Bible in a Year Blog

Numbers 22:21-23:30 + Luke 1:57-80 + Psalm 58:1-11 + Proverbs 11:12-13
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Old Testament – Today in Numbers chapter 22 we read about Balaam’s talking donkey! Yes, this is a very unique portion of scripture, and, yes, one we can learn from. In verses 27 & 28 we read: “When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he was angry and beat her with his staff. Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?”  There is a lot going on in the verses leading up to this point, and in the verses thereafter – which you can study more at this link . I think one thing for us to pay attention to here is how we are sometimes saved from a bad situation by what at first glance appears to be an “inconvenience.” A donkey laying down and starting to talk is inconvenient to Balaam. But, this talking donkey saved Balaam from an angel with a sword in hand that Balaam could not see. Are there perhaps “inconveniences” in your life today that are maybe saving you from a bad situation? Or, do you recognize inconveniences in the past that saved you from a bad situation? I know I have. If my car breaks down or I get sick or I miss a flight – all inconveniences – I try to remind myself that it might just be possible that this inconvenience was meant to be. It may have saved me from something much worse happening. The inconvenience – the “talking donkey” – may have actually saved me from something I could not see. Keep your eyes open for inconvenient “talking donkeys” in your life 🙂 – and praise God for them when they appear! Here’s Rembrandt’s take on Balaam’s talking donkey from the year 1626:

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

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

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

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

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

Worship Video: Today’s Psalm reminds me of the Matthew West song “Only Grace:”

Have you experienced God’s grace? Click here for Grace!

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

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

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on my reflections in Numbers today, have you ever had any “talking donkey” experiences in your life?  An experience that at first glance was a huge inconvenience to you, but in retrospect was an incredible blessing from God?  Basically, have you ever had a blessing in disguise?  Do you think God still can use “talking donkey” experiences in our lives today to get our attention?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

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

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

======= Ramona:

Numbers 22:21-23:30
A talking donkey, a mad false prophet who keeps sacrificing a lot of sheep and bulls ‘cause he’s trying to “get paid,” and revelations from God about His blessings and favor on Israel. This is a very fast moving read today.
The verse that speaks to me iis the 19th verse in chapter 23,
19 God is not a man, that he should lie.
He is not a human, that he should change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act?
Has he ever promised and not carried it through?
God is telling us that He can be trusted, that His Word is His bond. He doesn’t have to be manipulated, He doesn’t care how many bull and sheep you burn up His Word doesn’t change.
Luke 1:57-80
How do you explain to people God has named your baby? You are foregoing tradition in naming your male child a name that no other mail in your family has had. The child’s father cannot speak and his mother is an old woman. But when the father in writing confirms the child’s name, the man who was mute for nine months now can suddenly speak. Ya know that God is up to something.
This speaks to me about getting out of “the box.” This speaks to me about looking past traditions, the traditions of men, the traditions of cultural and ethnic groups and finding the will of God outside of the box.
Psalm 58:1-11
Imprecatory prayers written by David can be prayed when we think we are facing enemies. God can take any situation that seems to the observer, impossible and change it around making a way where there seem to be no way. David knew about this first hand because He escaped from his adversary, King Saul, many times.
Proverbs 11:12-13
These two verses immediately brought to my mind another passage in Proverbs 26 (Amp) I’m not sure why.
22 The words of a whisperer or slanderer are like dainty morsels or words of sport [to some, but to others are like deadly wounds]; and they go down into the innermost parts of the body [or of the victim’s nature].
23 Burning lips [uttering insincere words of love] and a wicked heart are like an earthen vessel covered with the scum thrown off from molten silver [making it appear to be solid silver].
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Annie:

I wonder if Zechariah understood what he prophesied – or if it was just a divine moment where he spewed out these words that the Spirit gave him… but he didn’t fully grasp…. Fun to think about- does anyone have any ideas on this?
Annie

======= Ramona:

Hey Annie,
I’m not sure if this is the same thing but I’ve spoken things to people, some I didn’t know, and after I said what ever I said, I couldn’t remember what I said.
I also have a friend who has said things to me that were answers to prayers or questions I had been thinking about. When I asked him to explain or elaborate, he looks at me quizzically ’cause he doesn’t remember what he said. But I sure did.
Ramona

========= Beryl:

Hi, its beryl
todays psalm has just the prayer I need:-
I am asking the Lord to break the fangs of this cancer, may it disappear like water on thirsty ground.
Replace “cancer” with the name of your or your loved ones illnesses.
I agree with Mike about the inconveniences of life sometimes being the Lords protection and help.
God bless your day
Beryl

======= Luch:

This story of the talking donkey is one of those very unique times in Bible history where you just sit back, take a deep breath, and say, “I guess it really happened, just as it says, and one leans hard on 2 Timothy 3:16 “ALL Scripture is inspired…” including this story. Like John Ortberg says in his old testament journey, “chalk this one up to “What’s up with that?”
Luch

====== Andrew:

There is a lot today about speaking the word God gives and keeping silent when it is wise.
Psalm 58
1 Do you rulers indeed speak justly?
Do you judge uprightly among men?
2 No, in your heart you devise injustice,
and your hands mete out violence on the earth.
And the verses from Proverbs.
But I am convicted by these verses from the story of Balaam:
Num 22:38 “I must speak only what God puts in my mouth.”
Num 23:12 “Must I not speak what the LORD puts in my mouth?”
There are times when I say or write stuff that is not driven by the Spirit, but by my mind. It may seem clever, it may sound good. It will score points. So the fingers fly over the keyboard, or the tongue wags.
On the other hand, I believe Jesus has saved me, the Spirit of God is dwelling in me, I am part of the Body of Christ, we are on a mission and there are times when the Lord puts things in my mind, on my heart, in my mouth to be said. And I doubt. (Like Zechariah before Gabriel). And there is silence where the Word of God should be heard. Or there are muffled, garbled thoughts where there should be light and clarity.
Andrew

======= Peggy:

In todays reading of Proverbs 11 12 & 13 really spoke to me. I am doing a bible study and todays reading was about bridling your tongue . I to am quilty of talking about others and reponding in a angry tongue. I have prayed that God will help me to control my tongue. To be so little It is a very powerful tool, that can destroy some one. Thank you for this reading today. Have a Blessed day.
Peggy

======= Laura:

RE The Topic of Gossip:
I really believe that the verses in James which talk about the danger of an unbridled tongue are right on the money. James chapter 3 speaks of taming the tongue. Starting in verse 3 it says “When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4, Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are dirven by strong winds, they are streered by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot wants to go. 5, Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6, The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7, All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9, With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likness. 10, Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11, Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12, My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grape vine bear figs: Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water”.
I don’t know about you but I see myself in these verses. They are very convicting. I’ve seen employees get fired, marriages fall apart and church’s split and a lot of feeling that have been hurt which have affected the course of history. All as a result of harsh and cruel words spoken by another or vicious gossip. The same mouth that can tell someone you love them can also tell them you hate them. I think we can all relate to these verses in James. We need to ask God for help daily to control our tongue, especially myself.
There are references to gossip in the old testiment:(NIV) Exodus 23:1 Do no spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness. Psalms 57:4 I am in the midst of lions, I lie among ravenous beasts ,men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. And in Proverbs 25:18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor.
In the new testament in 2Thessalonians 3:11-12. It seems idleness is to blame for busybodies. 11,”We hear that some among you are Idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12, Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat”.
Doesn’t this speak to the Welfare society who have too much time in their hands? Time which is not spent for constructive purposes. So many lessons from these valuable scriptures.
Laura

======= Anka:

It’s amazing how Balak wants to try to fool God into cursing his own people..or fool Balaam into cursing God’s people.I’ve not yet been able to read the commentary on Balaam but I sure am looking forward to it.God says NO…but the devil still tries to go around looking for a way around God’s perfectly sealed way.His word is truth(the way things really are)anything contrary is a lie…How I wish I really could grab a tight hold of that in my heart…
In the today’s world of fighting and misunderstanding…I’m sure it’s strange to have people(who don’t even know each other) pull together in love and fight…My prayer partners were thrilled to hear of Beryl’s quick post op recovery…we’re still confident that God started something…He’s not done yet..the battle is His.
We all appreciate Mike’s blog(guess that’s obvious cos we keep coming:))and we are all different ages,cultures,personalities…Barnabas and Paul didn’t agree on everything..May the Holy Spirit guide us to the truth.
God bless you all
Anka

======= Stef:

gossip
something to be careful of is when meeting together in a Bible study or prayer group where we discuss prayer requests and the problems of others..it is very easy for this to lead to the spreading of private facts about other people in the guise of sharing someone elses problems..not gossiping goes a far way towards building up trust in all relationships .
God bless.
stef

======= Ramona:

Numbers 22:21-23:30
Thoughts on Today’s’ Reading.
Balaam’s confrontation with his donkey happened three times, hmmm. All he saw was his inconvenience he never “thought” about what could be causing this behavior. Balaam was concerned about how he appeared to the king’s servants who were strangers to him. When the donkey asked him why he had been beaten three times (Goodness not only could the donkey talk but he could count.), Balaam’s response was, “Because you have made me look like a fool!” Balaam shouted. “If I had a sword with me, I would kill you!” (22:29 NLT)
Do we not do this with our own “loved ones?” When what we have judged in them is bad behavior, do not we jump up and demand our way by using force or manipulation so we can continue down the path despite what our spouses, children or neighbors may see? Instead of asking them what is wrong, our self-interest, our appearance in front of strangers trumps the concerns and possible spiritual insight that our loved ones may see. Then we become abusive, like Balaam and beat the ones who are watching our back.
The next think that caught my eye was the eighth verse of chapter 23,
How can I curse whom God has not cursed? How can I damn whom GOD has not damned? (Numbers 23:8 MSG)
Someone calls us a name, and in the United States, God forbid if someone calls an Evangelical Christian the “L” word, Liberal. Folks get all out of joint and begin to sweating bullets (Please note I’m using Hyperbole). You get “cursed” out or someone gives the “finger” and we are over the moon. It would do us well to remember this verse. Besides, If someone is not calling your name, don’t answer, and if they don’t know your name they can’t call you. So we need to stop acting a fool and getting all bent out of shape when we are called something or cursed by someone. Unless what they are calling you, is your “name” then calm down and keep smiling. Anything else would be a confirmation of what they have just called you.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Nicole:

I wanted to share a “talking donkey” experience that has recently happened in my life. This is difficult for me to do, but made somewhat easier by the anonymity of this posting, as this is still a fairly pertinent issue for me and one that I haven’t really shared with anyone. Over the past year I have become a quite avid runner, which for me has been such an enjoyment and given a great sense of accomplishment. However, recently I suffered an overuse injury that has prohibited any activity. I have always been a very active person and suddenly having this taken away has crippled me in more ways than I can say, if any of you are involved in a sport, maybe you can relate? But knowing that God uses experiences to humble the proud I think that is what has happened in my case.
Being an active person I got very used to looking a certain way. In the past I struggled with issues around body image, and I somewhat naively assumed that I (keyword being “I”) had overcome them in the past few years. I now believe God has used this injury – my talking donkey – as a wake up call that these issues are still present in my life and that if I really want to overcome them I need to bring them before him. I am ashamed to say that I have been experiencing the same issues around body image now that I have had to stop exercising that used to plague me and it is frustrating because I thought I knew better…and logically I do! But sometimes it’s hard to convince yourself – even when you know what’s right. I also often feel ashamed that there are so many important things to be concerned about in this world and lately I have been so selfish to be consumed by something as superficial as the shape of my body, which hardly defines anything about me.
I’m now praying about this daily and hoping that God will help me in this healing process so that this time I really can recover from this issue, and I think I’m making progress…slow but sure:) Thank you to anyone who has read this far – I know this is a long one and may not be entirely relavent to today’s reading – but I just felt God urging me to share this burden and ask for help, because I now realize I can’t do it on my own. I would appreciate your prayers, even just one, because I know God is the only true solution to this problem and I want to have the strength to turn this completely over to him…easier said than done. Have a blessed day everyone, thank you for listening:)
Nicole

======= Art:

Nicole, I too am a runner. I am very dedicated and run every day. Heart disease is common in my family, and at age 59 I thought it would not happen to me. I was wrong. After a long run one day, I fainted while driving home. My car crashed into a block wall and I was taken to the hospital. I needed open heart surgery…a triple bypass. Doctors say that my fitness through running actually saved my life.
This was 9 years ago. Today I am thankful that I can still run. Slower, and for shorter distances. I no longer can compete. I thank God that my health is currently excellent.
I was depressed after my operation. It looked as though I was going to have to give up running. I loved the races and the people who ran against me. I didn’t realize that there were even better times ahead.
We love you, Nicole, just the way you are. You have a very great heart for God. You are at the top of the list for the important things in life. God is with you to do great things in His name. As a fellow runner, I am with you too. Today, and always, you are in my prayers.
Art

======= Birdie:

As for talking donkey experiences, I think I’ve had a few. So far, no talking animals, but often an inconvenient phone call will cause me to start out later on my trip to work, and sometimes I will find out that there had been a horrible accident on the road where I would have been. Sometimes I have seen the aftermath of these accidents and while I pray for the people who have been injured I also have to remember to thank God for giving me an inconvenience.
Birdie

======= Duane:

Ok… why was his first reaction NOT “AAAAAAAAAAAH MY DONKEY JUST USED WORDS!!!”
And imagine the scene. If he actually is as closely accompanied as the painting suggested, then there were a few more people around to witness a) their first talking donkey and b) someone who is so flabbergasted that he actually talks back.
It’s like a puppeteer who goes around a lot. He’s actually quite good. But he always works in part of his routine where he gets an audience member talking to one of the puppets then has the puppets call them on it. “Sir… I’m not real!”
I think Linda was right on saying that it was either his greed or his coming dillema that led Balaam to be so distracted.
Duane

======= Katie:

We talked about “coincidences” last night at church; that they are , many times, more like divine appointments set up by the Lord. I guess this subject of inconveniences could apply to that too. Isn’t the Lord so awesome to tell you the same things many ways. (For slow people like myself, it’s an extra blessing lol)
I know that the Lord uses many many things to communicate to me. Talking donkeys are sometimes the only way I’ll listen ;)….
I’ve heard my husband say “If God could use a donkey (or another term for donkey- lol) to speak to Balaam, surely He can use even me….” funny….
God bless everyone here today!
Katie

======= Jenny:

ha! the donkey starts talking to him n Balaam just talks back to him like it was nothing. If i had an animal speak to me, i think i’d know something was up! poor donkey. that balak doesnt give up does he! i have met ppl like this, evil persistent men, like a guy who tried to kidnap me when i was like 13. the urgency n persistence he had sickened me!
I’m the same way tho, anytime something happens that makes me be late or inconvience me, i just think its Gods way of protecting me, like I have gone places i was delayed going to, to see an accident had happened i would have been in. once, long story short, i wouldnt been sideswiped and very hurt had not the Lord delayed me. My sister has incredible stories too! i dont have time to share, but amazing stuff. i totally trust in Gods protection.
I too have not been silent when I should have been recently and God rebuked me. I thought i had a justifiable reason, but God said, no your heart n motives are evil. yikes! great readings, wish i more time to comment.
Jenny

======= Margaret:

I had to do extra studying because I was puzzled why God was angry at Balaam for going to talk to Balak when God had allowed Balaam to go. I learned it was because God could read Balaam’s heart. I guess that means that Balaam wanted to go to reap the rewards promised him by Balak if Balaam would curse the Israelites.
Margaret

======= Skip:

The mini-stroke I had in ’96 was my “talking donkey”. It opened my eyes to the fact that God was not happy with me living with my fiance’. It showed me that I was living in sin and committing fornication. But what it really showed me was a side of my fiance’; I should say ex-fiance’ that I hadn’t seen before. She was not for me and I truly believe that because I was not listening to God about the situation, He gave me a “talking donkey”. I refer to it as God smacking me on the head to get my attention. It worked, and I avoided what most likely would have been a bad marriage. Thank you God.
Yours in Christ
Skip

======= Tracy:

I have definitely had ‘talking donkey’ experiences in my life, things have happened which delayed my departure and I avoided being involved in an accident. I always believe when inconveniences crop up that I am being protected against something, I might not ever know what it is.
Tracy

====== Keith:

I love your site. It always encouraging to run across other in depth studies of the word of God!
Keith

======== Wendy:

I have a questions with regard to Numbers 22:20 & 22. It seems that I read in verse 20: “Since these men have come for you, get up and go with them. But be sure to do only what I tells you to do.” Then in Numbers 22 Verse 22, “But God was furious that Balaam was going, so he sent the angel of the Lord to stand in the road to block his way. Why did it appear that God was ok with him going in Verse 20 but he was angered in verse 22.
Thank you for your assistance.
Wendy

======= Chris:

Wendy, I’ve struggled before with the apparent conflict here before (get permission from God in v20, then God gets mad in v22). The commentaries and comments I have read thus far have all provided some explanation, but none that brought me to terms with these verses, … but they all pretty much agree that Balaam was not one of the good guys. So, I accept that I don’t fully understand these, and I turn to other places in the Bible to see what they say about Balaam:
2 Peter 2:15-16 …forsaking the right way they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, but he received a rebuke for his own transgression; for a dumb donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet.
Jude 1:11 Woe to them! For they have gone the way of Cain, and for pay they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.
Revelation 2:14 ‘But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit acts of immorality.
Besides these NT references, there are several others in the OT (Jos, Neh, Mic) … none of which paint Balaam in a good light. So for now I accept that I just don’t fully understand the words in v20&22 yet … and I’ll move on for now and dig a little more next time I read Numbers.
Here’s the Net Bible note relating to this–
sn God’s anger now seems to contradict the permission he gave Balaam just before this. Some commentators argue that God’s anger is a response to Balaam’s character in setting out – which the Bible does not explain. God saw in him greed and pleasure for the riches, which is why he was so willing to go.
Chris

========= Dee:

Hi guys,
Lots happening today, I took a while this morning studying Bob Deffinbaughs illustration and indepth study of Numbers. Very interesting. Wendy, If you are listening and reading go to his link that Mike has above and you will understand everything you need to know about Balak and Balaam. I too, was wandering why the Lord commanded Balaam not to go to Balak, then allowed to go, then got furious and was about to slay him on the road to Balak and his people. Bob describes it like a parent who has a child who keeps persisting and asking and you give in and let them do it the whole while you are not happy about it but they have to learn for themselves. He did alot of things wrong and one was he thought he could manipulate God like he did the other “gods” in his life. It said that the gods of Baal, were able to easy be manipulated into the sinful acts of man, so he only told the “guests” of his home a half truth about the conversation with Yahweh, which he forgot to tell them why God said no, and then Balaam didn’t tell them that God said he would never curse those who he blessed, he has shown favor with Israel, and for that He is going to keep His promises to His people, and why Balaam would understand that no is no and kept wanting to negotiate with God is beyond me, but he was working for the other “little g” of this world, because God forbade him ‘not’ to curse them, so God didn’t deny that Balaam had some power which meant he was working for the underworld.. However what I thought was interesting was that Balak was a Midianite and was a descendent of Abraham from his second wife Keturah, who had Midian, and Moses when leaving Egypt fled to the town of Midian and marrying a midianite priest daughter, and had two sons. Also, they were related through Lot, (again, read Bobs link above) it really brought revelation to my eyes and for that I am greatful and intriqued.
Pertaining to the proverbs readings today, It struck a chord with me too because I too have been guilty of belittling a neighbor recently and am repenting now and am so sorry for that. Sometimes we don’t realize what we do before its too late and the tongue is something we just have to tame like James points out, thank you Lord for your discernment and the Holy Spirit to nudge our guilty conscience and that You Lord for the Blood that was shed for me!!
Love You Guys,
~~Be Blessed
Dee

======== Frederick:

Numbers 22 & 23
God did not allow Balaam to curse the Israelites. As seen in the OT, the Israelites often forgot God and grumbled etc.. But when it came to judgment and blessing and curses, it was within God’s own jurisdiction. God allowed no Balaam to curse the Israelites. However bad the Israelites were, they were God’s people and He loved them. Only He could do the judgment.
Frederick

======= Steve:

My apologies for yesterday’s post, I accidentally read beyond the stopping point in Numbers and then posted my comment on Balaam’s Donkey which is actually in today’s readings. Hey, when the stories are this interesting it’s easy to blow right past the stopping point.
Mike’s question: “Are there perhaps “inconveniences” in your life today that are maybe saving you from a bad situation? Or, do you recognize inconveniences in the past that saved you from a bad situation?”
Yes, immediately one came to mind that happened about five years ago. I was in a hurry and got stuck behind a really slow moving truck approaching the freeway entrance and yes I was feeling pretty impatient but had no choice but wait it out. As I got on the freeway and blew past this slow moving truck I noticed up ahead all kinds of smoke and I hit the brakes with just enough time to avoid a huge pile up of cars in a major accident. If I had not encountered the inconvenience of that slow moving truck, I would have been right in the middle of a really bad accident involving a lot of cars that weren’t so lucky. Now when I encounter delays while driving, I remember that slow moving (Balaam’s Donkey) truck and my impatience quickly evaporates.
In the today’s readings what stood out for me was Proverbs 11:12-13. Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
Today’s proverb reading said much-In just a few words. What came to mind was that God has entrusted each of us with the neighborhood and surrounding neighbors we have for a reason. We are to set an example by not grumbling, not complaining, not entering into gossip and not speaking derogatory words. Do we want to change the world? The place to start is with our own neighbors, the small flock that God has entrusted us with. Lord, give me the wisdom to be the best neighbor I can be.
Steve

======= Reuben:

What makes it hard not to hold my peace is when my flesh has reason to despise – anger, jealousy, bitterness, or self-pity. And my neighbor can be any one, although those in closest proximity (family, literal neighbors, co-workers, church members) are the ones who I seem to get in a wad about the most.
Reuben

======= Beverly:

I saw this a little different in that we should have understanding to the one we might have gossiped about. We try to please our friends because we know in our minds how happy they will be to hear this but we should be thinking about the object of gossip and what they might be going through. Also I usually only see the talking donkey after the fact, I pray that God would allow me to see the obstacles as a good thing while it is happening. Either way I thank God for the obstacles or talking donkeys that save me from sin, grief or other misfortunes.
Beverly

======= Ron:

29 And Balaam said to the donkey
And he said, “No.”
Was I the only one that noticed that Not only was the donkey “talking”
but Balaam did not hesitate to “talk Back”???
Many of us do the same thing when God is trying to speak to us. We tend
to talk back before we even notice the miracle in front of our eyes.
Ron

======= Robert:

Numbers 22
Balaam
DON’T SHOOT THE MESSENGER!
A lot of times we think the guy delivering the message is responsible for the news. We can easily blame him for the way he looks or what he does in his time off. Even though Balaam beats his poor donkey he speaks God’s truth. Sure he is a false prophet but God uses him. Good thing to remember in today’s world.
Bob Deffinbaugh says, “As we approach Numbers 22:36-24:25, we will attempt to focus on three things: (1) the stubborn persistence of Balak; (2) the progress of Balaam; and, (3) the oracles which God had spoken through Balaam. I would remind you that while Balaam is a false prophet, the words he speaks in our text are the words of God. Just as God can speak through a donkey, He can also speak through a man like Balaam. Indeed, one of the great prophecies of the Old Testament is to be found in our text!” He speaks of Jesus Christ in 24:17,
In reading the Balaam/Balak story it points to my own personal desires to curse someone. How many times have I felt the urge to ask God to curse someone? I haven’t yet but the desire is there. I think this opens up that conversation we have to have with God about our inner dark thoughts. This story is a lead up to the cursing psalms. We read a little of that in today’s Psalm 58. We want retribution but have to let God’s justice be tempered with Jesus love.
Proverbs 11:12-13
Wonderful way of thinking that can help us understand that it is God who decides justice in his time and it’s our responsibility to control our speech and temper.
Robert

====== Mitch:

Comment Question: IMO when we get to heaven, as adopted children of God (saved), we will be surprised at the number of inconveniences (talking donkeys) that occurred in our earthly lives. Those inconveniences saved us from greater inconveniences (bad things) that would have occurred if God had not intervened in such a way.
Balaam – nowhere in Hebrew text does it say he was a prophet. Why did Balak send to Mesopotamia for this man? Well, he must have had a reputation of some sort of talking to the gods or spirits. Makes him a seer. Not sure if Balaam was surprised when he talked to God of Israel (Yahweh), but the donkey incident indicates Balaam was going to do things his way. That is when the Angel of the Lord stepped in to scare him straight.
Talking donkey – Did God open donkey’s mouth and speak through the animal or let the animal talk but controlled the message? Not sure. The Creator of the universe would have had no trouble doing either option. Either way Balaam got the message – and in first two speeches only blessed the Israelites. (Note: Balaam must not have known God’s word to Abraham – ‘cursed are those that curse you’)
Interesting that Balak moved Balaam to another place to curse the Israelites – as Yahweh might not be able to influence Balaam in a different locale. Balak assumes Yahweh is a God of limited power – and how wrong he was back then and some of us today.
Mitch

Numbers 21:1-22:20 + Luke 1:26-56 + Psalm 57:1-11 + Proverbs 11:9-11
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Old Testament – Today in Numbers chapter 22 we read about Balak sending for Balaam – hoping Balaam will curse the Israelites.   Balak sends messengers the 1st time and Balaam gets a message from God to not go with these messengers, as God has blessed the Israelites.  What is interesting to me are verses 15-17: “Then Balak tried again. This time he sent a larger number of even more distinguished officials than those he had sent the first time. They went to Balaam and gave him this message: “This is what Balak son of Zippor says: Please don’t let anything stop you from coming. I will pay you well and do anything you ask of me. Just come and curse these people for me!”  For some reason these verses really reminded me of temptation in our lives today.  Like Balaam with the messengers on their first visit, we may realize something is not what God would want us to do – and we send the temptation away.  But…  then the temptation can come back!  In a bigger way – with more distinguished officials than before… with more allure than before…  the temptation that we resisted once so valiantly can come back.  And then, the question becomes – with the opportunity to be “paid well” by the temptation, will we still resist the temptation?  Can we resist the temptation a 2nd time?  Through Jesus, our mediator before our Heavenly Father, yes, I know we can.  If temptation has visited you once – or twice – or even many times – will you pray to God today in the name of Jesus that temptation will never overcome you?

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

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

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

Bible.org’s commentary on Luke chapter 1 titled “The Worship of Two Women” is at this link.

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

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

Worship Video: Proverbs 11:11 today reminds me of fantastic Bluetree song “God of this City:”

Have you met the God of your city? Click here and meet Him!

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

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

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Proverb verse above, are you striving to be an upright citizen blessing your city and helping to make it prosper?  What are some ways that you are doing so?  Do you see spiritual issues in your city today?  How are you helping to right those spiritual wrongs in your city?  Do you pray for your city regularly?  Do you think you should?  Will you join me in praying for our cities?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

Numbers 21:22-20
Weariness causes one to loose hope. They failed to see that their journey was near the end and they gave up hope. They had forgotten that God had told them they would wonder until the older generation, the ones over twenty years old when they left Egypt, would die off before they entered their promise (Numbers 14) It is imperative that we remember the Words of God spoken long-ago or spoken within the hour.
However,there was a glimmer of hope after several people were bitten by snakes and died, they did recognize that they had sinned and because of that they were given a deliverance from the poison of the snakes, but they still got bit.
I find it interesting that God said to Moses about King Og, the king of the Amorites, “Do not be afraid of him, for I have given you victory over Og and his entire army, giving you all his land. You will do the same to him as you did to King Sihon of the Amorites, who ruled in Heshbon.” (Numbers 21:24). I am intrigued that God spoke about their victory before they fought, then they fought to get what God have given to them. How often do we pray for victory over our circumstances, God gives us the victory but we then go sit down on our “duffs” and do nothing? Are we lazy or do we expect God to fight for us while we do nothing to show that we believe what He said He will do?
I also love the story of the Talking Donkey and the rebellious false prophet, Balaam. It says to me that if God is for you, who can be against you? It shows the futility of fighting against God. You cannot bless something that God has cursed, or curse something that God has blessed. I remember finding out this little nugget of insight at the first church I joined. Sad to say I belonged to a church that had totally perverted the idea of claiming something that one didn’t have nor was the “will of God.” Like Bob Deffinbaugh’s commentary on the 22nd chapter of Numbers states, “2) Our challenge is not to “convert” God to be on our side, but to be converted, so that we may be on His side. Many people are just like Balaam in that they are seeking to get God to join them, to be on their side.”
I joined a “coven” of those seeking to remedy a situation without having the entire story. I was asked to join about five or six people for the restoration of a marriage. That sounded like a good idea so I wasted about one-hour praying for a marriage to be restored. But I didn’t know this one thing. The person had been divorced for some time and the husband in question had remarried and had three children within that marriage! That was my first realization that folks try to manipulate God to get what they want instead of manipulating themselves to confirm to what God wanted. Maybe there should have never been a divorce in the first place, but after knowing this woman for several years after I come to the realization that she was indeed a very manipulative person. I don’t know if I can back this up in the bible but I feel that manipulation is witchcraft. Minus the black hat and cauldron, manipulation is the attempt to control someone else’s will even God’s. I’m not saying that’s Bible but why else do people engage palm readers, buy “roots” to place on people, etc? They are attempted to manipulate and control others or circumstances, they are attempting to be gods.
There are a lot of Balaam’s running around and they can even be found in the church!
Luke 1:26-56
What I find fascinating about Mary’s story is that she utterly accepts what God has given her to do without question. Do I do that? No! Here we have a young girl, who many scholars believe she may have been between 13 or 15 years of age accepting an assignment that would put her life in jeopardy and I’m not talking about the “risks” involved in childbirth. Since Mary was a single young girl, although betrothed to Joseph, she was supposed to be a virgin, which she was, but how many people would believe that? Now you know the tongues wagged about her circumstances, even Joseph considered putting her away discreetly to “save face.” (Matthew 1:18-21) Jesus has a conversation with the religious leaders recorded in the 8th chapter of John that if you read between the lines, show they thought Jesus was illegitimate.
Sex outside of marriage, in those days, could get you stoned. Though they did have this thing of ignoring one-half of the command of stoning the parties involved. (Also in the 8th chapter of John).
May I be able to say, “Be it unto me according to Your Word.”
Psalm 57:1-11
What I love about this Psalm of David is that David has given his entire experience of running from Saul to the choir director to either sing or have sung before the entire congregation; something he also did after he was confronted by Nathan the prophet for committing Adultery with Bathsheba and having her husband killed (Psalm 51).
In this Psalm David lays his emotions, fears and His Praise of God before the world to see. He doesn’t pretend that he has it all together, which, I believe, will only delay or stop completely your deliverance.
Revelations 12:
11 They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
We have to learn to be “Real” with God and stop pretending that God doesn’t know our stuff.
Proverbs 11:9-11
Three verses that compare the way and consequences of the godly to what happens to the wicked, the godless, we live in a cause and effect world and we create effects based on our choices. We choose actions based on what we believe or don’t believe about our God (our gods), which controls the way we think and how we interact with the world.
We do wrong because we believe wrong, and we believe wrong because we think wrong!
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Luch:

We have talked in previous blogs about ‘positive thinking’and some of the abuses of that practice by certain media evangelists. Here in Psalm 57 we have a beautiful example of what it means to be ‘positive’ or should we read hopeful, “My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises.” vs 7 It’s in that context of our confidence being founded in WHO God is that we can ‘sing’ and wake up our soul, and even go on to ‘awaken the dawn with my/our songs.” I have a sense that David is jumping for joy as he wakes up this particular morning. What a great prayer to pray for all of us today–Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth.” vs 11
Luch

======= Micah Girl:

Luch–It’s also amazing that David is praising God so heartily when he is facing such disaster in his life with all the murderous plots against him. He’s not pretending that his life is easy, but he is relying on God in the midst of the struggle and even enjoying full-out worship. Pretty cool.
Micah Girl

======= Duane:

Casting Crowns released their second album while I was overseas and it was shipped to me on a day when it seemed like the entire world was falling down around my ears. I heard their song “Now my Lifesong Sings” at the end of the album, and to this day it still stirs my emotions. It’s so simple, and yet it talks about how beautiful a song our lives are after we have accepted God’s call. And that song is dedicated to God in hearing distance of all who have ears to hear. That is our pleasant aroma that we lift to our savior, our King and our God.
Duane

======= Pam:

The city I live in is in so much need. I have been slack about praying for my own city and will be praying for it regualrly. Much of my time is spent helping young people in my area. The story of Balaam is such and interesting story, I had to read ahead and finish it. Though I have read it many times, the donkey – less stuborn than the man – is still funny to me.
It was hard to stop reading and make this comment today! God is so good! I will join you in praying for our cities. God bless you all and meet all of your needs according to His richness and grace!
Pam

======== Jenny:

Numbers is really fascinating! I thought Balaam seemed like a great guy, obeying God in v. 13. then i read the bible.org commentary, aha! not such a great guy. really good stuff, cant wait til tomorrow’s readings and the donkey!
I love the account of Mary visiting Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the baptist…i didnt realize they were related. how cute John leaped for joy in Elizabeth at the sound of Mary. Wow, what an honor to be the woman chosen to give birth to the Savior of the world…God Himself!
Yes, I agree, I cannot wake up my soul either. with man it is impossible but with God all things are possible. when i go through dry spells, i have to ask for God’s help otherwise all my efforts are fruitless.
Loved today’s readings! cant wait for tomorrow’s!
Jenny

======= Katie:

Good Morning! There are many issues in my town that I know are not right…affecting the school system here, affecting city politics.. In fact, we were talking the other day and a friend said, “Poor so-and-so is the only Christian left on the school board, she’s like a lone wolf…” I agreed “How hard, poor thing!” And then this morning, it’s been made as clear as day to me: PRAY!! Yes, Lord, I will pick up my city in prayer. Amen!
Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with God.
I love this verse! Mary was a virgin and was going to have a baby! The Savior! It is so amazing to me that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE with God. Nothing. Thank You Lord! No matter what I hand over to the Lord, or what obstacles I face, He can take me through and make it perfect (if I get out of the way, of course).
Hallelujah!
Katie

======= Tamra:

Prayer is a MUST for us. It’s one of our surest weapons – the Christian’s breath and native tongue… often overlooked as we meditate on the weapons of our warfare (as seen in Ephesians 6:18).
I love to “prayer-walk” my city (London, UK). As I walk and pray in my heart, the Lord shows me a lot of things. You can tell that people need the Lord by their words and actions. London is a very strange city where people are very judgmental of strangers – just based on their appearance. And they feel they must pass a loud comment about everyone they see – usually something negative and unfriendly, sometimes downright offensive… or they grab their partner for a ‘public display of affection’… Then there are the muggers, gangs, killers, pimps and prostitutes you find in nearly every city…
Only a handful fear the Lord… You will find some faithful people sharing their faith publicly in places like the Hyde Park… Please join me in praying for this city.
Tamra

======= Mae:

Great readings!!!
If temptation has visited you once – or twice – or even many times – will you pray to God today in the name of Jesus that temptation will never overcome you? ~ I always pray to God that temptation will never overcome me. The enemy is so slick and sly … he can bring the same temptation over and over again but all in different shapes. So first I won’t recognize them and through my prayers and quiet time with God, I see what they truly are. TEMPTATION!!! I have resist many temptations in the past 7 months and I’m proud of that!
Luke is really great to read! 1:37 “For nothing is impossible with God”!!! Amen!!!
Mary’s song is amazing!
Glorify our heavenly Father … what an amazing thing to do! I defenitly want to glorify the Lord in all I do in my life. I’m proud to be His daughter and I want to present myself as His daughter. I want Him to be proud of me as well!
Questions of the Day ~ Oh yes, I’m striving to be an upright citizen blessing my city and helping to make it prosper. I love walk around in my city being an evangelist! Preaching the gospel, that’s just awesome! My city can use a revival, defenitly! Our baby-church in West Amsterdam still doesn’t have visitors, they started in January this year. Another city I pray for … I talk to people in my own city, but also to people in West Amsterdam. I hate the fact that several soft drugs are legal here in Holland, and the prostitution zones, 16+ are allowed to drink … it’s just TERRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really think I should spread some good words in this little corner of the world. It’s necessary!
Mae

======= Brandie:

I am striving to be an upright citizen in my city and trying to help it prosper I am voluneetering my time for Relay for Life here in my town, for those that have cancer or have had cancer. I see spiritual issues in my city/town today as my church is always involved in missions.
Psalm 57:8 “Wake up my soul” stands out to me. I think I needed that today. 
Brandie

====== Gina:

In Mary’s song…she sings “My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
That is so big for me because it shows me that Mary also recognized the need for Jesus to be HER savior. I was taught, growing up, that Mary was equal with Jesus…our Heavenly Mother…and that we could pray to her to intercede for us, etc… Now I know that Mary is not the same as Jesus…Jesus is God in the flesh and Mary, well Mary was a wonderful, humble girl who God had favor on and chose for something very special! Maybe we won’t ever be chosen for something as amazing as being Jesus’ earthly mother, but God uses us also in amazing ways!!
I have to admit, I don’t pray for my city as much as I should. Thanks for the great reminder! Living in a city that is a huge tourist attraction…and lots and lots of “adult” type places everywhere… I do need to pray more for this area…and I will remind my friends to also pray! It is so very important!
We do have a very special ministry in our church called The Magdalene Project. There are people who, a few times each year, make beautiful gift baskets filled with home-made scarves or bags, bath stuff, cookies…all kinds of great things that women like. Then they deliver the baskets to women who dance at the adult clubs. There is always a basket for each woman and the people who deliver them always pray with the dancers. We have seen several women leave that industry and really change their lives because of this ministry! It’s been awesome!
Gina

======= Ramona:

Numbers 21-22:20
Thoughts from Today’s Old Testament Readings:
1) Reading this blew my mind,
They set out from Mount Hor along the Red Sea Road, a detour around the land of Edom. The people became irritable and cross as they traveled. They spoke out against God and Moses: “Why did you drag us out of Egypt to die in this godforsaken country? No decent food; no water–we can’t stomach this stuff any longer.” (Numbers 21:4-5 MSG)
Did the people forget? Did they not remember God’s promise that no one over twenty would enter the Promise Land because of their rebellion? Did they forget that the consequence of their believing the “bad” report brought back by the leaders of the tribes, except for Calab and Joshua (Num 14:29-34) was to wander in the desert for forty years? Or, perhaps they were just arrogant and thought the warning didn’t mean “them.” I am reminded of a verse from Proverbs,
The foolishness of man subverts his way [ruins his affairs]; then his heart is resentful and frets against the Lord. (Proverbs 19:3 AMP)
There wondering in the desert came by way of their own behavior yet they constantly practiced blame shifting.
2) I keep seeing myself in these people. Grumbling, complaining and just making a fool of myself, railing and shaking my fist at God for the consequences I produced by my own choices. I keep seeing the people confessing their sins, yet not repenting. I too am quick to point out where I went wrong when confronted with my errors; however, I am extremely slow in changing the lifestyles that produced the sin and Change is not Change, Until it’s Changed! Confession with out repentance or change, well…is just an explosion of words with no substance.
And the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord, that He may take away the serpents from us. So Moses prayed for the people. (Numbers 21:7 AMP)
3) Idols verses God, the True God.
Balak (Chapter 22) knew that he couldn’t defeat Israel so he sent for a prophet, though it was only a false prophet, that Balaam was. People can know God but not follow God. They can hear God and discern His will but only use that knowledge for their personal gain. Balak, was use to idols that could be manipulated looked for a man he thought could manipulate God. We, after giving up our idols when we realize they are without eyes, ears and intellect, often take our controlling behavior and try to “work it” with God.
We love our idols because we can position them to do what we want and hide behind a clock of spirituality. Balaam’s intentions can be discerned in his response to the Balak’s officials in verse 13, And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said to the princes of Balak, Go back to your own land, for the Lord refuses to permit me to go with you. (Numbers 22:13 AMP)
He doesn’t tell them I will not go, but he puts the responsibility on God and not himself as the choice maker. His intent was, “I really want to go because I really want the money, but for God …” Many times like Balaam, we do and say the right thing for all the wrong reasons giving the appearance of “righteousness.” It’s not my fault I can’t go with you, It’s God’s. How often have we done that? Yikes!!
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Elizabeth:

Hello,
Just wanted to say that I’m “still here”—chasing the plan and trying to catch it : )
Working through Leviticus 14 right now….
Elizabeth

======= Briggs:

Lk 1:38″I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.”
The contrast in Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel is striking when compared to that of the Israelites in their journeys through the wilderness. It seems the Israelites were often malcontent in spite of the tremendous blessings that the Lord bestowed upon them. They seem to have taken His very presence with them for granted; the sight of the pillars of fire and cloud; the parting of the Red Sea; the plagues upon Egypt; the swallowing up of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram; the consumption by fire of Aaron’s sons for their unauthorized worship; etc. They were blessed with so many tangible miracles displaying God’s power in both provision and punishment. Who could deny the presence and power of God? Yet many of them often did. Ultimately, through time, they would fail in their purpose of leading the world back to the Lord.
And yet as many miracles as the Israelites witnessed, could any of them have better revealed the love, reverence, power, and glory of God as His indwelling Holy Spirit. I wonder sometimes that we fault the Israelites for their pride and malcontent, which led them into spiritual blindness, while we all the while are blind to the planks in our own eye and yet have the better advantage of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Will we too fall short of our purpose to lead the world back to the Lord by falling into pride, malcontent, complacency, selfishness, etc. I think I do to some extent every day.
Lord, I pray that you protect and keep me and all your people from both willfully and unintentionally sinning against You.
Briggs

======= Evelyn:

The bible.org commentary link to Balak & Balaam was very helpful! Thank you Mike!
P.S. All of the music videos you post are so inspiring & uplifting! Thank you!
Evelyn

======= Chris:

John 3:14-15 And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so I, the Son of Man, must be lifted up on a pole, so that everyone who believes in me will have eternal life.
These verses came alive for me in this reading of Numbers 21:7-9. Still being bitten by sin, only look to the cross and be saved.
Luke: I had not thought before of the age of Baby Jesus when Mary went to visit Elizabeth (who was in her sixth month when Mary was visited by Gabriel). “A few days later” Mary visits Elizabeth and stays with her “about three months.” So Jesus was but a few days in Mary’s womb when John leaped for joy in Elizabeth’s — and they stayed near until about the time of John’s birth. Can you imagine that household: Elizabeth, Mary, John and Jesus all under one roof!
Chris

======= Steve:

Numbers 21:1-22:20
The grumbling and complaining Israelites found it difficult to enjoy the journey, it’s always difficult to enjoy the journey when we’re grumbling and complaining. It’s easy to say to yourself I will enjoy the journey when I reach this point or when I have that thing. If we are not happy today what makes us think that we will be happy tomorrow? Grumbling and complaining is nothing more than an attempt to manipulate our circumstances. I thought the story of Balaam tied in really well with the way the Israelites were trying to manipulate Moses and Aaron through their grumbling and complaining. One of the commentaries I read included this joke discussing the story of Balaam and the Donkey to drive home a point.
“Honey,” said the preacher, “we just got an invitation to go to a bigger church in a bigger city with a bigger salary. So I’m going to go upstairs to pray about it.”
“Do you want me to pray with you?” asked his wife.
“No,” the preacher answered. “You stay down here and start packing.”
Not all grumbling, complaining and manipulation is so obvious, sometimes it’s so subtle that it sneaks up on us unnoticed and we forget about the amazing provisions God provides fresh and new every morning. The manna that the Israelites complained and grumbled about so much not only kept them super healthy but it kept their feet from swelling as they wandered 40 years in the wilderness. Makes me wonder what I’m taking for granite that God is providing and I’m not appreciating because of my own agenda.
Steve

======= Cathy:

I like this comment” “How often do we pray for victory over our circumstances, God gives us the victory but we then go sit down on our “duffs” and do nothing? Are we lazy or do we expect God to fight for us while we do nothing to show that we believe what He said He will do?”.
But the point is that, sometimes several ideas come in your mind: “A little voice and suddenly another voice” and this can be confusing.
Please let’s pray God to give each of us the sense of discernment, allowing us to make the right choice any time.
Have a blessing day.
Cathy

======= Robert:

Numbers 22
Bob Deffinbaugh gives us a nice recap of the last 40 years in the desert in his commentary. Ramona, we have another donkey story here to enjoy…the donkey even talks. I enjoyed Bob’s thoughts on false prophets. “The donkey is a better “prophet” (or “seer”) than Balaam. Let no prophet ever attempt to take credit for what he sees and says, for God can do as much through a donkey.” Any false prophets in your world….(cough)…Ravi Z.?
I look forward to comments.
Psalm 57: 8
Is my soul awake? Great reflection on where am I in relationship with God. Am I asleep right now? Yes Covid is a factor but what great hope …greater things are still to be done in the city, (Bluetree song “God of this City”)…Spiritually I believe I have to ask the Trinity to wake up my soul as Mike suggests.
Proverbs 11:11
A couple of years ago our church responded to a family in a poorer part of town that needed help in cleaning up their yard. About 20 of us went there for the afternoon and basically hauled stuff to the dump, cut the lawn and had a great time doing it. It was a good thing! This was in a place where people would criticize, demeanor, and disapprove of this community. (But the mouth of the wicked is destroyed). I felt blessed.
Robert

======= Mitch:

OT – brass serpent on pole a picture of Christ (Jesus mentioned in John 3). If you look to the bronze serpent on pole, you will live. If you look to Jesus on cross (repent, confess and believe), you will have eternal life.
Balaam compared to Moses – interesting thought.
NT – Zechariah questioned Angel and was punished; Mary questioned and no punishment. IMO Zechariah doubted God’s message. Mary did not doubt message, but wanted to know how a it was possible biologically (virgin birth).
Mitch

======= Dee:

Yes, I do pray for a better city and a city to be prosperous and God’s Will be established. I pray for a hedge of protection on my own surroundings, my home, property, kids, husband and our lives. I do believe if you sow into others lives you too will reap the benefits. We, at our church, are part of a community outreach and help most every sunday giving out clothing, food, prayer, books, bibles, shoes, support for one’s who are lost. We have had several get saved while we are out on Sundays, and I give all credit and glory to God Almighty, let His mighty works be done!
My unique way of glorifying God, which I don’t know how unique any of it is, but I just give Him my mornings, first up, get coffee ready and pray to the Lord and get on this blog and read up on His precious Word, I pray daily, I pray for others, I do outreach, and I love, love, love worship and music/praise! I really get into it at church and hop around the house me and my daughter with our worship music and just really enjoy glorifying our Lord!
About the part of Wake up, My soul! in Psalms today..there have been times I have felt my soul was asleep and it is the times when I don’t acknowledge God in mornings or throughout day like I should. I guess that is why I like this blog and I like to post things daily because it holds me accountable more to the things of God. My soul is awakened to the humbling of myself, making myself smaller so my God can grow in me and be BIGGER!!
Thanks to all of you, Joyce if you are out there, read yesterdays post, there is some good ones posted just for you.
Be Blessed
Dee

======= John:

Luke
Luke 1:32
“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,”
Psalm 89:35-36
Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness—
and I will not lie to David-
that his line will continue forever
and his throne endure before me like the sun;
Acts 2:29-30
“Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne.”
======================================================
OK, it is a little slow, so I will set this up for further on. In prophecy there are interpretations that spiritualize the millenial kingdom, and those that maintain it will be literally fulfilled.
In Scripture – both in Hebrew and Greek the word for “throne” either refers to God’s throne, a king’s throne, someone in charge’s throne, etc. Here Gabriel, David himself, and Peter all mention a “throne”. In each case it is David’s throne – a kingship here on earth.
Since Jesus did not sit on the throne on his first trip, then it must be that He will sit on it in the future.
That is unless you spiritualize David’s throne. That is why Gabriel’s message to Mary is intriguing. Everything from Luke 1:28-31 and half of 32 can be understood literally, so I find it difficult to believe that Gabriel switched gears to a spiritualized message at the end of his greeting.
[NOTE: I said “difficult”, but that is my opinion.]
This is just an example so people know where I am coming from later, as I strive to “GET” the consistent message of the scripture.
I certainly recognize that in eschatology (prophecy) there are several viewpoints. Many good Christians disagree, so as we go through the prophets and the rest of the New Testament, I will just be pointing out my interpretaion, and give the reasons for my view – as different passages come up.
As Cory mentioned “let the reader understand” – You need to make up your own mind and attach whatever significance you want to prophecy. I will not be arguing or debating prophecy, because of all the Bible it is the subject most open to differing interpretations. I will present from a straightforward perspective, and others will (I am sure) present different views.
With thousands of people signed up, perhaps the presentation of different viewpoints will be helpful – especially to those who have never studied the Bible before this blog.
John

======= John:

Numbers 21 – Bronze snake
The symbolism of the bronnze serpent being the foreshadowing of Christ on the cross is better understand, since Christ mentioned it to Nicodemus.
John 3:14-15
“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life”
Bronze is the metal of Judgment, the pole is the cross, snakes doing the biting represent Satan or “the world” (for the nebulous evil people :), the dying person can look to the bronze snake and live – and the implication being “not to look” is to die.
Pretty much what our choice is today – as the wages of sin are death – we can look to the Cross and live (eternally) or not look to the Cross and spiritually die and answer to God at judgment.
John

Numbers 19:1-20:29 + Luke 1:1-25 + Psalm 56:1-13 + Proverbs 11:8
~ 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 – Today in Numbers chapter 20 verse 12 we read about God pronouncing that Moses & Aaron would not enter the Promised Land – “But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!””  Why did this happen?  Well, it’s best to stick with Scripture – God says that Moses & Aaron did not trust God enough.  They did not trust God enough to demonstrate his holiness to the people of Israel.  Thus they will not lead them into the Promised Land.  Where was the lack of trust?   Go back to verse 8 and you’ll see God tell Moses to “command the rock” for water – command meaning verbally… then in verse 11 we see Moses strike the rock twice – not using the verbal command God instructed him on, but using an action.   There also may have been a pride issue when Moses in verse 10 says “must we bring you water from this rock?”  You’ll notice the little word WE – We being Moses & Aaron? -this is probably not the way to best recognize God for God bringing water out of the rock…  It looks like Moses is taking credit.   How about us in our lives today?  Are there times when we disobey God’s direct commands to us?  Are there times when we take credit for God’s work?  Even if we generally follow God’s instructions – as Moses clearly does for the majority of his life – should we be on constant watch that we do not disobey God?

New Testament – Today we begin the Gospel of Luke!

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

Bible Project: Here is a great video overview of the Gospel of Luke!

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

Psalms – Psalm 56 verse 10 makes a One Year Bible blogger quite happy 🙂 “O God, I praise your word. Yes, LORD, I praise your word.”  Does this verse make you happy?  Do you praise God for the gift of the Bible?  Do you praise God’s very Word, the Bible?

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

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Numbers 19 reminded me of Nicole Nordeman’s song “Holy:”

Are you pursuing holiness in your life? Click here and cry Holy!

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

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

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Proverb today, has God ever rescued you?  More than once?  Are you willing to share with us in the Comments section below a time that without a doubt God rescued you?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike

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

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

Numbers 19:1-20:29
Numbers chapter 19 has given me a new perspective on Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan. Although it isn’t mentioned in this section of today’s readings, it was mentioned previously and I didn’t “Get It,” then but I get it now, I think.
That teaching began with a question (Luke 10): 29 “But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (The complete Parable is Luke 10:30-37)
I’ve always looked at this Parable as a rebuke to the Priests and Levites and a praising of the Samaritan, but I now think this was an expansion of who the Jews’ neighbors were not a rebuke. Based on the Laws given by Moses to Israel, both the Priests and the Levites were not to touch or be in the same room or place as a “dead” body because they were to be undefiled (Lev 5, 6; 10) Since the man may have appeared to be dead to them they obeyed the law of Moses. Now one could argue that their duty to a human being took precedent over God’s command, but I’m not sure if that argument could be won and if won would it be correct? Jesus could touch a leper, the dead the blind and lame because He had life within in, not life like we have but life that made things whole again. I’m really going to have to look and ponder this Parable under new light.
Ah, chapter 20 and rebellion, again: complaining and murmuring against God again. In this chapter we are told that because Moses struck the “Rock” twice he would not take Israel into the Promise Land. We are also told in this chapter that Miriam dies, then Aaron because he along with Moses struck the “Rock” when they were told to speak to it. What’s the Big Deal! Could never figure that one out; however, notice that I put rock in quotes and capitalized the letter R. I just realized whom that “Rock” represented, Jesus Christ. In Genesis the forty-ninth chapter, while Israel (Jacob) is blessing Joseph, this statement is made, 24 “Yet his bow remained steady, and his strong arms were made agile by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, by the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, …”
When they began their journey in the desert they cried out for water the first time for water and complained against God at Mount Horeb (Sinai) where Moses was told the first time to “Strike the Rock,” (Exodus 17:6) also a reference to Jesus. If I am right and I could be wrong, the first striking of the Rock foretold Jesus being struck for our sins, which would only happen once. After Jesus’ death burial and resurrection we would only have to “Speak the Word!” This was not only a violation of God’s Word, striking the rock twice; it was a perversion of the soon coming work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
For all those who haven’t heard me state this before, I’ve been reading through the entire Bible for over twenty years and each and every time the Word speaks to me, reveals to me things I have never seen before. The more I read the more I know that I don’t know.
Luke 1:1-25
Hmm, I’m intrigued by Kurt’s comment about Elizabeth’s seclusion once she became pregnant. Her seclusion may have been because she had complications but remember there were no fetal monitors or sonograms to give us pictures of the health of the baby. Besides God ordained this pregnancy and I’m betting that God, the great physician that He is kept every cell in Elizabeth and John’s body working perfectly.
Tradition during that time in Judaism, and maybe even today in some orthodox sects said that if a woman was barren she was under a curse from some sin. So this pregnancy would have caused a lot of talk and speculation amongst the town’s folk. Also John was suppose to be raised a Nazirite which meant separation from a lot of things going on in the world (Read Numbers 6). Since she had to take on that oath because he was suppose to be a Nazirite before birth, she may have only been protecting him.
Then there is that other thing that people do, gossip and speculation. Again, she was past the age of childbirth by man’s understanding, but not God’s. Have you ever heard the talk that goes on when a woman who is in her fifties and or sixties gives birth? It hits the news and there are discussions all over the place on whether woman (it’s never about men) should have babies at THAT age. Well, obviously they never took the question to God. Elizabeth may have wanted to forego the drama. There is nothing new under the sun and folks like to run off at the mouth now and they did back then.
Come to think about it Elizabeth’s seclusion was a voluntary being shutting of the mouth that God did, through the Angel Gabriel, to her husband Zechariah involuntary. Our words create our world (Proverbs 18:21) and maybe Elizabeth didn’t want other people’s words constructing a world she didn’t want to live in.
Psalm 56:1-13
When it seems that the enemy has surrounded you, surrounded me this is the Psalm to pull out, study and pray.
Proverbs 11:8
This Proverb is a great companion to today’s Psalm. Ain’t God Good!!
8 God rescues the godly from danger, but he lets the wicked fall into trouble.
Grace and peace, and a whole lot of love,
Ramona

======= Kurt:

I found Luke 1:19,20,24 interesting verses. Zechariah doesn’t believe the angel, which in and of itself I find interesting. If an angel were to appear to me and tell me something that’s going to happen, would I not believe him? I also think verse 24 is interesting in that after Elizabeth gets pregnant, she goes into seclusion for 5 months. Makes you wonder if she was having problems in her pregnancy that demanded bedrest.
Kurt

======= Emily:

Yes, Numbers is just striking where God clearly tells Moses and Aaron that they will not lead Israelites into the promised land. How can we expect to win if we wont give credit to God for the strength and grace he provided all the way to the victory ?
In fact this theme clearly unites with 2 Corinthians 12:9,10 , ” But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’.Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
This is just a beautiful theme. The truth of God. I put the smile of God’s grace upon my weakness. And I lift my hands to receive the power of God to fight every battle and win every war. Hallelujah!!!
Emily

======= Kate:

I wonder if it was pride because the Bible does say that Moses was the most humble man? I’m thinking it might have been just frustration at the people and their unbelief, but his act showed his unbelief and the way he did it showed his dishonor of God in front of all the people. Just a thought….
Kate

======= Jan:

All I can say is this: As Job once said, “Though He slay me, I will yet praise Him.”
We can be positive & filled with faith & believe His Word about having what we beleive we can, IF we have no doubt in our heart…but ultimately it is always up to Him…He is always still in control.
Jan

======= Luch:

Further to the discussion re ‘positivity’ and ‘success’ gospel, I am reminded of something Karl barth said when it comes to theology. Barth said, “All theology is a matter of EMPAHSIS!” And apparently those who heard him say this made the point that he strongly emphasized the word “EMPHASIS”. Isn’t it true that we tend to emphasize those parts of theology that we want to emphasize? I know I do. In the past I have given lip service to the poor because in the spiritual culture I was raised what was emphasized was ‘discipleship, one to one mentoring’ and so forth for which I am thankful, but there was little said about the poor and about social injustice. Then God in in His wonderful way gives me a son who loves the poor and wants to serve the poor and cares about injustice, and that’s what he sees as he reads the scriptures. Who is right? We both are! I love Ecclesiastes 7:18 that says, “It is good that you grasp one thing and not let go of the other. For the person who fears God avoids all extremes.” I like that piece of wisdom. The truth is rarely in the extreme. God calls us to live in the tension. That’s good for us.
For example I don’t know how one can read these chapters throughout Numbers and see a lot of ‘positive thinking’. I see a lot of judgment, pain, disobedience, complaining, arguing, and contentiousness. How many exhortations are there in the Bible that tell us to take our ‘happy pills.’ To be sure we exhorted to “think on these things,’ ‘to rejoice always IN THE LORD”, not in our circumstances.
Our psalm readings take us on a roller coaster ride of positive and negative feelings. That’s what I find, and that’s what is true of my life.
My wife has a strong belief in God, but she also has breast cancer. There are times the only thing we believe in is the will to live, but we CHOOSE to believe in God and His Sovereignty. I think those who teach the health and wealth emphasis of the gospel do a lot of damage to people who love God, are obedient to Him, but like Job have no idea why they have to suffer as they do.
I don’t doubt that Schuller and Olsteen and others like them have good intentions. I liken them to taking a happy pep pill. It lasts for a little while but it isn’t enough. Only True Truth sets one free. Psalm 34:6 speaks to me about what is really true, “I cried ouit to the LORD in my suffering, and he heard me. He set me free from all my fears.”
Luch

======= Emily:

Luch, thanks for your thoughts. Yes, actually Bible is so diverse in theology that it must be taken in its entirety. Its so easy to prove two contradictory things from one Bible.
I personally, find it a matter of extreme interest as well as confusion how in the OT God is always bestowing upon believers gifts, money, sheep, servants, heaps children, silver and gold and other wealth etc. But in the NT Jesus says it is so hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. I have met many Christians who are middle class and are so happy with their lives and they consider much money as evil.
I find these are conflicting themes…?… I personally, believe much money can be a good thing for Christians. But then I also know that much philanthropic work in this world, coming from the rich and famous folks like Bill Gates, Angelina Jolie, Bono etc. is not necessarily done by Christians.
But behind all this very vast design I see God working. That’s why I believe people must have the freedom to have their own life and determine their own purse size. And at the same time we Must love God with all our heart, all our soul and all our mind. When we do that, it will be impossible not to love others…
Emily

======= Luch:

Emily,
very well said!!!
Luch

======= John:

Emily
“Its so easy to prove two contradictory things from one Bible.”
I spent quite a bit of time trying to find contradictions in the Bible. I couldn’t do it. My failure in this self-imposed task is what led me to salvation.
I don’t see the contradiction in your example. Yes, believers in the Old Testament were often blessed materially. I imagine they always thanked the Lord, and offered some portion back.
A “rich man” outside the kingdom of God would find it difficult to gain entry because, in his heart, the rich man probably is focused on his material possessions and not focusing on God. Until he releases that “love of his heart” for riches, the rich man would be hard pressed to be truly seeking the Lord.
I think that is why Jesus said it is “hard” – Jesus never said it was impossible. Joseph of Arimethea as one example.
John

======= Emily:

Hey John, if you see no contradictions in Bible then you sure are blessed! On the other hand we are all so subjective and also its so easy to put same thing in different contexts. Isnt it interesting, different denominations from Super conservative Baptist to Liberal Presbyterian and Methodist churches use the same Bible? Yet their theology is so different.
I once wrote an extensive email to Beliefnet (www.beliefnet.com) telling them if some people want to have a homosexual lifestyle, its ok. It’s their personal choice but at least they should not imply that Bible does not condemn homosexuality (when it clearly does condemn it in Leviticus and Paul’s epistles). And I got a reply back. To my utter disbelief the writer quoted Bible many times and tried to prove that Bible does not condemn homosexuality. He or she even pointed that relationship between David and Jonathan was possibly homosexual! Of course I trash this but the writer truly believed in it all.
Truth is there are heaps subjects where people can use Bible to prove their point such as in issues concerning marriage, divorce, abortion, money, theology, baptism and so on.
But as I said, if we trust God we will never be misled and if we do get lost we will be forgiven and be brought back on track. Because God is good, merciful, loving and we are selfish, weak, imperfect, sinful, fallible.
Emily

======= John:

Emily,
“Truth is there are heaps subjects where people can use Bible to prove their point such as in issues concerning marriage, divorce, abortion, money, theology, baptism and so on.”
Yes, different people can interpret the Bible differently in an attempt to give validity to their position.
If it is consistent throughout the Bible, and I disagree, then I respectfully disagree. If it is not consistent throughout the Bible, nor bears up under scrutiny, then they are incorrect.
“Of course I trash this but the writer truly believed in it all.”
Sincere belief does not make it truth. I am sure there were sincere believers amongst the terrorists in the 9/11 planes, I am sure David Koresh had sincere believers, and I am sure some Satanists, wiccans, Scientologists, etc. are sincere in their belief.
Sincerity has never been a test for the truth. It is an emotional attribute.
John

======= Ann:

We should praise God and God alone. I don’t think praising his inspired Word may be scripturally sound.
Ann

======= John:

Ann,
I have not seen anyone here talk about “praising” the Bible. It is what it is – “God’s Word”. It is to be studied (not just read) and used as a tool for Christian Growth.
If you admit it is “inspired” then it certainly is to be respected. Not sure where you got the idea of “praising” the “inspired Word -referred to by you in your post.
John

======= Ramona:

Numbers 19-20:29
Remember our history, friends, and be warned. All our ancestors were led by the providential Cloud and taken miraculously through the Sea. They went through the waters, in a baptism like ours, as Moses led them from enslaving death to salvation life. They all ate and drank identical food and drink, meals provided daily by God. They drank from the Rock, God’s fountain for them that stayed with them wherever they were. And the Rock was Christ. But just experiencing God’s wonder and grace didn’t seem to mean much–most of them were defeated by temptation during the hard times in the desert, and God was not pleased. The same thing could happen to us. We must be on guard so that we never get caught up in wanting our own way as they did. And we must not turn our religion into a circus as they did–“First the people partied, then they threw a dance.” We must not be sexually promiscuous–they paid for that, remember, with twenty-three thousand deaths in one day! We must never try to get Christ to serve us instead of us serving him; they tried it, and God launched an epidemic of poisonous snakes. We must be careful not to stir up discontent; discontent destroyed them. These are all warning markers–DANGER!–in our history books, written down so that we don’t repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel–they at the beginning, we at the end–and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. (1 Corinthians 10:1-11 MSG)
What we are reading in Numbers can be explained in the first 1/3 of the tenth chapter of Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth. Numbers and the rest of the Old Testament were written for us as examples. God loves me enough, you enough to have provided real live examples for us NOT TO follow.
Moses was to speak to the “Rock” who was Christ and not to strike the Rock, especially not two consecutive times, actually the last two times totaled three because the “Rock” was struck previously (Exodus 17:6). Christ was only struck ONCE and because everything written in the Old points to Christ, hitting the Rock instead of speaking to the Rock, perverted the image of Christ.
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (John 15:7 KJVR)
Jesus would only be struck down once, on the cross, we don’t need to continually crucify Him over and over again. He died ONCE for all. Moses and Aaron gave the Children of Israel a tainted image of Christ when they struck the Rock twice.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
P.S. God being Holy can only fellowship with a Holy People. Anything that is corrupt is sin, anything that is not alive is sin because there is no death in God. Death is a sign of corruption, it is a distortion from “In the Beginning …” When we take our clothes to be washed/dry cleaned the purpose is to have the dirt removed. When God provided a way for His people to be Holy so they could commune with a Holy God, removal of the corruption, the sin and degradation that man fell into is a given. When you place detergent into the wash to get your clothes clean do you get upset when the dirt flows down the drain? Think about it.
Ramona

======= Peter:

Way back, in 1968, I was involved and indeed about to become engaged to an unbeliever.I was also about to celebrate my 21st birthday…I should have been very happy…but I actually felt very miserable and unhappy. I was a backslidden believer and I cried out to God..”If you’re there please deal with this unhappiness, please meet with me” The next day, my (about to be) fiance broke off our relationship!! God intervened in a wonderful immediate way. It should have been the beginning of turning back to God but strangely it was’nt. Subsequently however I did come back to God, met a lovely christian girl, who has been my wife for nearly 37 years. Praise God for his amazing mercy & faithfulness
Peter

======= Alan:

In the Spring of 2005 I was involved in a car wreck that if it had happened a fraction of a second later, I probably would be dead or seriously injured. My Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ was watching over me, & I was unhurt.
From this incident I have come a lot closer to Him.
This is my first time reading through the Bible, but definately won’t be my last.
Thank you Jesus.
Alan

======= Johnnie:

More and more I am realizing how much God does rescue me. This past December I was driving down the road and two Christmas trees came off of someone’s car. I hit one of them, but if it had been just one more inch higher it would have gone through my front windshield. I praise God that it only injured the car and not me! God is faithful.
Johnnie

======= Jason:

Yes, the Lord has rescued me, time and time again – from many situations… but mainly from myself! In the end, I find I have been my own worst enemy – but the Lord has been kind and gracious!
I remember the greatest rescue like it was yesterday – one time when He restored me back to faith after I had backslidden from Him for five whole years. When I tell my testimony now, I often fail to mention this (I don’t know why… it seems ‘long’ – as my teenage kids would say) – and just tell it like November 1979 was the first time… In truth I was saved first as a teenager (at 16) but I squandered it after just three or four months because the Word had no real root in me. I failed to read my Bible (only read it as a textbook for the O level exams) and fell by the wayside again – and became an atheist, of all things, so that I could indulge in evil things without feeling bad!
By the grace of God, the Lord send me two tenacious Christian brothers from the local Christian Pentecostal Mission who would not give up until they had delivered the message of God’s love and willingness to forgive me – no matter what I had done. I laughed at them and scoffed, but a week later, on my own, I poured out desperate prayers to God asking Him to give me a new life in Christ, and He did!
Since then there have been other times when I have not overtly strayed but have been a bit far from the Lord, but He would gently bring me back again! I do not deserve anything from His hands, but He keeps loving me anyway!
The Lord is just too good, and I cannot praise Him enough. He is the best ever! His word is the greatest, and everything in it is true – even my children are proving it for themselves … He reveals His truth to every generation!!!
Praise the Lord God, the Most High!
Jason

======= Jenny:

wow, to be honest, i had to read through the Numbers verses a couple times and get out my study Bible, i couldnt see what Moses and Aaron did wrong. It sounded to me like they just messed up on a minor detail, and God was kinda harsh…yikes, sorry, I’m only being honest here. but my study Bible explained it more. heres part of what my study Bible says:
“Instead of speaking to the rock, Moses spoke to the ppl, accusing them of being rebels against God. By his actions, Moses joined the ppl in rebellion against God.
The Lord’s evaluation of Moses was that he failed to take God at His word and thus to treat Him as holy to the ppl. Moses here failed in the same way as Israel had at Kadesh 38 yrs prior.
God’s judgment upon Moses for his sin of striking the rock was that he would not take Israel into the land of Canaan. The inclusion of Aaron demonstrated his partnership with Moses in the actin against the Lord.”
i’m taking it, it was more the attitude in his heart. yikes, if i had been in that wilderness, i know myself, i’d be one of the first ppl struck down by God. The death of Aaron made me sad, i know he didnt perish eternally. but he’s always been one of my favorites in the Bible, this is weird, but I had a crush on him as a kid or teen, haha. i dont know, i guess it carries over still. ok, yes thats weird.
Aha! I’ve been looking for the story of John the B’s birth and his father Zech. being mute. I knew it but couldnt remember where in the Bible I had read it. I greatly look forward to Luke!
I love Ps v 3, a beautiful song sings these words, i’m sure we all know it, one of my faves. “whenever i am afraid i will trust in You, i will trust in You. Let the weak say I am strong, in the strength of the Lord, You are my hiding place, You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance, whenever I am afraid i will trust in You….” i love it! (and part from Ps. 32:7)
as for the Q, yes, God saves me daily! I cant possibly put it all down, but i have put a lot down in former comments the past 6 months.
Jenny

======= Katie:

The Lord has rescued me many times, physically, emotionally, and mostly spiritually. The latest is I was irritated and angry with someone I’m very close to (who is a Christian) and I was deciding to take it out on God…. to keep it brief….. the Lord opened my eyes to the fact that I was in heading for some very bad stuff and offered me rescue from it.
I praise the Lord for His mercy and grace, His rescue and forgiveness.
Psalm 56:10″O God, I praise your word. Yes, LORD, I praise your word.” Isn’t the Lord so awesome for the roadmap He has offered us, wrapped in love, in the Word? I’m falling in love all over again with the wonderful Word of God. (That is part of the above-mentioned rescue)
Katie

======= Eileen:

I started to fast and pray with someone today, and I was praying that I could be totally faithful in what God wants me to fast and pray about. When I read the verses in numbers , I realize that when we are faithful in what we promise to do, God is faithful to fullfill His promise to us. When He does fullfill His promise, I don’t want to be proud and take credit for the miracles God will do I will give God all of the Glory! I am nervous about doing this right. Ps 56 was such an encouragement! Thank you Lord, because when I am fearful I will read your Word and I will not be afraid. Thank you for rescuing those who trust you!
Eileen

======= Anka:

I can’t help wondering why Moses slipped and Aaron followed.Both had been through alot with the Isaelites.During their journey,they saw God protect and provide for them yet once again Israel rebelled.Discontentment is deadly,so is pride.Moses had an intimate relationship with God,he spoke to Him face to face,he knew God would provide,surely Israel should have realized that too after all their experiences from Egypt.Did Moses have to deal with their discontentment and disbelief over and over…they should have known better…but they didn’t.
Moses’s relationship with God gave him a lot more to be accountable to God for.Just like we change diapers for a baby but would frown at 3year old who still has problems using a potty,God expects more from us as we mature in Him.
Moses may have been a humble man but he was human,and when he and Aaron said “we” instead of “God”…and presumed to get angry when God wasn’t…they put themselves above God’s word.
The Lord has rescued me from being ignorant of His ways,has opened my eyes to the dangers of lawlessness by His grace and mercy.I pray that we all may walk in the way of the Lord and that the book of law may not depart from our eyes,that we may meditate on it day and night.
God bless you all
Anka

======= Mae:

How about us in our lives today? Are there times when we disobey God’s direct commands to us? ~ I have to admit that I don’t recognize God’s direct commands all the time. Sometimes it’s waaaaaaaaay after the actual thing that I think “Ohhhhhhh right … that was God!”. Our pastor had a good point Sunday, he said: “The sweetest voice with the easiest command is MOSTLY NOT God. God is the one who wants you to take the hard way and learn a good and valuable lesson”. I’ll remember this forever!!!
I’m very excited about reading Luke! However I thought it was very odd that Zechariah didn’t believe Gabriel! I mean, there’s an angel, right in front of you!!! How did it happen that Zechariah didn’t believe him? If there’s an angel in church, telling me I’d have a baby within 9 months, I’ll believe him!
Hmmm … I can’t give one specific thing where God saved me. He just saved my entire life! He showed me the way to His house when I was at the lowest point in my life. Since I accepted Jesus in my life, it has been such a wonderful journey! I’ve become a better person! A better wife, a better mother, a better daughter, a better friend … I was alone before I was saved. I fought with everybody out of selfpity. God just saved me in a big way! He gave me a new life, I could start over again and I really needed that, cause I messed up my old life so bad. I praise and thank Him every day! I’m so happy now, I’ve never been so happy!
Mae

======== Kathleen:

Are there times when we disobey God’s direct commands to us?
There was a time when I disobeyed God’s direct command for myself but he kept commanding me all day to do it and finally I went over to my grandparents and said “Goodbye” to my poppa. I never said “Goodbye” in my life and I knew right then and there that I would never see him again. They were going on a fishing trip and he had been ill all summer and God wanted to make sure that I was there to say Goodbye. My poppa also knew that God sent me that day to tell him Goodbye. It was wierd that connection that we both had. I had spent everyday that summer with my poppa. That was in 1995. He passed away on July 5, 1995. Crazy how God speaks to us.
Psalms makes me happy just to know that God makes us happy. How awesome that we have the Bible to read. I don’t know what I would do if my ancestors wouldn’t of introduced me to Jesus and God. I have no idea where I would be today. : )
God has rescued me more then once. Both times I was depressed and didn’t want to go on. I just wanted life to end. I thought I could handle the fact that my poppa was gone and then he wasn’t here anymore and I couldn’t feel him or see him and life sucked. My heart was broke, I didn’t have a buddy to sit by in church to hold my hand in church. I didn’t have anyone to take me fishing. To let me know that I didn’t have my fishing rod up or down. Or anyone to say pull my finger ..hehe…the worst part is I lived alone and I didn’t really have any close friends so life really sucked. Then I met Darin and it was like life didn’t suck anymore I started to go back to church it took some time to get over the Amazing Grace and How great thou Art song but life was getting back to a normal for me. Now life is better. God is definitly good!!
Kathleen

======= Debra:

Thank you so much for this very informative and spirit fulfilling blog. May God continue to bless you as you spread his word.
Debra

======= Helen:

God had provided water from the rock before for His people. They still hadn’t learnt to trust Him as they grumbled again against Moses, just as they did before.This reminds me to thank God for what He has done in the past for me and others.
By remembering what He has done helps me to trust Him for now and the future.
Of course He may choose to do things in a slightly different way to the way He did things before. However by thankfully remembering what He has done it helps keep me in the right attitude towards Him and the situations/circumstances around me now.
Helen

======= Jo:

I remember reading your commentary on today’s New Testament story last year and it struck me profoundly both years. That and some other Bible studies that I read today reminded me to pray and that moment I did pray for something that has been bothering me for some time but that I have neglected to pray for seriously. A few minutes later I realized my prayer had been answered! I feel so foolish after seeing Him, He’s so great, gosh I can’t even say enough about it. Thank you Lord!
Jo

======= Tim:

God has rescued me physically and literally so many times in my half-century life, I’ve lost count. The most notable perhaps was in preventing me from being shot twice on different occasions, when I lived in a country village here in N. Ireland, in the worst of the early years of “The Troubles”. I know absolutely He protected me as on both occasions everyone marvelled that I hadn’t been hit but at the time I wasn’t a Christian and didn’t appreciate the events as I perhaps could have done and certainly have ever since coming to faith in the Lord 2 years later. There are, however, those times when you want rescued and He doesn’t come to your aid, but later you can see how providential that act has been, and how perhaps had He done so, you could have been in worse circumstances spiritually rather than better. I’ve learnt that He is absolutely close to those who are in trouble, but His Sovereign Will dictates the outcome more than our personal desires, because we cannot see the end from the beginning as He does. Blessings
Tim

======= Joyce:

I enjoy reading the comments, especially from learned people. However, I wish that more of the comments answered the question that was posed – today asking if God had ever rescued you. Since I’m going through a particularly tough time right now, with my husband’s unemployment, the recent death of my mother and difficulty selling her house, my job difficulties, the death of my son several years ago, not to mention mental illness in several members of my family, I look forward to someone who will post instances where God has rescued them unmistakably. I’m sure He has rescued me, but I can’t remember those times at the moment. Thank you.
Joyce

======== Dee:

Joyce,
you precious sweet woman of God! He hears and He listens to your situations and is and always will be there for you and me. God rescued me and is continuing to be such a present help in my time of hurt and trouble currently right now. I had a dream about a month ago concerning my eyes. It was a quirky dream, one of those you wake up, realize everything is as it should be and go back to sleep and not think about it again until it confirms or affirmates your suspicions or the thought becomes a reality, just like my dream, as silly or wierd as it could be became the reality or warning God was giving me. I went to an annual checkup with my spouse. He checked out fine, my eyes were the ones in question, I was sent to a retina specialist with a concern of possible retina schisis or retina detachment. I saw one specialist at the office, he thought the same as my opthomologist, and recommended me to his colleague who was more current and learned on this type thing, and it confirmed I had retina detachment, the same term and dream I had month or so ago, it took three “specialists” to see and confirm what the master physician knew all along. I have surgery next week to get it fixed and to get a little work on the other eye to prevent it from causing same problem. I was warned and I almost didn’t heed the warning. I was rescued by the hands of God and it let me know that I am loved by Him and as long as I trust in Him and put my cares in His hands He will guide my steps and my ways and come to my rescue everytime. So, you see Joyce, we all struggle and have trials go on in our life but it is what you do with the trials you receive, that make you who you are today. He said there would be trials and we would go “through” the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid, for thou art with me. (Ps 23) He is with us and He cares for us. Read your 91st Psalm and meditate on it alittle, He alone is my refuge, my place of safety. 91:2 He will cover you with His feathers, He will shelter you with His wings. 91:4 and verse 7 is wonderful: Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, those evils will not touch you., Verse 14 talks about rescuing in Psalm 91: The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in My name. 15, when they call on me, I will answer them, I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.
Bless you and keep you In Him all the days of Your Life, Joyce, know God loves You, He Cares, I Love You and the ministry of this blog cares and loves you sweetie!!
Be Blessed
Dee

======= Chris:

Joyce,
I’m in the midst of a rescue right now, and the blog is a part of it. After five or so years of great growth as a Christian, I have been in a very stagnant phase for about a year — very little time in the Word or in prayer, praise times that became rituals and entertainment, lots of wasted time playing Sudoku for hours on end, wondering if I was now retired because our business has been so slow for the past year or so, and more. Late last fall, in the midst of a Sudoku game, I heard my ice maker drop a few cubes into the tray. Say what? Well, my ice maker has not dropped ice for years [except once in a blue moon], and as part of a longer story, I’ll just say when I hear it, I immediately think of God, smile big time, and know He is with me. That’s my time to listen. I decided then and there that my stagnation would end. I prayed and I listened. I quit the Sudoku game and started searching for different reading plans. That’s when I happened upon the blog and knew immediately that I would do it this year. As you’ve seen, as it is a blessing to so many, it is a blessing to me.
Next, I visited a men’s prayer group at a neighboring church. I could tell immediately this was not for me, and I had no intention of going back — except that in my quiet times, I kept getting the message to go back. That was in December, and now it is another major blessing for me–to be with men of similar faith, praying for one another, for the church, and more. This was not a desire I had: it is definitely God’s hand in my life. Also in December, through a series of not-too-probable circumstances and a few closed doors, I was led to contact the chaplain at a local hospital. Came to be they were just about to start an orientation for volunteers to visit and pray with patients — and they had one more opening. I’m now a part of that team, being blessed week after week by patients in the oncology wing as they open their doors to me and together, and across faith borders, we pray together for their needs and desires. Time and time again, there are no words adequate for what need to be said, yet the words are always there — and they can only be coming from the Holy Spirit.
So it this a rescue? It’s surrendering to God, desiring to draw near to Him … and having Him lead me in ways I never would have gone on my own. My path was not a good one. It is now. May I never stray far.
God bless you Joyce, and may always know and rejoice in the mercy, grace, power, strength and comfort of Jesus.
Chris

======= Lily:

Numbers 19:1-20:29
Thanks Mike & Ramona for the insight on why Moses & Aaron did not get to see the promise land. That was one question I had while reading this chapter. It reminds me that sometimes we think (assume) that we are following God’s commands when in reality, it is our own wishes that we are following. In this busy & noisy world it is difficult to hear God’s voice nor see that God already answered our prayers. I remember the country song that I am paraphrasing “God’s answer to our prayers are unanswered prayers which means “No” is the answer. Like children it is hard to accept that sometimes “No” is the answer which is good for us and the people around us. I maybe going away from the message today.
Luke 1:1-25
With God, everything is possible.
Proverbs 11:8
I pray that God rescues not only the righteous from danger but those who are weak. I have a long way in my walk with God, and thus as I pray for myself, I pray for others too especially those who are separated from God to see God’s mercy and love.
God bless.
Lily

======= Steve:

Numbers 19:1-20:29
Moses strikes the rock twice instead of once and God punishes him by not allowing him to enter the promise land. Yes, this looks harsh at first glance because Moses has been faithful and humble consistently over the test of time. So what’s the big deal about striking the rock twice? The rock is Jesus and striking the rock twice angered God because Jesus died “ONCE” and for all, for our sins. Jesus is everywhere in the Old Testament, the more we study the word of God the more evident this becomes to us.
Do we sometimes (metaphorically speaking) strike the rock twice? Basically there are two types of anger, righteous anger and any other type of anger. Moses anger when striking the rock was not the righteous anger Jesus displayed when he turned over the tables of the money changers.
When Moses lost his temper, he momentarily lost sight of the big picture (God’s plan) and his pride overpowered his humility. Boy, can I relate to that one! Before losing my temper, my humility always goes AWOL first. It’s very hard to see humility evaporate and slowly be replaced with pride. Sometimes when doing the Lord’s work, maybe leading a loved one to Christ, we can put a fly in the ointment with our own pride and see our witness turn ineffective.
Steve

======= Bobbie:

Numbers 19:1-20:29
As I read this chapter ,I’d look at myself because of my condition w/ the hypertension but continue to ask God to be meek and lowly coz it always reminded me the impulsive Peter. We need to be eye open to what had happened in Japan. We must be vigilant in prayer and ask forgiveness for the unrighteous things we did. Prepare yourself to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew chapter 24 is already happening.We must have to wake up, get rid of what was happening and draw nigh to the Lord. He’s coming, He’s really coming get out from the worldly pleasures and go before the Lord. Do His Will and turn from the wicked ways. God’s Words is very, very, very true.Be jealous to God not to the world.
Bobbie

======= Chad:

Trust…Moses and Aaron had trust issues, and it resulted in them being forbidden from entering the “promised land.”
Trust…Zechariah had a problem with a trust issue when the angel, Gabriel, told him about John. He was unable to speak …
Trust…I’ll be thinking about this a lot today…
Chad

======= Dawn:

@Ramona – wow, nailed it! Your words hit home with me today – not sure why they resonated so much so, will go back and dive in to see what He was pointing me to
Dawn

======= Mitch:

OT – Ramona is correct regarding Moses striking rock instead of speaking to Rock.
Jesus is referred to as “the” Rock in dozens of Bible verses. Ex. 1 Cor 10:4.
Striking Rock in Exodus 17 is a picture of Jesus being smitten for our sins (Isaiah 53). The second picture – Because he died for us we get the living water of Christ.
Should have spoken to Rock in Numbers 20 as after Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have only to speak to Him to receive the Living Water of Eternal Life.
Moses did not obey God, messed up picture and lesson of Christ, and was punished. To those given much; much is expected.
NT – Zechariah was punished by God because He did not believe God’s Word, To those who know and are given much; much is expected.
Mitch

======= Dee:

Numbers 19:1-20:29
The Water for Purification
Now we start seeing some of the leadership and skills of Eleazer, Aarons son, and see some of the roles that are given to a high priest-He had to be given a clean, pure red heifer, take away from camp and watch it being slaughtered and the start the steps for purification process-dip finger in blood and sprinkle “7” times toward front of Tabernacle-then we come back to the stick of cedar, hyssop branch, and scarlet yarn-those are significant throughout Numbers in purification and cleansing-each atoning for the sin, the covering of blood (scarlet yarn) and all of our sins and defilement-its pretty neat but also a very in depth process in Old Testament, and I thank God for Jesus-the last sacrificial Lamb of God. It is neat though the significant numbers of seven and even three used over and over in the bible, the blood covering the door frames, the furniture, the people, sprinkled seven times, seven being the completion and on seventh day God rested(Gen..) three being the times the people had to be purified, on third and seventh and third day Christ death and buriel and resurrection took place on the third day. On third day, Lazarus rose from the dead..such neat tying in of God’s word and the perfection of these numbers and significance of what a number means in Gods eyes.
Chapter 20 of Numbers–
The thing that stood out to me was the response of the King of Edom, the no entry allowed-it made me think, “Why didn’t the Lord go ahead of them, and allow the entry to be made”, but then, I look at the verses in land of Kadesh, where Aaron and Moses both didn’t trust God and worked on their own might and not God’s so, therefore God stood back and is letting them learn the hard way-When we get in the way and take credit for God’s work, He will leave us to ourselves and His annointing at that time will leave also, so Moses and Aaron had to turn around and go another way.
in Luke–
awesome verse concerning John 1:15b He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth.
How great is that! interesting findings on meaning of John and Jesus names..
The word John means, “the Lord is gracious”
The word Jesus means, “the Lord saves”
Both prescribed by God-not chosen by human parents.
Throughout the Gospels, God acts graciously and saves His people. He will not withhold salvation from anyone who sincerely comes to Him.
Ps 56 verse 4, and verse 11
bears repeating,
I trust in God so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me?
Matthew 10:28-in reference to these verses above..
“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body;they cannot touch your soul.” Instead fear God, who controls this life and next.
Proverbs 11:8a, “The Godly are rescued from trouble”
–Even if good people suffer (goes back to Ps 56) -they can be sure they wil ultimately be rescued from eternal death. 
This should be a reassurance for the Godly–Cast cares upon the Lord, for He careth for You!!
Be blessed
Dee

Numbers 16:41-18:32 + Mark 16:1-20 + Psalm 55:1-23 + Proverbs 11:7
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

Worship Video: Today’s readings about Jesus’ resurrection reminded me of the terrific song “Christ Is Risen” by Matt Maher:

Do you believe Christ is Risen? Click here to Believe!

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

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

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Proverb today, have you seen in your life how your own strength can fail you?  Have you ever been strengthened by the Holy Spirit?  How are you able to discern when you are doing things from your own strength compared to when you are being strengthened by the Holy Spirit?  How do you surrender your own strength and instead rely on God’s strength?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

Numbers 16:41-18:32
There is something in today’s Old Testament reading that stopped me dead in my tracks. There is something I thought was a modern day phenomena even though I know that the “blame game” began back in the “Garden.” No where in the readings of the remainder of chapter 16 and the 17th chapter do the people take responsibility for their unbelief, their disobedience and their out right rebellion against the Word of God, they challenge leadership ordained by God every step of the way. No wonder they wondered for forty years. God couldn’t allow that kind of “murmuring” and complaining into the Promise Land.
A very funny evangelist said, “If you don’t believe the prophet of the house (meaning the Church you are attending) leave ‘cause your going broke if you don’t.” Well, the way she said it was very funny. How many of us tell the Pastor what to do or mummer against him because he should be doing it like this? And is our guide and model godly wisdom? No, it is the imagination of our own minds; after all I did get a degree from what of the top MBA programs (or the lowest) in the country. Shouldn’t that qualify me to run the church? A Medical Doctor once offered his services to serve in the ministry of my church. Now you must be a member for one year and have taken several required classes (New members; Spiritual Growth and a Service class) before you can serve and they have added a three-month boot camp to insure that you can be submitted to leadership. Well anyway they told him they would gladly use him but the only thing that had an opening for was to patrol the parking lot. He quickly withdrew his offer.
We jockey for church positions thinking that it will make us closer to God or that we will have influence, respect and power in the midst the people we serve. But we are not really looking to serve using the model Jesus put forth; we are really looking to be served. And with the responsibility that leadership demands, I’m not sure if I would want the job! Bottom line: We want the authority but we don’t want the responsiblity that comes with it. But God says, “Sorry, they are a package deal!”
Leviticus 18:
1The LORD now said to Aaron: “You, your sons, and your relatives from the tribe of Levi will be held responsible for any offenses related to the sanctuary. But you and your sons alone will be held liable for violations connected with the priesthood.
… 3 But as the Levites go about their duties under your supervision, they must be careful not to touch any of the sacred objects or the altar. If they do, both you and they will die.
Whoa! Back up just a minute. These people won’t listen to God yet those Aaron must supervises he’s responsible for if they don’t follow the command not to “touch” the sacred objects? The comment Jesus made about the generation always needing a “sign” becomes clearer about why he said what He said. The Miracles God worked through Moses and Aaron in Egypt weren’t good enough; the parting of the Red Sea wasn’t good enough and the Manna, the quail, the ground opening up and taking Korah and his crowd didn’t convince them that God was the true God and that Moses and Aaron was His representative couldn’t convince them then what would?
This is the statement that really has me stunned,
Numbers 17:
12 Then the people of Israel said to Moses, “We are as good as dead! We are ruined! 13 Everyone who even comes close to the Tabernacle of the LORD dies. We are all doomed!”
No, the reason they died was because they disobeyed, they were rebellious and they complained against God and accused Him of only wanting to take them out in the dessert to kill them. WOW! How much of this do I do? I need to stop and take stock of my activities and my self-talk. Am I following after this pattern? Do I need to fall on my face and ask forgiveness for seditious behavior?
Some thoughts of Paul to Timothy:
Desiring leadership (teaching)
6 But some teachers have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time arguing and talking foolishness. 7 They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they seem so confident. 8 We know these laws are good when they are used as God intended.(1 Timothy 1)
What James states:
1 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.(James 3)
Although I’ve read all the readings for the day, I’m just blown away by Numbers 16 and 17 and must spend more time mediating on these two chapters,
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Jeff:

There is a widespread belief that the final verses of Mark (16:9-20) were not part of Mark’s original gospel. For example, on this question my Study Bible says about these verses: “They are absent from important early manuscripts and display certain peculiarities of vocabulary, style and theological content that are unlike the rest of Mark.”
Perhaps we should not be too quick to accept this theory. Personally, I find that the vocabulary and style are very similar. Do you?
But the question of “theological content” is the most interesting one–here I think they must be referring primarily to verses 17 and 18 wherein Jesus’ final words before his ascension are: 17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
I think it is possible that early scribes were confounded by the idea that “those who believe” would be able to do these miracles (especially “drink deadly poison” without hurting themselves). Thus isn’t it also possible that they simply decided to delete these verses from their early manuscripts?
By “those who believe”, was Jesus referring to all believers? or simply to “the Eleven” disciples (see verse 14)? I think the latter is more likely, in which case understanding verses 17 & 18 becomes much easier to accept.
Jeff

====== Emily:

Yes, I do give my burdens to Lord and do believe that He is perfectly capable of taking care of them. But Im riven apart between the gospel of succcess and positivity as preached by the likes of Joel Osteen, Dr. Schuller and the one of repentence, wrath of God and suffering by others.
So, I wonder if I should be joyful and ambitious, not scared to make mistakes, experiment or I should sit in the corner, sulk and suffer for Christian ideals in this modern, material,’progressive’ , liberal and free world…in the hope that Jesus is coming back and I am going to live in Heaven forever?
I got no idea. And that’s what confuses me and makes me hopeless. Because I dont know what I can hope for.
Emily

======= Betty:

Emily,
I, too, often feel that the preaching of “success” and “postive thinking” does a disservice to most of us who have day to day tests of faith and struggles. The reality is that this world is full of trouble. But the truth is that in Christ, we have the upperhand and He is our eternal Hope. Yes, life is not easy but I believe God calls upon us to trust Him so He can increase our faith. We cannot dwell on the negative as if He is not worthy of our trust. Instead, we are to believe that victory in whatever form is possible through the power of God. So how does that translate on a day to day reality? Well, like Paul, we make the best of every situation we find ourselves in and find contentment and joy within that circumstance. Even in prison, Paul could sing, because he did not look at his circumstance, but look to God for his inner joy. Joy and happiness are not the result of our outside circumstances, but of our inner peace with God knowing He is always in control, always on our side, and there to carry every burden. Besides, in this world there will be tribulation, and we ought not love the world or what is in it. It is in our eternal hope of heaven that we need to look to in every circumstance. Thank God for His Holy Spirit who comforts us and the power He grants us to live victoriously!
Betty

======= John:

Emily,
“But Im driven apart between the gospel of succcess and positivity as preached by the likes of Joel Osteen, Dr. Schuller and the one of repentence, wrath of God and suffering by others.”
I am not sure who the latter preachers are that you refer to in your post.
After being saved and really “reading” the Bible, I found myself drawn to men who preached from the Bible, and on the “cross”, salvation, and the growth in Christian maturity. That growth has plenty of joy, happiness, peace, and love that comes from the Trinity. It also has testing, tough times, and pain in dealing with the journey to sanctification that will only be completed in heaven.
We are imperfect, and while we have a regeneration of the spirit, we still battle the flesh. Without the tough times we would never grow in spiritual maturity.
On the Christian radio networks, I like to listen to Erwin Lutzer, David Jeremiah, Chuck Swindoll, and the ministry of J. Vernon McGee (now deceased but they still broadcast his messages).
I read a lot of Ravi Zacharias (apologetic ministry), and John MacArthur.
If you are disappointed on what you have been “fed” – perhaps you might try listening to or reading some of these ministers.
All of these men (in my opinion) are scripturally based in their teachings. None of them seem to fall into the two categories of Biblical outlooks that you refer to in your post.
Whatever you do, stay in prayer, stay in the “Word”, and seek the guidance of God.
John

======= Peggy:

In todays reading Psalm 55:22 I even copied it so it will be a constant reminder. “Turn your worries over to the Lord”. Wow what a feeling, to know that that God will keep you going. I thank God that I walk with Him each day, without Him I would be nothing. Have a Blessed day.
Peggy

======= Oriane:

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you;he will never let the righteous fall”…I found great comfort in this verse in Psalm today, knowing that I am not alone and that the Lord will sustain me during this walk. The background on my desktop says “Casting the whole of your cares-all your anxities,all your worries,all your concerns, once and for all-on Him; for He cares for you affectionately, and cares about you watchfully” 1 Peter 5:7 (Amp). Today’s verse in Psalm stood out to me as it is very similar to this verse in 1 Peter. We have an amazing friend in Jesus and He helps us walk this Christian walk in this world filled with ‘crevasses’ and ‘steep hills’. How comforting it is to know that He will look after our burdens! God Bless.
Oriane

======= Andrew:

Re gospel of success:
A while ago Mike referred us to Principles of Priesthood (Leviticus 8-10) By: Bob Deffinbaugh , Th.M.
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=270
I learned some things about church and priesthood from that piece. It includes the following:
“When all human hope is lost, men still have the promises of God, backed by His power and by His character.
Here is the critical difference between the “hope” which the world offers me and the true hope which God offers. The world’s hope is a counterfeit hope, it is only a delusion. God’s hope is certain. Hebrews chapter 11 focuses on the biblical hope which sustained the men and women of faith in the Old Testament times, especially when all human hope was lost.
The world’s “hope” differs from God’s hope in the way it is spelled. God’s hope is spelled H O P E. The world’s “hope” is spelled H Y P E. Hype is furthered and fueled by success, while hope is promoted by failure. HYPE is confident of what men can do. Hope is confident in God, not men.
The sad reality, in my personal opinion, is that the church has all too often exchanged its hope for hype. We think that “success stories” build the hope of Christians, but the Bible suggests otherwise. It is those who are sick who turn to someone else for healing, as the afflicted turned to our Lord in the gospels. It is those who are sinners, who look for salvation in someone outside of themselves.
You see, when we as Christians view our hope as being synonymous and signaled by our successes, we have switched to hype, not hope. And the tragedy is that those who are afflicted and suffering are told (or it is at least strongly implied) that they must have too little faith, when it is these very trials which God has given us to strengthen our faith, just as He gave to those who are listed in the “hall of faith” in Hebrews chapter 11.
The failures of the Aaronic Priesthood caused men and women of faith to look to God for a better High Priest, and a better priesthood. It instructed the saints of old not to put their trust in men, but in God. Every failure which is to be found in the Pentateuch (and in all the Bible, for that matter) is recorded to cause us to distrust ourselves, and to place our trust more fully in God, who is worthy of our trust.
May God grant that we, like the Israelites of old, might learn from the failures of the old institutions that God always has a better way. May God grant us to see, and to believe that the better way has been finished by our Lord Jesus Christ, who is all sufficient, and who is worthy of all of our hope and trust.”
Andrew

======= Ramona:

Numbers 16:41-18:32
God has passed judgment on His people for challenging the leadership of Moses. Refusing to acknowledge that Moses is the one who God has chosen to lead His people, the folk continue to murmur and complain against Moses. “He is the one who is knocking off God’s people,” they fail to take responsibility for their own actions so there is a continual game of “Blame Shifting.”
The foolishness of man subverts his way [ruins his affairs]; then his heart is resentful and frets against the Lord. (Proverbs 19:3 AMP)
Moses’ own sister and brother, Israel’s leadership and now Israel herself continues to challenge the leadership God has put in place and they now accuse Moses and his brother Aaron of “knocking off” the people. Can we find ourselves doing this today? We are a fickle bunch. Like Israel most believers have made a conscience choice to not hear from God, we want someone else to do it (Exodus 20:19) then tell us what God has said. Yet when that person tells us “Thus saith the Lord,” we want to stone him/her or ignore the Word we have authorized him/her to receive from God. We are a seditious and rebellious bunch.
This Blog encourages and motivates people to read the Word of God, something that many of us have not done even for those who claim leadership or want to be leaders. It is a dangerous business to try to lead people who don’t know the Word of God for themselves when leadership is ignorant. Yet it is even more dangerous to submit to leadership without finding out the path you are suppose to take by reading God’s Word. How do you know if you are on the right path if you don’t know the Word of God? No knowing God’s Word may land you in a jungle somewhere drinking Kool-Aid spiked with poison.
But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. (Matthew 11:16-17 KJV)
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Ann:

Faith Is Like A Never-Ending Waterfall……How Quaint! This Proverb Motivates me ALOT!
Ann

======= Mae:

Verses 15 & 16 from Mark stood out for me “And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. 16 Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned”. ~ Awesome! It gives me so much power! I’m going on the streets again next Saturday and verses like this give me extra power! It’s my duty as a Christian to preach the Gospel, to share my testimony, let the world know how my life changed when I accepted Jesus as my personal Saviour! I love being on the streets … sing revivalsongs and songs of worship, talk to people about God … Awwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t wait till it’s Saturday!!!!!!!!!
Psalm 55:22 “”Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” ~ Me, as a former controll freak, had a hard time giving my burdens to the Lord. Thinking I have to do it all on my own … thinking I’m the only one who can help me. How weird does it sound when I tell you that I sometimes forget that I can give my burdens to the Lord? You know, something crosses my path and I automaticly panic and think I have to do it all on my own … that’s so stupid, eh? After a day or 2 stressing out, trying to solve this by myself, I think to myself “Uh … I can bring this to the altar!!!”. It’s not that I don’t trust God enough, it’s just me and breaking through my old stupid habit. So yes, I’m not a former controll freak, I’m a “controll freak on her way out of it”. LOL
I know God will have my back. He always had it, even before I was reborn. I trust God and I know that if something might happen that makes it feel like I hit rock bottom, then I know He’ll be there for me! He’s my heavenly Father! He’ll never let me down and I’ll never let go either!
Mae

======= Jenny:

Great readings, i read the passages then the blog and the same things stood out for me.
Also Ps. v.3-4 “Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the pressure of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me and in anger they bear a grudge against me. My heart is in anguish within me…” and vs. 12-14
“For it is not an enemy who reproaches me, Then I could bear it; Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me, Then I could hide myself from him.
But it is you, a man my equal, My companion and my familiar friend; We who had sweet fellowship together…”
this really speaks to me as a personal thing i’m going through today particularly.
Yes to all the above Qs. In fact just today i was trying to do things by my might, i was in despair and distress…i knew i was carrying something i wasnt meant to carry, i knew i was in the flesh. i allowed jealousy, bitterness and contempt to infiltrate me. I was despairing the to the point of wanting to die, the enemy whispering the cruelest things to me, i was weak and i just accepted it, i knew it was him and i was in the flesh. i finally allowed the spirit to take control (sometimes its so easy and sometimes soo hard to surrender control! sometimes i dont want to!) we gotta do it everyday, all day. or at least i do. Every morning I wake up in the flesh and my flesh is ugly! i know thats why God tells us to seek Him in the mornings.
Jenny

======= Art:

Mike, where do you find the illustrations that yiu use such as the one today, THINKING IN TERMS OF THE FUTURE? They are so great. Makes a point often better than writing! I’d like to know where to find them!
Thanks,
Art

======= Ted:

It took many years for me to see how I was relying on my own strength. We live in a society that measures our worth by our achievements. This worldly mindset had me running hard and frustrated most of the time. It seemed that every time I reached a goal there were many more concurrent demands on me that stole any joy out of that accomplishment. There was no time to celebrate because there was so much more to do.
As Jesus has revealed the Father to me, I have seen that any accomplishment or competence I have was given to me by Him. There is no need to boast in anything but the Lord Himself. After all, He said “It is finished” on the cross which says to me that anything and everything that REALLY needed to get done was done there.
Everyday I wake up to many demands. Giving those cares over to Jesus is the only hope I have. Living in my own strength sapped me of strength. Trusting on the Lord renews my strength.
I know when I’m not working in God’s strength when I haven’t included Him in what I’m doing. Paul talks about praying unceasingly and I believe he is showing us what it means to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. He also encourages us with these words “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” I’ve come to see that only God is true, noble, right, pure, lovely admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Isaiah says that thinking like this gives us peace “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”
What’s true for me is that I want the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and long-suffering that only God can provide. That’s really what I want more than anything else.
Ted

======= Lisa:

In the Old Testament, judgment fell in the form of instant death and a rod bloomed to show God’s chosen. Jesus cam to fulfill the scriptures. I am beginning to see that something changed after Jesus. To make all things new? We live in an age where “all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.” I don’t recall those words or any similar in the Old Testament. Except for the judgment of Annanias and Saphira, i don’t recall instances of God’s judgment of death. Others judged to kill for their reasonings. Perhaps we should take what is “bad”(goes against God’s word) as the burdens to take to the Lord in prayer, whether they affect us personally or not. For example, Has the immorality that holds our nation’s thoughts become so prevalent because we do not take that burden to God? How will they know Jesus if they do not see him in our lives? Jesus said that the people of the world take better care of their “stuff” We should take everything to the Lord in prayer and start by thanking him for his mercy. He gave us a mandate to go and tell the world, and I just don’t think that the world can see Jesus as He is through our efforts. It is something that we must pray and ask God to do that New Thing in us. Spend more time with Him, Know Him more, and the world will see Him more-through us.
Lisa

======= Nikki:

This bible study has been a blessing and great help to me and my husband who have been doing it since the first of the year.. i look forward to our time together in the Lord’s word..
Nikki

======= Raeann:

The Gospel of Mark is very similair to the gospel of Matthew. Jesus goes to the sea to start receiving his disciples. HE does numerous miracles from healing the sick, driving out demons, feeding the four thousand, people are drawn to HIM wherever HE goes in the land. HE walks on water and calms the storm. Many people believe in HIM, become HIS disciples and are saved. No one who met HIM could go away without having been changed. HE taught in parables and told HIS disciples there meanings. HE predicted HIS death more then once and tried to prepare HIS disciples for what was to come. The people of Jeruselum welcomed HIM with singing and praises one day and a week later HE was dead everyone having turned against HIM in the span of a single week. Praise God HE ascended on the third day to HEAVEN. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the Gospel of Mark.
Raeann

====== Chris:

Two verses that really stood out to me (one from yesterday) in Num 16 were vss 22 & 45 where we see Moses and Aaron falling face down on the ground, pleading with God for mercy. I doubt this would have been my reaction. “Smite away,” I probably would have thought, along with “These people are such a burden.” No wonder God calls him friend (Ex 33:17).
Chris

======= Bobbie:

Numbers 16:41-18:32
Whats happening in the Old testament is still the same at the very moment. Many are still saying negatives words to the pastor they have. These messages are very true they dont know that God chooses these men for him to feed his sheep. They are the Peter at present which the Lord chose to feed his sheep. I am also reminded that sometimes in my baby in faith I saw always the negatives of my Pastor but God talked to me and said ” You see the weakness of your Pastor, it means that your weaknesses is more than your Pastor so you need to pray for yourself and pray for your Pastor as well.Right now when I hear a words against our Pastor I always tell them that pray for yourself and most esp. pray for your Pastor. Thank you Lord for reminding me for your unconditional love.
Bobbie

======= Steve:

Mike’s question to us: “How are you able to discern when you are doing things from your own strength compared to when you are being strengthened by the Holy Spirit?”
This same question was posed to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones who answered “That is very easy, If you are preaching in the energy of the flesh, you will feel exalted and lifted up. If you are preaching in the power of the spirit, you will feel awe and humility”.
Steve

======== Ginny:

A wonderful book that delves into “proofs” that Jesus is “The Christ” is A Case For Christ by Lee Stobel. He uses a journalist format to reinforce his findings, disprove theories that try to debunk the Gospels and provide old testament references that point to Jesus.
Ginny

======= Greg:

Psalm 55 calls me to lay my burdens down. Please listen to Steven Curtis Chapman’s “At the feet of Jesus”.
“At the feet of Jesus I will lay my burdens down, I will lay my heavy burdens down”.
Greg

======== Jill:

Well put Ramona! Yes.. This is so true. The blame game. My don’t we grumble and complain when it comes to,our churches. Why don’t they have drums, why don’t we have more worship teams, why …why… Why… So people hop all over. All God wants is open hearts. It’s not about us it’s about Him. have one question. Why did Aaron staff bud and blossom? I wasn’t sure what it proved. Blessings to all. Jane
Jill

======= Russ:

If God is leading, I think sometimes we have to jump in and serve. If we are waiting to be perfected before we serve, we will just be waiting…
Russ

======= Robert:

Mark 16
The Resurrection
The Resurrection of Jesus is so important to understand by the Christian and we should look at all aspects of it when we can. I liked Mike’s commentary and 5 key guarantees. I took a deeper look at 1 Corinthians 15. There is an excellent 1 hour video by John MacArthur, “The Mystery of Resurrection”. It mostly deals with verses 50-58 but also on what “mystery” means.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/l5Y7BUqXk8I?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

There is a great explanation on “REASONING” about half way through the sermon. Here are some bullet points:
• Romans 1 says every human heart has built in the concept, “There is a God”.
• All reasoning is based on a cause and effect continuum. That is what thinking is. If you follow it back, you are going to find a need for a primary cause.
• That is why the theory of Evolution is such a devastating attack on human reasoning. It says: Nobody X Nothing = Everything.
• Romans 2 says every law is written in the heart of man. It excuses or accuses everyone.
Ramona: I really liked your take on the Doctor who didn’t understand the concept of service. It reminds me of Gene Simmons leader for the famous band KISS who did a TV reality show (2008), that had him serving as a parking attendant for the church’s school before they would baptize his child. Funny!
Robert

======= Grace:

God telling Aaron that He was his inheritance give me hope that God can and will care for my needs no matter how helpless ,I am. And cupped with the angel saying that He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead,this increases my faith that He live forever to be my inheritance, I need not to trust in mortals whose promises dies with them but commit my burden to the Lord and He will care for me.Thank God for He care for me.
Grace

======== Mitch:

OT – Numbers is a consistent story. Israelites grumble, then sin, God judges, and God punishes.
As the Creator of the Universe He has the right to judge (who else) and the right to punish. Especially His people who agreed in covenant (big deal in those times) to obey and worship Him as God. Again, you see God aggressively reacting to sin with Israelites before entering Canaan, after a long period of disobedience (Assyria and Babylon invasions), and Beginning of Church (Acts). Why? To show how serious he takes sin.
We are in a period of Grace now – God is patient and Romans 1 describes what happens to nations who repeatedly claim Him and then deny Him.
NT – Resurrection is key to evidence of truth in Jesus’ claim. Is it true? What is standard? Absolute or reasonable explanation? Dealing with ancient times – can we ever know anything absolutely? Perhaps like courtrooms we should go with beyond a reasonable doubt?
4 Facts Historians agree on:
1) Jesus (historical) died on the cross
(Multiple extra-biblical sources)
2) The tomb was empty (and location at time
Known – Joseph of Arimethea’s tomb and
he was member of Sanhedrin) (Jewish and
Biblical sources)
3) Disciples (Apostles) BELIEVED Jesus had
risen physically from the dead.
4) Why would avowed unbelievers – Paul and
James (Jesus’ brother) change their minds
and switch teams)?
If one could wrestle (honestly) with those four facts, the most reasonable explanation is Jesus rose physically from the dead. (After all, if He is creator of the universe, Resurrection is not that big of deal). AND if Jesus physically rose from the dead one should probably take what he says (and said) in Gospels as important truths.
Mitch

======= Dee:

I am blown away in say context as Ramona on the Numbers readings today. What I got out of it was this: Chapter 16, Here the Israelites were muttering again, accusing Moses and Aaron of killing the Lords people, the blame game 101, how many times have we done the same thing for something we did but won’t live up to our admitting we were wrong and the guilt and thus the repentance of it all. They didn’t feel any remorse! How sad!! What I got going further into this where Aaron with his incense stood between the living and the dead, was in coorelation with Jesus interceding for our behalf. Here we are born of our Mothers womb and then reborn into His creation, reborn again through the Blood and Sacrifice of Jesus. Aaron showed very well what it is like to mediate for the lost and dying world and God’s wrath simmered down, and in Chapter 17, the budding of Aarons staff-this brought to my thoughts the verse in New Testament: Matthew 7:16, By their fruit you will recognize them. What kind of fruit were the Israelites producing back then? What kind are we? hmmm..In Chapter 18, the tithing principle was still relevent even for the priests(ministers) of the day even though the only thing they were given (which is the most awesome as Mike said in commentary above) was they were given covenent of God-He was their inheritance! How Awesome!!Even though they don’t get paid, the money(s) that come into the tabernacle, some was given to the priest as a tithe, and then the priests were to give a tithe of a tithe to the Lords work and in ministry to the other Levites and daily needs of the temple. 1/10 was the Lords from the Levites inheritance, how awesome is that.. seed, time, and harvest shall occur..
Mark 16:1-20, This always amazes me when reading about the ladies going to the tomb and the grave being revealed and this time in Mark, there was only one angel there and spoke to go tell the disciples “and Peter” that Jesus isn’t there, He rose from the dead just as He said He would. The part about Peter being added in addition to just telling the disciples of Jesus’ whereabouts makes me feel humbled and blessed to be a Child of God. We aren’t perfect..Peter had his shortcomings and everybody had to be told about it for years on end, however Christ was saying, Peter, I know you did what I said you were going to do and I forgive you..You’re forgiven..I love you..I love my disciples and Yes even You Peter!! That is so precious, because without Christ being in the midst of us all we would all be so lost and wicked and blinded to the worldly influence and be alot worse off than we already are..Be Blessed! Isaiah 60:1, “Arise, shine, for your ‘light’ has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”
Ps 55: 1-23 I like verses 16-19, But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me. Morning, noon, and night. I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice. He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many still oppose me. God, who has rules forever, will hear me and humble them.
That is truly a blessing to hear.. Our Lord is with us morning, noon and night(oh the nights, when satan tries to tempt and try us) but we have been redeemed because our Lord is with us, we can take courage and strength from that ..He hears us when we are hurt or distressed, he comforts us, even in the midst of our dreams..God hears and listens to us carefully and will humble our enemies for our sake. Reminds me of 23rd Psalm, He preparest a table in the presence of our enemies..well, are we going to have enemies in Heaven? No!! Our tables will be set and we will have favor and be blessed right here, in the midst of these worlds events, God is going ot anoint us to do great and might things..much greater than He did while He was here, He said we will do greater!! Take that to heart and be blessed..
Prov 11:7, when the wicked die, their hopes die with them, for they rely on their feeble strength.
And God’s people, say,,”The Joy of The LORD Is OUR STRENGTH!!” Hallulujah..
Amen..Amen..
Dee

Numbers 15:17-16:40 + Mark 15:1-47 + Psalm 54:1-7 + Proverbs 11:5-6
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Old Testament – Today in Numbers chapter 15 we read about unintentional and intentional sins.  Verse 30 stood out to me – “But those who brazenly violate the LORD’s will, whether native Israelites or foreigners, blaspheme the LORD.” I have thought about this in my life in the past… and thought about that old phrase, “ignorance is bliss.”  While this phrase may seem true at first glance – ignorance is bliss – it’s obviously not “True” at all.  It is so much better to know godly Truth, than to be ignorant.  However… once we know godly Truth, what if we then consciously go against that Truth?  What if we “brazenly violate God’s will”?  This verse today reminded me that once we know Truth – and as we continue to grow in our knowledge of Truth and the Bible – we really should be much more intentional in how we live.  We know what godly living looks like.  We should not go back to our old ways of thinking or our old habits.  We know better.  And we most certainly should not think that “ignorance is bliss.”  It isn’t. 

“Trial By Fire” – ever hear this term?  I think this term may have gotten its genesis here in Numbers chapter 16.  Korah’s rebellion caused Moses to explain how this true trial by fire would go down in verses 4 through 7 – “Tomorrow morning the LORD will show us who belongs to him and who is holy. The LORD will allow those who are chosen to enter his holy presence. You, Korah, and all your followers must do this: Take incense burners, and burn incense in them tomorrow before the LORD. Then we will see whom the LORD chooses as his holy one.”  A trial by fire indeed occurs subsequently in this chapter.  Here’s how Boticelli depicts this scene of scripture in the Sistine Chapel in Rome (note that Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine – whereas other artists painted the walls – I just learned this just now!):

Verses 12 & 13 stood out as completely strange, as these 2 men had somehow now thought that instead of being a prison, Egypt was now in their minds a paradise?….  “Then Moses summoned Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, but they replied, “We refuse to come! Isn’t it enough that you brought us out of Egypt, a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us here in this wilderness, and that you now treat us like your subjects?”   I wonder if we do this in our lives?  Think that things that used to be so bad for us are now somehow good?  I know I’ve done this.  I’ve left situations or relationships or bad habits – knowing they were simply bad for me – and then later down the road I’ve sometimes thought to myself, “ahh… I miss xyz or doing xyz… I should go back to that.”  And I do.  And I regret it all over once again.  There is a somewhat obscure R.E.M. song that goes “Don’t go back to Rockville – and waste another year.”  I think of this song on occasion when I am tempted to go back to something I know I shouldn’t go back to – I sing to myself, “don’t go back to Rockville.”  Perhaps Dathan and Abiram should have been singing to themselves – “don’t go back to Egypt – and waste another year…”  What about you?  Is there an Egypt / Rockville or two in your life that you’ve left behind?  Are you ever tempted to go back?  Do you sometimes even think you might have been wrong about how bad things were back then…. that it might have really been a land flowing with milk and honey even!   Well, I know we’ll all have our moments of going backwards…. but I pray we see the True land of milk and honey in front of us that is only available through a relationship with Jesus and the Father – and that we won’t go back to our “Egypts”…

New Testament – It is interesting in the One Year Bible how we go through the 4 Gospels one after another in the beginning portion of the year.  In some ways it may seem repetitive – but I think repetitive is good when we’re talking about the story of Jesus…  we really cannot hear and meditate upon this story enough.  Also, what I like is the nuances of each Gospel – or maybe things that are indeed in a few of the Gospels that somehow just stand out to me in some new way in one of the Gospels.  Today is one of those days where something jumped out at me that I have not really noticed before – and that is Pilate in verses 9 & 10 – “”Should I give you the King of the Jews?” Pilate asked. (For he realized by now that the leading priests had arrested Jesus out of envy.)”  It’s interesting that Pilate used the term King of the Jews here – and again later in the narrative – and that he also had this term nailed to the cross.  And the question I have is this – did Pilate do this simply to try and irritate the leading priests?  I think this is probably the case.  But, I’m looking forward to some further study on this. 

Psalms – I like Psalm 54 verse 4 a lot – “But God is my helper. The Lord is the one who keeps me alive!”  Is this true in your life?  Is God the one who keeps you alive?  Or are you trying to lean on other things as your source of life?  I believe it is such a blessing to surrender more and more to God until we get to the point where truly this true for us – God is the one – and only – who keeps us alive.  I am not saying I am there yet – but I’m trying to get there.  I’m trying to surrender more and more each day to Jesus and the Father – all that I am – all that I am living for.  I pray that in your life and in mine God will be the one who keeps us alive!

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 11 verse 5 stands out as a powerful reminder to not even tell white lies! “The godly are directed by their honesty.”

Worship Video: Our readings today about the crucifixion of Jesus reminds me of the song “Jesus Paid It All” sung here by Celtic Worship (with bagpipes!):

Do you believe that Jesus Paid It All for you? Click here and Believe!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate. “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied.” Mark 15:2 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that Jesus is your King today and forevermore. Pray that you will always submit to your King, Jesus.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Proverb today, how about you?  Are you directed by honesty?  Do you place honestly as a major guiding principle in your life?  Do you ever catch yourself telling white lies?  Do you confess these to God and to others?  Do you think we should we confess white lies? Why or why not?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

Numbers 15:17-16:40
Everywhere I look in the 15th chapter, I see reminders that we are a sinful people. We are sinful not so much because we are so very bad, which we are, we are a rebellious people, but we are sinful because we live in a world of sin. Since man’s fall in the garden, we are surrounded by sin. That is the unintentional sin talked about in this chapter and in the first five chapter of the Book of Leviticus.
To sin, in both the Greek and the Hebrew means to “miss the mark,” and no matter how much we aim for the Bulls Eye, we will not get it every time even if we are highly trained marksmen. We sin as a community; we sin as a family, we sin as individuals, there is no avoiding it.
1 John 1 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
This is something we don’t like to do because we don’t want to admit guilt for anything because it really wasn’t our fault. That is the cry of our heart. But that misses the whole entire point, compared to the “In the Beginning …” we have and will continue to “miss the mark,” until Jesus comes back in the Second Advent. We are so hung up, including me, on not being tagged with the “S” word that we don’t realize that these Laws, and now Jesus’ death burial and resurrections is to get us back to the “In the Beginning …” state so that we have unbroken fellowship with God. God and sin cannot hang out together. This is the first time I’m seeing this connection and this is the first time I have some semblance of understanding of what sin really is, it is anything or condition that is out of alignment with “In the Beginning …”
In chapter sixteen we have Korah and his crowd who wanted to be large-and-in-charge. The problem with Korah is that others allowed his bitterness to infiltrate their hearts and he took them down with him. One of the things I noticed in this little large group of people is “God ain’t running no democracy.” He is the One who gives gifts; He is the one who places people in their assignment no matter what you think about yourself. God doesn’t practice multiculturalism and He doesn’t take into account ethnic differences and preferences with the administration of His Laws and Sacrificial systems. The Law applied to everyone living in the soon to be occupied Promise Land, Israel.
God knows us; He created us. He knows what we were designed to do. He knows our strengths because He created them. This may not seem fair when we decide we don’t like our assignment and want to do something else or we envy someone else’s assignment, we become like Korah. If our Television decided it wanted to be a vacuum cleaner, maybe it could be worked on to do a little vacuuming; however, it would be ineffective, inefficient and way out of order. So too are we when we do not do what we have been gifted to do, we are out-of-order. Our life’s homework is to find what we were created to do and do it or else we may find ourselves swallowed up in the futility of our own envy and jealousy.
Mark 15
Just think, Jesus became the Sacrificial Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world, our sins, my sins, your sins. Accepting His shed blood by receiving Him into our hearts and lives brings us back to the “In the Beginning …” state. However, our walk my cause us to get dirty and that is why 1 John 1: 8-9 (see comments on Numbers above) is so very wonderful.
Everything he endured with the trial, the beatings the humiliation he did to set us free from the cords and oppression of sin. [Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.] That joy that Jesus that Jesus fixed His eyes on to endure the events we saw in the Passion of the Christ, was our redemption. Let us understand how valuable and how loved we are by God for Him to allow Jesus to take on flesh and to die, once, for us all as the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. Hallelujah!!
Psalm 54:1-7
4 But God is my helper.
The Lord is the one who keeps me alive!
5 May my enemies’ plans for evil be turned against them.
Do as you promised and put an end to them.
6 I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you;
I will praise your name, O LORD,
for it is good.
7 For you will rescue me from my troubles
and help me to triumph over my enemies.
Sometimes we forget and think folks are our enemies, folks are just folks just acting like folks, sinful folks. Funny how we can tag certain people as our enemy and they can be believers also. And as we look at them across our line of scrimmage, they look back at say, at us, “What kind of Christians are they?”
This is our enemy, not folks:
11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Proverbs 11:5-6
5 The godly are directed by their honesty; the wicked fall beneath their load of sin
We were not made to carry sin with all its weight and its ultimate end, death.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Pat:

I can’t help but compare our readings in Numbers and Mark today and feel so blessed to be born under the New Covenant of Jesus Christ. Under the Old Covenant, as addressed in Numbers, no one could approach and communicate directly with God except Moses and Aaron. The Israelites had to go through the Levites to make atonement, and the Levites then had to go to the priests with the atonement requests, and then the priests had to go to Moses or Aaron if there was a message that the people wanted delivered directly to God or a question they wanted answered. When Christ died on the cross and the veil to the Most Holy Place was ripped from top to bottom, it freed all of us to commune directly with God. No longer do we have to rely on someone else to make atonement for us because Jesus Christ truly set us free! Jesus Christ took our atonement directly to the grave with Him and He opened the door to a personal relationship with God. Praise the Lord!
Mike, I too am plagued by white lies. I find myself telling them if it is something that I know will make another person feel good even if I don’t truly believe it. These are lies like some one being excited over their new hairstyle and then asking me if I like it. I always smile and say, “It looks great” when I’m really thinking “You should have left it alone.” I always feel guilty when I do that and ask God to forgive me but I’m also honest with God and tell Him that I’ll probably do it again for I have never learned how to tactfully get around a situation like this when I know the joy the white lie will bring to someone else. Maybe some of you in this Bible Blog will know a way to get around these white lies and can share it with me.
Rob, I have always struggled with my feelings regarding Judas. I know that the betrayal had to happen in order for the Scripture to be fulfilled, but my heart has always grieved for Judas being the one who had to do it. Even though Judas was doing what had to be done, I don’t think he will be treated as a martyr because Mark 14:21 says, “The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays that Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
God Bless,
Pat

======= Micah Girl:

The whole episode with Korah and fire and the earth swallowing up disobedient followers is hard to wrap my brain around. If I were swallowed up when I disobeyed, I think I’d have been gone a long time ago. And yet we still know that God is slow to anger and abounding in mercy. One thing the Bible does not do is allow us to fall asleep when we read it faithfully. My comfortable view of God is always being challenged and expanded.
Micah Girl

======= Anka:

The Lord is my helper….we talked about the disciples in church yesterday.They were used to seeing Jesus with authority over demons,heal the sick…feed thousands…now when faced with the crowd he did nothing,when accused,he didn’t defend himself.His accusers laughed at how he save others yet he didn’t save himself.Yet he was doing something…he was saving us.In times when nothing seems to make sense,everything seems to be going wrong…it’s that time maybe to be still and know the He is our helper..He’s not not lost control,he’s still got the last word…ALL things work together for our good.
God bless you all
Anka

======= Jenny:

I agree with what u wrote about the term ignorance is bliss. In some cases it is, but not in spiritual ones. If I hear a tasteless joke or term that has a double-antandra and I don’t get it n someone tries to tell me, I say, no don’t tell me. I don’t want to know those things. But spiritually, ignorance is dangerous.
Powerful readings in Numbers regarding Korah! Don’t mess with God! You will lose!
The sons of Eliab wanted to go back to Egypt the “land flowing with milk and honey”. The land was not flowing withy milk n honey, they were miserable there…but they imaged they were better off. I believe every believer faces this temptation. Sometimes when things aren’t going right we look back on our days “in the world’ with almost a fondness as if things were easier then (lies straight from satan). We forget we were miserable there and God freed us. So if we dare to turn back, we sure get what we asked for and end up miserable.
In Mark, this truly breaks my heart, every time I read the account. I’m so not worthy of this. I surely don’t understand God’s full love for me/us. The torture, the shame, and yet He loved the very ones that did this to Him (which was actually all of us). Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple was a rich man and used the tomb he had reserved for himself to bury Jesus in. He knew the tomb would soon be empty =). Interesting the women were there in the distance watching, where were the disciples? They all scattered.
I turn to my study Bible notes in Pilate’s ‘King of the Jews” inscription above Jesus which is addressed in v. 26:
“Inscription of His accusation…..The crime for which a condemned man was executed was written on a wooden board which was fastened to the cross above his head. Jesus’ inscription was written in Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek.
“THE KING OF THE JEWS…. Since Pilate had repeatedly declared Jesus to be innocent of any crime, he ordered this inscription written for Him. Whether Pilate’s intent was probably neither to mock or honor Jesus, he certainly intended it as an affront to the Jewish authorities, who had given him so much trouble. When the outraged Jewish leaders demanded the wording to be changed, Pilate bluntly refused. A comparison of all four gospels reveals that the full inscription read; THIS IS JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS”.
Psalms. God is for sure the one who keeps me alive, Him and Him only! And I don’t mean merely He gives me breath, but gives me true life. I cant think of anything else I depend on so fully as to say it keeps me alive. In comparison to the glory of God and the true life He gives His children who abide in Him, there is nothing that comes close! For me, He is the reason I live, and remain alive as long as I have; I have nothing else that comes close!
I do still tell lies at times. I have had to confess to the person I lied to and to God. Some ‘white lies’ are a sticky issue. Like if a friend asks about their physical appearance, say, if I like their new outfit and I don’t, I’ll try to be tactful and not say I love it, but sometimes I do. if I don’t like it, I wont offer up a false compliment, but if they ask I don’t want to hurt them! So, that’s a tricky question, we aren’t to be rude, but we aren’t to lie. But I think honesty is one of the most important things, to be known as an honest person, not merely by men, but by God. I rather be honest n suffer the consequences. At the end of the day, its God I am accountable to!
Jenny

======= Mae:

Reading Numbers made me think about our Pastor, we had somebody in church who wanted to be ‘the leader of the church’ as well. Our Pastor is only 36 years old, this other man was passed 40 and he thought he didn’t have to listen to our Pastor only because he was older. He couldn’t handle the fact that ‘the boss’ was younger than him. He and his family left to another church of hours. I think that’s just so silly. I mean, it’s God’s choice that our Pastor is our Pastor. We need to have respect for the Pastor, not only because he’s ‘our leader’, but God pointed him out to be our Pastor.
Psalm 54:4 “But God is my helper. The Lord is the one who keeps me alive!” ~ powerful and o, so true! The Lord is keeping me alive, defenitly! I gave my life to Him when I made my choice to accept Jesus. Reading His Word makes me open to whatever the Lord wants me to do. My quiet time with the Lord is the time when I get revelations.
Psalm 54:7 “For you have rescued me from my troubles and helped me to triumph over my enemies”. ~ Sad but true … following God makes you get some enemies along the way. People who want to run away from God, run away from you. God rescued me from feeling awful when people rejected me. He thought me “they’re not rejecting you, but rejecting me”. I’ve come to learn that this is very true. I can leave it behind me, just by knowing this.
Proverbs 11:5 “The godly are directed by honesty; the wicked fall beneath their load of sin”. ~ Well, this pretty much sais it all. I sometimes think that the wicked don’t think they sin. They create their own ‘honesty’ and live like that. But yes … as soon as they fall, they’ll know what they’ve done wrong. And think back to the time they had the opportunities to make their wrong right.
Mae

====== Rob:

Hi Mike and all other OYB blog friends,
I would like to share some thoughts on today’s reading….
First of all about what Mike wrote about repetition: “…but I think repetitive is good when we’re talking about the story of Jesus…” I agree and I sometimes marvel at the number of times the Gospels have been studied by so many people through the centuries. Just reminding myself of that, makes me feel honored to be part of that lineage. Now and then I can almost feel the power and wisdom of that lineage while studying the Gospels.
And a thought about Mark 15:9-15: Last week I saw a Dutch poster that said: “We moeten de waarheid niet verwarren met de mening van de meerderheid” or translated: “We should not confuse the truth with the opinion of the majority”. Wow, a pretty accurate description of what happened before Pilatus.
Last but not least about Mark 15:23: “They offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. I read in a book that a mixture of wine and myrrh was in those times used to relieve pain. Bible.org says the same: “…whoever gave it to him most likely did so in order to relieve his pain, but Jesus was unwilling to take it.” Jesus chose to experience the pain to the fullest. I found myself wondering about the type of pain that was so torturing. The physical pain or the sins of all mankind (the wrath of God) that Jesus was carrying for us since Gethsemane? I know I would have taken the wine in my life (drugs, alcohol, food), but since I try to just experience the pain (trusting Jesus to give me the strength to do so), much healing has taken place. Thank you Master Jesus for your example!
To wrap up this comment, I was wondering what your thoughts are about Judas. The more I study the bible, the more I see that his role has been crucial in fulfilling the prophecies of the OT. Was he a brave man (maybe even the most loved disciple of Jesus), a martyr, or a plain crook? What are your thoughts on this?
All the best,
Rob

======= John:

Rob,
Judas
God has and will always use, in an imperfect world, evil and/or non-believers in fulfilling His plan.
Ex. Pharoah who was foretold by God and did perform exactly as said in dealings with Moses. Asssyrians who were foretold by the prophets and did capture Northern Israel. Babylonians who were foretold by the prophets and destroyed and captured Southern Israel. Judas who was foretold by the prophets/psalms and did betray Jesus.
======================================================
Luke 12:48b “…From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” NIV
What was Judas given and entrusted with? Three years + of being a part of the closest group to Christ and hearing His teachings. Judas was entrusted with the “purse/money” of the group. First hand (eye-witness) evidence of the signs and wonders performed by Christ – AND Judas was sent out as one of the twelve, where Judas – himself – was part of Matt 10:8 “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,drive out demons.”
Yet Judas went ahead and betrayed Jesus. Just goes to show that signs and wonders never convert anyone, even when “one” is given the power to perform the signs . It is only when the heart is right and one turns to God.
Judas’s heart was not right. He was a thief (John 12:6), and my belief is that all along, while believing Jesus was the Messiah, his desire was for Jesus to lead a revolt against the Romans. When it was clear that was not going to happen – Judas decided to force Jesus’ hand and pick up a little money on the side.
======================================================
This non-belief and a heart not turned to God gave Satan the opening he was looking for in getting to Jesus.
John and Luke (the historian) make clear that money was not the motivating factor, it was Satan. All believers can be prompted by Satan, but no believer can be possessed by Satan. “entered” in the Greek with demons or satan always indicates possession (also in Mk 9:25 and Luke 8:30 with “Legion”). Satan motivated and manipulated what was already an evil heart given over to sin.
John 13:2 The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus.
John 13:27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.
Luke 22:3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.
======================================================
Yes, Judas experianced “remorse/regret”
Matt 27:3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders.
The Greek “metamellomai” does not meant heartfelt remorse like Peter experianced, but a regret for one’s actions. Judas probably did not want it to go this far, and perhaps he feared revenge from the apostles (conjecture). Regardless, Judas did not turn to God and repent – but committed the ultimate selfish act (suicide).
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Look, we are all sinners, and prior to salvation have a hard and evil heart. If we do not accept Christ as our Lord and Savior – we will be seperated from God at death (hell). Judas did not repent, and he is in Hell. How bad is his level of punishment in Hell? The more you know and reject Christ – the worse it is – and Judas was exposed to everything. No wonder the Lord said:
Mark 14:21 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
[Also repeated in Matt 26:24. Why? I believe Matthew wrote to the Jews, and Mark wrote to the Romans(Gentiles) – thus the whole world should be clear on this position on Judas.]
======================================================
After it was all over and Peter was talking to the believers in the room in Acts 1, Peter refers to Judas
Acts 1:25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.”
“left” in the Greek means turned aside from, walked away from, abandoned.
Judas knowingly and willingly rejected Christ, and he is now where he “belongs” – the place for all people who reject Christ.
Sorry, Rob – there is no way that I can find Judas to be a sympathetic character.
John

======= Art:

It’s *amazing* to think of Psalm 54 representing not only David’s experience, but also Jesus’ during his Passion (e.g., as we read today in Mark 15).
In particular, Psalm 54:3: “Strangers are attacking me; ruthless men seek my life — men without regard for God.”, followed by v.6 as Christ goes willingly to the cross: “I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, O LORD…”
Wow. Just wow. Imagine those words coming from the Son who was with God from the beginning!
And that’s not to mention how this all dovetails neatly with today’s Proverbs reading when one thinks about those hurling insults at Jesus as he suffered. In doing so, they brought themselves and not Jesus down to ruin.
Art

======= CJ:

I have to admit that passages like today’s make me wonder. I know people who do not think the Bible is the literal word of God, that it’s been tainted by men and thus is not inerrant, that men project onto God their own beliefs, etc. in the Bible. The passage today about God telling them to kill the guy who broke the Sabbath is one of those tough passages. Is this just an unpleasant aspect of God that we must just accept? It seems so harsh & unfair. Or is there maybe more to the story or context than we get in the passage? Does anyone have any thoughts on this or other tough passages?
CJ

======= Art:

Yeah, I had trouble with that one too, CJ. I think it’s natural to take anything we read — in the Bible or elsewhere — and try to fit it into a context we know, even if it’s not the same.
It’s much harder, even reading from the beginning, as we are, to really get oneself into the context of that time and that place and those people and see it from God’s perspective.
The best I’ve been able to do is this:
God, as the author of life, has a very different relationship with death and killing than we do. For all we know, he killed someone physically, as in this passage, then attached Christ’s forgiveness to them and restored them to everlasting life. Or not. We just can’t know.
But we do know that he’s capable of doing that, and that He is merciful and just. If we say: “well, He’s merciful and just except for here and here and over there”, then what we’re doing is setting ourselves up as the arbiters of what is just and — while I know I can’t understand God’s ways fully — I do know that my being judge of such things is a really bad idea.
It’s also true that we treat children very differently from adolescents and different still from when they become adults. When my kids were young, there were times when I had to yell (“stop! don’t go into that road!”) or get physical (“don’t put your hand on that hot stove!”, “do not pull the cat’s tail!”… slap; grab) in order to protect and love them.
I did not need to employ such tactics as they matured and became wiser. Looking at the story of the Bible, it’s not the case that humanity got any less evil, but perhaps God’s plan for making his historical points has gotten subtler. I just don’t know.
One final thing is that we tend, in the 21st century, to interpret everything, including justice as applying first and last to the individual. The idea of doing something for the good of society has gotten a bad rap because those purporting to dish it out do not bring divine power and perspective to the job.
Anyway, just my thoughts…
Art

======= Steve:

Numbers 15:37-40 The LORD said to Moses, 38 “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. 39 You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. 40 Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God. 41 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD your God.
These blue tassels that hung from the bottom of the Israelites garments made me curious enough to search through several commentaries to find why they wore them. The tassels sewn on the bottom of the Israelites garments were intended to remind the wandering Israelites to think about what heaven will be like. The Bible refers to blue as the color of heaven. Thinking about what heaven will be like keeps us on track with eternal thoughts instead of the temporal thoughts; it keeps us focused on the big picture rather than worldly temporary distractions. It also makes difficult times here and now bearable by knowing that this broken world we live in is only a temporary stop on our way to heaven, where everything is in perfect working order and will stay that way through all eternity.
The wandering Israelites had come out of Egypt which symbolically represents the ways of the world and had wandered in search of the promise land which represents heaven like the Garden of Eden represents heaven (but of course isn’t). Egypt in a sense took care of all the needs of the Israelites without them having to depend on God, Egypt provided shelter, food and protection but also put them in bondage as slaves. Those blue tassels were to remind them that even though it seems harder to depend on God for all our provisions, we are free and no longer in bondage to the injustices of this world.
When the Israelites lost sight of what those blue tassels represented they went off course becoming dissatisfied, depressed and without hope. This is what happens when we lose sight of heaven. The key to a fruitful meaningful life on earth is to live for heaven.
Steve

======== Jeffrey:

Steve, you are correct in that we should live for heaven, as in some ways, we are already there:
Ephesians 2:4–8
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, (ESV)
Thanks for such a well thought out post
Jeffrey

======= Patty:

Steve, interesting about the blue tassels symbolizing heaven! I had researched the clothing tassels a few years back and discovered they are also called prayer tassels. Praying in dependence to an utterly faithful God is our source of refuge, strength, and guidance. All throughout the Bible, and particularly in Psalms, we are reminded that God is our strength—not man or self, not human wisdom and perceived strength.
In Psalm 57 and 91 (and others) it says that the LORD is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust…under “his wings,” in the shadow of “his wings” you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. The word for ‘wings’ in the original language also meant “skirt” or “corner of a garment.” This referenced the 4-cornered prayer shawl or ’tallit’ of the Hebrew man to which the highly symbolic prayer tassels were affixed. To find refuge ‘under His wings’ symbolizes finding refuge in prayer and the presence of God and finding strength in His protection and sovereign authority.
Patty

======= Jim:

Steve,
Well said brother, I find this true in my on life. Losing sight of God’s purpose, our final destination, but He is with us now to endure the season we are in, joyful or sorrow, trials or self-inflicted. God’s people were delivered from slavery, but still looked back. As believers we were delivered from slavery, but when we take our eyes off God, our adversary is willing to lead us astray. May todays reading steer us back to Him.
Also, following the quotation of Mark 15:9,10; further sturdy was suggested. Consider starting with Isaiah 52:15 and then expanding to the whole of Isaiah 52:13 thru 53:12. A connection/study group with whom I am involved is at this point right now. I’m suggesting that Pilate’s words are simply partially fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy.
Jim

======= Russ:

I must say, the Israelites were some hard headed people. no matter what God did, they still ended up doubting and turning their backs on Him. I pray that none of us will be that hard headed. Although, I must admit, there have been times that I was…
Russ

======= Robert:

Numbers 15 and 16
Truth
What is truth? I agree with Mike that once we know truth our sin is revealed and we stand convicted. I wrote an essay on truth some 15 years ago and did a horrible job. Even with research I couldn’t get it. I was like Pilate when he asked Jesus, What is truth? And then walks away without waiting for Jesus to answer. (John 18:38). Human arrogance and ignorance.
In reading about the rebellion today I was reminded of how God will sometimes take extreme measures to insure his chosen people are reminded of who He is and to follow His plan. How often have I gathered wood on a Sunday? (Numbers 15:32-36). In many ways we are the same insolent, independent and rebellious people today. All the more reason to study the Word and ask the Holy Spirit to show you truth. Maybe tassels on my jacket would help. Thanks Steev for finding out more about those tassels – to remind us of what heaven will be like!
I like what Albert Einstein said, “Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.”
Robert

======= Dee:

The beginning of Numbers today, 15:17-29, makes me think of Hosea 4:6, my people perish for lack of knowledge, which however, God doesn’t smote them for not knowing, they just did unintentional sin, because they didn’t know. I believe in the OT, their way of knowing and hearing was hooked up through Moses and Aaron ciphering out what God told them, they were in OT, what our Bible and Jesus is in NT and in todays world. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God, they grew faith muscles, and/or were growing faith muscles and probably didn’t even know or comprehend back then what was transpiring.
In Numbers 15:32, I thought at first that this punishment was pretty harsh, and then I looked back up above it, in verse 30, But those who brazenly violtate the Lords will, whether native born Israelites or foreigners, have blasphemed the Lord, and they must be cut off from the community. God has His reasons behind all of this, which rather directly ties in to the Proverbs message, about white lies and honesty, the picking up of wood on Sabbath, may have seemed like in reference to a “little white lie” something insignificant that wouldn’t hurt us, when in fact, a sin is a sin is a sin..Gal 6:7-9 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Dee

Numbers 14:1-15:16 + Mark 14:53-72 + Psalm 53:1-6 + Proverbs 11:4
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today in Numbers chapter 14 we read about Joshua and Caleb’s bold faith.  They were ready to move into the Promised Land!  Again, similar to my thoughts in yesterday’s post, I wonder if sometimes in our lives, when we are on the brink of something new & something big – that is of God – are we like Caleb & Joshua, or are we like the Israelites?  Are we ready to move forward quickly and decisively on toward what God is giving us?  Or, are we putting on the brakes and starting to complain?  Do we sabotage ourselves?  This is a tough question to ask ourselves I realize.  But I think that if we honestly look at our life, we can oftentimes be more like the Israelites in this chapter – putting on the breaks and really becoming the cause of my own problem…  I pray that I can have faith like Caleb and Joshua.  I pray that I will boldly move forward to what God is calling me toward.  How about you?

Bible.org has a powerful commentary about our recent readings in Numbers titled “Israel’s Failure at Kadesh Barnea” at this link.

New Testament – Today in Mark chapter 14 we read an amazingly powerful statement from Jesus in verses 61 & 62 – “Then the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the blessed God?” Jesus said, “I am, and you will see me, the Son of Man, sitting at God’s right hand in the place of power and coming back on the clouds of heaven.”  Wow.  This is it.  This is a statement that changes everything.  The question for us is this – is this more than just a statement from Jesus? Do you believe this is Truth?

Psalms – If you’ve ever asked yourself – or ever been asked – why do we need a Messiah?  What is our need of Jesus?  Well, I think this question is clearly answered in verses 2 & 3 of Psalm 53 – “God looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if there is even one with real understanding, one who seeks for God. But no, all have turned away from God; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not even one!”  This is why we need Jesus.  With Jesus, we indeed seek for God.  With Jesus, we are blessed with the Holy Spirit to begin to have some real understanding.  Today’s Psalm reminds me of a powerful blog posting from Tim Challies I recently read titled “Real Guilt and Sinfulness,” which you can read at this link.

Proverbs – We read a powerful Proverb in chapter 11 verse 4 today – “Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living is a safeguard against death.” What are you focusing your life on?  Is right living one of your focuses?  Think it should be?  (right living through your faith in Jesus of course – not “trying” or “working” to live right on your own will or power…) 

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the song “Wake Up Sleeper” by Austin French:

Are you asleep? Click here and come Awake!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “The high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Mark 14:61-62 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray in your heart that you know Jesus as your Christ, the lamb of God who died for your sins and was resurrected, sitting now at the right hand of the Father. Pray for Jesus’ return in glory. Pray, “Come Lord Jesus, quickly Come!”

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

Numbers 14:1-15:16
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20).
God had delivered Israel from the bonds of slavery and oppression, yet here they were accusing God of taking them out into the dessert to kill them. Despite all evidence seen with their eyes and heard with their ears, they still accused God of trying to kill them. The two people that brought back a “good” report about their ability to take posses the Promised Land, they wanted to stone, Joshua and Caleb. These two men knew who their God was and knew that it was Him who would fight for them not they themselves.
The Israelites were spared because of God’s name and be a witness to His ability to protect, but also because Moses interceded for them. Here we also see that our sin can be pardoned but the consequences of sinful actions must be played out. To often we think that God forgiveness means, “crop failure” for our consequences, that is not so. God spoke about the cycle of seasons in Genesis and it is a foundation that will never be removed as long as the earth remains. [While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. 9Genesis 8:22)].
Upset that they “blew it” a few try to go to take the land but God is not with them so the enemy chases them. Lesson: Not matter how sincere one might be if God is not with you, you will fail even if you are sincere, you are sincerely wrong. It’s all about obeying the voice of the Lord.
Mark 14:53-72
Jesus’ trial was all about appearances. Those placing him on trail were never interested in Truth, just the facts as they saw them. If they and the people accepted Jesus for who he was, they would have no more jobs. They would not be able to partake of the sacrifices brought to the temple thus their pockets would be empty. They went after the facts, as they saw them, but not the Truth of God’s Word. A crowd, a consensus, a majority vote does not equal Truth: it never did and it never will. Neither does having a lot of facts equal truth. In a trial, lawyers put forth a lot of facts but is any of it truth?
Peter, who told Jesus he would never abandon Him that he would die with Him, finds out the truth about himself. He realized that the facts he stated about himself and the relationship he had with Jesus was not the truth.
Psalm 53:1-6
This is another Psalm that should remind the righteousness of God that any enemy they have will never prevail. I think we fall into the trap thinking that what is on this earth is all there is in life. We forget that we are spiritual beings trying to master the human experiences. Thus we think that this is all there is, it ain’t.
Proverbs 11:4
Money can buy you all the things that the Creator has placed on this earth, but it cannot buy you the Creator, the Maker of Heaven and Earth.
Proverbs 18:10: The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Peggy:

Today was a powerful lesson to me. The first thing I thought of was how many days in my life I have spent in the dessert. If only I had trusted God and not myself in different matters life would have been very different. I have been struggling with different fears in my life, but I have found myself letting go and letting God do his work. What a relief to have this burdon taken off of me. I’m trying to walk a closer walk with the Lord so I can stay out of the dessert. Thank you for this reading today. Have a Blessed day.
Peggy

======= Robin:

Just a quick comment.
How wonderful and powerful that the ONLY words Jesus used in Mark 14:62 to reply to who he was….”I am” were the same words that God himself used in Exodus to tell who He was. The intense relation and justification to being the “I am”. This just blows me away, how every detail of every WORD seems to be in God’s overall plan to bring His Son to save this world.
God’s best to you all today.
Robin

======= Laura:

Many lessons in todays readings. God is in control we just need to trust him. Those who deny him and are rebellious are reckoned with. Isn’t God’s power and dicipline amazing? He is always the Boss!!!!!
He will take care of all the “grasshoppers in our life” Numbers 13:31-33 NIV, 31 But the men who had gone up with him said, We can’t attack those people they are stronger than we are.” 32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. Raising doubt among the people (their first sin) They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. 33 We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilm). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes. and we looked the same to them.” Total lack of trust for God and His provision on their part.
I love Caleb’s bravery in this situation. He stood before the crowd voicing an unpopular opinion. Caleb was willing to take the unpopular stand to do as God had commanded. Caleb had the facts, had the right attitude. He trusted God’s promise to give Israel the land. Caleb stated clearly what he believed when he said “We can certainly do it”. What a sign of a true leader who had faith in God.
Laura

======== Phil:

Caleb and Joshua really shone out for me today. I think the text disguises how brave they were to be so bold against so many people. Oh if our political leaders had that kind of bravery…
Phil

======= Sue:

After reading the size of those giants they saw in that promised land, I no longer point fingers accusingly at those other 10 spies. Can you even imagine seeing a land full of people the height of giraffes? That is what recent archeological digs have revealed: Doorposts large enough for giraffes to walk through.
I don’t know about how smug any of the rest of you have been, but I know I felt I would have been a Joshua or a Caleb until I got that information!
And yet, we know that in our weakness He is strong; that is how He is able to display His strength to us and to others, yet how quickly our feeling that:
. If I had been given the opportunity I would never have eaten from the knowledge of good and evil…
. If I had seen all the miracles God performed in Egypt …
. If I …
And yet I look at my own pathetic display of trust in God….hmmm. All my self-righteousness just goes: Poof!
Sue

======= Jake:

i love this
i love the fact that you post these “bible studies”
it helps me so much
i have been having trouble reading the bible lately
and this helps
i know that i cant be the man God wants me to be if i dont read the word
so i just wanted to say thankyou so much for what you are doing it really means a lot to me
my love for you is in Christ
Jake

======= Ramona:

Numbers 14:1-15:16
Things I took note of:
Again, it is impetrative that we learn to examine evidence for ourselves and NOT fall into a “herd” mentality. Groupthink does not equal truth. We are under the assumption that if something is from God it will not require work. If we have to work for something then it must be drudgery and have no value, at least this is a common thought in the USA. God puts His promises in our reach NOT in our hands.
The Promise Land was two weeks away from where they were encamped, but the Egypt they had been removed from geographically was that same Egypt they had embraced within their hearts. . They desired the accouterments of slavery, they wanted someone else, someone other than God, to tell them what to do and where to go. They wanted their Freedom without the responsibility or requirements of obedience and accountability for wrong actions.
Israel’s sin in the dessert is our sin right now, freedom without accountability or responsibility. We want things in our hands, right now, because we don’t want to get up from off our “duffs” to reach out to grasp the freedom we desire.
The writer of Proverbs states:
Pro 21:25 What the sluggard desires will kill him,
for his hands refuse to work.
Busyness and actual work can often be confused and passed off as one and the same. Let us not fall into the trap that Israel fell into. If we are in that trap, take a clue, admitting that you have sinned or in sin is not enough without repentance, turning from the old ways toward God’s ways. The “gang” admitted their sin; however, there was no repentance.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Gina:

Numbers 14:3 -Wouldn’t it be better for us to return to Egypt?”
This verse hit me big time! It reminds me of a song by Sara Groves…”Pictures of Egypt”…she sings of how it seems too difficult to be where we are now – even in our walk with God – and how she wants to go back to her old life….it’s so true sometimes. This journey with God is not always easy…there are still going to be problems and at times, I wonder what it would be like to just go back to my old ways…my old life. But I know too much now…I know I can’t go back…I’ve come to far to turn back…I’ve tasted the sweet life of knowing Jesus and to go back would be the worst thing I could do!
Numbers 14:18 – “The Lord is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. But he does not excuse the guilty. He lays the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations.’ ”
This is beautiful! He forgives every kind of sin and rebellion! And even though the consequences of that sin will be carried through generations…I believe that with one person…the generational curses can be stopped! All it takes is one person along the line to put their trust in Jesus and begin to follow Him and the curse can be broken from that time on! Praise Jesus!
In verses 20 and on…the Lord says he will forgive but they will not enter the land….this is so true for us too…when we sin….God will fogive us…no doubt! But we have to be ready to reap the consequences for that sin…because there will be consequences…no matter what. That goodness for the voice of the Holy Spirit! He can lead us and guide us so we turn from sin before it happens!
Jesus said, “I am, and you will see me, the Son of Man, sitting at God’s right hand in the place of power and coming back on the clouds of heaven.”” The question for us is this – is this more than just a statement from Jesus? Do you believe this is Truth?
ABSOLUTELY THE TRUTH!
Psalms today is very humbling….it is a true reminder of our desperate state and need for Jesus, our Savoir!
Todays proverb is humbling for me too…I’m currently on a “get out of debt” journey…I’m a shopaholic so this is tough! Well, I’ve finally gotten serious about it and instead of doing it on my own, I have a great friends who are keeping me accountable! I prayed that God would show me how to be a better steward with the money he has given me…and I’m learning that life is not about new shoes and credit cards! Not having my credit cards to go shopping with has forced me to get my mind off ME (pride issue that I struggle with!!) :0) And just enjoy life a bit more…with out the stress of a bill that will show up a few weeks later!!! I have a long way to go…but I know that “riches” or in my case…new shoes, bags, jeans, jackets, etc…won’t matter at all when I face Jesus on Judgement day! I’m definitely learning how to through my faith in Jesus and trust Him and only Him for my joy!
Gina

======= Mae:

Great readings today!
Numbers 14:9 “Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!” ~ I find it painful to see how people can rebel against the Lord when things don’t go certain ways. When I first started going on the streets to talk to people I could feel pretty intimidated by them, but reading more and more in the Bible I come to learn that the foolish will have a potty mouth and just say things very LOUD and I really don’t have to be afraid of them. People who get angry easily are truly helpless, the only thing I can do is pray for them and I do! Intensly!!!
I LOVE Mark 14:61&62 “Then the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the blessed God?” Jesus said, “I am, and you will see me, the Son of Man, sitting at God’s right hand in the place of power and coming back on the clouds of heaven.” ~ Amen! Hallelujah!! This is the truth and nothing but the truth!
Psalm 53:3 made me sad “But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one”. ~ Why would someone turn away from God? I need God! I need His Word! I need to read the Bible to stay awake. I need Jesus, I need the Holy Spirit. And I’m so sorry for the people who deny they need the Lord, or the Bible, or the church. We have a lady in church, well, she used to be in our church. She said she doesn’t believe certain things (rebirth, baptism) and now she wants to – how she said it – practise her religion how she wants it and not how the church wants it. She was in our church for almost 5 months, and I feel that this is what someone can get when they turn from God. Having the Holy Spirit gives you Godly wisdom … I feel we need the Holy Spirit! It sounds like me she didn’t understand it at all, when you say “I want it how I want it and not how the church wants it” … well, then you haven’t got a clue how it works … When I go to church it’s my appointment with God, because there is where Gods Word is spoken. It’s not my Pastor preaching is message. No … it’s the Lord talking to me!
Mae

======= Jenny:

Yay! Today is my 6 month anniversary for reading through the Bible! This is the longest i’ve stayed in the word on a daily basis. what a blessing its been!
I think I can relate much to the children of Israel, hearing them whining and crying sounds like me, but I didnt know at the time that it hurt and displeased God, i honestly didnt know.
I love Moses’ fervent and effective prayer! They say fervent, effective praying avails much. We are talking about this a lot at church and God’s been speaking to me regarding this, prayer. Earnest fervent prayer. Not just a short monologue but a dialog where I wait for God to speak, often times I dont, in fact I always cut Him off during prayer. I pray to Him but dont let Him speak to me in that time, i gotta be quiet and just listen.
Numb. 14:24 “But My servant Caleb, because he has had a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land which he entered..”
Mark is very powerful!
Jenny

======= Art:

I find remarkable parallels between Psalm 53 and Numbers 14. In particular:
Psalm 53:1, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” and Numbers 14:11, in which the LORD says to Moses, “How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?”
Imagine God’s frustration! He does so many things for us and we don’t notice or give Him credit, much less praise Him. And how many don’t even believe he exists, even though they are surrounded by evidence — in scripture, in testimony, and from the Holy Spirit. There is so much resonance between these passages and the ones about not having eyes to see or ears to hear (e.g., Ezekiel 12:2, Matt 13:15)
The other big parallel I find speaks to a lack of trust in God… which makes perfect sense for those who don’t even believe in Him!
Psalm 53:5 reads: “There they were, overwhelmed with dread where there was nothing to dread.” which is a neat commentary on Numbers 14:3 in which the Israelites complain (in fear): “Why is the LORD bringing us into this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder…”
I’m reminded of the scene, in the Wizard of Oz, in which Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion are about to enter the forest of the Wicked Witch of the West and they work themselves up into a frenzy of unwarranted fear: “lions and tigers and bears! oh my!”
God IS… whether we believe in him or not. And we hold him in contempt when we fear what he has told us not to.
Art

======= Lisa:

Food for Thought!
Did you know that Psalm 53 is almost verse for verse a repeat of Psalm 14?
Hmmm – do we think it was purposeful?
When God wanted to get the attention of a particular person, He would say their name twice!!
Think God is telling us something?
Be still and know …
Lisa

======= Susanne:

Hi Mike, I only just found your blog yesterday and subscribed. I love the idea of not only following a Bible reading plan (which I did on my own anyway) but the way you comment and ask thoughtful questions to make it relevant to me. I’ll keep reading!
As for Question of the Day – I understand “right living” to be a constant mindfulness of the Spirit’s presence inside me… the constant amazing grace, love, and freedom He brings. And with that consciousness, I wouldn’t want to grieve Him.
Susanne

======== Jill:

Hi Mike,
That link you listed by Tim Challies “Real Guilt and Sinfulness,” was an excellent read.
I have been re-reading Tim Keller’s book Prodigal God and this article tied in so wonderfully to things I had been wrestling with.
I would highly recommend each person go back and read Tim Challies artile if you skipped by it. (Mike has the link to it under his comments on the Psalms.
Jill

======= Steve:

Numbers 14:1-15:16
Today’s reading in the book of Numbers reminded me of an out of sync dance couple. Instead of that togetherness and flowing unity that great dance partners have, Numbers metaphorically illustrates how one of the dance partners (the Israelites) is completely out of step with the other (God). Numbers serves as a warning sign to all of us, God wants for us to get in sync with His moves, let Him lead and He will deliver every time with dignity and eloquence. God’s plan is to teach us to dance in His rhythm, drawing us toward His fullness and unity by being conformed to Him. As we move in the same direction as God we join Him as He inevitably directs all of creation towards His return when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord.
Joshua and Caleb were the only ones in sync with the Lord’s plan for the Israelites. As the Israelites stood before the promise land, they were overwhelmed with fear, fear of the unknown, fear of giants, fear of dying and were overpowered by unbelief. I know that feeling; I can personally attest to blessings that I have missed out on because of giving in to fear and unbelief. Joshua and Caleb represent God’s urging and calling for us to come out of our hiding places (comfort zones) and walk vulnerably in sync with Him, trusting, knowing, believing He is with us, watching us, leading us and bringing us into His wonderful rhythm. Today I choose to live outside of my comfort zone and believe the promises of God by boldly walking in faith.
Steve

======= Greg:

I was prompted by today’s reading to revisit Steven Curtis Chapman’s “Savior”. I am sinful and must die to this every day. I am a man who needs a Savior. So are we all.
Greg

======== Chris:

There has been much talk about nephilim (giants) of late, and how the Sons of God saw the beautiful women on earth in Genesis, resulting in the terrible consequence of sin and the flood, but it wasn’t until today that I actually recognized that the “giants” when Caleb and Joshua and the others accompanying them, referenced that the “Nephilim” were descendants of Anak. It is an interesting study all by itself. There are many who reference that these “Sons of God” were “good angels,” whereas others reference them as “fallen angels” that were kicked out of heaven with Satan. I know, it’s a distraction, but there have been many sightings in archeology of huge giants, even in practically all of the United States as well as other countries attesting to the biblical authenticity of “Nephilim” and “giants.” It seems to have some reference in the book of Enoch. An interesting You-Tube entry that is like seven hours long, but interesting nevertheless, discusses much of the things in Revelations and Enoch. It is called “The Great Harlot Empire of False Religion and Philosophies” and can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/fx_ijDh_BKA.?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Hope this is not too distracting, but I do think it is important to understand in this time of recognizing the Babylon of the Bible in Revelation.
Blessings to all who read and love the Word of God,
Grace
Chris

======= Robert:

Numbers 14:18
Tim Challis says, “The Bible tells us in plain terms that we are not sinners because we sin, but we sin because we are sinners”.
Our sinful nature. I don’t really know what to do about that? Its described nicely here as that generational sin that is like DNA. All we can do is be aware of it and make an effort to ask forgiveness but there is nothing I can do. I have to believe Jesus took care of it on the cross. I believe the Holy Spirit must convict me of my inheritant sin and thereby I must confess it to God, even though I may not know what it is. I think it is like confessing something you didn’t do but you are going to take the wrap for it. You can see why this is so hard for people to get their head around and even harder to repent. It takes a good preacher to show us this. I think Peter’s denial in Mark 14 is so much like me trying to really believe that Jesus can take this sin away. I am going to doubt Jesus and thereby I can only accept his Love with no strings attached. He has done something amazing and it really is a challenge to accept it with all my heart, soul and mind.
Robert

======= Mitch:

The ten times the Israelites grumbled about God in the Exodus,
(1) Lacking faith before the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:11–12)
(2) Complaining over the bitter water at Marah (Exodus 15:24)
(3) Complaining in the Desert of Sin (Exodus 16:3)
(4) Collecting more manna than they were supposed to (Exodus 16:20)
(5) Attempting to collect manna on the Sabbath (Exodus 16:27–29)
(6) Complaining over the lack of water at Rephidim (Exodus 17:2–3)
(7) Engaging in idolatry in the golden calf incident (Exodus 32:7–10)
(8) Complaining at Taberah (Numbers 11:1–2)
(9) Complaining over the lack of food (Numbers 11:4)
(10) Failing to trust God and enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:1–4)
BUT God is slow to anger.
In Numbers 15:15 ‘You and the foreigner are the same before the Lord’. A picture of Jew and Gentile able to approach and be in relationship with God. Ergo: the whole world.
Mitch

======= Debbie:

So, if we sin because we are sinners, how is it that we deserve God’s wrath? We can’t help ourselves. The state of our world testifies to that. God expects a lot. He made us.
I admit I’m among the worst. I had three abortions when I was younger. No one forced me. It was all for me. I have asked God’s forgiveness many many times. I was told that I ought to start receiving it . . . that He forgave me the first time. I’m told that only God can bestow the Holy Spirit to make me truly born again. I think that while I wait, I might as well try to do the things I think that Jesus would like me to do. I talk to God just about all the time and I feel that I get inspirations, thoughts, scriptures that come to mind, but there is an underlying anxiety that is always there.
Debbie

======= Dee:

What I got out of Numbers today is something I guess I didn’t notice or take thought of before in the readings. The reason they were in the Wilderness for 40 years: Numbers 14:34 Because your men explored the land for forty days, you must wander in the wilderness for forty years-a year for each day, suffering the consequences for your sins. Then you will discover what it is like to have me for your enemy. words from God of course.. Like Ramona said, there is consquences to sin. The wages of sin is death: Romans 6:23. That is exactly what the israelites are going to have to face because they just wouldn’t trust that God will supply all their needs according to his riches and glory: Phill 4:19.
Mark today 14:53-72
Only thing I can think of in these verses is : Poor Jesus, our precious Lord having to stand alone to face the “world” and all its balony that it is made up. Of course I know that the Father never leaves him, which makes me think about life as mortal to this life as it is: no matter who you are or what your position is, when you leave this earth, you face judgement and you see Jesus alone by yourself, no one else is going to stand on judgement day for your sins, just you and you alone. However, it makes me realize that our family, friends, acquaintances may come and go but God is forever, he will neither leave you or forsake you! Hebrews 13:5
Dee