New Testament in a Year

2 Peter 1:1-21
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Today we start the book of Second Peter!  This is another great letter from Peter to the early Christian church written in approximately 65 to 68 A.D., just before Peter was martyred during the reign of the Roman emperor Nero.  1 Peter was more of a letter of encouragement to early Christians who were facing suffering, whereas 2 Peter is written to dispel false teachings within early Christianity.  Below is a fresco by Michelangelo of Peter being crucified, in the Sistine Chapel in Rome:

~ Second Peter ~
Author: Peter the apostle
Place: Uncertain, perhaps Rome
Date: A.D. 67
Content: This letter was written by Peter shortly before his death and deals with the problems that the church would face after his departure. He encourages the believers to continue in their spiritual growth, realizing the truth of the Christian gospel. It does not consist of fable but fact. He warns them of false teachers who would destroy the truth by exalting their own ideas over those of the church. Finally, he points out that Christ will return some day to destroy the old order of this world; as a result, we ought not to become too attached to it.
Theme: Second Peter is a call to steadfastness in the midst of numerous pressures to drift from the truth. The world is seeking to undo the work of God, but we must resist all such pressure by living godly lives, believing the truth, enduring persecution, trusting God, and looking for Christ’s return. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 33) A great overview of Second Peter and the other “Non-Pauline Epistles” by J. Hampton Keathley is at this link. (Scroll down just below his commentary on First Peter to get to his commentary on Second Peter.)  Below is a painting of Peter by William Holman Hunt –

2 Peter 1 verse 3 brings up a couple of good questions we should ask ourselves – “As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life.”  Do you want to know Jesus better?  How will you do this?  (hint – reading the Bible daily is one great way…)  How else?  Do you want to live a godly life?  What does a godly life look like? Do you believe Jesus’ divine power gives you everything you need to live a godly life?

Verse 19 makes a One Year Bible Blogger happy 🙂 – “Because of that, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. Pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a light shining in a dark place–until the day Christ appears and his brilliant light shines in your hearts.”  I think one of the beautiful things about the One Year Bible is going through both the Old Testament and New Testament each day.  We learn from the prophets and can play close attention to what they wrote – for as Peter says, their words are like a light shining in the dark!  Below is a stained glass image of the prophet Elijah (Elias is Greek for Elijah) –

Worship Video: Today’s readings in reminds me of the Amy Grant song “Thy Word:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSZlIVP9u0Y

Is God’s Word a Light for you?  Click here for Light!

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!

1 Peter 4:7-5:14
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We finish the letter of First Peter today!  Second Peter begins tomorrow.  In First Peter chapter 5 verse 8 today we receive a stern warning we all must heed: “Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith.”  Do you believe the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion?  Will you take a firm stand against him?  How will you do this?  Memorizing scripture on a regular basis I believe is one very effective tool in this battle.  As is reading and studying the Bible each and every day.  I actually was sitting in the waiting room of a doctor’s office recently and I picked up a Christian magazine that had an article on how to fight temptation.  This article basically said to “know thyself” – know what and where your weaknesses / temptations are.  Then, after taking this inventory, memorize a scripture verse or two that you can easily bring to mind when you find yourself in one of those times of weakness / temptation.  And to cling to that scripture verse for all its worth.  I haven’t personally tried this yet, but I think I will.  I do think that we can cling to scripture like a life preserver in our moments of weakness / temptation.  Let us not ever forget that on this side of heaven the devil is out there prowling…

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Phil Wickham’s song “This is Amazing Grace:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBbi-cFk9R8

Have you experienced God’s Amazing Grace?  Click here for Amazing Grace!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” First Peter 5:8 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you are always self-controlled. Pray that you are always alert. Pray that you always realize that your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Pray for protection for yourself, friend, family, neighbors, and world from the schemes of the devil.

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!

1 Peter 3:8-4:6
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1 Peter 3 verse 13 is definitely something for each of us to consider – “Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good?”  I think this is very true.  If you are “eager” to do good, who will want to harm you?  Well, true, maybe someone who becomes jealous or who is just plain having a bad day… but generally speaking, I think we can avoid a lot of troubles in our life if we stay focused – no, eager – to do good.  All the time.  Are you eager to do good?

Suffering.  Not something we like to think about – much less experience…  1 Peter 4 verses 1 & 2 are well worth letting sink in a bit – “So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you are willing to suffer for Christ, you have decided to stop sinning. And you won’t spend the rest of your life chasing after evil desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.”  Do you believe these verses to be true?  Are you ready to suffer for Christ?  Have you decided to stop sinning?  Are you anxious to do the will of God and abandon chasing evil desires?  Do you believe this is the Way?

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Rich Mullins’ song “Creed” sung here by Third Day and Brandon Heath:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3i-_VWxOAc

Do you believe in God the Father? Click here for Belief!

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!

1 Peter 2:11-3:7
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1 Peter 2 verse 11 is powerful – “So I warn you to keep away from evil desires because they fight against your very souls.”  Do you believe evil desires fight against your soul?  If so, will you keep away from evil desires?  Will you not entertain those desires anymore?

Verse 24 today about Jesus is so strong – “He personally carried away our sins in his own body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by his wounds!”  Are you dead to sin?  Are you living for what is right?  Do you believe you have been healed by Jesus’ wounds?  Will you accept this healing?  Will you kneel down at the foot of the cross and be healed?

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Phil Wickham’s song “The Day True Love Died:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL7Uo__ss7g

Do you know about the day True Love died??  Click here and learn!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” 1 Peter 2:16-17 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are living as a free person, but not as a cover-up for evil. Pray that you are a slave of God’s. Pray that you show proper respect to others, love fellow believers, and honor your leaders.

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!

1 Peter 1:13-2:10
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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:”

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

How are you spending your one life to love?  Click here for 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!

1 Peter 1:1-12
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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:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vaHsFMEhf8

What is God doing inside of you?  Click here to find out!

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!

James 5:1-20
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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:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhA5GIx51Kg

Do you need our Saving God?  Click here and get to know him!

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 4:1-17
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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:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ0V97WOHAU

Have you drawn close to God?  Click here and He will draw close to you!

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 2:18-3:18
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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:”

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

Are you on your way to God?  Click here and be on your way to Him!

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 1:19-2:17
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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:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ili8SJzg68I

Do you know God’s Grace?  Click here and receive His Grace forever!

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!