New Testament in a Year

March 7th New Testament Readings

Mark 13:14-37
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In Mark chapter 13 today we read about the signs of the end of the age. For me personally, Jesus’ words in verses 32 & 33 have always been so powerful when it comes to end-times considerations – “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” I think this teaching from Jesus is so important for each of us to keep in mind. No one knows the day or the hour of the end of times. Only God the Father. I have some friends who are very into speculating and discussing end-times prophecies and events. For me personally, these verses above make me realize that we truly do not know when the end of time will come – but, yes, we know it will come. And therefore I believe we should live every day loving God and loving people around us – and not get so focused on speculation of end times that we forget about these 2 great commandments. . .  :) My other thought on these verses is this – not only do we not know when the end of the age will come, but we do not know when the end of each of our lives will come. Hopefully we will live long lives. But it’s not guaranteed. You know how life is – there is cancer and there are accidents and the list could go on. So, I guess I’d recommend this – don’t worry about when the end of the age will be. Don’t worry about when the end of your life will be. Instead, be on guard and be alert each and every day to make sure you are loving God and loving people – as if each day might be your last day.

Worship Video: Today's readings in Mark about Jesus' Second Coming reminds me of the FFH song "One of these Days:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHdSgQVIb5c

Are you prepared for Jesus' Second Coming? Click here and be prepared for that Day!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens." Mark 13:26-27 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are looking forward to the day of Jesus' return. Pray "Come, Lord Jesus, quickly come."

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on my reflections above on Mark 13:32-33, I am reminded of something I read on another Christian blog recently and it really did make me think. Here’s how this blog put it, and I think this relates well to these Mark verses – “Breaking News: mortality rate is STILL 100%! You are not guaranteed all the days you believe you have coming to you. What would you do differently if today was your last day alive?”  Powerful question for each of us to consider, no?  What would you do differently if today was your last day alive?  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!

March 6th New Testament Readings

Mark 12:38-13:13
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In Mark chapter 12 verses 41 through 43 today we read the powerful narrative of the Widow's Mite - "Jesus went over to the collection box in the Temple and sat and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two pennies. He called his disciples to him and said, "I assure you, this poor widow has given more than all the others have given. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.""  How does this narrative speak to you?  When it comes to your time, treasure, and talents, do you give to God out of your surplus?  Or do you give to God all that you have?  What should we learn today from the widow about giving?

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the Aaronic blessing and here's the blessing sung as a duet.  Beautiful!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQNZs7preGw

Has the Lord blessed you? Click here to be kept forever!

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!

March 5th New Testament Readings

Mark 12:18-37
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I have heard Jesus' teaching about the 2 greatest commandments in Mark chapter 12 verses 29-31 summarized as simply Love God & Love People:  "Jesus replied, "The most important commandment is this: `Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' The second is equally important: `Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these.""

Here is a very interesting note about Jesus' quote above from Deuteronomy 6:4 that starts '"Hear, O Israel!" - This verse begins what is known as the Shema - which was named after the first word in this verse and means "Hear."  The Shema became the Jewish confession of faith, which was recited by pious Jews every morning and evening and it is still recited in synagogue services today.  More very interesting information about The Shema from a Jewish website is at this link.

Worship Video: Today's readings in Mark today about the Shema reminded me of this singing of the Shema in both Hebrew and English:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKIcvrMm8S8

Do you love the Lord your God? Click here and love Him forevermore!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: ""The most important commandment," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:29-31 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will love God today with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. Pray that you will love your neighbor as much as you love yourself. Pray that God would show you today who your neighbor is and that you will love them.

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!

March 4th New Testament Readings

Mark 11:27-12:17
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In Mark chapter 12 we read Jesus’ profound Parable of the Tenants, which exposes the planned attempt on Jesus’ life. At the end of the parable Jesus quotes from Psalm 118 verses 22 & 23 when he says in Mark chapter 12 verse 10: “Haven't you read this scripture: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”” I have heard some awesome sermons on this verse – about how our Christian lives should be based upon and aligned with the true foundational Cornerstone – and that cornerstone being Jesus Christ. Do you believe that Jesus is the cornerstone of Christianity? Is Jesus the cornerstone of your life? Do you align your life with Jesus’ teachings? Do you live your life based on being in alignment with the true Cornerstone – the only Cornerstone – Jesus? Will you pray to Jesus that He will be your Cornerstone now and forever?

Today we also read about Jesus' teaching of giving Caesar what belongs to him, and I came across this very cool image below, which shows a silver denarius coin that was from Jesus' era with Tiberius Caesar's image & name stamped on it.  The wording on this coin below reads from right to left: "TI (BERIUS) CAESAR DIVI AUG (GUSTI) F (ILIUS) AUGUSTUS" - which reads translated: "Tiberius Caesar, august son of the deified Augustus". Jesus could have been holding such a coin as below when he said in verses 15 through 17 - "Show me a Roman coin..." When they handed it to him, he asked, "Whose picture and title are stamped on it?" "Caesar's," they replied. "Well, then," Jesus said, "give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God." This reply completely amazed them."

Commentary on our Mark chapter 11 & 12 readings today are at bible.org at this link and at this link.

Worship God: Today's readings reminded me of the song "Cornerstone" sung here by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjSQa2q94PU

Is Jesus your Cornerstone? Click here and meet the Cornerstone!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." Mark 12:17 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you would give your heart, mind, soul and strength to God today, and not to worldly things.

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!

March 3rd New Testament Readings

Mark 11:1-26
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~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

New Testament - Today in Mark chapter 11 we read about Jesus' Triumphal entry in Jerusalem!  This entry is an important transition point in Jesus' ministry, in large part because it is the last week of Jesus' life, which inaugurates Passion Week.  But also because Jesus' ministry will now be focused in the confines of Jerusalem, the Holy City.  Jesus' triumphal entry is a deliberate Messianic action and the clue to its understanding is found in Zechariah chapter 9 verse 9: "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." Hosanna in the highest!  (Hosanna is a Hebrew expression meaning “Save!” which became an exclamation of praise).  Commentary on Mark chapter 11 readings for today by Bob Deffinbaugh titled "The Triumphal Tragedy" is at bible.org at this link. 

Today we read in verse 17: "Jesus taught them, "The Scriptures declare, `My Temple will be called a place of prayer for all nations,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves.""

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Steve Green in 1987 singing an incredible acapella version of Martin Luther's "A Mighty Fortress is our God:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRJHKzU_t1M

Is God your mighty fortress? Click here and be strengthened!

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!

March 2nd New Testament Readings

Mark 10:32-52
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In Mark chapter 10 verse 33 today we read Jesus' third and last prediction of his death to the disciples in Mark's Gospel.  You'll note the two previous predictions are at Mark 8:31 & 9:31.  Crucifixion is not explicitly stated by Jesus in this verse, but it is implied in that he states he will be handed over to the Romans.  The Romans in this era killed non-Romans via crucifixion.

Verse 45 I think is such an important verse in the Bible for us to really meditate upon and understand, as this verse summarizes Jesus' ministry and purpose so succinctly and powerfully: "For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many."  Jesus was not your typical "King - who lords it over the people beneath him".  He did not come to be served.  But to serve.  And he gave his life as a ransom for our sins.  Via crucifixion.  For some reason in this Lenten / pre-Easter season I am thinking more and more about Jesus' Passion and what he did for each of us on the cross.  It's really really humbling to think about.  But so good I think for each of us to reflect upon the ransom that was paid for us by Jesus.  The Suffering Servant.  The King.  The Savior of the World.

In today's readings we read about Jesus healing Bartimaeus, who was blind.  You'll notice that Bartimaeus seems to have a very "expectant" faith!  He expects that Jesus will heal him.  But, it's not expectation alone that demonstrates his faith in Jesus - Bartimaeus verbalizes that Jesus is the Messiah, when he calls him "Son of David!" in verse 48.  It was known that the Messiah would be a descendant of King David, and Bartimaeus clearly believed.  Is there anything today you can learn from Bartimaeus and his expectant faith? 

Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of the fantastic song "True Love" by Phil Wickham. Here's a great live version of the song. Make sure you watch past the short opening interview and worship to this powerful song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL7Uo__ss7g

Do you know your True Love? Click here for Love Eternal!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:43-45 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not seek to be served in this life, but will instead seek to serve. Pray that you will have a servant's heart. Pray that you will serve like Jesus served.

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!

March 1st New Testament Readings

Mark 10:13-31
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New Testament - Today in Mark chapter 10 we read about the Rich Man.  I have heard plenty of sermons on this passage of scripture and read a bunch of commentaries.  The message is probably not that every Christian needs to sell all they have, give to the poor, and you'll have treasure in heaven.  However... this could be the message for some of us.  Basically, the message is more along the lines of what in your life are you holding on so tight to, that you need to let go of?  What are you worshiping?  What are you letting stand in the way of your relationship with Jesus?  And what must you let go of?  What's your "camel" that's holding you back?  It might be money or material possessions.  It could be an addiction.  It could be status.  It could be anger.  It could be lust.  I don't know what it is for you - that's between you and Jesus.  But, can you let your "camel" go, so that you won't be like this camel here trying to get through the eye of a needle...  :)

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the song "Open the Eyes of My Heart."  Here's Michael W. Smith's live version:

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

Are the eyes of your heart opened? Click here and open your eyes!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: "Jesus said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them." Mark 10:14-16 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will have faith like a child. Pray that you will always bless and serve and teach children in your life.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What is your take on the Rich Man / Rich Young Ruler?  Why do you think Jesus said he should sell all he had and give to the poor?  Are there areas in your life where Jesus has asked you to give up something?  Maybe something material or maybe something more like an addiction or obsession, etc.?  Have you obeyed Jesus in this regard?  Was it a blessing to obey Jesus?  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!

February 28th New Testament Readings

Mark 9:30-10:12
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~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

Mark chapter 9 verses 33-35 always stand out to me and I personally always need to be reminded of Jesus' teaching here in the last sentence: "Jesus asked them, "What were you discussing out on the road?"  But they didn't answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down and called the twelve disciples over to him. Then he said, "Anyone who wants to be the first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else."  How are you doing on this last sentence?  Are you taking last place?  Are you the servant of everyone else?  Do you think this last sentence applies to Jesus' life?  Do you think we should model how Jesus lived his life?

I came across an artistic image I liked a lot, below, which applies to verses 36 & 37... except of course that the child is wearing very modern day clothes - keep in mind it is art! :) -  "Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes my Father who sent me."

Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of the Casting Crowns song "Nobody:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yBzIt_z8oY

Are you a Nobody? Click here to live for Nobody but Jesus!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." Mark 9:35 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will never strive to be first. Pray that you will strive to be the servant of all, as Jesus was the servant of all.

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!

February 27th New Testament Readings

Mark 9:1-29
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~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

Today in Mark chapter 9 we read about the Transfiguration!  I heard a wonderful sermon recently about the Transfiguration.  The sermon basically was stating that the Transfiguration of Jesus into a dazzling white & God's voice showed to James, John, and Peter that Jesus was truly divine and the son of God.  And, the sermon suggested this Transfiguration took place relatively closely to Jesus' arrest and death - as such, the Transfiguration was meant to give these 3 apostles the hope that even during the dark days that were soon to come during the arrest, trial and death of Jesus, that they truly were following the Messiah and that he would rise from the dead - although they didn't quite understand the rise from the dead part at this time.  I think it is important for us to remember that we have the knowledge of the full story of Jesus, including his resurrection - hindsight is 20/20 - but the apostles did not know exactly what was going to happen at this particular time.  The Transfiguration was an incredible sign of God's control in all that was happening and would happen to his beloved son Jesus.  Commentary on the Transfiguration is at bible.org at this link

Verse 24 is an amazing statement from the father of a possessed boy to Jesus- "The father instantly replied, "I do believe, but help me not to doubt!""  I have heard this verse mentioned by the late Christian writer Henri Nouwen.  One of his simple prayers that he would pray very often - throughout his day - was simply, "Jesus, I believe.  Help my unbelief." I know that I have uttered this prayer on occasion in the past and it's been an amazing little prayer to pray - at any time of the day.  Jesus, I believe.  Help my unbelief.  (The Genesee Diary is the book by Henri where I believe I read about him praying this short prayer where he kept a diary when spending several months in a trappist monastery.  This book is a great read to remind us to slow down in our busy lives!)

Worship Video: Our readings today reminded me of Josh Wilson's song "I Refuse:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6B1Lv8k5pEc

Do you refuse to live a lukewarm life? Click here for the ultimate Yes to 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! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

February 26th New Testament Readings

Mark 8:11-38
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

The last few verses in Mark's readings today are some of the most powerful verses that each of us should really reflect upon in our lives today! I wish I reflected on these verses more often.  Check out chapter 8 verses 34 through 38 and spend a few moments really reflecting on these verses and on how they speak to how you are living your life today: "Then Jesus called his disciples and the crowds to come over and listen. "If any of you wants to be my follower," he told them, "you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will find true life. And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process? Is anything worth more than your soul? If a person is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, I, the Son of Man, will be ashamed of that person when I return in the glory of my Father with the holy angels."

These are incredible verses above!  I think the first obvious question these verses open up to us is simply this - do you want to be a follower of Jesus?   If the answer is yes, then the instructions that follow are simple and yet not always so easy in our fallen world:  1.  give up your own selfish ambition.  2. shoulder your cross.  3.  follow Jesus.  How are you doing on these 3 points in your life today?   And what a profound truth there is in that we will find true life if we give up our life for Jesus - the Good News.  I actually have been thinking about this point quite a bit lately.  And my thoughts have revolved around "my identity" - and where I get my identity from.  I think so often I get my identity from my work or my ministry or my friends or my social life - the problem in all of this is that you'll keep seeing the word "my" in my identity.  And I'm realizing more and more that my identity should be in Jesus alone.  Jesus should be the identity.  The reality.  I think that I am really searching for true life in all the wrong places - in my work, in my friends, etc.  And true true life is really only found in one place - Jesus.  How about you?  What is providing your identity in your life today?  Do you think it is possible that your identity could simply be found in Jesus?  Do you want this to be the case?   I think each of us will do well to not be ashamed of Jesus and the Good News in these adulterous and sinful days...  Below is an interesting diagram showing Christian levels of commitment, suggesting that verses Mark 8:34-38 are the "conviction" stage highlighted below.  Which stage of commitment do you think you are at today?

Worship Video:  Today's readings reminded me of the hymn "Holy, Holy, Holy" sung here by Audrey Assad:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgHrNNM23p8

Do you know our Holy God? Click here for Holiness!

Comments from You: What erses 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!