One Year Bible Blog

March 31st One Year Bible Readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20 ~ Luke 9:7-27
Psalm 72:1-20 ~ Proverbs 12:8-9

Old Testament - Deuteronomy chapter 16 verse 18 is of note today: "Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in all the towns the LORD your God is giving you. They will judge the people fairly throughout the land."  After Deuteronomy comes the book of Joshua, which is followed by the book of Judges.  And then... Israel won't be satisfied with just judges.  Israel will want a king...

Below is an image for Deuteronomy chapter 17 verses 8 and 9 today: ""Suppose a case arises in a local court that is too hard for you to decide--for instance, whether someone is guilty of murder or only of manslaughter, or a difficult lawsuit, or a case involving different kinds of assault. Take such cases to the place the LORD your God will choose, where the Levitical priests and the judge on duty will hear the case and decide what to do." 

New Testament - In the beginning of Luke chapter 9's readings today we read in verse 7 - "When reports of Jesus' miracles reached Herod Antipas, he was worried and puzzled..."  This is of note.  Herod was running the show in Jerusalem, and Jesus had made him worried and puzzled.  Why?  Maybe because in part Herod realized that he was not fully in "control" of everything as he thought he was...  and I wonder about this today...  Does Jesus maybe continue to make people worried and puzzled in our modern world today?  Is it perhaps because, like Herod, we get worried and puzzled about Jesus when we start to realize we are not fully in "control" of things...  that maybe there is something bigger going on around us.  I pray that Jesus continues to make people worried and puzzled today - such that they realize that there is someone who is truly in Control and one to whom we can truly surrender our "control" to.  For, in doing so, we will find true peace, joy & happiness for eternity.  Have you given the control in your life over to Jesus?  If not, is now perhaps a good time for you to hand the "remote control" of your life over to Jesus?  Will you?

Verses 23 through 26 are so amazing and I cannot personally read and meditate upon these verses often enough.  They are beautifully convicting me once again today...  ""If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life. And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose or forfeit your own soul in the process? If a person is ashamed of me and my message, I, the Son of Man, will be ashamed of that person when I return in my glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels."  Putting aside our selfish ambition... this is tough folks!  I know I am still struggling to do this.  I still have so much selfish ambition within me...  but, I am thankful that through Christ and through learning to carry our cross each day - slowly though surely it may be - our ambition will be morphed from selfish into godly.  We know we are arriving closer and closer to true life when we care about the things God cares about.  When we think about the things God thinks about.  When we are ambitious for the things God is ambitious about.  How are you doing with selfish ambition in your life?  Will you drop the things you are carrying so tightly due to your selfish ambition, so that you can instead take up your cross daily?

Verse 13 I found intriguing - "But Jesus said, "You feed them.""  If Jesus said this to his followers 2,000 years ago, think he might say this to us today as well?  You feed them.  Who might Jesus be calling you to feed in your life?  Maybe feeding someone spiritually, mentally, or literally?   You feed them... 

Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 9's readings today titled "The Training of the Twelve" is at this link, and another commentary titled "The Cross and Christianity" is at this link.

Psalms - I'll admit.  I pay attention every single time the Bible talks about serving the poor.  And it is a lot.  And I think it is for a reason.  Here it is again in Psalm 72 verses 12 & 13, speaking about Israel's king - "He will rescue the poor when they cry to him; he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them."

Verse 20 tells us - "This ends the prayers of David son of Jesse." And below is a painting of an older King David... perhaps playing a Psalm he wrote...?   

Proverbs - Proverbs 12:8 today teaches us: "Everyone admires a person with good sense, but a warped mind is despised."  Let us pray for consistent good sense in our lives!  A warped mind is a sad state of affairs indeed...

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on Psalm 72 verses 12 & 13, what about us today?  Does this Psalm speak to us?  Do we rescue the poor when they cry to us?  (do we even listen for their cry?)  Do we help the oppressed and those who have no one to defend them?  Do we feel pity for the weak and needy?  Do we rescue them?  Do I?  Do you?   Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

March 30th One Year Bible Readings

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Deuteronomy 13:1-15:23 ~ Luke 8:40-9:6
Psalm 71:1-24 ~ Proverbs 12:5-7

Old Testament - Wow.  Deuteronomy chapter 13 starts off with a strong warning today - ""Suppose there are prophets among you, or those who have dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles, and the predicted signs or miracles take place. If the prophets then say, `Come, let us worship the gods of foreign nations,' do not listen to them. The LORD your God is testing you to see if you love him with all your heart and soul."  Do you believe there are false prophets in our world today?  Are there people in our world that tempt us to worship false gods?  It is possible one of the false gods we can be tempted to worship today is even our own self?  Will we reject worshiping false gods and love and worship the one true God with all of our soul and heart? 

Verse 22 is powerful for us to meditate upon - ""You must set aside a tithe of your crops--one-tenth of all the crops you harvest each year. Bring this tithe to the place the LORD your God chooses for his name to be honored."  What might "crops we harvest" be in our modern world today?  Is there a place we can bring a tithe to God today?  Do you believe that tithing honors God?

Deuteronomy chapter 15 verses 4 and 10 & 11 stood out to me today - "There should be no poor among you, for the LORD your God will greatly bless you in the land he is giving you as a special possession.... Give freely without begrudging it, and the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do. There will always be some among you who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share your resources freely with the poor and with other Israelites in need." How do these verses speak to you?  I find it interesting that these verses say both - there should be no poor and that there will always be some poor among you.  I wonder why this is?  It seems kind of like a kingdom of heaven ultimate reality and our fallen world temporary reality perhaps...  Do you think the command to share our resources freely with the poor and others in need is still valid today?  How are you doing in giving freely to the poor?

In verses 16 & 17 we read - "But suppose your servant says, `I will not leave you,' because he loves you and your family, and he is well off with you. In that case, take an awl and push it through his earlobe into the door. After that, he will be your servant for life." 

New Testament - The structure of today's readings in Luke chapter 8 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 48 in this portion is just so beautiful as Jesus says to the now healed woman - "Daughter," he said to her, "your faith has made you well. Go in peace."  You know what is really beautiful about this verse?  This woman is the only individual in all of the Gospels that Jesus addresses as "daughter."  What a beautiful Savior we have...

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 50 - "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 54 & 55 we read - "Then Jesus took her by the hand and said in a loud voice, "Get up, my child!" And at that moment her life returned, and she immediately stood up!" 

Luke chapter 9 verses 1 & 2 are an awesome glimpse at Jesus empowering the twelve - "One day Jesus called together his twelve apostles and gave them power and authority to cast out demons and to heal all diseases. Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the coming of the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick."   Do you believe that the Kingdom of God has come / is coming?  And then I love verse 12.... it's like the twelve are going on tour!  Making the circuit!   "So they began their circuit of the villages, preaching the Good News and healing the sick."  The tour of the twelve is definitely one tour I'd want to go see...  :)

Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 8's readings today titled "The Interrupted Miracle or Two Touching Miracles" is at this link.

Psalms - Today in Psalm 71 verses 6 through 8 we read - "Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother's womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you! My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long." So true that God has cared for each of us since we were in our mother's womb! This a beautiful thing to realize.  There is an interesting thought in these verses - if our live is an example to many - and well, yes, it really is no matter what we actually do.  Hopefully our life is a good example - but there could be seasons of bad example too. . . If our lives are good examples to many, why is this so?  I agree w/ the Psalmist - it is simply because of God in our lives. 

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 12 verse 6 is a powerful little proverb... "words of the godly save lives."  How might our words save lives?  Are the words coming out of your mouth in some way saving lives?

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Psalm above, is God literally your strength and protection?  Do you praise God unceasingly?   Do you declare God's glory all day long?   How do you do so?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

March 29th One Year Bible Readings

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Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32 ~ Luke 8:22-39
Psalm 70:1-5 ~ Proverbs 12:4

Old Testament - Wow.  I like Deuteronomy chapter 11 a lot today. There are a ton of powerful verses in this chapter!  I love verse 22 - ""Be careful to obey all the commands I give you; show love to the LORD your God by walking in his ways and clinging to him." I really like that... show Love to God by walking in his ways - and clinging to him.  I think I caught that term in our readings yesterday as well - "clinging."  I know in our world today it's not too cool to be too clingy. :)  But, I think God indeed wants us to be clingy when it comes Him!  I pray that I cling to God each and every day.  How about you?  When it comes to God, are you clingy?  Check out this amazing stained glass image of a woman clinging to the cross. Amazing.  I love the imagery. Take a few moments to meditate on this one...

Verses 26 through 28 are terrific verses on the choice the Israelites could make back then - ""Today I am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse! You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today. You will receive a curse if you reject the commands of the LORD your God and turn from his way by worshiping foreign gods."  I believe this choice has morphed but still continues today through the New Covenant.  We can choose to follow Jesus or we can choose to follow our own ways.  One way is a blessing and one way is truly a curse.  Like the Israelites, we still have the choice of a blessing or a curse....  Which choice will we make? 

New Testament - Today in Luke chapter 8 verses 29 through 31 we will read some sobering verses – “For Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places. Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. And they begged him repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.” Jesus then expels these demons from the man into a herd of pigs. Tyndale Publishers One Year Bible Companion has an interesting commentary on these verses that says Jesus did not simply destroy or send these demons into the Abyss, “because the time for such work had not yet come. But it will come. The book of Revelation records the future victory of Jesus over Satan, his demons, and all evil.” This is news for each of us to pay attention to! Satan, his demons and all evil are still out and about in our world today. And honestly - make no mistake - we each need to be very cognizant of the evil that can pursue our hearts. I don’t mean to scare you – but also, I do mean to scare you. :) When I first became a Christian 7 years ago, I instantly understood God’s love and grace and goodness. And I honestly thought for a short while that the world was just so good, and that there wasn’t really any evil in the world. There were just humans that made bad decisions. Well, fortunately I shared this viewpoint with a wise Christian friend of mine. He prescribed that I read 2 books – 1. This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti and 2. The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis.  My friend also told me this – “The devil’s greatest trick is making you think that he does not exist. If you don’t believe he exists, then you won’t even realize it when he’s tempting you.” Wow. So true. If you are like me, where I was a few years ago, and you are not so sure that there is an actual presence of evil in our world – an evil that pursues people’s hearts – then I prescribe these 2 books above to you as well. Now – the good news – Jesus is still the answer to expelling demons and evil and sin away from us today! Jesus is Risen and is so infinitely more powerful than any of the evil that is out there. So – more important than reading those 2 books above, my prescription to you really is to stay as close to Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit as you possibly can in this life. And you will have no need to fear evil. Stick with Jesus.

Okay, I’ve typed a lot here without a question. . . Here it is. Do you believe in the existence of evil in our world today? Do you believe that Satan exists? Do you believe that demons exist? Do you know the one true Remedy and Salvation and Protection from all evil? Will you run into Jesus’ arms for this safety forever? And my last piece of very serious advice if you are struggling with a sin that you know is putting you in contact with evil – you must must must leave that sin behind. I know that all sin is risky and dangerous and dumb, but I think you also will know if you are really entertaining a sin that is leading you down a very dark path. Please confess that sin to Jesus and God and repent. Seek counseling and professional help immediately if it a serious sin or addiction. God will give you victory. Yes, it may be a long and painful process of getting free from the addiction, but you must take this journey to freedom. The freedom will justify the pain it takes to get you there. Paul tells us to flee from sin. Flee from evil. Will you flee? Please flee.

Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 8's readings today titled "Stilling of the Storm" is at this link and commentary on "The Deliverance of the Demoniac" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 70 verse 4 is awesome - "But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "God is great!""  Indeed, I think as Christians we should be filled with joy & gladness!  Yes, there will be tough times.  And suffering.  But overall, I pray that we are filled with joy and gladness.  And then the second sentence in this verse reminds me of an older Relient K song with lyrics that go something like this - "Your voice has broken my defense.  Let me embrace salvation!"  I like that thought.  Let us embrace salvation. Let us love salvation.

Proverbs - Proverbs 12:4 today teaches us:  "A worthy wife is her husband's joy and crown; a shameful wife saps his strength."

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Proverb above, what do you think worthy means in this context?  Why would a worthy spouse be the other spouse's joy and crown?  What does shameful mean in this context?  If you are married, do you seek to be a worthy spouse?  If you are not married, are you preparing yourself today for potentially being a worth spouse in the future?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

March 28th One Year Bible Readings

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Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22 ~ Luke 8:4-21
Psalm 69:19-36 ~ Proverbs 12:2-3

Old Testament - Okay, I'm really appreciating the New Living Translation little commentary headers before sections of our readings - as I discussed in yesterday's post, these are not from the original manuscripts so should not be considered Biblical text.  Nonetheless, I personally do find them useful.   And I really do like the first header in Deuteronomy chapter 9 today in the NLT - "Victory by God's Grace."  You'll note that you won't actually find the word "grace" in any of the verses that follow.  However, I think we do get a good overview of how grace works in this section, and verse 6 gives an example of grace: "I will say it again: The LORD your God is not giving you this good land because you are righteous, for you are not--you are a stubborn people."  This verse made me chuckle a bit when I read it.  Because it is true.  The Israelites were a stubborn people, as we've seen in our readings.   And yet, God was still showing grace by giving them the Promised Land.  This verse primarily made me chuckle because I think that we, today, are still oftentimes a stubborn people.  Not a lot has changed in 3,000+ years.  We humans are still a stubborn people.   And God is still a God of grace.  Then and now.  God shows us humans his grace.  Thank goodness!

Later in Deuteronomy chapter 9 we read about the golden calf, and we get a great reminder of how Moses truly was a mediator between God and the Israelites - in some ways foreshadowing the mediator role that Jesus is now between God and all humankind.  Verses 18 & 19 demonstrate Moses' mediator role well - "Then for forty days and nights I lay prostrate before the LORD, neither eating bread nor drinking water. I did this because you had sinned by doing what the LORD hated, thus making him very angry. How I feared for you, for the LORD was ready to destroy you. But again he listened to me."  And check out this amazing image below of Moses laying prostrate before God on behalf the Israelites...  can you imagine doing this for 40 days and nights for someone?  Particularly for someone who just sinned greatly against God?  Moses is amazing... 

Wow.  Deuteronomy chapter 10 verses 12 through 22 are about as inspiring of a speech as any from Moses.  What a great exhortation for the Israelites to love and be obedient to God!  There are surely some words of wisdom for us in these verses today as well.  Below are a couple of great images from these verses and here are verses 12 & 13, which I love:  "And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good? "

(image courtesy of heartlight.org)(image courtesy of heartlight.org)

New Testament - Today in Luke chapter 8 we read the story of the farmer scattering seed.  This parable is an opportunity for us to examine the condition of our hearts.  Are our hearts rocky, thorny, or are they fertile soil?  The condition of our hearts will dictate how receptive we are to Jesus, the Word of God made flesh.  Jesus is the farmer still scattering the see of his Word among humankind today.  Is your heart receptive to the Word of God?  Per verse 15, will you "hear God's message, cling to it, and steadily produce a huge harvest"? 

As you are receiving God's Word in your heart, check out verse 18 in today's readings - "So be sure to pay attention to what you hear. To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But to those who are not listening, even what they think they have will be taken away from them."  This is a powerful truth.  When we are open to God's Word and really study it we will be given more and more insight over time.  It should be a lifelong journey of learning from God's Word.  I know there are many of you going through the One Year Bible for more than the 1st time - one of you has even gone through the One Year Bible 16 years in a row!   And my hunch is that if we were to ask the person going through the OYB for the 16th year if she was still learning and gaining new insights from God through his Word, the answer would be a resounding yes!  I do worry to a degree when someone goes through the Bible in its entirety once, and then puts it on the shelf.  I think that is risky.  I know that we're not all called to read the Bible in its entirety in One Year every year, but I do think it is extremely wise for us to be engaged in the Bible in some way each and every day.  Otherwise, perhaps, as the end of the verse above says, "to those who are not listening, even what they think they have will be taken away from them."  Let us pray that our love of learning from God's Word each and every day will not be taken away from us.  Each day, in some way, let us be like this young person buried in their Bible at Bible Camp... :)

Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 8's reading today, titled "Parable of the Soils" is at this link.

Psalms - I love Psalm 69 verse 33 today - "For the LORD hears the cries of his needy ones; he does not despise his people who are oppressed."  God hears the cries of his needy ones.  Perhaps the question is then, do we hear the cries of God's needy ones?  Do we hear the cries of those starving today? Sick from lack of clean water?  Suffering from HIV / AIDS?  Spiritually poor?  Needing a friend?  How is the soil of our hearts if we are not hearing these cries?  Should we be hearing these cries?  And if we do hear them, what then should we do?   Remember Jesus' words in Matthew chapter 25 verses 34-36:  "‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’" 

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 12 verse 3 is a bit convicting for me personally - "Wickedness never brings stability; only the godly have deep roots."  I oftentimes in my life feel a bit unstable.  I jump from church to church.  Job to job.  Interest to interest.  The roots don't seem so deep sometimes.  I know the roots are deep with Jesus - and that's the one area that really matters - but I do worry about how my roots don't seem so deep in other areas of my life.  I appreciate this Proverb.  I have something to learn here... 

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Proverb above, how about you?  How are your roots?  Are they deep?  Are they stable?  Primarily, how are your roots with Jesus today?  Are your spiritual roots in Jesus growing each and every day?  Do you want your roots to grow?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

March 27th One Year Bible Readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20 ~ Luke 7:36-8:3
Psalm 69:1-18 ~ Proverbs 12:1

Old Testament - Today in Deuteronomy chapter 7, the New Living Translation has the chapter titled "The Privilege of Holiness."  Keep in mind that these chapter headings - or headings within sections of chapters - are not Biblical text.  They are not from the original manuscripts, but are basically brief summaries from the viewpoint of modern-day translators.  Generally speaking though, you can trust what they are telling you - but just remember, they're not Biblical text.  All this to say, I was intrigued by this chapter's title in today's readings.  Israel was indeed privileged and called to holiness.  I think an important for us to keep in mind is that in the Old Testament, Israel was God's chosen people.  So, yes, we do read in this chapter and future OT chapters God favoring Israel over all other nations.  However, keep three things in mind.  One, Israel is the people of God's covenant going to back to Abraham and God is just forming Israel as a nation.  Two, the other nations at that time were immersed in sin and idolatry to other gods.  Three, through Jesus' ministry, God indeed shows love toward all nations today and wants all nations to be in relationship with him.  But, prior to Jesus, we see clearly in this chapter that Israel is, per verse 6: "a holy people, who belong to the LORD your God. Of all the people on earth, the LORD your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure."

Today in Deuteronomy chapter 8 verse 10 we read: “When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you.” What a great verse! Many say that it is because of this verse that we traditionally say grace at meal time. Interesting that this verse indicates that the Israelites were to praise God after eating – which, actually, is sometimes how I say grace today now too – when I forget to say grace before eating! :) I think the other thing this verse above gets at is that we humans have a tendency to “forget” God in the good times. In the bad times, maybe we do a decent job of praying to God and trying to stay close to Him. But in the good times, I know that sometimes I can forget Who really blessed me with the good times. I think it is so important for us to remember each and every day this one thing – God has given us everything. Every single good thing we have in our life comes from God. Our family. Our friends. Our physical abilities. Even the very air we breathe. It ALL comes from God. And, while I think it is pleasing to God for us to praise him for these good things – I also think it is ultimately healthy for us to praise God for the good things he has given us. Because, when we truly thank God each and every day for even very simple things – our eyesight, our 12 year old car that still runs fine, etc. etc. – we realize how very blessed we really are, and then I think we have less of a chance of feeling sorry for ourselves. We are blessed! How are you doing on praising God for the good things he has given you in your life? Now that we are in this Easter & Spring season, will you make a conscious effort to really praise and thank God each and every day? Think this might be pleasing to God? Think this might be healthy for you?

New Testament - In Luke chapter 7 today we read about the "immoral" woman who kissed and put perfume on Jesus' feet.  Verse 39 is a powerful testament to Jesus' character - "When the Pharisee who was the host saw what was happening and who the woman was, he said to himself, "This proves that Jesus is no prophet. If God had really sent him, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She's a sinner!""  How ironic... this Pharisee thought that Jesus was not sent from God because he let a sinner touch him - when indeed it is this very act that proves that Jesus was sent from God!  Jesus loved everyone - and still loves everyone today - and wants to be in relationship with all of us.  No matter what this woman's sins were.  No matter what our sins were or are.  Jesus loves us and wants to be in relationship with us.  Like the woman in this story, will we humble ourselves and come before the feet of Jesus?  And will we ignore those who might suggest we're not "good enough" to be in relationship with God or Jesus?  Remember, Jesus came to call the sinners, the sick - and not the righteous.  Let's not act righteous before Jesus, but come to his feet as we really are and worship Him for who he truly is!

Luke chapter 8 readings today are important for us to pay attention to.  Oftentimes I think we sometimes think that it was just Jesus and the twelve male disciples cruising around the Holy Land during Jesus' ministry.  Today's verses are a great reminder of the involvement of women in Jesus' ministry both by traveling with him and by contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and the twelve!  Verses 1 through 3 tell us today  - "Not long afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby cities and villages to announce the Good News concerning the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women he had healed and from whom he had cast out evil spirits. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples."  Below is the Italian painter Bernardino Luini's "The Conversion of Magdalene", circa 1525.  Luini's painting shows Martha, Mary's sister, on the left pointing toward heaven; Mary, to the right, repeats the gesture to indicate that she too will follow Jesus.

Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 7's readings today, titled "Wordless Worship of an Unnamed Woman" is at this link.  Commentary on Luke chapter 8's readings today, titled "Ministry, Money and Women" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 69 verse 16 today is such a true statement that maybe we need to be reminded of today - "Answer my prayers, O LORD, for your unfailing love is wonderful. Turn and take care of me, for your mercy is so plentiful."  God does answer our prayers - perhaps not in the way we "want" Him to, but always in the way that is ultimately best for us and the Kingdom.  His unfailing love is wonderful.  His mercy is so plentiful.  But, yet, somehow I think I sometimes forget all of this.  Why?  I think I forget about God's love & mercy when I am not praying to him.  How about you?  Are you needing a reminder today about God's unfailing love and his mercy?  Are you praying to God for these very things?  Will you allow God to demonstrate both his love and mercy to you today?  Will you offer up prayers and allow God to answer in his perfect way? 

Proverbs - Wow... Proverbs chapter 12 verse 1 is so to the point and so true.  Please meditate on this one - "To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction." Do you love discipline?  Do you want to learn?  Do you hate correction?  What holy discipline might God be bringing to you in your life today?  Will you accept God's healing and holy discipline in your life?

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on Deuteronomy chapter 8 verse 10 above, do you say grace or offer up some sort of prayer of thanksgiving to God at each meal?  Why or why not?  Do you think it is pleasing to God when we do say a prayer at mealtime? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

March 26th One Year Bible Readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Deuteronomy 5:1-6:25 ~ Luke 7:11-35
Psalm 68:19-35 ~ Proverbs 11:29-31

Old Testament - Today we get a nice recap of the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy chapter 5!  We originally read these in Exodus chapter 20 and then again in Exodus chapter 34.  There are some differences in the wordings of the Ten Commandments in each of these chapters, but not enough to worry about.  :)  Check out a quick overview of some of the differences between these 3 chapters' presentation of the Ten Commandments at this link.  Bible.org has a great overview of the Ten Commandments, based on Exodus chapter 20, at this link. 

I love Deuteronomy chapter 6 verses 4 through 9 in our readings today!  These verses are known as the Shema - which was named after the first word in this verse and means "Hear."  The Shema became the Jewish confession of faith, which was recited by pious Jews every morning and evening and it is still recited in synagogue services today. They are the last words a Jew says prior to death.  More very interesting information about The Shema from a Jewish website is at this link.  ""Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again. Tie them to your hands as a reminder, and wear them on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."  Below is an appropriate image for this last sentence of the Shema.

Bible.org's commentary on Deuteronomy chapter 6 titled "Responsibilities of Fatherhood" is at this link.

New Testament - Wow.... Verse 35 in Luke chapter 7 is such a profound teaching of Jesus' for each of us to consider: "But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it." Take a few moments to really meditate on this verse and what it means.  For me this verse is a reminder that sometimes in life we have to move forward in faith on something "wise" we've heard, but maybe not experienced - and then later see that the wisdom is true.  I'm not sure if I'm going to explain myself well here... but my thought is that as followers of Jesus, I think we can get lazy in our faith at times.  As just one example - maybe we don't think we really need to tithe to our church.  We know the wisdom of Malachi 3:10, but maybe we haven't really experienced the wisdom of tithing.  So, maybe we need to follow the wisdom first - and then we will later know the full truth and beauty of the wisdom.  Hope this makes sense?  I'd just say that if there is a struggle in your life that God is calling you to leave behind or move forward on - go for it!  If you know you should be doing or not doing something - go with that wisdom you know and then it will "shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it."  Please follow Wisdom!  Please follow Jesus!

A nice image of John the Baptist sending two of his disciples to meet Jesus is below, from verses 18 & 19 - "The disciples of John the Baptist told John about everything Jesus was doing. So John called for two of his disciples, and he sent them to the Lord to ask him, "Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?"

Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 7's readings today, titled "John's Problem with Jesus" is at this link. 

Psalms - Today in Psalm 68 verse 20 we read – “Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.” Do you believe God is a God who saves us? How did / does God do this saving? Do you believe that escape from death comes from God and his Son? I’ve been reflecting on this “death” aspect of our fallen world a bit lately, which has been sad to reflect upon. I had an experience with a few friends very recently where I was reminded of how self-destructive we can be in our lives. I think that without Jesus we can oftentimes not know where to turn for an escape from death – we do not know where to turn from an escape from our own self destructive behaviors. My friends need Jesus. I need Jesus. The world needs Jesus. Our God is a God who saves. From God and Jesus comes escape from death. May this coming Easter season bring us, our friends, and families closer to the God who saves!

Proverbs - I love the imagery in Proverbs chapter 11 verse 30 today - "The godly are like trees that bear life-giving fruit, and those who save lives are wise."  That is a powerful last half of the verse.  Those who save lives are wise...  Are you saving lives?  How?  How might you be able to save lives?  My one quick thought on this is to get involved in ministries that are serving the poorest of the poor.  I honestly believe $1 a day can save a life, if not many lives.  Sponsoring a child through World Vision or Compassion or another worthy organization is an amazing way to save a life.  $1 a day.  Will you invest in a child who needs you today?  Would this be wise?

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What are some of your favorite charities that serve the poorest of the poor worldwide?  And in your own hometown?  Do you think we should care that 1.2 billion people in our world today live on less than $1 a day?  Do you think we should get involved in this issue?  Do you think we should serve those living in poverty both internationally and in our own hometown?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

March 25th One Year Bible Readings

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Deuteronomy 4:1-49 ~ Luke 6:39-7:10
Psalm 68:1-18 ~ Proverbs 11:28

Old Testament - Today in Deuteronomy chapter 4 verse 29 we read: “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” How does this verse speak to you today? Do you believe it is true? Have you sought God with all of your heart and with all of your soul? This verse also reminds me of Jesus’ teaching of one of the two great commands – which he quoted from Deuteronomy chapter 6 verse 5 – “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” So – if you have sought after God and found him, do you now today love God with all your heart and with all of your soul and with all your strength?  What does this look like in your life? How do you love God in your life today?

New Testament - The passages on the faith of the centurion today are powerful - especially his words in verse 7 - "Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed."  Can we learn something from the faith of the centurion in our lives today?

Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 6 readings today titled "Tough Love" is at this link.  And commentary on Luke chapter 7's readings titled "Jesus the Healer" is at this link.

Psalms - I always like the idea and reminder to sing to God!  Do you sing to God at places other than church?  Maybe in your car?  Maybe at home with the headphones on?  Do you "sing" to God with the way you live your life?  Here's verse 4 in Psalm 68 today which I love - "Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the LORD-- rejoice in his presence!"  How do you sing your praises to the Lord each day?  Is it done as passionately as this fella below?  :)

Proverbs - Proverbs 11:28 today teaches us: "Trust in your money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring."  Great proverb!  It tells us that trusting in money is not godly and "down" we will go.  Why?  Because if we are trusting in money then we are not trusting in God.  And who can ultimately hold us "up" - now and for eternity?  God or money?  How very interesting is it that the back of U.S. money says "In God We Trust"?  :)

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Back to our Psalm today - how many folks out there belt out worship tunes while driving in your car??  :)  Feel free to fess up in the Comments below.  I will confess here and now that I do belt out tunes from various worship CD's - Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, Passion CD's, David Crowder lately.  However, what's interesting is sometimes I feel a bit guilty spending so much time listening to music and singing along.  I have one great friend who almost never listens to music - he thinks it's a waste of time and he wants to listen to news / preaching in the car instead.  To try to learn something he says.  And I can appreciate this...  but I think it's still quite allright to sing our praises to the Lord on a frequent basis in the car!  What say you?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

March 24th One Year Bible Readings

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Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29 ~ Luke 6:12-38
Psalm 67:1-7 ~ Proverbs 11:27

Old Testament - Okay, I think we've come across quite an understatement in our readings today in Deuteronomy chapter 2 verse 1 when Moses says: "We wandered around Mount Seir for a long time." Indeed... it was a long time of 3 decades plus of wandering...  :) But, it's important for us to remember why it was such a long time of wandering - because of the Israelites' sin in not entering the Promised Land when they were first instructed to do so by God.  And, I think about this in our lives today.  When we sin.  And particularly when we consistently sin - with a bad habit or addiction that we know we should not be indulging in - we can become just like the Israelites, wandering around in the wilderness for a long time...  My fear is that we can get so used to our sin and wandering around in the wilderness that we don't ever break free from it.  We stay in bondage to the sin.  And then we stay in the wilderness.  The wilderness for us today may simply be living life half-heartedly in a bit of a haze or a bit of a funk.  With some sort of cloud hanging over us.  It's no way to live life.  I guess I just want to encourage you that if you are struggling with what seems to be an unreleaseable sin to not give up.  Don't ever give up on victory!  Continue to take the sin to Jesus over and over and over again.  Take it to God over and over and over again.  Pray about it continuously.  Seek wise counsel from friends and pastors and professional help.  Freedom awaits you.  You can get out of the wilderness.  The Promised Land awaits you.   Please don't continue to "wander around Mt. Seir for a long time"....  Below is a painting titled "The Wanderer" by German artist George Seir from 1934:

We read some significant verses at the end of Deuteronomy chapter 3 when Moses asks to enter the Promised Land, and God replies in verses 26 through 28: "`Speak of it no more. You can go to Pisgah Peak and view the land in every direction, but you may not cross the Jordan River. But commission Joshua and encourage him, for he will lead the people across the Jordan. He will give them the land you now see before you.'"  Here we see that God is standing firm in his refusal of allowing Moses to enter the Promised Land - and yet, he does show mercy in allowing Moses to view the land.   

New Testament - In Luke chapter 6 verses 12 & 13 today we read - "One day soon afterward Jesus went to a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles."  Every time I read about Jesus' calling of the apostles, I always think about myself.  What would I have done if I was called by Jesus to be an apostle back then?  What would I do if I was called to follow Jesus in this way today?  What would you do?  Would you leave everything behind and follow Jesus? 

Verses 22 & 23 are just no joke and so powerful for each of to consider and remember in our lives today - "God blesses you who are hated and excluded and mocked and cursed because you are identified with me, the Son of Man. When that happens, rejoice! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were also treated that way by your ancestors." Wow... rejoice when you are hated and excluded and mocked and cursed - because you are identified with Jesus.  No, don't just rejoice - leap for joy! 

Today we read 3 amazing verses that I don't think we can hear often enough.  And my hunch is that we don't follow these teachings often enough...  they can seem initially so counter-intuitive - just like leaping for joy is when you are persecuted for loving Jesus.  But these 3 verses are clearly such an important part of living the Christian life.  And when you really meditate upon them, you'll see that they really are not counter-intuitive at all, but completely wise.  Verse 28 - "Pray for the happiness of those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you." And verses 35 & 36 - ""Love your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them! And don't be concerned that they might not repay. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to the unthankful and to those who are wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate."  How are you doing on praying for the happiness of those who curse you or hurt you?  How are you doing in loving your enemies and doing good to them?  Do you believe we should be compassionate in these ways?

Verse 37 I don't think we can hear often enough either - ""Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. Stop criticizing others, or it will all come back on you. If you forgive others, you will be forgiven." I really need to hear this one - stop judging others.  Stop judging others.  Stop judging others.  Okay, I think I've got it....   Maybe... :)

Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 6 readings today titled "Defining Discipleship" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 67 verse 2 today sounds very Great Commission-ish: "May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere." It's interesting to read this verse when just recently I was reading a review in my local newspaper about a book that "exposes" evangelical Christians. (of which I am one)  This book really dives into how "successful" evangelical Christians are in "recruiting" young adults ages 20 to 35 with their ministries.  And this book reviewer - and the book author - were very disdainful of Christianity.  Saying it threatened secular society...  and this just made me realize that the more we do indeed make God's ways known throughout the earth - the more we introduce people to God's saving power among people everywhere - well, then the secular world will push back big time with books and reviews like the one I read.  And the secular world will even push back in more severe ways as well.  This makes me realize that indeed our efforts to make God's was known - God's love, grace, mercy, salvation, call to repentance - are being noticed by others.  But hopefully more than just being noticed by others, let us pray that our Kingdom work actually introduces others to God's only son Jesus, who transforms hearts and lives for eternity!

Proverbs - Chapter 11 verse 27 is a powerful Proverb to pay heed to! "If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you!" I pray each of us is consistently searching for good - and never searching for evil.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on Psalm 67 today, how are you helping to make God's ways be known throughout the earth?  Are you sharing with other's God's saving power?  Do you want the life you live to reflect God's glory to others?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

March 23rd One Year Bible Readings

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Numbers 36:1-Deuteronomy 1:46 ~ Luke 5:29-6:11
Psalm 66:1-20 ~ Proverbs 11:24-26

Old Testament - Today we wrap up the book of Numbers and begin Deuteronomy, the last book of the Pentateuch (or 5 Books of the Law)! 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!  :)

~Deuteronomy~
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) Great commentary on Deuteronomy is at this link: http://bible.org/page.php?page_id=885

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! Here is Moses giving the address to the Israelites! 

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?   Below is a painting of Jesus at the house of Levi by the Italian painter Paolo Veronese from the year 1573: (with of course the Pharisees looking on...)

Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 5's readings today titled "On Eating, Drinking, and Being Merry" is at this link, and commentary on Luke chapter 6's readings today titled "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 recently 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?  Who can you give a hug to freely today like this young man below is giving?

Comments from You & Questions of the Day: (tangential questions here based on this awesome image above... :)  How often do you give hugs?  Who was the last person you gave a hug to?  Can you give someone a hug today?  Do you think giving hugs (or receiving hugs) is important?  Are hugs Biblical?  :)  (okay, now I've gotten silly, but what do you think - can you think of some hugs in the Bible??)  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

March 22nd One Year Bible Readings

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Numbers 33:40-35:34 ~ Luke 5:12-28
Psalm 65:1-13 ~ Proverbs 11:23

Old Testament - Today in Numbers chapter 33 we read about the other nations in Canaan.  In chapter 34 we read about the boundaries of the Promised Land.  Below is a map of how the tribes will divide Canaan - which we will read about later in the Bible in more detail:

In chapter 35 verses 10-12 we read about the Cities of Refuge - "`When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, designate cities of refuge for people to flee to if they have killed someone accidentally. These cities will be places of protection from a dead person's relatives who want to avenge the death. The slayer must not be killed before being tried by the community."  Reading about the Cities of Refuge reminds me of our current day laws of "innocent until proven guilty."  It seems like the Cities of Refuge idea still lives on in our justice system today in some regards.

New Testament - In Luke chapter 5 we read one of my favorite healings' of Jesus - where he heals the paralyzed man on the mat - in very large part because of the paralyzed man's friends who carry him to Jesus!  I love that his friends did this.  I pray if I was paralyzed I would have friends like these!  Check out verses 18 through 20 - "Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to push through the crowd to Jesus, but they couldn't reach him. So they went up to the roof, took off some tiles, and lowered the sick man down into the crowd, still on his mat, right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, "Son, your sins are forgiven.""   I am fascinated by this - "seeing their faith" - I don't know if this is a quirk of the New Living Translation or if indeed Jesus literally saw the faith of the paralyzed man's friends.  My hunch is that he did.  And this makes me realize that sometimes when our faith is at a low point, maybe our friends can help carry us along and bring us closer to Jesus.  And maybe we should act like these friends for someone in our life who is "paralyzed" by something....  Is there someone in your life that you can help "carry the mat for" and in doing so bring them closer to Jesus?  Wow.  I pray I have friends like this - and I pray I can be a friend like this to others...

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Luke chapter 5 titled "Stretcher Carriers and Sermon Critics" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 65 has some amazing verses about nature!  I love verse 8 - "Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy." When is the last time you have been inspired to shout for joy to God for the beautiful sunset he created?

Verse 7 of the Psalm says this - "You quieted the raging oceans with their pounding waves and silenced the shouting of the nations."  When is the last time you have stood in complete silence before God because of his beautiful Creation?

Proverbs - Today's Proverb 11:23 teaches us: "The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath." This is a great teaching that leading a godly life will lead to happiness.  And leading a wicked life....  brings wrath.  This is sobering to really ponder.  It's a choice each one of us must make.  What type of life will we lead?  And where will that life choice ultimately lead us.  I pray each of us are on the Path of Life toward and with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  It's the only path that leads to eternal happiness.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Based on our readings in Luke today, have you ever had someone "carry you on a mat" when you were in a time of need?  Have you ever had friends that demonstrated great faith in you?  Conversely, have you ever carried friends on their mat when they were in need?  Do you think we are called to carry each others burdens?  Why or why not?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike