Old Testament in a Year

July 14th Old Testament Readings

1 Chronicles 16:37-18:17
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

The theme of David being a "war" king stands out today in our First Chronicles readings.  In fact, we'll get a couple more chapters of David's wars coming up in tomorrow's readings.   The wars are what kept David from building the Temple of the Lord.  This duty will be passed on to his son Solomon, a "peace" king if you will. There are some great readings today in First Chronicles 17 about the Lord's covenant promise to David via the prophet Nathan!

There is an interesting thing to note in this message to David via Nathan from the Lord in verses 12 through 14.  In context these verses are about Solomon.  However, interestingly, the New Testament basically applies these verses to Jesus in Luke 1:32-22:  "He is the one who will build a house--a temple--for me. And I will establish his throne forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. I will not take my unfailing love from him as I took it from Saul, who ruled before you. I will establish him over my dynasty and my kingdom for all time, and his throne will be secure forever.'"  Think these are Messianic verses that can be applied to Jesus?

Today in 1 Chronicles chapter 17 verse 30 we read this prayer of King David – “There is no one like you, O LORD, and there is no God but you.” Have you ever searched for other "gods"? Have you ever really found those other gods? Have they ever delivered on anything? Do you believe there is no other God like the one true and living God that we read about in the Bible? Are you living your life in such a way that you are seeking to know more and more about the character, heart, and will of the one true and living God? Do you love God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit with all of your mind, soul and strength? Have you forsaken pursuing all other false gods for the remainder of your life? Will you leave the idols behind?

Worship Video: Today's readings reminds me of MercyMe's song "To Not Worship You:"

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

Who do you worship? Click here to worship Him!

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

God bless,
Mike

p.s. 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!

July 13th Old Testament Readings

1 Chronicles 15:1-16:36
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in First Chronicles chapter 15 we read about David dancing before the Ark as it enters Jerusalem!

David's song of praise in 1 Chronicles 16 is phenomenal.  Verse 8 begins his praise with: "Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness."  These are two things that I'm afraid I do not do enough - give thanks to God & proclaim his greatness.  I am amazed really at how little I give thanks to God.  I mean, yes, I say grace and thanks before meals.  And I'll maybe give a little prayer of thanksgiving here or there to God on occasion - but it is just very occasionally.  Why am I not giving thanks to God frequently??  I am not sure.  I think it maybe has to do with the human condition - we always want more.  Things are never really good enough.  But if we really stop and think about it, we are so fortunate to have lived the # of years we have lived in our lives!  Each day in our life has been and is a gift from God.  How about you?  Do you give thanks to God frequently?  Now, as for proclaiming God's greatness, I think I stumble in this area too.  I think sometimes I forget the wise saying of - "God is God, and I am not."  I think sometimes I try to fall back on my own power and might and strength and spirit - when really all that I have comes from God.  I pray that I begin to proclaim God's greatness more and more often.

Worship Video: - Today's readings remind me of Israel Houghton performing the awesome song "Friend of God."  Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Warah3cS2F4

Are you a friend of God? Click here and meet your true Friend!

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

God bless,
Mike

p.s. 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!

July 12th Old Testament Readings

1 Chronicles 12:19-14:17
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

I think today's readings in First Chronicles could be called "Famous Dave!"  As indeed, David moves into his role as the King of Israel in today's readings and we read about his growing fame and support amongst the tribes!

In chapter 13 we read about David bringing the Ark back to Jerusalem - which was good in intention, but poor in execution...  God is clear in Numbers 4:5-15 that the Ark was to be moved only by the Levites and only by using carrying poles.  No one, not even the Levites were to touch the Ark itself.  David ended up following the Philistines example of moving the Ark on a cart, rather than following God's command.  Thus, in verses 9 & 10 we read  - "But when they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah put out his hand to steady the Ark. Then the LORD's anger blazed out against Uzzah, and he struck him dead because he had laid his hand on the Ark. So Uzzah died there in the presence of God."  I wonder if we are like David was in this chapter in our lives today - how often do we have "good intentions", but poor execution?  How often do we take shortcuts on things God has been very clear on?  Even if these shortcuts seem like they are good ideas, why do we take them?  Why do we take the risk?

Worship Video: Today's readings remind me of Matt Maher's song "Christ is Risen:"

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

Do you believe that Christ is risen? Click here to meet the Risen Lord!

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!

July 11th Old Testament Readings

1 Chronicles 11:1-12:18
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in First Chronicles chapter 11 we read about David's Mighty Men!  I do love reading about the story of his men who went to the well in Bethlehem to bring David that water that he so loved - when Bethlehem was occupied by the Philistines!  These men were no joke.  They risked everything to please David.  I wonder about this in our lives today.  Are we as dedicated to Jesus as these Mighty Men were dedicated to David?  Are you willing to risk everything for Jesus?  However, keep in mind that we don't need to do un-called for risky things for Jesus - like these Mighty Men didn't have to get that water from the well.  But their zeal for David is impressive.  I just pray we are at least that zealous for Jesus.

Today in 1 Chronicles 12 verse 18 we read - "Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, who later became a leader among the Thirty, and he said,  "We are yours, David! We are on your side, son of Jesse. Peace and prosperity be with you, and success to all who help you, for your God is the one who helps you.""  Related to this verse, Tyndale's One Year Bible Companion has the following answer to the question of 'How did the Holy Spirit work in Old Testament times?' - "When there was an important job to be done, God chose a person to do it, and the Spirit gave that person the needed power and ability.  The Spirit gave Bezalel artistic ability, Jephthah military prowess, David power to rule, and Zechariah an authoritative word of prophecy.  Here the Holy Spirit came upon David's warriors.  The Spirit came upon individuals in order to accomplish specific goals.  Beginning at Pentecost, however, the Spirit came upon all believers, not only to empower them to do God's will, but also to dwell in them day by day."

Worship Video: Today's readings reminds me of the song by Third Day titled "Call My Name:"

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

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

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!

July 10th Old Testament Readings

1 Chronicles 9:1-10:14
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in our First Chronicles readings, in between chapters 9 and 10, we go back to the future!  Or something like that... :)

Chronicles chapter 9 recounts the return from exile in Babylon, which took place between 538 B.C. and 458 B.C.  Then in chapter 10 we go back in time 500 years to some of our earlier readings in First Samuel when Saul was king and dies in approx. 1010 B.C.  Why this dramatic shift in chronology of events?  Well, the Chronicler basically wanted to take us through Israel's history from Creation to the return from exile in Babylon in chapters 1 through 9.  In chapter 10 the Chronicler takes us back to the beginning of Israel's kingdom period when Saul was the first King.  However...  you will notice that the Chronicler spends all of only 1 chapter on Saul!  (and just a 14 verse chapter at that...)   And then, coming up in our readings, the Chronicler will spend the next 18 chapters on the life of David and his kingdom through the end of First Chronicles!   Think this Chronicler had his favorite?  Why do you suppose this is?  Well, the Chronicler of course tells us very plainly why in verses 13 and 14 in chapter 10 today:  "So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD. He failed to obey the LORD's command, and he even consulted a medium instead of asking the LORD for guidance. So the LORD killed him and turned his kingdom over to David son of Jesse."  This Chronicler wants to spend more time on obedience than on disobedience!  How about you in your life today?  Do you focus on being obedient to God?  Do you seek and pray to God for guidance on what obedience to God would look like in your life?  Are you like David - a person after God's own heart?  Do you want to know God's heart and plan for your life?  Will you remain faithful to God no matter what the world tries to tempt you with?

For today, in chapter 10 we get one more reminder of disobedience from Saul, and I'll throw in this image below from artist Guy Rowe of the prophet Samuel denouncing Saul, as you'll recall from our First Samuel chapter 13 readings, verses 13 & 14:  ""You acted foolishly," Samuel said. "You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD's command.""

Worship Video: Today's readings remind me of MercyMe's song "All of Creation:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UADsz7ToO8w

Has Creation evangelized you? Click here to meet the Creator!

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!

July 9th Old Testament Readings

1 Chronicles 7:1-8:40
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

We read some interesting verses to consider today in First Chronicles 8 verses 8 through 10: ^"After Shaharaim divorced his wives Hushim and Baara, he had children in the land of Moab. Hodesh, his new wife, gave birth to Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam, Jeuz, Sakia, and Mirmah. These sons all became the leaders of clans."  These verses basically record polygamy & divorce by Shaharaim.  However, just because these actions are recorded in the Bible, it does not mean they are condoned by God.  Since the creation of Adam and Eve, God has meant for there to be one man with one wife.  But, we humans don't always follow what God wants for us... (as we each well know)  The Bible records both the good & the bad in human actions.  If someone were to chronicle our lives today, would what the chronicle recorded be pleasing in God's sight?  Don't worry so much about your past & past mistakes.  God can forgive and redeem those, if you will turn to him in repentance.  But right now - what would the chronicler capture in your life today?  Would it be pleasing in God's sight?  Would you want other people to read about your life today?  Would you be comfortable with any aspect of your life showing up on the front page of tomorrow's news?

Worship Video: Today's readings remind me of Laura Story's song "Blessings:"

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

What if your blessings come through raindrops? Click here for the most amazing blessing you could ever imagine!

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 One Year Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

July 8th Old Testament Readings

1 Chronicles 5:18-6:81
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in First Chronicles chapter 5 we read about the tribes east of the Jordan River.  This map will give you a good overview of the territory of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh east of the Jordan.  (along with the rest of the tribes)

Today in First Chronicles chapter 6 we read a genealogy of the Levites, the priestly tribe.  I love that the temple musicians were included in the genealogy today!  Check out verse 32: "They ministered with music before the tabernacle."  Nice touch to include the artists.  Think God likes music? And how true is this - that music ministers to us?  I pray this is true for you.  I know music ministers to me in such a profound way. Particularly Christian and worship music.  Secular music I used to love - and it can still be interesting to listen to.  But the only music these days that truly seems to "minister" to me is Christian music or praise and worship music.  Certainly the music I sing in church every week!  Is music ministering to you these days?

Worship Video: Today's readings remind me of Tenth Avenue North's song "Love is Here:"

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

Do you believe Love is Here?  Click here for Love!

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

God bless,
Mike

p.s. 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!

July 7th Old Testament Readings

1 Chronicles 4:5-5:17
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in 1 Chronicles 4 verses 9 & 10 we will read 2 verses that modern-day author Bruce Wilkinson wrote a best selling book upon called "The Prayer of Jabez: “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.” I’ll start off with a pretty high level question for you here – Why do you pray? How do you pray? What should we pray? Does God want us to pray? Did Jesus pray? Should we model Jesus in praying? I guess I’m coming to think more and more that we of course should pray. Often. Every chance we get really. “Pray without ceasing” ideally. But I’m starting to believe that we pray primarily to discern God’s will and God’s heart – to hear God’s still small voice – rather than to ask for stuff. I mean, I think it is certainly okay for us to ask for stuff on occasion – if it is within God’s will and plan for our lives. But I don’t think we should pray to God as if he was some cosmic slot machine, and that the more we pray, the more blessings & stuff we will get. I think we should be cautious to not view prayer as a “magical” thing that will produce “magical” results in our life. I believe we pray to know the heart of God. I believe we pray for intercession for others. I believe we do pray sometimes to ask for blessings within God’s will and plans for our lives – and I stress “we” and “our” here, as a collective community of the body of Christ. Why do you pray? Do you pray to “listen” to God? Do you pray to intercede on the behalf of others in need?

Worship Video: Today's readings remind me of the song "Mighty to Save" sung here by Michael W. Smith:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYZQ6KN13jU

Has our mighty God saved you? Click here for salvation!

Do you believe our God is mighty to save?  Click here for Might!

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!

July 6th Old Testament Readings

1 Chronicles 2:18-4:4
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Okay, so how are the genealogies treating you today?  No skimming!  :)  Chronicles chapter 2 verse 20 today mentions a man that you might easily overlook at a quick read: "Hur was the father of Uri. Uri was the father of Bezalel."  Bezalel is the master craftsman who supervised the building of the tabernacle in Exodus 31:1-5.  Bezalel is only mentioned here in Chronicles and in Exodus, but it is believed that the Chronicler is attempting in this genealogy to show Bezalel as a model for Solomon in the building of the temple.  Just a little Bible minutiae here for you.  It is fun to look for minutiae like this when reading through the genealogies!  Below is an amazing painting by Pat Marvenko Smith of Bezalel's handiwork with the tabernacle:

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

Worship Video:  Today's readings reminded me of Peter Furler's fantastic song "Reach:"

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

Do you know that God is reaching for you? Click here and allow Him to reach you!

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

God bless,
Mike

p.s. 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!

July 5th Old Testament Readings

1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today we begin the book of First Chronicles!   Let's Go!

~First Chronicles~
Author: Unknown
Date: Fifth century B.C.
Content: First and Second Chronicles form one book in the Hebrew Bible and are written from a priest’s point of view. In this way they supplement the Book of Kings, which were written from a prophet’s point of view. First Chronicles begins with a series of genealogies that record the family histories of David the king and the descendants of Levi the priest. This is followed by the death of Saul and the reign of David, with special emphasis being placed upon the religious affairs of the nation. It closes with Solomon’s being made king.
Theme: Because First Chronicles was written from a priestly point of view, many details about Judah’s religion are given to supplement the history found in the Book of Kings. The stress is upon the supreme importance of worshiping God and the positive effect that has upon the life of a nation. God blesses those nations that trust in him. The mention of so many unfamiliar names, while seemingly irrelevant, actually shows that God forgets no one. Those who go to their graves unknown by men are personally remembered by God. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 7)  More commentary on First Chronicles is at this link.

(image courtesy of IronOrchid Photo Clipart)

Today in First Chronicles chapter 1 we begin a genealogy that will take us through to chapter 9.  I know you may have the temptation to skim or skip these genealogy readings, but I encourage you to read them!  They are fascinating if you really take the time to read through them.  You will notice, for example, that most of today's genealogies come from the book of Genesis.  The author of Chronicles is essentially writing this genealogy for the nation of Israel, after their return from Babylonian exile.  The Chronicler is taking the nation of Israel back to Adam - to very creation! - to demonstrate God's care for the Israelites since the creation of humankind.  You will also notice in today's genealogies that the Chronicler is paying special attention to the tribe of Judah from whence King David will come.  This genealogy from Abraham to Judah to David ultimately leads to Jesus, as we can read in the 1st chapter of the Gospel of Matthew.  Are you enjoying reading genealogies in the Bible? Why or why not? The genealogy in Matthew is sometimes illustrated by a "Jesse Tree" showing the lineage of Jesus from Jesse, father of King David:

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the terrific CeCe Winans song, “Believe For It:”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd24fpsF1Qw

Do you believe God? Click here to Believe in Him!

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!