March 17th One Year Bible Readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Numbers 26:1-51 ~ Luke 2:36-52 ~ Psalm 60:1-12 ~ Proverbs 11:15
~ Click here to listen to today's Scripture on BibleOnRadio.com ~

Old Testament - Today in Numbers chapter 26 we read about Israel's second census, which was commanded by God.  (We'll read later in the Bible a census conducted by David that was not commanded by God, which was a sin.)  This 2nd census in numbers was taken approximately 38 years after the first census.  The first census in Numbers chapters 1 & 2 was taken after Israel had left Egypt.  This second census is being taken just before the conquest of the Promised Land.  In verse 51 today we read: "So the total number of Israelite men counted in the census numbered 601,730."  This total of the second census compares to 603,550 from the first census, so is very comparable.  These second census numbers obviously reflect the 24,000 deaths we read about in chapter 25 - so this number would have been higher.  To me, overall, to see the numbers so similar over 38 years in the wilderness shows that God's hand of blessing was so clearly upon the Israelites.  They were flourishing in the desert.  Hopefully this is encouraging to us today.  If we are in right relationship with God, I believe our lives will clearly flourish in whatever circumstances we might find ourselves in - even if we are in the desert!

New Testament - In Luke chapter 2 today we read about Jesus' wisdom at the young age of 12.  How's this for a profound statement from Jesus to Mary & Joseph when they found him in the Temple in verse 49 - "But why did you need to search?" he asked. "You should have known that I would be in my Father's house." I like that!  And I like that Jesus was paying such respect for the Temple as well - essentially calling it the house of God.  I do believe this can be carried forward today to Jesus' love for his body, the church.  I often think to myself, when I'm on my way to church, that "I'm going to the house of God."  Do you believe that we can find Jesus today in his Father's house?  Or are you searching elsewhere?  I do believe of course Jesus can be found outside of church... but I also know that I oftentimes experience his presence so profoundly at church - and Communion in church clearly being one such a time & place where I cannot help but find Jesus in a profound way. Below is "Jesus in the Temple at Twelve" by Duccio di Buoninsegna from the early 14th century:

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Luke titled "The Day Jesus went AWOL" :) is at this link..

Psalms - I like the imagery of Psalm 60 verse 4 a lot - "But you have raised a banner for those who honor you -- a rallying point in the face of attack."  I do believe that if we honor God, he will in some profound way "raise up a banner" for us.  A banner that will rally and encourage us in the face of attack - in the face of doubt or despair or sickness or just plain old fashioned attack from the Enemy - I believe God will give us a banner of hope.  This banner could end up being one of a million different things I think, depending on the circumstances.  For me, certainly a banner that rallies me each and every day is God's very Word, the Bible.  I believe the Bible is indeed a banner that rallies us in the face of attack...   What are some banners in your life that God is providing to rally you in the face of attack?  Uh-oh, this whole banner imagery has reminded me of an old childhood song...  :)  Remember that children's song that goes something like this (over and over and over again...) - "Peter built the church on the rock of our faith.  HIS banner over me is love."?  What a great simple song!  God's love very well should be a banner in our lives!

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 11 verse 15 is saying one thing - which I get - but for some reason today, something else is being said to my heart.  Here's the verse: "Guaranteeing a loan for a stranger is dangerous; it is better to refuse than to suffer later."  It's that last half of this verse that is jumping out at me - and in a way unrelated to loan guarantees.  :)  Here's the tangent this verse brought to mind for me today.  I am someone who does not do a very good job of "refusing" much of anything.  I say yes to way too much and take on way too much.  And part of me really enjoys this - I feel wanted, loved, invited, needed, busy, etc.  But then... I suffer later.  I then feel overbooked, stretched thin, and just plain tired and grouchy.  So, for me, the second half of this verse tonight is a good verse on boundaries - it's better to refuse than suffer later.... I like that.... I need that!

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on my Proverb reflections above, how are you with setting boundaries? Do you know when to say No and when to say Yes?  What are some disciplines you practice to make sure you set appropriate boundaries?  Has anyone read the "Boundaries" book I show above by Henry Cloud?  I hear it is fantastic from friends of mine that have read it!  In fact, I heard it's great for small groups too.  May be just what the doctor ordered for me...  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

Comments

[Lisa]

I learned to say "no" and went too far that way. Setting boundaries can become a control issue. I say love the best you know how and be willing to learn from the Master how to love more like Him. This wisdom from the Word is really about love and relationships. Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say Rejoice! Did I miss our Bible Verse for the Week?

[H]

Going to a church building I don't view as going to the house of God like the O.T.Temple was, as I see it as we as Christians are being built up as Living Stones, Jesus being the most important stone. . . I still meet other Christians at a church building though

[Sharlene Pienaar]

Oh.... setting boundaries, A few minutes ago I was annoyed about an issue that my husband and I seem to allow to take control over us, so, while at my desk here in the office I asked God to help me, I need to chat to someone about how I feel, and YIPP I got this.... Setting boundaries....Oh so much has opened up to me regarding just that WORD boundaries and it triggered me that that is what I must do. I pray that my husband will get the same revelation when I give him a copy of this.
THANKS THIS BLESSED ME SO MUCH. (NOW TO DO IT)

[Art]

I found Proverbs 11:15 to be absolutely amazing this morning as I watch the headlines out of Wall Street unfold. So much of what got "built up" over the last few years there involved "putting up security" through multiple layers. Almost literally a house of cards (or sand -- I saw that exact term used in an analyst report from a big bank just last week!) But God's word is the rock that will weather this (and any) storm.

Re. boundaries, I had just such an issue these past few days. My first reaction was to set them up (boundaries -- saying 'no'). God told me otherwise.

The shepherds and the owner of the sheep get to set and move the boundaries. The sheep do not.

[Jim]

Mike,

Cloud and Townsend are simply IMHO the most important modern Christian authors (with degrees to back up their opinions). I cannot recommend Boundaries (as well as How People Grow) strong enough. The book was first recommended by my sister based on how it helped her deal with many of her relational issues. I happened to take the book off the shelf just yesterday to talk with my nine-year old son about building godly relationships with other kids as well as his teachers.

Chapter 6 deals in the text with common boundary myths... 1) If I set boundaries, I'm being selfish, 2) Boundaries are a sign of disobedience, 3) If I begin setting boundaries, I will be hurt by others, 4) If I set boundaries, I will hurt others, 5) Boundaries mean that I am angry, 6) When others set boundaries, it injuries me, 7) Boundaries cause feelings of guilt, and 8) Boundaries are permanent, and I'm afraid of burning my bridges.

This book can greatly help one's emotional and spiritual growth... Art, I honestly don't think you understand what boundaries are (or why Jacob, meaning deceiver, was renamed Israel, meaning fights with God, after besting both man and God). If someone told you that boundaries are bad over the past few days... it wasn't likely God. The one true God demonstrates the value of boundaries and saying "no" all the time. And, to be a grace dispenser also means being a boundary dispenser.

Let me quote (as a teaser to encourage all to read this book) the two pages on Myth #2: Boundaries are a sign of disobedience...

"Many Christians fear that setting and keeping limits signals rebellion, or disobedience. In religious circles you'll often hear statements such as 'Your unwillingness to go along with our program shows an unresponsive heart.' Because of this myth, countless individuals remain trapped in endless activities of no genuine spiritual and emotional value.

The truth is life-changing: a lack of boundaries is often a sign of disobedience. People who have shaky limits are often compliant on the outside, but rebellious and resentful on the inside. They would like to be able to say no, but are afraid. So they cover their fear with a half-hearted yes, as Barry did.

Barry has almost made it to his car after church when Ken caught up with him. Here goes, Barry thought. Maybe i can still get out of this one.

'Barry!' Ken boomed. 'Glad I caught you!'

The singles class officer in charge of Bible studies, Ken was a dedicated recruiter to the studies he presided over; however, he was often insensitive to the fact that not everyone wanted to attend his meetings.

'So which study can I put you down for, Barry? The one on prophecy, evangelism, or Mark?'

Barry thought desperately to himself. I could say, "None of the above interest me. Don't call me - I'll call you.' But he's a ranking officer in the singles class. He could jeopardize my relationships with others in the group. I wonder which class will be the shortest?

'How about the one on prophecy?" Barry guesses. He was wrong.

'Great! We'll be studying end times for the next 18 months! See you Monday.' Ken walked off triumphantly.

Let's take a look at what just happened. Barry avoided saying no to Ken. At first glance, it looks like he made a choice for obedience. He committed himself to a Bible study. That's a good thing right? Absolutely.

But take a second look. What were Barry's motives for not saying no to Ken. What were the 'thoughts and attitudes of the heart' (Heb 4:12)? Fear. Barry was afraid of Ken's political clout in the singles group. He feared that he would lose other relationships if he disappointed Ken.

Why is this important? Because it illustrates a biblical principal: an internal no nullifies an external yes. God is more concerned with our hearts than he is with our outward compliance. 'For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings' (Hos. 6:6).

In other words, if we say yes to God or anyone else when we really mean no, we move into a position of compliance. And that is the same as lying. Out lips say yes, but our hearts (and often our half-hearted actions) say no. Do you really thing Barry will finish out his year and a half with Ken's Bible study? The odds are that some priority will arise to sabotage Barry's commitment, and he'll leave - but without telling Ken the real reason why.

Here's a good way to look at this myth that boundaries are a sign of disobedience: if we can't say no, we can't say yes. Why is this? It has to do with our motivation to obey, to love, or to be responsible. We must always say yes out of a heart of love. When our motive is fear, we love not.

The Bible tells us how to be obedient: 'Each of you must give as you have reluctantly or under compulsion, for God love a cheerful giver' (2 Cor. 9-7).

Look at the first two ways of giving: 'reluctantly' and 'under compulsion.' They both involve fear - either of a real person or a guilty conscience. These motives can't exist side by side with love, because 'there is no fear in love; but perfect love cast out fear' (1 John 4:18). Each of us must give as we have made up our minds. When we are afraid to say no, our yes is compromised.

God has no interest in our obeying our of fear 'because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made in perfect love' (1 John 4:18). God wants a response of love.

Are boundaries a sign of disobedience? The can be. We can say no to good tings for wrongs reasons. But having a 'no' helps us to clarify, to be honest, to tell the truth about our motives; then we can allow God to work in us. This process cannot be accomplished in a fearful heart."

[James]

Sweet! I was googling the passage out of Numbers looking for how long it was after the first census the second one was taken and stumbled upon your blog. I'm doing the same schedule you're doing, except I'm doing it on facebook. I'm gonna bookmark your site though and check in every day.

[Amrita]

I also agree that setting boundaries wisely and in a spirit of LOVE is a good thing.We have to ask God for wisdom in this.

I would love to read this book and others by these authors but they are not available in my country.Wish someone could send me an old used copy.

[Caroline]

Thank you Mike for all your eforts...
May God richly bless you
Your blog became an important part of our daily routine.
Caroline