July 21st One Year Bible Readings
2 Chronicles 4:1-6:11 ~ Romans 7:1-13 ~ Psalm 17:1-15 ~ Proverbs 19:22-23
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TranslateOld Testament - Today in Second Chronicles we read about the furnishings for the Temple, including the completion of the Sea in chapter 4 verses 4 & 5 - "The Sea rested on a base of twelve bronze oxen, all facing outward. Three faced north, three faced west, three faced south, and three faced east. The walls of the Sea were about three inches thick, and its rim flared out like a cup and resembled a lily blossom. It could hold about 16,500 gallons of water." The Sea was used by the priests for their ceremonial washings. Interestingly, the New Testament views these washing rituals as a foreshadowing of the cleansing provided to us by Jesus, as we will read later this year in Hebrews chapter 9 verses 11-14: "When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here,he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" Below is an image of the Sea from today's readings:
Today we also read about the Ark being brought to the Temple. Second Chronicles chapter 5 verses 13 & 14 are incredible to consider: "The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the LORD with these words: "He is so good! His faithful love endures forever!" At that moment a cloud filled the Temple of the LORD. The priests could not continue their work because the glorious presence of the LORD filled the Temple of God."
New Testament - Great writings by Paul in Romans 7 today about the Law! I love how he wraps up today's readings in verses 12 & 13 by saying: "But still, the law itself is holy and right and good. But how can that be? Did the law, which is good, cause my doom? Of course not! Sin used what was good to bring about my condemnation. So we can see how terrible sin really is. It uses God's good commandment for its own evil purposes." Great theology in this chapter today! Indeed - the law itself is holy and right and good. But, we couldn't keep the law and sin tempted us to break the law. And thanks to Jesus, Paul tells us in verse 6 today: "But now we have been released from the law, for we died with Christ, and we are no longer captive to its power. Now we can really serve God, not in the old way by obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way, by the Spirit." We now serve God by the Spirit! We are free indeed!
Bible.org's commentary on today's Romans readings titled "The Loveliness of the Law and the Ugliness of Sin" is at this link.
Psalms - In Psalm 17 David appeals to God as Judge when he is being attacked by foes. Verse 7 is a great prayer and comfort! "Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. You save with your strength those who seek refuge from their enemies." Do you seek refuge with God from whatever might attacking you? Do you believe that God will show you his unfailing love in wonderful ways? Have you been saved by God's strength? Have you sought refuge with God from your "enemies"?
Proverbs - I like Proverbs 19 verse 22 today! "Loyalty makes a person attractive. And it is better to be poor than dishonest." It is an interesting combination of proverbs in one verse. I do agree that loyalty is an attractive quality in people. Are you loyal to God? And I wholeheartedly agree that it is better to be poor than dishonest. Dishonestly is a sin that breeds so many other sins and wrong-thinkings in our life. It's to be avoided - even if it means being materially poor. You will be wealthy in God's eyes because of your honesty!
Worship God: Romans 7 verse 6 I think correlates very well with this video of The David Crowder Band's "Everything Glorious":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81dK2Vu1IUs
Is everything glorious in your life? Click here for Glory!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God." Romans 7:4 TNIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you are alive in Christ. Pray for the body of Christ. Pray that you are bearing fruit for God.
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
