~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
Numbers 36:1-Deut. 1:46 ~ Luke 5:29-6:11 ~ Psalm 66:1-20 ~ Proverbs 11:24-26
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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?
Worship God: As it is Resurrection Sunday, below is a great video of the Resurrection Story from Matthew Chapter 28 set to artwork. The audio for this clip comes from The Bible Experience, a fantastic audio Bible.
Do you know our Resurrected Lord? Click here for Resurrection!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
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
Happy to you and your family Mike.
Posted by: Amrita | March 22, 2008 at 08:22 PM
Sorry meant Happy Easter to you
Posted by: Amrita | March 22, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Hugs are great you never know when the last time that person your hugging may have had any kind of human contact. At least the good kind.People are so busy these days it's easy to forget that there are people right in front of you that need to be loved by some one.Make that some one you, they may be resissent at frist but don't give up it won't be long before they will be looking for you because they know you care.
God Bless and Keep on Hugging.
Posted by: Kathy | March 23, 2008 at 05:19 AM
Happy Easter to all.
Here is my most favorite verses in the whole Bible:
Luke 24
The Resurrection
1) On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2) They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3) but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4) While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5) In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6) He is not here; HE HAS RISEN! (emphasis added) NIV
HE HAS RISEN!
These three words are so powerful. These three words give my heart and soul peace and rest. Jesus defeated death so that we will not have to die. Death has no power over us who believe in Jesus.
Happy Easter to all and remember with a joyous heart; HE HAS RISEN!
Yours in Christ,
Skip
Posted by: | March 23, 2008 at 06:53 AM
Happy Easter Mike!
Thanks for your wonderful blog...
One great hug I remember is the hug of the father to his prodigal son....which is exactly the heart of God towards each of us.....
Sinners as we are but He is still hugging and loving and waiting for us to return
God Bless
Maged
Posted by: Maged | March 23, 2008 at 12:24 PM