Bible in a Year Blog

Deuteronomy 5:1-6:25 + Luke 7:11-35 + Psalm 68:19-35 + Proverbs 11:29-31
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Old Testament – Today we get a nice recap of the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy chapter 5!  We originally read these in Exodus chapter 20 and then again in Exodus chapter 34.  There are some differences in the wordings of the Ten Commandments in each of these chapters, but not enough to worry about.  🙂  Bible.org has a great overview of the Ten Commandments, based on Exodus chapter 20, at this link. 

I love Deuteronomy chapter 6 verses 4 through 9 in our readings today!  These verses are known as the Shema – which was named after the first word in this verse and means “Hear.”  The Shema became the Jewish confession of faith, which was recited by pious Jews every morning and evening and it is still recited in synagogue services today. They are the last words a Jew says prior to death. “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again. Tie them to your hands as a reminder, and wear them on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

Bible.org’s commentary on Deuteronomy chapter 6 titled “Responsibilities of Fatherhood” is at this link.

New Testament – Wow…. Verse 35 in Luke chapter 7 is such a profound teaching of Jesus’ for each of us to consider: “But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.” Take a few moments to really meditate on this verse and what it means.  For me this verse is a reminder that sometimes in life we have to move forward in faith on something “wise” we’ve heard, but maybe not experienced – and then later see that the wisdom is true.  I’m not sure if I’m going to explain myself well here… but my thought is that as followers of Jesus, I think we can get lazy in our faith at times.  As just one example – maybe we don’t think we really need to give financially to our church.  We know the wisdom of Malachi 3:10, but maybe we haven’t really experienced the wisdom of giving.  So, maybe we need to follow the wisdom first – and then we will later know the full truth and beauty of the wisdom.  Hope this makes sense?  I’d just say that if there is a struggle in your life that God is calling you to leave behind or move forward on – go for it!  If you know you should be doing or not doing something – go with that wisdom you know and then it will “shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.”  Please follow Wisdom!  Please follow Jesus!

 

A nice image of John the Baptist sending two of his disciples to meet Jesus is below, from verses 18 & 19 – “The disciples of John the Baptist told John about everything Jesus was doing. So John called for two of his disciples, and he sent them to the Lord to ask him, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”

 

Bible.org’s commentary on Luke chapter 7’s readings today, titled “John’s Problem with Jesus” is at this link. 

Psalms – Today in Psalm 68 verse 20 we read – “Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.” Do you believe God is a God who saves us? How did / does God do this saving? Do you believe that escape from death comes from God and his Son? I’ve been reflecting on this “death” aspect of our fallen world a bit lately, which has been sad to reflect upon. I had an experience with a few friends very recently where I was reminded of how self-destructive we can be in our lives. I think that without Jesus we can oftentimes not know where to turn for an escape from death – we do not know where to turn from an escape from our own self destructive behaviors. My friends need Jesus. I need Jesus. The world needs Jesus. Our God is a God who saves. From God and Jesus comes escape from death. May this season of Easter bring us, our friends, and families closer to the God who saves!

Proverbs – I love the imagery in Proverbs chapter 11 verse 30 today – “The godly are like trees that bear life-giving fruit, and those who save lives are wise.”  That is a powerful last half of the verse.  Those who save lives are wise…  Are you saving lives?  How?  How might you be able to save lives?  My one quick thought on this is to get involved in ministries that are serving the poorest of the poor.  I honestly believe $1 a day can save a life, if not many lives.  Sponsoring a child through Compassion or another worthy organization is an amazing way to save a life.  $1 a day.  Will you invest in a child who needs you today?  Would this be wise?

Worship Video: Psalm 68:20 reminded me of the Chris Tomlin song “Let God Arise” with the lyric: “Our God is a God who Saves!”

https://youtu.be/-vAKCHcOnxc?t=148

Do you know our God who Saves? Click here for Salvation!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.” Deuteronomy 6:4-6 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will love God with all of your heart, soul and strength. Pray that God’s commandments are written upon your heart today and forevermore.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What are some of your favorite charities that serve the poorest of the poor worldwide?  And in your own hometown?  Do you think we should care that 1.2 billion people in our world today live on less than $1 a day?  Do you think we should get involved in this issue?  Do you think we should serve those living in poverty both internationally and in our own hometown?  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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Deuteronomy 5:1-6:25
Obey God’s commands; listen, be careful to do; walk straight; don’t veer off; deeply respect, etc., words and phrases found all throughout today’s reading. Do you think God is trying to tell us something?
Jesus speaking in the 14th chapter of John states:
If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands. (John 14:15 AMP)
We look at “love” as an emotion, and confuse it with mercy, though mercy flows from love. God says love is a verb and is a “doing.” We determine if someone loves us by what they do for us; God determines love for Him by obedience to His Word. Is there anyway we can reconcile what we call love to God’s definition? God is immutable so He can’t change, it is against His nature. We have to change our understanding of what love is to fit into God’s standard. Loving God His way, which is the only way that counts, brings BIG benefits for us,
And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to [reverently] fear the Lord our God for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day. And it will be accounted as righteousness (conformity to God’s will in word, thought, and action) for us if we are watchful to do all this commandment before the Lord our God, as He has commanded us. (Deuteronomy 6:24-25 AMP)
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Lila:

The 10 commandments is the basic laws in all of society. Yet, human as we are, we cannot completely follow it, which makes all of us sinners. However, Jesus says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Why would others then say that the 10 commandments have already been abolished when He even says, “I come not to destroy the law but to fulfill”.
Lila

======= John:

Lila,
Good questions. Some have come up before, but some people may have missed them or joined the blog late. Of course, repetition helps the learning process. : )
The commandments or the “Law” pointed out sin. There were blessings associated with keeping the Law, and curses (punishments) associated with breaking the Law. Sacrifices were prescribed to make atonements for sin of breaking the Law. As you point out – there would be a lot of sacrifices. : )
To be accurate the full passage from scripture is:
Matt 5:17
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” NIV
Jesus came to fulfill the prophets words of a Coming Messiah. So how did Jesus fulfil the law? For this I defer to the Believer’s Comementary which explains it better than I would in a post:
“The law had attached to it the penalty of death (Gal. 3:10); and to break one command was to be guilty of all (Jas. 2:10). Since people had broken the law, they were under the curse of death. God’s righteousness and holiness demanded that the penalty be paid. It was for this reason that Jesus came into the world: to pay the penalty by His death. He died as a Substitute for guilty lawbreakers, even though He Himself was sinless. He did not wave the law aside; rather He met the full demands of the law by fulfilling its strict requirements in His life and in His death. Thus, the gospel does not overthrow the law; it upholds the law and shows how the law’s demands have been fully satisfied by Christ’s redemptive work.”
—- MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. 1997, c1995. Believer’s Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments . Thomas Nelson: Nashville
So what changed after the Crucifixion and Resurrection. By becoming followers of Christ we no longer have to worry about the curses of the Law or making atoning sacrifices. Christ made that final all encompassing sacrifice for us.
Now the commandments are written in our regenerated hearts, and if we love Jesus we will obey them.
“Yet, while the Christian is not under the law, that doesn’t mean he is lawless. He is bound by a stronger chain than law because he is under the law of Christ (1 Cor. 9:21). His behavior is molded, not by fear of punishment, but by a loving desire to please his Savior. Christ has become his rule of life (John 13:15; 15:12; Eph. 5:1, 2; 1 Jn. 2:6; 3:16).” – ibid.
Specifically, nine of the ten commandments are mentioned in the New Testament. Not as law, but as training in righteousness for the childen of God.
1John 2:6
“Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” NIV
Jesus walked “sinless”. Because of the war between flesh and “regenerated” spirit we will still sin. But it will not affect our salvation, and it will not affect our fellowship with God – if we pray, confess, and ask for restoration of fellowship.
However we still must TRY to walk sinless, even more importantly we should want to walk this way because of He who abides in us.
John

======= Paul:

I just like the way our Lord, “daily bears our burdens”.
Psalm 68:19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.
Selah
I think the word Selah means pause and reflect. So let us pause and reflect on this.
Paul

======== Anka:

33For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.” ‘ 35But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”
Recently,I have had to think about believers who point their fingers to those who eat certain foods,who drink wine.I thought to myself,if Jesus was so much against drinking wine,why didn’t he have grape juice during the Lord’s supper.Well doing a little research I found that one of the reasons prophets before Jesus were banned from wine was so people wouldn’t think they were drunk when in truth the Spirit of the Lord had come upon them..Even then,John the baptist was labelled “demonised”since he couldn’t be labelled drunk…and Jesus since he ate other foods apart from locust,wild honey and wine…(he couldn’t have been called drunkard if he was seen drinking juice or water)was labelled glutton and drunkard!!
My thoughts are,those who want to know the truth will find it,those who don’t will fight about trivial matters like food,drink,doctrines and like John the baptist…tend to fall away on account of prejudice.
I pray for Christians to be united,where I’m at now we disagree about spiritual gifts,wine,tithing,worship(pious or with shouts of joy),spiritual gifts….the list continues along with the finger pointing.
I pray we all learn that our walk with God is personal…we give account of our lives so we should search the scriptures and ask the Holy Spirit to tell us what God really wants of us.A kingdom divided against itself can’t stand,can’t we all agree to disagree on certain issues and love each other with our differences.I’m learning that loving one another and bearing our burdens also means that when I disagree with a christian on an issue,I should shut up(by God’s abundant grace:))and let the Holy Spirit set us straight.As Jesus himself said,wisdom is proved right by her children….let our fruits speak.
God bless you all
Anka

======= Laverne:

Deuteronomy 5;
(30-31 “Go ahead and tell them to go home to their tents. But you, you stay here with me so I can tell you every commandment and all the rules and regulations that you must teach them so they’ll know how to live in the land that I’m giving them as their own.”)
reminds me when these commnities displace people from one area to another no rehab nothing on how to live in a better way. All the city does is send them a letter getting as many volunteers as they can. Then the rest they pick them up and move this family who was living probably in a 1 bedroom into a townhome, Regentrification)?? Umm it’s sad – well they need to take a look at how it can be done. Move them but get them into a meeting or rehab so they are taught how to live and take care of the property. Give them the rules and regulations so they know how to live in land they will soon call their own. I really don’t know why that struck me but it did..lol
Laverne

======= Jenny:

Reading over those tablets, the 10 Commandments, I have broken every one, if not in action, in my heart! (to hate, is to murder). My pastor used to say the laws are there first and foremost to show us we are indeed sinners. Some ppl dont think they are sinners, i’ve heard, “oh, i dont consider myself a sinner, i dont go out with a chainsaw and murder ppl”. Well, yes, that would be sinful, but we have all broken many if not all, at least in our hearts. If you have broken just one God equates that has having broken them all.
These verses stood out for me:
Det. 5:15: “with a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm”……His love endures forever, sing praise, sing praise, forever God is faithful, forever God is strong, forever God is with us. forever…’ great song!
Deut 6:5: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength…You shall bind them as a sign”
Deut 6:18 “And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, that it may be well with you”
I read the link “John’s problem with Jesus”…it kinda was harsh on John, where what I read in Luke was I perceived something different, so u know me, i pulled out my trusty study Bible:
“John evidently kept apprised of Christ’s ministry-even after his imprisonment-through disciples who acted as messengers for him.
7:19 ARE YOU THE COMING ONE? “John was not the sort of man who vacillated. We are not to think that his faith was failing or that he had lost confidence in Christ. but with so many unexpected turn of events-John in prison, Christ encountering nonbelief and hostility-John wanted reassurance from Christ himself. That is precisely what Jesus gave him.
7:22 GO AND TELL JOHN “John’s disciples were to go and report that Jesus was doing precisely what scripture foretold of the Messiah–even though the scheme of prophetic fulfillment was not unfolding quite the way John the baptist had envisioned it.
7:23 HE WHO IS NOT OFFENDED “This was not meant as a rebuke for John the Baptist, but as an encouragement for him”.
Proverbs, to save a life is more to win souls, to lead others to Christ. Giving to charities and contributing to someone’s physical needs is very important, I think true Christians will feel that call on their life, to give and help others. One org. I know of is Christian Children’s Fund. I prefer not to say what I give or do because i want this to be for the Lord only, not seeking man’s praise.
But i think MORE important then any physical need is aiding someone to receiving Christ. Not that we can save them, but to direct them to the One who CAN save them….Jesus Christ!
Jenny

======= Jim:

My favorite charities…
The primary target can never really be the poor but on the culture that produced the poor (the first truth of systems theory is that every system is perfectly designed to produce the results it’s getting). For example, while it’s popular to think that guns are responsible for violence in Africa, political scientists agree it is rather the well-intentioned actions of Christian relief efforts that corrupt government-citizen relationships by “giving them fish instead of teaching them to fish.” Thus, training is always more important than food (where most organizations sadly primarily focus on quality of food even after the minimum diet is being met and not on the greater need of education – the “silver bullet” for all of society’s ills). Margaret Mead’s life work was basically the demonstration that most all of society’s ills were the direct result of people’s good intentions to address society’s ills (suggesting that most would go away if people would just ignore them and thusly stop supporting them).
My favorite charities that serves the poorest of the poor worldwide:
Amor Mission: http://www.amor.org (Mexico)
Two attorneys (husband and wife) quit their practice in L.A. and talked churches across the Southwest into allowing them help the churches choose where to build homes (and send food) for the poor of Mexico – then they went to churches in Mexico and asked them to help with such decisions providing: 1) No politics: no one could ever suggest that since one church got a new house for one of it’s members that one of it’s members had to get one – decisions could only be based on need, and 2) that any other church could participate. The biggest effect has thusly been on churches working together like never before (where strong feelings, for example, about men wearing earrings or women wearing pants had kept them apart). Amor also makes a big deal about using the simplest tools and including the family and friends during all aspects of construction to demonstrate how the community could have done all the work themselves (without special skills or expensive power tools). My children and I have worked on many homes for the poor in Mexico through this group and I can strongly recommend them.
Goodwill Industries: http://www.goodwill.org
Every 57 seconds, Goodwill places someone in a job (and unlike the Salvation Army below, they always pay their employees at least minimum wage and fully disclose all finances with IRS 990-T forms readily downloadable). It’s the world’s largest nonprofit providers of education and career services for disadvantaged people. Last year, local Goodwills collectively provided employment and training services to almost a million Americans. As such, Goodwill is consistently ranked among the top charities as well as top in my checkbook. Also, see Volunteers of America.
Salvation Army: http://www.salvationarmy.org
Commissioner Todd Bassett supposedly receives a salary of just $13,000 (plus housing) to manage this $2 billion organization and management guru Peter Drucker lists them as “By far the most effective organization in the U. S. No one even comes close to it in respect to clarity of mission, ability to motivate, measurable results, dedication, and putting money to maximum use.” See answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=564281. Sadly, about half way through their 125-year history, the Salvation Army and Universal Christian Church gradually quit the practice of all army members attending a service from the stage. For if they did, “there would no longer be anyone in the audience.” 2003 was likewise the last year for the church to track those converted in their annual report as the percentage had dropped to zero.
Others great charities for the poor include Catholic Charities (spending over 95% directly on programs- compare to average of 84%) and Asha for Education (India) – whose president is not paid at all. I also like the YMCA and often support them financially as well as by volunteering.
My favorite charities that serves the poorest of the poor locally:
Gospel Rescue Mission: http://www.grmtucson.com/
While other local charities spend more on overhead or have made poor investments, GRM has maintained a fairly steady path for helping the needy.
JobPath: (www.jobpath.net/)
Jobpath has a 99% success rate of doubling the incomes of the local poor (they received a half million dollar grant from the city a couple of years ago due to being well recognized for their success) focusing job training for the health care, construction, education, aviation, and bio-tech fields.
Tucson Jackson Employment Center is 75% (at the 6-month checkup) successful at getting the homeless full-time employment, spending mostly United Way monies, but is also funded by DOH, DOL, Tucson City, and various Homeless Assistance Grants. CASA (and CASA II) is a joint local program between the Jackson Employment Center, Travelers Aid Society, Salvation Army, and Open-Inn (www.openinn.org/tucson.htm) as a long-term transitional housing program for the homeless.
Others great local charities include Jobs for Life (focusing on character training), the Tucson Community Food Bank, and the Arizona Prison Ministry. I also regularly visit the homeless in parks with food, clothing, and advice.
What does your checkbook and calendar show about you? The Bible supports more than tithing… many biblical scholars believe that offerings, tithing, and other donations to the poor cost the average Jew half of their income (in a time when it was much harder to make a living). It’s been said that success is getting what you want while happiness is wanting what you get… but, joy is wanting half of what you get. To be happy for an hour, take a nap. To be happy for a day, go fishing. If you want to be happy for a year, win a lottery. If you want to be happy for a lifetime, constantly help others.
But, sincerity is never enough just as Jesus’ first temptation was to be relevant – making bread out of rocks for the hungry… we must instead follow audible holy instructions and not our own hearts. Fixing what makes us feel good or is easy according to our “gifts” (rather than lifting our cross) is like replacing the tire that isn’t flat… we still can’t get anywhere.
Jim

======= Briggs:

Good question for today Mike.
I think we Americans, and likely many others whom the Lord has blessed with comparatively abundant material means, too often are guilty of coveting our neighbor’s comforts rather than being thankful for the Lord’s blessings to them. We don’t appreciate or give thanks often enough for our own many blessings and we think far too little of others who are less fortunate than ourselves. I don’t want to sound too political but I think it’s a spiritual issue when large groups of Americans complain about the various immigrants moving into the USA; particularly from Central and South America. We boast of ‘the land of opportunity’ and ‘the great melting pot’ as having been cornerstones of this great nation, yet we deny to others the same opportunities that were afforded to us and our forefathers and agreeably made this nation great. It just feels selfish to me and while we support World Vision and other similar ministries, sometimes I wish there was a greater focus in our backyard.
Briggs

======= Bridget:

Check out Mercy Ships http://www.mercyships.org/home and Charity Water at http://www.charitywater.org/ Mercy Ships brings healing to the poor by sending their hospital ship staffed with volunteer doctors, nurses and other professionals to provide free surgeries. Charity Water drills wells for clean water supply. Their effort to raise funds is innovative and focused. God performs HIS work THROUGH us.
Bridget

======= Elizabeth:

Regarding charities–globally, we support World Vision and think it’s a great organization. I like the way they knit together brass and tacks relief/support with spreading the Gospel. Locally, we have a rescue mission that ministers to people coming out of addictions/homelessness, dark situations. I like the way they provide very structured support and love–knit together so that there’s accountability and mercy hand-in-hand.
******************
With regard to our deficit of mercy toward others,
I think it’s a huge gaping piece of our bigger sin problem. Jesus was careful to include parables like the Good Samaritan for this very reason. We are always stacking ourselves up to others–sadly, even in God’s acts of mercy toward others (thinking of the older brother’s response in the Prodigal Son and the parable of the worker who was irritated that he made the same wages though he worked all day and the other worker only worked a few hours).
Why do we care when someone gets the same wage or is reconciled? Why can’t we just be joyfully happy instead of tallying up what we did or didn’t do ourselves? We have a continual jealousy of others and thirst to come out ahead of others in light of the law.
Thank God He is a God of great mercy!
Elizabeth

======= Stephanie:

Today when I read in the old testament that “you shall not desire your neighbor’s house, his field, or his male servant…etc” it made me think of what we have been taught to do in America: keeping up with the Jonses. This “American Dream” is not very biblical! Compared to the rest of the world, most Americans are rich! I think we have a duty as Christians to use this wealth for the glory of God. We need to help those in our own backyard and abroad. I am so happy to see others know about World Vision. It is a fantastic organization! I sponser a child from India and look forward to receiving her letters. 
Stephanie

======= Raeann:

I am a Salvation Army Bell ringer every Christmas and I donate regularly to the Key Thrift store in my town.
Raeann

======= Bobbie:

Sometimes or most of the time we love our self than to love God above all.We love this body which will decay but we forgot about our spiritual body that will last forever. Loving the LORD w/ all our heart, w/ all our mind, w/ all our soul, & w/all our strength is a command that we should obey in order to prosper in every aspects of our life.To GOD be the GLORY now and forever…
Bobbie

======= Steve:

Luke 7:11-15
Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12 As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”
14 Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.
Read a great commentary on these verses that pointed out some interesting points. Our society in general is lacking compassion because many have bought into the philosophy that happiness comes to those who avoid pain. If you want to be happy then you have to learn to love yourself and nurture yourself, then you will be happy. Not true. The heart of happiness is in mourning for others and to carry others hurt in our own heart.
Jesus was the happiest person on earth. He was full of joy but also full of compassion and willingness to suffer for others. How can someone who suffered so much also be the happiest? Doesn’t make sense unless we take Jesus (The Man of Sorrows) at His word and trust Him. One would think that someone who suffers a lot would be on a bummer but that is only true for someone who does not understand the words of Jesus. We’re not to block out the bad in our life, hoping it won’t rub off on us and drag us down. When we embrace the hurt and injustice of others and in our own life, we open the floodgates of irony and watch water flow uphill, oh the miracles that we take for granite. Jesus said “Happy is the man not who detaches himself, but who mourns, who is heartbroken, for he is the one who will be comforted.”
Deuteronomy 5:1-6:25
What stood out for me (again) were the Ten Commandments. This time, it was the practicality of them. True if we are walking with God and trusting in Him, these commandments are written in our hearts instead of on stone. But one has only to look around and see the fruit coming from those that have these commandments written in their heart and see changed lives.
Deuteronomy 5:29 (In the words of my Pastor)
This is God’s cry; this is God’s lamentation. “Oh that the people would hear Me and obey Me that they might be able to enjoy My blessings forever.” I’m sure that God laments over us. “Oh, if you would only follow me completely so that I can do for you all that I’m wanting to do.” We so limit that which God wants to do because He loves you so much. He is wanting to do so much for you.
Steve

======= Billy:

Thanks Mike for the links to the charitable organizations.
I like:
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/
If we have the wherewithal we should give. God has blessed many of us here in the United States with material comfort.
Luke 12:48
….From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Billy

======= Frederick:

Deuteronomy 5:28-29
28 The LORD heard you when you spoke to me, and the LORD said to me, “I have heard what this people said to you. Everything they said was good. 29 Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!
Fear, in an appropriate amount can be good. In verses 28 & 29, God said that it was good for the Israelites to fear Him so that they and their children obeyed Him and be blessed.
Deuteronomy 6:20-25
20 In the future, when your son asks you, “What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the LORD our God has commanded you?” 21 tell him: “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 Before our eyes the LORD sent signs and wonders—great and terrible—on Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household. 23 But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land he promised on oath to our ancestors. 24 The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. 25 And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.”
In the above verses, I can see that God felt ‘proud and satisfied’ if His people remembered His rules and hence taught their children about the wonderful things that God had done to them.
Frederick

====== Will:

Wow, I was really moved by this from your link today:
“In 1945, Rabbi Eliezer Silver was sent to Europe to help reclaim Jewish children who had been hidden during the Holocaust with non-Jewish families. How was he able to discover the Jewish children? He would go to gatherings of children and loudly proclaim Shema Yisrael ? “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One.” Then he would look at the faces of the children for those with tears in their eyes ? those children whose distant memory of being Jewish was their mothers putting them to bed each night and saying the Shema with them.”
http://sheissafe.org She Is Safe is a favorite of ours. They partner with locals in ten of the least reached areas in the world. From their website, “She Is Safe works to free and empower women and girls in high risk places around the world. We prevent, rescue, and restore them from suffering, abuse, and exploitation. Then we equip them with skills and tools as they work to build new lives of freedom, faith, and a strong future.”
Will

======= Chris:

“The Lord your God…” 18 times in Deuteronomy this morning. I’ve heard it said that if you had a soldier writing letters to you from overseas, you would not just read a portion of that letter; you would read it from cover to cover, over, and over, and over…I am struck by the urgency and intensity of these words, spoken 18 times in 58 verses.
Jesus seems to convey that no matter what or how an individual conducts him(her)self people will find fault. Judging others’ seems to be a preoccupation with some folks. Is it the attempt to “best” them? Is it something else…or does it have to do with the lessons we learn in Deuteronomy about the ten commandments. Yeah, probably all of them. Examining ourselves is the hard part. Hopefully the lessons in Galatians 5:22 and 23 will help me get to that point…no law against that.
Psalms means praise, doesn’t it? It is amazing how praise will always lift my spirits. Call it “polyannish,” but it really does annex the negativity when we are praising God. Everything else
loses its importance when we lift our hearts to him.
The proverbs give us something to strive toward, as good people always get found out, as well as the ones who do harm.
Chris

======= Jill:

Love follows the same thing. We can’t love only to get back. We have to love unconditionally with the right attitude . I like giving gifts sometimes my gifts might seem buying love? Especially gor my DIL’s who I’m trying to earn favor. Do we buy gifts for kids to keep them? Divorced parents try to buy kids attention n love?
Also faith is a verb. It can’t be measured. It’s not the size of the faith. It’s whether we exercise it! Stretch your faith, step out of the boat! See what God can do. Wait and expect!!!
Jill

======= Susan:

Thank you so much for this ministry.
After graduating from seminary I am learning things that I never learned.
What a blessing to not only have the Word of God but also your commentaries and those of Tom Dooley.
What a blessing to my husband and me.
Susan

======= Robert:

Luke 7:18
John’s Question.
“Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”
I think every body in the Middle East was asking that question. They are still asking it. I am asking it. This simple question sums up my own entire belief as Jesus Messiah. Is it true? I have to believe what Jesus says in Luke 4:18-21 and is Isaiah’s prophecy. You have to make your own decision.
Bob Deffinbaugh’s commentary gives us excellent references to the body of the question or interpretation, but not the spirit of the question which is really left to us as individuals. John asks it, Luke records it, and I have to make the choice. Like Bob says, “Let us learn, like John, to hold seemingly opposing truths in tension, until God reveals their unity and harmony in the future.”
In verses 7:22-23 Jesus response is probably not the answer John expected. It may not satisfy Bob and it certainly sounds too simple for me. What about the rest of the world?
Proverbs 11:30
“Godly men are growing a tree that bears life-giving fruit, and He that is wise wins souls.” (MSG).
This says something about our legacy. I love the tree of life imagery. Producing fruit! I really think as Mike does in supporting charities in this regard. My wife and I have made the Salvation Army a major part of our death benefit. We also support our church. We keep a helpful interest in the needs of the Indigenous Community that we live in. We really like a local private school that is a beacon of success in not only our community but the whole world. We share interest and support organizations in Liberia and Haiti.
Robert

======= Dee:

Speaking on the topic of love. My son recently asks me what does love mean? I was taken aback..I’ve always heard that love is not something you were born with, its more than a feeling..or emotion..it is something you “do” on purpose..like in the Bible with Jesus..He loved us in spite of, not because of..I couldn’t describe it any other way but tell my son..that we have to on purpose decide to love something, someone..it’s what we learn and are created to do..Love the Lord Your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength..Love Your neighbor as yourself..Luke 10:27, Deut 6:5..its just that easy..
Ministries and outreach..I give to Holt International ministries and have sponsored two or three kids by now..thirty a month I believe is what it usually asks to sponsor and it is a great ministry to kids who without this funding would not have food, clothes, education..I truly believe us as the body of Christ and his believers should be reaching out to less fortunate..As my pastor said one time in reference of the woman with the “blood” issue who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment to be healed..We need to be the one with the solution instead of the one with the problem..basically..others should be coming to us like the did Jesus if we are His true disciples to get relief..We should have what the World wants and is looking for and that is Jesus All Over Us All The Time..
Be Blessed~~
Dee

======= John:

Matt 11:19
“But wisdom is proved right by her actions.” NIV
Luke 7:35
“But wisdom is proved right by all her children.” NIV
Chip got me thinking on this: In the Greek text these two verses are exactly the same, but translated differently.
Nonetheless, it was discussed a while back where a school of thought substittutes Jesus’ name for wisdom in “Proverbs”.
What if you do that here:
‘But Jesus is proved right by his actions’
‘But Jesus is proved right by all his children’
[Note: Don’t get bogged down on “her” in original translation. Gk. “autos” can be his, hers, its. It is pronoun in agreement with noun it refers to in sentence. Wisdom was feminine so it was “hers”, Jesus is masculine so it would be “his” in above.]
John The Baptist
Just read:
John’s Problem with Jesus
(Luke 7:18-35)
By: Bob Deffinbaugh , Th.M.
at the link Mike provided above.
I would highly reccomend taking the time to go through his commentary.
In the conclusion, there are some thoughts that we should all take to heart, including me (maybe especially me  : )
John

Deuteronomy 4:1-49 + Luke 6:39-7:10 + Psalm 68:1-18 + Proverbs 11:28
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today in Deuteronomy chapter 4 verse 29 we read: “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” How does this verse speak to you today? Do you believe it is true? Have you sought God with all of your heart and with all of your soul? This verse also reminds me of Jesus’ teaching of one of the two great commands – which he quoted from Deuteronomy chapter 6 verse 5 – “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” So – if you have sought after God and found him, do you now today love God with all your heart and with all of your soul and with all your strength?  What does this look like in your life? How do you love God in your life today?

New Testament – The passages on the faith of the centurion today are powerful – especially his words in verse 7 – “Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed.”  Can we learn something from the faith of the centurion in our lives today?

Bible.org’s commentary on Luke chapter 6 readings today titled “Tough Love” is at this link.  And commentary on Luke chapter 7’s readings titled “Jesus the Healer” is at this link.

Psalms – I always like the idea and reminder to sing to God!  Do you sing to God at places other than church?  Maybe in your car?  Maybe at home with the headphones on?  Do you “sing” to God with the way you live your life?  Here’s verse 4 in Psalm 68 today which I love – “Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the LORD– rejoice in his presence!”  How do you sing your praises to the Lord each day?  Is it done as passionately as this fella below?  🙂

Proverbs – Proverbs 11:28 today teaches us: “Trust in your money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.”  Great proverb!  It tells us that trusting in money is not godly and “down” we will go.  Why?  Because if we are trusting in money then we are not trusting in God.  And who can ultimately hold us “up” – now and for eternity?  God or money?  How very interesting is it that the back of U.S. money says “In God We Trust”?  🙂

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Deuteronomy chapter 4 and Psalm 68 remind me of the Matt Maher song “Alive Again:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSTaVmDQP5s

Do you need to be made alive again? Click here for Life!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “”Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will call upon Jesus as your Lord, each and every day. Pray that you will be obedient to Jesus’ Word, each and every day. Pray that you will be a doer of Jesus’ Word, and not just a hearer.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Back to our Psalm today – how many folks out there belt out worship tunes while driving in your car??  🙂  Feel free to fess up in the Comments below.  I will confess here and now that I do belt out tunes from various worship CD’s – Chris Tomlin and Phil Wickham lately.  However, what’s interesting is sometimes I feel a bit guilty spending so much time listening to music and singing along.  I have one great friend who almost never listens to music – he thinks it’s a waste of time and he wants to listen to news / preaching in the car instead.  To try to learn something he says.  And I can appreciate this…  but I think it’s still quite allright to sing our praises to the Lord on a frequent basis in the car!  What say 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,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Deuteronomy 4:1-49
2 Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you from the LORD your God. Just obey them. (NLT)
“Just obey them,” a simple sentence but a powerful Word from God. I believe we like to add or take away from God’s commands to better understand in our minds, why God is asking us to adhere to a specific code of conduct and it is in our explanations of “why” where we get messed up. Funny thing about understanding, at least with God, I find that understanding comes as I just do what God tells me to do. It may not come right away, but understanding, by way of revelation and or study, does come as we mature.
That concept is not hard to understand when we think about why we send our children to school. They do not go into the first grade with a full understanding of E=MC2, a mathematical formula of energy, a formula language founded on 1 + 1 = 2. However, if one decides to go into physics, the simple arithmetic basic will come into play. My son, a stress analyst for Boeing’s new 787 plane, works with numbers and formulas all the time, which I don’t understand; however, he has taken the time to study the math and physics behind the “why,” and I haven’t. That doesn’t’ mean the laws of aerodynamics will work for him but not for me because I don’t understand the laws. Yes, “Just obey them,” is a powerful sentence.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Anka:

RE:singing to God….
Last weekend I went for a retreat at mt Sinaia(mountains named after mt Sinai in Romania)and was so awed by the scenary that I began to sing out “How great thou art”…it was pretty cold there so I came back with a sore throat but it was really one of the best worship experiences in my life..singing with all of my heart cos no one except God was around to hear…
A thought came to me this morning even before I got to read today’s scriptures…I kept pondering on the Reubenites,the Gadites and that half tribe of Manassah..God had promised the land AFTER the crossing of the Jordan,Moses tried to talk God into letting him cross the Jordan to get to the land…but these other people preffered to not go to the promised land…Well,I don’t mean to offend anyone…just thinking aloud…There are Christians who love God,believe in Jesus even the Holy Spirit but draw the line at the gifts of the Holy Spirit…well,if Jesus baptised us with the Holy Spirit…he lives in us yet we refuse to receive his gifts.My pastor was excommunicated from his church because he spoke in other tongues and the church didn’t believe in that…there are “believers” who don’t believe in casting out demons(even though scriptures approve)…We have the Holy Spirit…yet refuse to use the gifts He gives….kinda like those tribes belonging to God,fighting with the rest of Israel yet having no portion of the land promised because they thought they got a better deal on the east of Jordan…
Just a thought,I may be wrong and I sure am open to corrections.
I heard the first American constitutions were built on Godly principles…anyone who wondered why the american economy was booming…the american dollar has on it “in God we trust”!!American missionaries are everywhere…I pray that God doesn’t forget the labour of love of the americans and that He restores their trust in God…and God alone….
God bless you all
Anka

======= Gary:

Just a Thank You Mike. Thanks for the inspiration to continue with the daily readings. I have kept up for the first time in my life. God knows I’ve tried to do this many times before. I know there is a long way to go, but I’ve never made it this far before. I’m sure the layout, Old, New Testament and Psalms, Proverbs has really helped to continue the move forward.
Thanks, Again
Gary

======= Roslyn:

“But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Truly, we can only find God if we fully believe in Him, if we look deeply into our hearts and give Him our unconditional acceptance and love just as Jesus has—no if’s and but’s.
Roslyn

======= Luch:

I have tended to be one who prefers to ‘learn’ while driving in the car, so have avoided an overdosing on ‘worship music.’
However I have been observing that God gave us ‘songs for the journey’. For example, the songs of ascent–Psalm 120-132 are what I call ‘soul music’..As God’s people ‘traveled up’ to the LORD, they sang these songs. For a better understanding of this I refer you to Eugene’s Peterson classic book “A Long obedience in the same direction.”
Music is good if it stimulates my thinking about God, and if it stirs my heart to love God and to serve Him. However I have also seen that ‘worship music’ can be very self serving, where people never respond to the ‘songs’ that carry a lot of depth and meaning, and that are designed to ‘set us on fire for God and His purposes.’
Luch

======= Beth:

Yes, I’m one of the ones who listens to worship music in the car, and sings along. I listen to channel 23 on XM radio which is a contemporary Christian music station. I find that those songs are in my head during the day when I need some encouragement, and even when I lay down to sleep at night. Thanks be to God!
Beth

======= Sue:

As I read about the Israelites journies after coming out of Egypt, I am struck by what motivated them to sin:
They had no concept of how much God loved them.
When we know we are loved, and by whom we are loved, we trust and obey; we want to please the one who loves us, and we want more of that love.
When we fear, though–and God repeatedly says “Fear not,” we doubt His love for us; we start depending on ourselves and we find ourselves in disobedience and oftentimes in frightful situations like the Israelites found themselves, and with God’s wrath, and chastisement.
Yesterday my cat jumped up on my lap, and I was moved by his absolute trust in my rubbing his chin, behind his ears, and he drooled–yes, drooled on me. I had asked the vet about this drooling, and she and her assistant laughed mockingly at me when I was concerned; they said it was because he feels complete trust!
I know how it makes me feel when my cat trusts me completely (he runs out the house when we have company or the housekeeper comes on her regular visits). His confidence in me to protect him from danger is quite a feeling of enjoyment; I wonder if God feels that way when we turn to Him, enjoy Him, and desire Him unfeigned like my cat.
Just a thought.
Sue

======= Pam:

The new dollor coin is being minted with the words In God We Trust on the edge of the coin.
I am so Glad when I have a chance to sing loud and praise God with no critics (I have three children who have never been a fan of my tone-deaf sound)! It is writen “Make a joyful sound”… in the car, I have my best opportunity to really let loose! God bless you all this Morning!
Pam

======= Gina:

I LOVE to sing in the car! I’ve got some really great worship cd’s also that I listen to. I know people driving near me think I’m nuts! : )  I do enjoy good preaching too. I listen to CSN Radio (Calvary Satellite Network) in the car also. Just depends on the mood I’m in!
Poverbs is great today…my hubby and I are in that test right now…trusting God regarding money. we’ve been hit all at once with some bit money issues but we totally know God is in control and we can trust Him to provide.
Gina

======= Alan:

Until last week I was on the road over 40,000 miles a year for the last 2 years. I’d listen to Moody radio in Florida, music, programming, news & then from time to time, put in a Florida Boys CD, Gaithers & occaisionally Marantha Singers from Promise Keepers. I’m already missing my time, but have a 12 mile commute now and a lot more family time.
Alan

======= Jenny:

lots of good readings!!! Kinda hard to concentrate, i brought my friend to church tonight and she accepted Christ!! i”m so overjoyed! there are no words, its just a complete miracle! PRAISE GOD!!!
I dont see anything wrong with praising God in song! I think its individual, your friend isnt so into music, but i am! Some of us just love music! We are made differently. I know God loves to hear His people worship! In fact, we were created to worship Him! I think it depends on the individual, but what does God want from us more then anything? Our hearts, our worship, our obedience! We can listen to sermons, yes thats awesome, but we definitely need worship and to apply things in our lives, be a doer, not just a hearer! i alternate between the two…probly more music (i’m talking about in my car). Yes I belt it out and sing to Him…i even lift my hands in praise, or one hand, haha, drive with the other. A heart devoted to Christ is a blessed one and it pleases the Lord that we love the things of HIM, whether it be sermons or Godly music!!!
Jenny

======= Margaret:

I confess to singing when I’m upset but I suspect initially it is to comfort me first and THEN praise to “the Great Comforter”.
What struck me today is in the OT–Deu 4:21 among other places when Moses cannot go into the Promised Land “because of you”. Moses repeatedly blamed the Israelites for HIS sin of disobeying God. I probably shouldn’t be so hard on Moses because I prefer to blame other people for my sinning also.
Margaret

======= Joy:

Yes, I drive a van with 10 speakers, and it is awesome to listen to and sing along with praise music in a rolling concert hall. My favorite right now is The Hymn Project by Chris Rice.
It gets me back on track after a long day at the office.
Joy

======== Jim:

Which is better: singing or preaching?
The reason we have both at service is not to “cover our bases” but because some people learn more through words (and some read, which is why churches include the text in a PowerPoint presentation) and others through music… while the rest of us learn by all three… and so, we need all three. Thus, the question is not if one is better than the other but is one better for you (not measured by how good it makes you feel but by how you change for the better – seen in your good works afterwards).
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your MONEY!
“Strength” is actually a common mistranslation… I guess money sounded too Jew for whitey. Clearly, however, our checkbooks are by far the best measurement of our faith. Moreover, that’s how the Jews understood it for thousands of years before one special Jew quoted it again (in a book written by Jews, for Jews, about Jews). If fact, this is the first Bible phrase taught to a young Jewish child, it is spoken four times a day (long before Christ), and every Jew tries to say it with their last breath as this is one of the two most important Jewish prayers (the Shema – Hebrew for Listen, and the Amidah – Hebrew for Standing as it is said standing, facing and bowing to Jerusalem, the gateway to heaven… long before the Muslims did it). For example, five members of a Dutch family were part of the fifteen deaths in the Sbarro Pizza bombing in Jerusalem. The father had managed to reach over and hold the hand of his 4-year old son as the two of them lay bleeding, burning, and dying. Together, their last words were heard to be the Shema prayer. “Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God, the LORD is One.” The cry of “Shema Yisrael” (Listen O Israel) has always symbolized the ultimate manifestation of faith in the deadliest of situations (and so was an especially important aspect of Jewish life in German concentration camps).
The idea that God (and all) is one runs contrary to the earlier Zoroastrian (origin of all modern religions and members were known at the time of Christ as the Magi, which means astrologers) doctrine of dualism, which propounds the idea of two conflicting powers — good and evil (common belief to other religions). The Shema is specifically spoken with one’s eyes closed (as in death) to symbolize striving for an understanding upon death of how even the “bad” in our lives was actually for our “good.” To love with our “heart” means to love with our emotional desires, to love with our “soul” means to love specifically in our worst moments (to death), and to love with all our “resources” means to love even with our money.
As the Torah traditionally progresses a series from easiest to hardest, does this suggest we love money more than life? In Nevada, in fact, hotel room windows are always built to open no more than a crack to stop people who have lost all their money not to jump out and also lose their seemingly less important lives. The oral traditions passed down to Moses also speak of a man walking through a thorny field who pulled up his pant legs so that even though his legs were torn up, his pants were saved. Finally, Machiavelli sadly noted in “The Prince” that people are likewise generally more affected by the lose of property than by the lose of their father.
Jesus also refers to the Shema in The Gospel of John 10:30. A group of Jews in the Temple in Jerusalem at the Feast of Dedication, or Hanukkah, asks him if he is Messiah, the anointed one of God. Jesus concludes his response with the words “I and my Father are one” (NIV). This is an allusion to the Shema, which any Jew then or today would immediately recognize.
Therefore, Jesus was being somewhat of a sarcastic cuss when He was asked, “How do we get to heaven?” and He replied with the Shema as He was really saying, “You recite the answer at every service and whenever you retire to bed and whenever you arise, and yet you still harass me!” In the same way, when they asked Him how to pray and He replied with a summary of the Amidah (the Lord’s Prayer), He was really saying, “You recite the answer three times a day – even to replace the offerings as prophesied by Hosea – and, yet you still harass me!”
The reality is that, if we are honest, we generally know the answers but lack the faith to obey. We read the Bible not to primarily increase our knowledge but hopefully to first help increase our faith and obedience (as demonstrated by our checkbooks).
Shalom
Jim

======= Lila:

I have regular Praise and worship in my car all the time. I pray, sing, and talk to God.
The Word of God says to “make joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
Ps 98:4.
Also Sing a new song to the Lord. All you people of the earth, sing to the Lord. Sing to the Lord. Praise him. Day after day tell about how he saves us. Ps 96:1
Lila

======= Helen:

For those of you that have a car/van etc.I think it’s fine to sing God’s praises or to listen to a preaching.
(Your friend who isn’t into the singing, perhaps one day God will suprise them – by teaching them something through a scripture based song)!
I usually travel by bus or train. I have often met other Christians, been able to help someone in some way or ended up silently praying for people around me.
You hear many peoples difficultites overhearing their ‘private’ mobile phone converstaions now days! Instead of just thinking well I would have never said all that in a public place. . .!!I pray for them and their situations. If you are doing the driving you probably need to concentrate more on the road more than a passenger who can more easily get into praying for others.
Helen

======= Jill:

Thank you for doing all that you do to help spread the Word. Your words and thoughts mean more to people than you can ever know. God Bless you Mike.
Jill

======= Elizabeth:

Hello Mike and Everyone,
Interesting that you should mention this passage:
“But from there you will seek the LORD your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.” -Deuteronomy 4:29
I remember this verse from many years ago–before I became a Christian and was seeking Him through His word. I clung to this verse as His promise to me—that if I would truly seek Him with of all myself, that He would be faithful to reveal Himself to me.
Sixteen years later, I can testify that He did reveal Himself! : ) He has been faithful, and He continues to reveal Himself to me in new ways, every day…
Still giving Him my heart, my soul, my strength….because He is SO worth it all,
Elizabeth

======= Barb:

WOW! Today’s picture of the dollar bill with “In God We Trust” enlarged is a powerful visual. Great choice! Especially having just listened to the President address the American people about our debt last night. Our founding fathers sure knew what they were doing. If only America would focus on God and trust in Him first, like the founding fathers did…
Thanks Mike, for this blessing of a blog.
Barb

======= Josh:

I am in a wheelchair & I do not drive but I sure love rockin’ out to Godly tunes on my computer. Toby Mac, Casting Crowns, & Third Day are my favs. Also, I am not physically able to turn pages in my One Year Bibe so without you Mike, I would be stuck. Thanks to the online OYB I can get my faith on!!
Josh

======== Reuben:

I do like your worship selections … but disagree with this one. I think these are more on target with Psalm 68.
Paul Wilbur –
https://www.youtube.com/embed/LfasHGpvowc?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent
Chris Tomlin –
https://www.youtube.com/embed/SaLckqfvZHQ?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent
Reuben

======= Steve:

Deuteronomy 4:1-49
Moses was a Sheppard, it must have been hard for him to watch but not be permitted to accompany his flock as they finally cross over into the Promise Land. Imagine the responsibility of managing such a huge number of people, a people that are so prone to wander off in different directions. Got me to thinking about the way God sometimes uses Sheppard’s as leaders. The theme of Deuteronomy is love and obedience, the same agenda the good Sheppard has for his flock. The good Sheppard wants to take us out of the bondage of our own territory and lead us into the green pastures of the Promise Land.
The good Sheppard is willing to lay his life down for his sheep; he leads the sheep with love but at times the Sheppard must be harsh on the sheep when they wander. The Sheppard does not enjoy being harsh, he is only harsh because he knows the great danger facing the sheep that wander, realizing those that stray could permanently be separated from the flock forever.
Moses as a good Sheppard pleads with his flock to hearken to the word of the Lord by giving them reason after reason to obey God so that it will go well with them. Deuteronomy expresses the magnitude of God, His love for us and His awesome power as a God of consuming fire and a God of love.
In the words of my Pastor, “Yes, He’s a consuming fire and those enemies of God shall be destroyed by that consuming fire. Consuming is just a qualifying word and that is a word that qualifies really the enemies of God; that which the fire will do to enemies of God. But that same fire transmits us into permanency because from us it consumes the dross and the impurities of our life. It’s the refining fire of God burning within our hearts, consuming dross transmitting into permanency”.
Steve

======= Duane:

I love to sing. I sing when I wake up. I sing in the shower ,I sing in the car, and at work. the bible says, make a joyful noise to the Lord, and thats exactly what I do. I also sing on the praise and worship team as well as the sanctuary choir. The songs we go over during choir practice, I sing continuously. There are times when God will bring to rememberance songs from my past that I learned when I was a kid.Its hard to sing and not be joyful. I believe that singing is a wonderful gift God gives us in order to praise and lift him up.
Duane

======= Chris:

I think Moses got it; despite his blaming the Israelites for not being able to enter the promised land, he seems to understand (and conveys that understanding to them) that they absolutely MUST obey God. The thing about Moses and Aaron striking the rock displayed frustration but also arrogance. The rock had done nothing to them, so why hit the rock? Hit the disobedient complainers about water…at least that would have been more appropriate. So, the lesson I think he recognized was that if they wanted God’s blessing(s) (and who doesn’t), they better learn better than he and Aaron, to OBEY God.
I also liked the reference to fruit in Luke. So many times we wrestle with judging. We are first reminded to remove our own “timber” from our eye before getting that speck of dust out of our brothers, but the “flip” side of that is that we need to recognize when someone is intentionally not being genuine, as in: Is there any fruit on that vine? Is it all just a bunch of brambles in those bushes.
I am particularly moved when I read about God’s care of widows and orphans, as I know and love a young woman with three children whose husband was electrocuted while operating machinery on the job. It is a comfort to her knowing that God is her protector. When someone undertakes to leave a husband or start a family without a husband for a protector, it is a whole different scenario from one who loves and obeys her spouse and he is taken away instantly; yes, I know it is God’s plans for their lives. She knows it too, and loves God. That kind of individual really encourages others to step up to the plate.
So many good lessons in Luke with building houses on sand as opposed to a firm rock foundation. That’s what we are doing reading the One-year-Bible, isn’t it? As I read the Easy to read, next to the NIV, and the King James Bible, I feel the rock hard foundation being cemented in my heart (or at least I hope it is).
Praises in the psalms, and a reminder in proverbs about reliance on the riches. My gym teacher told me back in 8th grade that “good enough is never good enough,” and that lesson kind of extends to riches, doesn’t it? I mean, no matter how much money a rich man/woman has, it’s never enough, is it?
Chris

======= Jill:

Mike are you kidding me? Feeling guilty for singin aloud and praising your Father? You can’t do that enough! First God wants us to have a spirt of thankfulness. Continually. How better than to,praise him in song! It keeps us from dwelling on the negative and keeps satan away! Keep singing!
Jill

======= Carol:

Listening to Christian music helps keeps me focused during the day! I’ve tried the teaching/preaching channels but then I’m bombarded by so much that it’s hard to focus/meditate/work on the few things that the Lord has brought to me for that particular day! I love the “What Now” book that goes along with our readings and that right there is enough to munch on for me during the day!!
Carol

======= Doug:

A Gaither song I really like and sing usually in the car “Because He lives I can face Tomorrow”
Thanks Mike for leading us.
Doug

======= Joyce:

Mike and everyone,
This passage stands out to me, Luke 7:3-7
3 And when the centurion heard of Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to Him, requesting Him to come and make his bond servant well.
4 And when they reached Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying, He is worthy that You should do this for him,
5 For he loves our nation and he built us our synagogue [at his own expense].
6 And Jesus went with them. But when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent [some] friends to Him, saying, Lord, do not trouble [Yourself], for I am not sufficiently worthy to have You come under my roof;
7 Neither did I consider myself worthy to come to You… (Amplified Bible)
I admire the centurion’s humble faith. Though others praised him for what he had done, he saw himself as not worthy of Jesus.
We also are not worthy of Jesus. It is by His grace and mercy that He comes to us, and heals us!
Blessings,
Joyce

======= Rita:

The Lord enjoy our singing and praising as much as we do. What’s the point of learning but not being able to feel joyful and to freely express our love to Him. I confess I, too, love to sing and praise while driving, at church, and at home. I also like listening to sermons, reading the oneyearbibleblog, and praying. One does not exclude the other; in fact, it complements it.
P.S. There’s a Lebanese praising band called Strongholds that’s quite awesome. Check it out.
Rita

======= Robert:

Numbers 4: 1-43
I read a commentary about how this scripture should be pondered on how the chosen people spoke so warmly of their relationship with God. That really is evangelism! It sounds like they have a pride about the law and decrees. Laws are a source of wisdom and discernment and there is a holiness that will even affect people that do not believe in God. We see how many people and nations, through out the Bible are attracted to this one true God by the relationship He wants.
Deuteronomy 4:41-43
Cities of Refuge.
Re: Numbers 35:6-34. Again we hear about these places that are set up with the intention of providing a safe place to “get your act together”. I work in a place that provides accommodation to transients of all kinds. The staff treats everyone that comes here with this sense of our place being a refuge, if they need it or not. There is a mixture of needs: safety, time, money, stability, rehabilitation, hope, and a kind word. It may only be one night or several months but the objective is to provide that environment to allow a person to get their act together. Guess who sends them here? The interesting thing about this is that it is never discussed with the patron but only the staff is in the know. Not all the staff are Christians but we use the same principles described in these readings in the Bible. It makes all our work have a higher purpose and what joy when the person can leave in a better state of affairs.
Robert

======= Christine:

God loves praise and worship. Its a way to be closer to HIm. David sang and danced before the Lord. Miriam sang to the Lord as have many more. Shabbatt is a good time to study His word.
Christine

======= Dee:

Well, Mike I am one of those worship song gurus like you! I love it!! That’s how I usually get through house work when I do get around to the work at home. lol!! But just this morning I couldn’t resist listening to Mikeschair, Let the Waters Rise, and singing passionately to it because I have been there, felt that, experienced that raging emotion and it takes you back to the tender moments you have with God and it is in those moments that I really “feel” Gods presence moving in my life..
Anyway, back to the readings today..
Deuteronomy..its hard to believe we are already in Deut..I was writing numbers before I knew it and had to subtract that..then I had to check my spelling of Deuteronomy..can you believe this word was on my 4th grade sons spelling test recently..jeesh.. However, good read in there today, I was going to comment on yesterdays since I didn’t blog and say in likes with Karens comments that I do get saddened for poor Moses asking yet again to God about crossing the Jordon, and God giving an emphatic, No, you may go up on a mountain and look and oversee the promises I have given to your desendants but thats all..you can’t blame Moses for making one last plea..and I know God knows and has ways that are different from ours, however..he still loves and cares for us, and I still commend Moses for all his efforts in trying to lead these crazy bunch of people, I again, would have just let the Lord smote them way back when..Todays readings almost sounded like a sermon of sorts because Moses was really poring his heart out to the people..
Deut. 4:1-49 (1) Listen, give heed to what I am about to tell you, that you may go out and possess the land in which the Lord our God has given you. (2) Don’t add to Gods words or take anything away from..but follow the Lord all the days of your life(paraphrasing) He gives them lots of remembrances again to bore in their thick skulls, verse 9 was good, Only take heed, and guard your life diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes have seen and lest you depart from your mind and heart all the days of your life. teach them to your children and your childrens children..This tells us, we have to teach and show our kids what we have learned from the Lord and be on guard ourselves, lest we slip and fall into sin.. verse 29, is precious..But if from there you will seek (inquire for and require as necessity) the Lord your God, you will find Him if you (truly) seek Him with all your heart (and mind) and soul and life..That is what I search for and set out to do each and every day of my life and was my prayer this morning.. I pray that everyone else commissions this prayer in their life..and verse 30, When you are in tribulation and all these things come upon you, in the latter days you will turn to the Lord your God and be obedient to His voice..(it reminds me of a worship song at my church that says.. Your latter days will be greater than the rest, basically saying that even all the trials you had from the beginning the latter will be so much greater than the former times, and you will be overwhelmed be the Love of God and His move and your maturing you have done in the Kingdom that you wouldn’t trade it for nothing!
I loved the Beatitudes yesterday..I finally got to sit and read them well and read them to my son while he went to bed last night..trying to brighten his mood..he’s almost ten and sometimes as grumpy as an Israelite in the wilderness. Lol!! But I always like to simmer him down and read to him whether he wants to hear the Word or not..Faith comes by hearing..and what we give our attention to, eventually becomes our affection.. so..it is life changing for us..but today..I admire the centurion..I only hope oneday..Jesus can look at me as I feel he looked towards the centurion with admiration and marvel..and say to me..Never before have I seen much faith..That would truly be a compliment from our Big Brother-Jesus!
Ps 69: 3, I don’t want to feel like that again..where I am weary with my crying: my throat is parched , my eyes fill with waiting for My God..Scary feeling when you like that..However I listened to Joyce Meyer this morning and she said somthing that had me thinking..She said “we can be pitiful or powerful but we can’t be both!” thats is so true its like having faith but walking in fear..can’t happen. we have to on purpose Do what we know to do..Stand on the Word with all our might..lean not to our own understanding, trust in Him..Do it anyway, even if your scared..thats a natural feeling.. and I truly believe you can still be trusting in God and leaning to Him and be a little scared at the outcome but the whole time saying..You know what..none the less..Lord..Your Will Be Done!!
Love and blessings~~
Dee

======= John:

Deuteronomy
Deut 4:35
“You were shown these things so that you might know that the LORD is God; besides him there is no other.” NIV
Hebrew Words for:
LORD – Jehovah or Yaweh. The God of personal relationship whose name first appeared in Genesis 3 with Adam.
GOD – Elohim. The name for God that points to Him as strength, power, the Creator. The name used exclusively in Gen 1-2. Elohim is always in the plural (interesting; perhaps pointing to the Trinity).
Jehovah is Elohim – they are one and the same. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the Creator.
God has blessed the Israelites that they have had a personal and front row seat to His revealing Himself. How could they ever doubt??? How could they be disobediant??? There is no other.
======================================================
Deut Breakdown
Saw this and never realized it before:
Early Deut – Looking back (History)
Mid to most of Deut – Looking Up (the Law)
Late Deut – Looking ahead (prophecy)
Deuteronomy is the most quoted Scripture by Jesus.
John

======= Emily:

1.) I think the ”gifts” like speaking in tongues and casting out demons can still be very subjective. Church cannot make it the policy of whole congregation. In Deutronomy God is asking people to fight for the material gift of Land… And later he commands Joshua to take over land and promises to be with his army. And Joshua did make the most of it!!!
But ”gifts’ of casting out demons etc. are vague. We cannot pinpoint them. So, they got to remain personal lest we are overwhelmed with individuals who claim to have gifts like speaking in tongues etc.
It is also interesting that Jesus gave the authority to his disciples to cast out demons. I know that stuff.Yes, but we can’t risk in this modern day to recognize demon casters or exorcists in churches all over the world. It would be too much if all over the world there arise demon bashers and Benny Hinns. YAWN~~~~
I think Christians can do more to relieve this suffering world of drug addictions, poverty,hunger, crime, domestic abuse, child sexual abuses. They are the real demons.
Emily

======= Emily:

Contradictions in Bible?
Not long ago, someone posted a comment ( I think it was John) that there are no contradictions in Bible. I am posting a couple from a website. It would be nice if someone takes the time to study them..
God be seen?
Exod. 24:9,10; Amos 9:1; Gen. 26:2; and John 14:9
God CAN be seen:
“And I will take away my hand, and thou shalt see my backparts.” (Ex. 33:23)
“And the Lord spake to Moses face to face, as a man speaketh to his friend.” (Ex. 33:11)
“For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” (Gen. 32:30)
God CANNOT be seen:
“No man hath seen God at any time.” (John 1:18)
“And he said, Thou canst not see my face; for there shall no man see me and live.” (Ex. 33:20)
“Whom no man hath seen nor can see.” (1 Tim. 6:16)
Jesus’ last words
Matt.27:46,50: “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, eli, lama sabachthani?” that is to say, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” …Jesus, when he cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.”
Luke23:46: “And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, “Father, unto thy hands I commend my spirit:” and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.”
John19:30: “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished:” and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”
Tempts?
“And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham.” (Gen 22:1)
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.” (James 1:13)
Emily

======= Ramona:

Emily,
You know what would be better than “someone” researching the supposed contradictions, you researching them. Just be sure that you look up the Greek and Hebrew words behind the English Translation, than begin a WEB site that addresses your concerns.
I have been in this “walk” too long to not recognize when someone throws in something to be a distraction and not something that edifies the group. This is a site that encourages people to read through the Bible in one year. If you think, and fully believe the Bible is full of contradictions, why are you here?
Are you implying that only you have the wisdom and insight to lead us on this journey? Maybe someone will take you up on your suggestion; however, maybe you need to do it off-line e-mail to e-mail.
You know we all find what we are looking for what ever that may be. What we see with our eyes and hear with our ears is colored or filtered by the content of our hearts
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Emily:

Ramona, Sorry if it was upsetting. Yes, I would wish to have a dialogue through emails. But it is important to bring stuff up sometimes (by someone who does believe in God) or at a later stage someone could strike you down at a critical juncture in life and you may not be ready for it.
”Just Obey them” is definitly a very powerful sentence that is also the motivation as well as justification behind Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Islam, Communism, Nazism and the list goes on…..
So, yeah, I would try not to repeat material like that in future. But I would sure feel very very dishonest towards you all. But maybe I can make up for that in email discussions…
Emily

======= John:

Emily,
Perhaps a nice compromise, would be if someone sees a problem with consistency in that day’s reading – than it would be appropriate to ask for clarification. If one is behind in readings, then certainly something within a reasonable time frome can be brought up.
I believe Cory, Dwayne, Anka, and Andrew among others have done this in the past, and it seems to work out O.K.
To me – it is a blog. If the comment is pertinent to the day’s reading then I say – fire away. I don’t see how blog comments should keep people from doing the daily readings – if that is why they signed up.
If a reader gets irritated by a poster, then first I would say – examine why you are irritated. If it continues as a source of irritation, then it is pretty easy to scan the list of posts and choose not to read those comments from the “irritant”.
======================================================
I would be remiss if I did not point out, that ‘Just obey them’ is vastly different when it comes from God versus the list you made in post. The same God that had proven himself over and over to the Israelite nation.
You are right that the populace has fallen for “man-made” dictates way too often throughout History. They have also fallen for “religious dictates” that seem to fill a void or need.
But these man-made/religious dictates should never be confused with the Authority and the “Word” of God.
John

======== Roslyn:

I don’t see why you can’t raise or share your researched contradictions regarding the bible. As far as I’m concerned, it’s part of reading and studying the bible together. The seeming contradictions do not the least lessen my faith…
Part of the reason why people get so turned off by “experts of the bible”
is their inability to tolerate others that contradict them.
Roslyn

Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29 + Luke 6:12-38 + Psalm 67:1-7 + Proverbs 11:27
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Old Testament – Okay, I think we’ve come across quite an understatement in our readings today in Deuteronomy chapter 2 verse 1 when Moses says: “We wandered around Mount Seir for a long time.” Indeed… it was a long time of 3 decades plus of wandering…  🙂 But, it’s important for us to remember why it was such a long time of wandering – because of the Israelites’ sin in not entering the Promised Land when they were first instructed to do so by God.  And, I think about this in our lives today.  When we sin.  And particularly when we consistently sin – with a bad habit or addiction that we know we should not be indulging in – we can become just like the Israelites, wandering around in the wilderness for a long time…  My fear is that we can get so used to our sin and wandering around in the wilderness that we don’t ever break free from it.  We stay in bondage to the sin.  And then we stay in the wilderness.  The wilderness for us today may simply be living life half-heartedly in a bit of a haze or a bit of a funk.  With some sort of cloud hanging over us.  It’s no way to live life.  I guess I just want to encourage you that if you are struggling with what seems to be an unreleaseable sin to not give up.  Don’t ever give up on victory!  Continue to take the sin to Jesus over and over and over again.  Take it to God over and over and over again.  Pray about it continuously.  Seek wise counsel from friends and pastors and professional help.  Freedom awaits you.  You can get out of the wilderness.  The Promised Land awaits you.   Please don’t continue to “wander around Mt. Seir for a long time”….  Below is a painting titled “The Wanderer” by German artist George Seir from 1934:

We read some significant verses at the end of Deuteronomy chapter 3 when Moses asks to enter the Promised Land, and God replies in verses 26 through 28: “`Speak of it no more. You can go to Pisgah Peak and view the land in every direction, but you may not cross the Jordan River. But commission Joshua and encourage him, for he will lead the people across the Jordan. He will give them the land you now see before you.'”  Here we see that God is standing firm in his refusal of allowing Moses to enter the Promised Land – and yet, he does show mercy in allowing Moses to view the land.   

New Testament – In Luke chapter 6 verses 12 & 13 today we read – “One day soon afterward Jesus went to a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles.”  Every time I read about Jesus’ calling of the apostles, I always think about myself.  What would I have done if I was called by Jesus to be an apostle back then?  What would I do if I was called to follow Jesus in this way today?  What would you do?  Would you leave everything behind and follow Jesus? 

Verses 22 & 23 are just no joke and so powerful for each of to consider and remember in our lives today – “God blesses you who are hated and excluded and mocked and cursed because you are identified with me, the Son of Man. When that happens, rejoice! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were also treated that way by your ancestors.” Wow… rejoice when you are hated and excluded and mocked and cursed – because you are identified with Jesus.  No, don’t just rejoice – leap for joy! 

Today we read 3 amazing verses that I don’t think we can hear often enough.  And my hunch is that we don’t follow these teachings often enough…  they can seem initially so counter-intuitive – just like leaping for joy is when you are persecuted for loving Jesus.  But these 3 verses are clearly such an important part of living the Christian life.  And when you really meditate upon them, you’ll see that they really are not counter-intuitive at all, but completely wise.  Verse 28 – “Pray for the happiness of those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” And verses 35 & 36 – “”Love your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them! And don’t be concerned that they might not repay. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to the unthankful and to those who are wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”  How are you doing on praying for the happiness of those who curse you or hurt you?  How are you doing in loving your enemies and doing good to them?  Do you believe we should be compassionate in these ways?

Verse 37 I don’t think we can hear often enough either – “”Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. Stop criticizing others, or it will all come back on you. If you forgive others, you will be forgiven.” I really need to hear this one – stop judging others.  Stop judging others.  Stop judging others.  Okay, I think I’ve got it….   Maybe… 🙂

Bible.org’s commentary on Luke chapter 6 readings today titled “Defining Discipleship” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 67 verse 2 today sounds very Great Commission-ish: “May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere.” It’s interesting to read this verse when just recently I was reading a review in my local newspaper about a book that “exposes” evangelical Christians. (of which I am one)  This book really dives into how “successful” evangelical Christians are in “recruiting” young adults ages 20 to 35 with their ministries.  And this book reviewer – and the book author – were very disdainful of Christianity.  Saying it threatened secular society…  and this just made me realize that the more we do indeed make God’s ways known throughout the earth – the more we introduce people to God’s saving power among people everywhere – well, then the secular world will push back big time with books and reviews like the one I read.  And the secular world will even push back in more severe ways as well.  This makes me realize that indeed our efforts to make God’s was known – God’s love, grace, mercy, salvation, call to repentance – are being noticed by others.  But hopefully more than just being noticed by others, let us pray that our Kingdom work actually introduces others to God’s only son Jesus, who transforms hearts and lives for eternity!

Proverbs – Chapter 11 verse 27 is a powerful Proverb to pay heed to! “If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you!” I pray each of us is consistently searching for good – and never searching for evil.

Worship Video: Psalm 67:2 reminds me the amazing song “My Redeemer Lives” by Nicole C. Mullen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QvX4CwSmwY

Do you know our Redeemer lives? Click here for Life!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not judge others, but leave the Judgment to Jesus. Pray that you will not condemn. Pray that you will forgive others, as Jesus has Forgiven you.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on Psalm 67 today, how are you helping to make God’s ways be known throughout the earth?  Are you sharing with other’s God’s saving power?  Do you want the life you live to reflect God’s glory to others?  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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29
Something I noticed with Israel and her wars, God gave them victory before they went to battle, ergo, God gives us the Victory over our enemies (addictions; stress; bad health; people who come against us because we are believers—whatever conflicts with a Kingdom loving, God centered lifestyle); however, we must go into the battle. I heard this from my pastor’s wife about three/four weeks ago. “Running from the battle qualifies you for captivity.”
“Get up, make your way across Wadi Arnon. Look! I have already delivered over to you Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land. Go ahead! Take it! Engage him in war! … The LORD said to me, “Look! I have already begun to give over Sihon and his land to you. Start right now to take his land as your possession.”
(Deuteronomy 2:24, 31 NET.)
I was also tying to find the post that someone wrote (I think it was Andrew B, but I could be mistaken), when we first got into Deuteronomy, that Moses was playing the “Blame Game,” and at the end of our readings sure enough Moses again blames the “crowd” for his inability to enter the Promise Land.
But the LORD was angry at me because of you and would not listen to me. Instead, he said to me, “Enough of that! Do not speak to me anymore about this matter.
(Deuteronomy 3:26 NET.)
Grace and peace and Make it a Blessed Day!! Don’t allow circmstances and other people to control whether a day is blessed or not—Take charge [That encouragement if from me also, self-speak spoken (written) out-loud]
Ramona

======= Gene:

Doing my reading today and thinking of, I was praising God for being so good to us, just like He was with the people going to the promised land, forgiving them and picking them up and back to Him every time. I could not help it, thinking of what Jesus did for us in Calvary, out of His free and loving will, without complainig, to take us to our “promised land” and I have shedded some tears because we, like the Israelites complain so much for every litle thing, some times forget what He did for us that good friday. He is a good and merciful God and many times He acts like He is deaf and so merciful, when we are just using small excuses to stay in our own dessert away from Him. 
Gene

======== Roslyn:

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” AMEN!!!
Truly a great reminder of how we should treat one another, for we are ALL one in God, Christians or non-Christians.
Roslyn

======= Laura:

In Deuteronomy we see history as meaning rather than as bare fact. Here the stories rewire the souls of the people, preparing them for what lay ahead. As the OT progresses, the stories are told and retold, each time telling the meaning: the truth about God, his justice, grace, sovereignty, mercy, fierce jealousy.
So, if everything points back to Torah (the first five books), how should we understand the OT?
If Torah is the story of God’s gracious covenant with Israel–and not law as is often assumed–could it be the the OT is also about God’s grace?
I believe this is true and this year, I’m reading to see if it is so. It has certainly been the case so far.
Laura

======= Ramona:

Laura,
I too see the “grace” of God in the Old Testament even though many people think that the God of the Old is different than the God of the new. God’s grace was not always evident to me when I first began reading through the Bible 18 years ago, but every time I read though and more things are revealed in my understanding, I know without a doubt that God is the same and has always been the same throughout all eternity.
Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
(Heb 13:8)
If Jesus Christ is the Word of God and is God, as stated in the first chapter of the Book of John, than God has never changed and His grace and mercy is stamped indelibly on the universe. We confuse the consequences of our misdeeds and sinful actions, things we have set in motion because we live in a cause and effect world, with the absence of a God full of grace and mercy. If I warn my child about playing in the streets and he plays in the streets in spite of my warning, when he is hit by an 18 wheel truck that does not mean I am lacking in grace and mercy it means he didn’t listen.
Ramona

======= John:

Laura,
Absolutely, the Old Testament is replete with examples of God’s grace and mercy.
“Grace of God” is defined in one dictionary (freedictionary.com):
“the free and unmerited favor or beneficence of God”
The above defintion can be seen in action throughout the Old Testament.
“As we have seen, God extended His grace freely to individuals and nations who humbly sought His favor in Old Testament times. God granted His grace to Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, the children of Israel, the Ninevites, David, and even kings Ahab and Manasseh when they repented of their wickedness. The Scriptures also record God’s grace and blessings to those women who sought His favor, including Abraham’s wife Sarah, (Gen. 21:6-7, Heb. 11:11, Ruth the Moabitess (Ruth 1:16; 2:12), and Hannah, the mother of Samuel (I Sam. 1:10-19).
The entire Old Testament is a demonstration of God’s gracious kindness and mercy. However, the grace and mercy which God granted during Old Testament times was in most cases limited to physical deliverance and material blessings. The Scriptures reveal that only a few in Old Testament times received God’s Holy Spirit and were granted the grace of God unto eternal salvation. Nevertheless, God’s blessing and grace was extended bountifully in the physical realm for those who loved God and kept His commandments. And mercy and forgiveness was extended to all who repented from the heart.
The Old Testament is a history of those who sought God with all their hearts, and received God’s grace and blessing, as opposed to those who rejected God’s grace and blessing, and heaped to themselves punishment and wrath for their grievous sins.”
John

======= Lisa:

Re: Gods grace as seen in the old testament journeys, I feel like I have just completed a long journey because I was a few days behind on my reading. I know we are supposed to skip those days, but I hate to miss anything. I can see why the journey took as long as it did because there were many cities, lands and people to conquor. I am having a struggle with these readings as I did with Leviticus and Numbers because of the long lists of names, animal sacrifices and counting of people that took place. It seems so much of these chapters are redundant too. I wonder if anyone else has had struggles with reading these chapters in the old testament as I have. I still try to look for God’s grace and realize that he has those chapters in the bible for a good reason. I’ve been trying to give Him the glory.
On another thought that may be all my own. Where were all the animal rights activists in those days? So many animals were sacrificed daily. God must of provided an enormous abundance of animals and probably dealt severly with those who stood in the way of the work of the sacrifices performed by the Levites. Scripture leaves that part out. Am I the only inquisitive one who thinks along these lines? I of course am thankful that Jesus was the final sacrifice and that we all have access to Him now and His saving grace.
I love the bible enough and God’s word to maintain my focus and have a great respect to all my fellow brothers and sisters In Christ who have been faithfull to God and this blog and who post daily. Especially, brother Mike who has set this blog up for us and goes above and beyond in his duty to serve. Welcome back Mike, I know this welcome back is late. You must be blessed by the oppourtunity it was to help out those Katrinia victims. Our church is sending out a group in June. I wish I could be a part of it, but felt that I wanted my husband to go along with me if I went. He chose not to go. I only have so much vacation time that I can take and it is about the only time my husband and I see each other. I hope God lays it on the hearts of all who have the opportunity to serve in this way and makes it possible for them to do their duty.
I am looking forward to this study of Deuteronomy and all the blessings it will offer to us.
Lisa

======= Anka:

“These forty years the LORD your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything.”….the Israelites didn’t seem to think so…they complained about the food and many other things.Looks like when God says “in all things give thanks”…he REALLY means that…even when everything seems to be crashing around you…God’s still in control and he thinks…”you lack nothing”…so give thanks…hhmm praise sure can be a sacrifice when the last thing you feel like doing is praise God..in a way,that in it’s self is a battle…fighting to do God’s will(give thanks)when all your flesh wants is another pity party.
He who seeks good finds goodwill,but evil comes to him who searches for it….It’s amazing just how much trouble comes from making bad choices…good comes from looking up to Jesus…bad comes from listening to the whinnings of our flesh…a thousand mile journey starts with one step…pray or watch some more TV…go to church or just hang out doing something else.Choosing what we seek or guarding our hearts from interests that are against God’s will is a daily sacrifice…
God is good!!!
Anka

======= Sandy:

Speaking of God’s grace…I love the thought my husband, a pastor, has brought up about Moses being refused by God to enter the Promised Land: (and I don’t know if it’s an original thought with my husband): Moses represented the Law, and the law can never bring us into God’s holy presence; it can only condemn us and show us the need for Jesus and His blood shed on the cross to bring us into “the Promised Land.” So it was so symbolic that Moses couldn’t deliver the people into the Land, but that Joshua (Jesus’ name is really Joshua)-is the one God chose to bring the people into His chosen land, the place of blessing and prosperity.
Another thought that blesses me about Moses–in the story about the Transfiguration, Luke 9:30, we see Moses and Elijah speaking with Jesus on the mountain, in the promised land. So God in His mercy brought His servant Moses into the land after all! He’s the God of the living, not of the dead, isn’t He? : ) His grace is greater than our sin and mistakes.
Blessings.
Sandy

======== Peggy:

Today”s reading gave me a push. As I have been doing my bible study, I have had this tug on my heart that God wants me to be doing something more for Him. I have been praying everyday that He will reveal to me what it is. My nephew reminded me, “dont sit back and wait jump in and you will know God’s will”. Thank you for this reading. Believe you me I have been wandering in the dessert long enough. Have a Blessed day.
Peggy

======= Emily:

Just a little note to mention that Deutronomy is one of my favourite books in Bible. Some of my favourite verses come from Deutronomy. Shema is also in Deutronomy. O, how I wish I could be transported to those times when God led his people directly… guided, chided and His people… I miss that direct connection…
No direct connection with God is the reason most people become despaired, discouraged, depraved because they can’t feel the presence of the Lord. I pray that Lord shows His mighty presence to all those who love Him….
Emily

======= John:

Emily,
“No direct connection with God is the reason most people become despaired, discouraged, depraved because they can’t feel the presence of the Lord. I pray that Lord shows His mighty presence to all those who love Him….”
The Lord’s mighty presence is exemplified all around us in creation every day, His physical presence was here on earth 2,000 years ago, His direct fellowship as “Abba” is only a prayer away…
A prayer from a “believer” that acknowledges him, confesses sins, and asks for restoration. (Something in the vein of David in Psalm 51). When fellowship is restored with the Father, then his presence is felt. [It is what I have learned and experianced the last two years.]
A prayer from a “non-believer” that turns back to God, repents of sins, and accepts His Son as Lord and Savior and does all that with a “true” heart will find the fellowship and presence of the Lord in all its abundance.
John

======== Pat:

Luke 6:12-13 stood out today in our reading of the Scripture. Jesus prayed all night before choosing the 12 apostles. As our all-knowing Savior prayed all night before making His big decision, then He has set the example for us to pray earnestly and long before making big decisions in our lives.
God Bless,
Pat

======== John:

Pat,
John 14:10
“Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.” NIV
I wonder if it was a big decision, or if Jesus was praying to the Father to reveal the names of the disciples to become apostles. Perhaps also he was praying for the protection of these apostles in the coming days, months, and years.
John

======= Jenny:

Great blog today, as always, very powerful! I love it! There is so much good stuff, I can tell this is gonna be a long comment! :p
Deut. has lots of great gems! I love the dialog between God and Moses, I wonder if God’s voice was audible to Moses…I know we have dialog with God now, but I wonder what it was like for Moses…
I like this verse, I can relate to this!: Deut 2:7 “He knows your trudging through this great wilderness. These…years the LORD your God has been with you; you have lacked nothing”
In v.25 is very interesting…sounds like the nation of Israel today, hm? “I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon the nations under the whole heaven, who shall hear the report of you, and shall tremble and be in anguish because of you”
The Beatitudes I know we have discussed a lot in other gospels, I’ll just touch on a couple. “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted”. This isn’t referring to mourning in everyday life, like the death of a loved one, I sure don’t feel blessed! This is in reference to when we mourn over our sin, our initial conversion to Christ and every time we mourn over sin, we should! It’s a sign we are truly His child! When we mourn, there are two responses though, we can be sorry for our sins, but make the wrong choice. One example, Peter mourned after the rooster crowed and he realized he had denied the Lord. He did the right thing; he wept bitterly, mourned and repented. He turned from his sin and continued after Jesus. Then there is anther example, Judas Iscariot who mourned and wept after he betrayed Jesus. But his mourning didn’t lead to repentance, but the taking of his own life…he gave up!
I definitely think we all suffer from judging ppl, not just Christians either. It seems like a natural human tendency…you see someone and instantly make a judgment. My study Bible says this:
“This forbids hypocrisy and a condemning spirit rising from self-righteousness. It does not condemn true discernment”.
There are certain judgments we are to make! God gave us this, like for women, we make judgments and we have to. If I see a strange man hanging around, I’m gonna make a judgment! If, particularly a man, gives me a bad feeling, I listen to that! That’s not wrong. One reason God gave us judgment is to keep us safe!
I am a huge advocate for forgiveness!! Theres just no way around it, we MUST forgive!
Regarding v 29 “To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also”…I just heard a radio sermon on this and wanted to mention it. This is referring to revenge. Not to take revenge on a person…this doesnt mean we are to be wimpy, ‘easily taken advantage of’ ppl who get pushed around. When Jesus was slapped in the face after His arrest, He didn’t say, ‘hey slap the other one!’ He said, “why did you strike me?” Lets not mistake forgiveness and humility for being wimps. This is the point the pastor was making.
‘Love your enemies…pray for them.’ This is huge…remember Christians, nonbelievers are watching us, whether we realize it or not. When we profess His name…this is a distinguishing factor. this shows God in our lives, that we can love those that do us wrong and that we forgive. We have a responsibility to bring glory to God’s name.
Regarding that book you mentioned, ha, at least the author referred to ages 25-35 as young adults! I like being called young. :p
Of course I’ve heard a lot about what a danger us evangelical, Christian fundamentalists are. Ha! Well, we ARE a threat!! A threat to satan’s kingdom! Praise God! These authors are under the authority of the enemy. (my spell-check wants me to capitalize satan’s name, I refuse! Haha.)
Proverbs is awesome! “If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you!”…Wow, that’s sooo true!! I love it!
Great readings…I could continue with my tangents and thoughts but I better stop…haha.
Jenny

======= Lisa:

“I know, I talked to Him this morning” I love that line at the end of this song. I want to tell everybody. My husband and I recently made a collage of magazine pictures and sayings that would keep us focused. I have one about encouraging future homemakers and one about hometown heroes, but I found a saying to put in the middle of our poster “impacting our world for the Lord Jesus Christ.” I’ve been amazed at how this has helped us to stay focused on our call and family goals. WE are encouraged and know where we are headed when we look at it. We all get busy, and this might help someone else to “focus” After all, God’s word says to make the vision clear by writing it down. God wrote our redemption in Jesus’ heart (The Word) Aren’t you glad that our redeemer lives?!
Lisa

======== Kary:

Mike,
I love what you say about how our sin keeps us out of the promised land. I am reading an excellent book right now that makes this point. I recommend it to anyone who feels like, though they have been a Christian for a while, they just don’t seem to have real victory in their lives. This book goes into some major reasons why and how to overcome them.
The book is called Maximized Manhood by Edwin Louis Cole.
Kary

========= Elizabeth:

Hello Everyone,
I agree with you Mike about the wandering being an understatement and the insidious nature and lure of sin.
Along those lines, I like this quote from my Key Word commentary this morning:
“Let no man think to kill sin with few, easy, or gentle strokes.” -John Owen
In the devotion I’m reading with the children, it describes sin as weeds that spring up in our hearts:
“The seeds of sin are in our hearts. And they keep coming up. Jesus forgives our sins when we ask Him every day, but the next day we sin again. Even if we have new hearts, the seeds of sin still try to grow. So we cannot be good all the time.
It is very sad. We should always want to live for God and praise Him, but we cannot. Sometimes we do not even want to. That is the worst of all the weed seeds.” -Leading Little Ones to God
Always fighting the battle here…trying to get around the hills of Seir…plucking the weeds over and over and over….
I like this thought from the Key Commentary too though:
“7. Key thing to look out for
God’s plans are never permanently thwarted by human disobedience.”
Amen! So be it, dear Lord.
Elizabeth

======== Romayne:

I think there’s a wealth of difference between arrogantly judging and rightfully discerning and speaking out about what is false or sinful, whether in someone’s life, or in pulpit teaching. If we don’t “judge” properly, then sin will abound within the church as well as without and that would be bad.
I was convicted by the verse where Jesus states that the measure with which you give, is the measure which will be used to give to you, which hits me hard as while I tithe, I’m utterly miserly in the rest of my giving, preferring to see a nice healthy increasing bank balance (the old saving for a rainy day that’s got a bit skewed!). So I’m repenting of that attitude right now, and praying I can be a cheerful giver without concern of what’s left over for me, knowing that everything I have comes from Him alone and I can’t take it with me!!
Blessings,
Romayne

======== Karen:

Persevere! Yes, never give up. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you and He most certainly will.
I always feel so sad when I read about how Moses does not get to go into the promised land. God knows best, of course, but it still makes me feel bad for Moses. Love in Christ. HUGS!!
Karen

======= Terri:

I wonder did Moses know what he did wrong???? Or does he REALLY believe that it is the others fault that he doesn’t get to go to the promised land??? Anyone??
Terri

======= Aurette:

Moses was blaming the people because they were moaning in the desert. Out of anger and frustration the second time at the rock instead of obeying God’s instruction for him to speak to the rock, he out anger hit the rock and then God said it is because of your disobedience you will not enter the promise land. Moses asked whether he could just enter … See Morethe promise land to look at it and God said no. God then told Moses to go up to the mountain and He then viewed the promise land from up there and then God took Moses home.
Aurette

======= Frederick:

Deuteronomy 2: 2-3, 31-35
2 Then the LORD said to me, 3 “You have made your way around this hill country long enough; now turn north.
31 The LORD said to me, “See, I have begun to deliver Sihon and his country over to you. Now begin to conquer and possess his land.”
32 When Sihon and all his army came out to meet us in battle at Jahaz, 33 the LORD our God delivered him over to us and we struck him down, together with his sons and his whole army. 34 At that time we took all his towns and completely destroyed[c] them—men, women and children. We left no survivors. 35 But the livestock and the plunder from the towns we had captured we carried off for ourselves.
Our LORD has his own timing. It is a mystery that why the God led the Israelites 38 years (plus two before the LORD declared them to wander in the desert) but not 37 years nor 39 years. But the truth is when God’s time is up, God acts immediately. Be alert for God’s timing.
Luke 6:21
21 Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
The tears you shed are now in God’s hand. When His time comes, you will laugh. What a promise!
God Bless
Frederick

======= Lily:

Luke 6:27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
I pray in my mind and heart that God punish the people who mistreat me and hurt me and others especially those we love. I always say, that God’s justice will come one day.
It is hard on our own to love those who mistreat us. It is not impossible with God’s help although it is a slow process. I had a personal experience with a co worker who (because of his material needs) resulted in lying to our superior about my work so he could take over my tasks. I was deeply hurt because it was not true. I carry this hurt with me Then one day I prayed for him and his family. Wow, it was liberating to pray for those who hurt us. A big burden washed away which was eating me up for a while. I saw him in a funeral wake. We hugged and that time I knew the hurt was not there anymore. I still pray for him and his family.
I still need to work more on praying for others who hurt me and trust God.
Luke 6:37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
In many small ways sometimes we are not aware that we are judging others. I pray that God will watch my actions and words so as not to intentionally or unintentionnally judge others.
Yes, Mike we have to pray not to judge others for judgement is of the Lord.
God bless.
Lily

======== Zig:

Grace and peace and Make it a Blessed Day!! Don’t allow circumstances and other people to control whether a day is blessed or not—Take charge [That encouragement if from me also, self-speak spoken (written) out-loud]
Thanx so much for this Ramona. Ive been having issues with my boss and he has started wearing me down but today i just came to the office with a smile determined not to let him have a say on how my day went. He was away most of the day but regardless of that I cam e knowing i will have a good day and what you have said is so true. Bless you for that and have a good every-day ya’ll.
Zig

======== Steve:

Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29
As the Israelites marched on towards the Promise Land, they were instructed by God not to fight with the decedents of their relative Esau (the land of the Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites) along the way. When they arrived at the land of the Amorites, King Sihon flat out refused to let them pass through the territory and attacked them. The Israelites completely and decisively destroyed King Sihon’s kingdom, (the land east of the Jordan) just outside the Promise Land. This is where Gad, Reuben and the half tribe of Manasseh settled. What would have happened if King Sihon would have feared them a little more and granted them passage? Would Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh still have occupied territory outside the Promise Land?
What territory do we occupy, the Promise Land or have we chosen to live just on the outskirts of the Promise Land? The tribe of Reuben and Gad were cattlemen and in that day having herds of cattle was prestigious; similar to today’s standards of wealth which are measured by how big your house is and how prestigious a car you drive. Remember when Moses came down from the mountain top and the Israelites had begun worshipping the image of the golden calf (wealth & power)? Occupying the territory outside the Promise Land is failing to trust God for our provisions. It in a sense making the statement we know what’s best for us better than God. It’s relying on our own prosperity and resources (Manna-Amnesia) for our safety and security.
By fast forwarding in time we see that the territory chosen by Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh later fell to the Assyrians. The moral of the story is that Father (God) always knows best. Leaning on our own understanding seems like a good idea at the time but never quite works out like we plan.
Steve

========= Brian:

PRAISE GOD. THANK YOU JESUS! GLORY TO GOD.
THAT JUDGEMENT MESSAGE IS SO IMPORTANT. I HELD A GRUDGE FOR YEARS AND WHEN THE LORD SHOWED ME TO LET GO IT WAS WONDERFUL.
BRIAN

======== Cathy:

Thank you Ramona,
It is sometime hard going to work knowing that your supervisor always try to make you ridicule in front of your co-workers. But as you mentioned we don’t have to let other people to control whether a day is blessed or not.
Have all a peaceful day.
Cathy

======= Jill:

“Love and they will know we are Christians by our love” remember singing that song? I find it helps when I want to curse my enemies or anyone difficult to love! Specially family members. People who have betrayed us, hurt us! “Father help me forgive them . Help me show them love” we can win people over by our love. We can’t do it on our own strength but only with Gods power and might.
Mike your words ” This makes me realize that indeed our efforts to make God’s was known – God’s love, grace, mercy, salvation, call to repentance – are being noticed by others. But hopefully more than just being noticed by others, let us pray that our Kingdom work actually introduces others to God’s only son Jesus, who transforms hearts ” really stood out today.. If everyone would show this to others and people see Jesus in us by our actions the Christians could change this world! Thankyou. For the reminder . To leave all behind and follow Jesus. Yes it would be worth it. If people criticize us because of our love for the lord.. Rejoice! Amen!
Jill

======= Russ:

I think sometimes we get in the middle of a battle and forget what we are fighting for…if we focus on the battle and not God, we can fall. But if we focus on God, the battle is already won.
Russ

======== Joyce:

I love that line…”Running from the battle qualifies you for captivity”. Brings to mind an automatic door, technically the door is open…but you have to approach it for it to ‘open’.
Joyce

======== Robert:

Mike, Thanks for the pep talk about wandering around with this sin over our heads and it feeling like doom. There is a Promised Land and we can find the freedom through Jesus. I would like to suggest a wonderful way to have that help that is available through the many different “freedom sessions” that are available all over North America. My own church has had several weekend ones. These will all be starting up as Covid diminishes. Google: freedom sessions near me. They are also on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/freedomsession/
Deuteronomy 2:25
“This very day I will begin to put terror and fear of you on all the nations under heaven”. In my mind this is one of the reasons Israel was always considered so powerful because of their God and His favor towards them. (Me too even as a Gentile). Throughout history this reputation has preceded them; even to this day they are a force to be reckoned with!
Psalm 67 supports how the one and only God blesses his people and all will respect him.
Luke 6:27-41
Loving your enemies and judging others. This section is a great read for those raising children. Generally speaking you train your kids by:
1. What you say.
2. How you do things or how you model your behavior and actions.
3. Your authenticness.
4. Making it a priority to “play fair”, and remember you can “fight” another day.
Can you see how deviating from any of these will probably teach them the wrong way too.
Robert

======== Debbie:

Thank you for the encouragements about wandering in the wilderness. So true!
Debbie

======= John:

Luke 6:37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged.”
I have been known to cringe when pundits, politicians, and activists throw this verse out to the public over various venues. I find it “ironic” that all too often these same individuals come down on Christians and judge them in a very personal way.
I struggled with this simple verse in the past. However Paul seems to expound on Jesus’ words in Romans 2. The context is God’s Righteous Judgment, and the greek word “krino” is the same word Jesus used in Luke and Matthew.
It would seem that Paul indicates “judgment/judging” as ascertaining one’s heart – knowing one’s motives – and then condemning the person. Much as a judge would in a courtroom (the condemning part). None of these things can we know, only God has that right to Judge. This would also seem to be Jesus’ intention when following verses are read after Luke 6:37.
I beleive there are two types of judgment that are mentioned in the New Testament. One is as these verses indicate – a heavenly judgment that is only in God’s wheelhouse. The other is a judgment of the fruits of an individual or society. A judgment of “discernment”. Through the study of God’s Word and the indwelt Holy Spirit we all should be able to tell good from bad in our lives – if not initially, at least as it unfolds. We should also be able to recognize the same in society. We need to speak out on these issues, but (and the tricky part is) from a position of love and firmness without getting personal or “condemning” the person(s). This last, I admittedly struggle with in day to day life.
Romans 2:1-4
“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?” NIV
======================================================
A different but similar view done more concisely : )
In his book “True for You, But Not for Me,” Paul Copan describes the fallacy in this all too common thinking:
It has been said that the most frequently quoted Bible verse is no longer John 3:16 but Matthew 7:1: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” We cannot glibly quote this, though, without understanding what Jesus meant. When Jesus condemned judging, he wasn’t at all implying we should never make judgments about anyone. After all, a few verses later, Jesus himself calls certain people “pigs” and “dogs” (Matt 7:6) and “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (7:15). … What Jesus condemns is a critical and judgmental spirit, an unholy sense of superiority. Jesus commanded us to examine ourselves first for the problems we so easily see in others. Only then can we help remove the speck in another’s eye – which, incidentally, assumes that a problem exists and must be confronted.
John

======= John:

Luke
Blessings and Woes
One religious sect leader said – ‘just follow the beatitudes and you will be in God’s kingdom.’ Implying that non-christians could get to heaven if they follow this teaching of Jesus. (Inclusive theology).
People concentrate on Matthew for the “Beatitudes”, but here Luke provides a compare and contrast.
Blessed
– ‘are the poor’ – in spirit – those who recognize they have no standing on their own before God – that they depend on Him.
– if you are poor in spirit and hunger – for righteousness – God will satisfy you.
– ‘are you who weep – over the state of your nature (sinful)- for you will laugh in heaven.
– ‘are you when men hate you because of Jesus – for it shows you are not of the world but of Christ.
Woes
– to the rich – who think they are spiritually rich – that they can earn their way to heaven – your comfort is here on earth.
– ‘to the well fed’ – who have no hunger for righteousness in the Lord – for they will hunger for the Lord when it is too late.
– ‘to those who laugh’ – for they do not admit their sinful nature and weep over their condition – for you will mourn and weep in the afterlife.
– to those who get along with the world – because you have no clue. It is a false sense of comfort.
Pretty hard to follow Jesus’ teaching here without accepting and receiving him as your Savior.
======================================================
Love for Enemies
Maybe this is hard for some, and maybe it is easy for others.
If it is hard for you to do – a suggestion: start with people in your assembly (church). Quit hanging out with people you are comfortable with and who are like you. Instead find someone, a family, or various persons who you would never hang out with before you became a Christian. Start being a factor in their lives.
This happened to me – not by choice, but by God thrusting these people in my life – and it has truly been a blessing.
======================================================
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
One of the most quoted by secularists, and most understood by Christians – verses in the Bible.
Judged (Krino) and condemn have to do with God’s judgment. We do not know people’s hearts. We cannot judge their standing before God.
” It becomes clear that from looking at the usage of usage of the Greek words KRINO and KRISIS, it is God who does this when it comes to judging the individual. It is not man’s place to KRINO another person. We may KRINO fruit, works, holidays, festivals or foods for ourselves but not others. The Bible makes it very clear that the job of judging man does not belong to mortals but to an infinite, eternal, righteous and just God.” – from link below
We can and should be discerning, but judging and condemning – it is not our job.
The below link is one of the best I have found in the last year. It discusses all the verses that talk about judging and discernment – the Greek – and how it should be understood and applied.
John

======= Vance:

Deuteronomy 3 (NKJV)
22
You must not fear them, for the LORD your God Himself fights for you.’
~~~
MY NOTES:
I notice that, if the Israelites had kept their eyes on their Lord and Savior—Yahweh—they would have been able to resist the temptation of their weakness to rebel in fear that the enemy used against them. Their own confession, rooted in fear spawned unbelief, led them not entering the Promised Land. Those men who had instigated the rebellion were killed because of their rebellion. Their children went into the land in place of them.
What amazes me is how faithful the Lord is to His people—even in their rebellion. Of course, He must discipline us in love if we have rebelled against Him. I think once again of something I read yesterday that still speaks deeply to me from the website titled, http://hebrew4christians.com:
Reply Requested: When Convenient
OT AND NT: BUILDING OF THE TABERNACLE OF GOD
EXODUS 35:1 THROUGH EXODUS 38:20 (NKJV)
The construction of the mishkan (tabernacle) now begins with Bezalel and Oholiab leading the work. Notice that Bezalel (betzal’el) is a type of Christ, a man “called by name” from Judah who was “filled with the Spirit of God” (ruach elohim) and whose name means “in the shadow of God.”
Bezalel’s chief assistant is Oholiab (aholi’Av), whose name means “the Father’s tent.”
Notice that this is the second time that the description of the mishkan (tabernacle) and its furnishings given in the Torah…
Why is this the case?
1. FOR ONE THING, THE LORD IS SHOWING THAT HIS PURPOSES WILL NOT BE THWARTED, EVEN IF MAN’S SIN (I.E., THE MOLTEN CALF INCIDENT) CAUSES A DELAY IN GOD’S PERFECT WILL.
2. A second reason has to do with the fundamental importance of the mishkan (tabernacle) and the blood atonement rituals that allow for communion with God.
~~~
Luke 6 (NKJV)
12
Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
13
And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles:
14
Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew;
15
Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; 16 Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.
19
And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.
35
But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.
36
Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
38
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
PSALM 67 (NKJV)
1
God be merciful to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us, Selah
2
That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.
~~~
MY NOTES:
It strikes me as amazing that the Lord Jesus, the Full and Perfect Man, chose the apostles that He did. It does not amaze me that He prayed all night to do it. It is really sobering that Jesus, at the Father’s direction, chose “Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.”
Jesus had to be prayed up, humanly speaking, for He knew what His mission was—to die for the sins of the world. Every time He loved Judas, He knew Judas could be a traitor.
I note that Judas “became” a traitor. Perhaps he could have avoided it. In any event, even if Judas had not betrayed Jesus, prophecy cannot be broken, and someone else would have betrayed Jesus.
~~~
As Jesus gave, so He calls us to give. And as we give, we are NEVER to expect or demand something back from people. HOWEVER, God in His Word clearly teaches us that AS WE GIVE WITH LOVE, BEING PROMPTED BY THE SPIRIT to give in worship, then GOD HIMSELF WILL GIVE BACK TO US in His time and His way.
Luke 6: 38
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
~~
As we are blessed spiritually and materially, then His way can be known on the earth. Why? For our hearts are right before God and we serve Him first as Lord. Then, because we have material blessing, then we can invest heavily in the Kingdom of God and use our money as a spiritual weapon bathed in prayer to take back what the enemy has stolen from mankind.
Vance

Numbers 36:1-Deut. 1:46 + Luke 5:29-6:11 + Psalm 66:1-20 + Proverbs 11:24-26
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

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: https://bible.org/article/introduction-deuteronomy

The Bible Project: Here is a great video overview of the book of Deuteronomy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5QEH9bH8AU

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 Video: Today’s readings in Luke reminded me of Jeremy Camp’s song “The Answer:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4n-bSz515qM

Do you want to know the answer? Click here for The Answer!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you realize that you are sick and in need of Jesus’ healing. Pray that you have or will repent of all of your sins. Pray that you always recognize your need for Jesus.

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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Numbers 36:1-13
Again, we have God giving a personal answer to a dilemma the tribe of Manasseh found themselves. Valuing their inheritance, the land that God had given them, they approached God about keeping the land inherited by Zelophehad’s daughters in the family. God is interested in all our concerns. Let us not think anything is too small to bring before Him.
Deuteronomy 1:1-46
Every time I read this passage, I am amazed at this miracle, taking forty years to do on an eleven-day journey. Now, that is some miracle. Sometimes, probably more times then we would care to admit, claiming our Promise is delayed by us, our own behavior; and before we can cross over the boundary line to get in, a lot of things in our lives must fall off as we amble in the wilderness making an eleven day trip into an extended vacation of forty years.
Mike—Your question about “Hugs,” giving them and probably receiving them, has hit a sore spot with me. I am a closed person only giving and receiving hugs from designated people, people who I have mentally cleared as appropriate to receive and give hugs too. I have given hugs to complete strangers after hearing from the Holy Spirit to do so but I always ask permission.
My aversion to “hugs” stems from two things, 1) my background—grew up with a lot of sexual abuse in home and in church. 2) Recently in my adult “role,” I attended a church on Tuesdays for Bible Study and ministry after work that always believed in hugging people. I decided to try to break my aversion to hugs there; however, predators were rampart there also (both male and female). Until I learn how to follow my instincts about how much closeness to allow some folks without fear of reprisals from the crowd (I always sensed who I should or shouldn’t allow to hug me and who to hug yet I allowed peer pressure to override my sense of danger). Interestingly I’m now finding out that this particular church knows there are a lot of predators in their midst because they are in the Times Square (NYC-USA) area, yet they continue to promote the group hug thing.
I realize that this is my own issue that needs to be healed, so for now, people can pass on my hugs through my designated huggers.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Emily:

Ramona you are perfectly ok to have reservations. I don’t have any bad history like yours but I do know about the predators and the likes. I don’t think getting huggy with one and all is a good thing. Handshakes, warm smiles, chit- chat can be more effective and proper than crashing into each other.
I especially dont think its a good idea to get huggy with women ( I know a lot of them love to give and get hugs) Im a young man of 26 and I do believe in boundaries, mine and others’.
Ahh just forgot to add. Only kind of hugs Im comfortable with is buddy hugs and brotherly hugs that you have from your good old chaps. And also smacks on the shoulders. Harder the better! : )
Emily

======= Andrew:

Re Mike’s questions on the NT – Are you healthy or sick? Are you righteous or a sinner? Do you need Jesus? etc.:
I believe this is a process. At a point in time (a long time ago) I expressed my belief in Jesus, I repented and was baptised. But there have been ongoing ups and downs ever since then. I sin, I reconfirm my belief and repent. I think there is progress in the sense of depth and breadth of relationship with God. But, I have a nagging feeling there is some further kind of breakthrough needed. A deeper change of heart.
However, there are two things that delight me in today’s NT reading:
– Jesus enjoys a good party: “John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.” (Lk 5:33 NIV)
– He gives the teachers of the law a good theological beating up.
So, hey, we’re free to take delight in our salvation and to party in the house of the Lord!! Come on every one – GROUP HUG!
Andrew

======= Stef:

i love hugs..i would definitely say our Church is into hugging,its a lovely tactile way of expressing our deep bonds of friendship..you do of course get people like my husband who have a large private space all around them, hes just not comfortable hugging anyone but myself and our children and what is rather sweet is that our friends recognise that and pass on their affection through me..saying to him ” i shall ask stef to give you a hug for me ”
depending on the translation you look at there are hugs going on in the Bible too..from way back when Laban hugged Jacob,Esau hugged Jacob, Benjamin hugged Joseph, Israel hugged his sons,Isaac was seen hugging Rebekah..but my favourite in the Message is in Proverbs 24:26 ” an honest answer is like a warm hug” so i reckon we have it on good authority that hugging is ok! so have a hug back andrew and everyone ( )
Stef

======= Micah Girl:

Stef–
My bible translation has Proverbs 24:26 as this:
An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. That sounds a little different than warm hug! There is a actually an interesting article on Christianity Today right now on a similar topic: Kiss and Tell the Gospel (the holy kiss.)
Micah Girl

======= Anka:

wow…finally through catching up:)Wow…I sure liked this verse today:
“You have stayed long enough at this mountain.”..I’m not pretty good at changes…God has certainly asked me to move my tent a couple of times and try out something new..
“30 The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you”
Fear…now how many times have I buried my head in the sand,just like the Israelites…wanting to remain at”this mountain”
My church is very much into hugs and holy kisses(on the cheeks)…I’m not comfortable hugging just anyone…but when I know a smile and a hug would cheer some one up…I “give”it.
I’m learning so much about me these days.I’d rather give money,gifts than my time…or a hug.Well God has certainly been turning up the heat on those attitudes.Oh yeah I tithe with joy,I love giving too…but nope,not visiting,not hugging…nor sharing myself.Thank God for second chances…thank God for church(with all the imperfect,the EGR people{extra grace required people}and the ones who just won’t let me pass by un-noticed.)
I also want to thank Mike for this blog(one line fellowship)…this journey through it all certainly has made me pray more,share more…and take some steps away from the mountains I keep hanging around….
God bless you all…
Anka

======= Liz:

I haven’t given a hug – a sincere hug – in a long time! I need to give a hug because I need a hug!
Liz

======= Pat:

Deuteronomy 1:37-38 jumped out at me this morning. Moses was a humble man but it was difficult even for him to accept responsibility for his own personal sin. When the people were grumbling about needing water, God told Moses to go to the rock and tell it to produce water. Instead in Numbers 20:1-13 we learn that he and Aaron approached the rock and Moses said “we” will give you water and then struck the rock twice with his staff. Moses’ personal sin was twofold – (1) he struck the rock instead of just speaking to it as God had ordered so he was disobedient and (2) he credited Aaron and himself with providing the water instead of God. It was because of Moses’ own personal sin, not because of the sins of the people, that God told him he would not live to cross into the Promised Land and Joshua was to be their new leader and lead them instead. In these two verses in our study of Deuteronomy today we see Moses putting the blame back on the people for his own personal sin.
Deuteronomy 1:37-38 “BECAUSE OF YOU, the Lord became angry with me also. He said, “You will not enter the land either. But Joshua, the son of Nun, is your helper. Joshua will enter the land.”
Just as it was hard for Moses, it is also hard for us to see our own personal sins and accept responsibility for them without placing the blame elsewhere. Other people, what happened in our past, how we were raised, the situations we find ourselves in, nothing can make us sin today! The sins we commit as a Christians today and each day are committed strictly by our own choice and we have to accept the solitary responsibility for them because we can’t place the blame elsewhere. We need to seek God’s help us in this area!
Wow! If this sounds like I’m preaching, please be assured that I’m not. I’m just sharing with you the words that leaped off the page during my morning study of His Word.
God Bless,
Pat

======= Jenny:

Powerful lessons today in Deut. regarding obedience/disobedience. I liked the commentary that went with this:
“Though God brings his people into trouble and affliction, he knows when they have been tried long enough.” …thank You God for your grace!
I like in Luke, Jesus came to heal the sick…of course we all need Him, but the “sick” are the ppl that realize their need for a Savior, the righteous don’t realize it, bcos they trust in themselves. God will not strive with man forever. Manyof the Pharisees had probly crossed the line, the unpardonable sin in which it was impossible for them to be saved. this is not an easy place to come to! I know many people who rejected God for years, but way later on were saved. but continually hardening one’s heart is dangerous!
There are of course many ways of giving, it can be individual…it could simply be a giving of our time. being with someone who’s hurting, listening to them, exhorting them. helping others with your God given skills/talents, spending time with someone who is lonely. Being dependable. One phrase a pastor said that i liked was: Give of yourself and be blessed!
when i spend too much time in my own head, concerned with my own needs, i sure get depressed!
I went on a missions trip to Mexico a few yrs back n we were talking to one prostitute who was originally from where we were. She was listening to us but kinda closed off a bit. then a girl from our group just grabbed her and hugged her. the lady broke and started sobbing. Her heart changed, her resistance came down…just that feeling someone loved her, she was worth something, broke her n she was open to us, or to Christ. she decided to go to church the next day and get off the streets. that was awesome!
We went to a notoriously “bad” places…i’ve never seen anything like it before in my life! hundreds of girls lined up…prostitutes, YOUNG girls, 14-15 yrs old! We just walked passed them and i was looking in their eyes passing out tracts (couldnt talk to them bcos i dont speak spanish) but the pain was so evident in their eyes. I just had to control myself from bursting into tears. Our group split up to guys and girls and had at least 1 Spanish speaker in the group. I was with 3 guys (I had to stay in between the guys bcos it was dangerous, possibly us girls could be nabbed by pimps lurking in alleys. (yes, it was quite an experience!) BUt we were walking down a street with so many bad clubs and guys/promoters would run up to us trying to get us to go into the club, then they saw our tracts and their countenance changed drastically.
I was a little put off by these promoter guys, thinking they were contributing to this sinfulness (wrong on my part). One “cool”, “tough guy” approached our group and was trying to get us in the club, and said to me: ladies get a free drink! I dont think i spoke a word, i just looked in his eyes and smiled n i handed him a tract. he looked at it and burst into tears! Wow! that was the power of God so intense there!
Jenny

======= Kathy:

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.
Kathy

======= Maggie:

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
Maggie

======== Elizabeth:

Hugs? I hate the awkwardness of “courtesy” hugs, but I love authentic hugs where you can feel the strength of a person’s affection for you expressed through their body.
I had a “good” hug two weeks ago—I was sad, crying and a woman friend behind me could see my sadness and greeted me with a sincere hug…nice and tight and loving. I love these kinds of hugs ; )
Sometimes hugs can say what words could not, like a picture can speak a thousand words.
Biblical hugs? Didn’t Joseph hug his brothers after he broke down? I think also of Jacob and Esau when they were reunited. Also, Mary when she was expecting and came to visit Elizabeth. Surely Elizabeth’s friendship was a great gift to her then. I’ll have to look each of these up, but these come to mind first as “biblical” hugs.
I also imagine the father of the prodigal hugged him tight when he came home, though I don’t think that’s in the text : )
Interesting question,
Elizabeth

======= Elizabeth:

Following up on the Biblical Hugs…..
Jacob and Esau:
“And Jacob lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two female servants. And he put the servants with their children in front, then Leah with her children, and Rachel and Joseph last of all. He himself went on before them, bowing himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.” -Genesis 33:1-4
Love that image of Esau running to him, kissing him and them weeping. So tender
**********************
Jacob and his brothers:
“You must tell my father of all my honor in Egypt, and of all that you have seen. Hurry and bring my father down here.” Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept upon his neck. And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them. After that his brothers talked with him.
-Genesis 45:13-15
I like the “fell upon his neck and wept”–can you imagine the well of emotions that must have been bottled up in Joseph?
*************
Mary & Elizabeth
“In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.” -Luke 1:39-40
No clear hug here…it must just be in my “mind’s eye” : )
*****************
Father & Prodigal Son
“And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ ”
-Luke 15:20-21
Ah…another running and embracing scene. Sweet. What I love about these scenes too is that it is men weeping and embracing. True masculinity is emotional and strong—not stoic.
Elizabeth

======= Nancy:

My church, Calvary Chapel, is a hugging church. It is so nice to walk in the door and get hugs from lots of people that sincerley care about you. Never did I have that in previous churches of which I was a member.
Nancy

======= Raeann:

The book of Numbers is ALL about prepairing the people of Israel to enter the promise land. “And the LORD spoke unto Moses saying:” this is the most often repeated verse in this book. The census is taken several times to number the fighting men, the Levites to work in the temple and the leaders of the tribes are selected. The Levites are the only ones permitted to hold the holy things. The offerings, feasts and Israel gatherings at the temple are reviewed once more. The people were to follow a cloud by day and a fire by night to lead there way. The people try to invade Canaan without the blessing of GOD and are defeated. The people complain about only having Manna to eat, God wants to destroy them but Moses intercedes and the people are spared. The LORD gives Moses various laws regarding justice for the people to live by and follow. Moses and Arron are NOT allowed to enter the promised land because they disobeyed the instructions of GOD. Balak sends for Balaam to curse the people of Israel but he ends up blessing them instead because he was following the word of GOD. The cities of refuge are cities that a person who commits manslaughter may flee to for protection from the family of the person who was accidentally killed. I enjoyed reading the book of Numbers.
Raeann

======= Karen:

Healthy or sick? Both! Righteous or a sinner? Both! Need Jesus? YES!! Everybody needs Jesus. Repenting daily! Jesus gives health, heals sickness; my righteousness is in HIM, I am a sinner, in need of repentance and most assuredly, in need of a Savior. HUGS!! Oh yeah! Family, friends, church family, sometimes someone who I see in need. At a funeral, hospital or accident scene. I always sign off my e-mail letters, text messages or greeting cards, HUGS!! So thats what I am sending all of you today. Love & HUGS!!
Karen

======= Frederick:

Luke 6:1-10
About Sabbath. I always puzzled about the issue of Sabbath. It is because in the OT, there are God’s commands about keeping Sabbath for the Jews. But Jesus broke the ‘tradition’. Of course, Jesus was right while the Pharisees were wrong because the latter added so much their own traditions to God’s original regulations. But with today’s verses, I have a new light in this regard. It is not the regulations that matter. It is the authority. Jesus told the Pharisees that He was the Lord of Sabbath. He has the authority. In light of this, the Pharisees were to submit under Jesus. The Pharisees should have only obeyed God’s regulation on Sabbath rather than commenting what should or not should be done. The key is in Jesus’ hand and He rules. The Pharisees, however, did not recognise Jesus’s proclamation of His authority. Instead, they plotted to kill Jesus because of the issue of Sabbath.
Frederick

======= Steve:

As we finish the book of Numbers and move into the book of Deuteronomy we start fresh with another teaching of the Law, telling us once again the importance of having direction in our lives. Again we will be encouraged to embrace discipline and put our priorities and life in order.
Today’s readings were all connected with the same message, stop wandering and settle in. Claim the territory the Lord has given us as our inheritance. Jesus tells us the parable of the new wine skins which encourage us to stay flexible and not become hardened by wandering back to our old tendencies. Look at the path of the Israelites, all that wandering in the desert while the message from the Lord was always the same, start each day with the fresh new manna from heaven and trust the Lord for your daily provisions.
We are not to be like old wine skins that cannot handle the new wine of celebration that defines who we are in Christ. We stay flexible by soaking in the word of God which renews us daily.
Steve

======= Missy:

I believe there was hugs in the Bible…..when Mary saw Jesus on Easter morning, he said to her “do not touch me” I have taken comfort in this remark over the years, as I realized it must have been natural for her to hug Him
Missy

======= Duane:

Just like to comment about the hugs, I also believe we must be careful about how we hug. We need to keep people who may interpret our hugs as acome on. If you feel you must give a hug to the opposite sex, simply hug but keep yur bodies from a full embrace. This will be a clear sign that your hugging has no other purpose than to acknowledge your appreciation and concern for that person. I also believe that we should let the Holy spirit direct us in this matter. Hugging is a way of acknowledging friendship and is usually given after we have astablished alittle bit of knowledge of a person we wish to show affection.
Duane

======= Joyce:

Hi Mike and everyone,
I appreciate the Amplified Bible’s version of Luke 5:31-32
31 And Jesus replied to them, It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.
32 I have not come to arouse and invite and call the righteous, but the erring ones (those not free from sin) to repentance [to change their minds for the better and heartily to amend their ways, with abhorrence of their past sins].
Mike, your questions: “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?”
May God open our eyes to see our sins each day.
How blessed are we if we can see that we are sick because of our sins, that we desperately need Jesus and need to heed his call to repentance — indeed, He’s the only one true Doctor who can heal us for eternity.
Mike – thank you for your faithfulness in writing and managing this blog every day!
May our God bless this blog and lead more people to it!
Sincerely,
Joyce

======= Robert:

Numbers
As we wrap up Numbers, I look back on the intriguing events that happened in the fascinating journey:
• The 42 camps that were set up.
• The lists of laws and rituals.
• The grumblings and rebellion God and Moses worked through
• The “workshops” where we learned about leadership
• Great stories like Balaam and the talking donkey.
• Kadesh the place the wanderings started and ended.
• Joshua and Caleb the only ones that made it to the Promised Land.
From all of this we get a real sense of how God speaks to Moses, (150 times). God also speaks to us and the question is do we hear Him?
Luke 5:29- 6:11
Bob Deffinbaugh says, “The disturbing fact is that Jesus is the one who is eating, drinking, and being merry, and the Pharisees are miffed because of it.” This fits nicely with the old and new Jesus talks about. Is it about how deeply we must change to take on His teaching, absorb it, and live it fully. Like the Pharisees who did not bring an open mind and a needy heart to the scriptures they missed the real meaning. It’s the same reason we miss it. As Bob mentions in his commentary some of these (myself included) are those Christians that go to church every Sunday. Don’t be what he calls a “dill pickle Christian”, who don’t really understand the true joy of knowing and serving God. Gimme a hug!
Robert

======= Jill:

I love giving ~ giving of time to the lord, giving to others , tithing and hugs and encouragement! I know ppl appreciate receiving what I offer !
Jill

======= Nancy:

I heard it said that people need a minimum of 12 hugs a day. I agree with Ramona. I only hug people I am comfortable with. Touch is important especially for seniors that live alone. Jesus touched the leper, a person who wasn’t touched for who knows how long. Isolation can cause depression. Touch is acknowledging a person’s existence. Touch can be a pat on the back, handshake. Doesn’t have to be a hug to be effective. Some people grow up in families that don’t show affection & so they aren’t open to displays of affection such as hugs.
Nancy

======= Dee:

I too, enjoyed Numbers. I get excited when hearing that God cares about even the smallest of things, and listens to everyone’s plea..in this manner..the women, or say tribe of Joseph concerning Manasseh’s family with the girls and obtaining the land that was promised them. I am glad to see they listened and obeyed their Father God and married within their clan as to obtain and keep the land amongst “their”people. Now we are heading to Moses farewell speech in Deuteronomy, and even though it is sad, because no one likes to say goodbye to such a teacher, prophet and lover of the people and His God..which is awesome..he has some interesting “rememberences” to remember. He is recollecting their memory about their 11 day journey taking a detour for 40 years but he is also letting them see yet again how fortunate they are and blessed because of the journey and of God’s love. We often get carried away and neglect to do the things that God ordered us to do and we wander around in the “dark, or the wilderness” sometimes when we don’t necessarily have to. However, it is in these times, that we grow, we mature, and we learn to “Be still, and know that I AM GOD”. Ps 46:10. We have to cut out the noise, cut out the murmuring, the complaining, the tv, the internet, the busyness in our life and come thirsty, and panting for the very “breath of God” for His existance and cling to it with all our heart!!Ps 42:1 then do we truly have freedom and success in our life!
Luke 5:29-6:11
What can I say about these scriptures today, I know one thing that draws a nerve..the Pharisees, the Pharisees, the Pharisees..They were always around, moping, lingering, “not” doing the Fathers business”, I can’t even believe there was “disciples of the Pharisees” I mean come on..what were they getting disciplined in?? anyway, let me get off that soap box!! I love the verse 31 and 32 from luke 5, that Mike commented on also above..Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor–sick people do. I have come to call not those who “think” they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” I so need Jesus each and every day..I couldn’t imagine my life without my Saviour..I hope those reading feel the same way..I am so glad that Jesus calls the foolish of this world to confound the wise..praise God for that!!
Praise God for listening to us! In Ps 66 at end of the psalm in 19 and 20..But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me! That would be my ultimate fear..the abandonment of Christ from me..I want always, for Christ to be present. near me, listening to me, and being my comfort and shield, a very present help in my time of need!! I always want to draw near to Him and curl up in His arms and stay there for eternity..Thank You Jesus! I love YOU DADDY!!
I truly believe and give thought to that verse..Prov 11:24 Give freely and become more wealthy; I or should I say we at my church..several of us go out in the outreach on several Sundays in the month and give food, clothing, but lots of times, hugs is the best gift..its amazing how giving a very sincere, earnest hug is like medicine for the soul! Some of the less fortunate receive it with such a full heart and it’s like for that moment, that time, all of the cares and worries are melting in your arms..That is what I get such fulfillment in because to me that is the very image of Christ and His love in our heart and to the community and it is in these moments that I feel the closest to My Saviour when I am doing and going about My Fathers business..
Be Blessed!!
Dee

======= Vance:

Psalm 66
It is great that the Lord cares deeply about EVERYTHING in our lives. I like verse 9:
“[GOD] keeps our soul among the living, And does not allow our feet to be moved.”
We CAN trust Him in EVERYTHING.
God’s plan sometimes is above our ability to understand. The Lord is accomplishing His purposes and is working out the total defeat of Satan that Jesus accomplished on the Cross.
So…
sometimes the Lord will also allow us to be tested, as in verse 10:
“For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined.”
Even this, as long as we hold tightly to the Shepherd, is for our good.
WE ARE BEING FORMED IN THE IMAGE OF JESUS… the Ideal Servant of the Lord is LITERALLY BEING REPRODUCED IN US… as we trust and praise the Lord in all things.
Worship, trust, and praise are not “feelings”, but a choice to surrender to the Lord and His care in all things. EVEN WHEN GOD does not seem to make sense.
Vance

======== John:

Luke 5
Parable verse 36 – 39
I have seen some different interpretations of this parable. If “new” represents the gospel of Grace, and “old” represents the Law:
-then the “new patch” will be torn from the gospel of Grace leaving it incomplete. Trying to match a patch of “grace” to the coat of the “law” will not work – they are incompatible. Grace – God’s gift to mankind would not fit in the structure of the “law” which had become convulated over time by the Priests.
– ‘animal skins were used for the fermentation of wine because of their elasticity. As wine fermented, pressure built up, stretching the wine skin. Wineskin would be less elastic – putting new wine in would cause new pressure and cause wineskin to burst’. – Paraphrase from John MacArthur bible commentary
Wine of “grace” would overflow the constraints of “law”. God’s Grace is more bountiful than the rigor of the Law. No amount of aging or fermenting would make the wine of Grace comapatible to the “law” wineskin – for the volume would simply overflow the “law” wineskin.
No, the Gospel of Grace goes in the “gospel” wineskin, the rigors of law in the “law” wineskin. Two separate theologies. Then their is a choice. Jesus seems to be commenting that the Pharisees have a “taste” for the law, and do not even desire to taste the new wine of Grace. They are predisposed to drink (believe) what they are comfortable with in life having acquired a taste for the “law”.
How many people do we know that are not even searching for God and/or His Grace? They are comfortable with their beliefs – “it works for them”. They will go thru life believing what they believe (no doubt sincerely), and then what? By not trying (exploring) the “new wine”, they really have no point of comparison. May even criticize the new wine – even though they have not had a taste. Perhaps they get before God, and say: “I had no idea, I did not know”, and the reply may be: ‘the (new) wine was on the table for you to partake, and you chose not to drink.’
[just thinking out loud – never really came at this from this direction before now :)]
======================================================
From verse 5: I have no problem with the translated version. However, if you just take the Greek text and transcribe it in the order of words – it says:
“the Lord of the Sabbath is, the Son Of Man.”
Now that is a powerful and direct statement.
John

========= John:

Numbers 36
Inheritance of Zelophehad’s Daughters
One of God’s little details mentioned before in the genealogy post.
Num 36:8
“Every daughter who inherits land in any Israelite tribe must marry someone in her father’s tribal clan, so that every Israelite will possess the inheritance of his fathers.” NIV
If it is correct that Mary, daughter of Heli had no brothers than the above verse would preserve her inheritance and bloodline (to David)- if she married within her tribe.
Mary was from the tribe of Judah – so was Joseph.
According to Levitical law Joseph was not just a son-in-law to Heli, but becomes the son he never had biologically. Thus being correctly listed in Luke’s genealogy.
Jesus – adopted – has the same legal rights as if He was Joseph’s eldest biological son. Including the legal right as David’s descendant through Solomon to sit on David’s throne.
John

======= John:

Luke 5
Jesus in previous verses had shown that he physically healed the sick and paralyzed. Spiritually showing he made people whole and delivers them from the death that is sin.
Verses today seem to emphasize who he has come to make “whole” – it is the sinners who are called to repentance.
People that think they are righteous would not admit that they (Pharisees) have a need for Christ, but the sinners that know they are sinners and repent will be made “whole”.
======================================================
Patches and Wineskins
Talked about in Matthew. Used to think Jesus was talking about the New Covenant and the Law here in these verses. But I have come to think Jesus is talking about more than a change in theology. It is about a difference in the relationship with God. The triggering issue was disciples were eating and drinking and not fasting and praying.
The New Covenant is a very personal relationship with Christ – as He abides in You and you in Him. the Law had become ritualistic and impersonal yet thought to be pleasing to God. It wasn’t working and never will work – due to man’s nature.
This explains why Jesus did not begin a reform movement within Judaism, working with the rabbinical schools and such. Jesus says, “I haven’t come to patch up your old practices. I come with a whole new set of clothes.” – David Guzik
Luke 5:39
“And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, ‘The old is better.” NIV
“The Pharisees’ argument was that the old was good enough, so they rejected the new, fresh, life-giving teaching of Jesus. On the other hand, Matthew and many of his friends were open to hearing the good news of salvation.” – Ron Ritchie
They rejected this new personal relationship – they were comfortable with their ways of worship and teachings – it worked for them.
Hence – goes back to why Jesus came for sinners – when they realize they are sinners – they are open to this new relationship with God.
John

Numbers 33:40-35:34 + Luke 5:12-28 + Psalm 65:1-13 + Proverbs 11:23
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today in Numbers chapter 33 we read about the other nations in Canaan.  In chapter 34 we read about the boundaries of the Promised Land.  Below is a map of how the tribes will divide Canaan – which we will read about later in the Bible in more detail:

In chapter 35 verses 10-12 we read about the Cities of Refuge – “`When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, designate cities of refuge for people to flee to if they have killed someone accidentally. These cities will be places of protection from a dead person’s relatives who want to avenge the death. The slayer must not be killed before being tried by the community.”  Reading about the Cities of Refuge reminds me of our current day laws of “innocent until proven guilty.”  It seems like the Cities of Refuge idea still lives on in our justice system today in some regards.

New Testament – In Luke chapter 5 we read one of my favorite healings’ of Jesus – where he heals the paralyzed man on the mat – in very large part because of the paralyzed man’s friends who carry him to Jesus!  I love that his friends did this.  I pray if I was paralyzed I would have friends like these!  Check out verses 18 through 20 – “Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to push through the crowd to Jesus, but they couldn’t reach him. So they went up to the roof, took off some tiles, and lowered the sick man down into the crowd, still on his mat, right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.””   I am fascinated by this – “seeing their faith” – I don’t know if this is a quirk of the New Living Translation or if indeed Jesus literally saw the faith of the paralyzed man’s friends.  My hunch is that he did.  And this makes me realize that sometimes when our faith is at a low point, maybe our friends can help carry us along and bring us closer to Jesus.  And maybe we should act like these friends for someone in our life who is “paralyzed” by something….  Is there someone in your life that you can help “carry the mat for” and in doing so bring them closer to Jesus?  Wow.  I pray I have friends like this – and I pray I can be a friend like this to others…

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Luke chapter 5 titled “Stretcher Carriers and Sermon Critics” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 65 has some amazing verses about nature!  I love verse 8 – “Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy.” When is the last time you have been inspired to shout for joy to God for the beautiful sunset he created?

Verse 7 of the Psalm says this – “You quieted the raging oceans with their pounding waves and silenced the shouting of the nations.”  When is the last time you have stood in complete silence before God because of his beautiful Creation?

Proverbs – Today’s Proverb 11:23 teaches us: “The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.” This is a great teaching that leading a godly life will lead to happiness.  And leading a wicked life….  brings wrath.  This is sobering to really ponder.  It’s a choice each one of us must make.  What type of life will we lead?  And where will that life choice ultimately lead us.  I pray each of us are on the Path of Life toward and with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  It’s the only path that leads to eternal happiness.

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Luke remind me of the Britt Nicole song, “The Lost Get Found.” Here’s a great live version of this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXi709LCKWk

Are you Lost? Click here and be Found!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” Luke 5:20 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have a true saving faith in Jesus. Pray that through Jesus your sins are forgiven today and forevermore. Pray that you will follow Jesus in obedience the rest of your life.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Based on our readings in Luke today, have you ever had someone “carry you on a mat” when you were in a time of need?  Have you ever had friends that demonstrated great faith in you?  Conversely, have you ever carried friends on their mat when they were in need?  Do you think we are called to carry each others burdens?  Why or why not?  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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Numbers 33:40-35:34
51 “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: `When you cross the Jordan River into the land of Canaan, 52 you must drive out all the people living there. You must destroy all their carved and molten images and demolish all their pagan shrines. …55 But if you fail to drive out the people who live in the land, those who remain will be like splinters in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will harass you in the land where you live. 56 And I will do to you what I had planned to do to them.’ ”
God wants us to be in the world but not of the world, we are to be salt and light in a dead and dying world yet I find being in the world but not of the world a difficult task to navigate. I know that you can be amongst people yet be detached from them and you can be separated from people yet be attached to them. What is the ‘key’ in walking this walk like Jesus? When Jesus was around sinners they were converted to seeing life from God’s point of view. He definitely wasn’t converted to their lifestyle. And that is the dilemma I find myself in how to be amongst the world yet not take on the lifestyle of the world.
Luke 5:12-28
17 … And the Lord’s healing power was strongly with Jesus.
Jesus was in a room full of people and the text says that there were some religious teachers and some Pharisees (Far-to-sees) sitting near by who came from every conceivable town and village in Galilee and Judea. What ever their personal reason for coming to hear Jesus, no one in that room was sick except the guy whose friends put him through the roof or where they? Now the paralyzed men’s friends I see them from two different perspectives neither may be right. They either loved their friend so much that they wanted him to be healed so that he can live a productive life. Or they may have wanted him to be healed because they had to carry him around. Hmmm.
I can’t believe that everyone in that room, except for the man who made an entrance through a hole in the roof, was walking in Divine Health. Everywhere that Jesus went people were calling out, falling out and shouting out to be healed, he even touched and healed a man with leprosy. So what’s up with this group? One thing for sure these guys had so much pride that they wouldn’t dare submit their sick bodies to the healing touch of Jesus. Today, even today, many fail to submit sick bodies; sick souls to Jesus even after seating in a room watching others get healed. Pride will kill ya!
Psalm 65:1-13
1 What mighty praise, O God,
belongs to you in Zion. We will fulfill our vows to you,
…3 Though our hearts are filled with sins,
you forgive them all.
How often do we feel inadequate, ashamed, undeserving to come to Jesus, yet the Sweet Psalmist of Israel gives us an encouragement to praise God through our inadequacies because He has the power to cleanse us from all unrighteousness after He has forgiven us of all our sins.
Proverbs 11:23
This Proverb is another way of saying, “We Reap what we Sow.”
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Roslyn:

Thanks for the beautiful pictures on nature, Mike, the sunset especially. I’ve always loved the sunset. There’s nothing like a prayerful walk on the beach with the sunset on the background. It stills the soul and lifts you up the ground!!!
I’ve taken pictures of sunset in my travels—-they may look slightly different but the beauty and grandeur is all the same.Like God whose presence never fades…
I also like the symbolic aspect of the sunset. While it signals the end of the day, it is a reminder that there is another tomorrow when the sun rises again to signal another day. The sunset and the sunrise, the Resurrection!
That’s what I meant the last time I said not to be so much to be focused on the sunrise and sunset, but on the Crucifixion and the Resurrection.
Roslyn

========== Ramona:

Roslyn,
>>The sunset and the sunrise, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection>>
Thank you for this thought, it is powerful, WOW!!
The Bible states that the Lamb of God was slain before the foundation of the world, meaning that the plan of redemption was set before anything was ever created and the sunset and sunrise, or the “sonrise” and “sonset” hearled the plan of redemption on the “first day” of “In the beginning …” WOW!!!
God loved us, cared for us, planed for us before we were ever in existence. Hallelujah!!
I will leave for work, like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, clicking my heels without the ruby slippers.
Again, grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Emily:

Glory and Might of God is revealed through all creation. Today, lyrics of a song struck me that mentioned that even Caesar of mighty Roman Empire could not own or contain the vast blue sky.
How silly human beings can be that they think owning a luxury car or gadget can add to their worth.
Our real worth is in Christ and as the children of God. God is the creator of Universe and of infinite things in it.
Emily

======= George:

Absolutely — I’m incredibly fortunate because I work with very good friends who know Jesus. Many times, when I’ve descended the spiral staircase of despair, self-flagellation, and pity, they’ve brought me to Jesus. My beautiful wife has also carried me as I’ve sprawled on the mat of regrets. This passage and your comments have nudged me to do the same for a struggling family member. Thank you — awesome pix, too!
George

======= Laverne:

Wow those pictures representing different nature scence are fantastic. I just brought a fireplace DVD and looking at these pictures I wish they made a DVD of nature. It helps me to appreciate all of Gods wonders and allows me to spend time with Him.
Last night 2 of my friends & myself could not make prayer service because of the threat of rain. We decided to have a prayer service over the phone. We incoporated my church style of prayer service. The first prayer we prayed for ourselves, the second prayer was for others and last for the leaders in our life. While we prayed we talked about how Gods grace truly is amazing the 3 of us had long term relationships which ended recently. We could not figure out why? or What was going on? But now we get it we are carrying one another, holding up and undergirding each other when the other is down ..We can carry each others mat and it doesn’t matter that my marriage was a 10 yrs one, another friends was 12 yrs and the other 5. We ALL carried that mat for each one of us during this time in our life. And when we can’t pray for ourselves we know our sisters are in the gap for us. I pray God continue to use me for His purpose.
Proverbs 65 (scatter rose petals down your paths,
All through the wild meadows, rose petals. )
Stood out to me today because there are times that I believe my path is going to be filled with rocks but instead I feel the velvety touch under my feet and it is then I know my Lord has spread rose petals along my wild path.
And I thank Him…and absolutely love Him.
Laverne

======= Erin:

Actually just today I stood in complete silence before God because of his beautiful creation. This morning I happened to be doing such a mundane thing as making the bed, when I happened to look up at the window and see a beautiful rainbow. I was immediately struck by it’s beauty, so I ran to go get the camera and took a picture from our balcony, which I would share here but HTML comments are not allowed. Maybe I’ll try to post it or something. But anyway, right after the chaos of making sure I got the picture before it went away, I was able to stand in complete stillness for a few moments to admire it, and was really reminded of God and the Noahic covenant. I could tell that God was really speaking to my heart, and was so moved by that moment, as silly as it sounds 
Another funny thing that happened today was that I was driving to a friends house and missed the freeway exit, and was forced to drive another 5 miles or so without another exit. I got angry at first, but looked at the mountains and scenery around me and realized that this was a perfect opportunity to be alone with God for a few minutes and pray, so that’s what I did. It actually turned out to be a nice blessing in disguise. 
So lots of God-created beauty in my day today, it was a very nice reminder of all the incredible creation that God has granted us that most of us don’t even have the time to notice…
Erin

======= Jenny:

I too love this account in Luke. The Bible doesnt say the man on the mat had faith or not, but his friends did. How awesome! What a good example of not going at it alone in the Christian walk. We need to surround ourselves with people of faith. I have found myself faithless at times, but the faith of my loved ones has boosted me, encouraged me.
Also note Jesus said, man, you’re sins are forgiven you. Jesus said this before healing him because this was a greater need. I heard some teachings on some of these biblical healings and why did Jesus say your sin is forgiven, then heal them…could it be a sin on their part contributed to their condition? LIke the man by the stirred waters, he said, ‘go and sin no more’.
I had to pull out the big guns on this one, the Vernon McGee study Bible (aka, a Thru the BIble in 10 years Bible with commentary.. so vast, it takes 10 yrs! , i’ll post a portion of it:
“There are many people who are not going to receive the message of salvation unless you lift a corner of their stretcher and carry them to a place where they can hear the Word of God. They are paralyzed–immobilized by sin and many other things the world holds for them. Some are paralyzed by prejudice and others by indifference. They are never going to hear Jesus say to them, “You’re sins are forgiven” unless you take the corner of their stretcher and bring them to Him. All these incidences reveal the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ wants us to spread the gospel of Jesus to others.”
—wow, thats convicting. I dont think this means drag people against their will, but tell them of Jesus, pray for them, encourage them, invite them to church, give them a Bible, whatever we can do to share with others.
The link at bible.org above was really good in explaining it further, haha. fred…didnt get that at first.
Jenny

=======Katie:

Good Morning!
what a reading, I am moved. I am in the process this morning of praying for someone in particular, and so this reading in Luke really spoke to me. I even interupted my husband in his reading and read the commentary to him :).
Thank You Lord for Your perfect timing and telling me what I need to do.
Isn’t God wonderful?
Katie

======= Micah Girl:

I love the power of the leper’s request to Jesus–“Lord, if you are willing…” and then Jesus’ overwhelming response, “I am willing.” Simple but powerful stuff that has inspired my prayers this morning. Blessings to all.
Micah Girl

======= Ramona:

Numbers 33:40-35:34
A quick observation: God is about “boundaries.” From the “…In the Beginning …” up until now, God has placed boundaries on everything He has created.
“ … So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above it … “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place and let dry ground appear … The land produced vegetation plants yielding seeds according to their kinds, and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. God saw that it was good. There was evening, and there was morning, a third day. God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them be signs to indicate seasons and days and years … God placed the lights in the expanse of the sky to shine on the earth, to preside over the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. “(Genesis 1:4-18 NET.)
In everything God does, He assigns purpose and actions and when we fail to operate within those boundaries He has set because of who He is, The Master Craftsman, we are out of order, just as that vending machine is Out of Order when it fails to dispense our choice after having put our money in. Just as the bathroom, or car, or whatever has been designed for a specific purpose is Out of Order when it fails to operate within its purpose. Just as we are Our of Order when we don’t use a perfectly working tool/person/created thing in the manner it was designed to work—we have wandered into the realm of abuse.
If the purpose of a thing is not understood, abuse is inevitable—Myles Monroe.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

========= Margaret:

The verses that stand out for me in today’s readings are the OT-Num33:55-56. The Israelites did not follow God’s command and drive out the people fom the Promised Land. “Those wo remain will be like splinters in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will harass you in the land where you live.” Thousands of years later, Israel is still being harassed in the land that God gave to them.
Margaret

======= Jim:

It is important to remember that Greek and Hebrew were crude languages (without even any punctuation) and that words like “their” often had to be added. That Jesus saw the faith in the man’s friends in today’s reading comes from only two words, “eido pistis” which simply means to perceive moral conviction.
Cloud and Townsend (we just talked about their series of books on Boundaries), however, showed in “How People Grow” that the four commonly used Christian counseling models of the Sin Model (Good is good, you’re bad… stop it), the Truth Model (just think it and do it), the Experimental Model (dig up pain for praying as in the popular but dangerous Theophostic therapy), and the Charismatic Healing Model never help as much as one might expect (generally only helping people be happy with where they’re at rather than thirst for being more) and that only a Relational Model (with both checks and support) can get one past growth ceilings.
It therefore is only through a community of faith and moral convictions that there are any real opportunities for personal growth (also the conclusion of the psychiatry industry and the basis for the modern emotional intelligence theory). Even top management consultants like Senge come to the same conclusion.
But, a true environment of morals will not be peaceful – Jesus Himself wasn’t the sort we would normally like to invite to a barbecue (Buddha had much nicer things to say, but then Buddha didn’t get crucified). And, Social Constructionism shows, in fact, that diversity (in opposition to a third of companies today giving unscientific personality tests in foolish attempts to only hire people that “fit in”) and the free flow of information (based on the right rather than the need to know) creating actual tornadoes of energetic discussion rather than static “happiness” are required for true stability in any community.
Sadly, a major theme in most self-help books is only the new age concept of “positive visualization” (that Covey even has written is supposed to be able to reprogram us into being Gods – LOL) that again provides happiness without any real growth by wholly misunderstanding that the often quoted Proverbs 23:7 (“As a man thinks in his heart so he is”) has more to do with the source of our motivations and joy than just feelings of happiness.
In a similar fashion, we can distrust anyone suggesting an action is Godly because it simply feels good and makes them happy. All of the ten example conversions in Acts, for instance, involved audible instructions from God or a holy agent. Never did things “just happen” for good – good came from direct obedience. Too often today, we can’t wait on a clear voice (which is speaking, but we’re ignoring) and we simply don’t fear the wrong answer (our own) enough to wait until we are still enough to listen. Amy Carmichael once said, “If you have never been hurt by a word from God, it is probably that you have never heard God speak.” And Jesus said, “And, he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.” Matthew 10:34-38
Also, a quick comment about how much the Jews have been harassed over the millennia… throughout the times of the Bible, there were over ten million Jews and no Muslims – today, there are still only about 14 million Jews (almost half in Israel and almost half in the U.S. – being driven out of most other countries including Europe) while there are over a billion Muslims (many who want the last 12 million Jews gone). Moreover, every single one of my Jewish friends (dozens) were at some time in their youth sadly beaten up or taunted by Christian kids for being Christ killers (which, of course, we all did with our sins). God has insured His Chosen (the Jews) to survive even though most of the peoples mentioned in the Bible are now gone.
Jim

======= Elizabeth:

I’m a gardener, so I love these images from Psalm 65…
“You visit the earth and water it; you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it.
You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth. You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with abundance.” -Psalm 65:9-11
Man can plant and water, but it is God grows it all for His glory…people and plants! : )
Elizabeth

======= Steven:

Hi, I enjoy reading your blogs daily. My name is Steven. I’m paralyzed from the chest down. Unlike the friends in Luke, in todays society usually your friends abandon you. I know my friends didn’t stick around when I had my accident.
Steven

======= Barb:

Aw, Steven, I’m sorry to hear you’ve been let down by your friends, but it’s encouraging to hear you read Mike’s blogs daily. Hopefully you’re on track with the OYB readings too, because Scripture is where you’ll find the best Friend. : )  
When I finish this post, I will pray for you, that God will bring some Godly friends into your life.
I have been to Key West a couple of times, and every evening they have a whooping party to celebrate the sunset. I know how I feel closer to God when I take in the beauty of it…
Barb

======= Ella:

Steven, People are imperfect and people will let you down. But God will never let you down.
Father, I thank you for Steven. I thank you that you have touched his life. I know that you have plans to prosper Steven and not harm him. Plans to give him a hope and a future. Lord, I pray that you would send friends into his life. Your soldiers, people who will help him to carry his burdens. People who will encourage him and “lower him through the roof before Jesus.” Lord you are SO GOOD! I love you and praise you! In Jesus’ name! Amen
Ella

======= Richard:

Mike:
I just wanted to say thanks! Every morning I read the 1 Year Bible study (on line) and then turn to the blog. Your cometary reviews what I have just read and enriches it. Often I follow one of your links to the Bible Org.
Just wanted to say thanks for your time and efforts to bless so many others, including my self.
Richard

======= Frederick:

Luke 5: 12-13
12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy.[a] When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.
Jesus, our LORD, are compassionate and forgiving. He answered the man that he was willing to make him clean. Reflecting on our own lives, are we willing to forgive other’s ‘offences’? Jesus is willing. We, who model after our LORD, should be willing.
Psalm 65 is also comforting. So is today’s Proverbs 11:23.
Just a brief note: it is important to arm ourselves with God’s words to fight the fight. Do come back everyday to read God’s Words and share God’s enlightenments.
Frederick

======= Steve:

Numbers 33:40-35:34
Today’s reading in the book of Numbers speaks about taking possession of our inheritance as we see the Promise Land divided among the Israelites. This serves as a reminder for us to take possession of our inheritance by leaving behind that territory we once occupied before knowing Jesus and occupy the Promise Land where we’re new creatures in Christ. I thought it interesting that each tribe had its own separate territory except the Levites, they were wonderfully scattered within each and every territory providing spiritual leadership for each tribe.
The cities of refuge also stood out for me in today’s readings. Numbers 35:6-8 “Six of the towns you give the Levites will be cities of refuge, to which a person who has killed someone may flee. In addition, give them forty-two other towns. 7 In all you must give the Levites forty-eight towns, together with their pasturelands. 8 The towns you give the Levites from the land the Israelites possess are to be given in proportion to the inheritance of each tribe: Take many towns from a tribe that has many, but few from one that has few.”
Although the city’s of refuge is a place of safe haven for those that unintentionally killed someone, it also metaphorically speaks of Christ as our safe haven. We were all guilty before our High Priest Jesus declared us not guilty. Just as the offender is safe as long as he abides within the city of refuge, the same goes for us as long as we abide in Christ. In the city of refuge the offender is set free only when the High Priest in the city of refuge dies. We were set free by the death and resurrection of our High Priest Christ Jesus.
The book of Numbers is wonderfully rich in metaphors reminding us to take possession of our inheritance and walk in faith taking God at His word.
Steve

======= Billy:

I was thinking of the OT reading today about how the criminal who sought refuge in the sanctuary city had to wait till the High Priest died before being set free. I thought of how Jesus (The Highest Priest) died for our sins and set us all free.
Billy

======= Antonietta:

I suffered from a chronic illness years ago. I was very surprised when I was told years later that my friends picked a certain day of the week to pray and fast for my healing and they did this for months . They never told me they were doing that for me. They carried my mat for me and I am very grateful.I am no longer sick thank God.
Antonietta

======== Jill:

I think it’s important to let others in on our pain so they can help ” carry the mat”. It takes a special person to admit defeat and discouragement . But being a apart of a fellowship group or Bible study or support group is vital for a Christian! I had a very good friend who when I was at a low gave me a prayer shawl her daughter had knitted prayers into with every stitch. She gave this to me. This was a way of carrying the mat and carrying my pain. You know don’t shut people out. Ask God to put people in your life to help you through hard situations.
Want to share this: let people see Jesus in us! http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uOg-1JjAdGk
Jill

======= Susan:

“When I lay my Isaac down” is an excellent book about faith. It made the healing of the paraplegic speak volumes. My eyes were opened concerning the friends lowering the mat to Jesus. It is an excellent example of how we as brothers and sisters in Christ are to lift each other up when we find another’s faith suffering due to circumstances beyond their control. The author re tells her walk through such a time. I recommend this book to others hurting due to circumstances beyond their control. We have a God who cares and is with us always.
Susan

======= Dee:

I found it interesting about the degree they went to in expelling murder(ers). In Numbers 32-34, And never accept a ransom payment from someone who has fled to a city of refuge, allowing a slayer to return to his property before the death of the high priest. This will ensure that the land where you live will not be polluted, for murder pollutes the land. And no sacrifice except the execution of the murderer can purify the land from murder. You must not defile the land where you live, for I live there myself. I am the Lord, who lives among the people of Israel. Have we ever thought about the murderers in the country and how they affect the world in which we live in. We live in a very flourished and rich country and are blessed in a number of ways, however, when disaster hits in the most flourishing areas of our world, it makes you think..alot of people cry out and wander where God is in these situations..then it makes you want to look back at these verses above. Where murder and sin is abundant, and people are becoming as those of Sodom and Gomorrah, how can God look upon and save a group of people or nation who don’t want to be saved and are polluting the area with crime, mayhem, and sin! It’s one of those hmmm..thoughts to ponder on..
Luke 5, it is funny how other people will be talking in parrelel with what you are reading for the day, because I just got through listening to Taffi Dollar speaking of the same message on the man who was afflicted with palsy getting lowered through the roof of someone’s house and Jesus “saw” the faith of his friends.. and healed him. She was using the words from Mark 2 on it however it coorelates todays message, I do think that is awesome when friendship is so strong and at the times when we are the weakest we have a friend and their faith to help us endure to the finish line. I have a good friend like that who went with me to all my appointments following my surgery for my eyes and she was a great encouragement when I was weak..we do need friends like that in our life when times get too hard to bare..and we just need that “little Jesus boost” from them and their surge of energy to get our faith back where it should
Psalm is very pretty today..It speaks of how God answers our prayers, You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds..Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders..it makes me think of that song..God of Wonders, reveal your majesty, you are Holy!!Holy!!!
anyway,,I am with Ramona on the proverb 11:23, it does tie into you reap what you sow..theres only two choices in life..serve the God of Heaven and Earth, the Lord of our Creation, or by default you are serving the devil..its that easy!!
Be Blessed
Dee

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 Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

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!

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?

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:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sb4RrF9VxI

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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Numbers 32:1-33:39
This makes me sad, 1 …So when they saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were ideally suited for their flocks and herds, 2 they came to Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the other leaders of the people. They said, 3 “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon—4 the LORD has conquered this whole area for the people of Israel. It is ideally suited for all our flocks and herds. 5 If we have found favor with you, please let us have this land as our property instead of giving us land across the Jordan River.”
God, who knows everything, gives the children of Israel land that is best suited for them, yet two and one-half tribes think that they can appraise the land better than God. Hmmm, have I negotiated down and taken what God has permitted me to take instead of waiting for God’s perfect Will for my life? Were the people from the tribe of Gad the ancestors of those living in the Gadarenes, that place where Jesus cast the legend of demons out of a man and sent them into a heard of pigs? I’m not sure if they are but if there were they wound up taking care of unclean animals. That was not a job for nice Jewish boys.
How could they say that the land was ideally suited for them without fully exploring the land of Promise? What does this say when we want things done in our timing and not God’s timing?
Mike reading your comments about keeping our words reminds me of how important it is to be faithful to the words that flow from our mouths. One of the consequences of not keeping our word is that we don’t think anyone else will be true to their word either, even God so we don’t trust Him. If you can’t believe your own words, you will never believe anyone else’s. That is the real destruction of having a lying tongue, we destroy ourselves first.
Luke 4:31-5:11
I think it’s funny pathetic that demon spirits knew who Jesus was, yet those who were his own didn’t recognize, or maybe I should say wouldn’t recognize that He fulfilled all the Prophecies uttered in the Old Testament, the Book. Something is very wrong with that picture.
Jesus’ power to heal, his power to tell fish where to go to be caught could only happened because He was “ In the beginning …All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being (John 1:1; 3). The only way that anyone can have legitimate power over anything is to be the one who created it. Jesus could get rid of fevers because he created man.
As His creation at His Word every cell must perform they way it was made to perform “In the Beginning …(Genesis 1:1)
Psalm 64:1-10
Do not let my enemies’ threats overwhelm me.
This is the first time that I’ve read this and picked up its meaning. Don’t let my enemies’ threats overwhelm me. This is saying that there is no way that I can withstand the onslaught of all the negative, destructive things of life that come my way unless God holds back them back. How often do I think I need to take a stand, build myself up and play the part of the Lone Ranger riding on my trusty steed? Surly pride will be my downfall and the only safety is being sheltered under the might wings of God.
Proverbs 11:22
Mike I liked the picture of the pig’s snout although it took me awhile to figure out what I was looking at. What I see here in the Proverb is that this gold ring that has been placed in the snout doesn’t loose its value. What happens to it is that it gets stuck in the mud, stuck in the troth and encrusted with food and dirt. Unless one captures the pig and gives him a bath, the beauty of the ring will be obscured. Yet even when bathed, perfumed and dressed in a tux, the pig being a pig will go back to his ole stomping grounds, the mud.
Although you looked to see if this wasn’t gender specific, don’t try to make it gender neutral, accept what the Word of God is saying. Remember the church is called the bride of Christ. So that means all you Christian men need to go out and find a nice bridal veil.
You might even extrapolate this out and say this could be a warning for the church, Christ’s Bride! Stay out of the mud and don’t be attaching yourselves to pigs.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Karen:

Ramona, I loved your comments on todays proverbs. You always seem to find so much insight to the scriptures that I don’t always see. Keep posting. I always read what you write. Love in Christ to all.
Karen

======= Cathy:

Romana,
Thank you for taking the time to provide more explanation that help me had a better grasp of the scripture of Proverbs.
Thank you all.
God bless.
Cathy

======= Oliver:

I alwayssss look forward to your comments Ramona. Thank you.
Thank you Mike, for pointing out the part of not keeping to one’s word is wrong, and a sin. Also very true is that fact that, if you consciously do not keep to your word, you distrust others’, even God’s.
Oliver

======= Sammy:

Mike,
Just a word of thanks for the time, effort and energy you give each day to help us understand and appreciate God’s Word!!! You’ll never know how much it means…
Sammy

======= Laverne:

My book club group meet monthly the last Saturday of every month. We go over the next months discussion, meeting place and time at the previous months meeting. However we still have folks who say they are coming and don’t and then those who agree to the time and come late. This has been going on for 5 months and each month I am more and more disappointed even the group founder is late EVERY month. So this month I invited an author to chat with us and I asked if everyone could be on time. No one responded to my email. I have prayed on this for quite some time and I realize I cannot handle people who do not stand by their word. If you don’t have your word what’s left? I pray daily that God places an angel at the gateway of my mouth because I have a horrible habit of stretching the truth especially if I think it will make someone feel better. I want to be like the disciples when Jesus called them to go – they went and their bounty was increased. I pray my faith is one that never finds me wavering. The only way I have been able to do this thing called life is because He is my rock and my shelter. I know He knows the plans for my life. My prayer is that He continues to keep His hands on my life. My initial fishing tactic is to allow people to see the great love of Christ in me so that it might bring them to Him. I always talk about my Lord and continually invite my girlfriends who are not in relationship with Jesus to begin one.
Laverne

======= Laura:

Lavern: I was pondering your comments about the fustrations that you face with people. One of those fustrations has to do with people being late. I have a friend who will always fall into that category. What I have come to realize is that we can never truely depend on people. People will always in some way defy our trust and fustrate us. We can only depend on God. He is always consistent. I have decided that Jesus is the only one who I feel is worth waiting for. His timing is always perfect and always makes sense. Sometimes I want things to happen quicker, but when I am patient and wait upon the Lord my waiting has always caused an increase in blessings that I have recieved.
Don’t put all your faith and hope in what man can do for you, but rely more on the Lord. I am disappointed with people it seems daily because they never seem to care or to meet my expectations. Everyone seems so self centered especially those who do not know the Lord. One of my favorit verses is Isaiah 41:30-31 NIV “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
I was looking through the bible concordance and it said that selfishness is concern for self at the expense of others. Proverbs 18:10 is listed: The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe. Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the Lord: be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Perhaps God is teaching me patience or giving me a good reason to remain friends with someone who is habitially late. Maybe I can be a good example of some good habits and hope that I am percieved as a good witness. Perhaps I am learning about the lessons of grace and forgiveness. God does know what is best, I still trust He is in control even when I am fustrated.
Be Blessed today, I hope I have offered you some encouragement to you.
Laura

======= Laverne:

Laura – Oh gracious heavens I don’t put ALL my faith & hope in what people can do for me, sorry if that is the impression you received from my words. However I do take people at their word?
You most certainly have encouraged me in saying it is possible God is working with me and this particular group of friends and here’s why I say this. Because of the rain last night we decided to have prayer service on the phone and to be honest it was good to see one of my friends who initiated the call which was suppose to begin at at 9:14pm ring me at 9:11 pm. I said look who is early and she said I told you I am starting this year out trying to be on time. All I could do was praise God… So yes I am encouraged that God is using me to help them. You also said something else Laura that resonated with me about people not meeting your expectation. I never thought about it like that b4 but that is me. So thank Q so much I am going to begin praying that Whatever is wrong in me Lord take it out of me, so that I can be right before Him. Thanks
Laverne

======= Debbie:

When I read our Proverb for today, what struck me was how beautiful women who dress immodestly (like so many we see in our culture on a daily basis!) are to God like a gold ring in a pig’s snout. Now that would be some mascot for the Victoria’s Secret commercials!
Debbie

======= Katie:

Psalm 64:9 All mankind will fear;
they will proclaim the works of God
and ponder what he has done.
I always like the word “ponder”…. and here it really stands out to me: to ponder what He has done. The Lord is so awesome, has done amazing things in my life alone…. let alone what I know/hear He’s done for others… plus what He’s done for all creation, provided us life and salvation. When I ponder these things, I am in awe! Hallelujah!
Lord, I pray that I am not like the proverbs above, I will do my utmost to show more discretion in my decisions and actions. You know, I work out, I fix my hair, I buy and put on makeup,… I do a lot to be more beautiful. But I don’t always use good discretion. Lord, please forgive me and please teach me. Amen!
Katie

======= Jenny:

IN Luke, notice how the demons knew who Jesus was, the Christ. v 41″You are the Christ the Son of God!” They believed in him…many ppl today claim to believe in Jesus, that Jesus is the Christ, and they are correct, but if they have not received Him, repenting, surrendering to Him, born again through Him, these ppl are lost! We dont just need to believe in God and that Jesus is the Messiah, but we must receive, act on it, have a new heart, a new mind. Its pretty easy to talk with someone and see if they truely know the Lord. ppl can talk all they want about God, but it doesnt really mean much. WE cant see anyone’s heart, but we sure can be given a good indication about them. This is discernment and its a gift from God.
You know, reading about Peter’s mother-in-law kinda surprised…I have read about her before, but it just dawned on me, Peter was married! for some reason i just assumed the disciples were all unmarried. I’m guessing he left his wife to follow Jesus.
My dad was informing me the other day there are 2 gospels. I was like, huh? The kingdom of God is the gospel Jesus preached and now we preach the gospel of Jesus to nonbelievers. That threw me for a loop at first…I guess i didnt think of it in those terms.
I like in Luke how when Peter recognized who Jesus was, he fell on his face and saw he was a sinful man. This is the appropriate response, when we see ourselves in the light of Jesus, we see our sin and its too great to bear.
I see how Jesus told him to cast his net on the other side, and Peter was like, but Jesus, we have been toiling all night, but ok, since u say so. This is my response sometimes, He will tell me to do something and I say, Jesus, but Ive been doing this, toiling. What i didnt have before was God’s power though, I tried on my own strength and if Jesus tells me to do something, I can be assured God will provide.
Thanks for trying to get us girls off the hook, haha. the commentary says:
“Beauty is abused by those who have not discretion or modesty with it. This is true of all bodily endowments.”
As Christian women, we need to be careful. For sum reason men like women’s bodies, i dont know why, haha. but we need to consider that it is a sin to attempt to lure men, or stumble them. I know fashions and weather conditions sometimes dictate our clothing, like i live in Southern Cali where its not often cold, so we dont need a lot of clothing. some of the fashions like tight clothes, its just the norm. I know sum ppl think people here dont dress decent.
One gauge is…how do i feel if my dad sees me in that? I dont own anything i’d be embarrassed to wear around my dad….who is an old-fashioned man and would definitely say something if i had on something inappropriate…i know, i’ve see him say something to my sisters, very embarrassing!!
Jenny

======= Ramona:

Number 32-33:39
Do I do this? While God is leading me toward my Promise, do I stop, look around and judge the situation or place I’m currently in as better than what God has promised? Have I settled for second, third or forth best? Ruben and Gad, based on their five senses (For we walk by faith, not by sight -2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV) determined by their sight, senses and circumstances, that the other side of their Promise was better than their Promise. Then the half tribe of Manasseh follows suite but does not even ask Moses for permission. Their goal only seems to be to build cities and towns to honor their own name, not God’s.
They, I believe committed the “sin” of Lot, Abraham’s nephew. They entered God’s Permissive Will and not His Perfect Will.
Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no quarreling between me and you, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are close relatives. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself now from me. If you go to the left, then I’ll go to the right, but if you go to the right, then I’ll go to the left.” Lot looked up and saw the whole region of the Jordan. He noticed that all of it was well-watered (before the LORD obliterated Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, all the way to Zoar. Lot chose for himself the whole region of the Jordan and traveled toward the east. So the relatives separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, but Lot settled among the cities of the Jordan plain and pitched his tents next to Sodom. (Genesis 13:8-12 NET.)
Lot wound up in Sodom then finally in a cave committing incest with his two daughters, producing children that would become Israel’s enemies. (Gen. 19:30-37)
Let us all wait on the Lord, wait on His timing for His best.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Dwayne:

Numbers 32:
I’m trying to figure out why it was OK for the tribes of Reuben and Gad to choose the land that they would inherit. If I remember correctly from earlier in the book, God told Moses that the amount of land was to be allocated by the size of the tribe, but the location of the land was to be decided by random lot. Reuben and Gad wanted to choose the specific regions that they would get, because it was good for their cows. Moses thought it was a ploy to avoid fighting, but was OK with it as long as they pledged to fight along side the rest of Israel. It just doesn’t make sense to me that God would mete out severe punishment for earlier sins which seemed more a matter of interpretation, while ignoring what appears to me to be a blatant disregard for explicit instructions.
Luke 5:
The thing that struck me about this passage was the actions of Peter, James and John. They were so amazed by Jesus apparent ability to call the fish into the nets that they were immediately convinced of his divinity. Obviously fish were a hugely significant feature in their lives. That’s why I think it’s so amazing that, in verse 11, “When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.” It’s sort of like Jesus handing one of us a winning lottery ticket. I don’t know that my response would be to leave it behind to follow him. I’d like to think it would, but I’m not so sure.
Dwayne

======= John:

Dwayne,
I have been thinking about your comment on Numbers 32, and had been drawing a blank.
After seeing Ramona’s post, something struck me. In Deut 2 and 3 God does tell the Israelites to possess this land (east of the jordan river). However, I am not sure that this is part of the land of numbers 26. In numbers 26 “land” appears to be a very generic term. Perhaps it is the land of canaan (west of the jordan) that was prescribed for the “lot” system.
In the Bible, I do not think we are privy to every conversation or thought process that went on at the time – only what is revealed.
The Reubinites and Gaddites were always camped together south of the tabernacle. They seemed to come to a joint decision about this – probably talked about over campfires. Maybe Moses talked about this with God, maybe not. Maybe none of the other tribes wanted this land as they were not as “herd” intensive, wanted to be in the land of “milk and honey”, or thought the area too vulnerable for foreign attacks. In addition their land portions on the west side of Jordan would now be bigger with only nine and one half tribes to split up the “land”.
If so, then it becomes plausible that the real question was not whether to give them the land nor how to split it up (Tribes had apparently decided that on their own), but one of military resources. Once army manpower issues resolved, then permission was given to inhabit the land.
As it turned out, Ramona is correct in her Lot reference. These tribes, separated from the others, disintegrated into pagan worship, and God raised up Assyria to come in and destroy everything and carry off the tribes.
Perhaps the lesson is because of a bad choice that seemed attractive at first, the tribes put themselves in a position to turn away from God. Which ultimately led to their judgment by God.
Numbers 26:52-55
“The LORD said to Moses, “The land is to be allotted to them as an inheritance based on the number of names. To a larger group give a larger inheritance, and to a smaller group a smaller one; each is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those listed. Be sure that the land is distributed by lot.
John

======= Emily:

Thanks for that reflection John.
Coming to the topic of keeping one’s word. Yes, that advice is so realistic and wise. Also, I think somewhere in the gospel of Mathew it says that do not make promises just let your yes be yes or no be no. How wise!!! If we could follow that this world will be a very happy place. Because this advice is applicable in the fields of business, friendship, politics, love relationships and marriage. Unfortunately,this world makes too many false promises…
BUT INTERESTINGLY! This world also wants to hear false promises. Personally, I’m the one who rarely makes a promise. I just do my best to carry oot my duty. I never make a casual promise. But people love people who make plenty of promises, albeit false promises. How ironical. We need more of Bible’s precious wisdom in this world today to make life easier and less of pretensions, frustrations, disappointments.
Emily

======= Ron:

Dwayne,
I’m not so sure that it was O.K. for them to do what they did. God will allow us to operate in our own will and that is called His Permissive Will instead of His Perfect Will. In my opinion, I think what the two tribes did was a slap in the face of God because they ignored His Promise for them and settled on what they thought was best. I think it was the same “sin” that Abraham’s nephew participated in. He chose the well watered plans near Sodom because it was a little like Egypt and a little like the Garden of Eden and found himself living in Sodom (Gen 13:7-11), then moved to a cave (Gen 19:30-38) having two children born out of incest.
I think when we read the Bible we have to read it like a case study and move from how someone’s life ended, both spiritually and physically, then trace back to see where they made the wrong turn. In Lot’s case I don’t believe Abraham should have taken him into Canaan.
The LORD said to Abram: Leave your country, your family, and your relatives and go to the land that I will show you.
Ron

======= Elizabeth:

Hello All,
I surprisingly enjoyed the recap today of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. From a broad-picture perspective, there is a lot to appreciate here–good life lessons.
Matthew Henry is adept at drawing “life lessons” out of scripture, so I especially enjoyed his comments this morning:
*******************
“When they began this tedious march, God ordered him to keep a journal or diary, and to insert in it all the remarkable occurrences of their way, that it might be a satisfaction to himself in the review and an instruction to others when it should be published. It may be of good use to private Christians, but especially to those in public stations, to preserve in writing an account of the providences of God concerning them, the constant series of mercies they have experienced, especially those turns and changes which have made some days of their lives more remarkable. Our memories are deceitful and need this help, that we may remember all the way which the Lord our God has led us in this wilderness, Deu_8:2.” -Matthew Henry
Good lesson here- interesting that Moses documented and tracked all of their wanderings. I imagine it helped him–to be able to track the wandering even if he was helpless to control the trip itself.
I also like what MHenry says about memory being deceitful–so true. The past is continually reshaped by our emotions and perceptions. It’s not as “static” as we’d like to think.
******************
“Observe (1). They were continually upon the remove. When they had pitched a little while in one place they departed from that to another. Such is our state in this world; we have here no continuing city.” -M Henry
Love that last part….”we have no continuing city”…it’s painful but true. Like it or not, even on our best days, we all remain pilgrims until we get HOME.
*******************
“They were led to and fro, forward and backward, as in a maze or labyrinth, and yet were all the while under the direction of the pillar of cloud and fire. He led them about (Deu_32:10), and yet led them the right way, Psa_107:7. The way which God takes in bringing his people to himself is always the best way, though it does not always seem to us the nearest way.” -M Henry
As our family enters a season of wandering (which I frankly dread….I like efficiency and roots), this is great verse for me to cling to. His way is indeed the very best, though not always the “nearest”
Following His cloud and wandering with you,
Elizabeth

======= Beth:

The video today made me think of missionaries that our church supports, Nate and Rachelle Dell with HCJB. Their heart is for the Waoroni people (formerly known as the Auca’s as portrayed in the SCChapman video). However, they have been state-side for a number of years now due to health reasons. Would you please pray for them as they seek to be healed and return to Ecuador??? Thanks!
Beth

======= Frederick:

Luke 4:39
39 So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them.
I was touched to learn that Jesus did not only heal Simon’s mother-in-law by commanding her to get up. Instead, Jesus bent over. Jesus was compassionate. The response of Simon’s mother-in-law was commendable. She did not just get up and say thank you and then walk away. She waited on Jesus and his followers. What a beautiful picture!
Psalm 64:7-10
7 But God will shoot them with his arrows;
they will suddenly be struck down.
8 He will turn their own tongues against them
and bring them to ruin;
all who see them will shake their heads in scorn.
9 All people will fear;
they will proclaim the works of God
and ponder what he has done.
10 The righteous will rejoice in the LORD
and take refuge in him;
all the upright in heart will glory in him!
What a promise! What a judgment! Our LORD will punish the wicked and reward the righteous!
Frederick

======= Steve:

Numbers 32
The men of the tribe of Reuben and Gad were cattlemen and when they saw that the land in Gadera was good for raising cattle, they asked Moses if they could have Gadera instead of their inheritance in the Promise Land. Here they are about to cross the Jordan and enter the Promise Land, the land of milk and honey, the land that they had spent the last forty years wandering in the desert looking for and they suddenly chose to trade their portion of the Promise Land for this cattle range.
After working a deal with Moses by promising to assist the Israelites on their journey to the Promise Land, the men of Rueben and Gad strike a deal with a reluctant Moses and get what they wanted. Everything seems OK and everyone seems satisfied or so it would appear.
God has given us free will to choose for ourselves and we can accept or reject God promises. Even when we go against God’s will, the Lord forgives us and accepts us where we’re at but there are always consequences for our choices. The people of Rueben and Gad traded down by choosing another land, they missed out on the full amenities the Lord intended them to have by settling for the land of Gadera instead of their promised inheritance.
Rueben and Gad chose to grab that which was right in front of them rather than wait on the blessing of the Lord. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush they thought and that is probably good advice except when the bush is the Burning Bush, the Lord.
Remember when Jesus healed the demon-possessed man and the demons wanted to enter the pigs? This took place at Gadarenes (Gad), if we fast forward from the Old Testament into the New Testament, we see that the cattle land the tribe of Rueben and Gad had coveted so much turned into a pig farm. It is also interesting to note that the pig farmers asked Jesus to leave. Something to think about the next time we’re tempted to choose comfort over commitment.
Steve

======= Janice:

i know that the lord calls to me to help those that are in need of someone to help them with the struggles of addictions..i am pulled to help..i feel it is god working through me to share the word and to help with giving a light in their lives again…i hope and pray that one day soon i will be able to work with those that need the light shown to them again
Janice

======== Jill:

A couple things stood out in numbers 32:11. “Because they have not followed me wholeheartedly..” I like that word wholeheartedly. How much commitment to do we make for Christ in our life? Wholeheartedly or whenever we feel the need. We never can get too close to God. I believe God has obstacles in my life just to keep me close to him!
But let him bless me so I can bless others with my Joy!
Verse 23.. “Be sure your sin will find you out!” So that’s where that verse is that my mom quoted to me as a child! Wow. We all know hidden sin does not go unnoticed.
I’m finding so much treasure in reading this Bible through. Right now the Bible is my shelter in the storm.
Gods word breaks through every chain and every storm!
Jill

======= Dee:

In Numbers today..I wanted to ask the Reubonites and Gadites..what for?? Why are they resisting and wanting land east of the promised land that they were destined to have. I do commend them for deciding to go head first in the land when others go to attack and sieze it, just thought they would be assured of the land God promised them, the land flowing with milk and honey.. and all of the camping in todays studies, they camped here, went there, camped here went there..I wanted to say Attack already!! This originally was an 11 day journey and turned into 40 long strenuous doubtful years, that didn’t have to be if they would have just trusted God.
I liked going from Luke chapters 3 and venturing into 4 and 5 today. I liked the feed that the audio bible spoke about in that, Jesus had to be tempted in the wilderness (in the dark) before He could be tempted in the light-before His ministry took off. He had to win the battle in His head, thoughts, emotions. That is a lesson for all of us..we have to be armed ready and prepared before we go to battle against the enemy and be a teacher of the Word..we have to be physically, mentally, emotionally capable and ready to be a doer of the Word and not just a Hearer only, deceiving ourselves..
Psalms was good today talking about Davids enemies and him not being afraid of the enemies but afraid of the fear that he felt, because the acronoym F.E.A.R. is false evidence appearing real..cant exist if you have faith and vice versa..Faith is calliing those things that be not as though they are..the enemy’s greatest tool is getting us to walk out fear and be afraid of things that are in our head instead of things that are real..Make sure to look unto the Lord and be not afraid..God said over 365 times in the Bible “do not fear” one for every day and a few extra..keep that in mind..
Proverbs 11:22 today teaches us – “A woman who is beautiful but lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.” That makes me think of all these scandals with all these so called beauties of this world coming out about these affairs with these married men..kind of paints a picture of this pig snout..our appearance is fleeting with each passing day, but real beauty comes from within..it is far better than rubies..
~~Be Blessed 
Dee

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 Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

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 Video: Today’s readings about temptation reminded me of the song “Lord I Need You” by Matt Maher. Here’s a great live version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG5O5TSIaE4

Do you need God? Click here and be with Him forevermore!

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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Numbers 30:1-31:54
Upon reading this portion of scripture I began thinking of the following verses:
Proverbs 20:25 (AMP)
25 It is a snare to a man to utter a vow [of consecration] rashly and [not until] afterward inquire [whether he can fulfill it].
Ecclesiastes 5 (AMP)
4 When you vow a vow or make a pledge to God, do not put off paying it; for God has no pleasure in fools (those who witlessly mock Him). Pay what you vow.
5 It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.
6 Do not allow your mouth to cause your body to sin, and do not say before the messenger [the priest] that it was an error or mistake. Why should God be [made] angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands?
How easy it is for me to open my mouth and utter some rash vow without thinking, This is so easy to do when you are amongst other “saints” in the church and they are standing around talking about what “work” they are either going to do for the church or God. Now wanting to feel left out the mouth opens and the foot goes in. Or I feel pressured to respond because I don’t want to look like a “bad” or “lazy” Christian.
The reading today plus the verse I copied in show us that God takes our vows seriously and no matter the amount of pressure we experience or excitement in the moment should cause us to utter a vow to God. This is a much needed reality check for me. If I’m to do something for the church or God it should be done with a joyous heart and not out of a feeling of pressured obligation.
Chapter 31 of Numbers is fascinating because God actually directed them to fight against the Midianites and because they obeyed not one life was lost. However, they didn’t fully listen to what they were told to do they spared some things that should not have been spared. However, again Moses came to the rescue. Even though Moses was told that after this battle, He would go the way of his ancestors, Moses’ heart always yearned for the best for his people. This shows me that our outlook on life must go beyond the current generation; we must have a heart for the generations to come. To have this attitude one must get out of selfishness and understand that this life on earth is about investing in the next generation and not consuming all the resources on self.
Numbers 31:
14 Moses was angry with the leaders of the army, the heads of thousands and the heads of hundreds, who had fought in the war.
15 He said to them, ” Have you allowed all the women to live?
This interpreting of God’s Word to confirm to lustful desires will bring much harm to leadership and the nation from the time of this battle until now. God tells us to completely destroy something in that will impact our lives in the future but because we don’t understand the danger, we preempt God’s all knowing knowledge and replace it with our reasoning. Joshua and King Saul will feel the sting on not adhering precisely to instructions from the Lord. I think this modifying of God’s Word began when Moses and Aaron struck the Rock twice; instead of speaking to the Rock back in Numbers 20:8.
Luke 4:1-30
Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to be tested. We forget that the Holy Spirit may lead us into a time of testing. This testing is not to break us but to show us where the cracks are, if any. God knows what we will and will not do, it is we ourselves who have a distorted picture of what we are capable of doing. Just ask the Apostle Peter.
The three areas of testing that Jesus faced or the same three areas where we will be tested: the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16).
Take note that the second temptation, or testing, the Devil makes a statement that Jesus doesn’t rebuke. Is his, the Devil’s, statement truth or half-a-truth (half the truth is a whole lie)?
5 The devil took Jesus up on a high mountain. He had Jesus look at all the nations of the world at one time.
6 The devil said to Jesus, ‘I will give You all this power and greatness. It has been given to me. I can give it to anyone I want to.
Hmmm, Satan is saying that all the power and greatness is his, or at least it use to be his before Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection took it away from him. Jesus didn’t tell him that he didn’t own it. Is that way the Apostle Paul called Satan, the God of this world? (2 Corinthians 4:4)
When Jesus withstood the temptations the text states that he went back to Galilee under the power of the Holy Spirit. What happens to me when I withstand temptations and testings? Since Jesus is my brother, the first born from the dead, it stands to reason that the same power available to Him should be available to me when I withstand pressure from the enemy. That is something I need to focus on when I am being tested.
We hear this over and over again, even secular folks quote this, but do we really understand the implications?
24 He said, ‘A man who speaks for God is not respected in his own country. (NLT)
Or in King James language, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.
Psalm 63:1-11
While reading this Psalm it occurred to me that this first verse is the attitude I should have when I am, “Asking … Seeking … Knocking …”
1 O God, You are my God. I will look for You with all my heart and strength. My soul is thirsty for You. My flesh is weak wanting You in a dry and tired land where there is no water.
So often I look for answers for understanding scripture in all the wrong places. The answer is in this Word!
Proverbs 11:20-21
I did some studying on this particular passage especially since there is this view that God “loves” everyone and thus He is incapable of “judging” anyone as being bad or wicked, they are just misunderstood. But clearly the twentieth verse doesn’t say that. So either God is lying or man has distorted the Words of God.
When in doubt go to back to the Hebrew. The word translated “twisted hearts” in the NLT, is almost word-for-word in the Hebrew. Twisted in the NLT, or “forward” in King James, actually means, twisted, distorted, crooked, perverse, perverted. However the word translated “hate” in several translations yet in the King James the word abomination is used (is an abomination) in the Hebrew [a disgusting thing, abomination, abominable;
in ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages); in ethical sense (of wickedness etc)]
Since we have just gone through the Book of Leviticus, dealing with clean and unclean, we have a clearer understanding of what this actually means. Since God is a Holy God, uncleanness cannot stand before Him. So I believe who we use the word hate and what the Hebrew states may be slightly off; however, we get the picture of how much God “hates” the crooked and perverse way: just something to think about.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Bella:

I love that awesome picture of Christ with the dark cloud in the background. How lonely he must have felt as he awaited the outcome. We find ourselves in those same circumstance, lonely and vulnerable, as we wait patiently for the holy spirit to show us the way.
The parched land depicts how broken our lives can be and it is not important what people think of us but that the holy spirit lifts and guides our daily walk as believers.
Bella

======= Sandy:

Hi; I copied Mike’s picture of the parched ground to show my kids when I share my quiet time from Ps. 63 with them tonight. Ps. 63:6-8 were the first verses, by the way, that I ever memorized as a new Christian in 1975: “…my soul clings to You…” He has been faithful.
In response to Emberglow’s question about the Martin Luther quote: someone once said, “Love God and do what you want.” I wonder if this is what Martin Luther meant. As I grow in love and intimacy with the Father, I know His mind and want His will. Ps. 37:4 states that as I delight in God, He “will give me the desires of my heart.” What He desires, I will have as my desires.
Of course if you love God you must hate sin. But not for performance’s sake: only because it keeps me from that oneness and intimacy that allow me to know Him and His will, by hearing His voice clearly. Blessings.
Sandy

======= Richard:

I welcome temptation in my life just as Jesus did when he walked out into the desert for 40 days. (He knew what was waiting for him out there!) I think of it as one of God’s greatest “gifts”. This lent season has had a profound affect on me in that I am discovering new ways to love my Teacher. I treat temptation as a means to draw closer to God. When I reject it, I can feel the warmth of my Lord’s grace upon me. I can’t think of anything (not even prayer) that provides as much satisfaction and oneness with God. Of course when I say “not even prayer…” I show my ignorance. Often rejecting temptation takes prayer… and alot of it!!
Richard

======= Chayla:

These passages speak alot about temptation, sin, and the blotting out of sin. But what spoke to me the most was how the plunder of the solideiers did not all belong to just them. There was a mandate from God to give them their due as conqueors but that they were in service to a greater populace. That a portion went to God and the temple caretakers as well as to the people.
It speaks to the idea that our victories are not our own but are God’s to uplift many and to show his glory.
Did you notice that after they gave God his due and a portion to the people- that they gave another offering of thanksgiving above what was required.
Give him thanks in all your victories!!! (Or should I say HIS victories!!)
Chayla

======= Pat:

Psalms 63:1-11 = In the study of this Psalm I greatly prefer the KJV over the NIV version because I feel NIV changes the whole meaning of this psalm. In the KJV verse 1 states, “O God, You are my God; ‘Early’ I will seek you.” In NIV verse 1 states, “O God, you are my God, ‘earnestly’ I seek you.” When you get down to verse 6 KJV says, “ When I remember you on my bed, I meditate on you in the night watches” and the NIV says, “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.”
When you read Psalms 63 in the KJV you get the clear message that we should seek God’s help early each morning and thank Him last thing each night for the help we received from Him that day. In the NIV you get the message that we should earnestly pray to God, especially at night. By changing the word ‘early’ to ‘earnestly’ the NIV deletes the need for morning prayer. I cling to the KJV psalm because I think it is extremely important for each of us to go to God first thing each morning to seek His help to meet the trials and temptations we shall face each day and then return to God each night to thank Him for His help and all the blessings He bestows on each of us during that day!
God Bless,
Pat

======= Pam:

One of my favorite Psalms is in today’s reading.
Psalm 63: 1-4
1 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.
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
3 Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
4 I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
The first time I was away from home for an extended time was in college in Germany. I was learning the language and had no place to worship. The cathedrals were museums and the only church in the small town I was in had less than ten people in worship service. It was a terrifying feeling to be in such a dry land. Please pray for the lost in every country.
Pam

======= Dean:

The Psalm today really urges us to have a burning passion for seeking after God’s face. How many of us today have such a passion? We have so many distractions that we really have become dilletantes, dabbling here and there in so many frivolous things. I fight it every day and it seems I can be drawn to TV, the blogs, my IPOD, guitar, piano, my Harley. I love all of these things but that is all they are – objects. Have they become my idols.
Oh, Father, give me strength and presence of mind to focus my concentration on you alone. I cry out to you for more and more faith – put a passion deep in my heart for You and Your Kingdom.
We love you Lord,
Amen
Dean

======= Gina:

Dean – you really hit it regarding distractions! It is so true that the things around us cause us to lose our focus on what this life is really about. I too have to admit that TV, the computer (blogs, myspace for hours at a time, email) iPod, etc have taken over and have become idols for me also.
And to add to your beautiful prayer above …
Father, I confess that I have allowed “things” to get in the way of our relationship.
Please have mercy on me and forgive me.
Restore me back to You.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Whenever I am going through a really difficult time with temptation, I always go back to the first bible verse I ever memorized…1 Cor 10:13 – “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man, and God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” My pastor gave me this verse on a little card about a month after I was saved and told me how important it was to use scripture to get past temptations….God has never let me down! I love this verse!
Psalm 63 is just amazing and as Dean said, it’s a reminder that we need more of God in our lives!
Proverbs….Father God, I pray that you will untwist our hearts. Reveal to us those areas that need more of you and come in and change us. We love you and give you praise, Amen.
Gina

======= Mae:

Hi everybody,
I’m not sure when I’m back … our kitchen was on fire.
I’m not at home right now.
Please pray for us.
God bless,
Mae

======= Mary:

I have copied this passage in today’s lesson: “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.”
Through how many more generations did such power pass? In other words, Joshua would have passed power to whom??? And so on and so forth till the last recording of it?
Mary

======= John:

Mary,
That is interesting thought. I always thought the feasts were for specific reasons, a means fo gathering the people together in a central place, and to provide clues for the “plan of Salvation”.
After Joshua’s death there was no handoff of power. From time to time God raised up “Judges” to bring Israel back to the correct path. There were time gaps between most of the judges????
Later when the people wanted a “king” like other countries – God allowed it, starting with Saul. The (hand-off) ceremony there revolved around an “anointing”.
John

======= Sikee:

Think that we need to maintain integrity as one of our first steps in our walk of life. Especially at work.
We maybe seen by some as demanding, kind, unfeeling, proud, fierce, etc. But if we are not consistent in our walk, we have no friends here on earth. No one will trust us nor approach us. Because without integrity, there is no proven track record on the things we say or do.
Just sharing on my thots.
Can someone, who’s been around long enough, tell me here if this is true?
Sikee

======= Ramona:

If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away! It is better to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into hell. (Matthew 5:30 NET.)
Even a child is known by his acts, whether [or not] what he does is pure and right.
(Proverbs 20:11 AMP)
Why would God tell Moses to “kill” children and woman, innocent people, or are they really inocent? One of God’s attributes is his Omniscient’s; He knows everything and is not constrained by time. In fact, God dwells in Eternity, so for Him everything is in the realm of “Now.”
There may be things that seem harmful and cruel to us, like the ordering of the killing of children and woman, but God sees the end from the beginning and either we follow our own intellect, which is flawed, or we follow God’s. In this case, Moses has proven by his actions and God’s confirmation that He hears and heard from God. The Midianites practiced a form of child sacrifice, they allowed/sent their daughters to sleep with Israel to steer them away from the “conditional” Promises of God, “If you keep …I will …” They used sex as an entry or type of worship to their idol god. Besides, God had already ordered this action back in the 25th chapter, Moses was now told to carry it out before he was to die.
Interestingly enough, at least for me, Mike’s question about temptation, based on the Gospel reading, is a practical real word carrying out of how to get rid of it, temptation that is. We are to reign judiciously over our temple, our bodies.
Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own, (1 Corinthians 6:19 AMP)
Yesterday, I received an answer to something I have been asking God about since November ‘05. I am a Type 2 Diabetic diagnosed since 2000. I have seen this as not some kind of dastardly disease but as a call for a life style change and have successfully managed my blood sugar levels to that of a non-diabetic through exercise and diet. However, for the last year, my numbers, blood pressure and glucose levels have been creeping upward until in November of 2005 they went past the benchmark and headed toward numbers hirer than what was acceptable. My primary care sent me to see an Endocrinologist and I was left scratching my head trying to figure out what was wrong.
I still exercised and my diet had not changed. I went completely whole grain, as opposed to whole wheat (yes, there is a difference) and began checking product labels more closely looking for the words “corn syrup,” the enemy, in the ingredients.
Yesterday morning @ 4:30 am, after knocking, seeking and asking, I got a revelation of what was wrong, while I was exercising with a video. What had happened was a change, although subtle, that took me down the wrong path. Sin is sin, and what is “sinful” for one, may not be sinful for someone else. Note: I am using “sinful” here as something in my lifestyle or food choice that would cause my body harm.
Several years ago, I had an insect bite on my left ankle that landed me in the hospital for several days. I had received a serious infection that I had originally thought was an ankle sprain from this bite. After a week and a half of compression and elevation, I went to the doctor and found I had a serious infection from this bite that I thought was a sprain that needed to be treated with intravenous antibiotics. The infection was in my muscle, very painful, and they were fearful it might have traveled to my anklebone. I was sent home after four days with a walker and a cane because I had lost the ability to move latterly, and I could not put any weight on my foot.
After about another two weeks I went back to work with the help of my neighbor who drove a NYC bus and whose bus route went right by my job, that was a blessing. That “blessing” continued for three years until August of 2005, when my neighbor moved to Upstate New York. The question I heard from God as I worked out to the video was this, “When is a ride, not a ride?”
Now that I have increased my exercise, which is basically walking (I know walk two to three miles during my lunchtime as well as walking a mile and ½ after work to a distant subway stop. I purchased a pedometer to keep track of how many miles I’m doing per day. I was shocked to realize that the number of steps I take to get to work, walking to the subway, changing trains, walking to work after getting off of the subway, calculated out to two miles. While riding in my neighbor’s nice car to her bus depot, riding on her big bus and being let out exactly at the door of my job I had completely eliminated those miles. Subtly, over the period of three plus years, the effects of my walking pre-ride days, had worn off and sent my numbers over the top.
Temptation given into, temptation that does not seem like temptation, is subtle. Something that may seem to be needful, in fact it may be needful at the time, we think, can come in and shipwreck your life. When my neighbor first offered to drive me in, a friend gave me a warning that maybe it wasn’t a good idea to go. “Maybe you should stay home until you’re fully healed,” she said. And, after all I had accumulated six months worth of sick time and staying home, besides driving my crazy feeling immobilized and “lazy,” would be most helpful for my mental state and keep me active, or did it really?
So when is a ride not really a ride? Or, could that ride have taken me on a journey to a place where I didn’t want to be?
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Emily:

Yes, temptations are strong. But interestingly, temptation is not something dramatic or big. For example there can be numerous temptations we face every single day. Ramona mentioned his own bunch of temptations that had physical implications. Similarly, there are temptations to lie, cheat in small ways, look at women lustfully (and vice versa for women!) , money, material possessions, POWER AND INFLUENCE for their own sake.
I must mention one temptation that I have to grapple with every now and then. This is the temptation of intellectual philosophies that threaten to undermine my Christian faith. They tempt me to the Other Side or Sides… For example consider some quotes from Voltaire (Famed French writer and philosopher) ,
1.) ”If we do not find anything pleasant, at least we shall find something new.”
2.) Superstition sets the whole world in flames; philosophy quenches them.
3.) ”If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent him.”
Voltaire,like many other intellectuals may sound hauntingly convincing. Not long ago I also read Da Vinci Code. It is not great literature. But it can create storms of doubt in the human mind. It can leave faith jaded.
I also get riven apart by other concepts like deism (God made the world and left it to its own devices) , Inclusiveness:…How much inclusion of other religions and cultures can be tolerated within Christianity? (Remember that in the past too Christianity has already morphed from Hebrew Culture, to Roman culture to European and currently to overwhelmingly American Evangelical/ Baptist flavour.
Some of the inclusion and morphing is inevitable anywayz… For Example Bible has been translated into hundreds of languages since this world is so super diverse. It is interesting to note that in Arabic Bible God, the Father is referred to as ”Allah” (since this is Arabic word for God) And similarly in other languages, Biblical God has other local names. And when I contrast this huge picture with KJV only folks I can’t help laughing out loud.
Should we conclude people who are reading Bible in China, Arab world, Africa, Russia, Japan, Korea are reading Satan’s gospel? Would God be so limited that He would intend salvation only for those living in the English speaking world with reasonably good literacy skills?
As for the doubts of today’s believers. It would be interesting to refer to Bible before we condemn anyone for doubting. It is noteworthy and remarkable that Peter denied Christ three times at a very critical time, John, the baptist wondered out loud if Jesus was the real Christ or should they wait for another one, Thomas wanted to poke his fingers into the wounds of Christ in order to believe his resurrection. And these were the most faithful people who had the privillege to live with Jesus!!!
No wonder, we too need to see tangible proofs sometimes. We wonder if God is really listening to our grievances and prayers? I would say my biggest temptation or sin is that every now and then I doubt and gravitate towards Atheism or Agnosticism.
This is my honest reflection. And I,m not scared to mention it. Because in the end God will judge us according to sincerity of our hearts rather than how blindly we believed every word in the Bible that we came across.
So, God help the doubters! Amen.
PS- By the way, I came across this weird quote by Martin Luther which is interesting to reflect on: ”Be a sinner and sin strongly, but more strongly have faith and rejoice in Christ.” ??? What you make of it?
Emily

======= Vance:

Emily makes some very valid and good points. In particular, I liked this comment:
“It would be interesting to refer to Bible before we condemn anyone for doubting.”
The Bible is a book of history (though some would doubt that). Because it is a historical book, there are historical checks to verify if what the Lord spoke through the Bible is true.
I also like this comment by Emberglow:
“Voltaire,like many other intellectuals may sound hauntingly convincing. Not long ago I also read Da Vinci Code. It is not great literature. But it can create storms of doubt in the human mind. It can leave faith jaded.”
~~~
People who have questions about the Bible, or who are opposed to the Lord Jesus and the Bible have real questions that we can begin to answer — as we build relationships with them IN LOVE.
YES… it takes time to study.
We are called to “be ready to give an account for the certain, guaranteed hope that is in us” (I Peter 3:15).
Also, we are called to joyful study by our Lord:
2 Timothy 2:15 (Amplified)
15
Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.
GOD BLESS YOU.
Vance

======== Kevin:

I forget this all the time. When tempted our hearts should focus on scripture….Like in James, the Word is our sword! We dont wage spiritual war with human weapons. I hope you all have a great day..
Kevin

======= Jill:

Sometimes no matter how hard l try or how l ask Him to change and renew my mind and energy. Nothing works. l know l have a lot to reap because of all the bad l have sown. But when do l know? How do l know? Our lives are shamble. Thanks for listening.
Jill

======= Elizabeth:

Oh, Jill….
I have “been” where you are at now….feeling distant and unworthy. I think we all experience painful times differently–some people feel especially close to God when they are in distress, but honestly, it’s typically the opposite way for me. I feel most removed from God when I am troubled, like there is a barrier between me and Him and I just can’t GET to Him. I can know the truths of God in my mind, but sadly they don’t seem to connect into my heart at those times : (
I think some of this is that we are emotional creatures and our emotions can lead us all over the place. I thank God that He never changes. He is unmoved, even when our emotions are up and down like a rollercoaster. To be truthful lately, I feel like my emotions are on the OUTSIDE of me instead of on the inside. It’s painful, but I cling to the knowledge that He is close to the broken-hearted and that He calls them blessed.
I just prayed for you and will continue to…so sorry for whatever is happening in your lives.
A few things I would encourage you with:
You said “I know I have a lot to reap because of all the bad I have sown” and it’s easy to feel that way, but also hold fast to the truth that our God is a God of GREAT forgiveness. He gave His life to free us from sin and we are a new creation in Him. Chapter 8 is one of my touchstones for this marvelous truth:
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” -Romans 8:1-2
He is not following us around heaping all of our past sins upon us–He died on the cross to free us from that junk! Praise God for that, because I would otherwise crumble under the weight of my past sins.
Here is a passage I hold close to my heart when the Lord feels distant to me:
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” -Hebrews 4:15-16
May you draw near to Him with great confidence that He hears You and knows your needs. May you feel deep in your spirit that He is not predominantly a God of wrath, but of great mercy and grace. He WILL help You in your time of need, but it will be in His timing and His way. Often His timing and way takes longer than I’d personally like!
You also asked “When do I know? How do I know?” These are great and important questions! I think the “knowing” comes in many different ways for different people at different times. In my spirit, I have learned over time to “sort” what is Him. It’s taken me a long time to learn how to do this and I am still learning! ; ) But I find He most often speaks to me through His word, so it is good that you are seeking Him in that. You will know because your spirit will be quiet in that truth, even if the truth is difficult or painful.
Also, although He certainly corrects us at times, His correction is not “heavy” in a way that beats you up emotionally over and over about things in your past which you have repented of….that kind of spirit comes from elsewhere. Instead, His love casts OUT fear:
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear” 1 John 4:18
Stay grounded in His word and keep approaching His throne in boldness and confidence. He loves to hear us pour it all out to Him–the good, the bad, the ugly. He can take it all and He knows it all anyway : )
When Paul was down, he clung to this:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
I would rather glorify Him in my strengths, but I am SO grateful that even (and perhaps especially) in my weakness, He is glorified anyway.
Praying for you sister ; )
Elizabeth

======= Briggs:

Jill,
Just now read your comment and want to offer a few words of encouragement.
Stop trying to change your mind and energy.
My experience has been that my feeble attempts at trying to change my mind and energy have only lead to frustration and have been utterly futile. You are not alone in this. I don’t know of anyone that has ever been able to change themselves. Only the Lord can change you. Your attempts at trying to change yourself will always be futile and destined for failure. You simply have not been empowered to change yourself. This is not the Lord’s will.
His will, rather, is that you pursue Him. In all you do, focus on Jesus. Desire Him over all things. Know that He loves you and is pursuing you, His bride. He, through His Spirit, will change you as you earnestly pursue Him. And you have no accomplishment in this; only His grace, His love, His power, His holiness, His desire, His plan for you.
Know also that we all will continue to struggle with our flesh until our bodies are redeemed in Heaven with Him. But you are no longer identified with the body. The moment that you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, henceforth your spirit has been redeemed and you are identified with the Spirit. You are a new creation! You are now a child of God! And though you continue to struggle with the old body, it is not yourself that you struggle with but rather you, a new creation, struggle against the old person who was dead in sin. Praise God that the old person is now dead to you and you are now identified with the new creation. The old self is not you. You are a child of God, no longer of Adam.
As you mature in your relationship with the Lord, He is faithful to change you. He wants nothing less than to change you. But you cannot change yourself. The Bible refers to this as ‘sanctification’. It’s a work of the Lord, not of ourselves.
Give it up to Jesus.
Briggs

======= Luch:

I am enjoying my one year bible blog even while i vacation in beautiful venice,florida.
Especially liked the reflections on ‘vows’ today. Jesus gave us clarity when He said, Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no’. Never was a better statement made about how to relate to people,and even a hint of how to set boundaries.
Luch

======= Elizabeth:

Luch, so good to “see” you–it’s been awhile : )
So you are in Venice, Florida; what a lovely vacation spot. I have a friend who lives down there. Isn’t technology marvelous!
I thought very much the same thing about Mike’s reflections on vows today. What freedom and simplicity is available when we choose to walk in “yes” and “no”s. Interesting also that Christ says that anything beyond this is from the evil one….lots to think about with regard to that. The enemy loves the gray areas of our lives and seems to flourish in that kind of “climate”
Elizabeth

======= Steve:

Ramona’s comment “
“This shows me that our outlook on life must go beyond the current generation; we must have a heart for the generations to come. To have this attitude one must get out of selfishness and understand that this life on earth is about investing in the next generation and not consuming all the resources on self.”
I must admit that I haven’t given future generations to come much thought. That is …..Until now and the more I think about it, the more important it becomes.
Steve

======= Simone:

I always try to bring in mind the Word of God when face with temptation!
It reminds me of the Bible verse James 1:13: “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man”, so it will always be the devil or some other creature.
Simone

======= Frederick:

Numbers 31
In Numbers 31, it was known that the Israelites fought the Midianites and won. God allowed the Israelites to plunder the enemies (the gold, silver, cattles, donkeys, sheep etc.) This makes me think: God asked the Israelites to fight and also awarded them material things after the battles. God rewarded the Israelites for obeying Him in both spiritual and material aspects.
Frederick

======= Joyce:

Mike and everyone,
This verse really stands out to me, as I read it from the Amplified Bible:
“And when the devil had ended every [the complete cycle of] temptation, he [temporarily] left Him [that is, stood off from Him] until another more opportune and favorable time.” (Luke 4:13)
This is such a needed warning and reminder for me:
Jesus successfully combated Satan’s temptations using God’s Word, then Satan [temporarily] left Him, until another more opportune and favorable time.
As believers, may we arm ourselves with His Word daily, and may we be vigilant, for our Enemy is always waiting for another more opportune and favorable time to tempt us.
Found this link on Jesus’ temptations
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/paperbacktheology/2013/02/the-wisdom-of-henri-nouwen-how-vulnerability-comes-to-life-during-lent.html
Sincerely,
Joyce

======= Jill:

Only Jesus coukd have withstood the devils temptation in that 40 days! As humans we would have folded! Temptations are around us daily!! They hang like a cloud over me daily! So I’m forever calling ion the Lord to help me resist the temptation and to be strong in the Lord! Love. Knowing my savior is there for me!!
Jill

======= Dee:

I think that the greatest times when we are in struggles with the enemy and struggling within, we callout to God to save us, and its wonderful that when we are sleeping in His presence and resting in His care, His Words meditate on our hearts and minds. I love to wake up and God brings to my remembrance scripture that I had thought I didn’t know or had heard, but that is how it is, I believe when you lean on the Holy Spirit and are convicted by His presence that He leads and you merely follow..
The vows in todays readings in Numbers, which ( I am loving the audio readings lately, while my eyes rest) made me think of the vows we take with our spouse and God on our wedding day. I don’t know, it just brought that into thought..wouldn’t it be something if all divorce went away because of “fear” of Gods wrath by which we took the “vow” on that day and held responsible for it..I don’t think there would be as many impulsive divorces or marriages at that thought..just a thought…hmmm
I think we could very much learn from Jesus as he ‘is being led” in the wilderness..and learn to trust and meditate on the Word of God and not to let it depart from our mouth..lest we be tempted and enter into the snare of sin and of the devil..beware…
The wilderness comparison of David in his own “wilderness” and in comparison to Lukes with Jesus “son of David” again , I love when the readings co-intwine so beautiful!! Oh how my soul longs for you like a dry and weary land!! ps 63
Proverbs: 11:20 The LORD hates people with twisted hearts, but he delights in those who have integrity. Lets not be like wicker(twisted) or as a pretzel from the illustration above, but be ye not twisted but let the Master Physician have His way in our Hearts, Souls, Minds and make us whole again!!
Be Blessed!! 
Dee

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 Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

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 Video: Today’s Proverb reminds me of Casting Crowns song “If We are the Body.”  Here’s a great live version of that song:

https://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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Numbers 28:16-29:40
I’m not sure if this has any specific significance but has anyone noticed that the Festivals/Holy Assemblies God gave Israel through Moses totals up to seven? Also the requirements for the burnt offerings on those days, as well as on the New Moons included seven lambs. Two of the festivals Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Festival of Booths are seven-day festivals. In the 28th and 29th chapter of Numbers six of these festivals are listed, in the 23rd chapter of Leviticus all seven are mentioned. What has been left out here is the Festival of Firstfruits, which comes right after Passover/Unleavened Bread.
Seven, I’m told, is very significant biblically because it represents completion. But I’m sure that a lot of times seven is just seven. However, Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the word (John 1:29). Hmmm, this may be a very interesting topic to explore.
Note: The Seven Festivals in calendar order: 1) Passover; 2) Unleavened Bread; 3) Fristfruits; 4) Festival of Weeks, AKA Pentecost or Harvest; 5) Festival of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah); 6) Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur); and 7) Tabernacles (Booths or Ingathering and in Hebrew, Sukkoth.
Luke 3:23-38
Some of my observations and thoughts as I read through the names in this genealogy:
1) 23 Jesus was about thirty years old when he began his public ministry.
The son of God waited until the fullness of time to begin His ministry. More precisely He began His ministry when His Father told Him it was time. Maybe many of us are ineffective in our call because we are,
a. Out of our call
b. Ahead of our time.
c. We have not followed the voice of our Father, God in beginning our ministry (John 5:19)
2) 27 …Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel: was the leader and governor of Jerusalem after the return from exile in Babylon and was given the command by the prophet, Haggai, to begin rebuilding the temple. (Ezra; Nehemiah; Haggai)
3) 32 …Boaz was the son of Salmon: Boaz married Ruth, the Moabitess, David’s great grandfather. God goes outside of Israel to place in Jesus’ lineage a woman who comes from a people who are enemies of Israel although they are related through Abraham’s nephew Lot. And in keeping with this outside “influence” is Boaz’s father, Salmon. Looking at the genealogy in Matthew you will see that Salmon is the offspring of his father Nahshon and Rahab the prostitute, or should I say former prostitute, a Canaanite. Rahab was the only woman in Jericho, before the walls came down, who believed in Israel’s God and protected the spies that Moses’ former assistant, Joshua, sent to successfully spy out the land. This was before Israel entered into the Promise Land after their forty-year journey to complete a two-week trek.
Psalm 62:1-12
1 I wait quietly before God,
for my salvation comes from him.
The first verse should say it all; however, I find myself waiting but alas it is not in a quiet mode. O, to get to the place where David was when He wrote this Psalm. In fact waiting quietly is mentioned again in verse five.
Proverbs 11:18-19
19 Godly people find life; evil people find death
We have the wrong understanding of true wealth and riches. The world tells us it is money and the holding of property that makes us rich. However God is the creator of all that so to have Him truly makes us rich because He owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10) and the hills under the cattle.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Thomas:

In Luke 3:23, I was surprised to read ‘as was supposed.’ I looked up other translations online, The Message saying ‘in public perception’ and the NLT leaving it out.
It made me wonder… in spite of what happened in v.22, had people somehow forgotten? Had they failed to realise who Jesus was really the son of?
Thomas

======= Emily:

Phew… I do appreciate Mike’s time and effort for this blog. It must be so hard putting up material and readings every single day. But I am just wondering how feasible this style of Bible reading is?
Must we not also take break from Bible readings? What I mean is we also need time to reflect on Bible verses and try to live them out. We can’t mechanically keep on reading Bible. I do read some bits of Bible everyday though. Preachers like Charles Stanley say we MUST read Bible everyday. I would add we ought to and try to. God is no dictator but a loving and caring God.
I hope I dont sound like a pagan but how about watching a sunset and watching the stars at night and reflect on God’s mighty show, for a change?
God has intensively used nature in Bible to show that nature proves his existense… for example in the book of Job. Also, in Genesis God even mentioned that whenever man needed to remember the covenant all he gotta do is to look at the pretty rainbow
Emily

======= Luch:

Emily,
i don’t think you are ‘a pagan’ at all. Psalm 19 asserts that ‘the heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak…” Later on in the passage he also asserts that ‘the law of the Lord is perfect.’ I think we need both–reflecting on what God has created and what it reveals about Him without ‘worshiping creation’, and we also need to saturate our lives with God’s Word so that as Spurgeon said, we will have ‘bibline blood’.
I also like Romans 1 where it says, “Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature has been clearly perceived in the things he has made.” (1:20)
One last thought. A couple of years ago I read Gary Thomas’ book ‘Sacred Pathways’. This book outlines several different pathways to God’s heart–intellectual pathway, activistic pathway, relational pathway, creation pathway, and several others. he also provides a ‘test’ to help one determine their ‘primary pathway.’ This was so freeing to me and several others in our community who were stuck on ‘the one size fits all’ for everybody approach to seeking God.
It’s interesting that very rarely if ever do we have ‘prescription’ for what a ‘quiet time’ should look like. Jesus went to a solitary place and most of the time it says ‘he prayed’. Other places it says he would ask “have you not read’ which implies he did he read the scriptures but we’re never told ‘how he did it.’ Same is true of the other apostles. We need to be careful to not do as the Pharisees loved to do “lay religious practices on people that burden people but don’t serve people in getting to know the Lord.
I love the OYB that Mike has crafted for many reasons but especially his artwork that he provides. That has blessed me so much. I have even used some of the pictures in messages I have delivered.
Thanks Mike for taking time out of your own very active life to serve us this way.
Luch

====== Andrew:

Re Emily’s thoughts on reading the Bible and subsequent comments:
I think you are correct that we need to seek balance in our lives and the way we spend our time. God did not make us automatons. And he did not impose rules about times and systems for reading the Bible. Of course it is good the read His Word (otherwise none of us would be spending time around this blog). And it is helpful to have some system to aid our self discipline. For me this year OYB is providing that, and opening up stuff I did not read or understand before.
But I commented before about the fast pace of OYB, when we had an intense discussion about the death penalty and the following day we were into the Year of Jubilee.
Most of my days are such that I do not have a lot of time for meditating on the passages, or digging deep and far into commentaries. So some of my OYB reading is a bit superficial. But it is giving me a view of the big picture that I had not seen before. I am seeing the OT as the context for the coming of Jesus and the need for the New Covenant.
So, thanks again Mike from me too. Your efforts continue to bear fruit. Just one operational remark – is the later timing of the OYB posting due to the automated posting while you are away? For the last week or more the OYB page is not visible in the early morning here in Europe. I miss it. ;-( Poor me!
Blessing,
Andrew

======= Ramona:

Emily states,
>>Must we not also take break from Bible readings? What I mean is we also need time to reflect on Bible verses and try to live them out. We can’t mechanically keep on reading Bible. I do read some bits of Bible everyday though. Preachers like Charles Stanley say we MUST read Bible everyday. I would add we ought to and try to. God is no dictator but a loving and caring God.>>
Since this reading only takes about 15/20 minutes out of a 24 hour day (1,440 minutes/1.38%) of the total day, why can’t you do both? God’s Word, at least for me, magnifies what I see in nature, in lines up my mind to better understand what He has created. For me, God and His Word are one (See John 1:1) so I cannot understand God outside of His Word. I may sense Him when I see the works of His Hand; I may marvel at the moon, the stars and the sun, I may gasp at the ways of the whales in open water, but to know Him intimately I must know Him through His Word.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Jan:

My life is always so much better when I am feeding on His Word daily. I have let a couple of years slip by & not been consistent in reading His Word daily & there is definitely a difference than just reading something daily about him or a devotional or even just some scripture entailed in some writing or devotion. I can’t really put my finger on it…but there is definitley a difference.
As we need our daily physcial food to survive…we can not eat as much & lose weight & that also can happen on feeding on the Word of God…to lose weight spiritually is not a good thing. Of course, there should be balance in all things…if we should become anorexic & not feed on God’s Word at all, we shall surely suffer the consequences just as in the physical…acutally the spiritual will always affect the physical realm also…imagine that?!?!?!
The more I partake of Him & His Word, the more I crave & delight in Him & His Word…I get addicted to Him & His Word & can’t go without Him or His Word. Somedays I look so forward to spending time in His Word & other days I let it go by & spend a day catching up on 2 or 3 days that I didn’t partake of His Word…it is not a legalistic feeding, but one of natural/spiritual love for Him & His Word…knowing that I will get there when I purpose in my heart to love & cherish Him & His Word. It does take an effort on our part, but the cost is well worth the effort…I am full to satisfication in Him & His Word. He said, “He is the Bread of Life & that no one will hunger if fed by Him.”
Jan

======= Dave:

Guys-
Your honesty is so refreshing regarding reading through the Bible…as refreshing as the guys who I met with asking “So, Dave, tell me what to do with all the skin disease stuff in Leviticus?” As a follower of Christ for over 30 years, I still don’t have an answer. But I ask, if this is the Word of God, what does this strange OT stuff say about His character? A sunset, or a flower, or a trout (my favorite!) also speak to the character of God and I pursue them happily. He longs for us to know Him, and gives us a number of pathways to Him. Blend these pathways as God has created you, but don’t forgo reading His Word as you will miss key aspects of our Creator that are not available anywhere else. Despite my 30 years as a well meaning follower of Christ, I have not read His Word and believe I am poorer for it. I have always gotten stuck in the Leviticus swamp or the Numbers desert and have given up. Let’s encourage each other to keep on “keeping on” as souls who want to know all aspects of our creator’s character!!As one of the smarter guys say “I don’t like reading traffic law, but I better know it if I hope to get a license”. I am reading it because it has stood the test of time and I try to pursue those things which transcend us. Feast on His sunsets and flowers, but don’t forget to eat your Leviticus vegetables! : )  I also appreciate your desire to stop and meditate. I have been meditating on a few passages for years! But let’s keep moving to get the “big picture” to help make the little pictures even more meaningful. God bless you!
Dave

======= Mary:

I have a question. What is the history of the sacrifices? When did they stop. What do they sacrifice now? I know very little about the Jewish faith, but it seems like a true believer in the Jewish faith would continue the sacrifices set forth in Numbers.
Mary

======= Ramona:

Mary,
>> What is the history of the sacrifices? When did they stop. What do they sacrifice now? I know very little about the Jewish faith, but it seems like a true believer in the Jewish faith would continue the sacrifices set forth in Numbers. >>
The sacrifice was supposed to be offered only in a designated place, as per God’s instructions (This was covered in Leviticus and in our current reading in Numbers.) Once the Temple was built and rebuilt in Jerusalem, beginning with David’s son Solomon, the sacrifices were offered their. In 70 AD, or around that time, the Temple was destroyed by Rome, thus there is not place yet to offer the sacrifices. The Jews are waiting for the Temple to be rebuilt and then they will resume the sacrificial system. At least that is what the Orthodox Jew is waiting for.
Ramona

======= Jan:

One thing that I have learned new in reading this year in regard to the sacrifices is this…they are God’s food!!! Now, I had never realized or had that been revealed to me except this year. I had never even thought of it in that way, but there have been several scriptures present/say it that way. I never thought of God being hungry (maybe hungry for our fellowship that He created us for, but not for food!).
Numbers 28: 1-2 – 1The LORD said to Moses, 2″Give these instructions to the people of Israel: “The offerings you present to me by fire on the altar are my food,” and they are very pleasing to me. See to it that they are brought at the appointed times and offered according to my instructions.
I don’t know if it is this translation or that God is revealing Himself in a more personal physical way to me this year. I just find it very intersting that God needs or is hungry for food. Perhaps it is symbolic in some way. I do remember that after Jesus was resurrected that he came back & ate with the disciples a few times…indicating His realness & hunger also. I still think there is more revelation to this than I’m getting at this very moment, but I’m sure He will continue to teach/reveal to me what it is that He wants me to know/realize in this hunger/food thing/issue. All praise & glory to Him, my/the lover of my/our soul(s).
Jan

======= Luch:

I guess it’s wise to not prescribe ‘systems’ or spiritual disciplines but to share ‘what works for me’ is certainly okay. I used to teach MY WAY of reading the Bible as the ‘prescribed way’, that God really did favour morning people (of which I am). I used to look with suspicion on people who ‘couldn’t get up to meet with God’. In fact, I used to say, “No Bible, no breakfast.” Isn’t that sick!! But I did that to people. Lord, have mercy on me⁄ !
I grew up in the Lord around the Navigators. If anyone knows the Navs they are kind of like the spiritual ‘navy seals’ of the body of Christ. I love the navigators, I work for them today. I was taught that the best time of day to seek the Lord was in the morning, because Jesus did that. And of course there are several examples of Jesus ‘arising a great while before day’ (Mark 1:35) to meet His Father. But as I began to read through the One year bible before there was ever such a thing as ‘blogs’ I discovered verses such as following:
Psalm 55:16 “But I will call on the Lord, and the Lord will rescue me. MORNING, NOON, AND NIGHT I plead aloud in my distress.’
Psalm 119:62 “At midnight I rise to thank you for your just laws.”
Psalm 119:55 “I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord…”
Psalm 119:97 “Oh how I love your law! I think about it all day long.”
Psalm 119:147 “I rise early before the sun is up; I cry for help and put my hope in your words.”
Psalm 119:148 ” I stay awake through the night thinking about your promise.”
Matthew 14:23 Afterward he went up into the hills by hmself to pray. Night fell and he was there alone.
Matthew 26:40 Couldn’t you stay awake and watch with me even one hour?”
I have scoured the New Testament and have not found any verse/chapters presribing when or how to read, but I have read verses that challenge me to pursue the Lord (1 cor 1:3 “he has called us into fellowship with his son Jesus’ or Phil 3:10 “that I may know HIm and the power of the resurrection.”
I suppose we should heed Paul’s words when he says we need to teach people the whole counsel of God, and not just our preference. (Acts 20)
All this says to me is that there is no best time to meet God. God is available to be met with ANYTIME OF THE DAY… Now that’s freeing and challenging!!!!
Luch

====== Ramona:

Numbers 28;16-29:40
God wants His people to “party;” to have festivals to honor Him, as well as a holy convocation to both reflect on Him and to reflect on our sin (Day of Atonement). I find it very interesting that God has ordained two festivals to reflect on the harvest, one at the beginning of the harvest season and one at the end, the festival of Booths, Sukkot. It is God who empowers the earth to bring forth fruit from the seed of “…it’s kind …” (Gen. 1:11 Amp).
Everything we see, everything we have belongs to God. We are owners of NOTING but stewards of everything and in each of these calls to worship, the sacrifice system is a strong reminder of that fact.
For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fullness thereof. (Psalms 50:10-12 KJV)
There is something very interesting going on in chapter 29:12-38, the number of bulls required for sacrifice decreases daily by one from thirteen, on the first day, until seven on the seventh day. Seven is the number of perfection or completion/
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= John:

Ramona,
“There is something very interesting going on in chapter 29:12-38, the number of bulls required for sacrifice decreases daily by one from thirteen, on the first day, until seven on the seventh day. Seven is the number of perfection or completion”
It is also the third feast that occurs in the seventh month.
Just speculating: Feast of the tabernacles (also Ingathering) was for the fianl harvest of the year and the bringing in of all the laborers from the field.
Symbolically, the booths represented the time in “wilderness” (Exodus) until they were gathered together in the “Promised Land.
Prophetically, the time until the millenial kingdom is established.
Perhaps the bull reduction is a kind of countdown until the final eighth day when only one bull is sacrificed. When the Harvesting is done and final acounting can be made, when Israel was finally in the Promised Land as one people, and when all that are left are one in Christ during the millenial kingdom.
According to some interpretations of Zecharaih it is the only Jewish feast day observed during the millenial kingdom.
Zech 14:6
“Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.”
John

====== Jan:

I read about 2 years ago a little book by the name of “Our Jealous God/Love that Won’t Let Me Go,” by Bill Gothard. I had a conversation regarding jealousy a week ago & was reminded by the Holy Spirit of this little book & had to order 2 of the little books again (one to give away & one to keep; I had given the first one away also).
I have discovered once again, the secret to answered prayer (which is directly connected to todays blog on reading the Word of God/adiding in the Word of God daily). Just think…this blog of daily reading His Word actually causes our prayers to be answered & not hindered! 
Our Lord’s promise in John 15:7-8: “If you abide in Me, & My Words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, & it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will by My disciples.”
This is why the Lord so readily answers my prayers…I abide in His Word daily & he honors that in me. Actually, He is fulfilling His promises to us all in this scripture, if we abide in Him & His Word.
Not to long ago on this blog, Mike brought up the subject of whether we read our Bibles in the morning or at night & I discovered this also (I read mostly at night & some in the day on the weekends as I am this morning).
Going to sleep while communing with God through Scripture is a key element to loving Him with all of our heart. The Bible says: “Stand in awe, & sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, & be still” (Psalm 4:4 KJV).
During the long years when David fled from Saul in the wilderness of Judah, he composed these words: “When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice” (Psalm 63:6-7).
I am not saying you should only read at night upon your bed, but that these scriptures make a good case of it being appropriate & puts my heart at ease. I’m not much of a morning person & that is okay with God; as it is okay with Him that some are not night-owls…what a boring world it would be if we were all alike. He made each one of us so vastly different in His image no less…consider that in our finite minds.
Jan

========== Jan:

More on the blessings of reading the Word of God daily (if at all possible…no guilt trips here, for there is now therefore no condemnation in Christ).
“Resetting the direction of a man or woman’s life & training in good living.
That’s the effect of God’s Word on our minds. Like an internal compass, it resets our direction & turns us toward God’s desired outcomes in our lives. Jesus said, “If you love Me, Keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
The word “keep” means “to set before our eyes & guard for use.” It is explained by the expression of navigators who say they “keep the stars,” which means they keep their course by the stars in the heavens. God gives us a marvelous promise if we do this. “He who has My commandments & keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, & I will love him & manifest Myself to him” (John 1421).
When we begin to honor & obey the commands of Christ & keep them foremost in our thoughts, we will steer our lives away from the shoals & reefs that could sink us, & toward destinations that will delight us beyond our imagination.”
The above is an excerpt from the book, “Our Jealous God,” by Bill Gothard.
Luch, I studied under the Navigators when I came back to the Lord in 1976; I had several friends that were Navigators & disciplied me through their program. I no longer study under the Navigators, but that is where I started my foundation & a good foundation is has proved to be. My heart goes out to new converts that have no discipling…it seems to be a treacherous road to travel. Although, I have to believe in the Scriptures that teach us that the Holy Spirit is our teacher also, BUT…we can only renew & transform our minds through the reading/washing of the Word of God & there is no way of getting around that. How can we obey His commandments, if we don’t know what they are…His commandments/His Will is His Word.
Jan

====== Pat:

Mike, I have always been taught that Luke traced the geneology of Jesus through Mary but I don’t see where Mary is mentioned. How do we know Luke traced back through Mary instead of through Joseph, who is mentioned?
God Bless!
Pat

======= John:

Pat,
It is interesting that our reading in Numbers provides some help in identifying Mary as being the line of genealogy in Luke.
Num 27:8, “Therefore, tell the Israelites; If a man dies without leaving a son, you shall let his heritage pass on to his daughter.”
Num 36:6-8, “This is what the LORD commands for Zelophehad’s daughters: They may marry anyone they please as long as they marry within the tribal clan of their father. No inheritance in Israel is to pass from tribe to tribe, for every Israelite shall keep the tribal land inherited from his forefathers. Every daughter who inherits land in any Israelite tribe must marry someone in her father’s tribal clan, so that every Israelite will possess the inheritance of his fathers.”
======================================================
Why is this important? It is more than just establishing women’s rights? It allows Mary to carry the inheritance of the lines in Luke – if certain conditions are met.
Scholars say Mary was the daughter of Heli, and there is only mentioned a sister in John19:25. It is thought that the sister of Mary was Salome, the wife of Zebedee and the mother of James and John (Matthew 20:20, Mark 15:40).
If there were no brothers, the daughters would divide the inheritance, and both keep the bloodlines of the father – provided they married within their tribe. Numbers 27:8 is satisfied.
Mary was of the line of David and the tribe of Judah. Joseph was of the line of David and the tribe of Judah. Num 36:6-8 is satisfied.
======================================================
Mary is not mentioned because the genealogies were kept through the male lines –
Keeping accurate records of genealogies was very important to the Jews. The Jewish historian, Josephus, wrote that Public Records* recorded genealogies from the oldest to the youngest, and Private Records went from the youngest back to the oldest, and these genealogies were passed down through the generations. This was done in part in order to prevent unqualified persons from gaining positions through their ancestry. See Ezra 2:61-63, and Neh 7:63-65 where some priests were rejected because they could not prove their Levitical ancestry.
* Flavius Josephus, against Apion, Book 1:7
These records were kept until 70 A.D.?????
======================================================
Joseph is listed because when he married Mary – he became more than a son-in-law – by levitical tradition he was legally now Heli’s son.
This explains why Joseph could be biologically the son of Jacob, and legally the son of Heli, and thus listed in both male genealogies.
Any descendants would be considered part of both blood-lines. Mary had a virgin birth – therefore the bloodline of David came from Mary. The adoption rules of the Jews provided the legal right to the throne through Joseph. As the adopted son of Joseph – Jesus had all the inheritance rights of a biological eldest son.
======================================================
This all blows up if Mary had brothers. However, the commands in Numbers were God’s Word. I cannot imagine him picking Mary to be the mother of Jesus if she had brothers – He is a God of great Detail. If God’s Word said Jesus is the heir to David’s throne – this is the only way it could work out to be true.
John

======= Katie:

Psalm 62: 1 My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
Praise the Lord for being my rock, my salvation. Like you said, Power belongs to God.
When I’ve tried to be strong in myself, to stand strong independently, that I have fallen, been torn up. But when I rest in Him, and know that He is my foundation and I am strong only in Him, He holds me up and keeps me. My salvation is only in Him.
Katie

======= Mae:

Psalm 62:11 God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times: Power, O God, belongs to you.” ~ Power defenitly belongs to the Lord. Where would I be without His power! Saturday we were singing and preaching on the streets, a lot of people told us it was so powerful and energetic. Well, thank the Lord for that! It was Him they saw! Without even knowing it … He used us to get the message on the streets, His prescense made us sing loud, clear and powerful. Thanks to His power!
Proverbs … wow … your question “Do you love others at the same level you love yourself?” … makes me wanne cry … You know, I’m really trying to live righteousness, really I do! I really want to love others at the same level I love myself. But sometimes it’s just so hard!!!! When someone sais something nasty to me, the first thing that comes to mind is to bite back. And I’m so thankful for the Holy Spirit, Who’s there to remind me that I need to count to 10 and not to response in the flesh. I try to think about how the foolish people will just say anything that comes to their mind. I don’t want to be like that, I want to pray for them, for wisdom. I have someone hanging around me, that is trying to annoy me and not only me but also my parents. She loves to hear herself talk, she loves to airs her opinion and isn’t willing to listen to others. Whenever I want to talk, she’ll finishes my sentence, and finish it wrong …!!! She lies, she talks about people behind their backs and makes fun of people … but … she joins our church!!!! I want to treat her with righteousness, but it’s just sooooooooooooooooo hard!!! I’m sweet to her, I’m nice to her … but I don’t feel it 100% in my heart. I want to feel sorry for her, I want to feel compassion for her … but I have to admit that’s hard. I’m praying for her and I’m praying for myself, asking God to give us both wisdom. I want to love everybody, and in a way I really do love her … but not at the same level I love myself yet. And I do want to … I really do!
Mae

======= Jenny:

wow, what struck me is that I’m the same age as Jesus was when He began His public ministry! wowzers! just weird to think about. I like Luke’s genealogy, straight back to Adam.
I love Psalms v 5-8:
“My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us”
“that power belongeth unto God”. How true…i really have nothing, no power no strength left, i’m so dependent on HIm. I feel so frail lately, like i’m about to break in half at any moment. I just trust in the Lord to sustain me, bcos without Him i feel like i’ll turn into a pile of moosh and sink into the dirt. He is holding me up…i have nothing of myself to sustain me. nothing. The last thread i was clinging to broke and i fell, but i fell into His hand and here I sit awaiting Him. i feel so broken, yet whole. I dont even know what to do right now, i’m just waiting for God to help me, i’m expecting an act from Him….I awaiting Him to deliver me….
Jenny

======= Ed:

Ps 62:1-2, 5-7 – We know that God is our rock, our salvation, our fortress but the emphasis seems to be “in God alone” and “He only”. Many people trust God but do not trust in Him alone and would still place their trust in many other things such as their estate (property) or riches which are delusional because these things cannot save. Application: Do we put our trust in God alone or do we trust many other things to save us too? God wants us to trust Him alone and He only has the power to save (v11-12).
Ed

======= Patty:

My thoughts on the genealogy of Christ: Matthew was an educated member of the Jewish religion and he wrote the Book of Matthew to show Jewish Christians how Jesus fulfilled the prophesies of the Old Testament concerning the Messiah. In the Jewish religion women were considered the same as property and their lineage was not considered important. Therefore, Matthew traced the heritage of Jesus through his early father Joseph, which would be the proper way in the Jewish faith. Luke on the other hand was the only gentile apostle and he wrote the Book of Luke for gentile Christians that did not have a Jewish background. In the gentile world of that day women could hold positions of great power and many of the pagan gods of the gentiles were the personification of women. Luke traced the genealogy of Christ through Mary, the only true human lineage of Jesus, because the gentiles would accept it. The thing that impressed me about reading the genealogy of Matthew and Luke and comparing them is that God removed all doubt in both the Jews and the gentiles that Jesus was the Messiah.
God Bless!
Patty

======= Elizabeth:

Hello,
Well, I am back on track for the most part…..
Wish I could say that Numbers was inspiring today, but I was mired down by the “bulls, rams and lambs” it almost began to feel like a mantra.
I have been “here” before—so immersed in the OT offerings and minutia to the point where I can’t see beyond it. It all feels so heavy and irrelevant to me. I think to myself “Why God did you ever put people under such a burden of such meticulous regulations?” I can see how the Pharisees and Sadducees got lost in the law and became such bitter narrow-minded people.
Then at the end of that section you get this:
“You must present these offerings to the LORD at your annual festivals. These are IN ADDITION to the sacrifices and offerings you present in connection with vows, or as voluntary offerings, burnt offerings, grain offerings, liquid offerings, or peace offerings.” So Moses gave all of these instructions to the people of Israel as the LORD had commanded him.” -Numbers 29:39-40
What got me was this part….”these are in ADDITION to…[all the other sacrifices]”!!!! It makes me want to throw my hands up in the air and fall on my face in inadequacy and insufficiency to understand and reconcile the Lord’s heart and mind in all of this.
I must just be feeling heavy today.
Transparently still here,
Elizabeth

======= Elizabeth:

Back again….
I love some of the images and truths in this psalm from David. It’s gotten to the point where I can read a psalm without looking at the header and just know whether or not it’s by David. There is something about his personality and spirit that shines through them clearly to me.
Anyway…love these lines:
“Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. ”
-Psalm 62:5
I love “let all that I am wait…” How hard it is for me to wait quietly before God! Waiting is so hard for me. I would much rather throw myself into the task at hand when I am troubled in spirit….I just want to “do” and “bind up” and try to “fix” whatever is broken, in my own strength.
But, there it is again: “Let all that I am WAIT”
For me, that’s a tough one.
It feels like I am trying to stop a steam engine in its tracks.
Love this too:
“He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.” -Psalm 62:6
I love the “He alone…” part. It is so easy to look to other people’s opinions or comfort for strength and justification. But all that I do or am falls or remains in Him alone. This humbles my spirit because I fall so short in this area.
“My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge.
-Psalm 62:708
Well, at least I am better at this–i.e., pouring out my heart….
Lord, I thank You so much for being my rock, my salvation, my fortress. Thank You for being a God who hears our hearts when we cry out to You. Help us to run to You always and then to wait before You in faith, knowing and trusting that You alone are worthy of our devotion and praise.
Elizabeth

======= Betty:

It’s so easy to get bogged down in all the offerings, rituals, rules. However, what it pointed out to me is man’s great degree of sinfulness and the need to offer to God daily, if not moment to moment, our praise and thanks to Him for our mere existence. Are we not a “stiffnecked” people? Even for these festivals, God tells His people they are to do “no ordinary work” that day. As Americans, we are obsessed with work and making money. We can’t even take a break from our computers and feel guilty if we are not productive. Surely, for myself, i literally have to force myself to STOP, meditate, get perspective. What is important is not making money but loving God and relying on Him.
That idea continues on in Psalm 62:7,8,10. “My victory and honor comes from God. Trust in Him at all times. If your wealth increases don’t make it the center of your life.” And as a final reminder, Prov 11:18 talks about evil people can get rich, but the “reward of the godly will last.” So I come to the conclusion that being “on my knees” is what God desires versus rushing through life and working for more money. Yes, we all have to work to live, but again, it must be in proper perspective. My prayer is that I will stop each day to give God His due and allow Him to change the way I think. After all, what we spend time thinking about all day reveals what we love the most.
Betty

======= Arielle:

Hey all,
This is what I think about the rituals and traditions in Numbers.
Since they were brought out of Eygpt and lived the pagan culture till then. probably they needed all this strict laws to follow to help them re-learn what it is to worship the true living GOD and help them realize that HE is real. When we were reading the previous chapters we can see the Isralites complainign most of the time. Their faith did not become strong after all the miracles that GOD did for them when bringing them out of Eygpt. It looks like they were too hard headed to see how much GOD loves them. So maybe they needed all these laws and traditions to humble them.
I think these laws and structure were not there before Moses time or before their life in Eygpt. Because people back then knew the true living GOD and were worshiping HIM in truth and in spirit
What do you all think?
Arielle

======= Elizabeth:

Hello Betty & Arielle,
Thanks to both of you for such good and helpful thoughts…
Betty, I agree about our culture being focused on money and productivity. It’s easy to be busy and much harder to be still and focus on Him. I think people even become afraid of silence…they don’t want to think too deeply. Loved your prayer–may it be so!
Arielle, that is a very interesting angle–never thought of it from that perspective–a type of “retraining” I also have been amazed at all the manifestations they had of God, yet they complained. It just goes to show you that faith goes beyond the visible.
Thanks for hanging in there and helping me through the bulls, rams and lambs ; )
Elizabeth

======= Raeann:

What is the point of all of these statistics? 
Raeann

======= Frederick:

Re: Raeann Why the Statistics
I believe there are at least two reasons why God put these statistics into Bible. Firstly, this shows that this is a real history rather than a fable by including this. Secondly, it shows that God is the God of individual besides that He is a God of a nation. In the book of Revelation, God mentions that there will be names of each saved people in the Book of Life. I believe this also reflects that God cares about each of us.
Frederick

======= Steve:

Psalm 62
In today’s readings what stood out for me was Psalm 62 which takes place at a very difficult time in David’s life, his son Absalom has betrayed him and seeking to kill him. I can’t imagine anything more painful for a father. In this Psalm David is basically talking to himself and repeating what God has already said, a very powerful combination.
David was a Sheppard at heart and a Sheppard knows how to keep track of his flock. In a sense we are to be Sheppard’s of our own thoughts because like sheep, our thoughts are prone to go astray. I know this to be a fact for myself; I see my thoughts straying from God’s will more than I care to admit. In this Psalm David rounds up those lost sheep thoughts driven by fear and unbelief. I want to point out that David is not doing this on his own, he is not giving himself a pep talk from his own understanding. On the contrary, David is strengthening his own soul, by taking God’s words, placing them on his tongue and speaking them into his life.
Have you ever had one of those days that you wish you could have a Do-Over? Yesterday was a day like that for me. If I would have used wisdom like David and spoke to myself with God’s words for my circumstances, I could have gone a different route instead of putting my size 12 shoe in my mouth and spending the day in regret. Even when we have that type of day, God is gracious and patient, ready and willing to walk us through the learning process and show us where we went off course. In fact, sometimes when we have those off course days that make us cringe in disgust at our actions, the Lord takes full advantage of our remorse and gently herds us towards a wiser path. God is good.
Steve

======= Flora:

Dear Mike,
I am blessed by reading God’s word here. Indeed, as i start my day ,i can only commit everything to my God what the day will in store for me. I ask God to help me be a blessing to others, a comfort to those who needs one and to use me in ways He alone understands. I am on my learning process and often, when the day ended and i realized i had a rough one, it was then i realized that God put me into a situation where He can mold, used or ulilized me in His way. Praise God He never gives up on me.
Flora

======= Duane:

I believe that I am growing and trusting God more than I ever had in my privious years. It seems God has put a hunger in me to seek him more earnestly There are desires in me that I still want fulfilled, but only as God wills. I truly want to know him better each day and I want purity because he is a holy God.Sowing righteousness is my goal for each day. I want God to be glorify in my work, home ,neighborhood and all that I do.I pray that those on this blog will lift me and all in prayer each day that God will surely use us to bring the good news to those who have no hope. I really enjoyed the song by Casting Crowns. May God continued to a great work through this blog.
Duane

========= Cathy:

Ramona and Mike,
Thank you for your great input.
Have a blessing day.
Cathy

=======Mitch:

OT – Yahweh has set them up with festivals with more than numerous offerings. At Mt. Sinai the people were told to stay away, but through all of the festivals/offerings God is showing them the way to approach Him. Given all the structure – one would think the Israelites would be starving for Jesus’ simple message of Repent and Believe. Receive Me and have eternal life.
But Israel did not receive Him. Why? IMO they long ago had forgotten the motive and significance of the festivals/offerings. If they did those things – for most it was checking the boxes. Therefore they were not appreciative of the simplicity and the deepening offer of God’s relationship to His people.
NT – Genealogy fulfills a requirement of kinsman redeemer. To redeem out of bondage one must be the nearest kinsman not in bondage. This shows that Jesus is able to redeem us from sin – as He is the nearest relative to Adam that is without sin. (Note: He is the only relative that is sin free and thus the nearest).
Mitch

======= Dee:

This is so true your questions you had..where does our power come from? It comes from God alone! I love that because I teach science and we are in electricity right now and it’s amazing how God gave us this power to wire and transpose the entire world with His word. Do I honor my employer. I believe I do. I help as much and try to be a blessing to my staff and employer. I respect my immediate employer very much and my co workers and I get along as well as my principal and AP’s. Very good group to work with and for. Love my children and try to see them as Christ sees them. Even though sometimes they get on my nerves, I try to see them in His light. They are all his babies first.
Dee

======= John:

As Bob Deffinbaugh alluded to and J. Vernon Mcgee states – Luke was written to the Greeks. (I never thought of that before today.)
Matthew was written to the Jews with Jesus as the “King”. Hence all the Old testament verification by Matthew to verify Jesus’ kingly claim.
Mark was written to the Romans with Jesus as “servant”. Hence all the “action” to demonstrate Jesus’ resume to fulfill his mission.
Luke would then be written to the Greeks, not only as a history – but to show Jesus as the “perfect man” able to fulfill God’s new Covenant.
Why the “perfect man”? In 4th Century B.C. the Greeks intorduced the “Periclean Age”. They attempted to perfect humanity and to develop the “perfect man”. Their gods were often in the image of men, so a man-god would not be a foreign concept to the Greeks. Ultimately they fell short of the perfect man/society.In admitting this, they erected an image to the “UNKNOWN GOD”. Later a jumping off place for Paul’s discourse to the Greeks.
======================================================
Luke’s geneology is a verification of Jesus’ “perfect man” status through blood lines. It is placed right before Jesus’ ministry was to start.
Luke’s writings up to now are a prelude to this moment in Jesus’ life. In the first three chapters Greeks would understand:
gods sending messengers down to earth to announce miracles and events – miracles and godly announcements occured in Greek mythology.
John the Baptist – Greeks had oracles.
The prominent role of Mary and Elizabeth in writings -Greeks had plenty of female representation sometimes impregnated by the gods in mythology.
Anna and Simeon’s story – the Greeks had plenty of priests and oracles to interpret the gods.
The temple story of Jesus at twelve – the Greeks would love the idea of the “perfect man” being a great (perfect) thinker.
John the Baptist’s preaching – to Greeks man in the end was flawed.
Jesus’ baptism – Greeks would get this ritual accompanied by a voice speaking from the heavens that verified this “perfect man” as from the gods.
======================================================
So what about your original question about “as was supposed”? Luke is bridging from the introduction to Jesus’ ministry. Most people were not at the baptism scene, especially the Greeks. The prelude is nice so far, but so far it is just a story – the Greeks had plenty of stories.
Luke is establishing the pedigree of the “perfect man” sent from the One True God. To be followed by the story of Jesus’ ministry that will supply the “proof”.
‘as was supposed’, ‘in public perception’, and ‘as was the custom’ was Luke saying, ‘most people taking a casual uninformed look would see Mary and Joseph and the family unit and presume that Jesus was Joseph’s son. But not so fast, take a look at the pedigree (geneology) of this “perfect man” going back to Adam.’
Adam was the first “son of God” that screwed things up, this “perfect man” (this “Son of God” – Jesus) is here to set things straight and reconcile man to the gods. The Greeks would like this story. The proof would later show there are not “gods” but One True God.
So while most people would assume Jesus was just a normal man (perhaps gifted) and a son of Joseph. Luke was saying, ‘ Don’t believe it, you read the prelude – god impregnated Mary, through Mary (Luke’s geneology) we can trace Jesus back to the first “son of God”.’
Adam was a created man, but Jesus has the bloodline to be this “perfect man” a true “son of God”. It is now up to Luke to prove this to Greeks with the rest of his Gospel.
John

======= John:

Geneology
A key to above is that the geneology in Matthew is Joseph’s and Luke’s geneology is of Mary.
In Matthew – “Jacob begat Joseph” so who was “Heli” in Luke’s geneology. Most scholars would say – Joseph’s father-in-law. Thus the Geneology of Luke is of Mary.
Matthews geneology establishes Jesus’ legal right to throne through David/Solomon. As the adopted eldest child of Joseph – Jesus would have that legal claim.
Luke’s geneology establishes Jesus’ blood rights to the throne through David/Nathan and takes him back to the first “son of God” (Adam). Would establish him as descended from the first “son of God”.
Believer’s commentary has a better (and briefer;) list of reasons why Luke is writing Mary’s geneology.
Before taking up the public ministry of our Lord, Luke pauses to give His genealogy. If Jesus is truly human, then He must be descended from Adam. This genealogy demonstrates that He was. It is widely believed that this gives the genealogy of Jesus through the line of Mary. Note that verse 23 does not say that Jesus was the son of Joseph, but “(as was supposed) the son of Joseph.” If this view is correct, then Heli (v. 23) was the father-in-law of Joseph and the father of Mary.
Scholars widely believe that this is the Lord’s genealogy through Mary for the following reasons:
1. The most obvious is that Joseph’s family line is traced in Matthew’s Gospel (1:2–16).
2. In the early chapters of Luke’s Gospel, Mary is more prominent than Joseph, whereas it is the reverse in Matthew.
3. Women’s names were not commonly used among the Jews as genealogical links. This would account for the omission of Mary’s name.
4. In Matthew 1:16, it distinctly states that Jacob begot Joseph. Here in Luke, it does not say that Heli begot Joseph; it says Joseph was the son of Heli. Son may mean son-in-law.
5. In the original language, the definite article (tou) in the genitive form (of the) appears before every name in the genealogy except one. That one name is Joseph. This singular exception strongly suggests that Joseph was included only because of his marriage to Mary.
Although it is not necessary to examine the genealogy in detail, it is helpful to note several important points:
1. This list shows that Mary was descended from David through his son Nathan (v. 31). In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus inherited the legal right to the throne of David through Solomon. As legal Son of Joseph, the Lord fulfilled that part of God’s covenant with David which promised him that his throne would continue forever. But Jesus could not have been the real son of Joseph without coming under God’s curse on Jechoniah, which decreed that no descendant of that wicked king would prosper (Jer. 22:30). As the real Son of Mary, Jesus fulfilled that part of the covenant of God with David which promised him that his seed would sit upon his throne forever. And by being descended from David through Nathan, He did not come under the curse which was pronounced on Jechoniah.
2. Adam is described as the son of God (v. 38). This means simply that he was created by God.
3. It seems obvious that the Messianic line ended with the Lord Jesus. No one else can ever present valid legal claim to the throne of David.
MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. 1997, c1995. Believer’s Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments . Thomas Nelson: Nashville
John

======= John:

Feasts (Holy Days) of Israel
God goes into great detail about five of the seven prescribed feast days here in Numbers’ readings.
But what is God getting at – is there any symbolic meaning????? God is always providing clues to His plan for salvation, and I think the 7 major feast days ordained by God are some of those clues.
In Gospel of John we will see that Jesus was always around Jerusalem on the feast days and His words at the time can be tied in with the theme of the feasts.
In addition it can be argued that symbolically the feasts show God’s plan in total. The three spring feasts were symbolically filled with the life, death, and ressurection of Jesus. The middle feast was symbolically filled with the coming of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost). The last three feasts will be symbolically filled at the Second Coming.
A beginning, middle, and end to God’s story on Salvation.
Link here does an ok job at outlining the feasts, and a great job at providing NT links to each of the feasts that have been fulfilled. You can “search” on your own for other links that might be better 
http://www.annieshomepage.com/feastsa.html
A more involved link – and better I think – is here:
http://www.christcenteredmall.com/teachings/feasts/index.htm
John

Numbers 26:52-28:15 + Luke 3:1-22 + Psalm 61:1-8 + Proverbs 11:16-17
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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 prophet.” 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?

1.2em;”>Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Steven Curtis Chapman’s song “Dive:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXqXIicm8uU

Have you dove into the life of faith yet? Click here and dive in!

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

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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Numbers 26:52-28:15
The following two verses in chapter 27 spoke to me today,
3 “Our father died in the wilderness without leaving any sons,” they said. “But he was not among Korah’s followers, who rebelled against the LORD. He died because of his own sin. 4 Why should the name of our father disappear just because he had no sons? Give us property along with the rest of our relatives.”
I’m not sure why these verses spoke to me but I think it may have something to do with “dealing in truth.” The Daughters of Zelophehad dealt in truth about their father, “He dies for his on sin.” They did not blame someone else or Moses for bringing them out into the desert. The also did not operate in “shame” which would have kept them from speaking up for themselves. So often we are afraid to go to God to ask for anything because we are so full of shame and guilt. Truth is we don’t deserve anything but God is a God of grace and mercy who deals in Truth, yet His Promises to us are not based on how good we are, we aren’t, but on how good He is.
We have Hebrews 4:16, Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need, they didn’t, yet these woman stepped forward and asked. Father God, may I study and meditate on how these woman handled their situation and take heed for the areas in my life that seem to be outside of the blessing and favor of God, emphasis on the word “seem.”
Luke 3:1-22
John the Baptist new his purpose and he did, without reservation, what he was created to do. He didn’t have all the information on who and how, he received from God on a need to know basis and accepted it. John didn’t need folk’s approval because if he did he would have spoke to the crowds in a manner that would make them feel warm and fuzzy. John spoke the Words of God under the power of the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 61:1-8
5 For you have heard my vows, O God.
You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name.
Hmm, it seems that godly fear is profitable. I just must make sure that I have the right understanding of profitability in the economy of God.
Proverbs 11:16-17
I had to go to another translation to understand the sixteenth verse so I when to the Amplified Bible, 16 A gracious and good woman wins honor [for her husband], and violent men win riches but [a]a woman who hates righteousness is a throne of dishonor for him.
This verse is compares honor with wealth and strongly suggest that there is no equity between the two. In the economy of God honor has the greatest value.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Emily:

Talking of the harsh stuff. Here is what caught my attention. And I wondered aloud if in those times there was no freedom of religion or thought… No Free Will…? Are these concepts modern inventions? (Free Will is mentioned no where in Bible… only in the book of Joshua there is an allusion, when Joshua asks his people if they want to worship God or other gods)
So, here is that harsh sounding command from Deutronomy 13:6-10:
”If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you love, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (gods that neither you nor your fathers have known, gods of the peoples around you, whether near or far, from one end of the land to the other), do not yield to him or listen to him. Show him no pity. Do not spare him or shield him. You must certainly put him to death. Your hand must be the first in putting him to death, and then the hands of all the people. Stone him to death, because he tried to turn you away from the LORD your God…”
Emily

======= Jenny:

Lots of great stuff today.
I love how John the Baptist says of Christ: One whom I am not fit to untie the sandal of. I love that respect he had for Christ. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is not in Luke but in John 1:29 when John the B. is introducing Jesus: “Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world”. …that verse is so powerful! I just love it!!
Also, we get here a picture of the trinity, 3 separate entities, yet one.
“and the {Holy Spirit (God the Spirit)} descended upon {Him (Jesus, God the Son)} in bodily form like a dove, and a {voice came out of heaven (God the Father)}, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.”
I dont fully understand the trinity, but I just trust and realize its beyond human reasoning. Its too amazing for me. But as my pastor explained it, you have God the Father (1), God the Son (1), God the Holy Spirit (1). And 1 x 1 x 1= 1. Each number is a value, 1. each is its own but multiplied, they are still 1.
I love this psalm, its beautiful…i’m feeling it. i’m going through some tough things right now. I definitely seek to take refuge in His wings! I love the verse, “when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher then I”. I had that posted in my notebook in college in my early 20s, tough times, but i would open my notebook n read that everyday. Also, it struck me bcos wen i was in the world in my teens, that song by REM came out, Everybody Hurts, I watched the video a lot and it has words on the screen, and “Lead me to the rock that is higher then I” was one of the phrases…i didnt know it was from the Bible then, not sure what it meant at the time but i liked it, it was soothing. Now I know and now I have that hope! Praise God and amen.
Jenny

======= Lisa:

Thank you, Mike. I’m praying for you today.
Lisa

======= Julie:

One of my favorites that I pray on a lot in times of distress is Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge. Very similar to today’s Psalm. Yes I use this image in times of trouble. I believe the Lord will shelter me with his wings. He promised and I believe. I enjoyed the video. It was the first time I heard it, so thank you for sharing it with me.
Julie

======= Tammy:

What spoke to me today as I caught up from yesterday.
Ps. 61:6 Add days to the king’s life; may his years span many generations.
I had to look this up on Bible gateway to see who’s years were being referred to. It could have been David’s although he was not a king yet or it could have been Jesus. Both of them would have been kings and both were pursued because of God’s calling on their life.
Why does it speak to me? It is my prayer that God add days to my life and He has. Having a terminal diagnosis given by the medical community has nothing to do with God’s date/plan book. Thank you God for that!!! I know this request is already answered.
Tammy

======= Laura:

Such a good prayer point today! More of the Holy Spirit and for our lives to be pleasing to God places the right focus on how to live each day.
I was listening to music on shuffle and “Kindness” by Chris Tomlin came on – it’s another great reminder of themes in today’s readings!
Laura

========= Yongho:

This blog is awesome.
thank you for your sharing.
Yongho

======= Jill:

Psalms 61
“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”
This verse speaks to me when i am weak and feel defenseless. God spiritof peace comes over me. Peace is Gift from God. Allow him to take your worries before it becomes anxiety
Jill

======= Grace:

Psalm 61 v 3 For you have been my refuge a strong tower against the foe. This verse is summary of the story of my life as I have gone through lot in my life but through it all I must God had always and He still got my back. God been the reason I am alive and live because of hope I have in Him ,I can face tomorrow.
Prov 11 v 16 A kindhearted woman gain honor…………… I am persuaded to keep on been kind. Then in verse 17 there a benefit for been kind.
Grace

======= Robert:

Luke
The Meaning of John and His Message For Today.
At the end of of Bob Deffinbaugh’s comments he suggests some things we can use to improve our discipleship in our lifestyle and our ministry.
My personal take or understanding of John’s message is his depiction of a time in our life that needs some stirring up. It could be a person but it could also be an event or something happens that is unusual and even extraordinary. Maybe your life is a bit humdrum or complacent. All of a sudden a John the Baptist shows up and reveals things about yourself and those around you. If you listen and take heed, remarkable things are shown to you and your life changes. You come closer to the Lord. Advent is a natural occasion for this because we are particularly sensitive to a special time of the year that points to the birth of Jesus. The Holy Spirit can show us things we need to grow in our relationship with God. May John be an instrument in making our joy full.
Ramona: I liked how you analyzed the character of the Daughters of Zelophehad. Speaking up, seeking truth and showing us that we can always approach God’s throne.
Robert

======= MItch:

OT – Numbers 27 and Zelophehad’s daughters. Established that if no sons the inheritance would go to daughters. Besides being fair, perhaps this has implications for the right to David’s throne.
Joseph’s genealogy disqualified Jesus (as adopted son) from having the right to David’s throne due to Jeconiah’s curse. However through Mary’s genealogy in Luke, the line runs through David’s son Nathan. If Mary was oldest, had a sister, and no brothers than the line to David’s throne would run through Mary based on Numbers 27. Speculation on my part, and will not know the answer until I am in heaven.
NT – Jesus’ Baptism displays the Trinity. The Holy Spirit descended in “bodily” form like a dove. To me – Holy Spirit was observable (unlike Jesus’ description to nicodemus in John 3) so that it could be witnessed that Isaiah 41:1 was fulfilled. Fluttering (not in a direct line) like a dove. Don’t think it was just John the Baptist who saw, as Luke depended on eyewitnesses for his gospel – and John was dead before Luke started writing.
Mitch

======= Dee:

I love John the Baptist..and I love his courage and his standout performance within not comparing to others and being bold and Jesus loved him so! He was hurt when the Baptizer was in prison. I want to be old like him. He gives me hope when all seems against us and we are like an outcast. Being different is not so bad!
Dee

======= Ramona:

Numbers 26:52-28:15
More thoughts from Today’s Old Testament Readings:
Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18 AMP)
So I say to you, Ask and keep on asking and it shall be given you; seek and keep on seeking and you shall find; knock and keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you. (Luke 11:9 AMP)
You desire and you do not have; you murder and envy and you cannot obtain; you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask; you ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, so you can spend it on your passions. (James 4:2-3 NET.)
The above three verses show me that I can do what the daughters of Zelophehad–Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah did (27:1-11), I can ask God directly for understanding and guidance and expect an answer. They were not angry with God because their father died in the wilderness, they unlike so many others who blamed God for their hardships and wondering in the desert, knew that it was the sin of the people that kept them out of the Promise Land and said so. Since they saw nothing in the Word and commandments that God had given to Moses, and thus passed on to them, they were afraid that their father’s name and inheritance would be wiped out.
Yet they were bold and gathered up their strength to ask and asking is the basis for receiving. Unlike the murmurs and complainers in the desert these five women went to God.
May we learn a valuable lesson from these women. When we don’t understand God’s Laws and commands and even when what God has stated doesn’t appear to cover our needs, don’t just sit back and grumble and accept the status quo, ask God: ask, seek and knock. God wants to dialogue with you and me.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= John:

Luke (1 of 3)
This ended up being a bit long (OK a lot long:), so I broke it up. I KNOW not everyone will agree with these postings. I have been thinking about this, since last night and have reflected on Luke’s passages, reviewed the Scripture references, what Jesus said, and the six parts of repentence as it applies to John the Baptist’s preaching in Luke.
I am comfortable with the sermon’s application to the Scripture. Perhaps, that is because I have a pre-disposed bias to the interpretation. Nevertheless, I stand behind the postings. If there is disagreement, then please post alternate interpretations or ask discussion questions.
Again with 2,400+ people signed up, and some portion reading these comments – my purpose is not to force ideas on anyone, but to get readers to ask questions and study for themselves – whether it is to verify what I write or trying to refute the ideas presented in these posts. [Or to be just ignored.]
The link to the four sermons is below. They are listed under Luke 3:7-17. Remember they are transcribed sermons from four different Sundays, so they will not read like a book, and their will be repetition 
http://www.biblebb.com/brefindex/luk.htm
I am in agreement with these sermons – I attempted to write a summary of John MacArthur’s sermons in my own words. Quotes are used when I specifically lift from Scripture or John’s sermons.
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Well we are in our third Gospel in a row, and I thought – ‘not much new to learn here’. Then I saw a quote from John MacArthur on Luke 3:4-17
“So, repentance means you come to an honest understanding of your own personal sin. You recognize divine wrath. You reject ritual and ancestry. You demonstrate transformation in the fruit of true repentance. And you receive the true Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Excerpt from John MacArthur sermon
John says all these points are in Luke’s passage. I was taken aback. I knew John preached a “baptism of repentence for the foregiveness of sins”. Paul says much the same thing.
Acts 19:4
“Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.””
I guess I glossed over the rest of it? So, I decided to check it out.
John preached repentance. Everyone acknowledges that point. Turn away from the “world”, and turn your heart back to God. Search your heart and acknowledge your sin. From Isaiah’s allusion: examine the low base places of your heart, the high prideful things, the crooked devious things, smooth out the rough spots – “obstacles that prevent the King from coming into your heart.”
John preached divine wrath. What wrath? The Jews would know from Mal 4:1
“For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of hosts, “so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.”” NAS
John seems to preach from the symbols in this passage. The old testament prophets were full of wrath references (Is 2:2,12,19,21,30:27,Zeph 1:14,18,etc.) The Jews would understand the wrath – their ancestors had experianced it firsthand. The Jews knew the Messiah would bring blessings and also wrath. They flocked out to John to make sure they received the blessings.
Brood of Vipers? Seems harsh. In Matthew 3:7 John is directing it at the Pharisees and Saducees. Jesus also calls them “brood of vipers” in Matt 12:34,23:33. Here it seems in general, but the allsuion seems to be like snakes coming out from under rocks to escape the coming brush fire. John seems to be warning them, you are trying to escape the fires by rushing to the water (baptism), but you are still snakes. However there is more to it than that, you must change your nature (heart) – (back to) Repent!
John

======= John:

Luke (2 of 3)
Reject ritual. Huh? The Jewish nation was all about ritual. God had commanded it back in the “Wanderings”. I do not believe it was ritual for rituals sake, but rituals to be done with the “right heart”.
John was saying, ‘You snakes, don’t come slithering down here to the water and dive in – expecting to escape the wrath. Don’t expect this ritual of immersion in water (baptism) to save you. Repent – have a change of heart.
Jesus attacked rituals in Matt 5 – 7, Paul said rituals were as “dung” when compared to repentence in Christ (Phil 3:8).
The proof of your change of heart? Produce fruit in keeping with your repentence. Baptism is an outward sign of the change of the heart, but without the changed heart – it is meaningless. The outward symbol of that change is bearing fruit.
[NOTE: This is harsh message. Heretofore, baptism is what a Gentile did to convert to Judaism. For a Jew to even admit he needed Baptism is a Big step. But John says – not enough, you must repent.]
Hey, John says, ‘the ax is there – Judgment is coming. If you are not producing good fruit, because of your change of heart – then the tree is coming down and going into the fire. I don’t care how many times you dunk yourself.’
Reject ancestry. John says,”And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’” Don’t expect salvation to come through genetics. Jesus said to the Jews in Luke 13:28
“There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out.”NIV
Nationality is nothing of and by itself. If God wanted to , He could create children of Abraham from the rocks. (Is. 51:1-2) “Your Abraham’s child if you follow the faith of Abraham.”
Romans 2:29
No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code.NIV
How do you get that “circumcision of the heart”? Ez. 18:30
“Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit.”NIV
Just as John has been preaching: Repent and turn back to the Lord.
[NOTE: I would surmise that a Christian is not a Christian because they are born of Christian parents and/or are raised a Christian.]
John

======= John:

Luke (3 of 3)
Demonstrate transformation. Already talked about with fruits discussion.
Paul said to King Agrippa:
Acts 26:20
“First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.”NIV
The Jews were familiar with this concept from Old Testament:
2Chron7:14
“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”NIV
Ez. 33:19
And if a wicked man turns away from his wickedness and does what is just and right, he will live by doing so.NIV
All of these speak to turning back to God (repenting).
You receive the True Messiah. John never proclaimed to be the Messiah. He could call for repentence and immerse people in water – prepare the “way”, but only Christ can immerse people in the Holy Spirit and fire.
[Not recorded anywhere that Jesus baptized anybody. The disciples did baptize people as an outward sign of repentence and faith.]
The Jews understood the Holy Spirit.
Ez.36:26
“And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”
Psalm 51:11
“Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.”
They also understood “fire”. “…that’s Isaiah 29:6. You can see it in Isaiah 31:9, Ezekiel 38:22, Amos 7:4, Zephaniah 1:18, Zephaniah 3:8, Daniel 7:10, God’s final judgment is associated with fire.” – John MacArthur
So, Messiah will come and immerse people in the Holy Spirit for those who repented, and turned back to the Lord. If they do not repent, they will be immersed in fire. Of course you will have to accept Jesus to get the former, and reject Him to get the latter.
John gives an agrarian example of this process. A separation process. The wheat is brought into the threshing floor. By using the winnowing fork, the grain is seperated from the chaff. Grain piled in middle and taken to barn. The chaff is then burned. The fire goes out when chaff is burned up, but John says chaff will burn with an “unquenchable fire” – a judgment fire that will never go out.
John

======= John:

The Boy Jesus at the Temple
Two things:
1) As I said before, this must have been a wonderful scene. It came to me that this may have been the root of Jesus’ grief in Mark 3:5. That some two decades later some of the same men who had delighted in Him as a youth – now rejected Him and His message.
To be fair, perhaps some of these men, teachers of the Law, were amongst the early converts in Christianity.
Mark 3:5a
“And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand…” KJV
Acts 6:7
“So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” NIV
======================================================
Luke 2:52
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” NIV
It is easy to see why this is so with God. Jesus studied (I don’t think He just automatically knew Scripture), was growing up equal to the tasks of His age, and brought joy to God with His obediance to God’s Word.
What about “men”? Jesus had not started His ministry yet, and He was probably the model Jewish youth. Obediant to mother, hard working, courteous, studied the Word, and (I imagine) helpful to fellow townsmen.
When His ministry started – nothing changed with God. But for many men Jesus became at worst a despised figure, and at best an ignored figure. Perhaps it was the message and not the messenger that bothered so many people.
Is it any different today?????
John

======= John:

John the Baptist Prepares the Way
Luke 3:7-8
“John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.” NIV
“John was aware of shallow conversion. He was aware of that. He was aware that the Jewish people were very good at superficial religion and so the tone of his preaching was urgent and the tone of his preaching was even harsh as he spoke hard truth calling sinners to true penitence.” – John MacArthur
======================================================
A while back someone questioned whether Romans 10:9 really worked, was it enough to gain salvation?
Saying a prayer, by itself – no, it is not enough. You must talk to God AND believe in your heart (a right heart), and that is a HUGE difference.
John baptized in water (symbolizing a cleansing), but that is not what he preached:
Luke 3:3
“He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” NIV
You can dunk yourself in water all day long, you can pray to God all day long – but if you do not come with a repentant heart – neither mean anything.
John knew that – people from all over Israel probably knew his birth story – and now that he was preaching – they did not want to miss out when the Messiah came to Israel. Prevailing belief: the Messiah would come and establish himelf on David’s throne and Israel would be blessed. There was no question to them that they were in the kingdom, but from Malachi they knew there would be blessings and wrath. The people scrambling to John wanted to make sure they were in on the blessings. ‘What do we have to do to get the blessings? We’ll do it.’
John calls them a “brood of vipers”. Jesus said the same thing in Matt 23:33 when calling out the Pharisees as “hypocrites”. It is the same here. Don’t come scrambling down the hillside to perform some ritual to beat the clock. No ritual is going to save you. Where is the fruit of your repentance? You can’t dunk yourself here in water and go back to living the same way. And don’t call on your ancestry as your saving trump card – REPENT.
Jesus’ parting words in Luke speak to the same issue:
Luke 24: 46-47 “He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
“repentance and forgiveness of sins”: in the Greek the “and” is not implied it is the specific Greek word for “and”. You cannot have forgiveness without repentance. You cannot mouth a prayer and think everything is hunky-dory if there is no repentance which leads to the right heart with which you believe.
May God bless!
John

Numbers 26:1-51 + Luke 2:36-52 + Psalm 60:1-12 + Proverbs 11:15
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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!

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Zach Williams song “Old Church Choir:”

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

Do you have an old church choir in your soul? Click here and Sing!

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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

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======= Ramona:

Numbers 26:1-51
For some reason the following verses came to me as I read the chapter,
While Israel was living in that land, Reuben had sexual relations with Bilhah, his father’s concubine, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons: The sons of Leah were Reuben… (Genesis 35:22-23 NET.)
I had never paid attention before to where and what tribe the rebellious Dathan and Abiram descended from. These were the same men who joined with Korah to rebel against the leadership of Moses back in the 16th chapter of Numbers. Their ancestor, Ruben, in sleeping with his father’s concubine, although he did not break the commandments because the Law had not been given, tried to take the authority and leadership of his father, Jacob, by his actions. Here we have his descendents trying to do the same thing to Moses. Is this a clear example of the following verses?
Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. (Exodus 20:5-6 KJVR)
Although most modern translation don’t use “visiting the iniquity,” in the Hebrew the word is visiting. For me this is a very sobering statement because that means my sins will knock on my two son’s door asking for access and prayerfully they will not let Mr Sin and his children into their homes and lives.
Based on Strong’s Numbering system:
H6485 (Visiting)
פּקד
pâqad
paw-kad’
A primitive root; to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
Luke 2:36-52
My “hit and run” comment on the New Testament Reading is based on the following passage:
After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Jesus were astonished at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were overwhelmed. His mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously.” But he replied, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Yet his parents did not understand the remark he made to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. But his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and with people. (Luke 2:46-52 NET.)
This says several things to me, the first being: Jesus was operating in the Wisdom that came with Him being God while he walked the earth because the “teachers” of the Law was amazed and astonished at his insight. However, He did not operate as God but as a man, and here as a young, but wise, boy, or soon to be young adult, Jesus could not grow or increase in wisdom if he was operating out of His position of God. Growth means you have not reached your maximum potential.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Luch:

I write this from Canada. I don’t know what it’s like in the U.S or other parts of the world but in Canada ‘evangelical Christians’ are not looked upon favourably. In fact, I think people are afraid of ‘us’. At times I don’t blame them. I’m afraid of people who always seem to have all ‘the right answers’ and have no room for thoughtful dialogue. So I found Luke 2:52 an encouragment as we see Jesus growing ‘both in height and in wisdom, and he was loved by God and by all who knew him.” Jesus was loved BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM. What a wonderful example Jesus is for me/us. Sure there were those who wanted to do Jesus’ harm, religious bigots that they were, but later in Luke 4:22 we’ll see the outworking of Luke 2:52 where it says, “all who were there spoke well of him and were amazed by the gracious words that fell from his lips.” The predominant core value of Jesus seemed to be love, and so that’s what He was known for.
These causes me to wonder how am I perceived by the people around me? Not just those who follow the same practices and beliefs I do but how about those who don’t buy into my faith, am I still loved or even liked by them? I think I have a long way to go. Having all the ‘right answers’ has not helped me to draw to many to the Way the Truth and the Life, but when I have sought to build authentic friendship with people and engage in spiritual dialgoue it’s amazing how He has seen fit to move people towards Himself.
Thank You Jesus for always showing us a much better way to lovingly engage our unbelieving world.
Luch

======= Stacey:

It was apparently necessary for Jesus to dialog with the teachers of the law at this time. The first thing it reminds me of is really how humble Jesus was. He waited until He was accepted into the group of “men” at the temple to discuss what Passover represents. Did He really need to know their beliefs? Or was He showing His wisdom and increasing in wisdom by how he engaged them? I think that here in this environment as a young and humble student, He was both charming and disarming by the way He opened up the discussion. And the text then says that all who heard Him were amazed by His understanding and His answers. I think what amazed them was that He knew the heart issues and they were always about the externals of religiousity. At the first opportunity, when the timing was right, He started His ministry by saying amazing things about the “whys” of Passover and the Lamb that had to be slain.
It also reminds me of how important it is to discuss God’s ways with your kids and listen to them. So often, they share beautiful insights from the Holy Spirit. As they grow older and start to “rebel” spiritually do we listen to them and hear from them, or are we just interested in defending our position or doctrine? I just spent 2 years teaching a Bible study with 9-12 year olds. They had amazing insight into the Word when they were in their Father’s house. The times we had together were safe times where they could explore the Word with help and guidance. I learned a lot from them because I discovered that they had pure hearts that would receive easily with faith. Often, I was amazed as they would share insights that could only have come from the Holy Spirit. They didn’t hold back and it was quite comfortable and natural for them to love the Lord and want to discuss Him in amazing ways.
Stacey

======= Laura:

I attended a bible study Friday night the 17th, St Patricks Day and found out some interesting facts. One of the students who actually did a sermon before the study and said a prayer is Irish. He gave some interesting facts and information about the history of St Patrick. One thing mentioned is that the shamrock three leafed clover, which is a symbol of St Patrick actually represents the trinity. I never knew that myself until today. Just thought I’d share that with you all. I hope you had a blessed St Patricks day.
Laura

======= Sammy:

Even though the numbers between the first and second census are close, we must remember that of the 603,550 men above the age of 20 counted in the first census only 2 men (Joshua and Caleb) were among the later census. God, because of His anger over the fact that they would not go in and take the land, declared in Deuteronomy 1 that none of the men, except these 2, would see the promised land. So 603,548 men were buried in the wilderness while children were born and grew to make up the 601,730 men in the second census…this, to me, shows the blessing of God.
Sammy

======= Ian:

51Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them; and his mother stored all these things in her heart (NLT)
51Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. (NKJV)
51Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. (NIV)
51And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart. (NASB)
Part B of this verse is interesting to me; mostly because I have no idea what it means. Then when I try to gleen more information about it by looking in other translations it gets worse. The King James and NIV say “but” where the NASB and NLT say “and”. Any Greek scholars out there? It would seem to make a difference in the meaning: If Jesus lived in obediance, “and” his mother treasured these things, then she’s grateful that he’s living in obediance.
The two others here that use “but” don’t even use it in the same way. The King James says “but she kept” where the NIV says “but she treasured”. Kept to me is less emotional, and almost resentful (like keeping it to herself).
Usually when it comes down to specific words that change the meaning, I go with the NASB because it’s a word-for-word translation rather than a verse-by-verse. What do you all think?
Ian

======= Ramona:

Ian
Hi! Just read your post right before I posted you might want to check out Crosswalk.com and use their Study Bible where you can click on the Word (King James and/or NAS, with Strong’s Numbers and research the Greek Words used.
Numbers 26:1-51
Mike you said, “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.”
After reading your statement I was reminded of a verse in Isaiah,
18 Do not [earnestly] remember the former things; neither consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
20 The beasts of the field honor Me, the jackals and the ostriches, because I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My people, My chosen, (43:18-20 Amp)
Throughout history it has always been under severe hardships when men rise to greatness. Maybe its because we are forced to look outside of ourselves after having tried everything in our own strength and failed, that we turn our focus to God and then and only then He makes “streams in the desert.”
I’ve heard it said that we are always looking for that mountain top experience, that-knock-you-off-your feet high that comes when we have an encounter with God. That feeling is indescribable and incredible, but it is in the valley where the fruit grows. It is in the valley where we get the sustenance to sustain us as we journey up to the mountain ‘cause food doesn’t grow up there. It is in the valley where we learn to live the full life God has planned for us so we can hang out on the mountaintop above the frost line, for a season.
Thanks Mike for giving that original image of flourishing in dry places. Come to think of it when there is no surface water we must send our roots way down into the earth, into God, the Father, where we will find Living Water but where our roots will attach themselves to the bedrock of faith.
Luke 2:36-52
The last two verses in this passage, fifty-one and fifty two, give us a clue about Jesus’ humanity.
Jesus was God but God had set aside His royalty and walked this earth as a man. I know that because of these two verses.
51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
1) Jesus subjected Himself to his mother and father, God doesn’t do that: they would subject themselves to Him if He walked this earth as God.
2) God doesn’t increase in wisdom because all Wisdom belongs to Him and came from Him. But this verse says that He increased.
3) Increasing in stature can refer to many things: physical growth, community standing, and importance. God is a “grown” as He is going to get and without Him this universe would not exist so He is already important.
4) God would not grow in favor with God and it wouldn’t matter if God grew in favor with man because whether or not God’s reputation grew with man God is still God.
I am not saying that Jesus is not God because clearly the scripture states, “In the beginning was the Word (Jesus) and the Word was God and Word was with God. (John 1:1) But He did set-aside His Identity, His power, His Divinity to become our Redemptive Lamb of God.
Psalm 60:1-12
This is an important Psalm and I just found that out because I read the note at the beginning before the 1st verse,
“For the choir director: A psalm of David useful for teaching, regarding …” The emphasis should be on the word “teaching.” This note goes on to say,
“…regarding the time David fought Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, and Joab returned and killed twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.”
There must be some great nuggets of “Truth” in these twelve verses that will yield some very valuable lessons in life and there probably needs to be some studying of the history of this battle Joab, David’s nephew and General, commanded and fought. Hmmm!
Proverbs 11:15
Guaranteeing a loan for someone you know is dangerous, much less a stranger. When you do this, especially when you don’t have the amount in question just lying around, you set yourself up to serve someone else’s choices. Ouch! It’s hard enough serving our own bad choices let alone a stranger’s.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

=======. Pat:

Luke 2:41-52 (Jesus at the temple at age 12) = There is a first and a last recorded in this Scripture. It is the first time that Jesus recognizes God as being his true Father and the last time that his earthly father Joseph was mentioned in the NT. It is believed, but not documented in Scripture, that during the missing recorded years of Jesus life between the age of 12 and 30 that Joseph dies during this period and, instead of remarrying as was the custom, Mary devotes herself to her children, especially to Jesus during his three years of ministry. Those missing 18 years have always intrigued me, and I’ve often wondered why nothing about them is mentioned in the Scripture.
God Bless!
Pat

======= Jenny:

sorry i’m a bit behind, weekends are busy for me. Anyhow, honestly reading about Anna was so random for me, i dont remember ever reading about her. I must have once, but it was just random.
Man, that book Boundaries….wow, memories!! I’ve just seen it so much cause my mom had it. I’m sure its still around somewhere in her book collection, we kept some. I remember in my early teens when she started telling me she was gonna start setting boundaries, I hated that word!!! haha. I do set boundaries on things. When we dont have a set of boundaries, we may be more prone to fall, we get ourselves in trouble. One for me is concerning the opposite sex, guys I’m dating, seeing whatever, I set boundaries on the of physical aspect. there has to be a place we draw the line. my dad has been dating a girl over a year n they dont even hold hands! ok, my boundaries are a little broader, but I think its important we set boundaries for areas in our life we can be tempted…also, to let the other person know: ‘these are my boundaries.’. haha, i know a couple guys who learned to hate that word.
Wow, I’m having a senior moment, i cant even think of what the word banner means, or else I would discuss that, but i’m drawing a blank right now…
Jenny

======= Lou:

The best thought I am learning about boundaries is to practice consistently the teaching in Matthew 5:37 where JESUS said, “Simply let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no’….” And then the question, “What part of my yes or no did you NOT understand?”
Lou

======= Lisa:

I learned to say “no” and went too far that way. Setting boundaries can become a control issue. I say love the best you know how and be willing to learn from the Master how to love more like Him. This wisdom from the Word is really about love and relationships. Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say Rejoice! Did I miss our Bible Verse for the Week?
Lisa

======= Hal:

Going to a church building I don’t view as going to the house of God like the O.T.Temple was, as I see it as we as Christians are being built up as Living Stones, Jesus being the most important stone. . . I still meet other Christians at a church building though
Hal

======= Sharlene:

Oh…. setting boundaries, A few minutes ago I was annoyed about an issue that my husband and I seem to allow to take control over us, so, while at my desk here in the office I asked God to help me, I need to chat to someone about how I feel, and YIPP I got this…. Setting boundaries….Oh so much has opened up to me regarding just that WORD boundaries and it triggered me that that is what I must do. I pray that my husband will get the same revelation when I give him a copy of this.
THANKS THIS BLESSED ME SO MUCH. (NOW TO DO IT)
Sharlene

======= Art:

I found Proverbs 11:15 to be absolutely amazing this morning as I watch the headlines out of Wall Street unfold. So much of what got “built up” over the last few years there involved “putting up security” through multiple layers. Almost literally a house of cards (or sand — I saw that exact term used in an analyst report from a big bank just last week!) But God’s word is the rock that will weather this (and any) storm.
Re. boundaries, I had just such an issue these past few days. My first reaction was to set them up (boundaries — saying ‘no’). God told me otherwise.
The shepherds and the owner of the sheep get to set and move the boundaries. The sheep do not.
Art

======= Jim:

Mike,
Cloud and Townsend are simply IMHO the most important modern Christian authors (with degrees to back up their opinions). I cannot recommend Boundaries (as well as How People Grow) strong enough. The book was first recommended by my sister based on how it helped her deal with many of her relational issues. I happened to take the book off the shelf just yesterday to talk with my nine-year old son about building godly relationships with other kids as well as his teachers.
Chapter 6 deals in the text with common boundary myths… 1) If I set boundaries, I’m being selfish, 2) Boundaries are a sign of disobedience, 3) If I begin setting boundaries, I will be hurt by others, 4) If I set boundaries, I will hurt others, 5) Boundaries mean that I am angry, 6) When others set boundaries, it injuries me, 7) Boundaries cause feelings of guilt, and 8) Boundaries are permanent, and I’m afraid of burning my bridges.
This book can greatly help one’s emotional and spiritual growth… Art, I honestly don’t think you understand what boundaries are (or why Jacob, meaning deceiver, was renamed Israel, meaning fights with God, after besting both man and God). If someone told you that boundaries are bad over the past few days… it wasn’t likely God. The one true God demonstrates the value of boundaries and saying “no” all the time. And, to be a grace dispenser also means being a boundary dispenser.
Let me quote (as a teaser to encourage all to read this book) the two pages on Myth #2: Boundaries are a sign of disobedience…
“Many Christians fear that setting and keeping limits signals rebellion, or disobedience. In religious circles you’ll often hear statements such as ‘Your unwillingness to go along with our program shows an unresponsive heart.’ Because of this myth, countless individuals remain trapped in endless activities of no genuine spiritual and emotional value.
The truth is life-changing: a lack of boundaries is often a sign of disobedience. People who have shaky limits are often compliant on the outside, but rebellious and resentful on the inside. They would like to be able to say no, but are afraid. So they cover their fear with a half-hearted yes, as Barry did.
Barry has almost made it to his car after church when Ken caught up with him. Here goes, Barry thought. Maybe i can still get out of this one.
‘Barry!’ Ken boomed. ‘Glad I caught you!’
The singles class officer in charge of Bible studies, Ken was a dedicated recruiter to the studies he presided over; however, he was often insensitive to the fact that not everyone wanted to attend his meetings.
‘So which study can I put you down for, Barry? The one on prophecy, evangelism, or Mark?’
Barry thought desperately to himself. I could say, “None of the above interest me. Don’t call me – I’ll call you.’ But he’s a ranking officer in the singles class. He could jeopardize my relationships with others in the group. I wonder which class will be the shortest?
‘How about the one on prophecy?” Barry guesses. He was wrong.
‘Great! We’ll be studying end times for the next 18 months! See you Monday.’ Ken walked off triumphantly.
Let’s take a look at what just happened. Barry avoided saying no to Ken. At first glance, it looks like he made a choice for obedience. He committed himself to a Bible study. That’s a good thing right? Absolutely.
But take a second look. What were Barry’s motives for not saying no to Ken. What were the ‘thoughts and attitudes of the heart’ (Heb 4:12)? Fear. Barry was afraid of Ken’s political clout in the singles group. He feared that he would lose other relationships if he disappointed Ken.
Why is this important? Because it illustrates a biblical principal: an internal no nullifies an external yes. God is more concerned with our hearts than he is with our outward compliance. ‘For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings’ (Hos. 6:6).
In other words, if we say yes to God or anyone else when we really mean no, we move into a position of compliance. And that is the same as lying. Out lips say yes, but our hearts (and often our half-hearted actions) say no. Do you really thing Barry will finish out his year and a half with Ken’s Bible study? The odds are that some priority will arise to sabotage Barry’s commitment, and he’ll leave – but without telling Ken the real reason why.
Here’s a good way to look at this myth that boundaries are a sign of disobedience: if we can’t say no, we can’t say yes. Why is this? It has to do with our motivation to obey, to love, or to be responsible. We must always say yes out of a heart of love. When our motive is fear, we love not.
The Bible tells us how to be obedient: ‘Each of you must give as you have reluctantly or under compulsion, for God love a cheerful giver’ (2 Cor. 9-7).
Look at the first two ways of giving: ‘reluctantly’ and ‘under compulsion.’ They both involve fear – either of a real person or a guilty conscience. These motives can’t exist side by side with love, because ‘there is no fear in love; but perfect love cast out fear’ (1 John 4:18). Each of us must give as we have made up our minds. When we are afraid to say no, our yes is compromised.
God has no interest in our obeying our of fear ‘because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made in perfect love’ (1 John 4:18). God wants a response of love.
Are boundaries a sign of disobedience? The can be. We can say no to good tings for wrongs reasons. But having a ‘no’ helps us to clarify, to be honest, to tell the truth about our motives; then we can allow God to work in us. This process cannot be accomplished in a fearful heart.”
Jim

======= James:

Sweet! I was googling the passage out of Numbers looking for how long it was after the first census the second one was taken and stumbled upon your blog. I’m doing the same schedule you’re doing, except I’m doing it on facebook. I’m gonna bookmark your site though and check in every day.
James

======= Amrita:

I also agree that setting boundaries wisely and in a spirit of LOVE is a good thing.We have to ask God for wisdom in this.
I would love to read this book and others by these authors but they are not available in my country.Wish someone could send me an old used copy.
Amrita

======= Caroline:

Thank you Mike for all your eforts…
May God richly bless you
Your blog became an important part of our daily routine.
Caroline

======= Wendy:

The book “Boundaries” is an excellent book for raising teenagers. Now, it is a great book for everyday living for me. Setting boundaries, not what we are used to but it is vital to not becoming a “slave” to those things which we stretch ourselves to do.
Wendy

======= Bobbie:

Num.1 &2
Its reminds me that for 38 yrs. God’s hands is always at the Israelite. But inspite of all the blessings they have from God they are still stiffed necked people. It is shameful that upon all the blessings that I have I’m still hard headed. Getting nervous,fret and worried when God assured me that He is always at my side. Thank you for your life you make me awake for all what God has done for me.Thank you so much for the sharing.
Bobbie

======= Billy:

Just wanted to say one of my Banners is the “oneyearbibleblog.” Thanks Mike !!
Billy

======= Lizzy:

Hi Mike!
Thank you for your faithfulness in writing this blog every day. It is such an encouragement to me, and I have learned so much from you and from the links you include.
I have learned from the readers’ comments too, and from Ramona’s comments in particular.
I have one thought about Ramona’s comments from today (above). When she writes that Jesus “set-aside His Identity, His power, His Divinity to become our Redemptive Lamb of God,” I think she over-states her case. Many Scriptures prove that Jesus was fully God, as well as fully man.
Concerning the book Boundaries, I have read it and studied it with a group. There is much to be learned from it, but though it is a Christian book and contains much Scripture, it does not always perfectly line up with Scripture. For example, in Chapter 11 and elsewhere, the book advocates cutting unhealthy relationships out of our lives, but the Bible tells us a different way to handle unhealthy relationships. If someone causes us to fall into sin, we should run away because we are like sheep. But when someone sins against us, we are not just to “cut them out of our lives.” Instead, we are to follow the instructions that Jesus gave us in Matthew 18. Jesus is all about redeeming sinners, not “cutting them out.”
So Boundaries, just like any book or teaching other than the Bible, contains error. Take the good, and sift out the bad!
Lizzy

======= Jill:

Boundaries. That should have been one of the fruits of the spirit? At what age does boundaries begin? That’s one of those things a child watches and observes from parents. The cycle begins. Parent has no boundaries. Children learn no boundaries. Submissive mother, submissive chikdren. Now as an adult I shoukd have set boundaries a long time ago. But I didn’t know how. So now my young adult chikdren set boundaries. And how do I respond? They are learning from my mistake.
Secondly Jesus told his parents. “Don’t you know I would be at my Fathers house?” We are called to serve like Jesus. I think it means our priority csn be so much on our biological families we miss His calling to serve community and church family. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ.
Jill

======= Imja:

Greetings!
My favorite story of Jesus in the temple, Mary and Joseph found Him three days later? (verse 46) That is not a coincidence! I love what verse 51 says: Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
RE: Boundaries. I was overextending myself constantly because, people kept asking me to “do” more. Then, the Lord stopped me. I needed to discern the motives of my heart. The word “No” became much easier to say and it is freeing 
Imja

======= Robert:

Luke 2:41-52
Jesus the Teen.
How many times has this scripture given me comfort! Here I see the slightly rebellious nature of Jesus as a teenager that has been an attribute of all my kids growing up. I love this human side of Jesus where the age of thinking begins to take independence. I think it is embedded in all of our human nature. Not necessarily a bad thing but can be a real challenge to parents. I have used this scripture as a teaching example because that rebellion is in us, especially at that age but look at what Jesus does. He is still subject to his parents and shows obedience to them.
My wife and I have reminisced of our children’s behavior in their teens. It brings back many emotions but mostly good ones. We laugh. Sometimes cry. It is similar to Mary’s memories and you can’t help but cherish them in your heart.
Robert

======= Mitch:

OT – Mike and Ramona – have a different take on flourishing in Wilderness.
Flourishing should indicate a growth in numbers from last census. This census was around 2,000 light from previous count. We will see tomorrow that only Joshua and Caleb were in both body counts. Why? Because of the lack of faith on original try to enter Canaan, sin, disobedience and the death of all who originally left Egypt with Moses.
Siooo…what I see is God maintaining a viable Israelite contingent – establishing a new creation and getting rid of the old. (See a picture of Salvation here?) – God will monitor, provide and is faithful to His word to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
NT – From my first year as a Christian (age 49) have wondered in these passages – Did Jesus ever run into these teachers, from the temple, in his adult ministry? Did He recognize them? Did they remember that precocious boy? Wonder if any were in his disciple group, or were any in the early group of converts in Acts?
Mitch

======= Nancy:

On Facebook is a blog titled Bible Love Notes. In this blog she raises valid concerns about some of the teaching in the Boundries book. I urge you to consider checking it out.
Nancy

======= Dee:

Pertaining to Mike’s question: boundary setting. I am terrible at setting boundaries. I go go go, and then want to crash. My home, car, carat school, everything suffers, my pets not getting bathed. Too tired. I pray that I will learn to say no more often so later it doesn’t become..I wish I had declined. Amen!
Dee

======= John:

Luke
Two things:
1)I do not know how may people here have taught, coached or raised a child prodigy. From the few brief encounters I have had – while it may be challenging and rewarding to deal with a normal child, and more so with a handicapped child – it is special to be around a prodigy. Especially if the learning is not being forced upon the child by his parents. It is just exciting to see a “gifted” child who has a natural hunger for his “gift”.
I say this, because I wonder how wonderful the scene at the temple really was for the teachers (Pharisees?). Here they had a child, Jesus, who was hungry for the teachings of Scripture. Did most children have this hunger? Probably not. If so were they as bright? Definately not. The Teachers must have been delighted at his rapt attention and probing questions. Such attention might have given way to glazed eyes on other youths. I can see both parties, teachers and Jesus, losing track of time as they discussed the intricacies of Scripture. They must have developed a fondness for the boy (who wouldn’t?), and Jesus (I would imagine) enjoyed this time of being about his Father’s business.
It only makes me wonder, how much this increased the sadness of Jesus when the teacher’s turned on him during his ministry. I can only imagine how it felt when (probably) some of the very same men that met with him at twelve later plotted to kill him.
It makes me harken back to “Mark’s Gospel” where the implication was not that the Pharisees grieved Jesus internally, but he grieved “for” them as a relative at a funeral. Was he recalling better days of communication and understanding from when he was twelve?????
2)While Luke in original Greek never referred to Joseph using the word “father”. Here he quotes Mary using the term – “father” for Joseph. Jesus as he always does when people cite scripture incorrectly or make a mistake of “fact” corrects Mary.
“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”
They did not understand, but Jesus, through Luke, got it on the record in this Gospel with words from our Savior as a pre-teen. Jesus was the “Son of God”.
John

======= Vance:

NUMBERS 26 (NKJV)
Note from Matthew Henry’s concise commentary:
Notice is here taken of the children of Korah; they died not, as the children of Dathan and Abiram; they seem not to have joined even their own father in rebellion. If we partake not of the sins of sinners, we shall not partake of their plagues.
** MAY WE THINK BEFORE WE, AS MEN AND WOMEN, ACT. Our actions affect our children to the 3rd and 4th generations.
** MAY WE be people of purity, so that we will not be compromised, weakened, or judged.
** MAY WE EMBODY, by God’s grace, God’s will for us in Isaiah 54:17 (Amplified):
17
But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong.
==> THIS[peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition]
IS THE HERITAGE OF THE SERVANTS OF THE LORD [THOSE IN WHOM THE IDEAL SERVANT OF THE LORD IS REPRODUCED];
THIS IS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OR THE VINDICATION WHICH THEY OBTAIN FROM ME
[this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord.
~~~
Vance
P.S.
Since this is St. Patrick’s day, take a moment and thank God for a soldier for the Lord — Patrick.
Also, here is a joke, that might be an ice breaker today as you build bridges to people so you can touch them with Jesus’ love as you relate to them:
Why do leprecauns carry shamrocks?
Because real rocks are too heavy!
Vance