Yeags

Aug 9

2010-08-09T11:32:00.002-05:00

Ezra 8:21-9:15, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Psalm 31:1-8, Proverbs 21:1-2

The Message
I Cor 5: 6-8 Your flip and callous arrogance in these things bothers me. You pass it off as a small thing, but it's anything but that. Yeast, too, is a "small thing," but it works its way through a whole batch of bread dough pretty fast. So get rid of this "yeast." Our true identity is flat and plain, not puffed up with the wrong kind of ingredient. The Messiah, our Passover Lamb, has already been sacrificed for the Passover meal, and we are the Unraised Bread part of the Feast. So let's live out our part in the Feast, not as raised bread swollen with the yeast of evil, but as flat bread—simple, genuine, unpretentious.

Prov 21:2 All a man's ways seem right to him,
but the LORD weighs the heart.

........... I can justify just about anything in my mind, but God knows my TRUE motives. Even when I try to fool myself, He knows my heart.

Aug 8

2010-08-08T11:31:00.001-05:00

Ezra 7:1-8:20, 1 Corinthians 4:1-21, Psalm 30:1-12, Proverbs 20:28-30

I Cor 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts.

I Cor 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

Prov 20:28 Love and truth form a good leader; sound leadership is founded on loving integrity.

Aug 7

2010-08-07T11:31:00.001-05:00

Ezra 4:24-6:22, 1 Corinthians 3:5-23, Psalm 29:1-11, Proverbs 20:26-27

I Cor 3:16 Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? 17If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple.

I Cor 3:18 Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight.

Prov 20:27 The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man [a] ; it searches out his inmost being.
..... no use in trying to fool ourselves or God....

Aug 6

2010-08-06T11:30:00.001-05:00

Ezra 3:1-4:23, 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4, Psalm 28:1-9, Proverbs 20:24-25

I cor 2:9 "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"

I Cor 2:14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

The Message:
Prov 20: 24 The very steps we take come from God; otherwise how would we know where we're going? 25 An impulsive vow is a trap; later you'll wish you could get out of it.

Aug 5

2010-08-05T11:30:00.001-05:00

Ezra 1:1-2:70, 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5, Psalm 27:7-14, Proverbs 20:22-23

I Cor 1:25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

Prov 20:22 Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.

Aug 4

2010-08-04T11:29:00.001-05:00

2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23, 1 Corinthians 1:1-17, Psalm 27:1-6, Proverbs 20:20-21

I Cor 1:8 He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

Ps 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?

Aug 3

2010-08-03T11:28:00.001-05:00

2 Chronicles 33:14-34:33, Romans 16:10-27, Psalm 26:12, Proverbs 20:19

Rom 16: 25-26 All of our praise rises to the One who is strong enough to make you strong, exactly as preached in Jesus Christ, precisely as revealed in the mystery kept secret for so long but now an open book through the prophetic Scriptures. All the nations of the world can now know the truth and be brought into obedient belief, carrying out the orders of God, who got all this started, down to the very last letter. 27All our praise is focused through Jesus on this incomparably wise God! Yes!

Prov 20:19 A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.

Aug 2

2010-08-02T11:27:00.002-05:00

2 Chronicles 32:1-33:13, Romans 15:23-16:9, Psalm 25:16-22, Proverbs 20:16-18

Prov 20:18 Form your purpose by asking for counsel, then carry it out using all the help you can get.

Aug 1

2010-08-01T11:26:00.001-05:00

2 Chronicles 30:1-31:21, Romans 15:1-22, Psalm 25:1-15, Proverbs 20:13-15

Rom 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
..... why is this so hard for me to accept people just as they are????

Rom 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
..... I have a God of hope...who wants me to be filled with hope, not pessimism or doubt. Gotta work on that, too.

Prov 20:15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

July 31st

2010-07-31T17:20:00.002-05:00

2 Chronicles 29:1-36, Romans 14:1-23, Psalm 24:1-10, Proverbs 20:12

Rom 14:9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. 10You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. 11It is written: " 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' " 12So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Rom 14:13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.

July 30th

2010-07-30T17:19:00.001-05:00

2 Chronicles 26:1-28:27, Romans 13:1-14, Psalm 23:1-6, Proverbs 20:11

Rom 13:12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Prov 20:11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

July 29th

2010-07-29T17:19:00.001-05:00

2 Chronicles 24:1-25:28, Romans 12:1-21, Psalm 22:19-31, Proverbs 20:8-10

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Rom 12:3b Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Romans 12

Love

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord. 20On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

The Message:
Prov 20:8-9 Leaders who know their business and care keep a sharp eye out for the shoddy and cheap,For who among us can be trusted to be always diligent and honest? 10 Switching price tags and padding the expense account are two things God hates.

July 28th

2010-07-28T17:18:00.001-05:00

2 Chronicles 21:1-23:21, Romans 11:13-36, Psalm 22:1-18, Proverbs 20:7

Rm 11
Doxology

33Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 34"Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" 35"Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" 36For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Prov 20:7 God-loyal people, living honest lives, make it much easier for their children.

July 27th

2010-07-27T17:17:00.001-05:00

2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37, Romans 10:14-11:12, Psalm 21:1-13, Proverbs 20:4-6

Rom 11: 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

Prov 20:5 Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within. 6 Lots of people claim to be loyal and loving, but where on earth can you find one?

----man, verse 6... I have SO felt that way before.

July 26th

2010-07-26T17:17:00.001-05:00

2 Chronicles 17:1-18:34, Romans 9:25-10:13, Psalm 20:1-9, Proverbs 20:2-3

Rom 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

Prov 20: 3 It's a mark of good character to avert quarrels, but fools love to pick fights.

July 25th

2010-07-25T17:16:00.001-05:00

2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14, Romans 9:1-24, Psalm 19:1-14, Proverbs 20:1

Rom 9:14 What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." 16It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy.

July 24th

2010-07-24T17:15:00.001-05:00

2 Chronicles 11:1-13:22, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 18:37-50, Proverbs 19:27-29

Rom 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

Rom 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Rom 8:31b If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Rom 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

July 23rd

2010-07-23T17:14:00.001-05:00

2 Chronicles 8:11-10:19, Romans 8:9-25, Proverbs 19:26

Rom 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Rom 8:24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Prov 19:26 He who robs his father and drives out his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.

July 22nd

2010-07-22T17:13:00.001-05:00

2 Chronicles 6:12-8:10, Romans 7:14-8:8, Proverbs 19:24-25

Rom 7:14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.

---I love this passage. A million times I have thought to myself.... What is wrong with me?? The things I want to do that are right, I don't do. The things I don't want to do, the things I want to avoid.... that's what I'm doing." So nice to know that even Paul felt that way at one point in his life.

Rom 7:6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

July 21st

2010-07-21T17:12:00.002-05:00

2 Chronicles 4:1-6:11, Romans 7:1-13, Psalm 17:1-15, Proverbs 19:22-23

Rom 7:5 For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. 6But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

Prov 19:22a What a man desires is unfailing love
Prov 19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

July 20th

2010-07-20T17:10:00.001-05:00

2 Chronicles 1:1-3:17, Romans 6:1-23, Psalm 16:1-11, Proverbs 19:20-21

Rom 6:1 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?.......... 6For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—......... 11In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God........14For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace........19I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness........23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Prov 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.
21 Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.

July 19th

2010-07-19T17:09:00.001-05:00

1 Chronicles 28:1-29:30, Romans 5:6-21, Psalm 15:1-5, Proverbs 19:18-19

Rom 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Rom 5:20 The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 21so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prov 19:18 Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death.
19 A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.

July 18th

2010-07-18T13:20:00.001-05:00

1 Chronicles 26:12-27:34, Romans 4:13-5:5, Psalm 14:1-7, Proverbs 19:17

The Message:
Romans 5:

Developing Patience
1-2By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.
3-5There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

Prov 19: 17 He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He [The Lord] will reward him for what he has done.

July 17th

2010-07-17T13:19:00.001-05:00

1 Chronicles 24:1-26:11, Romans 4:1-12, Psalm 13:1-6, Proverbs 19:15-16

Prov 19: 16 He who obeys instructions guards his life, but he who is contemptuous of his ways will die.

July 16th

2010-07-16T13:19:00.001-05:00

1 Chronicles 22:1-23:32, Romans 3:9-31, Psalm 12:1-8, Proverbs 19:13-14

Rom 3:10 As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one;

Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

The Message:

Prov 19:13 A parent is worn to a frazzle by a stupid child; a nagging spouse is a leaky faucet. 14 House and land are handed down from parents, but a congenial spouse comes straight from God.

July 15th

2010-07-15T13:18:00.001-05:00

1 Chronicles 19:1-21:30, Romans 2:25-3:8, Psalm 11:1-7, Proverbs 19:10-12

Romans 3: 3 What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? 4Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge."[

Prov 19:11 A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

July 14th

2010-07-14T13:18:00.001-05:00

1 Chronicles 16:37-18:17, Romans 2:1-24, Psalm 10:16-18, Proverbs 19:8-9

Romans 2:2 Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment.

Romans 2:13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.

Prov 19:9 The person who tells lies gets caught; the person who spreads rumors is ruined. 1

July 13th

2010-07-13T13:17:00.001-05:00

1 Chronicles 15:1-16:36, Romans 1:18-32, Psalm 10:1-15, Proverbs 19:6-7

Romans 1:25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised.

Romans1:32 Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

.......this is still so true of today's society.

July 12th

2010-07-12T13:17:00.001-05:00

1 Chronicles 12:19-14:17, Romans 1:1-17, Psalm 9:13-20, Proverbs 19:4-5

Romans 1:15 Everyone I meet—it matters little whether they're mannered or rude, smart or simple—deepens my sense of interdependence and obligation. And that's why I can't wait to get to you in Rome, preaching this wonderful good news of God.

Prov 19:4 Wealth brings many friends,
but a poor man's friend deserts him.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished,
and he who pours out lies will not go free.

July 11th

2010-07-11T13:16:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Chronicles 11:1-12:18, Acts 28:1-31, Psalm 9:1-12, Proverbs 19:1-3

Acts 28: 28"You've had your chance. The non-Jewish outsiders are next on the list. And believe me, they're going to receive it with open arms!"
30-31Paul lived for two years in his rented house. He welcomed everyone who came to visit. He urgently presented all matters of the kingdom of God. He explained everything about Jesus Christ. His door was always open.
The Message:

Prov 19: 1 Better to be poor and honest than a rich person no one can trust. 2 Ignorant zeal is worthless; haste makes waste. 3 People ruin their lives by their own stupidity, so why does God always get blamed?

July 10th

2010-07-10T13:15:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Chronicles 9:1-10:14, Acts 27:21-44, Psalm 8:1-9, Proverbs 18:23-24

I Chronicles 10: 13-14 Saul died in disobedience, disobedient to God. He didn't obey God's words. Instead of praying, he went to a witch to seek guidance. Because he didn't go to God for help, God took his life and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.

Prov 18:24 Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.

July 9th

2010-07-09T13:14:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Chronicles 7:1-8:40, Acts 27:1-20, Psalm 7:1-17, Proverbs 18:22

Ps 7:16 That's what happens:
mischief backfires;
violence boomerangs.

Prov 18:22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.

July 8th

2010-07-08T13:14:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Chronicles 5:18-6:81, Acts 26:1-32, Psalm 6:1-10, Proverbs 18:20-21

Jesus to Paul on Damascus road:

Acts 26: 17-18"'I'm sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I'm sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.'

The Message:

Prov 18:20 Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest. 21 Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose.

.... it's so funny that these verses keep reiterating the reading I've been doing lately on positive thoughts and speech and it's effect on us and our lives.

July 7th

2010-07-07T13:13:00.002-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Chronicles 4:5-5:17, Acts 25:1-27, Psalm 5:1-12, Proverbs 18:19

NIV: Prov 18: 19 An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.

The Message: Prov 18: 19 Do a favor and win a friend forever; nothing can untie that bond.

.... it's funny how very different these translations are. It's like The Message is taking the verse and trying to make it a positive statement instead of a negative one.

July 6th

2010-07-06T13:12:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Chronicles 2:18-4:4, Acts 24:1-27, Psalm 4:1-8, Proverbs 18:16-18

Paul: Acts 24:15 and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

The Message:
Prov 18:17 The first speech in a court case is always convincing— until the cross-examination starts! 18 You may have to draw straws when faced with a tough decision.

July 5th

2010-07-05T13:11:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17, Acts 23:11-35, Psalm 3:1-8, Proverbs 18:14-15

Prov 18:14 A man's spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.

.... this verse was perfect today. I have been reading books this week on positive thinking and attitudes and to me, verse 14 is speaking exactly to that. Science has said for years that positive attitudes play a MAJOR role in healing of illnesses, especially cancer. Too bad science is just proving what the Bible already taught us. :)

July 4th

2010-07-04T13:11:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Kings 23:31-25:30, Acts 22:17-23:10, Psalm 2:1-12, Proverbs 18:13

The Message:
Ps 2: Worship God in adoring embrace, Celebrate in trembling awe. ..... But if you make a run for God—you won't regret it

Prov 18: 13 He who answers before listening— that is his folly and his shame.

July 3rd

2010-07-03T13:10:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Kings 22:3-23:30, Acts 21:37-22:16, Psalm 1:1-6, Proverbs 18:11-12

Acts - Pauls testimony of his conversion:
Acts 22:12-13"And that's when I met Ananias, a man with a sterling reputation in observing our laws—the Jewish community in Damascus is unanimous on that score. He came and put his arm on my shoulder. 'Look up,' he said. I looked, and found myself looking right into his eyes—I could see again!
14-16"Then he said, 'The God of our ancestors has handpicked you to be briefed on his plan of action. You've actually seen the Righteous Innocent and heard him speak. You are to be a key witness to everyone you meet of what you've seen and heard. So what are you waiting for? Get up and get yourself baptized, scrubbed clean of those sins and personally acquainted with God.'

Prov 18:11 The rich think their wealth protects them; they imagine themselves safe behind it. 12 Pride first, then the crash, but humility is precursor to honor.

July 2nd

2010-07-02T13:09:00.002-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Kings 20:1-22:2, Acts 21:18-36, Psalm 150:1-6, Proverbs 18:9-10

2 Kings 22:1 Josiah was eight years old when he became king,..... 2 He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.

Ps 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.

Prov 18:9 One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

July 1st

2010-07-01T13:09:00.001-05:00

Today's readings: 2 Kings 18:13-19:37, Acts 21:1-17, Psalm 149:1-9, Proverbs 18:8

2 Kings 19:34 I will defend this city and save it, for my sake and for the sake of David my servant."
35 That night the angel of the LORD went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp.

Prov 18: 8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.
...... in other words..... gossip affects you. It gets deep into the belly.

June 30th

2010-06-30T13:08:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Kings 17:1-18:12, Acts 20:1-38, Psalm 148:1-14, Proverbs 18:6-7

2 Kings 17: 18 So the LORD was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence.

....after all they've done and put Him through, this passage still surprises me. To see in black and white that God basically gave up on Israel.... still seems a harsh truth.

This portion of Acts discusses Paul's traveling and encouraging the people. I've been reading books this week on positive thinking and I'm struggling with how it fits in with scripture, but the fact that Paul can be constantly persecuted for preaching and doing miracles..... persecuted by people who are supposedly Christians as well.... and Paul STILL goes around and preaches the Word and heals and ENCOURAGES other Christians. In the worst of situations, he's still singing to God and speaking positivity.

Prov 18: 6 The words of a fool start fights; do him a favor and gag him. 7 Fools are undone by their big mouths; their souls are crushed by their words.

June 29th

2010-06-29T13:06:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Kings 15:1-16:20, Acts 19:13-41, Psalm 147:1-20, Proverbs 18:4-5

Ps 147: 3 The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

June 28th

2010-06-28T13:06:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Kings 13:1-14:29, Acts 18:23-19:12, Psalm 146:1-10, Proverbs 18:2-3

Acts 19: 11 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.

....How cool is THAT???

Ps 146:8 the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous.

Prov 18:2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.
3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes disgrace.

June 27th

2010-06-27T12:55:00.002-05:00

2 Kings 10:32-12:21, Acts 18:1-22, Psalm 145:1-21, Proverbs 18:1

Ps 145: 3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.
Ps 145: 8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. 9 The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
Ps 145: 18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.

The Message: Proverbs 18
Words Kill, Words Give Life
verse1 - Loners who care only for themselves spit on the common good.

June 26th

2010-06-26T13:04:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Kings 9:14-10:31, Acts 17:1-34, Psalm 144:1-15, Proverbs 17:27-28

2 Kings 10:31 Yet Jehu was not careful to keep the law of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to commit.
----How difficult it is to keep the Law with ALL our heart. Jehu had witnessed miracles and God's strength and deliverence first hand and still struggled.

Ps 144:15 Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the LORD.

Prov 17: 27 The one who knows much says little; an understanding person remains calm. 28 Even dunces who keep quiet are thought to be wise; as long as they keep their mouths shut, they're smart.

June 25th

2010-06-25T13:03:00.002-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Kings 8:1-9:13, Acts 16:16-40, Psalm 143:1-12, Proverbs 17:26

Acts - Paul & Silas are thrown in prison for casting out a demon from a girl. The problem was, the girl was telling people's fortunes because of the demon and men were making money off of her, so when the demon was gone, so were her talents and she was no longer a money maker. These men who owned her then approached the courts and had Paul and Silas imprisoned. The Lord freed them from jail and the jailor and his family were saved because of their testimony.

Ps 143:8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD,
for I hide myself in you.
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground.

June 24th

2010-06-24T13:01:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Kings 6:1-7:20, Acts 15:36-16:15, Psalm 142:1-7, Proverbs 17:24-25

Prov 17: 24 The perceptive find wisdom in their own front yard; fools look for it everywhere but right here.

June 23rd

2010-06-23T13:00:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Kings 4:18-5:27, Acts 15:1-35, Psalm 141:1-10, Prov 17

2 Kings - Naman is cured by God through Elisha. His leprosy is cured as he dips in the Jordan river 7 times.

Acts 15:11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."

Ps 141:5 Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness;
let him rebuke me—it is oil on my head.
My head will not refuse it.

June 22nd

2010-06-22T12:59:00.002-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Kings 3:1-4:17, Acts 14:8-28, Psalm 140:1-13, Proverbs 17:22

The Message:
Ps 140:12-13 I know that you, God, are on the side of victims,
that you care for the rights of the poor.
And I know that the righteous personally thank you,
that good people are secure in your presence.

Prov 17:22 A cheerful disposition is good for your health;
gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.

June 21st

2010-06-21T12:57:00.002-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Kings 1:1-2:25, Acts 13:42-14:7, Psalm 139:1-24, Proverbs 17:19-21

2 Kings 2 - this chapter tells the story of the 'youths' who were mocking Elisha for being bald and he called down a curse on them and two bears came out of the woods and mauled 42 of them. I never understood that story... where's the 'turn the other cheek' motto here?? And God must've been in control of the situation because who else can control what a wild animal does?

Ps 139:13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Prov 17:19a He who loves a quarrel loves sin;
20 A man of perverse heart does not prosper;
he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.

June 20th

2010-06-20T12:57:00.004-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Kings 22:1-53, Acts 13:16-41, Psalm 138:1-8, Proverbs 17:17-18

Ps 138:2-3 (The Message) I kneel in worship facing your holy temple
and say it again: "Thank you!" Thank you for your love,
thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name,
most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in;
you made my life large with strength.

The Message:
Prov 17:17 Friends love through all kinds of weather,
and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.
18 It's stupid to try to get something for nothing,
or run up huge bills you can never pay.

June 19th

2010-06-19T12:56:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Kings 20:1-21:29, Acts 12:24-13:15, Psalm 137:1-9, Proverbs 17:16

I kings - Jezebel has Naboth executed on false terms because he refused to give up his family's land to the king for him to use as a garden. When Ahab through a fit, Jezebel stepped in and took over.

June 18th

2010-06-18T06:06:00.002-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Kings 19:1-21, Acts 12:1-23, Psalm 136:1-26, Proverbs 17:14-15

I Kings - Elijah annoints Elisha as his successor. Ahab and Jezebel kill all the prophets in Israel except for Elijah, who runs to hide.

Acts - Herod had Peter imprisoned and an angel freed him. Then Herod was struck down by God.

Ps 136 - the theme here is God's love endures forever!

Prov 17:14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the LORD detests them both.

June 17th

2010-06-17T12:05:00.002-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Kings 18:1-46, Acts 11:1-30, Psalm 135:1-21, Proverbs 17:12-13

I Kings 18 - this is one of my favorite old testament passages. As Elijah and the Baal worshippers have a contest to see who's god is the true God by seeing which god will rain down fire on the altars. Not only does Elijah pour water on and around the altar, he also mocks the Baal worshippers as they dance and scream and cut themselves while praying to Baal to light the fire. I don't really think he was making fun of them to be pompous, but to show them that in all the years of the Israelites no one had ever seen Baal do anything, but they had seen God do hundreds of miraculous works.... I think he just wanted the Israelite people to see the folly of worshipping a golden image.

Prov 17:12 Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.
13 If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house.

June 16th

2010-06-16T12:03:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Kings 15:25-17:24, Acts 10:24-48, Psalm 134:1-3, Proverbs 17:9-11

I Kings - Elijah hides by a brook and the Lord orders the ravens to bring him food to eat. Then he sends him to a widow who has very little flour and oil... but Elijah tells her that the Lord has said if she will feed him, that her oil and flour will never run out.... she has the faith to believe him and takes her oil and flour to make him a cake. And he was right.... she was able to feed Elijah, herself and her family until the drout was over. Its hard to imagine having that kind of faith. Sometimes I lack the faith to tithe... I can't imagine actually having to give up your lifesource.

Acts 10: 34 Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.

The Message: Prov 17:9 Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and—good-bye, friend! 10 A quiet rebuke to a person of good sense does more than a whack on the head of a fool.

June 15th

2010-06-15T12:02:00.003-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Kings 14:1-15:24, Acts 10:1-23, Psalm 133:1-3, Proverbs 17:7-8

The Message: Prov 17:7 We don't expect eloquence from fools, nor do we expect lies from our leaders. 8 Receiving a gift is like getting a rare gemstone; any way you look at it, you see beauty refracted.

June 14th

2010-06-14T12:00:00.002-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Kings 12:20-13:34, Acts 9:26-43, Psalm 132:1-18, Proverbs 17:6

Acts - Peter raises Dorcas from the dead and many people become believers because of it.

Prov 17:6 Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.

June 13th

2010-06-13T12:59:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Kings 11:1-12:19, Acts 9:1-25, Psalm 131:1-3, Proverbs 17:4-5

Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. What?? How could you even keep up with them all?? Most men can't handle ONE woman.

The Message: Ps 131:1 God, I'm not trying to rule the roost, I don't want to be king of the mountain. I haven't meddled where I have no business or fantasized grandiose plans. 2 I've kept my feet on the ground, I've cultivated a quiet heart. Like a baby content in its mother's arms, my soul is a baby content. 3 Wait, Israel, for God. Wait with hope. Hope now; hope always!

Prov 17:5 He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.

June 12th

2010-06-12T13:58:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Kings 9:1-10:29, Acts 8:14-40, Psalm 130:1-8, Proverbs 17:2-3

Ps 130:7 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.

Prov 17:3 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.

June 11th

2010-06-11T14:45:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Kings 8:1-66, Acts 7:51-8:13, Psalm 129:1-8, Proverbs 17:1

I Kings 8:23 "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way.

Proverbs 17:1 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.

June 10th

2010-06-10T05:24:00.003-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Kings 7:1-51, Acts 7:30-50, Psalm 128:1-6, Proverbs 16:31-33

Ps 128:1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.

The Message: Prov 16:32 Moderation is better than muscle, self-control better than political power. 33 Make your motions and cast your votes, but God has the final say.

** I have a hard time with both moderation and self-control. Would explain why I have dozens of tennis shoes and my craft room looks like a small ikea/hobby lobby store. If only I could practice some restraint occasionally. Just one more thing to pray for, I guess.

June 9th

2010-06-09T14:22:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Kings 5:1-6:38, Acts 7:1-29, Psalm 127:1-5, Proverbs 16:28-30

I Kings - Solomon spends 7 years building the temple.

Ps 127:1 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.
2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.

Prov 16: 28 A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.

The Message: Troublemakers start fights; gossips break up friendships.

June 8th

2010-06-08T17:21:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Kings 3:3-4:34, Acts 6:1-15, Psalm 126:1-6, Proverbs 16:26-27

I Kings - The Lord tells Solomon to ask for whatever he wants. and his reply is:
I Kings 3:9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.
Solomon's wisdom described: I Kings 4:29 God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. 30 Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 He was wiser than any other man, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. 32 He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. 33 He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. 34 Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon's wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.

Acts6:8 Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.
* so the Sanhedrin got scared and provided false witness that stephen had blasphemed and they arrested him and stirred up the people against him.

Ps 126:5 Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6 He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him.

The Message: Prov 16:27 Mean people spread mean gossip; their words smart and burn.

June 7th

2010-06-07T00:15:00.002-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Kings 2:1-3:2, Acts 5:1-42, Psalm 125:1-5, Proverbs 16:25

Acts 5: 40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name (of Jesus). 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Ps 125:1 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.

Prov 16:25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

June 6th

2010-06-06T00:14:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Kings 1:1-53, Acts 4:1-37, Psalm 124:1-8, Proverbs 16:24

David declares Solomon his successor as king of Israel and Judah.

Ps 124: 8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

The Message: Proverbs 16: 24 Gracious speech is like clover honey— good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body.

June 5th

2010-06-04T12:14:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Samuel 23:24-24:25, Acts 3:1-26, Psalm 123:1-4, Proverbs 16:21-23

Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

Prov 16:21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools.
23 A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.

June 4th

2010-06-04T12:12:00.002-05:00

Today's readings: 2 Samuel 22:1-23:23, Acts 2:1-47, Psalm 122:1-9, Proverbs 16:19-20

2 Sam 22:18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. 19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support.

The Message:
Prov 16:19 It's better to live humbly among the poor than to live it up among the rich and famous. 20 It pays to take life seriously; things work out when you trust in God.

June 3rd

2010-06-03T12:11:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Samuel 20:14-21:22, Acts 1:1-26, Psalm 121:1-8, Proverbs 16:18

Acts 1:7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.
* That's hard for me to grasp. I feel like I shuold be let in on the plan. Haha. I guess that's not so much a faith-thing... if I knew all the answers and all that was going to happen. Hmmm...

Ps 121:3 He will not let your foot slip— He who watches over you will not slumber;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Prov 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

June 2nd

2010-06-02T12:10:00.002-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Samuel 19:11-20:13, John 21:1-25, Psalm 120:1-7, Proverbs 16:16-17

Ps 120:1 I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me.
2 Save me, O LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.

Prov 16:16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!

The Message:
Prov 16:16 Get wisdom—it's worth more than money; choose insight over income every time. 17 The road of right living bypasses evil; watch your step and save your life.

June 1st

2010-06-01T12:09:00.002-05:00

Today's readings: 2 Samuel 18:1-19:10, John 20:1-31, Psalm 119:153-176, Proverbs 16:14-15

John 20: 29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
*** How many times am I like Thomas? My faith is so weak that I have to see to believe. That's not faith at all.

Ps 119:165 Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

Prov 16:15 Good-tempered leaders invigorate lives; they're like spring rain and sunshine.

May 31st

2010-05-31T09:22:00.002-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Samuel 17:1-29, John 19:23-42, Psalm 119:129-152, Proverbs 16:12-13

Ps 119:133 Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.
134 Redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may obey your precepts.

The Message:
Prov 16:12 Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds; sound leadership has a moral foundation. 13 Good leaders cultivate honest speech; they love advisors who tell them the truth.

May 30th

2010-05-30T09:20:00.002-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Samuel 15:23-16:23, John 18:25-19:22, Psalm 119:113-128, Proverbs 16:10-11

Ps 119:114 You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.
*** When will I learn to put my hope and trust in His Word?
Ps 119:125 I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.

The Message: Prove 16:11 God cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is his business.

May 29th

2010-05-29T09:18:00.002-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Samuel 14:1-15:22, John 18:1-24, Psalm 119:97-112, Proverbs 16:8-9

2Sam - Joab convinces David to invite Absalom back to Israel. Two years later, Absalom is building up an army of Israelites against David.

Ps119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
** this is my prayer that I would know the Word and stay in the Word enough that it could be used as a light on my path through the world.

The Message: Prov 16:8 Far better to be right and poor than to be wrong and rich.

Prov 16: 9 A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.

May 28th

2010-05-28T09:17:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Samuel 13:1-39, John 17:1-26, Psalm 119:81-96, Proverbs 16:6-7

2 Sam - Absalom kills Amnon for raping his sister Tamar.

Prov 16:7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.

May 27th

2010-05-27T09:16:00.002-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Samuel 12:1-31, John 16:1-33, Psalm 119:65-80, Proverbs 16:4-5

2 Sam - Nathan comes to David to rebuke him about Bathsheba. The Lord kills David and Bathsheba's son, but David goes to her and they have Solomon.

John 16: 33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Ps 119:66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands.

Prov 16:4a The LORD works out everything for his own ends—

May 26th

2010-05-26T09:15:00.002-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Samuel 9:1-11:27, John 15:1-27, Psalm 119:49-64, Proverbs 16:1-3

2 Sam - David sleeps with Bathsheba (married to Urriah), then sends her husband to the front lines of the war where he is killed, and then David takes Bathsheba to ONE of his wives.

John 15:4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.....5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Ps 119:60 I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.
** I so wish I could say this every day. There are some commands that are easy to rush to obey, and so many more that I struggle with on a daily, eh...maybe, hourly basis.

Prov 16:1 To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.
2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

May 25th

2010-05-25T09:14:00.002-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-8:18, John 14:15-31, Psalm 119:33-48, Proverbs 15:33

God promises not to take His love from David as He had done with Saul.

John 14:23 Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
Ps 199:34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.

Prov 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.

May 24th

2010-05-24T09:12:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Samuel 4:1-6:23, John 13:31-14:14, Psalm 119:17-32, Proverbs 15:31-32

2 Samuel - David is king, he builds a palace in Zion (AKA The City of David), defeats the Philistines and brought the Ark back to Jerusalem. Uzzah is struck dead by the Lord because the Ark was slipping and he touched it to steady it. David was made angry by Uzzah's death. This is one of those things I want to talk to God about when I get to heaven. I've never understood this. I know they weren't supposed to touch the Ark, because it was revered, but a man trying to stop it from falling is killed??? Seems unfair, but I know I don't see the whole picture.

John 13:34"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Prov 15: 32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

May 23rd

2010-05-23T09:11:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Samuel 2:12-3:39, John 13:1-30, Psalm 119:1-16, Proverbs 15:29-30

Ps 119:2 - Blessed are they who keep his statutes, and seek him with all their heart.

Prov 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

May 22nd

2010-05-22T09:09:00.003-05:00

Today's Readings: 2 Samuel 1:1-2:11, John 12:20-50, Psalm 118:19-29, Proverbs 15:27-28

John 12:25 The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

Ps 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.

May 21st

2010-05-21T09:08:00.002-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Samuel 29:1-31:13, John 11:55-12:19, Psalm 118:1-18, Proverbs 15:24-26

I Samuel - The Philistines attack the Israelites and Saul's sons (including Jonathon) are killed. He's scared of what the Philistines will do to him if they captured him, so he fell on his own sword and died.

Ps 118:6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
Ps 18:8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.

My 20th

2010-05-20T09:06:00.002-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Samuel 26:1-28:25, John 11:1-54, Psalm 117:1-2, Proverbs 15:22-23

I Samuel - Saul is chasing David to kill him. God puts Saul and his men into a deep sleep and David is able to sneak into the camp and take some items that were by his head... he did this to prove that he COULD have killed Saul, but God had told him not to. Saul consults a witch to conjur up Samuel's ghost to ask about the future because the Lord is no longer speaking to him.

John - 11 - death of Lazerus, when Jesus got to Lazerus, his body had been in the tomb for 4 days. When Jesus raised Lazerus from the dead, the Sanhedrin started to plot against Him.

Ps 117:2 For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD.

The Message: Prov 15:22 Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail; take good counsel and watch them succeed. 23 Congenial conversation—what a pleasure! The right word at the right time—beautiful!

May 19th

2010-05-19T08:49:00.003-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Samuel 24:1-25:44, John 10:22-42, Psalm 116:1-19, Proverbs 15:20-21

John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30I and the Father are one."

Ps 116: 5-6 God is gracious—it is he who makes things right, our most compassionate God. God takes the side of the helpless; when I was at the end of my rope, he saved me. (The Message)

Prov 15:20 Intelligent children make their parents proud; lazy students embarrass their parents. (The Message)

MAY 18TH

2010-05-18T00:57:00.002-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Samuel 22:1-23:29, John 10:1-21, Psalm 115:1-18, Proverbs 15:18-19

I samuel - David runs and hides from Saul. Jonathon makes a covenant with David to help protect him. Amazing to me that Jonathon loves David so much... knowing that, as Saul's son, he should be the next king of Israel, but that God has chosen David instead. Any remotely jealous or petty person would have joined Saul in trying to kill David. There are a few times that it states Jonathon loves David as himself. What an amazing friendship between these two men.

Prov 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.

The Message: Prov 15: 18 Hot tempers start fights; a calm, cool spirit keeps the peace. 19 The path of lazy people is overgrown with briers; the diligent walk down a smooth road.

May 17th

2010-05-17T00:49:00.003-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Samuel 20:1-21:15, John 9:1-41, Psalm 113:1-114:8, Proverbs 15:15-17

John - Jesus cures the blind man and the Pharisees harass him about who healed him and why. The once blind man worhsips the Lord, and ignores the Pharisees'accusations.

Ps 113:7 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
8 he seats them with princes, with the princes of their people.

Prov 15: 16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.

May 16th

2010-05-16T00:48:00.003-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Samuel 18:5-19:24, John 8:31-59, Psalm 112:1-10, Proverbs 15:12-14

David marries Saul's daughter, Michal. Saul tries to kill David multiple times; David flees and runs away to hide with Samuel.

Ps 112:1 Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands.

Ps 112:5 Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. 6 Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever.
7 He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
8 His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.

Prov 15:13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

May 15th

2010-05-15T00:48:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Samuel 17:1-18:4, John 8:21-30, Psalm 111:1-10, Proverbs 15:11

I Samuel - David kills Goliath and the friendship between Jonathan and David begins.

Ps 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

Prov15:11 Even hell holds no secrets from God— do you think he can't read human hearts?

May 14th

2010-05-14T12:47:00.003-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Samuel 15:1-16:23, John 8:1-20, Psalm 110:1-7, Proverbs 15:8-10

I Samuel - Saul is instructed to destroy the Amalekites and ALL their cattle and possessions, but he disobeyed and kept back some of the best for himself and his men. The Lord revealed this to Samuel who confronted Saul. The Lord left Saul and an evil or injurious spirit stepped in to torment him. Samuel annoints David as the next king of Israel. Unbeknownst to Saul, he asks for a harpist to calm his nerves and David is suggested. David's harp playing soothed Saul when the evil spririt was tormenting him.

I Samuel 15:22 But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
I Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

John 8:12When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Prov 15: 8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked,
but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked
but he loves those who pursue righteousness.

May 11

2010-05-14T12:43:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Samuel 10:1-11:15, John 6:43-71, Psalm 107:1-43, Proverbs 15:1-3

I Samuel - Saul is presented to the Israelites as their first king.

John 6:44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him;
John 6:47 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. 48 I am the bread of life.

Ps 107:9 For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness.

Prov 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.

May 13th

2010-05-13T00:46:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Samuel 14:1-52, John 7:31-53, Psalm 109:1-31, Proverbs 15:5-7

I Samuel 14 - Saul & Jonathon fight the Philistines, and Saul's lifelong battle with the Philistines is set in motion.

Prov 15:5 A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent.

May 12

2010-05-12T00:44:00.002-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Samuel 12:1-13:23, John 7:1-30, Psalm 108:1-13, Proverbs 15:4

I Sam 12:20b do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. 21 And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing........... 24 Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.

John 7:24 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

Prov 15:4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

May 10

2010-05-10T06:38:00.003-05:00

Today's readings: 1 Samuel 8:1-9:27, John 6:22-42, Psalm 106:32-48, Proverbs 14:34-35

Samuel - The Israelites beg Samuel for a king. He warns them about the ramifications of that. God is upset because he knows that this means the Israelites have never really realized that He IS their King... but he gives them what they want and chooses Saul to rule over them.

John 6:35Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. .... 40For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."

Prov 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.

May 9

2010-05-09T12:36:00.002-05:00

Today's readings: 1 Samuel 5:1-7:17, John 6:1-21, Psalm 106:13-31, Proverbs 14:32-33

I Sam 5 - the Philistine cities where the Ark is kept - the people are struck dead or cursed with tumors. The philistines beg to send the Ark back to the Israelites, so that God will leave them alone.

ch 6 - The philistines make a tresspass offering (5 golden tumors and 5 golden rats to represent the tumors and rats God inflicted on them

John 6 - I didn't realize that when Jesus walked on the water that He had walked 3-4 miles out to the boat. It wasn't like it was just off the shore and he had to take a few steps - not that that wouldn't have been plenty of impressive as it was....

Prov 14:32b the integrity of good people creates a safe place for living.

May 8

2010-05-08T10:55:00.002-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Samuel 2:22-4:22, John 5:24-47, Psalm 106:1-12, Proverbs 14:30-31

Samuel - The Lord speaks to Samuel while he is resting and Samuel responds (as directed by Eli)... ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant hears.’ The Philistines defeat Israel and take the Ark of the Covenant... Eli hears the news and falls backwards and breaks his neck and dies.

Ps 106:3 Blessed are they who maintain justice,

who constantly do what is right.

Prov 14:30 A sound mind makes for a robust body,

but runaway emotions corrode the bones.

May 7

2010-05-07T10:54:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: 1 Samuel 1:1-2:21, John 5:1-23, Psalm 105:37-45, Proverbs 14:28-29

Samuel... Hannah prays for a son and promises to give him up to God if He'll open her womb. I love her prayer after she has Samuel and weans him and takes him to the temple.... here's just a small part of it

I Sam 2:2 “No one is holy like the LORD, For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God.
3 “Talk no more so very proudly; Let no arrogance come from your mouth, For the LORD is the God of knowledge; And by Him actions are weighed.

Prov 14: 29 A patient man has great understanding,
but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

May 6

2010-05-06T10:52:00.002-05:00

Today's Readings: Ruth 2:1-4:22, John 4:43-54, Psalm 105:16-36, Proverbs 14:26-27

Ruth meets Boaz, and he marries her.

John - Jesus heals the nobleman's son

Prov 14:26 In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence,
And His children will have a place of refuge
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,
To turn one away from the snares of death.

May 5

2010-05-05T10:51:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: Judges 21:1-Ruth 1:22, John 4:4-42, Psalm 105:1-15, Proverbs 14:25

Ruth - Naomi and her husband and sons move to Moab because of the famine. Her sons marry moabite women (Orpah and Ruth), but all three men die. Naomi returns to Bethlehem and Ruth comes wtih her, but Orpah returns to her own mother. On the journey home, Naomi tries to convince Ruth to return to her mother, but Ruth says:
Ruth 1:16 “ Entreat me not to leave you,
Or to turn back from following after you;
For wherever you go, I will go;
And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people,
And your God, my God.
17 Where you die, I will die,
And there will I be buried.
The LORD do so to me, and more also,
If anything but death parts you and me.”

Prov 14:25 A true witness delivers souls, But a deceitful witness speaks lies.

May 4

2010-05-04T10:51:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: Judges 19:1-20:48, John 3:22-4:3, Psalm 104:24-35, Proverbs 14:22-24

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

Ps 104:33 I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. 34 May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the LORD.

The Message: Prov 14:23 Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.

May 3

2010-05-03T10:50:00.001-05:00

Today's Readings: Judges 17:1-18:31, John 3:1-21, Psalm 104:1-23, Proverbs 14:20-21

Judges - Micah makes a silver image and hires a Levite as a personal priest. The tribe of Dan steals the idols and lures the priest away to be their tribe priest and they take over a new land, Laish.

John 3: 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Prov 14:21 It's criminal to ignore a neighbor in need, but compassion for the poor—what a blessing!

May 2

2010-05-02T10:42:00.002-05:00

Todays' readings: Judges 15:1-16:31, John 2:1-25, Psalm 103:1-22, Proverbs 14:17-19

Judges - Samson gets angry with the Phillistines and ties 300 foxes together in pairs and sets a torch on fire and places it between them and sets them loose among the phillistines crops. Later, his own people tie him up and deliver him to the Philistines out of fear.... he is able to break free of the ropes, take the jawbone of an ass and kill 1000 Philistines.

The story of Samson and Delilah is sooo confusing to me. 3 times she asks him where his strength lies. Every time he tells her, he wakes up the next day tied up with bowstrings, ropes or a loom... it doesn't occur to him that maybe she's being a little underhanded?????? How dumb can you possibly be? I feel like there is definitely something I am missing from this story. It's hard for me to feel sorry for Samson in the long run, since he was so blind to her decietfulness.

Prov 14:17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, And a man of wicked intentions is hated. 18 The simple inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.