March 7th One Year Bible Readings

~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
Numbers 8:1-9:23 ~ Mark 13:14-37 ~ Psalm 50:1-23 ~ Proverbs 10:29-30
~ Click here to listen to today's Scripture on BibleOnRadio.com ~

Old Testament - Today in Numbers chapter 8 we read about the dedication of the Levites and in Numbers chapter 9 we read about the Second Passover:

In chapter 9 we read about the fiery cloud over the tabernacle!  Verses 22 & 23 stood out to me in today's readings: "Whether the cloud stayed above the Tabernacle for two days, a month, or a year, the people of Israel stayed in camp and did not move on. But as soon as it lifted, they broke camp and moved on. So they camped or traveled at the LORD's command, and they did whatever the LORD told them through Moses."  Below is an incredible image of the Israelites' camp at rest:

Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site.

New Testament - In Mark chapter 13 today we read about the signs of the end of the age. For me personally, Jesus’ words in verses 32 & 33 have always been so powerful when it comes to end-times considerations – “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” I think this teaching from Jesus is so important for each of us to keep in mind. No one knows the day or the hour of the end of times. Only God the Father. I have some friends who are very into speculating and discussing end-times prophecies and events. For me personally, these verses above make me realize that we truly do not know when the end of time will come – but, yes, we know it will come. And therefore I believe we should live every day loving God and loving people around us – and not get so focused on speculation of end times that we forget about these 2 great commandments. . .  :) My other thought on these verses is this – not only do we not know when the end of the age will come, but we do not know when the end of each of our lives will come. Hopefully we will live long lives. But it’s not guaranteed. You know how life is – there is cancer and there are accidents and the list could go on. So, I guess I’d recommend this – don’t worry about when the end of the age will be. Don’t worry about when the end of your life will be. Instead, be on guard and be alert each and every day to make sure you are loving God and loving people – as if each day might be your last day.

Bible.org's commentary on Mark chapter 13 is at this link. 

Psalms - Psalm 50 verses 14 & 15 are beautiful words from God to Israel - "What I want instead is your true thanks to God; I want you to fulfill your vows to the Most High. Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory." Do you believe these words can apply to us today as well?  Are you giving true thanks to God each day?  Are you trusting in God in your times of trouble?  Are you giving God glory for all that he has done for you?  How often do you say "thank you" to God? 

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 10 verse 29 teaches us today: "The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous."  This is a great teaching that those who trust in God are covered with a hedge of protection.  Thank God for this protection!  I know I need it.  And I believe that God oftentimes protects us in ways that we do not even consciously realize...  As we pray in the Lord's prayer - "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."  Amen.

Worship God: Psalm 50 reminded me of the fantastic worship song by Delirious titled "Majesty." Here's a powerful live version of this song:

Is God your Majesty?  Click here to meet your Majesty!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on my reflections above on Mark 13:32-33, I am reminded of something I read on another Christian blog recently and it really did make me think. Here’s how this blog put it, and I think this relates well to these Mark verses – “Breaking News: mortality rate is STILL 100%! You are not guaranteed all the days you believe you have coming to you. What would you do differently if today was your last day alive?”  Powerful question for each of us to consider, no?  What would you do differently if today was your last day alive?  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

[Blessing]

The entire account of the journey of the children of Israel being directed by God stand out for me today. The fact fact that they knew the mind of God and followed him is amazing. when He said wait, they waited as long as He wanted them to and when He said move they moved not asking questions. Today most times, we do not focus on God to show us when to move or when to wait in our life's journey. This a great lesson that we should seek God's face in all we do. If God directs our path then we shall not miss the it.

In Mark 13:31 "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away." The word of God stands for all generations, It is true and shall not change!

[Caroline]

Mike we love you...
In heaven we will meet so I can thank you....
Because I haven't seen you until now....
May Our Lord bless you until the end of our journey together at the end of the year....

[Elsa]

Hello,
Yesterday, I wrote to two people about forgiveness, their forgiveness towards me. Many years ago my actions were horrible also my emotions were out of whack. I acted out in the worse way...I have since joined a wonderful church that is teaching me about obedience and submission. I have also been doing my devotions and reading other christian books. In reading one particular book, it made reference to your scripture that we know not when my time or when the end times will come. But rest assure I will be judged for my actions. I got up from bed and decided it was time to stop feeling bad and correct the wrongs that I had been justifying. Thank you for confirming that what I did yesterday and what I will do today is written down and I will be held accountable for my actions.

[Lisa K.]

Help!

I read the suggested link for Mark, Chapter 13.

Can someone shed light on the following excerpt from the link.

"117 A common misunderstanding about end times—even in Bible-teaching churches—pertains to the preaching of the Gospel to all nations. Many believe that Jesus cannot return until the Gospel is preached to every living soul. Some seek to bring about the return of Christ by preaching to every soul—as if Jesus will immediately return the very moment that last person hears the Gospel. Note the interesting difference between Mark 13:10 and Matthew 24:14."

I don't quite understand what the person is stating as far as the "misunderstanding" goes.

Thanks!

Lisa K.

[tom richards]

Thanks for your site and the work you put into it.