A little over a year ago, I purchased a Daily Chronological Bible in an easy to understand format: the New Living Translation.   As a result, I HAVE LOVED IT!    God is speaking to me through it and I’m growing spiritually.

Not only that, but I’ve loved the historical aspect of the Old Testament as well as learning when events occurred chronologically in time.  For example:   Did you know that Nehemiah and the building of the wall around Jerusalem was one of the last events that is recorded in the Old Testament?

You probably did.  But I didn’t.

This morning, I began the New Testament.  But first I pondered the lessons I’ve learned in the Old Testament.  Some of my favorites were:

• Noah
• The Patriarchs
• Joshua through the Judges (This was interesting.  I had never read about Deborah and Samson…)
• King David –  Now this section of Scripture was absolutely refreshing.  I saw first hand the clear distinction of a common thread that runs throughout all of Scripture:  Obedience brings blessing.  (Still stands true today.)

One of the things I loved about David was that he wasn’t perfect.  But when he genuinely repented, God forgave David and his fellowship with the Lord was restored.  (He does this for us too!) 

Then the flow of blessings began again as he daily chose to live in obedience.  David’s offspring were beneficiaries of his obedience.  (Don’t you want that for your children?)

Then there was

• King Solomon, David’s son.  Solomon was a recipient of David’s radical obedience. 

Scripture says that Solomon’s blessings exceeded that of anyone prior to him. (1 Kings 10:11; 2 Chronicles 9:22)

But when Solomon began choosing disobedience, there became a clear clogging of the blessing flow.  This disobedient sin cycle would impact many generations of kings to come…  (Like it or not, our disobedient sin cycles WILL affect our kids and grandchildren.)

• The generations of Kings:  Honestly, this section was totally depressing.  Each generation  jumped into the sin cycle that their parents had committed.   I think this sums it up perfectly, “Have you no Respect for Me?” says the Lord.  Why don’t you tremble in My Presence?  Your wickedness has deprived you of these wonderful blessings.  Your sin has robbed you of all these good things.”  Jeremiah 5:22,25

Much of what I read in this long section made me think of current day America…  More on this later…

Today, I began the New Testament.  HALLELUJAH!  It opens with this phrase, “This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.”

Giddy up, it’s time for some Good News!   I’ve loved the Old Testament, but reading it has made me ever the more grateful for my Jesus. 

• Grateful that I live on this side of the Cross. 
• Grateful, that I don’t have to kill a bull each day, drain the blood and hope it’s sacrifice is enough to atone for my sins. 
• Grateful for Jesus – that He is the mediator of a new covenant between God and man.

Join me and read the New Testament chronologically.  Send me notes.  Let’s discuss it!