52 Weeks in the Word

  Welcome to Week 30!  I don't know about you, but that feels like a huge accomplishment!  I have found it so encouraging and helpful to read through the Bible with you all!   This week we will continue to read in the book of Isaiah. A few thoughts that were shared from last week's reading: Isaiah 10 proclaims the Remnant Returns. In chapter 11, Isaiah told about the time when animals would live together in peace. In chapter 20, God has away of sometimes making the things in our mind that seem like the only answer or the only way - seem completely foolish or wrong in the end.  This can be a way to teach us a lesson.  An example of this is between Judah and believing they could find protection with Egypt from Assyria.  God wanted them to trust Him!   Isaiah 26:3 -  You will keep in perfect peace      those whose minds are steadfast,      because they trust in you.   Looking ahead to Week 3...

  Last week we finished the books of Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon.  They were both written in a more poetic fashion.  A few thoughts that were shared from last week's reading: It is important to remember these books were written before Jesus, before the New Testament time.  We must read them in context.  This was before the resurrection, salvation. An example of seeing Jesus in scripture was Ecclesiastes 4:12, often used as a verse for weddings.  We also began reading the book of Isaiah.  This book is written by the prophet Isaiah between 700 - 650 B.C.    Looking ahead to Week 29: The reading for Week 29 includes: Isaiah 8 - 31 (Für unsere deutschen Freunde: Jesaja 8 - 31.) Interesting facts on Isaiah: The key themes of Isaiah: God's purposes will stand against all earthly forces. God promised a Savior through Isaiah's prophecy, which was fulfilled in Jesus Christ God's salvation would be available to all people For an even better overvi...

  Last week we finished the book of Proverbs.  This week we will read through the books of Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon and begin reading Isaiah.  There really hasn't been heavy discussion over Psalms or Proverbs, so perhaps these books will bring more interesting thoughts to ponder in conversation.  Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, and Isaiah all have different styles and messages.  Below I will share some interesting facts and key take aways to look for while you read this week.  However, all three books do have something that links them together: Jesus!  Jesus is the One who is constant in an ever changing world.  Times change, but Jesus does not!  Jesus is "the One who lays down His life for His bride, but also goes and pursues the lost sheep." And in Isaiah, we read that Jesus is prophesied throughout the book as our Lord and Savior.  Looking ahead to Week 28: The reading for Week 28 includes: Ecclesiastes 1 - Isaiah 7 . Interesti...

  Last week we finished the book of Psalms, the longest book of the Bible by chapters and verses!  This week we will finish Proverbs, the book which explains the importance of wisdom. In chapter 6 of Proverbs, we read about the ways of the ant.  We would be wise if we took note of her ways.  In verses 16 through 19 we are told about the 6 things the Lord hates, 7 that are an abomination to the Lord: a proud look a lying tongue hands that shed innocent blood a heart that devises wicked plans feet that are swift in running to evil a false witness who speaks lies and one who sows discord among brethren Looking ahead to Week 27: The reading for Week 27 includes: Proverbs 9-31 . This week's reading we will finish reading the book of Proverbs.  We will continue to read about wisdom, understand, and the warnings if we lack them. I am looking forward to hearing from you this week and discussing your thoughts ...

Congratulations!  You have officially made it to the halfway point!  So much has happened up to the point in God's Word, and yet, there is so much more for us to take in and study.  I am so thankful for each of you who have been reading along with us!  You're thoughts, comments, questions, and encouragement are extremely valuable.   Looking ahead to Week 26: The reading for Week 26 includes: Psalm 119 - Proverbs 8 . This week's reading we will finish reading the book of Psalms and begin Proverbs.  The first day's reading is simply Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible.  I wanted to share a little information I thought was interesting on this chapter:   It contains 76 verses. Author is unknown, with different commentaries suggesting a different author possibility. According to Open the Bible, "The structure of Psalm 119 is comprised of 22 stanzas, each starting with a different letter in the Hebrew alphabet. Each stanza has 8 verses with...

We're in Week 25 as we are reading through the Word.  This week we hit another amazing milestone.  We will read the middle chapter of the entire Bible!   We are still reading in Psalms this week.  As you read, you may notice the different writing styles of the different authors of these Psalms.  At a quick glance, we begin with writings from Asaph, Sons of Korah, and David.  They each have a unique style to communicate with the Father.     Here are a few thoughts from last week's reading:   David took time out to seek the Lord and write while people were trying to kill him. Asaph wrote Psalms that are relatable to what church leaders or other strong Christians might pray today. Looking ahead to Week 25: The reading for Week 25 includes: Psalm 78 - 118 . Interesting facts on this week's reading: Depending on your translation of the Bible, Psalm 118 is often said to be the middle chapter of the entire Bible.   Before Ps...

  Welcome to Week 24.  We are continuing to read in Psalms this week.  Several of the chapters are short and quick reads.   Here are a few verses you shared from last week:   Psalm 28:7  Psalm 30:4-5 Psalm 30:11 Psalm 32:24 Psalm 27:4 Psalm 32:10 Looking ahead to Week 24: The reading for Week 24 includes: Psalm 41 - 77 . In this week's reading, we will continue to cover a good deal more lamenting.  Admittingly, this isn't something I typically would volunteer to study.  What can we learn from this week's reading?   Psalm 42 and 43 are examples of an honest way to lament to the Lord.  For this Psalm, the author wrote it to be sung as a congregation.  "Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." - Psalm 42:5b-6 Remember, look for ways to apply these verses to your life as you're reading.  How do you see Jesus in any of these chapters?  What did you learn about God and His character in ...