Category Archives: Uncategorized

4 days left.

This morning I read 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. It was enjoyable reading and there was a lot of really good instruction included.

One of my struggles, as I mentioned fairly early in this challenge, is the idea of perfection being required by God. I’ve been assured by several people, including two pastors, that the idea of perfection is not about sinlessness but about love. I still need to do an in depth study for myself, but today I found two really powerful passages about that topic.

And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

To the end he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints
1 Thessalonians 3:12-13.

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses
1 Timothy 6:11-12.

Maybe it’s really not about doing all the right things, but instead about loving everyone as Christ loves me. When I love people, I will desire their good and try not to hurt them. I think that is where works comes into play, but only as an outpouring of love. I think the focus should be on love. Love God. Love your neighbor. The rest will follow naturally.

5 days left.

Today I read Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. There were a lot of really good verses in those three books.

This was my favorite passage:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ
Ephesians 1:3-12.

It is long, but speaks volumes. To God be the glory!

Six days left.

Today’s reading covered all of 2 Corinthians and Galatians. In 2 Corinthians, Paul offered an appeal.

(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation)
2 Corinthians 6:2.

Now is the day of salvation. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Not next month. Not next year. Today is the day to decide that God’s way is right. Today is the day to accept His offer of eternal life. Now is the accepted time. Now is the day of salvation. Embrace it.

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father
Galatians 4:6.

Abba, Father. Change me. Make me like You. Show me Your glory.

I’m not reading exactly what the schedule calls for as I want to read entire books in one sitting if at all possible. Today, instead of reading 1 Corinthians 1 through 14, I read the entire book. It only adds a couple of chapters but I feel like I’m getting the entire context.

I marked another promise that is really encouraging to me.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it
1 Corinthians 10:13.

This text tells me that I am not alone in my struggles. First, other people experience some of the same issues that I fight with. Second, Abba is not going to allow me to be tempted more than I can handle with His help. When temptations come, Abba provides a way of escape.

Too many times, I fight with temptations and fall. I need to keep my eyes on Him and He will provide a way for me to escape the temptations. All I need to do is ask.

Today’s reading schedule covered Romans 1 through 14. Romans is only 16 chapters so I decided to read the entire book. It took me exactly one hour, and that included a five minute stop where I discussed the idea of stumbling blocks vs. love with my husband. I think I’ve reached a better understanding of that topic but I will wait to see if the rest of the New Testament has anything further to say.

When I started reading, I immediately found a text that is a wonderful promise.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith
Romans 1:16-17.

Where is the righteousness of God revealed? Not in works. Not in our actions, much as we love to believe that our good works will earn us entrance to heaven. The righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel of Christ. Amen!

I also came across another of my favorite promises:

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together
Romans 8:15-17.

There are so many promises and assurances in these three verses. My favorite is the word “Abba.” In the Aramaic, this word literally means “my father.” This is the term Christ used as He was praying in Gethsemane.

And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt
Mark 14:36.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible says this about the word Abba: “It denotes an affectionate endearing importunity, and a believing stress laid upon the relation. Little children, begging of their parents, can say little but Father, Father, and that is rhetoric enough.”

There are two terms used in both Romans 8:15 and Mark 14:36, “Abba” and “Father.” Abba is Aramaic for “my Father,” which is what the Jews call God the Father. “Father” is actually the Greek word “pater.” Why are there two different words for God the Father in one verse? Matthew Henry writes that “it also denotes that the adoption is common both to Jews and Gentiles: the Jews call him Abba in their language, the Greeks may call him patēr in their language; for in Christ Jesus there is neither Greek nor Jew.”

And in Romans, we are given the ability to call God the Father by the same term that Christ used. Even though I am struggle with sin, I can have a very close relationship with Abba. That’s amazing!

Today’s reading was Acts 17 through 28. Paul was certainly blessed and saved from many dangers. He was saved from being persecuted by the Jews because he was a Roman. He survived a shipwreck, a storm, and a poisonous snake bite. And this was all in quick succession!

I don’t have any stories of God saving me from death by persecution or disaster. But I do have other practical stories of how God has led in my life. One of the clearest examples is how I’ve been in five car accidents and only have a twinge in my shoulder because of it. I was protected in each car accident when the other drivers were not paying attention.

Also, last year both my husband and I were out of work for six months. In that time, we had a bit of help from family members and very small unemployment checks. That income did not add up to our expenses/bills/debt payment. And yet we were able to pay tithe and pay every single bill that was due during that six month period. On time. It was a miracle because no accountant could have made that situation work.

God is very, very good. We just have to open our eyes and see it.

Today’s reading, Acts 7 through 16, provoked wonder and some questions. It’s amazing how people responded to the preaching of the disciples. Thousands were saved in one day! What was it about their preaching that was so on fire? Was it their conviction in what they had seen and knew about Christ? Was it their preaching style? The simplicity of the message? Or was it that their faith combined with the Holy Spirit was convicting people of the truth about Christ?

I also have a question about a text. I can’t build doctrine on only one text, but this is the first time in this read-through that I’m seeing this idea.

And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed
Acts 13:48.

My first thought is that I’m not understanding King James’ Version of this text and that I need to look it up in another translation.

When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. – NIV

When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. – NASB

When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers. – NLT

Nope, they all say the same thing.

The simplest explanation is that every single person who heard the message believed. Everyone is chosen. But I’m not sure that is what this text says.

I am reminded of this text, from the mouth of Christ:

For many are called, but few are chosen
Matthew 22:14.

I will definitely need to study this further.

Today I read John 16 through Acts 6. I love the book of John and am really disappointed that I’m already done reading it.

Jesus’ love amazes me.

When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home
John 19:26-27.

While Jesus was dying on the cross, He thought of others. He forgave the thief for his sin. He placed His mother in John’s care. He prayed for the forgiveness of the officers who were crucifying Him.

If I was undergoing difficulties, would my first thought be for someone else? Based on past experience, no. I want that pure love that Christ had for everyone around Him. “Amazing love! How can it be that You, my King, should die for me.”

Today’s reading covers John 6 through 15. There was so much in these chapters that I felt like I was missing most of it by reading so quickly. Maybe after I’m finished with this reading plan I will study the gospels for a quarter. That’s an idea that definitely appeals to me.

Christ is so important. He is our connection to our Father. He is the giver of life. He is the Creator. The Saviour. The law-giver.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing
John 15:4-5.

These two verses are packed with information and guidance. Christ instructs us to abide in Him. Not only that, but He will abide in us. A vine gives nutrients and life to its branches. Christ gives us instruction and life. If I abide in Him, I will bring forth much fruit.

What is the fruit?

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God
Philippians 1:10-11.

Christ gives us fruits of righteousness if we abide in Him. This is important because it offers glory and praise to the Father. Amen!