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Bible in a Year Club, Roseburg, OR (2026)

06/19/2026

Today’s word of encouragement comes to you from Debra Rufener

As we come to the 5th day of the 24th week, we draw near to almost 6 months of a commitment to read through the Bible this year, I want to encourage you not to lose heart. Neither become weary in this battle against the enemy of our souls and our flesh. Like this new church that was established by Paul, we too will encounter hardship and trials as we endeavor to do a good work. God is faithful to Himself. You are His, and like Paul sending Timothy to encourage the saints in Thessalonica, there are many at RCF who would encourage you in your walk of faith.

Timothy is young in the faith, but Paul reminds him to not let anyone despise his youth, but instead to be an example to believers in word, conduct, love, faith and purity (1Tim 4:12). It’s the same for each of us today. There are many things we do not understand right now, so we ought to meditate on the things we do understand. Maturity takes time.

As you take the time to sit and read about the lives of those who have gone before, know that God is working in you both to will and to do His good pleasure (Php 2:13). While these believers who suffer much affliction, their faith is strengthened as they persevere. It is the Word of God that gives courage and boldness to our lives. It is the Word of God that shows us what a fool looks like, as well as what it means to be a real friend to someone (Pr 26:1-12, Pr 27:6,9-10,17,21). Even in Solomon’s day there were many in authority who were dishonest and out for gain (Pr 28:2-9). But not you, because you are new in Christ, born of a different spirit; not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever (1Pt 1:23).

06/18/2026

Today’s word of encouragement comes to you from Debra Rufener

Though Paul only spent three weeks in Thessalonica, he left behind believers grounded in the gospel. He reminds them that the gospel did not come in word only, but in power, in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance (1Th 1:5). He also reminds them of the kind of men they are, and though there is great persecution and affliction, their lives are evidence of the truth that is proclaimed.

For a group of people new to the faith in Jesus Christ, the word of God is working effectively in those who believe. Despite their suffering at the hands of their countrymen, they are steadfast in the hope they now possess. Paul rejoices in their witness. As encouragement during this difficult time it’s possible Paul would have reminded these young believers of the betrayal and disloyalty that David recorded in today’s Psalm because Paul knew that ‘a word spoken at the right time, is like apples of gold in settings of silver’ (Pr 25:11).

We are encouraged by the testimony of those who have gone before us. The scriptures are clear that it is through many tribulations that we enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). And we know a righteous man or woman my fall seven times and get up, but the wicked will stumble into ruin (Pr 24:16).

Stay the course and keep looking up, for our redemption is close. Hurray and Amen!!

06/17/2026

Today’s word of encouragement comes to you from Debra Rufener

No one enjoys company that overstay their welcome and Paul’s visit is no exception. Like many people who get their shorts in a knot, a number of Jews in Thessalonica are indignant with Paul’s message. He seems to have that effect on people. This time when he hurriedly leaves, he leaves behind a group who believed the message that Jesus is Messiah. A church is born. (Acts 17:1-10) We find why Paul is so insistent on visiting and encouraging as many places as possible—because the truth changes everyone.

Long before Paul’s second missionary journey and visit to Thessalonica, Solomon penned these words, ‘Have I not written to you excellent thing of counsels and knowledge, that I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, that you may respond with words of truth to those who send to you?’ (Pr 22:20-21). We are admonished by the Holy Spirit through Solomon to apply our heart to instruction and our ears to words of knowledge (Pr 23:12).

Paul commends the Thessalonians for their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. He admonishes them for turning from idols to serve the living and true God—a living testimony that speaks louder than words.

Today’s Psalm, though only two verses, packs a powerful punch! It tells all peoples to praise the Lord for His merciful kindness toward us. The truth of the Lord is forever.

The grass withers and the flower fades, but the word of the Lord endures forever (Is 40:8). Forever is a long time!

06/16/2026

Today’s word of encouragement comes to you from Debra Rufener

In It is evident from the letter to the Romans that Paul believed David’s words, ‘blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust (Ps 40:4a). Though at this point Paul has not visited Rome, he is invested through pen, paper, and prayer in the lives of those he has only heard about. He is familiar with many whose paths have crossed his, as they have taken the gospel to the uttermost parts of the world.

We know Paul’s desire is to visit the people in Rome (Rm 1:10-15, 15:22-24). We’ve learned in our reading of the Acts that he was given an all-expense-paid-trip, courtesy of Caesar (Ac 25:10-12). As the proverb says, there are many plans in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s counsel will stand (Pr 19:21).

Paul reminds the brethren to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles contrary to the teaching which they learned; to even turn away from them (Rm 16:17). It seems these men deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth and flattering speech. Solomon also warns us not to associate with one who flatters with his lips, but rather to call them out as talebearers. (Pr 20:19)

We have been brought out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay. and He (Jesus) has set our feet upon a rock, making our footsteps firm (Ps 40:2). The God of peace will soon crush Satan under our feet. And the grace of our Lord Jesus is with us (Rm 16:20).

Let us be glad and rejoice in the Lord, who is our help and deliverer.

06/15/2026

Today’s word of encouragement comes to you from Debra Rufener

In each of the chapters of proverbs, principles of living are recorded for knowing God and for interpersonal relationships. We are told wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom (Pr 4:7). In contrast it is recorded that fools despise wisdom.

Proverbs gives insight to the simple, and knowledge and discernment to the young (Pr 1:4; NLT). As is God’s custom, we are given the opportunity to choose. The discerning person will obtain guidance.

Knowing that Solomon, as scripture records, was the wisest person on earth, we can depend on the reliability of these words. We know that all scripture is ‘God breathed’ and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2Ti 3:16). We are also told that whatever things were written before were written for our learning, so that through the Scriptures we might have hope (Rm 15:4).

The truth that ‘man plans his way, but God directs his steps’ may not have been fore-front in the mind of Paul as he persecuted the followers of Jesus (Pr 16:9). Yet now we see a changed man; one whose sole purpose became directed by God in all areas of life once he believed on the Lord Jesus. The man who once took control of a situation now encourages us to bear with the weak, to please our neighbor for their good, and to build others up. Such contrast only comes as we submit and commit our ways to the Lord Jesus.

06/12/2026

Today’s word of encouragement comes to you from Lynn Mulanax

As Christians we’re called not only to love the Lord, but to love our neighbor as ourself. As the Church in Rome grows, the mixture of Jews and Gentiles coming from vastly different religious backgrounds are discovering what it means to obey the Lord. Learning to worship together is not an easy task! Do they need to follow a kosher diet? Should they be eating meat that’s been sacrificed to the idols they’ve turned away from? Are Jewish Sabbaths and Feasts required or should worship happen on the Lord’s Day of Resurrection?

Paul is teaching these new Christians that regardless of their personal convictions, loving their weaker brothers and sisters must take priority. This requires withholding our freedoms in Christ. While one’s conscience is free to eat meat that’s been sacrificed to an idol and sold at the local market, she displays spiritual maturity by foregoing that freedom out of love for her sister whose conscience is condemned by the same meat. We must always remember that ‘There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death’ (Pr 14:12). We once navigated this world with what seemed right to us. Now, as part of God’s family, we are to be more purposeful in seeking God’s guidance and considering how our choices and actions impact those around us. ‘Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way’ (Rm 14:13).

In our endeavor to love one another well, the Book of Proverbs offers the wisdom we need by transforming us from the simple who believes every word to the prudent who considers well her steps (Pr 14:15). It empowers us with soft answers that turn away wrath rather than harsh words that stir up anger (Pr 15:1) Lord help me to choose my words and actions in a careful way that honors you and speaks life to others.

06/11/2026

Today’s word of encouragement comes to you from Lynn Mulanax

Paul instructs the Romans (and us) on how to live a godly life in a secular world. This includes submitting ourselves to the governing authorities and paying taxes; understanding that the existing authorities are appointed by God. This can be very challenging because not all laws honor God. But God, in His sovereignty, has placed rulers in power for their specific time, not always to bless the people, but sometimes to judge them. For it is God that removes kings and sets up kings; and gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding’ (Dn. 2:21). Our obedience to ruling authorities comes from our desire to honor the Lord with our lives. Paul writes that this includes loving our neighbors as ourselves. ‘Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law’ (Rm 13:8). Paul concludes the chapter with a commandment to ‘put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts’ (Rm 13:14).

Solomon continues to contrast the fool and upright person. The foolish let their flesh rule, leading to death, but the upright walks in wisdom, leading to life and understanding (Pr 12:28). The righteous chooses to walk in obedience to God’s commandments. As believers, our actions should show integrity, honesty, discretion, and generosity in business as well as in our speech. Not only that, but 'Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety’ (Pr 11:14). When we choose good, godly women to surround us, their counsel is of great value.

In today’s Psalm David marvels at the majesty of God! Staring at the heavens, David wonders how such a powerful, almighty God could be mindful of mere humanity. Astounded, he asks ‘What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you visit him?’ You may recall almost the exact same words in Psalm 144:3 from our day 3 reading! Don’t you love that God repeats Himself when He really wants to get our attention!? Praise God that He loves us so much, even in our failing and stubbornness. We can trust that God will direct our paths when we seek Him with all of our hearts.

06/10/2026

Today’s word of encouragement comes to you from Lynn Mulanax

Because God has shown us great mercies, He desires that we present ourselves as living sacrifices, dying to our old nature and becoming holy and acceptable to God. Part of this process is not being conformed to this world or shaped by this world’s influence, but rather being transformed or completely changed by the renewing of our minds (Rm 12:2). Paul, filled by the Holy Spirit, uses the wisdom God has given him to explain what a transformed life looks like in the Christian believer: serving others with our spiritual gifts, loving without hypocrisy, abhorring evil, clinging to what is good, giving preference to one another, blessing those who persecute us without cursing them, and living a life that seeks peace with all mankind (Rm 12:9,14). Lord, help us to be in this world, but not of it. Change and mold us to be more like You!

In Proverbs Solomon writes of the great value of wisdom. She is portrayed as more precious than rubies, gold, and great wealth! By wisdom, kings reign, and rulers decree justice (Pr 8:15). Solomon writes how God used wisdom as a master craftsman in the design of creation. Wisdom was there before the mountains were settled, before the hills were brought forth, and before the clouds above were established. Wisdom assigned the sea its limit to stay on the shores! No wonder David is inspired to write, ‘Lord, what is man, that You take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him?’ Our days are like a passing shadow compared to wisdom, who was there before the creation of the universe (Ps.144:3-4)! Wisdom offers life and understanding, but folly leads to death and ruin. Contrasting the life of the righteous and the wicked, Solomon gives a warning: ‘He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out’ (Pr 10:9). The wonderful thing is that wisdom is not hidden; she cries out to all who will listen, ‘I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me’ (Pr 8:17).

06/09/2026

Today’s word of encouragement comes to you from Lynn Mulanax

Seen 23 times in the Book of Proverbs, the Hebrew word ‘my son’ comes from the root word bānâ meaning to build or establish. Israel was built and established as God’s son (Ex 4:22, Hs 11:1), and though they choose rebellion and unbelief, refusing to walk in God’s wisdom, the Lord foreknew them, predetermining to preserve for Himself a remnant, not according to works, but rather the election of grace (Rm 11:5). Only in God’s unsearchable wisdom which is past finding out, can He make even their fall riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles (Rm 11:12). What is His purpose in allowing His son Israel to fall? Jealousy for the branches (Israel) and salvation for the wild olive tree (Gentiles).
God is neither surprised nor taken back by His son’s stumbling. Rather, because He is unwilling that any should perish, He has purposed not only to save the Gentiles but also to cause Israel to see and long for a genuine relationship with Her God by observing His love, mercy, and grace extended to the Gentiles. Lest Israel’s unbelief and our faith give opportunity for haughtiness and self-righteousness, Paul swiftly confronts any conceit we Gentiles may harbor, warning us instead to fear because, ‘if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will He spare you’ (Rm 11:20-21).

Because of God’s love He addresses us as sons. Because of His wisdom, His commandments are good and instructive. Rather than despise and forsake them, we are to keep and embrace their truth. Like a strand of jewels around your neck and beads upon your breast, God’s commands are to be front and center, leading us, keeping us, speaking to us, lighting the way before us, and correcting us (Pr 6:20-23). Even when His ways seem difficult, unclear, or absolutely impossible, I know that ‘My shield is with God, Who saves the upright in heart’ (Ps 7:10). Lord, I lean into your covering and I know you will save me. Save me Lord.

06/08/2026

Today’s word of encouragement comes to you from Lynn Mulanax

God is a God accomplishing innumerable goals all within a single breath. Talk about a multitasker! I don’t know about you, but some days I can barely focus on the things right in front of me. However, God is not like that; He is mighty when we are puny. It is by His own wisdom that He founded the earth, by His own understanding that He established the heavens, and by His own knowledge that He brought forth gushing waters and dripping clouds (Pr 3:19-20).

The Book of Proverbs, mostly penned by King Solomon, expounds and emphasizes this wisdom of God that is readily available for His people. To better grasp the meaning of wisdom (used 49 times in this Book), I find it helpful to distinguish it from its two sister words, knowledge and understanding: Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; understanding is knowing what classifies it as a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad. Both knowledge and understanding can be obtained in a classroom or through a seminary degree. More than information, wisdom stretches beyond simply knowing what God’s Word says, or understanding how each verse ties to the rest of Scripture. The depth of God’s wisdom goes far deeper than His knowledge and understanding—it enables us to see God in the world around us and to walk rightly with the knowledge and understanding we’ve gained. This is the purpose behind the Book of Proverbs: to not just know about God and His Word, but to love it, to apply it, and to live it.

The Apostle Paul, who is given the “assignment” by our Lord to reach the Gentiles, still has a heart for the Jews, which is also God’s heart. In God’s wisdom Paul recognizes the misplaced zeal of his Jewish brethren. Although they have a knowledge of God’s word and an understanding of the Law, the Jewish leaders lack God’s wisdom that reveals ‘Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes’ (Rm 10:4).

If you’re feeling discouraged today, seeing God’s wisdom as a far off thing that is beyond you, and thinking that by now you ought to have more of it, take heart! Along with cries to get wisdom, I find a precious nugget of encouragement in the phrase ‘let your heart keep my commandments’ (Pr 3:1). This is God’s wisdom teaching us that He sees beyond our fallible fumbling actions and looks deeper into our hearts. He’s not far from you today and His wisdom is as close and available as He is. If you’re His, stand in Him, knowing that ‘His secret counsel is with the upright’ (Pr 3:32).

Bible in a Year Club

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