With My Own Eyes

After missing some days of reading, I’m ready to get back on this horse.  Let’s do this!

Here is today’s Bible reading: 2 Samuel 22:21-23:23; Acts 2:1-47; Psalm 122:1-9; Proverbs 16:19-20.

Acts 2:38-40 (NIV) 
    Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [39] The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
    [40] With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”

This is not a very seeker-sensitive presentation of the Gospel.  Could it have possibly been effective?

Acts 2:41 (NIV) 
    Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

I guess so!

2 Samuel 23:8 (NIV) 
    These are the names of David’s mighty men:

I love this passage.  I want to be known as a mighty man of God.
 

Bible Journey will be silent the next week while we travel to Michigan.  I intend to keep up with the reading and return to posting when we get back.  I will probably post some updates on our trip via Twitter. 

Thanks to Tom for taking care of the house and the dog.

“Wake Up!” Romans 13:11-14

Here is today’s Bible reading:  2 Samuel 2:12-3:39; John 13:1-30; Psalm 119:1-16;
Proverbs 15:29-30.

John 13:15-17 (NIV)
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. [16] I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. [17] Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Are you looking to serve or be served today?

Here is today’s Bible reading: 2 Samuel 1:1-2:1; John 12:20-50; Psalm 118:19-29; Proverbs 15:27-28.

Proverbs 15:28 (NLT)  
    The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.

Must engage brain before mouth.

John 12:25 (NIV)  
    The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

We expend way too many resources in an attempt to cling to this life and its comfort. To what are you clinging today?

Here is today’s Bible reading: 1 Samuel 29:1-31:13; John 11:54-12:19; Psalm 118:1-18; Proverbs 15:24-26.

John 12:3 (NIV) 
    Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

Mary’s worship was extravagant, expensive, and humiliating.  Nothing was too costly for her Savior.  She was willing to give anything in the service of her King.  What adjectives characterize your worship?

Here is today’s Bible reading: 1 Samuel 24:1-25:44; John 10:22-42; Psalm 116:1-19; Proverbs 15:20-21.

Psalm 116:7 (NIV) 
    Be at rest once more, O my soul,
        for the Lord has been good to you.

The discipline of gratitude puts life in perspective. 

1 Samuel 24:5-7 (NIV) 
    Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. [6] He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” [7] With these words David rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.

In contrast to Saul’s impatience which caused him to run ahead of God and take things in his own hands, David waits upon the Lord for His perfect timing.

Here is today’s Bible reading: 1 Samuel 20:1-21:15; John 9:1-41; Psalm 113:1-114:8; Proverbs 15:15-17.

John 9:3 (Msg) 
    Jesus said, “You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do.

When we are faced with trials in this life we are so prone to fixate on the “Why?” instead of the possibilities for miracles.  
 

Sorry for being AWOL the past two days.  I have had internet issues at my office and a really crazy schedule.  I have kept up with the reading but not posting.  I am glad to be back today.

Here is today’s Bible reading: 1 Samuel 18:5-19:24; John 8:31-59; Psalm 112:1-10; Proverbs 15:12-14.

John 8:44 (NIV) 
    You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Think about how many voices you hear in a day.  How many of them speak the Truth?  How many of them verbalize lies?  One of Satan’s strategies is to simply speak lies into our lives.  If we believe the lies, we will have a warped view of God, reality, and ourselves.  His job is done.  This highlights again the importance of immersing ourselves in the Truth of God’s Word to counteract the lies that bombard us each day.  With what lies are you being confronted presently?  What does God’s Word say in response?

Here is today’s Bible reading:  1 Samuel 13:23-14:52; John 7:30-52; Psalm 109:1-31; Proverbs 15:5-7.

1 Samuel 14:6-7 (NLT)
“Let’s go across to see those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!”
[7] “Do what you think is best,” the youth replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.”

I love this passage.  Jonathan had such a strong faith in God.  His armor bearer had a strong sense of loyalty.  These qualities were a winning combination in battle.  This story is a living illustration of the saying, “Little is much when God is in it.”  He is able to take our meager resources and do extraordinary things when we completely surrender them to Him.  What amazing thing does God want to do through you this week?