SUMMER BIBLE READING CHALLENGE
INSTRUCTIONS: Write your comment below and then press PUBLISH. You may have to select your name from the drop down box OR select anonymous.
QUESTION FOR JULY:
What does this reading teach you about prayer? Or how might it challenge your prayer life? Or what does it tell you about the things that God cares about?
Do you need a copy of the reading plan? You can find it here.
June 1 -- (Genesis 1:1–2:3). I'm always reminded that because God is the creator, he is in charge. He sets the rules and is the ultimate authority over everything. Because God is my creator, I am dependent on him, need to be sure to acknowledge him, and submit to his plan.
ReplyDeleteHe is the creator of my universe. I am not....Any gifts or talents come from him!
June - Genesis 1:1-2:3 - God created everything and He did so simply by speaking it into existence. After everything He created He said it was good, except after creating man. After creating man, God said this is very Good! Amen! Live every day in joy because God created you in His image and He created you best!
ReplyDeleteJune 2--Genesis 2--I see God as a great provider in this chapter. He gave Adam a beautiful place to live, all the food he'd need, productive work to do, and a wife. As I read this chapter I'm struck that the main character isn't Adam or Eve--it's God. It's a chapter that tells about what GOD did. He provides. He sustains the world. He gives. While I like to make life all about ME, chapters like this remind me that it's all about HIM.--Mr. H.
ReplyDeleteJune 2 - Genesis 2:4-24 - It is exciting that After God put man in the garden He commanded man to work the land. God has given us many ways to shine His glory to the world, but maybe the most practical way is work! This command was given right after God created just about everything and then He gives us the power (only a very small amount) to create through work. So whatever you work on, work for God.
ReplyDeleteJune 3 - Genesis 15- There's a number of things we can see about God in this passage. But the first thing that jumps out at me is God's statement in the first verse or so:
ReplyDelete"I am your shield,
your very great reward.”
Thinking of God as my shield is so helpful when I think of the battles I'm in each day. And to know that he's my reward no matter the outcome of my daily situation is also an encouragement!
I really like that whoever put this together titled today's passage "The God of Promises." God promises some pretty big stuff in Genesis 15, and Abram even questions Him, but we see later that all God said actually did come true! And that helps me to trust God in all His promises that apply to my life: promises like "I will be with you always," "I am your shield, your very great reward," and "There is now no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." Praise the God of promises!
ReplyDelete-Abby Lewis
June 3-Genisis 15- I love the part where it says that Abram believed and God counted it to Him as righteousness. This is a great reminder for me that because of my belief in Jesus Christ, I am counted righteous in God's sight. Waaaaaay Cool. Praise God!
ReplyDeleteJune 3 - Genesis 15 - God established a covenant, or contract, with Abram. This covenant promised land and countless heirs after his death, but it also promised suffering for a time. Everything we experience in our life happens for a reason, the "good" and the "bad."
ReplyDeleteJune 4- Exodus 3--
ReplyDeleteFirst off, Abby and Nathan, I loved your comments. Thanks for sharing!
When I read Exodus 3, I wonder what it must have been like for the Hebrew slaves. They were in slavery for 400 years. I'm sure they thought God was dead. God's response was simple: "I AM." He is alive. He saw their situation and he was going to act. God's timing is never ours...I'm sure I wouldn't like to wait 400 years, but God's timing is best. And when God acts, he does so at the right time with his perfect plan. __Mr H
June 4th - Exodus 3 - I want to highlight a potentially easily read over and not studied verse, verse 11. Moses was wonding what he could do as lowly Moses? In fact in verse 12 God says He will be with Moses. This is big for a couple reasons: first, God does the work not us which means our reputation in this manner does not always matter. Another important thing to remember is God can use anyone, weak or strong, for His will and His glory.
ReplyDeleteJune 5th - Exodus 15:1-21 - The thing that sticks out to me most is that most of this section is singing. The first thing that the people did after being saved by God was praise Him and they did so through musical worship! His power and His deeds should make us all excited and happy to sing His great name even if what looks ahead is scary, the greatness the God has done is infinitely better!
ReplyDeleteJune 6th - Exodus 20 - although God is a jealous God who will justly give punishment to those who hate Him, He does not wish His people to always fear Him. He may test us, but He will show unending love and salvation to those in Him
ReplyDeleteExodus 20 always reminds me about the character of God. God is purity, so he condemns adultery. God is is the holiest being, therefore we should not use his name lightly. God is life and values life, so that murder is against his very character. Each commandment tells something about who God and what he values.
ReplyDeleteexodus 20:3 you shall have no other gods before me. this includes things that we may not think of as gods such as money, cloths, athletics or even idolizing your favorite athlete. this especially stood out to me.
ReplyDeleteJune 7 - Exodus 33: 7-23 - It amazes me how fascinated people once were with the fact that God can connect with man. Now every believer can through the Holy Spirit and with Christ. We can now see God with our faith in Christ Jesus
ReplyDeleteJune 8--Deuteronomy 28--First off, sorry I sent a couple readings today by accident. You want the June 8 one. Save the June 10 for later this week--I'll resend that.
ReplyDeleteThe blessings and disobedience teaches me about God's favor for those that follow him. God promises to bless his people. God is a giver. He is a blesser. He wishes to do good to his children.
For me, that's more than physical things. As a follower of God, I can know joy and hope. I can have security of knowing there's eternal life. I can have the hope that when life does get difficult, that there is the hope of heaven where there will be no more tears, pain or suffering.
June 8 - Dueteronomy 28 - It is extremely humbling to read all of the promises written for the people within God's Kingdom. It is also humbling to read all the promises written for the people outside of God's Kingdom. Both promises are important and reach different people. Some people need to hear the many different ways of Love that will be poured out of him. Whereas others need to hear the many different ways God promises to pour out Wrath on all the people outside of Christ's people. Which way do you need to here it?
ReplyDeleteJune 9 - Judges 10-- What do I learn about God from today's reading? God is a jealous God. He's not jealous like a petty guy or girl who wants to seek revenge because his/her crush likes someone else. God is jealous because he created us. He is entitled to our affection. As our master, he is fully devoted to us and wants our best. It pains him to see us stray elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteAs our jealous God, he works to recapture our attention so he can show us love and we can enjoy that relationship with him.
June 9 - Judges 10:6-16 - We may be quick to judge and condem these people for worshipping other gods, but do not do this with such haste. We do the same every single time we sin; at all moments we are either worshipping God or some other lesser thing. This is not ment to depress us though but instead encourage us. No matter how many times we fail , Christ will forgive those that are in Him! Amen! This does not mean to go on sinning as Paul said, but instead we should strive for sanctification.
ReplyDeleteJune 10 - 1 Kings 18:16-40 (wasn't sure if that was right but that's what I read) - God's power is unstoppable! The prophets of Baal were allowed to pour so much water on that shrine which should make it impossible to burn, but nothing is impossible for God, no matter how big or small.
ReplyDeleteSorry for yesterday's miss in sending the text. The messages are being caught in a spam filter on my end, so I'm working with gmail to resolve.
ReplyDeleteJUNE 11-- PSALM 8
Ok, when I read today's psalm I'm convicted that I don't spend enough time simply praising God. It's easy to do my Bible reading and check it off my to do list or to take time to pray if I need something...but taking time to pray simply to praise God is something I need to do more of today.
June 11 - Pslam 8 - Although God is perfect creator and master of all, he gives man the amazing opportunity to rule over the creation on earth. God lovingly made all but loved us the most by giving us dominion.
ReplyDeleteJune 12-Psalm 8
ReplyDeleteCraig, looks like it you and me most days, haha.Maybe someone will join us soon. :)
What do I learn about God from Psalm 16? This psalm reminds me that God is my life. My life is not my hobby or interests or even my family. God is my life. "He alone are my portion and my cup." (v5). I need to not give anything else a higher thought/priority in my day and life then him. Some people will say things like, "Baseball is my life." I need to be sure I can say "God is my life."
June 12 - Psalm 16 - God is my refuge! He is my joy! These things do not promise earthly happiness to those who are in Christ. To state that He is our refuge would declare that something is "wrong." Instead we are promised a happiness that comes for eternity when we leave this place that has no good outside of God.
ReplyDeleteJune 12 -- Psalm 16
ReplyDeleteI really like verse 6: "The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance." Nothing I did gave me all the blessings I have (the greatest of which is my salvation). The lines simply fell for me this way (of course, by God's grace). And if you think about an inheritance -- the descendants don't decide what they inherit. God has given me my health, my life, my safety, my friends, my joy, all of my blessings.
I also liked verse nine -- "My whole being rejoices." It's not just my heart, though the psalmist mentions it, or just my flesh, but my whole self. I've even experienced this before, where my heart and soul and mind are so ecstatic that I want to laugh out loud. Everything is wonderful -- and how can it not be when I consider all that God has done?
--Abby Lewis
Love, it Abby. :) Thanks for posting!
DeleteJune 13 - Psalm 19 - It is a refreshing reminder that God's laws are perfect, unlike man's laws which are imperfect and cause destruction. God's laws are part of redemption and salvation; not that our earthly bodies can fullfil them, but so that Christ can for us!
ReplyDeleteJune 14--Psalm 23-What do I learn from God as my shepherd? He leads. He feeds. He cares. He Nurtures. He watches for danger. He sees the big picture. He is trustworthy.
ReplyDeleteJune 14 - Pslam 23 - The important thing we must always remember is that it is Him, not us. God is doing all of these great things through our broken bodies.
ReplyDeleteJune 13 -- Psalm 19
ReplyDeleteWhat do I learn about God from this psalm? He is over everything. Even the skies above praise Him and tell of His deeds -- and everyone hears. It's like in Romans 1, where Paul says that we are "without excuse" because God's creation proclaims His power and divinity.
I also find it interesting that while other tribes during Israel's time worshiped the sun as a god, this psalm makes it clear that God is the one who put the sun where it is. The sun is just one of God's works of art, and it joyfully obeys its Maker.
-Abby L.
June 15- Psa. 29- Wow. This is fantastically awesome and amazing. The awesome power of God is so clear to me in this passage that I cannot believe that anything could be more powerful than God, but I still sometimes worry because I get wrapped up in the here and now. Worrying is a futile response to our problems when we have a God as awesome as this!
ReplyDeleteLike Nathan, I was impressed by the power of God as described in this passage! I was picturing myself standing outside in the thunderstorm we had this morning--and thinking about how this psalm uses the imagery of the thunderstorm to give us a picture of God's power. The other thing that stood out to me was that God gives that power to his people--he gives strength to his people and blesses them with peace. We can rest in the power of our God!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all Amen to all the knowledge God has shared through us all so far!
ReplyDeleteJune 16 - Psalm 48 - I feel that I am lacking some background knowledge that would help me better understand this verse in its entirety. One part that I gravitate towards is the end when it says God will guide us forever. It is mind blowing to imagine the joys of being with God forever and ever. Amen!
ReplyDeleteJune 16 - Psalm 48- This verse jumps out to me (v8) "God makes her secure
ReplyDeleteforever"....When I keep my eyes focused on God's kingdom and not my own, there is a lot of security because I know he is in control. When I stop to realize that he has made me as secure as can possibly be through salvation, I am grateful. Nothing can take away his love or affection for us!'
June 16 - Psalm 48 - I was reminded that God protects His people. If I feel anxious I know that God will keep me safe like a citadel. (I had to look that word up.) I wonder what the kings saw in verse 4 that scared them so much?
ReplyDeleteGregory
Love it, Gregory! Thanks for sharing!
DeleteJune 17-Psalm 91- "Whoever DWELLS in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."
ReplyDeleteGod promises protection, security for those who actively choose to DWELL in him. If we take a step toward God and live with him, he'll provide everything we truly need to find rest. Love that.
June 16 -- Psalm 48
ReplyDeletePsalms does give good mental pictures, doesn't it? The idea that God is in and around His city, protecting it and leading it, gives me such comfort. At the same time, it reminds me of my place: I am nothing. I serve a God Whose power demands fear and worship. He is not to be taken lightly. I mean, He made kings panic, He "shattered the ships of Tarshish," He is "greatly to be praised." And yet, He cares about me? Us? Yes! "He will guide us forever." Hallelujah!
-Abby
June 17 - Pslam 91 - Amen to God for providing the Psalmist such wisdom and that it should be passed down to us! Christ is throughout scripture not just the New Testament
ReplyDeleteJune 18-Psalm 94- "Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord"
ReplyDeleteOne area I've had to learn is that there is a difference between discipline and punishment. Sometimes life is hard--not because God is out to get us--but because he wants to get better.
A coach may make you run an extra lap because they LOVE you and want to discipline you to be better.
Sometimes life gives us more trouble than we want. I've learned to TRY to embrace those times as seeing God's discipline in my life...not as punishment or even something to be avoided.
June 18 - Psalm 94 - this passage is beautiful for many reasons, but the one that sticks out to me the most is that in the same psalm we get a wonderful look at both God the judge and God the savior. God makes many promises throughout scripture, but to know that He will protect those in Him is one of the most comforting to me
ReplyDeleteJune 19-Psalm 118-What do I learn about God from Psalm 118? He is the savior. He is the protector He delivers. He is ABLE to save. He has our best in mind. His power is greater than anything I could muster on my own. My favorite verses are the last 2:
ReplyDeleteYou are my God, and I will praise you;
you are my God, and I will exalt you.
29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever
June 20-Isaiah 42:1-9- It says He will not grow faint or be discouraged till He establishes justice, it also says that He will take us by the hand. God cares for us infinitely and desires us to walk with Him, but it is not His joy. We need Him, we need His Hand!
ReplyDeleteJune 21--I got one question about today's reference since it's a little confusing. It is the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. You can find it here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+43%3A22-44%3A5&version=NIV
ReplyDeleteWhat did I learn about God from this passage?
v25: "“I, even I, am he who blots out
your transgressions, for my own sake,
and remembers your sins no more."
Enough said. ;)
June 22--John 13--What did I learn about God from this passage? In today's chapter I read about God who loves us so much that he SERVES. That blows me away. God of the universe. Creator of it all. He doesn't just sit back and wait for applause. He gets in there and serves his creation.
ReplyDeleteJune 22 -- John 13
ReplyDeleteWow. Jesus was the picture of complete and perfect humility. Talk about leading by example. We've looked at God the Creator, God of Glory, God of Greatness. This same God is God the Servant? Jesus knew who He was; John makes that clear: "Jesus, knowing that . . .He had come from God and was going back to God," did this. He fully understood that He deserved to be treated as God because He is God. He told the disciples that they were right to call Him "teacher" and "Lord." Nonetheless, even when He fully understood His rightful position, He humbled Himself to the lowest of servants. I can't wrap my mind around it. What a wonderful God we serve!
-Abby
Me either. Thanks Abby!
DeleteJune 22-John 13
ReplyDeleteWhat if the president of the United States came in to our house and asked to clean up my room? Wouldn't that be crazy! He would never do that. Jesus has power over everything, and yet he served people anyway even if they didn't deserve it. If we put others first we show Jesus to everyone. I can't do this on my own, but I can do it through Jesus.
Love the comparison, Gregory! Thanks!
DeleteJune 22-John 13:1-17- Christ came to be a servant, not to be served. We need to remember that about our own lives. In America it can be very easy to get caught up in the idea of being served: most of our food is fast, we have high speed internet and fast passes at theme parks. Instead we need to challenge ourselves to slow down and ask the important question, who can I serve today?
ReplyDeleteJune 24--John 15-16. What do I learn about God? I see God as the source of life in that he is the vine. I'm just a branch. Any good work that comes from me, comes from him. Any chance of heaven, comes from him.
ReplyDeleteI believe life is more than just earthly life...it's spiritual life. If our spiritual life is alive, then we truly LIVE. Toward the end of John 16 we're reminded that the Holy Spirit comes within us to guide us toward God--to HELP US LIVE! This reminds me of Titus 3:5, "He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit"
June 24--John 19--What do I learn about God? I read about God who went to great lengths and great pain to save us. He went through so much...and I forget him so often!
ReplyDeleteJune 26--Mark 16--There was some confusion on the passage for today. It's all of Mark 16.
ReplyDeleteWhat do I learn about God? He has power over death and sin. The very problem I need solved!!!! I sin and need hope for Heaven. Because of Jesus resurrection I have confidence to know that his sacrifice was approved by God, his sacrifice is enough to forgive my sins, and I can have the hope of heaven!
June 28-Revelations 4&5- I must admit I'm not the best at finding the meaning from the book of Revelations, but I can still understand some beautiful truths here. I am not quite sure who these 24 elders are, but I know they have power because they have crowns. It is very humbling to read about these elders laying down their crowns, or "power", before God! They knew what was most important. This can be rough for me at times when I receive even the smallest "power." My flesh wishes to hold onto this make believe power instead of relying on Gods. I must pray daily to fight my flesh.
ReplyDeleteJune 29 -- Revelation 19
ReplyDeleteI really like the last few chapters of Revelation because they always remind me of one truth: God wins. So many people try to interpret Revelation so many different ways, but honestly, I think what is really important to realize is that God wins. Eventually, He will cast Satan and all his workers into the lake of fire and He will establish a perfect world once again. God wins.
And I think this is also important to remember day to day. When I am anxious about a coming event, when I sin terribly, when I am afraid to do what is right, when I care about other people's opinions of me -- "God wins" acts as either a comforting hug or a startling slap. God pulls me back into reality. "I've got this," He says. "Your job? To glorify Me."
-Abby
July 1-- Genesis 18
ReplyDeleteWhat do I learn about God in this passage? He is SO patient and merciful. He made a perfectly wise decision (because He's God, so He can only be perfect) that He was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. But Abraham prayed, and God listened. SIX times! Abraham kept asking for more and more mercy and God kept giving. Abraham even said, "Don't be angry with me, but . . ." He knew that God didn't need to listen to him patiently, but God did. I think that's so cool. God chose to be patient with Abraham and to be merciful with the cities.
-Abby
July 1--Genesis 18
ReplyDeleteAbby points out that it was SIX times. I'm challenged to persevere in my own prayer life--to not give up. To pray more often. But I'm also struck by a God who wants to prayed to. God wants to know. He wants us to bring it to him. He is approachable.
July 3--Gen 32--Two items leap out to me in this passage that encourage me to refine my own prayer life: 1) Jacob wrestled with God all night. My prayers tend to be "clock in, clock out". I need to wrestle more. 2) Jacob asked God to bless him. While it seems selfish, I think it's okay to ask for God's blessing. He's already given us salvation through Jesus. Anything after that is quite small in comparison! I suppose it doesn't hurt to ask! :)
ReplyDeleteJuly 5-Exodus 3-4: What does this passage teach me about God and prayer?
ReplyDeleteI love that Moses felt empowered enough to say, "God, please don't make me do this. Send someone else." I feel that sometimes. I'm grateful that God will listen without condemning my weakness. And then he--like he did with Moses--may equip me to do the tasks he has for me!
July 6th-Exodus 32:9-14- Moses was able to speak so boldly with God, but only from a place of knowledge of scripture. Our prayers must be rich with truth from God's word.
ReplyDeleteJuly 7th-Exodus 33:12-34:9- Moses was very devoted to God's people, praying to God for them and their struggles offend. We should also pray for our bothers and sisters, but not just the ones at home. All of our church family needs prayer, daily.
ReplyDeleteJuly 8th-Joshua 7:6-15- this teaches me a lot! First of all it is a great reminder that God wants nothing to do with sin; He was willing to allow Isreal to be destroyed to separate himself. Another thing I learned was about man. We are so quick to pass around blame when our life is not going our way (even blaming God), but how often do we look inward and ask what am I doing that could be causing this?
ReplyDeleteJuly 5 -- Exodus 3:1-4:18
ReplyDeleteI really like a quote from this passage: when Moses says in v. 11 "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh. . .?" God doesn't say, "Well, you're good at this" or "You can do that." He doesn't try to encourage Moses that he can do what God was calling him to. He simply says, "I will be with you."
Who am I? Nothing. But if God is with me, it doesn't matter.
-Abby L.
July 9th--1 Samuel 1:10-11-- Hannah comes before God humbly with her true emotions. He already knows what's on our hearts so we should bear it to Him truthfully.
ReplyDeleteJuly 10th--1 Samuel 2:1-10-- Verse 9 so beautifully sums up this passage, "“He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness." This does not promise riches in this world and protection in this life. Instead it promises the opposite throughput the passage. We live in a fallen world and we must be prepared for bad to happen. Do not fret, but instead rejoice! For God promises a seat of honor next to Jesus in the end!
ReplyDeleteJuly 11th--2 Samuel 7:18-29-- David's humility in God is a good lesson. We should come to God knowing that He is perfect and what good things we have come from Him. Another fantastic point in this passage is David's continual devotion to God's promises and belief that they will happen because God promised.
ReplyDeleteJuly 12th--1 Kings 3:4-15-- God is so great and generous in many ways! The biggest thing I learned from this passage is that if you pray for blessings towards God's Kingdom they will happen! Solomon did not pray for knowledge for himself to gain power or riches, but instead so he could be a better serve my of God.
ReplyDeleteJuly 13th--1 Kings 8:22-61-- So much of what Solomon said happened throughout the books of Kings and Judges. Verses 34-36 talk about Isreal turning away from God and God allowing them to be taken by their enemies. This happens again and again, but Solomon also pleads with God that if they realize their wrongdoings and turn back to God that He will save them. This pattern happens again and again until Jesus comes to earth.
ReplyDeleteJuly 14th--2 Kings 19:14-19-- Our God is the only true God and we must remember that the other "gods" of this world are man made and cannot promise life. Jesus will return and crush these "gods" and the false truths that they give.
ReplyDeleteJuly 23 -- Psalm 100
ReplyDeleteIn this passage, I like that the psalmist tells "all the earth" to praise God with him. God is so wonderful that one person cannot give Him anywhere near the amount of praise He is due. Everyone -- and not only people, but all of creation -- should sing and shout and make any "joyful noise" that they can. God deserves it!
-Abby
July 26-Matthew 26:36-42
ReplyDeleteThis passage teaches me that I can pray and ask God about things, but I need to be yielding to God's will even if it is not something I want.
-Analiese
July 31 -- Revelation 11: 15-19
ReplyDeleteVerse 18 struck me and gave me encouragement. It says that God's time came for "rewarding your servants. . . both small and great." I like this because sometimes I feel like I'm doing very little (if anything) to advance God's Kingdom, but this passage says that all who fear God's name will be rewarded. I still want to work to serve God and spread His name, but no matter what, I have a reward for me in heaven.
-Abby
August 15- Romans 8:1-17
ReplyDeleteI like how the last verse talks about us suffering with Christ and then being glorified with Him. This is a good reminder for me that we may face trials on earth, but some day we will be in Heaven with God.
-Analiese
August 16 Romans 8:18-30
ReplyDeleteThese verses are so encouraging to me. They remind me that I may face many trials on earth, but someday I will be in heaven with God. They also remind me that God has a plan and purpose for everything. I really like verse 28 which says," And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
-Analiese
August 22 Romans 11:25-36
ReplyDeleteI really like verses 34-36,"“For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen." These verses remind me that God is all-powerful. He is perfect, wise, and He created everything. 'To him be glory forever' reminds me that I should give God the glory through everything that I do.
-Analiese
August 27
ReplyDeleteRomans 14:1-9
These verses show me that no matter what I do, not to be judgement all or proud but stick to what I believe for God's glory and honor.
Nathan