New Testament in a Year

October 12th New Testament Readings

1 Thessalonians 5:4-28
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today we wrap up Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians!  His second letter begins tomorrow! There is a lot of good letter-closing advice in these today's reading's. To make sure this advice gets heard throughout the church in Thessalonica Paul commands in chapter 5 verse 27: "I command you in the name of the Lord to read this letter to all the brothers and sisters." Think this letter got read to everyone? :)  Below is a great image for verse 25 from today's readings -

Verses 12 & 13 stood out to me in today's readings: "Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because of their work."  This verse ties in perfectly to Clergy Appreciation Month!  Did you know that October is Clergy Appreciation Month? I don't know who started this trend, but I like it!  Hopefully this month you can take 15 minutes to write a letter or send a card of encouragement to your pastor or clergy?  I encourage you to encourage your pastor this month! :) And please try to remember to do this in October of each year.  More details about how you can participate in clergy appreciation month are on this website link: https://parsonage.org/cam/index.cfm

More verses from today's readings that stood out -
Verse 16 - "Always be joyful." How's joy doing in your life these days?
Verse 17- "Keep on praying." And prayer?
Verse 11 - "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." I like this. It reminds me that we have the opportunity to encourage people that we come in contact with each day. Spread some love. How are you doing on being encouraging to others each day?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Thessalonians chapter 5 titled "The Conduct of the Assembly" is at this link.  Below is a powerful image for 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 from today's readings:

Worship Video: Today's readings in First Thessalonians reminded me of Matthew West's song "My Own Little World." Here's a great live version of this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoWY1Rlx_Aw

Are you in your own little world? Click here for the true World!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." First Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you are joyful always. Pray that you pray without ceasing. Pray that you give thanks to the Lord in all circumstances. Pray that you are living in the center of God's will for you through you saving faith and relationship in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
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!

October 11th New Testament Readings

1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3
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New Testament - The First Thessalonians verses today are great teachings on living to please God and the hope of the resurrection. A verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:2 that I actual use fairly frequently is: "the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night." I confess that I don't get too into predicting "end times" scenarios. Pre-trib, post-trib, etc. I know many good friends who are into all of this. I guess I just come back to this verse about the day of the Lord coming unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. I think this also applies to each of our own lives. We don't know how many years we have - hopefully many. But, you just don't know. And I don't really dwell or worry about it. The end of our lives will likely come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.  And if we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we do not need to fear the day of the Lord!

In First Thessalonians 4:3-5 today we read this teaching of Paul’s: "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust." Are these verses contrary in any way to what you might see in our culture today?  Are these verses contrary to any way that you might live your life?  Do you see the value in this teaching of Paul’s?  Is the lust / sexual immorality that our culture sells full of life or emptiness?  Is this teaching of Paul’s full of life or emptiness?  Are you controlling your own body in a way that is holy and honorable?  What does Paul mean when he says it is God’s will that you should be sanctified?  Do you want God to sanctify you?  Will you participate in the sanctification process with God?  Will you avoid sexual immorality?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Thessalonians chapter 4 titled "The Call to Holiness" is at this link.  Below is a great image for 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 from today's readings:

Worship Video:  Today’s readings remind me of Lincoln Brewster's awesome song "Everlasting God,":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT0UodmNhKk

Do you know our God who reigns forever? Click here for your strong deliverer!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life." 1 Thessalonians 4:7 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you are living a pure life. Pray that you are pursuing holiness in your life on a daily basis. Pray that you are repenting and fleeing from anything impure in your life.

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
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!

October 10th New Testament Readings

1 Thessalonians 2:9-3:13
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The First Thessalonians readings today are nice!  I found chapter 2 verse 18 to be an interesting verse: "We wanted very much to come, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. " I think this is an important reminder that Satan can indeed prevent good work from taking place in our lives. Through prayer, reading the Word, and obedience we can avoid some attacks. But, they will still come while we are in this world. I would just encourage you to keep in mind that Satan is real.  Don't dwell on this, but realize it is true. And that by growing your relationship with Jesus & God, I do believe great protection can come over you - but keep in mind that even a person as close to the Lord as Paul was prevented by Satan from doing some things Paul wanted to do.  How is your prayer life today?  Do you pray to God to protect you and keep you from Satan and all his tricks and lies and temptations?  Let us be prayer warriors for not only ourselves, but also for others in our lives!  Do you consider yourself to be a prayer warrior?  Would you like to be a prayer warrior?  What is stopping you from being a prayer warrior?  All it takes is prayer...

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Thessalonians chapter 3 titled  "The Concern Expressed" is at this link.  Below is a great Fall image of 1 Thessalonians 3:12 from today's readings:

Worship Video:  Today’s readings reminded me of the Casting Crowns song "East To West."  Here's a fantastic live version of this song!

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

Do you know how far the east is from the west?  Click here to learn about the Silversmith who can forgive the "dross" in your life!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you." 1 Thessalonians 3:12 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that your love is increasing and overflowing for Christians and non-Christians in your life. Pray that your love is increasing and overflowing for your family, friends, neighbors, city and world.

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
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!

October 9th New Testament Readings

1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:8
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today we begin Paul's first letter to the church in Thessalonica!  What is the best way to spell Thessalonica – with a “k” like this: Thessalonika?  Or with a “c” like this: Thessalonica?  It is indeed a deep mystery.  One we won’t really get to the bottom of in Paul’s two letters to the church in Thessalonica in our readings this week. . . :) But these are 2 great letters of Paul’s nonetheless coming up!  Let’s go!

~ First Thessalonians ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Corinth
Date: A.D. 50 or 51
Content: On Paul’s second missionary journey he visited Thessalonica but was forced to flee because of the intense persecutions that arose there (see Acts 17:1-9). After making his way to Athens and finally to Corinth, Paul heard from Timothy, whom he had sent to inquire about the Thessalonians, that they were standing fast in spite of their suffering. Paul wrote this letter to comfort and encourage the young believers in the Lord. He also wrote to confirm their faith in the basic doctrines of the church concerning God, the Holy Spirit, Jesus, Christian living, but especially concerning Jesus’ second coming. Apparently because some believers had died, the remaining Christians were concerned lest the believing dead miss out on the resurrection. Paul writes to assure them that the dead in Christ rise first.
Theme: Paul comforts the persecuted believers with the assurance that God is with us and has assured us of ultimate victory. The final victory will occur at Jesus’ return, when the Lord himself shall descend from heaven and gather us to himself, ever to be with him. In the light of this we should bear up under persecution, living lives that are godly and above reproach. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 28)  A wonderful commentary on First Thessalonians by J. Hampton Keathley, III, titled “The Birth and Growth of a Church” is at this link. 

Today in First Thessalonians 1:5 we read: "For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know that the way we lived among you was further proof of the truth of our message."  This is a great reminder that while we are out and about in the world being salt and light, we're not just out there on our own. The Holy Spirit is doing work concurrently in other people's hearts. And indeed, the Holy Spirit is doing the true work of salvation, not us. I do like that Paul wrote that "the way we lived" was further proof of the truth. Christians are called to be in the world, but not of it. And I do think people pay attention to how we live. How are we living our lives today? Are we living a life of love? Are we compassionate? Are we caring? Are we serving the poor? Or - are we bought into consumerism? Are we selfish? Are we serving ourselves? Does the way we spend our money and time look different from how the culture says we should be spending our money and time? Are we giving to our church? Are we worshiping God at a church once a week? Are we praying frequently? How are you living your life today? If someone took a look at your life would it be abundantly clear that you are following Jesus?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Thessalonians chapter 2 titled "A Compelling Example for Ministry" is at this link.  Below is a fun image for First Thessalonians 1:3 from today's readings -

Worship Video:  Our readings today in First Thessalonians reminded me of the Santus Real song called the "Face of Love" - and I pray that we each look more like Love everyday!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9VtimubIlY

Do you know the Face of Love?  Click here to look more like Love today!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man." Proverbs 24:33-34 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you are not lazy in any way, shape, or form. Pray that you know the honor and dignity and power of work. Pray that you work hard, working for the Lord no matter what you do.

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
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!

October 8th New Testament Readings

Colossians 3:18-4:18
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~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today we wrap up our reading of the book of Colossians!  Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians begins tomorrow!  Colossians 4:6 today is fantastic: "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."  Let your conversation be always full of grace. How often is this true for us? Are there times when our conversation is un-graceful? Judgmental perhaps? Angry? Curt? But Grace... that's something to strive for in all of our conversations!  If we are grace-full in our conversations, where does that Grace come from?

Worship Video:  Today's readings reminded moe of the song "The Glory of It All" by the David Crowder Band. This is a beautiful tune... The David Crowder Band live is a joyful worship extravaganza!  :)  This video below is from Passion 2007, and it has some slight technical difficulties by the end, but you'll definitely get a great taste for this song and a live Crowder experience with this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg-1yM6insA

Have you experienced the Glory of it all?  Click here to receive Glory!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity." Colossians 4:5 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray for wisdom. Pray that you are wise in the way you act toward everyone you encounter in your life. Pray that you make the most of every opportunity to share Christ with others and to bring glory to God through your life.

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
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!

October 7th New Testament Readings

Colossians 3:1-17
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Colossians 3 verse 4 is so powerful and is really something each of us should reflect upon: "And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory."  Here is the thing that really stops me in my tracks when reading this verse:  "Christ, who is your life."  Those are 5 incredibly powerful words when put together!  And I'm afraid that sometimes we don't really live our lives as if Jesus is indeed our life.  He is!  Or he should be...  Here's the thing.  I've had a lot of conversations over the years with fellow Christians about who Jesus is to them.  And I've thought a lot about who Jesus is to me.  And I think many of us can easily get to the point of saying, "well, yes, Jesus is my Savior."  We can acknowledge that He died on the cross for our sins.  He saved us.  We're into salvation!  But, I think sometimes it can get a bit fuzzier for us when we think about Jesus being our Lord - in addition to Jesus being our Savior.  Meaning, if Jesus is our Lord, then we really need to take incredibly seriously and to heart Jesus' words and teachings in the Bible!  And really allow Jesus to lead our lives.  Transform our lives.  Lord our lives.  Well, I think this Colossians verse takes things even a step further.  Maybe we're at the point where yes, Jesus is our Lord and Savior.  But now, Paul here teaches us that Jesus is our very life!  That's big...  That's saying our life = Jesus.  Jesus = our life.  If you really stop to think about this and allow this into your heart you'll know how huge this is.  Jesus is our life....  wow!  That's very good news!  Our job isn't our life.  Our money isn't our life.  Our health isn't our life.  Even our family isn't our life - those these can all be good gifts.  But none of these things are our life.  Jesus is our life!  Today, can you honestly say Jesus is your life?  If not, will you begin to really think about this and pray about this?  Is Jesus your life?

Verses 12 through 14 of Colossians chapter 3 are awesome!  “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” How are you doing on each of these virtues in your life today - Compassion?  Kindness?  Humility?  Gentleness?  Patience?  Forgiveness?  Love?  Do you think you can do each of these well using just your own will power? Or, do regularly pray to Jesus to give you these virtues within your heart and to bring them to fruition in your life? Can you allow love to lead within you? Will you allow Jesus to lead you?

Worship Video:  Colossians 3:4 reminded me of the Rush of Fools' song "Undo."  This is one of my favorite songs!  "Jesus, you are the only one who can undo what I've become..."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0fbtr2eeb8

Have you been Undone?  Click here for a spiritual "Undo!"

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that the peace of Christ rules in your heart. Pray in thankfulness that you were called to peace as members of Christ's body. Pray for peace in Christ's body, the church.

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
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!

October 6th New Testament Readings

Colossians 2:8-23
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Colossians chapter 2 verse 8 is a teaching from Paul that reminds me so much of our modern world today... "Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ."  Have you ever heard anyone in our world today offer you empty philosophy or high-sounding nonsense?  I know I have...  And perhaps I've even preached it on occasion in my past too.  Scary stuff.  There is stuff out there today that does indeed come from human thinking - not divine thinking - and from the evil powers of this world - not from Christ.  I think we need to prayerfully be so vigilant to protect ourselves from these empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense.  I almost hesitate to write this... but I am feeling like I should.  I think we need to even watch out for empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense in some churches today too.  I really don't mean to be divisive to the body of Christ, the church, by saying this.  But I say this for our own good - for brothers and sisters in Christ.  One thing that I have seen in churches on occasion that has alarmed me is what I'll call "the cult of personality" around a pastor.  Meaning, I think it can reach a point in a church where there is an unhealthy fixation on a pastor or minister.  Don't get me wrong.  We'll all probably have a favorite pastor or minister or priest.  But let us be cautious if ever our devotion to a pastor surpasses (or gets anywhere near) our devotion to Jesus.  It's then when the "cult of personality" can lead to empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense invading our hearts and minds.  Maybe there is someone out there that needs to hear this...  Just pray about it to Jesus if ever you feel that you are paying more attention to a pastor / priest / anybody than you are paying to Jesus.  And ask Jesus what he would have you do.  Perhaps it would be to move on to another church... A church where Jesus is clearly preached, worshiped, and followed.  Trust me, there are multitudes of churches out there where Jesus and his work on the cross for your sins is preached.  Make sure Christ and Him crucified is preached clearly at your church!

I absolutely love the imagery Paul uses in verse 11 today: "When you came to Christ, you were "circumcised," but not by a physical procedure. It was a spiritual procedure--the cutting away of your sinful nature." The cutting away of your sinful nature!  Isn't that profound to think about?  It almost makes me feel 100 pounds lighter spiritually just thinking about it...  Our old sinful nature was an old beast of a thing that bogged us down.  Makes us slow.  Makes us groggy.  Keeps us foggy.  But - Jesus can take the scissors of spiritual circumcision and cut away that old sinful nature!  Doesn't this make you feel 100 pounds lighter to think about this?  Doesn't this thought of cutting away the sinful nature make you want to never want to put on that old musty moldy deadly suit of sin ever again?  Let us be free instead!  Has Jesus circumcised you spiritually?  Has Jesus cut away your sinful nature once and for all?  This all makes me think about butterfly coming out of its cocoon about to take flight...  Let us fly!

Worship Video: Today's readings in Colossians reminded me of the Jeremy Camp song "Jesus Saves." Here is a great video KLOVE radio and its listeners put together, with signs sharing what Jesus saved them from. What has Jesus saved you from?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-dDZtm8yjM

Has Jesus Saved you?  Click to be Saved!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." Colossians 2:8 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that no one has taken you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophies. Pray that no one every will. Pray that you will only and always rely on Christ, and not upon human tradition and the principles of this world.

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
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!

October 5th New Testament Readings

Colossians 1:18-2:7
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

I love Paul's teaching about the Christian life in Colossians chapter 1 verse 27 today! "For this is the secret: Christ lives in you, and this is your assurance that you will share in his glory."  Were you aware of this secret?  Does Christ live in you?  Have you accepted Jesus into your life and your heart as your Lord and Savior so that he has your permission - your submission - for Him to live within you?  Do you want Jesus to live in you?  Do you have assurance that you will share in Jesus' glory for eternity?

Paul's teachings in Colossians chapter 2 verses 6 & 7 definitely stood out to me today: "And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him. Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done."  I absolutely love the thought of letting our roots grow down into Jesus and draw up nourishment from Jesus!  Meditate on this thought for a while...  I honestly haven't really ever thought about "having roots in Jesus."  I mean, I certainly know Jesus is my Lord and Savior.  I know Jesus lives within me. And I know the whole Chapter of John 15 about the vine & the branches has gotten me in the past to think about truly being attached to Jesus.  But something about these verses from Paul about letting our roots grow down into Jesus really is profound for me today...  How deep are your roots in Jesus today?  Is there room for growth in your roots?  Let us grow!  And let us overflow with thankfulness!

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Colossians titled "The Propagation of Christ's Work" is at this link. 

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the John Mark McMillansong called "How He Loves." Beautiful song!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQqf8kJ4ALg

Do you know how He loves us?  Click here for Love!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. " Colossians 1:27 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you know all about the glorious riches of the mystery of Christ in you, the hope of glory! Pray that you will continue to learn more and more about the hope of glory each day of your life, now and forevermore. Pray in thanksgiving for the hope of glory!

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
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!

October 4th New Testament Readings

Colossians 1:1-17
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today we begin Paul's letter to the church in Colosse!  You can see in the map below that Colesse was about 100 miles east of Ephesus - and very close to Laodicea.  You can also see the island of Patmos on this map below where John wrote the book of Revelation.

~ Colossians ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Rome
Date: A.D. 60 or 61
Content: Paul wrote this letter while a prisoner in Rome to a city he had never visited. He had come to know of these believers while living in Ephesus on his second missionary journey, and now he was concerned because he had heard of some strange pagan theories that were creeping into the church. The views that were troubling the Colossians were a mixture of astrology, magic, and Judaism, which downgraded Christ to being just some sort of angel. Paul wrote to correct this error by showing that Christ is none other than God and possesses the fullness of the eternal God. Instructions follow concerning Christian living.
Theme: In this important letter of Paul’s we are presented with a carefully worked-out defense of Christ’s deity and glory. He is all in all and the believer has everything he needs in Christ. Paul warns that believers out not to be led astray by the foolishness and the false wisdom of men. Instructions for Christian living stress the power of God for men and the joy that believers may have by making use of all the resources that are theirs in Christ. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 27-28)  A wonderful commentary on Colossians by J. Hampton Keathley, III, is at this link.

Colossians chapter 1 verses 15 through 17 are some of the most powerful statements in all of the Bible about Who Jesus truly is!  "Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before God made anything at all and is supreme over all creation.  Christ is the one through whom God created everything in heaven and earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see--kings, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities. Everything has been created through him and for him. He existed before everything else began, and he holds all creation together."  Do you believe these words of Paul's are true?  Do you believe that Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God?  Did Jesus exist before God made the Earth?  Do you believe that Jesus holds all of creation together?  Does Jesus hold you together?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Colossians titled "The Supremacy of the Person of Christ" is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the fantastic worship song "Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?" by Delirious.  For some reason every time I hear the lyric "open up the doors and let the music play, let the streets resound with singing" I am reminded of a trip to the Dominican Republic I took several years ago to work on houses with Habitat for Humanity.  Walking down the dusty streets of a tiny village in the DR I distinctly remember the doors being open, the music playing and the streets resounding with the singing of children playing.  God's presence was so real and tangible to me on that dusty little village in the DR.  I pray you've had or will have a similar experience with God walking down "a street that has no name!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIR5zFSkWUY

Have you felt the mountains tremble?  Click here and let the music play!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "For by him (Jesus) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him." Colossians 1:16 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving to Jesus for all that He created! Things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, all rulers and authorities. Pray in thanksgiving that Jesus created you!

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
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!

October 3rd New Testament Readings

Philippians 4:1-23
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
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Wow... so many great teachings from Paul here today as we close out his letter to the church in Philippi!  Paul's letter to the church in Colosse begins in our readings tomorrow!  I love Philippians chapter 4 verse 4 today - "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice!"  How does this verse speak to you?  Are you full of joy in the Lord right now?  Are you always full of joy in the Lord?  Why or why not?  Do you think Paul's teaching here is correct - should we always be full of joy in the Lord?  Let us rejoice!

Verses 6 & 7 are so very powerful for each of us to truly learn and put into practice in our lives today!  "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."  Do you worry?  Why does Paul tell us not to worry about anything?  What did Jesus say to us about worrying in the Sermon on the Mount?  What does Paul tell us to do instead of worrying?  Pray.  This is a powerful powerful thought!  Think about this the next time you catch yourself worrying.  You know that when you worry you are wasting energy and time.  So, why not follow Paul's simple instructions here - when you catch yourself worrying, start praying.  Really.  Don't give one more minute or one more ounce of your energy to worrying.  When you find yourself worrying, get down on your knees and pray!  Tell God what you need - AND thank him for all he has done.  Sure, it may be tough to thank God at your moment of worrying, but you should do so, in addition to telling him what you need.  We should always thank God.  And then... here's the beauty.... you will experience God's peace!  His peace will guard your heart and mind as you live in Jesus!  Let us each stop worrying and start praying!  Actually... while I'm already down this path, think about this.  Do you think that you spend more time each day worrying or praying?  Really, think about this.  How many minutes a day would you say that you worry?  And how many minutes a day would you say you pray?  My hunch is that worrying takes up far more minutes for most of us... Look at how we are wasting precious time on worrying!  We don't have that kind of time...  Let us pray!

And finally Philippians chapter 4 verses 8 and 9 are so beautiful: "And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you."  What type of things do you think about typically?  Do you typically think about what is true and honorable and right?  Do you often think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable?  Do you think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise?  Or are you filling your mind with other thoughts?  Thoughts that, like worry, are a complete waste of your precious time here on this earth?  Will you instead put into practice Paul's teachings - and the teachings you have received this year from the One Year Bible - and allow the peace of God to be with you? 

Bible.org's commentary on our readings today in Philippians chapter 4 verses 1 through 9 titled "Stand Fast, Stand Together" is at this link.

Worship Video: Philippians 4:6 reminded me of the song "The Prayer" that has been sung by several artists.  I believe Celine Dion wrote the song.  Here is a beautiful version of the song by Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin.  This song starts off a bit slow, but stick with it.  The duet with Yolanda and Donnie by the end is powerful!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ddgmktt-GCQ

Have you ever prayed "The Prayer"?  Click here and pray!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you think about that which is true, noble, right, pure, love, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. Pray that you don't think about any thing untrue, ignoble, wrong, polluted, hate, despicable, lazy, or condemnable. Pray in Jesus' name you live out Philippians 4:8 in your life each and every day!

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

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

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