This has proven that even the most undisciplined person can do this. I plan to continue into next year. I’m looking forward to another year of growth and understanding. Continuing in God’s Grace, Alice
Alice

======= Nasser:

praise th e lord for all the promises and encouragment he gave to all his chil;dren it it is really an encouragment for me that god is pleased with small works or beginning please god show us that you will bless the ministry that you put it in my life zakria 4: 10 do not despise these small begining for the lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb in zorbbal Amin
Nasser

======= Joe:

Hi Mike-
Been with you from the beginning of the year, my first time reading the Bible cover to cover, and I just wanted to thank you for all your effort. You don’t know how many times I’ve thought: “How does he do it?” “How does Mike make the time and take the time to provide such wonderful commentary?” What a wonderful ministry you have created and I pray God’s blessings for you during this Christmas season and all the years that follow.
Joe

======== Jackie:

Good Morning Mike,
It is ironic that as I began to read today’s readings, the thought came to mind, I wonder how Mike does this each and every day? And a prayer poured out for you. When I saw your comment, I knew that the Lord went before to build you up and strengthen you. You probably are receiving a huge outpouring of prayers from all over the world. (Isn’t that just like our God to give us what we need when we need it!) You are a living example of the scripture quoted today: “not by might, nor by power but by my Spirit.” This is the scripture that empowers each of us believers, isn’t it? His Power in all of my Spirit. We live by His Resurrection Life each day. We put one foot forward at a time, and know that God will empower the next step. The World wants all of it at one time. Instant Power and is motivated by emotions of anger, greed and power. The Child of God is empowered by an invisible hand like a tiny seed is nurtured by the Sun. It doesn’t look like anything is happening to the seed. But inexorably the Sun (Son)acts on the seed, and in due time, the seed does burst forth with life. Some days it is only by blind faith that we can put that one foot forward. We do so expecting that God will provide the energy and ability for the next step.
Thank you for your faithfulness. I eagerly read your site and receive so much from it. Just knowing your site will be waiting for me each morning strengthens my soul..
Blessings on you, my brother!
Jackie

======= Lorrilou:

The song you posted, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” by Casting Crowns was such a pretty song that I decided to download it from Amazon. And to my surprise, this song is FREE on Amazon! What a blessing this song is to me today. Thanks for your good work on this blog every day!
Lorrilou

======= Glenn:

Mike,
I have been reading your site for almost three years. I am a chaplain in the Army and have directed hundreds of believers to oneyearbibleblog. I found your site when as I was encouraging military warriors and their families attending our chapel services, to read the Bible every day. I enjoy the links to bible.org and appreciate your hard work to find appropriate artwork and even link to worship music. Thank you for what you do every day! Your ministry in many ways reminds me that there is a rich community of believers who are virtually linked around the world everyday. Spiritually we are all part of that large body of Christ through faith. You will never know Mike how your insight may have been used by the Holy Spirit to encourage a believer in a powerful way. My sincere thanks for your ministry.
Glenn

======= Mike:

Thanks Mae, Joe & Jackie & Glenn for your encouragement!! Lorrilou, that is awesome that the song was a free download today on amazon! Merry Christmas everyone!
Mike

======= Tammy:

I would also like to thank you for all your hard work every day! I have followed your blog on and off as I have been reading through this Bible reading plan this past year. I admit to sometimes getting a bit behind, and having to catch up – and at those times I missed out on your blog. But I am totally caught up and so near my goal of reading my Bible in one year, cover to cover for the first time in my life.
I was inspired by you to start a similar, though much smaller, blog. I’m planning to do a different reading plan this year – where every day of the week is a different type of book (History, Law, Epistles, etc), and am starting a blog where I will post links to each day’s reading. I will probably post a devotional about the day’s reading about once or twice a week, and have invited a few guest posters to do the same. I am excited about this venture and looking forward to growing in the Lord.
Tammy

======= Rose:

Wow, I’ve wondered the same many times– how does he do it so faithfully? When you commented in honesty I was SO SO blessed b/c I was able to see the humanity (the weak and feeble) in the midst of all this beautiful strength of each day’s blog…well, what I’m trying to say can be summed up so much better here–2 Corinthians 12:9 “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Many blessings to you, brother!!
Rose

======= Lesley:

Thankyou Mike for “taking the plumb line in your hand”, your blog is so helpful and inspiring, I so look forward to reading your words and yes Mae it is wonderful when we open the door to God. He is awesome.
Lesley

======= David:

There are Hollywood Movies now that are teaching Christian principles and beliefs in a sly way. God bless them for trying. I guess one could recommend these movies to Unchristian folk or apostate and maybe they may turn the to the Lord or at least get them thinking about it. The Movies that I am thinking about are “Devil”, “Faster” and “Chronicles of Narnia”.
David

======= Karen:

I, too, want to thank you from the heart for taking on this sometimes difficult, task. Each week when I receive your letter, I stop and pray for you, your family, and your work on this blog. Awhile back I was thinking that I needed to do something different than the one year bible plan as we are doing it. Then, lo and behold, you put on the blog about the idea of the NLT chronological bible. I have purchased my bible and have signed up for that blog for next year Thank you, thank you. God answered my prayer through you. Now please know how much you are appreciated. I have done the one year bible 5 times with a two year break. May God continue to guide you as you inspire others to read and study His word. Love & Hugs
Karen

======= Bajo:

II appreciate your faithfulness in doing this blog. Thank you!
Bajo

======= Cheryl:

Being that we are reading Revelations… if you are interested in End Times reading, I would recommend Joel Richardson’s The Islamic AntiChrist: The Shocking Truth About The Real Nature of the Beast. I grew up hearing the more traditional interpretation of End Times Bible passages (e.g. European Union, Russia, etc.). This book takes a completely different approach and honestly, it makes a lot of sense considering what is going on in the world today.
Cheryl

====== Cindy:

Palms 51:10, is one of my very favorite verses, so many times I need that reminder how short we come to showing Gods Glory, and we need a pure heart, for that. Have a God Blessed Christmas, and looking forward to more wonderful studies on the One Year Bible. Thank you for all your hard work, and I my computer was down for a week, and I would always study on line and listen to the readings on Audio Bible, for some of the Old Testament Names are hard to sound out, I totally love it and miss it when computer was fixed and all the photos you put with narration, i truly enjoy follow along. May God richly Bless all your work, in Jesus Name Amen.
Cindy

======= Kim:

Hi Mike
I just joined this site this week. I have been a fan of the One Year Bible for a long time,but have lacked the discipline to read every day, even tho I WANT to! Figure that one out! I am an audio leaner, maybe that is the reason why I can easily put off reading, so was very happy to learn I can HEAR the readings for each day on your site! I enjoy reading your comments on the readings also each day. Good job. Merry Christmas, and may Jesus be lifted up more so in our lives this year. God bless y’all.
Kim

======= Deena:

It’s good to see someone thinking it thrgouh.
Deena

======= Billy:

Mike, We are glad you show up with the “plumb line” every evening !!
Billy

======= Art:

In one of the Rocky-series movies, Rocky is about to do battle as a great underdog. Things haven;t been going well for him. He stands alone in the bathroom of some dirty locker room staring at himself in a mirror above the sink. What are his thoughts? Then, he bends to his knee, makes the Sign of the Cross, and prays to God. All the while, on a broken sign hanging on the dirty wall behind him are the printed words of Zachariah 4:6; “It is not by force or by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord.”
Fantastic words from this lesser-quoteable Book!
Art

======= Joyce:

Mike,
Thank you for daily serving through this blog!
Thank you for your faithfulness to serve God and serve people!
Being able to read and mediate on your and others’ comments on this blog, and following each day’s reading on God’s Word – has been such a blessing in my life!
I look forward to follow along next year as well. Thank you again!
In today’s reading,
Psalm 142:6,7 really speak to me –
6 “Give attention to my cry,
For I am brought very low;
Rescue me from my persecutors,
For they are stronger than I.
7 “Bring my soul out of prison (adversity),
So that I may give thanks and praise Your name;
The righteous will surround me [in triumph],
For You will look after me.” (Amplified Bible)
I am reminded that our ultimate persecutor, satan, is much stronger than us. He will bring us to very low places.
Thankfully we can cry out to God, and He will bring our soul out of adversity.
And the goal, is not so that we can live a comfortable life, but so that we may give thanks and praise His Name, and have the righteous surround us in triumph,
for God will look after us – amen!
May God continue to use this blog to bring many to read and mediate on His Word daily. May God bless that Mike and this blog’s readers may have greater understanding, and greater obedience to His Word in times ahead.
pray in His Son Jesus’ Name – amen.
Sincerely,
Joyce

======= Judie:

I enjoyed the version of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” by Casting Crowns.
Judie

======= Nancy:

With the New Year fast approaching set goals, not resolutions. Goals are achieved in steps, some forward & some misstepped, but pushing forward nevertheless. Keeping your eyeon the prize.
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin…”
Zechariah 4.10a

Nancy