Jesus, Prince of Peace

Today's Reading: Isaiah 9-10 and Ephesians 3



Did you notice that the word "immeasurably" is spelled incorrectly? Haha, I didn't notice at first. And this image gets re-pinned more than any other image I have on my Pinterest.

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

In connection with Isaiah 9:6 I share three items:
A beautifully shot reflection on Isaiah 9 from Chris Neal
'You are Holy (Prince of Peace)' by Michael W. Smith. I love playing this song acoustically with small groups.
'Prince of Peace' by Hillsong United

Ephesians 2 and Amazing Grace

Today's Reading: Isaiah 7-8 and Ephesians 2

I'm so glad this next video exists. At the Passion 2012 Conference, the book of Ephesians was read out loud by Lecrae, Beth Moore, Francis Chan, Louie Giglio, and John Piper. Enjoy!



Did you know the song 'Amazing Grace' is based on Ephesians 2:8-9? Here is a version of the traditional hymn. I love the thunderclap towards the beginning. Very stark.

And here's Todd Agnew with 'Grace Like Rain,' which is a popular contemporary version of 'Amazing Grace' with an added section.

Isaiah 6 and Ephesians 1

Today's Reading: Isaiah 5-6 and Ephesians 1

Today is a biggie; we have both Isaiah 6 and the start of Ephesians. Let's kick off with praise. Here is a song inspired by Isaiah 6. It's called 'Holy is the Lord' by Chris Tomlin.



Others:

Ephesians 1:3 is a famous doxology. Here is the Doxology song by Davis Crowder. Many, many artists have played a version of this song. My extended family sings it as our prayer before large meals.

I can't not share the Bibledex overview of Ephesians since this is our first day in the book.

And finally, if you're in the mood for something a little more academic, here's an interview with Steven Baugh on his Ephesians commentary and

Isaiah the Prophet

Today's Reading: Isaiah 3-4 and Galatians 6



This fresco was painted in 1729 by Italian painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. It's in the Rococo style.

Identifying the Youth Leader or Associate Pastor

Today's Reading: Isaiah 1-2 and Galatians 5

You can always tell who the Youth Leader (or Associate Pastor) is because they're wearing a silly outfit. Haha, just saying. Here's a Katy Perry parody on the fruits of the spirit, which can be read in Galatians 5.



Others:

Earlier this year I posted a video by WorldView Everlasting and praised him for combining Internet Meme Culture with Genuine Bible Study. Good stuff. Well today I want to share another one of his videos called "Star Wars - John Williams = Jesus + Works"

Since we start Isaiah today, here's the Bibledex overview

Song of Solomon for Modern Times

Today's Reading: Song of Solomon 6-8 and Galatians 4

Last year a film came out which was a modern love story drawing upon Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon. The film was called 'The Song' and it was okay, though there was a moment (in a hospital scene) when the movie could have presented a clear and powerful Gospel message. They held back for some reason. Here's the trailer:



Others:

The Bibledex overview of Song of Solomon

A joke infomercial that tries to sell you on 'Song of Solomon pickup lines'

Stuff Christian Singles Hear (Song of Solomon 4-5)

Today's Reading: Song of Solomon 4-5 and Galatians 3

For Song of Solomon:

It's been a while since I was a Christian Single but when I was, I definitely could relate to the lines from this funny video:



For Galatians 3:3

Warning, this next article will only have a niche audience! But in case you've ever worried over the use of the word "tree" when describing the cross, here's Bill Mounce to explain the Greek

Sexiest Book in the Bible (Song of Solomon)

Today's Reading: Song of Solomon 1-3 and Galatians 2

Today we begin Song of Solomon which is a book all about human romance, and yes, contains sex. Why do you think God orchestrated for this book to be included in the Bible? What does it help to show about God's plan for human relationships?

I'm going to start with a funny video by the duo Tripp and Taylor:



Now here's a well done video by Dan Stevers on 'the Story of Sex'

Finally, here's an uber-convicting video that remixes audio from Pastor Matt Chandler (and the video is for Galatians 2:20)

Starting Galatians

Today's Reading: Ecclesiastes 10-12 and Galatians 1

How is your reading plan coming along? Don't forget to show yourself grace. God doesn't care how many boxes you can check off a list... He cares about you. So if you've missed some days in this reading plan, it's okay, persist over time and you will grow in your relationship with God.

Today I'm simply sharing the Bibledex overview for Galatians:

Better Living (Ecclesiastes 7-9 and 2 Corinthians 13)

Today's Reading: Ecclesiastes 7-9 and 2 Corinthians 13

2 Corinthians 12 and Flyleaf

Today's Reading: Ecclesiastes 4-6 and 2 Corinthians 12



Below is the song 'Perfect' by Flyleaf, who are a Christian heavy pop-metal band. The song refers to 2 Corinthians 12:9, "but he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.' So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me."

Ecclesiastes 3 - Seasons

Today's Reading: Ecclesiastes 1-3 and 2 Corinthians 11:16-33

Today we start Ecclesiastes! This is such a philosophically rich book. Let's begin with another funny video from the team at BluefishTV:



And how long has it been since you heard this catchy tune: 'Turn! Turn! Turn!' by The Byrds

Lastly, as usual when we start a new book, here's the Bibledex overview

Proverbs 31, a Godly Woman

Today's Reading: Proverbs 30-31 and 2 Corinthians 11:1-15



Proverbs 31 is the description of a godly woman.

Proverbs 27:2 and Doing Good Loudly

Today's Reading: Proverbs 27-29 and 2 Corinthians 10

Ha! It's a funny clip but I can also think of a few people who need to heed its advice. Enjoy.



Proverbs 27:2, "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth -- a stranger, and not your own lips."

Better to Give

Today's Reading: Proverbs 25-26 and 2 Corinthians 9

2 Corinthians 9:6, "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."

I truly believe that money is an indicator of our heart's health. It's not so much about the amount we've obtained -- it's about how we're using the money. It reveals our priorities and values.

In this next clip, Pastor Francis Chan shares how he was personally challenged to embrace generosity.

Francis Chan - From Pastor to Millionaire... Giver! from Generous Giving on Vimeo.

Can Good Parents Create Bad Kids?

Today's Reading: Proverbs 22-24 and 2 Corinthians 8

Proverbs 22:6 shares, "Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray."

Does that mean good parents will never have bad kids? Hmm. We know it doesn't always happen that way. So how do we understand this verse? Here's a helpful article by Jonathan Akin on this subject.

And below is a 7 minute video of John Piper walking us through 2 Corinthians 8:1-2

2 Corinthians 8:1–2 // An Abundance of Joy from Desiring God on Vimeo.

Let us Purify Ourselves

Today's Reading: Proverbs 19-21 and 2 Corinthians 7

A cheerful heart is good medicine

Today's Reading: Proverbs 16-18 and 2 Corinthians 6

For this Artists Bible Reading Plan I have searched the internet for videos inspired by Scripture. Obviously some days the content is more closely tied to the text than other days.

Today I share a video of a stand-up comedian. I'll be honest, the only reason I can count it in this plan is because the youtuber started the video by quoting Proverbs 17:22, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." After the quote it's comedy unrelated to the Bible.

So it barely counts for the Reading Plan BUT the comedian just happens to be one of my all-time favorites, Steven Wright. His comedy is a string of absurd one-liners that are extremely intelligent and often have clever wordplay.

New Bodies

Today's Reading: Proverbs 13-15 and 2 Corinthians 5

2 Corinthians 5:17 shares, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone, the new is come."
This first video is the most straight-forward of the batch. It is a beautifully shot reflection on the Scripture, using images of a potter.

New Creation from Life Center on Vimeo.

Others:

What does it look like to walk by faith? Here's a short video by director Eugene Ramos that connects to 2 Corinthians 5:7

If you're in the mood for a praise song, here's 'New Creation' by Leeland.

Jars of Clay and 2 Corinthians 4:7

Today's Reading: Proverbs 10-12 and 2 Corinthians 4

This is a relaxed song by Christian group Jars of Clay. I share it for two reasons: first because I love Jars of Clay. Their album 'Much Afraid' is fantastic (especially on a rainy day with a hot cup of tea). And second, because today's passage contains the verse they named their band after. Here is their song on 2 Corinthians 4:7

Proverbs 8 and the Woman of Wisdom

Today's Reading: Proverbs 8-9 and 2 Corinthians 3

Notice how stark of a contrast today's passage is from yesterday. I know which of the two metaphorical women I'd like to follow! I'd rather be partnered with the Holy Spirit and experience truth, beauty, and wisdom. (The video below is a reading from Proverbs 8, done by Megan Rohrer)

Proverbs 7 and the Seductress

Today's Reading: Proverbs 6-7 and 2 Corinthians 2

In Proverbs 7 King Solomon shares what it takes to be a faithful man. It's amazing how relevant his words still are today:

Proverbs 7 from 2V Studios on Vimeo.

The Rizers: Pop-punk for Kids

Today's Reading: Proverbs 3-5 and 2 Corinthians 1

The Rizers is a pop-punk band for kids and tweens. Their songs are catchy, high-energy, and meant to help young people memorize Bible verses. They do a great job with the songs and I think for the right audience, this is a big hit. More can be found on their website at http://www.therizers.com



We also start 2 Corinthians today! Here's the Bibledex overview if you want a quick refresher

All those Molehills

Today's Reading: Proverbs 1-2 and 1 Corinthians 16

Happy Labor Day, everyone! Today we begin the book of Proverbs (and end 1 Corinthians). The power of proverbs is in their application to real life, and learning when to apply proverbs is called wisdom. Here's a funny (and really old) video from the secular comedy duo Jake and Amir.



Others:

Here's a Proverbs overview from Bibledex

And here's a Proverbs overview from BlackHawk Church (which did a great song that I posted back when we finished Leviticus)

The Final Psalm

Today's Reading: Psalm 148-150 and 1 Corinthians 15:29-58

Congratulations, you've now read through the book of Psalms! Did you enjoy it? Are you okay with how many songs we posted during our time in this book?

We're not officially out of the Psalms until tomorrow so bwa-ha-ha, here are two more song videos for you:

Matt Redman's 'Let Everything That Has Breath' (Psalm 150)

And the song(?) 'Psalm 150' by P.O.D. off their album Fundamental Elements of Southtown. I realize that the band P.O.D. is a little controversial. They've done things that many believe do not reflect Christ. But when I was young, and they had only put out a couple albums, I saw how powerfully their music impacted a good friend of mine. So meh, I thought to share this.

Tomorrow we move into the book of Proverbs and finish the book of 1 Corinthians.

More Psalms, More Songs

Today's Reading: Psalm 146-147 and 1 Corinthians 15:1-28

For Psalm 146 I share a song by Sarah Emerson called 'What Joy'



And for 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 I share a very specific sub genre of music... which is, songs written to help people memorize Bible verses. Haha, you won't find that section in your local music store. BUT I gotta say, it's great stuff. Not only do most of us memorize things more effectively in musical form, but the songs are surprisingly catchy. Enjoy.

How Great Thou Art

Today's Reading: Psalm 143-145 and 1 Corinthians 14:21-40



I really love the acrylic painting above. It can be found here on the deviantart page of EddieTheYeti.

If country music is more your thing then the video below shows 'How Great Thou Art' sung by Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill. The hymn was inspired by Psalm 145.

We're Not Alone!

Today's Reading: Psalm 140-142 and 1 Corinthians 14:1-20



It's fun to see how many churches out there are doing (or have done) a creative Bible Reading Plan. An associate pastor at Triangle Presbyterian Church in Durham, NC, put together yearinthebible.com to encourage his people to keep up their reading. These images are examples of what their church used for memory verses. Nice!

Psalm 137-139 Megashare

Today's Reading: Psalm 137-139 and 1 Corinthians 13

So much great content to share today!! Let's get started with the ever-popular Skit Guys:


Though this next one's my favorite share of the bunch. It's Rich Mullins doing what he did best, sharing his thoughts with the audience between songs, and ending up giving a sermon better than most pastors. In this clip you'll hear him discuss Psalm 137.

Others:

Psalm 139 shared by Ignitermedia

Don McLean singing 'Babylon' about Psalm 137:1

Orthodox Jewish rapper Matisyahu singing about Psalm 137:5

And the rastafarian stylings of the Melodians singing about Psalm 137

When a Church Dies

Today's Reading: Psalm 135-136 and 1 Corinthians 12

1 Corinthians 12 describes spiritual gifts within the church. We each bring something different and special to the community. We were not all meant to serve the same role or purpose.

The song 'City on a Hill' by Casting Crowns is a heartbreaking story of a church that imploded. People within the church turned against each other. No one could see any perspective but their own narrow view. Fortunately the end of the song gives a glimmer of hope because God is still crying out to the church, and with God there's always chance for restoration. Enjoy.