Chronological Bible Blog

Genesis 11:1-26; 1 Chronicles 1:24-27; Genesis 11:27-31; Genesis 12:1-14:24
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in Genesis chapter 11 we read about the tower of Babel!  You can view the location of the tower at a high level below:

I probably should not confess this, but I will – verse 4 made me smile and laugh at myself a bit, which really shouldn’t be funny.  This verse reminded me of myself at times: “Let’s build a great city with a tower that reaches to the skies–a monument to our greatness!” This verse is obviously not one that made God happy, as we see in subsequent verses.  And I guess I have to ask myself – are there times my life or areas of my life where I am attempting to build something that will be a “monument to my greatness”?  And I’m afraid that the answer is too often yes.  Or it surely has been in the past.  I pray that I’m turning over the desire to “be great” over to God more and more these days.  I pray that I am not seeking glory for myself – but seeking glory for God.  But, I am afraid that sometimes I revert back to wanting to build a “monument to my greatness” in my work or volunteer activities or maybe even personal relationships.  And this is pride.  It was this pride that brought about the building of the tower of Babel – and it was because of pride that God stopped the building of the tower by giving the human race different languages.  In your life today – are you seeking to build monuments of greatness for yourself?  Or are you instead seeking to only glorify God?  Below is an oil on panel painting of the “Tower of Babel” by Pieter Bruegel, circa 1563:

Today is a big day in our readings!  We are introduced to Abram & Sarai!  Genesis chapter 12 is significant in that it transitions our Old Testament readings from being about the world at large to being primarily about a specific man, Abram, his family, and his descendants.  Verses 2 and 3 are an amazing promise from God to Abraham: “I will cause you to become the father of a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and I will make you a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”  This is a powerful promise that we will see played out throughout the rest of our Old Testament readings – and into the New Testament this promise continues and is fulfilled in Jesus – and continues in us as spiritual descendants of Abram today.  I heard somewhere once that one way to paraphrase this promise is “I will bless you, so that you will be a blessing to others.”  And I think about that today for our own lives.  If we have been blessed by God, is it possible that we have been blessed in part so that we will be a blessing to others?  Do you believe that you been blessed by God?  Are you passing along that blessing to others in your life?

The brief story of Abram and Sarai in Egypt is a foreshadowing of what we will see later in Genesis and into Exodus – the descendents of Abram going into Egypt to escape a severe famine – and then ultimately leaving Egypt to the north “with all their household and belongings” (verse 20).  I also am intrigued that in the Gospel of Matthew that Jesus as a child went into Egypt, when Mary & Joseph fled Herod’s decree to kill all boys 2 & under around Bethlehem.  Egypt plays quite a supporting role in the Bible!  Below is a map of Abram’s journey that we read about today:

These are some great readings today about Abram and his faith!  Chapter 13 verse 9 stood out to me today as Abram was trying to settle the arguments between his and Lot’s herdsmen over pastureland: “I’ll tell you what we’ll do. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want that area over there, then I’ll stay here. If you want to stay in this area, then I’ll move on to another place.” I guess what I really like about this is Abram is giving Lot the first choice of the land.  It seems like Abram is confident that he will personally be okay with whatever 2nd choice is left-over to him because he is in a relationship with God.  I like this.  And I hope that we each do this in my life from time to time.   Think about this random example – parking spaces in a crowded mall can be hot commodities and arguments can ensue.  What would it be like if we let others get the first choice and we continued on in confidence that we will be okay with whatever 2nd choice is left-over to us?  Who knows – maybe we’d end up with the parking space in the boonies – and get an extra quarter mile of a walk for exercise…  maybe not such a bad 2nd choice?  Is it possible for us to get in the habit of letting others get the 1st choice of things whenever there is an argument about to ensue – and us being confident that 2nd choice will still be great for us – maybe in ways we don’t foresee?   And confident that because we are in a relationship with God?  Below is an image of Abram and Lot in Genesis 13 about to part ways:

Chapter 14 verse 14 also stood out in regards to Abram’s character: “When Abram learned that Lot had been captured, he called together the men born into his household, 318 of them in all. He chased after Kedorlaomer’s army until he caught up with them in Dan.”  I don’t know about you… but I’ll be honest.  If my nephew got captured by a band of marauding kings and their army, I’m thinking I might just let my nephew go and chalk it up to very bad luck on his part…  But not Abram!  When he heard the news that Lot had been captured, it looks like he did not even blink!  He called together his household immediately and they were off and running after Kedorlaomer’s army.  Yes, they were chasing after an army…  again, I’m not so sure I would do this… though, hopefully, maybe I now would if I can keep in mind Abram’s character here….  What about you?  Would you chase after an army?  Is there maybe someone in your life who has been “captured” by something – an addiction, a sadness, some bad luck – and will you go chasing after that person and help to free them from the “army” that has ensnared them?

In verses 17 through 20 in chapter 14 we read about Melchizedek.  And I definitely would like to get others opinions on this – Who was Melchizedek?  The reason I ask this question is due to Hebrews Chapter 7 – click on this link to read this chapter of Hebrews.  (Hebrews 7 is well worth the read at this point in our Genesis journey.)  My thinking currently is that Melchizedek was a very great priest – but I don’t believe he was Jesus Christ preincarnate.  But, again, I’m willing to listen to others on your thoughts on this.  My thoughts on this is that Hebrews 7 seems to be saying that Jesus is “like” or “in the order” of Melchizedek – but not quite saying Jesus is Melchizedek.  I read there are 4 basic theories on who Melchizedek is – 1. simply a king of Salem and Abram was showing him respect, 2. Melchizedek was a standard title for the kings of Salem.  3. He was a “type of Christ” and he illustrates a lesson about Christ.  or 4. He was Jesus preincarnate in a temporary body form.   So – whaddya think?  Below is an oil painting by Peter Paul Reubens, circa 1625, of Abram and Melchizedek meeting:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Genesis titled “The Unity of Unbelief” is at this link, “The Call of Abram” is at this link, “When Faith Fails” is at this link, and “Lot Looks Out for Number One” is at this link, “The Rescue of Lot” is at this link.

Worship Video:  The call of Abram in Genesis reminded me of Christy Nockel’s song “Waiting here for You:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3OEGnH5x8g

Are you waiting on God?  Click here and wait no more!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:2-3 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving for God’s covenant with Abram. Pray in thanksgiving that we have been blessed through Abraham. Pray in thanksgiving that Abram’s descendant, Jesus, offers salvation to all peoples on the earth. Pray that all people would accept this blessing and not perish.

Comments from You and Question of the Day: Thinking about Abram in chapter 12, if we too have been blessed by God, is it possible that we have been blessed in part so that we will be a blessing to others? Do you believe that you been blessed by God? Are you passing along that blessing to others 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. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Genesis 7-10:5; 1 Chronicles 1:5-7; Genesis 10:6-20; 1 Chronicles 1:8-16; Genesis 10:21-30; 1 Chronicles 1:17-23; Genesis 10:31-32
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Yesterday’s Flood readings in Genesis were about judgment – today’s readings are about redemption!  Chapter 8 verse 1 stood out to me: “But God remembered Noah and all the animals in the boat.” I like that phrase “But God remembered” – but I have a hunch that it is a bit understated in God’s love and compassion for Noah and all of creation.  Verse 11 is interesting in that if you were ever wondering where our modern day peace symbol of a dove with an olive branch comes from originally – now you know – God’s peace symbol to Noah here in Genesis 8:11!  “This time, toward evening, the bird returned to him with a fresh olive leaf in its beak.”

Below are a couple of great NASA images of where Noah’s ark landed, as we read in verse 4: “the boat came to rest on the mountains of Ararat.” (Note that Bruce Feiler’s incredible nonfiction archeology-type book “Walking The Bible: A Journey by land through the Five Books of Moses” opens up with him searching for Noah’s Ark near Mt. Ararat in Turkey.  This is a highly recommended book!) Images below courtesy of & copyrighted by ebibleteacher.com:

 

In Genesis chapter 9 verses 8 through 17 we are reading about the first major covenant of God’s in the Old Testament called the Noahic Covenant.  There are 6 more major covenant’s that we will get to later this year – The first Abrahamic covenant, The second Abrahamic covenant, The Sinaitic Covenant (Moses on Mt. Sinai), The Phinehas Covenant, the Davidic Covenant, and the New Covenant.  So – Covenants are a big deal!  God is a God of covenants!  This one is laid out in all 10 verses but can basically be summed up in verse 11: “I solemnly promise never to send another flood to kill all living creatures and destroy the earth.”  And the rainbow is given as a sign of The Noahic Covenant.

Genesis chapter 9 verse 3 is intriguing.  I forgot to mention this in previous day’s posts – but, I read a commentary on the Garden of Eden and even thereafter that early descendants of Adam & Eve were strictly vegetarians – God had given Adam & Eve the fruits & plants in the Garden to eat – and then Adam’s son’s cultivated the ground for plants / food.  But here in verse 3 God is now saying that it is okay to eat animals’ meat for food: “I have given them to you for food, just as I have given you grain and vegetables.”  Very interesting.  We’ll get more details on clean and unclean animals per the Law in our OT readings early this year.

In the remainder of chapter 9 we read about Noah’s son’s Shem, Ham and Japheth. Initially I asked myself, why is Noah so upset with Ham?  The answer lies in verse 22: “Ham, the father of Canaan, saw that his father was naked and went outside and told his brothers.”  The last 3 words of this sentence were the issue – Ham told his brothers his father was naked.  Instead of discreetly just covering up his father on his own, he broadcast the issue to his brothers.  Are there times in our life where we could discreetly take care of problems of others, or could confront the individual directly about the problem, but instead we broadcast what someone else’s problems are?  Is this the right thing to do?  Is this the godly thing to do?

There is a lot of interesting stuff going on in the genealogy in chapter 10, which is typically called The Table of Nations, but I’ll just quickly point out verses 21 & 22: “Sons were also born to Shem, the older brother of Japheth. Shem was the ancestor of all the descendants of Eber.”  Shem becomes translated in the future as Semites – i.e. Semitic peoples.  And Eber is translated in the future as Hebrew.  So, you can see that Shem’s lineage is going to be the one from where Israel comes from.  Below are two maps that help to visualize where Shem, Ham & Japheth’s descendants listed in this genealogy end up:

 

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Genesis titled “The Noahic Covenant” is at this link, “The Nakedness of Noah” is at this link, and “The Spread of the Nations” is at this link.

Worship Video:  Today’s readings about Noah following God 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: “I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.” Genesis 9:11 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving for God’s covenant to Noah. Pray in thanksgiving for God’s covenants to you. Pray in thanksgiving for God’s new covenant offered to you through the ministry of Jesus.

Comments from You and Question of the Day: In what ways you see God’s grace to Noah and mannkind in today’s readings? 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 Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Happy New Year! You are invited to join us on the Chronological Bible in a Year journey in 2026!  Click on this link for more details and to sign up! Or, you may be interested in joining us on the Bible in a Year (OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs daily) journey in 2026 and can sign up at this link: www.bibleinayearblog.com. Also, share this email/website with a friend and invite them to join you!

Genesis 4:1-5:32 ~ 1 Chronicles 1:1-4 ~ Genesis 6:1-22
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

In Genesis chapter 4 we read about the first murder of humankind – Cain killing his own brother Abel in a premeditative way.  This is a clear demonstration of The Fall and how sin lives in the hearts of men and women – and can only be redeemed and forgiven today through faith in Jesus and through God’s grace.  Many of you probably asked yourselves, why didn’t God look with favor on Cain’s offering?  Commentaries I’ve read suggest that Cain’s offering was a careless or thoughtless offering whereas Abel’s offering was a choice or generous offering.  And God saw the motivation and heart attitude of both men as they brought their offering.  It seems that God is looking straight into Cain’s heart as he says this in verses 6 and 7: “Why are you so angry?” the LORD asked him. “Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you respond in the right way. But if you refuse to respond correctly, then watch out! Sin is waiting to attack and destroy you, and you must subdue it.”  That is a scary thought – sin waiting to attack and destroy.  In the NIV it translates “sin is crouching at your door.”  Let us be watchful and prayerful to not be overtaken by sin, but to respond correctly to the grace and strength given us through Jesus.  Below is a modern image by an unknown artist of Cain just after killing Abel.  Do you see the contrast of light & dark and which way Cain is facing? This is a powerful image to consider…:

Genesis 4:17 – “Cain made love to his wife, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Enoch. Cain was then building a city, and he named it after his son Enoch.” – brings up the big question of “Where did Cain’s wife come from?” The short answer to this is that his wife was a sister, niece, great-niece, or family member of some sort, which brings up the next question about why was there inter-family marriage in the Bible. Let me refer you to 3 great website links to give you more in-depth answers on these questions. Please do read the short answer at this link, the long answer at this link, and another short answer at this link to these questions regarding Cain’s wife.

In chapter 4 verse 19 polygamy enters history: “Lamech married two women–Adah and Zillah.”  Polygamy clearly went against God’s divine intention of monogamy in Genesis chapter 2:24 – “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”  God’s original plan early on in the Bible is monogamy in marriage.  We will see many cases of polygamy this year as we read through the Bible – this is humankind thwarting God’s will – which we will also see in many ways throughout our readings this year.  I think sometimes we can get hung up on the “strange stuff” we read about in the Bible – but one important point to make is this – The Bible records both God’s will and teachings, and people’s sin.  So if we happen to read about people’s sin in the Bible, as we do here in verse 19 with Lamech’s polygamy, please don’t confuse this with this being God’s will.  It’s people’s sin.  And we’ll see this again in the Bible – fortunately we have a loving God who sent his son, Jesus, to save us from our sins.  Heavy that they are…

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Genesis titled “The Fall of Man” is at this link and “The Fruits of the Fall” is at this link.

In Genesis chapter 5 we read about the genealogy from Adam to Noah.  You will note that there are some long life spans here in this genealogy!  These life spans are often interpreted to be either literal or symbolic – and many evangelical commentaries will say either is possible.  (Similar to the 6 days of creation which I mentioned in the January 1 post below.  Evangelical commentaries say that God certainly has the power to create the earth in 6 literal days – or the 6 days of creation in Genesis may be symbolic of thousands or millions of years – as “a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like a day” to God.)   Those who believe these ages in this genealogy are literal believe this is the case because of a few reasons: 1.  the human race was more genetically pure in this early time period, so diseases did not shorten life spans; 2. no rain had yet fallen on the earth – until the next chapter – so the expanse of water above the earth protected people from environmental factors; and/or 3. God gave people longer life spans so they would have time to fill the earth – per Genesis 1:28.  Below is a portrait of Noah and his wife by Guy Rowe:

In Genesis 6 we read about the Flood.  Below is “Noah’s Ark” by American folk painter Edward Hicks from 1846:

Chapter 6 verses 5 & 6 stood out to me in today’s readings: “Now the LORD observed the extent of the people’s wickedness, and he saw that all their thoughts were consistently and totally evil.  So the LORD was sorry he had ever made them. It broke his heart.” I think it was this last sentence that really stood out to me – It broke his heart.  God’s heart was broken over our behavior.  I love realizing that God has this type of compassion and care for what we do.  What we do matters to God!  When we are obedient and faithful and loving, God rejoices!  When we are not, it breaks his heart.  I hope it encourages you to know that God did not just create you and doesn’t really care whether you do well in this life – he is rooting for you!  He wants you to run the race well and receive the prize!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Genesis titled “Coming to Grips with Genealogies” is at this link, “The Flood” is at this link, and “The Sons of God and the Daughters of Men” is at this link. Please click on this last link to learn more about the Nephilim from today’s readings in Genesis 6:4. A quote from this link is: “According to this view, the ‘sons of God’ of verses 2 and 4 are fallen angels, which have taken the form of masculine human-like creatures. These angels married women of the human race (either Cainites or Sethites) and the resulting offspring were the Nephilim. The Nephilim were giants with physical superiority and therefore established themselves as men of renown for their physical prowess and military might. This race of half human creatures was wiped out by the flood, along with mankind in general, who were sinners in their own right (verse 6:11,12).”

Worship Video:  Today’s readings about The Flood reminded me of our need for Jesus and 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!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Genesis 4:6-7 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you won’t ever be overtaken by anger. Pray that you do what is right. Pray that you won’t ever let the sin crouching at your door have you. Pray that you will rule over it, through a saving relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Comments from You and Question of the Day: Per Genesis 4:7, how do you combat the “sin crouching at your door” 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. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Happy New Year! You are invited to join us on the Chronological Bible in a Year journey in 2026!  Click on this link for more details and to sign up! Or, you may be interested in joining us on the Bible in a Year (OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs daily) journey in 2026 and can sign up at this link: www.bibleinayearblog.com. Also, share this email/website with a friend and invite them to join you!

Genesis 1:1-3:24
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture on The ESV Bible ~

Welcome to the beginning of our Chronological Bible journey in 2026! Today we begin the book of Genesis!

~Genesis~
Author: Moses
Date: ~1420 B.C.
Content: The book of Genesis was written to explain how everything began; in fact, the very title Genesis means “origin” or “beginning”. It explains that God created the universe, how man was created and placed in a perfect environment, how sin began, and how God provided salvation for lost man. The beginning of human history is described, the beginning of arts and crafts, how human languages began, and where the various nations came from. The focus then shifts to the beginning of the Hebrew people with Abraham, followed by the histories of Isaac, Jacob and his sons, and the book ends with Joseph in Egypt.
Theme: The main idea that runs through the book is that although God made everything good, man’s sin has spoiled it. God has not given up, but is now in search of man to save him. The overall control of God is stressed, and special attention is given to how God directs history for the good of his people and their salvation. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 1)  A wonderful commentary on the book of Genesis by Bob Deffinbaugh is at this link.  Below is more art from Michelangelo – this is a marble statue of Moses, the author of Genesis, made in the year 1515 in Italy:

Moses is the author/compiler of the first five books of the Old Testament, also known as the Pentateuch, or the books of the Law.  It is believed that these five books were written by Moses during Israel’s 40 years in the desert after the exodus from Egypt – which was likely between 1446 B.C. and 1406 B.C.  The book of Genesis is foundational to understanding the rest of the Bible.  It is a book of relationships – between God and his creation; between God and humans; and between humans themselves.  In Genesis, God pledges his love and faithfulness to humans through covenants.  It is a narrative that continually demonstrates faith. 

In today’s Genesis readings we read about the Creation account and Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.  There is so much happening in today’s readings, that this daily blog will not do it all justice… A series of links with a great overview of the 6 literal 24 hour days of creation that I HIGHLY recommend you read is at AnswersInGenesis.org at this link. Check out some great information on the Creation account in our Genesis readings today at bible.org at this link. Below is a wonderful piece of art from Pat Marvenko Smith titled “The Creation” – you’ll note this piece shows all 6 days of creation and what was created on each day, going from the left to the right:

 

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

Today we read this incredibly powerful verse in Genesis chapter 1 verse 27: “So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them.”  Do you believe that you are made in the image of God?  Is this a powerful thing to reflect upon? What might this mean for your life this new year, knowing that you are made in the image of God? Does this give you a sense of possibility for your life?  A sense that you are made for a great purpose in this life?

Chapter 2 verse 3 is beautiful: “And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from his work of creation.”  A day of rest.  One day a week.  If God did this, think we should too?  🙂   6 days of work and play and 1 day each week of resting in God.  I confess I like the concept a lot more than I actually put it into practice.  Perhaps this can be a year of new beginnings where a Sabbath day of rest enters our lives each week?  How are you doing on taking a Sabbath? I love this image below of God resting on the 7th day:

One quick note from our readings today about the location of the Garden of Eden.  It is believed to have been near where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers meet, in what is now southern Iraq.  Below is a very high level map:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Genesis chapters 1 and 2 titled “The Meaning of Man: His Duty and His Delight” is at this link.

In Genesis chapter 3 we read about The Fall.  Chapter 3 is a foundational chapter of the Bible to understand.  From this chapter our history goes forward with sin passed on to every man and woman through the seed of Adam.  This sets the stage for God’s pursuit of men and women in Genesis, followed by the Exodus from Egypt, the Laws, the judges, the kings, the prophets – and ultimately the final solution to the Fall: the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (ultra-Cliff Notes version here… you’ll get the full version of all of this over the next 364 days… 🙂 It is through belief in Jesus as Messiah that we are saved from what began here in Genesis chapter 3. 

In verses 1 through 4 in today’s readings we are first introduced to the devil in the Bible, who clothes himself as a snake.  The devil is often referred to as the “great deceiver”, and in this chapter you can see why.  I think an important thing for us to realize today is that the devil continues to work in our world.  He continues to deceive men and women.  And, unfortunately, he is good at what he does.  I have a hunch that probably a few people reading this blog do not believe in the existence of the devil.  I will admit that early in my Christian walk, I did not believe in the devil’s existence.  However – thankfully, I was discipled by a godly man who counseled me through Bible passages that prove his existence – chapter 3 of Genesis certainly being one.  In fact, one interesting thing my friend said to me at this early stage of my Christian walk was this – “The devil’s greatest trick is to make you think that he does not exist.” This is a very powerful statement.  Please consider it.  Why would this be his greatest trick?  Because if you believe there is no devil, then you may believe there is no evil, and you then may believe that there is really no sin or nothing you can do wrong, and then you may come to believe that there is no moral code.  You see the slippery slope of not acknowledging and realizing the existence of the devil and evil?  I hesitated to post up this picture below – I really don’t like it at all – but I think it’s appropriate for this conversation.  It reminded me of the temptation of our modern day addictions – like pornography or drugs etc. – the apple perhaps looks tasty at first glance, but you can’t bite the apple without getting bit by the snake and getting poisoned…

The other problem of not realizing the existence of the devil or evil is that you can more easily be tempted and enslaved to bad habits and sins.  So – I know I’m going on quite a bit here about this point – I just want to encourage you to ask yourself – do you believe in the existence of the devil?  Do you believe in the existence of evil?  Of temptation?  Of sin?  There is a remedy and solution to protect and keep you from all of this – and that is Jesus.  But, it’s possible that you may not run into the loving and saving arms of Jesus if you don’t believe in the devil or evil.  Second to last point – a book that did help open my eyes in a big way to existence of evil in our world today is Frank Peretti’s “This Present Darkness”.  It is a Christian book and one that I believe will really bring home the seriousness of evil and temptation in our world today.  You may want to check it out if you have questions on all of this.  Also, C.S. Lewis, in the intro to his incredible book about evil and temptation in our lives called “The Screwtape Letters” writes this: “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors, and hail a materialist or magician with the same delight.”  A great quote…  and a great reminder to not have an excessive nor unhealthy interest in the devil or evil – this is of course extremely dangerous!  And the bottom line is of course to turn your eyes and gaze toward God and Jesus for ultimate protection – and I do believe reading the Bible each day is one of the best ways to do exactly this!

 

In verses 12 and 13 we see Adam and Eve passing the buck on why they sinned.  Check out Adam’s words in verse 12: “”but it was the woman you gave me who brought me the fruit, and I ate it.”  At first glance you might think that Adam is just blaming Eve in this verse, but note that he is also blaming God!  “the woman YOU gave me…”  Adam was blaming God and Eve – anybody but himself.  How often do we do this in our lives?  Blame others for our mistakes?  The painting immediately below I think captures Adam’s words and expression in verse 12 above perfectly!

Verse 15 is a prophetic verse that carries forward to Jesus: “From now on, you and the woman will be enemies, and your offspring and her offspring will be enemies. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.””  This last sentence refers to Jesus ultimately defeating the devil through his life, death on the cross, and resurrection!

Below is “The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise” by American Neoclassical Painter Benjamin West from the year 1791:

Worship Video: I typically post up a worship video that relates to our daily readings on this section of the blog.  Today, reading about God’s creation of our world in Genesis 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!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27 NLT

Prayer Point: Based on Genesis 1:27 above, will you pray today for your family, co-workers/students, and others in your community that you will see the image of God in each of them them?  Also, will you pray for those you know who are made in the image of God, and yet are not in a saving personal relationship with Jesus? Will you pray that they will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior this year?

Comments from You and Question of the Day:  As today is our first day together on the Chronological Bible journey in 2026, I thought I’d post up a Chronological Bible “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 Bible before?  2. What are you looking forward to about reading the entire Bible 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. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

You are invited to join us on the Chronological Bible in a Year journey in 2026!  Click on this link for more details and to sign up! Or, you may be interested in joining us on the Bible in a Year (OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs daily) journey in 2026 and can sign up at this link: www.bibleinayearblog.com

Revelation 19:1-22:21
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture on The ESV Bible ~

Happy New Year!  Congratulations to everyone who completed the Chronological Bible 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 Bible in a year will change us.  For the better!  🙂 For those of you wrapping up the Chronological Bible 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 hundreds of new folks signing up to take the Chronological Bible 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!

Revelation: Revelation chapter 19 verses 7 through 9 discuss the wedding feast of the Lamb (Jesus) in powerful language: “Let us be glad and rejoice and honor him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. She is permitted to wear the finest white linen.” (Fine linen represents the good deeds done by the people of God.)  And the angel said, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” And he added, “These are true words that come from God.”  The wedding feast of the Lamb is the end of human history – the judgment of the wicked and the wedding of the Lamb and his bride, the church.  Are you looking forward to the wedding feast of the lamb?  Do you want to be there?  Do you believe the words – blessed are those who are invited to the feast?  Have you accepted the Invitation?

Revelation chapter 19 utilizes the Hebrew for Hallelujah! four times in the first six verses – but it is interesting to note that Hallelujah is not used anywhere else in the New Testament.  Though, certainly we are reading Hallelujah frequently now in the Psalms!  (such as today’s Psalm 147).  The Hallelujah’s in this chapter, along with verse 16 in today’s readings – “On his robe and thigh was written this title: King of kings and Lord of lords.” – reminded me of Handel’s Messiah.

The rider on the white horse in chapter 19 is not the rider of the white horse from earlier in the book of Revelation, chapter 6 verse 2.  The rider in this chapter is Jesus, returning as Warrior-Messiah-King.  It’s interesting to note that many of the Jewish faith in the 1st century were looking for their Messiah to come as Warrior-Messiah-King, and thus they rejected Jesus as Messiah, who came then as the Suffering Servant.  However, it is powerful for us to keep in mind that Jesus is indeed coming again – and when he returns it won’t be in his previous role as the Suffering Servant.  That debt has been paid.  Jesus will return as Warrior-Messiah-King!

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

Below is an image for verse 21 in today’s readings that is well worth cheering about!  “And the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who did mighty miracles on behalf of the beast—miracles that deceived all who had accepted the mark of the beast and who worshiped his statue. Both the beast and his false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.”

 

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 19 titled “The Second Coming of Christ” is at this link and “Eater or Eaten?” is at this link. 

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.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Revelation chapter 20 titled “Pay Day Someday” is at this link.   

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 and “It Just Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This!” is at this link.

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 and “Famous Last Words” 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: “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 and Question of the Day:  For those of you wrapping up the Chronological Bible 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 hundreds of new folks signing up to take the Chronological Bible 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. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

You are invited to join us on the Chronological Bible in a Year journey in 2026!  Click on this link for more details and to sign up! Or, you may be interested in joining us on the Bible in a Year (OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs daily) journey in 2026 and can sign up at this link: www.bibleinayearblog.com

Revelation 15:1-18:24
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Revelation chapter 15 titled “Prelude to the Seven Last Plagues” is at this link and “The End is in Sight” is at this link.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Revelation chapter 16 titled “The Bowl Judgments” is at this link and “The Super Bowls” is at this link.  Below is artist Pat Marvenko Smith’s “The Seven Bowl Judgments” and “The Plagues of the Seven Bowls:

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.

Today in Revelation chapter 17 we read about the woman and the beast.  How have our readings in Revelation about the beast affected your faith or outlook on end times? Do you believe these writings in Revelation are true? Below is artist Pat Marvenko Smith’s “Babylon the Great riding the Beast”:

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 17 titled “The Judgment of Religious Babylon” is at this link and “Use It or Lose It!” is at this link.

In Revelation chapter 18 today we read about the fall of Babylon.  This is one of those chapters in Revelation that can be interpreted in many ways by many different people – with the overriding question and interpretation revolving around who is Babylon that John is referring to here?  Most commentaries that I have read suggest that John is referring to the Roman empire of the 1st century in this chapter.  Much of Revelation is eschatological – end times prophecy – and some commentaries suggest that this chapter is too.   But it seems that most commentaries look at this chapter as a prophecy toward the fall of the Roman empire – an empire that in John’s time was a “cult of emperor worship”.   An empire that John wrote about here to warn the early Christian churches to be on guard against because it stood against God and His people.  However – other commentaries do consider Babylon in this chapter to represent the political and religious system of the world in general under the rule of the antichrist.  And some others see this chapter to be about a literal Babylon in Mesopotamia that is rebuilt and restored in the end times.   Below is John Martin’s “Fall of Babylon” from Illustrations from the Bible, 1835:

Since we’re nearing the end of the book of Revelation, and in particular because of the questions this chapter 18 can bring up, this is probably a good time for me to re-post this information below about the book of Revelation – same info I posted up when we started Revelation chapter 1 on December 9th.  There are basically 4 lines of thinking on how to interpret the book of Revelation, which I think are helpful to consider before diving into this book.  I am editing these comments below from bible.org at this link: Please check out this link for more details on these 4 points below and the book of Revelation overall – these comments were edited on bible.org from M. C. Tenney, Interpreting Revelation.

“(1) The preterist approach believes that “Revelation is simply a sketch of the conditions of the empire in the first century.”

(2) The historicist view (or continuous-historicist view) “contends that Revelation is a symbolic presentation of the entire course of the history of the church from the close of the first century to the end of time.”

(3) The futurist approach usually argues that “all of the visions from Revelation 4:1 to the end of the book are yet to be fulfilled in the period immediately preceding and following the second advent of Christ.”

(4) In the idealist approach, “the Revelation represents the eternal conflict of good and evil which persists in every age, although here it may have particular application to the period of the church.””

Below is art titled “The Angel with the Millstone” – a manuscript illumination from the year 1020 for chapter 18 verse 21 today: “Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a huge millstone. He threw it into the ocean and shouted, “Just like this, the great city Babylon will be thrown down with violence and will never be found again.”

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Revelation chapter 18 titled “Destruction of Commercial Babylon” is at this link and“Use It or Lose It!” is at this link. 

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Revelation remind me of the incredible “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: “Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.” Revelation 15:4 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you are bringing glory to God’s name with your worship and life. Pray that you are evangelizing others to fear the Lord and worship Him now and forevermore.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

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

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

You are invited to join us on the Chronological Bible in a Year journey in 2026!  Click on this link for more details and to sign up! Or, you may be interested in joining us on the Bible in a Year (OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs daily) journey in 2026 and can sign up at this link: www.bibleinayearblog.com

Revelation 11:1-14:20
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in Revelation chapter 11 we read about the Two Witnesses and the Seventh Trumpet bringing the third terror!  The two witnesses in today’s reading are modeled after Moses and Elijah.  They may be representing two actual believers who will be martyred or they may be symbolic of all testifying believers in the final days.  Below are two incredible pieces of artwork from Pat Marvenko Smith of the two witnesses prophesying and being taken up to heaven:

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.

In verse 11:7 we have the first mention of the beast in the book of Revelation – the enemy that comes from the bottomless pit and wages war in the hearts and lives of men and women.  In verse 11:8 allowing dead bodies to lie out in the street is a major violation of decency.  In verse 15 things begin to shift in big ways as we read: “Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices shouting in heaven: “The whole world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.””  Is the whole world now part of the kingdom of God?  What are some examples of why or why not?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Revelation chapter 11 titled “The Temple, the Two Witnesses, and the Seventh Trumpet” is at this link.

In Revelation chapter 12 today we read about the Woman and the Dragon!  The woman is representative of the believing Messianic community and the twelve stars represent Israel’s twelve tribes.  The red dragon is Satan.  In verse 5 we read about Jesus: “She gave birth to a boy who was to rule all nations with an iron rod. And the child was snatched away from the dragon and was caught up to God and to his throne.” The “caught up” part of this verse is representative of Jesus’ ascension into heaven.  Below is artist Pat Marvenko Smith’s “The Woman and the Dragon” –

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

In verse 7 we read about Michael the Archangel, who we recently read about in the book of Daniel chapter 12 verse 1 when Daniel is prophesying about the end times: “”At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people-everyone whose name is found written in the book-will be delivered.”  In the remainder of the chapter we see a war in the spiritual realm, with Satan becoming alarmed that his time is short and increasingly angry at those who love God.

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

Verse 10 stood out to me in today’s readings: “Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has happened at last–the salvation and power and kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ!”  What a great proclamation!  Are you looking forward to the salvation and power and kingdom of God?   And do you believe in the authority of Jesus Christ?

Below is an incredible image for verses 13 & 14: “When the dragon realized that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child.  But she was given two wings like those of a great eagle so she could fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness. There she would be cared for and protected from the dragon for a time, times, and half a time.”

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

And below is an incredible image for verses 15-17: “Then the dragon tried to drown the woman with a flood of water that flowed from his mouth. But the earth helped her by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that gushed out from the mouth of the dragon.  And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children—all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus.”

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 12 titled “The Angelic Conflict” is at this link and “This Means War!” is at this link.

Today in Revelation Chapter 13 we read about the beast that comes out of the sea and the beast that comes out of the earth.  This is a pretty intense chapter that ends in the infamous number of the beast, 666.   One thing I learned from reading Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion book today is that the 3 sixes could represent the unholy trinity of Satan – which is comprised of Satan, the first beast, and the false prophet coming up in Revelation chapter 13.  Also, the number 666 was probably applied to the emperor Nero, whose Greek letters in his name represent numbers that total 666, by John’s 1st century readers.  The other way to look at this number is that each of the numbers fall short of the holy numbering of 777 – which represents complete perfection.  Below is artist Pat Marvenko Smith’s take on “The Three Beasts and 666”:

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

In verse 1 we read: “And written on each head were names that blasphemed God.”  Back in the Roman empire many emperors assumed titles of deity and require worship of them, which would obviously be blasphemous to God.  An example was the emperor Domitian (AD 51-96) required people to address him as Dominus et Deus, which means “our lord and our god”.  Below is an ancient bust of Domitian:

Verses 13 – 15 should be warning to us to not fall for false signs and wonders that do not come from God…  as we read about the beast from the earth –  “He did astounding miracles, such as making fire flash down to earth from heaven while everyone was watching. And with all the miracles he was allowed to perform on behalf of the first beast, he deceived all the people who belong to this world. He ordered the people of the world to make a great statue of the first beast, who was fatally wounded and then came back to life. He was permitted to give life to this statue so that it could speak. Then the statue commanded that anyone refusing to worship it must die.”  The danger of these above verses can best be demonstrated by Deuteronomy chapter 13 verses 1 through 4 – “If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,”  you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.”  How do these 2 sets of verses – from Revelation and Deuteronomy – speak to you?  Are there possibly even false signs and wonders and false idols in our world today which draw our attention away from loving God with all of our heart and soul?  Will you hold fast to God?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Revelation chapter 13 titled “The Beast and The False Prophet” is at this link and “Here Comes The Beast” is at this link.

Today in Revelation chapter 14 we read about Jesus (the Lamb) and all believers (the 144,000) in the heavenly Jerusalem (Mount Zion).   I love verses 4 and 5 in this chapter: “For they are spiritually undefiled, pure as virgins, following the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been purchased from among the people on the earth as a special offering to God and to the Lamb. No falsehood can be charged against them; they are blameless.”  Are these 2 verses attractive to you?  Do you want to be like this someday in heaven?  Spiritually undefiled?  Pure?  Following Jesus wherever he goes?  Blameless?

We then read about the Three Angels and In verse 8 we read: “Then another angel followed him through the skies, shouting, “Babylon is fallen–that great city is fallen–because she seduced the nations of the world and made them drink the wine of her passionate immorality.””  Babylon, as we know from our recent readings in the Old Testament, such as Daniel, was in ancient Mesopotamia and the commercial, political, and religious center of a world empire led by Nebuchadnezzar.  Some commentators believe that John is writing about Rome here when he says Babylon – and that John uses the term Babylon because it would be too dangerous for him to say Rome.  Some others believe this reference to Babylon refers to the time of the antichrist in the end days, and represents the corrupt political and religious systems of the world in the end times.

Verse 12 is likely referring to the end times, but it does make me think about the persecuted Christians in our world today – “Let this encourage God’s holy people to endure persecution patiently and remain firm to the end, obeying his commands and trusting in Jesus.”  There are thousands, if not millions, of Christians in our world today who suffer for their belief in Christ.  They are persecuted.  Today.   How can we encourage these holy people of God who are enduring persecution today?  Prayer is certainly one thing we can do, as a starter.  Have you heard of the International Day of the Persecuted Church?  Please visit their website by clicking on this link – and then click on the links on their home page to check out some great ministries that are serving the needs of the Persecuted Church.  Thank you for considering praying and getting involved in the Persecuted Church.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Revelation chapter 14 titled “Special Announcements” is at this link and “The Grim Reaper and the Grapes of Wrath” is at this link.

YouTube – Today’s readings in Revelation 11:15 reminded me of Handel’s Messiah “Hallelujah Chorus:”

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

Do you know Jesus, who will reign forever?  Click here and meet your eternal King!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: ‘Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.’” Revelation 12:10 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving that God wins! Pray in thanksgiving that good wins. Pray in thanksgiving if you are in God’s hands, through a 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. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

You are invited to join us on the Chronological Bible in a Year journey in 2026!  Click on this link for more details and to sign up! Or, you may be interested in joining us on the Bible in a Year (OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs daily) journey in 2026 and can sign up at this link: www.bibleinayearblog.com

Revelation 7:1-10:11
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Revelation chapter 7 verse 3 in today’s reading tells us: “Wait! Don’t hurt the land or the sea or the trees until we have placed the seal of God on the foreheads of his servants.”  Commentaries suggest that the seal represents the name of God being stamped on the foreheads of his followers – to protect them from the coming judgments.  This imagery is very similar to Ezekiel 9:4 – “”Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it.”

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

Verse 4 tells us: “And I heard how many were marked with the seal of God. There were 144,000 who were sealed from all the tribes of Israel.”  Some interpret this to mean 144,000 descendents of the actual Jewish tribes during the time of tribulation.  Others interpret this passage to be symbolic of all the faithful believers who live during the time of tribulation.

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

Verses 5 through 8 are interesting in that Judah is listed first, which is unusual.  When the twelve tribes of Israel are listed usually Reuben, his older brother, is listed first.  The thought here is that since Jesus and David came from the tribe of Judah, that is why it is listed first.  Also, the tribe of Dan is not listed – which may be because Dan had some idolatry issues in Judges 18:30.  Instead, Manasseh, one of Joseph’s son’s is listed – along with Joseph.

Verse 12 is very powerful in that it has 7 attributes of God: “Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and forever.”  Will you attribute to God – Blessing?  Glory?  Wisdom?  Thanksgiving?  Honor?  Power?  Strength?  Forever….?  Has anyone read A.W. Tozer’s book “The Attributes of God“?  I haven’t, but it sounds intriguing.

Revelation chapter 8 transitions from the breaking of the seals on the scroll to the trumpets! 

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

In Old Testament times trumpets represented the announcement of important events or times of war.  Here we will see plagues that are more devastating than the seals, but not as devastating as the bowls to come in Revelation chapter 16.  The eagle in this chapter represents swiftness and destruction.  When the eagle speaks of “all who belong to this world” in verse 13, it is referring to people who are not in relationship with God.

Verses 3 & 4 in this chapter today are beautiful: “Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great quantity of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God’s people, to be offered on the gold altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of the saints, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out.”  I love that analogy of the incense mixing with the prayers of the saints.  Do you believe that your prayers reach God’s altar in heaven? 

Revelation chapter 9 brings forth the 5th and 6th trumpet plagues at the end times!  A note on the star in verse 1 – this is likely an angel that descends from heaven with the key from Jesus to open the abyss. 

The fierce demonic locusts in today’s readings are intense.  You will recall that very recently we read about locusts in a similar fashion in the Old Testament in Joel chapter 1 through chapter 2 verse 11. 

Verses 20 & 21 in this chapter stand out: “But the people who did not die in these plagues still refused to turn from their evil deeds. They continued to worship demons and idols made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood–idols that neither see nor hear nor walk! And they did not repent of their murders or their witchcraft or their immorality or their thefts.”  Even in the midst of such destruction and horror, many people do not repent.  Is it possible that we receive much less severe signs in our own life today to repent, and we ignore them?  Why do we ignore the signs?  Is this wise?  Below is an image of the first six trumpet judgements by the incredible artist Pat Marvenko Smith:

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

Revelation chapter 10 brings forth the angel and the little scroll!  Note that this scroll is not the same as the scroll in Revelation chapter 5, verse 1.  This first scroll contains a revelation of judgments against evil, whereas this little scroll’s contents are not disclosed – though, it may contain a judgment as well.  You will recall from our readings of Ezekiel earlier this winter that, similar to John in this chapter, Ezekiel was instructed in a vision to eat a scroll that was sweet to taste but contained judgments against Israel.  From Ezekiel chapter 3 verse 3 you’ll recall: “Then he said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.”

Revelation Chapter 10 Verse 1 in today’s readings has some cool stuff going on in it – “Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, surrounded by a cloud, with a rainbow over his head. His face shone like the sun, and his feet were like pillars of fire.”  The angel being surrounded by a cloud recalls God speaking to Peter James and John on the mountain of the Transfiguration in Matthew chapter 17 verse 5 – “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”   The rainbow over the angel’s head recalls God’s promise to Noah after the flood to never destroy the earth by water again, as we see in Genesis chapter 9 verses 15 & 16 – “I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.  Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.””  And the angels feet being like pillars of fire recalls the pillars of fire and cloud that guided and protected the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt, as we see in Exodus chapter 13 verses 21 & 22   “By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.”

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

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Revelation remind me of the Sidewalk Prophets song “The Words I Would Say:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htyU9cwNp0k

Do you know how much He loves you?  Click here for His eternal love!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.” Revelation 8:3-4 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving that your prayers to God are like incense smoke, going up to God from the hands of angels. Pray without ceasing. Pray right now.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

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

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

You are invited to join us on the Chronological Bible in a Year journey in 2026!  Click on this link for more details and to sign up! Or, you may be interested in joining us on the Bible in a Year (OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs daily) journey in 2026 and can sign up at this link: www.bibleinayearblog.com

Revelation 3:1-6:17
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Revelation chapter 3 verse 3 is powerful from Jesus: “Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly and turn to me again.”  My thought here is that sometimes we are so on fire for our faith in Jesus and God – particularly when we first believe.  And then this fire and initial strong faith begins to wane over time.  And to a degree, this is okay.  We will not be on the “mountaintop” all of the time – we must traverse through the valleys as well. But, if perhaps we’ve been camped out in the valleys for a bit too long now, is it possible that we might need to go back to what we heard and believed at first?  Might we need to hold to these first beliefs more firmly?  And turn to Jesus again? In this Christmas season, will you return to Jesus once again? Will you return to the Manger in Bethlehem?

Today in Revelation chapter 3 we read about The Message to the Church in Philadelphia and Laodicea.   Verse 8 today is powerful, from Jesus: “I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can shut.”  Jesus has opened the door for us to enter God’s kingdom through faith in him.  No one can keep us from entering through this open door – besides ourselves.  Will you walk through the door Jesus has opened for you?

Verses 15 and 16 are convicting words from Jesus!  “”I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth!”  Are you hot or cold in your faith for God these days?  Or maybe lukewarm?  Will you live now and tomorrow with only a hot faith in God?  Hot Tamales Hot?  🙂

Verse 20 is beautiful from Jesus:  “”Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends.”  As we read above – the door to entering into the kingdom of God through faith in Jesus is open and no one can shut it – except maybe we will shut the door ourselves in our own lives.  If you have shut the door, is it possible that you hear Jesus knocking on the door?  Is it possible Jesus is calling to you from the other side of the door you have shut?  Will you open it?  Do you want to share a meal with Jesus as friends?

Revelation chapter 4 today is an amazing chapter, where we get a great glimpse of worship in heaven!  Verses 1 & 2 are an awesome start to this chapter with John first seeing an open door in heaven and then being instantly in the Spirit!  “Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” And instantly I was in the Spirit.” 

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

Verse 3 stands out today with a great glimpse of God’s glory – “The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones–jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow.” You’ll note that there is not a clear description of God, as he is often described as dwelling in an “unapproachable light”.  But I think the gemstones and the emerald rainbow are pretty good starters for envisioning God’s glory…  Can you imagine seeing God face to face some day?  Does this make your heart leap with excitement and joy?

Verse 4 stood out in today’s readings as well: “Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads.” It is said that these 24 thrones represent both the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles of Jesus.  Thus, representing all righteous and redeemed men and women before and after Jesus’ life.

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

Verses 6 & 7 will remind us of the seraphs in Isaiah and the cherubim in Ezekiel – “In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. The first of these living beings had the form of a lion; the second looked like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth had the form of an eagle with wings spread out as though in flight.”  These creatures are said to represent aspects of the attributes of God.  The lion representing majesty & power.  The ox representing faithfulness.  The human representing intelligence.  And the eagle representing sovereignty.

Verses 10 & 11 is a beautiful look at elders worshiping God!  “The twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one who lives forever and ever. And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.”   Imagine yourself in heaven with a crown of some sort.  Will you lay down your crown before the throne of God and worship God in this same manner?  Do you believe that God is worthy to receive all glory, and honor, and power?  Do you believe that it was for God’s pleasure that everything exists and was created?

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

Revelation 5 is another beautiful chapter looking at worship in heaven!  And in this chapter we see the worship of Jesus, the Lion and the Lamb, who opens the scroll.  It is interesting that Jesus is described first as the Lion of Judah in verse 5 and then as a Lamb in verse 6.  This demonstrates both Jesus’ authority and power (lion) and Jesus’ submission to God’s will (lamb).

Verse 9 is certainly powerful in today’s readings: “And they sang a new song with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were killed, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”  Do you believe that Jesus’ blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation?  How do people accept this gift – this ransom?  Are the stakes high enough that we should accept this ransom?

And verse 12 is powerful: “And they sang in a mighty chorus: “The Lamb is worthy–the Lamb who was killed. He is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.”  Do you believe that Jesus is worthy to receive power?  And riches?  And wisdom?  And honor?  And glory?  And blessing?  Will you give these things to Jesus in your life today?

To powerfully close out this New Testament post today, below is an image of Revelation Chapter 5 titled “The Opening of the Sealed Scroll” by the amazing artist Pat Marvenko Smith from www.revelationillustrated.com.  Based on today’s readings, please take a few moments to reflect on this image and what it means to you personally…

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

Revelation chapter 6 begins the first of 3 seven-part judgments with the opening of the seals on the scroll!  The seven trumpets in chapters 8 & 9 and the seven bowls in chapter 16 are the remaining two.  The unsealing of the seals on the scroll by Jesus in this chapter sets in motion events that will bring about the end of human history.  Verse 12 today tells us: “I watched as the Lamb broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became as dark as black cloth, and the moon became as red as blood.”

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

The imagery of the four horsemen in this chapter comes from Zechariah chapter 1 verses 8-17 and chapter 6 verse 1-6.  In chapter 1 of Zechariah verses 8-10 we read: “During the night I had a vision-and there before me was a man riding a red horse! He was standing among the myrtle trees in a ravine. Behind him were red, brown and white horses. I asked, “What are these, my lord?”  The angel who was talking with me answered, “I will show you what they are.” Then the man standing among the myrtle trees explained, “They are the ones the LORD has sent to go throughout the earth.””  This is a good example of how John is utilizing a lot of imagery for the book of Revelation from the Old Testament.  And of course it is a great example of how the Old Testament is fulfilled by the New Testament.

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

A portion of verse 8 should be noted about the 4 horsemen: “They were given authority over one-fourth of the earth.”  Some commentaries have noted that this demonstrates that even in the end of days, God is continuing to show compassion.  He only allows the four horsemen to do their work over 1/4th of the earth, giving everyone in the other 3/4ths of the earth an opportunity to repent and turn to Jesus.

Below is another incredible piece of artwork from Pat Marvenko Smith for Revelation chapter 6 verses 9 through 11!  “When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of all who had been martyred for the word of God and for being faithful in their testimony. They shouted to the Lord and said, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you judge the people who belong to this world and avenge our blood for what they have done to us?” Then a white robe was given to each of them. And they were told to rest a little longer until the full number of their brothers and sisters—their fellow servants of Jesus who were to be martyred—had joined them.”

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

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Revelation 4:8-11 reminded me of the Chris Tomlin song “We Fall Down.” Here’s a great live video of Chris and Steven Curtis Chapman talking about the song and playing it together:

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

Do you fall down?  Click here and fall down at the feet of Jesus!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:15-16 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you are hot for the Lord. Pray against any lukewarm-ness in your life when it comes to your love and faith in Jesus.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

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

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

You are invited to join us on the Chronological Bible in a Year journey in 2026!  Click on this link for more details and to sign up! Or, you may be interested in joining us on the Bible in a Year (OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs daily) journey in 2026 and can sign up at this link: www.bibleinayearblog.com

Jude 1:1-25; Revelation 1:1-2:29
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Jude: Today we start and finish the book of Jude! 

~ Jude ~
Author: Jude, a brother of Jesus
Place: Uncertain
Date:  A.D. 65-70
Content: It is not known to whom this letter was addressed, but the problem that Jude confronts is very clear.  Jude is urging the believers to stand firm against some false teachers and the false doctrine that they bring.  In a lengthy passage Jude gives examples of judgment in the past that God visited upon sin, as well as a devastating description of the evil lives of those false teachers.  Jude closes with an exhortation to the Christians to stand fast in the power of God who will keep us from falling.
Theme: The danger of false doctrine and the need for constant vigilance by the church is the theme of this book.  Jude admonishes us to examine what people say and the kind of lives that they live so that we may approve what is pleasing in the sight of God.  We may call upon God to help in this with full assurance that he will hear and answer our prayer. (Above commentary is from “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 34-35)    A great overview of Jude by Daniel Wallace is at this link.

The letter of Jude carries forward some of the themes in John’s letter’s we’ve recently read about false teachers.  This letter was written in about 65 A.D.  From Jude & John, it seems like there were obviously some issues of false teachers back in the early church.  People that twisted the truth of who Jesus was.  I read a commentary today which said the twisted truths back then were basically these: 1.  Jesus was not divine.  He was just a man who was infused with the divinity of “the Christ” when he was Baptized in the Jordan, but that the divine nature left him before he died on the cross.  (this would be a huge issue for theology…  it ain’t true folks…)  and 2. Once you believe in Christ and your sins are forgiven, then you have a license to do whatever you want in life.  You’re home free.  Feel free to be as immoral as you want.  (again not true of course…).   Early Gnosticism was a part of the problem with these lines of thinking.  The early Gnostics basically believed that anything of matter/material/flesh was bad, and anything of the spirit was good.  Hence, their belief that Jesus really couldn’t have been a man and God at the same time – and that once they were saved/believed in Christ, then their sins were forgiven in the spiritual realm, so they could do whatever the heck they wanted.  They veered way off the path of Truth…

All this to say – it is so easy for theology to get twisted around.  It happened back in the early church as we see in Jude’s letter today, and in John’s previous letters.  And it happens today.  Something I heard recently that I liked and that I believe is so true.  The Gospel is not complicated.  It’s simple.  If you want the straightforward simple truth of the gospel, head for the Gospel of John in the New Testament and everything you basically need to know is there.  That’s it.  We don’t need to complicate things so much that we get ourselves caught up in ideas that basically create barriers to our relationship with God.  God who loves us so much and wants to be in relationship with us…  we have a good way of complicating this very simple love relationship!   🙂

Verse 24 is so wonderful at the end of Jude’s letter today:- “And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy.”  Great joy indeed I believe can only be found through our relationship with God! There are other temporary happinesses we experience in life.  But great joy…  that’s God.

Revelation: Today we start the book of Revelation!  I have to confess that I have been a bit nervous about blogging through the book of Revelation.  But here goes nothing!  🙂   Revelation has been called “The Revelation of John”, but really this book is “The Revelation of Jesus Christ”.   It is believed that the apostle John wrote this book.  He also wrote the Gospel of John and the letters of First, Second, and Third John.  There was some dispute about the apostle John writing this book in the third century by a bishop named Dionysius – as he thought the writing style of this book was so different from the Gospel of John & his letters.   But most do believe that the apostle John did indeed write the book of Revelation on the Island of Patmos, off the coast of Ephesus, or modern-day Turkey.  It is said that one of the major purposes of this book, written in circa 95 A.D., was to encourage Christians to resist the Roman empire’s demands of emperor worship. The other important thing to note is the Revelation is apocalyptic literature, which means that its writing is highly symbolic.  Below is artwork of John on Patmos writing the book of Revelation:

There are basically 4 lines of thinking on how to interpret the book of Revelation, which I think are helpful to consider before diving into this book.  I am editing these comments below from bible.org at this link: Please check out this link for more details on these 4 points below and the book of Revelation overall – these comments were edited on bible.org from M. C. Tenney, Interpreting Revelation.

“(1) The preterist approach believes that “Revelation is simply a sketch of the conditions of the empire in the first century.”

(2) The historicist view (or continuous-historicist view) “contends that Revelation is a symbolic presentation of the entire course of the history of the church from the close of the first century to the end of time.”

(3) The futurist approach usually argues that “all of the visions from Revelation 4:1 to the end of the book are yet to be fulfilled in the period immediately preceding and following the second advent of Christ.”

(4) In the idealist approach, “the Revelation represents the eternal conflict of good and evil which persists in every age, although here it may have particular application to the period of the church.””

Into the readings today… Chapter 1 verse 8 certainly stands out in today’s readings, as we hear from Jesus himself: “”I am the Alpha and the Omega–the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come, the Almighty One.”  I like that – the Alpha & Omega.  The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.  Jesus is the beginning and end of all things.  Jesus is God.

 

In verses 17 & 18 today we hear this similar theme from Jesus again to John: “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one who died. Look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.”  It is awesome that Jesus uses the term Living One here.  This is very similar to Old Testament verses we hear about God being a Living God.  Jesus is also truly Living today in our lives.  Do you believe Jesus is the Alpha & Omega?  The Living One?

 

Revelation chapter 2 begins our journey of Jesus’ messages to the seven churches in Asia Minor! (modern day Turkey).  Below is a map of the 7 churches of Revelation:

Depending on what type of Bible you read, you might notice that ALL of the words in chapter 2 in today’s readings are highlighted red – meaning, we are hearing directly from Jesus in these verses, so it’s good to pay attention here!  🙂

The beginning of Revelation 2 verse 2 stands out to me today – “”I know all the things you do.”  Short and simple…. Do you suppose this is true about Jesus and your life?  Do you think Jesus knows all of the things you do?  Even every single thing that you think?

Verse 7 certainly stands out today as well from Jesus: “Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Everyone who is victorious will eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God.”  The tree of life takes us back to the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve.  Adam and Eve ended up eating from the forbidden tree of knowledge – which gave them the knowledge of good and evil.  God then banished them from the Garden before they could eat from the tree of life and live eternally.  The tree of life represents eternal life, and as we see in this verse it is offered to all who are victorious.  What does it mean to be victorious?  Do you want to eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God?  Will you listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying?  Below is a stained glass image of the Tree of Life:

Verse 17 is intriguing!  “Everyone who is victorious will eat of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it.”  The second sentence is very intriguing to me – a white stone will be given with a new name upon it.  I need to do some more research on what exactly this means.  If anyone has thoughts on the white stone / new name, please post up in the comments below.

Today in Revelation we continue to read Jesus’ messages to the 7 churches in Asia Minor – see above for a map of where these 7 churches were located.  Also, don’t forget the powerful vision that John saw of Jesus in Revelation chapter 1 verses 12 through 14 and verse 20 just before we began reading these messages to the 7 churches: “When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest. His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance… This is the meaning of the mystery of the seven stars you saw in my right hand and the seven gold lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.”

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

Revelation chapter 2 verse 19 is awesome as Jesus says: “”I know all the things you do–your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things.”   How are you doing in these areas in your life?  Are you focusing on love, faith, service and patience?  Are you constantly improving in these areas in your life?

Worship Video: Revelation chapter 1 verse 8 in today’s readings reminds me of the fantastic song by Mark Harris called “One True God:”

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

Do you know the One true God?  Click here and meet the One!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.’” Revelation 1:8 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you know that Jesus is your Alpha and Omega. Pray today and every day, Come Lord Jesus, Come!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

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

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!