1 Kings 8:1-66
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Today we read about the Ark of the Covenant being brought into the Temple!

In verses 10 & 11 we read: “As the priests came out of the inner sanctuary, a cloud filled the Temple of the LORD. The priests could not continue their work because the glorious presence of the LORD filled the Temple.”  It is thought that the cloud of the presence of God here in the Temple was the same cloud of the presence of God that guided the Israelites by day through the desert as they left Egypt for the Promised Land, as you’ll recall from this image below:

Solomon’s prayer in today’s readings is awesome!  Verses 12 & 13 at the start of the prayer are interesting to contrast with a later verse: “Then Solomon prayed, “O LORD, you have said that you would live in thick darkness. But I have built a glorious Temple for you, where you can live forever!”  These verses seem quite bold and confident…  and maybe even seem to our modern ears that Solomon is trying to put God “in a box.”  But, then I was very pleased to read Solomon say this in verse 27 – “But will God really live on earth? Why, even the highest heavens cannot contain you. How much less this Temple I have built!”  Clearly, Solomon gets it that God is bigger than the Temple and that God does not “need” the Temple for a home.  But, as we read about the cloud of God’s presence coming into the Temple, it is apparent that God is certainly pleased with the Temple. I think God was pleased that the Israelites were building a Temple to honor God and his name & fame.  It was a Temple for God.  And though God did not “need” it, I think he appreciated it.  I think God appreciated “King” Solomon and the Israelites praying to and honoring God as the true King of Israel.  Below is an image of Solomon’s prayer and the dedication of the Temple:

Worship Video: Today’s readings in First Kings about the Ark of the Covenant being brought to the Temple reminds me of the Build 429 song “Where I Belong:”

Do you know were you belong?  Click here to find out where you belong!

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

God bless,
Mike

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

1 Kings 7:1-50
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Today we read about the building of King Solomon’s Palace! Here is an interesting note in Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion on the Sea discussed in verse 23 – “Then Huram cast a large round tank, 15 feet across from rim to rim; it was called the Sea. It was 7 1/2 feet deep and about 45 feet in circumference.”  Apparently the sea was a huge tank that could hold approximately 12,000 gallons of water.  It was used by the priests for their ceremonial washings.  Impressive structure per the image below!

Worship God: Today’s readings remind me of Tauren Wells’ terrific song “Hills and Valleys:”

Do you know the God of the hills and valleys?  Click here and Be Known!

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

God bless,
Mike

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

1 Kings 5:1-6:38
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Wow.  Big readings today in First Kings. Solomon builds the Temple of the Lord!  Below is “King Solomon praying before the Temple” by Bonito, c. 1750:

It is great to read about Solomon & King Hiram of Tyre’s dialogue and agreement to send cedars and cypress from Lebanon to Jerusalem for the Temple.  You’ll recall in our readings from 2 Samuel chapter 5 verse 11 that Hiram indeed was a loyal friend of David just after David conquered Jerusalem – “Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar logs and carpenters and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David.”  Below is a beautiful stain glassed image of King Hiram of Tyre in the forests of Lebanon:

So why were cedars and cypress from Lebanon used for the temple and not wood from Israel?  Well, because these precious woods from Lebanon were very close-grained, rot-resistant, and very hard.  They were also beautiful and had a fragrant scent.  Below is an image of Cedar of Lebanon – also known as Cedrus Libanotica.

1 Kings 6 verse 7 tells us – “The stones used in the construction of the Temple were prefinished at the quarry, so the entire structure was built without the sound of hammer, ax, or any other iron tool at the building site.”  This shows how reverent the workers were in building the temple of the Lord.  They felt it was honoring to build on the temple site without the sound of an iron tool.  In 1 Kings 5 verses 13 & 14 I thought Solomon’s wisdom was incredible – “Then King Solomon enlisted 30,000 laborers from all Israel. He sent them to Lebanon in shifts, 10,000 every month, so that each man would be one month in Lebanon and two months at home. Adoniram was in charge of this labor force.”  He wisely cared for his workforce!  Below is an image of the workers building the temple –

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the For King & Country song “The Proof of Your Love:”

Do you need proof of God’s love for you?  Click here for proof!

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

God bless,
Mike

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

1 Kings 3:3-4:34
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Today in 1 Kings chapter 3 we read about King Solomon asking for wisdom from God!  It is of note that Solomon is estimated to be about 20 years old in this chapter – he was born about half way through David’s 40 year reign.  So, he is a very young king.  In verse 5 we read these words from God to Solomon – “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” In verses 7 through 9 we will read this amazing response from Solomon to God – “O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” Solomon could have asked God for anything – more wealth, more power, more strength, more whatever, but he simply asked for wisdom. Why? Because he wanted to govern God’s people well and distinguish between right and wrong. Amazing. How would you or I answer this question today? What if God came to you today and said the same thing to you from verse 5 – “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” What would you ask for? Would you ask for Wisdom? If so, God offers this to you and me now. Where? I believe wisdom is offered to us through study of the Bible and by living in a loving and right relationship with God. We can receive the gift of God’s wisdom today! If we would answer this question from God differently – maybe wanting more money, or power, or whatever – do you think we might forfeit gaining wisdom? So, again, what if God were to say to you right now this same statement he said to Solomon? “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” What do you ask for?  Below is a wonderful portrait by artist Guy Rowe of the young King Solomon praying for wisdom:

We then read about Solomon’s wise judgment related to the two women and a baby.  This is certainly verification that God fulfilled what he promised in verse 12 – “I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding mind such as no one else has ever had or ever will have!”  Below is “The Judgment of Solomon” by Flemish painter Antoon Claeissens, circa 1600:

As we read 1 Kings 4 verses 29, 32 & 33 I am reminded that some say Solomon was the last person on earth (well besides Jesus of course) who knew everything there was to know about any and all subject’s of the day – “God gave Solomon great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge too vast to be measured. He composed some 3,000 proverbs and wrote 1,005 songs. He could speak with authority about all kinds of plants, from the great cedar of Lebanon to the tiny hyssop that grows from cracks in a wall. He could also speak about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish.”  Solomon was obviously one wise person.  What do you think the wisest thing about Solomon was?  I think it was this – he was in relationship with God.  That was the #1 wisest decision Solomon ever made.  And it’s the #1 wisest decision you or I could ever make – to be in relationship with God through his son Jesus.  From this wise decision flows all other wisdom in our lives.  But this decision is of primary importance…   Are you as wise as Solomon in this regard?  Does your heart belong to God?

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of JJ Weeks Band’s song “Let Them See You:”

Do they see Him in you?  Click here for Him to be seen!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” 1 Kings 3:5 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you show wisdom like Solomon did in 1 Kings 3, and ask God for wisdom. Don’t ask God for riches or power, but pray for discernment in your life.

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

God bless,
Mike

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

1 Kings 2:1-3:2
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Dramatic readings in First Kings today!  David’s final instructions to Solomon include some strong words about how Joab & Shimei should die.  And later in today’s readings, these words come to fruition.  An image is below for David giving his final instructions to Solomon in today’s readings:

In verse 10 in today’s readings, we read this simple verse that concludes our readings of David’s life (for now… we’ll read more about David later in the Bible this year) –  “Then David died and was buried in the City of David.”

Today we read about Adonijah’s request to marry Abishag.  You’ll recall from yesterday’s readings that Abishag took care of David in his old age.  She was a virgin, but still considered part of David’s harem.  And, in those days, to inherit the harem was to inherit the kingdom.  (I know, strange stuff to talk about harem’s…  it was the way it was back then – even though God’s plan from Genesis with Adam & Eve was 1 man & 1 woman – not 1 man & many women… us humans – even David – do not always pay attention to God’s plans…)   So, Adonijah’s request to marry Abishag was essentially his attempt to gain back the kingdom again.  Hence, Solomon got upset… 

Joab proved the maxim of “those who live by the sword, die by the sword.”  David knew Joab had killed Abner and Amasa and passed on his disdain for Joab to Solomon.  Solomon knew Joab was in cahoots w/ Adonijah.  Joab was seeking sanctuary at the altar – and there was indeed sanctuary in the Law for those who accidentally killed someone else.  There were sanctuary cities.  However, Joab’s killings of Abner and Amasa could in no way be viewed as accidental.  His attempt at sanctuary at the altar did not stand up in Solomon’s eyes.  Below is a fascinating piece of artwork of Joab running for the altar – with what appears to be a shadow of a person running in the background… As if Joab’s past was haunting him & pursuing him?   I’m not sure, but an interesting piece of art here on this Joab scene in any case!

It is an interesting thing to read about the blood and deaths caused by some of our fathers of our faith – David & Solomon and the list will go on.  I think the thing I take away from all of this is that in the B.C. age, “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” ruled the day.  People “got what they deserved” so to speak…  It essentially kept the peace in a barbaric age.  But, we were fortunate to have Jesus Christ come into our world and be the final sacrifice and change the rules.  Jesus died on a cross.  Jesus got what WE deserved.  He changed the whole eye for an eye Law to a higher law of love & grace.  We deserve condemnation.  Thanks to Jesus, we are given eternal life through the free gift of faith in his life, death and resurrection.  I think it is always important for us to remember that Jesus got what we deserved… this is why Jesus is called Savior!

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Colton Dixon’s song “Made to Fly:”

Did you know you were made to fly?  Click here to fly!

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

God bless,
Mike

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

1 Kings 1:1-53
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Today we begin First Kings!  First Kings is an amazing book of the Bible.  We’ll be diving into David’s son Solomon’s reign and the building of the First Temple in Jerusalem.  You’ll recall that Solomon wrote many of the Proverbs, and in chapter 3 of First Kings this week we will learn why Solomon had the wisdom to be able to write such amazing proverbs that have stood the test of time for some 3,000 years!  Below is an image of King Solomon dictating his wise Proverbs:

Book:  First Kings
Author: Unknown
Date:  Sixth century B.C.
Content:  First and Second Kings form one book in the Hebrew Bible and are considered to be prophetic literature, probably because a prophet put the books together.  The two books cover a period of approximately 350 years, when kings ruled the land, hence the name of the book.  First Kings begins with the death of David, followed by a description of Solomon’s reign, including the building of the first Temple in Jerusalem.  The split of the kingdom into Israel (North) and Judah (South) is described, ending with the great conflict between Elijah the prophet, and Ahab, the king of Israel.
Theme:  The fact that a history book is considered to be prophetic is important.  It shows that God speaks to us from the past, as well as from the present experience of others.  These events are recorded so that we will not make the same mistakes again.  The conflict between Elijah and Ahab shows God’s immediate involvement in human life and his concern for human affairs.  First Kings particularly shows the disastrous effects of social evil upon the spiritual life of a nation.  (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 6) More commentary on First Kings is at these 3 links –
https://bible.org/article/introduction-books-first-and-second-kings
https://bible.org/seriespage/reign-solomon (Introduction to Solomon)
https://bible.org/seriespage/1-introduction-and-historical-setting-elijah (Introduction to Elijah)

First Kings chapter 1 is quite a chapter today!  David is old!  Adonijah claims the throne!  David makes Solomon King!  Quite a dramatic chapter, eh?  Adonijah was David’s 4th oldest son, and probably the eldest son living at this time.  First son Amnon was killed by Absalom.  Second son Daniel was probably not living at this time.  Third son Absalom was killed in his rebellion.  So, fourth son Adonijah thought now was his moment to shine.  Well, as Paul Harvey would say, “now for the rest of the story…”  The chapter tells us the story well.  Solomon was clearly God and David’s choice for the kingship.  Below is the artist Raphael’s take on verses 39 & 40 today:  “There Zadok the priest took a flask of olive oil from the sacred tent and poured it on Solomon’s head. Then the trumpets were blown, and all the people shouted, “Long live King Solomon!” And all the people returned with Solomon to Jerusalem, playing flutes and shouting for joy. The celebration was so joyous and noisy that the earth shook with the sound.”

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Phil Wickham’s song “What an Awesome God:”

Do you know our awesome God?  Click here for AWESOMENESS!

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

God bless,
Mike

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

2 Samuel 23:24-24:25
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We finish up the book of Second Samuel today and begin First Kings tomorrow!  Are you ready to dive into our next Old Testament book??  Today in Second Samuel we continue to read about David’s mighty men.  It is sad to read the name of Uriah the Hittite in verse 39.  Another reminder of David’s sin against Bathsheba and Uriah – one of David’s own mighty men…  And, yes, another reminder of God’s forgiveness of David – and God’s offer of forgiveness to you and me today.  Have there been any “mighty men (or women!)” in your life that you have sinned against?  Will you go to God for forgiveness for that sin today?  And will you apologize and reconcile with the mighty man/woman in your life that you need to apologize to / reconcile with?  Interestingly, I think this whole forgiveness/mercy talk ties in very nicely into Psalm 123 today.  As Psalm 123 sings to us today:  “Have mercy on us Lord, have mercy.”

Second Samuel 24 today finishes up with David taking a census, then judgment upon Israel for this sin, and then closing up the book with David building an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.  A few things to point out here.  First, you’ll note verse 1 starts out with:  “Once again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel..”  Commentaries suggest that God was likely upset with Israel because of their support of Absalom’s & Sheba’s rebellions.  This is why it is thought the plague in this chapter affected Israel and not just David’s house for the sin of the census.  The census was a sin because it was not needed at this time in Israel’s history.  Censuses were taken in the past for military conscription & review of number of men before a war.  But this was not a time of war.  The census was a sin because David may have been taking this census just for his own glory & pride – to see how many people were under his reign.  Even Joab asked David why he was doing this as we see in verse 3.  The overall interesting thing to me about this chapter is that many commentaries suggest that it was placed at the end of the book of Second Samuel for the primary reason of setting the stage for the building of the Temple by Solomon in First Kings.  The very interesting note about Araunah’s threshing floor that we read about today is that it is believed to have been located on Mount Moriah!  Yes, the same Mt. Moriah where Abraham nearly sacrificed Isaac.  And the same spot where the Temple was to be built by Solomon!  So, this brings to light the importance of David actually buying the threshing floor from Araunah and not just taking it for free, as was offered.  David not only bought the threshing floor to build the altar for the burnt & peace offerings, but he bought the land for the Temple of the Lord to soon be built on by his son Solomon!  Pretty interesting to note as we close out this amazing book of Second Samuel.  I am very excited to begin our readings about David’s son Solomon in First Kings beginning tomorrow!  Below is an image of Araunah the Jebusite offering his threshing floor to David:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings titled “Neiman Marcus Military, Kmart Christianity? David Comes to His Census“ is at this link.  (Some days you really have to appreciate the humor in Bob Deffinbaugh’s essay titles!  Today is one of those days. 🙂

Worship Video: Today’s Psalm reminded me of the terrific hymn “Lord Have Mercy:”

Have you ever prayed Lord Have Mercy?  Click here for mercy!

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

God bless,
Mike

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

2 Samuel 22:1-23:23
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Today in Second Samuel chapter 22 we read David’s Song of Praise to God! This is an incredible chapter and certainly reminds us why David composed so many powerful Psalms as well.  In fact, you will notice that this song of praise from David today is, oh, the same as Psalm 18… 🙂  It is thought that this Song was composed shortly after David’s victory over an enemy, but before his sins against Bathsheba and Uriah.  The Song starts off with David using the metaphor of a rock in verses 2 & 3:  “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.”  The metaphor of a rock is very appropriate for David, as he often had taken refuge among the rocks of the desert (when fleeing from Saul, for example), but David realized that his true security was found only in God.

In verses 31 through 33 of David’s Song of Praise to God in today’s readings we read these incredible words: “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless.  He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?  It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.”  Can you imagine yourself saying these words to God in praise?  Can you say these words now to God?  It is interesting to think about the word “perfect” – used twice in these verses.  I don’t know about you, but sometimes I have been accused of being a “perfectionist.”  But, really, can you or I be perfect or create anything perfect?  I don’t think so.  I do think we can live in a loving, growing relationship with God who will arm us with strength and make our way “perfect.”  But, it is not us making us perfect.  It is God.  God’s way is perfect.  His word – the Bible – is flawless.  This is why we study the Bible. We are flawed people looking for flawlessness.  God and the Bible deliver this to us. Is God a shield for you?  When the storms of life come, do you take refuge in God?  Do you believe there is any other God besides the Living God of the Bible?  Is there anything else out there?  I don’t think so.  I’ve looked.  I have never found anything else besides our Heavenly Father, Son & Holy Spirit.  He is the Rock whose way is perfect. Who arms us with strength and makes our way perfect.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings titled “David’s Song of Salvation” is at this link and commentary titled “Profiles in Courage” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Rend Collective’s song “Hallelujah Anyway:”

Have you said Hallelujah lately?  Click here for your Hallelujah!

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

God bless,
Mike

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

2 Samuel 20:14-21:22
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Well… Sheba’s grand rebellion against David doesn’t last very long!  And Sheba’s own clan doesn’t treat him well at all…  Below are 2 images from today’s readings.  First image is from a 13th Century Maciejowski Bible showing Joab and his men besieging the city of Abel.  Next image is of Sheba’s head being thrown over the wall to Joab.  Rebellion over.

Second Samuel chapter 21 begins 4 chapters that are thought to essentially be an “appendix” to First and Second Samuel.  These 4 chapters contain additional information about David’s reign, without regard to chronology of events.  The first event we read about in today’s readings about David handing over 7 of Saul’s relatives to the Gibeonites is believed to have taken place after David extended his kindness initially to Mephibosheth in chapter 9 and before Absalom’s rebellion.  The triumphs over 4 Philistine giants is at unknown times / chronology, although verse 15 seems to indicate to me that these took place perhaps later in David’s life when he was older: “And when David and his men were in the thick of battle, David became weak and exhausted.”  Somehow I can’t imagine a young David becoming weak and exhausted in battle…  These 4 episodes are thought to have been included to show the heroics of David’s men.  Below is an image of David and his “Mighty Men” at a victory over their enemies:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings titled “Promise Breakers and Promise Keepers” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Seph Schlueter’s song “Counting my Blessings:”

Are you Counting your Blessings?  Click here to be Blessed!

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

God bless,
Mike

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

2 Samuel 19:11-20:13
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Today is a great day of readings in Second Samuel!  David returns to Jerusalem!  I love the entire flow of today’s readings as David crosses the Jordan River toward Jerusalem and shows incredible kindness to Shimei, Mephibosheth, and Barzillai along the way.  However, don’t forget the name Shimei just yet – the “rock thrower & curser” when David fled Jerusalem a few chapters back…  On David’s deathbed, later in our readings in First Kings 2:9, David will pass along to his son Solomon these instructions: “Bring his (Shimei’s) gray head down to the grave in blood…”  But, this day was not a day of bloodshed, but a day of amnesty, as David exclaimed in 2 Samuel 19:22 today: “This is not a day for execution but for celebration! I am once again the king of Israel!” An image of Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, meeting David on his return to Jerusalem is below:

In Second Samuel chapter 20 today we read about the revolt of Sheba from the tribe of Benjamin.  Zondervan’s commentary today points out that an important thing to keep in mind here is that tribal jealousy still was brewing over the transfer of the kingship from Benjamin (Saul’s tribe) to Judah (David’s tribe).  Sheba appeals to the Israelite suspicion that David favored his own tribe over the other tribes.  As this chapter progresses Joab again shows his true colors by murdering Amasa.  I’m beginning to wonder about Joab…  he’s ruthless.  I suppose as being the commander of the army for so long, this was his “job” to be ruthless?  Let me know your thoughts on Joab in the Comments section below.  Ramona, thanks for the comment in yesterday’s readings saying “Joab operated out of Justice with no Love.”  Great point!  In Amasa’s case, Amasa was part of the rebellion against David led by Absalom, so again here Joab is acting out “Justice”… (and certainly no Love…) I wonder if we ever fall into this trap in our lives today as well?  Operate in an unbalanced way showing nothing but Justice, and yet no Love?  Or, on the other hand do we sometimes operate with just Love, and no Justice?  Should we be operating with a balance of Love and Justice?  Or should one (Love or Justice) outweigh the other in our life?  Below is a stained glass window showing Joab killing Amasa while pretending to greet him:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings today titled “David’s Return to Jerusalem” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the song “Then Christ Came” by MercyMe:

Has Christ come to you?  Click here and let Christ in your heart!

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

God bless,
Mike

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