One Year Bible Blog

May 23rd One Year Bible Readings

2 Samuel 2:12-3:39 ~ John 13:1-30 ~ Psalm 119:1-16 ~ Proverbs 15:29-30
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on One Year Bible Online Audio, ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Today's Second Samuel readings are quite dramatic!  We start off with the beginnings of what I think you could call a civil war between Judah and Israel in chapter 2 verses 15 through 17: "So twelve men were chosen to fight from each side—twelve men of Benjamin representing Ishbosheth son of Saul, and twelve representing David. Each one grabbed his opponent by the hair and thrust his sword into the other’s side so that all of them died. So this place at Gibeon has been known ever since as the Field of Swords. A fierce battle followed that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the forces of David."

In chapter 3, it is interesting to see how David got so mad at Joab for killing Abner.  Understandable for many reasons - murder being the main one - but also Abner was working to bring David's kingship to all of Israel.  Joab's murder of Abner threatened the civil war between Judah and the rest of Israel to start up again.  To the right below is a wonderful image from an illuminated Bible from the year 1250 of David dining with Abner before the murder.  In the smaller left hand frames you can see David sending Abner back to Israel, and then in the lowest left hand frame you can see Abner stabbing Joab.

And below is an image of David mourning at Abner's graveside as we read in 2 Samuel 3 verse 32 today: "They buried Abner in Hebron, and the king and all the people wept at his graveside."

Bible.org's commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled "Two Bald Men, Fighting over a Comb" is at this link.

New Testament - Wow.  Jesus' teaching in John 13 verses 14 - 17 are so powerful today: "And since I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. How true it is that a servant is not greater than the master. Nor are messengers more important than the one who sends them. You know these things--now do them! That is the path of blessing."   Are you on the path of blessing?  What might it mean to "wash other's feet" today?  Yes, perhaps at times it literally means wash other's feet.  Could it mean other acts of service as well that perhaps we maybe think we are "too good for" or "above" in any way?  Jesus humbled himself to wash other's feet.  Are you humbling yourself to serve others in ways that your ego might not like?

Bible.org's commentary on our John readings today titled "Menial Service" is at this link and commentary titled "Judas" is at this link.

Psalms - Whoo-hoo!  Today we begin Psalm 119, the longest Psalm and chapter in the Bible! This Psalm is a beautiful meditation on God’s Word and how it helps us stay pure and grow in faith. Almost every verse in this Psalm mentions God’s Word.  I pray that this Psalm is encouraging to you as you read through the One Year Bible!

Today in Psalm 119 verse 11 we read: “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Have you hidden God’s word in your heart? So that you might not sin against God? Do you realize that all sin is indeed a sin against God? Are you memorizing Scripture on a regular basis? And, more importantly, reflecting on Scripture? Check out this link for some great free online resources to help you memorize Scripture - https://www.memoryverses.org/

Proverbs - Proverbs 15 verse 30 today teaches us: "A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."  This is a great reminder to spread good cheer to others and to not hesitate in sharing good news with others whenever possible. It brings joy to the heart and health to the bones!  And, well, no, I don't think this Proverb is talking about this kind of healthy bone below...  :)

Worship God: Today's readings in John remind me of the Chris Tomlin song "I will Rise:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKRF8UihM5s

Will you Rise when Jesus calls your name? Click here to Rise!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are memorizing and meditating Scripture on a regular basis. Pray that you will not sin against God because of His Word and Spirit dwelling within you.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our One Year Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

May 22nd One Year Bible Readings

2 Samuel 1:1-2:11 ~ John 12:20-50 ~ Psalm 118:19-29 ~ Proverbs 15:27-28
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on One Year Bible Online Audio, ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Today we begin the book of Second Samuel!  Below is an image of David being anointed king of Judah from chapter 2 verse 4 in today's readings:

Second Samuel
Author: Unknown
Date: Probably tenth century B.C.
Content: Second Samuel covers approximately forty years, which is the bulk of David’s reign as king. It begins with David’s being proclaimed king and consolidating his position against others who claimed the throne. David moved the capital to Jerusalem, brought the sacred Ark of the Covenant there, and ultimately defeated the Philistines for all time. David’s troubled career is described in some detail, including his family problems (his son Absalom) and his personal problems (adultery with Bathsheba). A summary of David’s later years concludes the book.
Theme: The life of David is given as an example of good and of evil. The sins of David are exposed – so that too much trust will not be put in men. The victories of David are recorded – so that it may be seen what God can do with someone who wholly trusts in him. God used David in spite of his faults because he found in David a willingness to repent and start again, no matter how far he had fallen. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 5-6)  More commentary on Second Samuel is at this link:
https://bible.org/seriespage/introduction-2-samuel

A note on the Amalekite that comes to David with news of Saul's death in Second Samuel chapter 1 today.  Many Bible commentaries suggest that this Amalekite was a war "scavenger" that was looking for treasures on the battle field from the dead.  Based on 1 Samuel chapter 31, it is thought that this Amalekite found Saul dead, grabbed Saul's crown before the Philistines arrived, and made up the story of killing Saul to David because he thought David would reward him for killing who he thought was David's "enemy."  David's reaction was quite the opposite than what the Amalekite thought it would be...  Bible.org's commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled "What an Amalekite is Dying to Tell David" is at this link.  Below is an image of David tearing his garments and lamenting the death of Saul:

Today in 2 Samuel chapter 1 we read about David’s lament for Saul & Jonathan. This year in going through the One Year Bible, I have really been intrigued by Jonathan and David’s relationship. They became incredible “brothers” it seems – much like we now have “brothers” and “sisters” in Christ today. And there seems to have been an amazing love between Jonathan and David – not sexual in any way, but a pure brotherly love. In verse 26 we will read – “I grieve for you Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful.” Personally, I have been thinking about this word “love” quite a bit in recent months. I don’t know if this is going to sound strange – I hope it’s a good sign :) - but I find myself using the word “love” more and more often when referring to and thinking of others in my life. I have found myself saying recently, for example, “there are so many people in my church that I love and I believe love me.” I guess I’m getting to this stage in my life that may seem at first glance sentimental – but I think it is something more. I believe God is love. And yes, God is judge and many other things. But I do believe that love is a very godly thing. And I guess I’m getting to the point in life where I realize that I truly do love so many people in my life – with a brotherly or sisterly love – and maybe perhaps a few love me too. I pray this is the case in some way in your life? Are there people in your life that you love with a brotherly or sisterly love? Are there people in your life that were like Jonathan was to David? Are there people in your life where you are like Jonathan was to David? How familiar are you with love as expressed in 1 Corinthians 13? Did Jonathan have this type of love? Do you?  Below is a portrait of David & Jonathan by artist Guy Rowe:

New Testament - Great words from Jesus in our John readings today!  I honestly don't think I can add anything to what Jesus said in these readings today!  Please re-read this section again from John if you can and meditate upon what Jesus teaches us.  Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "The Greeks Seek Jesus" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 118 is the last half of the psalm possibly sung by Jesus and the disciples after the Last Supper - see yesterday's posting below for details.   What an amazing Psalm...  Verse 22 was quoted by Jesus in Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10 and Luke 20:17 and he used this verse to refer to himself - "The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone."  Do you believe this verse applies to Jesus?  Is Jesus the cornerstone in your life?

Verse 26 was the chant of the crowds as Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday - "Bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD."   And verse 29 I'm pretty sure is a Michael W. Smith song - "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever."   :)

Proverbs - Proverbs 15 verse 27 teaches us today: "Dishonest money brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live."  Think there is truth in this Proverb?

Worship God: Today's readings in Psalm 118 today remind me of the song "In Christ Alone." Here's a great live version sung by Natalie Grant:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA9WbEn-Nj8

Who alone do you trust? Click here for Christ alone!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again." John 12:28 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that your life is bringing glory to God the Father. Pray that you will obey the teachings of God the Son through the power of God the Holy Spirit dwelling within you. Pray that you would not sin, which brings glory only to the evil one. Pray that you would not worship the evil one by sinning. Sin is worship - of the evil one. Pray for your worship to be to God alone through your faith in Jesus and living a life of righteousness.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our One Year Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

May 21st One Year Bible Readings

1 Samuel 29:1-31:13 ~ John 11:55-12:19 ~ Psalm 118:1-18 ~ Proverbs 15:24-26
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on One Year Bible Online Audio, ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - We finish the book of First Samuel today!  Second Samuel is up tomorrow!  First Samuel chapter 29 verse 8 read a bit strange to me: ""What have I done to deserve this treatment?" David demanded. "Why can't I fight the enemies of my lord, the king?""  It seemed odd, at first read, that David would say this to King Achish of the Philistines.  Commentaries suggest that David may have purposefully made an ambiguous statement here, such that Achish (and maybe us) would think he was referring to Achish - when perhaps he was referring to God or Saul as David's "lord, the king."  With David's madman acting and wisdom, this ambiguous type statement with another meaning would not be surprising...

In First Samuel 31 today we read about the death of Saul.  At the very end Saul did what he always did - took things into his own hands.  Relied on himself.  Fell on his own sword.   Perhaps sometimes in our lives today we are not so different from Saul.  Maybe we try to take things into our own hands.  Rely on ourselves.  But hopefully never fall on our own swords...   We should instead be leaving things in God's hands and relying fully on God.

Bible.org's commentary on today's First Samuel readings titled "From “Playing Both Ends Against the Middle” to “Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place”" is at this link and "From Tragedy to Triumph" is at this link and "Saul's Death Wish" is at this link.

New Testament - John 12 verse 10 stood out to me today - somehow I hadn't really noticed this verse before - "Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus."   Lazarus was raised from the dead and they wanted him dead again...  sad...  The miracle had caused many to believe in Jesus as the Messiah.  Not surprising that those in that day who were against Jesus would also be against those close to Jesus.  Think there might be some correlation in this regard in our world today?  Is it possible that the closer we get to Jesus, the more the Enemy might come up against us in various ways?  It cannot defeat us with God on our side.  But it may come after us.  I'm a day late in our readings on this painting below from the year 1630 of "The Raising of Lazarus" by Rembrandt:

I like verse 19 today!   "Then the Pharisees said to each other, "We've lost. Look, the whole world has gone after Jesus!""  Unfortunately it was a bit of an exaggeration at that time and the 2,000 years following.  But maybe in the future?  How are you part of the Great Commission today?  An image is below for verse 15 (originally from Zechariah 9:9) - ""Don't be afraid, people of Israel. Look, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt."

Bible.org's commentary on our John readings today titled "The Sweet Smell of Love and the Stench of Greed" is at this link and "The Un-Triumphal Entry" is at this link.

Psalms - I came across a wonderful speculation on Psalm 118!  Zondervan's commentary suggested that Jesus and the disciples sung this psalm/hymn at the end of the Last Supper.  Matthew chapter 26 verse 30 tells us - "When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives."   Adds a bit of a new dimension to this Psalm, no?  The reason for this speculation is because this is the final Psalm in the Egyptian Hallel of Psalms 113 through 118.  These Psalms were used in Jewish liturgy at the great religious festivals of Passover, Tabernacles, Dedication, Weeks, New Moon.  At Passover Psalm 113 & 114 were sung before the meal and Psalms 115 - 118 were sung after the meal.  Perhaps, even after the Last Supper by Jesus and the disciples?  Below is Russian artist Simon Ushakov's "The Last Supper" from the year 1685 -

Verse 8 in this Psalm stands out to me big time: "It is better to trust the LORD than to put confidence in people." Kind of strong words I know...  but what do you think?   Might people, on occasion, let you down?  Obviously, we know the answer to this one.  People will let us down.  Even our closest friends and family at some point will let us down.  However - I don't think this means we give up on investing and loving friends and family!  It just means we should not be surprised when someone let's us down.  That's human nature.  None of us is perfect this side of heaven - you will obviously let people down too.  Realizing this, I think all of us should be prepared to forgive others and to ask for forgiveness of others.  However, what do you think on this question:  Will God ever let you down?  Will Jesus ever let you down?  Please know He won't!  In fact, I believe that He's holding you up right this very moment...

Proverbs - Proverbs 15 verse 24 is a beautiful meditation - "The path of the wise leads to life above; they leave the grave behind."  Are you on the path of the wise?

Worship God: Today's readings in John about Jesus remind me of the Chris Tomlin & Christy Nockels song "Glorious:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV5lJNK4D2Y

Do you know our Glorious God? Click here for Glory!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me (Jesus)." John 12:8 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you love Jesus above all else. Pray that you will indeed love and serve the poor in our world, but won't love this service to the poor or anything else in this world above your love for Jesus. Pray that you will always have Jesus in eternity. And pray that the poor will too, through their saving faith in Jesus. Pray that you realize we are all truly poor if we are not in a saving relationship with Jesus.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our One Year Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

May 20th One Year Bible Readings

1 Samuel 26:1-28:25 ~ John 11:1-54 ~ Psalm 117:1-2 ~ Proverbs 15:22-23
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on One Year Bible Online Audio, ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - In First Samuel 26 David completes the 3 "tests" of obedience, as discussed in yesterday's post, by once again not killing Saul when he had the opportunity.  Verses 9 through 11 again show David's character when he and Abishai had snuck into Saul's camp and Abishai offered to kill Saul - ""No!" David said. "Don't kill him. For who can remain innocent after attacking the LORD's anointed one? Surely the LORD will strike Saul down someday, or he will die in battle or of old age. But the LORD forbid that I should kill the one he has anointed! But I'll tell you what--we'll take his spear and his jug of water and then get out of here!""

Interesting... in First Samuel 28 Saul bans mediums - wise - and then becomes desperate for one - unwise...  The medium seems to get quite freaked out that she has called up Samuel.  Commentaries suggest that she is used to calling up satanic / demonic forces.  She (possibly) connected to Samuel somehow here and was freaked out by it.  And Samuel tells Saul exactly what he probably knows in his heart.  God has left him - a long time ago - because of his disobedience.  Consulting a medium is just one more disobedient act in a string of them.  I pray that no one reading this consults mediums or does tarot cards or gets into palm readings or any of that garbage.  It is spiritually dangerous and risky to get into any of that.  Unfortunately, I know that things like "tarot card reading parties" are somewhat popular today.  I have been invited to them and have not gone - and told the hosts why I was not attending.  Please avoid this spiritually risky stuff.  It is no joke dangerous.  Below is a painting by Benjamin West from the year 1777 titled "Saul and the Witch of Endor":

Bible.org's commentary on today's First Samuel readings titled "The Second Time Around" is at this link.  Commentary titled "One Step Forward, and Two Backward" is at this link and commentary titled "Finding God's Will, Any "Witch" Way You Can" is at this link.

New Testament - Today in John chapter 11 verse 35 we read the shortest verse in the Bible – “Jesus wept.” Though this may be the shortest verse, I do not believe it is small in meaning. What does it say to you that Jesus wept? What does it mean to you that Jesus wept? I love this verse because to me it shows Jesus’ humanity (while at the same time he is divine). During his time living as a man on earth, Jesus experienced the full range of emotions that you and I experience today. Jesus was tempted. (though, unlike us, he did not give into temptation and sin ever) Jesus was joyful. Jesus was angry. Jesus loved. Jesus wept. Knowing this about Jesus, does this help you to realize that you can approach Jesus with absolutely any situation in your life that you might be struggling with? Do you believe that Jesus will understand you if you are weeping? Do you believe that Jesus will rejoice with you when you are rejoicing? I do. “Jesus wept” says so much to me about who Jesus was, is, and forever will be. Jesus wept.

Bible.org's commentary on today's John chapter 11 readings titled "Dealing with Death" is at this link and "The Raising of Lazarus" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 117 is the shortest of all the Psalms - and the shortest chapter in the entire Bible.  This Psalm is said to basically be one long Alleluia.  :)  Actually verse 1 has a very important message - "Praise the LORD, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth."  This demonstrates that God was very interested in the salvation of the Gentiles and all the nations in the Old Testament.  And not just in the New Testament as we get to the book of Acts.  This was part of the plan all along...

Proverbs - Today in Proverbs chapter 15 verse 22 we read – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Wow. . . this verse really is convicting for me on a couple of levels. The first thought for me is God – and how often (or not often) do I pray to God for counsel on my plans for my life? Truthfully, not enough. I pray to God daily – but it’s usually pretty brief. I believe God wants us to come to him often in prayer asking for guidance and counsel on our plans. Imagine that – with God as an adviser on our plans, do you think they might succeed?? :) Secondly, I think about community – other people. And I think about, first of all, am I in community? Am I in a community of people that I know well and that know me? And if so, am I consulting this community on my life plans? Am I allowing people I know and love to advise me on my life? Think this would be wise? How about you – do you pray often to God for counsel and leading in your life plans? Are you in community with others that you know well and that know you? And do you consult this community with your plans and ask for their advice?

YouTube: Psalm 117 reminds me of Michael W. Smith's "A New Hallelujah!"

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

Do you sing Alleluia? Click here and sing!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Jesus wept." John 11:35 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving that Jesus wept like we weep. Pray in thanksgiving that Jesus knows pain and joy, as we do. Pray in thanksgiving that Jesus is our High Priest who like us was tempted in every way, but never sinned, and intercedes on our behalf before the Father.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  I read an interesting commentary today related to Jesus weeping in John.  The commentary basically said that while we have recorded in Scriptures that Jesus wept, we don't have anywhere recorded in Scriptures that Jesus laughed.  I had never thought about that before!  The commentary went on to say that they are sure Jesus laughed and had a great sense of humor.  But I find that fascinating to think about - that it's not recorded that Jesus laughed.  Why do you suppose this is?  Do you think Jesus laughed?  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. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our One Year Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!

May 19th One Year Bible Readings

1 Samuel 24:1-25:44 ~ John 10:22-42 ~ Psalm 116:1-19 ~ Proverbs 15:20-21
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on One Year Bible Online Audio, ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Interesting chapters today!  David is essentially put to the test by God over the next 3 chapters - 2 tests today and 1 tomorrow.  And the test is this - obedience.  You'll recall that Saul fails the test of obedience early in his kingship.  David passes the tests - he does not kill Saul and he does not kill Nabal.  He could have killed both.  First Samuel 24 verses 5 through 7 are a great look at David's character when Saul was in the cave - "But then David's conscience began bothering him because he had cut Saul's robe. "The LORD knows I shouldn't have done it," he said to his men. "It is a serious thing to attack the LORD's anointed one, for the LORD himself has chosen him." So David sharply rebuked his men and did not let them kill Saul."

How impressive is Abigail in First Samuel chapter 25!  Her speech to David in verses 24 through 30 is awesome.  She takes all the blame.  Calls out Nabal.  Gives David gifts.  And smartly lets him know he doesn't need this blood on his hands.  David is clearly impressed.   Below is Dutch artist Jacob Willemsz de Wet's painting from the 17th century titled "The Meeting of David and Abigail":

Bible.org's commentary on today's First Samuel readings titled "A Time to Kill, or Not" is at this link and "Dear Abby" is at this link.

New Testament - John chapter 10 verse 30 is a powerful teaching from Jesus! "The Father and I are one."  Many churches celebrate Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles in the Upper Room after Jesus' ascension into heaven.  Thus, rounding out the Trinity. (Bible.org has a great overview of the Trinity at this link.)  The Father.  The Son.  And the Holy Spirit.  Do you believe Jesus when he says, ""The Father and I are one" ?  Jesus smartly quotes from Psalm 82 verse 6 in verses 34-36 today: "Jesus replied, "It is written in your own law that God said to certain leaders of the people, `I say, you are gods!' And you know that the Scriptures cannot be altered. So if those people, who received God's message, were called `gods,' why do you call it blasphemy when the Holy One who was sent into the world by the Father says, `I am the Son of God'?"

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in John titled "The Sovereign Shepherd" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 116 verses 1 & 2 are amazing- "I love the LORD because he hears and answers my prayers.  Because he bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath!" How is your prayer life these days?  Do you believe God bends down and listens to your prayers?  And answers them?   Will you pray as long as you have breath?

Proverbs - Wow.  Proverbs 15 verse 21 is convicting to me - "Foolishness brings joy to those who have no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path."  Sometimes in the past I got joy from foolishness... not a good sign!  And yes, I noticed sometimes that when I was getting joy from foolishness I was no longer on the right path...  I'd strayed off a bit...   God brought me back and welcomed me back on the right path once I got my senses.  I pray we can avoid foolishness and the fake joy that comes with it.  There is a difference I believe between healthy rest & play - and foolishness.  We should know better.

YouTube: Today's Proverb reminds me of the wisdom in Rebecca St. James' beautiful song "You are Loved:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq0gtxumSrU

Do you know that you are loved? Click here for LOVE!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "I and the Father are one." John 10:30 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you fully know and realize that Jesus is God. Pray and worship Jesus as God. Pray to the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in thanksgiving for their blessed Trinitarian nature.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  How are you doing with discerning the difference between healthy rest & play and foolishness in your life today?  Do you ever veer toward foolishness?  Why do you suppose this happens?   Is this healthy?  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our One Year Bible readings at this link.

p.p.s. Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.p.p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today. Thanks!