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One Year Bible Read
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Deuteronomy 34:1-Joshua 2:24 ~ Luke 13:22-14:6 ~ Psalm 79:1-13 ~ Proverbs 12:26 Old Testament - Today we come to the end of Moses' life in our readings! And - we come to the end of Moses' writings of the first five books of the Old Testament - the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. I will miss reading Moses' writings - but - we only have to wait until January 1 next year when we will all embark on the Chronological or One Year Bible adventure and read Moses' writings once again, right?? :) An image for Deuteronomy chapter 34 verses 5 through 7 is below: "So Moses, the servant of the LORD, died there in the land of Moab, just as the LORD had said. He was buried in a valley near Beth-peor in Moab, but to this day no one knows the exact place. Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever." Today we begin the book of Joshua! ~Joshua~ Today in Joshua chapter 1 verse 9 we read one of my favorite verses in the Bible – "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Incredible verse! God spoke these words to Joshua just before he was about to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. And I do believe these words can apply to us today in our lives as well. Do you believe it is possible that God has commanded you to be strong and courageous? In what areas of your life might you need to really hear this command from God? Do you believe that God will be with you wherever you go? In verse 8 – just one verse prior to the verse above – we read – "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." How does this verse speak to you today? Is it possible that you should not let the Bible depart from your mouth? Do you meditate on the Bible day and night, so that you are careful to do what is written in it? Do you believe meditating and following the truth of God as described in the Bible will allow you to be prosperous and successful? Today in Joshua chapter 2 we read about Rahab protecting the two Israelite spies. Verses 4 through 6 tell us: "Rahab, who had hidden the two men, replied, "The men were here earlier, but I didn't know where they were from. They left the city at dusk, as the city gates were about to close, and I don't know where they went. If you hurry, you can probably catch up with them." (But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them beneath piles of flax.)" New Testament - Bible.org's wonderful commentary on Luke chapter 13's readings today titled"Striving to Enter the Narrow Door" is at this link. Psalms - Psalm 79 verse 13 stood out to me today - "Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will thank you forever and ever, praising your greatness from generation to generation." I like that imagery of being sheep in God's pasture. And Jesus, of course, is our Good Shepherd. Are you content with the idea of being a sheep in God's pasture? Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 12 verse 26 today teaches us: "The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray." This is a great opportunity for us to reflect upon what type of advice or counsel we give to our friends. Is it wise? Or are we perhaps subtly leading our friends astray in any way? Worship God: Psalm 79:13's discussion of praising God from generation to generation reminded me of the importance of loving our children well and modeling for them life in Christ. This reminded me of the great song by Steven Curtis Chapman about his daughter called "Cinderella:" Are you dancing with God? Click here to dance! Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 NIV Prayer Point: Pray for strength. Pray for courage. Pray that you will not be terrified, nor discouraged. Pray that you know that the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go, now and forevermore. Comments from You & Questions of the Day: How has your journey through the first 5 books of the Bible, the Pentateuch or the Books of Law, been for you this year? Have you ever read all 5 of these books in a row before? Are there any new insights you have learned from Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy this year? 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, Deuteronomy 33:1-29 ~ Luke 13:1-21 ~ Psalm 78:65-72 ~ Proverbs 12:25 Old Testament - Allright, I don't know about you, but I'm getting a little teary eyed reading about Moses' final blessings of the tribes today! It reminded me of Jacob's blessings of his sons in Genesis Chapter 49 - though, it seems to me that Moses' blessings were a bit more positive overall than Jacob's, no? Jacob's were a bit more realistic though perhaps... as we'll read later this year in the One Year Bible. The other thing about reading Moses' final blessings of the tribes today that makes me sad is the realization that we are in the 2nd to last chapter of the Pentateuch! (The first five books of the Bible - the books of the Law.) Tomorrow we'll read about the death of Moses in Deuteronomy chapter 34 and then it's onto the Promised Land with Joshua! An image is below for Moses' blessing of the tribe of Joseph in verse 17: "Joseph has the strength and majesty of a young bull; his power is like the horns of a wild ox. He will gore distant nations, driving them to the ends of the earth. This is my blessing for the multitudes of Ephraim and the thousands of Manasseh."" (I'm not sure why the image below says "unicorn" - it doesn't look like a unicorn to me! :) New Testament - I love Jesus' teachings in Luke chapter 13 verses 18 & 19: "Then Jesus said, "What is the Kingdom of God like? How can I illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds come and find shelter among its branches." I think if we can have faith in the seed that Jesus plants in our hearts - the Gospel - we will see an amazing plant grow that will ultimately bless others. From the tiniest beginnings, with patience and faith, can come the largest of plants. Will you let Jesus plant a mustard seed in your heart? And will you be patient and allow the seed time & space to grow? And will you water and care for the seed of the Gospel planted in your heart so that one day it will be a beautiful tree of life for yourself and others you come in contact with? Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 13's readings today titled "A Problem of Perspective" is at this link. Psalms - Psalm 78 verse 71 is awesome - "He took David from tending the ewes and lambs and made him the shepherd of Jacob's descendants--God's own people, Israel." This verse reminds me that we'll be reading about David later this year in the One Year Bible! It is interesting that the Psalmist refers to David as a shepherd and not king of Israel in this verse. The shepherd analogy seems like it might be foreshadowing Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Here's an image below of a young David as a shepherd - perhaps singing some Psalms?? :) Proverbs - Today in Proverbs chapter 12 verse 25 we read – “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” How is the state of your heart today? Is it anxious? Might I cheer you up with a kind word? :) You are amazing for reading the One Year Bible this year! Not many people take on this significant holy endeavor to learn more about God’s very Word and to allow themselves to be transformed by it. Worship God: Luke 13:18-19 reminded me of the Sanctus Real song "Whatever You're Doing:" Is God doing something inside of you? Click here for inner transformation! Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Then Jesus asked, "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches." Luke 13:18-19 NIV Prayer Point: Pray that your faith is like a mustard seed. Small perhaps at first, but ever growing and expanding as your heart grows and expands for love of Jesus, is filled with the Spirit, and is full in the Kingdom of God. Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Based on our Proverb, are there others in your life that you know are being weighed down with an anxious heart? Will you reach out to them today and tomorrow and the next day with a kind word to cheer them up? Never underestimate the power of a kind word toward others. It is life-giving. Please never fail to pass along life & joy to others through kind words as you journey through this life. And please accept kind words when they are given to you. 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, Deuteronomy 32:28-52 ~ Luke 12:35-59 ~ Psalm 78:56-64 ~ Proverbs 12:24 Old Testament - These words of Moses today in Deuteronomy chapter 32 verse 47 stood out to me -"These instructions are not mere words--they are your life!" Wow. Do we think this way about the Bible? Are these mere words we read in the Bible? Or are they our very life? New Testament - In Luke chapter 12 verse 40, Jesus is speaking about his second coming at the end of the age - "You must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected." But, this verse also always seems to speak to me about the end of my life here on earth as well. One of 2 things will happen during our life that will bring our earthly life as we know it to an end - 1. Jesus' second coming (which no one knows the day or hour) or 2. we will die. I know it's not something we all want to think about... but someday our earthly bodies will die. And I guess when I read verse 40 above, it makes me realize that not only do we not know the day or hour when Jesus' 2nd coming will be. We also don't know the day or the hour of the end of our life either. So... this verse then speaks to me clearly - you must be ready all the time! And, I don't view this as something to be anxious over. But, I do think it's serious for us to consider. I don't know about you - but sometimes I'm a procrastinator. And when it comes to our faith in Jesus, there is no luxury of procrastination. We must have faith in Jesus, be living for Jesus, and really, be willing to die for Jesus - today. Now. Not tomorrow. Today. Are you ready all the time? Chapter 12 verse 48 is also a powerful teaching from Jesus for us today - "But people who are not aware that they are doing wrong will be punished only lightly. Much is required from those to whom much is given, and much more is required from those to whom much more is given." This is convicting... think about it. The more we begin to know about Jesus and God and the Bible, the more we essentially have been "given." And when this holy knowledge has been given to us - much is required. Much is expected. Maybe in our past we were not aware of our sins. Maybe we were not aware of sin at all really. Today, if we have been blessed with the knowledge of living by Jesus' teachings, we should not be acting as we did in the past when we did not know any better. Have you been given much? Are you living up to what is required of you? Bible.org's commentary on our Luke chapter 12 readings today titled "The Way to Wait" is at this linkand commentary titled "The Consequences of Christ's Coming" is at this link. Psalms - Psalm 78 verse 57 is a metaphor that I pray is never used upon any of us! :) "They were as useless as a crooked bow." Can you imagine a worse insult? Well, yeah, I suppose there are worse. But coming from a Psalmist, this is no good. What does it mean to be a crooked bow? What does it mean to be a straight bow? How is your bow these days? Crooked, and perhaps focused on things of this world? (and thus basically useless) Or straight, and focused on advancing the Kingdom of God in your life and the lives of others around you? (and thus very useful) Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 12 verse 24 is great wisdom for each of us today - "Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave." I do think each of us are called to be "leaders" in various aspects of our lives. Leaders in the home. Leaders at school. Leaders at work. Leaders at our church. Even if maybe you don't think you are a "leader" per se - maybe you're not comfortable with public speaking or whatever - I think you're still a leader. At the very least, we obviously have to lead our own lives. Worship God: Today's readings in Luke chapter 12 reminded me of the new MercyMe song called "All of Creation:" Are you singing with all of creation? Click here and Sing! Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."" Luke 12:39-40 NIV Prayer Point: Pray that you are ready for Jesus to return right this very moment. Pray that you will always stay ready for Jesus' return, and that you will not quench the Spirit by sinning. Pray earnestly, "Come Lord, Jesus, quickly come!" Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Based on our Proverb, in all of the areas you are called to be a leader in your life, are you working hard? Or, by chance, are you being lazy in some areas? Will you work hard and become a leader? Will you work hard and walk the path of leadership? 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, Deuteronomy 31:1-32:27 ~ Luke 12:8-34 ~ Psalm 78:32-55 ~ Proverbs 12:21-23 Old Testament - "Be strong and courageous!" is the encouragement & exhortation we hear 3 times in chapter 31 today. It was said by Moses to the Israelites in verse 6, then by Moses to Joshua in verse 7, and finally by God to Joshua in verse 23. Why do you think this was said 3 times? Why would the Israelites and Joshua need to be reminded to be strong and courageous? And if these words were needed back then, do you think perhaps we might need to hear them still today? Do we need to be reminded oftentimes to be strong and courageous? Today, this side of the Cross, where does our strength and courage truly come from? Below is Joshua being commissioned by Moses in a Fresco in the Sistine Chapel by Luigi Signorelli, circa 1481: Today in Deuteronomy chapter 31 verses 10-12 we read – “Then Moses commanded them: "At the end of every seven years, in the year for canceling debts, during the Feast of Tabernacles, when all Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God at the place he will choose, you shall read this law before them in their hearing. Assemble the people - men, women and children, and the aliens living in your towns-so they can listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and follow carefully all the words of this law.” Incredible verses! I like that Moses was setting up a way for God’s Word to continue to be taught & heard by God’s People every 7 years! I think this gets at a couple of things – 1. We humans are very forgetful. We may hear something once, but we need to hear it over and over again – particularly if it is God’s Word. 2. There is always a new generation of people coming up behind us. It is so important to educate this new generation about God’s Word. So – how do these verses above speak to you today? Are you hearing or reading God’s Word on a consistent basis? I know the answer is yes, for this year, as you’re in the One Year Bible! And I know that many of you have been reading the One Year Bible for many years now. However, I know not everyone will read the OYB every year. Here’s a suggestion – what about committing to reading the entire Bible – in the One Year Bible or Chronological or other format – once every 7 years? Thus, if you live to be 101, you’ll have read the Bible through atleast 10 times (not counting those early years :). Just a thought to keep in the back of your mind – please consider reading the entire Bible at least once every 7 years. Though, I would encourage you to at least read some portion of the Word each and every day, in each and every year. Next question – are you somehow involved in teaching others the Word? Are you encouraging your friends or family members to read God’s Word? Maybe consider inviting your family & friends to participate in the One Year Bible next year? Are you somehow involved in teaching the younger generation coming up behind you to learn God’s Word? Maybe through your church you can get involved in Sunday school ministries or maybe there is a younger person in your community that you can mentor and disciple? An image for chapter 31 verses 14 & 15 is below: "Then the LORD said to Moses, "The time has come for you to die. Call Joshua and take him with you to the Tabernacle, and I will commission him there." So Moses and Joshua went and presented themselves at the Tabernacle. And the LORD appeared to them in a pillar of cloud at the entrance to the sacred tent." New Testament - Today in Luke 12:25-26 we read: "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?" In regards to these verses I once heard someone say that worry is a form of "low-grade atheism." Which I think is brilliant! When we worry, we are in a sense doubting God. Doubting that God has the situation in control, no matter how dire it may seem. Do you worry much these days? Do you see how worry is in a sense a form of "low-grade atheism"? Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 12's readings today titled "Greed: The Affliction of the Affluent" is at this link and commentary titled "A Disciple's Perspective on Possessions" is at this link. Also, below is a brief commentary from Bible.org on the "Unpardonable Sin" from Luke 12:10, which can be found near the bottom of this link: "At first appearance this text seems to be warning the disciple that he might lose his salvation by denying the Savior, by his hypocrisy. This is not the case, however. There are several reasons why this cannot be the case. (1) Man’s salvation is not based upon his works, or his faithfulness, but on Christ’s shed blood and His faithfulness. (2) The Scriptures consistently teach that man did not choose God but that He has chosen man, and that the one who is saved is eternally secure. (3) In our text, there is a definite change from the second person (“you”) to the third person (“whoever,” “him,” “everyone”). (4) The unpardonable sin, referred to in verse 10, is elsewhere clearly a sin which an unbeliever commits, which terminates any further opportunity to be saved." Psalms - Psalm 78 verses 41 & 42 stood out to me today - "Again and again they tested God's patience and frustrated the Holy One of Israel. They forgot about his power and how he rescued them from their enemies." I am continually amazed at how similar we are today to the Israelites when they were wandering in the desert. I am sure that we can on occasion test God's patience and frustrate him. I would also venture a pretty good guess that many of us forget about God's power. And forget how God rescued us from our enemies - and continues to rescue us daily. How about you - do you ever forget about God's power? Do you ever forget about how he has rescued you? What can we do to help ourselves remember? How do we stop testing God's patience and forgetting about Him? Proverbs - Today in Proverbs 12:21 we are taught: "No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble." Do you believe this is true? Or does sometimes the opposite seem true? I think sometimes the opposite of this Proverb may seem true this side of heaven. (though not always - I think wickedness reaps much trouble on this earth as well...) But I think clearly from an eternal perspective, this Proverb is absolute Truth. Eternally, no harm comes to godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble... Let us not lose sight of our celestial horizons! Worship God: Luke 12:25-26's "Don't worry" message reminded me of the JJ Heller song "Your Hands:" Are you in God's Hands? Click here for His Hands! Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?" Luke 12:25-26 NIV Prayer Point: Pray that you won't worry. Pray that you will cast all of your cares upon the Lord, Jesus. Pray that you will recognize how worry is a form of "low-grade atheism." Pray that you will never doubt God's sovereignty in your life by worrying. 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, Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20 ~ Luke 11:37-12:7 ~ Psalm 78:1-31 ~ Proverbs 12:19-20 Old Testament - Deuteronomy chapter 29 verse 29 is intriguing today - "There are secret things that belong to the LORD our God, but the revealed things belong to us and our descendants forever, so that we may obey these words of the law." I think this is good for us to remember - there are secrets of God that we will not know this side of heaven. And I don't think we need to worry or speculate on what these secret things might be, because "the revealed things belong to us." God has revealed himself to us in the Bible! His very Word. He has revealed himself in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And he reveals himself in the life of the body of Christ today - the church. We have everything we need to know to love & follow God. And I think God's secrets can remain secret to us this side of heaven - I don't know about you, but I like a little mystery in God! :) New Testament - Wow... Jesus goes after the Pharisees in Luke chapter 11 today... Verses 39 through 41 are powerful: "Then the Lord said to him, "You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are still filthy--full of greed and wickedness! Fools! Didn't God make the inside as well as the outside? So give to the needy what you greedily possess, and you will be clean all over." I think these verses are important for us to meditate upon as well today. Are we clean inside? Or are we putting on a show and just cleaning up our external appearances for others? As we saw in Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew - God is very interested in the condition of our hearts. Our insides. Are our insides clean? Bob Deffinbaugh with Bible.org's great commentary on our Luke chapter 11 readings today titled "Fundamentalists in Formaldehyde" is at this link. Jesus' teachings in Luke chapter 12 verses 2 through 3 are also important for us to reflect upon in our lives today - "The time is coming when everything will be revealed; all that is secret will be made public. Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!" I once heard a pastor say during a sermon - "nobody sins in a vacuum. Meaning, nobody's sin does not affect others. When we sin - even when we are "alone" - it affects our community in ways we do not fully realize." I think this is so true. When we sin - even what we have done or said in the "dark" - we hurt not only ourselves, but others. And God the Father, Son & Holy Spirit, who is pure Light, have heard and know what we do in the dark. We cannot hide it from them. Better to confess it to God, repent, and be cleansed by the Light. Then, go, and sin no more. Plus - it's a darn scary thought to think that what we do in the dark might be shouted from the housetops for all to hear! :) Live your life such that no matter what you do or what you say, you wouldn't be embarrassed to read about it in tomorrow's papers... Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 12 readings today titled "The Hazard of Hypocrisy for Heralds of the Gospel" is at this link. Psalms - Psalm 78 verse 4 is a wonderful reminder that we have an important opportunity to disciple and teach others in the generation coming up behind us - "We will not hide these truths from our children but will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD. We will tell of his power and the mighty miracles he did." Are you discipling or teaching someone about God's truth, deeds, and love? How are you helping the next generation learn about God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit? Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 12 verse 19 is a great testament to the strength of the Bible - now some 3,400 years old since the writings of Moses! "Truth stands the test of time; lies are soon exposed." Do you believe the Bible is Truth? Worship God: Luke 12:2-3 reminds me of The Museum song "My Help Comes from the Lord:" Where does your help come from? Click here for help from the Lord! Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: ""I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." Luke 12:4-5 NIV Prayer Point: Pray that you will not be afraid of mere mortal men. Pray that you will only fear the Lord. Pray that you will learn that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom and righteousness. 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, Deuteronomy 28:1-68 ~ Luke 11:14-36 ~ Psalm 77:1-20 ~ Proverbs 12:18 Old Testament - I love the blessings for obedience that open up our Deuteronomy chapter 28 readings today! I actually first heard these read at a wedding several years back. The best man in the wedding read these verses as a blessing to the bride & groom. Somehow I missed the "obedience" to God's commands part of the blessing... Obedience is quite a word I think for Christians to consider. I'm not sure that it is a popular word for us sometimes. I do believe that we are called to obedience as followers of Jesus. Jesus himself was of course obedient - obedient even to death on a cross. Is there an area of your life where you feel God might be calling you to obedience? Will you obey? Below is a little obedience humor for you... :) New Testament - Jesus' teaching in Luke chapter 11 verse 23 is so important for us to understand -"Anyone who isn't helping me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me." How does this verse speak to you? For me it convicts me. Yeah, maybe for some of my time I am helping Jesus and the Kingdom of God, but I think there is a lot of time where I am not working with Jesus. I am maybe indulging in some seemingly harmless trivial pursuits or material pleasures - but they aren't really working with Jesus. And am I then, at those times, actually working against Jesus? I don't know. I want to pray on this more. I do know that we are called to rest & relaxation in our lives - a time of Sabbath rest each week. We don't have to be frantically seeking to "do" & serve Jesus 24 x 7. But, I do think it's possible that we can live our lives more "intentionally" - meaning, examine the intent of why we do what we do. And ultimately, is what we are doing with our time helping and working with Jesus? Or is it not? I think being intentional with our time and how we are spending our lives is so important... because time flies as we all know. Jesus' teaching in Luke chapter 11 verse 36 is powerful for each of us to consider! "If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight is shining on you." That second little clause there I think is key - with no dark corners. I'll admit that I have traveled through life with some dark corners. And it is no way to go. The dark corners do affect the Light really shining in you and through you - and the dark corners I believe can affect your relationship with God. I pray that if you know you have a dark corner in your life, confess it to God and Jesus. Pray for forgiveness and repent! God will fill you with light - a light that will penetrate and remove those dark corners in your life. But, you've gotta confess them & repent of them with God... You know it's worth it. To live a radiant life, as though a floodlight is shining on you is the only way to live! Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 11's readings today titled "Evidence that Produced Various Verdicts" is at this link. Psalms - Today in Psalm 77 verses 11 and 12 we read – “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” I think these verses get at one of the amazing things about each of us reading the One Year Bible this year – both the Old & New Testaments. We are reading perhaps for the first time – or maybe the 17th time – about God’s miracles of long ago. We are "remembering" God’s miracles for our spiritual ancestors, for ourselves, and for those around us in our lives today whom we will teach about God’s saving love. As you are reading through the One Year Bible this year, are you truly "remembering" God’s miracles of long ago? Are you meditating on all of His mighty works and considering His mighty deeds? Are you being transformed by this process? And will you now go forth and help others in your life "remember" and meditate on God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit’s miracles of long ago? Let us pray for "remembrance" today for ourselves and for others in our lives. If very modern day post-it notes will help you remember God's miracles and will help you meditate on all of God's works, then by all means please use as many post-it notes as you deem necessary! :) Verse 11 of this Psalm brings up miracles. Has anyone read C.S. Lewis's book Miracles? I have not yet, but hope to soon. Please post up a quick review in the Comments section below if you've read it? Thanks. Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 12 verse 18 is such a strong reminder that the words that come out of our mouths can either build people up - and even heal them - or tear people down - "Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing." Are the words coming out of your mouth these days cutting people or are they healing people? Worship God: Today's readings in Deuteronomy and Psalm 77 reminded me of the Switchfoot song "Always." Here's a nice live acoustic version of this song: Is God always yours? Click here for Always! Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18 NIV Prayer Point: Pray that the words of your mouth bring healing to others. Pray that you never have reckless words that pierce others like a sword. Pray that your words are wise. Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Back to my Deuteronomy chapter 28 reflections on obedience - do you think about "obedience" very often when it comes to your relationship with God? Do you think obedience is a very popular concept amongst Christians today? Do you think there are blessings that come along with obedience? Have you experienced blessings in your life because of obedience? Conversely, do you think there are consequences to disobedience? 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, Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26 ~ Luke 10:38-11:13 ~ Psalm 76:1-12 ~ Proverbs 12:15-17 Old Testament - Later this year in the One Year Bible when we read Galatians, you'll note that Paul powerfully references today's readings in Deuteronomy chapter 27 verse 26: "'Cursed is anyone who does not affirm and obey the terms of these instructions.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.'" One of the best things we can ever do when studying the Bible is simply let Scripture interpret Scripture. So here we go on Galatians chapter 3 verses 10 through 12: "But those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse, for the Scriptures say, "Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God’s Book of the Law." So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life." This way of faith is very different from the way of law, which says, "It is through obeying the law that a person has life."" How do these verses from Galatians speak to you? Do you agree that we cannot be made right with God by trying to keep the law? Do you think the way of faith is very different from the way of law? Since today is Resurrection Day (Easter) and Good Friday was two days ago, let me continue on with a few more verses here from Galatians chapter 10, continuing with verses 13 and 14: "But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith." Has Jesus rescued you from the curse pronounced by the law? Do you believe that Jesus took upon himself the curse for your wrongdoing? Have you received the promised Holy Spirit through faith? Today in Deuteronomy chapter 26 verses 1 & 2 we read about the offering of first fruits: "When you arrive in the land the LORD your God is giving you as a special possession and you have conquered it and settled there, put some of the first produce from each harvest into a basket and bring it to the place the LORD your God chooses for his name to be honored." New Testament - Today in Luke chapter 10 we read about Jesus visiting Mary & Martha and Martha becoming upset with Mary for sitting at Jesus' feet and not helping her work in the kitchen. To which Jesus says to Martha in verses 41 & 42 - "But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it--and I won't take it away from her." What do you think is the one thing worth being concerned about Jesus is referring to? Is this really the only one thing you are concerned about in your life today? Or are you possibly being distracted by other "details"? How often do you pray the Lord's Prayer? Once a day? Once a week? Once a month? Think this would be a good prayer to pray regularly, since Jesus himself taught us to pray it? Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 11's readings today titled "Teach Us How to Pray" is at this link. Psalms - I love Psalm 76 verse 4's reflection on God! "You are glorious and more majestic than the everlasting mountains." I wonder how often we look at nature and forget that God created nature? I think so often we can look at a beautiful sunset or a mountain or a forest or an ocean and temporarily forget that God created these beautiful things. If God created these beautiful things, then doesn't it stand to reason that God is more glorious and more majestic than all of his created things? I've said this one before on this blog: before I believed in Jesus or really even God, I honestly think I was evangelized by creation. Meaning - I would look at a starry night with my friends and say things like, "How could there be so many stars up there like that and there not be a God? Things like that can't just happen by chance!" Praise God for his creation that was evangelizing me toward Him! Has creation ever evangelized you? Do you think creation might be able to evangelize your friends who do not yet know God? Let us pray that we don't ever end up worshiping creation instead of the Creator. Let us be impressed and thankful and admire creation - but let us give the glory and the worship to the Creator, God, who is more glorious and more majestic than the everlasting mountains... Proverbs - Proverbs 12 verse 15 teaches us today: ""Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others." This is a great opportunity for each of us to ask ourselves whether we think we need no advice or whether we are open to listening to others... Worship God: As today is Resurrection Day, or Easter, it feels appropriate to share with you the entire 2 hour "JESUS" film based on the Gospel of Luke. Called by some "one of the best-kept secrets in Christian missions," a number of mission experts have acclaimed the film as one of the greatest evangelistic tools of all time. Since 1979 the "JESUS" film has been viewed by several billion people all across the globe, and has resulted in more than 225 million men, women and children indicating decisions to follow Jesus. Learn more about this film and ministry at http://www.jesusfilm.org/. Do you know Jesus? Click here and meet Him! Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "He said to them, "When you pray, say: "'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation." Luke 11:2-4 NIV Prayer Point: Pray the Lord's Prayer daily. Pray for God's Kingdom to come and His Will to be done. Pray for your daily bread. Pray for the forgiveness of your sins. Pray that you will forgive others. Pray that you will not be led into temptation. Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Based on Luke chapter 10's readings on Mary and Martha today, did you personally identify more with Mary, who sat at Jesus' feet, or Martha, who became upset because of her busyness? Which one of the two would you like to identify with more? Do you think that sometimes as Christians we can get too busy and miss out on spending time at the feet of Jesus? Will you examine your daily schedule and look for ways that you are "overbooking" yourself, and thus missing out on quiet time with the Lord? Will you resolve to be more like Mary and spend some quality time with Jesus - particularly during this Easter season? 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,April 10th One Year Bible Readings
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on OneYearAudioBible.org or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~
Author: Probably Joshua
Date: Either fourteenth century or twelfth century B.C.
Content: After the death of Moses, the leadership of the nation passed into the hands of Joshua and he was their commander-in-chief throughout the entire time of conquest when Israel was taking over the land. While still in the plains of Moab, Joshua mobilized his forces and prepared them for battle. There were three campaigns fought, one in the north, one in the central region, and one in the south, and all described, though not fully. After the initial victories, the land was divided among the various tribes of Israel. Joshua then exhorted the people and died in peace.
Theme: The book of Joshua shows that God is true to his promise. He had promised his people a land and they were now entering in to possess it. However, it was not automatic; God required of them that they actively engage in warfare in order to gain what he had given them. God's judgment upon the sin of the Canaanites in the form of Israel's armies is also a prominent feature. (Above commentary is from "The One Year Bible Companion" pp. 3-4)More commentary on Joshua is at this link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTd5V4YHVPk
MikeApril 9th One Year Bible Readings
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on OneYearAudioBible.org or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-NEha2AD4A
MikeApril 8th One Year Bible Readings
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on OneYearAudioBible.org or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5m4M84py7w
MikeApril 7th One Year Bible Readings
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on OneYearAudioBible.org or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-F6DGGF4Qs
MikeApril 6th One Year Bible Readings
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on OneYearAudioBible.org or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ1CCaouSF0
MikeApril 5th One Year Bible Readings
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on OneYearAudioBible.org or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im584gZ_CWU
MikeApril 4th One Year Bible Readings - Happy Resurrection Day!
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on OneYearAudioBible.org or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKGflMFfKmI
Mike
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