Welcome to Connect2LIFE

This blog is the completion of a three year project.  It is a Bible reading plan that is designed to take three years to complete as you read through all sixty-six books of the Bible.  It is common for Bible reading plans to take the reader through the whole Bible in a year.  Connect2LIFE takes a different approach.  While any plan that gets a person reading the Bible is good, the focus of this plan is not so much to read the Bible in a certain time, but to read through the whole Bible while focusing on a response.  God inspired the Bible to speak to us and make a difference in our lives.  There are three simple questions to respond to each day.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?

3.  How can I help someone?

Another unique part of this reading process is that it is designed around reading five days a week.  The New Testament is read one chapter a day.  Doing this five days a week, you will read the New Testament in a year.  The Old Testament starts out reading one chapter a day.  Then, starting with Exodus chapter 17, read two chapters a day.  It will take you two years to complete the Old Testament this way.  Reading for five days a week, and reading one or two chapters a day, allows for reading other parts of the Bible.  Many like to read from the Psalms and Proverbs daily.  Many have a favorite passage they like to read often.  This allows for that.

I have written my thoughts for each chapter and posted them on this blog.  The process took me a little over three years.  This is a good illustration that things don’t always go the way we plan.  In the process of the three years, my brother, Roger, died unexpectedly.  We were at the hospital for more than two weeks with him.  I also worked through a year-long transition and retirement process with the church I have had the privilege of serving for twenty five years.  It was a privilege to work with them as they selected their new pastor.  So, this all took me a little longer than planned, but I completed my goal.

I started with the New Testament.  If you go to the oldest posting on this blog, you will find Matthew chapter one.  Go to the blog archive, year 2012, to find the beginning.  My suggestion is that you read the chapter(s) for the day and then write your thoughts first.  This does not need to be extensive, nor a commentary on the whole chapter.  The goal is for each reader to write something that speaks to you as you read.  Pray for God to make His Word speak to you.  And, unlike what I did, you are not writing for publication. So, let God speak to your heart as you read and write your thoughts.  After you write, read what I wrote.  There is no right or wrong thing to write, as the goal is for each reader to think about what they are reading and how can they apply the Bible to daily life.  Also, it helps us get our thoughts focused on serving others, the last question asks how I can help someone.

The 119th Psalm says that God’s Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.  The Psalmist wrote that he would hide God’s Word in his heart so that he wouldn’t sin against God.  There is no better book to read to establish the foundation for our lives than the Bible.  I trust that you will be drawn closer to the Lord Jesus Christ as you read and write.  So, grab a notebook and get started.

Bible Chapter: Malachi 3 & 4

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
I am the LORD, and I do not change.  A great statement of encouragement.  What God promises He will fulfill.  He won’t get part of the way along a path and decide He made a mistake and go in a completely different direction.  He is the same every day.  That is uplifting.
A very scary question:  Will a man rob God?  Can you get away with cheating God?  They were told that is what they were going by not bringing their tithes to the Lord.  Being faithful with the tithe (a tenth of their increase) comes with some interesting results.  It either brings a blessing or a curse, depending on our obedience.  He said that those who are faithful will receive a blessing so large they can’t contain it.  These blessings are not only financial.  Giving is a privilege that permits God to stretch our faith. It is a strengthening discipline. This will result in blessings here and in eternity.  God said He will open the windows of heaven for those who are faithful with the tithe.  This will include both an increase in supply and a decrease in the devourer.  Just as He made the shoes on the feet of those in the wilderness to not wear out, He can make our things last to lower our expenses.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Here we have the ending of the book, and it happens to be the last book in the Old Testament.  We find a reminder to remember to obey the Law of Moses, all the decrees God gave him.  Then He promised to send a prophet whose preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers.  These are two critical insights for life.
Obey.  That theme is throughout the Bible.  God said it over and over and over and over again.  Do what He says.  The person who obeys will always be better off in the end.  God’s ways are always the best.
Fathers and children.  God’s plan is for a man and woman to be married and have children.  The family is God’s plan for an orderly society and to pass truth on to the next generation.  Fathers are becoming too absent.  They are neglecting their responsibilities.  That is a main reason for the mess in society.  The hearts of the fathers need to be drawn to their children.  Men, be the men God called you to be.  Your children are more important that your toys and recreation.

3.  How can I help someone?
Be faithful to God.  Live it out till the end.  Don’t quit on God even when things seem really hard.

Bible Chapter: Malachi 1 & 2

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Does God really love you?  Does He care about people?  We see here that He says “I have always loved you”.  Some were doubting that God really loved them.  He told this to them again because He wants people to be assured that love is His nature.  They had many difficulties and troubles because of their disobedience to God.  Some thought that God was unfaithful to His promises.  No, it wasn’t unfaithfulness, it as His righteousness calling them back to Him.
Here we see a passage that few have thought much of, but is awesome.  The people were showing disrespect to God through their offerings and sacrifices.  They were showing contempt for God.  They asked how they were doing that.  The response was by offering defiled sacrifices on the altar.  They showed no respect by giving blind, crippled and diseased animals as sacrifices.  Then God challenged them with this statement:  try giving gifts like that to your governor, and see how pleased he is.  I like that challenge.  People wouldn’t consider something like fulfilling their obligations to others or to pay their taxes with defective resources, it would not be accepted.  But, the people thought God would accept their defective sacrifices.  It is a challenge to people to see that they need to put God on the highest level of respect and obedience.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Personal relationships.  We see an example of what God created for our good and how people reject God’s way.  Many men had been unfaithful, doing a detestable thing. They defiled the Lord’s sanctuary by marrying women who worship idols. God expects His followers to marry a person who is also a follower of God, believers are to marry believers.  They asked why the Lord doesn’t accept their worship.  God responded that He witnessed the vows they made when they got married.  But, they had been unfaithful to their faithful wife.  They didn’t understand that the Lord made them one with their wife?  God told them to guard their hearts and remain loyal to the wife of their youth.  Then we see a powerful statement, God hates divorce.  “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.”  Marriage is God’s idea.  He created it and designed it.  So, we must follow the Creator’s instructions.  It is a life agreement, a pledge of faithfulness to each other in the sight of God.  God was rebuking them because many men were forsaking their solemn pledge to their wives.  Marriage is a great idea that the enemy is perverting.  Seek to do things God’s way and receive the blessings.

3.  How can I help someone?
Give of your best to the Master.  That is a line from an old song.  It is good advice.  God is deserving of the best that we have.  He challenged the people for bringing Him the things that they didn’t want any more.  It is only an offering and sacrifice if it costs you something.

Bible Chapter: Zechariah 13 & 14

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
One of the biggest problems we see that faced Israel as we read their history is idol worship.  Time after time they fell into sin because of the impact of other nations that worshiped idols.  Israel would get caught up in it and fall again.  God would have to judge them and get their attention.  One of the exciting verses here says that a time will come when God will erase idol worship throughout the land, so that even the names of the idols will be forgotten.  Included in that promise is the removal of both the false prophets and the spirit of impurity that came with them.  That will be an awesome day.
Despite the mockery of God by heretics who say all kinds of false things about God, He is filled with great mercy and a desire to forgive.  He is not angry and does not have an uncontrollable temper.  Zechariah wrote that God will open a fountain of grace to provide cleansing from sin.  This fountain sprang from Christ’s death on the cross.  His sacrifice on the cross and His literal resurrection from the grave provides cleansing from all sin for any who accept His forgiveness and entrust their lives to Him.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
From time to time, as I read the Bible, there is one thought that jumps out.  It may not be the main theme of a passage, but there is a message that speaks volumes.  There was one sentence here that did that for me.  Is says:  Only the LORD knows how this could happen.  That is a good description of most of life.  I have often wondered why things work the way they do.  Why do mechanical and electrical and technical things work?  Why does the computer I am typing on right now work?  How can someone understand the workings of the physical body so they can go in and repair what is not working?  And even create replacement parts?  Why do things fall down instead of up? The list of questions could go on and on.  The answer to these questions is simply that only the Lord knows the real “why” behind the actions.  People can study and discover the laws that make things happen.  But, they did not cause it to happen.  Only God knows.  And, that is just fine with me.  God created the world.  He put the laws of science into being.  It works well and that is all we need to know about the “how”.

3.  How can I help someone?
As yourself what you really can control.  The answer is “not much”.  So, put your confidence in the Lord and follow Him.  He is the One with the power.

Bible Chapter: Zechariah 11 & 12

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
One of the themes of this prophet’s writing was the promise of God’s plan for the future.  God made a covenant with the people and that included a coming Messiah.  Many were looking for Him at the completion of the rebuilding of the Temple.  When Jesus came, some believed and obeyed God.  Some rejected.  There were wicked leaders who deceived people and lead them away from God.  There are many prophetic references in these chapters that give a picture of end times events.  Because many would reject the Messiah when He came, evil people would bring destruction.  That was the consequence of the people going their own way.
We see a prophetic reference with thirty pieces of silver being offered to Zechariah.  This is what Judas was paid to betray Jesus.  It was also an insult to Zechariah as that was the price of a slave.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Part of chapter twelve talks about nations gathered against Jerusalem and Israel.  Many nations will come together to fight against Jerusalem and Israel to destroy them.  We have heard their enemies talk about pushing them into the Mediterranean Sea.  The goal is to destroy God’s plan, to destroy His people. But, in the end, God’s power will destroy Israel’s enemies.  I keep observing that happening in my life time.  There are several parts of this writing that give a double fulfillment picture.  They talked about things that would happen, and did a long time ago.  A double fulfillment of the writing will still happen in the future.  Bible scholars have discussed and debated end time prophecy for ages.  It sure looks like we are living in those days.  This gives even greater emphasis to put full trust in Jesus.  In these crazy days, many are turning to God for help and mercy. Millions are coming to realize that Jesus is the true Messiah.

3.  How can I help someone?
What is your source of help and direction for life?  The number of voices calling out to get people to follow them keeps increasing.  Many of the things that are said to gain followers make very little sense, and yet, they gain a following.  Be careful.  Jesus claimed to be the road to God the Father, and His track record proves His claim.

Bible Chapter: Zechariah 9 & 10

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Who is the source of hope and deliverance?  We know the answer is God.  As I read the prophets it seems as if it has always been a problem for people to really trust God and follow Him.  That hasn’t changed.  People seem to serve God and then turn away.  Here we see that Israel would turn to the Lord for deliverance.  Because the would turn, God said He would help His followers by bringing judgment on the nations who had caused them so much suffering in the past.  God promised that there will come a time when Jerusalem will really live in peace.  The promise and assurance we see given by the prophet can still be grasped today by all who love and follow Him.  We may face resistance or feel hopeless, we can trust that God will prevail.
I see some interesting thoughts at the beginning of chapter ten.  God is real and He has the power to answer prayer.  He sends rain in the spring, for He makes the storm clouds.   He sends showers so every field becomes a lush pasture.  What is the option?  Many trusted in other gods, and we are told that they give worthless advice, they have no power.  And, fortune-tellers predict only lies.  Those who follow these false sources are wandering like lost sheep.  They have no protection because they have no shepherd.  God said He will punish these false leaders.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
When a person grows up in church and hears some of the familiar stories many times, it is easy to forget the context and the awesomeness of God to tell about it so far ahead of time.  Here we find one of those prophetic verses.  We see what is known as the Triumphal Entry on Palm Sunday.
Zechariah 9:9 NKJV
9 "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.
Matthew 21:4-5 NKJV
4 All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: 5 "Tell the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.'"
The promised King would come bringing salvation.  By entering into Jerusalem this way, Jesus fulfilled this prophecy and revealed Himself as the true Messiah and Savior.  He was very close to going to the cross to give His life to pay the price for our sins.  Because He did this we have His promise of peace.  All of the prophecies that Jesus filled give confidence to put my trust in Him.

3.  How can I help someone?
The fact that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies about the Messiah gives hope to put our full trust in Him.

Bible Chapter: Zechariah 7 & 8

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
As things were changing, as the Temple was being rebuilt, the people had a question.  They wondered if they should continue to mourn and fast each summer on the anniversary of the Temple’s destruction.  They were challenged with a question in return, and they needed to think about their motivation during the seventy years of exile when they fasted and mourned.  Was it really for God that they were fasting?  Did they celebrate their holy festivals just to please themselves?  These are good questions to ask.  These are good questions for believers today to ask.  What is behind the spiritual things we do?  Is it all really for God?  There are people who don’t come to church or even leave because they are not getting what they want out of it.  It is easy to get selfish in the process of worship.  Whatever we do for God, it will be unacceptable when it is done with the wrong attitude and motives.  Anything that is simply a routine without real hunger and thirst for God is worthless.
Another challenge for the people is that they were to judge fairly, show mercy and kindness to one another.  They were not to oppress widows, orphans, and the poor.  The nation had a history of not obeying God’s command to practice justice, compassion and mercy.  He cares about those in need.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I think about those things that appear impossible.  The large task that was before the remnant of people who returned to Jerusalem seemed impossible.  All that was before them seemed hopeless to a small remnant of God’s people. But is anything impossible for God?  We know the answer is nothing is too hard for God.  Here we see that God was giving encouragement to His people to let them know that He would be with them through their difficult times.  God promised that He would save His people and that is what He did.
God told them to be strong and finish the task.  Don’t just start, keep going till you get the job done.  It is too easy to quit part of the way through.

3.  How can I help someone?
Some great advice as to how to get along and treat people.  Tell the truth to each other.  Give verdicts in court that are just.  Don’t scheme against each other.  Quit telling lies that you swear are the truth.  Since God hates these things, everyone should hate them as well.