Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 44, 2 Corinthians 5
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 ESV
Kelly Hall and I first met almost thirty years ago when I was a first year teacher at Central Institute for the Deaf in St. Louis, Missouri. Little did I know then how God would mightily use Kelly and her courageous faith in my life. Kelly and I had lost touch after exchanging annual Christmas letters for many years only to be reconnected when I discovered that my faithful Memphis-area prayer partner, Beth, also knew Kelly from their husbands’ mutual service in the air force in Texas! Isn’t God amazing?!? He is the great tapestry weaver.
I hope you’ll take a half-hour of your time to tune in to my interview on Kelly Hall’s Unshakable Hope podcast and subscribe, so you can be alerted as she releases new ones.
Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 43, 2 Corinthians 4
For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
2 Corinthians 4:5 ESV
Have you ever heard of the book, “Share Jesus Without Fear” by William Fay? This book solidified my belief in asking questions and genuinely listening to the person’s responses as an effective method of sharing the gospel. The book also encourages you to share the gospel directly from the scriptures, by suggesting seven key passages for the person you’re sharing with to read themselves. In fact, I’ve written these passages down in the pocket New Testament Bible that I carry with me in my purse. My only complaint about the book is the title. I’m STILL afraid to share — but I pray every day that the Lord will give me strength to overcome that fear.
I want to always be prepared to give away this pocket Bible, so I also wrote several key passages in the cover that are excellent for non-Christians or new Christians to study. I actually keep a second pocket Bible ready at home with these verses written in it, too, so when I give this one away, I’m already prepared to pop another one into my purse. I learned these passages from No Place Left ministries whose website has lots of great resources for evangelism and discipleship.
But, back to ‘Share Jesus Without Fear,” this book includes many excellent questions to ask to open the door for a spiritual conversation. Here are some questions that I hope might help you. I think these questions are appropriate to ask just about anyone given the right situation, whether a close friend or a stranger on an airplane.
Has anyone ever explained the basic beliefs of Christianity to you? Would you like me to share my thoughts with you?
Do you have any kind of spiritual beliefs?
Who is Jesus to you? Can I share with you who Jesus is to me?
Do you think there is a heaven or hell? How did you come to those beliefs?
If you died tonight, where would you go? If heaven, why?
May I share seven scriptures with you that changed my life?
Don’t be afraid to ask someone to meet you for coffee or a meal, asking them in advance if they’d like to meet up with you to talk about spiritual things. You might be surprised how many people would be willing to meet with you if you asked them! You’ll never know if you don’t ask.
Heavenly Father, I’m asking You to open doors for me to have a spiritual conversation with someone this week. I want to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. I want to love my neighbor as myself. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and I want to do that, too. Please give me courage and wisdom to be a witness and ambassador for the kingdom of heaven. In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
Lord From Sorrows Deep I Call (Psalm 42) – Matt Papa and Matt Boswell
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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 34, 1 Corinthians 11
For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.
1 Corinthians 11:18-19 ESV
I hate conflict. I like everything to be calm and peaceful and happy. Anyone with me?
But sometimes conflict is necessary. Sometimes conflict is necessary to bring change and, ultimately, peace. I want to be a peacemaker – not a peace-faker. And sometimes that requires stirring the pot: asking questions and seeking answers, calling people to take responsibility for their beliefs and actions.
The entire letter of 1 Corinthians is Paul’s attempt to bring holiness and peace to a body that has gone astray and needs to be brought back to the Lord. Like a shepherd using his rod and staff to correct and redirect a straying lamb, the Lord’s messengers are often called to speak harsh words to bring healing.
“Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him.”
Hosea 6:1-2 ESV
Heavenly Father, You are holy. You are good. You are mighty. Reveal Yourself to and through Your body here on earth. Purify Your Bride in the cleansing waters of adversity. Do what needs to be done to eradicate the cancer of complacency from our hearts. We trust You. In the name of Jesus Christ who surrendered His life for His bride we pray. Amen.
One Pure and Holy Passion – Amy Nobles
Psalm 34 – Taste and See – Shane and Shane
Today’s YouTube Podcast
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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 29, 1 Corinthians 4
On my weekend trip to Greer’s Ferry Lake in Arkansas, I was amazed by the rocks that covered the lakeshore. From far away, looking down at the beach, I expected them to be solid, hard, firm, stable … you know, ROCKS. But when I finally made my way down six flights of stairs and walked on those rocks, I discovered that they were anything but that. These rocks crumbled like eggshells under my feet.
Ask yourself –
What kind of rock am I standing on? Am I standing on the solid rock of Jesus or the shifting sand of man’s opinions?
What kind of woman am I? Am I steadfast and immovable, solid and faithful like my God and His Unchanging Word, or do I crumble under the pressures of life?
1 Corinthians 1:9 ESV — God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Corinthians 4:2 ESV — Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
1 Corinthians 4:17 ESV — That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithfulchild in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.
1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV — No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 ESV — He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
1 Timothy 1:12 ESV — I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,
2 Timothy 2:13 ESV — if we are faithless, he remains faithful — for he cannot deny himself.
Hebrews 10:23 ESV — Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 11:11 ESV — By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.
1 Peter 4:19 ESV — Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Revelation 17:14 ESV — They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.
Revelation 19:11 ESV — Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.
Heavenly Father, You are Faithful. You are Trustworthy. You are a Promise-Keeper. Every word You speak will come to pass. Help me to be faithful because You are the source and the object of my faith. Help me to daily entrust my soul to You, Father, because You are trustworthy. Because my hope is in You and You alone, I will not be shaken. You have called me to Your service, so I can trust that You will fulfill all Your plans for my life. Make me more like You, Lord. Make me faithful and trustworthy because You are Faithful and trustworthy. In the Name of Jesus Christ who died in my place I pray. Amen.
“My Hope is Built on Nothing Less (On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand)”
“Great is Thy Faithfulness & My Redeemer is Faithful and True” – Steven Curtis Chapman
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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 27; 1 Corinthians 2
Two years ago, when I originally wrote this post, I’d woken up early because I wanted to watch the sun rise. I was eagerly anticipating the sun turning the sky pink, purple, and orange as it crested the horizon over the lake where my sisters-in-Christ and I have been staying since Friday. Instead, I was greeted by a rainstorm beating down on the metal roof of the porch under which I was taking shelter.
But still, the sun rose.
But still, it got brighter minute by minute.
But still, a new day dawned.
Friends, God is still on His throne even when we don’t see His glory. God still reigns even when His presence is hidden behind clouds, and His voice can’t be heard over the pouring rain.
In God’s perfect wisdom, He had decreed before the ages that His Own Son would be hung upon a cross to die for the sins of man. In the eyes of human wisdom or logic, it appeared that Satan had won and God had been defeated.
Oh, sisters, but God. Up from the grave He arose!
Suddenly, the cries of a bird rang out over the pounding of the storm. The birds were awake and singing in the trees, despite the rain. The storm won’t stop them, and it shouldn’t stop us, either.
Darkness can’t overpower the light. The rain can’t drown out the sun. The sun still rises, even in a thunderstorm.
Heavenly Father, Death could not contain Him. A grave could not defeat Him. Darkness, no matter how deep, cannot keep the King of Glory from shining. I pray that our faith would be in You and You alone. You are Almighty. You are Victorious! No storm can delay what You have decreed. Your purposes will stand. You don’t always give us “cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels.” Sometimes you give us pitch black nights and thunderstorms that last for hour upon hour. Help me remember that the trees need the rain so they can grow, and the world needs the darkness of night so it can rest. Help me trust You, rather than myself. Help me to doubt human reasoning and believe Your Word. Help me remember that You reign over the rain. In the Good and Sovereign Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
“Draw Me Close” – Shane and Shane
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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 26; 1 Corinthians 1
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV
We’re either in the process of perishing or in the process of being saved. Where are you? Are you perishing or are you being saved? Are you dead or are you alive?
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:1-7 ESV
Please take the time to read this incredible sermon by Charles Spurgeon titled, “Once Dead, Now Alive.” Or click here to listen to it read aloud.
Here’s a brief excerpt of it, which I hope will cause you to want to read the whole thing.
To find out what spiritual death means, I shall ask you to remember that this dead body here is characterized by an absence of sense.
Be not afraid, it is your brother man; come close up to him, and speak. He does not hear you. Speak more loudly; he does not answer you, he gives no sign of recognition. Shout at the very top of your voice; stoop down, and speak into his ear. Alas! it is the clay-cold ear of death, upon which no effect whatever is produced.
I remember when I was spiritually just like that. I could not hear even the voice of Jesus, though it was very soft and tender. He said, “Come unto me,” but I did not respond to his call. There were others near me who did; but I was dead, and took no notice.
Then there came a louder sound, a voice of threatening, a message of condemnation. God spoke from the top of Sinai, and hurled at me the ten great thunderbolts of his law; yet still I did not hear. I had broken all those commands, and I must bear the penalty of disobedience; the law told me so, but I did not hear.
Friends led me, sometimes, dead as I was, where both the law and the gospel were fully preached; but I did not hear, I could not hear. Sounds went past the drum of my ear, and my body heard; but the ear of my heart was not reached, I could not hear, for I was dead.
Charles Spurgeon, ‘Once Dead, Now Alive,’ 1888
Oh, save us, Lord. Our nation is perishing! Our people are dying for lack of knowledge and understanding. We have trusted in ourselves and turned our backs on You, preferring the fake wisdom of man over the true wisdom of God.
Forgive us, Lord. Have mercy on our souls. Draw us back to You by Your steadfast lovingkindness.
I once was lost but now I’m found. I once was dead but now I’m alive. Praise Your Name. You opened my eyes and gave my life. You brought me out of the darkness. You set my feet on the Solid Rock. You hid me under the shelter of Your Almighty Wings. Thank You, Father!
You loved us so much that You sent Your Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Let us not waiver any longer. May we choose this day whom we will serve, and may it be You and You alone for You alone are worthy. You deserve all the praise and all the glory.In the matchless name of Jesus I pray. Amen
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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 24, Joshua 24
“Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” …
“Then Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the LORD, to serve him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.”
He said, “Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your heart to the LORD, the God of Israel.” And the people said to Joshua, “The LORD our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey.”
Joshua 24:14-15; 22-24 ESV
Heavenly Father, What foreign gods am I serving? Where is my heart not inclined toward You? Where am I still limping between the world and the Lord rather than fully surrendering all to You? Show me where I’m falling short, Lord. I don’t want to be blind to my own iniquity. I want to love You more, that I might serve You better, for You are worthy and good. I pray that my whole family will be surrendered to Your will and live for Your glory. In the Name of Jesus Christ who died in my place I pray. Amen.
Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 21, Joshua 21
Two year ago, when I originally wrote these posts, I was in the middle of working on a talk about God’s sovereignty. So, imagine how I felt when I noticed that Joshua 21 ends with these beautiful words.
Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.
Joshua 21:45 ESV
Joshua 21:45 reminds me of a quote from the book Does God Control Everything? by R.C. Sproul which I shared in my talk on sovereignty
“If God is not sovereign, then God is not God. If there is even one maverick molecule in the universe … we cannot have the slightest confidence that any promise God has ever made about the future will come to pass.”
R.C. Sproul.
Heavenly Father, You are indeed good, and You are indeed sovereign. You are sovereign over us. Your plans are for good and not for evil. Your plans are to prosper us and not to harm us. Your plans are for our good and for Your glory. We believe that every word of God proves true; You are a shield to those who take refuge in You. We are so, so thankful for Your power and might. Help us to trust You in the fire and in the flood, to walk by faith and not by fear. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our sovereign Lord, the Almighty King over all kings, we pray. Amen.
Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 20, Joshua 20
In Joshua 20, the Lord told Joshua and the people of Israel to designate cities of refuge where those who had unintentionally killed someone could flee. I’ve never killed anyone (intentionally or not), but sinful anger has festered in my heart more times than I care to admit.
Let’s not forget the words of Jesus, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.” (Matthrew 5:21-22 ESV)
We all deserve the death penalty, but Jesus paid the price that by our faith in Him we can be set free, as Romans 6:23 reminds us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” I’m so thankful that the Almighty Lord God is my ever-present refuge, and that His Son is my city of refuge.
Here’s a smattering of verses from Psalms which point to the Lord as our refuge. Meditate on them. Write them out. Memorize them. Let this truth wash over your soul.
“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.” Psalm 5:11 ESV
“O LORD my God, in you do I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and deliver me,” Psalm 7:1 ESV
“Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.” Psalm 17:7 ESV
“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2 ESV
“This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.” Psalm 18:30 ESV
“Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.” Psalm 25:20 ESV
“The LORD is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed.” Psalm 28:8 ESV
“Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!” Psalm 31:2 ESV
“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” Psalm 34:8 ESV
“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.” Psalm 57:1B
“Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!” Psalm 61:4 ESV
“On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:7-8 ESV
“Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.” Psalm 71:3 ESV
“But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.” Psalm 73:28 ESV
“It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.” Psalm 118:8-9 ESV
“I cry to you, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.’” Psalm 142:5 ESV
“He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.” Psalm 144:2 ESV
Heavenly Father, You are my refuge, my strength, my rock, and my fortress. I have no reason to fear for You are by my side. I am hidden under the shelter of Your wings. Strengthen me to trust in You and You alone. Let me not be shaken. Some trust in chariots and some trust in horses, but I trust in the almighty name of Jesus Christ, my Faithful Refuge, I pray. Amen
Psalm 34 – Taste and See – Shane and Shane
Want to download a free PDF of these verses? Here it is!
Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 18; Joshua 16-17
Reading today and praying about what the Lord wants me to take away from this passage today, I have three main thoughts:
(1) The people of Joseph (the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim) were numerous and received a large portion of land, yet they did not drive out the Canaanites. They could have done it. They should have done it. But they didn’t do it. Whatever the Lord is telling me to do, I can do in His strength … but sometimes I just don’t want to. Father, help me to obey you even in the things that seem too hard or too trivial. Help me to trust Your plan.
(2) God has good plans for women, too. My dad was the only son in his family and he only had daughters. Additionally, his dad was the only son who survived to bear children. I’m thankful for God’s provisions for women, even listing these 5 daughters by name. Father, help me to be thankful to be a woman. Help me to believe that it is a precious gift to be a nurturer and a helper. Thank You for Your unending faithfulness and care for me and for my daughters. I pray for my extended family, my aunts and uncles and cousins. Lord, please draw them into Your kingdom and bless them with an eternal inheritance with You by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
(3) And, finally, I’m reminded again that God had a purpose for His chosen people, Israel, and He still does. Will you join me in praying for them?
Heavenly Father, we lift up the descendants of Israel. We pray that You will draw them back to Your side, open their eyes to see their Messiah, Jesus. Thank You for the firm roots that they have provided for us. Let us not become arrogant and haughty. Rather, we pray that they would be provoked to jealousy by this wild olive branch, so that they would be grafted back in to Your kingdom through the precious gift of faith. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord we pray.
Behold our God – Sovereign Grace Music
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