New Testament in a Year

Luke 6:12-38
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In Luke chapter 6 verses 12 & 13 today we read – “One day soon afterward Jesus went to a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles.”  Every time I read about Jesus’ calling of the apostles, I always think about myself.  What would I have done if I was called by Jesus to be an apostle back then?  What would I do if I was called to follow Jesus in this way today?  What would you do?  Would you leave everything behind and follow Jesus? 

Verses 22 & 23 are just no joke and so powerful for each of to consider and remember in our lives today – “God blesses you who are hated and excluded and mocked and cursed because you are identified with me, the Son of Man. When that happens, rejoice! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were also treated that way by your ancestors.” Wow… rejoice when you are hated and excluded and mocked and cursed – because you are identified with Jesus.  No, don’t just rejoice – leap for joy! 

Today we read 3 amazing verses that I don’t think we can hear often enough.  And my hunch is that we don’t follow these teachings often enough…  they can seem initially so counter-intuitive – just like leaping for joy is when you are persecuted for loving Jesus.  But these 3 verses are clearly such an important part of living the Christian life.  And when you really meditate upon them, you’ll see that they really are not counter-intuitive at all, but completely wise.  Verse 28 – “Pray for the happiness of those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” And verses 35 & 36 – “”Love your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them! And don’t be concerned that they might not repay. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to the unthankful and to those who are wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”  How are you doing on praying for the happiness of those who curse you or hurt you?  How are you doing in loving your enemies and doing good to them?  Do you believe we should be compassionate in these ways?

Verse 37 I don’t think we can hear often enough either – “”Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. Stop criticizing others, or it will all come back on you. If you forgive others, you will be forgiven.” I really need to hear this one – stop judging others.  Stop judging others.  Stop judging others.  Okay, I think I’ve got it….   Maybe… 🙂

Bible.org’s commentary on Luke chapter 6 readings today titled “Defining Discipleship” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me the amazing song “My Redeemer Lives” by Nicole C. Mullen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QvX4CwSmwY

Do you know our Redeemer lives? Click here for Life!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not judge others, but leave the Judgment to Jesus. Pray that you will not condemn. Pray that you will forgive others, as Jesus has Forgiven you.

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! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Luke 5:29-6:11
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Today in Luke chapter 5 verses 31 & 32 we read this teaching from Jesus: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” How does this verse speak to you? Are you healthy or sick? Are you righteous or a sinner? Do you need Jesus? Are you heeding his call to repentance? Do you believe that Jesus is the one true Doctor who can heal you for eternity?   Below is a painting of Jesus at the house of Levi by the Italian painter Paolo Veronese from the year 1573: (with of course the Pharisees looking on…)

Bible.org’s commentary on Luke chapter 5’s readings today titled “On Eating, Drinking, and Being Merry” is at this link, and commentary on Luke chapter 6’s readings today titled “The Great Sabbath Controversy” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Jeremy Camp’s song “The Answer:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4n-bSz515qM

Do you want to know the answer? Click here for The Answer!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you realize that you are sick and in need of Jesus’ healing. Pray that you have or will repent of all of your sins. Pray that you always recognize your need for Jesus.

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! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Luke 5:12-28
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In Luke chapter 5 we read one of my favorite healings’ of Jesus – where he heals the paralyzed man on the mat – in very large part because of the paralyzed man’s friends who carry him to Jesus!  I love that his friends did this.  I pray if I was paralyzed I would have friends like these!  Check out verses 18 through 20 – “Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to push through the crowd to Jesus, but they couldn’t reach him. So they went up to the roof, took off some tiles, and lowered the sick man down into the crowd, still on his mat, right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.””   I am fascinated by this – “seeing their faith” – I don’t know if this is a quirk of the New Living Translation or if indeed Jesus literally saw the faith of the paralyzed man’s friends.  My hunch is that he did.  And this makes me realize that sometimes when our faith is at a low point, maybe our friends can help carry us along and bring us closer to Jesus.  And maybe we should act like these friends for someone in our life who is “paralyzed” by something….  Is there someone in your life that you can help “carry the mat for” and in doing so bring them closer to Jesus?  Wow.  I pray I have friends like this – and I pray I can be a friend like this to others…

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Luke chapter 5 titled “Stretcher Carriers and Sermon Critics” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Luke remind me of the Britt Nicole song, “The Lost Get Found.” Here’s a great live version of this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXi709LCKWk

Are you Lost? Click here and be Found!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” Luke 5:20 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have a true saving faith in Jesus. Pray that through Jesus your sins are forgiven today and forevermore. Pray that you will follow Jesus in obedience the rest of your life.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Based on our readings in Luke today, have you ever had someone “carry you on a mat” when you were in a time of need?  Have you ever had friends that demonstrated great faith in you?  Conversely, have you ever carried friends on their mat when they were in need?  Do you think we are called to carry each others burdens?  Why or why not?  Also, 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! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Luke 4:31-5:11
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In Luke chapter 5 verses 10 & 11 we read – “From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.”  Can you imagine being called by Jesus like this?  If you were called by Jesus to stop your “work” that you are doing now and instead work to bring people closer to God, would you do so?  Can you imagine yourself today being like these disciples and leaving everything and following Jesus?

Bible.org’s commentary on Luke chapter 4’s readings today titled “Deity Confronts the Demons” is at this link and commentary on chapter 5’s readings today entitled “How to Hook a Fisherman” is at this link.

Worship God: Luke chapter 5 reminds me of Steven Curtis Chapman’s great song “For the Sake of the Call:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sb4RrF9VxI

Will you abandon it all for the sake of the call? Click here for the Call!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” Luke 5:10-11 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will follow Jesus. Pray that you will leave everything else in this life that does not line up with Jesus call for your life and for God’s glory.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Based on our readings in Luke today, do you believe that Jesus still calls his followers to be fishers of people today?  Are you a fisher of people?  How are you fishing for people for the Lord in your life today?  What are some ways that Jesus might be calling you to fish for people today?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Luke 4:1-30
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Today we read about the temptation of Jesus.  This is a powerful narrative for each of us to consider.  We all obviously face temptations in our life.  Jesus faced temptations as well.  The difference of course is that Jesus did not give into the temptations.  He did not sin.  I love the fact that Jesus combated the devil’s temptations with the Word of God, the Bible.  We each would do well to pay attention to how powerful the Word is in thwarting the devil’s temptations of us today.  Here’s a very amazing image I found, with a look at Jesus being tempted by the devil.  Check out the cloud of temptation above him… the devil.  Ever feel this cloud of temptation hovering above you?  I know I have…  And I know that faith in Jesus, calling upon Jesus’ name, and bringing to mind the Word of God in times of darkness & temptation can send this cloud away from us!

Bob Deffinbaugh at Bible.org has 4 great commentaries on the temptation of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke at this link, and at this link, and at this link, and at this link.  And his look at verses 14 through 30 in Luke chapter 4 titled “On Prophets and Popularity” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings about temptation reminded me of the song “Lord I Need You” by Matt Maher. Here’s a great live version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG5O5TSIaE4

Do you need God? Click here and be with Him forevermore!

Comments from You & Questions of the Day: When faced with temptation in your life, have you ever brought to mind the Word of God?  Did this change things?  Do you believe that the Word of God can help us combat temptation in our life?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Luke 3:23-38
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You’ll notice that Luke’s genealogy in chapter 3 today is different from the genealogy in Matthew chapter 1 in a couple of ways: 1.  Matthew starts with Abraham and goes to Jesus & Luke starts with Jesus and goes all the way back to Adam.  This was done by Luke to show Jesus’ relationship to the entire human race.  Matthew focused more on Jesus’ relationship with the Jews by going back to Abraham.  2. Matthew traces Jesus legal genealogy through his father Joseph back to Solomon son of David, while Luke traces Jesus bloodline through his mother Mary back to Nathan son of David.  This is an interesting slight distinction.  Line up Luke & Matthew’s genealogies and you’ll see the differences in the names between David & Jesus.  Below is an image of Luke’s genealogy of Jesus, from the Book of Kells transcribed by Celtic monks circa 800:

Bible.org’s commentary on the genealogy of Jesus is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Casting Crowns song “If We are the Body.”  Here’s a great live version of that song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYbGMQ5Y3Uo

Are you the Body? Click here to meet the Head of the Body!

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! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Luke 3:1-22
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I always love reading about John the Baptizer! John is sometimes referred to as the “last Old Testament prophet.” Jesus said this about John in Luke 16:16 – “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John.” Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophets, priests and kings. I find it very helpful to know Jesus is my Prophet, Priest and King. Prophets in the Old Testament typically preached repentance from sins, and John was no exception to this rule in our readings in Luke chapter 3 today. John preached repentance! Have you repented from your sins? Is your life showing the fruits of your repentance?

Commentary from Bible.org on Luke chapter 3’s readings today titled “John the Baptizer” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Steven Curtis Chapman’s song “Dive:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXqXIicm8uU

Have you dove into the life of faith yet? Click here and dive in!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “And the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:22 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray for more of the Holy Spirit in your life. Pray that you life will be pleasing to God.

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!

Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Luke 2:36-52
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New Testament – In Luke chapter 2 today we read about Jesus’ wisdom at the young age of 12.  How’s this for a profound statement from Jesus to Mary & Joseph when they found him in the Temple in verse 49 – “But why did you need to search?” he asked. “You should have known that I would be in my Father’s house.” I like that!  And I like that Jesus was paying such respect for the Temple as well – essentially calling it the house of God.  I do believe this can be carried forward today to Jesus’ love for his body, the church.  I often think to myself, when I’m on my way to church, that “I’m going to the house of God.”  Do you believe that we can find Jesus today in his Father’s house?  Or are you searching elsewhere?  I do believe of course Jesus can be found outside of church… but I also know that I oftentimes experience his presence so profoundly at church – and Communion in church clearly being one such a time & place where I cannot help but find Jesus in a profound way. Below is “Jesus in the Temple at Twelve” by Duccio di Buoninsegna from the early 14th century:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Luke titled “The Day Jesus went AWOL” 🙂 is at this link..

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Zach Williams song “Old Church Choir:”

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

Do you have an old church choir in your soul? Click here and Sing!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” Luke 2:49 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will look for Jesus today in his Father’s house, heaven, seated at His Father’s right hand side in glory. Pray that you won’t ever need to search for Jesus, but know that He is with you always, even to the very end of the age.

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! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Luke 2:1-35
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New Testament – Okay, any fans out there of Charlie Brown’s Christmas Special recognize anything here from Luke chapter 2?? 🙂  Yes, indeed, Linus’ speech to Charlie Brown about the meaning of Christmas comes straight from the KJV of this chapter, Luke 2:8-14.

One thing that seems to be standing out to me quite a bit in reading Luke this year is how much Luke writes about Mary.   I like how Luke gives us a little bit more of a glimpse of the mother of Jesus in his Gospel.  We saw this obviously in our readings 2 days ago about the Magnificat.  And then today we read about Mary listening to the shepherds’ words in verse 19: “Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often.”  And then in verses 34 & 35 today we read: “Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, “This child will be rejected by many in Israel, and it will be their undoing. But he will be the greatest joy to many others. Thus, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.””  This last sentence of Simeon’s seems to be the first glimpse of Jesus’ suffering and death that will come later in his life….  Here’s a nice image of Simeon holding Jesus:

Bible.org commentary on Luke chapter 2 titled “The Birth of the Messiah” is at this link, and “Acclamations of the Birth of Christ” is at this link.

YouTube: Based on my reference above to Linus telling Charlie Brown about the true meaning of Christmas in Luke Chapter 2, here’s the clip:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eff0cqYefYY

Do you know the true meaning of Christmas? Click here for your Christmas today!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will treasure all of the Words of Scripture that you are reading this year and that you will often ponder the Word in your heart.

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! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Luke 1:57-80
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I love Zechariah’s prophecy in today’s readings in Luke chapter 1!  In particular verses 76-79 when speaking about his son John the Baptist: “And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God’s tender mercy, the light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.””  Amen!  Below is Leonardo Da Vinci’s portrait of John the Baptist from the year 1516:

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings in Luke today titled “Why John Was Not Named ‘Little Zach’” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the Matthew West song “Only Grace:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_4pMBU58e8

Have you experienced God’s grace? Click here for Grace!

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! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!