March 23rd readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Numbers 36:1-Deuteronomy 1:46 ~ Luke 5:29-6:11
Psalm 66:1-20 ~ Proverbs 11:24-26

Old Testament - Today we start the book of Deuteronomy! And as we all Learned to Love Leviticus this year, my prayer is that each of us will be Diggin’ Deuteronomy as we read through it this year!  :)

Author: Moses
Date: 1420 or 1220 B.C.
Content: The book consists of a series of addresses given by Moses in the plains of Moab prior to their entering into Canaan, as well as some specialized regulations and the appointment of Moses’ successor, Joshua. In Moses’ addresses he summarized the events that led up to that day, exhorted the people to faith and obedience, called the Israelites to rededicate themselves to the task God had given them, and then led them in worship and song. After the appointment of Joshua, Moses left the people and, after viewing the Holy Land from afar one last time, he died. With Moses’ death the old order passed away and the destiny of Israel moved into the hands of the next generation.
Theme: The faithfulness and power of God to save are stressed throughout the book. A look at Israel’s past shows that God led his people through their darkest days and gave them hope for the future. What God did in the past he could do again. The need for faith and obedience on the part of God’s people is also stressed. God’s richest blessings are given only to those who will use them for his glory. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 3)

More commentary on Deuteronomy is at these 2 links –
http://bible.org/page.asp?page_id=885
http://bible.org/page.asp?page_id=949

In Deuteronomy chapter 1 verse 1 today we read - "This book records the words that Moses spoke to all the people of Israel while they were in the wilderness east of the Jordan River."  This image below sets the stage incredibly well for the book of Deuteronomy!

New Testament - Today in Luke chapter 5 verses 31 & 32 we read this teaching from Jesus – “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” How does this verse speak to you? Are you healthy or sick? Are you righteous or a sinner? Do you need Jesus? Are you heeding his call to repentance? Do you believe that Jesus is the one true Doctor who can heal you for eternity?

Here's an image of Jesus at the house of Levi by the Italian painter Paolo Veronese -

Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 5's readings today is at this link.  And their commentary on Luke chapter 6's readings today entitled "The Great Sabbath Controversy" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 66 verses 1 & 2 are awesome!  "Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth! Sing about the glory of his name! Tell the world how glorious he is."  Do you tell the world about how glorious God is?  How do you do this?  Think these kids below might be singing & shouting joyfully to God...  Think there is anything we might be able to learn from these kids?  :)

Proverbs - Today in Proverbs chapter 11 verse 24 we read – “One person gives freely, yet gains even more.” Do you give freely? Do you give often? Do you believe that by giving freely you will ultimately gain even more? I do believe this Proverb is so true. I heard a very inspirational speaker this past week talk about how she was diagnosed with a chronic disease and how she became completely depressed. But, she somehow found the courage to begin giving to others in need in her community and she found that her life was completely transformed by simply giving. She was no longer depressed about living with the chronic disease, but found herself happier than ever before. Simply because she chose to give freely. How might God be calling you in your life to give more freely than ever before? Is it maybe by tithing to your church? Is it maybe by volunteering at a local charity once a month? Is it maybe by going to serve in another part of the world? Can you find the courage to give freely?

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

Grace,
Mike