Bible in a Year Blog

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:

Joshua 24:1-33 + Luke 21:1-28 + Psalm 89:38-52 + Proverbs 13:20-23
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ 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 finish up the book of Joshua!  What a book.  I have definitely learned much from this book this year.  And today’s readings are no exception.  Chapter 24 is a wonderful closing to this book where the Israelites renew their covenant with God.  Verses 25 through 27 are awesome – “So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day at Shechem, committing them to a permanent and binding contract between themselves and the LORD. Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. As a reminder of their agreement, he took a huge stone and rolled it beneath the oak tree beside the Tabernacle of the LORD.  Joshua said to all the people, “This stone has heard everything the LORD said to us. It will be a witness to testify against you if you go back on your word to God.”

It’s great to read verse 32 and realize that Joseph’s wishes from 200 years earlier of being buried in the Promised Land came to fruition!  It is amazing to realize the Israelites carried Joseph’s bones with them throughout the 40 years in the desert to fulfill this wish –  “The bones of Joseph, which the Israelites had brought along with them when they left Egypt, were buried at Shechem, in the parcel of ground Jacob had bought from the sons of Hamor for one hundred pieces of silver.  This land was located in the territory allotted to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, the descendants of Joseph.”

New Testament – Bible.org’s commentary on our Luke chapter 21 readings today titled “Jerusalem in the Last Days” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 89 verse 48 is something important to keep in mind as I think it does help us think about how we are really living our short earthly lives – “No one can live forever; all will die.  No one can escape the power of the grave.”  Knowing this, how are you living your life?  Are you living your life with love?  Are you loving God and loving other people with all that you are?  Are you living your life intentionally?  Are you living your life as God would want you to live your life?  I heard someone once state: “Just keep in mind that we’re not going to live forever.  100 years from now on this planet?  It will be all new people.”  That is an interesting thing to keep in mind…  100 years from now…  all new people.  Hopefully this is a fact that encourages each of us not to waste our precious time here on things that are not of God!  No one escapes the grave.  Our condition is terminal.  (But of course our condition can be eternal through faith in Jesus!)

Proverbs – Wow. Today in Proverbs chapter 13 verse 20 we read – “He who walks with the wise grows wise.” There is so much wisdom in this verse. Basically, you can boil this down to “choose your friends with care” – but I think there is more going on here. This life we each live really is so short. And there are so many people in our lives that we can choose to spend our time with. And I think it would be very wise on our part to attempt to spend quality time with quality people. Wise people. Otherwise, we can get swept up in a myriad of pop-cultural distractions and cares. And who we choose to hang around with a lot is who we too shall become. Don’t get me wrong – there are clearly times that we are called to minister or serve or love or spend time with people that may not appear “wise” – at first glance. I think if you truly are ministering or serving or loving someone who is down and out, you may be surprised how wise a down and out person can be – sometimes I think they can be closer to God in some ways. So – I’m just saying don’t insulate yourself with only spending time with people who appear worldly & wise. 🙂 Wisdom and wise people truly can be found in the most unlikely of places. Last point I’ll make on this verse. When I read this verse – “He who walks with the wise grows wise” – it makes me think of how important it is for each of us to be attending a church each and every week. The church is the body of Christ. The church is truly “wise.” And if we ourselves are not walking with other believers in the body of Christ by investing in a church on a weekly basis, then I think we are at risk of getting swept up in the pop-cultural cares of this fleeting world. Church is wise. Attending church on a weekly basis is wise. I believe attending church on a weekly basis will make you wise.

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of NEEDTOBREATHE’s song “Fall on Me:”

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

Have you fallen on God? Click here and fall on Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” Proverbs 13:20 NLT

Prayer Point: Pray that God will lead you to wise people to walk with and grow wise with. Pray that you will not associate with fools and get in trouble.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Proverb today, are you walking with the wise?  Do you want to walk with the wise?  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:

Joshua 24:1-33
Two verses in the twenty-fourth chapter have not only caught my attention but also fired my imagination,
3 But I took your ancestor Abraham from the land beyond the Euphrates and led him into the land of Canaan. I gave him many descendants through his son Isaac. 4 To Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau. To Esau I gave the hill country of Seir, while Jacob and his children went down into Egypt.
Esau was given the hill country while Jacob and his children went down into Egypt to become enslaved. Looking at this without seeing God’s perspective or having the advantage of hindsight the fact that Esau was given the hill country and Jacob/Israel would seem that God had favored Esau. The Word spoken to Rebekah regarding the twins she carried,
23 And the LORD said unto her, “Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger” (Gen 25:23).
Jacob was the younger and Esau the older and the Word of God never returns to Him void, it always accomplish that which was spoken by Him even when observed before the fullness of time. It took over 400 years before God’s Word to Rebekah came to past.
We do not fulfill God’s Word to us by us working the word; His Word is fulfilled as we live in obedience to his commands. Rebekah thought that she could fulfill God’s Word to Jacob by tricks and manipulation. Esau thought he could subvert the Word that had been spoken by God through his father by plotting to kill his brother. (Genesis 25-50)
Luke 21:1-28
Interesting how we are awed by the work or our hands and we think what we build or create should last forever. I’ve heard people say that if you want to be immortal, write a book as if leather and dead trees with printer’s ink on it will someone give you what God can give you, eternal life.
5 Some of his disciples began talking about the beautiful stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said, 6 “The time is coming when all these things will be so completely demolished that not one stone will be left on top of another.”
After Jesus describes the events that will lead up to His second coming He tells His disciples to, “…stand straight and look up, for your salvation is near.” He had already told them as he began his discourse telling his followers not to panic meaning that there will be things happening to make you want to panic so standing straight and looking up in the midst of crises take courage which must be an act of the will.
Psalm 89:38-52
When we mock God’s creation we mock Him who created that which we mock, God.
Proverbs 13:20-23
21 Trouble chases sinners, while blessings chase the righteous!
Oh just think of it being chased down by blessings, I’ll take some of that.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Luch:

With reference to the brevity of life, and that 100 years from now there will be a whole bunch of brand new people does sure put life in perspective.
Not sure who said it, but it bears repeating, “Only one life it will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Luch

======= Mae:

Joshua 24:19-20 “Then Joshua warned the people, “You are not able to serve the Lord, for he is a holy and jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. If you abandon the Lord and serve other gods, he will turn against you and destroy you, even though he has been so good to you.” ~ You know what I notice lately? People that create their own God. They come to church once a week, hear the sermon, remember the things that come good to them and forget what they don’t agree on. We have them here in the biblestudy. I observe them and see how they try to turn bad things into good. You know what I’m trying to say? They lie in specific situations and look for excuses to turn it into something good. … Sigh … am I explaining this correctly? I don’t think there’s any excuse to lie! If you’re lying you’re abandoning God. You might not serving another God perse, but you’re defenitly NOT serving our Lord, the Father!
Are you walking with the wise? Do you want to walk with the wise? ~ Oh yes! I’m walking with the wise! I love to learn from people! I love to listen to them and to all the wisdom they have! I thank the Lord for putting so many (much?) wise people in my life! I’ve met the greatest and wisest people since I’ve accepted Jesus. I love to talk to them and I love to listen to their testimony’s!
Mae

======= Jen:

LUKE
Oh make us more faithful so we cab like the widow.
I enjoyed reading the link
PSALMS
I love with everything I have and I love my family. I dont think im living my life as exactly as God would like me too. Are any of us?
PROVERBS
This year i have found myself blogging with many Christains. Im learning a lot. I also go to church on a weekly basis.
Jen

======= Halle:

Amen and amen! Thank you again for the incredible encouragement and connection to the Word! This blog is amazing and helps so many engage in God’s Word!!! Thank you for all of the work, time, love and faithfulness that you pour into this!!!!!! Glory be to God, blessings to His faithful servants!!!!
Halle

======= Jim:

“And if we ourselves are not walking with other believers in the body of Christ by investing in a church on a weekly basis, then I think we are at risk of getting swept up in the pop-cultural cares of this fleeting world.”
After trying unsuccessfully for years to cure alcoholism by means of psychoanalysis, Dr. Carl Jung concluded that alcoholism could not be treated by either medical or psychodynamic techniques. He reasoned that the underlying problem was one of spiritual emptiness and wrote in a letter to AA founder Bill Wilson (in which Jung coined the phrase, “spiritus contra spiritum” or “spirits against the spirit”), “I am strongly convinced that the evil principle prevailing in this world leads the unrecognized spiritual need into perdition, if it is not counteracted either by real religious insight or by the protective wall of human community. An ordinary man, not protected by an action from above and isolated in society, cannot resist the power of evil, which is called very aptly the Devil.” Jung also concluded that today’s religion was equally spiritually impoverished and just as ineffective in the battle against alcoholism (and evil).
Wilberforce made a great distinction between what he considered to be a “cultural” Christian and an “authentic” Christian. First, one should know scripture well enough to be able to defend one’s beliefs (and he had very strong words for those who suggest faith is a private matter). The problem, said Wilberforce, begins with a misconception about the nature of God and of sin. People end up not taking Satan or sin seriously so that they continually belittle their own guilt concerning efforts to be good. Jesus did not die on the cross, he said, so God could have a more tolerant perspective of sin as man is still as worthy of Hell as ever and Man without true repentance (requiring change) is still as doomed as ever – no matter what words may come from one’s lips. Wilberforce goes to great length to express what it means to put God first with a life led by the Holy Spirit with beliefs that are based on the Word in contrast to earthly attempts to be a “moral” person (with only self-effort to serve God) simply trying to do “good” things and avoid “bad” things with beliefs that come from men. My favorite sentence is: “Our behavior is so conformed to cultural standards that if we were put on trial as a Christian, the case might be dropped for lack of evidence.” pg 89. I think his most important message, though, is that while Wilberforce was able to talk his countrymen out of slavery (which would be like talking Americans today out of using oil) as well as the world’s most popular lottery (until 1995) that he was equally wholly unable to talk the same people into being authentic Christians despite his book being a “best-seller” for more than three decades.
“Do we disobey God in our lives today? Why do we do this?”
I would disagree with Mike’s suggestion that it is because we fear God won’t live up to His promises, but that we don’t fear Him (or the wrong answer) enough — or, as Wilberforce put it almost two centuries ago, that we don’t take Satan or sin seriously enough. It’s just easier to use our own solutions (or hearts) and feel just because we call ourselves “Christians” that any reasonably good intentions should simply be good enough (“well, I tried”). BUT… We’re not called to be good but great just as it’s not the good commission but the Great Commission.
Jim

======= Luch:

it’s not just ‘attending church’ that makes you wise, it’s ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING in the life of the Body of Christ that might make you wise. The operative word is ‘actively participating’ in the lives of others. That’s what the many ‘one another’ exhortations area all about—church is about relationships not following prescribed rituals without the relational motivation. Just my two cents worth.
Luch

======== Lily:

It’s amazing to read the story of the Israelites narrated by Joshua in Chapter 24, reminding them (us) how God chose them and continually reminding them of God’s presence,forgiveness and honoring His covenant. The chapter ended with the renewal of the people’s promise to honor and serve God only and get rid of their idols. This reminds me of how many times we promise God to follow Him and not succumb to temptations.
Life is short as always quoted. However, eternal life is forever. Thans be to God.
Lily

======= Teriann:

I like Joshua’s declaration in v.15, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” I also liked the effect it had on the people, how it increased and built up their faith. This made me think of the apostle Paul near the end of the book of Acts. He is on a ship that is lost at sea. No one has eaten in days and it says that they had given up all hope of being saved. In the midst of all this, Paul stands up and says that an angel appeared to him and promised that no one would die. And then he says, “I BELIEVE GOD!” His declaration of faith encouraged everyone. When our faith is strong I think it is important to declare it because it can encourage others around us who might be struggling at the time.
Terriann

======= Billy:

Thanks Mike. Great advice on choosing “friends” wisely. Let’s just say in my past I have had many not so “wise” friends and believe me I was right there with them.
Billy

======== Bob:

Joshua 24: 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.
A couple of comments here: Righteousness can’t be forced. Make your choice a deliberate one. As we move into Judges, we will see if you choose God, it brings favor and glory to His name, (and you). I guess it is all a matter of free will and the consequences of our choice. I think Joshua, like any good preacher will present the evidence of the past and give you may good reasons to make your choice obvious. It’s not easy because like in verse 25:24, we can say we will serve the Lord but fall short. Judges will give us a whole array of reasons. I am going to pay attention!
Bob

======== Joyce:

Mike and everyone,
Mike, I deeply appreciate following this blog, and able to read through the book of Joshua, for the first time.
What a great Godly leader Joshua was!
Joshua 24:25-27 Amplified Bible
25 So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and made statutes and ordinances for them at Shechem.
26 And Joshua wrote these words in the Book of the Law of God; and he took a great stone and set it up there under an oak that was in [the court of] the sanctuary of the Lord.
27 And Joshua said to all the people, See, this stone shall be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the Lord spoke to us; so it shall be a witness against you, lest [afterward] you lie (pretend) and deny your God.
He made a covenant with the people, made statutes and ordinances for them,
wrote these words down in the Book of the Law, and took a stone as a witness.
He put many safeguards to want to make sure the people won’t deny God. And he finished doing all these before he died …
Wow — what a leader! What a leader that God had chosen for the Israelites!
What an example for us to follow today!
Gratefully,
Joyce

======== Robert:

Today I listened to Tom Dooley’s reading the scriptures. It was such a pleasure just letting the words sweep over me and I felt such peace even though some things like Jesus words on end times in Luke were powerful but yet conveyed such hope. The key point for me today was in Joshua verse 14, “But as for me and my household we will serve the Lord”. I believe through all circumstances to hold onto that thought just brings me to a better place. And I think in a lot of ways that is how blessings chase us. I do look forward to this Sunday where church will be finally holding an outdoor service. Praise God.
Robert

======= Dee:

Yes Robert! I too love the scriptures read! And I love that verse: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord! I love coming to the end of Joshua and he speaks of all the blessings over God’s people! That’s nice. And our timing is not God’s timing. Nor our ways his ways. After 400 years he fulfilled his promise.
The end of an Era..The Book of Joshua..now Judges..even though I know what’s coming because I have read before..the Israelites are going to get hasty. They want a ruler..they want someone to rule them or judge them..Joshua is gone..we still have Caleb there..hmm. and we will hear the “rest of the story!”
The destruction told about in Luke today. And I always am in awe of the widows mite. Makes me think of my sweet mama who has gone and passed away from this world. She loved and gave like that..so sweet.
Proverbs 13:22
A good man leave an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. Wow..I hope I meet my children’s children and the biggest investment is the Kingdom of JC! I want them to know you Lord.
My fervent hope is I’m walking with the wise! I hope to be a blessing and grow wise and establish wisdom from the sweet saints I embrace each. My church, my prayer warriors, my colleagues, spouse, children both born of me and not from me. Love love and peace!
Dee

======== Ramona:

Joshua 24:1-33
Every year that I have gone on this journey, I am always amazed at the things that stand out to me. Although I have gone on a read-thorough-the-Bible-journey over thirty times, I am amazed at the things that I constantly uncover. Things that were there all the time, things that on my first journey I either chose not to see or could not see things that I have read before but now am just discovering. God’s Word is ever pregnant birthing new thoughts and new perspectives.
Joshua said to all the people, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt in olden times beyond the Euphrates River, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, and they served other gods. And I took your father Abraham from beyond the Euphrates River and led him through all the land of Canaan and multiplied his offspring. I gave him Isaac, (Joshua 24:2-3 AMP).
In the midst of my depravity, God called me out from those who worshiped gods that were not God, just like He did Abraham. Called out from the midst of depraved influences, God incubated Abraham in the comfort of His womb. The womb He had provided, Cannon, to give birth to His people, His Word by way of the Law, His Words through the Prophets, and finally, His Word, Jesus Christ. Then, as stated in the fourth verse of this chapter, they were sent down to Egypt, “And I gave to Isaac Jacob and Esau. And I gave to Esau the hill country of Seir to possess, but Jacob and his children went down to Egypt.” (Joshua 24:4 AMP)
For some strange reason I have gotten stuck with and am drawn to the history of mathematics. I am currently reading a book called, Mathematics for the Million: How to Master the Magic of Numbers by Lancelot Hogben. This is my second book on numbers having read Isaac Asimov’s humorous book, The Realm of Numbers. I’m not sure the purpose of my sudden fascination with books like this, but I have learned that besides working through problems that presented themselves in the ancient world, the learned priests elevated the art of numbers, specifically Geometry to a priestly endeavor. All the work of the Babylonians and the Egyptians laid the foundation for every current young scholar’s (grades 1 through 12, and up) nightmare or dream in the handling of numbers; they also laid down the groundwork for the building of Temples, pyramids, etc.
Abraham and his descendents, having no use for numbers, other than counting his sheep, cattle and other such stuff, was a nomad. But down in Egypt where geometry (geo – earth; metry – measuring—where we get the word meter) would be used to calculate the “plumb” line needed to create and measure “right” angles to successfully build its temples, Israel would get math lessons needed to build up the country God had Promised her, in Egypt. I may be called far from my Promise to learn something, you may be called into situations that may become “slavery” for God’s purpose to build His Kingdom upon the earth.
And He made from one [common origin, one source, one blood] all nations of men to settle on the face of the earth, having definitely determined [their] allotted periods of time and the fixed boundaries of their habitation (their settlements, lands, and abodes), So that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel after Him and find Him, although He is not far from each one of us.
(Acts 17:26-27 AMP)
Ramona

======= John:

Joshua 24
We have come full circle. Shechem was the place where Jacob challenged his followers regarding foreign gods. Joshua is making his speech at the same place. Possibly the stone was set up near the place Jacob buried the forign gods.
Gen 35:2-4
“So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, and purify yourselves and change your clothes. Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone.” So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods they had and the rings in their ears, and Jacob buried them under the oak at Shechem.” NIV
Josh24:19,23
“Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the LORD. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins……”Now then,” said Joshua, “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.” NIV
After all this – there were some who still caried around idol’s of other gods and worshipped them. They were straddling the fence – having it both ways – you cannot worship other gods and be in favor with the Lord. You cannot serve the Lord in this state.
Implications:
Do people straddle the fence today. Going to worship on Sundays, and then worshipping the world the rest of the week (work, immorality, video games, etc.) ????
Two possibilities:
1) A professing Christian did receive and believe in Christ, but in the battle of the flesh and spirit has tried to go it on his own instead of relying on God. You lose every time – you cannot serve the Lord in this way. Your testimony and witness mean nothing.
2) A professing Christian who is in this state never truly received Christ and trusted Him with their life. They go to Sunday worship because it is what they always have done with family, for social reasons, or because they think it is all that is necessary to please God.
The answer here is the same as Joshua said – throw away your foreign idols and yield your heart to the Lord. This means turning back to the Lord, repenting of your sinful state, and giving your heart to the Lord. Today that means Believing and Receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
======================================================
The VT shootings, Hurricane Katrina, and the Asian Tsunami are no different than the question asked Jesus about the building in Galilee falling and killing people in NT. The answer is the same.
In an imperfect world evil exists, tragedies happen, and the emphasis should not be on figuring it all out.
The point is what Jesus said – We do not control things, we are mortal – it should be a sign to look to God and repent.
Christians who are wandering (straddling the fence) need to come back to the Lord and serve Him. Non-Christians. It is a moment in time to look to God for the eternal solution. There is only one answer and one way.
Even Christians who are dedicated believers should see these as signs to rededicate our lives to Christ and share the Gospel. We don’t know how long we will be here on earth, and neither do we know the lifespan of those we talk to about Christ. Our sense of urgency should be renewed.
John

======= John:

Luke 21
The Widow’s Offering
Can you see the picture of salvation in the widow’s offering.
Someone who has no resources, no one else (husband) to depend on – who is at her lowest state – gave from her core, her life.
The others – it was an offering from their surplus – it did not touch their core. Who does Christ recognize??? How did you come to Christ with your offering – your heart – your recognition of God’s plan?????
======================================================
Prophecy
As Ramona said – nothing brings up more petty and useless arguments in Christianity than disagreements on Prophecy. Let’s see if we can stick to what we (hopefully) can agree on:
Before anything else there will be persecution. It was true then, and true now. We see it begin with Stephen in Acts, and I keep coming up with the same numbers that indicate more christians were killed in the 2oth century than the previous 19 combined.
There will be wars, and natural disasters – why must they happen? They are necessary for God to give a chance to those who have not turned back to Him. As stated before – to point to our inability to control events (man-made or natural), to recognize mortality, and to give us a chance to repent to the Lord. God is patient and far more more merciful to this world than to all the “ites” of Canaan. He waited some 400 years to destroy them, and we are going on 2,000+ waiting for Jesus to return.
There were false Messiahs back then, and now. Most recent one I heard of is the guy in Miami, Fl (Miranda). You know why we are to ignore them – because when Christ returns in His glory – WE will be with Him.
1 Th 3:13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
Jude 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands* of his saints,
*ten thousands – Gk. murias – idiom meaning innumerable, too many to count.
======================================================
A common acceptance about prophecy is that it contains near term and far term fulfillments. that seems to be the case here at vs. 20 to the end of our readings.
Titus, Roman commander, laid siege to Jerusalem in 70 A.D. and leveled Jerusalem – including the temple.
” In the siege in 70 A.D. some 1,100,000 men, women, and children died of starvation or by the sword of Rome. Some 97,000 others were taken into slavery. All this happened because when the Jews heard that the Roman army was coming to bring judgment on their rebellion, they came into the city from the hills and villages of Judea, hoping that the city walls would save them from destruction. But the followers of Jesus who heeded his warning were able to flee the city in time to save their lives.” – Ron Ritchie
Verses 25 and on are yet unfulfilled. Nothing as cataclismic as Christ mentions has happened – and of course He has not come back. But HE WILL! For the Jews still alive at this time – who call on the name of the Lord – their redemption will be at hand.
John

======= John:

The Essential Message of Joshua
Practically, that message is that God keeps his promises and enables his servants to succeed if we will trust him and obey his word. God has a rich inheritance for his children here and now if they will claim it by faith.-Doug Goins
======================================================
Things about Joshua from this Book.
I. How was he prepared?
– He suffered (in Egypt)
– He submitted to authority. (During the first half of his life he obeyed Moses, and during the second half he learned to listen directly to the Lord.)
– Joshua experianced delay (Hebrews 6:12 tells us that it is through faith and patience that we inherit what God has promised.)
II. What are some of the hallmarks of Joshua’s leadership?
-First, he walked with God, as Moses, his mentor, did.
– He had courage.
– He followed God’s plans. Not perfectly, but when Joshua did not (Ai, Gibeonites) he acknowledged his mistake and returned to the Lord’s Way.
– Joshua enlisted others, and they trusted his spiritual authority.
– Joshua was concerned about the future.
– Joshua glorified God. Throughout the book of Joshua he repeatedly gave God the glory for everything that happened. It was the Lord who conquered the enemy, the Lord who gave the land to the people, the name of the Lord that was to be magnified in all the earth.
======================================================
How is God revealed in this Book?
– He is a relational God.
– He is a God who keeps his promises.
– He is a holy God who will not tolerate sin.
– He is a forgiving God who cleanses us when we confess our sins.
– He is a God who requires obedience.
– He is a God who never fails. We may fail him, but he will never fail us.
– Most importantly, He is a God of grace and mercy.
John

======= Vance:

I completely and heartily agree with this statement:
“And if we ourselves are not walking with other believers in the body of Christ by investing in a church on a weekly basis, then…we are at risk of getting swept up in the pop-cultural cares of this fleeting world. Church is wise.”
Of course, we are the church, the Body of Christ. The church is not perfect in behavior. But, thank God, that we are what we are by the GRACE of God!
Those who are truly the church seek to live the way that the Father through Joshua calls us to live: in regular, ongoing surrender
Joshua 24 (NKJV)
13
I have given you a land for which you did not labor, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.’
14
“Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD! 15
And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
NOTE:
I note verse 13: “I have given you a land for which you did not labor…”
This reminds me of another inheritance, which the Father sovereignly made to include another verse 13:
Colossians 1 (NKJV)
12
giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
13
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
14
in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
OH… that I would always see the inheritance I ALREADY HAVE IN CHRIST. How could one possibly turn from Christ and not surrender to the Lord Jesus once they see the true wealth of spiritual riches that Jesus paid for and bestowed on those who trust Him?
I Corinthians 2 (Amplified)
12
Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God.
~~~
Joshua 24 (NKJV)
32
The bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel had brought up out of Egypt, they buried at Shechem…
NOTE:
There is a historical reality in confirming God’s covenant.
The so called “Gospel of Judas” got me thinking about the importance of the
of the dual reality of the Lord Jesus: the historical reality and the spiritual reality.
I found an interesting news article on a Christian news website, “The Gospel of Judas: A Betrayal of the Truth” Below is a small quote from the article.
“The Gospel of Judas tells an entirely different story than the one recorded in the canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. In this writing, Judas is the hero and not the betrayer of Christ. Instead, he is depicted as Christ’s best friend — the only one who really understands Jesus — the one who turns Jesus over to the authorities for crucifixion at His behest — helping Him shed his fleshly body and return to the spirit world.”
“The teachings of The Gospel of Judas are Gnostic in origin. The Gnostics were a sect that believed only a select group of people was privy to a secret knowledge. THE MATERIAL WORLD TO THEM WAS A TRAP — SOMETHING FROM WHICH TO ESCAPE TO ENTER INTO THE SPIRIT WORLD.”
“As Hanson notes, the teachings of the ‘Cainite Gnostics,’ the group responsible for the Gospel of Judas, were characteristic for ‘rehabilitating disgraced biblical figures, including Cain, the Sodomites, and Judas.’”
“Although Gnostics appeared to be Christian, there is nothing about their teachings that resembled what the apostles actually taught and passed down to the Church.”
Note this key quote from the article: “THE MATERIAL WORLD TO [the Gnostics] WAS A TRAP — SOMETHING FROM WHICH TO ESCAPE TO ENTER INTO THE SPIRIT WORLD.”
Since they saw physical matter as evil, in their view Jesus could not possibly have been divine and also wanted a human body.
Yet, God’s covenant has always had a historical reality. The physical bones of Joseph and the physical and historical grave site of those bones was a place where people could go and see evidence that could not be denied that God keeps His promises.
Consider how important the physical body of the Lord Jesus is to the NT.
In particular, note that the books of Colossians and I John were written specifically against the error and heresy of gnosticism.
Colossians 1 (NKJV)
21
AND YOU, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet NOW HE HAS RECONCILED
22
IN THE BODY OF HIS FLESH THROUGH DEATH, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—
I John 4 (NKJV)
2
By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come IN THE FLESH is of God,
3
and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come IN THE FLESH is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.
~~~
Also consider this from Hebrews:
Hebrews 10 (NKJV)
19
Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20
by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, THROUGH THE VEIL, THAT IS, HIS FLESH,…
22
let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,…
23
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works
FINAL NOTE:
If Jesus were not truly human, then He could not be our equal substitute or equal representative. Jesus had to be human because we are humans. Humans (Adam and Eve) allowed themselves to be
deceived through temptation, and only a human could later overcome the enemy by defeating temptation on behalf of humanity.
JESUS IS FULLY GOD AND FULLY MAN. Anything less is less than what man needs and less that what God requires.
Also, Jesus was not simply a real human who was temporarily “endued” with the “divine” or the “Spirit” which then later left him.
No…
Jesus and the Father are one. He was crucified precisely because He claimed to be God.
Vance

Joshua 22:21-23:16 + Luke 20:27-47 + Psalm 89:14-37 + Proverbs 13:17-19
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Brief post today.  Back to a full post tomorrow.  🙂

New Testament – Bible.org’s commentary on Luke chapter 20’s readings today titled “One Bride for Seven Brothers” is at this link and commentary titled “David’s Son” is at this link.

Psalms – I love Psalm 89:15 today: “Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.” Do you hear the joyful call to worship in your life? Do you worship God with a community of believers each week?  (i.e. at a church…)  Will you choose to walk in the light of God’s presence each week?

Proverbs – Proverbs 13:18 is so so so true: “If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept criticism, you will be honored.”  I know this may sound strange, but I’m trying to get to the point in my life where I actually appreciate criticism and appreciate making mistakes.  It means I’m learning.  And the key to receiving criticism is indeed to not ignore it.  Reflect on it.  Pray on it.  And yes, sometimes the criticism will be unfounded.  But sometimes it may literally save your life…  Let us be open and appreciative to constructive criticism!  And let us not ignore it!  Nor try to escape from it…

Worship Video: Psalm 89:15 reminds me of Chris Tomlin’s song “Made to Worship:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5FmNqozk6k

Are you made to worship? Click here and worship!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.” Proverbs 13:18 NLT

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not ignore criticism and end up in poverty and disgrace. Pray that you will accept correction and then honor.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  How are you doing in accepting criticism in your life today?  Do you accept it?  Receive it?  Learn from it?  Or perhaps… ignore it?  Why do you think this Proverb says if you ignore criticism you’ll end up in poverty and disgrace?  Do you think many people in our world today ignore criticism?  Is ignoring criticism perhaps a selfish act?  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:

Joshua 22:21-23:16
An altar is a place of exchange. In the case of Israel, their alter was a place where they exchanged their personal and national sins for God’s righteousness through daily blood sacrifices. For the 2 ½ tribes, their memorial, their large memorial was to be a reminder to whom? What one says and what one’s true intentions are is two separate things. It can be said that one’s actions speak so loudly that what is being said is drowned out. So unless we know what is truly in their hearts, we cannot discern their true intentions. However, we do have a record of what happened to both those on the east of the Jordan and those on the west. Their fruit, like our fruit gives evidence of what was in the heart.
The tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh had requested land not intended as their Promise, to be there substitute Promise. So what was the real intent of this memorial/altar. Had they since realized after really seeing the Promise that God had for them, that they had made a mistake and were to proud to say so? The problem with “memorials” is this: unless one is interested in history, they either become a place for pigeons to sit on and/or they become part of the scenery and all meaning is lost except by the tourists and the lovers of history and architecture.
To truly keep your mind focused on something, one must have a heart felt love for what is before you. Altar or no altar, memorial or no memorial the issue at hand is what is going on in the heart of both the 2 ½ tribes, east of the Jordon, and the 9 ½ tribes on the west. That is the same predicament we have today. Whether we have statues/paintings/icons of those, we have decided by consensus, to be godly saints, or we have sparse places of worship with plan walls, the issue is and has always been what is going on in the heart.
We justify our actions by appearances; GOD examines our motives. Clean living before God and justice with our neighbors mean far more to GOD than religious performance. (Proverbs 21:2-3 MSG)
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Pat:

I think the story told in Joshua 22 carries two messages for all of us.
(1) The tribes of Gad and Reuben built an altar not for offering burned offerings but instead as a memorial to God – a memorial others could see the minute they entered their territory. I wonder if our territory – whether owned or leased, whether a home or apartment or condo – is a memorial to God that other people can immediately identify. Our society has become such that religious icons and objects are being removed from the work place and all public areas except churches. It seems the only place where we can still display religious items is in our personal territory. When someone enters our door, what do they see first? Is it something that glorifies Christ? I looked around my living room and discovered that I need to make some changes in there! I need to fix my territory up so that when anyone enters they will immediately see that Christ is the center of my life.
(2) The Israelites from the remaining 10 tribes west of the Jordan River were ready to kill those east of the Jordan when they heard they had erected the altar for use, which would have been in defiance of God. Instead of just striking out, they sent leaders from their tribes to investigate and talk with the leaders of the other tribes. The leaders found out that the altar was not what they thought it was, took this good news back to their tribes and everyone then was happy. When someone upsets us, we need to calmly sit down and talk to them about it! It is very seldom something can’t be talked out and hurt or anger erased by doing so. We are quick to jump to conclusions, we are quick to get our feelings hurt, we are quick to become angry, but we are not quick to deal with the situation in the manner these wise leaders did. If we are upset, we draw back from the person instead of going to the person to work it out.
What wonderful two lessons the Word of God delivered to us today!
God Bless!
Pat

======= Anka:

I wonder why 3 tribes on the other side built an altar the intended “not”to use for burnt offerings.That’s what altars were meant for in those days.It almost is like keeping a weapon in the house to scare burglers kidding yourself into believing you won’t actually use it.Their excuse seems flimsy.It seems they are facing the consequence of their unwise choice to be separated from the rest of the nation…I’m curious to see if they won’t only burn offerings on the altar to God without authorisation but to gods as well….Staying away fro the body of Christ for various”good”reasons may seem right but it will have serious consequences….like the Israelites were getting ready to fight their brothers,how long will it take for someone out of church to wage war(verbally or otherwise)on the rest of the sheep for what it seems like a “good Godly”cause…………….46″Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers.”………………
Hypocrisy:it drives unbelievers from the house of God,discourages believers in the house of God.In the end when the pressure is high,the truth comes out and people see what you truly believe in.Yesterday I was asked if I’m catholic,protestant or greek orthodox…my answer”I’m a christian”…Christians are followers of Christ and Christ didn’t create a divided church nor did he give it several names and denominations.There’s so much just in a”name”!My relatives have seen a change in me,they recognise that I seek to know everything from the bible’s point of view…all they have against me is that I in their opinion renounced the greek orthodox faith,refuse to kiss their statues and pictures of the saints,Mary and Jesus!!Well I pray this period they celebrate Easter,they would be more open to hear the truth…Will be travelling celebrate easter with my grand father and some of my mum’s relatives in the country side so I sure hope to be light:)….See ya all when I get back.God bless you all,have a great weekend:)
Anka

======= Luch:

Maybe some of the OYB bloggers are old enough (like me) to remember the late francis Schaeffer (father of Franky Schaeffer who converted from evangelicalism to Greek Orthodox because he found fundamentalism too shallow on many levels). Francis Schaeffer was a wonderful, wise, godly, philosopher who established a community in L’Abri Switzerland that was known for its love, and also for being a place that people could go to understand not only with the heart but also with the mind the teachings of Jesus and His Way. He wrote a book called Joshua in the flow of history. His comments on Joshua 22 have served me well over the years. The building of the altar was at first misunderstood as a declaration of war, but then it became a witness of peace and unity. It it too bad when God’s people are forced to manufacture evidence to bear witness of their unity. I think Schaeffer and this passage illustrate that before you declare ‘war’ on another brother or sister in the Lord, stop long enough to find out what is going on after all. Maybe you find yourself agreeing after all. How many times through the years have I been quick to jump to conclusions about what different expressions of Christianity taught especially the ones who use icons of different sorts. Having grown up Catholic in my early years and then converting to a particular strain of evangelicals, I became a ‘catholic basher’ for at least five years, to my shame. And then I began to meet some ‘evangelical Catholics’ who were on fire for Jesus. I am still uncomfortable with some of those practices, but my catholic friends are also uncomfortable with certain evangelical, oversimplified approaches to faith, but I have sought to understand, and I have come to appreciate the wisdom of some of the ways other faith communities express their faith.
Thank you Francis Schaeffer for sensitizing me to the bigger picture, and for helping me to understand the ways of God from Joshua 22.
Luch

======== Andy:

Actually the story in Joshua 22 is a great example of how to answer false accusations by brothers. Most of Israel was ‘assuming’ they had turned away from God but before getting all the facts they rushed to judgment. They were going to kill them for heaven’s sake! But the tribes who were living on the other side of the Jordan had done everything asked of them when they had decided in Deut where they wanted their inheritance. As noted by others, it was a memorial or a reminder as opposed to an altar for false worship or even to substitute for the temple.
I have used this as a good example of how to respond when people jump to quick jugdemental accusations especially when people are questioning your motives. We move so qucikly to attack one another when if israel has simply asked a question or believed the best it would have been solved.
Andy

======= Kate:

Sometimes altars are built as a remebrance. Moses built an altar where the burning bush stood, Jacob built an altar where he saw the ladder. It may not be an altar persay it might just be a bunch of stones piled on top of each other, but they call it an altar just for lack of a better term. And maybe in the original hebrew it’s called something else….
Kate

======= John:

Kate,
(I did not know any of this below, but your post coincided with a thought I had, so I did some research.)
The Hebrew word for altar used in every instance in Joshua 22 is “mizbeach”. Mizbeach has one defintion and only one English translation: Altar. (mizbeach comes from a word that means “to slay”)
From what I can find in Jewish tradition of this time, “altar” was a place to pray and sacrifice. So the altars of Abraham, Moses, and Jacob were meant for sacrifice and prayer???
In Joshua 4:7 the stones are specifically meant to be and translated as a memorial. The Hebrew word is: “zikrown”.
God instructed Joshua to place the twelve stones at Gilgal as a “memorial”. God said that all sacrifices were to be done at a central place – tabernacle now, Jerusalem later. I do not remember any other instructions in the new land for building, constructing altars or placing a memorial. Do I have this right????
======================================================
That being said I was curious about some things that I do not believe we have answers to in Joshua 22.
Did they build this altar with implements? Other than God’s specific instructions on constructing the tabernacle altar – up to now altars have been just uncut stones dragged together to form an altar. If this altar was built with implements, it was built on man’s specifications.
Why was it (assuming here) so much bigger than other altar?
I wonder if there is any significance that the tabernacle was an altar of (innocent) blood sacrifices, and this was an altar of no (bloodless) sacrifices?
It seems ironic that the explanation was given:
“that we will worship the LORD at his sanctuary with our burnt offerings, sacrifices and fellowship offerings. Then in the future your descendants will not be able to say to ours, ‘You have no share in the LORD.”
When eventuially these tribes went there own way and offered sacrifices on their side of Jordan to other “gods”. Later they were invaded and carried off.
======================================================
I may be off here, but I think the reaction of the 9 1/2 tribes was correct.
God had instructed only one place of sacrifice. What were they to think when they heard of and saw another altar? Another place of prayer and sacrifice.
They had been through this before in Peor. They knew there were dangers to disobeying God regarding proper worship.
When something looks and wrong and inappropriate and could result in dire ramifications, they had the right to come and confront the 2 1/2 tribes. Regardless the onus was on the 2 1/2 tribes to explain what they did by constructing an altar.
As to being ready for war – they should be prepared to take care of the situation if it turns out as it appears.
I find it curious that the explanation was accepted by men, and no one seemed to consult God.
Today: When someone or some group does something that looks wrong and innapropriate, they should be confronted by church representatives. At least the elders. The onus is on the ones doing something different to explain. Not confronting them could lead to some disastrous results in the Church.
Joshua 22:13-14
“So the Israelites sent Phinehas son of Eleazar, the priest, to the land of Gilead—to Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh. With him they sent ten of the chief men, one for each of the tribes of Israel, each the head of a family division among the Israelite clans.” NIV
The 9 1/2 tribes were prepared for war, but they did not go “en masse” to confront the 2 1/2 tribes. they sent representitives to find out – again, I see nothing wrong with that scenario.
Well, they could have been a little less controversial in their opening statement
John

======= Jenny:

I love worship…..today at work, and many days, i found myself singing worship songs. I was not even noticing i was walking singing Everlasting God by Lincoln Brewster with my hands outstretched! some of my coworkers talk about disgusting things, so i try to block it out by singing praises out loud, but to to myself. When i feel the call to worship, i cant resist!
I do like criticism, not mean-spirited criticism with wrong motives but genuine loving criticism…i welcome it! if i’m wrong, i want to know! I definitely learn from it! Many ppl brush off criticism bcos some many are ruled by pride! it may sting my pride, but i’ll get over it! i dont want my pride anyway….(theres a great song by Kutless, “Pride Away”)
i like that things got settled at the end of Joshua 22 =) I also just love how Jesus deals with the scribes and the pharisees. Hes`so awesome!!
Jenny

======= Mae:

I LOVE to worship! I do it everywhere and all the time!
“Do you worship God with a community of believers each week?” ~ Yep, 3 sermons a week, 2 biblestudies a week, once or twice a week the evangelism and the Saturdaynight “coffeehouses”, as we call them. And I just LOVE it! I can feel the Holy Spirit doing its work when I stretch out to Jesus to worship Him! I really love the worship songs and I sing them all the time. Like Jenny sais, at work. Most of them know I’m a Christian now. But in the beginning they were surprised to hear songs such as “My Jesus, my Saviour” and “Praise Adonai” … “God of Wonders” from Rebecca St James. I also love my prayersmeetings 1 hour before each sermon, an hour before we go evangelise and the prayers at home, when I pray for at least 30 minutes a time. I know … for most of you it’s not that long, I’m still in a learning process here LOL I love to worship God at the beginning and end of my prayers. Worship him in tongues and words of worship. Such a great time to be close with Him!
Proverbs 13:18 “If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept criticism, you will be honored.” ~ I totally agree: when you can appreciate criticism, it means you are learning. I have grown tremendously in this area. God really helped me with it. I used to run away from criticism or be mean to the person that was giving me criticism. I’ve learned to listen to it and to take out of it what I think is usefull and to let go of the things that weren’t for me. Maybe not let go, but to keep it somewhere and in some points it will happen that I think back and finally understand what they were talking about LOL
Mae

======= Angelo:

I look at people sometimes and its like some just have a glow, an inner glow that just illuminates them wherever they go. And these are the same ones who you can tell just have a spirit of worship. Whatever that they are doing, they are always singing hymns or thanking Jesus. Its just a product of the Holy Spirit shining through them. Jesus did call us the “light of the world” in Matthew 5:14, and we should be shining so that others might see the Christ residing inside of us and understand that Christianity is not a religion, but its a lifestyle. And Matthew 5:16 says again to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” So by works, being a product of our faith in Jesus Christ, men would see it and give God glory. And that all starts out with us being a bright light and not a dim one. The closer we get to God, the closer He will get to us (“Draw nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you.” James 4:8) and the brighter that we will become. And thank you everyone for all of your prayers, because the “effectual fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much” and they have helped tremendously! Thank you
Angelo

======= Jim:

“How are you doing in accepting criticism in your life today?”
One of my most valuable High School classes was Advanced Art as it provided the only instruction in 18 years of schooling on providing and taking criticism. Alas, most Bible studies, in contrast, seem to preach criticism is always bad. I recently was in one, in fact, that asked whether we preferred encouragement or criticism — suggesting, of course, that an empty “Be of good cheer” was always better than anything so negative as criticism. Studies in 1990 and in 2002 even showed that HR managers, in fact, would rather have employees that were not critical (or politically correct) with few reading, science, and math skills than the other way around. Many other studies have shown that such empty encouragement, good cries, and even most prayers are worse than nothing because they kill our natural motivation to change and grow (just like the praying Christian on the roof of his house in a flood that refused being saved three times while his unbelieving independent unpraying neighbor was saved right away).
I personally am a fairly slow learner, but I value and respect nothing more highly than thoughtful criticism (even though my slowness requires such to also be persistent). I read a list a couple of weeks ago of the top 30 values that people say motivate their actions (to be the best, etc) where the introduction said the normal person was driven by 5-6 of these things. The only value, though, I read from the list that clearly motivates me is the joy of learning. People look at me strange when I say that I usually prefer to lose than win, but there’s generally far greater opportunity to learn in losing (clearly the sliver lining in the cloud called “loser”) not to mention that playing against better opponents raises my level of play. Now, whether you just give me the right answer with some good advice or show me the right answer by continually beating me (an easier method to get my attention) – my slowness to learn will tend to ignore you the first time, but I eventually listen. I have shown the same tendencies with God, someone who is slow to learn but who eventually listens (and, in the end, appreciates the attention). Life is not about who makes the most money or has the best time, but who learns the most.
But, I’m like most people. While managers think employees most want money, the number one reason people quit – even when saying it’s for more money (whether true or not) as we think we’re unusual about the importance of money – is for more training and career advancement.
Jim

======= Nasser:

worshiping God is great it keep reminded me who i am really in chrisr worshiping him give strengtj to overcome my flesh reminded me how much Jesus love us that he was crossed and took the penality instead of me reflecting on this take me back down toward the feet of Jesus humbling myself and remind me how sinful and without hope and strength without the presence ofJesus in my life i pray that God keep his hand on my life and my family and all who read this . listening to God give me to really live the kingdom eterenity life on earth ,i believe when iaccept Jesus in my life as my only saviour,lord of my life i started to experience the kingdom on earth especially when i really had a very strong relatio with the Lord all the time through my life. the Word of GOd will work in your life in a unique way ,i thank the Lord ,the holy spirit for the living word . Amin
Nasser

======== Sam:

Only if we are free from our ego, we can escape from the bad effects of criticism and accepts the criticism in a constructive manner.
Sam

======= Frederick:

The scribes and chief priests set trap to Jesus on the issue of surrendering tax to Caesar. Jesus replied them. The Sadducees set another question to Jesus on resurrection. Jesus replied. Luke described an interesting challenge set by Jesus to ‘them. Jesus asked them the relationship between the Christ and David. It seems that Jesus was not just hanging around and answered challenges. He asked them back.
I like Jesus’s challenge to the religious leaders.
Frederick

======= Raeann:

The book of Joshua tells how Joshua the son of Nun lead the Israeli people into the promised land when they conquered the land of Canaan. The book begins with GOD commissioning Joshua to lead the Israelis across the Jordan to the promised land. GOD parts the Jordan and the Israelis cross over on dry ground, Think Red Sea but without the pursuing army to worry the people. Joshua takes stones from the middle of the Red Sea to make an alter to God. Joshua sends to soldiers to spy out the land of Canaan, a villager named Rehab hides them in her home over night, she tells them to protect her when Israel enters the land, they tell her they will keep her and her family safe for keeping them safe, they return to there camp to tell Joshua all that they have seen in the land. The soldiers in the army, the Levites with the Ark of God and the people walk around the city seven times to make the walls fall down, then God tells them to destroy the city and everyone that lives there. In a LONG military campaign, the Israelites defeat ALL of the kings of Canaan to occupy the promised land. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, Mannassah want pasture land west of the Jordan so after ALL of the land is conquered they receive there land in the west, the rest of Israel gets land in the promised land to the east. The Levites were given towns among the tribes of Israel. As he prepares to die Joshua blesses the tribes of Israel and reminds them to always follow GOD. The Israelites are now safely in the promised land. I enjoyed the book of Joshua, for me it raises a lot of ethical questions, that are never fully resolved when I finish this book.
Raeann

======= Lily:

It struck me while reading the Old testament from Genesis to Joshua, how the Isrealites needed to be reminded of God’s presense especially on their trip to the promise land. I suppose an altar or memorials are reminders for them how God was always with them (the parting of the red sea, the manna from heaven, the quails, the water from the rocks). Isn’t this true today too? Some of us need memorials, signs such as the crucifix, the empty cross, images of saints). God is an ever present God though. I feel Him from His wonderful creations (a rose, the beauty of the sky, the universe). He even sends people in our lives (God knows I need a lot of them) to remind us of His mercies.
Criticism is hard to take especially when directed to us. However, with criticism we find learning. I need a lot of growing-up in this area.
Lily

======= Teriann:

Mike asked, “How are you doing in accepting criticism? This is a good question and I think it is a good barometer by which to judge ourselves. In Luke 20 we see the Sadducees coming to Jesus with their convoluted question. It just dripped with arrogance and condescension. Haven’t you heard this tone from those who think their intellect and reasoning are so far above all those dumb Christians? Jesus’ not only answers their question but He addresses their root problem, the lack of belief in the resurrection of the dead. Jesus does not reference some obscure passage with a far reaching application, no He quotes Moses at the burning bush! Every four year old present knew that verse. I think that this was a huge put down and humiliation for the Sadducees. It says in v.40 that no one dared to ask Him any more questions. So getting back to Mike’s question, I think that when criticism really stings it is because I have let my own pride grow. It is a sign to me that it is time to repent and lay down the attitude. Someone once told me that we have a choice between humility or humiliation. The Sadducees were humiliated because they did not have an honest question. They were just trying to trap the Son of God and wound up looking really bad in front of all the people. When I choose to walk in humility and listen to that still small voice of correction, I can avoid the big embarrassing correction that will eventually come.
Teriann

======= Jill:

I just heard a miinister say.. “God wants us to be honest with him in our emotions. We may want to be right but God wants a righteous heart. If we claim to be without sin and don’t recognize our sin. How can one change? John 1:9 ” if we claim to be without sin , we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” . So first come clean before God. Psalms 24:4 . “He who has clean hands and a pure heart. Who does not lift up his soul to an idol. Or swear by what is false” . Don’t be controlled by your past. Be set free from that prison or what you are hanging onto. Not being honest keeps us locked up and affects our relationships. We can’t love others but end up destroying others by criticism.
Jill

======= Joyce:

Mike and everyone,
In Joshua’s farewell, he mentioned seven times the idolatrous nations still left in Canaan. He knew they would be a snare to Israel, so he prescribed three safeguards. (taken from “footnote b Joshua 23:11” of the Amplified Bible in Biblegateway.com)
1, The Israelites must bravely follow and obey God’s word:
“So be very courageous and steadfast to keep and do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning not aside from it to the right hand or the left “(Josh. 23:6 Amp Bible).
2, They must vigilantly and continuously separate from the Canaanite nations:
“That you may not mix with these nations that remain among you, or make mention of the names of their gods or swear by them or serve them or bow down to them.” (Josh. 23:7 Amp Bible).
3, They must cleave to the Lord with real and fervent love:
But cling to the Lord your God as you have done to this day.
Be very watchful of yourselves, therefore, to love the Lord your God.(Josh. 23:8,11 Amp Bible)
What a wonderful, much-needed reminder to the believers today!
Are we living too comfortable a life as Christians, that we are not setting these safeguards against idols?
And the consequences are spelled out clearly to us:
11 So take diligent heed to yourselves to love the Lord your God. 12 For if you ever go back and cling to the rest of these nations, these which remain among you, and intermarry with them, so that you associate with them and they with you,
13 know with certainty that the Lord your God will not continue to drive these nations out from before you; but they will be a snare and a trap to you, and a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good land which the Lord your God has given you. (Joshua 23:11-13 NASB)
In order to dwell in the land of blessing that the Lord has given us,
we must do our part to guard our heart against all temptations and snares.
We must take heed, diligently, very carefully love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, and soul.
Father, please help us as we strive to do so!
Gratefully,
Joyce

======== Robert:

Joshua 23
Here we see the critical point where they (I) am saved (savior) and the life of sanctification begins. (I) we are convicted and committed. I think my critical point happened when I received a “call” about 20 years ago that set me on a course that I am still on. I had seen what the Lord had done for me. I saw the snares and traps in my life that the Lord protected me from. I felt Loved. I wanted to commit my life to him and felt a sense of conviction. I study, I journey, I disciple, I honor, and with the help of the Lord I work out my sanctification in my heart, mind and soul.
Robert

======= Dee:

Love how real Jesus is! As much as I love my hubs..we will he more like angels after this side of heaven is over. People always trying to trip Jesus up. He always amazed them with his incredible answers.
I feel bad that church hasn’t been done mid week in a while. We are on a new study tonight of Hebrews. I’ve got to stop asking excuses and get back there, but definitely on weekends, sunday..I’m there. Love my church family.
Proverbs 13:18
Love this..made me think of my mentor at my 2nd teaching job. I had alot to learn as a teacher. But I didn’t shun constructive criticism..I was honored. So this verse is special to me.
How am I in accepting criticism in my life today? Well that would be from whom? A child, someone over me or in charge or just in general. I try not to absorb it and remain stable by what God says about me..
Do I accept it? Receive it? Learn from it?
I try not to absorb or receive at all. If it’s true..I look and take a moment and see how to improve..I try to receive with a wise grain of salt. Yes I try to learn what I hear.
Why do u think the Proverb says..if u ignore criticism you will end up in poverty and disgrace?
If we ignore what is evident to grow then our spirit will shrink and we will out from under the covering of grace.
Dee

======= John:

Joshua 22
What about this 2nd Altar? What is the Big Deal?
The Hebrew word for altar used in every instance in Joshua 22 is “mizbeach”. Mizbeach has one defintion and only one English translation: Altar. (mizbeach comes from a word that means “to slay”)
From what I can find in Jewish tradition of this time, “altar” was a place to pray and sacrifice. So the altars of Abraham, Moses, and Jacob were meant for sacrifice and prayer???
In Joshua 4:7 the stones are specifically meant to be and translated as a memorial. The Hebrew word is: “zikrown”.
God instructed Joshua to place the twelve stones at Gilgal as a “memorial”. God said that all sacrifices were to be done at a central place – tabernacle now, Jerusalem later. I do not remember any other instructions in the new land for building, constructing altars or placing a memorial. Do I have this right????
======================================================
The word for the other altar in Hebrew is “altar” not “memorial”.
That being said I was curious about some things that I do not believe we have answers to in Joshua 22.
Did they build this altar with implements? Other than God’s specific instructions on constructing the tabernacle altar – up to now altars have been just uncut stones dragged together to form an altar. If this altar was built with implements, it was built on man’s specifications.
Why was it (assuming here) so much bigger than other altar?
I wonder if there is any significance that the tabernacle was an altar of (innocent) blood sacrifices, and this was an altar of no (bloodless) sacrifices?
It seems ironic that the explanation was given:
“that we will worship the LORD at his sanctuary with our burnt offerings, sacrifices and fellowship offerings. Then in the future your descendants will not be able to say to ours, ‘You have no share in the LORD.”
When eventuially these tribes went there own way and offered sacrifices on their side of Jordan to other “gods”. Later they were invaded and carried off.
======================================================
I may be off here, but I think the reaction of the 9 1/2 tribes was correct.
God had instructed only one place of sacrifice. What were they to think when they heard of and saw another altar? Another place of prayer and sacrifice.
They had been through this before in Peor. They knew there were dangers to disobeying God regarding proper worship.
When something looks and wrong and inappropriate and could result in dire ramifications, they had the right to come and confront the 2 1/2 tribes. Regardless the onus was on the 2 1/2 tribes to explain what they did by constructing an altar.
As to being ready for war – they should be prepared to take care of the situation if it turns out as it appears.
I find it curious that the explanation was accepted by men, and no one seemed to consult God.
Today: When someone or some group does something that looks wrong and innapropriate, they should be confronted by church representatives. At least the elders. The onus is on the ones doing something different to explain. Not confronting them could lead to some disastrous results in the Church.
John

======= Vance:

Joshua 22
29
Far be it from us that we should rebel against the LORD, and turn from following the LORD this day, to build an altar for burnt offerings, for grain offerings, or for sacrifices, besides the altar of the LORD our God which is before His tabernacle.”
NOTE:
In the OT, it seems clear that beginning with Abraham, God Himself must pick the place for the offering. As well, God Himself must pick the offering.
God was very clear to His people in the OT (as for us today) that we are not to fashion by our hands or in our minds anything that we think is God. We are to be HIS DISCIPLES: to yield, to learn, to receive God’s Word and let His Will and Mind through His Word form in us the true image of the true and living God.
Then, and only then, shall we worship God acceptably.
“Man shall not live by bread alone (or… if I can take liberty– by human means alone), but by EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD.” (Matthew 4:4)
I think of Abraham. He came out of a culture of idolatry– where even members of his own family had fashioned images of who they thought “god” was and worshiped that god.
Thus, God Himself spoke to Abraham and to leave his family and his home to go where the true and living God told him. God alone was to be Lord in Abraham’s life, and only God could give him the correct image and understanding of that.
In particular, I think of when God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac on the altar. ONLY GOD HIMSELF chose the place where Abraham was to go for the sacrifice. ONLY GOD HIMSELF chose the sacrifice.
Abraham was willing that God’s sacrifice would be his son, but GOD HIMSELF picked the offering.
In the Jewish Torah, it mentions that the name of the mountain where Abraham went to sacrifice his son Isaac had been previously called “Salem” which is a version of “SHALOM”– or peace.
When God provided His sacrifice, in the English Bibles it says that Abraham called the name of the place “Jehovah Jireh” — that is God provides.
In the English rendering of the Hebrew, however, the word is “Yahweh Yireh”
According to the Jewish Torah and tradition, God honored Abraham’s obedience and faith by allowing the addition of “Yireh” to the previous name “Shalom”
Look at this combination. I find it very interesting: “Yireh – Shalom”… “Yeru – Shalom”…”Jerusalem”
Even the very name of the city has this meaning:
At the place of God’s choosing and of God’s chosen sacrifice, there will be peace.
Joshua 23 (NKJV)
11
Therefore take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the LORD your God.
12
Or else, if indeed you do go back, and cling to the remnant of these nations—these that remain among you—and make marriages with them, and go in to them and they to you,
13
know for certain that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations from before you. But they shall be snares and traps to you, and scourges on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land which the LORD your God has given you.
14
“Behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth. And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed.
NOTE:
What sin or distracting habit that I chose not to give up (because I might find what I believe to be security), will become a snare to me. It is that simple.
Vance

======= John:

Psalm 89
28 I will maintain my love to him forever,
and my covenant with him will never fail.
29 I will establish his line forever,
his throne as long as the heavens endure.
30 “If his sons forsake my law
and do not follow my statutes,
31 if they violate my decrees
and fail to keep my commands,
32 I will punish their sin with the rod,
their iniquity with flogging;
33 but I will not take my love from him,
nor will I ever betray my faithfulness.
34 I will not violate my covenant
or alter what my lips have uttered.
God did and has punished the nation of Israel, but the covenant is unbroken. Just one of the reasons I have faith that God’s promise of salvation will stand throughout time. I may be chastised and punished for willful disobediance, but I will always be God’s adopted child – a co-heir to heaven.
John

======= John:

Luke 20
The Resurrection and Marriage
The gift of marriage was established by God for men and women in this age in order for us to understand through our physical, emotional, and spiritual oneness his loyal love and oneness with us. Marriage in this fallen age was also designed by God for couples to bring forth children in order to preserve the human race. This will continue as long as this age lasts-until Jesus brings all his enemies under his foot, the final enemy being death itself. We won’t need to have children anymore when death is conquered. – Ron Ritchie
Sadducees were trying to trip Jesus up again by giving a hypothesis that makes resurrection impossible. The prevailing thought of the time for those who did believe in bodily resurrection was – we would pick up in our relationships, material appetites and way of life. Jesus is saying – if you believe that – you misunderstand the Word of God.
There is a “this age” and a “that age” – and in that age only those considered God’s children are worthy to be a part of “that age”. The Greek is actually “accounted worthy” – because none of us are worthy. So how do we become accounted worthy or have the right to claim to be children of God?
John 1:12
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—” NIV
So their will be no need for marriage and children in that age, no fear of death, and our relationship with God will be as His children.
“that age” is the resurrection of life for the righteous. The hypothetical question is invalid because the posers of the riddle do not understand what the resurrected life will be like according to God’s Word.
======================================================
Whose Son Is the Christ?
Lest the Pharisees be left out – Jesus addresses the idea that the Messiah would be simply a man who would assume the earthly throne of David.
How can this be so when David calls Him Lord?
Yes, the Messiah will be man descended from David’s line, but He is also God – as David calls Him Lord. Jesus is both God and Man.
[Psalm 110:1 is always a good question to ask an unbelieving Jew regarding the messiah and their beliefs.]
======================================================
Lastly Jesus provides a Warning.
Jesus does not say pay no heed to the teachers and priests. He says – “beware”. Put what they teach against scripture – heed what is God’s Word, but as you see in the instances of the resurrection and the Messiah given here – the teachers have it wrong.
Their problem – they love the status, attention, and wealth associated with their position more than they love and understand God’s Word.
Are there Christian ministers like that today? Sadly, Yes. Beware of them and “test” their teachings against God’s Word.
John

Joshua 21:1-22:20 + Luke 20:1-16 + Psalm 89:1-13 + Proverbs 13:15-16
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Old Testament – In Joshua chapter 21 we read about the towns given to the Levites, the priestly tribe appointed in the Mosaic Law for the service of the Tabernacle and of the Temple.  It seems very wise that the Levites are given towns throughout the various tribes of the Israelites.  In my mind this is spreading out the priestly tribe strategically.  Can you imagine if the Levites were all in just 1 location?  It seems to me that there would be a vacuum of spiritual leadership in the tribes if the Levites were not dispersed in the manner which they were. How does reading about the Levites being dispersed remind you of the church today? Is the church dispersed throughout the world today a good thing? What are your thoughts on the benefits or drawbacks of denominations?

In Joshua chapter 22 verse 10 today we read: “Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built a very large altar near the Jordan River at a place called Geliloth.”  The place where our readings end today in verse 20 is quite a cliff-hanger!  Note that verse 20 is not the end of chapter 22, and as Paul Harvey says, in tomorrow’s readings you will get “The Rest of the Story.”  🙂

New Testament – Okay, so it’s every so often that I post up about the non-Biblical (not the original text) sub-headings that translations put into our daily readings.  For some reason I got a kick out of the NLT’s subheading above Luke chapter 20 verse 9, “Story of the Evil Farmers!”  (okay, I added the exclamation point).  Is it just me, or is that kinda funny?  I mean, the evil farmers in the story are not funny – and what they did is certainly not funny…  hmmm… I think I’ve dug myself into a hole here.  🙂  I’m sure everyone probably picked up on that the point of the farmer story is that Jesus is the son who was murdered in the story.  And Jesus is the stone rejected by the builders – who has now become the cornerstone of our Christian faith.  Nice quote by Jesus of Psalm 118 verse 22 there in Luke 20 verse 17.  Is Jesus the cornerstone of your life?

Bible.org’s commentary on our Luke chapter 20 readings today titled “The Tempest in the Temple: The Abuses of Authority” is at this link and commentary titled “God and Government” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 89 verse 11 is so powerful for us to remember – “The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; everything in the world is yours–you created it all.”  Everything in this world is God’s.  Everything.  This means every single person we meet is God’s.  However… they might not realize it.  But, I think it is important for us to remember that every single person we meet – no matter how “bad” they may seem or whatever – is still made in the image of God.  And there is the possibility of that person getting to know they are God’s.  There is the possibility of redemption – not by our human power, but by the power of God.  I think sometimes we go through our day thinking the world is bad.  People are bad.  It all is bad.  And certainly, it is a fallen world.  But it is still God’s world – and yes, the devil is thrashing around his temptations as rapidly as he can in the hearts of men and women.  This is the great spiritual battle.  But, God is so much stronger than the devil.  The name of Jesus expels the devil quicker than anything.   So, know that while we are in a fallen world, it is God’s world.  Everything in this world is God’s.  What are you and I doing to let others know that they are God’s – particularly if they don’t know it?  What are we doing to bless others with the knowledge that there is another Way than the devil’s temptations in this world?  What are we doing?  Really.  What are we doing with our lives to let others know about Jesus?  Whew… this one gets to me for some reason.  There are people suffering so much in our world.  If only they knew there was another way….   Will you help to show them to the Way? 

Continuing on the thoughts in the paragraph above – take a moment to reflect on this image below.  Wow… Can you make out the angel on the right coming from the prayers of the woman to defend her from the evil one?  Who are we praying for today to defend them from the evil one?

Psalm 89 verse 13 today – “Powerful is your arm! Strong is your hand! Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength.”  Amen and Amen.

Proverbs – Proverbs 13 verse 16 is great – “Wise people think before they act.” 

And I agree with this.  My one additional thought is don’t think for too too long!  I know some folks that like to think… and think…. and think…. and this is good…. but there is also a time for action.  There is a time to move and get involved in the advancement of God’s Kingdom.  Yes, let’s think about how we’ll do this – but then let us act!

Worship Video: Psalm 89:11 reminded me of the Steven Curtis Chapman song “Yours:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Vu9m8m1lEw

Do you believe it is all God’s? Click here and give it all to Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it.” Psalm 89:11 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving to God for all of the blessings He has given us here on this earth. Pray that you will treat everyone and all thing’s as God’s – and not yours.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Are you someone that thinks before you act?  Or do you sometimes act before you think?  🙂  If so, can you meditate on this Proverb, memorize it, and put it into practice?  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:

Joshua 21:1-22:20
1 Then the leaders of the tribe of Levi came to consult with Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders of the other tribes of Israel. 2 They spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, “The LORD instructed Moses to give us towns to live in and pasturelands for our cattle.” 3 So by the command of the LORD the Levites were given as their inheritance the following towns with their pasturelands.
God promised but the Levites had to ask for what God promised. This seems to be a principal we should still use today. I am reminded of Hebrew’s 4:16 that encourages us to come boldly to the throne of grace … Often we know or think we are suppose to receive something and if we think we are not going to get what we have been promised we don’t bother to ask. Since we don’t get what we want, we begin to sulk and start to hold grudges against either God or against the person we believe God was working through.
The first three verses of Joshua are letting me know that it is O.K. to ask for what we have been promised just as long as we are asking the right person after having gone boldly to God with our request and direction.
Luke 20:1-16
I believed I touched on this before when we read through this in Matthew (21) and Mark (11), but just as the religious leaders challenged Jesus’ Authority, sometimes we may find someone challenging how we read the “text,” they may even challenge our authority to even read the Bible. I know because in my B.S. (Before Salvation) days I use to challenge people who I saw reading the Bible on public transportation. No, I did more than challenge them; I cursed them out! Be careful who you allow to challenge your right to read the Word, if an unqualified person questions your authority, question his or hers right to challenge you, just like Jesus.
Psalm 89:1-13
11 The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours;
Everything in the world is yours–you created it all.
It’s amazing to think that there is nothing that God doesn’t’ own everything we see, feel, touch, taste and smell belongs to Him so nothing we claim to pocess is ours we are only stewards of His possession and we will have to give an account of how we use what belongs to Him.
Proverbs 13:15-16
16 Wise people think before they act; fools don’t and even brag about it!
Couldn’t understand how “fools” brag but I remember overhearing conversations and participating in discussions where “fools” bragged about their foolishness only I didn’t realize they were bragging. Check bouncers who bounced more checks than the New York Knicks bounce balls; criminals who discus their new and improved criminal tricks they committed just before they got caught the last time and went to jail trading their useless criminality tricks with other foolish crooks.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Anka:

“44 The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the LORD handed all their enemies over to them. 45 Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.”
So all the enemies that Israel “couldn’t” overcome were actually enemies Israel chose not to eliminate…
“19 If the land you possess is defiled, come over to the LORD’s land, where the LORD’s tabernacle stands, and share the land with us”….
It would seem that in the mind of the other tribes of Israel, Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh were out of God’s land…in the statement”come over to the Lord’s land”it seems that in their mind,the brothers had taken Land outside of God’s land…could this be the perfect will of God vs the permissible will?Where we ask God for something that we want when He made it clear what His provision for us is…Another thing that struck me was the fact that a nation who once fought together now was thinking of fighting each other,I see this so clearly in church today…as one commented,the wounds inflicted on the flock (body of christ)originate more from the sheep than from the wolves!!
:)Wise people also think before they write…I thought psalm 88 was written by David so my comments reflected that yesterday….God bless you all
Anka

======= Kate:

Anka, in re: v 44, No it’s not that they chose not to. It’s that if they cleared out the land completely wild animals would come and take over they land that they didn’t need. Because Israel wasn’t big enough to inhabit the whole land. There is a verse that says it but don’t ask me where it is. I just remember it because it seemed so logical.
Kate

======== Emily:

Forgiveness.
I am going beyond the specific scope of today’s reading. But I wanted to share something that got my heart wrenching. It’s not about me. From the BBC’s website you can watch this interview with Reverend Julie Nicholson who was the ordained Christian priest. Her daughter was killed in the brutal terrorist attacks (London bombings). She displayed remarkable ethics and honesty when she resigned from her post because she COULD NOT FORGIVE the cold murder of her dear daughter.
It is easy to say FORGIVE…The VERY important command of Jesus. Forgiveness is VERY CENTRAL to the Christian message. Well, how do you really apply it to real world…and your own personal life?
Emily

======= John:

Emily,
“Well, how do you really apply it to real world…and your own personal life?”
By forgiving.
When you cannot forgive, when you completely loathe, despise, hate, have “want them dead” feelings,etc. – you go to God.
When you pray, you admit to God that you are not capable of forgiveness in this instance. Just admit it.
Then you ask words to the effect of: ‘Please God, do this for me. Do what I am incapable of doing. Forgive this person for me, and heal my heart. Take this bitterness and hate from me, make me capable of loving this person as you command. Heal me Lord.’
I know this is true, because it is how I have handled immense hatred for two people in my life – God forgave them for me and healed me – healed that hole in my heart. I do not hate them anymore, and I am capable of praying for them.
I have tried to go see these two people for the last year. I am told they are afraid and do not want to see me (by mutual friends), despite any letters or messages I may leave.
Has this woman suffered more than anything I have felt – yes. But I humbly submit – the principle is the same. BBC does this story. Another story of teenage girls beheaded in Indonesia did involve “forgiveness”:
“I am really angry, but the Holy Spirit touched my heart and changed me. I forgive them just as Jesus has forgiven my sins.
Markus Sambuwe, Father of One of the Beheaded Girls”
John

======= Emily:

John,
I understand what you say. I also commend your ability to voluntarily forgive the ones you once hated.
I once had a very intimate discussion on Christianity with a conservative Pastor. Somehow, the discussion turned to the amazing message of forgiveness in the Christian faith. He said that of course we are to forgive but at the same time he mentioned pointing towards his lovely little kids playing in the garden, ”If some of the stuff I read in the papers about child- molesters…if someone did it to my kid…I don’t think I could ever forgive. I would rage and go insane with anger.”Even as he said he was shaking with anger (previously he was all smiles about many tough issues I discussed)
Now, this brings me to something that contradicts the concept of forgiveness. JUSTICE. Broadly, I can menton two points:
1.) That woman owed it to her daughter that she holds indignant feelings towards the killer. If someone killed my mother, brother or some close friends and violated their bodies and life… I personally CANNOT FORGIVE.
2.) We cannot apply forgiveness to the criminal law and justice system even in a state based completely on Christian values. This confuses me again over the OT laws of justice and NT command of forgiveness. I Wonder where the balance lies.
Emily

======= John:

Emily,
“If someone killed my mother, brother or some close friends and violated their bodies and life… I personally CANNOT FORGIVE.”
Completely understandable.
You may not be able to forgive, but God can. That is why you go to prayer and ask him to do for you what you are not capable of doing. He will do it and heal your heart in the process. Besides personal experiance, like Anka – I have seen and heard many accounts of “forgiveness.
The movie “End of the Spear” is all about this topic. The five men, missionaries, were killed, and the women (wives and a sister) forgave and went in the jungle to work and teach the killers. Rent it and watch it.
JUSTICE is another issue. Though we are commanded to “forgive”, there is no reason not to acknowledge the need for justice. Whether from the “state” or from God. Your forgiveness has nothing to do with the justice delievered from “state” or God.
[Note: Justice is to be left to the proper authority – gov’t and/or God. It is not to be meted out by you – that may be the difference you are looking for in OT and NT.]
John

======= Anka:

RE:Forgiveness…..
I listened to the interview and I noted some things.The concept of forgiveness…why we should forgive I felt was not dealt with from scripture…there was really no mention of a cry of help to God…it was all about finding it in her heart to forgive.
Before you behead me for being inconsiderate…I had to forgive a person who hurt my family badly..I knew I couldn’t forgive…I knew I had to…I raged daily(I had to preach the love of Jesus to the person)…each day I continued to pray to God to help me,each day I raged,I prayed…I did end up speaking to the person about God…I made the decision to forgive and I still do daily even though it still hurts,even though it still makes me mad.Jesus cried out to the father to “forgive them”cos he already did forgive his tormentors…as I write now it dawns on me that I never asked God to forgive the person.
I have read of missionaries who have been raped,had their spouses killed…had grieved…then forgiven.Through out their stories you could hear how God worked in their life,it wasn’t just about them or their pain….The reverend said heaven/hell is a state…she was a bit vague about it…I pray she gets to know God intimately because it doesn’t seem she does..Like the priests we have in Romania…I pray for them to really experience God…some things are beyond our powers,forgiving when someone hurts you badly is one of them.
God bless you all
Anka

======= Angelo:

Man, it is oh so very hard at times… I understand exactly what that lady in the picture is feeling with the devil behind. For instance, like right now. I try not to think selfishly, but I dont think that I am doing so well in that area. My birthday is this sunday, and my two closest sisters are not going to even see me. One of them is not coming anymore because the other one isnt. And the other one isnt because she dislikes two of my other sisters and I wanted to see them too on my birthday, but she wasnt going to allow them in her house (we were going to hold the party at her house), so she said that I am now just on the phone call list (just receive a phone call for my birthday). I was taken from my house when I was 14 because of child abuse, and my mom doesnt talk to me anymore because she has taken the side of my step dad (the one who beat and starved me). I dont think any of my family is going to come and see me now and it hurts. My girlfriend is tripping because she wants to go to prom and freak dance with everyone, and I thought it was wrong so now she’s breaking up with me. It doesnt seem like I will have anyone to spend my 21st birthday with, and I try to be a strong individual, but I’m failing. I know and undertsand 1 Cor. 10:13, about God not giving us more than what we can bear, but that doesnt mean that taking it will be easy. Sometimes I just really feel that only God loves me. Just pray for me please that He would strengthen me in this time of weakness. Thank you
Angelo

====== Mae:

Todays Psalms are sooo powerful … yes, I love Psalms, most of you know that! I will pick different verses and make my own prayer, I always LOVE to do that!
“This means every single person we meet is God’s. However… they might not realize it”. ~ Good point! I always try to tell people that they’re God’s and how God loves them, especially when we go out on the streets, most people just have NO IDEA that God loves them! I do my best to show them the way, but it’s hard! I’m glad to feel the Holy Spirit moving in me when I talk to people on the streets. God defenitly puts words into my mouth!
“But it is still God’s world – and yes, the devil is thrashing around his temptations as rapidly as he can in the hearts of men and women”. ~ Can someone help me here? Maybe you, Bible Guy? I was taught that the world belongs to the enemy?
“What are we doing with our lives to let others know about Jesus?” ~ I live my life the best I can. I live out of love … I try my best to love everybody. I’m living God’s word in order to let Him shine through me so others know about Jesus. In the past months people have seen me change and they will ask me how I got to change this much. I’ll tell them it’s because of Jesus. I go on the streets with our church, talking about Jesus … singing about Jesus, doing drama’s about Jesus! It’s wonderful to have the Holy Spirit shine through me and make me a powerful Christian!
Yes, it can be hard some times … thinking about this fallen world. But I’m a fisher of men and I’ll do the best I can to save every single soul I can, from this fallen world!
Proverbs 13:16 “Wise people think before they act.” ~ Yeah … I’m not as wise as I should be … not yet … I’m working on this. I try to be someone that thinks before I act. But I have to admit that it’s not easy at times. I’m praying for this, I ask God for more of His spirit, to give me more wisdom!
Angelo, I’m sorry you have to go through this. This must be so hard for you! You’ll be in my prayers! You’ll be fine … God looks upon your heart and your mind. He knows you and your sisters. He sees what you are facing, so don’t fear, God can give you peace that only He can bring! God bless you!
Mae

======= Jim:

“You created it all.”
Of course, “all” must also include evil. If God is all-powerful, then the bad — the chaos, particularly as it manifests in human suffering — is also God’s work. That conclusion may be disturbing to us, but what is the alternative? A return to a Zorasterian Persian-style of dualism (or similar Eastern concepts of Ying and Yang)? If God is indeed all-powerful, then God must also have created evil (He didn’t just bring order out of chaos, but everything out of nothing). In fact, the inclusion of darkness in the Genesis creation story is designed to help us understand that if darkness is created by God, then so is evil. How, then, are we to worship this God?
Hear O Israel, our God is one — that is, all “bad” in our lives is always meant for our “good.” Our healing needs may include our mind, body, and soul but this God even gives life to the dead. God promises to always provide a way out of every sinful situation in which we may find ourselves.
Jim

======= Lisa:

Thank you for your post Jim, but I must say, I am confused about your statement regarding the topic of God, Creator of all in which you also included He created evil – so I did a little research.
In the King James version it says: “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” (Isaiah 45:7); so at FIRST glance, you can say yes, God did create evil, but one needs to probe a little deeper.
What does the word “evil” mean?
“First of all, the Hebrew word for evil “rah” is used in many different ways in the Bible. …
… We can see that the Bible teaches that God is pure and does not approve of evil, that the word “rah” (evil) in Hebrew can mean many things, and that contextually, the verse is speaking calamity and distress. Therefore, God does not create evil in the moral sense, but in the sense of disaster, of calamity.” 
Another thought – continued.
The word “evil” is used in the KJV; while “calamity” is used in other translations.
In the NET Bible First Edition, I will post the scripture and the footnotes (the footnotes are indicated by the numbers 13tn, 14tn and 15tn) which corresponds to the numbers within verse 47.
45:7 I am13 the one who forms light
and creates darkness;14
the one who brings about peace
and creates calamity.15
I am the Lord, who accomplishes all these things.
13tn The words “I am” are supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons. In the Hebrew text the participle at the beginning of v. 7 stands in apposition to “the Lord” in v. 6.
14tn On the surface v. 7a appears to describe God’s sovereign control over the cycle of day and night, but the following statement suggests that “light” and “darkness” symbolize “deliverance” and “judgment.”
15sn This verses affirms that God is ultimately sovereign over his world, including mankind and nations. In accordance with his sovereign will, he can cause wars to cease and peace to predominate (as he was about to do for his exiled people through Cyrus), or he can bring disaster and judgment on nations (as he was about to do to Babylon through Cyrus).
http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=3086 (download Net Bible for free).
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Lisa

====== Nasser:

psalm 89: 11 it is a good reminder for all believers that everything is god’s own he created everything even bad people are god’s creation but they do not know ,so here come our part the inspired believer to tell them that they are god’s people God owns everyone of us ,teh bad people are blind and far away from the truth that give freedom and eternity so it is your responsibility to go and tell these lost people because if you did not go and tell they will see the light of Jesus and you will be convicted for not witnessing to them about Jesus about the Kingdom of the real God.
proverb 13: 16 think before you act is very important especially when you you are in front of somebody accusing you or insulting you it is important to be slow in speaking quick in listening and slow in anger thinking before acting is a wise thunk to do some people naturaly they are doing it because their personality are like this and some who are fast in acting . how unique God in created everyperson different from others ,this give appreciation to our Creator God the father Amin
Nasser

======= Mitch:

I occasionally find the sub-headings offered us by the editors of various editions illuminating but more often obscuring because they focus us on one aspect of passages that often have many layers of meaning and help. Sometimes they are even wrong! The one you quote is surely not a story about “wicked farmers” not a “vineyard” but about the patient father or the Slain Son? I wish readers in church would forget the titles and just read the scripture, i also wish they would insert the Noun for a pronoun at he beginning of passages to tell us who “He” or “They” are. YIHS Michael
Mitch

======= Frederick:

Re: Don’t know
Luke 20:7
7So they answered, “We don’t know where it was from.”
The religious leaders replied to Jesus that they did not know the authority of John’s Baptism. They verbalised their own spiritual situation. They did not know John the Baptist and consequently, they did not recognise the Son of Man–Jesus.
Frederick

======= Lily:

God knows us, our thoughts, our needs and our hearts. This does not mean that we do not ask God(in prayer). In relationship with our fellow men (e.g. our friends, children, spouses) we assume we know what they know we want, what we are thinking, what they are thinking, or what they. Communication is very important with our relationship with God and with people.
Guilty. I have a tendency to speak before I think. As I grow older, I am starting to pause, think, count one to ten before I speak my mind. How many times we do not allow others to speak while we do our dissertations non stop.
Lily

======= Rosanna:

Thank you for this inspiring message. I am taking a hold of the truth that everything in the heavens and on earth is God’s and that everyone is created in the image of God – so it’s only natural that God wants everyone, no matter what, to be saved into His Kingdom, evangelism should not be hard to do then. Afterall God is greater and more powerful than the enemy, he is defeated, we are victorious in the name of Jesus, so let’s get on with increasing His Kingdom in these last days, God is for us who can be against. We apply who we are in Christ, that’s where all our confidence comes from. I am just getting pumped up to preach the good news to the lost, and usher them in to the Kingdom of God. Have a great day & God bless you all. Your sister in Christ, Rosanna
Rosanna

======= Bob:

Its a Christmas Story but for some reason I picked it today to read to a Senior’s Service. I thought it too much of a coincidence that Paul Harvey is mentioned in our blog today so I thought I would post it. Its very appropriate for Easter!
The Man and the Birds
by Paul Harvey
The man to whom I’m going to introduce you was not a scrooge, he was a kind decent, mostly good man. Generous to his family, upright in his dealings with other men. But he just didn’t believe all that incarnation stuff which the churches proclaim at Christmas Time. It just didn’t make sense and he was too honest to pretend otherwise. He just couldn’t swallow the Jesus Story, about God coming to Earth as a man.
“I’m truly sorry to distress you,” he told his wife, “but I’m not going with you to church this Christmas Eve.” He said he’d feel like a hypocrite. That he’d much rather just stay at home, but that he would wait up for them. And so he stayed and they went to the midnight service.
Shortly after the family drove away in the car, snow began to fall. He went to the window to watch the flurries getting heavier and heavier and then went back to his fireside chair and began to read his newspaper. Minutes later he was startled by a thudding sound…Then another, and then another. Sort of a thump or a thud…At first he thought someone must be throwing snowballs against his living room window. But when he went to the front door to investigate he found a flock of birds huddled miserably in the snow. They’d been caught in the storm and, in a desperate search for shelter, had tried to fly through his large landscape window.
Well, he couldn’t let the poor creatures lie there and freeze, so he remembered the barn where his children stabled their pony. That would provide a warm shelter, if he could direct the birds to it.
Quickly he put on a coat, galoshes, tramped through the deepening snow to the barn. He opened the doors wide and turned on a light, but the birds did not come in. He figured food would entice them in. So he hurried back to the house, fetched bread crumbs, sprinkled them on the snow, making a trail to the yellow-lighted wide open doorway of the stable. But to his dismay, the birds ignored the bread crumbs, and continued to flap around helplessly in the snow. He tried catching them…He tried shooing them into the barn by walking around them waving his arms…Instead, they scattered in every direction, except into the warm, lighted barn.
And then, he realized that they were afraid of him. To them, he reasoned, I am a strange and terrifying creature. If only I could think of some way to let them know that they can trust me…That I am not trying to hurt them, but to help them. But how? Because any move he made tended to frighten them, confuse them. They just would not follow. They would not be led or shooed because they feared him.
“If only I could be a bird,” he thought to himself, “and mingle with them and speak their language. Then I could tell them not to be afraid. Then I could show them the way to safe, warm…to the safe warm barn. But I would have to be one of them so they could see, and hear and understand.”
At that moment the church bells began to ring. The sound reached his ears above the sounds of the wind. And he stood there listening to the bells – Adeste Fidelis – listening to the bells pealing the glad tidings of Christmas.
And he sank to his knees in the snow.
Bob

======= Joyce:

Mike and everyone,
Joshua 22:5 (Amplified Bible)
5 But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord charged you: to love the Lord your God and to walk in all His ways and to keep His commandments and to cling to and unite with Him and to serve Him with all your heart and soul [your very life].
Appreciate God’s reminder in this verse very much!.
May we believers take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law which God and His faithful servants charge us: to love the Lord our God and to walk in all His ways;
to keep His commandments;
and to each day cling to Him, unite with Him, and to serve Him with all our heart and soul.
Father please help us in doing so!
pray in our Lord Jesus’ name, amen.
Psalm 89:13 (Amplified Bible)
13 You have a mighty arm; strong is Your hand, Your right hand is soaring high.
A sister-in-Christ shared lately that she struggles a lot with fear; and I definitely have struggled with fear too. This verse reminds me of our God’s almighty strength, with Him we can gain victory in all circumstances.
Father, please give us more faith to fight our fears! pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.
Sincerely,
Joyce

======= Jill:

I dont understand the vineyard story. Anyone care to explain
Jill

======= Joyce:

Jane,
Thank you for asking your question!
Thanks God I got to look up some resources to try to understand the vineyard story.
I learned this and am quoting from Pastor Steven J. Cole’s sermon, Lesson 91: Who Owns the Vineyard? (Luke 20:9-18) –
“Jesus told this parable for two main reasons. He wanted to encourage His faithful servants who get beat up and thrown out of the vineyard to keep on being faithful. He owns the vineyard and the main thing is for His servants to bear fruit for Him. Second, He told it to warn those who wrongly think that they own the vineyard that they do not. A day of reckoning is coming!”
Pastor Cole also mentioned Romans 11:22 in his sermon,
“Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off.” (NLT)
Mike,
for Proverbs 13:16 today, thank you for asking if we are someone who think before we act!
Proverbs 13:16 The Amplified Version reads –
“Every prudent and self-disciplined man acts with knowledge,
But a [closed-minded] fool [who refuses to learn] displays his foolishness [for all to see].”
How I need this reminder!
May God’s Word continue to bless, nourish, and strengthen everyone on this blog.
May God continue to bless that this blog bear much fruit for Him around the world, that many will come to revere Him and His Word.
Thank you Mike, may God remember and reward your efforts!
God Bless!
Joyce

======== Donnita:

Thank you! I just discovered your blog and it is so helpful while going through the one year Bible reading.
Donnita

======= Dee:

In Joshua per distributing the Levites and Mike you talking about a vacuum leadership, made me think of my college class on collaborating teams.. and we talk about enlightenment and vacuum groups..one is ego and other is a taker..not a very good type of leadership.
Based on Luke, I pray Jesus is the cornerstone of my life! I was to stand strong and hold tight to my faith.
Psalms: everything is His and the hall I teach is his..I pray I show people the way more ans show his/her potential
Dee

======= Vance:

Regarding Levites scattered throughout the tribes of Israel, I saw on the news what may be a modern version of this in the ruins of Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina.
~~~
Members of a Baptist church in Louisiana are moving back to their town even though the town is still in shambles because of the hurricane. The Baptist church in Louisiana is being rebuilt in the midst of the wreckage.
I saw an interview with the Baptist minister on the news last night. Many people who were forced to move away from their town because of Hurricane Katrina were driving by, and they came up to the pastor and the members of the Baptist church and asked: “Are you rebuilding this church?”
The pastor or members answered, “Yes.” Upon hearing that, the people asking the question said, “Then, I will be moving back to my town because now I know everything will be all right because you are rebuilding this church.”
~~~
Perhaps something similar happened among the Israelites. The Levites scattered among the Israelites surely must have reminded them of their faith in God and that God is among them — and also of the need to worship, reverence, and obey God.
Surely, where God’s people are thriving, then the surrounding community will be all right.
When in seminary, I heard of stories of darkness and oppression being lifted after a local church fought the spiritual battle to be established in a new area.
Then, the light of the Gospel could penetrate and provide the water of life to the community.
Psalm 89 (NKJV)
1
I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever;
With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.
2
For I have said, “Mercy shall be built up forever;
Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens.
3
“I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn to My servant David:
4
‘Your seed I will establish forever, And build up your throne to all generations.’” Selah
~~
THANK GOD THAT HE IS A COVENANT- MAKING AND COVENANT – KEEPING GOD!
Vance

======= John:

Proverbs 13
13 He who scorns instruction will pay for it,
but he who respects a command is rewarded.
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
turning a man from the snares of death.
15 Good understanding wins favor,
but the way of the unfaithful does not endure
16 Every prudent man acts out of knowledge,
but a fool exposes his folly.
======================================================
Proverbs have many good instructions on how to live life – but again, I think there is deeper spiritual meaning in sets of proverbs from yesterday and today.
Can you see the eternal consequences of these proverbs above?
If you scorn Jesus’ teaching on salvation you will pay (eternal separation), but if you heed – rewarded (eternal life).
Wise is associated with knowing God – Jesus knew God the most – his teaching is the fountain of (eternal) life – turning a man from the snares of death (eternal separation from God).
Good understanding will lead you to be co-heirs to heaven, the way of the unfaithful does not endure – (leads to damnation).
Prudent man acts out of knowledge – knowing God’s Word. Fool’s ignore God’s Word and pay the price.
See the pattern. A challenge – to look at proverbs on two levels – practical advice and spiritual advice.
Solomon may not have realized this point – but the Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible – and there are no coincidences when it comes to God or His Word:).
Proverbs will be a major project for me next year 
John

======== John:

Luke 20:1-26
Passover parallel
The Passover lamb was tied up in temple courtyard and could be inspected by all the priests to see if it was blemished.
Jesus taught in the temple during Holy Week where He was grilled by the temple priests and scribes to find a fault – they failed.
======================================================
The priests and scribes were wanting to know by what authority he cleansed the temple and that Jesus had for teaching. they were hoping Jesus would say – by His authority – thus leading to a charge of blasphemy.
They tried to trip him up with the tax question. But…
“26They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public.”
======================================================
Parable of the tenants
“Our Lord told a parable using some symbols out of Isaiah 5 that were familiar to the Jewish people. In this story we see a sweeping picture of God’s wonderful plan of redemption over some fifteen hundred years of Israel’s history and how many times the false spiritual leaders sought to try to stop the fruit of redemption from going back into the owner’s hands.” – Ron Ritchie
Pretty straightforward:
The vineyard owner is God the Father;
the vineyard is Israel;
the vine-growers are the spiritual leaders;
the harvest is righteousness and justice;
the owner’s servants are the prophets
the beloved son, heir and co-owner of the vineyard is Jesus
The physical and spiritual consequences of their actions would be that the vineyard owner, God himself, would respond to the murder of his son by destroying the vine-growers and giving the vineyard to others outside of Israel. We now know that the others are his church, the Christian community, which is made up of both Jews and Gentiles. – Ron Ritchie
======================================================
Luke 20:18
“Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.”
Here again is the picture of salvation. Ever consistent.
Notice it is not broken then falls – but falls then is broken.
We are to come down from our pinnacle of pride and admit we are sinners, then we are broken and become one with the stone. We are then part of the foundation of the Body of Christ – which has been built up over time.
Those that reject Christ – the stone crushes. There is punishment and destruction for that individual – eternal separation from God.
John

====== Jen:

Joshua
The Lord keeps His promises
He lets His people live in peace
The Lord helps and does good things for us
The people were taught to love the Lord, to be faithful to Him, to worship and obey Him with their whole heart and with all their strength just as we are today.
Psalm 89
When we know how great He is. We feel lead to tell others.
Then we will all praise His name forever.
He is the greatest nothing nor no one is better than Him
He rules the oceans and they are under His control
Everything was made by Him and is His
He has the whole world in His hands
Even nature praise Him
Proverbs
If we follow good advice we will do well. Good advice comes from the Lord. It is sensible follow the word of God. Foolish men don’t and they get lost.
Jen

======= Ramona:

Joshua 21:1-22:20
Again, I see the mercy and grace of God giving to Israel the land He Promised. This is a “We being many are One Body in Christ,” event. Yet the tools, the Promise, the divided land, do me no good unless I go out and take hold of it. Not only must I take it, I must utilize it or else I will be like the “servant” who buries his talent in the ground.
Anka you said, >>So all the enemies that Israel “couldn’t” overcome were actually enemies Israel chose not to eliminate…>> This is what I’ve been seeing since we began reading Joshua, chapter 14, when we began embarking on the division and apportioning of the land. How much of what God has given me have I failed to utilize; how much have I been a hindrance to the Body of Christ because I am not functioning the way God designed me to function and utilizing what He has given me? Have I taken “land” that I was not given, because I’ve failed to “capture” what was handed to me?
God forgive us for not taking hold of everything you have prepared for us—Lord have mercy!!
Grace and peace to all: May we take up everything God has blessed us with.
Ramona

Joshua 19:1-20:9 + Luke 19:28-48 + Psalm 88:1-18 + Proverbs 13:12-14
~ 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 finish up reading about the Promised Land being divided among the tribes!  Below is a great NASA photo with an overlay of a map of the twelve tribes:

In Joshua chapter 20 we read about the Cities of Refuge.  I like that concept – a city of refuge.  A place of refuge.  This is what I think about Jesus today – He is our City of Refuge!  No matter what our past sins are, Jesus can be our City of Refuge if we will run to Him, believe, confess & repent.  Is Jesus your City of Refuge?

New Testament – In Luke chapter 19 today we read about Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem – and of course, this scene of people shouting “Hosanna!” will far too soon turn toward people spitting on and mocking Jesus on the road to Golgotha as he carries his cross.  Bible.org’s commentary on our Luke chapter 19 readings today titled “The Untriumphal Entry” is at this link.

Verses 41 through 44 are so beautiful as Jesus looks upon Jerusalem and cries. It makes sense because he knows that the destruction of Jerusalem in coming in 70 A.D.  Per Tyndale’s commentary today, “In 66 A.D. the Jews revolted against Roman control.  Three years later Titus, son of Emperor Vespasian, was sent to crush the rebellion.  Roman soldiers attacked Jerusalem and broke through the northern wall but still couldn’t take the city.  Finally they laid siege to it, and in A.D. 70 they were able to enter the severely weakened city and burn it.  Six hundred thousand Jews were killed during Titus’ onslaught.”  And so, Jesus wept over Jerusalem…

Psalms – Psalm 88 is quite a Psalm!  Interestingly many churches read this Psalm during their Good Friday liturgies, interpreting this Psalm as a prayer of Jesus suffering on the road to Golgotha.  Take a read through this Psalm again with this perspective… 

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 13 verse 12 teaches us today: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams come true, there is life and joy.”  Do you see the wisdom in this Psalm? I do hope that each of us realizes that faith in Jesus is not hope deferred.  It is a dream come true in the here and now.  Faith in Jesus brings life & joy now.  And yes, faith in Jesus also brings the hope of glory for eternity.  But, salvation is not all just hope deferred…  It is life & joy now too!

Worship Video: Today’s readings in about Jesus’ triumphal entry in Luke reminded me of Phil Wickam’s song “House of the Lord:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8uKldEUrPE

Are you in the house of the Lord? Click here to enter the House of the Lord!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “”It is written,” Jesus said to them, “‘My house will be a house of prayer’; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.'” Luke 19:46 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that your church is a house of prayer. Pray that your house is a house of prayer. Pray that you are a person of prayer. Pray against any robbers ever appearing in your church, house, or heart.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Has faith brought life and joy into your life?  Do you believe faith in Jesus brings eternal life and joy as well?  Are you looking forward to eternal life and joy in heaven, our eternal “city of refuge”?  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:

Joshua 19:1-20:9
God knows man well enough that he knows we look for revenge when someone we love dearly is killed. We want someone to pay for a death, an accident even when the “victim” of the “crime,” accident participated in the very incident that led to his/her death. We are looking for “payback.” Since those who call out for the death of the “man slayer, themselves deserve death—For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23 KJVR)—we are truly sinners crying out for the blood of those who have sinned.
The only one who can pay the price for all of us, the only refuge mankind has, the only place where I can go to satiate my need for revenge, and to keep me from becoming the object of others revenge is Jesus Christ.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Missy:

Thank you for helping me keep my eyes focused on the only thing that really matters.
Missy

======= Michelle:

Prov 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
All these allotment chapters in Joshua which tell us which tribes get which lands gives me a sense of longing, too, for my heavenly kingdom–for the place which will always be mine. And as Mike mentioned the longing for God is not really a hope deferred, so my heart is not sick, because I have the downpayment of the Holy Spirit in my life, guaranteeing what is to come. But I am reminded that I am a pilgrim and that this is not my home.
Michelle

======== Luch:

Psalm 88:18 “You have taken away my companions and loved ones; only darkness remains.” What a sad picture of one who is disconnected from vital, life giving relationships. As the guy who champions the ministry of life groups in our community, verses like this stand out to me, and motivate me to keep on inspiring and helping people to get connected to people.
Without companions and loved ones in our lives there will only be darkness. Tricky thing here is that the psalmist implies that God has ‘taken away his companions and loved ones.’ No doubt this is all done under God’s providential watchful eye, and who of us hasn’t felt this way once in a while in our own journeys when it felt like the Lord removed our relational support world only to cause us to cling to Him. Just as Psalm 73:25, 26 that says, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides youi. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
I read a study published by http://www.americanvalues.org called Hardwired to connect, that shows how deeply entrenched in our persons is the need to be in community. No doubt that’s why the psalmist says it feels ‘like darkness’ when loved ones and companions feel far removed.
Luch

======= Emily:

Cities of refuge bit always struck me as something marvellous (though not in the sense Mike suggests). We all know how in modern west all countries have extensive refugee protection quotas and policies. There are people in danger of death, torture, inhuman treatment, arbitrary imprisonment, grave harrassment and other abuses… who may be granted refugee status in the country they seek protection from.
Of course it is sad how illegal immigrants can abuse refugee policies of different countries. But still, the civilized world’s refugee policies can be traced back to the Bible!!!
Even God understood how a government or administration of a country must be humane and extend protection to those-non citizens- in danger!
Compare also with Leviticus sections which instruct that ungleaned bits of crops should be left on ground for aliens and poor. There are commands to treat strangers/aliens with respect (Leviticus 19:34) God’s concerns for non- Israelites has always been apparent. Though God hated Baal worshippers for their corruption but at the same time God loved ALLL humanity.
Emily

======= Laura:

Two verses stood out. Joshua 20:6 reminds me that even unintentional evil is still an evil carrying consequences. Imagine, accidently killing someone and not being able to go home for years, maybe decades.
Joshua 20:6
And he shall remain in that city until he has stood before the congregation for judgment, until the death of him who is high priest at the time. Then the manslayer may return to his own town and his own home, to the town from which he fled.
Psalm 88:18 is a paradox. How is it that the psalmist can passionately cry out to a close God with a complaint about how alone he is? Faith has a lot of stuff that looks rather gray.
Psalm 88:18
You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me;
my companions have become darkness.
Laura

======= Emily:

Laura,
We are not sure what sort of punishment or criminal laws aliens had. It must be very draconian and inhuman. In that case, the accused (could be falsely accused too) would surely be killed, stoned or tortured to death. Possibly his family would be mistreated too. In short, an unfair and inhuman punishment.
I believe cities of refuge were built to save the life and liberty of such misfortunate individuals, and their families too. I don’t think cities of refuge were there so all the criminals and thugs from neighbouring countries may relax in God’s land.
Emily

======= Mae:

Has faith brought life and joy into your life? Do you believe faith in Jesus brings eternal life and joy as well? Are you looking forward to eternal life and joy in heaven, our eternal “city of refuge”? ~ I truly believe faith in Jesus brings eternal life and joy! Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ brought life and joy into my life. I felt it the minute I prayed, the prayer of forgiveness. I actually felt Jesus took residence in my heart! To be filled with the Holy Spirit has made my life complete! I’m not afraid of leaving this life and turn it into my eternal life. Sure, it has it’s hard times as well, you know, to follow Jesus. But I constantly pray for my true faith in Him. I’m still growing, it doesn’t come all natural to me yet. If you know what I mean. I still don’t know the ins and outs, so I get confused easily. But as I said: I keep growing and I keep my faith in Him!
Mae

======== Jenny:

Luke 19:40 “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”
I love that!! Even the rocks would cry out, just thinkin of that is amazing!
Jesus weeping over Jerusalem. : )  Reminds me of an AWESOMe song I heard in Israel, then i heard a guy sing it live here, its amazing.. “Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem…why wont you believe….” A VERY powerful song…I’ve been searching for it for like 7 yrs! If anyone knows where I can find it, let me know please!
Wow!!I love this Psalm…I can sure relate to this pain and anguish!!
I also love this proverb: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick”…its soooo true! I had this verse posted somewhere cause i had a situation like this and my heart was sick!
“But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.”….a great promise I cling to!
Am i looking forward to eternal life and joy in heaven? Science cannot measure how quickly my response is!!! YES! =)

====== Jen:

Joshua
He sure is!! Thank you Jesus that you love us so much
Luke
Its sad how the transformation you mentioned happened so quickly
PSALM
Sometimes it may feel as if we have been rejected by God
But if we remember that:-
Safety comes from the Lord
He listens when we pray
He can rescue us
God can forgive us if we turn to Him and confess all
He can lift us up and love us unconditionally
flinging our sins as far and as wide that they will never be seen again
Proverbs
To reject God is foolishness to follow Him has great rewards and leads us home.
Faith in God has changed my life for the better. I wouldn’t be where I am now had it not been for His saving grace.
Jen

======== Lisa:

This verse has stirred my heart today and I can’t let go of it. I feel that my God is walking in the cool of the day with me when I sup with Him in His Word daily (even when I do not understand it):
“…because all the people hung on every word he said.” (Luke 19:48, NLT)
The Amplified Bible adds at the end of verse 48 … “and stuck by Him.”
Then I thought of this scripture: “At that moment, open-eyed, wide-eyed, they recognized him. And then he disappeared. Back and forth they talked. “Didn’t we feel on fire as he conversed with us on the road, as he opened up the Scriptures for us?”” (Luke 24:31-32, The Message Bible)
The powerful majestic Word of God, our Father, is just that! It has a way of me wanting more and more, not getting enough, hanging on every Word when I allow the Word to rightly divide itself (not making it fit for me, but fit for what God has purposed His Word to accomplish through me). Glory to His name.
I encourage my family to stick by the Word and He will draw closer to you today!
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Lisa

======= Kathy:

Hi Mike,
I’ve been reading the OYB blog all year now and I have to admit I’m having a very difficult time with the OT readings. I pray constantly for understanding but have not grown any further than I was 10 years ago. The OT scripture speaks mostly of genocide, slavery, and women as property.
The God that says ‘Thou shall not kill’ and never changes, commanded murder and did change His mind when Abraham & Moses asked Him to. You don’t seem to touch on this subject too much with each commentary. I’m sure there are many resources to read, and I don’t want to give up. But I am growing weary of trying to understand. I’m not sure faith has brought more joy into my life. I feel more disillusioned than ever.
Kathy

======= Lily:

The old testament readings reminds me that God provides refuge to all those who have sinned. Earthly refuge is through the judgement of the land but heavenly refuge is through God’s mercies.
The New Testament readings reminds me of how we have short memories. One day we praise God, the next day we forget God. Christ ransomed us from our sins.
We seem to forget that the house of God (the church) is a house of prayer and worship. We at times turn it to a commercial house.
Lily

======= Teriann:

Today I was struck by how blind we can be to very real spiritual truth. Jesus said that even the rocks would cry out who He was but Jerusalem did not recognize Him. It made me wonder what I miss because I choose not to see. The other point I saw today was similar. The tribe of Dan was assigned a portion of land but found it too hard to conqueror so they went else where. This left a stronghold for the enemy in the middle of Israel and Dan settling for less than God intended for them all because they decided that God’s way was too difficult. I want to be in the center of God’s will for me even if it is difficult. I want spiritual eyes to see the truth and not miss out on God’s best. I want Jesus to rejoice over me instead of weep when He sees how I missed His best.
Terriann

======= Bob:

I love exploring the little nuances that unfold in our readings. One that came up today in Luke 19:30-31 is about redeeming the colt and why does this need to be done? Not only did the Lord redeem man’s sins, he redeemed that donkey from having its neck broken if we look back in Exodus 13:13. It says something about the character of our Lord by this example to show how important words and actions are in everything we do.
Bob

======= Dee:

Well last day of the spreading out of the tribes. So many names but I know those have significance because God doesn’t have anything written that isn’t meaningful later.
Luke..going into with the Triumphal Entry knowing that those same people will spit on and curse later. It’s beautiful in the walk through but sad at the same time especially when you know all and see it
Psalm 88 being written supposedly with Jesus in mind..to know all he did for us in an awestruck thing and to love him more in these moments..wow
Dee

======= John:

Psalm 88
Sometimes referred to as “The Saddest Psalm”, and I have seen it speculatively attributed to Job, Uzziah, Jeremiah, and Hezekiah. If the intent of reciting this psalm on Good Friday is to display the lowest point of sadness before the joy of Ressurection Sunday – I guess I can see it. However, if it is implied that this is a messianic psalm and hence a prayer on the way to Golgotha – I would have problems.
While some Psalms mention resurrection, this psalm seems to embrace the philosophy of Sheol as “soul sleep” or a shadowy existence. It is later (400+ yrs), in Daniel, that resurrection is expressed more explicitly.
“The Torah and Talmud alike focus on the purpose of earthly life, which is to fulfill one’s duties to God and one’s fellow man. Succeeding at this brings reward, failing at it brings punishment. Whether rewards and punishments continue after death, or whether anything at all happens after death, is not as important……”
“Taken together, these early biblical descriptions of death seem to indicate that the soul continues to exist in some way after death, but not consciously.”
“Like all ancient peoples, the early Hebrews believed that the dead go down into the underworld and live there a colorless existence…”
I read somewhere that all the Psalms end in an upbeat manner, or in a plea for an upbeat scenario. I went back over the previous ten Psalms and randomly checked ten others – and this seems to be true. Not so with Psalm 88 – it ends with:
“You have taken my companions and loved ones from me;
the darkness is my closest friend.”
The questions in Verses 10-12 are like as one who is (perhaps selfishly) saying I can better know you and serve you in praise and worship here (alive) than in death (sheol). Perhaps I would be more comfortable with a messianic interpretation if there were some answers to these questions in the affirmative, or an upbeat ending that indicates it is a temporary scenario. Or at least something alluding to more than is presented in the Psalm.
“If we wonder why it is in the Bible, we might listen to the testimony of J. N. Darby. He said that at one time this was the only Scripture that was any help to him because he saw that someone had been as low as that before him.” – Believer’s Bible Commentary
Perhaps I am missing something, and am certainly open to others giving a different view.
[NOTE: I looked up several sites on Sheol and Jewish beliefs in ressurection of the body, these two seemed consistent with others and perhaps a tad bit more readable.]
John

======= John:

Joshua 19
Perhaps of interest:
I wondered why Simeon’s tribe got land inside of Judah’s territory. Forgot about Simeon and Levi being integral in the massacre at Shechem. The tribe of Levi was also scattered as the tribe of priests they received no land.
“Jacob had declared with regard to Simeon and Levi, “I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.” (Genesis 49:7)…
…In regard to Simeon, the dispersion of which Jacob prophesied, manifestly took place when certain cities within the territory of Judah were assigned to his posterity for their inheritance. For although they were not sent off to great distances, yet they dwelt dispersed, and as strangers in a land properly belonging to another. Therefore, on account of the slaughter (my note: Shechem Gen 34:1-31) which they had perpetrated with no less perfidy than cruelty, they were placed separately in different abodes.”
======================================================
Tribe of Dan
The translations here lead to several impressions, but apparently the Tribe headed north for whatever reason. Nothing good came of that – the tribe resorted to idolatry, set up their own priesthood, and had serious problems as we will see later in the Bible.
I wonder if all above would have happened if they had just stayed put – trusted in God – and taken control of their territory?
John

======= Vance:

Cities of Refuge
God is very practical. I can always trust God to be objective, just, and fair even if a person is so angry because I may have accidentally harmed that person’s friend or relative.
I CAN ALWAYS TRUST GOD. Yes, I agree that God alone is my Refuge.
However, (I need to be honest), in an age where the television was my second parent and where it is so easy to find comfort through electronic devices–do I really seek the Lord as my Refuge?
THIS IS THE CHALLENGE to myself and to other. God is the total Source of everything I need, and He should be preeminent in my life.
Regarding the boundaries of the promised land and cities of refuge, I really like the following note from this website, hebrew4christians.com:
The boundaries of the Promised Land are given.
Note that the borders of the land do not correspond with the reality of any historical settlement of Israel, so the actual possession of the land by Israel is yet to be fulfilled. Certain parts of present-day Lebanon and Syria (to the north) were never possessed nor annexed, even during the reign of Solomon.
This is significant, because it disproves the amillennial view that the Church has replaced Israel and that the promise of the land was fulfilled in ancient times.
“Cities of refuge” (arei miklat) are then designated as havens and places of exile for those involved in accidental manslaughter. Cities of refuge were places were the Levites dwelled, since they were apportioned no territories in the Promised Land.
Here the person who committed manslaughter would be safe from the tribal justice of the goel hadam, the closest relative to the person killed.
Interestingly, the refugee must remain in the city of refuge until the death of the Kohen Gadol, showing a connection between the death of the priest as atonement for the loss of life.
***
(Understanding the theology that the church has REPLACED Israel is very important. In a nutshell, this theology teaches that since the inception of the church, all of the promises that applied to Israel now only apply to the church.
MY NOTE: This is very important. Why? Because the theology that the church has replaced Israel was prominent in Germany when Adolph Hitler was Germany’s leader. Since many of the German churches believed that Israel no longer had a place in God’s plan, it gave them a “theological excuse” to ignore the Jewish people when Satan was using Hitler and his government to try to annihilate the Jews)
==> Of course, it is NEVER RIGHT TO have any excuse to
ignore those who are being oppressed, for all people are made in God’s image. And the Jews still have a special place in God’s plan
***
Luke 19 (NKJV)
Note that this is a quote from Psalm 118:26. See Psalm 118:26 in context below.
Psalm 118 (NKJV)
21
I will praise You, For You have answered me, And have become my salvation.
22
The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.
23 This was the LORD’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.
25
Save now, I pray, O LORD;
O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity.
26
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!
We have blessed you from the house of the LORD.
27
God is the LORD, And He has given us light; Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.
28
You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God, I will exalt You.
MY NOTE:
Note verse 27, which follows verse Psalm 118:26 —
27
God is the LORD, And He has given us light; Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.
OR… (my paraphrase)
“Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord. He is the sacrifice that is to be bound with cords on the altar.”
Unwittingly, the people in the fickleness and sinfulness of their hearts were used to fulfill this prophecy.
Psalm 88
The persistence of the Psalmist to seek God when He does not make sense in the middle of a very difficult situation makes me think of Job.
I respect Job, especially now as a married man. I mean, the courage and persistence of Job to keep on seeking the Lord in spite of a wife who told him to curse God and die is very courageous and nobe.
And, Job did this in the face of “friends” who, perhaps, really tried to help him– but with their own wisdom instead of seeking the Lord’s wisdom first.
Psalm 13 (NKJV)
14
The law of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.
HOW DO YOU AND I ENTER into the “substance” and “evidence” of life and joy that is in faith?
By meditating on God and His Word, and by giving His Word access to the deepest parts of our beings. Then, when we speak, we speak with a fountain of life flowing out of us through the Holy Spirit.
This life enables us to “reign in life through the One Man, the Lord Jesus Christ” no matter what is happening to us. (Romans 5:17).
Vance

Joshua 16:1-18:28 + Luke 19:1-27 + Psalm 87:1-7 + Proverbs 13:11
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Old Testament – In Joshua chapter 18 verse 1 today we read – “Now that the land was under Israelite control, the entire Israelite assembly gathered at Shiloh and set up the Tabernacle.”  Shiloh was located about 25 miles north of Jerusalem.  The tabernacle remained in Shiloh throughout the period of the Judges, or about 300 years.  We will later read about Samuel traveling to Shiloh with his family.  The tabernacle at Shiloh may have looked something like this –

New Testament – Today in Luke chapter 19 we read the awesome story of Jesus’ interactions with Zacchaeus the Tax Collector. As we read through this story about Zacchaeus “the sinner,” does anything maybe correlate with our life story today? Consider verse 9 – “Jesus said to Zacchaeus, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” What does this mean that Jesus came to seek and to save what was lost? Did Jesus seek Zacchaeus? Did Jesus save Zacchaeus? Now, take a moment if you will to reflect back on your life and your interactions with Jesus. Like Zacchaeus, were you a “sinner?” Like Zacchaeus, did Jesus seek you? Are there moments in your life where you really have felt that Jesus literally has been “pursuing” you? (I know I have had these moments in my life – thank God for them!) And, most importantly – like Zacchaeus – has Jesus saved you?

Interesting!  The Story of the Ten Servants is something I reflected on back in our readings of Matthew. But what stood out to me today was verse 11 – “The crowd was listening to everything Jesus said. And because he was nearing Jerusalem, he told a story to correct the impression that the Kingdom of God would begin right away.”  This is very interesting to note that Jesus told this story to correct the impression that the Kingdom would begin right away!  The Jewish people were looking for a Messiah that would overthrow the Roman political structure.  A fighting / revolutionary Messiah that would free Jerusalem from Rome.  Instead, as we all know, Jesus died on a cross with nails that were driven into his hands and feet by Roman soldier.  Not quite what the Jews at this time were expecting in a Messiah…  And here we have this story that’s purpose is to show the Kingdom would not begin right away.  This makes sense.  It is the paradox of the Kingdom of God being already / not yet.  And while Jesus first came to usher in the Kingdom, its fulfillment is not complete until his Second Coming.  And – while we are awaiting the fulfillment of the Kingdom, how are we utilizing the talents God has given us?  How are we utilizing our time, treasure, and talents?  Is it for the Kingdom’s benefit? 

Bible.org’s commentary on our Luke chapter 19 readings today titled “The Nobleman: His Slaves and His Citizens” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 87 is a celebration of Jerusalem as the City of God, as we read in verse 3 – “O city of God, what glorious things are said of you!”  As we continue to read through the One Year Bible this year it is amazing to reflect upon how much focus there is on Jerusalem as the city of God.  Truly, so many of the Psalms glorify Jerusalem, often as a foreshadowing of the Heavenly City of God.  Indeed, as this verse suggests, many glorious things are said of Jerusalem in the Bible!

Proverbs – Proverbs 13 verse 11 is a great verse to consider as we watch those late night TV infomercials… 🙂 – “Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows.”  Are we focusing our working lives on working hard or trying to get rich quick…

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Mac Powell’s song “River of Life:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceVLJ2Xm1UM

Have you been to the river of life? Click here and be washed clean!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.” Proverbs 13:11 NLT

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not pursue wealth from get-rich-schemes. Pray that you will work hard, give and save money, while growing your wealth over time. Pray that your ultimate investments are in God’s Kingdom and not in the markets of this world.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Have you every fallen prey to the idea of “getting rich quick”?  Do you see the wisdom of hard work over get-rich-quick schemes?  From which avenue does true wealth ultimately come from?   And, really, what is true wealth?  Is it what the world offers or perhaps something God offers?  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:

Joshua 16:1-18:28
9 Ephraim was also given some towns with surrounding villages in the territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh. 10 They did not drive the Canaanites out of Gezer, however, so the people of Gezer live as slaves among the people of Ephraim to this day.
This passage and others like it from yesterday and today’s reading are thoroughly convicting me. In the giving of the boundary lines I see God setting up boundaries in my heart and telling me to 1) root out every enemy from within the boundaries, 2) keep out enemies that are without from coming in, and 3) remain obedient to God’s commands so that I will complete the task of item one and have the strength to guard my borders from item two.
That she, Israel, failed to do that means she played with sin. It means that she took sin and used it to support other endeavors even though she may not have participated directly in the sin, she shored up her economy on the back of sin. What is in my heart that God has commanded me to root out and I have said, “It’s to hard, it’s stronger than I?” What sin n my heart have I kept in the corner supporting an “industry” that I declared will do good things for God? If Israel made slaves of her enemies, the ones she was suppose to root out, and then excused herself for doing so because now they can give more time to worshiping God, then her worship is built on a lies, deceit and corruption destined to fail. How far-off from Israel am I, are we, if we do likewise?
Luke 19:1-27
Mike in regard to your Comments on Zacchaeus, I see Zacchaeus as being saved because he knew he was lost. As the most influential Jew in the tax-collecting business, Zaccheaus had become very rich by ripping off people and he felt guilty. Although it doesn’t say that in the text one can figure that out by his behavior, climbing up a tree to get a look at Jesus and immediately declaring he would repay those he had ripped off. People may have influence amongst the people they are ripping off but that doesn’t mean they have there respect. Influential people who feel their wealth has brought them salvation would not be climbing trees, they would be summing folks to them. The Queen of England summons people to her court not the other way around.
There are a lot of people who don’t know where they are and don’t know where they are going, but haven’t admitted that to anyone, much less themselves. They can’t be saved because they don’t know they are lost.
In the story of the ten servants what struck me and caught my attention was the fifteenth verse as read in the NIV, 15 “He was made king, however, and returned home.” Despite sending a local delegation to tell the “man of noble birth,” that they didn’t want him to be their king, He was made King anyway. We can believe there is no God, we can reject God and go after other gods and submit ourselves to them; however, that doesn’t stop God from being God.
Psalm 87:1-7
In the turmoil that is the Middle East verse four and five let us know that in God there will be a Peace,
4 I will record Egypt and Babylon among those who know me–
also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia.
They have all become citizens of Jerusalem!
5 And it will be said of Jerusalem,
“Everyone has become a citizen here.”
And the Most High will personally bless this city.
Proverbs 13:11
Mike, there are the late-night infomercials and then there are the State Lottery, and multi-state Power-Ball, get your one-billion to one money here, because the gifts, talents and abilities God has placed within you are always going to keep you poor. God is portrayed as not being able to supply our needs so let the state and the bookie give you what God can’t do.
If you don’t know how to make a million you won’t know how to keep a million. That is why nine out of ten lottery winners are bankrupted within five years and go to lottery winner support groups.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Anka:

“If you are so numerous,” Joshua answered, “and if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go up into the forest and clear land for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaites.”
Again and again I see conditions to God’s promises.He promised Israel land,they had to fight for it.Jesus has given us the gift of salvation,we have to fight our flesh to get it…once the flesh is defeated we can break down and cry for salvation.I never really understood the “work out your salvation”…well I’m sure the people of Joseph were right about getting more land after all,it was God’s promise but they wanted the people to just pack up…they didn’t want to go get the land…they came up with excuses.I struggle sometimes to find time to read the bible,to pray…yet I expect to go out there and fight the enemy in my pyjamas!I expect to truly overcome the world and I expect the Holy Spirit to use me…hhhmmm.How can I have victory if I don’t meditate on the book of life instead I meditate on everything that’s not going right(the way I assume it should be).Zacchaeus had a good excuse…He was short,that’s how God created him so if he couldn’t see Jesus it wasn’t his fault…but he fought…ran up ahead and climbed up a tree!!He didn’t care about his reputation,didn’t make excuses…Jesus didn’t go out looking for him in the crowd,Jesus saw him AFTER he did his part….May God help me and anyone else is willing to realise that I need to train with my weapons and go out to battle.
God bless you all
Anka

======= Emily:

Anka,
Good observations. Christians do struggle so that they don’t fall into the traps. God does save us and wants us to be holy as He is holy. As human beings,We will make mistakes always but as long as our eyes are fixed on God we will get up and continue the journey.
Otherwise it is too easy to fall in the traps (and not get out) every single day of our lives. The traps: VANITY, Anger, greed, jealousy, covetousness, dangerous/destructive addictions, illicit sexual relations, corruption, showing partiality, suppressing the weak for our own benefit, ignoring the needs of those who are destitute, hopeless, in suffering…. too many traps to deal with every single day. We must fear God, Love God and let Him guide us for He is our Father who will never fail us if we trust Him.
Emily

======= Jim:

The reading in the Book of Luke today about the 10 talents isn’t difficult to understand, except for the part at the beginning where the ruler goes off to accept rulership and his subjects send a delegation against him. After all is said and done with the talent business, the ruler calls out the people who sent the delegation against him, and ‘kill them in front of me’. Could this be a foretelling of the Romans destroying Jerusalem in the near future? I don’t know… any insights or opinions?
Jim

======= John:

Jim,
Jesus as Savior – King – has always caused division for almost 2,000 years. Some believe, many want nothing to do with Christ on a personal level – as their King.
Some commentators do say this is about the Jewish nation’s rejection of Christ and subsequent destruction by Rome.
Personally, since this talks about the “king” coming back “returning” as king. I think this has to do with Christ’s return in the future and the judgment of unbelievers – those who rejected the message and Role of Christ. The citizens who wanted nothing to do with the King in the parable.
I find the above a better explanation, because as we know, the King (Christ) did not return before the Roman destruction of Israel.
John

======= Shane:

I agree with John, and my reasoning may sound nuts, but that’s no change of pace for me around here. Christ’s parable in Luke reminded me of Dan 7.
Follow me here. Daniel 7:13 reads “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.” OKay, let’s stop there a sec. Where is the Ancient of Days? Heaven, right? Okay, let’s keep going to verse 14: “And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a KINGDOM, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed”
So if we apply Daniel’s prophecy to Christ (as Son of man would indicate) we see that in a sense when Christ was resurrected and went to sit at the right hand of God, He was given a kingdom. So Christ left this world and was given a kingdom. The man in the parable left and was given a kingdom. Christ will come back and judge the world. The man came back and judged.
Therefore, I’m with John here. The parable is about Christ’s second advent. Watch ye therefore, for ye know not when the master of house cometh, and all that.
Shane

======= John:

Jim,
I don’t know if anybody emailed you as to why so much detail on the division of land.
Like the census (which is also a tough read) it is part of the history of the country. The census helped establish blood-lines and the coming to Canaan, conquering, and dividing it – establishes a time frame and the method of division.
If someone was to say – ‘well the Israelites have no claim to this country’ – ‘we came here in such and such and it is ours’. It can be pointed out around 1400 B.C. Joshua conquered “X” and “Y” and “Z” and divided up the lands by lot. It can also be pointed out that land was given by God – whether a debater wants to admit that or not.
Thus it puts a face and time to the original claim on the land of Israel. The seven(?) conquered nations have no claim as they were wiped out or assimilated.
It can be argued whether the Israelis have the right to have been reinstated to this land by the U.N., and it is argued to this day. However, the idea that they have no claim can be refuted by going to Book of Joshua. That may not be good enough in a court of law, but it is good enough for a Christian.
There may be other reasons for such detailed reporting of division of land, but that is what comes to mind when I saw your post.
BTW, I am with you, the genealogies, census, and this section have been toughest for me to read without wanting to skip down the page 
John

======= Shane:

My grandfather tells a story of a guy he knew who said, “I’ve read the whole Bible except for the begats.” They can be dry. Regarding the division of land, I really think that’s showing two things: 1) the fulfillment of God’s land promise to Abraham, and 2) to show the care God took in fulfilling that promise.
Shane

======= Jenny:

A verse that stood out, or jumped out at me was Joshua 18:3..”Then Joshua said to the children of Israel: ‘How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers has given you?’”…hmm. God spoke something personal to me there, areas of my life I am being maybe ‘lazy’ in. I couldnt find commentary in my study bible so i pulled out the big guns, the Vernon McGee 10 Yr Bible with commentary! : ) regarding Josh 18:3 it says:
“This is also God’s challenge to us. He has made available to us all spiritual blessings, but we are slack when it comes to claiming them. God has been so good to us. Oh, how we can thank Him for His grace, His love, His goodness, His mercy. How wonderful He is! Why dont we move in and possess the land He has given us.”
Luke 19:26 kinda confused me.‘”For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him”.
My Study Bible, which referred me back to Matt 25:29 says: The recipients of divine grace inherit innumerable blessings in addition to eternal life and the favor of God (cf. Rom. 8:32). But those who despise the riches of God’s goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, burying them in the ground and clinging instead to the paltry and transient goods of this world, will ultimately lose everything they have.
Wow, I love that picture of the kingdom, or new Jerusalem and the clouds, thats beautiful!
Yes, I believe in working hard and no, I have never fallen for a get-rich-quick scheme, I’m too smart for that! : }
Jenny

======= Gina:

What a great picture of ourselves at times with the story of Zacchaeus, the “sinner”! What stands out is to me is how the crowd reacts to Jesus wanting to stay at his house. They are the first to point fingers and be judgemental – probably thinking “why would Jesus want to stay with THAT sinner…I’m way better than he is….Jesus should be staying with someone like me. I don’t know about you, but I find myself, my prideful self, in that place more often than I like to be. Bottom line, this story humbles me.
I haven’t fallen prey to the “get rich quick” stuff on TV, but I have falled prey to the “lose 20lbs in 2 days with this rubber band” kind of stuff! Pilates videos and other things that you can lose weight quick…waste of money, mainly because once you get the stuff home, you use if for a week then it ends up in a closet somewhere!
True wealth is the joy found in Jesus Christ – no matter what your circumstances are at that time. Money can’t buy what Jesus can give you! Once you have Him, everything else becomes meaningless.
Gina

======= Mae:

Luke 19:9 “Jesus said to Zacchaeus, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” ~ To me, it means that Jesus came to seek for the ones that were lost and wanting to save them. Jesus defenitly came to save me 8 months ago, well … that was the first time I was actually willing to accept Him. He, of course, came many many times knocking at my door. Yes, I was a sinner and still am a sinner. I wish I was without sins …
Proverbs 13:11 “Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows.” ~ I don’t believe in ‘get-rich-quick’. First of all because I don’t need to be rich, and I mean ‘money-rich’. And second of all … well, there’s not really a second of all, LOL, I just don’t need to be rich. I’d love to be rich in: having more wisdom and having a bigger heart. But money and material mean nothing to me. I care a great deal about what God gives me and not about the things I might think I need to have. Since I’m reborn we lead a pretty basic life and that’s just fine with me.
Mae

======= Jennifer:

Luke 19:1-27;
If we prove to be trust worthy with a little bit we will be given more responsibilities.
Psalm 87:1-7;
I wondered where Zion was when I read todays Psalm. A website it says “from the physical place where a conquering Israelite king (David) established his home for the benefit of his people, to a spiritual place where another conquering King will establish His home for the benefit of all people.”
With this in mind I reread the Psalm and learn that to born in Zion means to be a Christian. The book of life includes your and my names if we are Christains and so we will entitlement to live in the city of Zion (heaven). There we will sing praises to god and dance happily forever rejoicing that we are there we have made it home.
Proverbs 13:11
Gambling is a way of gaining money wrongly and we all too often see people lose it. Accumulating and saving money well earned through working hard grows and grows until we have a nice bit for our retirement. Not do easy to do in today’s economic environment but true nevertheless.
Jennifer

======= Lisa:

Comments on Shiloh – it is a must read; thanks Mike!
Comments on Psalm 87.
At the first reading, it was hard for me to grasp. So I read it over and over – in the different versions; then I viewed the commentary; lastly, I read each cross-reference.
If you have not done so – it is another must read.
To God be the all honor and glory!!!
Have a blessed day and be a blessing!!!!
Lisa

======= Frederick:

Re: Zacchaeus & the rich ruler and the blind beggar
Luke continued to describe Zacchaeus’s encounter with Jesus. Zacchaeus was a wealthy man (like the rich ruler). Yet (as Romona commented), he knew about his sins in his tax collection practice. He finally ‘saw’ Jesus and Jesus visited his house and have a dinner in his house. One might say that the blind beggar had nothing to lose to follow Jesus. But Zacchaeus illustrated the work of God in Zacchaeus’s heart and Zacchaeus’s response to Jesus. God is fair. Both the blind beggar (the poor) and Zacchaeus (the rich) received Jesus’s eternal blessings. The key issue is your choice and response to Jesus.
Frederick

======= Raeann:

True wealth comes from hard work, know that you did a job right, putting in the effort and seeing a job through to completion. 32For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on.
Raeann

======= Lily:

The story of Zaccheaus is one of my favorite. God came to save the lost and not the righteous. If we acknowledge that we have sinned and repent of our sins, God will surely forgive us. God knows us, as he knew Zaccheaus was up on the tree and his sins of cheating people. We can not hide our sins from God. In order to be forgiven, we have to acknowledge before God are sins as Zaccheaus did in front of Jesus. I pray that I will always hear God’s invitation especially when I am tempted. Thank God for His mercies.
Lily

======= Reuben:

What if Zaccheus was not just a “wee little man” but was a Hoffa-type gangster? That’s how I envision him.
Reuben

======= Duane:

I was thinking about the apostle Paul, when he was on his way to Damascus. Jesus appeared to him and called him out. Saul, as he was called then, was not seeking the Lord, he was going to have christains put in jail for following this new group called the way. Jesus sought out Saul and Saul ackowledge his sin and became converted. I believe that Jesus does seek us out. I know in my own situation, that I was miserable, I knew that Jesus was the answer, but I kept running from him.jesus kept pursuing me and a day came at his timing, when I finally surrendered my life. Zacchaues was definitely being sought by the Lord, but he was also aware of his sinfulness having heard of the reports concerning Jesus. Perhaps Zacchaues had seen people who had been healed or who were now acting completedly different as a result of having seen Jesus. This is what cause Zaccaues to become curious and started looking for answers. Perhaps I,m reading to much into it, but thats the way I see it.
Duane

======= Bob:

The Zacchaeus story always reminds me of when I taught Vacation Bible School and the kids and I had to learn and perform this lovely little song.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/bkd-QFD7vMA?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent
By the way if you have kids or know someone who has kids, a great gift are the Veggie Tales CD’s or DVD’s. (They are also for adults)
Bob

======== Joyce:

Mike and everyone,
Luke 19:1-10
Today as I read the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus, I felt very touched.
I see the truthful, genuine interaction between Zacchaeus and Jesus, that surpassed the displeased sentiment of the crowd.
3 He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd.
4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.
5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”
6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. (Luke 19:3-6 NLT)
The one that Zacchaeus wanted to see was Jesus, and he strived hard to make it happen – his height and the crowd didn’t stop him.
And when Jesus came up, He looked up and spoke to Zacchaeus, called him by name, and wanted to be a guest in Zacchaeus’ house that very day.
The crowd all the while, I imagine, was displeased. But that didn’t deter Zacchaeus – he quickly climbed down and invited Jesus as his house guest — with great excitement and joy.
In our relationship with Jesus, sometimes, it is that personal!
If people cheer us on – great! But even if not, when Jesus has His eyes on us, and calls on us, may we respond right away, with excitement and joy — amen.
Thank you Mike for your faithfulness in leading us to read the Bible each day!
Thank you brothers and sisters for your valuable comments!
Sincerely,
Joyce

======= Carol:

I thank God that although I’ve strayed at times, Jesus is always there and as time goes on and I grow in the Lord, the Holy Spirit will bring me back to my senses with scripture reminders of exactly what I should be doing/thinking.
I think we today sometimes have a wrong idea of who Jesus is and why He came and what He is going to do! We still want Him to do what we want/expect Him to do! He said He came to seek and to save the lost, and we are supposed to be doing that also…. but it can be hard sometimes when we are irked at the lost! (anyway I can get irked) Right now I am working on staying away from anything that will cause me not to love them as I should.
Carol

======= Dee:

Hi Mike, not sure if I ever fell for the get rich schemes but there are so many scams and click bait that people get entangled with. One time I had someone same I had won some money and that they knew my mon when she was living or something..it was wierd..they wouldn’t call me it was all text..my husband helped me and let me know it’s all automated and some kind of scam..its sad..and what is the saddest is when the little old elderly get tricked or abused in this situation. Thankful for God’s grace and love to sustain me.
Dee

======= Ramona:

Joshua 16:1-18:28
2 ½ tribes on the east of the Jordan, and 10 ½ on the west, those on the east have taken their territory; however, only three out of the 10 ½ on the west have gone after theirs. What is going on? What goes on within us, within me when I don’t take what God has given me? It is fear that past and current sins will keep me from what God has given me. Is it feelings of inadequacy because I am relying on self instead of relying on God who gives me strength? Is it just plan laziness, a desire for someone else to go out and do the dirty work ‘cause I don’t want to get my hands dirty?
In the 10th verse of chapter 16 we read, 10But they didn’t get rid of the Canaanites who were living in Gezer. Canaanites are still living among the people of Ephraim, but they are made to do forced labor.
If Israel was to completely rid the land of its inhabitants, then “striking a bargain” with the folks who live there is akin to making friends with one’s sin. Let me have what I do, but shouldn’t do, be done by someone else and I will use it’s profits to take care of my needs.” In verses 12-13, of chapter 17 we read, 12 The people of Manasseh never were able to take over these towns–the Canaanites wouldn’t budge. 13 But later, when the Israelites got stronger, they put the Canaanites to forced labor. But they never did get rid of them.
O.K. here we have people who are just too to weak to get rid of the Canaanites, but strong enough to subject them into forced labor—somebody is telling a fib/lie so they can benefit from the yeast of “sin.” O, how often do we hang around our sin and assign it to someone else so that we can get the benefit?
As a numbers person the “numbers” in both the Old and New Testament readings and their relationships intrigues me. In the parable of the Ten Servants, we have the citizens of the country—refusing to accept the eventual kingship of the “nobleman.” (Whether we accept Jesus as King or not, when he comes back He will still be King—I compare this as to what I did in my youth, declare God dead as if I had the power to “knock off” God.) There are Ten servants who are given ten pounds of silver (Was this ten pounds each or one each? It doesn’t matter because the percentage of increase, the ratios are the same.) Of the ten, three present themselves before the newly crowned King. (Ten tribes back in Israel on the left side of the Jordon, the East, only 3 ½ show up with any kind of land possession, though some of the “sin” is kept as inhabitants for profitability.)
Joshua’s admonishment to the seven remaining tribes with a little word substitution can fit perfectly in this Parable and speak to us, to me:
3 Then Joshua asked them, “How long are you going to wait before taking possession of the remaining land the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given to you?
By the way, the percentage of folk that conquered their land in this passage, and those servants that presented themselves in front of the returning King, 30%, though that third guy, just buried his, seems to run the same throughout the Bible. Compare the numbers in the seven churches addressed in Revelations: those who were rebuked and the few who were not
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Vance:

Luke 19 (NKJV)
7
But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.”
8
Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”
9
And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham;
10
for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
14
But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us.’
~~~
Notice the attitude of Zacchaeus who came to the Lord honestly, not in a false way to impress the Lord. As such, the Lord Jesus received Zacchaeus honestly, and granted him mercy.
NOTICE the repentance of Zacchaeus seen in his actions of robbing people as a tax collector. Zacchaeus, though he had been in iniquity, had now rejected this and had honestly come to the Lord.
~~~
Constrast the attitude of Zacchaeus with the people described in the parable of the Lord Jesus:
14
But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us.’
These people loved their iniquity, and had no intention of giving it up.
~~~
I read some very interesting and meaningful passages in Psalm 65, verses 3 and 4 that deal with iniquity, and the love of our God.
I would like to share them with you, as well as notes from the TREASURY OF DAVID by Charles Spurgeon on Psalm 65:3
~~~
Psalm 65 (NKJV)
3
Iniquities prevail against me; As for our transgressions, You will provide atonement for them.
4
Blessed is the man You choose, And cause to approach You, That he may dwell in Your courts.
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Of Your holy temple.
Iniquity
HEBREW transliterated word: `avon
HEBREW phonetic spelling: aw-vone’
DEFINITION:
1. perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity
2. iniquity
3. guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition)
4. consequence of or punishment for iniquity
C.H. Spurgeons’s The Treasury of David
EXPOSITION
Verse 3. Iniquities prevail against me. Others accuse and slander me, and in addition to my own sins rise up and would beset me to my confusion, were it not for the remembrance of the atonement which covers every one of my iniquities. Our sins would, but for grace, prevail against us in the court of divine justice, in the court of conscience, and in the battle of life.
Unhappy is the man who despises these enemies {i.e., iniquities}, and worse still is he who counts them his friends!
He is best instructed who knows their deadly power, and flees for refuge to him who pardons iniquity.
As for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away. Thou dost cover them all, for thou hast provided a covering propitiation, a mercy seat which wholly covers thy law.
Note the word our, the faith of the one penitent who speaks for himself in the first clause, here embraces all the faithful in Zion; and he is so persuaded of the largeness of forgiving love that he leads all the saints to sing of the blessing.
What a comfort that iniquities that prevail against us, do not prevail against God.
They would keep us away from God, but he sweeps them away from before himself and us; they are too strong for us, but not for our Redeemer, who is mighty, yea, and almighty to save. It is worthy of note that as the priest washed in the laver before he sacrificed, so David leads us to obtain purification from sin before we enter upon the service of song.
When we have washed our robes and made them white in his blood, then shall we acceptably sing, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.”
EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS
Verse 3-4. Now, soul, thou art molested with many lusts that infect thee, and obstruct thy commerce with heaven; yea, thou hast complained to thy God, what loss thou hast suffered by them; is it now presumption to expect relief from him, that he will rescue thee from them, that thou mayest serve him without fear, who is thy liege Lord?
You have the saints for your precedents; who, when they have been in combat with their corruptions, yea, been foiled by them, have even then exercised their faith on God, and expected the ruin of those enemies, which, for the present, have overrun them.
Iniquities prevail against me; he means his own sins; but see his faith; at the same time that they prevailed over him, he beholds God destroying them, as appears in the very next words, As for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.
See here, poor Christian, who thinkest that thou shalt never get above deck, holy David has a faith, not only for himself, but also for all believers, of whose number I suppose thee one.
And mark the ground he hath for this his confidence, taken from God’s choosing act: Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts. As if he had said, Surely he will not let them be under the power of sin, or in want of his gracious succour, whom he sets so near himself.
This is Christ’s own argument against Satan, in the behalf of his people. “The Lord said unto Satan, the Lord rebuke thee.” Zechariah 3:2. William Gurnall.
HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS
Verse 3.
The humble confession. Sins prevail against us.
When we are not alert, or go into temptation, and even after most sacred engagements.
How. Through our inbred corruption, natural constitution, suddenness of temptation, neglect of means of grace, and want of fellowship.
In whom. In the best of men: David says, against me. Let us take home the caution.
The reassuring confidence. Sin is forgiven.
By God: Thou.
By atonement: covering all.
Effectually: purge away.
Comprehensively: our transgressions.
Verse 3.
A cry of distress. Man soul besieged: Iniquities
prevail against me.
A shout of delight. Man soul relieved: Thou shalt
purge them away. E. G. Gange
Vance

Joshua 15:1-63 + Luke 18:18-43 + Psalm 86:1-17 + Proverbs 13:9-10
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Old Testament – It is interesting to read about the allotment of land to the tribe of Judah today!  It reminds me of how different these days are for the Israelites, compared to the 40 years of wandering in the desert – or the slavery in Egypt prior to that.  Times have changed!  God’s Promise is being fulfilled.  I think this is important for us to remember in our lives as well.  Maybe we’re in a “slavery” period in our own life where we are looking for a Savior to free us.  Jesus is of course that Savior to free us from our slavery to sin.  Or, maybe we’re in a desert period of our lives.  We’ve decided to follow Jesus, but maybe we’re really trudging through some hard times.  If we’re in this type of period, hopefully we can be encouraged by knowing that God’s Promises to us will not fail.  God will bring us peace that surpasses all understanding.  God will bring us to the true Promised Land for eternity.  Let us be encouraged in our own lives by our past few months of readings about the Israelites and their journey from slavery to now the Promised Land.  God’s Promises will not fail.  They are eternal.  And they are the only thing in this passing world that is eternal.

Interesting side note on Joshua chapter 15 verses 61 & 62 – “In the wilderness there were the towns of Beth-arabah, Middin, Secacah, Nibshan, the City of Salt, and En-gedi–six towns with their surrounding villages.”  The NIV translates wilderness as “desert”, which is probably more accurate.  Zondervan’s commentary on this verse today says, “The desert is the chalky dry region east and south of Jerusalem that borders the Dead Sea…  Either Secacah or the City of Salt may have been the ancient name of the site of Qumran, where the scribes who produced the Dead Sea Scrolls lived.”

New Testament – Today we read the story of the Rich Man in Luke chapter 18!  There are tons of commentaries on how to interpret this story – including this commentary from Bob Deffinbaugh at Bible.org titled “Blessed Babes and a Miserable Millionaire” at this link.  The verses that always speak to me the most are verses 29 & 30 where Jesus teaches – “I assure you, everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, as well as receiving eternal life in the world to come.”  These are really some powerful verses for us to consider.  Basically, I read – and I know from experience – that truly following Jesus comes with some costs.  The costs may be loss of wealth, or worldliness, or power, or glamour, or friends, or even family perhaps.  But, if we are accepting these costs for the sake of the Kingdom, then they are in my estimation our crosses that we must bear to truly follow Jesus.  Following Jesus is not always easy.  The world’s temptations will do everything they can for us to not follow Jesus.  “It’s too hard to follow Jesus.”  “Come have fun.”  “It’s too much cost to follow Jesus.”  But…  we really need to stay in constant prayer and stay close to God to realize that following Jesus – along w/ all the costs that may be associated with following Jesus – is the only True way to live life.  All other paths will lead to misery.  Following Jesus and accepting the costs or our crosses ultimately leads to life in abundance.  And life for eternity.   Are there costs in your life that you are willing to accept to follow Jesus?

Bible.org’s commentary on our Luke chapter 18 readings today titled “From the Sublime to the Ridiculous” is at this link.

Psalms – Wow. Today in Psalm 86 we read an amazingly wise prayer of David to God in verse 11 – “Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name.” How do you think this verse works as a prayer? Can you imagine praying it to God? Do you want God to teach you his way? Do you want to walk in God’s Truth? What does it mean to you to have an undivided heart? It is possible that your heart is now divided in some way? Will you pray to God for an undivided heart? What does it mean to fear God’s name? Why would David pray to fear God’s name? I read an interesting commentary on this verse saying that David is wisely praying for God to save him from his frailty within himself. Oftentimes in the Psalms we will read about David praying for God to deliver him from his enemies. In this verse David is praying for deliverance from what is within. This is a critical point to consider. I think sometimes we always look toward “external” circumstances as the cause of all of our problems. When perhaps we need to look at some “internal” things going on inside of us as causes of some of our problems? And in realizing that there are some internal things that need to be fixed, perhaps we can humbly pray Psalm 86 verse 11 like David did thousands of years ago?  “Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name.”

Proverbs – Another wow… Proverbs chapter 13 verse 9 is so beautiful to reflect upon – “The life of the godly is full of light and joy.”  Ultimately, this is so true.  As I posted above, yes, there will be times of trial and times of being in the desert.  But, ultimately a godly life will bring light and joy – and if not in this life, then in eternity.  There are of course martyrs who may not experience this light and joy externally in this life – but, my hunch is that they are experiencing the light and joy internally – and ultimately, they will experience light and joy forever in God’s Kingdom.  Is your life full of light and joy?  Do you believe it will be someday?  For eternity?

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Luke today reminded me of the song “All My Hope” sung here by David Crowder and Tauren Wells:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tElvdnId4Q

Where is All Your Hope? Click here for eternal Hope!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.” Luke 18:29-30 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that the Kingdom of God is the top priority in your life. Pray that your relationship with Jesus is the top relationship priority in your life. Pray that you will follow Jesus, no matter the cost.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on my reflections on our Joshua readings today, do you believe that God’s promises are True and won’t fail you?  If you are in some sort of slavery to sin or perhaps in a desert place in your life right now, will you reach out to Jesus to save you and lead you into the Promised Land?  Do you believe Jesus can Save you and Lead you?  And will you follow?  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:

Joshua 15:1-63
Proverbs 25: 28 He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls (AMP)
I use to try and read though biblical lists (The Book of Numbers; 1st Chronicles) at 100mph. I just wanted to get through with all those “hard” names as quickly as possible; however, last year the lists took on new meanings for me, I began to see their importance.
I have come to realize that everything written in the Bible has meaning whether I see it or not and whether I agree with God that it is important or not. If I don’t understand something I ask God for understanding and then wait. I don’t wait with baited breath for an immediate answer because I may not be able to handle that answer now (John 16:12-13), but I know that an answer will come because Jesus said I would be given an answer (Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9).
Today I see and example of what happens to us when we either remove or allow the boundaries God has given us to be breeched or removed, thus the quote from Proverbs at the beginning of my post. Self-control gives us boundaries, or walls of protection. Obedience to the Word of God gives us the power to establish self-controls.
When Proverbs 25:28 first came alive to me, it gave me the understanding that without walls, which symbolizes a defense from outside forces, anything can go out and everything can come into my life. We read today of boundaries specify given to Judah and the towns that lay either on the border or within the walls of her territory. (I hope the reader understands that I’m taking something given to the Nation of Israel and applying it to our personal lives)
The nation was warned that they needed to remove their “enemies,” if not, ” ‘But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you will live”(Num. 33:55). This was not followed and we know that from previous days readings as well as what is stated in the last verse of the fifteenth chapter, 63 But the tribe of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites, who lived in the city of Jerusalem, so the Jebusites live there among the people of Judah to this day.
It was only from reading this in previous year’s One-Year-Bible adventures that I recognized at least three cities that had been assigned to Judah that latter wind up in the hands of the Philistines, their most tenacious enemy, by the time we get to Judges, speciiflly by the time we get to the First Book of Samuel, which begins with the story of Israel’s last judge, Samuel: Ziklag, Ekron and Ashdod. In fact the Ark of the Covenant gets captured and taken to Ashdod, the home of the Philistine god, Dagon, and is placed in Dagon’s temple with some interesting results (1 Samuel 5).
When we remove or allow the boundaries God has set up to be breeched, we wind up serving someone else’s god and by default become slaves to something we don’t want to serve. (Eph 4:27 and do not give the devil a foothold.)
If we have not internal control over ourselves then external controls are placed around the person without self-controls. Sometimes the external controls are placed by the person themselves who understands that some kind of control is needed in their life, and sadly society must place controls on those who choose no controls, controls made up of concrete and steel. Yet, at the end of the day, who we are, our character is who we are when no one is looking so if we have no internal controls, who we are when we are by ourselves is the real me, the real you.
Who has rule over your spirit?
Luke 18:18-43
34 But they didn’t understand a thing he said. Its significance was hidden from them, and they failed to grasp what he was talking about.
For many of those reading along with Mike on this Blog the above verse rings true. Please stick with the readings this year and for years to come because understanding will come. Taken from someone who has been there, “This stuff makes no sense!” But who now has gained progressive understanding because that is what God has promised and He is true to His Word.
Psalm 86:1-17
6 Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD;
hear my urgent cry.
Sometimes our “urgent” prayer, in our eyes, is not urgent to God because He knows our beginning from our end. There are some things we want that God wants to give us but it is not the right time. Sort of like giving the keys to a formula one racing care to a three year old. In time, with training, they may be able to handle the track however, maturation must happen to get them from the desire to drive a fast racecar to its reality.
Isaiah 55
6 Seek the Lord while He may be found;
call to Him while He is near. 7 Let the wicked one abandon his way,
and the sinful one his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord,
so He may have compassion on him,
and to our God, for He will freely forgive. 8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
and your ways are not My ways.”[This is] the Lord’s declaration. (HCSB)
Proverbs 13:9-10
It’s best for us to live godly lives so we can see where we are going.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Luch:

Does it ‘cost’ to follow Jesus? Absolutely! But I believe the cost of NOT following Jesus is a lot higher. My late younger brother, whom I loved, chose to NOT follow Jesus. He thought following Jesus would have restricted his life, would have kept him from having the fun he wanted. He chose a life of drug useage, self abuse, blew up his family that I take care of now, and died way before his time. Did it cost me to follow Jesus? yes, in some ways, but it cost Bruno a lot more to not follow. I think that’s the reality. I see people every day in my faith community who pretend to follow Jesus by all the overt religious paraphelia they are invested in but there is no dynamic in their faith. It’s all about ‘going and coming’ to stuff, and filling up notebooks and going to ‘service’ after ‘service’. Sometimes i wonder if we get so busy in our religious stuff to shield us from dealing with reality in our lives. I think jesus shows us in Luke 14 that unless we choose to pay the cost to follow Him we will have no saltiness in our lives. That’s a spiritual law of influence that cannot be violated. No cross, no crown, someone once sang.
the opposite of a undivided heart from Psalm 86 is 2 Chronicles 25:2 where it speaks of Amaziah “He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not WHOLEHEARTEDLY, (or with a whole heart).” As well, I Kings 11:4 says that as “Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, an his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God…” His divided heart ushered in the divided kingdom. Our unwillingness to pay the cost to follow the LORD not only impacts the quality of our lives, but impacts the future. I know this from personal experience.
I pray for myself and all my fellow OYB readers that we will choose on this DAY to keep on following the LORD with our whole hearts, and allow God to use us to influence our families and the respective worlds we are all apart of. How can’t we? We have the Risen Jesus living in us, going with us wherever we go!
Luch

======= Luch:

Luciano,
Thank you for sharing that story about your brother. My family is also choosing not to follow Jesus. This is very hard for me to accept. But whenever I do talk with them, I talk about Jesus at some point. Just planting some seeds, I guess.
Luch

======= Michelle:

I have been so burdened to keep praying for my family, and so discouraged that they seem so far from God. They have just enough God to make them feel they are probably Christian (after all they celebrate Christmas and Easter) but not enough for it to give them purpose, joy and passion. I try to just share what’s going on in my life and feel like we have nothing in common since our priorities are so radically different. If it weren’t for the parable of the persistent widow, I think I would just give up praying.
Michelle

======= Shane:

It is VERY difficult on the heart to keep praying for those you love to be saved; those prayers are daily admissions of your family’s status as unsaved. But we have a Lord in heaven–A Lord who saved Jacob though he was a deceiver, Moses though he was a murderer, Saul, David…. God has assured us that there will be a “multitude that no man can number” that will be saved, so we must hope in that. Christ has a bride, and that bride will be redeemed. I pray that your family’s eyes will be opened and their hearts changed.
Shane

======= Emily:

This is a very sensitive issue. Most of my friends (almost all are educated with promising future or already stable jobs and they’re under the age of 30) , family, acquaintances are not Christians. If I mention my Christian faith to them I get all sorts of negative reactions, from giggles, ridicules to bitter, vulgar or insulting comments. The thought of mentioning Christianity ever again (to them) makes me cringe!
Christianity has either been demonized or scrapped in this world. I cannot conclude that all those are bad people. All have their reasons to reject Bible. To be fair to them those reasons are not always based on selfish motives or their desire to live in arbitrary freedom.
I guess God will judge them accordingly, hopefully with His grace and mercy. Today, the world rejects God because it thinks God is unnecessary or a hurdle for their ‘freedoms’. But if I read my Bible, people have ALWAYS been like that. It’s a different matter though God used to TALK to them directly or through prophets.
I get a bit sad when I wonder and wonder how today’s generation will really get the message and come to the reality of God…? They say God often would make you go through slavery or suffering to draw you to Him (very true in my case) just as He did with Israelites. But sadly, I have seen suffering taking people further away from God….
But I know bright lights of hope are shining somewhere for this world as I write this in despair.
Emily

======== Victoria:

I DON’T COMMENTS VERY OFTEN, BUT TODAY’S READING HIT ME LIKE A TON OF HAPPY BRICKS…. I’VE BEEN GOING THROUGH SOME TRIALS IN MY FAMILY LIFE AND THIS READING SPOKE TO MY HEART.. ESPECIALLY LUKE 18:29 & 30 AND PROVERBS. IT MADE ME FEEL BETTER ABOUT MY SITUATION.
THANKS
MIKE…… FOR ALL YOU DO FOR US READERS>>>>>>>
Victoria

======= Anka:

Family…ouch…got a lot of unsaved relatives who deceive themselves here in romania by bowing to pictures of saints,keeping all the festivals,praying to the saints to help them pray to God and depending on what the priest says without finding out what the bible says!!Religious without Christ:(.
“Teach me your way, O LORDand I will walk in your truth;give me an undivided heart,that I may fear your name”…I thank God that I know the truth and pray that HE teaches me His ways because there are many religious people out there on the quick road to hell.I also pray for an undivided heart cos it’s so easy to be carried away by work,family…worries.I too was encouraged by the widow’s persistence…so I’ll keep praying for my folks while watching that I too don’t fall off.
God bless you all
Anka

======= Luch:

For those struggling with family/friends who do not believe, take this one in from John 7:5 “For EVEN his own brothers did not believe in him.” But later in Acts 1:14 we’re told that the followers of Jesus were constantly in prayer, including ‘his brothers.” Wow!! What an incentive to keep praying. Just to be clear, although my own brother died tragically he had connected with Jesus a couple of years before his death, so he did die in Christ, but his body had been so badly abused I suppose God in His providence chose to take Bruno home. My wife, my 3 sons, and sister had NEVER stopped praying for him, even though his choices often made us want to give up.
Never stop praying. Love believes all things, love hopes all things. Love endures all things. Love never fails. Replace love with “Jesus’ and it’s all good!!
Luch

======= Jan:

Lots of God’s promises are conditional…even the gift of salvation is conditional on “receiving” the gift (you have to receive it to get it). Most of His promises are met by our obedience & loving Him so much that we obey His commands & the promises follow; but no one hardly looks at it like this. The gift of salvation is free, but it must be sought after/asked for/surrendered to & received.
That is why we are given a choice to love & follow him…we make the right choice & we receive the blessing or we don’t make the right choice & we are cursed…life or death is the choice/decision/condition that is to be met. We will always have a part in our promises being fulfilled because of the choices we make…in obeying Him or not.
Jan

======= Shane:

Hmmmm, when praying for family I think I’d focus on the language of the Bible that shows God’s unconditional promises, rather than His conditional ones, you might feel better if you do that. When I pray for family and friends I pray Ezekiel chapter 36. In particular verses 26-28:
“Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God.”
No statements of conditionality there. God is in the business of saving people, and it is He upon whom we must rely. Better to pray, in my opinion, while focusing on the works of God and not the fickleness of man. I always find more peace that way.
Shane

======= Jan:

Shane, I understand what you are saying & I agree with you 90% with Ezekiel till we get to verse 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and BE CAREFUL TO KEEP MY LAWS.
27 I’ll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you & LIVE BY MY COMMANDS.
27 And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, & YOU SHALL HEED MY ORDINACES & DO THEM.
27 “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, & YOU WILL BE CAREFUL TO OBSERVE MY ORDINANCES.
27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, & YOU WILL KEEP MY JUDGMENTS & DO THEM.
What prophetic Words from the Ancient of Days/The Prophet of Eternity. He speaks the world into being & His Word goes forth with authority. It is still up to us meet the end of the verse in 27…I’m really not sure that they are not commands to us that we must do in order for the preceding text/Words to be fulfilled…He knows the End from the Beginning…the back to the front. I think He is saying, here is what I give you that will cause you to do this, if you will do that…of course He knows who will & who won’t keep & obey Him/His commands.
If we don’t have a choice on verse “27,” then I don’t know what it is…faith filled prophetic declarations; ever hoping they will be fulfilled by His Beloved.
Jan

======= Shane:

Oh Jan, I wasn’t trying to start a debate here. No no no, you misunderstand. What I was saying was that there are some contingent promises, and some certain. The Ezek quote is of certain promises. For instance, “you shall heed my ordinances” is a statement of certainty caused by “the Spirit within you [to] cause you” to do so. You see, the transitive verb “cause” is performed by the subject “the Spirit.” See? The same with verse 27, the idea there being that God puts His Spirit in you and causes you to do stuff–good stuff, like following His statutes. This isn’t a free will/bondage will debate kinda verse. It’s a promise from God, which is not modified by “if you,” (examples of which do exist, most notably in Ex. 19) but rather is represented as being certain by “you shall.” The verses leave no doubt as to whether He will be putting His Spirit in those people; it’s a statement fact.
The certainty of that promise is why it is so beautiful and perfect to use. When praying to God we should, in my opinion, focus on the stuff God does, like putting His Spirit in people and causing them to do stuff, rather than on the responsibilities people have. You see?
For instance, if you couch a prayer of Ezek 36 this way, “Lord cause John Smith to walk in your statutes so long as he’s willing to do so,” you’ll be praying a rather ineffectual prayer. Because, isn’t that the case anyway? You’re not asking God to do something He’s not already gonna do, for Christ already stands at the door waiting. Praying Ezek 36, and texts like it, the way it was written places the onus on God to act, Whom we really trust more than John Smith anyway.
Shane

======= Jan:

I am not debating you, just looking at it in another way. I think it is a prophetic declarative statement, because I know & experience His Spirit in me & I don’t always follow his statutes, obey His commands or heed His ordinances…even with the Holy Spirit in me…we do not always obey, it is a choice for us always; even though we are filled to the over flowing with the Spirit of God. We have to choose to be obedient even with the Holy Spirit within us; yes, the Holy Spirit living within us “should” cause us to behave in those ways, but because we have a free will to obey, it is not always the case. I have given my will to Him, but sometimes my own will gets in His/Holy Spirit’s way & I am not caused to follow the Spirit within me…still a choice to obey, which is a condition of disobedience or obedience. I find we have much more responsibility in this love between God & man/woman than we normally realize.
Jan

======= Shane:

That’s cool Jan. I’m just not a free will guy so my worldview is therefore a bit different.
Shane

======= John:

Irony
Family, friends, and co-workers know I have changed. They know the “before” and after” picture of me.
None believe it has to do with accepting Christ as my Lord and Savior. Family thinks I “hit rock bottom” and had nowhere to go but up. Friends think it was a mid-life crisis turnaround. Co-workers think it was a result of a raise and more responsibility.
When given the opportunity to explain, I get the rolling of eyes, the “that’s great that you found something that works for you”, or the “oh no, John has turned into a Jesus freak” look.
In General: They all continue to go through life dealing with families, contributing to the community, checking in periodically at a local church, being “good” people.
I beg them to just start reading the bible – they smile and shrug their shoulders. I even buy them Bibles – but – nothing.
So all I am left with is prayer.
The real irony – it is the “strangers” that listen. They see some photos of me as a down and out “bum” – and they see me now. They listen to my story, and ask questions, They show up at my church, or a Bible Study, or see me and ask more questions.
It is the 82 year old Irish Catholic (from the old country) mother of my best friend that spent four hours with me asking questions at Christmas after hearing my story. Then asking what to read in the Bible. Seeing things she was never taught in the Church. Making her think and pray. My best friend – he thinks I am “nuts”.
Go figure. You never know who you will touch. Ask God for the opportunities to talk to people. I believe that is a “prayer” God will always answer.
Keep praying for friends and family – I know my list is long – but never pass on the opportunity to share with a stranger.
John

======= Anka:

Hmm wow,it’s just so amazing the before and after stories.I won’t go into my story(until I tell my baby sister who’s 18 1st)but my friends who were good people that went to church from time to time(without ever knowing Christ) have seen the difference in me…but won’t listen when I tell them to read the bible either…my party partners have seen the difference as well but they refuse to leave their ways..But all your stories have really encouraged me to keep on keeping on.
On different views:you know the person who knows best lives right in us…I had a time when I began to wonder about some teachings…then I asked the Holy Spirit…you tell me.Wisdom is justified by her children(fruits),sometimes we want to hold on to our beliefs and ideas(doctrines)…if we go about doing the word,I’m sure God will make sure we’re on the right track.
God bless you all
Anka

======= Laura:

Regarding Friends and family: Most of our family belongs to one denomination. My sister is an ordained minister in our denomination as was my late uncle(father’s brother). I know some people in here will probably say that they have a problem with women ministers I do not. My own pastor is also a woman. I feel very blessed to be able to attend church together with my family.
My sister who came to faith long before I did, spent many years praying for me. I heard about Christ and the plan of salvation at a church camp at the age of 17. I had a mountain top experience than, but my faith was not firmly rooted. I spent about 20 years wondering in my own wilderness of sin. It took many years of prayer by my sister and probably countless others I will never know about.
As far as knowing whether or not my family members are on the same spiritual level in their journeys, is not for me to judge. If I had to make a personal determination, I would say no. Most of my family members go through all the motions of being Christians such as, tithing, being active in the church etc… I don’t see some of them attending bible study regularly or being consistant with prayer, but I know in some way God is working on them as He still is with me. I still consider myself as a work in progress.
My youngest brother married into the Catholic faith as is raising his four children Catholic even though he himself was protestant. My mother was raised catholic, but does not follow that faith now. My mother tells me she often prays to Mother Mary. Personlly, I feel and know that is wrong because I believe we are to pray to one Triune God. God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are one in the same. Thus, I believe in the trinity. All I can do is pray for my mother and tell her how I feel. My mother is active in our Methodist church and we attend together. God will be her final judge and I’ll let it go at that.
As far as friends are concerned, I have some friends who are Christians and some who are not. All have seen a change in me, so I guess I can say that my life has been a sort of witness, and I hope and pray that I have planted seeds in them and they in turn will come to faith.
My best friend became a Christain after I did. Her and I have always been pen pals because we live in different towns about an hour drive apart. We shared some really wild non-Christian times together in our past. When I finally did come to faith, and tried to share my faith with her, it fell on death ears at first. I than decided to pray for her and wrote out the plan of salvation to her in a letter one day. Shortly thereafter,she gave her life to Christ in church by going forward. I wasn’t even there. She later got babtised. She had been a tremenous witness to her family who are all non-christian. I am sure God will answer her prayers for her family and plant many seeds in their lives.
My friend is now active in her church and community and married to a wonderful Christian man. It is the happiest I have ever seen her in all the 25 years I’ve known her. She has finally found the right man and they are very strong prayer warriors.
What is neat about knowing someone else before and after they have come to faith and vise versa, is that you can see the changes in each other and continue to be a postive light and encouragment to one another.
Laura

======= Melissa:

You know, I used to hang on to that verse in Luke 18 – the one you highlighted – like how a man hung on to straw. The verse was my hope that whatever I was doing was going to be worth it.
Because I come from a relatively strict, traditional Chinese family, my turning to Christ was considered a dishonour, and it was very difficult for me to be a Christian. (I often have to hide my bibles!)
I used to be so terrified of my father finding me in church or finding my bibles … so in my fear and terror, I hung on to this saying to myself, “God says this is worth it… God will help me.”
These days are long gone, but I still look at these words with hope and fond rememberance because to me, it’s as if God was saying: “Hang on there.”
BTW, I’m thinking of rejoining the one-year-bible journey! Not sure if I can post my reflections ever day, but your work inspires me, Mike! 
Melissa

======= Mae:

“Are there costs in your life that you are willing to accept to follow Jesus?” ~ Costs … well … hmmm … I don’t really want to say “costs”. Because I’d pay any price, it’s easy for me to follow Jesus because I love Him so much and see what His “costs” were to save me! I mean, that’s one big price! I’m always willing to follow Jesus, no matter what He asks. I love Matthew 4:19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” I like being one of the fishers of men. I give my testimony whenever whatever, I want everybody to know that I follow Jesus. It’s not always easy to talk to people on the streets, talking trash back to me because I confront them with God, Jesus, the 10 commandments, eternal life etc. I have a thick skin and I can take it. I feel sorry for those people … so lost in this rotten world. Costs … the costs of losing “friends” and some relatives … yes, that sometimes hurts. But knowing that I have my brothers and sisters in Christ, I can go on and follow Jesus. It’s hard sometimes to see people turning away from you, don’t invite you on parties anymore because the old Mae was much more fun to hang out with. Oh yeah well, tough. Who sais Christians can’t party??? (Jenny??????!!!! Whenever we cross that ocean, we go and party Christian-style, right girl???) I accept these costs (losts), because I want to enter the Kingdom. I asked Jesus to be my personal Saviour, so in order to have Him help me, I need to let go of my old life. So I did … and I’m fine with it. I’m happier than I ever thought I could be.
Todays Psalms were amazing!!!
86:11 “Teach me your way, O LORD,
and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name”. ~ Don’t we all want the Lord to teach us His ways? I wish I could be more godly than I am right now! I’m learning, I was only saved 8 months ago, I’m still a newborn. But I’d love to have more from the Lord! That’s why I read the Bible every day, that’s why I go to all sermons every week, that’s why I LOVE to talk to other Christians and share thoughts, insights and feelings. There’s a song we sing in church, can’t remember the name. But it’s about being more and more like Jesus. I love that song, that’s why it’s so odd I can’t remember the name. I do fear the Lord, I fear Him because I have great respect for Him and I don’t want to dissapoint Him. He does so much for me, His grace heals me, He teaches me, He loves me no matter what … yes, I fear Him and I love Him like I love nobody else.
Mae

======= Jen:

Joshua
God’s promises are True and they fail us. Jesus is the way the truth and the life.
When we lean on Jesus in hard times He brings us through.
Psalm
The first verse strikes me why would God need to bend down to hear the Psalmist’s prayer. God is all around us. He hears all and even knows our words before we speak them. However, the writer was in need. He needs protection.
Verse 2 – 6 All these things protection, salvation, mercy, content and forgiveness can be ours if He follow, serve, trust, pray and love the Lord our God. Its kinda like a two way thing.
Verse 7 There is a reassurance that if we call upon the Lord in times of trouble He will answer us. Verse 8 No one can do anything like God. Certainty no pagan God.
Verse 9 He made us. Because of what He has done everyone will come and worship and praise Him.
Verse 10 There is only one God and He is wonderful and great. He has performed great deeds like making the earth and all we see, touch, feel and hear.
The Psalmist wants to Gods laws so that He can be acceptable in His sight.
Verse 12 Because there is none like God and because of what He has done we can sing praises with all our hearts. Forever He will be worthy.
Verse 13 God loves us so much. He has rescued us from death.
Verse 14 Even when rude people call us names and people try to hurt us badly. You will protect us. Those foolish people don’t mean anything to You.
Verse 15 You care and offer protection and help to those who love You.
You have considerable patience for those whom love You. Your love never fails.
Verse 16 You give us strength and show mercy towards us if we follow You
Based on my reflections on our Joshua readings today, do you believe that God’s promises are True and won’t fail you? If you are in some sort of slavery to sin or perhaps in a desert place in your life right now, will you reach out to Jesus to save you and lead you into the Promised Land? Do you believe Jesus can Save you and Lead you? And will you follow? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” li
Proverbs
Following God means we have hope even in difficult times. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel of troubled darken times
Jen

======= Angelo:

John 8:36 tells me that “If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.” I am already freed, because Jesus has already freed me, but it is my choice whether or not I wish to go back into bondage. He sets free from all bondages, strongholds and bindings that the devil may try to set on our lives. But the power of Jesus freedom comes through believing that He has already set me free. Thank the Father for Jesus, that by His stripes, I am healed (Isaiah 53).
And I love that psalm. Its beautiful, because the fear of the Lord is a wonderful thing to have. I read Proverbs and see it mentioned very frequently. My favorite is Proverbs 1:7 and 8:13.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all knowledge.”
“To fear the Lord is to hate evil.”
I love the first one so much because it manifested itself in my life. I was saved by the fear of the Lord, because (my 2nd birthday is coming up on the 23rd of this month…Praise God) I recieved the Holy Bible as a present for my 19th bday and I, not knowing why, went immediately to Revelation and began to read it the very nect day. Reading what God was going to do to the people who didnt live for Him (I thought all you had to do was merely believe in Him, but James 2:19 tells us that “You believe there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that- and they shudder.”), I immdeiately was struck with fear. I always believed the Holy Bible to be true, but this was like some Stephen King type stuff times 1,000. And praise God that through fear of Him, I began to live for Him that day and eventually grew to love Him…not just saying it with my mouth, but actually love Him (If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. John 14:15).
And I also enjoy the last one, because I want the mindset that Jesus had, and Philippians 2:5 tells us to “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Jesus hated sin and still does, so I want to hate sin and hate what is evil; because once I have gotten to that point, temptation loses its illustrious mirage and I wont even have to consider committing an act against the Lord. I know I will never get there until I am fully delivered from this flesh and ressurected, but I strive with all my might to get there. Pray for me.
Angelo

======= Jenny:

Amen Angelo! i hear ya…about hating sin and never wanting to do it n getting to the point of being fully delivered. “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” matt 26:24
Paul said it best in Romans 7!
13 Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
Jenny

======= Johnnie:

Psalm 86 has so much treasure in it. Definitely one to be looked at and examined more closely.
Johnnie

======= Skip:

Wow!!! Psalm 86:1-17 really stood out to me today. I guess it’s because a part of my life keeps wandering back-and-forth into the wilderness and I know that when I’m in that wilderness there is only one way back, and that’s with the help of Jesus. I struggle to understand why I allow myself to wander into the wilderness. When I’m headed there I’m very conscious of where I’m going and I’m praying to God to help me turn around, but sometimes I feel as if He is also leading me there. I think maybe that the person leading me there is really Satan because God never causes us to sin. I feel God’s presence while I’m going into the wilderness and while I’m in the wilderness and I guess He goes there with me to bring me back. I just pray that I wouldn’t go there at all! If you haven’t figured it out, my wilderness is sin and there are area’s of my life that I am constantly walking along the ledge and falling into the ravine. God helps me keep my balance, but every once-in-awhile; sometimes more than others, I fall off that ledge and need to pray as David did in Psalm 86.
God…stay with me, protect me, forgive me and prepare a place for me so that I can be with you for eternity. In Jesus name I pray.
Yours in Christ
Skip

======= Sean:

It is VERY difficult on the heart to keep praying for those you love to be saved; those prayers are daily admissions of your family’s status as unsaved. But we have a Lord in heaven–A Lord who saved Jacob though he was a deceiver, Moses though he was a murderer, Saul, David…. God has assured us that there will be a “multitude that no man can number” that will be saved, so we must hope in that. Christ has a bride, and that bride will be redeemed. I pray that your family’s eyes will be opened and their hearts changed.
Sean

======= Frederick:

A rich ruler Vs a blind beggar
Luke18:18-30 & 35-43
It is interesting to read Luke 18 today. The rich ruler asked Jesus the ways to eternal life. Yet, his wealth prevented him from following Jesus, although Jesus called him to follow Him. Jesus commented that it is difficult for the rich to be saved. Then, Luke described a blind beggar who met Jesus. The blind beggar called Jesus the Son of David. The beggar ‘knew’ about the identity of Jesus. And finally, he followed Jesus.
These two short stories happened exactly like Jesus’s comments. The rich ruler preferred his wealth to following Jesus. He lost his eternal blessings. The blind beggar received Jesus’s dual blessings–his eyesight restored and his eternal life.
Frederick

======= Terriann:

In Psalm 86, I love how David approached God on the basis of and according to God’s character as opposed to his own merit or worthiness. This requires a knowledge of God’s character that is unshakable. Remember in the garden of Eden, the first thing the serpent did was to question God’s motive for giving the command and Eve bought the lie. David lived a life with many enemies and his circumstances could seem to appear that God had abandoned him but as I read this psalm it become clear that David knew better. In v.5 “You are forgiving and good.”; v.7 “You answer me.”; v.8 “There is none like you.”; v.10 “You are great and do marvelous deeds,” v.15 “You O Lord are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in love and faithfulness.”.
There are times when what we know to be true and what we see around us don’t seem to match up. I like how David verbalizes the truth. We are fortunate to have David’s words recorded for us. I think it would be good to read them out loud so we can hear these words of faith as well as read them.
Terriann

======= Lily:

I have a problem in understanding the old testament of God’s command to destroy everything when Joshua was led to take over the promise land. It seems so brutal. However, commentaries on the reasons behind it (such us removing evil and temptations, and total obedience to God’s commands) gave me a better understanding.
New testament reading (Luke 18).Comes to mind how hard to leave our comfort zone (our riches, familiar surroundings and approval of family & friends and follow God. We can not do it on our own unless we have faith and trust in God.
Lily

========= Duane:

Mike, Its been awhile since I last posted but I read your bible blog everyday. Its wonderful to know how God is using you to help others understand God’s word better and better each day. Please don,t stop doing this wonderful work, its been such a blessing in my life. The bible blog helps me to meditate and reflect and to actually see how well I have understood my reading. There have been many times where I have actually gone back and reread because of your comments and questions. Thanks may God bless you abundantly for all the hours you put in to benefit others.
Duane

======= Chris:

Hey Ramona!
Great words of wisdom.
I’m here watching, reading, meditating, and trying to obey. I don’t often post because I am taking the “easy to read” version of scripture and setting it up with CSS and HTML, oftentimes breaking it down to outlines (like the division of the tribes), and I find that not only does it give me time to “reflect” on the text, but I underscore, bold, and make colorful points that stand out for me.
It has been my pleasure to read the One-Year-Bible from 1992.
After learning I actually COULD read the entire bible, cover to cover, in 30 days–simply by dividing the pages by 30. But, as you indicated above, numbers and many other things just kind of became a blur when attempting to read so much so fast; it just did not penetrate.
I have also, in times past, read the 90-day Bible; very satisfying in that it really puts the timelines together and does not focus on one area and lose context.
Actually, I like all ways of reading scripture, cover to cover.
It is always a pleasure to read what Mike, you, and others here post. It is an encouragement! Do please continue…
HTOITA,
Chris

======= Jill:

Mike you talked about being a slave to sin. Yes I find we become enslaved to many things. Until we recognize it we can’t get out of it. I went thru a dry period where I allowed my circumstances to enslave me. I was locked in a emotional prison I couldn’t get out. The only way I was able to escape it was to recognize it, call on God, seek counsel, get into Bible Studies and study study pray pray ! There is an escape. We let Satan take over but if we put on our full armor of God every morning our lives change.
Jill

======= Dee:

Joshua, God always had his protection of His people the Israelites and especially the Tribe of Judah..
Jesus gave ultimate test..to follow him, those that gave up mother’s, fathers, sisters and brothers for Him..will be given so much more and be blessed because of it.
Psalm & proverbs amazing!!
Teach me your ways Lord! Yes..love my Jesus
Dee

======= Debbie:

Loved “All My Hope” YouTube!! Really had me praising the Lord!
Debbie

======= Ramona:

Joshua 15:1-63
Boundaries, God’s m.o. (modus operandi) are all about setting boundaries. Whether it is separating light from darkness, dry land from wet Genesis 1), sin from righteousness, death from life, God has placed boundaries upon the earth and within Believers not to cross. And when we do, well, we sadly suffer the consequences of our trespasses. Sometimes those consequences drive us toward God, repentance and acceptance of God’s way of doing things, but most often, we are driven down a path of anger, rage and rebellion toward crossing the lines God has set.
The foolishness of man subverts his way [ruins his affairs]; then his heart is resentful and frets against the Lord. (Proverbs 19:3 AMP)
Yet folks, there is Good News. For over 20 years, I raged against God and Jesus Christ. Because of the type of people Luciano posted about earlier in the day, I became a total raving lunatic against anything that smacked of “religion.” I would not go into a church no matter what was going on; I cursed out people, particularly black folk, who I saw reading the Bible on the public transportation system, “Why are you reading that white man’s book!!” I would yell and rant. I would get up in people’s faces all 5’3,” 98 pounds of me (I do not weight that anymore). At the time I had a gigantic afro (I’m dating myself) so I looked like a large Number 2 pencil with a great big eraser completely insane.)
I am sure that one of those people I cursed out prayed for me because years latter I went into an hysterical fit (laughing) when I realized I was now teaching the Bible I so insanely shouted about, to those who were saying the same thing. I know that God is a God of fun because He provided in His salvation, help for someone like me.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

Joshua 13:1-14:15 + Luke 18:1-17 + Psalm 85:1-13 + Proverbs 13:7-8
~ 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 – Interesting – Joshua is an old man already here in chapter 13!  Time is flying quite a bit faster in this book than our past readings about the life of Moses….  It’s estimated that Joshua is between 90 and 100 years old in chapter 13 and Caleb is 85 years old.  In chapter 14 verse 12 we read these words from Caleb to Joshua: “So give me the hill country that the Lord promised me.”  Below is a good image of the hill country of Judah that Caleb sought and received, courtesy of HolyLandPhotos.org:

In Joshua chapter 14 verses 1 & 2 today we read: “The remaining tribes of Israel inherited land in Canaan as allotted by Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the tribal leaders. These nine and a half tribes received their inheritance by means of sacred lots, in accordance with the LORD’s command through Moses.”

New Testament – The story of the persistent widow is fantastic!  I love it…   Verse 4 may be one of the most humorous verses in the Bible – “The judge ignored her for a while, but eventually she wore him out. `I fear neither God nor man,’ he said to himself, `but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!'”  Great stuff! Jesus teaches that persistence pays off, which I think is very good to consider with our own faith journeys.  Verse 1 is the moral of the story: “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them that they must never give up.”  Do you pray constantly?  Do you know that you must never give up?

The moral of the story of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in verse 14 is so important for each of us to remember in our faith journeys – “For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored.”  Anyone remember the old Jars of Clay song, “Faith Like a Child”?  Great tune…  That song and verses 15 – 17 in Luke chapter 18 today remind me that my faith does not have to be super-intellectual or super-mature or super-whatever.  All that is needed is faith like a child – “One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch them and bless them, but the disciples told them not to bother him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I assure you, anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God.””

Bible.org’s commentary on our Luke chapter 18 readings today titled “Piety, Persistence, Penitence, and Prayer” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 85 is awesome today!  So many great verses…. I love verse 8 – “I listen carefully to what God the LORD is saying, for he speaks peace to his people, his faithful ones. But let them not return to their foolish ways.”   I like that thought – God speaks peace to his people.  Are we listening carefully to what God is saying?  Are we receiving his peace into our hearts?   And so importantly – are we not returning to our foolish ways?  Verse 6 reminds me of the Jeremy Camp tune “Revive Me”, which is an amazing tune – “Won’t you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you?”   Do you need God to revive you?  Will you pray for revival?

Proverbs – Proverbs 13 verse 7 makes me wonder how we might be “pretending” in our lives today – “Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor.”  I wonder if really in some way all of us are pretending to be something we are not?  I don’t know if this will make sense – but I do know that sometimes I feel like an actor.  A faker.  A poser.  And I know that the true path to being genuine and real is through a relationship with Jesus.  True Sincerity comes from Christ alone.  If we are confident in our faith in Jesus, we have absolutely no need to “pretend” or act like we are someone or something else.

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in Luke 18:1 about never giving up on constant prayer reminded me of The City Harmonic’s song “Manifesto:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_6JQDsbtlM

Are you singing along with this song? Click here and sing forever!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:16-17 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have faith like a child. Pray that you will enter the kingdom of God by coming to Jesus in faith.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on today’s Proverb, are there any areas of your life where you are acting or pretending?  Will you turn those pretensions over to Jesus and be confident in Jesus alone?  Why do you think we pretend to be rich when we’re not?  Or pretend to be poor when we’re not?  Why do we pretend at all?  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:

Joshua 13:1-14:15
I love the fourteenth chapter where Caleb, Joshua’s fellow spy, who believed God and brought back a good report forty-five years before, doesn’t site his age or possibly frailty as a reason for not possessing what had been given to him by Moses. When by right he could have stepped back and let the young folks get the job done, Caleb fought along side the men of fighting age and conquered the land given to the tribe of Judea
Reading his words are thrilling and inspiring. My desire is that I follow after Caleb’s spirit and not die before I’m dead, that I continue to work at possessing what God has promised before the breath of life leaves my body and releases my spirit.
6 …Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, You know what the Lord said to Moses the man of God concerning me and you in Kadesh-barnea. 7 Forty-years old was I when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh-barnea to scout out the land. And I brought him a report as it was in my heart. 8 But my brethren who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt; yet I wholly followed the Lord my God.
9 And Moses swore on that day, surely the land on which your feet have walked shall be an inheritance to you and your children always, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God. 10 And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years since the Lord spoke this word to Moses, while the Israelites wandered in the wilderness; and now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old.
11 Yet I am as strong today as I was the day Moses sent me; as my strength was then, so is my strength now for war and to go out and to come in. 12 So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke that day. (AMP)
Caleb’s words send chills down my spine! They are just awesome.
Luke 18:1-17
6 Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this evil judge. 7 Even he rendered a just decision in the end, so don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who plead with him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when I, the Son of Man, return, how many will I find who have faith?”
Some have taught, using this Parable as their back-up, that Jesus is telling us to do as the widow did to the evil judge, wear down God with persistent praying for what you want. Kind of like children who successfully modify their parent’s behavior by whining and begging to have something their parents have said they could not have. God’s justice is not like the evil judge’s justice and we don’t have to wear Him down or out. In fact we can’t.
Many times we feel unworthy to go to God to ask for justice because we look at our sins and feel guilty or are too embarrassed to ask. I believe God is saying that doesn’t matter, our prayers our asking for what we need, or even what we think we need, should never cease because he is always ready to hear his children.
Mike I’ve heard of Jars of Clay but haven’t really heard their music although they did do my church’s New Year’s (Watch-Night) Service this past Dec./January, which I obviously didn’t attend.
Psalm 85:1-13
And here are some more awesome verses:
10 Unfailing love and truth have met together.
Righteousness and peace have kissed!
11 Truth springs up from the earth,
and righteousness smiles down from heaven.
Love and Truth, as well as Righteousness and Peace walk hand-in-hand. We speak of true love but we use the word true as an adjective defining the object of our love. We cry out for peace but speak nothing of the righteousness that must exist for peace to stand. Each set; love and truth, righteousness and peace are equal partners and probably form two sides of the same “coin.” I find it intriguing and try to think of the kind of environment that must exist for these four words to make their place in this world and more importantly, in my heart. I’m thinking they must represent the character of God, Jesus, His Son and the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 13:7-8
Why would the poor pretend to be rich and the rich pretend to be poor, hmmm! The poor in their disguise are trying to elevate their social status above all the other poor; and the rich are trying to fend off those who are desirous of their company and money because they are rich. There are probably many other reasons why the dance of deception are played out does anyone else have any ideas?
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======== Janice:

thank you ramona: for always giving insight to those of us that struggle to get the definition of what the bible is saying….
Janice

======= Emily:

Yes, that widow’s story is one of my favourite ones too! It also reminds me of Jacob’s wrestling with God (or God’s angel) in Genesis. In many religions there is no persistence or intimacy in the faith. The deity is remembered or invited on few festive occasions and is sent back to heavens to be remembered on some other occasion.
Compare this to our personal relationship with the Trinity that is recorded from Genesis to Revelation. Our very perosnal and only true God who cares for us and is with us every moment. The God who is the Almighty and yet He came on this planet in flesh to love, teach and suffer, be ridiculed, tortured, crucified. Such is our loving God, who never forsakes us if we hold onto Him. This is our sweetest comfort and biggest security… that God is with us.
And surely, God looks at the heart. He does not care how intellectually we have come to understand Him :-). David’s deep love for God, his remarkable humility and heart cries before the Lord in times of suffering is what true faith is.
Emily

======= Jim:

Honestly, reading about the division of the land to the tribes of Israel puts me to sleep. Is the detail of the land’s division that important that it has survived thousands of years to be read by someone as far removed from Israel as myself? I’m sure it must have some significance if God allowed it to come this far. Any thoughts from anyone?
The persistant widow is a great story. It is very similar to how we here in Massaschusetts have to be with our local politicians to get them to represent us. I do understand that we need to be this way in our prayer life as well. It serves to increase our relationship and our faith with the Lord.
Jim

======= Roslyn:

Two things stood out for me today from the readings.
First, the image of the tax collector. This is a great reminder of our complete humility in prayer and our total faith in God’s mercy and loving forgiveness.
Second, “…anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Oftentimes we get caught up with our own intellectualizations about faith and spirituality that we forget being like little children—-filled with awe and wonder, curious and spontaneous, simple and with so much love and warmth to give, innocent and so easy to forgive…
Until we become like little children, we’ll never hear God’s true message.
Roslyn

======= Anka:

Everyone loves the persistent widow I see…so do I.Sometimes I feel silly asking God over and over cos to me it feels like I am telling God…I’m gonna keep bugging you till you give me an answer:))…then what about the faith issue.He says when you ask,believe you have received it…so if you believe that..why do you keep asking and asking…Well there’s something this season that I really really want so maybe I’ll just keep asking like the widow:)
God bless you all
Anka

======= Duane:

“The ransom of a man’s life is his wealth,” that proverb absolutely blew me out of my seat this morning.
We count the ransom of our souls as well. So those who have given up their lives to follow Christ really have gained everything. After all, if you compared your personal wealth against all of the fortune 500 guys, how does a couple billion dollars compare with the blood of God?
Duane

====== Mae:

I’m back! Finally!!! But unfortunately, I can’t stay too long behind my computer. Especially since it’s warm up here in the den. It’s only Spring and the temperature is 82f! I’m still waiting on my bloodtest-result, but I won’t get that until Wednesday. But I’m happy to inform you that I’m slowly doing better, it’s still not the old Mae, but I have to say that this sunny weather helps me a lot!
Okay, back to the readings:
Luke 18:1 “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them that they must never give up.” ~ So powerful!!! Yes, I do know I should never give up. But to be honest, I have had my struggles in the past weeks. 1.) Jaden got sick 2.) our kitchen was on fire 3.) I got sick … I mean … WHY?????????? Many times I got down on my knees and asked the Lord “Why???”. I never really thought about ‘leaving the Lord’, but I have to admit that I have been pretty confused. I prayed a lot and that gave me better insights on the situation. Because of my quiet time with God, He could give me directions and He showed me a way of a true breakthrough, and I’m really happy about that!
Psalm 85:8 “I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying,
for he speaks peace to his faithful people” ~ Hmmmmmmm … good one! God has spoken to me in the past few weeks. For one thing I had no idea it was Him that spoke to me. Well … I sort of thought it was Him, but the thing He asked made no sense to me! My dear friend Gina told me that in a lot of things, we shouldn’t try and understand it. Because God is so much bigger than we can think of. And she was right … who am I to question God? Just obey!!! And I did … well, I’m working on it! LOL I’m working right now on the ‘project’ He asked me to do. So I do know that I have to listen even more carefully to what He is saying.
Psalm 85:11 “Truth springs up from the earth,
and righteousness smiles down from heaven” ~ My wish for the world … to have truth spring up!!
Okay, this is it for today!
It’s good to be back!
Thank yo so much for your prayers, emails & comments! It really helped me!
Mae

======= Jodie:

I know that I am rich with Christ, I have been blessed with a Christian family and I have known Christ personally. It is a loss to not only me but those I come into contact with when I act poor. Those of us who are blessed in Christ have no reason to act poor and we should share our riches! Even when we lose faith and feel poor, we must always remember what He has given us.
“Show us your unfailing love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation”!
Jodie

======= Karen:

Couldn’t help think about Joshua and how obedient he was to God’s directions. Because of other people he had to wait 40 more years to even enter the promised land and then the rest of the years he has been fighting the enemy to conquer the land. I’m thinking, for myself, when do I get to enjoy this wonderful place? Moses didn’t even get to enter the land. Would any of us have the patience and commitment to do what they did for all those years. Oh God, grant me the obedience to your will that Moses and Joshua, also Caleb had in them.
Karen

======= Jen:

New Testament
I pray many times a day as I go about my day I offer up prayers.
I like Luke 18:15-17 I have a 17 month old and hes very active. I find taking him to church but I do. I think its important for us as a family to go to church. I persist knowing that as he gets older he will behave better in church. That one day he will be like his older brother (11) and sit quietly in church. This verse reminds me that even though I find it hard God wants his little one to be in church.
Psalms
forgivness is found in Jesus.
If we believe He gives us peace. We’d be fools to follow Him.
verse 10 love, loyalty, goodness, peace, justice all gifts from God.
Proverbs
a couple of years ago I decided that I didnt want to wear “a mask” anymore. People either accepted me as I was or not. It was up to them but I would be me.
I know I am a daughter of God and if people dont accept me warts and all thats their problem not mine.
Jen

======= Betsy:

I appreciate the patience of Celeb and the understanding and love for peace of Joshua in allowing Celeb have his inheritance. It is not by might or human power but by the spirit of God that we should always possess our possession. Great lesson indeed!
Betsy

======= Skip:

I think people pretend or act so that they feel like they “fit in”. I know I’ve pretended or acted in a way that is not quite me just so that I could fit in with the people I was with. I don’t do that anymore because I don’t feel a need to fit in and I’ve come to realize, quoting what Popeye says, “I am whos’ I am and that’s all thats I am” Toot-toot. :-{D
Yours in Christ
Skip

======= Raeann:

God be merciful to me a sinner. This is my favorite verse in the book of Luke, I say it nightly as part of my evening prayers.
Raeann

====== Lily:

Luke 18: 1-7 I do not know if this is pertinent to the widow’s persistence for her plea for justice. I honestly believe that persistence give results. Where I used to work there was this head of a dept who everybody feared (or should I say, this person seemed to be unapproachable.) I made it a point to say Good morning or hello to everybody I met in the hallway including this individual. Of course he would not even acknowledge my presence. People told me that I was wasting my time. Then one day, I was shock, he returned my greetings. I was surprised to hear him say good morning. Everybody was surprised. From then on we would exchange pleasantries when we passed the hallway. I suppose my persistence paid off. It requires minimal effort on my part to say a greeting and be nice but this simple gesture resulted in a positive outcome. When I decided to move on to another company, he called me in his office and offered me a position in his department. He also told me that he knows of my work in the other department. I told him that I was accepting a part time job to spend more time with my children. I was grateful for his offer. We parted with a kind gesture from him that if the new job does not work out, that he always have a room for me in his department. I will always remember that experience. Whatever we do in life, people around us will notice, either we our God’s children or not. Believe me, I am not always a representative of God in my everyday life. I pray that God will be merciful always every time I stumble.
Proverbs: 13-7 This verse is speaking to me about humility (I may be interpreting it incorrectly). No matter our situation, rich or poor, we should not pretend. If we are rich, we should be humble and not boast. We should share our riches since they come from God. If we are poor we should not pretend to be rich to impress others (afraid to be ridiculed and separated from the society, or coping with the Johneses). We are all equal in the eyes of God.
Lily

======= Rosanna:

Thank you for the bible messages today. I was reminded not to give up in prayer and persevere, no matter what. It reminds me that God will answer our prayers in His time. Another point refreshing me was that God wants our faith to be childlike because just like children we believe and trust our parents, how much more can we trust our Heavenly Father, who is perfect and just. It’s so simple really. You don’t have to be an intellect!! Praise God!
Rosanna

======= Bob:

Proverbs 13:7 The Poser: Jesus brings up this sin in a couple of places that speaks to our ego. We just read about it in Luke 16:15. (Also Math 23:27-28. Is this the church today?). There is a natural pull to be accepted by others (not God). This may be in the form of Bible Knowledge, Spirituality, Jobs, Family, etc. Posing comes out of the fear of a question; do I have what it takes? Usual answer is NO. I like the puffer fish analogy. As soon as there is a threat we blow ourselves up to look bigger. The question is, for our affirmation, do we go to God or Man? If it is Man, we may do it for a number of reasons: I know best, my independence is threatened, consequences frighten me. God can change that by giving us security in who we are with Wisdom, Opportunities, Respecting Loss, Risking Fear, and Courage.
Bob

======= Joyce:

Mike and everyone,
Joshua 14:8-12 NLT
8 but my brothers who went with me frightened the people from entering the Promised Land. For my part, I wholeheartedly followed the Lord my God.
9 So that day Moses solemnly promised me, ‘The land of Canaan on which you were just walking will be your grant of land and that of your descendants forever, because you wholeheartedly followed the Lord my God.’
Like you said, Ramona, such awesome words coming from a faithful servant of God, Caleb. Even more admirable – he had stayed the course of fearing God not people, for forty-five years!
10 … Today I am eighty-five years old.
11 I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then.
12 …But if the Lord is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the Lord said.”
I’m repeating some of what you’re quoting, Ramona.
But I am so impressed too, what a fighter for God’s Kingdom Caleb was.
Thank you God for giving us such a faithful example to follow!
Luke 18:1-8 Parable of the Persistent Widow
I’m just learning that this is a parable of persistent prayer with a focus. The focus is Christ’s return, when He will restore all things and bring out true justice.
In the western world we may not suffer because of our faith, but we may be mocked or discriminated as Christians.
When we face any kind of persecutions, may we persistently pray, asking and trusting God for deliverance.
Gratefully,
Joyce

======= Robert:

Proverbs 13:7-8
Poser
A few years back I had the opportunity to join a men’s group and we dug into what a lot of Christian men face in the world when it comes to being true to yourself. A great book and study we dug into was by John Eldredge called “Wild at Heart”. He talks about men and their facade which stems right back to Adam. “We are hiding, every last one of us. We hide in our office, at the gym, behind the newspaper and mostly behind our personality. Most of what you encounter when you meet a man is a façade, an elaborate fig leaf, a brilliant disguise”. The book covers a lot of subjects: men’s deepest fear to be exposed, most men are simply here on earth to kill time, every man carries a wound and needs healing, masculinity, father figure and the search for eve. We live for a battle to fight, a beauty to rescue and an adventure to live. (Through Jesus Christ our Lord).
Robert

======= Dee:

I love Caleb as well..I think about how Isaac spoke of his death way before he ever left this earth, but not Caleb..he was as healthy and strong in his independence now as he was 40 + years ago! That is amazing..
I love that the Lord is always ready to hear our prayers..not like the evil judge but way cooler and chill with our requests, in fact he loves our prayers to Him.
Proverbs..the poor try to act rich, and rich try to be poor..I have seen some rich people really chill and act like pauper and like they don’t have a dime to their name. The poor not sure how they can act rich physically, maybe mentally, or emotionally ..not sure..just be yourself! Much better.
Dee

======= Allison:

V8 in the parable of the persistent widow stood out: “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Hebrews 11:1 NLT
[1] Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.
Hebrews 11:6 NLT
[6] And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Biblical faith is man’s response to what God has said. To exercise faith is to have confidence about an expectation without visible proof that it will happen. Faith is acting like God is telling the truth. The persistent widow may be seen as annoying, or someone who had faith.
Hebrews 11 shows many examples of people who did things by faith. “It was by faith that ________ did ________.”
Jesus taught that with God nothing is impossible, so all things are possible to those who have faith. (See Luke 18:27)
The other verse that stood out from today’s reading:
Psalm 85:10 Steadfast love and FAITHFULNESS meet, righteousness and peace kiss each other.
I don’t even have words for the ahhh feeling 
Basically, steadfast love is great, —BUT— include faithfulness in it, —–righteousness and peace kiss each other.
Allison

======= Ramona:

Joshua 13:1-14:15
When Joshua had reached a venerable age, GOD said to him, “You’ve had a good, long life, but there is a lot of land still to be taken. This is the land that remains: …”I myself will drive them out before the People of Israel. All you have to do is allot this land to Israel as an inheritance, as I have instructed you. Do it now: Allot this land as an inheritance to the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh.” (Joshua 13:1-7 MSG)
I just loving reading the Bible because even when the reading seems dry and non-essential, like nuggets of gold buried in a mountain, something always pops up if you continue in diligence. Let us be as smart as cows, eat the hay and leave the sticks. Who knows when you will develop your palate so that you realize that inside the sticks something wonderful is waiting to be tasted?
Yes, if you cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, If you seek [Wisdom] as for silver and search for skillful and godly Wisdom as for hidden treasures, Then you will understand the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of [our omniscient] God. [Prov. 1:7.] (Proverbs 2:3-5 AMP)
What I have gleaned from today’s Old Testament Reading is this: Age, old age, is not the time to become unproductive, God has given, and so you must continue to “take” as long as you have breath to breathe upon the earth. God is listing, though Joshua, all the land He has given them and the boundaries Moses gave to carve up the land. We, have been given, through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, New Life. Jesus gave and we accept that gift when we receive Him as our Savior, as well as Lord.
With our acceptance, we become a New Creation [Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
(2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV)]. However, within that “new creation” we must get out those things that are not of God and fill them with newness of life. [So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life–your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life–and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. (Romans 12:1-2 MSG)]
Again, the Old Testament was written to be an example for us, both in things to do as well as what not to do. (I Corinthians 10)
God is AWESOME,
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= John:

Little Children
I used to think the teachings on “little children” here and parallel verses in Matthew and Mark was all about being as “humble” as a child. Having worked with large groups of children in the past – I would include and concur with some of roslyn’s observations regarding little children.
Matthew and Mark used the Greek word “paidion” for children. This could mean infants or little children. Luke leaves no doubt – he uses “brephos” MEANING babies.
Babies are too young to have faith. Babies certainly are not humble, as most parents will attest. They want what they want – NOW.
So if the illustration involves babies, what characteristics are we looking to resemble?
One of the great things about this blog is it hooked me up with reading the commentaries of Bob Deffinbaugh. I very rarely disagree with him, and it is usually over a minor point. He brings up analysis that runs counter some other commentators, but he presents it in an affable, logical, consistent style. He has made me rethink several of my pre-existing understandings of the Bible – and that is good.
I will let Bob take over here with some excerpts from his “little children” analysis.
======================================================
“Unlike the other two gospel writers, Luke emphasized the fact that these children which were brought to Jesus were infants—babes. The parallel accounts of Matthew (19:13-15) and Mark (10:13-16) make it clear that these babes were being brought to Jesus to bless by placing His hands on them (Mark 10:16) and praying for them (Matthew 19:13).
We are told that Jewish children were brought to the rabbi for a blessing on their first birthday.”
“I believe that Jesus was using the coming of the children to Him to be blessed as an illustration of the way in which all men must come to Him for a blessing. That is, if we would come to Jesus for a blessing, we must not come in our own strength (the babes were carried), we must not come through our own understanding, our own wisdom, our own good works. We can only come to Christ in our helpless state, looking to Him and to His grace alone. We must come out of our weakness and helpless state, not out of our own righteousness. Here is the difference between all of those who came to Jesus and were “saved” and those who were “healthy” and thus never were saved, because they were too healthy, too good, too pious to need grace. The thing which commends children to Christ is their helplessness, not their goodness. And this is precisely what must characterize every person who comes into the kingdom—they come as those who are helpless and undeserving, entering into His blessings because of God’s goodness and grace, not due to their own merits. Here is the child-like quality which must characterize all who would enter into His kingdom.”
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=1125
======================================================
I have stated before that it took me quite some time to become “born again”. I said the prayer – and to me – it did not work. Perhaps I was in the process as my pastor said – I believe because I came to God intellectually but with not the right heart – I was not indwelt with the Holy Spirit. It was not until I was in the second week of praying, that I fell into that helpless (like a baby) broken state that salvation occurred. The reason I know – because that was the night I was cured of two illnresses and relieved of an addiction. (Funny how God works in threes : ) That is why Bob’s analysis rings true to me. Perhaps my case was extreme because of the 48 years of having a “hardened” heart. Maybe others “helpless state” is just the sincere acknowledgement that they are sinners and helpless to solve the eternal life dilema on their own. Regardless – Bob’s anlaysis still rings true to me.
John

======= Oriane:

John said: “Perhaps I was in the process as my pastor said – I believe because I came to God intellectually but with not the right heart – I was not indwelt with the Holy Spirit.”
The question I’ll be asking might have nothing to do with today’s reading but I feel this is the right place for me to get an answer. I’ll be happy for the answer to be emailed if not wanting to post here. John…I pasted a bit of your post above because I know that’s exactly where my husband is at at the moment. I gave my heart to the lord in October last year but he hasn’t. He’s puzzled but he’s not wanting to be led by emotions. He asks me questions that I have no answers for. I just know how I feel about walking this path with the Lord. Well..he had a question yesterday that I hope someone can answer as I am fairly new at bible reading. He seems to think that Adam and Eve existed 6,000 years ago which according to him does not agree with the history of the prehistoric man who existed million of years ago. Does it mention anywhere in the bible when Adam and Eve were created? Was it the first books of the OT that might date 6,000 years ago? I hope someone can answer my question or direct me to where I can get this information.As I said I’d be happy for the answer to be emailed to me. Thanks.
Oriane

====== Shane:

Hey Oriane, I’ve had this discussion countless times with countless people. I really think creation dating is a secondary issue. But you’ll see a well thought out explanation of the 7 day creation story (which brings you to about 6,000 years) and the “epic” creation theory, which would be more in line with carbon dating and such. The linked to article is by the PCA denomination, where they tried to come to unity on the issue. They could not, which I suppose is unfortunate for them, but is really good for us because we can see the well reasoned views of both sides.
FYI, before I read the article I was a literal 7 days, 6,000 years guy. Now I lean more toward the epic view.
But where they get the 6,000 years is by doing the geneologies from Adam to Christ.
Hasta,
Shane

======= Emily:

Creation dating is such a tricky subject. Actually, I wasnt even aware of it until I started hearing about it on Christian TV and Christian websites few months back.
I have always been very interested in varied space missions, outer space discoveries, history of our planet, ancient civilizations. It is a matter of extremee interest to me what sort of relationship-if any- God has had with the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, Native Americans and those remote races living in the Arctic circle.
Someone just gave me a book written by a Chinese missionary that shows many characters of Chinese script tell biblical stories like Noah’s Ark!! : )  I am not that sure. Secret things surely belong to God and the rest is human speculation. I remember reading bits from Chariots of God by Eric Von Daniken. It’s funny that Christianity is a great source of making money for the Atheists and non Christians. (Think about Dan Brown’s ”codes”!)
And I think Biblical dating of earth is more of a knee-jerk reaction by some evangelists to shut up science worshippers. But it’s a slippery slope. Bible has lots of metaphors. Purpose of Genesis was to tell the Creation account and inform us that God is the Creator! But trying to decipher Genesis to tell how old earth maybe is as tricky as decihering Revelation and exactly predicting when the Apocalypse takes place.
But still, it is not totally unfair to probe the scriptures to see that they are not detatched from science, reality and the Universe as many sceptics may suggest. 
Emily

Joshua 11:1-12:24 + Luke 17:11-37 + Psalm 84:1-12 + Proverbs 13:5-6
~ 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 – An interesting note on Joshua 11 verse 21 – “During this period, Joshua destroyed all the descendants of Anak, who lived in the hill country of Hebron, Debir, Anab, and the entire hill country of Judah and Israel.”  The descendants of Anak were the giants the Israelite spies feared some 40 years earlier in Numbers chapter 13 verses 32 & 33 – and you’ll recall these verses kept the Israelites wandering in the desert for the next 40 years… “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.”  Interesting to see how the fear of 40 years prior had turned into the faith and confidence here in Joshua.  I wonder if this type of change can happen in our lives too?  A change from fear to faith and confidence?  Is there an area in your life where you might need this type of change?  Below is a good map of the nations of Canaan at the time of the conquest:

New Testament – Wow.  I love Jesus’ teaching in Luke chapter 17 verses 20 & 21 – “Jesus replied, “The Kingdom of God isn’t ushered in with visible signs. You won’t be able to say, `Here it is!’ or `It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is among you.””  And truly, of course, literally the Kingdom of God was amongst those Jesus was speaking to with this verse – Jesus himself was there.  But, also the Kingdom of God is still amongst us today.  Jesus has risen from the dead.  He lives in the hearts of men and women.  We do not need to look for visible signs to which we can say – here it is!  Truly, the Kingdom of God can be within you.  And once the Kingdom of God is within you it is amazing to see how Jesus can transform your life and those around you through his peace, grace and power.   Is the Kingdom of God among you?

Bible.org’s commentary on our Luke chapter 17 readings titled “Putting Faith in Perspective” is at this link and commentary titled “Sign-Seeking and the Coming of the Kingdom” is at this link.

Psalms – Today in Psalm 84:5 we read: “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.” Where does your strength come from? God? Or your own will-power? Why might it be a good idea to rely on God for your strength rather than yourself? Have you set your heart on a pilgrimage? Is the pilgrimage toward God? Do you think this will be a life-long pilgrimage? Later in this Psalm, verse 10, we read: “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” This is a song many of us have probably sung before at church. What does this verse mean to you? What does one day in God’s courts look like for you? Why would one day in God’s courts be better than one thousand days elsewhere? Do you look forward to spending an eternity in God’s courts? Is your heart on a pilgrimage to God’s courts?

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 13 verse 5 – “Those who are godly hate lies; the wicked come to shame and disgrace.” 

Worship Video:  Today’s Psalm reminded me of the terrific song “Better is One Day” by Matt Redman:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEr5Wn7LHvw

Are you in God’s courts? Click here to enter God’s courts today!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” Psalm 84:10 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are in God’s courts today. Pray that you’ll stay in God’s courts forevermore. Pray that you will not dwell in the tents of the wicked.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on this Proverb above, is it ever okay to lie?  I’ve spoken with friends who have said they believe it is okay to lie to preserve an innocent life.  And I guess if you think about maybe someone who saved lives in the Holocaust by lying, then this would seem to be an okay instance to lie?  I mean, you are lying to save an innocent life. Is that okay?  I realize the trick becomes where do you draw the lines on when it is okay to lie.  We could rationalize almost anything saying it was okay to lie because of x, y, z greater good.  This Proverb says those who are godly hate lies.  I am sure we all do hate lying.  But is it ever okay to lie?  To save an innocent life – is it okay?  Please post up in the Comments if you have thoughts on this.  One more thing I just thought of – Jesus never lied.  I’m guessing this is a pretty strong hint to the answer to my questions above…  but, as sinners, could we perhaps lie to save an innocent life and then confess it to God right away??  🙂  This is some tricky theology ground I’m treading – and probably not very well…  I’m sure there are books written on this subject right??  Yeah, I know, the book by Moses about the Ten Commandments….  🙂  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:
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======= Ramona:

Joshua 11-12:24
As I read today’s passage I immediately thought about one of David’s Psalms, the second one to be exact.
1 Why do the nations rage?
Why do the people waste their time with futile plans?
2 The kings of the earth prepare for battle;
the rulers plot together against the LORD
and against his anointed one.
3 “Let us break their chains,” they cry,
“and free ourselves from this slavery.”
4 But the one who rules in heaven laughs.
The Lord scoffs at them.
Why do we fight against God and His people? It’s a futile act and will only lead to our destruction.
Luke 17:11-37
I love the story about the ten lepers. I love it because it shows the mercy of God toward the nine healed lepers who either didn’t notice or didn’t bother to turn back and give thanks. The Samaritan, a non-Jew, understood and valued what had happened. How often do we Christians miss out on everything God wants to do for us because we are ungrateful and unthankful? This story not only convicts me of how casual I treat my relationship with God but it also reminds me that the simple act of giving thanks to God is the ultimate act of graciousness. There is nothing I can really do for God, yet He allows me to co-labor with Him when He really doesn’t need my help. Thanks be to God!
Psalm 84:1-12
1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD Almighty.
2 I long, yes, I faint with longing
to enter the courts of the LORD. With my whole being, body and soul,
I will shout joyfully to the living God.
Continuing with my thoughts from the Gospel reading, this too reminds me that there is nothing better then giving thanks to God and enjoying His Presence in my life. Having an attitude of gratitude is everything.
Proverbs 13:5-6
Proverbs is not only a book about cause and effects, how behavior effects our lives and the lives of others, it also gives lessons in “profiling.” It doesn’t profile based on race, ethnicity or culture, it profiles people’s character by connecting choices with core beliefs and values. Our choices are not based in a moment of time but are rooted in our character. Proverbs teaches us to work on our character and discern the character of others.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Shane:

Is it okay to lie? The answer, for those who believe the Bible, must reply, “Yes, in limited circumstances.” Here are two examples: 1) the women who lied about having Moses; 2) Rahab who lied to save the lives of the spies. There can be no doubt but that those were both sanctioned by God.
The distinction is the same as between murder and killing. Murder is always wrong, but not all killing is murder. Otherwise, Joshua would be in some serious trouble!
All that to say that I think a very strong argument could be made for biblical lying for military reasons (Rahab), and for the purpose of saving life (Moses).
Shane

======= Luch:

Re ‘is it ever right to lie’ I agree with shane that there seems to be room within God’s ‘value system’ for lying to save a life. Witness Hebrews 11:31 the chapter on heroes of the faith, and Rahab was given honourable mention alongsidE Moses and a bunch of other heavy weights. As Francis Schaeffer once said, “God blessed her faith if not her morality.” Or how about the hebrew midwives in Exodus 1:11-19 who chose to obey God rather than a fanatical, manaical ruler. I guess in some very limited circumstances it’s not just okay to lie, it’s the wisest and most loving thing to do. Last thought, what about Brother Lawrence who has smuggled Bibles in past years into what were once closed countries, or the survivors of The Hiding Place during world war 2 where Corrie Ten Boom and her family hid Jews from the Nazis?? Just a few heavy thoughts to ponder on a very delicate subject.
One more thought I was encouraged by today in Psalm 84:5-7 “Happy are those who are strong in the LORD who set their minds on a pilgrimmage to Jerusalem. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping (otherwise called “baca” it will become a place of refreshing springs, where pools of blessing collect after the rains! They continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God…” I have seen this to be true of my wife, Rosetta, who has been battling breast cancer since October. She has completed five rounds of chemo treatment, with 3 to go. She and I have been going through our own Valley of Weeping, but we, especially is coming through it with greater ‘inner person’ strength than ever. “The outer man is perishing but the inner man is being renewed day by day.” REading the Word of God daily sure does help the inner man be renewed as the outer suffers with hair loss, as well as other physical manifestations. The other night on Holy Thursday, Rosetta led our life group of 12 through the most beautiful Passover, communion meal. She is growing stronger through this. Her favourite verse these days has been Job 1:10 where Job exhorts his wife and says, “You are talking…foolish. Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?” I think this in part is what it means to grow stronger as we all go through our own valleys that may be life threatening.
Our hope is solidly anchored to our Risen Jesus!!!
Luch

======= Roslyn:

On Mike’s question about lying: Is it wrong to lie?
God gave us laws to follow, that’s true. Although it’s not about lying, Jesus himself negated the law to cure the sick on a Sabbath which shows that life is more important than the law.
Kohlberg, a famous pychologist, did a research about a moral dilemma story involving children, adolescents, and adults. The moral dilemma concerns stealing vs. saving a life. In this instance Heinz (this was obviously a fictitious story) was desperately trying to save his wife who was dying of cancer, ended up stealing the drug that he couldn’t afford to pay for because the pharmacist would not budge to bring down the price of the drug. The question that was asked which is a very similar quetion that Mike asked: is it wrong to steal the drug to save Heinz’s wife? To make the story short, adult thinking individuals who have reached the highest level of morality or the so-called post-conventional level said that it is okay to steal to save the life of Heinz’ wife.
To me, this is no different from the behavior of Christ when he had to cure the sick (save life) despite negating the law (keeping the Sabbath holy). Christ obviously typifies the highest level of morality which
is —LIFE IS PARAMOUNT and is above any law. Which to me is no different from the commandments being summed up with the word LOVE!!!
Lying to save life is different from compulsive lying or what some people call “congenital lying”.
Re God’d kingdom being in our hearts. True, until we find Him first in our hearts we will never find him anywhere…
Roslyn

======= Emily:

Interesting bit to reflect on. Lying for good or the purposes of God. Notably, Joshua also sent some men to spy out the land before invading Jericho. Of course spying itself has ulterior motives and is designed to deceive one party.
Now let’s compare it to God’s Ten Commandments. In many Bible commentaries and maybe also some bible translations one of the commandments simply reads, ”Do not lie.” But if we look up in the Bible (Exodus chapter 20) after, ”You shall not steal”(no exceptions) is ”You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.”
I think it is clear that the malicious lies, like the lies of Satan are the ones Bible commands us to stay away from. It is ok to conceal information for noble purposes or save human life. There is a clear distinction.
Emily

======= Ramona:

Mike you asked, >>This Proverb says those who are godly hate lies. I am sure we all do hate lying. But is it ever okay to lie?>>
The answer for me is, No!! Do I lie? Yes. Do I feel bad when I do it? Yes, you bet’cha The saying, “Honesty is The Best Policy,” is not correct, it is “Honesty is the Only Policy.” For me the problem of lying is this, “If I can’t believe the words that come out of my mouth, I will not believe anything that comes out of anyone else’s’ mouth. If I have a problem with my own words, their truth, I will have a problem receiving the Words of God. Not only will I begin discounting what others have said, I will discount God’s Words. If I require others and God to stand by their Words and I don’t, then I am a hypocrite, demanding from others, including God, what I am unwilling to do myself.
The second part of your question, >>To save an innocent life – is it okay?>> For this answer I will go to the Word of God (But if you operate with a policy that it is O.K. to lie, then God’s Word is up for negotiation and it will be discounted when it makes you feel uncomfortable),
Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives. (Romans 3:23 AMP)
Since the word “all” means none are excluded, then NO ONE, nobody, is innocent in God’s eyes, though we may be innocent in man’s eyes. Yet no man or woman has a heaven or hell to put me in so I have to go with what the Word of God states. Reading the Bible not only takes discernment but it also takes understanding of who is speaking. If I go into the Public Records and begin reading transcripts of trials, what I read is the truth of what was said in that trial; however, if someone has committed perjury by the words they speak, then what I read of that person’s testimony will be truly stated but it will not be the truth.
I am told by Paul to do this,
PATTERN YOURSELVES after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah). (1 Corinthians 11:1 AMP), so my model is Christ because no one else died for me or could die for me who is able to deliver me from the Judgment but Him.
Ramona

======= Jan:

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 13 verse 5 – “Those who are godly hate lies; the wicked come to shame and disgrace.”
“I am sure we all do hate lying.” I do so wish this statement were true. I’m not sure many people in the “world” even know the desruction of lying…they take the “truth” so lightly. The “world” is a lie (prince of the world is satan, the father of lies).
Even we as Christians/Believers believe the “lie” in our own lives or we whould not act/behave the way we do. When we manifest actions contrary to Christ, we are believing the “lie” instead of the “truth!” It is hard to see it this way, but it is the “truth” instead of the lie.
If you read “Be Transformed” you will come to understand living the “truth” instead of the “lie”…knowing just who we are in Christ, which is the Way, the Truth & the Life. Lies are death & Truth is Life…HE IS THE TRUTH & satan is the lie. It will always be black & white…no gray areas. Yes, Rahab lied…it doesn’t mean it was not wrong, but that the outcome was right…does that make sense to you/all of us?!?!?! I’m not sure it makes sense to me, but it is the “truth!” I hate lying & I don’t lie 90% of the time, but I have lied & probably will in the future, which is sin. To do something wrong & know it, is sin to us all (or at least that is what the Word of God says in the Bible).
I could never figure out why even as a child I hated lying…but over the years I have got revelation & still getting revelation as to why I hate/hated lying so much. My Father is the Father of Truth & that is why I desire & yearn for the Truth in all things…even as a child. I was saved & baptized at 9 years old…sealed with the Holy Spirit at that moment & it took me until 1976 to start that personal relationship with HIM; although HE protected me all the years in between because I did make a decision & I was sealed with the Holy Spirit, just without knowledge/disciplship/truth or vision…yet HE preserved & protected me because of that one decision that I made. I continue to grow in HIM, because I desire & yearn for HIS truth, even though I manifested living lies instead of His truth in my life…not knowing who I was in Christ. I know now more than ever just who I am in Christ & there is no offense in living this way…fiery darts just go right over my head & I walk in a freedom to love that I have never known before…ever growing in the love walk by yearning for His Truth & living the Truth instead of the lie.
BTW: Transformation comes in reading His Word/the Bible & our minds being renewed to His Truth, the Ultimate Truth of Eternity. We will never know who we are in Christ till we know Him/His Word…this will just not happen. We will also perish without His Truth/Knowledge/Vision & we must have the Holy Spirit to gives us daily revelation of His Word…because His Word is alive & living in us when we read it…it is poweful to heal us in all ways; soul, mind & body…our Spirits/His Spirit within us is already perfect as He is…it is just getting our souls, minds & bodies to line up with our spirits (which is He living within us…the Kingdom of God is within us)…that sets the plumbline for the soul, mind & body to follow.
A little preachy this morning…imagine that?!?! 
Jan

======= Becky:

Is it right to tell a lie to save a life? One thinks of Corrie Ten Boom and saving the Jews from the Nazis. One dictionary definition of a lie is “to withold information from someone who has a right it it.” So it would be okay to lie to a Nazi soldier searching for a Jewish child. You’re right, Mike– books have been written about this–and just war theory–it’s a can of worms! However, I agree with what Norman Geisler has written and I’m going to quote him since he’s a much better writer than I am:
“…each moral law is absolute in its hierarchy. That is to say, for a Christian the hierarchy of values is set up by God in accordance with His nature and is therefore absolute. God has established that He is first, persons are next, and things are last. Likewise, the same God who instructs us to obey our parents also tells us not to worship idols. Hence, if a parent should command his or her child to worship an idol, the child’s higher moral obligation is not to do so.”
And “When two or more absolutes come into conflict, the Christian is responsible for obeying the greater comandment. The Christian is not held guilty for not following the lesser of two.”
Becky

======= Tina:

about lying, i believe that no matter how you look at sin, it is still sin. a lie is what it is. i believe also that if you are in a situation like discussed above, then it is necessary to discuss it with the Lord first. what is His will in this situation. does he want me to take a stand, and deny giving information, instead of lying? too many times we do things without consulting God first. there is always time to pray. pray that God gives you the strength each day to be honest. that is always the best. God bless you, and what you are doing with you bible study.
Tina

======= Nasser:

to lie to save an innocent life bib;ically is wrong sometimes in our ministry we are doing something with unbelief people so as we can have them opportunity to witness to them about Jesus our lord by doing so is it we are lying to people we are serving . sometimes they ask us what exactly you are here for what is your purpose of doing releif and community development ?
is it a cover of what really you doing? sometimes i do not know what to think about this ?
please give your opinion about this ? i know there is a lot of ministries is doing this so as they can reach people under cover and show them the light of Jesus through their activities.
Nasser

======= Skip:

Is it Ok to lie to save an innocent life? I think most of us will say that our first reaction would be yes!, of course I would lie if it was to save an innocent life! But…the scriptures are very clear about lying. THOU SHALT NOT LIE! This commandment doesn’t say, Thou shalt not lie except if…. or except when …or except to, it states very, very clearly, THOU SHALT NOT LIE. Jesus should be our example. Jesus never lied and if we are to follow Him and be like Him, we should not lie.
There were times when I thought the only way to help someone or to not hurt someone’s feelings was to lie. But when I stopped and thought about it for even a moment, there was a way to accomplish the same end result without lying. I’m sure if you stop and think about the lie you are about to say or tell, you too will come up with a way to accomplish the same end result without lying. Remember what Jesus told John of Patmos in Revelation:
Revelation 21:8
8 “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all “LIARS” (emphasis added)—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” (NLT)
Again…there really isn’t anything to question. We should not lie for any reason.
Yours in Christ
Skip

======= Renee:

I think the bible teaches very strongly not to lie, but there are examples in the bible where people were blessed because people chose to lie. I think this makes it difficult to say that lying in every circumstance is wrong. In Genesis when the edict was given that all Hebrew children (males?) should be killed, the midwives reported to Pharoh that they couldn’t get there in time to deliver the babies. This is a lie; they just refused to kill them. (That could be my interpretation, but it seems like that’s what they were doing.) And again when Rahab was asked if she’d seen Joshua she lied flat out and was blessed for it. Jesus is one of her descendants! So there are biblical examples where it appears that lying was at least tolerated. I don’t think that means we should do it, but I can’t say conclusively that lying is wrong in every circumstance.
Renee

======= Mick:

Do not bear false witness is not the same as do not lie althought the spirit is the same. False testimony is intended to do harm, to produce a wrong result for another person. Lies are wrong and falsehood is evil but may not be more evil than another outcome. Lies are sometimes matters of silence more than of speech, the sin of omission applies surely, and few could claim to always avoid it, and many would happily support such “untruth” in a better cause. Ethically we rarely choose between good and evil only betwen better and worse; surely the use of a lie (spoken or silent) may well be right as the better option? YIHS
Mick

======= Tim:

I wrote a blog post on the whole issue of lying, where I stated that (IMHO) lies are the root of all evil more so than the love of money, because they stem from the Liar himself and even “white lies” are ultimately deceptions, regardless of how we try and dress them up. The sad thing is that the best of us do it and therein lies (pardon the pun) the measure of us – to be able to be honest no matter what the cost, is the greatest gift I think you can give to your fellow man. However, I’m also reminded of Rahab who openly lied in order to save the spies, and I’m sure many throughout the ages have done similarly, and yet I have to wonder if it can ever be truly justified for us. I think too though that if we lie about small things, it is an indication of how easily we will lie about much more important issues. Food for thought perhaps. Blessings,
Tim

======= Terriann:

When you discussed the topic of lying and if it is ever OK I thought about Rahab back in chapter 2. She lied to the king’s men to protect the spies and then utters words of faith that could only have come from the Holy Spirit. One might argue that she did not know God’s commandments but she knew that Israel’s God was the God of all the earth. It appears that the spies also asked her to continue lying on their behalf. Is keeping a secret a form of lying? Is saying something that is technically true but has the intention of deception another form of lying? Isn’t being a spy a lie in and of itself? Christianity is all about Truth with a capital T and I think we should hate lies and always seek to live our lives with honesty and truth. It should mark our character. I also think that it is an over simplification to just say never ever lie no matter what.
Teriann

======= Anka:

“Except for the Hivites living in Gibeon, not one city made a treaty of peace with the Israelites, who took them all in battle.”….I couldn’t keep thinking of the humility of these people….All the other nations must have heard about Israel(Rahab confirms that)but they thought they could save themselves with their own power…they lost..it also says that God hardened their hearts…well since God is no respecter of persons I think(may be wrong and I welcome any corrections)God saw the conceit in their hearts and fore knew they’d never submit to Him.The Hivites lied,deceived…yep…but they came to ask for mercy…they maybe thought they were not worthy to stand before the Israelites so they acted up a bit..In the end when they were attacked Israel fought for them too…
I kinda thought…like us we need to humble ourselves before God,see ourselves as not worthy…and He will fight for us too.I don’t see God admonishing Joshua for not asking Him before signing a peace treaty…not do I see God being so mad at the Hivites for lying either…He knows we are human and sinful…He asks us to come just as we are and accept His sovereighty..He’ll adopt us..and clean us up…
God bless you all
Anka

======= Jim:

I can relate many things in my life to how the Israelites were when they feared the descendants of Anak, then 40 years later they defeated them. My wife and I have a new baby and for years I didn’t want kids because I feared parenting would be my downfall (pretty siily, I know). But now, three weeks into fatherhood, I find I’m approaching it with ‘faith and confidence’. It’s a lot of work but God provides the strength as needed… moment by moment. I try to always remember that God knows every challenge I will face. He knows it better than I ever will and he will provide my strength. I just need to have faith that what happens is the will of God. Maybe it seems simplistic, but the simpler the better for me.
Mind you, I have failed and fallen far more times than I can count, but by the grace of God do I keep going.
Take care,
Jim

======= Jenny:

Amazing to see that map which is still modern day Israel, tho it ceased to be a nation but then was reestablished as God brought the Jews who had been dispersed “from the four corners of the earth” and Israel was reestablished as a nation in 1948. Israel is still the most discussed nation today! the majority of end time prophesy is in regards to Israel! Israel is, was, and remains God’s primary focus! It just fascinates`me truly! In fact, gotta go to night church soon and my pastor will be discussing Israel, end time prophesy. if anyone is interested in hearing it, go to kwve 107.9 fm in southern CA or their website: http://www.kwve.org Or go to my site and i have a link under Big Tent Revival that you can view a live broadcast. should be awesome!!
hmm..the lying thing is tricky…we arent to lie..but like in the first chapter of Joshua, Rahab hid the spies…that was lying but it was blessed. I know many Christians smuggle Bibles and such into other countries or they disguise the bibles as something else. I always wondered about that. Is that ok? its technically lying. The Bible says we arent to bear false witness which means make something appear one way when its another.
I’m sure most of us wont ever have to lie to save an innocent life. Look at the girl in the Columbine shooting..she was asked if she believed in God with a gun to her head. she could have easily said no, then asked God to forgive her, but she didnt. She chose to die rather then deny God and her testimony has spoken to many many people! So yes, i’m anxious o hear others’ thoughts on this!
I love in Joshua, the fear turned to faith and confidence. This is my life testimony…I was soooo shy and fearful as a youngster, like jr high, high school, even early 20s, i was the shyest person ever. In that, I was an easy target for bullying. I think i cried every day in 7th grade. I couldnt talk…ppl would talk to me and I just couldnt get a word out! But this bullying, along with emotional/physical abuse led me to self hatred, self destruction like suicide attempts, cutting, eating disorders, etc and anger. I had a fear of guys growing up, they picked on me so bad…i couldnt walk past a group of guys without hearing some mean comment. I had a fear of men also bcos I had a difficult relationship with my dad, I was so small and powerless and he and all guys seemed to take their anger out on me. My dad hurt me very bad (its forgiven, i’m very close with him today n i love him more then words!!!) Eventually I slid away from God, but He worked on me the whole time, even the times I turned from Him. he used so many things to change me to a person of confidence and perseverance moreorless. I am still deep down a bit shy, a loner, an introvert…just who i am, but I’m pretty much outgoing, friendly, positive and social. People who know me now think I’m this outgoing person and assume i had tons of friends in high school and its just a miracle my life has turned so much. that anger i had in me is gone. that doubt…maybe God doesnt love me, maybe He hates me..thats gone. I realize all this was the enemy working on me big time.
this ties in with Psalms: “Blessed are those whose strength is in you” God is my strength because i know who i was before. I know very young on, like in 7th grade, even then i knew God was fighting for me and delivered me from so much. i used to just cry and pray to God, why do ppl pick on me? i did nothing to them! I’ve had the blessing of finding one of my bullies on myspace and writing him about how much he hurt me but that i forgave him. he never replied but i am released from that pain now! I love forgiving others!! It frees us!
Church was awesome! man….so many prophesies concerning Israel fulfilled and Eze 37-38 is amazing…some stuff going on! the Hezbolla (sp?) have rearmed themselves with 38000 bombs and are planning on attacking Israel this summer, this could be the attack described in Eze. 38. who knows, but extremely unbelievable times we are in! OK, so I got to the Bible readings.
In the readings I was amazed that we just went over at church, the land God promised to Abraham in Genesis and this is the land talked about in our Joshua readings.
8 in the mountain country, in the lowlands, in the Jordan plain, in the slopes, in the wilderness, and in the South—the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
Compare to Genisis 15:18-21
18 On the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying:
“To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates— 19 the Kenites, the Kenezzites, the Kadmonites, 20 the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, 21 the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.”
Luke 17 shows how important it is to thank God for what He does, not merely get healed/blessed and run off to life as normal, but to be and live and thankful life.
Oh, I love this psalm…i’m sure many recognize the lyrics to Better Is One Day in Your Courts!
I love vs 11-12: ” For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.”
Jenny

========= Jackie:

Joshua
Im not sure about fear leading to confidence and faith. I do know that while last year was deeply distressing for me. God brought me through it and therefore I now have more faith in Him.
Luke
I know that without God in my life today Io would not be where I am today. God gives me hope, unconditional love and protection. He is my rock. He truly is wonderful.
Psalm
I love my church. I find that if I miss going to church for a week or more I miss it. I love the fellowship, the singing and the fact that this is another place where I can feel close to God.
He is my King and my God. At my church there is actually a birds nest near the church hall where we have coffee and fellowship after church.
Im wondering verse 4 goes on to discuss heaven. We will live in Gods house then and we will spend our days singing praises to God whom along with His Son allowed us to live there in the first place.
If we believe and love the Lord he will bless us.
When we go though hard times He is right beside us and brings us though.
When we are weak. He makes us stronger.
He came to save us. He answers prayer. He protects us. I am one of his chosen. How wonderful that is!!!
I like to think He is looking down from Heaven and smiling down on me one of His daughters.
It will be wonderful being in Heaven one day with Him. It is also being at church.
It is a good place to be. And if we are thinking eternally its much better than being in the alternative place.
He treats us much better than we deserve.
My strength comes from God. He has seen me though some very difficult times.
He has our lives in His Hands He knows the best way for things to turn out therefore it makes sense to trust in Him.
My life is a journey with the final destination being with God in Heaven.
Proverb
I would normally say one should never lie. However, when you have to save an innocent life. Then I would probably would. However, then Id be terrified that the enemy would see right though me. I pray we are never put in this position.
Jackie

======= Raeann:

The book of Deuteronomy is full of Moses preparing his people to enter the promised land on the other side of the Jordan. Moses reminds the people of there journey in the wilderness. Moses reminds the Israelites of several things that he had already taught them, love the LORD with ALL of your heart, to follow the law and commandments that GOD had given them on Mount Sinai and of all of the lands that they had conquered on this side of the Jordan. When Moses defied GOD he is forbidden to cross over the Jordan to the promised land. The LORD gives the Israelites his blessings for obedience and his punishments for disobedience to GOD. The LORD will walk among the Israelites in the promised land at HIS HOLY sanctuary among the people. Moses blesses the people before he dies. Moses dies in the mountains of Jericho over looking the promised land. I enjoyed reading the book of Deuteronomy.
Raeann

======= Lily:

I agree with Ramona. Many times we forget to thank God for all our blessings. In the midst of all the blessings (such as in an affluent society) we forget to thank God and just merrily move on until one day, the blessings are taken away. I pray that I will be cognizant of God’s blessings everyday and thank God. As I wake up every morning, I try to remember that the day is a gift from God.
Guilty of white lies. This is an area of my life where I need growth. I feel that I am protecting others from heartache by telling a little white lie or am I protecting myself instead. I pray to God that I maybe truthful all the time.
Lily

======= Marabel:

Mike’s thoughts: ” Interesting to see how the fear of 40 years prior had turned into the faith and confidence here in Joshua. I wonder if this type of change can happen in our lives too? ” D. Bernard Wright says in his book Squashing Grasshoppers: “They saw giants in the land but seeing the giants was not the problem. They saw giants before them, but they saw themselves as grasshoppers. The problem was not the giants but the grasshoppers. They made the tragic mistake of seeing themselves in a way that was totally inconsistent in what they were and what they were called to do. They no longer saw destiny, but obstacles. They saw themselves as grasshoppers, and the enemy as giants. In reality, the reverse was true.
Marabel

======= Ross:

What about the Rahab when she hid the two young spies in Joshua 2- didn’t she lie? It seems that she deceived the guards who were trying to find the spies. I don’t think it is as straight forward as you make it. God honored Rahab’s deception (read- Lie).
Ross

======= Reuben:

Ross,
I think it would be a mistake to assume that lies such as told by Abraham, Lot, Rahab, etc. were condoned by God per se. He works through sinful people to accomplish his ways, that much is clear.
If I were in any of their shoes, I might have lied as well … but I would not assume that means that God approves of it.
Reuben

======== Barbara:

Corrie Ten Boom’s sister Betsy would not lie and in fact told the soldiers coming into their home one day that there were people hidden under the table in the kitchen. The Lord covered her and they did not pursue this at that time. I think if we trust God to protect us we never have to lie although we often do. We will never know in these cases what God might have done had we depended on Him.
Barbara

======= Bob:

In Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables, we see a lie told to help another. In the story when the saintly bishop takes Jean Valjean in after his release from prison, Valjean responds by stealing the silver candlesticks from the bishop’s house; then when he’s caught with them and the police drag him back to the scene of his crime, the bishop says, “Oh, he didn’t steal them! I gave them to him!”
This is one of those rare occasions when lying makes sense. Valjean is so moved by this goodness that he resolves to become a better person, and does.
The bishop says, ‘Jean Valjean, my brother, you no longer belong to evil, but to good. It is your soul that I buy from you; I withdraw it from black thoughts and the spirit of perdition, and I give it to God.’
Bob

======= Marie:

Didn’t Rahab lie to protect the Hebrew spies?
” So they went and came into the house of a harlot whose name was Rahab, and [a]lodged there. 2 It was told the king of Jericho, saying, “Behold, men from the sons of Israel have come here tonight to search out the land.” 3 And the king of Jericho sent word to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered your house, for they have come to search out all the land.” 4 But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them, and she said, “Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. 5 It came about when it was time to shut the gate at dark, that the men went out; I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them.” 6 But she had brought them up to the roof and hidden them in the stalks of flax which she had laid in order on the roof. 7 So the men pursued them on the road to the Jordan to the fords; and as soon as those who were pursuing them had gone out, they shut the gate. Joshua 2:2-7
She was not honest when asked about these men, but her dishonesty saved them.
Marie

======= Sarah:

In Joshua chapter 2, Rahab lied in order to protect the two spies, because she believed in the Lord of Israel. Rahab’s whole family was saved. I think God sees our motives and our hearts. I’m a teacher; when students ask me if they’re doing a good job after putting efforts in projects/assignments, I always say yes before offering suggestions, even when it’s really not a good job. Hopefully I won’t be punished by God for this kind of lies…
Sarah

====== James:

Mike,
I agree with Ramona’s statement about lying. Many times we do it out of “fear” and that in itself doesn’t justify it. What would I do if someone put a gun to my head and told me to denounce Jesus Christ or die. What would I do? Out of shear terror I would probably lie. But that doesn’t make it right. If I told the truth in faith or refused to denounce Jesus perhaps my death would lead to “new life” for many others who witnessed or heard of this happening.
On a much lighter note, sometimes we lie because we don’t want to hurt the feelings or be a burden to another. I think of the hundreds or more times someone has asked me “so how are things going today for you?” and rather than being totally honest my response is “fine thank you”. Or politely laughing at a joke we really thought wasn’t funny because we just wanted to be “polite”.
I believe God likes “tests”. Many I have failed over and over again but every now and again He proves to me that I need to trust Him in being obedient. I remember one such instance where I set up an investment account for a friend. Weeks later I found out that one part of the description of the investment was explained incorrectly by me. I knew I had to face the music and share this with my friend unsure how he was going to react. I was nervous but I prayed about it and obeyed God by going to my friend to reveal what I explained incorrectly. After I gave my friend this explanation / clarification, my friend said, “Oh that’s fine it really doesn’t change my mind about the investment as it won’t effect my goal for this, thanks for letting me know, no problem” says my friend. Situations like that don’t always turn out in a happy ending but sometimes the Lord will reveal it’s not always the outcome we expect when we trust Him to be “truthful”. We just need to trust Him in everything. I pray that I will.
Blessings to everyone!
James

======= Robert:

Proverbs 13:7-8
Poser
A few years back I had the opportunity to join a men’s group and we dug into what a lot of Christian men face in the world when it comes to being true to yourself. A great book and study we dug into was by John Eldredge called “Wild at Heart”. He talks about men and their facade which stems right back to Adam. “We are hiding, every last one of us. We hide in our office, at the gym, behind the newspaper and mostly behind our personality. Most of what you encounter when you meet a man is a façade, an elaborate fig leaf, a brilliant disguise”. The book covers a lot of subjects: men’s deepest fear to be exposed, most men are simply here on earth to kill time, every man carries a wound and needs healing, masculinity, father figure and the search for eve. We live for a battle to fight, a beauty to rescue and an adventure to live. (Through Jesus Christ our Lord).
Robert

======= Dee:

I love Caleb as well..I think about how Isaac spoke of his death way before he ever left this earth, but not Caleb..he was as healthy and strong in his independence now as he was 40 + years ago! That is amazing..
I love that the Lord is always ready to hear our prayers..not like the evil judge but way cooler and chill with our requests, in fact he loves our prayers to Him.
Proverbs..the poor try to act rich, and rich try to be poor..I have seen some rich people really chill and act like pauper and like they don’t have a dime to their name. The poor not sure how they can act rich physically, maybe mentally, or emotionally ..not sure..just be yourself! Much better.
Dee

======= Allison:

Hi! Today is my first time here and first time reading The One Year Bible (my sister in Christ mailed it and I just received it today)!
Luke 17:8 stood out (about the 10 healed lepers)
“Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”
How often do people take for granted blessings they have? Who recognizes they are a gift from God? The only one who returned was the foreigner. It reminds me of people in the western culture (many Americans) who take for granted things like running water, heat, homes with garages or basements…not to mention all the other gazillion materialistic things we have). Sometimes it takes someone who doesn’t have these things to point out what is taken from granted.
At 8, I lived in a woman’s shelter with my mom and brother and we shared an area with 2 other women with children. Each woman with her kids had a bedroom.
I remember not having much food (just what was donated). I remember a used toy for Christmas. I know this experience taught me not to take things for granted.
(God indeed uses all things for a greater purpose)! 
V20-21 stood out: “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”
When my sister in Christ (who I have never met personally, but study with online) sent me this book, I felt so profoundly blessed. She had a surprise tucked inside and I was even more blessed. The little acts of kindness we bestow on one another showing God’s love IS the kingdom of God among us, right here, right now–in the midst of us. So beautiful. I’m forever grateful.
I underlined Luke 17 v33 Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.
There is FAR more beyond this life in the flesh than we realize; most will never experience it, but some of us are catching glimpses of this other life. I pray I never forget to hold loosely to this life because this isn’t all there is. Kind of goes straight into Psalm 84:1-2 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. …v10 For a DAY in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. …v12 O Lord of hosts, blessed us the one who trusts in you! 
Allison

===== Rob:

mike, i love the stuff about vultures – it seems to me we have a choice, to be vultures waiting uselessly for the end of the world, or visionaries using the time that is left to us well, after all, we have enough of the kingdom inside us to be getting on with. 
Rob

======= Ramona:

Rob,
Thank you for your comments they have ignited my imagination. Hmm, I see folks with their binoculars surveying the horizon looking for signs of the end of the age, with little vulture winds flapping at their sides and their tongues hanging out of their little hooked beaked heads.
Vultures eat dead things so if the end-of-the-age watchers are compared to vultures then what they are waiting to feed on is death. Jesus said I he came to give abundant life not death (John 10:10).
Mike my pastor has said, “Anything built on a lie will collapse,” and :Half-the-truth is a whole lie.” We talk about little “white” lies which means it is just a little itsy bitsy one, so no one will get hurt, or will they?
If we are truthful with ourselves, we lie because we are afraid. And if we lie to “protect” others from the wrath of others (Hitler, etc; even the crazy boss), are we really protecting others, or are we protecting ourselves because we are unwilling to pay the cost of doing the right thing? Another Note: No one is innocent, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but the gift of God is everlasting life (Romans 6:23). Time to receive the “gift,” if you already haven’t and move from death to life.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= John:

Proverbs 13:5
The first three verses have to do with contrasting hearing and speaking, the fourth contrasts the soul. Verses 5 and 6 have to do with the character of the righteous and the effect of righteousness.
Keil & Delitzsch translate verse 5:
“A deceitful thing the righteous hateth;
But the godless disgraceth and putteth to shame.”
Hebrew word for lying, deceitful is “sheqer”.
Sheqer means ‘not only the word in which the soul (verse 4) reveals itself, but the inner principles or essence (of one) which comes forth to be viewed.’ “The righteous hateth all that bears in it the character of a falsehood.” – Keil & Delitzsch
The second part is not explicit, but to be consistent in the idea of contrasts. ‘The godless LOVE disgracing and putting to shame.’
[Back to “hating lying”]
As imputed righteous but still being sinners – we should hate that character of deceit in ourselves as much as in others (when evidenced).
So as much as the focus has been on individual lies, I believe the point of emphasis is on hating the inner nature that nurtures and allows these lies (acts of deceit) to come out. That goes to the character of a righteous “man”.
Is it O.K. to lie? No. When those lies occurred that poster(s) referenced; they were wrong. But God uses all things to his glory and greater purpose – even wrongful acts.
John

======= Vance:

What God commands and does through his servant Joshua in Joshua chapter 11, and what God reveals through Jesus in Luke 17 may seem completely contradictory to one another.
On a superficial level, not willing to study and seek the deeper heart of one God who deeply loves mankind, Joshua 11 and Luke 17 could be seen as contradicting one another.
After all, merely from the view of the limited human mind, God’s wrath can seem to contradict God’s love. And theologians have wrestled how to put the two together.
Yet…I do not believe it has to be that hard as long as we let Scripture interpret Scripture.
We must let God interpret Himself, and we must let Jesus speak for Himself– and then listen. We must suspend so-called “superior 21st century understanding” and really listen.
Look at the “apparent contradictions” here. Of course, I do not believe in contradictions in Scripture… just the opportunity to study and pray and learn more about God.
Joshua 11 (NKJV)
9
So Joshua did to them as the LORD had told him: he hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots with fire.
11
And they struck all the people who were in it with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them. There was none left breathing. Then he burned Hazor with fire.
12
So all the cities of those kings, and all their kings, Joshua took and struck with the edge of the sword. He utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded.
15
As the LORD had commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did. He left nothing undone of all that the LORD had commanded Moses.
Luke 17 (NKJV)
11
Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
12
Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. 13
And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”
14
So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.
DOES THE GENTLE, HEALING, LOVING JESUS CONTRADICT THE “SO CALLED ANGRY GOD OF THE OT”?
Read further in Luke 17, and you will see there is more agreement than noticed at first glance.
Luke 17 (NKJV)
21
nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”
26
And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man:
27
They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.
29
but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all.
30
Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.
32
Remember Lot’s wife.
33
Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.
37
…He said to them, “Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.”
NOTE:
Note verse 20 of Luke 17: Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.
JUDGMENT WILL COME BY JESUS HIMSELF WHEN HE COMES THE SECOND TIME. This age of wonderful grace and mercy DOES NOT NEGATE THAT FACT.
What is the challenge of Jesus to me and you, and to all generations?
==>
BE TOTALLY COMMITTED TO GOD’S WILL AND TRUTH, AND TO THE LORD JESUS.
==>
DO NOT DWELL ON THE PAST.
Jesus’ command in Luke 17 is very short and somber, meant to provoke thought:
32
Remember Lot’s wife.
~~~
WHAT IS THE MESSAGE? In every age, God is wonderfully merciful, and has ALWAYS been so. Yet… if people persistently and consistently harden their hearts over many centuries, time will run out.
Certainly, when each one dies, then time runs out for that one.
~~~
Thus, God’s command to Joshua now begins to take on a different interpretation: God is not “the big bully just waiting and eager to crush you and I.”
NO… God is very patient and longsuffering, and merciful. He will always give anyone a chance to change and receive love instead of judgment.
YET… there must be judgment of sin or else evil could not deserve to be called evil and goodness could not be good.
There must be a separation between the two. There must be judgment of wrongdoing, and there must be rewarding of right.
Keep in mind God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 15 (NKJV):
15
Now as for you [Abram], you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age.
16
But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.
DID YOU CATCH THAT? God will wait FOUR GENERATIONS until judgment comes.
That gives PLENTY of chances for a people group, a nation, a family, and an individual to repent and receive mercy.
~~~
THINK ABOUT THIS: How many people repented and received mercy, and then physically moved away from the sin and iniquity of the Amorites?
We do not see that part. Yet, because God is not willing that any should perish, I am certain that God was always calling people to repent and receive mercy… and that there must have been some, or even one, who responded.
Vance

Joshua 9:3-10:43 + Luke 16:19-17:10 + Psalm 83:1-18 + Proverbs 13:4
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Old Testament – As we read about the Gibeonites deception today, Joshua chapter 9 verses 14 & 15 teach a valuable lesson for each of us: “So the Israelite leaders examined their bread, but they did not consult the LORD. Then Joshua went ahead and signed a peace treaty with them, and the leaders of Israel ratified their agreement with a binding oath.”  They did not consult the Lord – and thus signed a binding oath based on a deception.  How about you in your life today?  How often do you consult God on major decisions in your life?  Even minor decisions?  I know that I don’t do this enough.  I do know that more and more I have found myself praying “thy will – not mine – be done” when major decisions are before me.  I am seeking God’s will and guidance in my life.  But, I’m not sure that I’m really consulting God all that often.  And I’m afraid when I don’t I can rush into quick & bad decisions…  I pray each of us will consult God with all of our plans & decisions in our lives – be they major or minor.  Bible.org’s commentary on our Joshua chapter 9 readings today titled “The Peril of Walking by Sight” is at this link.

Today in Joshua chapter 10 we read about the day the sun stood still!  Have you ever received the email about this chapter titled “NASA and the Bible?” – basically the email goes into how a man from NASA proved that the sun stood still.  I have received this email a bunch of times over the past 5 years or so.  I have read many commentaries on this chapter and do believe that a miracle took place, as we read in verse 13: “So the sun and moon stood still until the Israelites had defeated their enemies. Is this event not recorded in The Book of Jashar?  The sun stopped in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day.”  Do you believe this miracle took place?  Do you believe in miracles?  Here’s a great stained glass image below from Duke University Chapel with Joshua and the son and the moon:

Bible.org’s commentary on our Joshua chapter 10 readings today is at this link.

New Testament – Today in Luke chapter 16 we read about the rich man and Lazarus.  I have always found verse 31 to be such a great reflection on what it means to have having a soft heart and a strong faith – “”But Abraham said, `If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even if someone rises from the dead.’ “” Basically, Abraham is saying that people whose hearts are hardened to faith will not even believe it if a dead man returns to them and tells them to repent.  They still won’t repent even with this miracle.  And I believe this is true.  Let us pray that our hearts are soft and open to faith and that we can share the Good News of Jesus with others in our life whose hearts may be becoming more and more hardened with each passing day…

Bible.org’s commentary on our Luke Chapter 16 readings today titled “The Rich Man and Lazarus” is at this link and commentary titled “Death: The Door to Eternity” is at this link.

Wow.  I love Luke 17 verse 10 – “In the same way, when you obey me you should say, `We are not worthy of praise. We are servants who have simply done our duty.'”  I wonder if sometimes we do good works for Jesus expecting some praise or return on our works?   This is obviously not a good motive.  We should simply be obedient to Jesus and not expect praise for our obedience – from Jesus or from others.  It is simply a blessing for us to be called to Jesus’ service.  That is more than enough.

Bible.org’s commentary on our Luke chapter 7 readings today titled “Taking Sin Seriously” is at this link.

Psalms – Ever feel like the Psalmist in Psalm 83 verse 1 – “O God, don’t sit idly by, silent and inactive!”  I think the beauty of the Psalms is seeing some of our human emotions expressed so well.  Considering this verse – I don’t think that God is ever sitting idly by, silent or inactive.  I believe God is a Living God who is always with us.  But, perhaps sometimes God’s perceived silence in our lives is for a purpose that we may not fully understand now, but will later.  If God seems very “silent” to you now, I would encourage you to pray to God – and really listen in your prayers – don’t just speak.   I believe you’ll soon hear Him…

Proverbs chapter 13 verse 4 is brilliant – “Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper and be satisfied.”  Hard work pays off.  It really does.  I do thank God for the blessing of work in my life.  I pray you do to.  And I do thank him for occasional vacation days too!  🙂  But – overall – I honestly cannot imagine a life of just “vacation.”  It would be a bit of a hell for me personally….   I do love and appreciate the opportunity to work!

Worship Video:  Today’s readings remind me of Francesca Battistelli’s song, “Write your Story:”

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

Has God written His story on your heart? Click here for your story!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.” Proverbs 13:4 NLT

Prayer Point: Pray that you are a hard worker for the Lord, who prospers in your work. Pray that you are not lazy, wanting much but getting little.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Do you agree with today’s Proverb that hard work brings prosperity and satisfaction?  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:

Joshua 9:3-10:43
Israel begins to embark on that slippery slope of compromise as they continue their “walk” with God. They seem to be aiming for God’s Permissive Will instead of His Perfect Will. It doesn’t take much to go off on a tangent. Start out being just one-half of a degree off the “mark” and by the time the week is out you will find yourself way off the target, let alone the bulls-eye. They began to walk by sight, sense and circumstance instead of by faith, Spirit and the Word. Not learning the lesson from the Ai disaster, they failed to seek God’s insight before they made covenant with people of Gibeon.
Israel was warned by God to completely remove all the people of the land, ” ‘But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you will live. (Num 33:55)
We are warned to put away evil but we convince ourselves that certain evil we can keep because, “Well it ain’t that bad. Ya know it kind of looks like something we shouldn’t be doing but it isn’t really because it look. See it’s all dried up and moldy, this sin ain’t dangerous.” I wonder if this is somewhat like the Parable Jesus told that states while men slept (emphesis on the word slept), the enemy sowed tares amongst the wheat? Cleary Joshua and the leaders were sleeping when they failed to 1) consult God, 2) made their decision about the Gibeonites based only on the information given to them by the Gibeonites, and 3) failed to acknowledge again that it was God who gave them their victory and not their own strength and military brilliance. So too it is with us, it is all about God and nothing about us.
Luke 16:19-17
29 “But Abraham said, `Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read their writings anytime they want to.’
30 “The rich man replied, `No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will turn from their sins.’
31 “But Abraham said, `If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”
All of us probably can be divided into two groups, a Lazarus group and a rich man group. We either is or we ain’t going to be at one of two locations when we die, and the choice is ours to decide where we will go.
I’m not so sure that it is hardness of heart that stops us from hearing the Words of Truth. I think it can be that we have heard the Words of Truth and ignored them for a long time causing our hearts to become hard, like the sun constant rays backing soft soil into hard dry clay.
Several years ago a passage from the Book of Job, spoken by Job, caught my attention because I believe it speaks of our ability to know truth when we hear it spoken,
“Is it not the task of the ear to discriminate between [wise and unwise] words, just as the mouth distinguishes [between desirable and undesirable] food?” (Job 12:11 AMP). In the first chapter of Romans, Paul writes in several places about “exchanging the truth for a lie.” (Rom 1:25) In order to exchange something one must have possession of it in order to participate in a swap. The Rich Man thought that Lazarus’ coming back from the dead would convince his brothers. Jesus said no it wouldn’t because faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God not seeing the things of God, or miracles. The Rich Man and and his brothers heard the truth, they simply chose to ignore it.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Anka:

“14 The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD”…The Israelites grumbled against Joshua for not making the right decision(ie asking God 1st)…God says nothing…still goes ahead with Israel and fights for them…Even leaders get it wrong sometimes…it’s good God also looks at our hearts…knows when we go wrong not because we’re rebelling but because we just didn’t know any better….
Thank God for leaders,authority and discipline…we really need that in our lives especially when we forget the “love one another bit”…God bless you all and happy Easter to everyone who’s celebrating Easter this weekend…the greek orthodox church celebrates it next weekend so most of the former communist countries are still a week away from Easter:))I’m glad we can all celebrate Christ daily by encouraging (and admonishing one another)in love so we may all be useful members working together for the glory of God.I have to say I am really awed at the fact that on this blog we can share and grow…so many different people and cultures all coming together to a feast (feeding on the word)…It sure will be great to meet up in Heaven:))…God REALLY REALLY bless you all..and have a wonderful week.
Anka

======= Johnnie:

Just last night my wife and I were talking at dinner and I relayed to her how I thought we needed to be like Joshua… and have a mission in mind… We are not to be sitting idly by watching the world and satan take souls to damnation… We are to be in the battle… On GODs team… doing the work of the LORD… Rescuing souls… Introducing them to our Passover Lamb… The King of Glory!… Who is this King of Glory! The LORD strong and Mighty! JESUS is HIS name!
Glory… have a Blessed First Fruits, this weekend…
Johnnie

======== Rosemary:

Dear Mike,
I have been disabled since I was 22, and I simply despise it. I had a stroke, so I know there must be a reason for it, but I cannot sit around and do nothing!
I may not be getting paid for the work which I do now, but I LOVE it! I am writing everyday. I am involved. I am reading Pakistani papers, Chinese papers, ME papers, Jerusalem papers, European papers, South American papers, and African papers.
Much of the news we receive is deceptive and false. I am getting off the point, aren’t I? lol.
Before the internet, I was laying around waiting to die. I had no hope of ever contributing, and I was devastated.
Hard work, whether voluntary or paid, is very good for the soul.
Rosemary

======= Gina:

Hmmm…probably not a coincidence that at my bible study tonight we all made a list of those people who are in our lives, that are not saved, that we are going to begin ernestly praying for as a group. Then the question coming out of the the Luke reading for today is about us praying for God to soften our hearts towards those who need to hear the Gospel…I love it when God confirms like that!
We also talked about the sovereignty of God…and I think that goes right along with the Psalm reading…God is always working…even though we may not “feel” or experience Him sometimes, he does not just “sit idly, silent and inactive” – He is always doing something in our lives…He is in complete control…always!
Gina

======= Angelo:

What’s sad is that people do not realize that God speaks to us through His Word. I mean 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that “all Scripture is God breathed.” People so often want God to actually speak to them. I wouldnt want to, because the Israelites were so frightened by His voice that they wanted God to just talk to Moses (Exodus 20:18-19 All the people heard the thunder and saw the lightning. They heard the blast of the ram’s horn and saw the mountain covered with smoke. So they shook with fear and stood at a distance. Then they said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we’ll listen. But don’t let God speak to us, or we’ll die!”) But God speaks to us through His Holy Word; its called the Word of God aka God’s Word. Dont get me wrong, sometimes God does respond to us verbally; I guess you could say that He speaks to our souls. But the Holy Bible is always there and it contains all the answers to any problem/question/request that we might have.
Angelo

======= Jim:

Dear Angelo,
“People so often want God to actually speak to them. I wouldnt want to”
The book of Acts contains the stories of ten conversions (Acts 2:22-41=Jews from Pentecost, 8:5-13=Samaritans, 8:26-40=Ethiopian eunuch, 9:1-19 and 22:3-16=Saul, 10:34-48=Gentiles, 16:13-15=Lydia, 16:16-34=Jailer, 17:22-34=Athenians with Dionysius and Damaris, 18:7-8= Crispus and Corinthians, and 19:1-7=Ephesians). In these conversions, audible instructions from God, the Holy Sprit, or an angle were core to a genuine conversion process. For example, in Acts 8:26-29, the Holy Spirit instructs Philip to go to the Gaza Road and join the chariot of the Ethiopian eunuch. Philip did that and won the eunuch to Christ. In Acts 9:10, Ananias has a vision and a conversation with God in which he receives explicit instructions from God about the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. In Acts 9:4, Jesus speaks to Paul (then Saul of Tarsus) from a cloud after knocking him off his horse, blinding him, and says, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” In Acts 10:11, Peter falls into a trance and has a vision in which the Holy Spirit gives him explicit instructions relating to the preaching of the Gospel to the Gentile Cornelius. In Acts 10:22, the Gentile nonbeliever Cornelius is directed by an angel to give an audience to Peter. In Acts 12:7, an angel speaks to Peter in order to rescue him by leading him out of jail. In Acts 13:2-4, the Holy Spirit speaks with clear instructions for Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey. In Acts 16:6, Paul is forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the Word in Asia. In Acts 16:10, Paul has a night vision of the Philippian jailer beckoning him. Therefore, the next day he goes to Macedonia and wins the jailer to Christ. In Acts 18:9, The Lord speaks to Paul in another night vision at Corinth, encouraging him not to be afraid but go ahead and preach the Gospel with boldness. In Acts 22:16, Jesus appears to Paul in a trance while Paul is praying and has a detailed conversation with Paul, instructing him to leave Jerusalem to avoid capture, which Paul doesn’t do and then gets captured. In Acts 23:11, Jesus appears at Paul’s side to encourage him and tells him he will witness in Rome just as he has in Jerusalem. Paul, Peter, Philip, Annanias, and even Cornelius all had clear and ubiquitous communications from God (Cornelius and Saul even as non-believers). The Spirit did not only speak to Philip, but also “beamed” him away from the Gaza Road. The New and Old Testaments often record thunderous spiritual voices that made it unquestionable that truly godly works were being done. Do your conversations with God compare well with these examples in Acts? Hebrews 3:7-9 reads, “As the Holy Spirit and Scripture says, ‘If you hear God speak today, don’t be stubborn. Don’t be stubborn like those who rebelled and tested me in the desert.’” Verses 9 and 10 add, God speaks, but they can no more hear Him than can a man lying in the gutter in a drunken stupor. The writer of Hebrews understood we have access to the very voice of the living God. To quote Francois Fenelon, “How rare it is to find a soul quiet enough to hear God speak.”
Being called untalented, unintelligent, unattractive, unfaithful, or unpleasant seems naturally far more offensive to us than hearing we are unsure of our beliefs, unclear of our goals, disorganized in our efforts, uncertain of where we would stand, are without a long range plan, or incorrect in our world view. Those things we hold most personal are only those things we had no control over. We can read self-help books, have the fat vacuumed out and the bones broken and reshaped, memorize great quotes, do good deeds, and work to be more agreeable, yet still know that underneath it is not the “us” that God intended. Regrettably, it’s far easier to impact our fragile self-esteem by calling us stupid, ugly, and mean than by pointing out we have failed to develop and verify a Holy mission, lack a valid 5-year plan to achieve such a vision, and have surely failed to perform miracles greater than Christ (as per John 14:12). Time to change?
Jim

======= Jenny:

Wow, the readings in Joshua concerning how they did not consult the Lord are powerful. Its a great reminder to consult God in everything! Oh course I believe the sun stood still, I believe everything in the Bible and its just one of God’s many miracles! Some of these things we find difficult to rationalize, we must just accept by faith, a child-like faith. I grew up in sunday school and I tons of kids books on different stories/miracles of the Bible, i remember as a kid, i just believed it. I had faith without question. We need to hold on to that child-like faith in the things of God.
The rich man and Lazarus is always a powerful reading. I read a bulletin recently, it was a letter from an atheist. He said basically he couldnt believe in God, heaven, or hell because if Christians, knowing that people go to hell every day, they would be much more fervent. they’d run up and down the streets screaming the news. But since many dont do this, he could not believe….something like that. at first i felt guilty, but God reminded me of the rich man/Lazarus…If ppl do not believe all God has shown man, wouldnt believe a man arising from the dead, they wouldnt believe Christians running up and down the streets screaming. Some ppl do, but they are written off by many as crazy, fanatically Jesus freaks. If they rejected Jesus Christ Himself, screaming Christians wont be listened to. So after thinking this over, I realized satan is an accuser of the brethren. This atheist was copping out that he couldnt believe bcos of Christians…with all the efforts of missionaries, all the ppl who have died for their faith.
Its a very poor excuse on his part!
Regarding Luke 17:1-4 my study Bible says: ‘It is expected that those in the world will cause Christians to be offended, stumble, and sin, and they will be judged for it. But it should not be that fellow believers lead others into sin directly and indirectly. One would be better dead.’
…whoa, heavy!
Luke v 10 is very good! More heavy stuff.
Proverbs is referring to the soul as much as the physical, but the KJV is a direct translation and it says soul. there are ppl who say they want to know God, but are just lazy and dont truly seek God. the bible says if you seek God with ALL your heart you will find Him. not..if u casually seek Him. Many believers are spiritually lazy, i sure can be, we want wisdom and God’s love n peace and blessings in our lives and we want to be used by Him, but thats it…we want.
We need to be diligent. We need to be in the word everyday. as much as is possible, we need to attend church, fellowship with believers, pray without ceasing. Be diligent in seeking God. If we dont have this and we find it hard to get into, PRAY for a hunger and thirst for Him. You’ll be AMAZED at the change in your life wen your heart truly pursues the things of God!
Jenny

======= Luch:

Thanks for posting the stained glass painting of joshua, the sun and moon, from Duke University chapel. Nice visual to reinforce the story.
Luch

======= Skip:

This is the first time I’m reading the book of Joshua and although I’m enjoying the book I’m having a problem with all of the fighting and violence. My problem is trying to understand how a God that I’ve been taught is a God of love would order Joshua and his army to not only kill the opposing army but to also kill all the women and children.
It’s really bothering me. Why kill the women, but more so, why kill the children?
Yours in Christ
Skip

======= Andrew:

It was incredible to read through your words on Joshua today. I too am working my way through the bible and documenting what God is saying to me through his word. I loved your comments on coming before God when making big decisions to allow him to work his plan in our lives. Thank you and keep up the Blog, look forward to reading more.
Andrew

======= Elizabeth:

Hello All,
Ramona, thanks for sharing your thoughts today…good stuff to dwell upon. I am fascinated by the way that people so often believe what they wish to believe. Outward circumstances and the deceitfulness of our own hearts lead us to become overly (or underly) confident.
I can relate to Joshua neglecting to consult the Lord. His initial impulse is to get things done, trusting in his own ability to size up whatever lies in front of him. This is SO like me! I want to get going and tackle the problem…
All the more reason for me to dwell upon this insight from Bible.org’s commentary:
“Our need is to always commit our way, our objectives, our pursuits, and our responsibilities to the Lord for not only His will and wisdom, but for His enablement.” -Keathley
Whatever am I thinking to step out without His leadership and enablement? I also found this familiar well-worn verse referenced there:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” -Proverbs 3:5
It’s hard for me to even hear this verse because I THINK I know it. But do I LIVE it??? How often I am guilty of constructing my own understanding from scratch! Then, I might “lean on” or check in with the Lord to approve the deal. This is all so very backwards! Lord, forgive me for putting you at the end of the process, and for believing the lie that my own understanding and abilities are sufficient.
Elizabeth

======= Raeann:

How is everyone doing? I am Sorry to have been gone for so long, my internet crashed and the computer technician just left a few minutes ago. When I moved, I had NO computer for a week, I got it back then the internet crashed the VERY next day and I had to wait another FOUR days before someone could come out here to fix it again. Hopefully I will be able to be on the blog once again on a daily basis,
Raean

======= Dee:

The first verse that stood out to me was in Joshua 9:14-in my amplified version bible: So the [Israelite] men partook of their food and did not consult the Lord. When we lose sight of the wisdom that comes only from God and go about on our own defenses and strength, we come up empty handed and get the short end of the stick. (I’m from the South, excuse my word usages), Here the men have come across some apparent strangers and from the beginning in verse 7-they first were speculative asking the strangers, “Perhaps you live among us; how then can we make a covenant with you?” I feel like the Lord gives us hunches, or those umphs’ from the Holy Ghost, to use as dissernment to tell good and evil, and when we don’t step away and think about a situation and become impulsive it sets a trap for the enemy to catch us off guard and we fall!
This is also a good way of showing that God rewards the diligent and that vingence is of the Lord, and every “dog has his day”. Because the foreigners (neighbors) lied to Joshua and the leaders of the congregation, they were subjected to become slaves for the rest of their lives and be hewers of wood and drawers of water for all the assembly. I feel like this is a lesson for us to learn and live by. We can do our tricks and act dishonorable for a season but whatsoever you reap that is which you will sow!! Gal 6:7, God cannot be mocked. Always remember that..
I think it is awesome and sometimes overlooked how powerful Joshua, son of Nun was with God’s power working on his behalf, in 10;12, He spoke to the sun, said to be silent and still, and the moon to do the same, until vengeance was taken over the enemies. In verse 14, There was no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded the voice of a man. For the Lord fought for Israel. May we be like Joshua, where a mere human with human strengths and weaknesses spoke to the creation and commanded to be still, only written once more in the Bible, and that was with the voice of Jesus, Matthew 8:27, Mark 4:41, Luke 8:22-25, Jesus was no ordinary man, He Was God!!
God will also show you things and give you wisdom and insight without anyone even speaking a word: Verse 17: And it was told Joshua, The five kings are hidden in the cave at Makkedah. It didn’t say that a mere human spoke these words, it said “it” was told Joshua, who was the “it”..perhaps the great I AM..
when you follow God you will have peace.. verse 10:21, after the people returned to the camp with Joshua at Makkedah, they had peace.
verse 24, Joshue through the wisdom of God said, Fear not nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage..these verses are in the Bible several times, 2 Chron 20:17, Gen 26:24, Deut 31:6, 2 Chro 32:7, and several more..God is telling us, Fear not, nor be Dismayed!!
From the words of Joyce Meyer, Confront fear in prayer and take whatever actions God leads you to take..
in verse 26, Joshua smote and slew the five kings and hung them on a tree. it reminds me of the verses in Galatians 3:10-14, “For it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree” comes from Deuteronomy 21:22:23(NASB).
A flashback from Deut. 20:16 come to life in Joshua 10:40..”But in the cities of these people which the Lord your God gives you for an inheritance, you shall save alive nothing that breathes.”
“So Joshua smote all land, the hill country..He left nothing remaining, utterly destroyed all that breathed, as Lord, the God of Israel commanded..”
Remember to keep your joy, The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength!! Nehemiah 8:10,, be of good courage and joy like Joshua!!
Luke 16:19-17:10, The Rich Man and Lazarus..the verses that I got alot out of were 16:25 for one, amplified version, “But Abraham said, Child, remember that you in your lifetime full received [what is due you in] comforts and delights, and Lazarus in like manner the discomforts and distresses; but now he is comforted here and you are in anguish. The first thing I noted is, that this mere man, was supposed to be so important and had so much richs on earth, but is nameless in the kingdom, the Father of the multitudes, Abraham, only called him Child, he acknoledged with a capital C, that he indeed come from the Father, because our Father created everything live creature, man, woman, child, animal, from the beginning of creation, but he didn’t grow up in the things of God, only stayed as but of a Child, a man without a name, because he only thought to have and gain what his flesh wanted on earth and neglect the things of God, while Lazarus, was named by his Covenent name, because he was a Child of God, through and through and I see the contrast of the two, The Rich Man here today gone tomorrow, has eternity in distress, dis-ease, dis-comfort..the same that Lazarus suffered for a time that he had on this short lived earth, and now he has, Ease, Comfort, Joy, Peace..for eternity!! It sure makes me think and take a step back and remember that we have to look outside of our self and see the hurting, dying, desperate world and challenge ourselves, better yet, Do not Fear, Do not be dismayed, Be of good courage, and fight the good fight and keep our faith, win souls at any cost!! We are fighting in the name of the Lord!!
Ps 83:3, co-incides with Joshua 9/10 today where the neighbors-enemies of the Lord, “They lay crafty schemes against Your people and consult together against Your hidden and precious ones.”, verse 5, against You, they make a covenant.. and end result, verse 16 of Psalm 83: “Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek, inquire for, and insistently require Your name, O Lord.”
Proverbs 13:4 A person who works at the labor of his hand will be diligently supplied and the lazy bones person will get nothing..!! That speaks to me today..if I want my house clean I have to put effort into it and work to produce an end result! Faith without works is dead!!James 2:17
Dee

======= Marabel:

In Joshua today we read: On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel:
“Sun, stand still over Gibeon,
and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.”
13 So the sun stood still,
and the moon stopped,
till the nation avenged itself on[c] its enemies,
NASA had to figure out this problem of missing this day on the calendar by consulting Harold Hill, scientist and biblical scholar. More information on this can be found in Harold Hill’s book, How To Live Like a King’s Kid.
Marabel

======= Molly:

About Luke 17:10 and expecting praise from our good works…. I would like to share a proverb:
Proverbs 27:21 (NIV)
21 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
but man is tested by the praise he receives.
I believe God tests us over and over. We need to be careful we are doing everything for HIS glory and not our own.
Molly

======= Lily:

I am still disturbed of the killing of the inhabitants by the Israelites for them to inherit the promised land. I understand that we have to face the consequences of our actions. The inhabitants of the promised land worshipped other gods and not the God. For that I suppose they have to perish. In like manner we will perish if we do not repent of our sins.
Lily

======= Debbie:

Your comments on the Psalms today made me think of a quote and saw on FB today:
“When you are going through a difficulty and wonder where God is, remember the teacher is always silent during a test.”
Debbie

======= Bob:

Joshua 10: 12-13: This concept of the earth standing still is an interesting Bible/Science topic that if you have time makes for interesting contemplation. Again we are called into a faith question that God always puts in front of us. Quote from Snoops.com.
“Authenticity matters little, though: our willingness to accept legends depends far more upon their expression of concepts we want to believe than upon their plausibility. If the sun once really did stand still for a day, the best evidence we’d have for proving it would be the accounts of people who saw it happen. That is what the Bible is said to offer. Some people accept that as sufficient proof, and others don’t.”
Read more at http://www.snopes.com/religion/lostday.asp#59WBmvOdaeW4Sk8I.99
Bob

======= Chris:

Bob,
I thought of that concept as I read it. Then I thought of many other instances in Scripture that seemed difficult to grasp. And I was encouraged when Jesus spoke of the faith of a mustard seed, because that is really what it is about, isn’t it? Faith. If we consider the enormity of God even putting this world together, of Noah and his family when people didn’t even know what rain was, and building an ark for 120 days. Then the idea that people like Elijah never died, but simply was lifted up. And Jesus. That precious life-giving soul, Jesus, dying on that cross and being resurrected on the third day. Lots of things just must be taken on faith. Actually, it all does, because who would have even thought the internet could have existed just 30 years ago…I come from the time of portable typewriters. We didn’t have a spell check. So many things have occurred that didn’t seem possible.
I’m yammering. I just really believe we must be so prayerful about all we do, and I was reminded when Joshua and the elders made an agreement with the Gibeonites. We have the potential to do things that can cause us great harm, or may be able to solve many problems regarding health and food and warmth. I believe God is letting us fall on our own petard if we fail to consult him before we get ourselves into a big mess…and yes, I am talking “conspiracy theories” now…I think the more we mess with God’s laws in now allowing the land to rest, altering our food, and spraying the sky in an attempt to “play God” with geoengineering, may come back to bite us, and our failure to teach our children as Moses taught the Israelites before turning his leadership over to Joshua, will result in our own demise though it has been told to us through Daniel and John’s Revelations.
Chris

======= Robert:

Lying
I have made it a practice to skirt around lying point blank by simply not telling the whole truth. So before I say something I look at how I can say it in a way that is not false but doesn’t bring on hurt or convey conflict or even an obvious sin. It may not be an obvious black and white lie but said in a way one could even compare to a parable. (chuckle). Since this method tries to take into an account all the factors around the “lie” it may involve leaving out certain information or changing the mood or even delaying it for a better time and space. I guess we all handle lies in our own way but I know we all have them and isn’t it wonderful we can leave them at the cross at any time.
Robert

======= Dee:

Lying is a hard one. Um..we kind of do that when our kids are little..Santa, Easter bunny, tooth fairy..because tradition of man became kept for some sacred reason. Foolish really. But who are we really lying to? Ourself, God, who is getting hurt..kids when finding out..that is touchy. I pray the more we emmerse in the Word, more convicted we will be to be on fair and simple lane..not play fast and slick, but honor amd dignity, be of integrity. Love it. Thanks for the Word and encouragement Mike
Dee

======= Ramona:

Joshua 9:3-10:43
The writer of Ecclesiastes states that there is nothing new under the sun so being bamboozled is not a new to this century or decade and not even new to you or me. So, John’s advice is for the ages:
BELOVED, DO not put faith in every spirit, but prove (test) the spirits to discover whether they proceed from God; for many false prophets have gone forth into the world.(1 John 4:1 AMP).
What happened to Joshua and Israel, I believe should be studied so we don’t fall into the same trap. We get a tremendous victory, then we operate out of presumption, thinking that our next move, which hasn’t been directed by God, must be the one to make ‘cause we’re all that and a bag of chips, with a sneakers bar thrown in and a can of coke. When we find out we have been hoodwinked, because we haven’t discerned the situation, we get angry and the party who deceived us and we fail to realize that we became a willing player in our own deception. Those of us in leadership position must be careful because our choices and decisions will have to be served by those who we have charge over.
Yet, despite our missteps, despite walking out of God’s perfect will into His permissive will, God’s mercy and grace still flows to us. Because of a promise to one man, Abraham, God does not abandon His people even when they are wrong.
Grace and peace,
Ramona