New Testament in a Year

2 Corinthians 8:1-15
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Second Corinthians chapter 8 verse 9 today is one of those verses that can really make you think about how blessed you truly are and why through Jesus: “You know how full of love and kindness our Lord Jesus Christ was. Though he was very rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.”  I imagine that most of us reading this blog right now are living pretty nice lives overall.  In most respects it may be fair to call us “rich.”  Many of us have rich lives in terms of where we live, our spiritual freedoms, and other freedoms.  And why do we have these riches in our lives today?  Because Jesus, the Son of God, came to this earth and made himself poor for our sakes.  Jesus was born in a manger.  He lived his life “homeless” in many ways.  He was sinless, but yet died a criminal’s death by execution on a cross.  Jesus was very rich in heaven.   But yet, because of his love and kindness, he made himself poor and died on a cross for us, so that we would be “rich.”  And now, realizing this, how are we utilizing our riches?  Are we demonstrating love and kindness to others like Jesus did to us?  Are we investing our lives – lives that were given to us by God and saved by Jesus – for Kingdom purposes?  Are you living your life as if you are literally working for God in all that you do?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Second Corinthians today titled “Learning To Be Liberal” (it is a great essay on Paul’s call to give generously to the church in Jerusalem) is at this link.

Worship Video: Our readings today reminded me of the MercyMe song “So Long Self,” which has a fun video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJtKdjaH2nY

Have you said So Long to your Self? Click here and say Goodbye!

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!

2 Corinthians 7:8-16
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Second Corinthians chapter 7 verses 9 & 10 teaches us a great lesson – “It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. For God can use sorrow in our lives to help us turn away from sin and seek salvation. We will never regret that kind of sorrow.”  Do you believe that God can use sorrow for redemptive purposes?  Do you believe there is such a thing as godly sorrow?  Can sorrow turn us away from sin and toward salvation?  Have you ever experienced such a sorrow?  I know that I have.  There have been times in my life in the past where I was pursuing the false glamour of sin.  And that pursuit of sin delivered great sorrow.  But, thanks be to God for that sorrow!  It was a godly sorrow that turned me away from sin and toward God’s salvation.  So, if you are experiencing sorrow in your life right now, or when you do, please seek God in the midst of the sorrow.  Perhaps the sorrow was not caused by your sin, as it was in my case.  But perhaps God can still use that sorrow ultimately for his redemptive purposes.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Corinthians readings titled “Good Grief” is at this link.

Worship Video:  Today’s readings remind me of Matt Redman’s song “The Heart of Worship:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4RUjGsTfks

Do you know the heart of worship?  Click here and worship Him!

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!

2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7
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Second Corinthians chapter 7 verse 1 today is powerful – “Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete purity because we fear God.” How does this verse speak to you?  What promises do we have as followers of Jesus Christ?  In light of these promises, should we cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body?  And cleanse ourselves of everything that can defile our spirit?  Are you living your life in such a way that you are moving toward complete purity?  Do you believe that the Cross of Jesus Christ purifies you?  What does the Cross of Jesus ultimately purify you for?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Second Corinthians titled “Choosing Sides” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Santcus Real’s awesome song “Lead Me:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBdFn4YgxPY

Is God leading you? Click here to be led!

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!

2 Corinthians 6:1-13
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I love Paul’s opening words in Second Corinthians chapter 6 verses 1 and 2 today, as he quotes from the prophet Isaiah – “As God’s partners, we beg you not to reject this marvelous message of God’s great kindness. For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, God is ready to help you right now. Today is the day of salvation.”  How does this verse speak to you?  What does it mean to you?  Do you believe that God is ready to help you right now?  Do you believe that today is the day of salvation?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Second Corinthians titled “Authentic Apostleship” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Steve Green singing “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” acapella in 1987.  Watch this video all the way to the end.  Wow…

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

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

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!

2 Corinthians 5:11-21
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Today in Second Corinthians chapter 5 verses 17 and 18 we read – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come. All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” How do these 2 verses speak to you? I have a hunch that you have probably heard the first of these 2 verses before? (Michael W. Smith has a child reciting this verse at the beginning of one of his Worship albums.) I find it interesting to consider the first verse – being a new creation – along with the second verse – because God reconciled us through Jesus. I absolutely love the first verse. If we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus is our Lord and Savior, we are indeed a new creation. Our old self has gone and the new self has come. And why do we receive this amazing gift? Because the Creator of All has reconciled his Creation (us) to himself through Jesus and the ministry of reconciliation. We have been reconciled to God! This is a powerful thought to consider. It is a joyful thought! It is also a thought that should make us realize that there was a time in our life when we were not reconciled with God. And it should make us realize that there are people in this world right now whom we know who are hurting and are not reconciled with God. Are you reconciled with God through Jesus? Do you rejoice frequently in the Spirit and in prayers of thanksgiving that you are a new creation? Are you working and praying for reconciliation for your family and friends and others God has brought into your life? Do you believe that they want to leave their old self behind and become a new creation?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Second Corinthians titled “Out With the Old, In With the New” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Second Corinthians reminded me of Casting Crown’s song “Until the Whole World Hears:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7qi2KlUffs

Are you singing about Jesus until the whole world hears? Click here to Sing!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you are completely “in Christ” through a saving faith and relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Pray with rejoicing that you are a new creation! Pray that the old is truly gone from your life and your new life with Jesus has come!

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!

2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10
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Paul’s words in Second Corinthians chapter 4 verses 16 through 18 are incredible for each of us to take to heart: “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.”  I don’t know about you, but I confess that I all too often get caught up in the troubles we can see right now.  I forget about the joys to come that will last forever.  It’s sad when I forget about the joys to come.  There is so much hurt and disaster in our world that I am afraid all too often I focus only on these negative things and forget that this is a world where bad things happen.  Through our faith and relationship with Jesus we will one day be in heaven where there will be no more tears.  No more crying.  No more suffering.  But, this side of heaven, we will suffer.  Each of our bodies will deteriorate and these earthly bodies will die.  But, as Paul says in these verses above, though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day!  I pray this is the case for you.  I pray this is the case for me.  Are you experiencing renewal in your spirit every day?  Let us pray for renewal!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Corinthians readings titled “Death: No Longer a Foe, but a Friend” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Second Corinthians reminds me of Switchfoot’s song “Your Love is a Song:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmISCVDtow8

Is God’s Love a song in your life? Click here to Sing!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will never lose heart. Pray that you are being renewed day by day through your saving faith with Jesus Christ. Pray that your relationship with Christ encourages you and strengthens you, even while outwardly you may be wasting away.

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!

2 Corinthians 4:1-12
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I love Second Corinthians chapter 4 verse 1 today.  In fact, if there is nothing else you remember from today’s readings I hope you will remember the last 4 words of this verse always – “And so, since God in his mercy has given us this wonderful ministry, we never give up.”  We never give up.  That is powerful for each of us to remember.  Why?  Because we will have good and bad days.  Days when we are happy.  Days when we might be feeling sad.  And there will be days when we make mistakes.  When we will stumble.  When we will fall.  But you know what has often gotten me through days like those?  This simple prayer or statement or something that fortunately comes into my mind – “I’m not giving up!”  We shouldn’t say this as justification for our falling short of God’s plan for our life.  But, when we do fall short, I have found it helpful.  Or, if I haven’t fallen short, but bad stuff is happening to me, I say it.  And I don’t say it just to myself – as if my own will power will get me through the tough times.  I say it to God.  I say it really as a prayer.  I say it almost as a statement against the devil, who would love nothing more than for us to give up.  The devil would love it if we stumbled and stayed on the ground.  If we decided this Christianity thing was just not for us.  But you know what – don’t give up!  When times are tough.  When you stumble, pray it to God – “I’m not giving up.”  Tell it to yourself.  We’re not giving up!  We’re never giving up….  (go frog!)  🙂

Verse 7 today is indeed a wonderful reminder that we humans are but jars of clay – “But this precious treasure–this light and power that now shine within us–is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own.’”  We really do have very fragile bodies.  They are wonderful!  But they are fragile.  They break.  They will die.  As one writer puts it, “our condition is terminal.”  And it’s true.  This side of heaven, our bodies will eventually wear out.  But – as Paul tells us in this verse – there is light and power that shines within us when we are in relationship with Jesus!  The Holy Spirit indwells our earthen vessels.  Our jars of clay.  And hopefully we and others recognize that the glory within us is not our own.  It is of God.  And it is a glory that is available to anyone.  Free of charge.  It is grace and it beckons us to receive God’s glory in our jars of clay so that we will live eternally in heavenly bodies.  But for now, we are simply in the hands of the Potter…

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Second Corinthians about “Jars of Clay” reminds me of this Jars of Clay 🙂 song called “Two Hands:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUBn1_A_XPU

How are you using your two hands? Click here to raise them High!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that though you may be hard pressed on every side that you will not be crushed, through your saving faith in Jesus. Pray that that though you may find times in your life that you are perplexed, that you will not despair. Pray that if you are ever persecuted, you will not feel abandoned, but know that Jesus holds you in His hands.

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!

2 Corinthians 3:1-18
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I love Paul’s words in Second Corinthians verse 3: “Clearly, you are a letter from Christ prepared by us. It is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on stone, but on human hearts.”  That is a great concept!  We are living letters from Jesus sent out to the world!  Have you ever thought of yourself as a letter from Jesus?  I have not, but I like it!  It’s also interesting to realize that the Spirit living within us as Christians professes and gives witness to the glory of God oftentimes without us even realizing it.  I heard a quote once that said something like, “Who you are is so strong that I cannot hear a word you are saying.”  Basically this quote means that the inherent nature of who we are overshadows our very words.  It’s more important than our words – people notice our inherent nature!  Be it good or be it not so good…  So, if the Spirit of Jesus is within us I do believe that the Holy Spirit gives witness and gives glory to God to others that we come in contact with – even if we don’t say a word!  This is the letter that we are from Christ to the world.  The letter that is written on our hearts.  And of course there is St. Francis of Assisi who said: “Preach the Gospel at all times – use words only when necessary.”  Again, the Spirit of Jesus within us preaches the Gospel to the world even without us consciously saying words.  Don’t get me wrong – sometimes words are exactly what are needed.  But oftentimes our very presence through the Spirit of Jesus living within us is more than enough.  So, let us go forth into our world this week as living letters from Jesus to a hurting and dying world that so needs the Good News of the Gospel!  Are you a letter from Jesus?!

Worship Video:  Today’s readings reminds me of Matthew West’s song “Me on Your Mind:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hie9q5aOA6k

Do you believe you are on God’s mind? Click here and find out!

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!

2 Corinthians 2:12-17
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I absolutely love and appreciate Paul’s words today in Second Corinthians chapter 2 verses 14 through 16: “But thanks be to God, who made us his captives and leads us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those being saved and by those perishing. To those who are perishing we are a fearful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved we are a life-giving perfume.”  What great imagery!  Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ to God!  I love it.  It does get sad – but true – in verse 16 when Paul says that to those who are perishing we are a fearful smell of death and doom.  Why do you suppose this is?  I think it because when someone is living their life completely enslaved to sin and they encounter the light – the fragrance – of the Gospel, they either will embrace it or push it away.  Unfortunately I am afraid some folks – perhaps even us in our past – are so enslaved to sin that the sin literally makes us fear / flee from the light and fragrance of the Gospel.  Unfortunately sin can ensnare someone such that the Gospel is the fragrance of death and gloom because that is where the sin is leading someone who is enslaved to it – to death and gloom.   Sad… and this reminds us of how urgent it is for us to pray for others who are enslaved to sin.  Let us pray the fragrance of the Gospel and the grace of God will turn them back toward the Savior of the World who can free them forever – Jesus Christ.  Jesus – is there a name more fragrant?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Second Corinthians titled “The Sufficiency of God Through his Spirit” is at this link.

Worship Video:  Our Second Corinthians readings today reminded me of the Delirious song “Majesty.”  I had the good fortune to worship to this song with Delirious many years ago just before it was released.  They were playing some of their “new stuff” and this was a great song to worship to live!  You’ll notice the crowd in this video is definitely worshiping.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNjH8QDpBFY

Do you know our Majestic Lord? Click here for your Majesty!

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!

2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11
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I love that Paul calls Jesus the “Divine Yes” in today’s readings in Second Corinthians chapter 1 verse 19 in the NLT!  Here are verses 18 through 20 in the NIV – “But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.”  Amen!  Do you realize that Jesus is the fulfillment of all of God’s promises in the Old Testament?  The Law pointed to Jesus in the OT and the Law is fulfilled in Jesus.  The sacrificial system pointed to Jesus in the OT and the sacrificial is fulfilled in Jesus.  Jesus is indeed the Divine Yes!  In your life each and every day, is Jesus your Divine Yes?

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in Second Corinthians reminds me of the Matt Redman song “10,000 Reasons:”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtwIT8JjddM

How many reasons to you have to follow Jesus? Click here for 10,000 Reasons!

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!