One Year Bible Blog

March 21st One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 32:1-33:39 ~ Luke 4:31-5:11 ~ Psalm 64:1-10 ~ Proverbs 11:22
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on OneYearAudioBible.org or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Today in Numbers chapter 32 verse 23 we read this strong warning from Moses to the Reubenites & Gadites about their promise to fight with Israel and their desire to settle in the land east of the Jordan river: "But if you fail to keep your word, then you will have sinned against the LORD, and you may be sure that your sin will find you out."  I think this is powerful for us to keep in mind in our lives today as well!  It's important for us to keep our word!  If we're not sure we can keep our word, we shouldn't give it.  But if we do give our word, and we fail to keep it, we have sinned.  And I do believe the sin will still find us out today.  How are you at keeping your word these days?  Is there an area of your life where you gave your word and you now are wavering?  Can you keep your word in that area?  Will you pray to God to give you strength to do so?  Let us not be people who fail to keep our word or who stretch the truth!

Chapter 33 is a great re-cap of Israel's journey!  Check out a great map of Israel's journey and commentary at this link.  And another full sized map of Israel's journey is at this link, and a smaller sized map is below:

New Testament - In Luke chapter 5 verses 10 & 11 we read - "From now on you'll be fishing for people!" And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus."  Can you imagine being called by Jesus like this?  If you were called by Jesus to stop your "work" that you are doing now and instead work to bring people closer to God, would you do so?  Can you imagine yourself today being like these disciples and leaving everything and following Jesus?

Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 4's readings today titled "Deity Confronts the Demons" is at this link and commentary on chapter 5's readings today entitled "How to Hook a Fisherman" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 64 verse 10 is beautiful - "The godly will rejoice in the LORD and find shelter in him."  Do you consider God a shelter for your life?  When storms come into your life, do you find shelter in God?  How about the Bible?  Is the Bible a sort of shelter in your life?  Do you find refuge in the Bible?

Bible.org's commentary on Psalm 64 titled "A Prayer for Protection from the Conspiracy of Terror" is at this link.

Proverbs - Proverbs 11:22 today teaches us - "A woman who is beautiful but lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig's snout."  Well, I looked at the TNIV to see if "woman" might be changed to "person", but it wasn't.  I think this Proverb can apply to men too.  I think we are all beautiful, as sons & daughters of God!  We are made in the image of God.  And when we lack discretion in our God-given lives, then we indeed are like this image below!  :)

Worship God: Luke chapter 5 reminds me of Steven Curtis Chapman's great song "For the Sake of the Call."  Here's a great live version of this song featuring 5 missionaries:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22F7U3sJp28

Will you abandon it all for the sake of the call?  Click here for the call! 

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him." Luke 5:10-11 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will follow Jesus. Pray that you will leave everything else in this life that does not line up with Jesus call for your life and for God's glory.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Based on our readings in Luke today, do you believe that Jesus still calls his followers to be fishers of people today?  Are you a fisher of people?  How are you fishing for people for the Lord in your life today?  What are some ways that Jesus might be calling you to fish for people today?  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

March 20th One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 30:1-31:54 ~ Luke 4:1-30 ~ Psalm 63:1-11 ~ Proverbs 11:20-21
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on OneYearAudioBible.org or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Today in Numbers chapter 30 we read about the various complexities of vows, particularly related to women making vows. (and how their fathers or husbands can void them on day 1, etc.)  Apparently the Jewish system and tradition of vows and what counts and didn't count got even more complex over the years between this chapter in Numbers and when Jesus was born.  I love that in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus simplifies the whole complex system of vows!  Check out Matthew chapter 5 verses 33 through 37 where Jesus says: "“You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one."  Let's let our yes simply mean yes and our no's simply mean no's!

Below is an image for Numbers chapter 31 verses 11 & 12: "After they had gathered the plunder and captives, both people and animals, they brought them all to Moses and Eleazar the priest, and to the whole community of Israel, which was camped on the plains of Moab beside the Jordan River, across from Jericho." 

New Testament - Today we read about the temptation of Jesus.  This is a powerful narrative for each of us to consider.  We all obviously face temptations in our life.  Jesus faced temptations as well.  The difference of course is that Jesus did not give into the temptations.  He did not sin.  I love the fact that Jesus combated the devil's temptations with the Word of God, the Bible.  We each would do well to pay attention to how powerful the Word is in thwarting the devil's temptations of us today.  Here's a very amazing image I found below, with a look at Jesus being tempted by the devil.  Check out the cloud of temptation above him... the devil.  Ever feel this cloud of temptation hovering above you?  I know I have...  And I know that faith in Jesus, calling upon Jesus' name, and bringing to mind the Word of God in times of darkness & temptation can send this cloud away from us!

Bob Deffinbaugh at Bible.org has 4 great commentaries on the temptation of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke at this link, and at this link, and at this link, and at this link.  And his look at verses 14 through 30 in Luke chapter 4 titled "On Prophets and Popularity" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 63 is beautiful!  So many amazing verses...  The imagery in verse 1 is fantastic - "O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water."  Do you earnestly search for God in your life?  Each and every day?  Does your soul literally thirst for God?  Does your whole body long for God in this dry and weary land...

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 11 verse 20 today teaches us: "The LORD hates people with twisted hearts, but he delights in those who have integrity."  I find it interesting that this Proverb talks about twisted hearts.  I pray that our hearts are not twisted!  If they are twisted at all, I pray we allow God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit, the great surgeons, to untwist us.  Only They truly can!

Worship God: Psalm 63 reminds me of the song "Rain Down" by Delirious. Here's a great live version:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54L_OWKsLBs

Do you want God's rain?  Click here for rain!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water." Psalm 63:1 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that your soul is thirsting for God today. Pray that your body is longing for God today. Pray for ultimate and eternal satisfaction in God alone.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day: When faced with temptation in your life, have you ever brought to mind the Word of God?  Did this change things?  Do you believe that the Word of God can help us combat temptation in our life?  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

March 19th One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 28:16-29:40 ~ Luke 3:23-38 ~ Psalm 62:1-12 ~ Proverbs 11:18-19
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on OneYearAudioBible.org or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - I read an interesting commentary today that said the giving of the instructions of the offerings for the festivals in today's readings was done as part of the transfer of power from Moses to Joshua that was coming up soon.  As we saw in yesterday's readings with the census, there are 600,000 men about to enter the Promised Land - potentially 2 million or so total including women & children - who these instructions for the offerings for the festivals were given by Moses from God, as we see in chapter 29 verse 40 today: "So Moses gave all of these instructions to the people of Israel, just as the LORD had commanded him."  Below is a nice image of the Jewish calendar and major festivals that I've posted up before, but I think serves well for today's readings to review again:

An image is below for Numbers chapter 29 verse 1: "The Festival of Trumpets will be celebrated on the appointed day in early autumn each year. You must call a solemn assembly of all the people on that day, and no regular work may be done."

New Testament - You'll notice that Luke's genealogy in chapter 3 today is different from the genealogy in Matthew chapter 1 in a couple of ways: 1.  Matthew starts with Abraham and goes to Jesus & Luke starts with Jesus and goes all the way back to Adam.  This was done by Luke to show Jesus' relationship to the entire human race.  Matthew focused more on Jesus' relationship with the Jews by going back to Abraham.  2. Matthew traces Jesus legal genealogy through his father Joseph back to Solomon son of David, while Luke traces Jesus bloodline through his mother Mary back to Nathan son of David.  This is an interesting slight distinction.  Line up Luke & Matthew's genealogies and you'll see the differences in the names between David & Jesus.  Below is an image of Luke's genealogy of Jesus, from the Book of Kells transcribed by Celtic monks circa 800:

Bible.org's commentary on the genealogy of Jesus is at this link.

Psalms - Today we read in Psalm 62 verse 11 - "God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times: Power, O God, belongs to you." This is a powerful verse - no pun intended. . .  :)  Really, think about it. Where does power come from? Who gives power? Who takes it away? I think it is such a blessing when we truly understand this verse and then live it out. When we realize that we really have no power of our own. Any power - any thing - we have comes from God and God alone. And thank God for that. It's when we start believing we create or own or control power that we begin to get prideful or we'll misuse the power given to us. I think a great teaching on where power truly comes from comes from Jesus when he is before Pilate in John chapter 19 verses 10 & 11 - "“Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above."" Where do you think your power to do anything at all comes from? Do you believe it was given to you from above? If so, how might truly realizing this change how you live your life? How might it change how you utilize the power given to you?

Proverbs - Today Proverbs chapter 11 verse 18 teaches us: “Those who sow righteousness reap a sure reward."

Worship God: Today's Proverb reminds me of Casting Crowns song "If We are the Body."  Here's a great live version of that song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYbGMQ5Y3Uo

Are you the Body?  Click here to meet the Head of the Body! 

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times: Power, O God, belongs to you." Psalm 62:11 NLT

Prayer Point: Pray that you would not rely on your own power, but will rely only on God's power in you. Pray that you will always humbly know that power belongs to God alone.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Proverb today, are you sowing righteousness in your life?  How are you sowing righteousness in your life?  Do you love others at the same level you love yourself?  Are you working diligently for your employer?  Are you serving the poor? Do you believe that the farming analogy of sowing and reaping in this Proverb is true?  And like any good farming analogy, will you patiently sow and patiently await the time of reaping of your sure reward?  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 18th One Year Bible Readings

~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
Numbers 26:52-28:15 ~ Luke 3:1-22 ~ Psalm 61:1-8 ~ Proverbs 11:16-17
~ Listen to today's Scripture on OneYearAudioBible.org or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament: Today in Numbers we read a powerful narrative about how Joshua was to succeed Moses. Jesus' name comes from Joshua, which means, "Jehovah is salvation." Makes a lot of sense for Jesus' name... Is Jesus your salvation? Below is a great image for Numbers Chapter 27 verses 16-17:

New Testament: I always love reading about John the Baptizer! John is sometimes referred to as the "last Old Testament prohet." Jesus said this about John in Luke 16:16 - "The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John." Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophets, priests and kings. I find it very helpful to know Jesus is my Prophet, Priest and King. Prophets in the Old Testament typically preached repentance from sins, and John was no exception to this rule in our readings in Luke chapter 3 today. John preached repentance! Have you repented from your sins? Is your life showing the fruits of your repentance?

Commentary from Bible.org on Luke chapter 3's readings today titled "John the Baptizer" is at this link.

Psalms - Today we read Psalm 61, which has some powerful verses for us to meditate upon when the storms of life come crashing down upon us. This Psalm reminds us of who is indeed our true Rock – our true Refuge. Verses 1 through 5 are so powerful to meditate upon when you are going through a storm in your life –

“Hear my cry, O God;
  listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you,
    I call as my heart grows faint;
    lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge,
    a strong tower against the foe.
I long to dwell in your tent forever
    and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
For you have heard my vows, O God;
    you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.”

Proverbs: Today's Proverbs remind us to be kind! How's your kindness going these days?

Worship God: Psalm 61 today reminded me of the Hillsong United beautiful song called "Shadow of Your Wings:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6joOPChOYo

Are you looking for shelter?  Click here for His safe Wings! 

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "And the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." Luke 3:22 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray for more of the Holy Spirit in your life. Pray that you life will be pleasing to God.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Psalm today, do you cry out to God in prayer during the storms in your life? When your heart grows faint, do you call on God’s holy name, and allow him to lead you to his Rock? Do you believe that God can be your refuge? Your strong tower against the foe? Do you long to dwell in God’s house forever? Do you long to take refuge in the shelter of God’s wings?  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

March 17th One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 26:1-51 ~ Luke 2:36-52 ~ Psalm 60:1-12 ~ Proverbs 11:15
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on OneYearAudioBible.org or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

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!

YouTube - Luke 2:49 today reminds me of Audio Adrenaline's song "Big House:" :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omoOLhDdTPA

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" Luke 2:49 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will look for Jesus today in his Father's house, heaven, seated at His Father's right hand side in glory. Pray that you won't ever need to search for Jesus, but know that He is with you always, even to the very end of the age.

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

March 16th One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 24:1-25:18 ~ Luke 2:1-35 ~ Psalm 59:1-17 ~ Proverbs 11:14
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on OneYearAudioBible.org or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Today in Numbers chapter 24 we read about Balaam’s prophecies!  Verse 17 is thought to be prophetic of Jesus: "I see him, but not in the present time.  I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel. It will crush the foreheads of Moab's people, cracking the skulls of the people of Sheth."  Tyndale's commentary today suggests that the star rising from Jacob may be the prophecy that convinced the wise men to travel to Israel in search of the newborn Jesus.  Here's an image of Balaam prophesying over Israel's camp:  (and of course Balak looking horrified over this blessing that Balaam is giving)

And just when it looks like Balaam was turning out to be maybe not so bad in chapter 24... we get to chapter 25...  In chapter 25 we read about Israel's sin in worshiping Baal and their sexual immorality.  What we don't find out until Numbers chapter 31 verse 16 is that Balaam was the principal instigator of the idea of leading Israel toward this sexual sin & idolatry: "They were the ones who followed Balaam's advice and were the means of turning the Israelites away from the LORD in what happened at Peor, so that a plague struck the LORD's people." Revelation chapter 2 verse 14 also refers to Balaam's hand in the incidents that took place: "Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality."  Reading about these incidents in chapter 25 today - do you think people today still live in this tension of serving God versus being seduced by idols?  What saves us from this tension?

Bob Deffinbaugh's take on Chapter 25 and Balaam's behind the scenes work is at Bible.org at this link and leads off with, "Balaam’s Advice: “If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em!”" is at this link.

New Testament - Okay, any fans out there of Charlie Brown's Christmas Special recognize anything here from Luke chapter 2?? :)  Yes, indeed, Linus' speech to Charlie Brown about the meaning of Christmas comes straight from the KJV of this chapter, Luke 2:8-14.  Great speech Linus! 

One thing that seems to be standing out to me quite a bit in reading Luke this year is how much Luke writes about Mary.   I like how Luke gives us a little bit more of a glimpse of the mother of Jesus in his Gospel.  We saw this obviously in our readings 2 days ago about the Magnificat.  And then today we read about Mary listening to the shepherds' words in verse 19: "Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often."  And then in verses 34 & 35 today we read: "Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, "This child will be rejected by many in Israel, and it will be their undoing. But he will be the greatest joy to many others. Thus, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.""  This last sentence of Simeon's seems to be the first glimpse of Jesus' suffering and death that will come later in his life....  Here's a nice image of Simeon holding Jesus:

Bible.org commentary on Luke chapter 2 titled "The Birth of the Messiah" is at this link, and "Acclamations of the Birth of Christ" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 59 has some powerful imagery of the "night of danger" in verse 14 and the "morning of deliverance" in verse 16 - "But as for me, I will sing about your power. I will shout with joy each morning because of your unfailing love."  I like that thought - shouting for joy each morning because of God's unfailing love.  I pray that in some way I "shout" for joy each morning because of God's love.  How about you?  Do you in some way "shout" for joy each morning because of God?

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 11 verse 14 teaches us today: "Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers." This is a great teaching that it is wise to seek the counsel of others!  Whether it is a nation or in our own lives, this is wise advice.  We can't figure it all out on our own.  We need many others in our lives to help counsel us along The Way.  We certainly need the Bible to help counsel us along The Way...

YouTube - Based on my reference above to Linus telling Charlie Brown about the true meaning of Christmas in Luke Chapter 2, here's the clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKk9rv2hUfA

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will treasure all of the Words of Scripture that you are reading this year and that you will often ponder the Word in your heart.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Proverb today, do you have advisers in your life today?  Are there times that you try to figure things out just on your own rather than consulting advisers?  Which way works better?  Has the counsel of advisers in your life ever changed how you might have approached a situation on your own?  If you don't have advisers in your life, do you think you should?  Where do you think you can find wise advisers these days?  In church?  In a small group?  In a Bible study?  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 15th One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 22:21-23:30 ~ Luke 1:57-80 ~ Psalm 58:1-11 ~ Proverbs 11:12-13
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on OneYearAudioBible.org or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Today in Numbers chapter 22 we read about Balaam’s talking donkey! Yes, this is a very unique portion of scripture, and, yes, one we can learn from. In verses 27 & 28 we read: “When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he was angry and beat her with his staff. Then the LORD opened the donkey's mouth, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?"  There is a lot going on in the verses leading up to this point, and in the verses thereafter – which you can study more at this link . I think one thing for us to pay attention to here is how we are sometimes saved from a bad situation by what at first glance appears to be an “inconvenience.” A donkey laying down and starting to talk is inconvenient to Balaam. But, this talking donkey saved Balaam from an angel with a sword in hand that Balaam could not see. Are there perhaps “inconveniences” in your life today that are maybe saving you from a bad situation? Or, do you recognize inconveniences in the past that saved you from a bad situation? I know I have. If my car breaks down or I get sick or I miss a flight – all inconveniences – I try to remind myself that it might just be possible that this inconvenience was meant to be. It may have saved me from something much worse happening. The inconvenience – the “talking donkey” – may have actually saved me from something I could not see. Keep your eyes open for inconvenient “talking donkeys” in your life :) – and praise God for them when they appear! Here's Rembrandt's take on Balaam's talking donkey from the year 1626:

Bible.org commentary on Balaam in chapters 22 & 23 is at this link.

New Testament - I love Zechariah's prophecy in today's readings in Luke chapter 1!  In particular verses 76-79 when speaking about his son John the Baptist: "And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God's tender mercy, the light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.""  Amen!  Below is Leonardo Da Vinci's portrait of John the Baptist from the year 1516:

Bible.org's commentary on our readings in Luke today titled "Why John Was Not Named 'Little Zach'" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 58 verse 11 stood out to me today - ""There truly is a reward for those who live for God; surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth.""  I think this is wise for us to remember that God indeed judges.  We don't.  We shouldn't.  But God indeed judges justly.  This verse also brings up the question - are we living for God?  If so, what will our reward be?  Are you looking forward to the reward?

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 11 verses 12 & 13 today talk about how foolish it is to belittle a neighbor or gossip about others.  I have to admit - these verses are convicting to me today - as I've been doing this recently.  It makes me sad to realize that I have, but I have.  I pray that instead of me thinking I am so righteous that I can talk behind someone's back that I will instead remain silent.  I pray for silence upon my tongue when it comes to gossip or belittling others...

YouTube - Today's Psalm reminds me of the Matthew West song "Only Grace:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_4pMBU58e8

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" Numbers 23:19 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will trust God completely. Pray that you will see God's promises made and promised kept in the Bible this year, and in your life.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on my reflections in Numbers today, have you ever had any "talking donkey" experiences in your life?  An experience that at first glance was a huge inconvenience to you, but in retrospect was an incredible blessing from God?  Basically, have you ever had a blessing in disguise?  Do you think God still can use "talking donkey" experiences in our lives today to get our attention?  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 14th One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 21:1-22:20 ~ Luke 1:26-56 ~ Psalm 57:1-11 ~ Proverbs 11:9-11
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on OneYearAudioBible.org or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Today in Numbers chapter 22 we read about Balak sending for Balaam - hoping Balaam will curse the Israelites.   Balak sends messengers the 1st time and Balaam gets a message from God to not go with these messengers, as God has blessed the Israelites.  What is interesting to me are verses 15-17: "Then Balak tried again. This time he sent a larger number of even more distinguished officials than those he had sent the first time. They went to Balaam and gave him this message: "This is what Balak son of Zippor says: Please don't let anything stop you from coming. I will pay you well and do anything you ask of me. Just come and curse these people for me!"  For some reason these verses really reminded me of temptation in our lives today.  Like Balaam with the messengers on their first visit, we may realize something is not what God would want us to do - and we send the temptation away.  But...  then the temptation can come back!  In a bigger way - with more distinguished officials than before... with more allure than before...  the temptation that we resisted once so valiantly can come back.  And then, the question becomes - with the opportunity to be "paid well" by the temptation, will we still resist the temptation?  Can we resist the temptation a 2nd time?  Through Jesus, our mediator before our Heavenly Father, yes, I know we can.  If temptation has visited you once - or twice - or even many times - will you pray to God today in the name of Jesus that temptation will never overcome you?

Bible.org's commentary on Balaam and Numbers chapter 22 is at this link.

New Testament - In Luke chapter 1 verses 46 through 55 we read an amazing hymn known as Mary’s Song or the Magnificat, which means “glorifies” in the Latin Vulgate translation. This is indeed a song from the mother of Jesus that glorifies God in a beautiful way. As you read through this song, below, please meditate upon its words. And maybe ask yourself this – are there ways in your life that you “sing songs” like this to God? Maybe it’s not through literal song – but maybe you praise God through loving others, through serving others, through art, through prayer, through your church, and this list could go on… What is your unique way of glorifying God? Do you want to glorify God with all you do in your life?  Please take a few moments to mediate upon the glorious words of Mary’s Song:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
      and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
      of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
      for the Mighty One has done great things for me–
      holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
      from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
      he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
      but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
      but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
      remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
      even as he said to our fathers.”

Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 1 titled "The Worship of Two Women" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 57 verse 8 is amazing - "Wake up, my soul!"  What 4 great words. . . wake up my soul!  Do you ever feel like you need to say this to your soul?  I know that I have in my past.  There have been times in my life where I have felt spiritually asleep.  Just completely slumbering. . .  and I have begged my soul to wake up!  Fortunately, I finally learned that I could not wake up my soul on it's own.  I needed the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to wake up my soul. . .  and the Spirit keeps it awake today.  If you feel that you need your soul to wake up, will you prayer to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to indwell your soul and to wake it up?

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 11 verse 11 today teaches us: "Upright citizens bless a city and make it prosper."  This is a great reminder to each of us to be good citizens and to bless our cities!

YouTube: Proverbs 11:11 today reminds me of fantastic Bluetree song "God of this City:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1YECQwk1_g

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart." Proverbs 11:11 NLT

Prayer Point: Pray for your city. Pray that you will be an upright citizen in your city. Pray against wicked talk. Pray that everyone in your city will come to know Jesus, and will enter the heavenly city of Jerusalem one day.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Proverb verse above, are you striving to be an upright citizen blessing your city and helping to make it prosper?  What are some ways that you are doing so?  Do you see spiritual issues in your city today?  How are you helping to right those spiritual wrongs in your city?  Do you pray for your city regularly?  Do you think you should?  Will you join me in praying for our cities?  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

March 13th One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 19:1-20:29 ~ Luke 1:1-25 ~ Psalm 56:1-13 ~ Proverbs 11:8
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on OneYearAudioBible.org or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Today in Numbers chapter 20 verse 12 we read about God pronouncing that Moses & Aaron would not enter the Promised Land - "But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!""  Why did this happen?  Well, it's best to stick with Scripture - God says that Moses & Aaron did not trust God enough.  They did not trust God enough to demonstrate his holiness to the people of Israel.  Thus they will not lead them into the Promised Land.  Where was the lack of trust?   Go back to verse 8 and you'll see God tell Moses to "command the rock" for water - command meaning verbally... then in verse 11 we see Moses strike the rock twice - not using the verbal command God instructed him on, but using an action.   There also may have been a pride issue when Moses in verse 10 says "must we bring you water from this rock?"  You'll notice the little word WE - We being Moses & Aaron? -this is probably not the way to best recognize God for God bringing water out of the rock...  It looks like Moses is taking credit.   How about us in our lives today?  Are there times when we disobey God's direct commands to us?  Are there times when we take credit for God's work?  Even if we generally follow God's instructions - as Moses clearly does for the majority of his life - should we be on constant watch that we do not disobey God?

New Testament - Today we begin the Gospel of Luke!

Author: Luke
Place: Perhaps Caesarea
Date: A.D. 60-65
Content: Luke was a physician and a traveling companion of the Apostle Paul. He wrote his Gospel for a cultured Greek named Theophilus in order to show the true humanity of Jesus and his place in history. For this reason Luke was careful to examine all the evidence very carefully and give precise dates for the events that took place. He begins with an account of Jesus' virgin birth, giving many details not found elsewhere. Jesus' Galilean ministry is described, followed by a lengthy account of Jesus' trip to Jerusalem. After Jesus' death and resurrection, the disciples are left rejoicing, waiting for the promised power of God from heaven to fill them.
Theme: Whereas Matthew shows Jesus to be the Jewish Messiah and Mark shows Jesus as the servant of God, Luke depicts Jesus as the perfect God-man whose genealogy may be traced back to Adam. Jesus is the greatest man in history and is placed within the flow of world events by Luke. He is the greatest man because of what he taught, what he did, why he died – and because he rose again from the dead. For this reason we ought to accept him as our Lord. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers "The One Year Bible Companion" p. 22) More commentary on the Gospel of Luke is at this link.  Below is "Saint Luke" from an illuminated manuscript, circa 1130:

In today's readings in Luke chapter 1 we read about the birth of John the Baptist being foretold by the angel Gabriel.   Gabriel shares with Zechariah this powerful message about John in verses 16 & 17 - "He will persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah, the prophet of old. He will precede the coming of the Lord, preparing the people for his arrival. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will change disobedient minds to accept godly wisdom.""  This is a message for us to consider today - do we need to be persuaded to turn to God?  Do we need our disobedient minds changed to accept godly wisdom?  Can we open our ears to the message of John the Baptist some 2,000 years later?  Will we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord?  One interesting side note - only two angels are mentioned by name in the Bible - Michael and Gabriel.  And here is Gabriel delivering the message from today's readings to Zechariah:

Psalms - Psalm 56 verse 10 makes a One Year Bible blogger quite happy :) "O God, I praise your word. Yes, LORD, I praise your word."  Does this verse make you happy?  Do you praise God for the gift of the Bible?  Do you praise God's very Word, the Bible?

Proverbs - Proverbs Chapter 11 verse 8 today teaches us: "The godly are rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead." This is a great reminder that God rescues those who trust in Him! 

YouTube: As we're starting the Gospel of Luke today, I wanted to share with you this brief 5-minute snippet of a 70-minute sermon that Pastor Mark Driscoll gave to Mars Hill Church in Seattle about Luke, chapter 1 verses 1-4. FYI that Pastor Mark embarked on a 3-year study of the Gospel of Luke this past fall, which continues today. You can download all of these sermons for free on iTunes - search on Mark Driscoll. And, you can watch this entire sermon about Luke and the others at: http://www.marshillchurch.org/Luke.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T_ku0H-_lw

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Luke 1:16-17 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you, like John the Baptist, will live a life that brings many people back to the Lord. Pray that you will be as zealous for God as John the Baptist was zealous for God.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Proverb today, has God ever rescued you?  More than once?  Are you willing to share with us in the Comments section below a time that without a doubt God rescued you?  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

March 12th One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 16:41-18:32 ~ Mark 16:1-20 ~ Psalm 55:1-23 ~ Proverbs 11:7
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on OneYearAudioBible.org or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Today in Numbers chapter 17 verse 8 we read how God stopped the questioning of the Israelite community about Aaron and his houses' unique priestly authority - "When Moses went into the Tabernacle of the Covenant the next day, he found that Aaron's staff, representing the tribe of Levi, had sprouted, blossomed, and produced almonds!"

The 2nd sentence in Numbers chapter 18 verse 20 stood out to me today: "And the LORD said to Aaron, "You priests will receive no inheritance of land or share of property among the people of Israel. I am your inheritance and your share."  What a beautiful thing to hear from God!  I am your inheritance and your share.  In your life today, is God your inheritance and your share?  Do you want God to be your inheritance and share?  Does anything else at all compare to this glorious inheritance?

New Testament - Today we finish up the Gospel of Mark!  The Gospel of Luke starts tomorrow.  In Mark chapter 16 verse 6 is the key to our Christian faith: "The angel said, "Do not be so surprised. You are looking for Jesus, the Nazarene, who was crucified. He isn't here! He has been raised from the dead!" Do you believe this angel's proclamation?  Do you truly believe that Jesus rose from the dead?  Below is "The Resurrection" by the northern German Renaissance painter Matthias Grünewald from the year 1515:

Jesus' resurrection is the key to the Christian faith.  The resurrection is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and of Jesus' own statements.  The Christian faith stands or falls on the bodily resurrection of Jesus.  We can read more about this important point from Paul in 1 Corinthians 15.  The One Year Bible Companion outlines these 5 points in their commentary that the resurrection guarantees:
1. Jesus was truly the Son of God. (Romans 1:4)
2. God the Father accepted what Jesus did at Calvary on the basis of the resurrection. (Romans 4:25)
3. Jesus as our Risen Lord pleads for his people before the Father. (Romans 8:34)
4. Believers have the hope of eternal life. (1 Peter 1:3-5)
5. Believers will also rise and have resurrected bodies like that of Jesus.  (1 Corinthians 15:49, Philippians 3:21, 1 John 3:2)

Bible.org's commentary on yesterday & today's readings in Mark titled "A Follower's Opportunity" is at this link.

Psalms - Today we read Psalm 55 verse 22, which is a beautiful reminder to all who believe in the risen Lord! "Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." Please do meditate on this verse a bit.  Do you make it a habit of giving your burdens to the Lord?  Or do you try to carry your burdens on your own strength?  Is there a burden you are carrying today that you can give to the Lord?  Will you?  And do you trust that he will take care of you and not permit you to slip and fall?

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 11 verse 7 today teaches us:  "When the wicked die, their hopes die with them, for they rely on their own feeble strength."  This is a great reminder of why we should not only not carry our burdens on our own, but we should also not rely on our own strength.  Our strength is fleeting...  Will you instead rely on the Eternal Strength that will never fail you?

Worship God: Psalm 55:22 above reminded me of the fun but great message song by MercyMe called "So Long Self."  Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpyKXcMYMS8

Have you said "so long self?"  Click here to meet your true Self!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: ""Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him." Mark 16:6 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will know truly in your heart that Jesus is risen and that He sits at the right hand of the Father until he comes again in Glory.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Proverb today, have you seen in your life how your own strength can fail you?  Have you ever been strengthened by the Holy Spirit?  How are you able to discern when you are doing things from your own strength compared to when you are being strengthened by the Holy Spirit?  How do you surrender your own strength and instead rely on God's strength?  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