Day 359

1 John 4 talks about how we should respond to the Lord's love for us. 1 John 4 verse 7 says, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God."

I believe this is saying that if we have Christ in us, we will love others. This is one way we show God's love in us. It says loving one another is proof that we know God. That is a strong statement!

God calls us to love one another to reflect His love for all of us. I will continue to try and display God's love through my actions, so others may see and believe.

Day 358

Jesus is love. Jesus loves us beyond measure. Jesus cares for us. Jesus would do anything for us...These are bold statements that many do not believe. Even Christians may not fully accept all of these statements.

However, 1 John 3 offers a statement that I believe proves it all. 1 John 3 verse 16 says, "By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us..."

Love is sacrifice and Jesus paid the ultimate price for sins He did not commit, but sins that we did! We deserve death for the sin we have. But Jesus took our place! He died in our place so that we may live! This can only be described as the greatest acts of love the world has ever known, or will know.

Jesus gave us the perfect example of how to love others. We are to sacrifice ourselves for others. We are to put others first. We are to serve. What a great example Jesus is!

Day 357

2 Peter 1 talks about the law, and now reading it, translates to the entire Bible. Verses 19 and 20 say, "And we have something more sure, that prophetic word [the Bible], to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation."

Peter references the Bible as a lamp shining in a dark place. Peter is saying the key to life in the Lord, and the way to the truth and the light is through the Bible! This is our source until the Lord comes again.

Peter is also saying the Bible is not from man. God only uses man to write it. However, all scripture is God breathed and meant for us in all times and all ages!

Peter puts a lot of emphasis on the importance of Bible. This book should be treated as a gift from God and pursued!

Day 356

Again in First Peter, I am reminded what a loving God I serve! 1 Peter 5 verses 6 and 7 say, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you."

Cast all your anxieties, cast all your cares on Him! Give it all to Him! Why? Because He cares for you, He loves you! He longs to take your troubles from you! I believe there are troubles you need to go through to prepare you for something later, but God will be with you in those and carry you through!

I thank Him for being a God who loves us and cares for us so much.

Day 355

Hebrews 13 strikes a chord for me today. Verse 5 says, "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"

In other words, do not dwell on your finances. Instead, be content with what you have, for the Lord will never leave us or forsake us! This is the lesson I have been trying to learn over the last year or so. The author of Hebrews sums this issue and how to deal with it in one verse. I believe this shows how little it is to God!

I am trying so hard! Scripture such as what was read yesterday that define what faith really is help tremendously. I believe that once I an through with the Bible in just 10 more days, I will be equipped to handle any issues that come my way through faith in Christ.

Now I will just have to put it into action as James and others talk about.

I thank God for the book, the Bible, He has given us to handle this life! Without it, I would be lost!

Day 354

I think I have found my favorite chapter in the whole Bible so far. Hebrews 11 talks about faith and also tells of the heroes of faith throughout the Bible! It was a good encouragement.

Hebrews 11 also gives a definition of faith in verse 1. It says, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." To reword this, the New International Version puts it this way, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see."

Faith is believing, knowing that what we hope for will be. It is also being sure of what we do not see. It is knowing that the Lord is with us always and can do all things, and it is trusting that what we hope for through Him will be so.

This is the basis for a relationship with the Lord. Believe. Have faith.

Day 353

Hebrews 10 talks about what happens when we continue to sin deliberately, even after receiving the knowledge of the truth. It talks about the punishment that will happen. Then, to sum it all up, chapter 10 verse 31 says, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

Whoa! It is a fearful thing! It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands that created the universe, loved us so much He died for us, governs all things and has infinite knowledge and power, who judges those who are to be judged and punishes those who are to be punished.

It is a fearful thing to think of our God! However, it is wonderful to think of our God and how He loves us, how He died for us, how He governs all things and has infinite knowledge and power. What an awesome God!

Day 352

As I stated before, I have been a Christian all my life. I was raised in the church from birth. So when I see passages such as Hebrews 5 verses 12 through 14, I take it to heart. These verses say, "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."

I have a son who is just about two and a new daughter who is a little over six weeks. My daughter is on a milk only diet, and my son is transitioning, but still likes some Vitamin D milk quite often. They are still babies, children, and they are immature and unskilled. So when Hebrews says that I am like them spiritually, where I still need milk and not solid food, I understand what I must come across as to the Lord. I am immature in my faith. I am like a boy (note the name of the blog) to the Lord when looking at my faith.

However, I desire to be mature, living on solid food, and to have the power of discernment to distinguish good from evil! How do I get it? Verse 14 says it is trained by constant practice. Constant practice in the word, prayer and all righteousness! This is my goal.

Day 351

Yesterday I talked about the Word of the Lord and how it is breathed by God. Today, Hebrews 4 verses 12 and 13 expand on that. They say, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."

Whoa! Those are some powerful words! First of all, the word of God is living and active. It is alive within all Christians, and moving with the help of the Holy Spirit. Also, no creature is hidden from His sight! He is above all, loves all, and governs all.

The Lord is powerful, and His Word is powerful. It pierces like a double edged sword! I cannot under-estimate the power of the Lord or His word.

Day 350

When I first started going through the Bible, I was wondering if I would be able to find something to pull out every day. There are some difficult books!

Today is day 350 and I have found at least one thing each day! Quite often there are several things I could pull out, but choose only one. I have not had any trouble finding something that speaks to me each day.

Every day before I start reading, I pray that the Lord speaks to me and shows me what He wants me to see in the reading. I ask God to fill me with His spirit so I may see through His eyes.

I think the reason I am able to find something each day is stated in 2 Timothy 3 verses 16 and 17. They say, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."

All Scripture is breathed out by God! There is nothing there that He does not want there. Everything there He spoke for our benefit. From it, we are equipped to be Christians who live for Him. What an amazing book!

Day 349

I found it interesting that the concept of actions came up again in today's reading. Titus 3 verse 1 says, "Remind them to be...ready for every good work."

We are called to be ready for every good work. We are to be on the lookout, anxious about missing what can be done to show God's love to others. We have to be on our guard to do good!

I admit that I am not ready for every good work. I need to change this and step it up. I need to be ready to help, and serve, and show God's love through me.

Day 348

From other readings, I have found that Timothy was rather young, but sent to lead a church on his own. With this in mind, it makes 1 Timothy 4 verse 12 that much more powerful. It says, "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."

Paul is saying that age does not matter. What matters is the example you set. What matters is how you act. Set an example in all areas of life, not just one. Even this is a ministry.

We need to set an example for others so Christ can be reflected in us and through us. It does not matter how old we are, what we look like, or if we are a man or woman. One of our purposes is to live in such a way that we reflect Christ.

Day 347

I like how the Lord reminds us often of the lesson found in James 4 verses 13 and 14 say, "'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit' - yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring."

My wife and I, as most parents had everything planned out for kids, such as which month they will be born in, what year after our marriage, and their birth order. However, the Lord had other plans! Our first came several years before we intended on getting pregnant. I cannot tell you how much I love my kids. I wouldn't change anything, but it threw off our timeframe. It was the same thing for our second. She came several months before she was due.

In a way, this is comforting to me because it shows I do not have control. I do not think I could handle that responsibility! I want my plans and agendas to come from the Lord who knows all, not myself who sins, and can only see the moment. I thank God for reminding me that I am not in charge!

Day 346

Already in James there is so much to learn, it is difficult to focus on just one thing. However, there was a theme in the first few chapters that did catch my attention.

James 2 verse 17 says, "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

I have heard the saying, "Actions speak louder than words" many times. That is also what James is trying to say in chapter 2. We can speak kind words to others and wish them well, but if there are no actions behind it, those words are worthless!

We as Christians must show the love of Christ by example. We have to show that when we are filled with Christ, we are changed. We are full. We are loved. Actions speak louder than words.

Day 345

Just how valuable is Christ? How valuable is knowing Him?

Paul tells us how valuable Christ is to Him in Philippians 3 verses 7 and 8. He says, "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ."

Paul says that everything is worthless compared to the worth of knowing Christ! He is more valuable than everything. Paul gave everything in order to obtain Christ.

I have to think about this when I consider something of value. Christ is worth everything I have and more. Why focus on other things when I need Christ?

Day 344

In Philippians 2 verses 3 through 8, Paul uses Christ as an example of how we ourselves should act. It says, "In humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is your in Christ Jesus, who though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

This is saying be humble like Christ was. Christ was God in human form. Yet, He was a servant to others and even died on a cross, a humiliating death.

We as Christians are called to be humble, and most of all, put others first. We are meant to serve and not be served. This is a good lesson we can get from Christ and is something we should remember every day.

Day 343

As I have discussed before, my mind is what limits me in much of my faith. I always ask how after I know the Lord will take care of me.

That's why I found Colossians 2 verse 8 interesting. It says, "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."

This is not a new issue. Even Paul addresses this to where others are taken captive, or limited in faith by philosophy, empty deceit and their own limits of comprehension. Paul even says this is human tradition! We get caught up and limited by ourselves and do not focus on what Christ can do!

It is comforting to know I am not the only one with this issue, and in fact that it is even considered human tradition. But that makes it even more important to address and to realize each day how the devil is taking hold of us and limiting us in faith. If we can get past this limitation, I believe the devil would be afraid of what would be possible!

I need to get past this limitation and unlock the true wonders that are available in Christ!

Day 342

Ephesians 6 verses 14 through 19 describe the full armor of God. What an awesome analogy! I find it interesting that this passage mentioned several items to have, like the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit.

Most of what was listed above is defensive equipment; e.g. shields, helmets. However, the sword is an offensive weapon! It is used to attack and become victorious. Ephesians 6 states we have the sword of the spirit! We have the Lord with us! Who can be against us?

I know that the Holy Spirit is with me. I also know that the word of the Lord strengthens me and my commitment to Him and in order to grow in the Holy Spirit, I must be diving into the word often. The word gives me a firm foundation going forward.

I thank the Lord for the Bible provided to us in order to deepen our faith in Him!

Day 341

The church that I grew up in quite often gave a doxology taken from Ephesians 3 verses 20 and 21. They say, "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever, Amen."

I was always, and still am, encouraged by these words. Just the thought that He can do far more than we could ever imagine is such a comfort to me! And whatever chance I get, to Him be the glory forever and ever!

I give God the praise and glory, for He is deserving. And I pray that He does far more than I could ever ask or imagine! I am filled with joy knowing that I serve this God!

Day 340

Every once in a while, I question myself. I wonder what value I provide. I wonder what good I am. I wonder what I can do.

Thankfully, the Lord answers this in Ephesians 2 verse 10. It says, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand."

I am God's workmanship. That is what good I am. I am His! He created me. And not only that, but He created me for a reason! I am part of His master plan! How encouraging is that?

I pray that not only do I fulfill my part of God's plan when the time comes, but I also recognize that I did when it (or they) happens! I pray that I see God and all His power! And most of all, I rest in the knowledge that I am His workmanship and I am the way I am because He made me this way!

Day 339

What a ministry Paul had at sea with the 275 other men on the ship. A great storm tossed the ship for many days. So much so, the men had no time to eat.

Several days later, Paul encouraged them all to eat. Acts 27 verses 35 and 36 say, "And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. Then they all were encouraged and ate some food for themselves."

I find it so cool how it is written that after Paul broke the bread, they all were encouraged! Their faith was strengthened and I believe the Lord's spirit filled them.

I need to remember that even in the storms of life, if we focus on the Lord and what He has done for us, we will be encouraged.

Day 338

In these readings, Paul is being led on a journey orchestrated by the Lord! He is bringing the Word to all he comes in contact with. And with his Roman citizenship, he is bringing the word to even the kings.

I can't imagine the faith Paul has though! On this journey, he was detained by Felix the governor. He ministered to Felix for two years! He must have had the faith of knowing that he was exactly where the Lord wanted him.

Then a new governor took over and heard Paul's case. He also brought in King Agrippa to hear as well. By going through what he did, Paul was able to spread the word to many important people of influence.

I must remember not to belittle where I am and what I am doing. I need to have faith that the Lord has me exactly where He wants me for His purpose. I have to have the kind of faith that Paul had! I long and pray for this kind of faith.

Day 337

What a charge the Lord gave Paul! Acts 23 verse 11 says, "The following night the Lord stood by him and said, 'Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about Me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.'"

That must have been a shocker for Paul! Rome was the capitol and, with the vastness of the Roman Empire, it was also known as the capitol of the world!

I find it so amazing how the Lord works! He does not think small, but calls ordinary people to do great things! He equips us with all we need to accomplish what we are called to do and also gives us the comfort of knowing He is with us every step of the way.

Don't be afraid to hear a calling that is greater than what you can imagine! For the Lord will equip you with all you need and will be with you every step of the way!

Day 336

One of the things I love about the Bible is that is constantly comforts me.

I am far from perfect and I have many flaws and weaknesses. I am human! 2 Corinthians 12 verses 9 and 10 say, "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me...For when I am weak, then I am strong."

This is such a comfort to me! The Lord is there in my weakness and uses that for His glory! Also, His grace is sufficient for me. He is all we need!

The Lord's power is made perfect in weakness! The Lord shows Himself through the weakness of his children. That is why we are to boast of our weakness, so when others see us strong, they will know it is the Lord, not ourselves!

Day 335

In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul calls us to not only give, but to be cheerful givers. This may be difficult sometimes.

However, I believe that even when we give when it is difficult to do so, we give with the confidence of knowing that God will take care of us, and bless us as He sees fit! That is how we are cheerful, because we know that others are blessed by our giving, and we know God will take care of us!

I need to be sure to give cheerfully to my Lord who has blessed me with all things!

Day 334

2 Corinthians 8 verse 15 struck me hard. It says, "Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack."

I believe this pertains to finances, and is saying if you save and save and save and try to have it all for yourself, you will never have enough. However, if what you have you give away and bless others, you will always have enough.

This is a tough concept for me to handle. I have been trained to think that if I have x amount and give away y, I now have x-y left over. But that is not necessarily how it works. When we bless others, we receive back as well.

God calls us to use our gifts to bless others. I need to stop gathering, and start giving!

Day 333

I know that even with all that I am blessed with, and all that I am capable of, that is not sufficient.

2 Corinthians 3 verses 4 and 5 say, "Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God."

We can be confident that our sufficiency come from God. We cannot claim anything as our own accomplishments. God provides, God protects and God fulfills. He is sufficient!

Day 332

Being in Christ also means that we are to build each other up. Romans 15 verses 1 and 2 say, "We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up."

We are to comfort those who are weak, to build them up and be an encouragement. This especially means we are to be an encouragement to those of weak faith. Those who are deeply rooted in their faith are to be mentors to others. We are to be Christians together, not on our own!

I will try to build up in faith those of my family, and to those who need spiritual encouragement.