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"Eternity in Our Hearts" April 22 Readings: Ecclesiastes 1-6

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Ecclesiastes 1-6 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     Ecclesiastes is a mysterious book, written from an earthly and even somewhat cynical viewpoint. It says some strange and confusing things, mixed in with some powerful wisdom. It is generally believed that Solomon was the author, but he is not identified by some. Some believe that the "son of David" (which can also mean descendant) might have been Hezekiah. Both ideas had support in Rabbinical traditions. It is most likely that Solomon was the author. We know of three peri...
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"The Wise and Fool of Solomon" April 21 Readings: 1 Kings 10-11, 2 Chronicles 9

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   1 Kings 10-11, 2 Chronicles 9 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     Hubris - the incredible human capacity to overestimate ourselves and become embroiled in pride. Solomon was blessed by God with a gift, the ability to discern truth from error and choose the path of wisdom over the path of folly, and the results were amazing. He became one of the greatest men in the world, right up until pride and self-sufficiency entered his heart. "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." Those were Solomon's own w...
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"The Power of Words" April 20 Readings: Proverbs 25-31

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Proverbs 25-31 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     Today we complete the book of Proverbs, reading various collections of wisdom from different authors. Daily Devotional:   No, that is not a sidewalk. It is a trail worn in the rock of the Tsankawi Ruins near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Over the centuries, the feet of the people living on that hill cut deep paths into the solid rock. Amazing. Had Solomon known about the Tsankawi, he might have worded Proverbs 25:15 a little differently. Proverbs are inspired observations...
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"Fallen Stones" April 19 Readings: 1 Kings 9, 2 Chronicles 8

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   1 Kings 9, 2 Chronicles 8 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     In today's readings, we see the finishing of the Temple and the rest of Solomon's amazing and extensive building projects. Though David was a man after God's own heart, Solomon was the man who built Israel into a regional powerhouse. He was a man to be reckoned with. Unfortunately, as we will see in future readings, his life would become a model of the proverb that says, "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." Daily Devotional:   ...
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"The Lord's Delight" April 18 Readings: Psalm 134, 146-150

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Psalm 134, 146-150 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     Today, we wrap up the book of Psalms, though some Psalms from later times will appear in subsequent readings. There will be no more days in which the Psalms are the primary focus of readings. The last few Psalms are "Hallelujah Psalms," which focus on reasons and methods of praising the Lord. Daily Devotional:   The Lord's Delight What makes God happy? Obviously, God's emotions are not like ours, so a question like that is not easily answered, but the Bible does sp...
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"Forever Faithful" April 17 Readings: 2 Chronicles 6-7, Psalm 136

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   2 Chronicles 6-7, Psalm 136 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     This year, instead of reading from Genesis to Revelation, we will read the Bible as the story flows, as it happened and was written. There are several plans out there and I have worked to combine them into a plan that lets the Bible tell its own story "as it happened."  Remember, the Bible is inspired, but not in the order the books appear in our Bibles.   The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the ...
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"The Presence of God" April 16 Readings: 1 Kings 7-8, 2 Chronicles 4-5

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Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   1 Kings 7-8, 2 Chronicles 4-5 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     The readings today examine the finishing of the Temple and its dedication to the glory of God. Daily Devotional:   The Presence of God Solomon built a magnificent structure. The temple in Jerusalem was among the more impressive buildings of the time, and Solomon was clearly among the most impressive people. His fame spread far and wide. He was rich, powerful, honored; the wisest man on earth. This magnificent temple was his creation. His people did the work. Wh...
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