One Year Bible

Jeremiah 8:8-9:26; Colossians 3:1-17; Psalm 78:32-55; Proverbs 24:27

Even though God taught Israel to follow the law, He was more interested in their heart! The law was only a way to constrain their actions so that they would not incite God’s judgment.

Israel failed miserably at this and that is why they were exiled. God explains something very powerful to Israel, and thus, to us. God says that He is looking for people whose hearts are circumcised. After all, God has always wanted our hearts.

Where is your heart in relation to God? He does want your actions! God wants to know that your heart in following Him. Do you obey God because you have to? If so, your heart is not circumcised. If you obey God because you love Him, then your heart is right towards God. Search your heart and determine if it is duty or desire that drives you to serve God.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Jeremiah 10:1-11:23; Colossians 3:18-4:18; Psalm 78:56-72; Proverbs 24:28-29

Jeremiah 6:16-8:7; Colossians 2:8-23; Psalm 78:1-31; Proverbs 24:26

God loves us enough to always warn us of impending danger. God did this with Israel repeatedly. Whenever calamity befalls us, we are tempted to ask God, “Why?” We will even accuse Him of causing it. Yet, nothing befalls us without some type of warning.

To make matters worse, those who were charged with speaking for God, colluded with the devil and lied to Israel so that they were not prepared for what was to come.

Always remember that God is trying to help you and He will use his servants as well as a still small voice to guide you. Be sensitive to listen so you do not miss the warning signs.

Tomorrow’s Reading:  Jeremiah 8:8-9:26; Colossians 3:1-17; Psalm 78:32-55; Proverbs 24:27

Jeremiah 4:19-6:15; Colossians 1:18-2:7; Psalm 77:1-20; Proverbs 24:23-25

God likes honesty. In fact, He is searching for it (Jeremiah 5:3). Part of honesty is an accurate assessment of where we are and what it will take to fix it. God has chosen pastors as His voice of truth in an age of dissimilation.

One of the criticisms of the leaders during Jeremiah’s time was that “They offer superficial treatments for my people’s mortal wound. They give assurances of peace when there is no peace.” The problems facing God’s people and our culture are serious and require honest assessment. The leaders of the day glossed over the real issues and they never offered real solutions.

The honest truth needs to be offered so that people are not lulled into a false sense of security. We are not okay so long as we are disconnected from God. It is the most risky proposition of all. As a part of the family of God, we have to be clear that the safest place to be is in relationship with God. This is the truth we must present to everyone who will listen.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Jeremiah 6:16-8:7; Colossians 2:8-23; Psalm 78:1-31; Proverbs 24:26

Jeremiah 2:31-4:18; Colossians 1:1-17; Psalm 76:1-12; Proverbs 24:21-22

There are common things that hold us back from God’s best in our lives. Israel committed these sins as a regular part of their rebellion against God. God pleads with Israel to ” surrender your pride and power.”

Pride is thinking we know more than God. It causes us to disregard God’s clear instructions in favor of our way of thinking. Power is thinking  we can do more than God can do. With this dangerous combination, our heart becomes polluted to the point that we reject God’s wisdom and God’s help. The end result is our own destruction.

God’s counsel to Israel is the same for us: Let go of pride and power. Nothing good ever comes from disregarding God’s ways or relying on our own human strength. God’s way is best and His power is infinite. Let’s build our lives on God and not our own human reasoning. Unfortunately, Israel learned this lesson the hard way.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Jeremiah 4:19-6:15; Colossians 1:18-2:7; Psalm 77:1-20; Proverbs 24:23-25

Jeremiah 1:1-2:30; Philippians 4:1-23; Psalm 75:1-10; Proverbs 24:17-20

You were born with purpose and destiny in you. Often we think  the circumstances around our birth determine the meaningfulness of our lives. That is not the case. Our purpose is tied to God’s plans. We are never disqualified because of where we come from. The first thing we received was our purpose when God breathed us into existence.

Your purpose preceded any mistakes you may have made. So, you can’t lose your purpose. Jeremiah realized this as he tried to convince God he had chosen the wrong person. God made it plain to Jeremiah that He knew his purpose when Jeremiah was in his mother’s womb.

The same is true for you. You have a created, unique purpose from God. Claim it. Be proud of it. Walk in it. Then you will truly be fulfilled. Jeremiah was called to do some great things for God. He would never have done them if he didn’t realize that being a prophet was what he was created to do from the foundations of the earth. You should have the same conviction about your purpose.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Jeremiah 2:31-4:18; Colossians 1:1-17; Psalm 76:1-12; Proverbs 24:21-22

Isaiah 66:1-24; Philippians 3:4-21; Psalm 74:1-23; Proverbs 24:15-16

God loves Israel. There is no questioning it. God called out a people to be His very own, special people. Often we talk about how we as Christians are engrafted into this family line, which is true but we cannot ignore that the Jewish people, and the land of Israel are precious to God.

God says that He will treat Israel like a mother treats a child but she will remain blessed and prosperous forever. And, when Jesus returns, He will return in Jerusalem. With all the political posturing and threats against Israel, it is a good reminder that no earthly nation has been assigned Israel’s protector but God. All of Israel’s allies may stand with her but God has taken a personal interest in Israel’s protection.

Our responsibility is to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. “This is what the Lord says: ‘I will give Jerusalem a river of peace and prosperity. The wealth of the nations will flow to her.'”

Take some time today and pray for the peace, protection and prosperity of Israel. God will multiply blessings to you for this.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Jeremiah 1:1-2:30; Philippians 4:1-23; Psalm 75:1-10; Proverbs 24:17-20

Isaiah 62:6-65:25; Philippians 2:19-3:3; Psalm 73:1-28; Proverbs 24:13-14

Hard times have a way of building a new resolve in our lives. In fact, it is usually during those difficult moments where we determine what I call a “Never again” moment. Israel felt the weight of their sins and disobedience. God even saw them and heard the cries from the small group of people who remained faithful.

After God tells us about the Messiah who was to come, He states, that these judgments will never again happen. God had a “never again” moment. This painful cycle of blessing, rebellion, and judgment was finally over for Israel. How about you?

If we look at our lives, we would see that there are trends. We start out doing well, then we take a wrong turn, rather than correct it, we stay there a while until things get really bad, then we turn to God and He rescues us. Isn’t it time to say, “Never Again” to some of these things? Let’s purpose that once we have experienced a painful lesson, we won’t have to experience it again. Let today be your “Never Again!” day and walk into a new level of living.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Isaiah 66:1-24; Philippians 3:4-21; Psalm 74:1-23; Proverbs 24:15-16

Isaiah 60:1-62:5; Philippians 1:27-2:18; Psalm 72:1-20; Proverbs 24:11-12

Isaiah was a prophet who spoke of things to come. He ends His book by speaking about when the Messiah (the Christ) would come. When the Messiah comes He will reverse the negative outlook of people’s lives.

We know  Jesus is the Messiah about whom Isaiah spoke. Hope was given to the poor, the broken, the bound, the hurting and the sick. In any society, these are the most vulnerable people. God cares about all hurting people and never ignores them. At any point, we all fall into one of these categories. We are always confident when things are going well. But when life turns sour, who is there for us?

Jesus is! He tells us in those difficult seasons, I am with you and will turn your situation around. Joy will return. Peace will be established. If you are in one of those seasons, turn to God and let Him encourage you with His Good News.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Isaiah 62:6-65:25; Philippians 2:19-3:3; Psalm 73:1-28; Proverbs 24:13-14

Isaiah 57:15-59:21; Philippians 1:1-26; Psalm 71:1-24; Proverbs 24:9-10

Our motives are important when it comes to God. He does not desire routine action, or religious habits that have no substance to them. God does not want us to obey Him out of a sense of duty. The story of Israel is one where God has been wooing them so He would gain their loyal heart.

It is very easy to fall into habits and our heart is not in it. So, we come to church, because we have to. We pray because we have to. We serve because we have to. We give because we have to. We love people because we have to. God wants to move us from “have to” to “want to”. How does this happen?

Remember what is most important! God has been good to us and has made the first move to love us, forgive us and bless us. All He wants in return is our whole heart. Israel religiously fasted but their hearts were not in it. God told them the light they shine by doing good to help others and, not by the religious duties they perform, would show their heart. Don’t misunderstand: should we have the spiritual disciplines, “Yes.” And, everything we do for God, in public and private, should be done with our whole heart.

Tomorrow’s Reading:  Isaiah 60:1-62:5; Philippians 1:27-2:18; Psalm 72:1-20; Proverbs 24:11-12

Isaiah 54:1-57:14; Ephesians 6:1-24; Psalm 70:1-5; Proverbs 24:8

Have you become so comfortable with the way life is that you do not expect anything good to happen? Israel had suffered in exile and foreign opposition. Even though God promised to bring them back home to their land and bless them, He could never do it so long as Israel saw themselves as slaves and unworthy.

In the midst of their exile, God’s promise of hope had to come with a word of encouragement to make plans for better. God tells Israel to expand their territory and make room for more because soon they will be “bursting at the seams.” God can fill whatever receptacle you give Him.

Your faith will only work to the degree you are in expectation for better. But, then you have to make plans for better. Are you planning for a better career? Are you planning for a better marriage? Are you planning for a better life? If so, God will meet and exceed every expectation you put before Him.

God has given you His Word that you are blessed. He will keep His Word because “It always produces fruit” and it will “accomplish all” God wants it to.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Isaiah 57:15-59:21; Philippians 1:1-26; Psalm 71:1-24; Proverbs 24:9-10