So we're getting into Job. It's one of my favorite books. I love the message of it. I love the honesty and rawness of Job's grief. I love the sarcasm we see from God. I love everything about it. Some people get hung up on whether it's literal or not. Did God hold court and … Continue reading Job 1-3 Psalm 134
Category: Through the Bible
A ‘through the Bible in a year’ plan done in two: read one day, reflect the next.
Zephaniah Psalm 133
When God takes away our judgment and clears away our enemies, when all has been restored, Zephaniah says God will be among us. And not just to receive our adoration and praise, but rejoice over us. "He will exult over [us] with loud singing." We really are the object of God's affection. My favorite line, … Continue reading Zephaniah Psalm 133
Habakkuk Psalm 132
This short book kind of answer the questions I dealt with after reading Nahum. Why does God allow the suffering to occur in the first place? If he's going to bring justice, what is he waiting for? Habakkuk is asking those questions. And he doesn't get in trouble for it. Note that. He doesn't get … Continue reading Habakkuk Psalm 132
Nahum Psalm 131
The Bible Project, the people who put together the ReadScripture app I'm using for this read through, say in their video on Nahum that it is a message is one of comfort: God will eventually bring down every oppressive government in every time. The hard part is the suffering in the mean time. If he's … Continue reading Nahum Psalm 131
Micah 5-8 Psalm 130
What does the Lord require? One of an escalating list of sacrifices? Or is it a lot more simple than that? According to Micah, God's been pretty clear: Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. I think that's... I think that's plain enough, don't you? Unfortunately, we see people argue about what is … Continue reading Micah 5-8 Psalm 130
Micah 1-4 Psalm 129
The beating of swords into plowshares is a beautiful metaphor that many people have taken comfort in. It's great. The idea that our weapons will no longer be needed, that our instruments of war will be repurposed to the service of peace, is wonderful. It's no wonder that many cling to this promise. It isn't … Continue reading Micah 1-4 Psalm 129
Jonah and Psalm 128
I have heard many good sermons and lessons on Jonah. It started with 'don't run from God' lessons when I was a child, covered 'Nineveh repented and was spared' lessons, and, my favorite, 'Jonah was actually angry at God's mercy.' Seriously! How many times do we get all up in our own righteousness and enjoy … Continue reading Jonah and Psalm 128
Obadiah Psalm 127
Do you ever wonder if they got tired of the prophecies? I mean, there are several prophets serving several kings in both nations delivering the same warnings. Did they get tired of hearing it? Did they ever doubt it was ever really going to happen? Like, that last guy said the same thing? And, the … Continue reading Obadiah Psalm 127
Amos 6-9 Psalm 126
These prophets, man, and their Hollywood scenes. Can you imagine the grit necessary to look up at the king and say: "You say I should be quiet. God says your wife will be a prostitute." Except, the way I see it play out, he doesn't use the sanitary term there. I mean, come on! His … Continue reading Amos 6-9 Psalm 126
Amos 1-5 Psalm 125
So I get that Israel messed up really badly and was judged for it. I mean, that much has always been made really really clear. How many prophets really needed to say it? But something stuck out to me reading this passage. Can't say I'm surprised. That tends to happen about 90% of the time, … Continue reading Amos 1-5 Psalm 125
Pieces of the Mosaic 