Chronological Bible Blog

1 Timothy 6:11-21; Titus 1:1-3:15; 2 Timothy 1:1-18
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Titus: Today we read Paul’s letter to Titus!

~ Titus ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Uncertain
Date: A.D. 64 or 65
Content: Paul addressed this letter to an earlier associate of his whom he had left on the island of Crete to help strengthen the churches there. Titus’ task was to ordain elders and to instruct the believers in the basic doctrines of the faith. It was necessary for Paul to go into some detail regarding the qualifications for the office of elder, and to give instructions for others in the church as well. During the course of these instructions, Paul touches upon the problems that face the servant of God and how these problems may be met.
Theme: The need for proper Christian living in the midst of the evil of the world is stressed by Paul in this letter. Around us we see the hostility and corruption of the world, but we must show by our lives what the grace of God can do. Such a life will have an impact, whereas mere words will do little or nothing. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 30) A wonderful commentary by J. Hampton Keathley, III on Paul’s letter to Titus is at this link.  Below is an image for Titus chapter 1 verse 5 today as Paul wrote to Titus: “I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you.”

The first two verses of this letter start so wonderfully! “This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to bring faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. This truth gives them the confidence of eternal life, which God promised them before the world began–and he cannot lie.” Do you believe everything in these two verses? Does the Truth give us the confidence of eternal life? Is this a promise of God’s that you’ve accepted? Do you believe Paul’s teaching here that God cannot lie?  Do you know that Jesus cannot lie?

The next few verses are great instructions for whom should be elders in churches. A portion of verse 8 really stands out to me: “He must enjoy having guests in his home.” What a great verse! This really shows the importance of hospitality. Do you enjoy having guests in your home?  When people invite you to be guests in their home, do you understand how incredible of an invitation this truly is?  Do you allow them to share their hospitality with you?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Titus titled “Instruction Concerning Elders in the Church” is at this link.

Titus chapter 2 today is full of great wisdom from Paul!  Please let these verses sink in. Verse 14 stands out: “He (Jesus) gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing what is right.”  Do you believe that Jesus gave his life to free you from every kind of sin? To cleanse you? And to make you his very own? Are you totally committed to doing what is right?  Has Jesus’ life, death and resurrection freed you from sin?

In Titus 2:11 we read: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all people.” Do you believe this? What does God’s grace mean to you?  How have you experienced God’s grace in your life?  Has God’s grace brought salvation to your life?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Titus titled “The Foundation, Means, and Motivation for godly Behavior” is at this link.

The first couple verses of Titus chapter 3 are interesting to me – “Remind your people to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not speak evil of anyone, and they must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.” Paul is reminding the church at that time to submit to governmental authority – to be obedient. And to do what is good. This reminds me of Jesus saying in the Gospels – “give to Caesar what is Caesar’s. And to God what is God.” So, there does certainly seem to be a call to be good citizens of the communities we live in – as we strive to be good citizens of the kingdom of God simultaneously. Do you think these two can happen simultaneously? Or are there points where there may be a conflict between our obedience to God and obedience to the world’s civil laws & governments?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings titled “Instructions to Live as Good Citizens in the World” is at this link.

2 Timothy: Today we begin Paul’s second letter to Timothy, which was likely the last letter Paul ever wrote. Some call this letter Paul’s “last will and testament!”

~ Second Timothy ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Probably Rome
Date: A.D. 66 or 67
Content: This letter was probably the last letter that Paul ever wrote, and he addressed it to his former associate Timothy. It is a personal letter that expresses Paul’s deepest feelings and the assurance that though his earthly life might end, God had eternal life waiting for him in heaven. Paul also reflects upon the faithfulness of God (who led him through his entire life) and upon the coming desperate days when men would depart from the truth, refusing to acknowledge God as Lord. He exhorts Timothy to stand firm in the face of the coming persecutions.
Theme: The sovereign control of God over all things is the basic theme of this book. Although distress has come and will continue to increase, God is in control and those who trust him will have nothing to fear. Paul also adds his own testimony of faith, describing how he fought for the truth and will be rewarded by God in the end. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 29-30)  A wonderful commentary on Second Timothy by Dwight Edwards titled “Call to Completion” is at this link.

Second Timothy chapter 1 verse 6 is a very important teaching of Paul’s that each of us should consider in our own lives: “This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.”  Do you notice that Paul says “fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you”?  What does this say to you?  This says to me that when God gives us spiritual gifts, they don’t typically come in full bloom all at once!  The gifts are given, and then we are to partner with the Spirit of God in fanning the embers of the spiritual gifts into full flames!  This is really powerful to think about.  I think sometimes we think that once we’re saved, that’s it.  We’re done.  We’ve got all we need and there’s nothing more to do except wait for heaven.  Well…  I think once we’re saved the spiritual adventure really begins!  God’s gives us spiritual gifts.  He gives us Kingdom work to do on this side of heaven!  Do you believe that you have spiritual gifts?  Do you know what they are?  If not, do you suppose that perhaps your spiritual gifts are currently embers and now is the time for you to “fan into flames the spiritual gifts God gave you”?  Let us fan the flames folks!

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in 2 Timothy 1 reminded me of Tenth Avenue North’s great song, “Love Is Here:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sBuajPzBTw

Is Love here for you?  Click here for Love!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.” Titus 1:15 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray for purity in your life. Pray that you have been made pure by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ.

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

God bless,
Mike

p.s. 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!

1 Timothy 3:1-6:10
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Paul’s teachings in 1 Timothy 3 gives some great rules and regulations for leaders in a church. It all makes a lot of sense. I would encourage anyone who has interest in leading in your church – or if you are currently leading in your church – to prayerfully read through these. How are you doing on these? Are there some areas in your life discussed here that need redeeming?   One of my favorite verses in all of these is verse 5 – “For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?”  How very true is that?  How are you doing in managing your own household?

Verse 16 today beautifully demonstrates Jesus’ divinity and his humanity!
“Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith:
Christ appeared in the flesh
and was shown to be righteous by the Spirit.
He was seen by angels
and was announced to the nations.
He was believed on in the world
and was taken up into heaven.”
Do you believe in everything written above?  When is the last time you meditated upon the fact that Jesus ascended into heaven?  I heard a Pastor recently say that he thinks the Ascension is one of the most overlooked facts of Jesus’ life in the church today.  Jesus ascended into heaven and sits at the Father’s right hand!  This is very good news for us indeed!  Below is a painting by the Italian artist Garofalo from the year 1510 titled “The Ascension of Christ”:

Today in 1 Timothy 4:7-8 we will read: “Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” How are you doing on training yourself to be godly? Do you believe this is something you can be trained in? Are you practicing spiritual disciplines on a regular basis? Spiritual disciplines might include: prayer, journaling, quiet time, fasting, retreats, Sabbaths, reading the Bible :), to name a few.

First Timothy 5:8 is a powerful teaching from Paul today: “But those who won’t care for their own relatives, especially those living in the same household, have denied what we believe. Such people are worse than unbelievers.” This is such a great reminder to care for our parents as they get older! I have seen some family members and friends do this for their parents – and uncles and other relatives – and it is such a blessing to see in action. This reminds me of the commandment of “Honor your father & mother.” What a blessed way to honor your father and mother by caring for them when they are older!

First Timothy 5:24 is so important: “Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later.”  There is so much I could say about this verse.  First and foremost, I think each of us needs to consider this verse in our own lives.  Are there sins in our life that no one else knows about?  Do you think that God knows about these secret sins?  Do you think those secret sins will indeed eventually be revealed?  I recently heard Dennis Prager (radio talk show host) talking about secrets.  And basically he made the point that none of us should have secrets in our life because if we do those secrets will not “keep” – they’ll spoil us inside and, worst case, someday they could explode in horrendous ways.  Prager made the comment that someone in our life needs to know absolutely everything in our life.  (not that everyone in our life needs to know everything – but at least one person does)  He ranked this in order of who he thought should know everything about us: 1. your spouse 2. a good trusted friend. 3. a clergy or professional counselor.  It was interesting that Prager did make the point that he didn’t think that your child(ren) need to know absolutely everything – but someone does…  Obviously, we all know that God knows everything about us.  But, I think there is so much truth in that one of the key ways to rid ourselves of a secret sin is to bring it out of the dark and into the Light by sharing that secret with someone else.  And if it’s a continuing sin, ask that person for help and accountability.  Let us not wait until we meet the Lord face to face for us to rid ourselves of the rotten burden of secrets!  Let us shine a Light on the secrets now for healing & peace!

First Timothy chapter 6 today is full of great wisdom. Verse 7: “Yet true religion with contentment is great wealth.” Are you seeking true religion? What is true religion? I think Paul gives some great hints to us in verses 11-14: “Run from all these evil things, and follow what is right and good. Pursue a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for what we believe. Hold tightly to the eternal life that God has given you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses. And I command you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate, that you obey his commands with all purity.”  Are you holding tightly to the eternal life that God has given you?  Hold tight!

Verse 10 is powerful today – “For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” It is important to note that the “love of money” is the root of all kinds of evil. Not money in and of itself – that’s not the root of evil. But the love of money… this is a great distinction and a great truth. Do you love money? If so, should you be worried about this? If we love money, might we wander from the faith and pierce ourselves with many sorrows?

Worship God – Today’s readings in First Timothy reminded me of the Chris and Conrad song “You’re the One:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Iwf70AsGLU

Is Jesus the One for you?  Click here and meet the One!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” First Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you are training yourself to be godly each and every day. Pray that you are pursuing godliness for both the present life and the life to 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!

James 4:1-5:20; 1 Timothy 1:1-2:15
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

James: James chapter 4 continues to just level me…  This book is phenomenal.  I need to read this book more than just once a year when I come around to it in the Chronological Bible.  The verse today that just made me set the Bible down for a minute and reflect was verse 4: “You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with this world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again, that if your aim is to enjoy this world, you can’t be a friend of God.”   That is some heavy duty language…  it pierced me in reading it today.   Am I a friend of the world?  Am I trying to be a friend of the world?  Per this verse, where does this pursuit of the world put me with my relationship with God?   Am I an “adulterer”, in the sense of my relationship with God and the world?   (now, please keep in mind, I’m a huge fan and believer of grace…  but sometimes we need to let verses like this really sink in.  We need to reflect.  And respond if need be… and let Jesus save us and heal us if need be…)

Verse 7 is something surely each one of us should commit to memory: “Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.”   This is so true.  Resist.  And he will flee!  Please know this is true!  Resist!

And verse 8 is so true as well: “Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.”  Another one to put into memory – and practice each day.  Have you drawn close to God this very day?  And has God drawn close to you?

Verse 14 I think is so helpful for us to remember – and to give Thanks for each day we have: “How do you know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like the morning fog–it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.”  Life is short.  Every day is indeed a blessing and an opportunity to love and know God more.  Please take advantage of each and every day God gives you.  Diving into his Word each day is one amazing thing you can do every day.  As is prayer of course!

Today we wrap up the book of James.  This has been such a powerful book for me to read these past few days!  I am convicted and challenged by this book, which is wonderful.  Today in chapter 5, verse 5 stands out: “This treasure you have accumulated will stand as evidence against you on the day of judgment.”  This reminds me of the scene at the end of the movie “Schindler’s List” where Oscar Schindler breaks down crying when the war is over – and after he has saved so many lives – and yet he cries out – “This gold pin – this pin could have saved a life! This car…. could have saved 10 lives!”   This scene – and this verse – makes me ask myself if I am using my finances wisely?  Am I investing in others?  Are my luxuries taking away from other’s very lives?  Am I accumulating treasure when I could have been serving others?  I cannot encourage you enough to watch this scene in Schindler’s List again if you haven’t seen it in a while.  Every time I watch this scene something happens to my heart that only God can explain…  it changes me…

Verse 9 stands out: “Don’t grumble about each other, my brothers and sisters, or God will judge you.”  This is such a great reminder of Jesus’ call to not judge others!  Don’t grumble about others.  How often do we grumble about others?  Are we grumbling about someone currently?  Is this a healthy practice?  By the way, I have been bad about grumbling about others recently – in fact, I almost got sideswiped on a freeway recently by a guy who was not paying attention to where he was going.  In all honestly, I have no idea how we avoided not hitting each other, but for the grace of God.  I was so shook up by the near miss I was “grumbling” big time about this guy’s carelessness.  Interestingly and thankfully I was not cussing at him nor giving him bad gestures, but I was grumbling in my heart about how not smart I thought he was – and I immediately caught myself and asked God to forgive me for this sin.  And I believe He did.  Let us not grumble in our hearts about others.  It is a sin.  Let us stay away from grumble corner in our lives!  🙂

The first half of verse 16 is so true – “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”  Is there someone in your life you can confess your sins to?  Someone you can ask to pray for you?  Do you believe this practice will heal you of that sin?

And the last half of verse 16 also is amazing to remember – “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.”   Are you praying for others?  Earnestly?  Do you believe prayer has great power and that God listens and can bring about wonderful results?

First Timothy: This week we begin Paul’s first and second letters to Timothy! These are very powerful letters to read because Paul wrote them toward the end of his life. Paul’s second letter to Timothy was likely the last letter he ever wrote. Some call this letter Paul’s “last will and testament.” Please pay close attention to Paul’s teachings in these letters this next week. We cannot hear the teachings in these letters often enough!

~ First Timothy ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Uncertain
Date: A.D. 64
Content: This letter was written by Paul near the end of his life and he addressed it to his associate Timothy, whom he had left in Ephesus to correct some problems in the church. By this time problems had arisen concerning doctrine, church practice, church government, and various aspects of Christian living. Paul wrote to instruct Timothy concerning these matters so that the church would function properly. He also wrote to encourage Timothy so that he would not become weary in his Christian life, but would live wholly to the glory of God. There are some specific regulations given for the ordination of church officers as well.
Theme: The importance of right belief and right behavior form the theme of this book. Paul stresses that we must know the truth and defend it against the false doctrines that arise. We must also be very careful to live lives that are consistent with the truth so that Satan will not get an advantage over the people of God. The importance of dedicated and pure-hearted men to lead the church is also stressed. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 29)  Below is an image of Timothy receiving from a messenger one of Paul’s letters to him:

First and Second Timothy and Titus are considered to be “The Pastoral Letters” because they provide instruction about the care of churches.  We have some powerful teachings from Paul today in First Timothy chapter 1.  One very interesting thing to note is that Paul uses the clause “This is a trustworthy saying” in verse 15.  What’s interesting about this is that this clause is found nowhere else in the New Testament except for its use 5 times in the Pastoral Letters to identify an important teaching.  So, here is the important teaching in verse 15: “This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”” What do you think about this teaching?  So simple a teaching at first glance, and yet of course so profound in it’s meaning!  I like how Paul starts off this letter to Timothy with a lot of humility.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in First Timothy chapter 1 titled “Critical Concerns for Pastoral Ministry” is at this link.

1 Timothy 2 starts of with yet another reminder to pray for others… I love and need this type of reminder in verses 1 and 2… often! “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God’s mercy upon them, and give thanks. Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity.” This is powerful. Pray for all people. Make requests for them. Plead God’s mercy upon them. Give thanks. Pray for those leading our government. I think these verses are very appropriate during a time of local and national elections coming up. Pray for all of the candidates. Make requests for them. Plead God’s mercy upon them. Give thanks.  Pray.

The other thing these opening two verses remind me of is to “Pray the News.” I think often times we read about all of the bad news in the world and maybe feel a bit helpless or hopeless in the midst of it all. However, I strongly believe that God has blessed us with the ability to “Pray the News.” Pray for earthquake victims, the people starving and dying in other parts of the world, the person who was in a car crash in your town, etc. etc. Pray for them. Make requests for them. Plead God’s mercy upon them. Give thanks.  Will you join me in “Praying the News” each day?

I realize that Paul’s instructions for women in today’s readings can be controversial.  This is one of those days that if you have the Tyndale Publishers One Year Bible Companion to please read the 3 questions & answers for today.  All 3 relate to these instructions of Paul’s.  Basically, the instructions for women in today’s readings can either be interpreted as being: 1. historically conditioned – instructions just for the women of the church in Ephesus at that time and place or 2. universal and timeless instructions.  Honestly, different Christian denominations interpret these verses different ways – but probably along one of the two lines above for the most part.  The One Year Bible Companion does a great job of going down these 2 paths, with some detail placed on why the instructions could be being historically conditioned because of the Ephesian church having a unique case of prevalent false teachings.  Overall, know that Paul did not forbid women from ever teaching or being active in church life.  Priscilla taught Apollos, a great preacher from Acts.  Phoebe worked in the church (see Romans 16:1).  Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Eudia and Syntyche were all women who were the Lord’s workers in the New Testament as well (see Romans 16:6, 12 and Philippians 4:2). If you want to dive into further study on 1 Timothy 2:15 today: “But women will be saved through childbearing…” please check out an in depth look at this verse on bible.org at this link.

Worship Video:  James 4:8 reminds me of Michael W. Smith’s song “Draw Me Close:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWG9-PJFcK8

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

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8 ESV

Prayer Point: Pray that you draw near to God each and every day. Pray in thanksgiving that He draws near to you!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you 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!

James 1:1-3:18
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Whoo-hoo!  Today we begin the book of James!

~ James ~
Author: James
Place: Uncertain
Date: A.D. 45-49
Content: The book of James was written to Jewish Christians in order to provide them with some practical instructions in the Christian life. It contains many short proverbial sayings and reflects in a remarkable way the teachings of Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount. The problems addressed show the kind of difficulties that were troubling the church. We read of pride, discrimination, greed, lust, hypocrisy, worldliness, and backbiting. James writes to correct these evils by showing that faith without works is dead; that is, mere profession of faith is not enough. True faith will issue forth in a good life as surely as a good tree bears good fruit and not thistles.
Theme: James stresses the need for Christian living both to show the reality of one’s inner faith and to show the world that the Gospel does in fact change lives. If a person says he is a Christian but is no different than when he was an unbeliever, what benefit has there been either for him or for the needy world? But in fact the Gospel does change lives and if we will commit ourselves to Jesus, we will find that from our living faith will flow living deeds of love and kindness. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 31-32) A great overview of the book of James and the other “Non-Pauline Epistles” by J. Hampton Keathley is at this link. (scroll down just below his commentary on Hebrews to get to his commentary on James)

Today in James chapter 1 verses 2 – 4 we read: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Are you facing a trial of some kind in your life today? Do you see the wisdom in considering this trial pure joy? Do you think it is possible that this trial will develop perseverance in your life? Maturity? Completeness? Will you persevere in this trial? Will you persevere with pure joy?

I like verse 17 today – “Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven’s lights.  Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows.”  Think about this for a bit – God is a God of no shadows.  Pure light.  Unchanging.  No shadows.  I like that thought of no shadows a lot…  Of course, this means we can’t hide out in God’s shadows either!  🙂  Praise God for his unchanging, un-shadowed & pure Light!

And verse 18 is an awesome closing to the James readings today – “In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession.”  Congratulations to you for diving into God’s true Word today – the Bible!  Please continue to accept the gift of God’s true word by reading the Bible each day….  this will bless and change your life immensely.   Do you realize that you are God’s choice possession?  Do you realize that you are a child of God?

James’ verses today again are all so powerful…  I am enjoying this book immensely.  Chapter 1 Verse 27 is a great reminder to care for the poor amongst us – “Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us.”  Are you caring for those in their time of trouble?  Are you refusing to let the world corrupt us?  Do you care for orphans and widows?

James chapter 2 verse 17 is a famous one – “So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is no faith at all–it is dead and useless.”  Or, paraphrased, faith without works is dead.  It’s important of course to remember that works alone do not save us – only faith does through the grace of God.  But, works naturally come through that saving faith.  They are a natural by-product and demonstrate that we have a true and living faith.

James chapter 2 today continues in the strong words about good deeds accompanying a living faith.  James’ arguments are summed up in verse 26: “Just as the body is dead without a spirit, so also faith is dead without good deeds.”  Another very interesting verse in this chapter that always jumps out at me is verse 19 – “Do you still think it’s enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror!”  I had someone once tell me that they believed in God – but that they realized that so do the demons.  The difference of course is that the demons are not indwelled by the Holy Spirit, as are those who have faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  Still, a bit of a scary verse to think about, no?  Not necessarily for our own lives, perhaps, but maybe for others we know.  Let us pray that we and others we know not only know God, but know Jesus and are filled with the Holy Spirit!

James 3 verses 9 and 10 are powerful reminders on the danger of what can come out of our mouths: “Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it breaks out into curses against those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!”  How true is this…  Reminds me of the old saying of being “two-faced”.   Or maybe having a forked-tongue?  The key here to how we can control the tongue I believe is answered in verse 13 – “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don’t brag about the good you do, then you will be truly wise!”   If we can focus on wisdom and what’s going on inside our hearts and minds, we won’t have to worry about what comes out of the mouth!

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in James reminded me of the fantastic song “Blessed Be Your Name” by Matt Redman!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fudMFN9M8s

Do you know our God of blessing?  Click here and praise his name!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray for joy in the Lord when trials come your way, knowing that the the trials – though they may test your faith – will produce perseverance in you.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you 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!

Philippians 2:12-4:23
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Philippians chapter 3 verse 3 is a great teaching from Paul – “For we who worship God in the Spirit are the only ones who are truly circumcised. We put no confidence in human effort. Instead, we boast about what Christ Jesus has done for us.”  How do you worship God?  Do you worship in the Spirit?  Do you put no confidence in your own human efforts?  Do you today boast to others about what Jesus Christ has done for you?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Philippians chapter 2 titled “A Few Good Men” is at this link.

Great teachings from Paul today in Philippians chapter 3!  Verses 7 through 9 are so very true – “I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with him.”   How do these words of Paul’s speak to you?  Have you ever valued & loved “things” in your life more than your relationship with Jesus?  Can you now look back and realize that those things – love of power, money, prestige, or material goods, etc. – are worthless because of what Jesus Christ has done for you on the cross?  Can you now see that love of those things is garbage – garbage that can prevent you from growing closer to Jesus if you do not throw it out?  Is there any garbage in your life today that you should be throwing out…?

Today we also read Paul’s amazing teachings in verses 12 through 14 – “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.”  How about you?  Are you all that you should be?  Are you focusing all of your energies on reaching the end of the race and receiving the prize for which God is calling you?  Are you forgetting the past?  Are you looking forward to what lies ahead?  Are you looking forward to heaven?  In this race called life, is your focus on heaven as your prize?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Philippians titled “Paul’s Perspective on Perfectionism” is at this link.

Wow… so many great teachings from Paul here today as we close out his letter to the church in Philippi!  I love Philippians chapter 4 verse 4 today – “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again–rejoice!”  How does this verse speak to you?  Are you full of joy in the Lord right now?  Are you always full of joy in the Lord?  Why or why not?  Do you think Paul’s teaching here is correct – should we always be full of joy in the Lord?  Let us rejoice!

Verses 6 & 7 are so very powerful for each of us to truly learn and put into practice in our lives today!  “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”  Do you worry?  Why does Paul tell us not to worry about anything?  What did Jesus say to us about worrying in the Sermon on the Mount?  What does Paul tell us to do instead of worrying?  Pray.  This is a powerful powerful thought!  Think about this the next time you catch yourself worrying.  You know that when you worry you are wasting energy and time.  So, why not follow Paul’s simple instructions here – when you catch yourself worrying, start praying.  Really.  Don’t give one more minute or one more ounce of your energy to worrying.  When you find yourself worrying, get down on your knees and pray!  Tell God what you need – AND thank him for all he has done.  Sure, it may be tough to thank God at your moment of worrying, but you should do so, in addition to telling him what you need.  We should always thank God.  And then… here’s the beauty…. you will experience God’s peace!  His peace will guard your heart and mind as you live in Jesus!  Let us each stop worrying and start praying!  Actually… while I’m already down this path, think about this.  Do you think that you spend more time each day worrying or praying?  Really, think about this.  How many minutes a day would you say that you worry?  And how many minutes a day would you say you pray?  My hunch is that worrying takes up far more minutes for most of us… Look at how we are wasting precious time on worrying!  We don’t have that kind of time…  Let us pray!

And finally Philippians chapter 4 verses 8 and 9 are so beautiful: “And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.”  What type of things do you think about typically?  Do you typically think about what is true and honorable and right?  Do you often think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable?  Do you think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise?  Or are you filling your mind with other thoughts?  Thoughts that, like worry, are a complete waste of your precious time here on this earth?  Will you instead put into practice Paul’s teachings – and the teachings you have received this year from the One Year Bible – and allow the peace of God to be with you? 

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings today in Philippians chapter 4 verses 1 through 9 titled “Stand Fast, Stand Together” is at this link.

Worship Video – Today’s readings in Philippians remind me of the Chris Tomlin song “Jesus Messiah:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz64E2y0_UI

Is Jesus your Messiah?  Click here to meet your Messiah!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh.” Philippians 3:3 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you worship by the Spirit of God. Pray that you glory in Jesus Christ. Pray that you put no confidence in the flesh.

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!

Philemon 1:1-25; Philippians 1:1-2:11
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Philemon: Today we read Paul’s letter to Philemon!

~ Philemon ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Rome
Date: A.D. 60 or 61
Content: A slave named Onesimus, who was owned by a Christian in Colosse named Philemon, had run away, ultimately making his way to Rome. Here he heard the gospel from Paul and became a believer. This letter was written by Paul to encourage Philemon to take Onesimus back, this time as more than a servant, indeed, as a Christian brother. There is a play on words in verse 11 where Paul says that now Onesimus (the word means “useful”) will in fact be Onesimus – useful both to Philemon and the ministry.
Theme: This short book is quite important in many ways. Two things stand out. First, we see the way in which the gospel worked. No one is beyond the reach of God. If anyone will trust in Jesus, he will become a new person. Second, the ancient barriers of class hatred are being broken down by the gospel – Philemon and Onesimus are now Christian brothers. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 30-31)  A great overview of the book of Philemon by Daniel B. Wallace is at this link.

Verse 4 stands out to me in Philemon today – “I always thank God when I pray for you, Philemon…” How often do we tell our family or friends that we thank God for them? How often do we tell them that we pray for them? How often do we actually do both of these things?

Philippians: Today we begin Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi!  See # 5 on the map below –

~ Philippians ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Rome
Date: A.D. 61
Content: Paul wrote this letter from prison in Rome to some very dear friends in Philippi as a response to their sending some money to him in order to meet his needs. He begins by expressing his confidence in them and then describes dome of the problems he faces in Rome. Whether he will die or not he does not know, but if death does come, he will rejoice in the presence of Christ. If he remains, he will continue to serve God by serving the churches. The example of Christ’s humility is set before the Philippians as an example to follow. False teachings are to be vigorously rejected. Two quarreling sisters are admonished to make up and all believers are admonished to set high ideals for themselves because God will supply all that one needs in life.
Theme: In this very personal letter of Paul the theme of rejoicing may be seen throughout. If one lives, he may rejoice because God loves him. Christ died for him, and all things are given to him by God for his life. If one dies, then he may rejoice by being in Christ’s presence forevermore. This does not mean that Christians will have no problems, however. Even as Jesus had to endure the cross, so we must be ready to follow that example of submission to God, if it must be. But we are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:2) and should live with that thought constantly before us. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 27)  More great commentary on Philippians is at this link.

Today in Philippians chapter 1 verse 21 we read this powerful statement of Paul’s:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Philippians titled “Paul’s Perspective on Life and Death” is at this link.

Our readings in Philippians chapter 2 today have some powerful verses on imitating Jesus’ humility. In verses 3 & 4 we read:  “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Are you doing nothing out of selfish ambition or vanity in your life today? Are you humble? Do you consider others better than yourself? Do you look to the interests of others?  I realize these can be hard teachings to put into practice – in fact, it seems almost impossible in our modern world.  But, let us remember that indeed all things are possible with Jesus Christ in our lives and hearts.  Let us not give up on imitating Jesus’ humility in our lives today.  I pray each of us is becoming more like Jesus in some small or significant way each and every day.  Don’t stop the transformation process.  Don’t quench the Spirit.  Let God change you.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Philippians titled “The Ultimate in Humility – Leaving the Comfort Zone” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind 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: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you are living for Christ. Pray that you are not living for the world. Pray that you are looking forward to dying because you know that you will live in eternity in heaven with Jesus Christ, 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!

Colossians 1:24-4:18
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I love Paul’s teaching about the Christian life in Colossians chapter 1 verse 27 today! “For this is the secret: Christ lives in you, and this is your assurance that you will share in his glory.”  Were you aware of this secret?  Does Christ live in you?  Have you accepted Jesus into your life and your heart as your Lord and Savior so that he has your permission – your submission – for Him to live within you?  Do you want Jesus to live in you?  Do you have assurance that you will share in Jesus’ glory for eternity?

Paul’s teachings in Colossians chapter 2 verses 6 & 7 definitely stood out to me today: “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him. Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done.”  I absolutely love the thought of letting our roots grow down into Jesus and draw up nourishment from Jesus!  Meditate on this thought for a while…  I honestly haven’t really ever thought about “having roots in Jesus.”  I mean, I certainly know Jesus is my Lord and Savior.  I know Jesus lives within me. And I know the whole Chapter of John 15 about the vine & the branches has gotten me in the past to think about truly being attached to Jesus.  But something about these verses from Paul about letting our roots grow down into Jesus really is profound for me today…  How deep are your roots in Jesus today?  Is there room for growth in your roots?  Let us grow!  And let us overflow with thankfulness!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Colossians titled “The Propagation of Christ’s Work” is at this link.

Colossians chapter 2 verse 8 is a teaching from Paul that reminds me so much of our modern world today… “Don’t let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ.”  Have you ever heard anyone in our world today offer you empty philosophy or high-sounding nonsense?  I know I have…  And perhaps I’ve even preached it on occasion in my past too.  Scary stuff.  There is stuff out there today that does indeed come from human thinking – not divine thinking – and from the evil powers of this world – not from Christ.  I think we need to prayerfully be so vigilant to protect ourselves from these empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense.  I almost hesitate to write this… but I am feeling like I should.  I think we need to even watch out for empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense in some churches today too.  I really don’t mean to be divisive to the body of Christ, the church, by saying this.  But I say this for our own good – for brothers and sisters in Christ.  One thing that I have seen in churches on occasion that has alarmed me is what I’ll call “the cult of personality” around a pastor.  Meaning, I think it can reach a point in a church where there is an unhealthy fixation on a pastor or minister.  Don’t get me wrong.  We’ll all probably have a favorite pastor or minister or priest.  But let us be cautious if ever our devotion to a pastor surpasses (or gets anywhere near) our devotion to Jesus.  It’s then when the “cult of personality” can lead to empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense invading our hearts and minds.  Maybe there is someone out there that needs to hear this…  Just pray about it to Jesus if ever you feel that you are paying more attention to a pastor / priest / anybody than you are paying to Jesus.  And ask Jesus what he would have you do.  Perhaps it would be to move on to another church… A church where Jesus is clearly preached, worshiped, and followed.  Trust me, there are multitudes of churches out there where Jesus and his work on the cross for your sins is preached.  Make sure Christ and Him crucified is preached clearly at your church!

I absolutely love the imagery Paul uses in verse 11 today: “When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. It was a spiritual procedure–the cutting away of your sinful nature.” The cutting away of your sinful nature!  Isn’t that profound to think about?  It almost makes me feel 100 pounds lighter spiritually just thinking about it…  Our old sinful nature was an old beast of a thing that bogged us down.  Makes us slow.  Makes us groggy.  Keeps us foggy.  But – Jesus can take the scissors of spiritual circumcision and cut away that old sinful nature!  Doesn’t this make you feel 100 pounds lighter to think about this?  Doesn’t this thought of cutting away the sinful nature make you want to never want to put on that old musty moldy deadly suit of sin ever again?  Let us be free instead!  Has Jesus circumcised you spiritually?  Has Jesus cut away your sinful nature once and for all?  This all makes me think about butterfly coming out of its cocoon about to take flight…  Let us fly!

Colossians 3 verse 4 is so powerful and is really something each of us should reflect upon: “And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.”  Here is the thing that really stops me in my tracks when reading this verse:  “Christ, who is your life.”  Those are 5 incredibly powerful words when put together!  And I’m afraid that sometimes we don’t really live our lives as if Jesus is indeed our life.  He is!  Or he should be…  Here’s the thing.  I’ve had a lot of conversations over the years with fellow Christians about who Jesus is to them.  And I’ve thought a lot about who Jesus is to me.  And I think many of us can easily get to the point of saying, “well, yes, Jesus is my Savior.”  We can acknowledge that He died on the cross for our sins.  He saved us.  We’re into salvation!  But, I think sometimes it can get a bit fuzzier for us when we think about Jesus being our Lord – in addition to Jesus being our Savior.  Meaning, if Jesus is our Lord, then we really need to take incredibly seriously and to heart Jesus’ words and teachings in the Bible!  And really allow Jesus to lead our lives.  Transform our lives.  Lord our lives.  Well, I think this Colossians verse takes things even a step further.  Maybe we’re at the point where yes, Jesus is our Lord and Savior.  But now, Paul here teaches us that Jesus is our very life!  That’s big…  That’s saying our life = Jesus.  Jesus = our life.  If you really stop to think about this and allow this into your heart you’ll know how huge this is.  Jesus is our life….  wow!  That’s very good news!  Our job isn’t our life.  Our money isn’t our life.  Our health isn’t our life.  Even our family isn’t our life – those these can all be good gifts.  But none of these things are our life.  Jesus is our life!  Today, can you honestly say Jesus is your life?  If not, will you begin to really think about this and pray about this?  Is Jesus your life?

Verses 12 through 14 of Colossians chapter 3 are awesome!  “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” How are you doing on each of these virtues in your life today – Compassion?  Kindness?  Humility?  Gentleness?  Patience?  Forgiveness?  Love?  Do you think you can do each of these well using just your own will power? Or, do regularly pray to Jesus to give you these virtues within your heart and to bring them to fruition in your life? Can you allow love to lead within you? Will you allow Jesus to lead you?

Colossians 4:6 today is fantastic: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”  Let your conversation be always full of grace. How often is this true for us? Are there times when our conversation is un-graceful? Judgmental perhaps? Angry? Curt? But Grace… that’s something to strive for in all of our conversations!  If we are grace-full in our conversations, where does that Grace come from?

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Colossians reminded me of the Jeremy Camp song “Jesus Saves.” Here is a great video KLOVE radio and its listeners put together, with signs sharing what Jesus saved them from. What has Jesus saved you from?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-dDZtm8yjM

Has Jesus Saved you?  Click to be Saved!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. “ Colossians 1:27 NIV

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!

Ephesians 5:15-6:24; Colossians 1:1-23
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Ephesians: Ephesians chapter 5 verse 17 really stood out to me today: “Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.”  I am wondering how often each of acts thoughtlessly?  I am afraid in my case it is far too often.  I can sometimes sleep-walk through my day – or even days – or even weeks…  and miss the point of life completely when doing so!  Paul teaches us here to try to understand what the Lord wants us to do.  Why would we want to try to understand this?  I think in large part so we no longer act thoughtlessly!  I’m afraid we are far too often a thoughtless people in how we live our lives & how we waste so much time in our very short lives this side of heaven…  How about you?  Are you acting thoughtlessly at all these days?  Will you seek to understand what God wants you to do?   And then will you go do it and leave your thoughtless ways behind?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Ephesians titled “The Meaning of Christian Marriage” is at this link.  Below is a nice image for Ephesians 5:21 from today’s readings:

We wrap up Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus today!  His letter to the church in Philippi begins tomorrow!  Ephesians chapter 6 verse 7 stood out to me today – “Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”  I realize the context of this verse is that Paul was writing it to slaves.  However, I think this verse works very well today for any of us that work a full time job.  I’m sure you’ve probably seen movies or TV shows that make fun of working and basically encourage folks to work as little as possible when they are on the job.  I think this is a horrible idea!  I had a friend tell me once that if you are acting like a slacker at one job – perhaps a job you really don’t like and are trying to get out of – you’ll end up acting like a slacker at your next job, even if your next job is your dream job.  You’ll goof up that dream job because it will be hard to break habit the habit of being a slacker…  So – I think each of us would do well to take to heart Paul’s words here in verse 7.  Are you working at your job with enthusiasm?  Are you working each and every day as though you are working for the Lord?  As such, are you not “stealing time” from your employer by surfing the net, socializing excessively, doing errands, arriving late, and this list could go on…  If Jesus was your boss, would you act the same way at work that you do now?  Well, is Jesus perhaps really your “boss” even if he isn’t the one signing your pay checks per se…?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Ephesians titled “Spiritual Warfare” is at this link.

Colossians: Today we begin Paul’s letter to the church in Colosse!  You can see in the map below that Colesse was about 100 miles west of Ephesus – and very close to Laodicea.  You can also see the island of Patmos on this map below where John wrote the book of Revelation.

~ Colossians ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Rome
Date: A.D. 60 or 61
Content: Paul wrote this letter while a prisoner in Rome to a city he had never visited. He had come to know of these believers while living in Ephesus on his second missionary journey, and now he was concerned because he had heard of some strange pagan theories that were creeping into the church. The views that were troubling the Colossians were a mixture of astrology, magic, and Judaism, which downgraded Christ to being just some sort of angel. Paul wrote to correct this error by showing that Christ is none other than God and possesses the fullness of the eternal God. Instructions follow concerning Christian living.
Theme: In this important letter of Paul’s we are presented with a carefully worked-out defense of Christ’s deity and glory. He is all in all and the believer has everything he needs in Christ. Paul warns that believers out not to be led astray by the foolishness and the false wisdom of men. Instructions for Christian living stress the power of God for men and the joy that believers may have by making use of all the resources that are theirs in Christ. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 27-28)  A wonderful commentary on Colossians by J. Hampton Keathley, III, is at this link.

Colossians chapter 1 verses 15 through 17 are some of the most powerful statements in all of the Bible about Who Jesus truly is!  “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before God made anything at all and is supreme over all creation.  Christ is the one through whom God created everything in heaven and earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see–kings, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities. Everything has been created through him and for him. He existed before everything else began, and he holds all creation together.”  Do you believe these words of Paul’s are true?  Do you believe that Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God?  Did Jesus exist before God made the Earth?  Do you believe that Jesus holds all of creation together?  Does Jesus hold you together?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Colossians titled “The Supremacy of the Person of Christ” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the fantastic worship song “Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?” by Delirious.  For some reason every time I hear the lyric “open up the doors and let the music play, let the streets resound with singing” I am reminded of a trip to the Dominican Republic I took several years ago to work on houses with Habitat for Humanity.  Walking down the dusty streets of a tiny village in the DR I distinctly remember the doors being open, the music playing and the streets resounding with the singing of children playing.  God’s presence was so real and tangible to me on that dusty little village in the DR.  I pray you’ve had or will have a similar experience with God walking down “a street that has no name!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB0GBX2-Rms

Have you felt the mountains tremble?  Click here and let the music play!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “For by him (Jesus) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” Colossians 1:16 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving to Jesus for all that He created! Things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, all rulers and authorities. Pray in thanksgiving that Jesus created you!

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!

Ephesians 3:1-5:14
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Wow, Paul’s opening verse 1 in chapter 3 of Ephesians today reminded me that Paul literally wrote this letter to the church in Ephesus while he was in prison in Rome!  “I, Paul, am a prisoner of Christ Jesus because of my preaching to you Gentiles.”  I think if we keep this fact in mind, Paul’s words in this letter become all that more poignant and powerful.  Could you ever imagine yourself being a prisoner of Jesus because of your preaching the Word to others?  I think this is something we should really consider.  Would you go to jail for Jesus?  Why or why not?  If you would go to jail for Jesus, then I challenge you to consider ways in your life that God may be asking to you indeed be like Paul “in chains for the Gospel” – even if you won’t “literally” be going to jail any time soon.  (I pray not!) Maybe those chains are that you don’t spend as much time doing something that is counter-productive to the Gospel.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Ephesians titled “Paul’s Imprisonment, his Prayers, and his Praise” is at this link.  Below is a great image for Ephesians 3:18 from today’s readings:

Great teachings from Paul today about unity in the body of Christ!  Chapter 4 verses 4 through 6 are beautiful – “We are all one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future. There is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and there is only one God and Father, who is over us all and in us all and living through us all.”  Do you believe these words of Paul’s?  Do you believe that all of us in Christ are all one body?  That we have the same Spirit?  And that we have been called to the same glorious future?  I like that last piece of verse 6 – God the Father is living through us all!  Do you realize that God the Father, who is indeed over you, and is also literally living through you?  This is powerful to consider…

Verses 14 and 15 I think are so important for each of us to meditate upon: “Then we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different or because someone has cleverly lied to us and made the lie sound like the truth. Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.”  The thing that these verses remind me of is that indeed at some point we are all “children” in our faith.  When we are new to Christianity we are certainly children who need others to lead us, disciple us, and help show us the way.  And I guess as I think about this, we should always be like children before God – but I don’t think we should always be children before humans.  Because if we remain as children before humans, then we are at risk of “forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has cleverly lied to us and make the lie sound like the truth.”  Has this ever happened to you?  I know it has happened to me and it’s scary to think about.  I once heard a church pastor say that his most important job was to help his congregation become “self-feeders” when it comes to their faith.  I thought this was fantastic and very wise!  This pastor did not want his congregation to always rely on him and what he had to say on Sundays as their only source of spiritual food.  This pastor wanted his congregation to be able to spiritually grow in other ways outside of Sunday services – through Bible study, small groups, and other spiritual disciplines.  So, this may be a good time to ask – are you a “self-feeder” when it comes to your faith?  Can you grow in your faith and find food for yourself spiritually outside of what you hear at church?  If you’re new to the faith, I wouldn’t stress about this – but think about it.  I do think each of us should aim to become “self-feeders.”  Why?  Well, if we don’t then we are so reliant on the words of other people that we could be misled down wrong paths.  The one thing that I think really is critical for each of us in our journeys of becoming self-feeders is reading, studying, and really meditating upon Scripture.  If we can become well grounded in Scripture then we can filter through the lens of the Bible what others are telling us.  It is amazing how much “spiritual stuff” or rules or rituals that I hear is so “important to practice” from others that I don’t see in the Bible!  In fact, as I’m typing all of this, I will also say that I sincerely hope you don’t take anything I say on this blog as Truth – it’s a blog trying to draw out some practicalities and questions and reflections and commentary based on the Truth, the Bible – but what I write is not the Word.  As Paul writes in verse 15 today, instead of remaining forever children in our faith before people, let us “hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.”

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Ephesians titled “The Calling and the Conduct of the Christian” is at this link.  Below is a great image from Ephesians 4:3 from today’s readings –

Wow.  It is rare that I will copy & paste 8 verses in a row here on this blog – because you can simply read the verses by clicking on the link above.  However – I think these 8 verses of Paul’s in Ephesians chapter 4 verses 17 through 24 bear repeating here and warrant our re-reading and really meditating on these verses.  Please take a few minutes to really reflect and pray on these verses – “With the Lord’s authority let me say this: Live no longer as the ungodly do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their closed minds are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They don’t care anymore about right and wrong, and they have given themselves over to immoral ways. Their lives are filled with all kinds of impurity and greed. But that isn’t what you were taught when you learned about Christ. Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness–righteous, holy, and true.”

Powerful verses above, eh?  I love this teaching – there must be a spiritual renewal of our thoughts and attitudes!  Has there been a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes?  Is there currently a daily spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes?  Or are you maybe on “cruise control” these days?  A great teaching I heard once is that “you are either moving forward or you are sliding backwards.  There is no stable middle ground.”  I believe this to be true in our spiritual life.  We are either moving forward – continually renewing our thoughts and attitudes and displaying our new nature – or we are sliding backwards.  Backsliding as some may say.  I pray that each of us today will really take to heart these teachings of Paul’s in Ephesians.  Let us throw off our old evil nature and our former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception!  Let us each and every day spiritually renew our thoughts and attitudes through Christ Jesus our Lord!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Ephesians titled “Leaving Our Old Ways Behind” is at this link.  Below is a great image for Ephesians 4:25 from today’s readings –

Ephesians chapter 5 is such an incredible chapter!  I know I won’t do it justice in this blog posting.  There is so much I could dive into in nearly every verse.  Actually, I will share this with you.  I met with my Pastor a couple of days ago.  And he shared with me that he is currently memorizing the entire book of Ephesians!  I had shared with him that I’m just starting to memorize Scripture verses – and to invite you along with me on this journey at the bottom of each daily blog posting. Well, you know how Pastors are – they’re always a step ahead!  And my Pastor is memorizing the entire book of Ephesians…  wow.  He shared with me that as he’s memorizing Ephesians he is amazed how some of the words and meanings of words of Scripture are coming alive to him in new ways!  I believe it.  I’m curious if anyone reading this today has ever memorized an entire book of the Bible?  Or even a chapter?  Please post up in the comments below if you have?  I have actually downloaded 1 Corinthians 13 onto my Blackberry and I am hoping to memorize that chapter soon!  Okay, back to Ephesians chapter 5.  You know how I enjoy posting up YouTube videos these days, so I of course loved reading verses 19 & 20, which you’ll see in this image below!  🙂

Ephesians 5:1-2 touches on a theme I’ve been thinking a lot about lately – living a life of love! – “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (NIV)  Have you ever meditated on what it means to live a life of love?  I have occasionally.  But I’m starting to camp out on this thought a lot more these days.  I think it’s in large part due to the impact 1 Corinthians 13 has had on me this past year.  And it certainly fits in well with Jesus saying the 2 most important commandments are to love God and love people.  But perhaps most significantly, I’ve been trying to live out this thought of “living a life of love” in real life a bit more these days.  I definitely don’t have it all figured out by a long shot!  But I think living a life of love is something we should all seek.  Not strive for.  But seek.  Or maybe “receive” is the better word.  I think we can receive from Jesus the ability to live a life of love.  I don’t think we can get there on our own power.  So, there’s a lot more I could write about what I’ve been thinking about in regards to living a life of love.  But let me at this point just encourage you to think about this concept.  Living a life of love.  Do you want to live a life of love?  Think you can do this on your own?  Or will you invite Jesus and the Holy Spirit into this process each and every day?  How does 1 Corinthians 13 speak to you these days?

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in Ephesians reminded me of Tenth Avenue North’s song “Healing Begins:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe1yKciSlT4

Has your soul been healed by God?  Click here for Healing!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are completely humble. Pray that you are patient. Pray that you bear with others in love.

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!

Acts 28:1-31; Ephesians 1:1-2:22
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Acts – Today we finish the book of Acts!  Interesting segment in today’s readings when Paul encounters the snake on the island of Malta.  Everyone first believes that justice is being done, and that Paul will die by the snake.  When he doesn’t die, they then decide he is a god.  Interesting…  They were first cursing him, then suddenly worshiping him.  I wonder if we do this in our lives too?  Do we sometimes curse things one minute and then worship them the next?  Do we sometimes even do this with God?  Let us pray for consistency in our lives and actions, in particular in the area of Who we worship.

We then read in today’s readings about Paul arriving in Rome and beginning to preach the Gospel just 3 days after he arrives!  Paul wastes no time.  He is so focused on preaching the Gospel that he makes it happen no matter what.  I think we would do well to pay attention to Paul’s zeal for the Gospel.  Why do you suppose Paul was so zealous for the Gospel?  Should we be zealous for the Gospel today like Paul was back then?  Are you zealous for the Gospel today like Paul was back then?

Okay, in Acts chapter 28 we have a very important verse for all of us to pay attention to.  Verse 28.  These are Paul’s last words recorded in Acts.  Commentaries suggest that this verse is actually the main point of the book of Acts.  So if you remember nothing else from the book of Acts, remember the book was about this:  “So I want you to realize that this salvation from God is also available to the Gentiles, and they will accept it.”  Seems like such a simple verse…  But do you see the weight of it?  Do you believe that salvation from God is available to all?  Have you accepted this salvation?  Perhaps now is a good time for us to remember Paul’s acceptance of this salvation on the Road to Damascus earlier in our Acts readings, as painted by the artist Michelangelo below in the year 1544 –

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Acts readings titled “Paul in Rome” is at this link.

Ephesians – Today we begin Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus!  The map below shows where Ephesus is located, as well as other churches Paul wrote epistles to:

~ Ephesians ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Rome
Date: A.D. 60 or 61
Content: Paul wrote this letter while a prisoner in Rome, his purpose being to comfort and encourage the believers in Asia Minor. He presents them with an overview of history, beginning in eternity past where God worked out his plans for the world, moving to the present where God is saving those who believe in Christ, and then to the future where all evil will be overcome. He points out that in the present there will be great conflict because our battle is with the forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12), but because we are members of Christ’s body, we have the power to withstand. Paul then deals with practical matters relating to living the Christian life: marriage, behavior, parents and children, and servants.
Theme: The basic idea in Ephesians is that God’s eternal plan is being worked out through Christ and his body, the church. When a man believes, he is in Christ and finds salvation and safety. God had planned for this from all eternity and has given to the believer everything that he needs for his Christian life, but it is for him to avail himself of the resources at his command. Paul closes the book by describing the provision that God has made for the believer so that he may withstand the worst of Satan’s attacks and when the battle is over, to be victorious. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 26) More great commentary on Ephesians is at this link.

There are so many amazing verses in Ephesians chapter 1 today!  I love verse 18: “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people.”  How does this verse speak to you?  Is your heart flooded with light today?  Do you believe that your heart can indeed be flooded with light so that you can understand your wonderful future in Christ?  I love this imagery of our hearts being flooded with light!  Let Jesus’ light flood us today!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Ephesians titled “The Hope of Glory” is at this link.

Today in Ephesians chapter 2 verses 8 through 10 we read: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (NIV) Have you been saved by grace through faith?  Do you believe that salvation is a gift that cannot be earned?  Have you ever felt that you had to work for your salvation?  What does Paul say about works related to salvation in these verses?  Do you believe that you are God’s very workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works?   Do you believe that God has prepared good works for you to do in advance?  Are you participating in God’s plan for you life?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Ephesians titled “The Guilt of Men and the Grace of God” is at this link.  Below is a great image from Ephesians 2:10 from today’s readings:

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Acts reminds me of the song by Third Day titled “Call My Name:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEXXUdU–Zg

Have you called God’s Name? Click here to make the call!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” Ephesians 1:5-6 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have been adopted into God’s family through a saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Pray that your predestined life in Christ brings pleasure, praise and glory to God.

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!