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