Zechariah 6:1-7:14 + Revelation 15:1-8 + Psalm 143:1-12 + Proverbs 30:24-28
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Busy this week with Christmas – full posts with images will be back on December 26th. Merry Christmas!
Old Testament – Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Zechariah titled “Oracles Concerning Hypocritical Fasting” is at this link.
New Testament – Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Revelation chapter 15 titled “Prelude to the Seven Last Plagues” is at this link.
Psalms – Psalm 143 verse 8 stood out to me today – “Let me hear of your unfailing love to me in the morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I have come to you in prayer.” I read somewhere before – I think it was Bruce Wilkinson’s book “Secrets of the Vine” – that many great men and women of our Christian faith connect with God in the morning through prayer, reading the Bible, and other quiet time activities. Bruce even suggested that this is the preferential way to go – to start your day by spending time with God in the morning, rather than at night. Because he said this would then transform the rest of your day – in terms of being more conscientious of our relationship with God. This does make sense to me – and in fact, I have started reading the One Year Bible now in the mornings, and it is a beautiful way to start the day! I like what this Psalmist says – “Let me hear of your unfailing love to me in the morning.” And it reminds me that somehow, someway, it almost seems easier to me to connect with God in the morning. Actually – one other thing I used to do in the morning is read a page or two from Oswald Chambers “My Utmost For His Highest.” And I am thankful that I did this in the morning for a season. How about you? Do you have some way that you connect with God in the morning? Are you able in some way to hear of God’s unfailing love for you in the morning?
Worship Video: As it is Christmas Eve, here is “Oh Holy Night” with Josh Groban singing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQWXfHzOKUU
How are you celebrating on this Holy Night? Click here to celebrate forevermore!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.” Revelation 15:4 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that you are bringing glory to God’s name with your worship and life. Pray that you are evangelizing others to fear the Lord and worship Him 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:
======= Anka:
In the morning for me is a better time to connect with God and read his word because most times I get really tired after work in the evenings….I am excited to begin Genesis and pray to see everyone who’s been on this journey as well as meet some new people…God’s word truly does change us and allows the Spirit of God to work more in us to do His will…..
God bless you all and may the Light of the world light your hearts and bring you peace……
Anka
======= Luch:
Hey Mike, safe travels. I always like the traveler’s psalm (Psalm 121) when we travel–“The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in.” May the Lord bless you for your faithfulness in helping all of us to do what Proverbs 8:33 says, “Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it. Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me DAILY at my gates…whoever finds me finds life and receives favour from the LORD.”
One other recommendation is David and Renee Sanford’s brand new book called How To REad Your Bible. This is a superb resource to keep alongside your ONe year bible and blog. For those who still feel like they’re ‘rookies’ and on the ‘bunny hill’ of Bible reading/understanding, this is a welcome resource.
merry Christmas to all my fellow OYB bloggers!!!
Luch
======= Johnnie:
Mike,
Thank you so much for giving us this blog. Your insight and work from the Holy Spirit into this project shows with every posting. Safe travel to you.
My time with God has been in the morning for several years. It sure does keep my day close to Him. I think I started to do this because of what Jesus said to love Him with all our heart and soul and mind and strength. All of these seem to function best in the morning for me because there are no other distractions.
It’s funny how your verse today is verse 8 in Psalm 143. I have never seen that verse, even after just reading it. I’m keeping that one within easy reach for sure!
God has been speaking to me about purpose and direction over the course of this year. I am trusting God to direct and teach me to follow his will. As it says in Psalm 143:10: “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.”
May you and your family have a blessed Christmas.
Johnnie
======= Mae:
Psalm 143:8 stood out for me today: “Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in You.
Show me the way I should go,
for to You I lift up my soul”.
This is how I pray when I do my prayers in the morning. Well, not the exact words, but I really love my day to start with the word of the unfailing love from God. I really want Him to show me the way I should go that day … or in my life for that matter. It’s important for me to stand up each morning and feel blessed, feel blessed that I’m God’s child and filled with His unfailing love. How wonderful is that to start your day with?
I smiled when I read Proverbs 30:25 “Ants are creatures of little strength,
yet they store up their food in the summer;”.
Does this prove that we’re all God’s creatures or what??? We shouldn’t underrestimate creatures that seem to have little strength, because somehow they know how to survive! God will show them the way … like He shows us the way. Right? He will protect us … no matter if it’s human beings or small insects!
Merry Christmas to you all!
~Mae
======= Romayne:
God bless for journey’s mercies and a peaceful and joyful Saviour’s Day celebration.
Romayne
======== Gina:
Although I am still reading the daily readings, commenting may be difficult over the next week as we have traveled the “joyous” 800 miles north to Ohio to be with family and friends for Christmas.
In todays readings, you mentioned My Utmost For His Highest. If any of you have never read from this devtional before, I HIGHLY suggest it! I have been using it for about 3 years and it has really blessed me.
Psalm 143, kind of a continuation of 142 (for me anyway) – in that 142 we cry out to God because we are overwhelmed and desperate…and in 143 we are reminded that if we seek God first and hide His word in our hearts, meditating on all He has already done for us…we can receive His peace. He will rescue us!
Christmas blessings to all of you!! :0)
Gina
======= Karen:
I always start my day with good morning to God and a nice chat before I get out of bed. Then I pray, get up and get my coffee or tea and return to my bed where I read my one year bible, praying for the Holy Spirit to focus my mind on what He has for me this day. I also read devotionals from Our Daily Bread and In Touch. Later in the day I receive some more devotionals online. I try to have more of God and His Word in the evening also. I guess what I need and of course think everybody else does to is more of Jesus. He is my everything and I love Him.
Thanks Mike and Merry Christmas. Love in Christ
Karen
======= Eunice:
The verses of Psalm 143 are invigorating to me as they assure me of Abba’s love and concern for the security and safety of every member of my household. Thanks for your obedience to God in sharing the Bread of Life, be replenished. Merry Christmas to you and to all the participants.
Eunice
======= Julie:
I am so blessed by all the hard work you do here Mike, thank you.
I read my One Year Bible first thing in the morning, then pop online to your site while it is all still fresh in my mind then to rbc.org site which has Our Daily Bread & Utmost for His Highest there.
It is a great way to start the day. I also have some daily scripture sent to my email to keep me grounded during the day when I take breaks at work.
I have learned so much by your blog & the comments made, thank you.
May all of you have a wonderful Christmas!
Julie
======= William:
Revelation 15:3, is the song of “Moses and the son gof the Lamb,” –victory over all enemies to salvation, sin, Hades and death, as proclaimed in Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
William
======= Heather:
I enjoy reading your blog. I lead a Women’s Bible study and we are doing the One Year Bible. It is helpful to me to have found your blog.
It might be helpful to put in a link for the Oswald Chambers readings. I like those, too. Here are a couple to use.
http://www.myutmost.org/addnl/day_index.html
http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php
Heather
======= Kary:
I also think of the verse Matthew 6:33 “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” I have started doing my devotional time in the morning over the last year plus and at that trying to do it first thing in the morning. It has been challenging but it has helped me to really get a lot more time with the LORD. In a way I think it is somewhat like tithing, you give God the first part of what you have and the rest is blessed.
Kary
======= Harold:
Thank you Mike. I’ve been starting my morning with this site for a little more than a year now and will continue to do so this coming year, Deo Volente… I’m sure He is. Good blessings to you and your family. I thank you Lord our God, king of the universe, for all that you provide and I pray you continue to lift Mike up and fill him with your love as he prepares this wonderful site each night. In Jesus name, amen. Harold & Brenda
======= Mark:
Mike – I am amazed that in my almost 50 years of church-going, how much of the Bible I have missed. Not only have I read things that I never knew existed in the Bible, but because of your commentary that you painstackingly write everyday, I have a better understanding of the messages and a thirst to learn more. I sincerely thank you for giving me a great jumping-off place to continue my study of God’s Word! I am so thankful that I was guided to your blog on January 1st of this year! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Mark
======== Lindsey:
You can also read My Utmost for His Highest at http://utmost.org/ online daily for any who may be interested. Thanks so much for your words each day! The song by JJ Heller that you posted earlier this week was SO timely for me and has “pulled me up”….thank you for you obedience to the Lord.
In His Grip,
Lindsey
===== Mrs K:
If I don’t read in the morning I feel like I’m entering my day in spiritual battle without my armor on.
Ephesians 6:13
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
I also feel I am better prepared to give an answer:
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
I do also like to read God’s Word before falling asleep so it is the last thing in my mind. Funny, I had to get pass the idea that it is ok to spend time in God’s Word more than just once a day. Weird.
Mrs K
====== Karla:
always a special part of my day. Thanks, Mike and also a thanks to Ramona . Blessings & Grand thanks ,
Karla
======= Karin:
As far as seeking God first in the morning….I’ve heard the saying that a musician tunes his instrument before the concert vs after.We are his instruments. I like to let him tune me before the concert. He is the first and the last. . Seek ye first the kingdom of God And his righteousness….Matt. 6 33. And as far as praying…I like what David wrote in Ps 5 : 3 ” In the morning Lord, u hear my voice; in the morning I lay my request before u and wait expectantly.
Thank u so much for all the time and thought you put into this. It is wonderful.
Have a very blessed, merry, safe, healthy Christmas.
Karin
======= Jill:
I’ve blessed to read through this blog a second year now although I feel each year I gain more understanding . God has shown me on my life to be teachable so this passage” teach me to do your will,for you are my God;
may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” In psalms 143 really speaks to me.
Been struggling with how God can use me as I strive to share Christ with others even with strife in my life.,I sing songs of hymns to sleep on sleepless night. One is trust and obey the other gentle shepherd. What God did speak to Me was “preach the gospel” God saves we just plant the seed. Christmas blessings and Happy new year to
All !
Jill
======= Joyce:
Mike and everyone,
Merry Christmas and much blessing in the New Year!
In today’s reading, these Scriptures stand out to me:
Psalm 143:8,10 (NLT)
8 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.
10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.
I am learning the following points from Bible.org’s “Psalm 143: Another Lesson on Prayer” by Steven J Cole, April 23, 2013:
Mr. Cole is quoting from Derek Kidner (p. 476) that in verses 8-10, David has three requests for guidance.
1, “Teach me the way in which I should walk,” (8b) has an individual flavor. It shows that each of us is uniquely placed and called.
2, “Teach me to do Your will,” (10a) shows that the goal is not self-fulfillment, but pleasing God and finishing His work.
3, “Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground,” (10b), speaks from the humility of someone who knows his need of shepherding, not just of having the right way pointed out to him, but the request for level ground is also David admitting that he is prone to stray and prone to stumble.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Your teaching through Your Word!
Please continue to give Mike Your spiritual insight to write and put together this blog; please give him Your joy as his strength to serve!
Please bless Mike and each reader of this blog, that we may continually ask for Your guidance!
Please bless that in time we will find our unique place and calling in life;
please bless that we will want to do Your will to please You and finish Your work;
please by Your Spirit lead us on level ground, so that we can walk steadily each day, so that we won’t go astray or stumble, so that if the enemy comes, we can see clearly and can avoid him.
we pray all these in Your Son Jesus’ Name – amen.
thank you and may God bless each of you!
Joyce
======= Alan:
Good morning Mike. I do the morning reading and then when wife gets up we do 3 devotions before breakfast. Being retired, we have the time and take it. First she reads a page in Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling, Enjoying Peace in His presence, then I read while she looks up Scripture references and reads them,”Look Unto Me”, the devotions of Charles Spurgeon and Jim Reimann. Then I read 2 pages in “He Shall Be Called”, 150 names of Jesus and what they mean to you by Robert J Morgan. Then breakfast time. Thanks for all you do and all the Family at One Year Bible Blog. I just ordered a copy of Bible Panorama the commentary I use each day on your site. Thought it would be nice to have it for looking up other passages. Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you and yours.
Alan
======= Judie:
After doing some stretches first thing in the morning, I pour a cup of coffee and begin reading/listening to this Bible blog. This often leads to walking and praying. This offering you give to us amazes me. Thank you for your devotion to keeping us accountable to God’s will.
Judie
======= Bjorn:
Lots of number 4’s in this text of zechariah and previous texts. Chris Reed from Morningstar has a recent message on the 4 horses of Revelation. Looking for connections.
Bjorn
======= Dee:
Wickedness controlled..God was keeping nations at rest. God told Zechariah to crown Joshua and make him a priest..all leading to Christ..foreshadowing..
Prelude to the 7 last plagues..God’s judgement and grace. God delivered Israel from Egypt. The Glory filled tabernacle and temple. The glory John saw is where God was delivering God’s people.
Psalm 143; Prayer in the morning and lifting your Word up early..is the more preferred however I enjoy reading right before bed and it relaxes me. Both have great attributes
God compares wisdom to the ant in which they tarry and never are without food.
Dee
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