One Year Bible Blog

March 5th One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 4:1-5:31 ~ Mark 12:18-37 ~ Psalm 48:1-14 ~ Proverbs 10:26
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or ESV.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or Daily Audio Bible ~

Old Testament - Today in Numbers chapter 4 we read about the duties of the Kohathites, Gershonites and the Merarites!  Reading this chapter reminded me of the church where I used to work - where we had to set up and tear down the sanctuary each Sunday, because we were holding services in a rented community center building.  And truly, most Sundays my days felt like verse 31 and the Merarites: ""Their duties at the Tabernacle will consist of carrying loads."  But, even though this task of carrying loads back then and today may seem "menial" at first glance, the task was of utmost importance for the community's worship!  So, I hope this chapter can be an encouragement to you if at times you feel like you are simply "carrying loads" at your church - keep in mind it is a holy task that the Merarites faithfully conducted before you in the time of Moses!

New Testament - I have heard Jesus' teaching about the 2 greatest commandments in Mark chapter 12 verses 29-31 summarized as simply Love God & Love People:  "Jesus replied, "The most important commandment is this: `Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' The second is equally important: `Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these.""

Here is a very interesting note about Jesus' quote above from Deuteronomy 6:4 that starts '"Hear, O Israel!" - This verse begins what is 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.  More very interesting information about The Shema from a Jewish website is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 48 is a celebratory Psalm of Mount Zion in Jerusalem, as verse 8 reads:  "We had heard of the city's glory, but now we have seen it ourselves- the city of the LORD Almighty. It is the city of our God; he will make it safe forever."

I like verse 10 a lot in this Psalm: "As your name deserves, O God, you will be praised to the ends of the earth."  I have had the good fortune to travel many places on this planet, and I will admit that it always encourages me to no end when I see God being praised and worshiped in other cultures.  I always try to visit churches wherever I travel on Sundays, and I love seeing how different cultures worship God.  One of the most memorable experiences was in the Dominican Republic in a very impoverished community.  I honestly don't know that I have ever seen a congregation worship God so wholeheartedly than I did that day in the DR.  It was beautiful.  The other thing I am reminded of when traveling is that when we are in relationship with Jesus, God is always with us no matter where we go.  When we're 35,000 feet above the ground in an airplane, God is with us.  When we're in the middle of nowhere that has no church - God is with us.  So, no matter where we go, if God is with us, we have the opportunity to praise God's name to the ends of the earth!  Even if you're traveling to some far off locale where no one else around you would praise God, will you?

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 10 verse 26 teaches us: "Lazy people are a pain to their employer. They are like smoke in the eyes or vinegar that sets the teeth on edge."  I think this gives each of us a chance to reflect upon how diligently we work for our employers.  I think about this a lot.  I know there are friends of mine that surf the net at work or send personal emails or play video games.  I suppose some of this is okay, if you really are counting it as "break time" and not letting it eat into the actual hours you are supposed to be working.  I would simply say that I think this is a very slippery slope for each of us - wasting time at work on personal stuff or games on the computers.  I pray that each of us are so diligent to not start down this slope at work...  and if we are on this slope already, to get off of it immediately!   Actually, while I'm going on this tangent, I'll keep going...  :)  A friend of mine once gave me some very wise advice.  He was in a job that he really didn't like.  He knew he wouldn't be there long, and he was looking for other jobs - outside of work time.  But, when he was at this job he was still giving it 100% - he was working hard.  I asked him why he was working so hard if he knew he was leaving soon.  He simply said to me, "Mike, if you pick up bad habits in one job, let me guarantee you that you are going to carry forward those bad habits to your next job.  Don't kid yourself and think that you can turn those bad habits off overnight.  You can't.  I don't want to carry forward any bad habits when I land my dream job."  Wow... what amazing wisdom from my friend here!  I also kind of wonder that if we have bad habits at work, if they will also carry over into our personal lives?  I think they might... I think we'd all do well to meditate on this Proverb and ask ourselves are we really working an honest day's work each and every day for our employer?

Worship Video: Today's readings in Mark today about the Shema reminded me of this singing of the Shema in both Hebrew and English:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKIcvrMm8S8

Do you love the Lord your God? Click here and love Him forevermore!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: ""The most important commandment," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:29-31 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will love God today with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. Pray that you will love your neighbor as much as you love yourself. Pray that God would show you today who your neighbor is and that you will love them.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on my reflections in the OT, have you ever had volunteer duties at your church that were less than glamorous duties?  :)  Do you think that maybe these duties were actually very glamorous to God, even if they weren't glamorous to the world?  Do you make it a habit of volunteering at your church regularly?  What are some volunteer things you do for your church to help "carry the load" of your church's ministry?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

March 4th One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 2:1-3:51 ~ Mark 11:27-12:17 ~ Psalm 47:1-9 ~ Proverbs 10:24-25
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or ESV.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or Daily Audio Bible ~

Old Testament - Today in Numbers chapter 2 we read about the organization of Israel's camp!  For some reason I really like these types of chapters - chapters where we get what may seem at first glance to be "just a bunch of details" and maybe we even ask occasionally, "what's the point?"  For me, the details are the point!  I don't know about you, but I'll confess this here and now on the blog - I'm a bit of a packrat.  :)  Seriously.  And not only that - but I have seasons of crazy disorganization in my house and in my life.  And I of course remember the old adage, "cleanliness is next to godliness...."  :)  And yes, I guess I can at times feel guilty about my disorganization.  But, for some odd reason just this past few weeks I've been on an organization kick.  The homestead has been getting a serious cleaning.  I'm getting rid of stuff that I really really don't need to keep.  And then I read chapters like this in Numbers, and I realize that God is a God of order.  He likes things organized.  And I think we as followers of God do well when we get things organized in our lives too - our housekeeping, our finances, how we spend our time, etc.  Now, don't hear me say that you should be obsessive compulsive about order... :)  But...  I am seeing amazing benefits in my life of being organized.  A good overview of the camp in Numbers chapter 2 is in this image below:

New Testament - In Mark chapter 12 we read Jesus’ profound Parable of the Tenants, which exposes the planned attempt on Jesus’ life. At the end of the parable Jesus quotes from Psalm 118 verses 22 & 23 when he says in Mark chapter 12 verse 10: “Haven't you read this scripture: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”” I have heard some awesome sermons on this verse – about how our Christian lives should be based upon and aligned with the true foundational Cornerstone – and that cornerstone being Jesus Christ. Do you believe that Jesus is the cornerstone of Christianity? Is Jesus the cornerstone of your life? Do you align your life with Jesus’ teachings? Do you live your life based on being in alignment with the true Cornerstone – the only Cornerstone – Jesus? Will you pray to Jesus that He will be your Cornerstone now and forever?

Today we also read about Jesus' teaching of giving Caesar what belongs to him, and I came across this very cool image below, which shows a silver denarius coin that was from Jesus' era with Tiberius Caesar's image & name stamped on it.  The wording on this coin below reads from right to left: "TI (BERIUS) CAESAR DIVI AUG (GUSTI) F (ILIUS) AUGUSTUS" - which reads translated: "Tiberius Caesar, august son of the deified Augustus". Jesus could have been holding such a coin as below when he said in verses 15 through 17 - "Show me a Roman coin..." When they handed it to him, he asked, "Whose picture and title are stamped on it?" "Caesar's," they replied. "Well, then," Jesus said, "give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God." This reply completely amazed them."

Commentary on our Mark chapter 11 & 12 readings today are at bible.org at this link and at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 47 is an awesome Psalm!  I can almost hear and feel music and a drum beat as I read this Psalm today!  This Psalm was used in later Jewish synagogue liturgies for Rosh Hashanah, the New Year Festival.  This Psalm has also been used by the Christian church in the Celebration of Jesus' ascension, in particular with emphases on verse 5 - "God has ascended with a mighty shout. The LORD has ascended with trumpets blaring."  Do you hear and feel the music as you read this Psalm?  Verse 1 sets the stage so very well for verse 2 in the image below - "Come, everyone, and clap your hands for joy! Shout to God with joyful praise!"

Proverbs - Proverbs 10 verse 25 is a verse for each of us to meditate upon a bit - "Disaster strikes like a cyclone, whirling the wicked away, but the godly have a lasting foundation."  Do you have a lasting foundation?  Do you have a Cornerstone?

Below is an image from Proverbs 10:24 in today's readings:

Worship God: Today's readings in Mark reminded me of the song "Cornerstone" sung here by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjSQa2q94PU

Is Jesus your Cornerstone? Click here and meet the Cornerstone!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." Mark 12:17 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you would give your heart, mind, soul and strength to God today, and not to worldly things.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on my OT reflections today, are there any other closet packrats out there that will fess up in the Comments section below??  :) Or any former packrats / disorganized folks that can give us some advice in the Comments below on how you got orderly?  Do you think that God is a God of order?  Should we be a people of order?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

March 3rd One Year Bible Readings

Leviticus 27:14-Numbers 1:54 ~ Mark 11:1-26 ~ Psalm 46:1-11 ~ Proverbs 10:23
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or ESV.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or Daily Audio Bible ~

Old Testament - Today we wrap up Leviticus and transition into Numbers!  Congratulations on staying the course through the book of Leviticus!  Have you Learned to Love Leviticus this past month??  :)  Commentary on Leviticus chapter 27 by Bob Deffinbaugh titled "The Value of a Vow" is at bible.org at this link.   Numbers is an amazing book! I encourage you to reflect on words “Obedience” and “Disobedience” as we read through the book of Numbers. We’ll read much about both of these words in this book. And – I think as we read about both Moses’ and the Israelites Obedience and Disobedience, we will see many parallels in our own lives today. We have an opportunity with the book of Numbers to reflect upon where we have been both Obedient and Disobedient to God in our lives. We also have the opportunity to reflect upon the fruits and blessings of Obedience and the consequences of Disobedience – in Moses’, the Israelites, and our lives today. I hope you are ready to experience the book of Numbers!

~The Book of Numbers~
Author: Moses
Date: 1420 or 1220 B.C.
Content: This book deals with the journey of Israel from Mt. Sinai to the edge of Canaan and the Israelites’ preparation to enter the Promised Land. Because of sin and unbelief, however, they were not allowed by God to claim their inheritance but were condemned to wander in the wilderness for forty years. After the forty years they slowly made their way back to Canaan – this time ready to obey God’s commands. After winning some important battles to the east of the Jordan River, the Israelites prepared for the entrance into the land itself.
Theme: The book shows the continual faithfulness of God and the unbelievable sin of man. Israel rejected God but God remained true to his word, in leading the people through the wilderness and providing for their needs. In the New Testament the Christian life is likened to a wandering in the wilderness with the promise of a heavenly Canaan before us. (Above commentary is from “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 2-3) Excellent commentary on the Book of Numbers is at this link.

Today in Numbers chapter 1 verse 1 we read: “The LORD spoke to Moses in the Tent of Meeting in the Desert of Sinai on the first day of the second month of the second year after the Israelites came out of Egypt.” You’ll definitely notice as we read through the book of Numbers that God speaks to Moses, and through Moses to Israel. This fact is stated over 150 times and in more than 20 different ways in the book of Numbers – all the way from this first verse above until the very last verse of Numbers in chapter 36 verse 13 – “These are the commands and regulations the LORD gave through Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho.” The Israelites were dependent on Moses at that time to hear from God. How do you hear from God in your life today? Do you believe that you are hearing from God as you read the Bible? Do you believe that you can hear from God during times of prayer? Do you believe that today you can hear from God through your faith in Jesus and in your participation in the body of Christ, the church? Are you hearing from God today? Do you want to hear from God today?

New Testament - Today in Mark chapter 11 we read about Jesus' Triumphal entry in Jerusalem!  This entry is an important transition point in Jesus' ministry, in large part because it is the last week of Jesus' life, which inaugurates Passion Week.  But also because Jesus' ministry will now be focused in the confines of Jerusalem, the Holy City.  Jesus' triumphal entry is a deliberate Messianic action and the clue to its understanding is found in Zechariah chapter 9 verse 9: "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." Hosanna in the highest!  (Hosanna is a Hebrew expression meaning “Save!” which became an exclamation of praise).  Commentary on Mark chapter 11 readings for today by Bob Deffinbaugh titled "The Triumphal Tragedy" is at bible.org at this link. 

Today we read in verse 17: "Jesus taught them, "The Scriptures declare, `My Temple will be called a place of prayer for all nations,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves.""

Below is a great image for Mark 11:25 in today's readings:

Psalms - Today we read Psalm 46, which is an incredible Psalm! This Psalm represents a song of hope celebrating the certain triumph of God’s kingdom – even in the midst of times of severe trouble. This Psalm served as the inspiration for Martin Luther’s famous Hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” Just after 9/11 I saw emails and posts on the internet floating around with the entirety of this Psalm. I would encourage you to keep this Psalm in your “back-pocket” as a Psalm to meditate upon whenever you personally might be going through times of severe trouble – or whenever our world might be going through times of severe trouble. Near the end of Psalm 46 in verse 10 we read a tiny little verse that I think is the key to this Psalm – “Be still, and know that I am God.” If you are going through a time of trouble in your life right now, will you take some time to meditate upon Psalm 46 and in particular verse 10? 

Proverbs - Today in Proverbs chapter 10 verse 23 we read: “Doing wrong is fun for a fool, while wise conduct is a pleasure to the wise.” This is one of those convicting Proverbs for me, as I have found myself on both sides of this coin. In my past, I’ve had fun in doing wrong. And in recent years I have found wise conduct to be a pleasure. As I’ve walked along the Way of following Jesus, I do know that I’m spending more time than ever enjoying wise conduct – thanks to the grace of God. However, this Proverb still makes me really examine how I am living my life today. Have I really stopped finding pleasure in doing wrong? Are there still some subtle ways perhaps that I am having fun doing wrong? Am I still acting foolishly at times? How about you? How does this Proverb speak to you? Have you found yourself on both sides of this coin? What does wise conduct look like to you in your life today? Will you seek to live a life of wise conduct? I believe we cannot live this life of wise conduct solely on our strength. Will you pray unceasingly to God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit to give you the grace and strength to live a life of wise conduct?

Worship Video: Based on my Psalm 46 reflections above, here's Steve Green in 1987 singing an incredible acapella version of Martin Luther's "A Mighty Fortress is our God:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRJHKzU_t1M

Is God your mighty fortress? Click here and be strengthened!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will be still today. Pray that you will seek God in the stillness. Pray that you will know without a doubt that Jesus is God.

Comments from You & Question of the Day - Back to Psalm 46 verse 10 - “Be still, and know that I am God.”  What does it mean to you to “Be still, and know that I am God?” Do you believe that being still during times of trouble can draw you closer to God? Will you be still today before God? In this stillness will you seek to know that He is indeed God? Even in the midst of whatever might be troubling you, will you seek to know that I AM is your God?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

March 2nd One Year Bible Readings

Leviticus 25:47-27:13 ~ Mark 10:32-52 ~ Psalm 45:1-17 ~ Proverbs 10:22
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or ESV.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or Daily Audio Bible ~

Old Testament - Today in Leviticus chapter 25 we finish up reading about the Year of Jubilee.  I don't know what it is about the Year of Jubilee, but for some reason I really like the concept of it!  I actually read a commentary that said there is no evidence that the Year of Jubilee was actually ever carried out, which made me a bit sad.  However, that same commentary suggested that the Year of Jubilee was ultimately fulfilled through the life of Jesus, as Jesus himself quotes this very Year-of-Jubilee-ic :) sounding verse from Isaiah in Luke chapter 4 verses 18-21: "“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” Then Jesus rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”"  Whaddya think?  Think the concept of the Year of Jubilee was indeed fulfilled in the life of Jesus?  I do.  And we don't need to count down 50 years from now until the next Year of Jubilee.  The Year of Jubilee is available to each of one of us today!  I came across this beautiful piece of artwork below called "Year of Jubilee" - see anything in this artwork that might be pointing toward Jesus?

Leviticus chapter 26 is a great look at the blessings of obedience and punishments for disobedience.  As I read through the punishments for disobedience my mind instantly went to where, later in the Bible, Israel would indeed walk down the path of disobedience - and ultimately be punished with the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile into Babylon.  For those going through the One Year Bible for more than the first time, I am sure you probably recognized this as well.  What is interesting to keep in mind that these words of God were written by Moses nearly 1,000 years before the Babylonian exile.  This reminded me again of how powerful God's Word truly is - and how true it really is.  And it reminded me that even in our modern times, the Bible is still truth, and the teachings of Jesus are still relevant now 2,000 years later...  Truth is truth.  We may be inconsistent, but God is not.  Are you walking in the path of obedience in your relationship with God?  Are you walking in Truth?

Verses 44 & 45 in this chapter stood out to me as a reminder that even though God punishes disobedience, he leaves room for repentance and he allows for a remnant to carry on the covenant: ""But despite all this, I will not utterly reject or despise them while they are in exile in the land of their enemies. I will not cancel my covenant with them by wiping them out. I, the LORD, am their God. I will remember my ancient covenant with their ancestors, whom I brought out of Egypt while all the nations watched. I, the LORD, am their God."  And verses 12 & 13 in this chapter are awesome: "I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people. I, the LORD, am your God, who brought you from the land of Egypt so you would no longer be slaves. I have lifted the yoke of slavery from your neck so you can walk free with your heads held high."  Do you believe that God walks among us today?  Is God your God?  And are you His?  Has the yoke of slavery from sin been lifted from your neck?  Are you walking free today with your head held high?

New Testament -  In Mark chapter 10 verse 33 today we read Jesus' third and last prediction of his death to the disciples in Mark's Gospel.  You'll note the two previous predictions are at Mark 8:31 & 9:31.  Crucifixion is not explicitly stated by Jesus in this verse, but it is implied in that he states he will be handed over to the Romans.  The Romans in this era killed non-Romans via crucifixion.

Verse 45 I think is such an important verse in the Bible for us to really meditate upon and understand, as this verse summarizes Jesus' ministry and purpose so succinctly and powerfully: "For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many."  Jesus was not your typical "King - who lords it over the people beneath him".  He did not come to be served.  But to serve.  And he gave his life as a ransom for our sins.  Via crucifixion.  For some reason in this Lenten / pre-Easter season I am thinking more and more about Jesus' Passion and what he did for each of us on the cross.  It's really really humbling to think about.  But so good I think for each of us to reflect upon the ransom that was paid for us by Jesus.  The Suffering Servant.  The King.  The Savior of the World.

In today's readings we read about Jesus healing Bartimaeus, who was blind.  You'll notice that Bartimaeus seems to have a very "expectant" faith!  He expects that Jesus will heal him.  But, it's not expectation alone that demonstrates his faith in Jesus - Bartimaeus verbalizes that Jesus is the Messiah, when he calls him "Son of David!" in verse 48.  It was known that the Messiah would be a descendant of King David, and Bartimaeus clearly believed.  Is there anything today you can learn from Bartimaeus and his expectant faith? 

Psalms - Psalm 45 is very likely a song of praise to King David on his wedding day.  Interestingly, after the Babylonian exile, this Psalm was applied to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the promised Son of David.  I can see how some verses in this Psalm could apply to both the current king of the day and the true king yet to come.  Verse 7 is a good example: "You love what is right and hate what is wrong. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else."  Below is Mary's (Martha's sister) anointing of Jesus from the Gospel of John chapter 12 verses 1-8.   

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 10 verse 22 is short but powerful!  "The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it."  I love that thought - we should have no sorrow with the blessings God gives!  God does not add the sorrow.  We might...  but, with God's blessings should come joy and thanksgiving and praise!  What are 3 things in your life today that God has blessed you with?  Will you take a moment to be joyful in these blessings, and thank and praise God for them?

Worship Video: Today's readings in Mark reminded me of the fantastic song "True Love" by Phil Wickham. Here's a great live version of the song. Make sure you watch past the short opening interview and worship to this powerful song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL7Uo__ss7g

Do you know your True Love? Click here for Love Eternal!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:43-45 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not seek to be served in this life, but will instead seek to serve. Pray that you will have a servant's heart. Pray that you will serve like Jesus served.

Comments from You:  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

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

March 1st One Year Bible Readings

Leviticus 24:1-25:46 ~ Mark 10:13-31 ~ Psalm 44:9-26 ~ Proverbs 10:20-21
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link ESV.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or Daily Audio Bible ~

Old Testament - We begin month 3 of our One Year Bible readings today!  Whoo-hoo!  Congratulations!  Today in Leviticus chapter 24 we read the well known law of retaliation from verses 19 & 20: "Anyone who injures another person must be dealt with according to the injury inflicted-- fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Whatever anyone does to hurt another person must be paid back in kind."  I've read commentaries that say that this law of retaliation was actually compassionate for its time - in that it limited what one person could to another person in a very lawless age.  If you lost an eye, you could take an eye - but you could not kill in return, for example.  So, I see the logic behind saying that the law of retaliation limited punishments.... but, I also think we would do well to remember Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount where he quotes from Leviticus 24 verse 20 in Matthew chapter 5 verse 38 & 39: "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."  Jesus teaches that there is a higher law of love that is better than the law of retaliation. Commentary on Leviticus chapter 24 titled "The Lamp, the Loaves and The Loudmouth" :) is at Bible.org at this link.  Commentary on Leviticus chapter 25 is at this link and at this link.

Well, I learned something new!  This is pretty awesome - the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is so named because this statement from Leviticus chapter 25 verse 10 is written on the bell: "Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof."  (which you won't be able to see well in this photo below - I believe the inscription is around the top of the bell, where you'll see 2 lines near the top and can make out the word "Proclaim.") 

In Leviticus 25 verses 9 & 10 today we read: "Then on the Day of Atonement of the fiftieth year, blow the trumpets loud and long throughout the land. This year will be set apart as holy, a time to proclaim release for all who live there. It will be a jubilee year for you, when each of you returns to the lands that belonged to your ancestors and rejoins your clan."

New Testament - Today in Mark chapter 10 we read about the Rich Man.  I have heard plenty of sermons on this passage of scripture and read a bunch of commentaries.  The message is probably not that every Christian needs to sell all they have, give to the poor, and you'll have treasure in heaven.  However... this could be the message for some of us.  Basically, the message is more along the lines of what in your life are you holding on so tight to, that you need to let go of?  What are you worshiping?  What are you letting stand in the way of your relationship with Jesus?  And what must you let go of?  What's your "camel" that's holding you back?  It might be money or material possessions.  It could be an addiction.  It could be status.  It could be anger.  It could be lust.  I don't know what it is for you - that's between you and Jesus.  But, can you let your "camel" go, so that you won't be like this camel here trying to get through the eye of a needle...  :)

Psalms - Every time I read Psalm 44 verse 23 it reminds me of one of the amazing aspects of the Psalms - that the Psalms are people like us speaking to God - and in all sorts of emotional ways: "Wake up, O Lord! Why do you sleep? Get up! Do not reject us forever." This type of verse reminds me that it's okay for us to not always talk to God in our "church voice."  It's okay to get a little bit passionate in our prayers to God.  I think God would prefer us to be real with him - where we are right now or at any given moment - rather than try to put on any special facades for God.  If ever you feel like you are at a loss for words for what you might want to say to God - how you might be needing to pray to God - surf through the Psalms...  you'll very likely find voice for what you are trying to say. 

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 10 verses 20 & 21 are interesting - they are both about the words that come out of the mouths of the godly - "sterling silver" & "good advice".  I pray that each one of us would grow more and more in our relationship with the God, so that our words are indeed like sterling silver and that we give good advice.

Worship Video: My Leviticus reflections above, and particularly that eye photo, reminded me of the song "Open the Eyes of My Heart."  Here's Michael W. Smith's live version.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSTJqhlDQrY

Are the eyes of your heart opened? Click here and open your eyes!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: "Jesus said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them." Mark 10:14-16 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will have faith like a child. Pray that you will always bless and serve and teach children in your life.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What is your take on the Rich Man / Rich Young Ruler?  Why do you think Jesus said he should sell all he had and give to the poor?  Are there areas in your life where Jesus has asked you to give up something?  Maybe something material or maybe something more like an addiction or obsession, etc.?  Have you obeyed Jesus in this regard?  Was it a blessing to obey Jesus?  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

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