Today in First Peter chapter 1 verse 15 we read: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”” Do you believe that God is holy? Do you believe that you are called to be holy? Is this a goal in your life – to be holy? What are some ways you can move forward on this goal of being holy? Have you moved forward in holiness this year? Will you continue to move forward in holiness next year? What are some specific areas of your life that God is calling you to holiness in during this coming year?
1 Peter 2 verse 2 is awesome! “You must crave pure spiritual milk so that you can grow into the fullness of your salvation. Cry out for this nourishment as a baby cries for milk, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.” Do you crave pure spiritual milk? What is pure spiritual milk? Could it be the Word of God, the Bible? Do you believe the Bible can help you grow into the fullness of your salvation? Do you cry out for this nourishment? Do you drink deeply of this nourishment? Daily?
Verse 5 is beautiful imagery: “And now God is building you, as living stones, into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are God’s holy priests, who offer the spiritual sacrifices that please him because of Jesus Christ.” Do you believe that you are a living stone in God’s spiritual temple? Do you believe you are a holy priest of God? If realizing that you are a holy priest of God is something new for you, how might this change how you live your life?
Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the beautiful 33 Miles song “One Life to Love:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today:“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. “ 1 Peter 2:2-3 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you crave pure spiritual milk. Pray that you are growing up in your salvation. Pray that you have tasted that the Lord is good!
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. 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!
Today we begin the Apostle Peter’s first epistle! Below is a Russian Orthodox icon of Peter –
~ First Peter ~ Author: Peter the apostle Place: Uncertain, perhaps Rome Date: A.D. 63 or 64 Content: The apostle Peter wrote this letter near the end of his life to comfort and encourage the Jewish Christians who were living in Asia Minor. He points out that suffering is part of the Christian life and that God has an imperishable reward reserved for those who trust him. In case any were thinking of returning to Judaism to escape from persecution, Peter points out that the church is now the chosen nation and the priesthood of God. Hence any thoughts of returning to Judaism were futile. Peter then presents the example of Christ who suffered and admonished the believers to be prepared for the same experience. Theme: The theme of First Peter is triumph through suffering. Early Christians lived difficult lives, often paying for their faith with their lives, but this letter shows us that it is worth it, no matter what the price. God knows all that is occurring and in his eternal plan will work everything out for the best. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 32) A great overview of First Peter and the other “Non-Pauline Epistles” by J. Hampton Keathley is at this link. Scroll down just below his commentary on Hebrews & James to get to his commentary on First Peter. Below is an oil painting of Peter by the artist El Greco (known as “The Greek”, but the artist’s real name was Domenikos Theotokopoulos) from the early 17th century –
1 Peter 1:4-6 are powerful verses: “For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation, because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while.” These verses tie in nicely with the Ezekiel 44:28 comments above, no? 🙂 Are we truly glad about this priceless inheritance? Do we believe there is a priceless inheritance for us in heaven? Do we understand that we may have to endure many trials in this life before receiving this inheritance? Will you endure the many trials that will come your way, knowing that God’s inheritance is awaiting you through His grace and your faith in Christ?
Verse 8 is a beautiful thought about Jesus and our relationship with him (and ties in nicely with this picture above) – “You love him even though you have never seen him.” Even though you have never seen Jesus, do you love Him?
Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the Sanctus Real song “Whatever You’re Doing:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today:“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that even though you have not seen Jesus, you love Him. Pray that you are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, through your saving faith and belief in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
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. 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!
Today we wrap up the book of James. This has been such a powerful book for me to read these past few days! I am convicted and challenged by this book, which is wonderful. Today in chapter 5, verse 5 stands out: “This treasure you have accumulated will stand as evidence against you on the day of judgment.” This reminds me of the scene at the end of the movie “Schindler’s List” where Oscar Schindler breaks down crying when the war is over – and after he has saved so many lives – and yet he cries out – “This gold pin – this pin could have saved a life! This car…. could have saved 10 lives!” This scene – and this verse – makes me ask myself if I am using my finances wisely? Am I investing in others? Are my luxuries taking away from other’s very lives? Am I accumulating treasure when I could have been serving others? I cannot encourage you enough to watch this scene in Schindler’s List again if you haven’t seen it in a while. Every time I watch this scene something happens to my heart that only God can explain… it changes me…
Verse 9 stands out: “Don’t grumble about each other, my brothers and sisters, or God will judge you.” This is such a great reminder of Jesus’ call to not judge others! Don’t grumble about others. How often do we grumble about others? Are we grumbling about someone currently? Is this a healthy practice? By the way, I have been bad about grumbling about others recently – in fact, I almost got sideswiped on a freeway recently by a guy who was not paying attention to where he was going. In all honestly, I have no idea how we avoided not hitting each other, but for the grace of God. I was so shook up by the near miss I was “grumbling” big time about this guy’s carelessness. Interestingly and thankfully I was not cussing at him nor giving him bad gestures, but I was grumbling in my heart about how not smart I thought he was – and I immediately caught myself and asked God to forgive me for this sin. And I believe He did. Let us not grumble in our hearts about others. It is a sin. Let us stay away from grumble corner in our lives! 🙂
The first half of verse 16 is so true – “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” Is there someone in your life you can confess your sins to? Someone you can ask to pray for you? Do you believe this practice will heal you of that sin?
And the last half of verse 16 also is amazing to remember – “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.” Are you praying for others? Earnestly? Do you believe prayer has great power and that God listens and can bring about wonderful results?
YouTube: As I reflect on the ending of Schindler’s List in the comments today, here’s the beautiful ending of the movie that I refer to:
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray for righteousness in your life. Pray for others, powerfully and effectively.
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. 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!
James chapter 4 continues to just level me… This book is phenomenal. I need to read this book more than just once a year when I come around to it in the One Year Bible. Verse 7 is something surely each one of us should commit to memory: “Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.” This is so true. Resist. And he will flee! Please know this is true! Resist!
And verse 8 is so true as well: “Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.” Another one to put into memory – and practice each day. Have you drawn close to God this very day? And has God drawn close to you?
Verse 14 I think is so helpful for us to remember – and to give Thanks for each day we have: “How do you know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like the morning fog–it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” Life is short. Every day is indeed a blessing and an opportunity to love and know God more. Please take advantage of each and every day God gives you. Diving into his Word each day through the One Year Bible is one amazing thing you can do every day. As is prayer of course!
Worship God: James 4:8 reminds me of Michael W. Smith’s song “Draw Me Close:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8 ESV
Prayer Point: Pray that you draw near to God each and every day. Pray in thanksgiving that He draws near to you!
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. 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!
James chapter 2 today continues in the strong words about good deeds accompanying a living faith. James’ arguments are summed up in verse 26: “Just as the body is dead without a spirit, so also faith is dead without good deeds.” Another very interesting verse in this chapter that always jumps out at me is verse 19 – “Do you still think it’s enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror!” I had someone once tell me that they believed in God – but that they realized that so do the demons. The difference of course is that the demons are not indwelled by the Holy Spirit, as are those who have faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Still, a bit of a scary verse to think about, no? Not necessarily for our own lives, perhaps, but maybe for others we know. Let us pray that we and others we know not only know God, but know Jesus and are filled with the Holy Spirit!
James 3 verses 9 and 10 are powerful reminders on the danger of what can come out of our mouths: “Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it breaks out into curses against those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!” How true is this… Reminds me of the old saying of being “two-faced”. Or maybe having a forked-tongue? The key here to how we can control the tongue I believe is answered in verse 13 – “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don’t brag about the good you do, then you will be truly wise!” If we can focus on wisdom and what’s going on inside our hearts and minds, we won’t have to worry about what comes out of the mouth!
Worship God: Today’s readings reminded me of the MercyMe song “On Our Way:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:26 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that your faith is fully alive. Pray that your saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior produces the fruit of loving deeds.
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. 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!
James’ verses today again are all so powerful… I am enjoying this book immensely. Chapter 1 Verse 27 is a great reminder to care for the poor amongst us – “Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us.” Are you caring for those in their time of trouble? Are you refusing to let the world corrupt us? Do you care for orphans and widows?
James chapter 2 verse 17 is a famous one – “So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is no faith at all–it is dead and useless.” Or, paraphrased, faith without works is dead. It’s important of course to remember that works alone do not save us – only faith does through the grace of God. But, works naturally come through that saving faith. They are a natural by-product and demonstrate that we have a true and living faith.
Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Tauren Wells’ song “Until Grace:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that you do not merely listen to the Word. Pray that you do what the Word says!
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. 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!
~ James ~ Author: James Place: Uncertain Date: A.D. 45-49 Content: The book of James was written to Jewish Christians in order to provide them with some practical instructions in the Christian life. It contains many short proverbial sayings and reflects in a remarkable way the teachings of Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount. The problems addressed show the kind of difficulties that were troubling the church. We read of pride, discrimination, greed, lust, hypocrisy, worldliness, and backbiting. James writes to correct these evils by showing that faith without works is dead; that is, mere profession of faith is not enough. True faith will issue forth in a good life as surely as a good tree bears good fruit and not thistles. Theme: James stresses the need for Christian living both to show the reality of one’s inner faith and to show the world that the Gospel does in fact change lives. If a person says he is a Christian but is no different than when he was an unbeliever, what benefit has there been either for him or for the needy world? But in fact the Gospel does change lives and if we will commit ourselves to Jesus, we will find that from our living faith will flow living deeds of love and kindness. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 31-32) A great overview of the book of James and the other “Non-Pauline Epistles” by J. Hampton Keathley is at this link. (scroll down just below his commentary on Hebrews to get to his commentary on James)
Today in James chapter 1 verses 2 – 4 we read: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Are you facing a trial of some kind in your life today? Do you see the wisdom in considering this trial pure joy? Do you think it is possible that this trial will develop perseverance in your life? Maturity? Completeness? Will you persevere in this trial? Will you persevere with pure joy?
I like verse 17 today – “Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven’s lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows.” Think about this for a bit – God is a God of no shadows. Pure light. Unchanging. No shadows. I like that thought of no shadows a lot… Of course, this means we can’t hide out in God’s shadows either! 🙂 Praise God for his unchanging, un-shadowed & pure Light!
And verse 18 is an awesome closing to the James readings today – “In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession.” Congratulations to you for diving into God’s true Word today – the Bible! Please continue to accept the gift of God’s true word by reading the Bible each day…. this will bless and change your life immensely. Do you realize that you are God’s choice possession? Do you realize that you are a child of God?
Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the fantastic worship song “Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble” by Delirious! Here’s a great live version of this song:
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today:“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray for joy in the Lord when trials come your way, knowing that the the trials – though they may test your faith – will produce perseverance in you.
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. 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!
We wrap up the book of Hebrews today, and start James tomorrow! Hebrews chapter 13 verse 2 has always stood out to me – “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” Powerful eh? When we show hospitality to strangers, we may be entertaining angels! Something to definitely keep in mind… Below is an engraving from the 16th century by Georg Pencz of Abraham entertaining angels from Genesis:
Verse 7 I think is a great reminder for each of us to rejoice in and show some appreciation for those that helped bring us to faith and to study the Bible – “Remember your leaders who first taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and trust the Lord as they do.” Is there someone right now that this verse makes you think of? Can you send them a card or a quick email of encouragement to thank them for the impact they have had on your spiritual life?
Verse 8 is infamous and powerful and please memorize this one: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” This is an easy verse to memorize, no? Say it with me. Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Yep, I think you got it. 🙂
Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of this great video below of the African Children’s Choir singing “Walking in the Light!”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever! Pray that you are walking in Jesus’ Light today and forevermore!
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. 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!
Hebrews chapter 12 verse 14 starts out strong with: “Try to live in peace with everyone, and seek to live a clean and holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.” I love this! If we seek to live in peace with everyone and live a clean and holy life people around us will see the Lord. This is very powerful to think about… You’ve probably heard this said before: “You may be the only Bible anyone ever reads”. Or “you may be the only Jesus anyone ever meets.” (not you being Jesus of course, but Christ within you shining through you!) Are you living in peace with everyone? Are you seeking to live a clean and holy life? Are others seeing the Lord in you? Are others reading the Bible through you?
Verse 28 stands out to me today: “Since we are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be destroyed, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.” This is an interesting phrasing – worship God with holy fear and awe. It reminds me a lot of a lyric in Chris Tomlin’s single, “Indescribable.” He sings – “humbly we fall to our knees and say, “you are amazing God!”” That one word “humbly” jumped out at me in this song. It seems to me that there should be some reverence, holy fear, awe, and humility as we worship God? And maybe not just take worship and our relationship for God lightly? But be thankful for the opportunity to worship God? Just some questions… Because then verse 29 tells us “For our God is a consuming fire.” Which reminds me of a great Third Day song…. 🙂
Worship Video: Hebrews 12:29 of course reminded me of the fantastic Third Day song “Consuming Fire:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that you are living at peace with others. Pray that you are pursuing holiness in your life, through a saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and by His grace. Pray that others see the LORD through your pursuit of holiness and by God’s grace.
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. 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!
There are a lot of great teachings in today’s readings! (and thus, get ready for a lengthy post here today… 🙂 Are you ready to learn from Jesus today? And the Old Testament scrolls? Below is an image of Jesus teaching from the scrolls of the Old Testament in the Temple:
Hebrews chapter 11 verses today finish out this chapter on “faith” strongly! Please take a minute to re-read this entire chapter 11 if you can. It is an amazing chapter of our spiritual ancestor’s faith. How does reading about our spiritual ancestor’s faith speak into your life today? Are their areas of your life where you can better live with faith? Can you turn over your fears and anxieties to God, in faith? Knowing, in faith, God will ultimately provide and thus there is nothing to fear or worry about today?
Hebrews 11 verse 38 stands out to me today: “They were too good for this world.” I think it is helpful to remember that this current world is not our ultimate eternal home. It is temporary. We’re called to be saints and love others in this world. But, we should not become too attached to it or what it offers. God has a better home for us in mind at the end of our race – our journey through this life. This verse says that our spiritual ancestors were too good for this world – and hence, many of them suffered. But they suffered knowing it was temporary. Impermanent. I don’t think that this verse should make us conceited or arrogant in any way – being “too good” for this world – but hopefully it helps us realize that this life is not necessarily going to be easy in this world if we are truly living in faith…. In fact, sometimes I wonder that if our life is really easy if we are really living our faith? I just hope we never get complacent and chill out and relax because “we are so saved”…. There is a dying world out there that needs us! How are you truly living your life in faith these days?
Hebrews chapter 12 verse 1 is phenomenal to think about – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress.” I think sometimes we think that we are doing this Christian walk / faith thing alone. We think we are in this alone – just us & God. I think this verse helps remind us that there is a huge crowd of witnesses that are in this with us. I like to think of this cloud of witnesses cheering us on in our walk! They are rooting for us! So – in light of knowing we have these saints rooting for us, doesn’t it make sense that we should strip away sin that hinders our walk? Is there sin your life that is hindering your walk? Will you allow Jesus to strip it away so that the cloud of witnesses can continue to cheer you on toward the finish line? Below is an image of some of the “crowd of witnesses” to our life of faith – Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Samson, and David:
How do we run this race toward the finish line well? I think verse 2 tells us how – “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish.” Are your eyes on Jesus? Constantly? Does your faith depend solely on Jesus? Is your faith as fresh today as when you first came to faith in Jesus?
Verse 3 is a powerful reflection of Jesus’ passion…. “Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don’t become weary and give up.” Think about what Jesus endured at the hands of the Roman guards. Think about Jesus’ resolve. He was running the race toward the finish line. Can reflecting on Jesus’ passion help us resist becoming weary and giving up? How often do you reflect on Jesus’ passion?
Verses 5 & 6 quote Proverbs 3:11-12 and the following verses then go into explaining this wisdom of this Proverb – “My child, don’t ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don’t be discouraged when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes those he accepts as his children.” Do you believe this proverb to be true? Is the Lord perhaps disciplining you in some way today? Are you accepting or ignoring the discipline? Do you believe that the Lord disciplines those he loves? And that this “divine discipline” is ultimately good for you and everyone you come in contact with in your life?
Worship Video: Our Hebrews 12:5-6 readings today about discipline reminded me of Josh Turner’s fantastic song “Long Black Train.” This song is basically a country & western worship tune! 🙂 “There is victory in the Lord! Don’t go riding on that long black train!”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today:“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that you are running the race of life marked out for you, fixing your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith. Pray in thanksgiving for the great cloud of witnesses that surrounds you in your race!
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. 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!
New Testament in a Year 