So what do you do if you are “hopelessly” behind in your reading?

You keep going. You don't give up because you know it's worthwhile and by faith you know that God not only has blessing, but has Himself hidden in the pages of that book.

Thankfully, life is full of new beginnings. Use them. For example, Monday always begins a new week. Regardless of how bad last week was, and how you felt you messed up on holding things together, start again on Monday.

Tomorrow begins August. If that's too soon for you, September's coming. Fall is coming about 20 days into September. Then comes October and so on. If you need to wait for a holiday there's labor day and Halloween or look at an international calendar for more ideas.

Especially if you have kids, your life has changed since summer vacation began and the kids began haunting the house all day long. But school, or mother's day out, or kindergarten will begin soon (thank God!).

Even if you struggle in your reading to the end of the year, resolve to start fresh in January.

Part of what you're experiencing is self discovery. It isn't easy to read the most important book in the world. There is a price tag to really drawing close to God in His Word. We fight a thousand fights and the biggest one is with ourselves. But, of course, it's worth it. The Lord blesses and provides as He promises.

Since I'm no rock of self discipline, I've begun and re-begun, and committed and recommitted hundreds and hundreds of times. But eventually the right rhythm comes and it clicks. A reading routine finally falls into place. You finally figure out when you need to read and if you miss that time you're toast. You work up a review plan for something and it fails and is burdensome and you're a mess. But then Monday or the first of the month or the first of something rolls along and you kick it again and Voila!

But then someone visits, someone gets sick, something happens and the routine flies to the wind. Just don't give up. The beginning of the week or month or something is just around the corner.

Most of the great examples God gives us in the Bible were very ordinary people made extraordinary only because of the faith they developed as they endured hardship, waiting for God to answer them. They sought the Lord and He answered. And why did God show us all of these people? To show us how much He loves us, to teach us to keep seeking Him and to not give up.

If you need some motivation, check out these videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDgVske63cY

http://www.youtube.com/watchv=Gc4HGQHgeFE&feature=related

August 1, Reading Notes

2 Chronicles 30-31

When you think back on the attempt of Jehoshaphat to unify Israel and the disaster that was, you look at these two chapters and see that God showed Hezekiah the right way to call Israel together.

I really don't have a lot to say about these chapters other than what is obvious. A godly king or leader leads his people in following God, worshiping God and organizes to make this possible. Ezra showed that this passion for organization began with David and was true of every godly king who had the heart of David.

2 Chr. 30

V. 3 Isaiah was a prophet and I'm sure they sought the Lord to get these concessions. God can be flexible.

Vs. 6-9 The offer was very simple and the reasons to respond would only have been understood by the humble. Notice that it refers to there only being a remnant of the people left.

Vs. 10-12 What is interesting about the couriers being laughed to scorn, is that God's judgment had already hit the northern kingdom. Most of the people had been dragged away into captivity. These were the few people who were left.. Talk about blindness and arrogance. But, even at this late date there were some who saw and understood and were humbled. The lost got their chance, some few responded and came to Judah where the hand of the Lord was blessing.

V. 20 Hezekiah, though not a priest and not doing what only the priest could do, still led the people spiritually.

Vs. 26-27 God had given such simple requirements in the feasts. Obeying Him and celebrating the feasts would have kept the country unified and focused on Him. Anyway, that had been the original plan.

Notice that nothing like this had happened since David and Solomon. I find that kind of sad.

2 Chr. 31

This chapter is for the organization of the worship. It is the mark of a truly spiritual leader.

Vs. 5-10 Notice that Hezekiah made sure the tithes were brought in to feed the priests and the Levites. This was an important part of showing that the people understood the importance of the sacrifices and worship and presence of God among them. Later in Nehemiah, Nehemiah will set up all of this and convince the priests and Levites to come to Jerusalem. As soon as Nehemiah went back to Persia, the people stopped giving and the Levites left and went back to their farms. Tithing is not a matter of economics and return on investment (why should I work and pay to have them sit on their hands?), it is a matter of spiritual perspective. God had commanded it so His work could be done, so His people would be cleansed and so that they would be unified in His love through the feasts.

Vs. 20-21 This is a summary of Hezekiah's faithfulness and the result is that people were seeking the Lord.

Romans 15:1-22

Paul is continuing his teaching about what to do when you have people in the congregation who are weak in conscience because of their past life in paganism or in legalism. The answer will be to imitate the love of Christ and to focus on why we are left here, that is, to proclaim together the glory of God to a lost world.

Vs. 1-3 Notice that Jesus is the example here. We were (are) all weak and Christ bore with us. He is our example. So, who do you suppose reproaches sinful worthless humanity?

Vs. 4-7 Notice that the focus of all of this is to have the unity to proclaim together the Glory of God. Jesus again becomes the one we imitate. He didn't save us to be alike, but to give glory to God together. Regardless of differences, we should all be able to do that. Right?

Vs. 8-13 Christ came one way, as a servant to the Jews (Jesus the deacon), for two purposes. First, He confirmed the promises to the Jews. He didn't fulfill them. He showed by His coming that they would one day be fulfilled. Second, He started a fire under the Gentiles so that because of receiving God's mercy the Gentiles would proclaim God's glory in all the earth. That's why we were left here. It is another way of expressing the great commission.

Notice how Paul goes to the OT to show that God's plan of redemption always included the Gentiles and how reaching the Gentiles was always the mission of the Messiah.

Vs. 14-16 This is a very clear expression of Paul's commission by God.

Vs. 17-21 I think this is our commission also as disciples working in the harvest. This portion is worth memorizing.

Verse 22, in my thinking, should have gone with tomorrow's reading.

Psalm 25:1-15

I get the feeling that David wrote this while he was still in distress, either before Ziklag or afterward in Hebron. It's interesting to me that when we are in distress, we also think back on our own sins. I guess we can't help thinking there might be a connection. Subconsciously we are always under the weight of our sin and failure. Isn't it great to know that Christ has lifted that weight, and we are totally whole, loved and accepted in the Beloved?

The parts that speak to me are the desire to know the way of the Lord (4-5), the remembrance of and pleading for God's steadfast love (6-7), the confidence that when the Lord leads us we realize His steadfast love (10) and finally, David's desire for God's friendship (14).

I wonder what this would have sounded like as a song?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHVioeJU0g8

Proverbs 20:13-15

This seems like another random smattering of wisdom. I guess if I were putting them together to make sense of them, I would say that diligence (13) and craftiness (14) can get you what you need because there is an abundance of gold and costly stones to be had (15), but lips of knowledge (of the Lord) are rarer, more valuable and you only get them one way. The people in the ruined northern kingdom figured it out when they received Hezekiah's offer to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem. They humbled themselves and sought the Lord.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.

July 31, Reading Notes

2 Chronicles 29

Hezekiah is one of the two greatest kings after David, rivaled only by Josiah. There are many parallels between these two men. Both served after their fathers almost destroyed Judah. Both launch revivals. Both hold Passovers that are so genuine that they are commented on as going back to the early days of Israel, like back in the day. Both kings faced the destruction of Judah and the people of God. Of the two, Josiah faces the greatest darkness, but Hezekiah sees the greatest deliverance.

V. 2 Note that Hezekiah's devotion is compared to David's.

V. 3 He opened the house of the Lord immediately.

What is interesting here is that it shows that the kings began their "first year" on the first of the first full year of their reign.

Also, the Passover was to have been celebrated on the 14th day of the first month, but Hezekiah realized that the temple was defiled and the priests were not consecrated or pure to lead worship. He took the leadership to get the temple cleansed and to get those who were to lead worship consecrated to the Lord.

Vs. 4-19 Ezra has shown that the legacy of the kings in the Davidic line of promise organized the priest and Levites. As you read, notice how often it mentions Hezekiah commanding things to be done.

By this time, the northern kingdom had already fallen to Assyria and most of the people had been lost to deportation and exile. Most of these people would have been lost to Israel forever, being absorbed into other peoples with no sense of their genealogy or heritage. Deportation usually meant the "extermination" of an ethnic group.

V. 10 Notice that Hezekiah wanted to make a covenant with the Lord. Only he and Josiah did this.

Vs. 20-24 Once the temple was cleansed, Hezekiah led the priests, Levites and people of Jerusalem and made sin offerings for everyone and everything, cleansing the sin of the land and people.

Vs. 25-36 And now it was time to worship. Although the priests and Levites did what only the priests and Levites were allowed to do, these kings, like David and Hezekiah, personally worshiped and led the people in worshipping God.

V. 34 This is an interesting note that the Levites were more dedicated to the temple worship than the priests, who were also Levites but in the family line of Aaron. When God saw that the hearts of the king and the Levites were set to worship Him, He allowed them to make exception. Somewhere in the background, they have Isaiah to ask questions to and get answers from the Lord.

V. 36 They perceived that this had come from the Lord.

And there's more to come!

Romans 14

So, why would this be a huge issue? In a mixed church it is very likely that the Jews were the "weaker" brothers. There was more for them to stumble over, coming from the restrictive code of Judaism. As anyone can tell you, "culture" creates incredible disunity in a church and keeps a church from being able to reach lost people. A church with unresolved conflicts does not reach the harvest, makes no healthy disciples and usually becomes a bad testimony in the area.

There appear to be two issues here. One is that the conservative people in the congregation were judging the less conservative people. Then, the more open people were publicly engaging in their "eating and drinking" without care, not for the strong judgmental conservatives, but for the weak who would violate their own consciences if they were to indulge.

Now, without reading too much of my own experience with this into these notes, I have a few observations.

Vs. 1-4 While "despising" and "passing judgment" seem like the same thing, I don't think they are. The despising comes from those open to everything. The passing judgment comes from the conservative side of things. In most churches the real problem comes from the conservative side judging that the others are wrong. Usually the "open" people really don't care that the conservative people don't, for example, drink wine. But the conservative people do care that the others drink wine and judgment follows.

Vs. 5-12 So there shouldn't be any judgment toward one another for what the other prefers.

Vs. 13-23 But what about the weak. To really understand the issues here, read 1 Corinthians 8, which is a very clear description of a part of the problem faced by believers in that pagan world. The fact that there were also Jews coming into Christianity was a problem too. They had many cultural traditions that could be held on to, but were not necessary in following Christ. Some Jews could shed these traditions in a moment and dive into the ribs and bacon, but others, while understanding the freedom, were still bound in conscience.

V. 22 I think that Paul and the Spirit are talking about public display. Again, if you look at 1 Cor. 8 and 10 you can see that the real violation occurred publicly…."for if anyone sees you, a man of knowledge, at table in an idol's temple…." And "if any of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, and someone sitting by says…."

Paul isn't done here. This "command" continues into chapter 15 where it ends at the unified testimony in the harvest. Keeping in mind God's redemptive purpose and respecting the mercy we have been shown so we can follow Christ in the harvest, is supposed to help us over our "cultural" preferences. But today we still have churches fighting over "insider" cultural preferences, and although they say the harvest is important, they deny that by what they desire instead of what God desires, the lost reached and disciples made.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, that I might win the more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews; to those under the law I became as one under the law -- though not being myself under the law -- that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law -- not being without law toward God but under the law of Christ -- that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Psalm 24

When you read this, you can see why David's devotion and love for God became the measure of all things. Many of the songs we sing today in worship use words and ideas from the psalms he wrote. Also, since these are Scripture and given by the Spirit, David was one of those people who the Spirit used to inspire the worship of Israel back then, and he still inspires the worship of the church today.

This is a great song and video. The author of the video says it was the sons of Korah, but our note says David. If Psalm 24 sounded anything like this when it was sung in Jerusalem I'll bet it inspired the people.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pO77-m4SS3M

Proverbs 20:12

I read this morning Jesus saying to His disciples, "Do you not yet perceive or understand?" We need to spend more time than we do straining ourselves to understand the Word, and to perceive what the Spirit is doing around us. And just like He gave us eyes and ears, He is willing to give to those who ask, show to those who seek and open to those who knock. These should be the past-time of disciples in the harvest.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.

July 30, Reading Notes

2 Chronicles 26-28

2 Chr. 26

Uzziah is one of the good kings in the line of David. He is especially well known for his mention in Isaiah 6:1, "In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple." Uzziah reigned for 52 years. His father, Amaziah, was very unstable and it is suggested that the people made Uzziah a co-regent with him and they reigned together for many years. Notice in verse one that it doesn't mention the death of Amaziah, but rather that the people made Uzziah king "instead of" his father. It also doesn't explain how long Amaziah was away, hiding in Lachish.

Uzziah was the only king that an entire generation had ever known. Fifty-two years was a long time; and when he died, I'm sure for Isaiah and for all of Israel it was a very discouraging time.

V. 4 Note that Uzziah followed the Lord according to the way his father Amaziah had followed God for the brief time Amaziah followed God. It is interesting that Ezra doesn't compare Uzziah to David.

V. 5 Seeking God has been and will remain an important mark for someone following God. Notice that Uzziah began to seek God under the teaching of Zechariah, the man his grandfather had killed.

Vs. 6-15 This fits into what we should be getting used to. These are Uzziah's acts of faith and following God. In contrast to some of the other kings, Ezra isn't showing any great moment when Uzzziah had to exercise faith. Probably the fact that he didn't worship other gods is remarkable enough. He is the first king since Jehoshaphat who hasn't worshipped idols.

V. 16 Here is that verse of warning, "when he was strong." It would be interesting to go through all the kings and write down the variations: When he was strong, when he was established…..

Vs. 16-23 It appears that for Uzziah the area of pride was thinking he should have the privilege to stand before God without needing a priest. This wasn't just disrespect for the priests and Levites, it was disrespect for the God who had all of these instructions written down. As dirty Harry so sagely put it, "A man's gotta know his limitations." The same is true in the church and in the harvest.

What is interesting about this punishment is that as a leper, Uzziah couldn't enter the temple or the company of God's people. On the other hand, he could still worship God in spirit, even from the other end of town.

As disciples, it is easy sometimes to disrespect the church or even gifting or even offices like pastor or elder or deacon, but God invented them. If they are important to the Lord for His harvest, then we need to work with them, not around them. If a local church doesn't fit for us, then we need to find a church that does allow us to join with them in unity, following Christ in the harvest and making disciples who make disciples. You don't give up on church or what God has planned and ordained.

2 Chr. 27

There is not much to say here. Jotham seems to have been a good, godly king. It is possible that Jotham was actually leading the country years earlier since he had to represent his father Uzziah who was a leper. Notice again, that Ezra does not compare Jotham to David.

Verse 6 is probably the key thought that Ezra would want to impress on his readers.

2 Chr. 28

This is actually a terrifying story. The Davidic line and all of Judah came within a few words of extinction. The writer of Kings didn't let us know that, but Ezra is making sure those who have come out of exile see this. Had it not been for the words of Obed in verse nine, and the favorable reaction of the men of Ephraim in verse twelve, it would have been lights out. Judah was spared only by the grace of God, just like all of Israel was spared by God's grace during the Babylonian captivity.

V. 6 Look at the carnage caused by Ahaz's sins.

V. 22 He actually became worse. It is interesting that the Lord didn't take him out, but again, this would become a test to the people.

Ezra's point is clear for those he was writing to and for us. It only takes one generation to destroy everything that past generations built. For us, that is why our focus on Christ, the harvest and making disciples who make disciples is so important. A church has lost its focus when it ceases to see people come to Christ and see people raised up who actually win others and make disciples. Ahaz was obviously sinful. In Jesus' generation those who opposed God were religious. Anything that keeps us from doing the one thing we were left here to do--the great commission--has to be put aside until we are following Christ in the harvest and seeing fruit.

Romans 13

As we enter an election year in the US, I can't think of a more timely chapter to read. Remember that the first 11 chapters have been focused on God's redemptive purpose on earth. This chapter is a command of God to His disciples in the harvest. You can almost see how removed a person is from Christ and the harvest by the amount of energy they spew out at the political parties. It is very interesting to me that this is the Spirit of God writing. At the end of the chapter He calls all of us to attention and to put our energy into the harvest.

Vs. 1-7 This section should raise a lot of questions, but the tone of what the Lord is saying is pretty simple. I'm sure there were lots of things to find wrong in Rome, but even in that context, Paul tells them to live above all that and see God's redemptive mercy and plan. Another good portion to read with this is 1 Tim 2:1-5.

V. 1 One thing I've heard that makes sense is that we are to obey the government until obeying is a sin.

V. 6 Isn't this interesting that Paul and the Spirit get in the face of those who complain about paying taxes?

Vs. 8-10 Paul says that our true duty in this dark harvest is to love our neighbor. This is also an interesting way to tell these Christians to adjust their perspective to the spiritual realities of life.

Vs. 11-14 I think these are great verses and show God's perspective on where our eyes should be. This is also pretty good discipleship stuff.

Psalm 23

We read this psalm earlier in the year before we read about David and his life. Reading this psalm now, do you have a different appreciation for what David went through and how this psalm came to be?

The psalms were songs, and Keith Green has good version of this psalm. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMUQEI0CLQM

Proverbs 20:11

The past three verses had something to do with judging, discerning and measuring. How do you discern the heart of a child? By his acts. How do you understand what is a good or bad action? By the Word of God.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.

July 29, Reading Notes

2 Chronicles 24-25

2 Chr. 24

Vs. 1-14 Twice in this section there is a curious phrase, "all the days of Jehoiada." This points to another of those "weaknesses" that we are all prone to and have seen in the church. There are believers who look good as long as there are others around them. They are kind of like the seed sown on rocky ground. They pop up and look good, but when left alone, they have no "root in themselves," no genuine relationship with God. Church activities and even working in the harvest provided them with a purpose that was no deeper than the activity, and they never had "their own" relationship with Christ.

Vs. 15-22 If you understand this, Jehoiada was used by God to save the Davidic line. Now there were surely other people roaming around who could trace their lineage back to David. You see this in the genealogies of Joseph and Mary in the NT, showing that Jesus' lineage went back to David two different ways. Still, Jehoiada showed great courage and faith in the promise of God to do what he did. Also, you realize that Jehoiada was no spring chicken. Humanly speaking, his goose should have already been cooked. He was at least in his 90s. As a result of God's use and purpose for him, he will live to be 130. That's older than Moses was when he died.

V. 19 Notice that there were others whom God sent to try to break through to Joash. God gave him lots of chances.

V. 20 This is kind of cool that the Spirit "clothed" Zechariah. The reason why this rebuke went deeper is that it looks like it was public. Growing up, Zechariah would have been like a big brother to Joash.

V. 22 is Ezra's commentary on this "fake" believer.

Vs. 23-27 Notice that this judgment didn't come the next day. God waited. The more you read the Bible, the more you see that "waiting" is almost an attribute of God. His waiting causes His people to grow in faith and it causes the rebellious to think everything's cool and they keep on sinning. The result is that God's people get stronger and write psalms of praise, and the other guys get a rude awakening.

It is interesting and probably just trivia that the two assassins were both descendants of Lot.

2 Chr. 25

This is a very strange story and you only hear of half of it in Kings. This is now the great-great grandson of Jehoshaphat. His sin has now seeped into the 4th generation. Read this and try to figure out what could possibly have been going on in Amaziah's mind. It blows me away, but actually we saw this with some of the kings of the north who lived with Elijah and Elisha and didn't grow in faith or follow God.

Vs. 1-13 As you read this, except for Ezra's note in verse two, this guy looks pretty kosher and shows some genuine faith.

Vs. 14-16 What was going on? How did Amaziah view spirituality? Was it that he had this victory and thought that he did this himself? Were the idols made out of diamond?

V. 16 is a pretty awesome verse. Notice that the prophet stopped arguing with Amaziah.

Vs. 17-24 This is the story we have already read in Kings. Now we understand why Amaziah lost the battle and why he was so arrogant. In fact, his arrogance shows us what must have been going on in his heart when he won the battle with the Edomites. He really thought he had won the battle on his own.

V. 20 Ezra's commentary to the new generation returning to the land.

Vs. 25-28 It is amazing that God punished Amaziah but didn't take him out. Actually, his ungodliness became a test of the godliness of the people, and they took care of him. Maybe this is also Ezra's encouragement to the people and leaders of Israel not to tolerate an ungodly ruler.

V. 28 He was still honored in burial as a descendant of David, the line of promise.

Romans 12

One of the challenges in verse one is to be able to think through all the past 11 chapters and understand the impact of "I appeal to you therefore brethren by the mercies of God..." How would you summarize what Paul and the Spirit have said in such a way as to give you such a spiritual shot of adrenaline that you would live a supernatural life on earth, submitted to Christ and God's purpose of redemption in the world?

The spiritual "awe" of what Paul has been writing is going to be used to convince these people to take command of their lives on earth so that they can work together as a mixed church, proclaiming the testimony of God's glory in a lost world.

V. 3 Do you detect that Paul is addressing a problem here? Verses 1-2, then, are to have the impact of getting them to see their own personal issues as insignificant in comparison to God's redemptive mercy.

Vs. 3-8 How do you think having a mixed "Jew-Gentile" congregation aggravated the problem with gifts? What do you see in these verses that give them a spiritual understanding to help them get along together?

Vs. 9-11 How would you title these verses? If Paul kept referring back to verses 1&2, it would sound something like, on the basis of the past 11 chapters, (insert verses 1&2), and therefore let us…..

Verses 9-11 are definitely referring to those in the church.

Vs. 14-21 To whom are these verses directed? Everyone, or to people outside the church? Do you see that the impact of chapters 1-11and the summary of 12:1-2 are supposed to put these people in the spiritual frame of mind to do this?

What Paul is writing here is very similar to what Jesus told his disciples in the sermon on the mount. If disciples are focused on Christ and the work in the harvest, their perspective on themselves and on life is supposed to lift them above themselves and give them a spiritual perspective on how to live in this harvest.

Psalm 22:19-31

This part of the psalm still seems to be "messianic" in describing the aftermath of Christ's death and resurrection. The words here seem like something reflected from Isaiah 53:10-12.

Vs. 19-21 The deliverance has been from the irrational violence of men. Notice the "wild life." I grew up around these kinds of people.

Vs. 22-26 This seems like David is giving testimony to Israel of deliverance and praising God.

Vs. 27-31 This is the proclamation to the earth that there is deliverance in God. This is what we, as disciples, get to pass on in the harvest.

Proverbs 20:8-10

These all seem a little random. As I read this first one, I think of what Paul said in Corinthians 2:15, "The spiritual man judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one."

This was God's ideal for a king or a person who ruled others. David and Solomon were men like this, and were renowned for their judgments, until their unconfessed sin and its damage ruined them.

We all have sinned, but that doesn't mean we can't judge. Verse 9 is true in that we cannot say we have made our hearts pure, but we can say that God in His Word, through His Spirit, is working on them.

The judgments or the stuff that goes into discerning one thing from another come from true weights and measures. The one who sets these weights and measures morally, and who sees the hearts of men, is God. It is on the basis of God's truth, that we can determine right from wrong and make just judgments, even though we ourselves are needy. God's Word gives us the true "weights and balances."

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.

July 28, Reading Notes

2 Chronicles 21-23

These are very dark chapters. They are dark not just because bad stuff happens, but because all of this was launched by a godly king, Jehoshaphat. As you read all of this, think of it as the result of his desire to unify Israel by uniting with those who didn't love God.

2 Chr. 21

V. 2 Jehoshaphat had actually made it so that the other brothers would be out of the way. It should have been a big happy family.

V. 4 When Jehoram was established, he killed all of them. This would have included their families and anyone who might have had a claim to the throne. This was certainly fueled by his wife, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, who Jehoshaphat made sure Jehoram married.

Vs. 12-15 This is the only letter we know of that was written by Elijah.

Vs. 19 It is interesting that God allowed Jehoram to reign so long, but made sure he died in agony.

As a result of all of this, and probably something that Ezra mentioned when he taught this, the Davidic line is now threatened, not only with ungodliness, but with extinction. All of Jehoshaphat's other sons and their families were killed and all of Jehoram's kids, but one, were killed.

2 Chr. 22

V. 1 The people must have hoped to find a godly king, but Athaliah, Jezebel's daughter, was still spewing poison into the land. This now is the second generation diseased by Jehoshaphat's poor decision.

Vs. 2-9 What is interesting, is that Ahaziah was killed as a part of the judgment against Ahab. God said that all who were related to Ahab would die. Ahaziah was a grandson of Ahab. Unwittingly, Jehoshaphat had brought his family under God's curse on a very evil king.

V. 9 Jehu, though not a real follower of God, knew of Jehoshaphat's godliness and therefore respected the burial of Ahaziah.

Vs. 10-12 This would have meant the extinction of the line of David, except for the actions of the godly priest Jehoiada. Jehoshaphat's unwise actions now have brought the house of David down to (almost) the last man. Jehoshaphat's sin will now extend to three generations.

2 Chr. 23

You might wonder why all of this is given in such detail. Ezra was a priest and leader of the people and maybe Jehoiada was his hero. More likely, the importance is that the line of David was almost extinct and it took great personal courage by many, especially the priest and Levites, to protect the line of David and work of God.

The lessons here for those returning from exile would be obvious. It is worth giving your life in order to serve God and His people.

Romans 11:13-36

As you read this section, it is helpful to think of Gentiles and Jews as racial entities being addressed. Rather than speaking to individuals, he is speaking to groupings of people. Paul says here, and will say again in chapter 15, that he was an apostle to that group of people called Gentiles. So he is talking about a group, not individuals.

V. 13 This is one of those verses that tells you that the Roman church was a mixed church.

Vs. 13-16 The key here is in verse 15 when Paul talks about "their" acceptance. This refers to "the nation of Israel" during the time when that particular group is on earth and turns their hearts to Christ.

Vs. 17-24 Now, as with most illustrations, they make a point or two, but are not meant to be carried on to infinity. What is the cultivated olive tree? It appears to be Israel or maybe even the promise to Abraham. The wild olive tree is definitely the Gentiles. According to this illustration we Gentiles have been grafted into this promise.

V. 22 is a little problematic if you see this as individuals and not as groups. God has power to graft the believing Jewish nation into the promise. And if the Gentiles reject God's salvation, they will be excluded. On this note, it is interesting to think that in the Tribulation, the Jews will comprise the largest missionary force that has ever worked at one time on earth. If you count up all the members of all the mission organizations (not churches) you won't come up with a total of 144,000 members. If I understand the dynamics of the time of "Jacob's Trouble," the nation of Israel will turn to Christ, and the Gentile world will be, for the most part, chasing a delusion.

Vs. 25-32 This is the conclusion of chapters 9-11. I find it hard to understand how people don't see a distinction between the church and Israel, thinking that the promises to Israel will not be literally fulfilled.

So, which verses seem to put the plan of God together for you? How would you explain this to someone else?

Vs. 33-36 Benedictions are full of theology, and usually, every word is intentional. Notice that it isn't God's power and elective determination that are praised here, but rather His wisdom and knowledge and how unsearchable His judgments are. Paul's conclusion is that God does all of this righteously and, though it is so intricate that we could never understand it, His way is righteous and good.

Psalm 22:1-18

I was reading this morning how difficult it was for the disciples to understand that Jesus should suffer, be treated with contempt, die and on the third day be raised. For them, He had become the Holy One of God, the Christ, the Son of the Living God, the Son of Man. To hear then that "so also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands" was utterly impossible.

This is a prophetic psalm talking about the suffering of the Messiah. David's experience mirrored what was to be felt by Jesus. Read this psalm from that perspective.

Proverbs 20:7

If you put this with the verse before, it basically says that talk, even Christian talk, is cheap. Integrity by definition means that everything this person does is in keeping with his or her expressed love for God. Reality is seen in action, and in our case that means in the harvest.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.

July 27, Reading Notes

2 Chronicles 19-20

2 Chr. 19

Vs. 1-3 It isn't unusual to see God rebuke a king for doing wrong. What makes this interesting is that Jehoshaphat is rebuked and responds with humility. Now we'll see two further acts of faith and obedience that are not mentioned in Kings.

Vs. 4-11 This sort of godly organization is "typical" of the Davidic kings who loved the Lord. After the kind of rebuke he received from the Lord you might think he would try to "look" repentant. But these acts are very intelligent and sincere, aimed at keeping the heart of Israel focused on the Lord. This would be important for Ezra to show the leaders of Israel, that when rebuked, a godly leader humbles himself and keeps working to lead the people to the Lord.

2 Chr. 20

This is a very long account of Jehoshaphat's spiritual leadership. Ezra is showing that the heart of a leader of Israel should rely on the promises of God.

Vs. 1-4 What is interesting here is that Jehoshaphat sought the Lord and the Lord only. When he needed help, he didn't run to the northern kingdom or Ahab's house.

Vs. 5-12 This is very godly leadership by Jehoshaphat. And, he focuses the people on the promise that God made regarding the temple. Jehoshaphat knew of Solomon's prayer of dedication and God's eternal promise to hear this kind of prayer. What a model to the people and what a man of faith.

Vs. 13-17 So, the life of the nation is on the line. Jehoshaphat has prayed his heart out. Suddenly this guy stands up and says this. Now, Ezra mentions his pedigree, but still, it is just this guy, no cloud out of heaven.

Vs. 18-19 Jehoshaphat knew that it was the Lord and led the people in obedience and worship. This is faith.

Vs. 20-21 So then, under Jehoshaphat's leadership they get ready for battle and go out to the field, and they have a "praise" service. And look what they sing, the "Best of David." "Give thanks to the Lord, for His steadfast love endures forever," is the expression of David's faith that he commanded to be sung in all the worship of Israel. I doubt that they teach this at West Point or in any military training facility today.

Vs. 22-23 And "Boom!" the Lord settled the matter for them.

Vs. 24-30 You've got to admit that this is an amazing thing and Jehoshaphat led them in it.

V. 25 Notice that like the battle that Asa fought, they were given the spoils by God. The lesson here for Jehoshaphat is that God can make rich without foul allegiances and chasing gold.

V. 26 Notice too, that Jehoshaphat finished this event with praise to God.

V. 30 Normally this should be a note of blessing, but now that the Lord has given Jehoshaphat peace and he doesn't have a mission. What will he do?

Vs. 35-37 Actually, we know from Kings, that Jehoshaphat also joins together with Ahaziah in a battle and again comes under demonic influence. This time the rebuke comes from Elisha.

The lesson I see here is that as disciples, we need to make our following simple, simply doing what our Lord desires in the harvest. God never asked Jehoshaphat to build a bridge to the northern kingdom. It was some desire on Jehoshaphat's part and it appears that he had some other motives too. Being a peacemaker sounds like a "god" thing, but not if it's not God's will, and not if it keeps us from honoring Him in the harvest.

What is interesting in both Asa and Jehoshaphat is that when they were simply honoring God, God brought them respect, and people from the northern kingdom were convicted and came to Jerusalem. Jehoshaphat didn't need to join with Ahab or anyone from the northern kingdom. When Jehoshaphat was honoring God, God put the fear and respect of Judah in the hearts of the surrounding nations, Jehoshaphat never had to build a good looking army. When Jehoshaphat was building into the lives of his people and honoring God, he never had to do a joint venture thing to get gold and wealth, God just dumped it in his lap.

As disciples, our focus only needs to be on one thing, loving our Lord and following Him in the harvest. That vision and mission is more than enough. Seeing the lost saved and making disciples who make disciples is blessing enough on this earth. Paul's life was a living sacrifice to Christ and he put it like this in 1 Corinthians 9:23, "I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."

Romans 10:14-11:12

Romans 10:14-21

Vs. 14-17 The question that jumps out to me in reading this section is, "What question or objection was Paul answering?" One other major difference between Judaism and Christianity was that Christianity had a mandate and commission to be out and to be preaching and telling. It seems here that Paul is showing that sharing the gospel is not only logical and necessary, but is mentioned in the OT.

Verse 17 is another of those famous verses.

Vs. 18-21 I suppose the question then would be, "But did Israel really have a chance and have the Word preached to them?"

V. 18 Paul's knowledge of the Word is pretty vast when you think of all the Scripture he is quoting and alluding to. This quote is from Psalm 19:4. Wouldn't it be great to have such a close walk with God and such a vast understanding of the Word?

V. 19 This quote will become important in the next chapter.

V. 21 This is what we know from reading the OT. On the one hand, we'll hear that God gave them a spirit of stupor; but on the other hand, reading the OT, we realize that each person and every king made their own decisions. It isn't the case that God "blinded" them, but rather (as in Rom. 1:18ff) God gave them up to their own desire to sin. There came a point when He would no longer throw pearls before swine. As we'll see, God will work in mercy to get them ready to receive truth.

Romans 11:1-12

This is a good chapter to read fully. If you don't, you could get caught thinking that the "remnant" is the only part of Israel that will be saved. If you read to 11:25 you'll see that there is a future redemption for the entire nation of Israel.

Vs. 1-6 This is an interesting argument by Paul. The remnant in Elijah's time was a small group of people in the northern kingdom God kept from worshiping Baal. After the time of Elijah and after this remnant was gone, there were many prophets who wrote of the nation returning to the Lord. The remnant was preserved by grace during a very dark time for a specific purpose, but it was in no way taking the place of the nation or inheriting the promises of God to the nation of Israel. The present remnant of which Paul was a part, and of which Jewish believers today are a part, in no way takes the place of the nation of Israel and the fulfillment of God's promises to it. It wasn't the case back then and isn't the case now.

Vs. 7-12 This is an unfortunate breaking point. I'd suggest reading the rest of the chapter.

This is the description of God's punishment on Israel and His purpose of redemption for the Gentiles and Jews in that punishment. The hardening of heart, as with Pharaoh, was in response to his own hardening of heart. That is, if a person rejects God long enough, he will intensify their blindness to fulfill His own purposes. That blinding will be lifted in the future when God prepares their hearts to receive His truth. In the meantime, God is reaching the Gentiles, but you can sense from how this is written, Paul is anticipating that the time for the Jews will come.

Psalm 21

This psalm is evangelical in a way, as David proclaims the secret of his success. And if God will do that for David, we can trust Him too. And what do we trust in as we follow Christ in the harvest? What can we be sure to receive from Him? Houses? Cars? Comforts? Verse seven says it. The steadfast love of the Most High.

Proverbs 20:4-6

If verse four is read with the previous three verses, you have a picture of different behaviors.

In verse five, the man of understanding observes all of this, knows that motives run deep, and he has the wisdom to draw out and understand these people.

Words don't show loyal love, faithfulness does. Verse six might belong to the proverb for tomorrow which mentions integrity and it being passed on to children.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.

July 26, Reading Notes

2 Chronicles 17-18

Unlike the writer of 1 & 2 Kings, Ezra is only interested in the kings of the Davidic line. Today we get far more information on Jehoshaphat than we did in 1 Kings. Again, he was an amazing man of faith, yet one who destroyed everything good that he had done. As you read these two chapters learn from what he did well, and then try to understand what it was that motivated him to make such a grave mistake.

2 Chr. 17

V. 3 Notice that the kings are "graded" in terms of following Yahweh only.

Vs. 7-9 This is a very wise thing that Jehoshaphat did. You don't read about any other king doing this.

V. 10 Notice that the result of Jehoshaphat's godliness was that God brought this fear and respect. Oddly, it wasn't because of Israel's might.

You notice now that Jehoshaphat spends a lot of time building up the "might" of Israel. Ironically, it wasn't Israel's might that put them in this position. God honored Jehoshaphat for honoring Him. I wonder why this was so important to Joe.

2 Chr. 18

V. 1 Now that Jehoshaphat was strong and honored, he did something that was totally wrong. My only conclusion is that Joe thought he should work to unite the northern and southern kingdom. This might have been motivated out of a good heart, seeing how God had blessed him, but we know for sure that he never asked God about this. Look ahead at 2 Chr. 19:1-3. How sad and ironic.

V. 4 Joe had already committed himself to helping Ahab. These words are arrogant at best. If Joe had asked God if he should even be there, God would have said, "No." Unknown to Joe, he was under the satanic influence that was bearing down on Ahab.

Vs. 12-27 This story is rich with lessons.

V. 15 How funny. Apparently Micaiah had parroted, imitated the false prophets and Ahab saw the ridicule.

Vs. 20-22 When we set our hearts to join those who are rebelling against God, we put ourselves under the same satanic influence that is working on them. In this case, Jehoshaphat was also falling under the judgment of God on Ahab. Even before they sought the advice of God, they had already made up their minds. You have to wonder what was going through Joe's mind when he heard this from Micaiah. He still didn't back down.

V. 31 We see this formula all the time. We cry out and He hears us.

We still have two chapters about Jehoshaphat, but he has shown here the mind and heart attitudes that will bring about his ruin. As disciples we have this tremendous faith in us to follow Christ; yet, as Paul says in Romans, we have this deep sin within us that pushes to ignore God at crucial points in our lives. We all have personal issues within us that are a challenge to our obedience and faith. These details from the lives of such great men of faith are recorded here for no other reason than to warn us to be careful as we walk before the Lord.

Romans 9:22-10:13

The editors who put in the chapter and verse breaks generally did a great job. Because of the tight logic of Romans, the editors did an exact job here. The chapters in Romans comprise complete thoughts, so, in the way we're reading it in the one-year Bible, it is a bit disjointed. Just page back or ahead and read the complete chapters.

Romans 9:22-33

Vs. 22-24 Read this as the conclusion of Paul's thinking from yesterday.

Paul is slanting the argument toward those who object to God's "use" of the disobedient. If God knows before a person is born that they will rebel against Him, why even let him live? Yet, God allows these people to live and enjoy life and raise heck and do all sorts of stuff that, if you think about it, is hard for God to watch. This is that perfect love of the Father who sends His rain on the just and unjust. Yet, in His divine wisdom and power, He also uses them for His glory and for the purpose of redemption. When it is all said and done, the lost will be lost because of their choice and will. God gives them chances, shows them love and grace, allows them to live and enjoy life, but in His wisdom He uses them for His purpose.

What we don't see yet, is that Paul will say that God is using the disobedience of Israel so that the Gentiles can be saved. This is just "step one" of Paul's argument. In chapter 11 he brings it all together and gets the future nation of Israel saved too!

Vs. 25-29 Saul of Tarsus (Paul) was an intense student of Scripture. At his conversion, his world was shaken. Not only had he been wrong, but he had opposed God, rooted for those who killed the Messiah and he had persecuted, beaten and had part in the murder of many believers in Christ. After his conversion, Paul disappeared for about three years during the Damascus adventure. And after he visited Jerusalem Paul disappeared again for years until Barnabas found him up in Turkey. During those years of silence, Paul must have reexamined the Word, trying to understand how the Jews missed it and why salvation was now going to the Gentiles. This passage is evidence (actually all of Romans is evidence) of how thoroughly Paul searched the Scriptures.

Summing up these passages, Paul is showing that the Gentiles are included and that a remnant of Israel has been saved.

Vs. 30-33 This is Paul's conclusion to this part of his argument. You say, "What argument? What's his point?" This is Paul's point. The next chapter will support this point and then chapter 11 will go further and show that in God's plan of redemption, the fulfillment of the promise of Abraham and the believing nation is still future and is intertwined with the redemption of the Gentiles.

Romans 10:1-13

This is a famous portion of the NT because of verses 9-13. This entire chapter will show that Israel can only be saved through faith.

Vs. 6-8 This is one of those portions that shows how Paul worked through the OT looking for salvation by faith. This is from Moses' final words to Israel in Deut. 30:11-14.

The key here is in verse 12 and 13 and the thought will be continued tomorrow. These are great verses.

Psalm 20

You wonder if David wrote this in his early years as the king of Israel. There were still battles to be fought, but he was in Zion (v. 2) and David had the assurance that God had helped him (v.6).

David might have written this before battle with the Philistines or one of the armies hired from the north. But because of the years he had depended on the Lord during hard and uncertain times, you know that he was assured now that trusting in the name of the Lord, not armies (think of Jehoshaphat above) was his strength and salvation.

Proverbs 20:2-3

We don't really worry about "kings," unless we mean bosses, police or teachers. Maybe, it would be good to think of the Lord here. There is a very healthy fear of the Lord that keeps us safe, just like being afraid to put your hand on the stove or speed past a cop. Sin needs to be kept in check, and fear sometimes does the trick.

V. 3 Along with this, I think of what Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:23, "Have nothing to do with stupid, senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, forbearing, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, 26 and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will."

It is good to fear and respect the Lord, and to just obey. It might feel like fun to be right and win an argument, but Paul tells Timothy what is really at stake. And above all, as disciples, we are the Lord's servant. We are not here in this harvest to serve ourselves.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.

July 25, Reading Notes

2 Chronicles 14-16

These three chapters are all about Asa. He was a great king who we hardly got to know in 1 Kings 15. As you read these chapters, take care to think about the time markers that the Spirit is giving. What we're reading here is both amazing and awful. Asa, like David, is someone you would want to be like, name your son after. Yet, like David, he fell. What is frightening is that the kings will all "fall" differently and it will look like something we are just as prone to do. They will have great faith when they are young, but when they are older, established, secure and strong, something will tempt them and they'll give in. David gave into dishonesty and adultery. Solomon gave in to stuff, pleasure and finally idolatry. So here's your job. Figure out what it was that shook Asa.

2 Chr. 14

V. 1 The timing here is everything.

What would you say is the strength of Asa? I think it is in verse seven.

V.9 No other king ever faced a army this big. Asa had big faith.

V. 13 I'll bet it was like Christmas, but the gift you received was a Wal-Mart.

2 Chr. 15

This is God's promise and blessing to Asa. Asa responds well. This was a man of deep faith.

Again, do you see what God required and what Asa did? (Vs. 2, 12-13) Asa was a great man.

V. 19 This note is important, and in order to figure out what happens next, you need to understand how long Asa had lived in peace and blessing without a fight. How long was it between fights?

2 Chr. 16

Vs. 1-6 This seems like a shrewd move, but it wasn't. Asa was aggravated and threatened. He didn't seek God. This new threat shook him and got him mad. He figured out a way to get even and all of it was without God.

Vs. 7-9 This is the verdict and it scares me to read it because I can see me doing something like this. When he was young and the threat was great, Asa had outstanding faith and received a great reward. Now 25 years later (or 15 if a scribe messed up), he reacts in rage and trickery and doesn't seek God. There are lots of possibilities here as to what motivated him, but the result is the same.

V. 9 is a famous verse. Who would have guessed it came as God's judgment on a formerly faithful king?

Vs. 10-14 Asa got mad at God, took it out on the prophet and hurt some of the godly people, I presume, who tried to get him to see reason. And then for at least two years nothing happened. Why not? It looks to me like God wanted to test Asa's heart. If there wasn't an immediate punishment, would Asa come to Him, seek Him?

Vs. 12 is a terrible commentary to Asa's anger and stubbornness. The seeking of God, that had been the mark and strength of his faith when he was young, was gone. When he was younger he had the faith to lead Israel against the largest army ever named in the OT. But after years of peace, when he was older, the frustration of a smaller, incessant irritation drove him to forget God and make an agreement with the ungodly to punish his enemy.

As disciples, regardless of our acts of faith and obedience in the past, it is possible, in our comfort, to suddenly become enraged at something small and persistent that shreds our faith and our desire to seek God. I have heard of godly people saying and doing the most ungodly and unspiritual things to office clerks and family members over small, frustrating things. As disciples we need to keep our hearts before the Lord, always following and working in the harvest, aware of what the Spirit is showing us about us. Sin is always dangerous. We always need to submit to and seek God.

Romans 9:1-21

So, what is this change of topic all about? Did Paul think, "I'll write eight chapters about salvation by faith and then eight chapters about something else?" When you read this section today, you have to wonder.

It seems to me that all of Romans has to do with the redemptive plan of God. Chapters 1-8 describe one purpose of God and one way to salvation and completion in Him. Chapters 9-11 describe one plan of God involving two peoples, the Jews and the church and how these are distinct and yet still one plan. God didn't make a first trial and then come up with a better idea. Chapters 12-16 don't present any problem. They are practical chapters dealing with issues in the Roman church.

Chapters 9-11 expose a conflict in the understanding of some people, how God could begin one way and then finish another way. Paul will show it was always one plan and that Israel, the nation, will fulfill its destiny. Chapter 9 presents the biggest problem to our understanding; because Paul gets in the face of those who are "large of brain" and argumentative, basically saying to them, "Who are you to try to out-think God and tell Him what He does is unfair?" Remember those words back in chapter 3, "That you may be justified in your words and prevail when you are judged." God will come out righteous and fair. In chapter 9 Paul and the Spirit sound hard, but this will soften by the end of chapter 11. It's just their way of smoking out the arrogant and telling them to submit themselves and their understanding of the things to a wise, sovereign God.

V. 6 This is an interesting argument. When I read it, I thought, "Yeah, that's right." Abraham had Ishmael and Isaac had Esau. They were all descendants of Abraham, but did not belong to the promise.

V. 13 You have to understand OT history to understand this. God didn't dislike Esau because he was hairy and snorted when he ate. This has nothing to do with "love" in the emotional sense. Actually the quote is from Malachi, chapter one. Both nations sinned against God. Both were taken into exile. Only one nation returned. Guess which one. Why did it return: God's purpose and calling as spoken to Abraham. It was all a part of God's eternal plan of redemption. If you really want to see this up close and personal, go back to Genesis and read about Esau. He was his own man.

V. 14 Apparently, this was the discussion going on that prompted the Spirit to urge Paul to write these chapters. I think there was an internal conflict in this Jew-Gentile church. In chapters 1-8 the Jews were told that a person can't come to God through the Law. In this section, the plan of God will be laid out so that both groups see that it is one plan and neither group has the right to be proud or arrogant.

Vs. 15-21 This break at verse 21 is unfortunate. Keep reading to verse 24 to keep the thought together.

The thought to keep in mind here is that God doesn't create anyone to just go to hell, but use them in the meantime. That would be another God. We have too much Scripture telling us that God is good and doesn't desire anyone to be lost.

I think the way to understand this is by God's foreknowledge, mentioned in chapter 8. God knows who will come to Him and who won't. (For an interesting thought on this read John 6:64.) Once this is known, God has the right to mold and make and use a person as He wills. We do something similar. For example, in the past presidential election guess who the large prison population in the US voted for: no one. The guilty forfeit their rights. Why you need those next verses, 22-24, is to see that God uses these people for His purpose and still shows them incredible patience and kindness, knowing full well that they will rebel against Him until they die. That can't be pleasant for God.

A final thought here: When we come to Christ and become disciples, we also give up our rights to control and lead our own lives. We live for Him and His glory, right? We submit to His purpose and His will knowing that He is wise and loving and knows what is best. Right? Romans 8:28 again in the RSV, "We know that in everything God works for good with those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." The real issue is whether we really believe and trust that God is wise, loving and good.

Psalm 19

It's interesting being in Romans and then reading this psalm.

Vs. 1-3 sound like Romans 1:19-20.

V. 4 Believe it or not, Paul will quote this verse in Romans 10 to show that the Jews all heard the Word of God.

Vs. 7-14 Think of these verses in terms of what Paul is saying to those in Romans 9 who would accuse God of being unfair in His dealings with people.

This must have been a really good song. On YouTube you can find lots of "parts" of this Psalm. I couldn't find the whole thing, but this one seemed interesting to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55g04HgrTYo

Proverbs 20:1

To make anything an idol is dangerous. God brings trial, pain, "pruning" into our lives to show us our need and to make us stronger in Him. Putting our hope in wine or anything to "escape and ease the pain or make us forget or cope" is to be led astray. These things, like all things, in submission to God can be what He designed them to be. In Lewis' The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, when Aslan brings the thaw and allows Bacchus into Narnia, Lucy remarks that if it were not for the presence of Aslan, she'd be afraid of Bacchus and his girls. The same should be true of us.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.

July 24, Reading Notes

2 Chronicles 11-13

Ezra is writing this not just to record history, but to encourage, humble, strengthen and warn the new generation of Israel returning to the land. There are important lessons here for that Israel. And of course, these things are "written down for our instruction, upon whom the end of the age has come. Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands, take heed lest he fall." So we'll look for those lessons.

2 Chr. 11

What lessons do you think Ezra wanted to get across in this chapter? And what do you think the Lord is saying to us/you in terms of discipleship?

V. 17 seems to have an eeriness about it.

V. 21 I read this and think, "He wasn't like his dad. He showed some restraint."

2 Chr. 12

This is a chapter of contrast. What would Ezra's point be here?

V. 1 Note these words. We'll find Ezra making similar comments on almost all of the kings. Notice that when Rehoboam was strong and established, he abandoned the Lord.

V. 7 They humbled themselves, but still, God punished them severely.

V. 14 What is it that God seeks? This would be one of those lessons for Ezra's generation, and for each of us.

2 Chr. 13

Now if you want to get a taste for how Ezra is trying to make a point about the importance of following the Lord and of God's promise to David, you need to read 1 Kings 15:1-7. Those seven vague verses is all the space Abijah gets there. It is enough to say that he really wasn't a godly king, but putting that account together with this one, we can fill in the blanks.

Vs. 1-20 Abijah began godly and his short reign was a terrible judgment of God on Jeroboam. Look at verse 17. Can you imagine a battle in which Israel or anyone would lose 500,000 men? In one battle. A half a million men. The lesson…not following the Lord bites and God will honor His promise to David.

Read these verses and look at the words the Lord puts in Abijah's mouth.

Vs. 21 So, when did Abijah go bad?

I read an article once that said we are at our weakest after a victory. That happened to David and, once Solomon had no more "mission," the life of the wisest man on earth went to heck.

God has given us a mission to keep us strong, but our strength is seen in humbly following Christ as people who have been brought from death to life because of the sacrifice of our Savior. As we've seen in Romans, if not for the grace of God and the help of the Spirit, sin would ravage us.

Romans 8:22-39

V. 23 Do we really groan inwardly? We only do that if we understand the weight we are still under and the deliverance that is coming our way, thanks to Christ and the love of God. We are closest to living in this realization when we are working in the harvest, seeking to reach the lost and make disciples who will go beyond us making disciples.

V. 24 How does the hope of the resurrection save us? Again, living in a good-time society where everything is pretty easy doesn’t help us here. The resurrection is our hope. Look back to those early verses of chapter six. If we don't sense the weight of sin still in us, and if we don't bear this weight as we follow Christ in the harvest, then we will never emotionally experience the hope and joy of sharing His resurrection. The resurrection will only be this nice thing we're told of that seems somehow unnecessary. Just beam me up, Scotty! The proper perspective is expressed by Paul in Philippians 3:7-15.

V. 26 "Likewise" seems to mean, "just as He helped us there, the Spirit also helps us here." So, in what other way has the Spirit been helping us? Go back to the beginning of this chapter. There is at least one stated thing and at least one other implied. You might find a bunch.

Vs. 26-27 The implication here is that the Spirit is interceding for us on a spiritual level. He isn't just adding something to our words, that we're leaving out. He's completely communicating to the Father on His own level, possibly in opposition to our lives or our prayers. He really knows what we need.

V. 28 So, why is this verse here, in this spot? You see that the Holy Spirit is praying for us and then you've got this verse. The way this verse gets used on the street is that God will eventually work everything together, including a bowling ball on the head from a twenty-story building, to make you happy. Try putting this verse together with verse 36. That doesn't sound happy. The RSV states verse 28 like this, "We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose." I like the tone of this reading better and it fits better to verse 36. It would seem that in God's love and eternal purpose, He uses us, at the same time working in us. We don't have to know how or why things happen. We only need to know Him and His love and trust Him. The fact that we even know Him and are saved is part of that purpose and working we don't understand. The final verses of Romans say, "to the only wise God, be glory for evermore in Christ Jesus." We trust ourselves to a wise, loving, sovereign God.

Vs. 29-30 I think the order is important here. I don't think foreknowledge means merit or works or takes away from the teaching of the depravity of man.

Vs. 31-39 This is Paul finishing this section of Romans with a flourish. These are some of the greatest verses in the NT and worth memorizing.

V. 32 If you only memorize one verse, do this one.

V. 33 Our justification is not based on our "doing" but on Christ's doing. So who can condemn us even when we sin, since we didn't justify ourselves? It means that Satan has been disarmed in terms of accusing us before God.

For us as disciples, these verses give us the assurance that we can give all we are for Christ. We are saved and safe and loved, but saved and safe and loved to work as hard as Paul did in the harvest, inspired by the great love and gospel of Christ.

Psalm 18:37-50

This is David's conclusion of his "master" psalm, written after 17 years of running, hiding, fighting and hearing every possible threat and lie against him. God worked His purpose and worked all things for good for David and for His covenant people.

V. 50 Notice that David mentions God's steadfast love. This is something David would arrange to have sung in all of Israel's worship because it was really what David learned from all he went through.

Verse 50 also shows that this psalm was written after God made the covenant with David, but probably before Bathsheba.

I don't know what this song would have sounded like, but it would have probably been pretty uplifting. Here's a song that also tells of God's power and sums up all of our readings today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7ii8WTXilw

Proverbs 19:27-29

Amen, amen and amen!

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.