For today, One Year Bible Online links here.

    When you get into an argument/debate with someone, listen to the case they make for their point of view so that you can gain understanding. If all you do is spend your time telling them what you think, you are a fool.

    Let all that I am praise the Lord! The psalmist reminds us not to put our faith in human beings, whether they are Governors, Presidents, or Supreme Court Justices. They cannot save. No matter how powerful they are, or how cleverly they plan, their ability to impose their will on others will end with their death, if not sooner. It is God to whom we must turn for justice. It is He who can offer us help which lasts beyond the moment.

    Today’s passage talks about Apollos, who apparently came to follow Jesus without direct teaching from anyone. I am convinced that Apollos was someone who followed the teachings of John the Baptist and heard stories both about John’s comments about Jesus and about Jesus’ death and resurrection. Certainly, Apollos had heard stories about Jesus’ death and resurrection, although apparently not from believers. As a result of these stories and his study of Jewish Scripture, Apollos became a believer. This tells us something about the power of the Holy Spirit and of the Gospel message. The passage also tells us about other believers who came to a belief in Jesus by way of the teachings of John the Baptist. It is not clear how that happened, whether through their own study or the teachings of Apollos from before he met Priscilla and Aquila.
    This story confirms for me something I firmly believe. Those who genuinely seek God will find Him, and when they are ready, He will bring into their lives those who can fill in the gaps in their self-acquired knowledge of Him.

    Today’s passage gives a great example of the dangers of pride. King Amaziah of Judah did what was pleasing to God, even though he did not eliminate the worship of idols by the people. However, after defeating the Edomites in battle, he became proud and decided to make war against Israel. The King of Israel at the time tried to persuade Amaziah not to attack, but was unsuccessful. The war went badly for Amaziah and Judah.