Bible in a Year Blog

Judges 15:1-16:31 + John 2:1-25 + Psalm 103:1-22 + Proverbs 14:17-19
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Old Testament – Judges 15 today is quite a chapter!  Whew…  Samson is a whirlwind in this chapter… I know I probably should not chuckle about this – but a donkey’s jawbone??  Who would have ever thought this could be a lethal weapon.  Well, now we all know it can be indeed.

In Judges chapter 16 verse 3 we continue to see Samson’s strength – “But Samson stayed in bed only until midnight. Then he got up, took hold of the city gates with its two posts, and lifted them, bar and all, right out of the ground. He put them on his shoulders and carried them all the way to the top of the hill across from Hebron.”

And then we get to the famous story of Samson & Delilah.  In verse 21 the Philistines finally overpower Samson by cutting his hair – a symbol of Samson’s relationship with God.

New Testament – John chapter 2 verse 11 is of note – “This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was Jesus’ first display of his glory. And his disciples believed in him.”  It is interesting that John refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs.”  Signs seems to indicate the significance of Jesus’ actions, rather than the marvel.  What do you think Jesus’ miracles might have been “signs” of?  Below is “The Marriage of Cana” by the Florentine Italian painter Giusto de’ Menabuoi from the year 1378, and this fresco is located in the baptistry of the Cathedral in Padua:

Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion has a very interesting commentary on John chapter 2 verse 14 – “In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; and he saw money changers behind their counters.”  Tyndale answered the question of why there were merchants & money changers in the temple as follows:  “The temple tax had to be paid in local currency, so foreigners had to have their money changed.  But the moneychangers would often charge exorbitant exchange rates.  The people were also required to make sacrifices for sins.  Because of the long journey, many could not bring their own animals.  The price of sacrificial animals was much higher in the temple than elsewhere.”  It is understandable why Jesus was upset with all of this.  Thank goodness we do not have this system still in place for us today – with moneychangers & merchants for tax & animal sacrifices…  thank you Jesus!  Below is a fresco of “The Money-Changers in the Temple” by the Italian artist Giotto from the year 1306:

Bible.org’s commentary on John chapter 2 titled “The First Sign: Jesus Turns Water into Wine” is at this link and commentary titled “The Cleansing of the Temple” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 103 is a great Psalm today! Each verse is a powerful reminder of God’s character and our relationship to God. Verse 8 definitely stands out today – “The LORD is merciful and gracious. He is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love.” Do you believe that God is merciful and gracious?  Have you experienced God’s mercy? His grace?  Do you believe that God is slow to get angry?  When was the last time you experienced God’s unfailing love?  (think now… God loves you so much he’s given you beautiful life-giving oxygen to fill your lungs as you read this… praise God for the very air we breath!)

Today in Psalm 103 verses 11 & 12 we read these verses about God – “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” I think these verses are a wonderful look at what it means to be spiritually reborn and living in relationship with God. These verses are a glimpse of the true freedom that is found in relationship with God – freedom of living in God’s perfect love, and freedom from our slavery to sin. Do you believe that God’s love for you is as high as the heavens are above the earth? Do you believe that God has removed your sins (transgressions) from you as far as the east is from the west?  Do you thank God often for His love for you?  Do you thank Jesus often for saving you from the bondage of sin?

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 14 verse 17 is convicting for me… wow… the Proverbs have been convicting me a bit more than I’m used to lately…  I do take this as an overall good thing!  It is good to get convicted by God’s Word.  Verse 17 – “Those who are short-tempered do foolish things, and schemers are hated.”  No, it’s not the short-tempered piece that is convicting me, but that last piece – schemers are hated..  I don’t like to admit it, but I think on occasion I am a schemer.  I don’t mean to be… but I think sometimes it seems as if I am.  And when I am busted in a “scheme” – that I may not have really consciously thought was a scheme – there are some hurt feelings, anger and maybe even hatred toward me in that moment.  Wow… bummer.  I pray that I can move beyond being a schemer in every way.  Life is too short to scheme!  Don’t be like Mr. Burns!  🙂

Worship Video:  Today’s readings reminded me of We the Kingdom’s song “Holy Water:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfY7CGU8sck

Have you received God’s Holy Water? Click here for Forgiveness!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “So Jesus made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market!” John 2:15-16 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that our churches would not be marketplaces, but places of prayer. Pray that our faith is pure, and not motivated at all by money or the market.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Proverb reflection today, how about you?  Are you ever a schemer?  Even if you don’t “mean to be one”, are you still sometimes?  Why do we scheme?  Who are we trying to fool with our “schemes”?  Ourselves?  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! : )

======= Anka:

Samson was a man filled with passion yet he lacked restraint and he had no regard for anyone.He dumped his wife and burnt down fields when she wouldn’t accept him.His love for women blinded him spiritually;Delilah turned him in 3 times and he didn’t even question her motives for trying to find out his strength.In the temple he wanted revenge for his eyes,his prayers to me seem rather filled with vengeance other than repentance however his last request”let me die with them”got me thinking maybe he realised he was always going to fall into the same old traps and that maybe only in death could he glorify God.Only when we die to self can God be glorified.Samson in his death killed more enemies of God than when he was alive!So many times I try to understand the bible using my intelect and I fail to get it.I see my self arrive at wrong conclusions and assumptions then a thought came to me”my thoughts are not your thoughts”..I pray I not only read the bible for head knowledge but that I let the words of God go deep in my spirit and transform me…my prayer today is Lord teach me how to die because I really don’t know how to live for you unless you teach me,I really don’t know how to love you and others unless you show me…
God bless you all

Anka

======= Ramona:

====== Robert:

Dear Anka: I am glad the Samson story brought you some fruitful inner reflection

Hey Ramona: Judges 15:15; there is that donkey again.

A few movies out there about Samson. Even Cecil DeMille made one in 1949. I found a free good one on youtube made in 2019. Samson English Movie by Robo Ranger. Grab the kids, popcorn, all the Pepsi you can drink and make it a night.

Proverbs 14:17: Cambridge Dictionary: Schemer (Crafty Man): Someone who makes clever, secret plans, often to deceive others. He’s a schemer who always finds a way of getting what he wants.

The transformation of water into wine at the Wedding at Cana is the first miracle attributed to Jesus in the Gospel of John 2:1-11.

Robert

====== Teriann:

Anka, you made a great point! You said, “maybe only in death could he glorify God.Only when we die to self can God be glorified.” When I read about Samson I am always left with more questions than answers, but this really gave me some insight into today’s passage and some food for thought as I head out for church, thanks!

Teriann

======= Dee:

I don’t know if I am necessarily a schemer but I have diarrhea of the mouth and what doesn’t need to be repeated does and for that I have got to do better. I have got to learn that I don’t have to be the one that tells all and definitely when things run like wild fire..that’s not good. So in turn that is my weakness..my crutch that I need to crucify and get healing daily.

Dee

======= Frederick:

About Jesus’ first miracle which turned water into wine in a wedding. I learned from a Christian friend that the first miracle of Jesus was done in a wedding. In Heaven as described in the Book of Revelation, the believers will have a wedding feast with Jesus. Also a wedding scenario.

Frederick

======= Lily:

A couple of things spoke to me while reading Judges 15:1-26:31
1. Temptation comes in a deceiptful form,such as Delilah’s deceipt of Samson for the secret of Samson’s strength.

2. Evil, Satan never gives up that is why we should always be on guard and ask God’s presence all the time. Samson finally gave the source of his stength since Delilah kept hounding him and accusing him of not loving her enough to trust her with Samson’s secret source of strength.

3.Vengeance is mine said the Lord. Revenge leads to a vicious circle of retaliation. Samson’s revenge on the Philistines came back to him until he finally lost his strength & captured.

4. God never abandons us if we call upon His help. In the last day of Samson, he repented and ask God’s help. God heard him.

Psalm 103:1-5 One of my favorite Psalm & prayer. I held this prayer in my heart when I had my recent surgery. God gave me a second chance in life and I thank Him for that. Everyday is a gift from God. I pray that I do not waste the day with out praising Him and enjoying His creations.

Lily

======== Mitch:

In today’s psalm, vs 12,”As far as the east is from the west so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” How far is the east from the west really? It is an infinite amount, because if we set out travelling east we never arrive at a place called “the west”, we simply will keep travelling east. So is God’s forgiveness when we put our trust in his son Jesus – it is infinite. Thank you Lord.

Mitch

====== Susan:

Samson’s greatest undoing was the woman in his life! No wonder God told them not to mingle with or marry the people of Canaan .This reminds me to be careful of relationships I keep; making friend with people of the same belief, values and religion would be of great help.
The book of john was also very interesting today; Jesus can take care of any situation if we hand it over to him.
Bless the lord oh my soul and forget not his benefits! This psalm stood out for me, can we imagine all the benefits of being a Christian; God’s protection, provision, guidance, fellowship with God, joint heirs with Jesus, salvation, the hope of heaven, just to mention a few…..I am so glad I know HIM!

Susan

======== Michelle:

======= Jim:

Samson again acts on his own behalf (and not for his people) and begins a one-man 20-year vendetta after loosing his fiancée to another that starts with burning the corn fields of the Philistines with an army of blazing foxes. Threatened by war, the men of Judah turn Samson over to his enemies and he slaughters their entire army single-handedly. It may have been that Samson asks that the Israelites not attack him so that he would not feel obliged to retaliate and shed Jewish blood. The great Samson was repeatedly ruled by his anger and physical desires so that he was the only judge to fail to save his people. Samson saw himself as God’s servant, and yet saw no conflict in visiting a prostitute. This moral weakness help make him vulnerable when Samson is then intimate with another pagan woman, Delilah, who assisted in his capture by seducing him into giving her the secret of his strength. He was bound, his eyes put out, and imprisoned in a dungeon for the rest of his life. Samson was a user of women who met a woman who was a user of men. It is said that most men today give sex to get love and that most women give love to get sex. Delilah sold out Samson for 28 pounds of silver. The measure of a person, though, is not the price for betrayal but whether one is willing to betray at all. In the end, Samson’s only thought was of himself and paying “back the Philistines for the loss of my eyes” rather than the glory of the God he claimed to serve.

Jewish law required a father and mother to bring a stubborn and rebellious son to the town elders at the gate to be stoned to death (Deuteronomy 21:18-21), although it was never done and may have only been told to encourage children to behave. What did Jesus say about such children? He said, “They worship me in vain” (Matthew 15:9a). He makes not only a connection between a long physical life and obedience, but a long spiritual life as well. But where does this obedience begin: Deuteronomy 6:6-7 “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children.” And, Colossians 3:21 “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” Thus, parents are to model God’s commandments and thus impress them on their children without going overboard and embittering them. Parents may have been required to bring their children to the town elders in order that their parenting would also be on trail. Thus, parents are to be a check on each other. There are many external forces for self-control (police, employer, community) as well as internal motivation (fear of God), but too often today we scoff at their importance.

This story also exemplifies what happens when a person decides to take revenge: conflict escalates and more and more damage is done. Our first reaction when we are wronged is to get even. Revenge and jealousy are powerful emotions. James could have been talking about Samson when he wrote, “You lust and do not have; so you commit murder.” Isaiah says that Satan had such pride that he sought to usurp the very throne of God. Peter, in line with Christ’s teaching to turn the other cheek in Matthew 5:29, though, encourages us to pay back wrongs by praying for an offender. “If your enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: for you will heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward you.” (Proverbs 25: 21-22) We read a while back in Luke 9:54-56, “When James and John heard about it, they said to Jesus, ‘Lord, should we order down fire from heaven to burn them up?’ But Jesus turned and rebuked them.” And some texts have Jesus adding, “You don’t realize what your hearts are like. For the Son of Man has not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.”
Communism is based on the idea that if the evil system (specifically capitalism) is removed, then a perfect socialist man will emerge (as suggested by all other religions) – but such a person has never emerged, while democracy is based on the idea that no person (aka original sin) is safe without good checks and balances (that morality is in the community or culture, and not the individual). We each individually as well as a nation collectively (where our leaders must put the people first – unlike Samson) will fail in our destiny in the service of God without strong and godly allies. As for dating, we are reminded of the trap of being excited by another’s physically appearance rather than their character. This story also reminds us as parents that we can do our best and do everything “right” in raising our “miracle” children and still see them (despite even being given the Spirit of God as per v. 25) make wrong choices. In the end, of course, each person is responsible to God – no one makes it to heaven simply by having the right parents or the right education.

The miracles of Jesus are called “signs” by John in order to highlight the implication of the miracles (so that people might believe in Him and be saved) rather than the miracles themselves. The hour for revealing Himself as Messiah had not come by the time of the wedding feast and yet He is won over (it is assumed that His mother had never seen her son work a miracle and yet had formed a adequate idea of His power and goodness). Likewise, to have Christ join any marriage (and joy – wine is a symbol of joy, when the dry external ceremonies are not enough), He must be invited with prayer and petition while doing as He pleases. It is often suggested that this was not alcoholic wine as the term was used to refer to any grape drink. The beginning of Moses miracles was turning water into blood and the start of Christ’s was turning water into wine and this may suggest to us the difference between the Law of Moses and the Gospel of Christ.

His first public work that Jesus takes on as He went to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover (this was the first after His baptism, the second is in Luke 6:1, the third is in John 6:4, and the fourth and last is in John 11:55) was forcing the covetous priests and rules from the temple. Jesus was instead jealous for the holiness of God’s house (as fulfillment of the prophecy, “passion for God’s house burns within me”) and insists on a different priority for the temple. Jesus’ zeal consumes Him (just as the disciples recall Psalm 69:9) by bringing about His death for the world. Some believe that the differences in the stories of cleansing the temple (see Matt 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-16, and Luke 19:45-46) suggest there may have been two cleansings (with the second three years later being one of the direct causes of His death as per Mark 11:15-18). Malachi predicted that one would come to the temple to purify the religion of the nation (Mal 3:1-3). The first time, Jesus started a small stampede of the sheep and cattle and overturned the tables – the second time, Jesus’ attack was sharper and He called the temple area a “den of thieves” (Luke 19:46 as per Jer 7:11). With money to be made (and a high percentage was charged for changing coins), worship easily became corrupted. Today, while insisting that money and numeric attendance are not the church’s prime goals, Sunday’s revenue and turnout is frequently a church’s only reported measure of success.

Israel was ignorant of its own Messiah as John the Baptist said (1:26), “There stands One among you whom you do not know.” Thus, the Jews demanded some proof for His right to challenge the existing order (“Jews demand miraculous sings,” 1 Cor 1:22), but instead Christ foretells of His resurrection by His own power. As with His parables in the Synoptics, one purpose clearly seems to puzzle the hearers who opposed Him (in order that they ponder and hopefully perceive its significance). The cryptic statement “in three days I will raise it up” is explained in verse 21, “Jesus meant his body” which the disciples again remember after it occurs. A prophetic word is often understood only in retrospect. The Wedding scene reminds us that Israel will one day be wed to its God and at that time the wine of joy will run freely. In the mean time, we are warned of dead faith as empty professors are not to be trusted. While we only know what men do, Christ (who was called the “Searcher of hearts”) knows what is in them. Discernment is thusly not the execution of growing Christian maturity but the plagiarism of Godly insight. It is a responsibility of each Christian to provide an assurance of salvation for new believers, which should be based on both what we know as well as the insight and witness of Jesus Christ obtained through prayer.
Jim

======= John:

John 2
Random thoughts
Water into wine:
Bob talks about the distancing of Mary’s role from Jesus and the bountiful nature of God’s works.
-Mary was Jesus’s mother. Here he addresses her as “woman”. Not a derogatory term, but one clearly meant along with his question to her – to distance their relationship. His ministry had started and was to be on God’s timetable. To her credit, Mary backs off and leaves the initiative to Christ.
– The jars were not just filled, but filled to the “brim”. Jesus’ work produced 120 – 180 gallons of wine. Now that is bountiful.
Clears the Temple:
The money changers and sellers of spotless animals to sacrifice were connected (related) for the most part to the Temple priests. The priests got their cut. (I have to go back through a lot of notes to find the source on this). This probably added to the fury of Christ.
I often wondered why Bethlehem? Why was Jesus born there? Yes, I know it was in prophecy, but why that town? Besides the fact that Bethlehem means “House Of Bread” and Jesus was the “Bread of Life”, it was also David’s home area. Jesus is from the Line of David. In addition the water and grass were so good there and it is only seven miles from Jerusalem, that the spotless lambs that were sold in the Temple were raised there and taken to Jerusalem for sacrifice.
So is it ironic – or just a neat piece of the puzzle – that Christ who was the “Lamb of God” (the final sacrificial lamb) was born in the same town where all the other sacrificial lambs were raised?
Edersheim in The Life And Times Of Jesus The Messiah, in Book 2, Chapter 6
http://www.bible-truth.org/BirthPlaceofJesus.html
“Zeal for your house will consume me.”
It is often commented that this pertains to how Christ felt, and I believe this is true.
In addition, I also think you can look at it as the “zeal” the temple priests had for the temple – the law, the money made from the courtyards, their way of life revolving around the temple – kept them from seeing Christ as the Messiah. In the end, this “blindness” (zeal) would end in Christ’s crucifixion, and even though he was consumed (destroyed, killed)the glory is HE rose from the dead. (Perhaps a stretch, and it is my own thought.)
Lastly,
“many people saw the miraculous signs he was doing and believed in his name.But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. He did not need man’s testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.”
Why were these people not saved? They “believed in his name”. Yes, they believed with respect to his name – Jesus Christ – the messiah. Perhaps with head knowledge or emotion, but the criteria to be a Child of God (John 1:12-13)is to not only “believe in his name” – but to RECEIVE Him. Jesus knew what was in a man, and He knew they had not received Him.
John

======= Jan:

It all boils down to this…if you love ME, you will will obey Me & all else falls in line…the blessing instead of the curse. Although, with Job…he was a very righteous man tried & tested by the Lord to refine Job as pure gold, which will happen to all of us if we are true sons & daughters.
Jan

======= Tammy:

I am normally very slow to anger, but my husband and I are “trying” each other lately and I find myself getting angry over small things, then scheming in my mind. Ephesians 4:31 tells us to get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger. Last night I had to pray this verse before I slept and again today I will keep it and this Proverb in my heart. I won’t let the evil one control my mind, I will remember Jesus who gives me life to drive the thoughts away. A friend of mine said that scripture and evil thoughts couldn’t occupy her mind at the same time, there wasn’t enough room for both! A great reason to be in the word!
Tammy

======= John:

Judges 15-16
Samson lived a life all about him. He saw what he wanted, did what he wanted, and because He could( by God’s gift of power)- Samson thought it was his right to do as he pleased.
Samson seemed to think when he had his vengence, it was settled – finished. But the same rights Samson (wrongfully) thought he had – the Philistines also thought they had regarding Samson. The cycle of “the need for revenge” was never ended.
As Christians we are to forgive and let God settles the score. Although we are to forgive – it is not wrong to want justice – just let God handle the situation. There is never a hint of forgiveness in Samson – just as there was none in the Philistines.
======================================================
Samson finally recognizes God
Judges 15:18
“Because he was very thirsty, he cried out to the LORD, “You have given your servant this great victory. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?” NIV
Finally, Samson acknowledges God – that God gave him the victory. He lapses into an accusing state in the next words, but it is a start.
Samson judged (led) for twenty years. God allowed this hollow man, who was starting to change, to rule for twenty years – I believe – to keep the Philistines off the Israelites’ backs.
======================================================
Samson and Delilah
Like Israel though – Samson was still plagued by the “pleasure” of his eyes, and was in empty relationships. Just like Israel.
Bad choices, bad women, bad times. Samson was shallow and it was not his hair that gave him strength. His strength left him because the Lord left him.
So why is Samson listed in the Hall of fame of Faith in Hebrews?
I think the answer is in his prayer to the Lord at the end of Chapter 16.
Yes, he wanted revenge. Perhaps though for the first time it was not just for him, but for the mocking of the God of Israel.
Samson used the word “please” – perhaps in his degraded state Samson was now more humble and contrite before the Lord.
Samson asked for himself to die. Samson had never thought about death before – he considered himself invincible. Samson offerd the Lord his own life. Perhaps he is thinking he is no more worthy to live than the Philistines that are mocking the God of Israel.
I think Anka has it right – just like Samson had to die – we have to recognize our pitiful unworthy state and die to our previous lives and be regenerated in a new life through Jesus Christ.
Samson had served his purpose for twenty years of keeping the Philistines at bay from Israel through his strength and power (given by God). Now in a humble and contrite postion with the right heart – he had finally come to the Lord. God used Samson for judgment on those Philistines, and took Samson to be with Him.
God knew his heart – what is your heart like towards the Lord??????????
John

====== Linda:

Wow, this day is packed with interesting stories. Thanks for all the famous pictures you add. They are a nice touch. It helps me learn the names of famous artists that glorified God with their talent.
Linda

======== Alice:

I love the picture of the donkey’s jawbone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alice

======= Jane:

Psslms 103 yes our God is s merciful God although if we keep
On deliberately sinning there will be no sacrifice left for sin (Hebrews 10:26). And every knee will bow and each person will give account of everything. That’s why it’s best to
Daily confess our sins. We want to come blameless before our Lord.
Jane

Judges 13:1-14:20 + John 1:29-51 + Psalm 102:1-28 + Proverbs 14:15-16
~ 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 begin reading four chapters about Samson, the last of the judges.  You’ll notice that the author of Judges often compares the story of Samson’s birth and life with the story of Israel.  Samson was a Nazirite, which meant he could drink no alcohol, could not cut his hair, and could have no contact with the dead.  I found it interesting that Samson’s mother was commanded by the angel in Judges 13 today to not drink any alcohol during her pregnancy.  Obviously this is important for health reasons, but also it seems it is important because Samson was a Nazirite – whose life began in his mother’s womb.

Judges chapter 13 verses 19 & 20 are awesome to consider – “Then Manoah took a young goat and a grain offering and offered it on a rock as a sacrifice to the LORD. And as Manoah and his wife watched, the LORD did an amazing thing. As the flames from the altar shot up toward the sky, the angel of the LORD ascended in the fire. When Manoah and his wife saw this, they fell with their faces to the ground.”

Interesting story today about Samson & the lion!  Pretty gross that he ate the honey made in the lion’s carcass on the way to his wedding!  🙂   You’ll note in our readings of Samson that he is drawn to Philistine women, which was against God’s law and the Philistine’s were Israel’s enemies then.  Hence, his parents did not approve of the marriage early in chapter 14.  Okay – back to the lion, and verses 5 & 6 – “As Samson and his parents were going down to Timnah, a young lion attacked Samson near the vineyards of Timnah. At that moment the Spirit of the LORD powerfully took control of him, and he ripped the lion’s jaws apart with his bare hands. He did it as easily as if it were a young goat. But he didn’t tell his father or mother about it.”

New Testament – I absolutely love John chapter 1 verse 29 – “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”  Do you believe Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world?

Verses 45 & 46 I find so truthful, along with Nathanael’s reply being amusing – but mostly Nathanael’s reply demonstrates how very humble of a background Jesus came from – “Philip went off to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.” “Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from there?”  Are we ever like Nathanael – having preconceived notions about places or things or maybe even Jesus?  Can we leave our preconceived notions about things behind us and move forward in the spirit of truth, particularly when it comes to Jesus and who He is?

Bible.org’s commentary on John chapter 1 titled “The Witness of John” is at this link and commentary titled “The First Disciples” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 102 is a great reminder to us on the importance to pray. To bring our troubles to the Lord. Psalm 102 can also definitely be a comfort for us during a time of sorrow.  I love the reminder about God in verse 27 (which Hebrews also reminded us of today in the verses above…) – “But you are always the same; your years never end.” God does not change.  He is perfectly consistent.  We are oftentimes inconsistent.  But, our inconsistencies do not change God’s consistency.  He is always the same – yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever.  God is the one sure thing in life that you can count on – forever.

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 14 verse 16 is a bit convicting for me – “The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with great confidence.”  As I look at my life I think that I often plunge ahead with great confidence…  and recently I was called out on this – wisely I think.  I do see the wisdom of being cautious and avoiding danger.  But, I also think that we shouldn’t avoid some risks of failure – particularly when it comes to God’s Kingdom work…  but…  I do see that it is foolish to plunge ahead only with great confidence.  We should only move forward with God. In addition to being convicted by this verse, I also found myself singing some Elvis when closing my Bible today…  “Wise men say, only fools rush in….”  🙂

Worship Video:  Today’s readings reminded me of the song “Way Maker:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kBvpS3z9Qo

Do you know our Way Maker God? Click here to meet Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that Jesus has taken away your sins through your faith in his life, death on the cross for your sins, and his resurrection. Pray that you have repented from your sins and have left them at the Cross.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on this Proverb reflection today, how about you?  Are you cautious and do you avoid danger?  (maybe too cautious sometimes?)  Or, do you plunge ahead with great confidence?  With too much confidence?  Is this foolish?  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:

Judges 13:1-14:20

In verses three through five in the 13th chapter of Judges it seems, Mike, in my understanding of the text in the NLT, and I went to other translations also, except in the Message translation, Manoah’s wife is told before she is to become pregnant that she is to either cease from consuming unclean food, or not eat any at all, as well as eating/drinking fruit from the vine. Reading this brought to mind the words spoken to Jeremiah in the first chapter,

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. (Jeremiah 1:5 KJVR)

The implication here is that conception begins in the mind of God and not at the moment of conception. That is way DEEP!

In also reading about Samson, I wonder if his family rehearsed within his hearing the calling upon his life? Did they tell him of the circumstances of his birth; and if they did, did he think they were just some crazy nuts who gave birth to him in their old age? The fact that he killed the lion, ate the honey out of the carcass of a lion, and didn’t tell them may mean that had warned him, told him about the laws governing his life.

I’m wondering if Samson was a little arrogant and impressed with his own “press” because of his strength. Did he not understand that who he was and what he was able to do came from God? Did he think he was “all that?” When he turned in to see the state of the lion, while going to his wedding, was it to see his handiwork. Knowing that human nature and our tendencies to “dance” at the goal line when we make a big score is not a new phenomena, leads me to think Samson was not very humble, like Moses. Which begs the question, Am I like Samson?

Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Robert:

Yes Ramona, I think we have a little of Samson in all of us.

Judges 13 – 14
Samson

In the Samson story my NIV commentary asks the reflective question about what might people say of me, “Oh, what I might have been!” Or “I made the best of my abilities?” I have to look to God in those times and realize that He has used my life for good. Great lesson and I can thankfully and continually appreciate the relationship I have with God.

John 1: 39
Time for a Retreat.

“…So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him.” I just love this verse. Here Jesus gives us an invitation to spend the day with him. Sometimes I need to satisfy that curiosity myself. I can ask where do I fit Jesus into my life, where will I find him, do I honesty belong? Hopefully that will generate the same response we see in the disciples. Enthusiasm, energy, passion, ideas, motivation and hope in telling others.

Psalm 102: 18

“Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord.”
The Psalm gets personal here. It gives me the reassurance that God was thinking about me when He gave us these wonderful words. I can use them in my life as I join in the Epic journey and praise Him.

Robert

====== Luch:

======= Jim:

We’ve already read about Israel’s increasing apostasy (the slow abandonment of faith) that led to attacks from both the Ammonites and the Philistines, then another Ammonite oppression, and now a second Philistine oppression in the south (so long and great this time as to even threaten the very existence of Israel as a separate people) with the story of Samson closing the chapter in history of Israel during the period of the judges. When we think of Samson, we think of physical strength and spiritual weakness (despite a godly rearing). One of his first blunders was to crave a woman from an enemy nation (Philistine) against the advice of his parents (parental permission sounds ludicrous today, huh?). Tricked, a furious Samson ends up leaving the marriage feast on a 23-mile journey to obtain the clothing through murder to pay off his foolish wager. Samson’s angry departure surely confused his bride’s parents who marry her off to another. Samson’s story is one of self-indulgence and poor choices for companionship. Samson’s casual attitudes towards spiritual things was again demonstrated by his casual scooping of honey from the lion carcass when all Nararites were forbidden to even “go near” a dead body (Num. 6:6).

The Daily Bible Study explains that Nazarite (pronounced naw-zeer, meaning separated or consecrated) was used to indicate someone who was separated from the general population and consecrated to God. Although Samson is the first Nazirite specifically mentioned in the Bible, there are general references made at the time of Moses. The Nazirite vow included no products of grape, uncut hair (after shaving it all off), and no contact with the dead “until the time is completed for which he separates himself to the Lord.” While Samson died still living his vow (as did John the Baptist), most cases were usually only for 1-3 months (as Paul does in Acts 18:18 and 21:22-26). A Nazirene, though, should not be confused with a Nazarene, which was a sect of Jews practicing a Messianic form of Karaite Judaism as given in the Torah (Paul is referred as a ringleader of the Nazarene Jews in Acts 24:5). Some believe that all the first Apostles and Christ had already taken the Nazirite vow (and that Paul was taking it later after becoming an Apostle) as well as did all male followers of the time. Mike comments that Samson as a Nazirite could not cut his hair and this could also explain why Christ and his peers are likewise commonly depicted as having long hair while the normal Jew was (before and after) commanded to keep short hair (as per Ezekiel 44:20 and I Corinthians 11:14).

“The angel of the Lord” here is yet again a divine self-manifestation of God that speaks as God, identifies Himself with God, and claims to exercise the prerogatives of God (see 16:7-14; 21:17-21; 22:11-18; 31:11, 13; Ex. 3:2; Judg. 2:1-4; 5:23; 6:11-24; 13:3-22; 2 Sam. 24:16; Zech. 1:12; 3:1; 12:8). The angel of the Lord first appears in Genesis 16:7. If this was actually God, why is He called an angel (root meaning of messenger)? Many OT passages state that this angel is God (for example, Hagar in Gen 16:13 and Jacob in Gen 48:15-16) and in Exodus 3:2-6, the phrase “the angel of the Lord” is used interchangeably with “the Lord,” which claims outright, “I am the God of your father…” The real clincher, though, is Exodus 23:20-23 when the Israelites were warned to obey his angel “since my Name is in him.” This angel has the power to give life (Gen 16:10), to see and know all (Gen 16:13; Ex 3:7), forgive sin (Ex 23:21), and perform miracles such as keeping a burning bush from being consumed (Ex 3:2), smiting Egypt with plagues (Ex 3:20), calling forth fire on rock to consume the meal set for Him (Judges 6:21), and now ascending the flame of the alter (Judg 13:20). Jewish literature says the fight with Jacob was with an angel of Esau named Samael (who is today worshiped by many Gnostics as a misguided “blind god” in Satanic fashion as a professed enemy of Yahweh), others, like Jerome, suggest it was only an episode of earnest prayer, some today suggest it only a classic myth of gods fighting heroes, although Hosea 12:4 clearly describes the antagonist as an angel. The final support for all of this being the pre-incarnate appearance of the second person of the Trinity is that the Angel of the Lord ceases to appear after the incarnation.

John’s Gospel gives us the Names that prove Christ is the Messiah. Yesterday, we read that He is the Word, the Light, the Son of God, and the Christ. Today, we read that He is also the Lamb of God, King of Israel, and the Son of Man. The title of Son of Man comes from Daniel 7:13-14 and every Jew knew it described God. Christ also alludes to “Jacobs ladder” from Genesis 28:10-17 as He is God’s ladder between earth and heaven, revealing God to men and taking men to God. When he says in 1:35 “two of his disciples” he is likely referring to Andrew (as per 1:40) and to himself since he painstakingly endeavors to conceal his own name. And they heard Him and understood their master’s meaning to follow. While it was suggested by Proverbs today to be cautious, delays can also be dangerous and, in this case, even fatal. If you would wish to also follow Jesus, you will not find him amongst worldly affairs or pleasures, but in His temple, treasures of wisdom and knowledge enriching others, wherever two or three are gathered in His name, and in the humble spirit.

When Nathanael asks if any good thing could come from Nazareth, he is likely implying that he expected to hear Bethlehem to be the birth-place of the messiah. Philip says to come and see. While so many suggest that a Christian faith is a blind faith, no history has ever published so many external (as well as internal) proofs of authenticity as the “good book” has. John took every opportunity that offered to lead people to Christ. The strongest and most prevailing argument with an awakened soul to follow Christ, is, that it is he only who takes away sin. Nathanael represented the godly Israelite who responded at the very first evidence that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Observe the objection Nathanael made. All who desire to profit by the word of God, must beware of prejudices against places, or denominations of men. The best way to remove false notions of religion, is to make trial of it. “Only simpletons believe everything they are told!”

Messiah is the Hebrew that in Greek is translated as Christ, both meaning the Anointed One. In the OT, three people were anointed, the prophet, priest, and king while Jesus is the fulfillment of all three. Note that the Passover “Lamb of God,” (Ex 12:3) is combined with the scapegoat of the Day of Atonement (Lev 5:16) bearing Israel’s sin typologically—a reference to universal atonement. While John was superseded by Jesus (“He was before me”), why did John say he did not know Him as Mary and Elizabeth were relatives (Luke 1:36)? While nothing is known concerning any childhood contacts, John did not know Jesus was the coming One until He was revealed by the Father. John had been told by God that the sign of the dove would mark the person as the One who would baptize by that same Holy Spirit. Cleansing by water is one thing, but the cleansing produced by the Spirit is of another whole order. 50 days after Passover at Pentecost (the only Jewish holiday on a Sunday), the baptism with the Holy Spirit birthed the church age.

What is meant in the last line of angles ascending and descending on the Son of Man? It is obvious (only to those reading the King James Version with its he and ye) that Jesus is changing his audience from just Nathanael to at least the whole group of four disciples. John is probably making more than just reference to Jesus as the stairway to heaven from Genesis 28:12 since he says “you shall see heaven open,” suggesting the descent of the Spirit at Jesus’ baptism as well as the divine presence in the upcoming miracles of Christ (to which they each responded with commitment). John will pick up this theme again in 14:12 when he indicates that the presence of the Spirit in the believer will make him or her into even more of a window into heaven.

Two features of the millennial kingdom stand out in Psalms 102: that Jerusalem will be restored and that the entire world will worship the Lord. Though we are frail, in pain, lonely, tired, and rejected, yet Jesus lives, and thus all is secure, for he hath said, Because I live ye shall live also.
Jim

======= John:

John 1
Nathaniel and Thomas
Bookends in the Gospel of John
Both doubters – Christ revealed himself to both.
One through the mind, the other through His resurrected body.
Both declared Christ’s deity.
The apostles did great things, but perhaps the key to our doing greater things is that we Believe first, then we see the Hand of God in our lives, as he works through us to His glory.
John

======= Jan:

I understand that everything that happens to us then & now is first sifted though His hands…sometime I forget that He is in control at all times & when I do remember it…it is very comforting even though it may be painful…the big word is TRUST in the good times & the bad!!!
Jan

======= Vance:

Note this about Samson from the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia:
“(3) He also prayed, and Yahweh answered him, though in judgment (Judges 16:30).
But he was prodigal of his strength. Samson had spiritual power and performed feats which an ordinary man would hardly perform.
But he was unconscious of his high vocation. In a moment of weakness he yielded to Delilah and divulged the secret of his strength. He was careless of his personal endowment.
He did not realize that physical endowments no less than spiritual are gifts from God, and that to retain them we must be obedient.
(4) He was passionate and therefore weak. The animal of his nature was never curbed, but rather ran unchained and free. He was given to sudden fury.
Samson was a wild, self-willed man. Passion ruled. He could not resist the blandishments of women. In short, he was an overgrown schoolboy, without self-mastery.”
NOTE:
Yet, with all of this, it is an amazing testament to God’s grace these two (2) facts:
FACT 1. The Angel of the Lord appeared to Samson’s parents, to confirm God’s covenant with His unfaithful people
Judges 13 (NKJV)
2
Now there was a certain man from Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren and had no children.
3
And the Angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “Indeed now, you are barren and have borne no children, but you shall conceive and bear a son.
21
When the Angel of the LORD appeared no more to Manoah and his wife, then Manoah knew that He was the Angel of the LORD.
22
And Manoah said to his wife, “We shall surely die, because we have seen God!”
Note that the New King James Version (as well as the Amplified Bible and other versions) calls this angel the “Angel of the Lord” with a capital “A”. This means that this “Angel” was in fact God. This means that many scholars feel this is the pre-incarnate Lord Jesus before He came to earth as Savior. For only one being in history has ever appeared as man and God at the same time.
Jesus is, and has always been, the One through Whom God has established His promises and His covenant.
2 Corinthians 1 (NKJV)
20
For all of the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
FACT 2: Note this quote from the above commentary on Samson: “In short, he was an overgrown schoolboy, without self-mastery.”
Even with Samson’s issues of spiritual and moral immaturity, God still placed Samson in the list of one of the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11.
Is not it amazing that the living God is willing to take a chance on you and I—fickle human beings redeemed by the Lord Jesus—so He could accomplish His will on the earth so other fickle humans can see and experience God’s grace for themselves?
Psalm 31 (NIV)
19
How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men those who take refuge in you.
Psalm 31 (NKJV)
19
Oh, how great is Your goodness, You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men!
Vance

======= Jennifer:

OT
lol found Samsons story so interesting forgot to stop reading
NT
I love that verse too John1:29
yes Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world thank you Jesus. He sacrificed himself for us.
i dont think there are many times when He is described as the son of Joseph. I learnt the other day that Jesus’ favourite nickname for Himself was Son of God
Psalms
God is the one thing in life that I can count on forever. that is awesome!!
Proverbs
great song by elvis and very true what he said
Jennifer

======= John:

John 1:35-51
Disciples
A person hears something about Jesus and decides to seek him out – find out more about Him. the invitation from Christ is the same as with Andrew and the other man.
‘Come, and you will see.’
A person is being drawn by God, and will eventually be given the opportunity by Christ the same as Philip.
“Follow me”
In both cases it is Come and learn – the question is what will YOU do with that opportunity – if an unbeliever will you read through John and become a believer – if a believer will you learn enough from God’s Word to desire to become a true disciple of Christ?????
I find it interesting that Christ has no problem revealing himself to people with the right heart. It is true with Nathaniel, and will be true throughout this gospel. Do you have the right heart?????
Remember, these men were nothing special. You do not have to change your life to discover Jesus – the invitation is to come as you are – in all your sins. Once you become a “beleiver” God will deal with and manage your transformation.
======================================================
Nathaniel and Thomas
Bookends in the Gospel of John
Both doubters – Christ revealed himself to both.
One through the mind, the other through His resurrected body.
Both declared Christ’s deity.
The apostles did great things, but perhaps the key to our doing greater things is that we Believe first, then we see the Hand of God in our lives, as he works through us to His glory.
======================================================
Ladder Reference
I struggled with this until I read Ray Stedman’s explanation.
“Jesus said to Nathanael, “You are going to understand that dream when you learn of me. You will learn that I am the way to God for man, and the way for God to reach man. I am the link, the mediator, who spans the gulf between God and man.” – Ray Stedman
John

======= Rita:

I was tracking with you until you made the Elvis comment… Just kidding! But thanks for the laugh!
Seriously the reading today was great… I’ve just returned from a week long ministry training-retreat. I am still trying to process all that God has shown me and spoken into my life over the last week it was intense to say the least! Before I plunge into work/ministry……God’s beens speaking to me about making rash promises and or comittments. Guiding me to “count the cost”. Today’s proverb reinforces that for me…
Thanks for you faithfulness… asking God to bless you big time!
Rita

======= Mae:

My favorite today (everybody’s favorite today???) John 1:29 “Look! There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” ~ Yes!!! Jesus is the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world! We have this song in church that’s called “Jesus, Lamb of God”. I love that song! I think you all know that song, right? Oh hold on … come to think of it, I think the name of the song is “All in All”.
You are my strength when I am weak
You are the Treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking you as a precious Jewel
Lord, to give up I’d be a fool
You are my all in all
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is your name
Taking my sin, my cross my shame
Rising again, I bless your name
You are my all in all
When I fall down you pick me up
When I am dry you fill my cup
You are my all in all
I am very cautious, I try to avoid danger. I have been a ‘fool’ (talking in Elvis’ language lol) many many many times in the pastand I want to make lots of those wrongs right. That’s what I love most about Proverbs, it talks about wise men and the foolish. It’s very black & white, that’s how I understand it best. That’s how I can learn how I want it and how I don’t. I do have great confidence in God and in myself, I know what I want and what I don’t want. I have accomlished a lot with God’s help. But besides all the confidence I have, I still am cautious. I trust the Lord … and I trust that He gave me a good set of brains, so I can make my own decisions, without being a fool!
Mae

======= Terriann:

Today we read about Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathaniel coming to Jesus. Much is said about these guys and their lack of faith and understanding but here at least they got it right. They left everything to follow Jesus and they didn’t have the benefit of the New Testament all written out for them like we have! I am pretty impressed by this act of faith.
Ps. 102 reminded me of some good advice I received from a pastor many years ago. That is when you find yourself over your head and starting to drift, go back to what you know for sure and proceed from there. That is just what the psalmist did when he was in a desperate situation and desperate for answers. He said, “But You, O LORD, sit enthroned forever.” I have been there, where I don’t know which end is up. It is times like that when all I can do is say, “Jesus loves me this I know…” There is solid ground in this kind of knowledge.
Terriann

======= Lily:

Sometimes(or maybe most of the time) we tend to rely on our strength (like Samson) or so confident of our capabilities without realizing that everything is from God.
Jesus called His disciples from ordinary people who dropped everything and follow Him. Often it is hard to leave our comfort zone to follow Jesus and His teachings.
Psalm 102 is a great prayer for us when we find ourselves in trouble. God is always and will always be there for us if we call upon Him (through prayer). Although not all my prayers are answered, I feel assured that God has His time and reasons for unanswered prayers. Mind you, He has answered a lot of my prayers. Praise God.
Lily

======= James:

YES! YES! When John saw Him and said “Look Lamb of God who take away the sin of the world John 1:29. BELIEVE THIS VERSE!
James

======= Joyce:

Mike and everyone,
I read in “A Prayer of the Afflicted: A Study of Psalm 102
BY JASON JACKSON”, in Christian Courier.
really encourages me, share some points that Jackson wrote (all verses from NLT):
*God is above time and its inherent problems (12).
12 But you, O Lord, will sit on your throne forever.
Your fame will endure to every generation.
*God is a being of mercy and pity (13).
13 You will arise and have mercy on Jerusalem —
and now is the time to pity her,
now is the time you promised to help.”
*God is trustworthy; therefore, he will fulfill his promises (14-16).
14 For your people love every stone in her walls
and cherish even the dust in her streets.
15 Then the nations will tremble before the Lord.
The kings of the earth will tremble before his glory.
16 For the Lord will rebuild Jerusalem.
He will appear in his glory.
*God hears our prayers, cares when we hurt, and will act on behalf of his people (17, 19, 20).
17 He will listen to the prayers of the destitute.
He will not reject their pleas.
19 Tell them the Lord looked down
from his heavenly sanctuary.
He looked down to earth from heaven
20 to hear the groans of the prisoners,
to release those condemned to die.
*God can encourage later generations through the help he gives his people today. (18)
18 Let this be recorded for future generations,
so that a people not yet born will praise the Lord.
*When God renders help, men will praise and serve him (21-22).
21 And so the Lord’s fame will be celebrated in Zion,
his praises in Jerusalem,
22 when multitudes gather together
and kingdoms come to worship the Lord.
*God is the Creator (25)
25 Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth
and made the heavens with your hands.
*God is eternal, and he is not subject to the vicissitudes of life (26-27).
26 They will perish, but you remain forever;
they will wear out like old clothing.
You will change them like a garment
and discard them.
27 But you are always the same;
you will live forever.
Praise God,
Joyce

======= Patsy:

Mike I’ve been with you since you started this wonderful ministry. I’ll continue to stay with you as you continue. Your daily blog is a blessing and I learn so much from it. Thank youy.
Patsy

======= Dee:

I agree with Patsy, I have been with you since just about the very beginning. I adore this ministry and love the blog and added commentary about the story. It helps with comprehension and allows u to chew on it a little bit. Love it
Dee

Judges 11:1-12:15 + John 1:1-28 + Psalm 101:1-8 + Proverbs 14:13-14
~ 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 read about Jephthah and his daughter – and the related vow.  It is interesting to note that some Biblical scholars do not think that Jepthah actually killed his daughter, but that she simply died a virgin, as verse 38 says.  However… verse 38 also says he kept his vow. Keep in mind that oftentimes the Bible reports “just the facts,” which does not necessarily mean the “facts” or actions of what us humans did was pleasing in God’s sight.  Human sacrifice was not part of God’s laws or plans.  It is clearly forbidden in Leviticus chapter 20 verses 1-5 and in Leviticus chapter 18:21 – ” ‘Do not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.”

New Testament – I am so excited that we are starting the Gospel of John today!! I won’t necessarily say that it is my favorite Gospel – because all 4 are amazing. But, I will say that John is different from the other 3. If by chance you felt like reading Luke these past few weeks has gotten repetitive when compared to Matthew and Mark, hang in there! John is different. Beautifully different. John Chapter 15 is definitely one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. I cannot wait to read it again! I actually have a powerful personal story to share with you all about John Chapter 15. I’ll do so either in a future email or on the blog when we get to this chapter.

I have a feeling there are probably a few folks who have dropped off the One Year Bible readings over this past few months. I’d like to invite you to jump back in and join us now as we’re beginning John and will soon be starting Ruth. These are 2 great books for you to start back up with us again!

One thing I’ll recommend to everyone, if you have a chance this next week, is to watch the movie “The Gospel of John”. Have you seen it? It is incredibly well done. It was released in theaters on a limited basis a few years ago, and I was fortunate enough to have caught it in the theater. It is a 3 hour movie that goes word-for-word through the Gospel of John, based on the Good News Bible translation. Or, perhaps you’ll want to read the Biblical text first and then watch the movie later. Either way. I definitely recommend this film. You can watch it on Amazon for free if you have Prime.

The Gospel of John
Author: John
Place: Ephesus
Date: A.D. 85-96
Content: The Gospel of John was written many years after Jesus’ death and resurrection by the apostle John so that those who read it might believe in Christ and thus have life through his name. John begins with a prologue unique to this Gospel where Jesus’ preexistent life with the Father is depicted to show that Jesus was not simply a great man, but God. Miracles of Jesus as well as many of Jesus’ teachings not found elsewhere are then described. A long section in John chapters 14 through 17 describes Jesus’ teaching to his apostles before his death. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, special place is given to Jesus’ appearance to his apostles.
Theme: The Gospel of John more than any other Gospel stresses the deity of Christ and provides us with an interpretation of his life. He is explained in figurative terms as light, truth, love, good shepherd, the door, the resurrection and the life, living water, true bread, and more. The beautiful material found in John chapters 14 through 17 shows the deep love of Jesus for the believer and the peace that comes from faith in Christ. (Above commentary is from “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 22-23) Great commentary on John by Bob Deffinbaugh at bible.org is at this link: https://bible.org/seriespage/1-john-man-and-his-gospel 

Bible Project:  Here is a terrific video overview of the Gospel of John:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-2e9mMf7E8

Today in John Chapter 1 verse 14 we read – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  Do you believe that Jesus is the Word John is referring to?  What does this mean to you that the Word became flesh?  Do you believe that Jesus was born into this world both fully divine and fully human (yet sinless)?  Why would God send Jesus, full of light, grace and truth into the world?  Why was this necessary?

Today in John Chapter 1 verses 10 & 11 we read – “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.”  Do you believe that the world was made through Jesus?  Do you believe the world is Jesus’ own?  Have you ever gone through periods in your life where you have not recognized Jesus for who he truly is? ( I know that I have) Have you gone through periods of your life where Jesus has come to you and you did not receive him? ( Again, I know that I have) As you read through the Gospel of John this year will you prayerfully read it?  Will you ask God to reveal to you through John’s Gospel who Jesus really is? And will you ask God to make Jesus more known to you this year than ever before? Do you believe this is possible – for you to know Jesus more this year than in your prior years?  Do you believe the Gospel of John and prayer can help you to truly know Jesus more?

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings in John today titled “What Child is This?” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 101 is a great Psalm of David today! Great verses, all of them.  I like verse 3 – “I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.” This seems to be a bit tougher and tougher to adhere to in our modern world where pornography is getting more and more into the mainstream.  But, it is such a beautiful and true Psalm of David for us to adhere to!  Do you refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar?  Do you avoid watching TV shows, reading magazines or papers, or going to see movies where you know you’ll end up looking at things vile & vulgar?  Don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying avoid watching all TV, reading all mags & papers or avoid all movies.  I’m just saying that there are some of these forms of media that we know in advance that what they “sell” us will be vile and vulgar.  Why would we “buy” that garbage?  Refuse to look at it.  Don’t give it one inch of power over you!  (or your kids!)

A portion of verse 2 stood out to me today – “I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.” This is powerful. How often do we have integrity outside of our home – but then not display integrity within our own home? Think this is healthy? Should we strive for leading a life of integrity within our own home?

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 14 verse 13 teaches us today: “Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.” This is an interesting look at laughter!

Worship Video:  Today’s readings remind me of For King and Country’s song “Fix My Eyes:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Lol1tOMR3Y

Where are your eyes fixed these days? Click here to fix your eyes!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” John 1:1-3 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you personally are in relationship with the Word, Jesus. Pray that you know that Jesus is the eternal Alpha and Omega, first and last Word of all things. Pray for those that you know who are not in relationship with Jesus, that they will come to know the Word made flesh.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Some say laughter is the best medicine… and oftentimes I agree.  But, this Proverb tells us that laughter may not always heal a heavy heart…  Perhaps something more than laughter is needed when we have a heavy heart?  Perhaps – God is needed?  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:

Judges 11-12:15
What jumped out at me today, in this book that records that “every man did that which was right in his own eyes (21:25),” was the reversal of relationships in doing what was evil. Yesterday and Thursday we read about Abimelech, son of Gideon, aka, Jerubbaal, the illegitimate son, killing his seventy brothers, save but one, and ruling or judging as a political judge, not a spiritual one. Today we have the legitimate sons of Gilead not killing but forcing out the illegitimate son, their half-brother. Is it just me but has anyone notice that the judges have moved from have any kind of spiritual influence to just plan brut force? It seems God is using them in spite of themselves.

I am only guessing as to why they didn’t kill him but it could have been that he was a “great warrior,” and with all great warriors they usually have a “posse.” Regardless of illegitimacy or legitimacy I saw that the perversion of God’s commands and wickedness does not dwell in a particular family, neighborhood or person. We sometimes try to compartmentalize “sin” by giving deference to a particular time, place, space and people as being sinless. Folks run from neighborhood to neighborhood, state to state looking for “good” places and communities which to raise their young, when in reality the danger that we think dwells without, really resides within.

Each one did what was right in his own eyes implies that what everyone else did was wrong, but what I do is right. This sets up the individual as his or her own god. So even though we read in this book about Israel swinging from god to God, like a trapeze artist swinging from bar to bar, the gods they really served were the gods of their own self interest, the gods that lived in their hearts.

Are we guilty of serving our own gods and calling them something else, swinging from bar to bar, from god to God thinking we are safe because the mercy of God has formed a net underneath us? If the net or when the net is removed, do we cry out to God, “Where were You? When in reality we were grabbing for the wrong trapeze.

John 1:1-28
What I absolutely love about this Gospel is the image of light and True light, and the juxtaposing of truth with non-truth. This passage mentions that John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin and elder by birth by six months, proclaimed the “Light” that was Christ and gave testimony validating that Light.

8 John himself was not the light; he was only a witness to the light. 9The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was going to come into the world.

Take note if the writer is distinguishing between true light, know for certain there is a false one, in other words it illuminates to a point but leaves many things in the shadows.

What light am I serving? Do I need to get rid of a dimly lit bulb I’m calling the revelation of God? Thoughts that make one do some soul searching.

Psalm 101:1-8
Mike, in the King James Version verse three reads,

I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

Maybe the KJV and NKJV can be understood clearer this time and with this verse. The NLT using, “I will refuse to look at” leaves us helpless in keeping outside forces from passing before us. We would have to go into a cave or put our eyes out to stop the onslaught of smut that comes before our eyes just walking down the street. Working in a college it’s not so much as what some folks are wearing that comes before my eyes, but what they aren’t wearing.

The King James talks about us placing something wicked before our very own eyes. Now if something wicked this way comes propelled by a human being that we have no control over, that’s one thing, but if we stop and stare at it then we are setting “it” before our eyes.

Proverbs 14:13-14

Laughter may conceal a heavy heart, just think of all the stand-up comics and comedians through the ages who are bitter, hurting people, but surly laughter that proceeds from a merry heart brings healing. (Proverbs 15:13;17:22). The key is the state of the heart. If the heart is merry then the laughter is legitimately flowing from the inside. But only God knows what is really in the heart of a person.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

======== Pat:

The Scripture in Judges 11 is very disturbing to me because I believe that the Bible says what it means and means what it says. Therefore, I believe that the daughter of Jephthah was offered as a burned sacrifice because Jephthah made that vow with God. The lesson here is that we are not and should not put ourselves in a position to barter with God. We are not to make deals with God that we will do something for Him if He does a particular favor for us. We are to dedicate ourselves to God on a daily basis and ask that His will be done in all that we do. We are not to try to buy his favors. Bartering means that what we have is equal to what He has so we will trade off so each of us will be justly rewarded. We can’t buy God because we have nothing to offer God that is as valuable as what God has to offer us. He is too great and we are too insignificant for that! We are just to love God and accept Him as our Savior and for that alone He will shower us with His blessings.

God Bless!
Pat

======== John:

====== Luch:

======= Fran:

Jephthah presented the arguments in his negotiations with the Ammonite king that Israel had not taken their land east of the Jordon from Ammon (but from the Amorites), that Israel had been given these possession by Yahweh, that Israel had taken none of Moab (as shown by Balak’s failure to fight), and if Ammon did have some prior claim to Gilead, why had they waited 300 years to press it. The reference to Chemosh as giving them their land is intended to appeal to the king of Ammon, but it is implied that Yahweh is stronger than Chemosh (the use of the principal god of Moab is problematic because the Ammonite god is elsewhere said to be Molech, but both Moab and Ammon originated with Lot and both involved in hiring Balaam to curse Israel and so both may have been previously culturally and religiously unified) since Israel and not Ammon possessed the disputed land. Jephthah speaks not with confidence of his success (knowing how justly God might suffer the Ammonites to prevail for the further punishment of Israel) or of himself (since the Lord delivered them victory) but makes only the challenge of which God is greater.
Jephthah’s vow teaches that there may be remainders of distrust and doubting even in the hearts of true and great believers, our vows to God should express gratitude and not be as a purchase favor, we can become entangled by our vows and we must keep them no matter the outcome, all children should obediently and cheerfully submit to their parents. The same question is put to any who desire salvation by Christ: will you be willing to have Christ rule you? On no other terms will he save you. Jephthah, to obtain a little worldly honor, was willing to expose his life: shall we be discouraged in our Christian warfare by the difficulties we may meet with, when Christ has promised a crown of life to him that overcomes? We also are reminded here that no disputes are as bitter as those between brothers or rivals for honor and how quickly the scorned children of sin can become friends in need.
It is hard to say what Jephthah did in performance of his vow as to whether he really did offer up his daughter for a burnt offering to the Lord or only devoted her to perpetual virginity. At that time, perpetual virginity would have been considered as a great sacrifice (consider Samuel’s mom who gave him up to the church in exchange just not to be barren). She was the only child of Jephthah which meant there would be no grandchildren and no posterity. Human sacrifice in the days of Abraham (Gen 22:1-14) through Moses (Lev 18:21; 20:1-5; Deut 12:29-32; 18:9-12) and the consequences of the vow that “she knew no man” seems to imply that she was devoted to perpetual virginity. The joy of victory was suddenly turned to sorrow when Jephthah saw his daughter and remembered his vow. The lament then would have been that she died before bearing children.
Many others have long held, however, in accordance with his vow to provide a burnt offering to God that she was killed according to Canaanite practices (which Jephthah had previously embraced) and she literally died within two months. The Bible mentions Gahenna, which was a valley where ancient Jews used to also burn their children in worship (and later just burned their trash). In later periods there were additional incidents of human sacrifices among the Israelites (2 Kin 16:3; 17:17; 21:6; 2 Chr 33:6; Jer 7:31; 19:5; 32:35; Ezek 16:20, 21; Amos 5:25-27) even though these were never considered lawful. Human sacrifice was also practiced at various times among Israel’s neighbors (Lev 18:21; 20:2; 2 Kin 3:27).
That Christ was already in existence with God is what is meant by the term, “pre-existent Christ” and many suggest that when God walked with a person in the Old Testament that it must have been Christ (as John says, “No one had ever seen God”) referred to by the term, “Christophony.” Many would say the simplest reason why Christ is called the Word with that as our words explain our minds to others that Jesus was sent in order to reveal his Father’s mind to the world. We speak of the life and habits of animals as zoology and the accounts of men as biography. While animals have many things in command with mankind, only people lead lives controlled by intellect, creativity, free will, and morality. Passing from the thought of creation in general to mankind (with a special capacity for receiving the divine) with life being the light, the Word becomes light though the medium of spiritual life. Many say that they are Christians but will not part with their sins or have Him reign over them. As an American lives in America, a Christian lives in Christ. John the Baptist (different from any other in that the Spirit was with him from birth) came (figuratively as Elias) to bear witness concerning Jesus. Christ came after John, but in every other way He was before him. John formally renounces being either Christ or Elias, but he baptized the people as a profession of repentance as an outward sign of the spiritual blessings that awaited them from the baptism from the Messiah. John means with “of His fullness” that Christians receive whatever each requires for the perfection of his character and for the accomplishment of his work (compare John 15:15, 17:22). “I will be careful to live a blameless life… I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar… I will not endure conceit and pride… My daily task will be to ferret out criminals.”
Fran

======= John:

John 1:5
“The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” NIV
“understood” – “This word means that the darkness cannot get hold of the light, cannot appropriate it, cannot possess it, cannot apprehend it. The Apostle Paul asks, “What fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Cor 6:14). These are mutually exclusive: the moment you introduce one, the other has to flee. Darkness and light cannot exist together.” – Ray Stedman
What is needed is a witness to the light to enable man to understand what the light is and what it means – enter John the Baptist. john the Baptist is that witness.
John 1:12-13
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” NIV
vs 13
“Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” KJV
======================================================
Last Christmas, after hearing my testimony a childhood friend asked me if “born again” was in the Bible. I referred her to Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus. While that conversation says being “born again” (or from above)is required to enter the Kingdom of God, it does not lay out the criteria like John 1:12-13.
Received him – “lambano”
to take
1) to admit, receive
2) to receive what is offered
3) not to refuse or reject
4) to receive a person, give him access to one’s self
Believed in his name
The “in” here is “eis” and translates better “with respect to his name”.
His name is Jesus – Yeshua – or translated “Jehovah is Salvation”
The right to become – “exousia”
delegated power or authority
I like the KJV version of verse 13 better than NIV.
Children of God NOT by:
-bloodlines
-physical coupling of man/woman
-decision of man/woman to have a child.
“But born of God”
or since it is a second birth – born “again”.
So, take Him in, believe “Jehova is Salvation”, and you have the right bestowed by God to be born of God – a child of God.
The right and authority does not make you perfectly sanctified – it is the beginning of your “eternal life” (that is why you are refereed to as a “child). There will be many peaks and valleys in the road as God through the Holy Spirit molds and shapes you in Christ’s image. But regardless your salvation is secure – you are a co-heir to heaven.
Again this whole process is personal and between you and God. It is not done by bloodlines or some “easy decision”, or by anyone elses say-so.
It is YOU who must believe in and receive Christ.
John

======= Ramona:

Judges 11:1-12:15
In today’s reading in Judges, I couldn’t help notice how the treatment of Jephtah by his half-brothers, those that were his own, is similar to how Jesus was treated by His own in today’s Gospel reading,
He came unto his own, and his own received him not. (John 1:11 KJV)
It wasn’t until he was needed that his folks called on him and that is so like what I use to do when I was in the “world.” “God I didn’t want to be bothered with you, but now I’m in trouble and I need some help. God if you are up there and if you will get me out of this, I will serve you.” Yeah sure until the next pit I fall in or trouble I get into.
Each and every time God’s people fall into despair because of their choices and call out to Him in sincerity and truth, God’s mercy and grace shows up, by way of a deliverer. But because the one that was sent was not His Son, Jesus, a multitude of rescuers, prophets, teachers show up but none could fully deliver until Jesus came, in the fullness of time.
Each and every judge in the Book of Judges, is a type of Christ; however, unlike Christ they were sinful and subject to uncontrolled passions and thus needed to be delivered themselves, from themselves.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. (John 1:1-11 KJV)
May we all recognize the True Light that Jesus brought into the world. May we not cover our eyes or hide from that Light. May we realize that His Light is the True Light and anything else is counterfeit
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Anka:

As I read today’s OT reading,it struck me just how much detail Jephthah knew about the journey Israel took from Egypt to Canaan,the reaction of the Kings of the Lands the passed through.He was exiled,yet he had heard about God,maybe feared him but he didn’t know God.He felt so honoured that God had sent him that he had to do something to please God.He never really took the time to find out what would God love…take for example his obedience.Nope he just wanted to give what he assumed God would like.I thought it was really strange that he would say “the first thing that comes out to greet me”becuase usually it’s the wife and/or the kids that run out to greet a guy who’s been gone for long.Well the way the scripture is written,it seems he really did sacrifice her.He had to choose between disobeying God or breaking the law,it was a lose/lose situation.God didn’t tell him not to carry it out like in Abraham’s case.This all struck home so powerfully that there is a price we pay for hearing about God,reading about God yet not knowing Him.I wonder if Jephthah is in Heaven,he murdered his daughter.God did use Jephthah to carry out His plan but I wonder if he got the well done pat on the back.Knowing the Lord is the only way to please God.I pray that I may trully know Him.
God bless you all
Anka

======= John:

Anka,
Hebrews 11:32
“And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets,” NIV
Jephthah made the honor roll of faith in Hebrews 11.
The story apparently is argued back and forth.
I am in the camp that knowing how God hated child sacrifices Deut 12:31 – that Jephtah did not sacrifice his daughter.
Biblical Hebrew can be difficult to translate, and this passage has key words with some assumptions built into the NIV translation. Some think he promised the first out of his tent to be dedicated to the Lord and he would offer up a burnt offering.
Regardless, the rest of the chapter does not read like the daughter is going to be sacrificed. It is all about bemoaning not going to be married, and when the vow was fulfilled the comment was “she knew no man” (KJV). No mention of death, just not getting married.
It seems unclear, but maybe the purpose is to not make rash vows to God (Eccl 5:2,4-5). This was his only child and if she remained a virgin there would be no grandkids. It was a rash promise to make God when he was already chosen by God (and he knew it). It would tear him up to forbear having grandkids, but at the least that was the result. At the least she led a life dedicated to the Lord – similar to a nun in the Catholic Church.
Lastly, if Jephthah had done child sacrifice, I would be very surprised to see him included with the other names in Hebrews 11.
Others may have different thoughts.
Also, “lament” in Judges 11:40. Have no idea why Hebrew word “tanah” is translated that way.
lexicon meaning: to recount, rehearse, tell again
and this is the only use of it as meaning “lament”.
Other translations have celebrate, commemorate, mourn, lament, etc. seems to run the gamut.
John

======= Oriane:

This is my first time reading the bible and the story about Jephthah and his daughter did strike me. I couldn’t believe at first that we went from animal sacrifices to human sacrifices, but I am with John on this one.
“…And she said to her father, Let this thing be done for me; let me alone two months, that I may go and wander upon the mountains and bewail my virginity, I and my companions….”Judges 11:37 (Amp)
Meaning of be•wail
Pronunciation: (bi-wāl’), [key]
—v.t.
to express deep sorrow for; lament: a little child bewailing the loss of her dog.
—v.i.
to express grief.
My question was why would she need to express grief for her virginity if she was going to die…instead she would have been expressing sorrow for the loss of her life”
It made more sense to me in the Amplified bible version when it said…”At the end of two months she returned to her father, who [a]did with her according to his vow which he had vowed. She never mated with a man. This became a custom in Israel…” Judges 11:39 (Amp.
Oriane

======= Anka:

Hmmm…yep that sure puts things in perspective for me cos the Jephthah issue really got me.Thanks John and Oriane.
Anka

======== John:

Gospel of John
Why was it written? John tells us is John 20:30-31
“Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” NIV
John’s writings of Jesus were not exhaustive, but what was written was written to convince you that:
-Chirst was Messiah (a man)
-Chirst was the Son of God (deity)
-that by believing His message you may have eternal life in His name.
His name – “Jehovah is Salvation”. Salvation is of God (Jehovah) not sacraments, rituals, money, works, or any other saint – it is of God.
Nowhere in any of the Gospels does Jesus ever speak of religion. That is a man-made institution. Jesus speaks of belief, of believing, of having faith – that is what salvation is about – “saving faith” an acknowledgement of your failings and of God’s plan, a belief in Christ, and a trust in God’s plan and a receiving of Jesus Christ in to your life.
If you are not a believer and have a problem with “religion” – that is a red herring – that is not the issue and is just an excuse to distance yourself from God. The issue is Faith – saving faith – and if you take God at His Word. Do you accept God’s Word or reject God’s Word?
This point will be pounded over and over in the Gospel of John.
======================================================
John 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” NIV
In verse 14 it is made clear that the Word is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ came to earth to tell us what was on God’s mind – He was God’s Word. God’s Work at this time was the plan of Salvation – that is what Jesus came to reveal to the World.
In this phrase are the concepts of Eternality, Trinity, and Deity.
If you have problems with the concept of Trinity. Join the club – we are not meant to understand it. An imperfect example might be:
The Ocean, a wave, and seaspray. If you think of Jesus as a specific wave – he is lesser than the ocean (the Father), made up of the same elements, had a build-up in His ministry, and expired on earth (shore), and then returned to the ocean (Father). Sea-spray, in an imperfect example of the Holy Spirit, is made up of the same elements,is all around the ocean (Father), and finds its way onto some of mankind.
======================================================
Jehovah Witnesses
Take John 1:1 and say the last part of the verse is:
‘and the Word was a god’.
I have looked at enough Greek sites and heard enough people negate this to know it is poppycock.
Dr. Bruce M. Metzger of Princeton (Professor of New Testament Language and Literature):
“A frightful mistranslation.” “Erroneous” and “pernicious” “reprehensible” “If the Jehovah’s Witnesses take this translation seriously, they are polytheists.”
But really all you need to do to know the JW’s are categorically wrong is look at John 1:3
“Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” NIV
Then go to Gen 1:1
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” NIV
[God here is Elohim (creator) which by the way is in the plural indicating an OT reference to the Trinity.]
Jesus is God. Jesus is the Creator. I may be wrong, but I think of it as the Father is the architect, Jesus the builder, and the Holy Spirit is the guardian and caretaker of all that is created.
John

======= Patricia:

I was so happy to also start the book of John. I started reading it, and then stopped. Then started over again reading it outloud. there is so much power in the words of this book.
When I think of Jephthah and his daughter it grips my heart. I do believe we are talking about “she will never know a man or carry a child.” I remember studing this years ago, and my studies took me to Gen. 3 and the promised Savior, She would never be the one to be in the linage of Chist. As we look back on the promise she looked forward to the promise. It was a real reproach not to have a child born of your womb.
In Christ,
Patrica

====== Sandra:

Amen. I enjoy this Bible Blog so much. GOD BLESS U MIKE , I pray….
Sandra

Judges 9:22-10:18 + Luke 24:13-53 + Psalm 100:1-5 + Proverbs 14:11-12
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Old Testament – Allright, I don’t know about you, but I’m seeing quite a bit of pride flowing around in Judges recently – particularly in today’s readings.  And we all know the old saying, “Pride goeth before the fall.”  And indeed we are seeing people fall after their prideful fits.  In fact, Satan himself was guilty of the sin of Pride.  He wanted to be equal with God.  He thought he was all that and a bag-o-chips.  But he ain’t.  Never will be.  So, maybe the saying in regards to Satan certainly is “Pride goeth before the Fall.”  And that’s Fall with a capital “F” unfortunately.

We saw Abimelech’s deadly pride in yesterday’s readings when he had killed 70 of Gideon’s sons – his half brothers – so that he could rule the people of Schechem.  Pride & Power.  Deadly combination then – and still is today.  We then read Jotham’s parable in yesterday’s readings and see that his words came true in today’s readings.  I am amazed at the depth of Abimelech’s sin of pride even in his dying moment when we read in chapter 9 verses 52 through 54 today: “Abimelech followed them to attack the tower. But as he prepared to set fire to the entrance, a woman on the roof threw down a millstone that landed on Abimelech’s head and crushed his skull. He said to his young armor bearer, “Draw your sword and kill me! Don’t let it be said that a woman killed Abimelech!””  Wow…  Now – don’t get me wrong.  I think for me to say that Abimelech was completely prideful and that I am not is the same sin – pride.  It would be prideful for me to put myself above Abimelech.  He’s not a lot different than we are today.  I think pride is something we all probably struggle with at some level or at some point in our lives.  I know I do.  We are all sinners.  And as I read about Abimelech in Judges today – or reflect upon Satan’s Fall – I realize that pride is a sin that we really must vigilantly watch our entire lives.  If we don’t, I think we can get blinded to the fact that we’re prideful – and we’ll say dumb things like “don’t let it be said that a woman killed (fill in your name as if you were to say this about yourself in the 3rd person, cuz that’s how you refer to yourself when you are prideful)!”  🙂  Pride kills…  let us pray for humility in our lives today.  God can redeem and heal us from our pride!

Even poor Gaal – who I think was trying to do the right thing fell prey to pride as we see in verse 29 today – “If I were in charge, I would get rid of Abimelech. I would say to him, `Get some more soldiers, and come out and fight!'””  Unfortunately, Gaal got his wish and it did not turn out well for him.  Pride goeth before the fall…   An image is below for verses 37 & 38 – “But again Gaal said, “No, people are coming down from the hills. And another group is coming down the road past the Diviners’ Oak.” Then Zebul turned on him triumphantly. “Now where is that big mouth of yours?” he demanded. “Wasn’t it you that said, `Who is Abimelech, and why should we be his servants?’ The men you mocked are right outside the city! Go out and fight them!”

New Testament – We finish up the Gospel of Luke today!  It’s been awesome to read through Luke again this year.  I hope it has been for you as well.   And tomorrow… the Gospel of John!  Yep, I’m excited.  John is just one of those books in the Bible that speaks to me on a spiritual level – at a level I fully can’t even consciously comprehend – every time I read it.  By the way, I do think this happens actually with any and all books of the Bible that we read.  I believe our spirit is fed in ways we do not even consciously realize when we read any and all portions of God’s Word.  But, somehow, when I read John, I know it’s happening!  Luke’s wrap-up is fantastic today…  Below is the artist Rembrandt’s oil painting “The Supper at Emmaus” from the year 1648:

The Road to Emmaus!  This is a phenomenal portion of the Bible.  I actually heard a sermon on this passage of the Bible not too long ago – just after Easter.  And the pastor said that each of us as Christians are journeying along the Road to Emmaus.  And Jesus is coming up to walk beside us.  He is with us.  And all too often we do not realize that Jesus is with us!  Our eyes are not opened.  The pastor encouraged us to open our eyes – through prayer, reading God’s Word, and reflection on God’s Word – and realize that Jesus is journeying on the road to Emmaus with us.  Let us not miss him.  Do you believe that Jesus is journeying along side you in your Walk today?  Yes, at this very moment, is Jesus with you?

I love Jesus’ first words to all of the disciples in verse 36 – “”Peace be with you.””  Wow… how simple – and profound – and true!  Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  He brings peace into our lives, minds and hearts if we will let him in.  Do you believe that Jesus’ words to you at this very moment might be – “Peace be with you.”  Will you accept the heavenly peace that can only come from Jesus?

Verses 46 & 47 today sum up the Gospel message very nicely – “And Jesus said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again from the dead on the third day. With my authority, take this message of repentance to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: `There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me.'”  Do you believe this to be true?

Bible.org’s commentary on Luke chapter 24 titled “Christ our Companion” is at this link and commentary titled “From Invisibility to Invincibility” is at this link and commentary titled “The Ascension” is at this link.

Psalms – Today we read Psalm 100!  I will copy this short Psalm below. Does this Psalm speak to you? Do you feel joy while reading this song? I have read much of “The Life You’ve Always Wanted” by John Ortberg (a great book!) and he has a great chapter on JOY being a spiritual discipline. It is amazing to realize that Joy is a gift from God we should be experiencing every day. I pray you are experiencing joy as a spiritual discipline! Think this Psalmist in Psalm 100 was?

Psalm 100
A psalm. For giving thanks.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

When is the last time you shouted for joy to God?  Do you regularly worship God with gladness?  Do you come before our Heavenly Father with joyful songs?  Do you know that you are God’s?  Is this fact alone worth being joyful about each and every day?

Proverbs – How’s this for a sobering Proverb in verse 12 today – “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.”  Things that make you go hmmm….  think this Proverb is true?  I do.  I know it is.  And I think it is a Proverb that should make each of us stop and think about the path we are on now.  Is it the path God wants us to be on?  Or is it perhaps a path that looks attractive to the world (remember the Fallen world info at the beginning of this post…)?   We all have paths to choose in our life.  Many times over we will have to choose which path to walk upon.  Are we walking upon God’s path for us toward light and life? 

Worship Video:  Psalm 100 reminds me of Darlene Zschech’s song “Shout to the Lord:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk5yLJbQCbI

Have you shouted to the Lord? Click here and shout!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” Proverbs 14:12 NLT

Prayer Point: Pray that you are walking on the Narrow Path through the Narrow Gate toward your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Pray that you are not walking along the world’s path, which seems right, but leads to death.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on my comments above related to our readings in Judges, have you ever struggled with pride?  Do you think pride might be an ongoing struggle for most of us (all of us?) for most of (all of?) our lives?  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:

Judges 9:22-10:18

How long does it take for God’s vengeance to rear it’s head? How long does it take a known murderer, appointed by his “relatives” to reap the rewards of his sin? In God’s Perfect Timing. In today’s reading we see that three years was all it took for Abimelech to be destroyed by the very people who placed him in power, each party, leadership and those he lead, were “taken out” by each other.

Within the narrative, we see each trying to get back at each other, a one-up-menship, if you will; but, it was God’s timing that allowed each group to keep their appointment with judgment. In the true meaning of the literary tragedy, both the character flaws of Abimelech and the people who appointed them led to their own self-destruction. Without God the only character is bad character. Selfish and self-centered the people had picked a ruler that was related by DNA only and unfit for the job. Yet God, in spite of their flaws, worked out everything for his purpose.

Abimelech’s story and the people who put him in power is going on today. We take men who are “bramble bushes” promising shade where there can never be shade because of bad character, and turn on them when we don’t get what we want. Men/women who never had it within them to met our expectations because they are not God, despite our effort to make them a god. We go along to get along in hopes that we will grab the crumbs from the tyrants table if we join the posse and muscle our way to the front, near our god. We remain loyal to something and someone that is unloyal to any kind of righteous principle and are surprised when we find no stability. And when our expectations are not met, we turn on our “false” god and rage, while shaking our fist at God.

Whom have I attached myself too, whom have I made an alliance with, whom have I submitted myself too who is not God and never can be?

Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Robert:

Luke 24:15
Road to Emmaus

I always love to reflect on this verse because it says to me Jesus is not only on the road with me, but something much more profound! If you refer to Mathew 26:32 Jesus is talking to his disciples (us) just before his arrest and says something insightful , “But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee”. That is so cool. He goes before me, preparing the way so to speak and gives me this reassurance that everything that happens to me has already been taken care of! Wow, and I can take that to the bank and remember I am already living in the kingdom.

Luke 24:51
The Ascension

“While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven”. I am going to share 3 points I like to wonder about on this event: 1. It was an ending to faith in a flesh and blood person to someone independent of space and time. 2. It was a beginning with the joy of knowing a Master from whom nothing could separate us from. 3. A certainty of a friend, not only on earth but in heaven.

Proverbs 14:12
Doesn’t that just resonate with the road to Emmaus? Jesus walking with us can only be revealed if we are open to the Holy Spirit. Otherwise we end up trusting ourselves and that can go any which way. When I have a choice to make, I try really hard to involve the Master. This of course is the conundrum we face with our own pride where we really believe we are wiser and more competent to do things on our own which ultimately destroys us. God protect us from ourselves!

Robert

====== Anka:

I have to say I was so amazed by God’s mercy in the OT reading today.The Israelites knew they were offending God by worshipping other gods,they did it anyway.When trouble hit,God told them to go get help from their gods,in His anger God said “I will no longer save you”.Then Israel got rid of their gods,they got to the “thy will be done with us”part,pleaded to be saved and God couldn’t bear their misery any longer.Like the loving father He is,He just had to forgive them…………
I couldn’t help but wonder if these disciples/followers weren’t there when Christ was crucified.Didn’t they hear about the temple curtain or see the sun darken?Did they not listen to Jesus’ teachings?Maybe they heard what suited them or they didn’t get it because they had preconcieved notions of what the saviour should be like.We hear God’s promises,but sometimes forget He asks us to play a part as well…I’m sure in Abraham’s wildest dreams he never imagined that to become a blessing he had to be ready to sacrifice what he probably loved most.Well for some of us,just doing what God’s told us to do is a huge sacrifice..thank God for his grace:))
God bless you all

Anka

====== Luch:

This day’s readings and reflections (as usual) were ‘meaty’. I liked the rembrandt painting and the challenge to ‘open our eyes’ through the reading of prayer and the Word. I just purchased Richard Foster’s latest book called LIfe With God, a book dealing with reading our bibles in a transformational way.” He does a whole tour of the bible and gives clues as to how ‘to hear God’s voice’ in the various biblical genre. Wonderful book. Great complement to OYB readers.

Luch

====== Susan:

====== Dee:

Pride is a tough one. I think all too often we struggle with that even when we don’t know it. Pride cometh before the fall of man. Too many times mankind tries to make a name for themselves and too many times they fail or fall flat because it prematurely or they didn’t seek the right counsel. Stay humble. Seek Him. No Jesus No peace. Know Jesus, Know Peace

Dee

====== Joyce:

======= Fran:

Why is Jael praised for murdering Sisera? Some have argued that Sisera’s entering Jael’s tent had sexual overtones. Not only may “at her feet” suggest sexual parts, but “lay” implies intercourse (as in Gen 19:32; Deut 22:23-28; 2 Sam 13:14). For years Canaanite men had been raping Hebrew women. For this offense alone, she seems justified in killing him. But, what about lying to him? As Zebul did to Gaal. Is lying ever justified? Is a lie that brings one to truth not a lie?
When a spirit of ill will (or evil spirit) was sent to afflict Abimelech (as was also sent to another unfit king, Saul) some believe that God sent a demon to possess him, but it most likely just a hardening his heart to effect the estrangement used for judgment against both parties. Abimelech was not a true king as he had established his reign through murder. Jotham’s use of the fable proved to be prophetic: the fire that devoured the cedars would burn up both Schechem and Abimelech.
The temple of the god Berith means the well-known Canaanite god, El-Berith, the father of Baal. According to Canaanite epic poetry, the goddess Asherah had 70 children (does this number sound familiar?) by her brother god El, including a son Baal and a daughter Anat. El also impregnated his granddaughter, daughter of Baal. Baal then took his mother and his sister Anat. A symbolic reenactment of the incest between Baal and Asherah formed an essential part of Canaanite fertility rites. Israel was not only worshiping Baal, but “the Ashtoreths, the gods of Syria, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the people of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines.” In spite of the Lord’s disciple, Israel’s apostasy was increasing and they forgot Jehovah and so were simultaneously attacked by two nations (the Philistines from the west and the Ammonites from the east).
Gideon’s story showed that godly people can overcome any obstacle. We now also see that when they forget God, every obstacle seems to overcome them. Judges 10:13 – “Yet you have abandoned me and served other gods. So I will not rescue you anymore.” This is especially pertinent to a country with a hardening heart for our Christian heritage. Hebrews 6:4-8 – “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.” Luke 14:34-35 – Jesus said, “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out.”
Judges 10:15-16 – “But the Israelites pleaded with the LORD and said, ‘We have sinned. Punish us as you see fit, only rescue us today from our enemies.’ Then the Israelites put aside their foreign gods and served the LORD. And he was grieved by their misery.” Repentance must be tested by its results for it is not just a feeling of grief (as Judas felt). It does not come from emotions, but from the will and the manifestation in action of not only ending the sinful conduct but in the beginning of a life of service to God as well. Here, the Israelites acknowledged what they deserved, yet prayed to God not to deal with them accordingly. In comparison, the man that failed to return an abundance on God’s investment in Matthew 25:24-30 had everything taken away and was cast into outer darkness where there is great weeping and the sin of the fig tree that Jesus destroyed in Luke 13:6-9 was that the tree took from the earth and heaven but gave nothing back (growth for growth’s sake was not enough, fruit was required).
(Judges 10:4 Note: Literally the Hebrew says, has thirty donkeys, however they word used here is an unusual one that resembles the Hebrew word for towns and may have been an error repeated by a later scribe.)
The appearance of Christ in Luke to the “two of them” going to Emmaus (several places in Palestine outside Jerusalem were called by this name, but most believe it to be the modern day Kubeibeh, 7.5 miles northwest) occurred the same day He rose from the dead. One is identified as Cleopas (v. 18) and the other may have been his wife (v. 32 “our heart”). Many identify Cleopas with the “Clopas” mentioned in John 19:25, in which case his wife’s name was Mary. Cleopas’ words must have reflected the confusion the disciples felt concerning the crucifixion. “Slow of heart” reflects the Hebrew concept of the heart being the seat of intelligence (or foolish person who see things from a distorted perspective). It is not enough to have correct information – we must also be able to interpret it correctly. “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” Jesus surely included references to Deut 18:15-18 and Isaiah 9, 11, and 53 in His explanation of its fulfillment of prophesy. These things were written and now accomplished.
It was customary to offer bread to a guest no matter how late in the evening even though after the long walk they would be hungry anyways. But by giving thanks and giving bread to them, Jesus takes the role of the head of the household “and their eyes were opened.” Here (v. 43) Christ’s ability to eat (as well as in Acts 10:41) continues with the scars in His hands and the ability to be touched (v. 39) adds evidence that Jesus’ appearance was real and not in spirit (“a spirit hath not flesh and bones”). Jesus assured the disciples of peace even though they had so recently forsaken him. Our troublesome thoughts often arise from mistakes concerning our relationship with Christ. And, all peoples should be taught the nature and necessity of repentance for the forgiveness of their sins (starting at Jerusalem). They were to be “endued with power” of the Holy Spirit (for comfort, preaching, and powerful works), but they were to wait in the city until that time. Then he lifted his hands to heaven in the normal way to convey the paternal blessing and was carried up into heaven (forty days after His resurrection). His physical presence had removed the need to see His resurrection, but proof of His ascension was seeing it first-hand. We are reminded to not be “slow of heart” to worship and praise the risen Christ and to be like Him. “We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.”
Fran

======= John:

Forsaking God
Why? Why does Israel at different times reject God and pursue the gods of the “world”?
I would like to suggest a passive and an active reason.
Passive:
Most Israelites did not have the “faith” of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, etc. Maybe they had the nominal faith of “clock-punchers” going to services (sacrifices)because it was the social custom, maybe they prayed for “relief” when times got tough, maybe they recited or taught Scripture on the Sabbath or feast days but were too busy the rest of the week. Maybe it was easier to turn in at night, to go about daily work, perform household chores than to really act on their faith. Maybe they acknowledged God, but did they Believe IN Him?
Children are perceptive. They know when parents are providing “lip service” to a notion. Why should they embrace a God who had done nothing tangible in their lives if their parents were not active in their faith? Sharing, teaching, and living the faith of the God of Israel. Hence you have fertile ground for the “active” reason.
Active:
Satan. If you were God’s adversary what would be your plan? If God had promised you would be “crushed” back in Genesis, how would you fight back?
I would suggest that if you could nullify God’s promises to His people, then perhaps you could nullify the promise of your own impending doom.
The rest of the World was his at the time, Satan could concentrate all his force of “fallen angels” on the Israelites. Throw every sensual pleasure, every ritualistic thrill, every promise of living life for pleasure (if it feels good – do it!) at the unschooled generations of Israelites. Having no deep abiding faith in God – is it any wonder that the Israelites (in general) chose the ways of the “world”? The free-styling bacchanal ceremonies of the “gods” of the world had to be more appealing to a nominal believer in God than all the rules and sacrifices of Israel.
If Satan could get God so exasperated and so angry that he would throw up his anthropomorphic “arms” and say “Enough” – if God would publicly recant his promises to Israel or better yet wipe them off the face of the earth. Then Satan would have his victory and a chance at winning the war against God.
It did not work. Oh, God got angry, but God chastised, God raised up new leaders, and God never stopped loving His people.
======================================================
Today:
Nothing has changed.
There are still nominal believers, unschooled generations, and Satan.
Now that God’s plan has unfolded and Scripture is written, Satan still has a plan.
1) Wipe out Israel. Exterminate them as a race, and take the country off the map. If it happens, God’s plan would be a lie and satan has a chance.
2) If not – take as many of “mankind” down as possible with Satan. His plan here – attack, infiltrate and decieve as many as possible. For those that purport to believe do the same in this order to disrupt the “Great Commission”:
The church
The Christian family
The Christian individual
Get the Church divided on doctrine. Get the Church discredited with money, sex, and power scandals. Get the Church to be a “show” or a ritual ceremony instead of a worship of God. Make the Church ineffectual – the “butt” of jokes.
Divide the family, entice a nominally believing parent(s) to the “world”, influence the children at a young age while parents fail to teach and lead because they are too caught up in life. disrupt the “chain” of faith so it does not spread geometrically.
The individual – tempt him, disrupt him, make his testimony ineffectual. Make him so caught up in his own life – he/she does not spread the Gospel.
Satan does not work by revealing his true nature. People would be repelled by that. Satan’s greatest ploy is to have people think they got it right, to think they are doing the things God wants – to get real close, but never never to Believe IN Him.
======================================================
There will never be peace and unity in this “broken’ world until Christ returns. Even then there will be issues as we will see in Revelations.
As to being the “Light” that dispels darkness. Won’t happen before Christ returns. As the “Light” we can expose the darkness and illuminate it, but it is not going anywhere.
The “light” of the church and the believer will do two things:
Draw some to it by the power of God. (our mission)
or
Be rejected out of hand. (with attempts to extinguish it)
It was no different in Christ’s day. One criminal rejected, one accepted. One family member accepts, the other rejects.
Christ said, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” Matt 10:34
Jesus’ name and his message will always produce diviseness – you either believe IN him or you reject him. It was true 2,000 years ago, and it is true today.
John

======= Vance:

Yes, I totally agree that the Lord Jesus is with us. May our eyes be opened to Him as well. We need to take time to cultivate our relationship and our awareness of His Presence.
This reminds me of this song:
“Open the eyes of my heart, Lord; open the eyes of my heart. I want to see You; I want to see You.” Also, there is a song of Psalm 100 that I learned as a new believer.
It is good to take time to celebrate the discipline of worship in joy and praise.
I need to always take more time to be in God’s Presence, to be holy. Then God can, by His matchless grace, “reproduce the ideal Servant of the Lord” within me. (Isaiah 54:17, Amplified Bible)
~~~
Judges 10 (NKJV)
10
And the children of Israel cried out to the LORD, saying, “We have sinned against You, because we have both forsaken our God and served the Baals!”
11
So the LORD said to the children of Israel, “Did I not deliver you from the Egyptians and from the Amorites and from the people of Ammon and from the Philistines?
12
Also the Sidonians and Amalekites and Maonites [ or Midianites ] oppressed you; and you cried out to Me, and I delivered you from their hand.
13
Yet you have forsaken Me and served other gods. Therefore I will deliver you no more.
14
Go and cry out to the gods which you have chosen; let them deliver you in your time of distress.”
15
And the children of Israel said to the LORD, “We have sinned! Do to us whatever seems best to You; only deliver us this day, we pray.”
16
So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the LORD. And His soul could no longer endure the misery of Israel.
NOTE:
I note verse 16: “…And His soul could no longer endure the misery of Israel.” This shows God still loves His people even when we are disobedient. THANK GOD that He is a covenant-making and covenant-keeping God. When we break covenant, HE DOES NOT.
Also note verse 13: “Yet you have forsaken Me and served other gods. Therefore I will deliver you no more.” If we keep insisting on what we want, we may get it—and then regret it for many years. Let us keep our minds and hearts rooted in the Lord so we do not become ensnared
GOD CARES DEEPLY
Though I do not entirely understand it, I know this: The true and living God has fashioned us in His own image, personalities with emotions. Thus, it does not surprise me that God, Who is THE Personality also has “emotions”. Notice I placed “emotions” in quotes when referring to the God Most High.
When I say that, immediately people think of the so-called gods of the Greeks and Romans who had very volatile and sinful emotions. YET IT CAN BE SAFELY SAID THAT GOD CARES DEEPLY ABOUT US, AND RESPONDS DEEPLY.
Yet, it should not surprise us that God can be saddened, be grieved, can be happy, can rejoice, etc. God is REAL! God is not a stone. God is ALIVE! In fact, all of what is LIFE and ALIVE and REAL emanates from God.
When God responds with joy or sorrow to the human condition, we need to take note. For in a world that is full of confused emotional states, how God responds to us shows us what pure, holy, true and real feelings are.
On one hand, God is the Most High – so far above us that our human minds could never grasp Him.
Romans 11 (NKJV)
33
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
Yet, as God has revealed Himself to us, there are many instances where God responded with a real sense of feeling. See some instances below.
Genesis 6 (NKJV)
6
And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.
Zephaniah 3 (NKJV)
17
The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
And who could forget Jesus—Who is the glory of God (according to Hebrews 1:1)—as He responded to various people and situations?
Luke 19 (NKJV)
41
Now as He drew near, He saw the city [i.e., Jerusalem] and wept over it,
42
saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
John 11 (NKJV)
34 And He said, “Where have you laid him [i.e., Lazarus]?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.”
35
Jesus wept.
36
Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!”
~~~
Thus, when I hear people say in modern society, “God loves me”. What they mean is this: “God loves me. It does not matter what I do, we all will go to heaven and love God because God loves us.”
Actually… God responds deeply to us—when we do what is right and when we sin. And knowing this, adds real “force” to how He responds. If our joy is deep, HOW MUCH MORE must God rejoice in us when we do right? If our anger against evil is real, HOW MUCH MORE must God’s perfect and just anger against sin be when we do wrong?
THANK GOD He is patient and longsuffering. He always gives us many chances to know and love Him, and to love truth.
The book of Hosea contains one of the most beautiful examples of how God being deeply moved, as well as God’s commitment to us – to love us. Thank God that He is not mere man.
Hosea 11 (NKJV)
7
My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High,
None at all exalt Him.
8
“ How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I set you like Zeboiim? My heart churns within Me;
My sympathy is stirred.
9
I will not execute the fierceness of My anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim.
For I am God, and not man, The Holy One in your midst; And I will not come with terror.
Vance

======= Ramona:

I have to make my post today short but sweet. I’m struck by how the conspirators of “evil” turn on each other. Abimelech was put in power because of family connections on the maternal side, and because he was from “their” town, Shechem. Evil turns on each other even when conspirators first banded together for a common cause. Sin has cords and they wrap around the necks of all involved chocking the very life out of all participants.
The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. (Proverbs 5:22)
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= John:

Luke 24
v.27
“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” NIV
v.44b-45
“Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms. Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” NIV
What did Jesus show them and open their eyes to regarding Scripture (only Old Testament at that time)?
Perhaps something like Pastor Stephen Davey outlined in one of his sermons – showing how Christ is pointed to in each of the Old Testament books.
• Genesis – He is the prophesied seed who
will crush the serpent’s head; He is the
brother betrayed by His kinsmen, whose
betrayal will lead to their deliverance;
• Exodus – He is the great “I AM”; He is the
Passover Lamb whose blood protects His
people from the angel of death and the
wrath of God; He is manna from heaven
and water from the rock;
• Leviticus – He is the tabernacle of God
among men:
• He is the brazen alter – signifying His
death which gives entrance;
• He is the brazen laver – promising to
cleanse us from every sin;
• He is the bread – signifying food that
gives everlasting life;
• He is the golden lamp stand – the light
of the world that will never be
extinguished;
• He is the altar of incense – perpetually
interceding on our behalf;
• He is the veil – through Him is the only
access into the presence of God;
• He is the ark – He embodies that holy
place where heaven touches earth;
• He is the Holy of Holies – in Him
dwells all the fullness of the Godhead.
• Numbers – He is the great hope in whom
all can safely put their trust; He is the great
High Priest who will never fail;
• Deuteronomy – He is the Lord our God; He
is the city of refuge where criminals may
run for protection;
• Joshua – He is the champion over every
enemy that stands in the way of God’s
people;
• Judges – He is the angel of God,
empowering the weak and pursuing the
wandering; He is the perfection of grace
and patience toward His wandering people;
• Ruth – He is the wealthy landowner who
redeems His gentile bride from hopeless
poverty; placing her in the family line of
royalty; giving her the right to everything
of His vast estate;
• I and II Samuel – He is the name of the
Lord, in whose strength young men of faith
conquer enemies and slay giants;
• Kings and Chronicles – He is the sovereign
King behind and above all kingdoms, both
pagan and God-fearing;
• Ezra – He is the keeper of divine promise to
Israel and the hand that liberates His people
from bondage;
• Nehemiah – He is the re-builder of broken
lives and the restorer of broken fellowship;
• Esther – He is behind the scenes,
outsmarting the evil one and seeing that His
remnant remain, whispering into the ear of
a young queen that for such a time as this,
she has been crowned.
• Job – He is the majestic One who rides
upon the wind and commands the lightning;
He is the Lord of mystery who does not
explain life, but reveals He is sovereign
over all of life;
• Psalms – He is the rock of refuge, the
Shepherd of the sheep, the tower of shelter,
the sweet honey of revelation, thirstquenching
water, a crucified Savior, and a
sin forgiving Redeemer;
• Proverbs – He is everlasting wisdom;
divine counsel for those who accept His
invitation to turn aside and listen;
• Ecclesiastes – He is eternal satisfaction
over every earthly desire; He is the One to
be remembered in the days our youth;
• Song of Solomon – He is the Bridegroom
who pursues His bride, stopping at nothing
until she is safely in His arms;
• Isaiah – He is Emmanuel, the suffering
Savior, the One crushed for our iniquities
and the coming Prince of Peace whose
strong shoulder will one day bear the
governments of the world;
• Jeremiah – He is the branch of
righteousness who brings justice and
equity; He is the promised One who will
write a new covenant on the hearts of His
people;
• Lamentations – He is the father who
disciplines the sons He loves;
• Ezekiel – He is resurrection power,
breathing life into dry bones and bringing
life from death; He is the faithful leader regathering
His wandering flock;
• Daniel – He is the stone, cut without hands,
rejected by kingdoms, yet smiting the false
image and filling the earth with His glory;
He is the one whose Kingdom will not end;
• Hosea – He is the faithful husband of the
faithless wife;
• Joel – He is the hope of His people, the
strength of the children of Israel;
• Amos – He is the wrath of God against
oppressors; He is the promise of vineyards
and gardens where His children will one
day rest;
• Obadiah – He ascends Mount Zion as the
deliverer who judges the kingdoms of this
world and inaugurates His own everlasting
reign;
• Jonah – He is the fulfillment of the sign that
after three days and three nights, the Son of
Man will come forth vindicating the
righteousness of God and resurrection
power;
• Micah – He is the One who pardons our
iniquities; who does not retain His anger
forever; who delights in unchanging love;
He is the one who treads our iniquities
under His feet; who casts all our sins into
the depths of the sea;
• Nahum – He is slow to anger and great in
power; of Him the mountains quake and the
hills dissolve, yet He is a safe haven for all
who hide in Him;
• Habakkuk – He is radiant like sunlight;
whose strength makes our feet like the
hinds feet, and makes us walk on high
places;
• Zephaniah – He is the One who will gather
those who grieve and those who are lame
and those who are outcast; He is the One
who will turn their shame and despair into
everlasting praise;
• Haggai – He is the victorious Lord of hosts
who will shake the heavens and the earth as
He overthrows the nations of this world; He
is the One who will wear His chosen people
as jewels around His omnipotent fingers;
• Zechariah – He stands with His redeemed
on the Mount of Olives; His holiness will
be praised, even by the inscriptions on the
bells of horses’ bridles as they gallop
through the city of His glory – “Holy to the
Lord” will be their praise for the Messiah;
• Malachi – He is the divine Refiner, sitting
over the smelting pot of His universe,
purifying His chosen people as silver and
gold; He is the great King, who does not
change; and for all those who believe in
Him, He will one day rise with healing in
His wings!
John

======= John:

Luke 24
Luke’s Gospel opened with devout believers at the temple, praying for the long-expected Messiah. It closes at the same place with devout believers praising and blessing God for answered prayer and for accomplished redemption. It is a lovely climax to what Renan called the most beautiful book in the world. Amen.
MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. 1997, c1995. Believer’s Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments . Thomas Nelson: Nashville
======================================================
Road To Emmaus
These two were not apostles, but disciples. They had spent time with the Lord and had been exposed to Jesus’ teachings and been told the kingdom of God was near.
Now they were sad, and their discussion (in the Greek) actually means they were heatedly talking – perhaps arguing over Jesus. they thought they were following the Messiah, and now they thought they must have been wrong. They were sad. Perhaps at wasted time, perhaps that to them the kingdom of God was not near.
Jesus came to them – actually caught up with the two disciples. This is much the same way God acts with us. God draws us to Him – we in our sinful state do not attempt to find the Lord.
Then Jesus opened their minds to Scripture, eyes to see, and finally mouths to proclaim.
This is exactly how it us with new believers. I can vouch for the Scripture part. I had read some of the Bible at times over the years – but nothing sunk in or made sense. Certainly did not see the link from OT to the New. Thought the parables and lessons were nice moral stories. However, when God was drawing me, and I actually wanted to know the truth and prayed to a God I did not really know – at the age of 48 – the Gospel of John made sense. I got it!
Since I have been a Christian (the last three years) I see the connection, I understand God’s plan, it makes sense. I see the world around me, and what is and what isn’t of God.
Finally, because my mind has been opened, and my eyes see – I proclaim at every opportunity the message and Good news of the Lord.
[If you are reading this blog and have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior – the remedy is simple. Ask God to open your mind to the Scriptures and reveal the Truth to you. If you are sincere in your request – done with the right heart – you will see the same thing as I did and these disciples on the road to Emmaus.)
John

======= John:

The Ascension
Luke 24:51 “While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.”
I listen to different people on the radio and TV and some scoff at the idea that Jesus bodily ascended into heaven. They say it is never mentioned in the Bible.
They are wrong – there are at least three places in the NT (from Acts on – where Christ is mentioned in bodily form in heaven). We will get to that in time.
But that is not my question? My question is how they can miss the bodily ascension here in this verse.
Here you have Luke – educated, writing in the best Greek of all the Gospels, who has excellant credentials and references from both secualar and religious historians down thru the ages. Luke who is so meticulous and careful about verifying facts and stories. Which leads me to my question:
If it wasn’t a bodily ressurection, how would Luke know that Jesus was taken up into heaven? If Luke had not seen it – or had not interveiwed eye-witnesses – it seems to me Luke would have phrased it a diferent way.
You cannot see a Spirit ascend – so either Luke or multiple eyewitnesses saw a body being taken up into heaven.
John

======= John:

Judges
I don’t think we have had a book yet in the OT that epitomizes my theory that one of the enduring links in the Bible is our need to trust in, rely on, depend on God – including Salvation.
The cycles – repeated over and over in Judges.
(1) Israel would sin in the sight of God;
(2) God would send punishment in the form of war and captivity;
(3) Israel would cry out to God;
(4) God would call out a judge (a savior or deliverer);
(5) Israel would enter a time of peace and rest.
Israel would always fall back into sin – it is man’s nature. After receiving punishment – they call on God – and God would deliver.
The important thing here is ISrael could do nothing to deliver themselves – only God could deliver, and He would only do so when Israel repented and called on Him.
Sound familiar. Put your “name” in the place of Israel. There is nothing you can do to deliver yourself from your state of sin or the things God is using to humble you. It is only when you recognize this and call on the Lord that He acts.
The difference is the “judges” in Israel are temporary – Jesus is permanent. Our times may still be turbulent – but the peace and rest comes in knowing that you can depend on Jesus and the Holy Spirit to guide you through your travails.
======================================================
Gideon
“In the moment of public temptation to self-aggrandizement, Gideon gave the right answer [refusing to be made king]. Immediately afterwards, he began the incremental process of undermining it–a few perks, a bit of gold, a few extra wives, an idol. His life deteriorated, and though he didn’t suffer most from it, the next generation suffered horribly because the son he left behind was an angry, godless man.” – Steve Zeisler
Our actions when we sin can have far reaching effects even beyond our lives. Such was the case with Abimelech.
Abimelech was godless and worked evil – because he rejected god and was wicked – his punishment like all who reject the ONE TRUE GOD is death. An explicit example is made and stated here for Abimelech. For those who recject God and Christ now the punishment is eternal separation from God.
======================================================
Judges 10
vs. 15-16 “But the Israelites said to the LORD, “We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.” Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the LORD. And he could bear Israel’s misery no longer.” NIV
“…one of the things that we need to understand about Canaanite religion is that it is very localized. Each god is a small god. They each have their own tribe. They have their own hill on which they are to be worshiped. They have a territory where they are counted on to be effective at bringing rain for crops and increase to livestock. They’re limited in geography; you can’t take an idol with you and make it work someplace else. They’re also limited in time; they are brought into being, they wax in power and potency, and then they grow impotent and tired.” Steve Zeisler
How can they fall for these gods when compared with Yahweh – who is absolutely without limits?
Answer: It is easier and more pleasurable to worship the gods of the canaanites. In the end – however you pay a horrible price.
Here the Israelites repent and ask for help – but it is only when they demonstrate their words by throwing out idols and serving the Lord that the Lord has mercy.
The Lord knew their heart and was moved. If you are seeking God – what does God see in your heart???? If you are a believer – when you pray to God – what does God see in your heart???? Afterall – He knows…He knows.
John

======= Janet:

thankyou for all your insight into what we’re reading! i have just started this journey in hopes that this time next year (for my 40th b-day!) i’ll have read the great book cover to cover!
Janet

======= Lisa:

How awesome the Word of God is – do you know how many countless people watch American Idol and how God uses any and everything!!!!! Amazing You Tube pick – wonder if they understand that they are being used to fulfill part of the commission in Matthew 28:16 – go out into the world …!!
Praise God and let the redeem say SO with a SHOUT!!
Lisa

Judges 8:18-9:21 + Luke 23:44-24:12 + Psalm 99:1-9 + Proverbs 14:9-10
~ 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 – Judges chapter 8 verses 23 & 24 are an intriguing look at beautiful humility mixed with a unique request – “But Gideon replied, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD will rule over you! However, I have one request. Each of you can give me an earring out of the treasures you collected from your fallen enemies.””  It is awesome that Gideon says he will not rule over the Israelites- but that God will.  But then, his ask for a piece of gold from each person is intriguing.  We read in verse 27 that Gideon made a sacred ephod from the collected gold – so, this does appear worshipful perhaps at first glance.  But then verse 27 tells us: “But soon all the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping it, and it became a trap for Gideon and his family.”  Yikes!  Not exactly what should have happened here…  It’s interesting.  I wonder if we do this in our lives today as well.  Perhaps we are very humble in one regards – but then maybe we make some sort of unique request of those around us… and that unique request goes awry.  I don’t know if I can give you a good example of this.  But perhaps this will ring true for you in some area of your life?  If so, can you abandon the false idol you are worshiping as quickly as possible?  Particularly if this false idol was born out of something that was initially worshipful.  Will you let it go?

Jotham’s parable is quite good in Judges chapter 9 today!  Good idea that he got out of Dodge after telling that parable!  Particularly after the horrendous act Abimelech committed as shown below by artist Gustave Dore…

New Testament – In Luke chapter 23 verse 45 we read just before Jesus died on the cross: “The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the thick veil hanging in the Temple was torn apart.”  The tearing of the veil in the Temple symbolized that men and women could now access God the Father directly through Jesus the Son.  No longer was the veil needed to keep separate the Holiest of Holy place in the temple, where God dwelled in the Old Testament.  No longer could only the High Priest approach God in the Temple on behalf of men and women.  Jesus’ death and coming resurrection signified that the veil was no longer needed.  God is accessible now directly through faith in Jesus!

An image is below for Luke chapter 23 verse 53 – “Then Joseph took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in a long linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of rock.”

Bible.org’s commentary on Luke chapter 23 readings today titled “Dealing with the Death of Jesus” is at this link and commentary titled “From Heartbreak to Heartburn” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 99 is a great psalm of praise! This Psalm mentions the word Lord 7 times. I like verse 6 – “Moses and Aaron were among his priests; Samuel also called on his name. They cried to the LORD for help, and he answered them.” These were obviously some major characters in the Bible.

I love Psalm 99 verse 3 – “Let them praise your great and awesome name. Your name is holy!” I think sometimes in our modern world we can forget that God’s name is holy.  Jesus’ name is holy.  These holy names change things.  They change everything.  If ever you are ever feeling like you are being confronted by evil – maybe even in your sleep in a dream – call upon Jesus’ name and watch the evil flee from you immediately.  It is true… Jesus’ name is holy!  God’s name is holy!  I don’t know if anyone has a CD by Vineyard Worship with Kathryn Scott singing on it?  It’s called “Hungry, Live in London”.  This is a great CD and they have a wonderful song that includes lyrics saying, “You are the sovereign I AM, your name is holy!”  Beautiful tune…  And so true.

Proverbs – Wow.  Proverbs 14 verse 9 I don’t think I’ve ever really noticed before – “Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.”  How true is this?  Wow…  Guilt is real.  Valid.  And yes perhaps we can overdo it… but it’s real and it’s purpose is to call us to reconciliation with God.  Great Proverb here… Do you acknowledge guilt?  When you are guilty do you seek reconciliation with God?  Let us not carry guilt around, but let us give our guilt over to Jesus!

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in Psalm 99 remind me of Crowder’s version of “How He Loves:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5t7Uoanryg

Do you know how much He loves you? Click here for His Love!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle.” Luke 23:45 NLT

Prayer Point: Pray thanksgiving to the Father in Jesus’ Holy Name that you can now approach the throne of grace because of Jesus’ death on the cross for your sins and His Resurrection to the right hand of the Father.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on Psalm 99 verse 6 above, do you believe if you cry out to the Lord for help, He will answer you too?  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:

Judges 8:18-9:21
In the passage about Gideon’s son, Abimelech, I see a warning about allowing someone whose only leadership qualification is either looking like you or being related. Abimelech’s folks elected him a man who was a seriel killer only because they were related to his mother that is a sorry state of affairs. Daily we make choices not based on principles and integrity of values and beliefs but based on who or what can benefit us by way of relationships.

The parable Abimelech’s half-brother, Jotham, shows what happens when there is a leadership vacuum. The olive tree doesn’t serve (spiritual leadership), the fig tree doesn’t step-up (political); the grapevine (I’m not sure who the vine represents) however, the bramble bush I believe represents “gang” or mob rule. Having a thorn bush as “king” will not bring any comfort. It has nothing to use to shade anyone from the sun and for those who gather under it, they will be stuck.

What kind of leadership should “Believers” elect to lead them, someone who looks like them or someone who hold spiritual and national authority?

Luke 23:44-24:12

Jesus told His followers everything that would happen to Him. They heard Him but didn’t hear Him. What are the memory triggers that make me remember the Word of the Lord. As I read the One-Year-Bible, how much do I take in and how much do I just “don’t get?” May the Holy Spirit bring all things to my remembrance?

Psalm 99:1-9
We are told to “Exalt the Lord our God” (Verse 5) and then given a listing of Old Testament saints who did just that. God doesn’t tell us just to do something without letting us see the great company we would be in if we obeyed God’s command
Proverbs 14:9-10

Mike’s asks if we acknowledge guilt. I would like to add when you feel guilty do you try to do lots of things, busy things, to num feelings of guilt by constantly being on the move (Doing good things trying to pay one’s way out of guilt)? That won’t work. Getting before God and “reconciling with God is the only way. Thanks Mike for the word in season.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

====== Teriann:

I just learned something in an apologetics class I’m taking. It has to do with the fact of the women being the first to report the resurrection. In that day a woman’s testimony was not even considered in court as reliable. If the disciples had gotten together to make up a resurrection story, they would not have included this detail. Of course, as believers, we take the Biblical account as true and factual but if we are speaking to someone who has bought the lie that the followers of Jesus just made up the story then this might be a good point to bring up. There is so much evidential proof of the resurrection. It is good to know that our faith is not blind. Someone once said that faith in God is not a leap into the dark but a step into the light, I like that!

Teriann

====== Lily:

======= Luch:

Acknowledging your true guilt is the best thing one can do for their mental and spiritual health. Along with proverbs 14:9, Proverbs 28:13 says that when one fully confesses and forsakes their sin THEY WILL OBTAIN MERCY. That’s a wonderful promise.

Luch

====== Frederick:

======= Jane:

Mike I don’t get either why Gideon asked for gold from each member. Then he made a ephod for them to worship. To me that’s deliberate sin. Going against what God would want. Becoming a snare then to his family is a temptation. So that also isn’t good. When we “allow” temptations in to our lives we give Satan a foothold. These are all strongholds. Help us AC Christians to be more conscience of what we allow in lest it leads us into sin.
I love in Luke 23:45. The veil was to torn. I love being able to go straight to my Heavenly Father to talk to him and not go through priests.
Today was really interesting. I didn’t get the part of why in judges all the seventy brothers were killed.

Jane

======= Dee:

Thank you Lord for your death, buried, and resurrection. Freedom isn’t cheap and it doesn’t come easy. Many sacrificed for our freedom..In the beginning…though..that’s where the magic lies..

Dee

======== Jenny:

i’ll get to the readings tomorw, but wanted to share something that freaked me out, regarding calling on the name of Jesus in a dream. this wasnt a dream, at least not to me…its called sleep paralysis, but with the ‘dream’ its called old hag’s syndrome (NOT very flattering! haha). If you’ve ever been put under anesthesia and your body was paralyzed b4 your mind went, that what it felt like. It was about a yr or two ago.
I woke up in the middle of the night and was aware, fully conscious! i could think, reason, just like now, but I couldnt move my body…not one muscle! I tried with all my might and i couldnt..my motor muscles were completely paralyzed, like that part of my brain wasnt awake, but my conscious was. I was aware i was in bed unable to move, which was scary, a helpless feeling. Suddenly i felt something on me, a pressure on me as i lay there on my back…it was a form, about the size of a 4 yr old child. i was suddenly aware it was a demon. ok, i’ve been bungee jumping, skydiving, but i’ve never been so scared in my life! i was aware i had a demon on me and man, you better believe i tried my darnedest to move, anything! an arm a leg…move, move, please…nothing. I started crying out to Jesus, knowing only He could help me. I began saying in my mind, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ get off of me!’…over n over n over, this lasted over a minute. suddenly, my arm starting responding to commands my brain gave it and it was moving a bit then my legs (this whole thing went on about 3 minutes). suddenly i free and completely awake, body n mind. i realized i had dried tears on my face, so i was crying in my state, tears of terror. Oh man, i’m a grown woman but i had to turn my light on and i sat on my bed crying like a baby just prayingggg like crazy. i was too scared to go back to bed…I just opened my BIble n God led me to a Psalm that spoke to me sooo much, the words jumped out of the page at me!!
It happened again about 6 months later but not as long lasting…i was on my side and felt a hand rub down from my waist to my hip…i was paralyzed again and aware it was a demon. crikey that was scary…then (i guess my sheet was over my head)…the sheet lifted up and a small weird hand waved at me. aaaaah! i reenacted for my sis n she screamed like crazy when i waved my hand in her face.
watever the cause or wat that was, i told my dad, he said that is not characteristic of a demon, they dont harass believers, but i think they can , but they cannot indwell us, but since they harass us emotionally, they may physically, i dont know, it was very real to me! man, if thats what hell is like, pure terror!!! I just knew one thing, only the name of Jesus could save me!!!
i’ve had believer friends have similar and weirder experiences, but not many.

Jenny

======= Fran:

Gideon at first says, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD will rule over you!” and makes a golden ephod to determine God’s will. But instead of using it and worshiping God, they worship the tool as a trap for Gideon and his family. It turned out likely that it was Gideon and not God that led them and the Israelites soon forgot Gideon’s family and returned to worshiping Baal when his left.
Prayer is often a trap for Christians that worship it as a process instead of using it as a tool to get answers. The famous story of a man on his roof as the flood waters rose who prayed to God for salvation while ignoring the people God sent to save him reminds us that prayer alone can not provide salvation or solutions to our problems. In this particular example, an unbeliever, in fact, would have had a better chance for survival than the praying Christian. There are many choices one can make that are less than doing nothing. For example, if I feel poorly and I start to blame others and worry about what is going to happen, I am doing less than nothing and harming myself. If I take a systematic approach, however, to considering what type of health problems I am having to rationally decide what type of doctor to go to and use prayer to confirm (Nehemiah 1:4) that, say, I don’t understand my condition well enough in order to decide that I should go to a general MD for advice (and who to see), I am using prayer as a tool and using it as part of a healthy process.
As mentioned, blame can be less than nothing when used as a process but more than nothing when used as a tool in a healthy process. Too often we attack problems by only asking who is to blame and feel the resolution efforts are basically completed when a general consensus has been formed. Such as: this is wrong, let’s decide who is to blame, and then get rid of them. When we recognize ours sins, we often blame Christ, and kill Him. The movie Bowling for Columbine asked who is to blame for violence in America, decided it was guns (even when the data had to be fudged in order to support this conclusion), and then presented the solution as getting rid of guns. Moore’s efforts would have been far more useful if only he had instead asked, “How do you think you’ve contributed to the conditions that led to the incident at Columbine? Let me start, however, with how I think I have been a negative influence for violence.” Too often people do nothing (or less than nothing) when they pray about a particular problem. Really working to solve the problem is when people blow off steam with exercise or a small break from the problem with a hobby in order to come back with a fresh perspective, maintain a positive outlook by focusing on the positive encouragement of the Word with faith and a high commitment to tackling the problem, take into account various different points of view by seeking professional and social support, and use prayer for spiritual guidance every step of the way. In addition, “real” efforts will include journaling and process assessments in order to more honestly see ourselves and manage even better results the next time the same kind of problem arises (you can’t manage what you don’t measure).
Only Peter who has risked his life by leaving the boat and walked upon the water with Jesus ran to the tomb to check the women’s story of Christ’s missing body. The more we humble ourselves before God and take risks in the face of other’s opinions, the more we exalt Him. Wherever the disciples went, there were many that spoke against them. Thus, let us be reverent and courageous when we cry to the Lord for help (like Moses, Aaron, and Samuel). “Oh Lord our God, you answered them. You were a forgiving God, but you punished them when they were wrong.” (Psalms 99:8) The veil in the Temple was torn as there was no longer any separation between man and God. God is now directly accessible through faith in Jesus Christ. Even the Roman soldiers praised God and saw that Jesus was innocent and the crowd all went home in deep sorrow (realizing what they had done). We should remember that Judas’ mortal sin was not that he betrayed Christ for we have all done that many times, but that once he realized his sin that he could not accept God’s forgiveness and hung himself. Judas “raised the bar” too high to be saved. For example, Peter failed Christ three times over, but while both Peter and Judas were both remorseful that they had sinned, only Peter wept for forgiveness and returned to the apostles. God also protected Cain with his mark in order to give him time to think and to repent. The story of Cain is another story when sin, suffering, and un-repentance were met by continued love and mercy. Proverbs 14:9-10 reminds us that the godly acknowledge guilt and seek reconciliation. Christ said that only a person who believes that he or she has a poor relationship with God actually has a right one. In Luke 18:13, Christ suggested we should always pray, “God, be merciful to me, the sinner!”
Fran

======= Ramona:

I may start a BIG controversy here, but Mike you stated:
>> We read in verse 27 that Gideon made a sacred ephod from the collected gold – so, this does appear worshipful perhaps at first glance. But then verse 27 tells us – “But soon all the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping it, and it became a trap for Gideon and his family.” Yikes! Not exactly what should have happened here… It’s interesting. I wonder if we do this in our lives today as well. >>
What happened there has continues to happen and has continued from time immemorial. It is what happens when we make God’s Word, a tradition of men, and act of doing instead of a state of being. Our drive to codify denominations that were never meant to be denominations by the people who we credit as the “father” of … has created followers who hold to the “party” line and tradition greater than what Jesus said and did. Even when we come face to face with the “Truth” of God’s Word, many stick with the denominations’ party line. Somewhat like what we in the U.S. have going with “liberal” and “conservative” labels, they are demonized and the label is used to keep people in their rightful place or to marginalize and/or dismiss them. (Did not mean to go off on that tangent). Truth is Truth even when it doesn’t fit in with our denominational agenda. The ignoring of that Truth to keep the “party line” becomes idolatry no matter the situation, cultural or ethnic tradition.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6 KJV)
Ramona

======= Anka:

I see traditions take the place of God’s word literally every day .I personally have nothing against the Greek Orthodox church or any other denominations but when my loved ones only read what the priests write,do only what they say,keep icons representing saints as amulets which they call on for protection,when some of them think that the saints are the key to their salvation and bluntly refuse to believe what I read to them from the bible because it contradicts what their priests say then I have a problem.Yep I become outraged,I know that’s not what Christ wants from me and I keep praying I stick to my part bringing the good news and leave judgement to God.
I know I’m going into the deep end here but this subject to me is sensitive.Jesus came and humbled himself,Paul and the rest of the disciple didn’t try to exault themselves,they came to serve.There are denominations where the “leaders” are really exaulted…even given names like “most holy” so “holy” that they come up with doctrines that contradict what Jesus had ordained.Now as Christians,followers of Christ,how can you follow some one you don’t obey?I posed this question to all my relatives…”I am a christian,I need to follow Jesus so I need to know the rules right from the word of God .Tell me who do you follow in reality as you have no idea what’s written in the bible”.Please bear with me while I say one last thing.Easter eggs are painted red in monasteries and are eaten after chanting “Christ has risen,in deed He has risen”..these come from the teachings that Mary the mother of Jesus had eggs with her and the blood of Jesus splashed on them.!!!.. When I tell the believers of this that’s it’s not in the bible they say I am not being faithful to the “righteous faith”!
I think the consequences of what Gideon did was felt by Israel…I see the fruits that tradition has borne her.. they’re sad and ugly…
I agree with Vance,not every Christian is a disciple.Not every one who Jesus healed came back to thank Him,not everyone who gets saved follows Christ.Of all the 11 disciples and others that the women told about Christ’s ressurection only Peter ran out..followers hmm.May we all christians truly be disciples.
God bless you all
Anka

======= John:

There are disciples, and there are disciples.
Belief IN Him gets you saved, Abiding IN Him leads to a deeper discipleship. We will get to all that in the Gospel of John.
John

====== Vance:

Luke 23 (NKJV)
50
Now behold, there was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man.
51
He had not consented to their decision and deed. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God.
52
This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
53
Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before.
54
That day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew near.
NOTE:
I admire Joseph of Arimathea. Note the following facts about this man from the other Gospels.
1. Matthew 27:57 — “…there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus.”
Joseph of Arimathea had become a disciple of Jesus. No one knows precisely when. I like to think Joseph of Arimathea became a follower of Jesus when he saw his peers — most of the Jewish leaders — unjustly try and kill Jesus.
2. Matthew 27 (NKJV)
59
When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
60
and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock
Note that Joseph of Arimathea buried Jesus’ body in his own tomb.
2. Mark 15:43 — “Joseph of Arimathea…coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.”
The Holy Spirit through Mark shows that Joseph of Arimathea took courage.
I like this for it shows that we can always take courage and chose to act in faith. It is never too late while we live and breath on this earth.
3. John 19:38 — “…Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews…”
The Holy Spirit through John adds a final note about the humanity of Joseph of Arimathea: He was a secret disciple out of fear of his peers– the Jewish leaders who had succeeded in killing Jesus.
Joseph did an amazing thing. He chose to overcome his fears and chose to act by doing a simple, yet powerful, act of kindness to Jesus.
After Jesus had been dishonored and humiliated unjustly by his peers, Joseph of Arimathea insisted on honoring Jesus by making sure His body had a proper burial.
This shows that each simple act of kindness– no matter how small– done in the Name of Jesus is not simple at all.
Why? Because God in His mercy, infuses these simple acts of kindness done in Jesus’ Name with Grace and Power. Thus, God is able to use them to effect change in peoples’ lives.
Also, the timing of when Joseph of Arimathea convinces me that he was truly being led of the Spirit of God.
Many of Joseph’s peers, the Jewish leaders, hated Jesus enough to kill Him because they wanted to prove once and for all that Jesus was not the Messiah. Yet, Joseph’s simple act of courage set the stage for God to show to all of the world that Jesus is, indeed, God’s chosen One, the Messiah.
I remember the “Jesus Seminar” (a so-called search for the historical Jesus which completely discounts the miraculous and the Resurrection).
The “Jesus Seminar” makes the point once a body was taken down from a Roman cross, it was common for no one to claim the body of the dead person because of the dishonor of being crucified as a criminal in shame.
That may be true. The “Jesus Seminar” also makes the claim that it was common for bodies of the dead, taken from a Roman cross, to be eaten by ravenous and wild dogs.
The so-called “Jesus Seminar” then contends that this is probably what happened to the body of Jesus. They claim that is why no one can find the body of Jesus.
Thus (in their minds) this is one piece of historical evidence that shows that Jesus could not have been resurrected.
***
However, Joseph’s simple act of kindness clearly disproves the contention of the so-called “Jesus Seminar”. Very few men could have been able to freely approach Pilate as could those of the Jewish leaders of Israel– of which Joseph of Arimathea was one.
He used the authority of his position to go to Pilate and request the body, thus insuring that Jesus’ body was kept intact.
Finally, since Joseph of Arimathea was well known to
the Jewish leaders, they also knew where the body of Jesus had been laid.
Again, another nail is hammered into the heart of unbelief in the Resurrection of Jesus, killing unbelief.
For– if Jesus had truly not risen from the dead —
all the Jewish leaders would have to do would be to produce the body to disprove the claim of the disciples of Jesus that Jesus had risen.
Yet, they could not do that. Why? Because Joseph of Arimathea took courage and made sure that the body of Jesus was properly buried. We know that the Jewish leaders knew where that tomb was for they asked Pilate to guard the tom where Jesus’ body was laid.
Well… Satan’s scheme to discredit and kill Jesus failed miserably.
THANK YOU, JOSEPH.
I really like and am challenged by these thoughts and questions:
“…can you abandon the false idol you are worshiping as quickly as possible? Particularly if this false idol was born out of something that was initially worshipful. Will you let it go?”
Since the Lord Jesus is demonstrated to be Lord by dying for my sins and rising from the dead, how could I give Him anything less than my all?
Vance

Judges 7:1-8:17 + Luke 23:13-43 + Psalm 97:1-98:9 + Proverbs 14:7-8
~ 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 – Okay, the big question from today’s readings in Judges is are you the type of person that cups water in your hands and laps it up like a dog or are you someone who kneels down and puts your mouth directly in the stream to drink??  🙂  I confess I’m option #1, so I guess I would have gone on with Gideon for the battle. In all seriousness, a commentary suggested that God chose those that cupped water in their hands rather than kneeled down, because it meant those who didn’t kneel down were always ready for any emergency situation that might come up.  I guess I can buy that…  Nowadays perhaps the person who is always ready may be the person who drinks directly from the water cooler like this guy?? 🙂

Much of our readings in Judges chapter 7 & 8 today are like Braveheart! Quite action packed readings today!  An image is below for Judges chapter 7 verses 19 & 20: “It was just after midnight, after the changing of the guard, when Gideon and the one hundred men with him reached the outer edge of the Midianite camp. Suddenly, they blew the horns and broke their clay jars. Then all three groups blew their horns and broke their jars. They held the blazing torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands and shouted, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!””

New Testament – Today in Luke chapter 23 verse 34 we read this when Jesus was on the cross: “Jesus said, “Father, forgive these people, because they don’t know what they are doing.””  Tyndale’s One Year Bible companion has a great commentary on this verse today, as follows – “There are seven sayings of Jesus uttered from the cross.  They were spoken in the following order:

1) the word of forgiveness: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

2) the word of salvation: “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43)

3) the word of affection: “Woman, behold thy son”; “Behold thy mother.” (John 19:26-27)

4) the word of despair: “My God, my God, why has thou forsaken me?” (Matt 27:46; Mark 15:34)

5) the word of physical torment: “I thirst” (John 19:28)

6) the word of triumph: “It is finished” (John 19:30)

7) the word of committal: “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.””

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Luke chapter 23 titled “The Rejection of Israel’s Messiah” is at this link.

Related Sermon: Below is a TERRIFIC sermon titled “Paradise Now” based on Jesus’ words to the thief on the cross in Luke 23:43, “Today you will be with me in paradise:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQlH-WfmZms

Psalms – Psalm 97 verses 10 & 11 are so spiritually powerful & true: “You who love the LORD, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked. Light shines on the godly, and joy on those who do right.”  I do believe that God protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked.  Honestly, I believe that God does this in our lives much more often than we even consciously realize.  I am sure there are a few moments in our life when we fully realize we were being protected by God.  But, I also have a strong belief that God protects us from unforeseen things that never entered our consciousness.  Do bad things still happen to godly people?  Yes, of course they do.  Why?  I can’t answer this – I’ve heard C.S. Lewis’ book “The Problem of Pain” gets at this a bit.  I need to read it.  We are in a fallen world.  There is evil and an enemy in this world.  Bad things do happen.  But, overall, I believe these verses above are so true.  I do believe that light shines on the godly and joy on those who do right.  Do you believe these verses above to be true?  Have you experienced the truth of these verses in your life?

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 14 verse 8 is great wisdom – “The wise look ahead to see what is coming, but fools deceive themselves.”  Jesus taught that we should live our lives not worrying about tomorrow.  However – this Proverb does show there is wisdom in looking ahead to see what is coming.  Don’t worry about it – but pay attention to it!  For example, we shouldn’t deceive ourselves into thinking that we can be reckless with our health today – we should know what this will do to us tomorrow.  We should see what is coming.

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Luke remind me of the song “Mighty to Save” sung here live by Michael W. Smith:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYZQ6KN13jU

Has God saved you? Click here for Salvation!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.” Psalm 98:2 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are involved in the Great Commission and are helping spread the Good News to the nations of the LORD’s salvation and righteousness.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  How do you think we should balance wisely looking ahead to see what is coming versus not worrying about tomorrow?  Should we be looking toward the future on occasion?  Or just try to stay focused on today?  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:

Judges 7:1-8:17

God always gets us into a place where we cannot depend or rely on our own strength. With our backs against the wall and no other route out, God steps in and defeats our enemy. Gideon, aka Jerubbaal, had a tough task; he had to deal with the Midianites with only three hundred men. The Battle indeed was the Lord’s. But as God will do as the God of All Comfort, He gave Gideon a Word that not only comforted him but a Word that encouraged. He allowed him to hear and sense the fear of the enemy; they feared God, but they didn’t fear Him enough to turn to Him and surrender to His Will.

Just like the Midianites we can find ourselves fighting against God, setting ourselves up to be defeated by just a “handful” of men, men who become a mighty host when God is the captain. On the other hand if the Lord is leading your army against an enemy, don’t get “cocky” and do what Gideon did, assumed that everything he did after God’s victory was okay with God.. (Stay tuned tomorrow)
What was of God and what was of Gideon? So too I can find myself mixing up what God has said and what I have said. Has God told me to do something and then I tell myself its ok to add on, convincing myself that it was God who told me?

Luke 23:13-43

Why do we try to gather up a posse when we know that we are about to make a decision that is wrong, a decision that goes against the very fiber of our being? We try to turn the mob to our way of thinking and if we can’t we flip and go to the other side. The “crowd” was waiting for a deliver; however the deliverance that Jesus was bringing they didn’t want because they were looking for life in the wrong places. Life is not in the living it is in the knowing, the knowing, believing and trusting in Jesus Christ.

Psalm 97:1-98:9

The following two verses in the 98th chapter really caught my eye and imagination,

2 The LORD has announced his victory
and has revealed his righteousness to every nation!

3 He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel.
The whole earth has seen the salvation of our God.

God has revealed His righteousness to every nation, not just Israel or the United States. If h had revealed who He is then we have used our ability to choose to accept or reject what has been opened to us, so too God’s salvation (verse 3)

Proverbs 14:7-8

I’m am currently taking a writing class and for my second assignment I wrote a piece called “Silly Women,” and although I focused on women, I know that silly men are all around me and they usually “hook-up” with silly women. Since I wrote that piece, I’ve been trying to figure out what makes someone “silly,” but all I had to do was wait for today’s reading, “silly,” or at lest my understanding of what that means can be found in verse eight,

8 The wise look ahead to see what is coming, but fools deceive themselves.

Cause and effect; reaping and sowing; payback, all can be seen when one looks at the Big Picture instead of thinking one lives independent of consequences streaming out of behavior and choices.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

====== Dee:

Perfect questions to ponder on my birthday Mike. How to believe but ponder if in God’s will going on. Believing the Lord had my future. It’s amazing at the peace though

The Bible helps me stay grounded so that I don’t have to worry about tomorrow because the Word says don’t worry about tomorrow for tomorrow cares for itself. I love Jesus and so ❤and thankful that I have him in my heart

I believe we should look ahead at how to build the kingdom. It is important to help and give unto the widows and orphans. We talked about missions in church today. It is so much better to give than receive. Love u guys

Dee

======= Robert:

Proverbs: 14:8
Anxiety and Depression.

I will chime in here just to say something about myself. Not to say it is not wise to look into the future but it has to be tempered with our emotions about the unknown. I once studied outlook thinking and find this an equivalent way of seeing the numerous scenarios in my future giving me options and maybe the best path to take. My problem is that this can easily escalate to Anxiety, causing worry and sleepless nights. Sure you can give that over to God but you have an unrelenting adversary and he knows all the cracks in your armor.

In the opposite stream are the times I can distress about the past and I can dig myself a hole that results in Depression. Yes it may be wise to take the attitude of learning from your mistakes but again this has to be tempered with emotions because regret and despair can eat away at you and the adversary is right there to grind salt into the wound.

I ask God for wisdom, knowledge and happiness in both regards. It always works!

Robert

====== Debbie:

I think its cool how most often the OT passage is reinforced in the NT passage in our readings. Today, the proverb reinforces the OT passage. The ones who cupped their hands were those who were looking out for danger. They did not take their eyes off of the watch, even when it came to drinking water. Good lesson to remember. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” Matthew 24:42

Debbie

======= Tabitha:

I really identified with the fellow on the cross that said “Jesus remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” I feel very sad that even facing death only one of those crucified with Jesus understood and wanted to accept salvation. I pray for Jesus to remember me.
May you be blessed today!
Tabitha

====== Lily:

Although God takes care of His creations, it does not mean that we should live recklessly. Worrying about tomorrow is a waste of time & energy and not putting our trust in God. However, the Bible teaches us also to work hard so we reap the fruits of our labor which will take care of our tomorrow as long as we put our trust in God.

Lily

======= Vicki:

I keep thinking that would I drive with my eyes closed!? No, I drive while looking ahead to see what is coming. Only a fool would close his eyes and drive. Also would I drive with fear and anxiety? No, becuase if I did I would be going so slow and my movements jerky and it would be worse off for me. But if I move forward with wisdom and look where Im going and relax my body trusting the road ahead and the car beneath and the God above I can reach my destination.

Vicki

====== Caryn:

===== Anka:

======= John:

Anka,
Re: criminal coming to Christ
Welcome back. How was your time with your family?
Remember that Jesus had a three year ministry. Like all Jews he was required to be in Jerusalem for the three required feasts. When in Jerusalem, he often taught in the temple courts or on the steps leading up to the Temple.
I say all this, because while a criminal or malefactor – we do not know the crime. It could be they were part of Barabbas’ crew (speculation). Regardless, just because they were criminals under Roman Law – does not mean they did not practice the Jewish faith. Maybe they heard Jesus speak over the years, probably in Jerusalem and thus – “heard” the Word.
I do not think it is coincidence there were two (forgetting prophecy), and that the reaction to that Word and Jesus was typical. One rejected, and one accepted.
The seed bore fruit, and was harvested even on the Cross. I will also note, that the word used for paradise was not the same word typically used for Heaven. I think Jesus before the Ressurection was down in Sheol/Hades communing with Abraham and other Old Testament saints.
Just another reason why I think the story of Lazarus, Abraham and the rich man was not a parable but a teaching of the current afterlife in that time. No other labelled parables used any proper names, people of the time may have embraced a soul sleep “sheol” idea, and this was just a teaching of the way it really was after death.
If so, and Jesus was in sheol/hades, and not only was the criminal there (on Abraham’s paradise side), but all the tortured souls across the chasm could see Jesus and hear his proclamation of victory over death.
John

======= John:

Caryn,
In addition, I believe Jews struggled with Physical bodily ressurection. Believers may have believed Jesus would return to the Father spiritually upon death, but physical ressurection was at best something Jews thought would occur at the end of time at God’s pleasure.
It is late for me, but I will try to rustle up some links on Judaism and ressurection beliefs tomorrow.
NOTE: Of course the Sadducees did not believe in Ressurection (they were in the minority).
John

======= Julie:

Loved the Bible reading and the study! Also the comments.Thank you!
God Bless You!
Julie

======= Molly:

Today’s reading from the Old Testament and the New Testament reminded me of James 3:9 (NIV)
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.
Gideon had great victory when the people shouted and praised the Lord. But it was also the cries of the people who persuaded Pilate to go ahead and crucify Jesus.
I’m thinking our mouth is undoubtly very important. We must consider our words carefully before we utter them.
Molly

======= Ramona:

Judges 7:1-8:17
How long will it take me to understand that I’m am just a spectator along for the ride when I am confronting my enemies. From Gideon to King Jehoshaphat, God is in the business of “small” beginnings, small army’s, ‘fraidey cat people, and wavering believers. He is in the business of working for them and through them in spite of their insufficiencies because in Him is everything we need.
He said, Hearken, all Judah, you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you King Jehoshaphat. The Lord says this to you: Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow go down to them. Behold, they will come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the ravine before the Wilderness of Jeruel. You shall not need to fight in this battle; take your positions, stand still, and see the deliverance of the Lord [Who is] with you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Fear not nor be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you. (2 Chronicles 20:15-17 AMP)
As long as I know that God is sending me, that I am on God’s side, and not thinking that He is on mine, then it is God calling the charge, God doing the fighting and I’m only along for the ride. How cool is that?
It has to be God for three-hundred men to successfully take on and win, an army of 135,000.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

Judges 6:1-40 + Luke 22:54-23:12 + Psalm 95:1-96:13 + Proverbs 14:5-6
~ 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 Judges chapter 6 verses 1 we read – “Again the Israelites did what was evil in the LORD’s sight.”  It is so interesting to see the back-and-forth relationship of the Israelites with God in the Old Testament.  The Israelites did evil.  They cried out to God.  God saved them.  Then… The Israelites did evil again…  And I wonder – are we so different from the Israelites today?   Should we be?  Could we be?  How?  I do believe that through a growing and loving relationship with Jesus, we can be spared of this back-and-forth relationship with God.  I believe this is the only Way.  Let us not have to spend our lives running back and forth to “caves” as we will see below…  Let us only run into the arms of the Jesus!

An image is below for verses 1 & 2: “So the LORD handed them over to the Midianites for seven years. The Midianites were so cruel that the Israelites fled to the mountains, where they made hiding places for themselves in caves and dens.”

Today read about Gideon and the fleece. We also read about how the angel of the Lord comes to Gideon and tells Gideon he will save Israel out of Midian’s hands, because he is being sent by God. In verse 15 Gideon replies, “But Lord, how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” You’ll notice how this reply of Gideon’s is reminiscent of Moses’ reaction to God’s call to serve in Exodus chapters 3 & 4 – “Why me? How can I?” etc. etc. And I think it is very useful for each of us to note that God often calls the seemingly lowly – like Moses and Gideon – rather than the seemingly mighty to act for him. This should be encouraging to us! I wonder if you and I are sometimes like Gideon and Moses? I wonder if perhaps we are being called to do something incredible for God in our lives, and we are making excuses like Gideon and Moses made excuses? Should we instead act in obedience to God’s call and trust that he will lead us? If God has called us to something, shouldn’t we have enough faith to believe he will give us the strength and wisdom needed for the journey? What is God calling you to do in your life that you are not doing? Are you making excuses like Gideon and Moses did? Will you instead move forward in faith and obedience to God in this holy calling in your life?

New Testament – Luke chapter 22 verse 70 is powerful – “They all shouted, “Then you claim you are the Son of God?” And Jesus replied, “You are right in saying that I am.””  Check out those last two words of Jesus’ – I am.  Sound familiar?  Remember from Exodus 3:14 when Moses asks the burning bush who he should say sent him to free the Israelites from Egypt.  And what did God reply?  “I am.  Tell them that I am is sending you.”  And here we see Jesus use this same terminology that God used – I am. Below is a powerful image of Jesus before Pilate:

In Luke chapter 23 verses 8 & 9 today we read: “Herod was delighted at the opportunity to see Jesus, because he had heard about him and had been hoping for a long time to see him perform a miracle. He asked Jesus question after question, but Jesus refused to answer.”  Herod wanted a miracle “performed.”  And Jesus simply stayed silent.  Beautiful…  I wonder if there are moments in our life when we would do well to model Jesus here – to stay silent in the face of a ridiculous request – or in the face of a ridiculous attack on our faith.  Silence may be the perfect thing in the face of ridiculousness…  Below is “Jesus before Herod Antipas” by the artist Duccio from the year 1308:

Bible.org’s commentary on Luke chapter 22 titled “The Rejection of Israel’s Messiah – Part I” is at this link and Part II is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 95 verses 4 & 5 remind me of the Chris Tomlin song “Praise Him Forever”: “He owns the depths of the earth, and even the mightiest mountains are his. The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too.” Have you heard this song by Chris? Very joyful modern day psalm! Great tune… And great Psalms of praise in 95 & 95 today! Bible.org’s commentary on Psalm 95 titled “A Warning about Worship” is at this link.

Wow.. Psalm 96 today is amazing!  I love verse 1: “Sing a new song to the LORD! Let the whole earth sing to the LORD!” And I love the imagery in verse 12: “Let the fields and their crops burst forth with joy! Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise.”

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Chris Tomlin’s song “Praise Him Forever:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrDzdew4AOk

Are you praising God? Click here and praise Him forever!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “But from now on the Son of Man will be seated in the place of power at God’s right hand.” Luke 22:69 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray to Jesus today, who rules and reigns over all creation and sits at the right hand of the Father in honor and glory. Pray to your King, Jesus.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on Psalm 96 verse 1 above is there a new song God is asking you to sing to him these days?  Will you sing this new song to God?  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:

Judges 6:1-40

This generation is blessed in so many ways. We are blessed because we have a record of those that have gone before us as what to do and not do. We can read and experience vicariously what other saints of God have experienced, be they failures or triumphs. So, with Gideon we get to look at a man swimming in a sea of doubts, angst, and uncertainty. God does not wipe him out but continues to work with Him and to answer his wavering questions of faith.

What I see in the big picture is this; our rebellion against the voice of God causes us to not recognize His voice in the midst of our despair. We question God, “Is it You?” We fail to trust, because we are surrounded by untrustworthy people. We first see Gideon, threshing wheat in the bottom of a winepress, an arduous job. Fear of the Midianites, and all the other enemies, had Gideon doing a job that should have been done out in the open so the wind could catch the grains of wheat as it’s thrown in the air, separating the chaff from the wheat, in a confined space with no wind. Hard work was made even harder because of a nation’s sin.

As I tried to visualize this scene and all the extra work it took, I was reminded of the words of Jesus,

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30 KJVR)

When we go our own way, we take on the tremendous burden sin directly and indirectly brings upon us. When Godeon is called, God gives him a new perspective of who and what He is, “A Mighty hero …” When he is called God sends Him out in his own strength because “The Lord” will be with him and that is all Gideon needs. O, that I would learn this lesson. There is nothing in my own strength that can get any godly assignment done, it is only because “God is with me,’ that the purposes of God will be accomplished upon the earth.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

====== Dee:

When I first began the story I wondered why does God’s people have to be reminded all the time that God brought them out of Egypt and is seating them in a good place but…their disobedience is causing a studebling block and have them towed away for 7 years because of mankind’s hardheadedness. When will we learn..is it a disobedience to be that way? Is there hope? Look at Peter today..look at Gideon. I believe God puts these imperfect people in the story of our lives to catch a glimpse of a perfect father bending down to pick up and fix a broken world. Isn’t that a beautiful thing.

There is a new song to be song! I almost can hear it. Sometimes it’s faint. New judges daily and new people entering the scene in Judges. And Luke. It’s getting close to the end. Always sad to see disciples scatter and devil use them so profound. Beautiful psalms 95 and 96. Be blessed.

Dee

====== Jane:

Mike thanks for sharing the song praise him forever by Chris tomlin. It set my day off! So worshipful!

Jane

======= Robert:

Judges 6
Gideon
One has to see God’s patience and this story resonates with us all. How often have I asked God to show me a sign or made him wait. God sees in Gideon what he can be. Even though Gideon was not that enthusiastic and I have been there too. God is persistent. 3 miracles and a lack of faith is so human. It is good to look at ourselves to realize we too don’t seek God’s guidance all the time. I am in the process of selling my business and this is a great reminder of putting the sale into God’s hands and then listening. (Patiently!).

Luke 23:9
Herod
Mike says, “Silence may be the perfect thing in the face of ridiculousness… “ Just what the doctor ordered, how many times I have had to use this method to argue with a 16 year old! Jesus knew and gives us this beautiful example. His father took care of everything. His way not my way.

Psalm 96

We are reminded of who is in charge of the world. Verse 13 makes me wonder who is crying out in the world for justice, truth and fairness. I am sure we can all come up with people that fit this criteria but the Psalm calls me to, “sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.” This made me realize a new aspect in my way of thinking. I don’t want to be like Gideon and test the Lord but to thankfully follow his direction, praise his creation, sing for joy and rest in his peace. Right now I am listening for my “new song” and I know He will show that to me!

Robert

====== Pat:

Judges 4:1-5:31 + Luke 22:35-53 + Psalm 94:1-23 + Proverbs 14:3-4
~ 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 – Okay, women rule in today’s readings in Judges!! 🙂  Deborah basically tells Barak that he’s being a wimp, so she’ll help lead the military victory, and does.  Below is a map someone put together of the whole Deborah / Barak v. Sisera battle, with Mt. Tabor in the middle highlighted being a focal point of the battle:

And then Jael, who is likely not an Israelite, finishes off Sisera, the commander of the enemy army of the Israelites, with a tent peg!  Don’t mess with Deborah or Jael!  Below is a painting by Italian Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi (yes, also a woman) from the year 1620 titled “Jael and Sisera”:

Before this fateful scene above, an image is below for Judges chapter 4 verses 17 & 18: “Meanwhile, Sisera ran to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because Heber’s family was on friendly terms with King Jabin of Hazor. Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him, “Come into my tent, sir. Come in. Don’t be afraid.” So he went into her tent, and she covered him with a blanket.”

In Judges chapter 5 we read the wonderful song of Deborah and Barak, and it is of note in verse 31: “Then there was peace in the land for forty years.”  Quite a song!  Below is artist Gustave Dore’s engraving of Deborah’s song:

Bob Deffinbaugh with Bible.org’s commentary on Joshua chapters 4 & 5 today titled “The Prophetess Deborah” is at this link.

New Testament – I don’t think I’ve really ever noticed this visit from an angel before in Luke chapter 22 verse 43 when Jesus is praying at the Mount of Olives!  “Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him.”

Bible.org’s commentary on our Luke chapter 22 readings today titled “The Garden of Gethsemane” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 94 verse 14 is fantastic today  – “The LORD will not reject his people; he will not abandon his own special possession.” I love this thought – that God will not reject us. He will not abandon us. We are his own special possession.  Do you believe that you are God’s own special possession?

Bible.org has a wonderful commentary on Psalm 94 titled “The Psalmist Speaks When Society Sins” at this link.

Proverbs – I once heard a pastor say a few words about Proverbs chapter 14 verse 4: “An empty stable stays clean, but no income comes from an empty stable.” Basically this pastor was talking about how things were a little bit hectic around the church – due to church growth and related growing pains.  And he brought up this verse, with the point being that it is a blessing that the church is not “clean” – in the spic & span sense – because this means a lot of things are happening.  There is “income”.  There are people getting to know God and Jesus.   And yes, there are some messes.  But it’s better than a spic & span clean stable / church where nothing is happen.  I like that analogy.  I also once heard this same pastor refer to church as a “majestic mess.”  I like that too!  🙂  Church is not a spic & span clean place all the time.  There are messes.  There are humans on staff with the church – and humans coming to the church.  We are not spic & span clean people all the time.  And that’s okay.  Church is indeed a majestic mess, in the best sense of the word!  Speaking of empty clean stables – let us not forget that our Lord Himself came to this world in a full & messy stable!

Worship Video: Psalm 94:14 reminds me of Third Day’s song “You Are Mine:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o-JPkq5rvE

Are you God’s? Click here to be His!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Why are you sleeping?” Jesus asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” Luke 22:46 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are not spiritually sleeping. Pray that you will not fall into temptation.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Do you see the wisdom of this Proverb today?  Are you okay if the various “stables” in your life are not empty and clean all of the time?  Do you see how a full & messy “stable” can demonstrate that “income” is being generated?  Why do you suppose that Jesus came to this world in a full & messy stable?  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:

Judges 4:1-5:31
One of the great things about reading through the Bible yearly is finding things you’ve read before but didn’t really read. The Song of Deborah (5) has revealed some surprising nuggets of information and wealth this go round. Glimpses of Israel rebellious nature are uncovered and give hints to what is going on in the heart of the nation as well as each region,

2 “When Israel’s leaders take charge,
and the people gladly follow– bless the LORD!

Two things must happen to get a family, group, community, nation out of spiritual dullness, leaders who are willing to lead and people who are willing to follow the leaders willing to lead. I read diligently this book we call the Bible because I am afraid of being taken down the garden path to destruction. My distrust comes from early years of spiritual abuse and misuse so when I turned to the Lord I decided to get into this book for myself. I never take anyone’s word at what this book says. I go to the source for myself. On my part I believe that Israel’s constant falling into the hands of her enemies came because they failed to keep the Book of the Law ever before them and or they chose not to believe the Word of God.

If we don’t know the Word for ourselves, how will we know which leaders are from God? How will we know that the person is speaking and seeking the will of God if we don’t know God’s Word?

In Deborah’s Song we read that there were more tribes who failed to follow them, Deborah and Barak into battle then there were tribes that fought. But nevertheless it was not the numbers that defeated the Canaanites it was God, because when we are willing, even if only a few, God shows up and fights for us. That is a lesson for us today, it is not the numbers that give us the victory, it is the few faithful and the submitted who bring God into the Battle.

2 Chronicles 7:14: If my people, which are called by my name, shall 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.

Luke 22:35-53
36 “But now,” he said, “take your money and a traveler’s bag. And if you don’t have a sword, sell your clothes and buy one! 37 For the time has come for this prophecy about me to be fulfilled: `He was counted among those who were rebels.’ Yes, everything written about me by the prophets will come true.”

Everything that was “written” about Jesus, every Word inspired by God to be placed in the Books of the Prophets, will come true. We can quote Jesus Words about what has been written about Him, and clearly much of the New Testament quotes the Old Testament to confirm who Jesus was and is; however, if we never read what is written how will we know, how will we discern that what is given to us as truth, really is Truth?

I don’t think I can say this enough, “Thank you Mike for hosting this BLOG, thank you for your research and your daily encouragement to, “Post Up.”

Psalm 94:1-23
1 O LORD, the God to whom vengeance belongs,
O God of vengeance, let your glorious justice be seen!

About nine ten months ago, I did a study on the word vengeance: who used it who could extract it, so on and so on. My study came out of a conversation with a friend, and I was interested in finding out what the dangers were in us folks going after and seeking our own vengeance. Vengeance belongs to God not us and I came to the conclusion that is is dangerous for us to go after it and that is why God reserves it for Himself. I also realized that no matter how much wisdom we think we have, God’s “pay back” is done in such a way that everyone benefits from the lesson learned.

When we seek vengeance, once gained, we think, we never will fill the cup of retribution because the cup grows bigger and deeper. The countenance of those seeking retribution becomes marred and the visage of the face and body turns old tired and ruined looking. When we seek vengeance we steal from God! I think it’s best to leave God’s stuff alone, remember Ai and Achan.

Deutermony 32:35
Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay.
In time their foot will slip,
for their day of disaster is near,
and their doom is coming quickly.”
Proverbs 14:3-4
3 The talk of fools is a rod for their backs but the words of the wise keep them out of trouble.

Our words do create our worlds. If we don’t like the world we are living in, change the conversation. The footnote for the third verse says “rod of pride,” and it is the fruit of that pride in the words we sow that comes back on us. If we speak foolishness then we reap what ever the seeds of our foolishness produce, and remember the seeds look nothing like the plant that springs up. Good reminder to What our mouths; however it is better to check the heart because it is out of the overflow of whatever is in our hearts that our mouth speaks. (Matthew 12:34; Luke 6:46)

Grace and peace,
Ramona

====== Dawn:

What stood out to me in today’s reading is when Jesus admonishes his disciples for sleeping when he’s about to be arrested and betrayed by Judas. As a relatively new Christian, when I face fear, worry, anxiety – I become depressed and sleep to ‘escape these feelings and make it go away if just for a little while’ – I think similar to what the disciples were doing. I have learned that the best time for me to pray is when I face fear, worry, anxiety, and depression. Sleeping just kicks the can down the road so to speak while praying brings peace and solutions – God’s arsenal to fight the battle!!

Dawn

====== Dee:

Judges 2:10-3:31 + Luke 22:14-34 + Psalm 92:1-93:5 + Proverbs 14:1-2
~ 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 Judges we read about Israel forgetting about God and worshiping other gods.  Sad stuff!  Judges chapter 2 verse 19 stood out: “But when the judge died, the people returned to their corrupt ways, behaving worse than those who had lived before them. They followed other gods, worshiping and bowing down to them. And they refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.”  I wonder if we are so different today from the Israelites in the time of the Judges?  Do we maybe shape ourselves up for short amounts of time – but then go back to our corrupt ways?  Do we ultimately refuse to give up our evil practices and stubborn ways?  Why is this?  What is the remedy to this problem?  Or – perhaps I should ask – Who is the remedy to this problem?  Who can literally rescue us from this problem?  Who can rescue us from ourselves?  Will you allow Jesus to rescue you from any evil practices and stubborn ways?

New Testament – Today in Luke chapter 22 we read about the Last Supper!

Every time I read verses 19 & 20 I am reminded of the amazing beauty of the Lord’s Supper in our churches today: “Then Jesus took a loaf of bread; and when he had thanked God for it, he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This wine is the token of God’s new covenant to save you–an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you.”  Do these verses remind you of the Lord’s Supper at your church?  Do you find the Lord’s Supper to be a beautiful experience at your church?  Why do we participate in the Lord’s Supper in our churches today?

Bible.org’s commentary on our Luke chapter 22 readings today titled “The Last Supper” is at this link and commentary titled “Perspective, Personal Ambition, and Prophecy” is at this link.

Psalms – Today in Psalm 92 verse 4 we read a joyful verse! “For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.” When was the last time you reflected upon God’s deeds? When was the last time you reflected upon God’s work of his hands? Do you think this might be a good daily habit? Do God’s deeds make you glad? Do you sing for joy regularly for the work of God’s hands?

Bible.org’s commentary on Psalm 92 titled “Worship – Our Delight and Our Duty” is at this link.

Proverbs – Today in Proverbs chapter 14 verse 2 we read – “He whose walk is upright fears the LORD.” What does it mean to you to fear the Lord? Is it possible that for us to have some fear of the Lord is healthy? Why would fear of the Lord be healthy? Don’t get me wrong – I’m not suggesting we live our lives in abject fear of God all of the time. But – this Proverb is in the Bible – and it says that someone whose walk is upright fears the Lord. So, I do humbly suggest that there is a healthy fear of God that each of us should recognize. (along with a raging LOVE of God as well of course)

Worship Video: Today feels like a great day to share with you the entire 2 hour “JESUS” film based on the Gospel of Luke. Called by some “one of the best-kept secrets in Christian missions,” a number of mission experts have acclaimed the film as one of the greatest evangelistic tools of all time. Since 1979 the “JESUS” film has been viewed by several billion people all across the globe, and has resulted in more than 225 million men, women and children indicating decisions to follow Jesus. Learn more about this film and ministry at https://www.jesusfilm.org/.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-o2JHhHXys

Do you know Jesus? Click here and meet Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Luke 22:19-20 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will participate in the Lord’s Supper remembering Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Pray that you will receive Jesus’ broken body and shed blood remembering how Jesus saved you.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Proverb today, do you fear God at all?  Do you think that you should have any fear of God?  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.

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:

Judges 2:10-3:31
Mike to answer you question with one word, disobedience. We forget about God because we have failed to take heed of His Words to us. The younger generation fails to remember what God has done for us because we have failed to rehearse in the next generations’ ears all the things that God did for the former generations, and also what he has done for us. Even when we “religiously” go to church, we think that sitting in Sunday school, listening to a message once or twice a week with the family and possibly going to a Bible Study is all we need to do. Yet God said,

Deuteronomy 6 (Amp)
1 NOW THIS is the instruction, the laws, and the precepts which the Lord your God commanded me to teach you, that you might do them in the land to which you go to possess it,
2 That you may [reverently] fear the Lord your God, you and your son and your son’s son, and keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged.

3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and be watchful to do them, that it may be well with you and that you may increase exceedingly, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey.

4 Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord [the only Lord].

5 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being and with all your might.

6 And these words which I am commanding you this day shall be [first] in your [own] minds and hearts; [then]

7 You shall whet and sharpen them so as to make them penetrate, and teach and impress them diligently upon the [minds and] hearts of your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up.

8 And you shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets (forehead bands) between your eyes.

9 And you shall write them upon the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

10 And when the Lord your God brings you into the land which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you, with great and goodly cities which you did not build, 11 And houses full of all good things which you did not fill, and cisterns hewn out which you did not hew, and vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant, and when you eat and are full, 2 Then beware lest you forget the Lord, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

We have failed to do particularly what the seventh verse tells us, “You shall whet and sharpen them so as to make them penetrate,”

I like the idea that God will use a temptation to test and train us (Chapter 3), 1 The LORD left certain nations in the land to test those Israelites who had not participated in the wars of Canaan. We need to stop thinking that temptations are to strong for us thus giving ourselves excuses for falling down then failing to get back up, when they really may be reasons for our failures, but not excuses. God has provided a way of escape out of every temptation we have just failed to take them. Maybe if we can remember that a temptation is a test, only a test and God has provided an answer to overcome the test if we just look for it we would find ourselves passing more often. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Luke 22:14-34

The Gospel reading reminds me again that today is the first full day of Passover celebrated by the Jews, who God used to give us the Law and the Prophets. I am reminded that Jesus, The Lamb of God, has taken away the sins of the World once and for all, glory to God in the Highest. This reading about communion reminds me of what Passover really represents. It reminds me that are hearts are pure before God because Jesus was and is our Passover Lamb; it reminds me that there is nothing in and of myself that cleanses me from my sin, it is only through the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the World that I have obtained His Righteousness.
Psalm 92:1-93:5
Because I have obtained a better promise, redemption that is not secured yearly but was secured by Jesus’ death on the Cross-, I can shout and sing,

“ 1 It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
to sing praises to the Most High.
2 It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,
your faithfulness in the evening,

and then go on to declare,

: 1 The LORD is king! He is robed in majesty.
Indeed, the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength. The world is firmly established;
it cannot be shaken.

Proverbs 14:1-2

This Proverb is sobering,
1 A wise woman builds her house; a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands.

No one but I can destroy my life. I can blame everyone else by playing the blame game but in truth my destruction is at my own hands because of my own failure to obey the Word of the Lord.

Today’s readings seem to have a commen theme.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Mitch:

Judges 1:1-2:9 + Luke 21:29-22:13 + Psalm 90:1-91:16 + Proverbs 13:24-25
~ 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 begin the book of Judges! Coming up in this book, we’ll be reading about Deborah, Gideon, Samson, Delilah, and Micah – to drop a few names.  Below is a great map of the judges in Israel that we’ll be reading about:

Judges
Author: Unknown
Date: Eleventh century B.C.
Content: The book of Judges covers a period of several hundred years following the conquest of Canaan, during which time the people were ruled by individual leaders called judges or saviors. Their task was primarily military, being to expel the enemy from the land. Throughout this period of Israel’s history there is a tragic cycle to be observed – that of rebellion against God, followed by the judgment of God, usually in the form of foreign invasion. The children of Israel then cry to God for help and a “judge” is sent to save them. This cycle is repeated numerous times throughout the book. Tragically, the people never seem to learn that rebellion against God is a sure road to disaster.
Theme: The grim lesson of Judges is that “the wages of sin is death: (see Romans 6:23). Sin takes many forms, from the sophisticated sins of kings to the barbaric events that close the book, but the net results is always the same: when everyone does his own thing, chaos and destruction are the inevitable outcome. Through it all, however, God in his faithfulness saves the people when they truly repent and turn to him. (Above commentary is from “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 4)

More commentary on Judges is at these two links:
https://bible.org/article/introduction-book-judges
Really interesting commentary is at this link titled “The Role of Women in the Book of Judges.”  (below is an image of Deborah)

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOYy8iCfIJ4

An image is below for Judges chapter 1 verses 14 & 15 today: “When Acsah married Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for an additional field. As she got down off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What is it? What can I do for you?” She said, “Give me a further blessing. You have been kind enough to give me land in the Negev; please give me springs as well.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.”

Today in Judges Chapter 2 verses 1 & 2 we will read these words from the angel of the Lord – “I said, “I will never break my covenant with you, and you shall not make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall break down their altars. Yet you have disobeyed me. Why have you done this?”” The Israelites disobeyed God back then. Why? Do we disobey God in our lives today? Why do we do this? I have a hunch that maybe sometimes we are simply afraid. Afraid of fully following and trusting God. We may think that God really won’t live up to his promises. At these moments our faith is weak. And we end up disobeying God. Fortunately our inconsistencies do not affect God’s perfect consistency. God never changes. We do. And we can allow ourselves to either be changed by God such that we live in obedience to him – or, we can continue to disobey God and live tumultuous lives. It’s a pretty simple choice. One decision brings an amazing peace that surpasses all understanding and the other decision – grief and frustration. Do we disobey God in our lives today? Why have we done this? Can we instead choose to obey God in our lives?  An image is below for Judges chapter 2 verses 4 & 5 today  – “When the angel of the LORD finished speaking, the Israelites wept loudly. So they called the place “Weeping,” and they offered sacrifices to the LORD.”

New Testament – Today in Luke chapter 22 we read in verses 3-6: “Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted, and they promised to give him money. So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him when the crowds weren’t around.”  Sad…  Bible.org has a powerful essay on “The Biography of the Betrayer” at this link.    Below is a fresco from the early 14th century by the Italian Renaissance Florentine painter Giotto titled “Pact of Judas.”  In this fresco the two priests on the right discuss Judas’s treachery, while the third plots with Judas, who is in the clutches of the devil…

Bible.org’s commentary on our Luke readings titled “The Second Coming of Christ” is at this link and commentary titled “Preparations for the Passion of Christ” is at this link.

Psalms – Today in Psalm 91:11-12 we read the words quoted by Satan to Jesus during the temptation in the desert: “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” As you read this Psalm, do these words apply to Jesus only? Or to those who trust in the Lord as well? Do you believe that the Lord is guarding you in all your ways? Do you believe this is possible? (I hope your answer is yes) Do you recall Jesus’ response to Satan in Matthew 4:7: “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” What do Jesus’ words to Satan tell you about these words in the Psalm? Can we believe these words of the Psalmist, and also not put God to the test at the same time? As an example, maybe to just myself 🙂 , is driving over the speed limit putting God to the test? Is deciding to skip church one week (or for many weeks) because we have some chores to catch up on / or fun stuff to do / or because we’re just tired, putting God to the test?  Think we just might look like this little guy below to God when we come up with all of our excuses of why we don’t go to church…?

Bob Deffinbaugh with Bible.org has commentary on Psalm 90 titled “Place for Pessimism” at this link and his commentary on Psalm 91 titled “A Psalm of Safety” is at this link.

Proverbs – Proverbs 13:24 is true – “If you refuse to discipline your children, it proves you don’t love them; if you love your children, you will be prompt to discipline them.”  The one thing that makes me a bit nervous about this Proverb is that I have a hunch us humans can over-do our discipline.  I think there is obviously a difference between loving / godly discipline of our kids and mean / destructive discipline.  I pray that we are led by God to know the difference.  Yes, discipline is good.  Godly / loving discipline.  Mean / destructive discipline is not good.

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the terrific worship song “Graves into Gardens:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwX1f2gYKZ4

Do you believe that graves can be turned into gardens? Click here and Believe!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Luke 21:33 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are investing your life in learning and growing in the Word, Jesus, Who will never pass away. Pray that heaven and earth are not distracting you from loving Jesus with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Do you agree with our Proverbs today that if you love your children you will be prompt to discipline them?  Do you think this same logic applies to our relationship with God, our Father?  If God loves us, do you think He will be prompt to discipline us?  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:

====== Dee:

Dee

======= Susan:

Our small group just finished Ephesians. In chapter 6 there are practical instructions for living godly lives. Disciplining your children is discussed. Verse 4 tells us not to exasperate our children but to explain the ways of the Lord. Extreme punishment will not accomplish anything if a child is focused on the unfair punishment. Anger will prevent any learning on the child’s part. However there should be consequences for wrong doing. I have always believed the punishment should fit the crime. Appropriate punishment along with reinforcing the Word are surely the best way to help our children grow into responsible adults.
Susan

======= Jennifer:

I think that the reading from Judges challenges us to finish well and to believe what we know is God’s will for us. Too often I put God’s power in a box and say well God can do this, but not this. I think Isreal did the same thing and because they did not carryout the will of God, they did not receive his blessing fully.

Jennifer

======= Lily:

Disobedience to God always leads to disaster. By not driving the Canaanites out of the promised land, the Isrealites disobeyed God. This led them to temptations (worshipping other gods, intermarrying, etc.) The Isrealites became their Egyptian captors who drove the Canaanites to forced lanor. This reminds me of the the saying “we may become the company we keep”. We have seen how we, especially the young people go astray when we hung out with the wrong crowd. However, God was true to His covenant with His people. He forgave their sins. As the Israelites disobeyed God over & over again, I see myself doing the same thing. Thank God for His mercies that I could ask for forgiveness & start a new day.

I am with you Mike. We need to discipline our children, i.e godly discipline and not destructive discipline. I pray that I have disciplined my children in a godly way, if not all the time, at least most of the time. Also discipline has to come early in the child’s life. The hardest part of disciplining a child is when they become teens. Hopefully if we started early, it will not be too hard when they are in their teen years and will be carried when they are away from us. It also help if we pray for them all the time. My heart goes to the broken children, abused mentally and physically by their parents or guardians.

Lily

====== Karla:

I love the one year Bible blog. You often bring an insight that I’ve missed. Just wanted to comment on the verse in Proverbs today. As a pastor’s wife for over 20 years, I’ve noticed that children do NOT receive much discipline. For the most part few parents discipline their children.

Karla

======= Roslyn:

The commentary from the link “The Role of Women in the Book Judges” is indeed interesting reading although I do not fully subscrtibe to some of the ideas that are discussed in the article.
I get the message that it is only when men fail to lead because of their lack of trust and faith in God, that women are given the opportunity to lead? That this could spell disaster in the end?
I will probably be attacked for saying this. But there are those among us women who can equally take positions of strong leadership regardless of whether men fail or not.
And what is bothersome to me is when women do take on positions of leadership, that they are attributed all sorts of negative labels.
In the context of marriage, a strong woman—emotionally and spiritually—is a great asset in keeping the marriage together.
Reading ” Women of the Bible” by Spangler and Syswerda —a one-year devotional study of women in Scripture has opened my eyes to many of the women I’ve never heard of in my earlier religion/theological studies.
Roslyn

======= Ramona:

Rosyln,
I don’t think the issue is that woman can’t lead, The Apostle Paul sent his Letter to The Romans, by way of a woman. The issue is men, who are designated or purposed to be leaders (Yes, God does have a plan and a purpose for everyone, even if they fail, like Israel and the Church, to step up to the plate) not taking their role.
Not every man is leadership material; ask Korah and his gang, as well as Aaron. In the exodus and in the desert, Moses was the man God chose. When males fail to be men, women suffer. The problem is people do not understand what it means to be in a leadership position, thus they fail at leading. Jesus definitely was and is a leader; however, he led by serving, empowering those who follow Him to do the work they were designed to do or created for.
To get the true picture of what is meant one MUST go back to “In the Beginning ..” before the fall of man. We are a broken people, using our gifts, talents and abilities wrongly. When the purpose of a thing is not understood, abuse is inevitable (Rev. Myles Monroe). We must go back to God’s original intent not what we see with out eyes and experience in a fallen world.
Ramona

======= Luch:

Rosyln, I think this issue of women leading in the church because men have ‘defaulted’ is something that irks me. I applaud your courage in stating your view.
The fact is, there are multiple perspectives on this complex topic falling under the categories of egalitarian, complimentarian, and some other views that are not coming to mind right now. Our formlery Brethren church (I dislike that name ‘brethren”) recently made a decision (long overdue) to include women in positions of elder leadership. It has taken us 6 years, yes 6 years to come to this prayerfully studied position. I realize there are those who would question just about every interpretation we have made on specific verses but the fact is, there is room to have different convictions and practices. Some will argue, (good friends of mine) that we are heading towards the end times with ‘allowing women’ into leadership equal to men. I say, give me a break. Has anyone taken care to highlight the women of God that have been raised up throughout church history recent and past, that have breathed life into the church.
There are godly and intelligent men and women on both sides of the issue of women in church leadership. Suffice it to say there have been VOLUMES written. I have found great help in Ronald Pierce and Rebecca Merrill Groothius and Gordon D. Fee (author of How to read the Bible for all its worth) book “Discovering Biblical Equality–Complementarian without Hierarchy” very helpful in maintaining a balanced and thoughtful perspective.
as well N.T Wright, probably the leading scholar on New testament studies has a lecture called “Men, Women, and the Church” delivered in september 2004. It’s worth reading and can be found at http://www.ntwrightpage.com
Having just celebrated the resurrection of our Lord let’s remember something important that Wright points out. Please bear with the lenghty quote.
“It is interesting that there comes a time in the story when the disciples all forsake Jesus and runaway; and at that point, long before the rehabilitation of Peter and the others, it is the women who come first to the tomb, who are the first to see the risen Jesus, and are the first to be entrusted with the news that he has been raised from the dead. This is of incalculable signficance. Mary Magadelene and the others are apostles to the apostles. We should not be surprised that Paul calls a woman named Junia an apostle in Romans 16:7. If an apostle is a witness to the resurrection there were women who deserved that title before any of the men.” By the way I am aware that there is debate as to whether Junia was actually a man. There is not a shred of historical or exegetical argument available to those who keep insisting Junias was a man.
One thing my wife, a gifted leader herself, says to me, is “Luch please don’t patronize me or any other woman. We have been gifted by God and are accountable before the Lord for our stewardship. There is neither male nor female, for we are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28
Luch

======= Linda:

Luch,
I am not ready to make definitive statements about women in leadership, but that scripture you quoted is about salvation, not leadership.
“26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29. It does seem to me that women are raised up when men fail. This is from a woman who was raised in a church pastored by women. During the 1950’s there did not seem to be a place for single and divorced women and God raised up some women to fill this void. I need a lot of study, and personal “feelings” and militant feminism have no place here. Stating that men and women have different roles, is NOT putting down women. We have been so conditioned, by “militant feminism” that we seem to be losing our way. I think that when a woman is meant to be a leader, she will not have to push her way in. God will open the door and it will be natural and in harmony.
Linda

======= Becky:

I think it’s pretty clear from Scripture that women are not to be ministers, pastors, priests or whatever you want to call the leaders of the church.
Timothy says that an elder should be the husband of one wife. It doesn’t say the elder should be the spouse of one spouse. Christ chose twelve special apostles– and they were all men. The books of the Bible were all written by men, inspired by God. If Christ wanted women to be pastors, I think he would have had 6 women apostles and 6 men apostles.
That’s not to say that women don’t have important roles to play in life and in church. We do, but being the pastor isn’t one of them.
Becky

======= Kate:

I think it’s a sign of judgment on the men of Israel for their lack of faith and their seeking a life of comfort and maybe they just got tired of fighting…
Kate

====== Arielle: