Day 365 - It is Done!

Reading:  Revelation 19-22

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.  I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them.  They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:1-4

Footnote:  The earth as we know it will not last forever, but after God's great judgment, he will create a new earth.  God had also promised Isaiah that he would create a new and eternal earth.  The sea in John's time was viewed as dangerous and changeable.  It was also the source of the beast.  We don't know how the new earth will look or where it will be, but God and his followers -- those whose names are written in the book of life -- will be united to live there forever.  Will you be there?

Have you ever wondered what eternity will be like?  The "Holy City, the new Jerusalem" is described as the place where God will "wipe every tear from their eyes."  Forevermore, there will be no death, pain, sorrow, or crying.  What a wonderful truth!  No matter what you are going through, it's not the last word -- God has written the final chapter, and it is about true fulfillment and eternal joy for those who love him.  We do not know as much as we would like, but it is enough to know that eternity with God will be more wonderful than we could ever imagine.

He said to me: "It is done.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.  To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.  He who overcomes will inherit all this and I will be his God and he will be my son.  Revelation 21:6,7

Footnote:  People who overcome "Stand firm to the end" (Mark 13:13).  They will receive the blessings that God promised:

1.  eating from the tree of life (2:7),
2.  escaping from the lake of fire (the "second death," 2:11),
3.  receiving a special name (2:17),
4.  having authority over the nations (2:26),
5.  being included in the book of life (3:5),
6.  being a pillar in God's spiritual temple (3:12), and
7.  sitting with Christ on his throne (3:21).  

Those who can endure the testing of evil and remain faithful will be rewarded by God.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people.  Amen.  Revelation 22:21

Footnote:  Revelation closes human history as Genesis opened it -- in paradise.  But there is one distinct difference in Revelation -- evil is gone forever.  Genesis describes Adam and Eve walking and talking with God; Revelation describes people worshiping God face to face.  Genesis describes a garden with an evil serpent; Revelation describes a perfect city with no evil.  The Garden of Eden was destroyed by sin; but paradise is re-created in the new Jerusalem.

The book of Revelation ends with an urgent request: "Come, Lord Jesus."  In a world of problems, persecution, evil, and immorality, Christ calls us to endure in our faith.  Our efforts to better our world are important, but their results cannot compare with the transformation that Jesus will bring about when he returns.  H alone controls human history, forgives sin , and will re-create the earth and bring lasting peace.

Revelation is, above all, a book of hope.  It shows that no matter what happens on earth, God is in control.  It promises that evil will not last forever.  And it depicts the wonderful reward that is waiting for all those who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Congratulations!!!!!

This completes THIS Bible Challenge!  365 days of reading God's Word!  You did it!  You made a commitment, you persevered, you ran the race, you crossed the finish line!  Praise God, for we know that we do nothing in our own strength and that it is only God's grace that has allowed us to complete this challenge.  We are the true winners here.....we will never be able to measure the fruit in our lives from spending time in the scriptures.  God's word NEVER returns void!

Keep reading -- 0 days left!

Never stop reading God's Word! 

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 364 - Stay Awake

Reading:  Revelation 16-18

Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, "Go, pour out the seven bowls of God's wrath on the earth."  Revelation 16:1

Footnote:  The bowl judgments are God's final and complete judgments on the earth.  The end has come. There are many similarities between the bowl judgments and the trumpet judgments, but there are three main differences:  

1.  these judgments are complete whereas the trumpet judgments are partial; 
2.  the trumpet judgments still give unbelievers the opportunity to repent, but the bowl judgments do not; and 
3.  mankind is indirectly affected by several of the trumpet judgments but directly attacked by all the bowl judgments.

"Behold, I come like a thief!  Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed."  Revelation 16:15

Footnote:  Christ will return unexpectedly (1 Thessalonians 5:1-5), so we must be ready when he returns.  We can prepare ourselves by standing firm in temptation and by being committed to God's moral standards.  

In what ways does your life show either your readiness or your lack of preparation for Christ's return?

Keep reading -- 1 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 363 - Fruit that Lasts

Reading:  Revelation 13-15

One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed.  The whole world was astonished and followed the beast.  Revelation 13:3

Footnote:  Because the beast, the antichrist, is a false messiah, he will be a counterfeit of Christ and will even stage a false resurrection (13:14).  People will follow and worship him because they will be awed by his power and miracles.  He will unite the world under his leadership, and he will control the world economy.  People are impressed by power and will follow those who display it forcefully or offer it to their followers.  But those who follow the beast will only be fooling themselves:  he will use his power to manipulate others, to point to himself, and to promote evil plans.  God, by contrast, sees his infinitely greater power to love and to build up.  Don't be misled by claims of great miracles or reports about a resurrection or reincarnation of someone claiming to be Christ.  When Jesus returns, he will reveal himself to everyone (Matthew 24:23-28).

Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write:  Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on."

"Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them."  Revelation 14:13

Footnote:  While it is true that money, fame and belongings can't be taken with us from this life, God's people can produce fruit that survives even death.  God will remember our love, kindness, and faithfulness, and those who accept Christ through our witness will join us in the new earth.  Be sure that your values are in line with God's values, and decide today to produce fruit that lasts forever.

Keep reading -- 2 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 362 - Christ is Victorious

Reading:  Revelation 10-12

The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who lived on the earth.  Revelation 11:10

Footnote:  The whole world rejoices at the deaths of these two witnesses who have caused trouble by saying what the people didn't want to hear -- words about their sin, their need for repentance, and the coming punishment.  Sinful people hate those who call attention to their sin and who urge them to repent.  They hated Christ, and they hate his followers (1 John 3:13).  When you obey Christ and take a stand against sin, be prepared to experience the world's hatred.  But remember that the great reward awaiting you in heaven far outweighs any suffering that you face now.

And there was war in heaven.  Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.  Revelation 12:7

Footnote:  Much more happened at Christ's birth, death and resurrection than most people realize.  A war between the forces of good and evil was under way.  With Christ's resurrection, Satan's ultimate defeat was assured.  Some believe that Satan's fall to death took place at Jesus' resurrection or ascension and that the 1,260 days (3 1/2 years) is a symbolic way of referring to the time between Christ's first and second comings.  Others say that Satan's defeat will occur in the middle of a literal seven-year tribulation period, following the rapture of the church and preceding the second coming of Christ and the beginning of Christ's 1,000-year reign.  Whatever the case, we must remember that Christ is victorious -- Satan has already been defeated because of Christ's death on the cross.

Keep reading -- 3 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 361 - Sealed

Reading:  Revelation 7-9

Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God.  He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the see:  "Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God."

Then I heard the number of those who were sealed:  144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.

From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed,
from the tribe of Reuben 12,000,
from the tribe of Gad 12,000,
from the tribe of Asher 12,000,
from the tribe of Naphtali 12000,
from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000,
from the tribe of Simeon 12,000,
from the tribe of Levi 12,000,
from the tribe of Issachar 12,000,
from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000,
from the tribe of Joseph 12,000,
from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000.

Footnote:  A seal on a scroll or document identified and protected its contents.  God places his own seal on his followers, identifying them as his own and guaranteeing his protection over their souls.  This shows how valuable we are to him.  Our physical bodies may be beaten, maimed, or even destroyed, but nothing can harm our souls when we have been sealed by God.  See Ephesians 1:13 for the seal of the Holy Spirit.

The number 144,000 is 12 X 12 X 1,000, symbolizing completeness -- all God's followers will be brought safely to him; not one will be overlooked or forgotten.  God seals these believers either by withdrawing them from the earth (this is called the Rapture) or by giving them special strength and courage to make it through this time of great persecution.  Even though many believers have to undergo persecution, the seal does not necessarily guarantee protection from physical harm -- many will die (see 6:11) -- but God will protect them from spiritual harm.  No matter what happens, they will be brought to their reward of eternal life.  Their destiny is secure.  These believers will not fall away from God even though they may undergo intense persecution.

This is not saying that 144,000 individuals must be sealed before the persecution comes, but that when persecution begins, the faithful will have already been sealed (marked by God) and they will remain true to him until the end.

This is a different list from the usual listing of the 12 tribes in the Old Testament, because it is a symbolic list of God's true followers.  1.  Judah is mentioned first because Judah is both the tribe of David and of Jesus the Messiah.  2.  Levi had no tribal allotment because of the Levites' work for God in the temple, but here the tribe is given a place as a reward for faithfulness.  3.  Dan is not mentioned because it was known for rebellion and idolatry, traits unacceptable for God's followers.  4.  The two tribes representing Joseph (usually called Ephraim and Manasseh, after Joseph's sons) are here called Joseph and Manasseh because of Ephraim's rebellion.  See Genesis 49 for the story of the beginning of these 12 tribes.

Keep reading -- 4 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 360 - A New Song

Daily Reading:  Revelation 4-6


And they sang a new song:  

You are worthy to take the scroll 
and to open its seals, 
because you were slain, 
and with your blood you purchased men for God 
from every tribe and language and people and nation.  
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to 
serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand.  They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.  In a loud voice they sang:

Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them singing:

To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!

Revelation 5:9-13

Keep reading -- 5 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 359 - Alpha & Omega

Daily Reading:  Revelation 1-3

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "Who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."

Footnote:  Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.  The Lord God is the beginning and the end.  God the Father is the eternal Lord and Ruler of the past, present, and future.  Without him you have nothing that is eternal, nothing that can change your life, nothing that can save you from sin.  Is the Lord your reason for living, "the Alpha and the Omega" of your life?  Honor the One who is the beginning and the end of all existence, wisdom, and power.

Journey Through the Book of Revelation

In chapter one, John relates the circumstances that led to the writing of this book.  In chapters two and three, Jesus gives special messages to the seven churches of Asia Minor.

Suddenly John is caught up into heaven, where he sees a vision of God Almighty on his throne.  All of Christs's followers and the heavenly angels are worshiping God.  John watches as God gives a scroll with seven seals to the worthy Lamb, Jesus Christ.  The Lamb begins to open the seals one by one.  As each seal is opened, a new vision appears.

As the first four seals are opened, riders appear on horses of different colors -- war, famine, disease, and earth are in their path.  As the fifth seal is opened, John sees those in heaven who have been martyred for their faith in Christ.

A set of contrasting images appears at the opening of the sixth seal.  On one side, there is a huge earthquake, stars falling from the sky, and the sky rolling up like a scroll.  On the other side, multitudes are before the great throne, worshiping and praising God and the Lamb.

Finally, the seventh seal is opened, unveiling a series of God's judgments announced by seven angels with seven trumpets.  The first four angels bring hail, fire, a burning mountain, and a falling star -- the sun and moon are darkened.  The fifth trumpet announces the coming of locusts with the power to sting.  The sixth trumpet heralds the coming of an army of warriors on horses.  In chapter 10:1-11, John is given a little scroll to eat.  Following this, John is commanded to measure the temple of God.  He sees two witnesses who proclaim God's judgment on the earth for three and a half years.

Finally, the seventh trumpet sounds, calling the rival forces of good and evil to the final battle.  On one side is Satan and his forces; on the other side stands Jesus Christ with his forces.  In the midst of this call to battle, John sees three angels announcing the final judgment.  Two angels begin to reap this harvest of judgment on the earth.  Following on the heels of these two angels are seven more angels who pour out God's judgment on the earth from seven bowls.  One of these angels from the group of seven reveals to John a vision of a "great prostitute" called Babylon riding a scarlet beast.  After the defeat of Babylon, a great multitude in heaven shouts praise to God for his mighty victory.

The final three chapters of the book of Revelation catalogue the events that finalize Christ's victory over the enemy:  Satan's 1,000-year imprisonment, the final judgment, and the creation of a new earth and a new Jerusalem.  An angel then gives John final instructions concerning the visions John has seen and what to do once he has written them all down.

Revelation concludes with the promise of Christ's soon return, an offer to drink of the water of life that flows through the great street of the new Jerusalem, and a warning to those who read the book.  May we pray with John, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus".

The Bible ends with a message of warning and hope for men and women of every generation.  Christ is victorious, and all evil has been done away with.  As you read the book of Revelation, marvel at God's grace in the salvation of the saints and his power over the evil forces of Satan and remember the hope of this victory to come.

Keep reading -- 6 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 358 - This is Love

Daily Reading: 2 John, 3 John, Jude


And this is love:  that we walk in obedience to his commands.  As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.  2 John 5,6

Footnote:  The statement that Christians should love one another is  a recurrent New Testament theme.  Yet love for one's neighbor is an old command, first appearing in the third book of Moses.  We can show love in many ways:  By avoiding prejudice and discrimination, by accepting people, by listening, helping, giving, serving and refusing to judge.  Knowing God's command is not enough.  We must put it into practice, walking "in obedience to his commands."

Keep reading -- 7 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 357 - Strong Enough

Daily Reading:  1 John 3-5

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.  1 John 4:4

Footnote:  It is easy to be frightened by the wickedness we see all around us and overwhelmed by the problems we face.  Evil is obviously much stronger than we are.  John assure us, however, that God is even stronger.  He will conquer all evil -- and his Spirit and his Word live in our hearts!

Keep reading -- 8 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 356 - Faith and Right Behavior

Reading:  1 John 1,2

We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.  The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him.  This is how we know we are in him:  Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.  1 John 2:3-6

Footnote:  How can you be sure that you belong to Christ?  This passage gives two ways to know:  if you do what Christ says and live as Christ wants.  What does Christ tell us to do?  John answers in 3:23: "to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another."  True Christian faith results in loving behavior; that is why John says that the way we act can give us assurance that we belong to Christ.

To "walk as Jesus did" or living as Christ did doesn't mean choosing 12 disciples, performing great miracles, and being crucified.  We cannot merely copy Christ's life -- much of what Jesus did had to do with his identity as God's Son, the fulfillment of his special role in dying for sin, and the cultural context of the first-century Roman world.  To walk today as Christ did we must obey his teachings and follow his example of complete obedience to God and loving service to people.

And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.  

If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.  1 John 2: 28,29

Footnote:  The visible proof of being a Christian is right behavior.  Many people do good deeds but don't have faith in Jesus Christ.  Others claim to have faith but rarely produce good deeds.  A deficit in either faith or right behavior will be a cause for shame when Christ returns.  Because true faith always results in good deeds, those who claim to have faith and who consistently do what is right are true believers.  Good deeds cannot produce salvation (see Ephesians 2:8,9), but they are necessary proof that true faith is actually present (James 2:14-17).

Keep reading -- 9 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 355 - God-breathed

Reading:  2 Timothy 1-4

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16,17

Footnote:  The Bible is not a collection of stories, fables, myths, or merely human ideas about God.  It is not a human book.  Through the Holy Spirit, God revealed his person and plan to certain believers, who wrote down his message for his people.  This process is known as inspiration.  The writers wrote from their own personal, historical, and cultural contexts.  Although they used their own minds, talents, language, and style, they wrote what God wanted them to write.  Scripture is completely trustworthy because God was in control of its writing.  Its words are entirely authoritative for our faith and lives.  The Bible is "God-breathed."  Read it and use its teachings to guide your conduct.

The whole Bible is God's inspired Word.  Because it is inspired and trustworthy, we should read it and apply it to our lives.  The Bible is our standard for testing everything else that claims to be true.  It is our safeguard against false teaching and our source of guidance for how we should live.  It is our only source of knowledge about how we can be saved.  God wants to show you what is true and equip you to live for him.  How much time do you spend in God's Word?  Read it regularly to discover God's truth and to become confident in your life and faith.  Develop a plan for reading the whole Bible, not just the familiar passages.

The Bible Challenge has allowed us to do just that!  We had a plan, we've almost read the WHOLE Bible (just 10 more days!), we've spent time in God's Word this year and discovered so many of His truths!  Well done!

Keep reading -- 10 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 354 - Right Living

Reading:  Titus 1-3

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness -- Titus 1:1

Footnote:  In one short phrase, Paul gives us insight into his reason for living.  He calls himself a servant of God -- that is, one who was committed to obeying God.  This obedience led him to spend his life telling others about Christ.  How would you describe your purpose in life?  To what are you devoted?  

They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.  They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.  Titus 1:16

Footnote:  Many people claim to know God.  How can we know if they really do?  We will not know for certain in this life, but a glance at their life-styles will quickly tell us what they value and whether they have ordered their lives around kingdom priorities.  Our conduct speaks volumes about what we believe.  What do people know about God and about your faith by watching your life?

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.  Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

Footnote: Women who were new Christians were to learn how to have harmony in the home by watching older women who had been Christians for sometime.  We have the same need today.  Younger wives and mothers should learn to live in a Christian manner -- loving their husbands and caring for their children -- through observing exemplary women of God.  If you are of an age or position where people look up to you, make sure that your example is motivating younger believers to live in a way that honors God. 

Keep reading -- 11 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 353 - Live Like That

Reading:  1 Timothy 4-6

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.  1 Timothy 4:12

Footnote:  Timothy was a young pastor.  It would have been easy for older Christians to look down on him because of his youth.  He had to earn the respect of his elders by setting an example in his speech, life, love, faith, and purity.  Regardless of your age,  God can use you.  Whether you are young or old don't think of your age as a handicap.  Live so others can see Christ in you.

But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.  1 Timothy 6:6-8

Footnote:  It is often helpful to distinguish between needs and wants.  We may have all we need to live but let ourselves become anxious and discontented over what we merely want.  Like Paul, we can choose to be content without having all that we want.  The only alternative is to be a slave to our desires.

Keep reading -- 12 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 348 - FAITH

Reading:  Hebrews 11-13

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  Hebrews 11:1

Footnote:  Do you remember how you felt when you were very young and your birthday approached?  You were excited and anxious.  You knew you would certainly receive gifts and other special treats.  But some things would be a surprise.  Birthdays combine assurance and anticipation, and so does faith!  Faith is the conviction based on past experience that God's new and fresh surprises will surely be ours.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  Hebrews 12:1-3

Footnote:  The Christian life involves hard work.  It requires us to give up whatever endangers our relationship with God, to run patiently, and to struggle against sin with the power of the Holy Spirit.  To live effectively, we must keep our eyes on Jesus.  We will stumble if we look away from him to stare at ourselves or at the circumstances surrounding us.  We should be running for Christ, not ourselves, and we must always keep him in sight.  

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.  Hebrews 13:2

Footnote:  Three Old Testament people "entertained angels without knowing it":  1.  Abraham, 2.  Gideon, 3.  Manoah.  Some people say they cannot be hospitable because their homes are not large enough or nice enough.  But even if you have no more than a table and two chairs in a rented room there are people who would be grateful to spend time in your home.  Are there visitors to your church with whom you could share a meal?  Do you know single people who would enjoy an evening of conversation?  Is there any way your home could meet the needs of traveling missionaries?  Hospitality simply means making other people feel comfortable and at home.

Keep reading -- 17 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 352 - Sinner Saved by Grace

Reading: 1 Timothy 1-3

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies.  These promote controversies rather than God's work -- which is by faith.  The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.  Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk.  They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.  1 Timothy 1:3-7

Footnote:  Arguing about details of the Bible can send us off on interesting but irrelevant tangents and cause us to miss the intent of God's message.  The false teachers at Ephesus constructed vast speculative systems and then argued about the minor details of their wholly imaginary ideas.  We should allow nothing to distract us from the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ, the main point of Scripture.  We should know what the Bible says, apply it to our lives daily, and teach it to others.  When we do this, we will be able to evaluate all teachings in light of the central truth about Jesus.  Don't focus on the minute details of the Bible to the exclusion of the main point God is teaching you.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance:  Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners -- of whom I am the worst.  1 Timothy 1:15

Footnote:  Paul calls himself "the worst" of sinners.  We think of Paul as a great hero of the faith, but Paul never saw himself that way, because he remembered his life before he met Christ.  The more Paul understood God's grace, the more he was aware of his own sinfulness.  Humility and gratitude should mark the life of every Christian.  Never forget that you too are a sinner saved by grace.

Keep reading -- 13 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 351 - A Day is like a Thousand Years

Daily Reading:  2 Peter 1-3

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends:  With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.  The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  2 Peter 3:8-9

Footnote: God may have seemed slow to these believers as they faced persecution every day and longed to be delivered.  But God is not slow; he just is not on our timetable.  Jesus is waiting so that more sinners will repent and turn to him.  We must not sit and wait for Christ to return, but we should live with the realization that time is short and that we have important work to do.  Be ready to meet Christ any time, even today, yet plan your course of service as though he may not return for many years.

Keep reading -- 14 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 350 - Use Your Gifts

Reading:  1 Peter 3-5

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.  To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.  Amen.  1 Peter 4:10,11

Footnote:  Some people, well aware of their abilities, believe that they have the right to use their abilities as they please.  Others feel that they have no special talents at all.  Peter addresses both groups in these verses.  Everyone has some gifts; find yours and use them.  All our abilities should be used in serving others; none are for our own exclusive enjoyment.  Peter mentions speaking and serving.  Paul lists these and other abilities in Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-11; Ephesians 4:11.

How is God praised when we use our abilities?  When we use them as he directs, to help others, they will see Jesus in us and praise him for the help they have received.  Peter may have been thinking of Jesus' words, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven"  (Matthew 5:16).

Keep reading -- 15 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 349 - The Word of the Lord Stands Forever

Reading:  Philemon, 1 Peter 1 & 2

For, 

All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fail,
but the word of the Lord stands forever.  

And this is the word that was preached to you.  1 Peter 1:24, 25

Footnote:  Quoting Isaiah 40:6-8, Peter reminds believers that everything in this life -- possessions, accomplishments, people -- will eventually fade away and disappear.  Only God's will, word, and work are permanent.  We must stop grasping the temporary, and begin focusing our time, money, and energy on the permanent -- the word of God and our eternal life in Christ.

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.  1 Peter 2:2,3

Footnote:  One characteristic all children share is that they want to grow up -- to be like big brother or sister or like their parents.  When we are born again, we become spiritual newborn babies.  If we are healthy, we will yearn to grow.  How sad it is that some people never grow up.  The need for milk is a natural instinct for a baby, and it signals the desire for nourishment that will lead to growth.  Once we see our need for God's Word and begin to find nourishment in Christ, our spiritual appetite will increase, and we will start to mature.  How strong is your desire for God's Word?

Keep reading -- 16 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 347 - The New Covenant is Greater than the Old

Reading:  Hebrews 8-10

This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time, declares the Lord.
I will put my laws in their minds
and write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.  Hebrews 8:10

Footnote:  If our hearts are not changed, following God's rules will be unpleasant and difficult.  We will rebel against being told how to live.  The Holy Spirit, however, gives us new desires, helping us want to obey God.  With new hearts, we find that serving God is our greatest joy.

Under God's new covenant, God's law is inside us.  It is no longer an external set of rules and principles.  The Holy Spirit reminds us of Christ's words, activates our consciences, influences our motives and desires, and makes us want to obey.  Now doing God's will is something we desire with all our heart and mind.

Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said:
Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but a body you prepared for me;
with burnt offerings and sin offerings
you were not pleased.
Then I said, "Here I am -- it is written about me in the scroll -- 
I have come to do your will, O God." Hebrews 10:5-10

Footnote:  This quotation is not cited in any other New Testament book.  However, it is a central teaching of the Old Testament that God desires obedience and a right heart, not empty compliance to the sacrifice system.  The writer of Hebrews applies to Christ the words of the psalmist in Psalm 40:6-8.  Christ came to offer his body on the cross for us as a sacrifice that is completely acceptable to God.  God's new and living way for us to please him is not by keeping laws or even by abstaining from sin.  It is by coming to him in faith to be forgiven, and then following him in loving obedience.

Keep reading -- 18 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 346 - Spiritual Maturity

Reading:  Hebrews 5-7

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn.  In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again.  You need milk, not solid food!  Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.  But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.  Hebrews 5:11-14

Footnote:  In order to grow from infant Christians to mature Christians, we must learn discernment.  We must train our consciences, our senses, our minds, and our bodies to distinguish good from evil.  Can you recognize temptation before it traps you?  Can you tell the difference between a correct use of Scripture and a mistaken one?

Our capacity to feast on deeper knowledge of God ("solid food") is determined by our spiritual growth. Too often we want God's banquet before we are spiritually capable of digesting it.  As you grow in the Lord and put into practice what you have learned, your capacity to understand will also grow.

MATURE CHOICES    VS.   IMMATURE CHOICES

Teaching others vs. just being taught.

Developing depth of understanding vs. struggling with the basics.

Self-evaluation vs. self-criticism.

Seeking unity vs. promoting disunity.

Desiring spiritual challenges vs. desiring entertainment.

Careful study and observation vs. opinions and halfhearted efforts.

Active faith vs. cautious apathy and doubt.

Confidence vs. fear.

Feelings and experiences evaluated in the light of God's Word vs. experiences evaluated according to feelings.

One way to evaluate spiritual maturity is by looking at the choices we make.  The writer of Hebrews notes many of the ways those choices change with personal growth.

Keep reading -- 19 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 345 - Living, Life-Changing and Dynamic

Reading:  Hebrews 1-4

For the word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12

Footnote:  The Word of God is not simply a collection of words from God, a vehicle for communicating ideas; it is living, 
                                life-changing, and 
                                                     dynamic as it works in us.  With the incisiveness of a surgeon's knife, God's Word reveals who we are and what we are not.  It penetrates the core of our moral and spiritual life.  It discerns what is within us, both good and evil.  The demands of God's Word require decisions.  We must not only listen to the Word; we must also let it shape our lives.

Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.  Hebrews 4:13

Footnote:  Nothing can be hidden from God.  He knows about everyone everywhere, and everything about us is wide open to his all-seeing eyes.  God sees all we do and knows all we think.  Even when we are unaware of his presence, he is there.  When we try to hide from him, he sees us.  We can have no secrets from God.  It is comforting to realize that although God knows us intimately, he still loves us.

Keep reading -- 20 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 344 - In Christ Alone

Reading:  Colossians 1-4

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  Colossians 3:1,2

Footnote:  Setting our hearts on things above means striving to put heaven's priorities into daily practice.  Setting our minds on things above means concentrating on the eternal rather than the temporal.  See Philippians 4:9 and Colossians 3:15 for more on Christ's rule in our hearts and minds.

I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.  Remember my chains.  Grace be with you.  Colossians 4:18

Footnote:  To understand the letter to the Colossians, we need to know that the church was facing pressure from a heresy that promised deeper spiritual life through secret knowledge (an early form of Gnosticism).  The false teachers were destroying faith in Christ by undermining Christ's humanity and divinity.

Paul makes it clear in Colossians that Christ alone is the source of our spiritual life, the Head of the body of believers.  Christ is Lord of both the physical and spiritual worlds.  The path to deeper spiritual life is not through religious duties, special knowledge, or secrets; it is only through a clear connection with the Lord Jesus Christ.  We must never let anything come between us and our Savior.

Keep reading -- 21 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 340 - 343

I was away longer than expected...........

This should get us caught up.  Only 22 days left on the challenge!!


DAY 340

Reading:  Acts 26-28

At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense.  "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted.  "Your great learning is driving you insane."  Acts 26:24

Footnote:  Paul was risking his life for a message that was offensive to the Jews and unbelievable to the Gentiles.  Jesus received the same response to his message.  To a worldly, materialistic mind, it seems insane to risk so much to gain what seems to be so little.  But as you follow Christ, you soon discover that temporary possessions look so small next to even the smallest eternal reward.

Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand.  Acts 28:3

Footnote:  God had promised safe passage to Paul, and he would let nothing stop his servant.  The poisonous viper that bit Paul was unable to harm him.  Our lives are in God's hands, to continue on or to come to an end in his good timing.  God still had work for Paul to do.

Footnote for 28:17-20:  Paul wanted to preach the gospel in Rome, and he eventually got there -- in chains, through shipwreck, and after many trials.  Although he may have wished for an easier passage, he knew that God had blessed him greatly in allowing him to meet the believers in Rome and preach the message to both Jews and Gentiles in that great city.  In all things, God worked for Paul's good (Romans 8:28).  You can trust him to do the same for you.  God may not make you comfortable or secure, but he will provide the opportunity to do his work.

DAY 341

Reading:  Ephesians 1-3

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.  Ephesians 1:4

Footnote:  Paul says that God "chose us in him" to emphasize that salvation depends totally on God.  We are not saved because we deserve it, but because God is gracious and freely gives salvation.  We did not influence God's decision to save us; he saved us according to his plan.  Thus there is no way to take credit for our salvation or to allow room for pride.  The mystery of salvation originated in the timeless mind of God long before we existed.  It is hard to understand how God could accept us.  But because of Christ, we are holy and blameless in his sight.  God chose us, and when we belong to him through Jesus Christ, God looks at us as if we had never sinned.  All we can do is express our thanks for his wonderful love.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast.  Ephesians 2:8,9

Footnote:  When someone gives you a gift, do you say, "That's very nice -- now how much do I owe you?"  No, the appropriate response to a gift is "Thank you."  Yet how often Christians, even after they have been given the gift of salvation, feel obligated to try to work their way to God.  Because our salvation and even our faith are gifts, we should respond with gratitude, praise, and joy.

...so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.  And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge -- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  Ephesians 3:17-19

Footnote:  God's love is total, says Paul.  It reaches every corner of our experience.  It is wide -- it covers the breadth of our own experience, and it reaches out to the whole world.  God's love is long -- it continues the length of our lives.  It is high -- it rises to the heights of our celebration and elation.  His love is deep -- it reaches to the depths of discouragement, despair, and even death.  When you feel shut out or isolated, remember that you can never be lost to God's love.  

DAY 342 

Reading:  Ephesians 4-6

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.  Ephesians 4:22-24

Footnote:  People should be able to see a difference between Christians and non-Christians because of the way Christians live.  We are to live as children of light.  Paul told the Ephesians to leave behind the old life of sin, since they were followers of Christ.  Living the Christian life is a process.  Although we have a new nature, we don't automatically think all good thoughts and express all right attitudes when we become new people in Christ.  But if we keep listening to God, we will be changing all the time.  As you look back over last year, do you see a process of change for the better in your thoughts, attitudes and actions?  Although change may be slow, it comes as you trust God to change you.  

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains.  Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.  Ephesians 6:19,20

Footnote:  Undiscouraged and undefeated, Paul wrote powerful letters of encouragement from prison.  Paul did not ask the Ephesians to pray that his chains would be removed, but that he would continue to speak fearlessly for Christ in spite of them.  God can use us in any circumstance to do his will.  Even as we pray for a change in our circumstances, we should also pray that God will accomplish his plan through us right where we are.  Knowing God's eternal purpose for us will help us through the difficult times.

DAY 343 

Reading:  Philippians 1-4

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6,7

Footnote:  Imagine never being "anxious about anything"!  It seems like an impossibility -- we all have worries on the job, in our homes, at school.  But Paul's advice is to turn our worries into prayers.  Do you want to worry less?  Then pray more!  Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray.

God's peace is different from the world's peace.  True peace is not found in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or in good feelings.  It comes from knowing that God is in control.  Our citizenship in Christ's kingdom is sure, our destiny is set, and we can have victory over sin.

....for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.  Philippians 4:11-13

Footnote:  Paul was content because he could see life from God's point of view.  He focused on what he was supposed to do, not what he felt he should have.  Paul had his priorities straight, and he was grateful for everything God had given him.  Paul had detached himself from the nonessentials so that he could concentrate on the eternal.  Often the desire for more or better possessions is really a longing to fill an empty place in a person's life.  To what are you drawn when you feel empty inside?  How can you find true contentment?  The answer lies in your perspective, your priorities, and your source of power.

Keep reading -- 22 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 333 - 339

I will be away from my computer this week.  Just keep reading.............


Day 333

Reading: 2 Corinthians 10-13

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.  2 Corinthians 10:5

Footnote:  Paul uses military terminology to describe this warfare against sin and Satan.  God must be the commander in chief -- even our thoughts must be submitted to his control as we live for him.

This next passage of scripture is about Paul.  It's only a portion of his trials and sufferings.  Read it slowly.....let the depth of Paul's ministry really sink in.

Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.  

Three times I was beaten with rods, 

once I was stoned, 

three times I was shipwrecked, 

I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 

I have been constantly on the move.  

I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; 

in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.  

I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; 

I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; 

I have been cold and naked.  

Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.   

2 Corinthians 11: 24-28

Footnote:  Paul was sacrificing his life for the gospel, something the false teachers would never do.  The trials and hurts we experience for Christ's sake build our character, demonstrate our faith, and prepare us for further service to the Lord.

Keep reading -- 32 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 334

Reading:  Acts 20:2;  Romans 1-4

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities -- his eternal power and divine nature -- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20

Footnote:  What kind of God does nature reveal?  Nature shows us a God of might, intelligence, and intricate detail; a God of order and beauty; a God who controls powerful forces.  That is general revelation.  Through special revelation (the Bible and the coming of Jesus), we learn about God's love and forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life.  God has graciously given us both sources that we might fully believe in him.

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

Footnote:  People tend to believe lies that reinforce their own selfish, personal beliefs.  Today, more than ever we need to be careful about the input we allow to form our beliefs.  With TV, music, movies and the rest of the media often presenting sinful life-styles and unwholesome values, we find ourselves constantly bombarded by attitudes and beliefs that are totally opposed to the Bible.  Be careful about what you allow to form your opinions.  The Bible is the only standard of truth.  Evaluate all other opinions in light of its teachings.  

God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.  He did this to demonstrate his justice because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished -- Romans 3:25

Footnote:  What happened to people who lived before Christ came and died for sin?  If God condemned them, was he being unfair?  If he saved them, was Christ's sacrifice unnecessary?  Paul shows that God forgave all human sin at the cross of Jesus.  Old Testament believers looked forward in faith to Christ's coming and were saved, even though they did not know Jesus' name or the details of his earthly life.  Unlike the Old Testament believers, you know about the God who loved the world so much that he gave his own Son (John 3:16).  Have you put your trust in him?

Keep reading -- 31 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 335 

Reading:  Romans 5-8

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.  Romans 5:3-5

Footnote:  For first-century Christians, suffering was the rule rather than the exception.  Paul tells us that in the future we will become, but until then we must overcome.  This means we will experience difficulties that help us grow.  We rejoice in suffering not because we like pain or deny its tragedy, but because we know God is using life's difficulties and Satan's attacks to build our character.  The problems that we run into will develop our perseverance -- which in turn will strengthen our character, deepen our trust in God, and give us greater confidence about the future.  You probably find your patience tested in some way every day.  Thank God for those opportunities to grow, and deal with them in his strength.

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.  The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God.  It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.  Romans 8:5-7

Footnote:  Paul divides people into two categories -- those who let themselves be controlled by their sinful natures, and those who follow after the Holy Spirit.  All of us would be in the first category if Jesus hadn't offered us a way out.  Once we have said yes to Jesus, we will want to continue following him, because his way brings life and peace.  Daily we must consciously choose to center our lives on God.  Use the Bible to discover God's guidelines, and then follow them.  In every perplexing situation ask yourself, "What would Jesus want me to do?"  When the Holy Spirit points out what is right, do it eagerly.  For more on our sinful natures versus our new life in Christ, see 6:6-8, Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:3-15.

Keep reading -- 30 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 336 

Reading:  Romans 9-11

Why not?  Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works.  They stumbled over the "stumbling stone."  Romans 9:32

Footnote:  The "stumbling stone" was Jesus.  The Jews did not believe in him, because he didn't meet their expectations for the Messiah.  Some people still stumble over Christ because salvation by faith doesn't make sense to them.  They would rather try to earn their way to God, or else they expect God simply to overlook their sins.  Others stumble over Christ because his values are the opposite of the world's.  He asks for humility, and many are unwilling to humble themselves before him.  He requires obedience, and many refuse to put their wills at his disposal.

But what does it say?  The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming:  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.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.  As the Scripture says, Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.  For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile -- the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.  Romans 10:8-13

Footnote:  Have you ever been asked, "How do I become a Christian?"  These verses give you the beautiful answer -- salvation  is as close as your own mouth and heart.  People think it must be a complicated process, but it is not.  If we believe in our hearts and say with our mouths that Christ is the risen Lord, we will be saved.

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and

knowledge of God!

How unsearchable his judgments,

and his paths beyond tracing out!

Who has known the mind of the Lord?

Or who has been his counselor?

Who has ever given to God,

that God should repay him?

For from him and through him and to him are all

things.

To him be the glory forever!  Amen.

Romans 11:33-36

Keep reading -- 29 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 337

Reading:  Romans 12-16

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship.  Romans 12:1

Footnote:  When sacrificing an animal according to God's law, a priest would kill the animal, cut it in pieces, and place it on the altar.  Sacrifice was important, but even in the Old Testament God made it clear that obedience from the heart was much more important (see 1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 40:6; Amos 5:21-24).  God wants us to offer ourselves, not animals, as living sacrifices -- daily laying aside our own desires to follow him, putting all our energy and resources at his disposal and trusting him to guide us.  We do this out of gratitude that our sins have been forgiven.

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.  Romans 12:2

Footnote:  God has good, pleasing and perfect plans for his children.  He wants us to be transformed people with renewed minds, living to honor and obey him.  Because he wants only what is best for us, and because he gave his Son to make our new lives possible, we should joyfully give ourselves as living sacrifices for his service.

Christians are called to "not conform any longer to the pattern of this world," with its behavior and customs that are usually selfish and often corrupting.  Many Christians wisely decide that much worldly behavior is off limits for them.  Our refusal to conform to this world's values, however, must go even deeper than the level of behavior and customs -- it must be firmly planted in our minds -- "be transformed by the renewing of your mind."  It is possible to avoid most worldly customs and still be proud, covetous, selfish, stubborn, and arrogant.  Only when the Holy Spirit renews, reeducates, and redirects our minds are we truly transformed.

Keep reading -- 28 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV



Day 338 

Reading:  Acts 20:3 through Chapter 22

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me -- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.  Acts 20:24

Footnote:  We often feel that life is a failure unless we're getting a lot out of it:  recognition, fun, money, success.  But Paul considered life worth nothing unless he used it for God's work.  What he put into life was far more important than what he got out.  Which is more important to you -- what you get out of life, or what you put into it?

Keep reading -- 27 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 339 

Reading:  Acts 23-25

As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now!  You may leave.  When I find it convenient, I will send for you."  Acts 24:25

Footnote: Paul's talk with Felix became so personal that Felix grew fearful.  Felix, like Herod Antipas, had taken another man's wife.  Paul's words were interesting until they focused on "righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come."  Many people will be glad to discuss the gospel with you as long as it doesn't touch their lives too personally.  When it does, some will resist or run.  But this is what the gospel is all about -- God's power to change lives.  The gospel is not effective until it moves from principles and doctrine into a life-changing dynamic.  When someone resists or runs from your witness, you have undoubtedly succeeded in making the gospel personal.

The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high ranking officers and the leading men of the city.  At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.  Acts 25:23

Footnote:  Paul was in prison but that didn't stop him from making the most of his situation.  Military officers and prominent city leaders met in the palace room with Agrippa to hear this case.  Paul saw this new audience as yet another opportunity to present the gospel.  Rather than complain about your present situation, look for ways to use every opportunity to serve God and share him with others.  Your problems may be opportunities in disguise.

Keep reading -- 26 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

June Reading Lists

    June

1     Romans 9-11
2     Romans 12-16
3     Acts 20:3- Chapter 22
4     Acts 23-25
5     Acts 26-28
6     Ephesians 1-3
7     Ephesians 4-6
8     Philippians 1-4
9     Colossians 1-4
10   Hebrews 1-4
11   Hebrews 5-7
12   Hebrews 8-10
13   Hebrews 11-13
14   Philemon; 1 Peter 1,2
15   1 Peter 3-5
16   2 Peter 1-3
17   1 Timothy 1-3
18   1 Timothy 4-6
19   Titus 1-3
20    2 Timothy 1-4
21   1 John 1,2
22   1 John 3-5
23   2 John, 3 John, Judge
24   Revelation 1-3
25   Revelation 4-6
26   Revelation 7-9
27   Revelation 10-12
28   Revelation 13-15
29   Revelation 16-18
30   Revelation 19-22


Junior Bible Challenge Reading List......

June

1    Colossians 3
2    1 Thessalonians 3
3    2 Thessalonians 2
4    1 Timothy 1
5    1 Timothy 4
6    2 Timothy 1
7    2 Timothy 3
8    2 Timothy 4
9    Titus 2
10  Titus 3
11  Titus 4
12  Philemon
13  Hebrews 2
14  Hebrews 11
15  Hebrews 12
16  James 1
17  James 5
18  1 Peter 1
19  1 Peter 4
20  2 Peter 1
21  2 Peter 3
22  1 John 3
23  1 John 5
24  2 John
25  3 John
26  Jude
27  Revelation 1
28  Revelation 2
29  Revelation 3
30  Revelation 12


Wow!  Only 30 days left in this challenge!  Praying you all will finish strong and be blessed and encouraged as you spend time in God's Word.

Day 332 - Give Generously and Cheerfully

Daily Reading:  2 Corinthians 7-9

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.  2 Corinthians 7:10

Footnote:  "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation" refers to the sorrow for our sins that results in changed behavior  Many people are sorry only for the effects of their sins or for being caught ("worldly sorrow").  Compare Peter's remorse and repentance with Judas's bitterness and act of suicide.  Both disowned Christ.  One repented and was restored to faith and service; the other took his own life.

Remember this:  Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.  
2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Footnote:  People may hesitate to give generously to God if they worry about having enough money left over to meet their own needs.  Paul assured the Corinthians that God was able to meet their needs.  The person who gives only a little will receive only a little in return.  Don't let a lack of faith keep you from giving freely and generously.

Our attitude when we give is more important than the amount we give.  We don't have to be embarrassed if we can give only a small gift.  God is concerned about how we give from the resources we have.  According to that standard, the giving of the Macedonian churches would be difficult to match (8:3).

Keep reading -- 33 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 331 - What is Unseen is Eternal

Daily Reading:  2 Corinthians 4-6

Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:16

Footnote:  It is easy to lose heart and quit.  We all have faced problems in our relationships or in our work that have caused us to want to think about laying down the tools and walking away.  Rather than giving up when persecution wore him down, Paul concentrated on experiencing the inner strength from the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16).  Don't let fatigue, pain, or criticism force you off the job.  Renew your commitment to serving Christ.  Don't forsake your eternal reward because of the intensity of today's pain.  Your very weakness allows the resurrection power of Christ to strengthen you moment by moment.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.  2 Corinthians 5:10

Footnote:  While eternal life is a free gift given on the basis of God's grace, each of us will still be judged by Christ.  This judgment will reward us for how we have lived.  God's gracious gift of salvation does not free us from the requirement for faithful obedience.  All Christians must give account for how they have lived (see Matthew 16:27; Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15).

Keep reading -- 34 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 330 - Reflect the Lord's Glory

Daily Reading:  Acts 19:11-20:1; 2 Corinthians 1-3

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.  2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Footnote:  Many think that when God comforts us, our troubles should go away.  But if that were always so, people would turn to God only out of a desire to be relieved of pain and not out of love for him. We must understand that being comforted can also mean receiving strength, encouragement, and hope to deal with our troubles.  The more we suffer, the more comfort God gives us.  If you are feeling overwhelmed, allow God to comfort you.  Remember that every trial you endure will help you comfort other people who are suffering similar troubles.

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.  2 Corinthians 3:18

Footnote:  The glory that the Spirit imparts to the believer is more excellent and lasts longer than the glory that Moses experienced.  By gazing at the nature of God with unveiled minds, we see the truth about Christ, and it transforms us morally as we understand and apply it.  Through learning about Christ's life, we can understand how wonderful God is and what he is really like.  As our knowledge deepens, the Holy Spirit helps us to change.  Becoming Christlike is a progressive experience (see Romans 8:29; Galatians 4:19; Philippians 3:21; 1 John 3:2).  The more closely we follow Christ, the more we will be like him.

Keep reading -- 35 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 329 - Faith, Hope and Love

Daily Reading:  1 Corinthians 13-16

And now these three things remain:  faith, hope, and love.  But the greatest of these is love.  1 Corinthians 13:13

Footnote:  In morally corrupt Corinth, love had become a mixed-up term with little meaning.  Today people are still confused about love.  Love is the greatest of all human qualities, and it is an attribute of God himself (1 John 4:8).  Love involves unselfish service to others:  to show it gives evidence that you care.  Faith is the foundation and content of God's message; hope is the attitude and focus; love is the action.  When faith and hope are in line, you are free to love completely because you understand how God loves.

If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.  And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.  More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead.  But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.  For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.  And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.  Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.  If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.  1 Corinthians 13:13-18

Footnote:  The resurrection of Christ is the center of the Christian faith.  Because Christ rose from the dead as he promised, we know that what he said is true -- he is God.  Because he rose, we have certainty that our sins are forgiven.  Because he rose, he lives and represents us to God.  Because he rose and defeated death, we know we will also be raised.

If anyone does not love the Lord -- a curse be on him.  Come, O Lord!  1 Corinthians 16:22

Footnote:  The Lord Jesus Christ is coming back to earth again.  To Paul, this was a glad hope, the very best he could look forward to.  He was not afraid of seeing Christ -- he could hardly wait!  Do you share Paul's eager anticipation?  Those who love Christ are looking forward to that wonderful time of his return (Titus 2:13).  To those who did not love the Lord, however, Paul says, let them be cursed.

Keep reading -- 36 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV