De·vo·tions: an act of religious observance or prayer, especially when private. Often used in the plural. Posts in this category pertain to my observations and commentary regarding Bible study and devotions.
Today´s reading:
OT: II Samuel 23:24-39, II Samuel 24
NT: Acts 3
Ps: Psalm 123
Pr: Proverbs 16:21-23
Today´s notable verse:
But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”
II Samuel 24:24a (NIV)
To offer a sacrifice that costs nothing is to defeat the very purpose and meaning of sacrifice. Just as for David, so also for us.
The One Year Bible Blog‘s comments for today.
Today´s reading:
OT: II Samuel 22, II Samuel 23:1-23
NT: Acts 2
Ps: Psalm 122
Pr: Proverbs 16:19-20
Today´s notable verse:
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.
Acts 2:38 (NIV)
The One Year Bible Blog‘s comments for today.
Today´s reading:
OT: II Samuel 20:14-26, II Samuel 21
NT: Acts 1
Ps: Psalm 121
Pr: Proverbs 16:18
Today´s notable verse:
The LORD will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life
Psalm 121:7 (NIV)
The One Year Bible Blog asks:
Comments from you & Question of the Day – What are some ways you have dealt with pride in your life in the past? Have you been able to overcome issues of judging others? Thinking you are all that? How did you overcome these pride issues?
[Note: the question of the day is in response to today’s Proverbs 16:18 passage: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.“]
To combat an issue like pride and being judgemental, we must remember first that God gave us the capacity and the responsibility to control our thoughts:
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.
II Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
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 (NIV)
Second, we must remember that our thoughts are to be obedient to Christ, and are to reflect His Lordship in our lives and our expression of His love. This reflection demands humility:
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Romans 12:3 (NIV)
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3 (NIV)
Finally, we must realize that what we say is the natural progression of our thoughts and our attitudes:
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 6:45 (NIV)
Ultimately, we must remember that we are called first and foremost to deal with the glaring sin in our own lives before we could ever hope to address someone else’s sin. I have enough to handle with this plank in my own eye; why would I concern myself with the speck of dust in my brother’s eye?
Today´s reading:
OT: II Samuel 19:11-43, II Samuel 20:1-13
NT: John 21
Ps: Psalm 120
Pr: Proverbs 16:16-17
Today´s notable verse:
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!
Proverbs 16:16 (NIV)
The One Year Bible Blog‘s comments for today.
Today´s reading:
OT: II Samuel 18, II Samuel 19:1-10
NT: John 20
Ps: Psalm 119:153-176
Pr: Proverbs 16:14-15
Today´s notable verse:
Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
Psalm 119:165 (NIV)
The One Year Bible Blog‘s comments for today.
Today´s reading:
OT: II Samuel 17
NT: John 19:23-42
Ps: Psalm 119:129-152
Pr: Proverbs 16:12-13
Today´s notable verse:
I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.
Psalm 119:147 (NIV)
There is something about the stillness of the morning just before dawn; I have always found this time of the day to be one of the most opportune for communion with God.
The One Year Bible Blog‘s comments for today.
Today´s reading:
OT: II Samuel 15:23-37, II Samuel 16
NT: John 18:25-40, John 19:1-22
Ps: Psalm 119:113-128
Pr: Proverbs 16:10-11
Today´s notable verse:
124 Deal with your servant according to your love
and teach me your decrees.
125 I am your servant; give me discernment
that I may understand your statutes.Psalm 119:124-125(NIV)
The One Year Bible Blog‘s comments for today.
Posted May 30th; back-dated.
Today´s reading:
OT: II Samuel 14, II Samuel 15:1-22
NT: John 18:1-24
Ps: Psalm 119:97-112
Pr: Proverbs 16:8-9
Today´s notable verse:
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
Father, you know the desires of my heart, for you have given me them. I have set my course according to them, and I thank you, Lord, that you determine my steps! I thank you that you light my path one step at a time, developing my faith as I take each step.
The One Year Bible Blog‘s comments for today.
Posted May 30th; back-dated.
Today´s reading:
OT: II Samuel 13
NT: John 17
Ps: Psalm 119:81-96
Pr: Proverbs 16:6-7
Today´s notable verse:
Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
John 17:3 (NIV)
The One Year Bible Blog‘s comments for today.
Posted May 30th; back-dated.
Today´s reading:
OT: II Samuel 12
NT: John 16
Ps: Psalm 119:65-80
Pr: Proverbs 16:4-5
Today´s notable verse:
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 (NIV)
It is all too true: in this world we will have trouble; yet, within us is the One who has overcome the world!
The One Year Bible Blog‘s comments for today.