Every day we are aware of people who have died. Truly, our life on this earth is brief at its longest (Jas. 4:14). Have you considered what you will leave behind at death? Some perhaps will leave behind life insurance policies and similar things for their survivors. But, are these things the true measure of a man? No. What will we leave behind at death?

            First, your influence, good or bad, will be felt by those who are left at your passing. Concerning the death of the saints, Christ said, “Their works do follow them” (Rev. 14:13; I Tim. 5:24). If we are unsure as to whether or not our influence is felt after our death, take note of how many people are named “Jezebel” or “Judas” these days. Yet, many are named “Paul, “Hannah,” “James,” and “Sarah.” Why do people cringe at the names of Adolph Hitler, or Mussolini? Our influence is felt even after our death! Therefore, while we live, let us make sure our influence is godly. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works, and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).

            All our intentions will be left behind at death. The obituaries are filled with people who planned on a “tomorrow” that never came. Once this earth-life is over, there is no coming back. Job said that “a man lies down, and rises not again” (Job 14:7-12). Solomon said, “The dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it” (Ecc. 12:7). Therefore, let us get our priorities in order. Those who die in their sins, have wasted their lives. Make the right decision and remember “now is the favorable time ... now is the day of salvation” (II Cor. 6:2). If we don’t take advantage of this day, and our opportunities, we may not get another chance.

            Are you a friend of God, or Satan? (Matt. 12:30) Remember, friendship with God depends upon whether or not you are a Christian (Acts 22:16; Mk. 16:16). When the end of your life comes, you will leave much behind!

Hello,

This is Jarrod Jacobs, and I am excited to begin a new aspect of the work on our website. On this page, we will begin a new blog. This blog will be composed of short Bible studies/readings to help encourage, teach, and get us through the day. I hope you will visit this page often and get that daily "boost" to serve God (Matt. 6:33; Rom. 12:1-2) and fight Satan's temptations (I Pet. 5:8).

Today's Blog ....

Most people have a "resolution" to read their Bible in a year. If you made such a resolution, how are you doing with it? Have you missed days? Given up? I hope not. Were you aware that many books of the Bible can be read in just a few minutes? In fact, nearly half the books of the Bible can be read in 30 minutes or less!

Take a look at the list below for the average reading time for the books of the Bible. Print it off and put it on your refrigerator. Save it on your computer. Take a screen shot of it. Do whatever is necessary to hold on to this list. Then, if you are one who has become frustrated or discouraged in Bible reading, just take a look at this list and get going again. May this be a tool to encourage you to read the Bible in a systematic way this year.

• Genesis = 3 hrs. 10 min.
• Exodus = 2 hrs. 20 min.
• Leviticus = 2 hrs. 1 min.
• Numbers = 2 hrs. 51 min.
• Deuteronomy = 2 hrs. 18 min.
• Joshua = 1 hr. 37 min.
• Judges = 1 hr. 35 min.
• Ruth = 14 minutes
• I Samuel = 2 hrs. 23 min.
• II Samuel = 1 hr. 48 min.
• I Kings = 1 hr. 7 min.
• II Kings = 1 hr. 55 min.
• I Chronicles = 1 hr. 54 min.
• II Chronicles = 2 hrs. 22 min.
• Ezra = 39 minutes
• Nehemiah = 1 hour
• Esther = 32 minutes
• Job = 1 hr. 47 min.
• Psalms = 3 hrs. 50 min.
• Proverbs = 1 hr. 27 min.
• Ecclesiastes = 28 minutes
• Song of Solomon = 14 minutes
• Isaiah = 3 hrs. 24 min.
• Jeremiah = 3 hrs. 44 min.
• Lamentations = 17 minutes
• Ezekiel = 3 hrs. 18 min.
• Daniel = 1 hr. 14 min.
• Hosea = 28 minutes
• Joel = 10 minutes
• Amos = 22 minutes
• Obadiah = 4 minutes
• Jonah = 7 minutes
• Micah = 15 minutes
• Nahum = 6 minutes
• Habakkuk = 7 minutes
• Zephaniah = 6 minutes
• Haggai = 5 minutes
• Zechariah = 29 minutes
• Malachi = 10 minutes
• Matthew = 2 hrs. 9 min.
• Mark = 1 hr. 21 min.
• Luke = 2 hrs. 16 min.
• John = 1 hr. 54 min.
• Acts = 2 hrs. 33 min.
• Romans = 1 hr. 1 min.
• I Corinthians = 1 hr. 2 min.
• II Corinthians = 38 minutes
• Galatians = 18 minutes
• Ephesians = 21 minutes
• Philippians = 12 minutes
• Colossians = 11 minutes
• I Thessalonians = 11 minutes
• II Thessalonians = 7 minutes
• I Timothy = 14 minutes
• II Timothy = 8 minutes
• Titus = 6 minutes
• Philemon = 3 minutes
• Hebrews = 40 minutes
• James = 14 minutes
• I Peter = 15 minutes
• II Peter = 8 minutes
• I John = 13 minutes
• II John = 2 minutes
• III John = 2 minutes
• Jude = 4 minutes
• Revelation = 1 hr. 6 min.

(Source: Kroll, Woodrow, Read Your Bible One Book At A Time, p. 37-105)