One Year Bible Blog

February 28th readings

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Leviticus 22:17-23:44 ~ Mark 9:30-10:12
Psalm 44:1-8 ~ Proverbs 10:19

Old Testament - Today in Leviticus chapter 23 we read about the Appointed Festivals.  Zondervan's NIV Study Bible has a great chart summarizing the Old Testament Feasts and Other Sacred Days, which is significantly paraphrased below with just Name & Purpose -

1. Sabbath - Rest for people and animals
2. Sabbath Year - Rest for land.
3. Year of Jubilee - Help for poor; stabilize society.
4. Passover - Remember Israel's deliverance from Egypt.
5. Unleavened Bread - Remember how the Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt in haste.
6. Firstfruits - Recognize the Lord's bounty in the land.
7. Weeks (Pentecost or Harvest) - Show joy and thankfulness for the Lord's blessing of harvest.
8. Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah-New Year's Day) - Present Israel before the Lord for his favor.
9. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) - Atone for the sins of priests and people and purify the Holy Place.
10. Tabernacles (Booths or Ingathering) - Memorialize the journey from Egypt to Canaan; give thanks for the productivity of Canaan.
11. Sacred Assembly - Commemorate the closing of the cycle of feasts.
12. Purim - Remind the Israelites of their national deliverance in the time of Esther.
13. Hanukkah (Feast of Dedication or Festival of Lights) - Commemorated the purification of the temple and altar in the Maccabean period.
14.  New moons were also often special feast days.
(Above is from Zondervan's "NIV Study Bible” pp. 176-177)

Bible.org's commentary on Leviticus chapter 23 is at this link.

New Testament - Mark chapter 9 verses 33-35 always stand out to me and I personally always need to be reminded of Jesus' teaching here in the last sentence - "Jesus asked them, "What were you discussing out on the road?" But they didn't answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down and called the twelve disciples over to him. Then he said, "Anyone who wants to be the first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else."  How are you doing on this last sentence?  Are you taking last place?  Are you the servant of everyone else?  Do you think this last sentence applies to Jesus' life?  Do you think we should model how Jesus lived his life?

I came across an artistic image I liked a lot, below, which kinda sorta applies to verses 36 & 37... except the child is wearing very modern day clothes - keep in mind it is art! :)-  "Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes my Father who sent me."

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Mark chapter 9 &10 is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 44 verse 3 is a wise statement about where the Israelites and our true strength and victory in life comes from - "They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strength that gave them victory. It was by your mighty power that they succeeded; it was because you favored them and smiled on them."  As you look back on your life and at the good things that have happened to you, do you think that these things occurred because of your own power or work alone?  Or, do you think it is possible that God's hand was blessing your life through all of those good things - even if maybe you did not notice God was there at the time?

Proverbs chapter 10 verse 19 is a wonderful reminder that we should listen at least twice as much as we talk!  That's why we have 2 ears and one mouth...  :)

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings?  Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

February 27th readings

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Leviticus 20:22-22:16 ~ Mark 9:1-29
Psalm 43:1-5 ~ Proverbs 10:18

Old Testament - Today in Leviticus chapter 20 verses 23 & 24 we read - "Do not live by the customs of the people whom I will expel before you. It is because they do these terrible things that I detest them so much. But I have promised that you will inherit their land, a land flowing with milk and honey. I, the LORD, am your God, who has set you apart from all other people."  These verses are another reminder that God's laws to the Israelites were given to set them apart from the pagans surrounding them and in Canaan.  God's laws were given to differentiate what is right and wrong, in comparison to the pagan immoral customs.  I wonder about this in our modern world today.  As followers of Jesus, do you think we should be "set apart" from what the modern world tells us to do & how to live?  Should we or should we not be living by the customs of our modern world?  How are you living your life today?  If someone examined your life, would they see that you are set apart from the customs of our modern world?

Bob Deffinbaugh's commentary on Leviticus chapters 21 & 22 is at this link.  A sermon from Peninsula Bible Church on Leviticus 21 & 22 is at this link.

New Testament - Today in Mark chapter 9 we read about the Transfiguration.  I heard a sermon recently about the Transfiguration.  The sermon basically was stating that the Transfiguration of Jesus into a dazzling white & God's voice showed to James, John, and Peter that Jesus was truly divine and the son of God.  And, the sermon suggested this Transfiguration took place relatively closely to Jesus' arrest and death - as such, the Transfiguration was meant to give these 3 apostles the hope that even during the dark days that were soon to come during the arrest, trial and death of Jesus, that they truly were following the Messiah and that he would rise from the dead - although they didn't quite understand the rise from the dead part at this time.  I think it is important for us to remember that we have the knowledge of the full story of Jesus through his resurrection - but the apostles did not know exactly what was going to happen at this time.  The Transfiguration was an incredible sign of God's control in all that was happening and would happen to his beloved son Jesus -

Commentary on the Transfiguration is at bible.org at this link.

Verse 24 is an amazing statement from the father of a possessed boy to Jesus- "The father instantly replied, "I do believe, but help me not to doubt!""  I have heard this verse mentioned by the late great writer Henri Nouwen.  One of his simple prayers that he would pray very often - throughout his day - was simply, "Jesus, I believe.  Help my unbelief." I know that I have uttered this prayer on occasion in the past and it's been an amazing little prayer to pray - at any time of the day.  Jesus, I believe.  Help my unbelief.

Psalms - I think Psalm 43 verse 5 starts off with a couple of questions that then answer themselves by the end of the verse - "Why am I discouraged?  Why so sad? I will put my hope in God!  I will praise him again--my Savior and my God!"  I would agree with what this verse is getting at.  If I find myself to be discouraged or sad, it comes as no great surprise to me that I have been putting my hope in things other than God.  I have been perhaps even praising false idols.  And the sure fire way to be freed from the discouragement or sadness?  To put my hope once again in God and God only.  And to praise him again!  I think this Psalm verse is a great reminder to make sure we are not placing our hope in anything other than God.  For anything other than God will truly only leave us empty in the end.

Proverbs chapter 10 verse 18 in today's readings is a great reminder that it is foolish to hate or slander others.

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings?  Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

February 26th readings

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Leviticus 19:1-20:21 ~ Mark 8:11-38
Psalm 42:1-11 ~ Proverbs 10:17

Old Testament - Today in Leviticus chapter 19 we read about holiness!  What a tiny but powerful little word - holy.  This chapter is of interest to me in that I continue to struggle with the call to holiness in my life.  I understand grace.  I get grace.  I'm good at receiving grace...  :)  But holiness?  Well, that's a bit trickier for me personally.  I guess where I am at these days in my walk with the Lord is really trying to balance grace and holiness.  I know we are saved through grace, not works - but, I also believe there is a call to holiness in our lives once we have received that gift of grace.   You know I love Bob Deffinbaugh's writings over at bible.org.  "Learning to Love Leviticus" is of course one of his writings that I will promote year after year in the One Year Bible.  I think Bob's writings on Leviticus chapter 19 called "How to Spell Holy" at this link is up there with some of his best stuff.  Please check out this link, and make sure you scroll down to read about Bob's take on perversions of holiness - 1. stained glass holiness 2. positional holiness 3. equating holiness with the miraculous 4. isolational holiness 5. holiness by redefinition.  Great stuff...

You'll notice lately that I've been punting over to Bob on many of the Leviticus chapters...    I'd love to tell you that I'm honestly not finding as much time as I'd like to spend on this blog - and study & prep for it - and this would be true.  But, I also think Bob's writings on the Old Testament chapters are powerful - and so here he is on Leviticus chapter 20 at this link.

New Testament - The last few verses in Mark's readings today are some of the most powerful verses I think we can really reflect upon in our lives today.  I wish I reflected on these verses more often.  Check out chapter 8 verses 34 through 38 and spend a few moments really reflecting on these verses and on how they speak to how you are living your life today - "Then Jesus called his disciples and the crowds to come over and listen. "If any of you wants to be my follower," he told them, "you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will find true life. And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process? Is anything worth more than your soul? If a person is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, I, the Son of Man, will be ashamed of that person when I return in the glory of my Father with the holy angels."

Wow... those are incredible verses.  I think the first obvious question these verses open up to us is simply this - do you want to be a follower of Jesus?   If the answer is yes, then the instructions that follow are simple and yet not so easy in our fallen world:  1.  give up your own selfish ambition.  2. shoulder your cross.  3.  follow Jesus.  How are you doing on these 3 points in your life today?   And what a profound truth there is in that we will find true life if we give up our life for Jesus - the Good News.  I actually have been thinking about this point quite a bit lately.  And my thoughts have revolved around "my identity" - and where I get my identity from.  I think so often I get my identity from my work or my ministry or my friends or my social life - the problem in all of this is that you'll keep seeing the word "my" in my identity.  And I'm realizing more and more that my identity should be in Jesus alone.  Jesus should be the identity.  The reality.  I think that I am really searching for true life in all the wrong places - in my work, in my friends, etc.  And true true life is really only found in one place - Jesus.  How about you?  What is providing your identity in your life today?  Do you think it is possible that your identity could simply be found in Jesus?  Do you want this to be the case?   I think each of us will do well to not be ashamed of Jesus and the Good News in these adulterous and sinful days...

Psalms - Psalm 42 verse 1 in one of my favorite verses in the Bible!  "As the deer pants for streams of water, so I long for you, O God."  Wow... that is so right on.  Lately these days I have been longing for God more than ever - and I love that.  I am thankful for that.  There have been seasons in my life - which probably could unfortunately be called "dry" seasons - where I have not longed for God.  Where I have not longed for the true Living Water.  I just love the picture this Psalm paints in my mind - a deer in the wilderness is fleeing from hunters.  It is literally dying of thirst as it runs.  It is tired.  It is weary.  It is running from death.  And it needs water.  It pants for streams of water.  Like this deer, I pray that I long for God in the same way.  As I flee from sin.  As I am tired.  As I am weary.  As I run from death.  I need God.  I long for God.   How about you?  Do you long for God these days as a deer longs for water?  Are you consistently drinking from the true Living Water?

Proverbs 10 verse 17 is a wonderful reminder to allow God to change us, transform us and correct us along the Way - "People who accept correction are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore it will lead others astray."  The second part of that Proverb is powerful too - if we don't accept correction, we'll not only be off the pathway, but we will be leading others astray too...  that's a scary thought.  If you don't accept correction, you'll be bringing others down with you....

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings?  Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

Welcome to Theophilus1!

Hi everyone - I just wanted to call your attention to a new One Year Bible Blog called Theophilus1.   This blog is following our same format of daily readings.  And Mike over at this blog has got a ton of links and resources on each day's readings...  I have been blessed by his blog and his links!  I hope you are too.  Please check it out and bookmark it if you'd like.  I also have it under "One Year Blogs" in the left hand menu below on this blog as well.  Welcome Mike to the blogosphere!  Thanks for what you are doing with your blog!   http://theophilus1.blogspot.com/    Grace, Mike

February 25th readings

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Leviticus 16:29-18:30 ~ Mark 7:24-8:10
Psalm 41:1-13 ~ Proverbs 10:15-16

Old Testament - Today we finish up Leviticus chapter 16 with a very simple but I think very powerful statement in verse 34 - "Moses followed all these instructions that the LORD had given to him."  Moses followed all of the instructions...  That sounds so simple, but think about really how amazing it is.  Moses did not veer to the left or the right.  He stayed on the narrow path.  He followed these instructions.  I know we don't live under the same Old Covenant laws today... but, I still do think there are clearly some instructions for us under the New Covenant.  The Sermon on the Mount in Matthews 5-7 is a nice summary of some instructions to us from Jesus.  Can what was said of Moses be said of us today?  Are we following all of the instructions Jesus has given us?  Don't beat yourself up over this if the answer is no.  Not one of us is perfect this side of heaven - except for Jesus.  Moses was not perfect either. But, I think we can hopefully learn something from Moses' obedience to God's instructions.  I do believe that each of us today can walk along the narrow path to follow Jesus in faith, follow his teachings in faith, and become more and more like Him as we go.  Even if we trip or stumble as we along the Way, if we continue in our faith in Jesus and who he truly is, we will indeed become more like Him as we follow Him.

Bob Deffinbaugh at bible.org's commentary on Leviticus chapter 17, "The Preciousness of Blood," is at this link.   A quote from Bob from this link - "The Israelite of old learned from Leviticus, as nowhere else up to that point in time, the preciousness of blood to God. How much greater value does blood take on for the New Testament saint, whose blessings are all a result of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. As Harrison summarizes the matter, "The blood is the life of the flesh (Lev. 17:11), and it is through the atoning blood of Christ that the believer receives redemption (I Pet. 1:18-19), forgiveness (Eph. 1:7), justification (Rom. 5:9), spiritual peace (Col. 1:20), and sanctification (Heb. 13:12)."

Leviticus 18 is primarily a chapter about forbidden sexual practices.  However - before we get to those - I think verses 1-5 are incredibly powerful as God reminds the Israelites that he is their God - and that he has set them apart from the pagans surrounding them - and that his laws must be obeyed by the Israelites - "Then the LORD said to Moses, "Say this to your people, the Israelites: I, the LORD, am your God. So do not act like the people in Egypt, where you used to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must not imitate their way of life. You must obey all my regulations and be careful to keep my laws, for I, the LORD, am your God. If you obey my laws and regulations, you will find life through them. I am the LORD."  As I read this I see the compassionate nature of God throughout history.  Yes, these are Old Covenant laws, but the laws were so much better than the pagan ways of the nations surrounding Israel.  The laws were better.  More compassionate than immorality to be sure.   Check out again Bob Deffinbaugh (can you tell I'm a fan of this guy's writing? :) on Leviticus chapter 18 verses 1-5 titled "Obedience—The Obligation of Being Owned" at this link.  I think it probably is good at this point to share with you a few verses from Galatians chapter 3 verses 10 - 14, and you'll note that verse 5 of Leviticus 18 above is quoted here by Paul - "All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law." (Deut. 27:26) Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith." (Hab. 2:4 )  The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.” (Lev. 18:5) Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” (Deut. 21:23) He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit."  Amen.

For the rest of Leviticus chapter 18 I'm going to punt over to Bob Deffinbaugh at bible.org at this link.   Here's a quote from Bob at this link - "Leviticus 18:6-29 has a very simple structure and message. Its intent is to define the boundaries of godly human sexual relationships. There are three of them, which I call the inner, middle, and outer boundaries of godly sexuality. Verses 6 through 18 define the “inner boundary,” prohibiting sexual relationships with close relatives. Verses 19 and 20 define the “middle boundary,” which limits sexual relations within marriage and prohibits them outside marriage. Verses 21 through 23 define the “outer boundary” of unnatural sexual relations. Verses 24 through 29 tell us about God’s judgment upon a nation that crosses these boundaries. They clearly tell us that God’s judgment for sexual sin is all nations, not just the covenant nation of Israel."

New Testament - Mark chapter 7 opens up with a gentile woman begging Jesus to release her daughter from the control of a demon.  Verses 27 through 29 are a fascinating look at Jesus' ministry -  "Jesus told her, "First I should help my own family, the Jews. It isn't right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs." She replied, "That's true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are given some crumbs from the children's plates." "Good answer!" he said. "And because you have answered so well, I have healed your daughter."  Here we see that Jesus' ministry was initially to the Jews, but here he heals a gentile woman's daughter because of her humility and faith.  And of course as we get to the Great Commission at the end of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus' ministry is clearly for "all nations".  In fact, Mark's Gospel is a good indicator of how Jesus' ministry quickly expanded beyond the Jews as Mark likely wrote this Gospel in Rome and to a primarily Roman gentile believer audience.

Today in chapter 7 verses 32 through 34 we read - "A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him. Jesus led him to a private place away from the crowd. He put his fingers into the man's ears. Then, spitting onto his own fingers, he touched the man's tongue with the spittle. And looking up to heaven, he sighed and commanded, "Be opened!" Instantly the man could hear perfectly and speak plainly!"    I love this image below...  please meditate on this for a few moments...

Jeff Miller from Bible.org's commentary on Mark chapter 7 is at this link.

Psalms - Today in Psalm 41 verse 1 we read – “Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.” For some reason this verse really opens up my heart. Something about the word “weak.” Maybe this verse really speaks to me because I myself feel weak at times. And yet, I am so blessed in so many ways. And I realize that there are so many others out there in this world who may not have the blessings that I have, and who are struggling through an extremely tough cycle of weakness. And I wonder – what am I doing to help those who are weak? Do I really have regard for the weak? Do you? What in our life really demonstrates that we have regard for the weak? Are we investing time or finances into the weak? Are we praying for the weak? Are we loving the weak?

Proverbs chapter 10 verse 16 is powerful stuff! "The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin."  This is so true...  I know there have been times in my life in the past where I was not walking with the Lord and I absolutely squandered my money on sin - and my life was certainly not enhanced in the process...   For some reason this verse also makes me think about how sometimes we pursue big salaries and big jobs or careers so that we can spend big bucks on a lavish lifestyle.  And I wonder... at the end of the day what that game buys us?  I don't think much...  I have been thinking more and more lately about how much wisdom there is in living a simple godly life.  Maybe take a job that pays less.... but where you work less... you are less stressed... but you can do things like spend more time with God, your family, your friends, and serving others....  where you can read more good books... exercise more.... sleep a full 8 hours a night....  enjoy each day and not be so worried about the future...    Sure - with a job that pays less you won't be able to be out and about on the town each night living the high life.  But is this really living?  Really?    I realize this is quite a random tangent off this Proverb.  :)  But, in my own life, I do think about how much "earnings" do I really need - and if maybe.... perhaps.... somehow less is actually more?

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings?  Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

February 24th readings

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Leviticus 15:1-16:28 ~ Mark 7:1-23
Psalm 40:11-17 ~ Proverbs 10:13-14

Old Testament - Today in Leviticus chapter 15 we read about Bodily Discharges...  Anyone want to be the guest blogger on this chapter today?  :)  Here's what I will do - lest you think this chapter or the Bible is saying all sex is dirty or disgusting.  Check out Bob Deffinbaugh at bible.org's "Sex and the Spiritual Christian" at this link. (it's not based on this chapter but 1 Corinthians 7)   Daniel Wallace with bible.org has comments on Biblical views of sex at this link.  And then Bob Deffinbaugh again at bible.org has commentary on the relationship between spirituality and sexuality at this link.  Finally, a sermon on Leviticus chapter 15 from Peninsula Bible Church is at this link.

In Leviticus chapter 16 we read about the Day of Atonement.  Ever wonder where the term "scapegoat" came from?  Now you know!  This chapter. 

Check out verses 20-23 about the scapegoat - "When Aaron has finished making atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tabernacle, and the altar, he must bring the living goat forward. He is to lay both of his hands on the goat's head and confess over it all the sins and rebellion of the Israelites. In this way, he will lay the people's sins on the head of the goat; then he will send it out into the wilderness, led by a man chosen for this task. After the man sets it free in the wilderness, the goat will carry all the people's sins upon itself into a desolate land." There was also the other goat which was sacrificed.  I read a commentary that said that both of these 2 goats foreshadowed Jesus' death - that Jesus was both sacrificed for atonement for our sins and Jesus is our permanent scapegoat.  I honestly can say that I have never thought of Jesus as a scapegoat....  Does this sound strange or sound to others?  I guess in the context of this chapter and the foreshadowing of the New Covenant by the Old it could make sense.  I just have always used the term Savior or Messiah or Lord when thinking of Jesus - rather than scapegoat. 

In verse 34 we read – “This is a permanent law for you, to make atonement for the Israelites once each year." You’ll notice the “once a year” wording in this verse. Contrast this with Jesus’ “once for all” sacrifice discussed in Hebrews chapter 10 verses 12 – 14 – “But when this priest (Jesus) had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Do you believe that Jesus’ sacrifice was “once for all”? Do you believe that Jesus is your High Priest who has made Atonement for your sins? Do you believe that Jesus as your High Priest sits at the right hand of God? If so, how might fully realizing this change how you live? How you pray? For further study on Jesus’ “once for all” sacrifice, please read Hebrews chapters 10 and 9.

Bible.org's commentary on Leviticus chapter 16 & "The Day of Atonement" is at this link. 

New Testament - How very interesting that today's readings in Mark are about "Clean and Unclean" - based on all of our Leviticus readings recently about this subject.  Today we read about Jesus confronting the Pharisees about their "own traditions".  I read in Zondervan's & Tyndale's commentaries that after the Babylonian exile (we'll read about this late this year in the One Year Bible), Jewish rabbis began to make meticulous rules and regulations governing the daily life of people.  And that these rules were added to God's law and essentially elevated to the same sacred status by the Pharisees.  In 200 A.D. these traditions of the elders were put into writing in the Mishnah.  I think what Jesus gets at here in this chapter is that the Pharisees were allowing the "rules & regs" to overshadow the spirit of God's law.  They were not honoring their parents because of the practice of Corban - giving $ to the temple.  Which is a good thing... but at the expense of a great thing of caring for your parents?   I know we all could probably go round and round on what is the greatest good - how should we spend our time and our money and our lives.  I like that Jesus basically takes us to the heart.  What is the heart of the matter?  No matter what the matter is - taking care of your parents, giving to your church, following God's laws, receiving God's grace - what is the heart of the matter?   One thing that I have been so blessed to learn over the past few years is that the condition of our hearts matters.  Immensely.  The motives of why we do something - anything - matters.  Immensely.  We are called in Proverbs to "guard our hearts, for it is the wellspring of life."   If we do not care for the state of our hearts, we can become very regimented or insensitive in our thinking and doing.  We might even get to the point in verse 8 of this chapter where Jesus quotes from Isaiah - "`These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away."  How is the state of your heart today?  Is it close to God?

Jesus continues to speak about the importance of what is in our hearts in verses 20-23 today -  "It is the thought-life that defiles you. For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, eagerness for lustful pleasure, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you and make you unacceptable to God."  I think this takes us back again to the Sermon on the Mount - where Jesus teaches us in one example that yes, it is wrong to commit adultery.  But, if you commit adultery in your heart, it is just as wrong.  Because if you commit adultery in the heart, you have essentially defiled your own heart.  And from the heart could come the actual act of committing adultery - which would then shatter several lives.  But it all starts in the heart....   So - the good news?  Jesus can heal our hearts!  Jesus is in the business of heart-healing!  Maybe in your life, you might need to refocus a little bit less on some external actions and start focusing on the state of your heart?   Maybe by focusing on what's going no inside your heart, the external actions will ultimately change?   Maybe allow Jesus to heal your heart - and then your external life will be healed as well?  I'm not sure you can go about this the other way - trying to work from the outside back in...  I think you may need to start on the inside first and work your way out.  But don't do this alone - let Jesus walk this healing path with you.

Psalms - Today Psalm 40 verse 16 stood out to me for it's pure joy and praise - "But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "The LORD is great!""  Does this verse resonate with you today?  Have you searched for God in your life?  Are you filled with joy and gladness because of that search?  Do you love God's salvation?  Do you shout praises to God for all he has done for you?

Maybe if verse 16 does not resonate for you today, hopefully verse 17 can encourage you - "As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord is thinking about me right now. You are my helper and my savior. Do not delay, O my God."  Do you believe that God is thinking about you right now?  Do you believe that God is your helper and savior?

Proverbs chapter 10 verse 14 today is a great teaching to literally treasure knowledge.  Do you treasure knowledge?

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings?  Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

February 23rd readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Leviticus 14:1-57 ~ Mark 6:30-56
Psalm 40:1-10 ~ Proverbs 10:11-12

Old Testament - Today in Leviticus chapter 14 we read about cleansing from skin diseases and treatment of contaminated houses.   I found the treatment of the mildew in the houses quite fascinating - with verse 45 telling us about the ultimatum for a house if the mildew reappears - "It must be torn down, and all its stones, timbers, and plaster must be carried out of town to the place designated as ceremonially unclean."   This chapter again goes into the clean & the unclean.  If you didn't get chance to read the bible.org commentary on Clean & Unclean from Leviticus chapters 12 through 15, you may want to take a few minutes to read it at this link.  Also, a sermon from Peninsula Bible Church with some interesting points on Leviticus chapters 13 & 14 titled "Sick Garments and Diseased Houses" is at this link.

New Testament - Today in Mark Chapter 6 verse 46 we read – “Afterward he (Jesus) went up into the hills by himself to pray.” What a beautiful verse for each of us to meditate upon! Jesus went by himself to pray to God. It is interesting to note that this took place just after Jesus fed the 5,000. Jesus had been working hard – he is God and yet he still felt the call to pray to the Father. I think this verse is such a great reminder that you and I need to follow Jesus’ example in this verse. And we’re so not God! J So, think about how much more crucial it is for us to pray. Jesus knew that God was his source of strength. His comfort. His wisdom. And prayer was the one sure fire way for Jesus to really connect and spend time with God. How is your prayer life these days? Are you finding a good amount of time each day to be by yourself and pray? If not, can you schedule this time into your calendar each day?

A stained glass image from today's readings about Jesus feeding the 5,000 -

And a painting of Jesus walking on water toward the disciples -

Psalms - Okay, so the U2 fans out there will know that the band released a song called "40" in 1983 on their "War" album, inspired by Psalm 40.   The band took most of the lyrics for this song straight from the early verses of this Psalm - and I quote here from the song, not the Psalm per se - "I waited patiently for the Lord, He inclined and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit; Out of the miry clay.  He set my feet upon a rock; And made my footsteps firm. Many will see; Many will see and hear." The full lyrics from the song and some commentary are at this link.  The song also could have also been called "6" because the refrain is from Psalm 6 verse 3 - "How long, O LORD, how long?"  A quote from Bono on the song from the link above is this - ""'40' became the closing song at U2 shows and on hundreds of occasions, literally hundreds of thousands of people of every size and shape t-shirt have shouted back the refrain pinched from 'Psalm 6': 'How long to sing this song.' I thought of it as a nagging question - pulling at the hem of an invisible deity whose presence we glimpse only when we act in love. How long...hunger? How long...hatred? How long until creation grows up and the chaos of its precocious adolescence has been discarded? I thought it odd that the vocalising of such questions could bring such comfort; to me too.""   Has anyone heard U2 play "40" in concert before?  I did once back on the Joshua Tree tour way back in 1987.  It's a beautiful song - written really by David!  Okay, enough U2 for one post...  :)

Proverbs - Today in Proverbs chapter 10 verse 11 we read – “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.” WOW! I love this Proverb… on so many levels. The idea of a “fountain of life” is such a great metaphor! Because… I think what comes out of our mouth is so much like a fountain – and we are hopefully pouring forth Living Water for others. However, I imagine that there are times when our fountain is not quite so clean and we’re pouring forth something else. I think what I find so meaningful about this verse is that I have really been convicted even this past week of how important and impactful our words are to others. Our words can really build people up – or tear people down if we are not careful. I don’t know about you, but I know there are times in my life when I can be negative with what I say. And this does nobody any good. Then, there are times when I can be very positive and I feel like the enthusiasm is contagious to others. And these are the times when perhaps my words seem to be a bit more like a fountain of life. I guess I say all of this to just encourage you to reflect on the words that come from you – are your words typically a fountain of life to others? Will you seek to improve in love what you say and how you say it to others around you so that your words truly will become a fountain of life to others?

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings?  Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

February 22nd readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Leviticus 13:1-59 ~ Mark 6:1-29
Psalm 39:1-13 ~ Proverbs 10:10

Old Testament - Today in Leviticus chapter 13 we read about contagious skin diseases and mildew.  Quite a chapter. It does make sense to me that this level of detail is given by God on these topics.  These instructions were health instructions for the community of Israel as a whole.  Zondervan's commentary notes that "the ceremonially unclean were excluded from the camp (the area around the tabernacle and courtyard), where the Israelites lived in tents.  Later, no unclean persons were allowed in the temple area, where they could mingle with others."  I look at this from the standpoint that they did not have medicines back then to heal people of these contagious diseases - and as such, the only way to keep the diseases from spreading to the entire population was to isolate the sick.  I know this doesn't sound compassionate on the surface... but was there a better option at that time?  In the New Testament we read about Jesus curing people of leprosy, which was thousands of years later.  It's obvious that skin diseases were a major issue in Moses' day and through Jesus' day - as was mildew during Israel's rainy season of October through March - particularly along the coast and by the Sea of Galilee where it is very humid.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Leviticus chapter 13 begins at this link and you'll see a few "Next Commentary" links at the bottom of each page to take you through the chapter.

On a side note, leprosy is still in existence in our world today, though at much lower incidence rates than ever before.  It is a sad disease to learn about...  I did a google image search on the word leprosy and was pretty shocked by the pictures.  The World Health Organization's website says this - "Today, diagnosis and treatment of leprosy is easy. Essential work is being carried out to integrate leprosy services into existing, general health services. This is especially important for communities at risk for leprosy, which are often the poorest of the poor and under-served. Full control of leprosy has eluded mainly in some parts of Angola, Brazil, India, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nepal, and United Republic of Tanzania."  More info on leprosy in our world today is at the World Health Organization's website at this link.

All of a sudden now these 3 verses about Jesus and leprosy in Matthew chapter 8 verses 1 through 3 really stand out to me... - "When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”  Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cured of his leprosy."

New Testament - Today in in Mark Chapter 6 verse 4 we read – “Then Jesus told them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.”  I guess what this verse reminds me of is that sometimes when we really move forward in our faith, our friends (“hometown” from the verse above) and our relatives can sometimes not understand what on earth is going on with us. I think there are phases of our walk with God where really it becomes very personal – between us and God – and through that process God will often transform us. And our friends and relatives may not appreciate our change – just as Jesus’ friends and relatives did not appreciate his ministry in this verse. I just hope that this verse can be of comfort to you if by chance you are having challenges at times reconciling your faith and your changed heart with your friends & relatives expectations of who you were in the past. Know that you are on the right path. As long as you are staying focused on God and his will for your life, you may have to accept some loss of “honor” (per the verse above) in your status with your friends and relatives. You may not seem to be as “cool” or “fun” as you once were in your friends’ eyes. But – if in God’s eyes you are loving Him with all of your heart and you are loving your neighbors as yourself, then you are eternally cool and fun in the Kingdom of Heaven. And that’s where it really counts. Where are you truly seeking “honor” in your life today? In the eyes of your friends and relatives – or in God’s eyes?

An image for verses 18 & 19 - "John kept telling Herod, "It is illegal for you to marry your brother's wife." Herodias was enraged and wanted John killed in revenge, but without Herod's approval she was powerless." -

Commentary on Mark chapter 6 is at bible.org at this link.

Psalms - Today in Psalm 39 verse 5 we will read – “My life is no longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath." This verse is a powerful verse for each of us to meditate upon as well. How does this verse speak to you? Do you feel like life moves fast sometimes? If so, how are you spending your time? Are you being intentional about how you invest your time? Are you being intentional about your work? Your friends? Your finances? Volunteering? Serving others? Loving others? Watching TV – or not watching TV? (Have I gone off on my “Kill Your Television” soap-box yet this year?… J I’ll save it for a future post…) If life really is “but a breath” – are you spending your breath wisely? With your breath are you constantly loving God with all your heart and loving your neighbor as yourself?

I love verse 7 of this Psalm - "And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you."  Is this true of your life today?  Are you putting your hope anywhere else? 

Proverbs chapter 10 verse 10 is a great reminder that in the long run it is so much better - more peaceful - to stand up to an injustice or wrong.  We should not let things slide.  I think this can apply to our own lives as well.  If we know we ourselves are doing something wrong, we should not just "wink" at our wrong.  But we must reproof it and confess it and let Jesus heal it.

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings?  Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

February 21st readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Leviticus 11:1-12:8 ~ Mark 5:21-43
Psalm 38:1-22 ~ Proverbs 10:8-9

Old Testament - Today in Leviticus chapter 11 we read about ceremonially clean and unclean animals for the Israelites.  Tyndale's One Year Bible Companion commentary on this chapter today states that "there were several reasons for this restricted diet - 1. to ensure the health of the nation.  The forbidden foods were usually scavenging animals that fed on dead animals; thus disease could be transmitted through them.  2. to visibly distinguish Israel from other nations. The pig, for example, was a common sacrifice of pagan religions. 3. To avoid objectionable associations.  The creatures that move about on the ground, for example, were reminiscent of serpents, which often symbolized sin."

Verses 20-22 mention of eating locusts reminded me of John the Baptist!  "You are to consider detestable all swarming insects that walk along the ground. However, there are some exceptions that you may eat. These include insects that jump with their hind legs: locusts of all varieties, crickets, bald locusts, and grasshoppers. All these may be eaten."

Today in verse 44 we read – “After all, I, the LORD, am your God. You must be holy because I am holy.” How does this verse speak to you? Do you think about being holy? Do you want to be holy? Zondervan NIV Study Bible shares the following commentary on this verse – “Holiness is the key theme of Leviticus, ringing like a refrain in various forms throughout the book. The word “holy” appears more often in Leviticus than in any other book of the Bible. Israel was to be totally consecrated to God. Her holiness was to be expressed in every aspect of her life, to the extent that all of life had a certain ceremonial quality. Because of who God is and what he has done, his people must dedicate themselves fully to him.” Check out Peter quoting from this Leviticus verse in 1 Peter 1 verses 13-16 – “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”” How do these verses speak to you? Do you think about being holy? Do you want to be holy?

Commentary at bible.org on "The Clean & the Unclean" from Leviticus chapter 11 is at this link, and from chapter 12 is at this link.

New Testament - The structure of today's readings in Mark chapter 5 are amazing.  The narrative starts with Jairus asking Jesus to heal his daughter who is about to die - but, then, in the middle of the narrative Jesus' journey is stopped by a woman who simply wants to touch Jesus' robe so that she will be healed from a 12-year suffering.  And verse 34 in this portion is just so beautiful as Jesus says to the now healed woman - ""Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. You have been healed.""  Then, the narrative cuts back to Jairus, but it sounds like it's too late for Jesus to come to the house.  Messengers report that the little girl has died.   Jesus simply tells Jairus in verse 36 - "Just trust me."  (which is something so powerful that I believe Jesus says to you and me today too - "Just trust me."  Don't worry about anything else in this passing life.  "Just trust me.")  And then in verses 40 & 41 we read - "Then he took the girl's father and mother and his three disciples into the room where the girl was lying. Holding her hand, he said to her, "Get up, little girl!"

Commentary from Bob Deffinbaugh at bible.org on today's readings in Mark chapter 5 entitled "Where there is Death there is Hope" is at this link.

Psalms - Well, I gotta say this - this Psalm reminds me of Lent.  I know not everyone that reads this blog participates in Lent.  But, I know that many of you do.  This Psalm of David is powerful.  Verses 4 & 5 speak so much to our human condition - "My guilt overwhelms me--it is a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds fester and stink because of my foolish sins."  Does this verse speak to you in any way, shape or form?   If so, please consider then verse 18 - "But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done." Will you today confess your sins to God?  Will you admit that you are truly sorry for your sins?  Will you pray for healing from your sins?  Will you make confession of your sins to God a regular practice?

Proverbs chapter 10 verse 8 is a good reminder to consider how much and how often and how meaningful our words are when we speak - "The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces."  I actually just read an article recently about how "small talk" is getting more and more prevalent in our world today.  And as a society we are speaking less often about sincere or meaningful matters.  Instead we prefer to talk a lot about the weather and celebrities.  I don't mean to condemn or judge anyone for this... but it does make me wonder - is some of this small talk just babbling?  I don't know...  I guess I just pray that when we speak we will speak sincerely in truth and love.  And not just talk to hear ourselves talk...    Very random tangent here I realize.  :)  But, somehow this Proverb reminded me of how often we talk without really saying much... (myself included!)

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings?  Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

February 20th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Leviticus 9:7-10:20 ~ Mark 4:26-5:20
Psalm 37:30-40 ~ Proverbs 10:6-7

Old Testament - Today in Leviticus chapter 9 we read about Aaron & his sons beginning their priestly ministry.  I liked verse 24 as a closing verse to this chapter - "Fire blazed forth from the LORD's presence and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When the people saw all this, they shouted with joy and fell face down on the ground."  I think what this verse does for me is to really confirm that all of the Offerings we are reading about in Leviticus were ordained by God at that time and that what we are reading about in Leviticus is truly part of God's story.  Not that I ever doubted this fact - but, when you read about God consuming the offering in fire in such a dramatic fashion, you realize that God was fully pleased with the priest's and the people's obedience.  The Offerings are part of God's story - and are foreshadowing the final Offering of Jesus on the cross.  Do you believe the Offerings are a part of our spiritual history?

In Leviticus chapter 10 we read about the disobedience of Nadab and Abihu.    You'll recall 2 days ago that we read in Leviticus Chapter 6 verse 13 - "Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out."  Commentaries state that the fire was never to go out because the fire was started by God.   Humans were not to bring man-made fire to the altar, or they would die.  I realize that this can seem like a very harsh punishment for disobedience.... it may help to remember that we saw disobedience from others earlier in the Bible - and we'll see disobedience again later in the Bible - without the consequence of immediate death.  But, in this case, disobedience brought death.  Think about the risk of disobedience in our lives today.   Yeah, sure, maybe we can get away with something dangerous 9 times out of 10 - but, there is always the risk that the 10th time could prove lethal.  So - why take the risk of disobedience at all?  Is it worth it?

New Testament - I love the parable of the growing seed in Mark chapter 4 verses 26-29.  I equate the seed to be the Gospel, which is filled with so much power and truth and life that "the seeds sprouted and grew without the farmer's help, because the earth produces crops on its own."  The Gospel message is so powerful on its own that it will produce a bountiful crop.  Or - maybe the Bible is another way to look at the seed.  Reading and studying the Bible will ultimately produce a bountiful crop in our lives.  It can't help but not do so.  What do you think the seed represents in this parable?   I'll share with you that I have been thinking more and more about farming these days...  and the wisdom in how farming works.  You plant, you water, you care for the soil, you wait, the plant grows.   And this takes time.  And I contrast this with our society today - or myself - and how everything moves so fast.  We want instant gratification.  Now!  :)  We don't like to wait on anything.  We don't like the concept of farming...  and I'm afraid that this speed of life today can really be unhealthy - maybe superficial is the word I'm looking for.  In any case, I think the patience and process of farming is something that has so much value for us even today.  If we are struggling with sins or sadness or whatever, I think we absolutely need to take these things to Jesus for healing - but, we would do well to realize that Jesus may want to do some farming in our hearts.  He may want to plant some seeds, and give the seeds some time to grow.  Sure, maybe sometimes we'll get an instant gratification healing.... but I think more often than not we should be ready for some farming to occur in our hearts.  And to thank God for the wisdom of this process...

Hmmm....  I think my little tangent on farming and being patient during the process above might play in well to Jesus' next parable of the mustard seed in verses 30 through 32 - "Jesus asked, "How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed. Though this is one of the smallest of seeds, it grows to become one of the largest of plants, with long branches where birds can come and find shelter.""  I think if we can have faith in the seed that Jesus plants in our hearts - be it the Gospel, the Bible, healing - we will see an amazing plant grow that will ultimately bless others.  From the tiniest beginnings, with patience and faith, can come the largest of plants.  Will you let Jesus plant a needed mustard seed in your heart?  And will you be patient and allow the seed time & space to grow?

At the end of chapter 4 we read about Jesus calming the storm...

Commentary from Bible.org on Mark chapter 4 is at this link, and at this link.

Commentary from Bible.org on Jesus healing a demon possessed man in Mark chapter 5 is at this link, and at this link.  And a very simple coloring book image :) on this miracle is here -

Psalms - Psalm 37 verses 30 & 31 continue to read like amazing Proverbs - "The godly offer good counsel; they know what is right from wrong. They fill their hearts with God's law, so they will never slip from his path."  Are you filling your heart with God's teachings?  Are you doing this so that you will never slip from his path?  Are you offering good counsel to those around you?  When others around you see you, do they see someone that clearly knows what is right from wrong?

Proverbs 10 verse 7 is so simple but so true...  "We all have happy memories of the godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away."

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings?  Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike