New Testament in a Year

Matthew 6:1-24
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Our readings in Matthew chapter 6 today seem to be focusing quite a bit on the interior motives of why we do things – and to do things sometimes in secret, where only God will know what we are doing.  And by giving, praying, and fasting with pure interior motives and in secret, God will reward us!  I think there is so much truth in this…  I think when we give anonymously or pray for others quietly or fast privately, we are really worshipping God.  We are in essence saying, “God I am doing these things because of who You are, how great You are, and to let you know how much I love You.  I don’t need to let anyone know about this act of worship between me and You.   You knowing is more than enough.”    Now, I do think there are times for communal giving, praying and fasting – but I love that Jesus challenges us to make sure we find private ways to worship God and God only – and not to bring glory to ourselves by desiring public praise for our “religiosity”…

What a blessing to read the Lord’s Prayer in today’s readings!  I have to confess, I don’t say this prayer very often… and Jesus seems to indicate pretty clearly that this is a good way to pray.  🙂  I do pray often throughout the day – but usually it’s pretty immediate stuff – bless this meal, thank you for this day, bless my time at work, etc. etc.  What a great thing it would be if I could remember to actually pray the Lord’s Prayer a bit more…   I do think it is good to pray things beyond the Lord’s Prayer – in fact, just take a look at the Psalms for some ranges of prayer. You might infer from verse 7 that we should stick only to the Lord’s Prayer when praying: “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered only by repeating their words again and again.”  However – I read a commentary that this verse was admonishing against the polytheistic religions where people prayed to every single god’s name they could think of, and would continue to repeat all of the gods names over and over, in hopes that this “babbling” would work to where one of the gods would respond to their pleading.   So – I think God loves and enjoys hearing us pray to Him in whatever way we do so – but we should not neglect the fact that when Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer He said (in verse 9):  “Pray like this.”

 

Verse 24 has always always been a verse that’s convicted me and still does today: “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”  There is so much truth here in these 3 little sentences…  Who are we serving in our lives today?  I once read that one good indicator is to take a look at your monthly budget.  Where does the money go each month?  Interesting way to look at this.  Maybe another way to look at this is how you spend your time each week.  How much time is spent at work, volunteering, being with God, being with family/friends, taking a Sabbath, etc.  Maybe looking at how we spend our time and money is a good way to see who or what we are worshipping?  Do you believe that it is true that we cannot serve two masters?  Who are you serving these days?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Matthew titled “Jesus on Prayer” is at this link, and “Where Is Your Treasure?” is at this link.

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in Matthew about the Lord’s Prayer reminded me of Phil Wickham’s beautiful song “The Secret Place:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wnf4X86iylY

Do you have a secret place with God?  Click here to be let in on the secret of life in Christ!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating a verse of Scripture today:“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Matthew 6:24 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray about which “master” you spend more time thinking about each day – God or money?  Pray that you will only serve God.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Based on our Matthew 6 readings today about the Lord’s Prayer, let me ask you this: How do you pray?  Or, in how many different ways do you pray?   Do you pray specific prayers regularly, like the Lord’s Prayer?  Do you keep a list of people by your bedside to pray for regularly?  Do you pray by writing in a journal?   I actually had one friend share with me that each day of the week he would pray for a specific segment of his life and our world.  For example, on Sundays he’d pray for his church and pastors and the worldwide church.  On Mondays he’d pray for his family and coworkers and friends.  On Tuesdays he’d pray for politicians and world leaders.  And so on…  And he’d repeat this pattern each week. This way he was very intentional about praying – otherwise he said he’d just end up lobbing up a few prayers each day – and usually just for himself.  I think this is an interesting approach!  Please post up some thoughts on your prayer life?  Also, 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!

Matthew 5:27-48
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Matthew 5:27-30 are Jesus’ teachings about adultery.  And really I think these teachings, along with many others in the Sermon on the Mount, are even more so about what is going on inside our hearts.  Jesus discusses how the law says clearly how we are “not to do” something – it’s very apparent and very “exterior” if we commit a sin like adultery.  Jesus says that the exterior/apparent/obvious sin is wrong for sure – but Jesus is equally as concerned with what’s going on in the “interior” –  inside our hearts.  Jesus proposes that if we have looked at someone lustfully with our “interior”, we have committed the same sin as if we had actually committed adultery on the “exterior.”  Do you see how Jesus’ teachings in today’s readings are really focusing on the condition of our hearts?  How is the condition of your heart today when it comes to these teachings?

I know these can be seen as “hard teachings.” Please note that I do not believe that Jesus is advocating self-mutilation in these readings – he is being figurative, not literal, in his speech about gouging out an eye or cutting off a hand.  (someone can be blind and still lust) But he wants the point to be made very strongly.  These teachings are obviously important for us to meditate on and learn from and obey.  I am sure we all know it is true that what we “think” can often become what we “do”.  So, it seems to me that Jesus is trying to stop us from even committing sin at the “thinking” level, because it may later manifest itself into action.  Or – even if it does not manifest itself into action the thinking of the sin can actually affect us just adversely as much as the actual doing of the sin.  Let us not let our minds wander into cloudy territory, but let us keep our minds clean and focused on Jesus, His Kingdom, and His Righteousness. Jesus’ teachings today in Matthew 5 can certainly keep us from cloudy thinking and the confusion of internal sin:

I do actually want to say a few more things about the whole adultery / lust issue brought up in today’s readings.  And it is this – probably many of us have struggled with lust, or are struggling with lust right now.  I am very saddened by many things I have seen and heard and experienced over the years.  However sad I am or have been though, I am sure God grieves for us so much more.  I guess I just want to encourage anyone now who is reading this that might be struggling with lust or pornography or adultery or pre-marital sex etc. – there truly is freedom from what you are struggling with.  And that freedom ultimately only is found in the healing love of Jesus.  I just pray that you will do everything you can to allow Jesus to free you from what’s enslaved you – seek professional counseling, find an accountability partner, confess your sins, read empowering books about freedom from what you are struggling with, avoid R-rated movies or Hollywood entertainment magazines if you need to, avoid situations or locations that will tempt you, and above all pray to Jesus and ask for healing continually.  He will heal you.  It may take time.  But Jesus will heal you.  God bless you as you work your way out of this and into amazing freedom!  God will get you there! Let the healing begin!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Matthew titled “Flames of Desire” is at this link, “Avoiding the Sin of Adultery” is at this link, and “Jesus and the Law of Retaliation (Lex Talionis)” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Zach William’s terrific song “Chain Breaker:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WtV1XtqsW0

Do you have chains binding you?  Click here for those chains to be broken!

Please join me in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:27-28 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not commit adultery in your life. Pray that you will not look at another person lustfully. Pray that if you are committing adultery in your heart right now that you will repent and turn to Jesus for healing.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Based on our readings in Matthew chapter 5 today about lust, are there any good books or websites you can recommend related to achieving victory in this area of our lives?  Or any habits or practices of yours that you are comfortable sharing about how you avoid the sin of lust in your life?  Also, 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!

Matthew 5:1-26
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Okay…today is a big day my friends!  We are starting the Sermon on the Mount!  Whoo-hoo! (are you cheering here with me?? 🙂  And as we do, let me encourage you in a few ways on what we’ll be reading here.  First of all, personally, these 3 chapters of Matthew (5, 6, 7) have been transformative for me over the years.  Before I had faith in Jesus, I would continually read these chapters and I kept thinking to myself – “This guy has got some wisdom!  I like what he’s saying!”  And I do believe that the Spirit was no doubt working on me as I read these chapters.  So, I do ask that you would be sensitive to the Spirit as you read The Sermon on the Mount.  What is the Spirit speaking to you as you read?  Which verses are really jumping out at you – maybe making you think about some areas of your life that might need some tidying up…  I know that this happens to me every time I read the Sermon on the Mount. 

Here’s my other big request for you as you read through the Sermon on the Mount – and really all of the gospels.  Try to experience what you are reading as something more than just “historical” teachings or “historical” readings.  Try to envision yourself maybe down at your local park and maybe imagine that Jesus was actually at that park surrounded by a bunch of your neighbors and imagine that you heard Jesus actually saying these words to you and your neighbors – today.  Would this change your perception of what you are reading?  Or, maybe imagine that indeed Jesus is not just at your local park – but in your very home saying these words to you.   And truly – He is – as you are reading the Bible you are hearing directly from Jesus.  I just want to encourage you that the words you read here in the Sermon on the Mount are incredible spiritual food.  And I don’t think we can come back to these 3 chapters of Matthew often enough. I pray that you will let the Spirit of Jesus speak directly into your mind and your heart as you read and meditate on the meanings of these 3 chapters of the gospel of Matthew…

We read the Beatitudes today!  I would love to share with you the Beatitudes from Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of the Bible called The Message.  I really like the way he looks at the Beatitudes –
“”You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are–no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being “carefull,’ you find yourselves cared for.
“You’re blessed when you get your inside world–your mind and heart–put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.”   – Matthew 5:3-10 The Message

I know verses 17 & 18 probably are interpreted in different ways – but a friend of mine has encouraged me when in doubt, just stick to the text, which is wise.  So, let’s look at the Jesus’ words here in this text – “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to fulfill them.  I assure you, until heaven and earth disappear, even the smallest detail of God’s law will remain until its purpose is achieved.”   What does the reading of this text say to you?

And now that we’ve looked at the text… I need to dive into a commentary on these verses… 🙂   I’m quoting this from Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion book – which I have found to be a very helpful commentary to our daily readings:  “In the Old Testament, there were 3 categories of law:  ceremonial, civil, and moral.  1.  The ceremonial law was related specifically to Israel’s worship.  Its primary purpose was to point forward to Jesus Christ; these laws are therefore no longer necessary after Jesus’ death and resurrection.  However, the principles behind these laws – to worship and love a holy God – still apply.  2. The civil law applied to daily living in Israel and these laws cannot be followed specifically today in our modern society and culture.  But the principles behind theses laws are timeless and should guide our conduct. 3.  The moral law (such as the Ten Commandments) is the direct command of God, and requires obedience.  The moral law reveals the nature and will of God, and it still applies today.”   So, there you have it from one evangelical commentary.  I know probably different people reading this blog are going to interpret these verses a bit differently.  This framework of these 3 categories of laws above and their fulfillment in Jesus I personally have found helpful and agree with.  One other commentary I found related to these verses says this: “Christ does not terminate the law. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; we establish the law. (Romans 3:31) The law will always be there to point out what sin is, but the law is not the focus, Christ is the focus. Only He can cleanse, and sanctify and change the heart and mind.”  Again, I know this can be a hot topic to say the least.  I recommend everyone please spend a few minutes reading this wonderful article on this topic from Bible.org titled, “The Mosaic Law: Its Function and Purpose in the New Testament,” at this link.

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings today in Matthew titled “The Beatitudes” is at this link and “A Pinch of Salt in the Recipe for Persecution” is at this link.

Worship Video:  Today’s readings reminded me of the wonderful worship song “A New Hallelujah” by Michael W. Smith. Here’s a great live version of the song featuring the African Children’s Choir from Uganda!

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

Have you ever sung “A New Hallelujah” to God?  Click here and sing!

Please join me in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14,16 NIV

Prayer Point: Based on Matthew 5:14,16 above, pray to God that you will let your light shine before others in this new year. Pray that God would show you how we wants you to truly be the light of the world this year. And pray that you will give all of the glory to God for your good deeds.

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!

Matthew 4:12-25
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Matthew chapter 4:12 begins Jesus’ public ministry!  Verse 17 is of note: “From then on, Jesus began to preach, “Turn from your sins and turn to God, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near.””   You’ll note that Jesus is echoing earlier words of John the Baptist – turn from your sins – repent.  The message is obviously of utmost importance – then and now.  And then you’ll see several times in the gospel of Matthew the term “the Kingdom of Heaven.”  You’ll later see in Mark and Luke’s gospel’s a similar term, “the Kingdom of God.”  They basically mean the same thing – but Matthew was using the term “Heaven” instead of “God” because he was writing for a Jewish audience, which did not like to verbalize God’s name (out of respect).  Per Zondervan’s NIV Study Bible, the Kingdom of Heaven is essentially brought about through the ministry of Jesus and those that have faith in Him – the establishment of God’s rule in the hearts of people, the overcoming of evil, the removal of the consequences of sin, and a new order of peace.  The idea of God’s kingdom is mentioned nearly 50 times in the gospel of Matthew. How have you seen God’s Kingdom manifested in your life? How have you seen that the Kingdom of heaven is near? What does repent meant to you? Is repentance a one time thing or an ongoing thing our lives?

Verses 18 through 20 is something that I think all of us should reflect upon in our own lives: “One day as Jesus was walking along the shore beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers–Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew–fishing with a net, for they were commercial fishermen. Jesus called out to them, “Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and went with him.”  What would you do if you were at work today or tomorrow and Jesus came to you and said – “Come, be my disciple, and I will show you how to fish for people!”  Like Peter and Andrew, would you go at once with Jesus?  This is not an easy question for us to answer. But I think it is worth asking.  I have a great friend who indeed felt the call of Jesus to leave his very nicely paid architect job in the U.S. and to become a missionary architect in Asia – building primarily hospitals for communities that need them.  The point of this passage I think is this – Jesus is indeed calling each one of us to follow Him.  We may not need to leave our jobs.  (But some of us may…)  The call may entail leaving some of our luxurious ways or lazy behaviors behind to truly follow Him.  The call to follow Jesus certainly entails leaving our sinful ways behind.  Will you follow Jesus?  Has he called you?  Do you believe he is calling you now?  Will you go at once and follow His Call?

Verse 23 nicely encapsulates Jesus’ 3 main ministries that we will see over and over again in the gospels – 1.  teaching, 2.  preaching, and 3. healing.  “Jesus traveled throughout Galilee teaching in the synagogues, preaching everywhere the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed people who had every kind of sickness and disease.” Will you allow Jesus to teach you this year?  Will you even allow Jesus to preach to you this year?  And, this may be the toughest to surrender to – will you allow Jesus to heal you this year?  My friends, we all need some healing from Jesus!

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings today in Matthew titled “The Commencement of Jesus’ Ministry” is at this link.

Worship Video:  Reading about Jesus calling the disciples in Matthew 4 today reminded me of the song “I Still Believe” by Jeremy Camp: (which is a great movie too!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZPMZV9MVVY

Do you Believe?  Click here for Belief!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19 NIV

Prayer Point: Based on Matthew 4:19 above, pray to Jesus about any ways He may specifically be calling you to follow Him in this new year. Pray to Jesus that he would make you a fisher of men and women this year.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  We read about Jesus calling Peter and Andrew in the Gospel of Matthew today.  Do you think Jesus still calls people today?  Can you share with everyone in the Comments section below a time in your life when felt that you were called by Jesus?  Maybe it was a time when you were called to follow Jesus for the first time or maybe it was a call to love or serve others in a new way for you?  Do you think that Jesus is calling you to something new in your life now in this new year? Do you know what Jesus is calling you to do?  Will you do it?  Also, 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!

Matthew 3:7-4:11
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Today’s Matthew readings are incredible on so many levels.  We begin by reading about John the Baptist scolding the Pharisees and Sadducees!  John is not joking around here…  I think one verse that really stood out to me was verse 8: “Prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God.”  and verse 10: “Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”  I think what I hear John saying here is that we are called to truly repent and change our ways.  Not just to say some nice words or just show up to church on Sundays – but to be transformed.  Our lives should be visibly different from our past if we have really turned from our sins and turned to God.  And this change will be evident by our lives producing “good fruit” – examples of which can certainly be seen in any of the Ten Commandments or loving our neighbor as ourselves and above all loving God with all our hearts, minds, soul and strength.  Our lives should look very different from our past.  Do they?  Does yours? Below is a stained glass image of John the Baptist used by permission and copyright held by cambridge2000.com/gallery:

Verses 16 & 17 are phenomenal as we see the three persons of the Trinity interacting with each other! God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit: “After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with him.””  Jesus’ baptism is very significant because it is the act that opens up the public ministry phase of Jesus’ life.

Now – I think what happens just after Jesus’ baptism is something each of us should take heed of – the devil comes in full force after Jesus.  I heard someone tell me just before I was baptized many years ago that whenever we make a public declaration that we love God: the Father, Jesus the Son, & the Holy Spirit and that we want to follow Him, the devil and temptation very likely will appear.  The devil isn’t happy when we are moving forward in our love of Jesus and loving others – and he wants to derail it.   And that’s what we see here in chapter 4 – God: the Father, Jesus the Son, & the Holy Spirit have just declared “Game On!” with Jesus’ public ministry via the baptism – and then who should show up coming after Jesus?  If the devil showed up to tempt Jesus, don’t you think he might try to show up in our lives when we are starting something big in our faith walk?  Fortunately, Jesus gives us all the answers we need in chapter 4 to thwart the devil’s attacks.

Chapter 4 verse 4 I believe is one of the most important verses for us to commit to memory in all of the Bible: “But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, `People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God.’” (NLT).  Or, you might recognize this verse a bit better in NIV format: “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”  This is such a powerful spiritual truth that Jesus is conveying – we will not live full and true lives if we live simply on bread alone.  We need spiritual nourishment – food – from every Word of God.  Where do we get this Word of God?  You got it – the Bible.  And note that Jesus says “every” word of God.  This means the whole Bible is spiritual food for us.  All of it.  Not just the parts we like the best.  🙂  We can learn something and be nourished by even the long genealogies!  Seriously.   So – I want to applaud you for going through the One Year Bible – you will be getting nourishment from “every” Word of God this year!  Below is an oil painting by Juan De Flandes from 1504 – (he actually painted this piece for Queen Isabella of Spain’s private altar at that time):

One other important point to make in Matthew 4:4 and the 2 other temptations in this chapter.  We see the devil tempting Jesus with things that may look enticing to Jesus or to us.  But they are lies.  And note – this is important – how Jesus fends off the devil’s temptations and lies – by quoting Scripture!  Jesus knew Scripture (well, yes, technically He is Scripture…:) The point is this. I do believe that we need to do more than just read the Bible.  We need to memorize many portions of the Bible to protect us when the devil is attacking.  If we have Scripture memorized, when we are tempted, we can quickly call to mind a verse or two that will bring us back into right state of mind – focusing back on God: the Father, Jesus the Son, & the Holy Spirit and their love and strength available through the Holy Spirit.  If we don’t have Scripture memorized, as Jesus clearly did in this chapter, we are at risk of falling prey to the deception and lies of the temptation.  So – I am mostly preaching this to myself!  🙂  But, I really want to do more memorization of Scripture this year.  I have several verses down – but not enough.  Proverbs 3:5-6 certainly comes to mind for me often when I am worried or stressed and it transforms my state of mind immediately!  What can you apply in your life today based on how Jesus rebuked the devil’s temptations?

Very important to note is what happened when Jesus rebuked the devil’s temptations with Scripture, the Word of God, in verse 11: “Then the Devil went away.”  Amen to that!  🙂

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings today in Matthew titled “The Baptism of Jesus” is at this link, “The Temptation of Jesus, Part 1” is at this link, “Satan’s “Leap of Faith”” is at this link, and “The Third Temptation of Jesus” is at this link.

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in Matthew about Jesus modeling to us how to defeat Satan’s temptations with the Word reminded me of Matt Maher’s beautiful song “Lord I Need You” performed here live:

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

Do you know you need the Lord?  Click here to Need Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray for God’s leading in ways that He might be calling you to memorize Scripture this year.  Pray that this year you literally will live on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Pray for our world to repent and not live on bread alone, but on God’s Word.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Back to my reflections above about how Jesus rebuked the devil’s temptations today with Scripture.  Are you memorizing Scripture on a regular basis?  Are you bringing Scripture to mind when faced with temptation or sadness or whatever ails you? I would love to know which verses you have found useful in your life?  Do you have advice on how to best go about memorizing Scripture?  Will you join me in my plan to memorize more Scripture verses this year?  Also, 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!

Matthew 2:13-3:6
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture on The ESV Bible ~

In Matthew today we read about The Escape to Egypt.  Two things stood out to me in Joseph’s behavior in today’s readings.  In verse 13 an angel tells Joseph to “get up and flee to Egypt” – and Joseph responds by leaving THAT NIGHT with the family, as we see in verse 14.  That’s beautiful obedience.  Then, in verse 21 we see Joseph respond similarly when he is told by an angel to return to Israel – he leaves with the family “immediately.”  I like this – Joseph is acting obediently to God’s will in his life – and he is acting pronto!  He’s not sitting around worrying or fretting or thinking that he’ll get to it tomorrow.  He goes that night!  He returns immediately!  Can we learn from Joseph’s amazing obedience in these readings? Is God calling you to do something in your life that you are hemming and hawing about? Is God calling you to forgive someone? To love someone? To serve someone? To encourage someone? Will you be like Joseph and obey God’s call for your life immediately? Since we’ve turned the new year, I hope you don’t mind if I post up my favorite image demonstrating obedience below… 🙂  Do you have obedience like this when it comes to God’s will for your life?

Today in Matthew chapter 3 we are introduced to John the Baptist!  I don’t know exactly what it is about John the Baptist – but I love reading about him and his life.  He is just on fire for God and Jesus and he is encouraging others to get on fire too!  I guess I like that in a person. 🙂 Another thing about John is that he is so focused on his mission to call others to repentance and to baptize them, that he really does not care about worldly things – like how he looks or what he wears or what he eats.  None of that really matters to him.  It is the message of the coming of Jesus that matters to him.  Maybe it is verse 4 that really stands out to me about John:  “John’s clothes were woven from camel hair, and he wore a leather belt; his food was locusts and wild honey.”  I think this is really saying that John lived a simple life.  He did not “major in minor things” – he “majored in the major thing” – Jesus!  Is there something we can learn from John the Baptist in our lives today?  Are you perhaps focusing too much on things of this world and not enough on God and Jesus? Are you truly loving God and loving people like John did? Or are you spending your life “majoring in minor things”? Will you instead “major on the major thing” that John is calling you to even today – complete passion and love for God: the Father, Jesus the Son, the Holy Spirit; and other people?

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings today in Matthew titled “The Slaughter of the Infants and Innocent Suffering” is at this link and “John the Baptist and Jesus” is at this link.

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in Matthew reminded me of the terrific song “In Christ Alone” sung here live by Shane and Shane:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2ld1wI2hT8

Is Christ Alone enough for you?  Click here to be alone with Christ!

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!

Matthew 1:1-2:12
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Happy New Year! Welcome to the beginning of our New Testament in a Year journey in 2026! Today we begin the gospel of Matthew!  Below is Northern Renaissance painter Jan Sanders van Hemessen’s “Jesus Summons Matthew to Leave the Tax Office” from the year 1536:

~Matthew~
Author: Matthew
Place: Perhaps Antioch
Date: A.D. 60-70
Content: Matthew was a tax collector, called by Jesus to follow him early in his public ministry; hence, he was an eyewitness of most of the events he describes. He begins with a detailed account of Jesus’ birth of the virgin Mary, his baptism, and temptation in the wilderness. Jesus came preaching the kingdom of God, entrance into which meant eternal life. One entered by repentance and faith. Matthew blocks the teaching of Jesus together into five discourses in which may be seen the ethics, the proclamation, the parables, the fellowship, and the consummation of the kingdom. Jesus’ death and resurrection end the Gospel with the command to go into all the world with the good news (gospel) of Jesus Christ.
Theme: Matthew’s main purpose in writing his Gospel is to show that Jesus fulfills the promise of God in the Old Testament. For this reason Jesus is introduced as a “descendant of King David and of Abraham,” and Matthew makes use of numerous Old Testament prophecies and quotations to explain Jesus’ life. Jesus came to be the Savior of the Jews, the Gentiles, and ultimately the world. The ethics required by members of God’s kingdom are found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) where the world’s values are rejected and the Kingdom of God and his righteousness become supreme. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 21)  A wonderful commentary on the book of Matthew by Daniel Wallace is at this link.  Below is a painting (I absolutely love this painting!) titled “The Inspiration of St. Matthew” by the Baroque Italian artist Caravaggio, circa 1602:

In today’s Matthew readings, we read the genealogy of Jesus. I know that genealogy’s can sometimes seem a bit boring to read, but this one in Matthew is phenomenal!  If you just finished reading the One Year Bible this past year, you will recognize many of these names.  Or – let me encourage you to come back and read this genealogy again on January 1st of next year, if you are going through the entire Bible for your first time this year.  This genealogy will amaze you.  One of the interesting things to note in this genealogy is the mention of 5 women – Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary.  It was not the norm in the 1st century to list women in genealogies – only men were typically listed.  At least 3 of these women were Gentiles (not Jewish) – Tamara, Rahab, and Ruth.  Matthew was potentially trying to indicate to his Jewish readers that God’s work in this world is not limited to the people of Israel – nor was God’s work limited to men.   The genealogy in Matthew is sometimes illustrated by a “Jesse Tree” showing the lineage of Jesus from Jesse, father of King David:

Chapter 1 verse 23 is certainly a huge prophecy from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah being fulfilled through the birth of Jesus: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and he will be called Immanuel (meaning, God is with us).” Jesus is God and came to literally be with us.  To experience our human sufferings and temptations – and joys and triumphs.  The importance of this birth of Immanuel cannot be overstated.  God came to be with us in flesh and blood.

Chapter 2 verse 6 is very powerful in that last year’s One Year Bible crew recently read about the prophet Micah’s prophesying of Jesus being born in Bethlehem: “O Bethlehem of Judah, you are not just a lowly village in Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.” Here again you can see Matthew writing for his Jewish audience – quoting an Old Testament prophet and also focusing in on the town of “Bethlehem of Judah” – the City of David.  This was to demonstrate again that Jesus was from the lineage of King David.

Verse 10 is a brief verse showing us the reaction of the magi in being led to Jesus: “When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!”   The magi were also Gentiles and likely astrologers – following a star might lead one to think this… 🙂  But no matter where they were from and what they believed prior, they were filled with joy at being led to the Messiah, Jesus.  And they gave him gifts and worshipped him.  And for us today – are we filled with joy in reading about the birth of Jesus?  Do we realize what this meant back then – and still means today?  That Immanuel was born – that God came to be with us.  (Note that some Biblical scholars say that contrary to popular tradition, it is believed that the magi did not visit Jesus at the manger on the night of his birth, as did the shepherds, but that the magi came months later and visited him as “child” in his “house” – see verse 11.)

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Matthew titled “The Birth of Jesus” is at this link and “The Visit of the Wise Men” is at this link.

Worship Video – I typically post up a worship video that relates to our daily readings on this section of the blog.  Today our readings in Matthew reminded me of Chris Tomlin’s song “Our God” (filmed live at Red Rocks, Colorado, in 2013 – I was there!). Enjoy, and don’t be afraid to Worship God right now along with this video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJpt1hSYf2o

Do you personally know our Great God?  Click here to meet Him!

Comments from You and Question of the Day: As today is our first day together on the New Testament in a Year journey in 2026, I thought I’d post up a “roll-call.”  This is an opportunity for each of us to click on the “Comments” link below and let everyone know a few things about ourselves, as we’ll be journeying through the Word together over the coming year.  So here’s the roll-call questions:  1. Have you read the entire New Testament before?  2. What are you looking forward to about reading the New Testament in 2026?  3. What’s your favorite book or verse in the Bible?  Thanks for participating in the roll-call!  🙂 Also, 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!

Revelation 22:1-21
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Happy New Year!  Congratulations to everyone who completed the New Testament in a Year journey in 2025 today! It has been awesome to go through the journey this year with each of you.  It is quite a blessing to realize that you’ve read through God’s Word this past year!  It has been a huge blessing for me.  God has continued to transform me this past year through this journey.  Reading through the New Testament in a year will change us.  For the better!  🙂 For those of you wrapping up the journey today in 2025, I’d like to ask you to post up your reflections on this experience in the Comments section below.  The reason for this request is because we have lots of new folks signing up to take the journey in 2026.  What advice would you give them?  Any encouragement?  What has reading the Bible on a daily basis meant to you over the past year?  Has this experience changed you in any way?  Thanks for sharing! I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry! If this blog has been a blessing to you in 2025, please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Today we finish the book of Revelation with a glorious chapter describing the New Jerusalem in heaven, and with a clear reminder that Jesus is coming again!  Below is artist Pat Marvenko Smith’s look “Through the Gate of the Eternal City” from Revelation 22:1-6 in today’s readings:

 

Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
To order prints visit her “Revelation Illustrated” site.

Chapter 22 verses 1 & 2 are so beautiful: “And the angel showed me a pure river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb, coursing down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations.”   This river combines the elements of the river in the Garden of Eden – see Genesis 2:8-14 – and the river flowing from the temple in Ezekiel’s vision – see Ezekiel 47:1-12.  I love this idea of this “river of life”.  There are so many beautiful allusions to God and grace being like water or a river in the Bible – particularly in the Psalms.  A river that heals us. I love this.  There is a great song by Steven Curtis Chapman about diving into the river.  I think it’s called “Dive” on his Speechless CD.  This song of his reminds me so much of these verses.  One of his lyrics goes something like:  “The River’s deep, the river’s wide, the river’s water is ALIVE!  So sink or swim, I’m diving in!”  Do you want to dive into this holy river of God?  Do you want to be healed and purified by it’s waters? Will you dive in?

Verse 8 is powerful for us to reflect upon, where we see an angel speaking to John after he fell to worship the angel:  “”No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this scroll. Worship God!”” My thought here is that do we sometimes worship other people in our life?   And does this worship of other people ultimately take away from our worship of God?  Meaning, I think it might sometimes be tempting for us to “worship” our pastors or ministers or spiritual mentors.  But, should we do this?  I think we would do well to remember that these people in our life are simply servants of God, like this angel.  They are not God.  We are called to give our hearts and minds and souls and worship to God and God only.

Verse 20 (almost) closes out the book of Revelation with these words: “Come, Lord Jesus!” Are these three words a prayer of your heart? Should they be? It’s only recently that I started praying these words from my heart, and it is an amazing thing to truly pray and truly desire. Come Lord Jesus!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Revelation chapter 22 titled “The Epilogue” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Revelation reminded me of the Steven Curtis Chapman song “Dive.” However, rather than share that song with you in the video below, our readings in Revelation chapter 22 also reminded me of his powerful song about his daughter called “Heaven is the Face.” Here’s a great live version of this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nT88tmF5O8

Can you imagine meeting Jesus in heaven?  Click here and make your imagination real!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let those who hear say, “Come!” Let those who are thirsty come; and let all who wish take the free gift of the water of life.” Revelation 22:17 (TNIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you are thirsty for Jesus today and every day! Pray that you are daily responding to Jesus’ call to you to “Come!” Pray that you will follow Jesus and take the free gift of the water of Life He offers you, today and forevermore.

Comments From You and Question of the Day: For those of you wrapping up the New Testament in a Year today in 2025, I’d like to ask you to post up your reflections on this experience in the Comments section below.  The reason for this request is because we have lots of new folks signing up to take the New Testament in a Year journey in 2026.  What advice would you give them?  Any encouragement?  What has reading the Bible on a daily basis meant to you over the past year?  Has this experience changed you in any way?  Thanks for sharing!  Also, for everyone, 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!

Revelation 21:1-27
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Revelation chapter 21 is definitely one of my favorite chapters in the Bible! It is what our very hearts long for!  Today we read a wonderful glimpse of the New Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God.

Certainly verses 3 and 4 are powerful for us to reflect upon: “I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, the home of God is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever.”  Are you looking forward to that day when God will be among his people?  When he will remove all sorrows and pains?

And verses 23-25 are so beautiful to meditate upon: “And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. The nations of the earth will walk in its light, and the rulers of the world will come and bring their glory to it. Its gates never close at the end of day because there is no night.”  Are you looking forward to this everlasting light?  The light that can come only from God and Jesus, the Lamb?

Below are artist Pat Marvenko Smith’s two great images of the heavenly Jerusalem from today’s readings titled “The City Four-Square: New Jerusalem” and “The Foundations of the City”, which verses 18 through 20 capture very well: “The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. The wall of the city was built on foundation stones inlaid with twelve precious stones: the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst.”

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.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Revelation chapter 21 titled “The Eternal State” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Revelation Chapter 21 remind me of the beautiful MercyMe song “I can Only Imagine:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNDEyxEMNp0

Can you imagine meeting Jesus in heaven?  Click here and make your imagination real!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.” Revelation 21:23-24 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you will one day see this heavenly city, where the glory of God gives it light! Pray that you will walk in this glorious light through your saving faith 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!

Revelation 20:1-15
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

In Revelation chapter 20 today we read about the Millennial Reign of Christ! There are 3 basic beliefs in the 1,000 years described in this chapter: 1.  Amillennialism (means we’re in a figurative 1,000 years now) describes the present reign of Jesus in heaven, along with deceased believers and currently living believers – all of which will be followed by Jesus’ second coming, the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and Jesus’ reign over the new earth eternally.   2. Premillennialism (means Jesus will come before a literal 1,000 years) also believes in the present reign of Jesus in heaven that is moving toward a time when Jesus returns again, the first resurrection occurs, and there will be a reign of Jesus on the current earth as we know it for 1,000 years. Then will come the final general resurrection, the final judgment, and then the eternal kingdom on the new earth.  3.  Postmillennialism (means Jesus will come after a literal 1,000 years) believes that the entire world as we currently know it will be converted to Christianity and this will bring a millennium of peace – then to be followed by Jesus’ second coming, the general resurrection, final judgment, and the eternal kingdom.   Hopefully this makes some sort of sense on these three views? 🙂  I read a commentary that said the key to remember with all 3 of these views is that they are simply timing differences.  In all 3 views, Jesus returns again.  Jesus reigns.  Forever.

Verses 11-12 get into Judgment, which is obviously quite a topic to attempt to cover in a daily blog… 🙂  “And I saw a great white throne, and I saw the one who was sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to the things written in the books, according to what they had done.”  So…  I am going to defer to someone much smarter than me on this one, and HIGHLY encourage you to read Lehman Strauss’s article entitled “The Future Judgment of the Believer” at bible.org at this link.  I encourage you to check this link out if you’d like a glimpse toward what happens after we pass on from this life – including a very interesting look at 5 crowns that can be given / received!  Actually, if you are really interested in learning more about what happens after we die, Mr. Strauss at bible.org has a great 10 part series called “Death and Afterward” at this link.  (which “The Future Judgment of the Believer” link above is #6 in the 10 part series.)  Below is artist Pat Marvenko Smith’s “The Great White Throne of Judgment” and “The Books Are Opened and The Book of Life” based on Revelation chapter 20 verses 11-12 today (which are at the top of this paragraph):

 

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.

Worship Song: Today’s readings in Revelation chapter 20 remind me of the “Revelation Song” performed here by Kari Jobe:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dZMBrGGmeE

Do you look forward to singing the Revelation Song in Heaven one day?  Click here and sing!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” Revelation 20:4 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that your life is a testimony that brings glory to Jesus. Pray that you will bring glory to Jesus no matter what the cost might be.

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!