Chronological Bible Blog

January 21st Chronological Bible Readings

Job 8-11:20
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

Okay, so I am sure that most of us have heard the old adage "patience of Job." (As in, "she has the patience of Job." etc.) Well, today's chapters 9 & 10 are probably not where this adage came from!  :)  Job is not showing a lot of patience in these chapters.  Can you blame him?  Would you speak differently if you were in Job's situation?  Or perhaps would your language be worse?  It is important to note that Job does not curse God directly, as Satan said Job would do in the beginning of the book.  Job is certainly complaining about his situation - and, well, not to spoil the book of Job here for you... but Job will repent of what he says to God later in the book.  In Job chapter 10 today we read Job's plea to God, including this in verses 18 through 22: "`Why, then, did you bring me out of my mother's womb? Why didn't you let me die at birth? Then I would have been spared this miserable existence. I would have gone directly from the womb to the grave. I have only a little time left, so leave me alone--that I may have a little moment of comfort before I leave for the land of darkness and utter gloom, never to return. It is a land as dark as midnight, a land of utter gloom where confusion reigns and the light is as dark as midnight.'"

The other adage, in addition to "patience of Job", that I was thinking about in today's readings is "with friends like these, who needs enemies??"  :)   Zophar in chapter 11 seems to really have compassion-deficiency!  I do think that Zophar and Bildad in chapter 8 were trying to say the things they thought Job needed to hear.  But they overstated the case I think in a few places.  I don't agree w/ Zophar saying in chapter 11 verse 3 that Job mocked God: "When you mock God, shouldn't someone make you ashamed?"  Here's my question for us today.  Are we sometimes like Zophar and Bildad?  Do we jump to conclusions about maybe why bad things are happening to our friends?   Do we offer up our big advice and big words and big bluster before really listening to our friends and understanding their situation fully?  I am afraid that sometimes we jump to conclusions far too quickly.  I always try to remember the old Stephen Covey adage (wow, 3 adages here in 1 post! :) from the "7 Habits of Highly Effective People":  "Seek first to understand, and then to be understood."  Let us seek first to really understand our friends or family members issues before we start offering our prescriptions for them.  Let us first try walking a mile in their shoes!

Worship God: Today's readings in Job 11:7 reminded me of Chris Tomlin's song "Indescribable:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6bfUf9S7wY

Do you know our Indescribable God?  Click here for His description!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?" Job 11:7 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you simply worship God for His unfathomable mysteries and for His eternal limitlessness.

Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today and also consider financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

January 20th Chronological Bible Readings

Job 5:1-7:21
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

In chapter 6 Job responds to Eliphaz as follows in verse 2 through 6: "If my sadness could be weighed and my troubles be put on the scales, they would be heavier than all the sands of the sea. That is why I spoke so rashly. For the Almighty has struck me down with his arrows. He has sent his poisoned arrows deep within my spirit. All God's terrors are arrayed against me. Don't I have a right to complain? Wild donkeys bray when they find no green grass, and oxen low when they have no food. People complain when there is no salt in their food."  How do these words of Job's speak to you?  Are these fair words for him to be saying in reply to Eliphaz?  Are they fair words for us to consider in our own lives today as well?

Below is a powerful image for Job's words in chapter 7 verse 11:

Worship God: Today's readings in Job reminded me of MercyMe's song "Bring the Rain:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw4cxsqp0PQ

Are you comfortable when the rains come?  Click here for your shelter in the storm!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty. " Job 6:14 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not withhold kindnesses from your friends. Pray that you will never forsake fear of the Almighty.

Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today and also consider financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

January 19th Chronological Bible Readings

Job 1:1-4:21
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

Today we begin the book of Job! Below is an image of Job with his friends by artist Guy Rowe:

~ Job ~
Author: Unknown
Date: Tenth century B.C.
Content: This long narrative poem deals with one of the deepest problems of man: How do we explain sin and suffering, if there exists a God powerful enough to do something about them? The book begins with the suffering of Job being given three sets of speeches by some friends of his: Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, each of whom tries to explain Job’s misery in a different way. A fourth man, Elihu, tries to summarize the situation, offering yet another explanation of why Job was suffering. Finally, the Lord himself speaks to Job, and Job recognizes that we do not so much need “answers” to life’s problems, as we need God himself. Job is then healed and given material and spiritual blessings far beyond his former state.
Theme: The mystery that surrounds human existence and the need to trust in God runs throughout the book. Mankind simply does not have enough knowledge to explain why things happen the way they do. It is possible to rise above our limitations by faith in God, however, because God does know why everything happens and will work good for those who love him. We may thus learn the profound truth that when we have nothing left but God, God is enough. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 9-10)  More commentary on Job titled “The Ideal of Submission” is at this link.  Below is an image from 15th century German artist Mittelalter of Job being smitten by sores by Satan from today's readings and Job's wife saying to him in chapter 2 verse 9: "Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die."

Today Job has a very interesting chapter 1 discussion between God and Satan. Do you believe in the existence of Satan? Demons? Evil? In the introduction to the wonderful book, “The Screwtape Letters,” C.S. Lewis writes: “There are two equal and opposite errors into which the human race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.” I’ll be honest – in my early Christian walk, I did not really believe in the existence of Satan, demons, evil. I believed in God and Christ and Love, and thought that was enough – evil didn’t need to exist in my universe.  :)  Unfortunately, I've heard another quote that: "Satan's greatest trick is to convince a person that Satan does not exist." I now could not agree more. If you don't believe in Satan or evil's existence then you are left open to subtle attacks, without even realizing it. God is so much more powerful than anything Satan can throw at you. But, keep in mind, Satan is throwing temptations at you. How do you combat the devil's temptations? Read Ephesians chapter 6 verses 10-18 at this link. Do you believe in the existence of Satan? Demons? Evil?

In Job chapter 4 we read about Eliphaz the Temanite's first response to Job, including these words in verses 3 through 6: "In the past you have encouraged many a troubled soul to trust in God; you have supported those who were weak. Your words have strengthened the fallen; you steadied those who wavered. But now when trouble strikes, you faint and are broken. Does your reverence for God give you no confidence? Shouldn't you believe that God will care for those who are upright?" How do these words of Eliphaz's speak to you?  Are these fair words for him to be saying to Job?  Are they fair words for us to consider in our own lives today as well?

Worship God: Today's readings in Job 1:21 reminded me of Casting Crowns' song "Praise you in this Storm:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yr7i5L6kFT0

Have you praised God in the storm?  Click here and Praise!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." Job 1:21 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will worship God in the midst of any storms that come into your life.

Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today and also consider financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

January 18th Chronological Bible Readings

Genesis 47:28-50:26
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

Today is a big reading day! We finish up Genesis! Today in Genesis Chapter 48 we read about Jacob blessing Ephraim and Manasseh!  One thing I thought about when reading this chapter and the next chapter was how interesting it is that blessings had so much importance and significance back in the days of the patriarchs.  And I wonder - do we have blessings today that are as significant?  Do fathers bless kids or grandkids these days?  Maybe so...  I guess I just haven't noticed it in my family...  :)  I do think there are still some "blessings" today that hold some incredible significance today.  Wedding vows come to mind and the blessings that come from the pastor/priest/minister during this time.  Church ceremonies or rituals come to mind - Communion, Baptism, Funerals, etc.  And then certainly above all else, there is the amazing and eternal blessing we receive from Jesus himself - the free blessing and free gift of salvation.  What else is there today that I'm missing?  Have you been "blessed" by others in some way, like we read about in today's 2 chapters?  Have you "blessed" others?  Please share in the Comments section below.  Below is a painting by the American artist Benjamin West from the early 19th century of Jacob blessing Ephraim and Manasseh - and with his arms appropriately crossed as per the text :) -

In Genesis chapter 49 we read about Jacob blessing his sons - and these are some very accurate blessings he gives as we will see as we continue through the Bible this year.  Perhaps Predictions or Prophecies might be the better term for Jacob's blessings in this chapter.   Verse 10 is awesome: "The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from his descendants, until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will obey."  This verse can apply to 2 descendants of Judah - King David and then ultimately and eternally to Jesus.  In verse 22 we read this about Joseph: "Joseph is a fruitful tree,"  And this is certainly true, as his descendants will include Joshua, Deborah & Gideon & Jephthah (3 judges of Israel), and Samuel the prophet.  Below is an image of Jacob blessing his 12 sons:

Below is a map that should be helpful to review based on today's blessing from Jacob of his sons.  Obviously we still need to get through the Exodus and a few other things before the twelve tribes have this land below :), but this is a nice overview for now of where things are going and correlate with Jacob's blessing in today's readings:

Genesis chapter 50 verses 19 & 20 stood out to me as Joseph spoke to his brothers: ""Don't be afraid of me. Am I God, to judge and punish you? As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people."  Again, I am impressed with Joseph's character here.  His brothers seemed to think that Joseph hadn't really forgiven them, and that he was waiting to get back at them after their father had passed away.  But, I think we see here that Joseph had truly forgiven his brothers!  It was water under the bridge.  And not only had Joseph forgiven them, but he saw the power of how God turned something bad into something incredibly good.  I wonder about this in our lives today - do we truly forgive other people like Joseph forgave his brothers?  Or, do we maybe hold some piece of unforgiveness within us?  Maybe we keep bringing up the wrong that somebody did to us?  Maybe we do this to make them feel a bit guilty from time to time?  Will we instead fully forgive and fully move forward? 

One interesting side note in chapter 50 was the embalming of Jacob & Joseph.  Embalming was an Egyptian custom - not a Hebrew custom.  Some commentaries suggest that Jacob & Joseph were likely being respectful of the Egyptian customs of the day.  The Egyptians believed in an afterlife - and believed that the embalming allowed the deceased to utilize their body in the afterlife.  Below is an illustration from the 13th century "Psalter of St. Louis" of Jacob´s corpse being laid in the tomb by his twelve sons:

Bible.org's commentary on Genesis chapter 48 titled "The View from the Graveyard" is at this link and commentary on chapter 49 titled "The Purpose of Prophecy" is at this link and commentary on Genesis chapter 50 titled "The End of An Era" is at this link.

Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of Casting Crowns' song "Thrive:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8URVJDFuTtg

Are you thriving in your life today?  Click here and Thrive!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his." Genesis 49:10 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are in a saving relationship with the one who holds the scepter of Judah forevermore, Jesus Christ. Pray that you are living in obedience to Jesus today, tomorrow, and forevermore.

Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today and also consider financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

January 17th Chronological Bible Readings

Genesis 45:16-47:27
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

Today in Genesis Chapter 46 we read about Jacob and his family's journey to Egypt!  I really like that God speaks to Jacob in a vision at Beersheba - the same place where both Abraham and Isaac had worshiped God earlier in Genesis.  As Jacob was about to leave Canaan, God reaffirms his covenant promises.  Very reassuring for Jacob I am sure!  I wonder - sometimes in our lives - as we are about to embark on something big:  Maybe a new ministry.  Maybe a mission trip.  Maybe a new job.  Maybe a new marriage.  Maybe a new child.  Does God speak to us?  Does God reaffirm his love to us?  Does God tell us that he will be with us on this new thing - as he did to Jacob in this chapter?  I can't say that I've verbally heard God speak to me during times of big change in my life.  But, I have most definitely sensed amazing peace many times during big changes in my life.  I do try to pray more than ever during times of change.  I try to stay as absolutely close to God as I possibly can.  Maybe I'm kind of like a scared child trying to huddle up to my heavenly Father during times of change.  Which I am okay with.  :)  And - it seems almost without fail, God does "speak" to me with a peace that surpasses all understanding.  If the peace is not there... then I do begin to worry if what I am doing is really God's will for my life.  If the peace is there - I know without a shadow of a doubt that what I am embarking upon is God's will for my life.  I will say this - that even if I cannot discern or sense the peace during a time of change, I still do not doubt that God will be with me.  That he will not leave me.  That he will be there.  Do you believe that God is with you always?  That he will go with you wherever you go?  Below is a wonderful engraving by Gustave Dore of Jacob traveling to Egypt:

Verses 33 & 34 stood out to me in today's readings, as Joseph gives his brothers this instruction: "So when Pharaoh calls for you and asks you about your occupation, tell him, `We have been livestock breeders from our youth, as our ancestors have been for many generations.' When you tell him this, he will let you live here in the land of Goshen, for shepherds are despised in the land of Egypt."" I like Joseph's wisdom here.  I guess you could look at this as Joseph being manipulative of Pharaoh.  But I don't really see this.  I see that Joseph is telling his brothers what to say - which is true - and that this will allow the nation of Israel to begin to grow and flourish in the land of Goshen, removed from the cities of Egypt.  It seems like Joseph is definitely catering to Pharaoh's generosity - "let your family come to Egypt!" - and Pharaoh / Egyptians prejudices - "shepherds are despised in the land of Egypt."   For a win / win.  It's a Stephen Covey win / win business principle here!  :) Below is a map showing Jacob's family's journey from Canaan to Goshen:

In Genesis chapter 47 I find it very interesting that Jacob blesses Pharaoh twice.  I haven't studied why this happens.  My thought is that Jacob is indeed very appreciative of this current Pharaoh - for literally saving the Israelites by allowing God to move mightily through Joseph.  We will see soon that there are future Pharaoh's who are not so kind to the Israelites...  So, perhaps Jacob realized that this Pharaoh was deserving of two blessings.  Let me know your thoughts on these blessings in the Comments below?  Below is an image of Jacob blessing Pharaoh:

We then read about Joseph's leadership and business skills during the famine - as things get really bad with the famine and people are on the brink of starving.  Overall, I initially thought that Joseph was making wise decisions that ultimately ended up saving lives - and in verse 25 the people said the same thing.  However, I have one good friend who was in a Bible study with me who felt that Joseph was being way too harsh.  I can see both sides... :)   Did Joseph have other options / ways to do this?   We actually got into quite a heated discussion on this point in our Bible study on this topic a couple of years ago.  What do you think?  During this time of extreme famine, was Joseph being too harsh or being wise and even being compassionate?  Below is a Victorian era painting from 1874 by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema titled "Joseph, Overseer of the Pharaoh's Granaries":

Okay, I have to say that I absolutely love Bob Deffinbaugh's humor over at bible.org!  Check out his commentary on Genesis chapter 46, with the awesome title of "Life Begins at 130" at this link.  I love it!  Bible.org's commentary on Genesis chapter 47 titled "A Proper Perspective of Poverty and Prosperity" is at this link.

Worship God: Today's readings reminded me of Matt Redman's song "10,000 Reasons:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk11x52nc04

Do you have any reason to love God?  Click here for 10,000 reasons!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, “Don’t quarrel on the way!" Genesis 45:24 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you don't "quarrel on the way" to heaven with others in this life. Pray that you "bless on the way" instead!

Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today and also consider financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!