Bible in a Year Blog

Numbers 11:24-13:33 + Mark 14:22-52 + Psalm 52:1-9 + Proverbs 11:1-3
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Old Testament – Today in Numbers chapter 11 we read about God’s Spirit resting upon 70 leaders!  I loved verse 29 where Moses responded to Joshua’s protesting of Eldad and Medad prophesying in the camp: “”Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his Spirit upon them all!”” This is great humility on Moses part!  He was not threatened by others using gifts of the Spirit in public.  “I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets.”  These words of Moses remind me of a more modern day quote I read somewhere that went something like this: “We are all called to be saints.”  I like that…  Do you believe that you are called to be a saint? How will you be made to be a saint? Or, perhaps I should ask, through Whom will you be sanctified?

Below is an image for Numbers chapter 13, where we read about twelve scouts exploring the Promised Land, and Moses sending them out in verse 17 & 18: “Moses gave the men these instructions as he sent them out to explore the land: “Go northward through the Negev into the hill country.  See what the land is like and find out whether the people living there are strong or weak, few or many.”

 

New Testament – This week we will be reading about Jesus’ passion in the Gospel of Mark. Today In Mark chapter 14 verses 35 & 36 we read this about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Going a little farther, Jesus fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” What a powerful prayer here from Jesus! Jesus knows what is coming. He knows what the road to Calvary will bring. He knows that God has the power to take this suffering away from him – BUT, here’s the amazingly important piece of this prayer, which I think each of us would do well in praying in our prayers – “Yet not what I will, but what you will.” This is such a powerful prayer from Jesus to God. We get a glimpse here of a prayer from the Messiah to the Father – and again, I think we would do well to pray this in our prayers as well. This of course is very similar to the Lord’s Prayer, which Jesus taught in Matthew in the Sermon on the Mount, when we pray – “Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be Done.” Not our will, but Thy Will be done. In your prayer life, do you model Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane and in the Lord’s Prayer? Do you pray that not your will – but God’s perfect will – be done?

In today’s readings in Mark we also read about Jesus’ betrayal and arrest.  This image below from artist Ambrogio Bondone Giotto from around 1300 A.D. called “The Kiss of Judas” captures the unfortunate scene:

Psalms – Verse 9 in Psalm 52 stood out to me today: “I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will wait for your mercies in the presence of your people.”  Are you looking forward to praising God forever?  Are you willing to wait for God?  If things don’t seem to be moving as quickly as you would like them to in your spiritual life, will you still wait for God?  And will you do so in the presence of God’s people?  Do you believe that being part of a church community can help you during a time of waiting for the Lord?  And do you believe that you can help others in your church to wait as well?  Then, together you can look forward to praising God forever for what he has done and will do.

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 11 verse 2 is so true and is something I personally need to be reminded of constantly – “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”  Let us pray for humility… 

Worship Video: Psalm 52:9 reminded me of the song “One True God” by Mark Harris.  Here’s a great live version of this song:

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

Do you know our One True God? Click here to meet Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray for humility in your life. Pray for wisdom today. Pray that you won’t be trapped by pride.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Have you ever struggled with pride issues?  How did you overcome those issues?  Do you agree with the Proverb today that pride can lead to disgrace?  Do you think it’s true that wisdom comes with humility?  Do you ever pray to God to keep you humble?  Do you think this might be a good prayer to pray on occasion?  Or maybe even very often?  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 11:24-13:33
Exodus 19, 5 Now therefore, if you will obey My voice in truth and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own peculiar possession and treasure from among and above all peoples; for all the earth is Mine.
6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation [consecrated, set apart to the worship of God]. These are the words you shall speak to the Israelites.
7 So Moses called for the elders of the people and told them all these words which the Lord commanded him.
8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord has spoken we will do. And Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord. (Amp)
Exodus 20 18 Now all the people perceived the thunderings and the lightnings and the noise of the trumpet and the smoking mountain, and as [they] looked they trembled with fear and fell back and stood afar off.
19 And they said to Moses, You speak to us and we will listen, but let not God speak to us, lest we die.
We begin one of my favorite sections in the Bible, a section that so typifies the natural man, man controlled by the flesh instead of by the Holy Spirit. I copied in the above two passages found in Exodus 19 and 20 because it shows me how double minded we can be and that double mindedness leads to an instability that is unable to handle the things of God. James states in his letter to the New Testament church, 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (NKJ)
The next fifteen chapters or so reveal an Israel with a double mind, unstable in all her ways, the next fifteen chapters reveal how man will justify his/her actions and behaviors to validate a personal agenda which centers on self-interest. The next fifteen chapters or so lay out case studies for us to observe, take note and be forewarned on the traps the enemy will use to block us from receiving our promise, and that enemy is more us than Satan.
We can also observe how sedition and rebellion begins with leadership, Aaron and Mirium, Moses’ older sister and brother, and filters down to the crowd.
The Book of Numbers has always been a place of personal conviction exposing tendencies in me that are selfish and self-serving every time I go through this book.
1 Corinthians 10:
6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did …11These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.
Mark 14:22-52
27 “All of you will desert me,” Jesus told them. “For the Scriptures say,
`God will strike the Shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered.’
28 But after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”
Never argue with God when He tells you something about yourself, even if you don’t agree with Him. Just accept what He say, “You’re greedy; you’re stingy; you have a temper.” Just accept it and move on and allow God to work it out within you. If you disagree with Him what He has said about you will be proved in public.
29 Peter said to him, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will.” 50 Meanwhile, all his disciples deserted him and ran away
All means all, no one left out. Striving to prove God wrong dealing with something He’s shared with us about us, is a waste of time and energy. Something I know full well by experience.
Psalm 52:1-9
When there seems to be relentless persecution and there is someone who we once admired out to take our life, literarily and figuratively, this is a great Psalm to mediate on. I don’t think any of us have been hounded like the soon to be King David as he waited for God to bring to pass, in His timing, David’s true purpose: King of Israel the shepherd of Israel.
Proverbs 11:1-3
A man or woman of “pride” is a stubborn man because he/she refuses to submit to words of wisdom that does not come from out of their own mouths. A man or woman of “pride” will do anything to anyone to maintain his or her reputation, even at the expense of truth. And anything built on a lie will collapse, even a “white” lie because half the truth is a whole lie.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Micah Girl:

HUMILITY. Everything today convicted me of the need for humility-utter and total dependence on God–focus on His will and renown and not our own.
Moses, we are reminded, was the most humble man who ever lived He was not jealous when the Spirit of God fell on others, he saw God face to face and yet never did that bring him to a place of pride. His brother and sister complained to God about him, and yet he begged for God to have mercy on them.
Jesus in the garden is the ultimate picture of humility in the garden, completely submitted to the Father’s will in spite of suffering and betrayal.
Then both the psalm and the proverb–
Psalm 52
7 “Look what happens to mighty warriors
       who do not trust in God. They trust their wealth instead
       and grow more and more bold in their wickedness.”
    8 But I am like an olive tree,
       thriving in the house of God. I trust in God’s unfailing love
       forever and ever.
Proverbs 11
  2Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Do you think maybe God wants me to depend on Him instead of anything else in my life??? Hmmm….
Micah Girl

======= Jessica:

So, Moses was married to Zipporah and the Cushite woman? In reading about Moses, often I find myself wondering about Zipporah. She comes to visit Moses with her father, but nothing more has really been mentioned of her so far. I’m wondering about Moses’ roles as a husband and father. Does anyone have any info about this, or know any interesting texts to read on this subject?
Jessica

======= John:

Jessica,
The Rabbis tend to identify Zipporah as the dark-skinned Cushite women (despite the fact that the word means Ethiopian),….
John

======= Cory:

Mike,
You asked, “Do you believe that you are called to be a saint?”
Aren’t we all saints?
Cory

======= John:

Cory,

1 cor 1:2
“To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:” NAS
“saints” – (Gk. hagios) holy or saint. Once again with “holy” we get the idea of one “set apart” or distinct”
King James version is “called to be saints”
Christians saved by the blood of Christ also referred to as “saints” – (Romans 8:27, 15:25-26; I Corinthians 16:1; Ephesians 1:15, 18; 6:18; Colossians 1:12,26; Jude 1:3; Revelation 8:3-4)
Also Chrisitans are priests called to bring a living sacrifice.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” NIV
John

======== Ann:

Does anybody know who this naked, mystery guy was? He was mentioned at the very end of our readings today in Mark. I’ve never noticed him being mentioned before and was curious if he has any significance or just one of the millions that followed Jesus?
Ann

======== John:

Ann,
“Does anybody know who this naked, mystery guy was?”
Speculation was that it was Mark, the writer of this gospel, but it is just that – speculation.
John

======== Emily:

Thank you so much for today’s blog. But thanks a zillion for the picture of sun, the snowy mountains, the lake and ice blocks. This is one of the prettiest pictures I have seen. I am stunned by the beauty God has created in this world. And yet most important thing that God has created is LOVE. : )  I love God.
Emily

======= John:

Numbers 13
Moses told the people in Deut 1:21
“See, the LORD your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your fathers, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
But the people ALL came to Moses and wanted to check it out first. It wasn’t God’s idea to send out spies, He responded to what the people wanted.
Again, the Israelites had witnessed often the power and authority of God, yet they still did not trust his Word nor had faith in God that they would prevail upon the inhabitants of Canaan.
The report was positive on the land, but negative about the dangers of the inhabitants. Even with some exageration on the negatives.
How often when we lose faith and trust in God, do we envision our own situation in the negative and our difficulties and problems are magnified?
Caleb wanted to go ahead – he had faith. The others argued against it. How many times in groups do actions get paralyzed by people sitting around wanting to analyze the situation?
Perfect place to make the comment: ‘O ye of little faith’.
John

======== Ramona:

Numbers 11:24-13:33
Thoughts from Today’s reading:
1) Be careful what you ask for you may just get it:
Considering the people didn’t ask God they complained, murmured and griped, about there lack of meat and the manna, “The what is it?” food, our own approach to God or our leaders who we go to when things don’t go our way should be closely examined. What we crave may just kill us. Cory, “Bald Man” noticed yesterday that the people never when to God with their complaints, they went to Moses. When we complain to others about what is not happening in our lives, we are in truth, dumping our “trash” talk on them and charging God with a misdemeanor or possibly even a felony.
2) When we complain about one thing, we will complain about something else. Miriam and Aaron, older siblings to Moses, used a pretense, Moses’ wife being a Cushite/Ethiopian to get their digs-in. The real issue was not Ziporiah’s ethnicity but Moses’ relationship with God,
“Has the LORD spoken only through Moses? Hasn’t he spoken through us, too?”
In reality, no the Lord hadn’t really spoken to them because the people didn’t want to hear from God for themselves.
a. Now all the people perceived the thunderings and the lightnings and the noise of the trumpet and the smoking mountain, and as [they] looked they trembled with fear and fell back and stood afar off. And they said to Moses, You speak to us and we will listen, but let not God speak to us, lest we die. (Exodus 20:18-19 AMP
3) We have an obligation to check/rebuke the sin of others when we are in a community.
And the Lord said to Moses,
If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed for seven days? Let her be shut up outside the camp for seven days, and after that let her be brought in again. So Miriam was shut up without the camp for seven days, and the people did not journey on until Miriam was brought in again. (Numbers 12:14-15 AMP)
The missteps of others, as well as the things we do wrong, in other words, our sins, will delay our journey along the path that God has called us to walk.
4) A group consensus doesn’t make it right. If almost everyone is agreeing to a line of action, if it is not what God has said, then it “ain’t” right. I have heard my pastor say this often, “I am aware that a crowd does not make a congregation.” Numbers does not mean “Truth.” Are we hanging with the crowd or are we part of a congregation? We can be like Aaron and Miriam trying to give the perception that we are hearing from God hiding the fact that we have chosen to fear His voice instead of listen to His voice.
To cover up our communication break, we pick on the one who has kept the line of communications opened. In leadership there is the one who is the Visionary, like Moses, and those who are called to fulfill or to help bring that vision to past. We may have some part of the vision but we may not have the BIG PICTURE.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

========= Pat:

The verse that stood out to me today was Mark 14:38, “Watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is strong but the body is weak.” I intend to memorize this verse and include it in my daily prayer life.
God Bless!
Pat 

======== Mae:

Reading Numbers 12 I felt a truly ache reading verse 12 and 13 “12 Don’t let her be like a stillborn baby, already decayed at birth.” 13 So Moses cried out to the Lord, “O God, I beg you, please heal her!” ~ Don’t let her be like a stillborn baby … it feels like a person that just has been reborn and died at birth … Came so close and lost it within a matter of hours? Questioning God’s Word from the start … I love Moses for being humble. That’s the best way to react when people attack you for spreading Gods Word. It happens to me all the time (okay … I am NOT comparing myself with Moses here!!! LOL) when I talk about God’s Word. People get defensive, get angry and choose to walk away from me. All I can do is pray for them. They’re not rejecting me, they reject God. Which is a great loss!!!!
Brings me to the Questions of the Day: Have you ever struggled with pride issues? How did you overcome those issues? Do you agree with the Proverb today that pride can lead to disgrace? Do you think it’s true that wisdom comes with humility? Do you ever pray to God to keep you humble? Do you think this might be a good prayer to pray on occasion? Or maybe even very often? ~ Well, yes, I have struggled BIG time with pride issues! I always thought the world was revolving around me. “Oh poor me”, “Look what others do to me”, “I’m the victim, always”. I got stuck in selfpity for awhile. Big bad world with terrible people!!! People would see the situation and called me on it, they’d be honest to me and tell me “Mae, this is not all about YOU!!! Why are you complaining all the time! Get up and make the best out of it”. I’d dismiss them right away and look for another person who’d listen to my selfpity. But you know, it would get old for them to. I would NOT listen to anyone who came with the truth, I just didn’t believe them! “Come on!!! Look at me!!! You should feel sorry for me! The world is against me!”. I held my head high and had pride. But … pride is stupidity … so at the end it was me and stupidity left! LOL And the people who helped me through this, were not worth much either. They were as stupid as I was! Since I realised and learned that my life is not about me but about the people that are close to my heart and even the people who I hardly know, since then on, my life got so much better! I made so many good friends since my rebirth! All because I’m a humble person, who put her pride aside and listens to people instead of doing the talking all the time! I love listerning to testimony’s, I love listerning to people with more life-experiences than I have, I love listerning to advice … I feel blessed that God took the pride away from me. It makes me a better person. I don’t have to say “I’m sorry” so much! hee hee hee I’m proud of myself, for who I am, for what I do and for how I life. But pride is not in my way … pride can indeed lead to disgrace. I wasn’t ashamed of myself at that time, but a lot of people would be embarressed for me. I thought I knew it all better, I’d make a scene here and then a scene there. Because I wanted to make my point. Alway thinking that I was right … but all I did was making a disgrace to me and my family. “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” And yes, I do think true wisdom comes with humility … the wise are humble, how many times do we read that in Proverbs? And it’s true! Sure, there are times I want to respond to something or someone without thinking. But counting to 10 (mississippily) helps me and the Holy Spirit helps me to, because yes, I’m still praying to God to keep me humble. And He answers my prayers, He still does. Till today and I’m sure forever, as long as I do believe that His Word is true! It’s me believing in Him!!!! As soon as I give up, it will be harder for the Lord to work with me. If He’s not welcome, it will be very hard for Him to guide me, to protect me … So I will always keep my heart open for Him! I want to live a good and protected life!
Mark 14:38 “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak”. ~ I love this … keep praying or you will give in to temptation … how true is that? When we stop praying, stop going to read and listen to Gods Word. How fast will the enemy take his chance and leads you to temptation? I know my spirit is stronger than my body … that’s why I’m keeping my spirit awake and I feed it with Gods Word. That’s how I know what I should and shouldn’t do. It keeps me away from sinning, intentional sinning. I want to life throughout Gods Word! I want to follow the 10 commandments … I mean, it’s His commandments! Not 10 suggestions!!!!!
Psalm 52:9 “I will praise you forever, O God,
for what you have done.
I will trust in your good name
in the presence of your faithful people”.
Well everybody … I’m on fire today! I feel God’s presence right as I woke up this morning! I’m so happy today! I feel strong and furfilled!!! Uplifted!!!! Even though it’s raining outside I see and feel the sun!!!!!!!!!!
Mae

======= Art:

Re. pride vs. humility: it’s one of those things that’s absolutely insidious for me. At the very moment when I begin to imagine that I’ve gotten beyond pride/ego, the very act of thinking it brings it back in force!
I find a remarkable parallel between Proverbs 11:2b (“…with humility comes wisdom.”) and what we read today in Numbers 12:3 explaining why Moses had such an extraordinary, intimate relationship with God:
“(Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)”
One can look skeptically on such a rhetorical superlative from an historical perspective, but if we believe that scripture is truly God-breathed, then it’s not such a stretch at all. Only God *could* know that Moses was the most humble man on earth! And this makes clear that He values humility very highly indeed. For how else can His will be done through us?
I think of it as similar to electrical resistance and conductivity. If we have a lot of resistance (i.e., pride) we will not conduct God’s ‘electricity’ and power and accomplish the work he wants to effect in the world through His people.
The Proverbs and Numbers passages are an amazing backdrop for the Mark passages today in which the Son of Man humbles himself in the most fundamental way — allowing himself to be captured and led away to what he knows will be a most painful and humiliating death. It’s hard to imagine anything more humble than that! Praise God that he drank of that cup for us!
Art

======= Mick:

One problem with pride is the way it creeps up on you. I like the saw, “I used to be too proud but now I’ve got perfect humility! Perhaps the clue best to use is that if you’re conscious of pride in others its almost certainly your own besetting sin.
Mick

========== Luch:

Numbers 12:1-3 is quite impressive in several ways.
We have a major leader marrying someone outside his faith and the Lord disciplines NOT the one who married the cushite woman, but the ones who complained against the one who married a cushite woman. The phrase that lingers and is worth pondering is “And the LORD heard it!” The LORD hears my complaints and criticisms. And sometimes, as in this passage, complaining provokes God to act. Hmmm.
Luch

======== Christy:

Numbers 11:24-13:33 ~ Mark 14:22-52 ~ Psalm 52:1-9 ~ Proverbs 11:1-3
26 However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but did not go out to the tent. Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp. 27 A young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.”
These men were taken unaware. Going about their day, yet they prophesied. Amazing. For God is of his word. Saying he would pour out his Spirit on these men. Yes all of them.
“When there are prophets of the LORD among you,
I reveal myself to them in visions,
I speak to them in dreams.
7 But this is not true of my servant Moses;
he is faithful in all my house.
8 With him I speak face to face,
clearly and not in riddles;
he sees the form of the LORD.
Why then were you not afraid
to speak against my servant Moses?”
How sweet it would be to be spoken to face to face. Father God that one day I would have a life worthy of this. Lord give me compassion for those that sin against you. Oh these wicked people. I resignate with your wrath rather than Moses’s cry for forgiveness. This women Mariam speaks badly of him, God vindicates Moses by giving her leprosy. Yet in the next breath Moses cries out to God for healing. Teach me to let it be my cry for mercy and yours to discipline. Let me have faith that you will discipline. The women did not go unpunished. Seven days outside the camp. Yet it wasn’t at the hand of Moses. Father God I fear that I will yet again become weak if I openly cry out for healing and mercy for the wicked. Father show me, protect me and birth in me a mercy and compassion that is not riddled with fear of man’s control but a love for the people you have created. A compassion likened to what I have for my children. Yes, new every morning. Swift to confront the wrong, deliver discipline, correction and then a lavish of kisses, smiles and hope for a future. Show me how to translate this to my adult relationships.
Mark
30 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice[c] you yourself will disown me three times.”
31 But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.
I thank you Lord that you know how I will hurt you before it happens. You are clothed in compassion, prepared for my betrayal before I even breath a word of it. Lord I pray that in the hidden place in my heart you would cloth me with this compassion for the harms my loved ones will inflict on me. I see that you don’t foretell my future to me for I would try and change it. Yet please give me your Spirit of compassion, an inner knowing and forgiveness for what is yet to come. That those I love would be drawn to repentance by my kindness.
51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, 52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.
LOL. Wow, what fear this man must have felt to leave his cloths behind.
Proverbs
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
Yes Lord, I see it. My pride comes when I think I most be perfect in the keeping of all things good before my children. Yet my choices have bridled me with those fixed on making ungodly choices. For this I must forever remain humble before you, seeking your covering and provision for my children. For I can’t alone model a holy marriage before them. I can only be honest with them and model what to do in one that has broken trust, walls, sin and opposing beliefs. Yet praise God, I can by God’s instruction, do that. I can also call upon other couples that have a Godly marriage to model that for my children. This is not a curse but a bless. For children must be raised in the community of Christ. I don’t have everything my children need. Yet I can honestly and humbly tell them where my life falls short and to direct them to look at another’s life in that area. This is not for shame but for grace. God never intended for us to carry all the keys. No shame is in my heart when I need to direct my children to another to learn math, music, etc. So I will not carry shame for any area in my life that I am not a good teacher or model for my kids. I will be honest with them and direct them lovingly to those that can and will teach them.
Christy

========= Steve:

“Do you pray that not your will – but God’s perfect will – be done?”
Mark 14:35-36 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
I picked this verse because I struggle doing His will even though I know His will is and will always be, the best and the right choice. Will is a very powerful thing, our will, His will and free will, there all paths we’re free to choose. Satan chose his path when he fell from heaven saying (Isaiah 14:14) “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High”. Jesus always did the will of the Father.
How can I live doing His will instead of my will? Doing His will is the ultimate form of humility, surrender and honor we can give the Lord. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. We submit to the will of God because we know by His word and through our relationship with Him, that He is 100% reliable, unchanging and completely trustworthy. His love for us is totally pure. We can trust that choosing His will over our will is the right path that leads to wholeness, wisdom, peace and the joy that accompanies fruitfulness.
Steve

======== Ann:

I heard, I think, Pastor Jame McDonald talk about this in one of his teachings on the radio the other day, where he said we should be praying for God to bring us and keep us “low”. By “low” he was referring to being “humble”.
I have been praying since then for God to bring me low.
I like the words from Jimmy Needham’s song “Being Small”:Whenever I climb too high
Keep my feet on the ground
And when I get full of me
Turn me upside down
You know pride and not just summer
…Come before the fall
So if You that’s gettin’ bigger
I don’t mind being small
Being small
Being small ~ Jimmy Needham
Stay In Christ Jesus,
Ann

======= Emma:

Thank you, Mike and Ramona, these words of wisdom are such a blessing to my life. God bless!
Emma

======== Cathy:

Yes, we have to pray God to take out the pride we are linked to. Humility is a big virtue and we can experience it in our daily live.
May god bless.
Cathy

======= Mitch:

OT – (paraphrase) Send some men to explore Canaan – the land I am giving you….
They have seen all the miracles, have been led by God in their trek through wilderness, and YET spies (except for Joshua and Caleb) are scared and give a bad report (o ye of little faith!)
…They don’t trust God’s Word. Do we do that- experience the miracles of salvation, know He is there and working in our lives, and YET do not trust His promises.
Mitch

======= Dee:

What I noticed in Numbers I didn’t notice before is when all twelve went to the promised land to check out the ‘giants’, 10 of course came back murmuring and complaining and Caleb was the one that spoke up and said “We can do this, we are well prepared and able to take the land. I always thought Caleb and Joshua came back and spoke up. I know that they were the only two who make it amongst the original tribe into the promised land, however I thought Joshua chimed in the same as Caleb. In every group, there is a leader, who stands on their own and is courageous and very convicted in their beliefs. Where there is a leader in bunch, there usually is at least one follower to back them up, in this notion, the follower who sided with Caleb of course is going to be Joshua, the same one that tried rebuking Moses(or God) for having the two elders prophesying at the camp. How amusing..
Mark 14:22-52
Today we were exposed to the communion they shared, which I always enjoy, the openly active part of “remembrance” of Christ and what He did and they actually got to break bread with the Fathers Son prior to His crucifixion. I always thought that was neat. I agree with Ramona though about the conviction and teaching in Jesus’ voice about all will desert Him. Poor Peter, always opening his mouth when he needs to keep it closed. It makes me think of what Judge Judy on tv says to lots of people in court which is so true and wise: God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason. Listen twice, speak once. In this case, Peter should just nod and listen and not speak immediately, because God will have the last word when it is all said and done.
Psalms 52, I am with Mike in the commentary today on mentioning the “wait on the Lord” and congregate with other believers. I truly believe that is the best medicine when you are going through something is to fellowship and minister to others with same or common needs. Wait it out together so to speak until God’s deliverance comes, because it is coming, we just have to trust and “wait” on Him and live our life each day in and through Him.
Yes, I do pray for wisdom each day, and more memorization of Bible verses. That is something every Christian could strive for and aim at each day, to armor up with the Word of God, when we are in the Wilderness and being attacked by Satan, the Word will make you a free creature, free from bondage, depression, anger, sickness, and whatever the devil is dealing, we have our defense which is the ever present Word of God!!! Amen
Dee

======= John:

Numbers 11
“Before God provided the meat for Israel (which they asked for, but didn’t really need), He first provided them more leadership and oversight (which they didn’t ask for, but really did need).” – David Guzik
“they prophesied” – in this Hebrew Tense it is not predicting future – but rather singing praises to God.
This also went on with the two in the camp. Moses attitude seems good – I wish more were filled with the spirit and sang praises to God. So it should also be today – we should never be threatened in a ministry by others when they are truly filled with the Spirit and working for God.
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Quail make a migration over the Sinai wilderness every year; it has been recorded that Arabs living near this region could catch between one and two million quails during their autumn migration, using nets.
Notice that what was good (the giving of the Holy Spirit) took place in the center of the camp nearest God. The birds fell outside the camp.
The Israelites craved the food of Egypt (symbol of the World), and disdained the food provided by God. They didn’t remember their bondage, but the pleasures of the “world” (Egypt).
[Do we today have cravings for the remembered pleasures of our past sinful life???]
Now a lesson was to be taught – the people were given over to their “cravings”. In the midst of all the singing of “praises to God” by the elders – the people went nuts collecting the quail. The least (family???) had sixty bushels. Before it could be consumed – they were struck with a great plague.
“This was a strict judgment, but it was a help to Israel because it taught them to not be ruled by their craving, then it was a huge help to the nation. Promised land people must be ruled by more than their physical or emotional appetites.” – David Guzik
[Is it any different today for us??? Do we focus on God or sometimes do we give in to physical or emotional cravings????]
God always provides first, before standards, trials, and/or tests (A lesson from Leviticus). Here the people could have focused on God throught the elders’ prophesying – and given up their physical cravings. They chose not to – and their are consequences.
John

======= John:

Numbers 12
Miriam being listed first indicates she was the protagonist in this confrontation – (perhaps why she was punished).
The Cushite (Ethiopian) wife is a smokescreen, the real issue is pride and jealousy of Miriam and Aaron.
Some Study bibles try to explain away this reference to an Ethiopian wife. Before you dismiss it – do know that Josephus mentions Moses marrying an Ethiopian princess when he was still in Egyptian court. The group in the wilderness was mixed – Egyptians and Jews – so perhaps the Ethiopian wife left her place in Egypt and followed along (she saw all the plagues everyone else did, and perhaps became convinced of the God of Israel.)
======================================================
(Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)
Some say that this was added afterwards – perhaps by Joshua. Another explanation is an alternate translation:
“I think the word is not rightly understood; anav, which we translate meek, comes from anah, to act upon, to humble, depress, afflict, and is translated so in many places in the Old Testament; and in this sense it should be understood here: ‘Now this man Moses was depressed or afflicted more than any man of that land.’” (Clarke)
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Moses, in a Jesus like moment did not answer these accusations – but the Lord heard it.
At the tent – God outlined why Moses was special.
“face to face” literally is mouth to mouth. It does not mean Moses saw God’s face – but communicated with Him directly.
“sees the form of the Lord” – never saw God. God is a spirit, but did see the form of the Lord – and as I have said in the past my belief is this is always the pre-incarnate Jesus coming to earth in the Old Testament. Jesus is God – so yes, you see God, but not God the Father.
======================================================
Miriam is punished, and Aaron appeals to Moses and Moses appeals to God –
“Yet, God allowed her to live with the outward display of her inward heart for seven days – and allowed the whole nation to know it.” – David Guzik
[Leprosy or skin disease is always symbolic of sin.]
John

======= John:

Numbers 13
In Deut.1:20-25 – this plan for sending out a “scouting” group came from the people when Moses said – ‘go and take the land”.
“Since the people of Israel initiated this excursion, perhaps Moses only came to God asking how to send out the spies, not if he should send out the spies.” – David Guzik
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Moses instructions are strange – God had said the land was theirs and had already described it to the people. Yet “here, go see for yourself” is the indicated instructions.
And so they went for forty days. Forty being the biblical number of “testing,probation”.
Hebrew Legend has it that Joshua and Caleb were the two bringing back the “fruit” of the land. The rest had just their stories.
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The ten others presented a case of (at first) good land, but strongly held.
Caleb said – onward, having faith in God’s Word????
The reponse was some exaggeration, some lies, and some truth – but definately an underlying fear.
It is now up to the wandering tribes – would they believe in God’s Word, or become faint of heart and rely on their own fears and emotion? How do we react today when presented with what we know we should do (by God’s Word), and what our physical and emotional senses tell us??????
John

======= John:

Mark 14:22-52
The hymn traditionally sung at the end of the Passover feast was the “Hallel” (Psalm 113-118)- called “Praise to God” – and ending with the foreshadowing words of ‘bind the sacrifice with ropes and take it to the altar’.
Sissysue makes note and I agree with Ray Stedman and a good many others that this man (who lost his robe) was “Mark” himself. The reading involved for an explanation is the last paragraph in the link Sissysue provided in her post.
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[A repost from 2/09/07 on Gethsemane for those new to the board or who may have missed it back then.]
Gethsemane
Gethsemane means “olive press”. The person cited below has an excellant video series “That the World May Know”. I saw the one on the olive press and a bag of olives is laid on a flat stone, and then this “HUGE” stone is place on top and by sheer weight and gravity the oil is squeezed out.
“Jesus spent the last few hours before His arrest in an olive grove (John 18:1) at a place called ‘Gethsemane’ (Matthew 26:36). It is likely that this was a cave somewhere on the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39) where the olives of the nearby groves were pressed. As Jesus reflected on the work He was about to do, He, too, was pressed. The great weight of the sin of the world and the coming rejection by His Father led Him to sweat drops of blood (Luke 22:44). The image of the great weight of a gethsemane (which means “olive press”) on the precious olives can help us to imagine the pressure Jesus felt as He contemplated the burden He was to bear” (Ray VanderLaan, “The Light of the World,” Volume 4, page 187).
What cup?
“The cup Christ would drink symbolizes the experience He would endure. He would consume the cup of divine wrath to its bitter dregs. Psalm 75:8, Isaiah 51:17, Jeremiah 49:12, and other scriptures refer to the cup of judgment or the cup of wrath. Christ would endure the fury of God over sin, Satan, the power of death, and the guilt of iniquity.” – John MacArthur
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Satan in the Garden
I believe that this is the bookend attack that first occured in Matt 4.
Luke4:13 “When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.” NIV
“I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me”(John 14:30)
“This is your hour, and the power of darkness.” (Luke22:53)
The devil had the same objective – to tempt, to persuade Christ from following the Father’s Will. This was the opportune time, impending crucifixion with attendant betrayals, ignomy, Israel’s rejection, etc. – Christ was in deep sorrow. If the Devil can persuade Christ out of the Cross – He wins – God is a liar, and His Word means nothing.
In the wilderness there were three temptations. In Gethsemane there are three waves of attack that send Christ into prayer. the bookend attacks are examples of how to deal with temptation – Scripture and prayer.
Christ’s pattern for us to have victory over temptation:
“be humble, fall on your knees before God in prayer for strength, and then commit yourself to God’s will in the midst of temptation. The latter is the only way to victory.” – John MacArthur
What not to do?
Look at the disciples. They had been warned, but they were personal followers of the Son of God. They were indifferent enough about the situation to fall asleep? Afterall, they had seen the power of Christ. One word from Him and it could all go away. No need for us to be awake in prayer.
So what happened? They ALL abandoned Jesus in their final hour, and could be found huddling in fear in a room after the crucifixion.
Are we (believers) too comfortable in God’s soverignty to be ever vigilant and in prayer with Him? Not to get things our way, but to align ourselves (agree to His will) for what he has in store for us? If not, then we will have the same problems as the disciples at the crucifixion and afterwards.
John

======== John:

Miriam
Looks like Miriam could have benefited from Prov 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.” NIV
John

======== Vance:

Numbers 11 (NKJV)
25
Then the LORD came down in the cloud, and spoke to him, and took of the Spirit that was upon him, and placed the same upon the seventy elders; and it happened, when the Spirit rested upon them, that they prophesied, although they never did so again.
[NOTE: TARGUM AND VULGATE READ “DID NOT CEASE”. ]
26
But two men had remained in the camp: the name of one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad. And the Spirit rested upon them. Now they were among those listed, but who had not gone out to the tabernacle; yet they prophesied in the camp.
~~~
32
And the people stayed up all that day, all night, and all the next day, and gathered the quail (he who gathered least gathered ten homers); and they spread them out for themselves all around the camp.
33
But while the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was aroused against the people, and the LORD struck the people with a very great plague.
34
So he called the name of that place Kibroth Hattaavah,
[NOTE: LITERALLY “GRAVES OF CRAVING” ]
because there they buried the people who had yielded to craving.
MY NOTE:
In this very frenzied, fast pace of life in America (and in many parts of the world), I pray that we would take time to listen and let the Spirit of God rise up within us and come upon us with His Anointing. Jesus paid for it. May we receive it and be eager for it like these men who shared anointing with Moses.
~~~
2 Corinthians 1 (NKJV)
20
For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
21
Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God,
22
who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
~~~
I find Numbers 11:25 and the corresponding note about prophesying very interesting: “…they never did so again.
[NOTE: TARGUM AND VULGATE READ “DID NOT CEASE”. ]
Perhaps harmonizing the note with the verse can yield this interpretation: Perhaps in that particular incident where Joshua tried to stop the two men prophesying, the men stopped prophesying.
However, it may be that the anointing they received that day operated within and upon them in different situations as God willed.
I Corinthians 12 (NKJV)
6
And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
7
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:…
11
But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
~~~
ALSO, the waiting, receiving, and anointing of the Spirit would satisfy us and keep us from being ensnared and killed by our cravings. “Christ is our life” (Colossians 3)
Vance

Numbers 10:1-11:23 + Mark 14:1-21 + Psalm 51:1-19 + Proverbs 10:31-32
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Old Testament – Today we begin to read about the Israelites discontent with God’s provision and care in Numbers chapter 11, and this discontent & disobedience we will read about through chapter 25. As we read through these chapters, I do think we would do well to not point fingers at the Israelites and say that we would have behaved differently back then. I’m not so sure that I would have. . . I think these chapters will very likely speak into our lives today and we might find that we are often not so different from the Israelites. In Numbers chapter 11 verse 1 today we read: “Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused.” How does this verse speak to you today? I don’t know about you, but for me this verse is convicting. Simply because I know that I often complain more to God than I actually thank God for the blessings he has poured out into my life. It really is incredible to stop and think about how good God is to us. In fact, one of our One Year Bible participants in the past had a blog called “God is Good All the Time.” And this is so true. And yet, what is our percentage of thanksgiving to God versus our complaining to God? I’m afraid my percentage is way skewed toward complaining or worrying (worrying is really similar to complaining I think). I pray that as I go forward in my walk with God that I will do a lot more thanking and a lot less complaining & worrying. It is an amazing thing – this gift of life. Even in the midst of all of our daily challenges and storms, let us know that God is the anchor and harbor in our life. And he continues to pour out blessings upon blessings upon our life – oftentimes without us consciously being aware of the blessings. And oftentimes without us thanking God for the blessings. How about you? How is your thanksgiving of God’s blessings in your life going these days?

New Testament – In Mark chapter 14 today we read the beautiful story of Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, who anoints Jesus, and as he tells us in verse 8 – “She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time.””  A new insight I learned on this today is from Zondervan’s commentary – In Jesus’ day it was a normal Jewish custom to anoint a dead body with aromatic oils in preparing for burial.  Jesus seems to be anticipating suffering a “criminal’s” death, for only in that circumstance was there no anointing of the dead body.

Psalms – Today we read one of my favorite Psalms!  Psalm 51. Psalm 51 is David’s humble prayer for forgiveness and cleansing after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband Uriah killed in battle. I believe that this Psalm can continue to be a humble prayer for forgiveness and cleansing for each of us today. This Psalm is read by many liturgical churches during the season of Lent as a penitential Psalm. A brief quote about Psalm 51 from this Bible.org is this – “The application of the psalm to believers today should be obvious. We, like David, can and must have complete cleansing before we can fully and freely serve God in any capacity. Our eternal destiny may not be in doubt when we sin as believers, and neither was David’s because he appealed to that covenant relationship, but our fellowship and service will be. God will not tolerate unconfessed sin, and so will hold us accountable if we do not confess.” I’ve been trying to figure out my favorite portion or two of this Psalm to share with you. . . but I can’t just pick one portion. It is all so powerful! Tell you what – I’m going to copy the full Psalm below in the NIV translation (my favorite for this Psalm). Please take a few moments to meditate upon this Psalm. My questions for reflection are these – Do you confess your sins to God? Do you confess your sins to others? And ask them to hold you accountable? When was the last time you confessed your sins to God? Do you have sins to confess to God today? Will you do so now? I pray this Psalm opens up your heart to the amazing burden that is lifted when we confess our sins to God. . .

Psalm 51
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.
Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.
Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.

In your good pleasure make Zion prosper;
build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Then there will be righteous sacrifices,
whole burnt offerings to delight you;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 10 verses 31 & 32 are great reminders of how very important the words that come out of our mouths are!  They reflect the condition of our hearts…  What are the types of words that are coming out of your mouth these days?  Are they helpful to others?  Do they give wise advice?

Worship Video: Psalm 51 reminded me of the fantastic song “Create in me a Clean Heart” performed here by Donnie McClurkin and a choir:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILRjmPGvVB8

Do you want a clean heart? Click here to be made clean!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray for a pure heart. Pray that God will purify your heart. Pray for renewal of a steadfast spirit within.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  How does Psalm 51 speak to you?  Can you imagine yourself praying any of these lines to God?  Have you ever prayed Psalm 51 to God?  Or have you prayed other Psalms to God?  Do you confess your sins to God? Do you confess your sins to others? And ask them to hold you accountable?  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.

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

======= Ramona:

Numbers 10-11:23
1 Corinthians 14:10 says, in the King James Translation, “There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.” That is the first thing I thought about when I began reading about the “silver” trumpets. Its good that we hear the notes being sounded, but hearing them does us no good if we don’t know what they mean. Here Moses is instructed by God on what to sound for differing situations. If the call to break camp is sounded but no one understand the signal or there is differing interpretations then you have chaos and movement with no momentum.
The wisdom of the trumpet sounds and each sounds’ meaning is demonstrated in the way the Israelis break camp and how they Tabernacle is already set up by the time the last tribe breaks camp and gets to the place were the camp is set up.
There is a verse in Isaiah, 1:18, where God invites the prophet to dialogue with Him about the true condition of their sin, so I’m not so sure that the peoples’ complaining is about just complaining or that the people are complaining about God taking them out of Egypt which they have false memories of the good times and food they had. They, like us, complain about God’s provisions devaluing the gifts and blessings of God.
The greatest gift God has given us is our deliverance from sin and freedom from eternal death, yet we find ourselves walling in the sin we have been delivered from giving that sin greater value then the freedom from it. We fear death that walks hand-in-hand with sin, but as long as we romance sin death comes along. We, like the children of Israel, make poor value judgments.
Mark 14:1-21
A woman pours expensive perfume on Jesus, unbeknownst to her she is preparing the one she loves for his death that he will die for her sins. She has given to Jesus more value than the cost of the perfume and the jar she carries it in. Yet those at the table who dine with Him value the perfume and the jar more than they value the man they have followed for three and a half years. Value it’s all about what we value. Jesus said, 7 “You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But I will not be here with you much longer.”
What we do for Christ is the only thing that will last, words to a song but true words. Christ is more precious than silver; more costly than gold and more beautiful than diamonds, He is priceless.
Psalm 51:1-21
Something so hard for me to remember that my sins against others is not really against them, it is against God because He created them in His image, the same image that he created me after.
Proverbs 10:31-32
I’m reminded of an old saying, “You can’t make a silk purse from a sow’s ear.” If you only get words of comfort, words of wisdom, words that build you up from the godly, then looking to the wicked for anything other than corruption is a waste of time. A false witness breathes out lies, all the time.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Rob:

mike, forgiveness is such a huge thing and something that we don’t quite get as christians so i agree with your comments about psalm 51. what struck me is that grace should enable us to be open about our sins, but fear stops us from confessing to each other.
this is something we are discussing in Leeds, UK in the MIND and SOUL group next month.
another resource I have found really useful is the 12.5 steps book by howard astin (amazon link below). this is based on the 12 steps program for addiction and one of the steps is to make a list of ALL the sisn you have ever committed and tell another person. it puts to the test the relationships of the christian community and makes us ask whether or not perfect love really does cast out fear.
amazon link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1854245791/qid%3D1110277116/202-0866703-1433413
rob

======= Anka:

Numbers 10:29-31..this verse stood out to me today.God led his people with a cloud so they certainly didn’t need Hobab’s experience in the desert.Hobab who wasn’t part of God’s people was wooed to be part of Israel and her blessings…just like we were wooed out of darkness with the promise of eternal life and peace.God really doesn’t need us as much as we need him.I sometimes forget just how blessed I am to be part of God’s family…and like the Israelites…many times I look at what seems to be missing in my life instead of looking at what God’s blessed me with.He sure knew why he said “seek ye first the kingdom”cos when we keep our eyes on Him,all things work out for our good.
God bless you all
Anka

======= Luch:

In reading this section on complaining and grumbling against the Lord, and no doubt, against others such as Moses, I was reminded of something Mark Twain said about people who complain about their lot. He said, “Eighty percent of the people who hear your complaint don’t care about you, and the other 20% are glad you have your problem.” How’s that for putting our complaints in perspective? May sound worldly but I found it convicting and helpful to just keep my own complaints and grumblings in check.
I thought the NLT version rendered God’s attitude toward the Israelites’ complaining well in Numb 11:18 “The LORD has heard your whining and complaints”. Everything else aside it’s enough to know that “The LORD hears…” If that’s not an incentive to ‘holy living’ I don’t know what is.
Luch

======== Beryl:

complaining is one thing the Lord has discouraged in my life, I have complained too much in the past. Mathew 12:36-37 tells us that we will be held to account for every word we utter – and will be judged by them. So let’s give that sacrifice of praise, even if the tears are running down our cheeks. I heard a story recently of a christian man who was depressed, could not sleep, he put out to chairs and said to the devil “you can sit there and I will sit here and you can listen to me praise the Lord! An hour later the man went to bed and slept soundly.
Proverbs 10:31-32 is about words. The godly person gives good advice…the godly speak words the are helpful.
My prayer is that my words will be sound and glorifying to the Lord
Beryl

======= Lisa:

In Numbers 11:21-22, Moses wonders where the meat will come from, even though God has told him that they will have “meat for a whole month.” After all Moses has been through and all that God has provided, he still wonders how or if this can really happen. In verse 23, the NASB reads “The Lord said to Moses ‘Is the Lord’s power limited? Now you shall see whether My word will come true for you or not.”
In my own life I often respond as Moses does…even though I can look back and see how good God has been and how He has blessed me and provided for me, I still sometimes look ahead and wonder “How can this happen? Will God really come through and provide for this need?” I pray that in a quiet moment I will hear Him say “Is the Lord’s power limited?”
I recently sat in on a Bible study on this passage and the teacher compared the “manna” to God’s Word and the “meat” to things of the world – things that we chase after and long for yet are things that never really satisfy.
I wonder when we complain and whine, if God doesn’t just say “Okay, fine. You want meat, I’ll give you meat. I’ll give you so much meat it will make you sick.” As we will see tomorrow, it ultimately killed them. They got what they asked for but missed out on what God really wanted for them.
I wonder what I’ve missed out on in my quest for stuff or things that pertain to the world (“meat”) and how I’ve allowed those desires to eclipse my desire for God, His Word, and the things He has in store for me (“manna”).
Lisa

======= Cory:

I couldn’t help but notice that the people kept appealing to Moses, but not to God.
Cory

======= John:

Psalm 51
When other Christians complain that they can not get in right frame of mind to pray – I ALWAYS suggest reading Psalm 51 and reflect on it.
It always helps to put me in the right frame of mind for approaching God in prayer.
Random notes:
Nazarites
The vow of a Nazirite was a voluntary vow which a man or woman could make for a specified period of time. The Mishna states that a Nazirite vow could last as long as 100 days, but the usual length was thirty days.
MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. 1997, c1995. Believer’s Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments . Thomas Nelson: Nashville
Numbers 11
God has demonstrated himself over and over to Israelites – Parting of Red Sea, Priests consumed by fire, Cloud, fire, manna, more fire on outskirts of Camp. Along the way, He set up laws and demanded obediance. The punishments in some cases seem very extreme.
Given God’s presence with the Jewish Nation, you would think the people would think twice about breaking his Laws. Speaks to the nature of man, that not even God’s display of power and authority was enough to keep them obediant – ALL the time.
Mark 14:7
“The poor you will always have with you,..”
A sociological and economic truism. In the literal sense, you can not solve the problem of poverty by throwing money at the poor.
Exodus 12 (passover) –
On the tenth of nissan, a lamb was chosen and brought into the house. The idea was to keep the lamb from getting blemished. Jesus was brought into Jerusalem (house)on that day.
John

======= Ramona:

Numbers 10-11:23
Beware the “riff-raff!” Riff-raff will have you grumbling, whining, and not praying. When we are in our “hard” place of testing, can we truly say we are praying or in reality are we just “whining” when the crises come? The hard times are tests that come to reveal the cracks in our character to find out who we really trust. God already knows what we will do. It is we ourselves who need the reality check and when it comes do, we have reasons why we did not do what we knew to be right, or do we accept that there are cracks that need to be fixed?
If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.
(Proverbs 24:10 AMP)
I believe this testing by God is to bring to pass a promise God gave to Moses back in the 32nd chapter of Exodus after the golden calf incident. God promised that those who sinned would have their sin visited upon them,
The next day Moses said to the people, You have sinned a great sin. And now I will go up to the Lord; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin. So Moses returned to the Lord, and said, Oh, these people have sinned a great sin and have made themselves gods of gold! Yet now, if You will forgive their sin–and if not, blot me, I pray You, out of Your book which You have written! But the Lord said to Moses, Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him [not you] out of My book. [Dan. 12:1; Phil. 4:3; Rev. 3:5.] But now go, lead the people to the place of which I have told you. Behold, My Angel shall go before you. Nevertheless, in the day when I punish I will visit their sin upon them! [Exod. 23:20; 33:2, 3.] (Exodus 32:30-34 AMP)
I know that there are many times that I have failed the tests that come my way because I “grumble’ and “murmur” against God instead of praying to God. Many times I join the “riff-raff,” like a bunch of cows forming a herd and that is NOT GOOD!!.
It is only in the time of prayer in the “hard” places where we get God’s perspective on what is going on in our lives: murmuring only delays our answers and keeps us wandering in the desert making a two-week journey into a forty-year travail.
Lots for me to think about repent over then get up and go on.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Sammy:

Several years ago God gave me a song from this song, Psalm 51. Whenever, I begin to feel like David felt, I like to repeat these words. Let me share them with you:
V.1
Lord, restore to me the joy of thy salvation,
Fill me with your
Spirit now as then,
That I may grow in strength and dedication, and know the peace that flows from deep with,
Then fill me with the love that took my Savior from Heaven’s glory to dark calvary,
Restore to me the joy of thy salvation,
That I may know thy true reality.
V.2
When I think about the joy of sins forgiven,
How He guides me with His tender hand and then,
He gives my life a richer, higher purpose,
To tell His story to earth’s fallen man,
How can I not submit to His dear calling when He has given life abundantly,
Restore to me the joy of thy salvation,
That I may know thy true reality.
Chorus
Restore me Lord today,
Then lift me up I pray,
to be where I can see, where I can know the purpose of your plan,
When I can rest within your warm embrace and know the wonder of your grace,
Restore me, Lord, and make me wholly thine!
If these words can meaning to just one other person, I will feel blessed!
Sammy

======= Adrien:

Hello Mike,
Help me to understand why the Israelites were hungry for meat. Did they not have a multitude of cattle and sheep? Were they not offering year old cattle and sheep to the Lord? Were they not allowed to eat their stock?
Adrien

======= Duane:

Hehe, Adrien, they probably had a whole heap of livestock that they knew they were going to have to bring for sin/peace/guilt/jealousy offerings, foreknowing their inability to keep all of those laws. Kind of like budgeting out their own fall and realizing they wouldn’t have anything to eat.
Seriously, though, something that is not often taught in our relationship with God is a certain surrender of rights. God has a right to punish us extremely for our sin. Look at what happened to the outskirts of the camp. God started to get hot and then everyone else got hot. Why? Because it was His right. A right that He laid down mercifully in love with His chosen people. The children of Israel had a right to complain over the fact that all they were getting was magic bread whose name actually translates into “what is this?” They HAD been eating a bountiful feast in their slavery back in Egypt so there was a comparison to be made. Bountiful feast in slavery vs “what is this?” in freedom.
We have the same struggle today. How do we praise God, I mean, truly praise God in the overwhelming pain that comes into each fallen life? In my life it is a matter of knowing that God did not exercise His right to destroy me. He actually brought me out of at least a few fires I know of. With that knowledge it is easier to lay down my right to be bitter, upset, hurt and betrayed by the works that my fellow men work in my life. And when I surrender my hurt and my right to complain of it, all that is left is a heart full of praise in remembrance of everything good that I have neither the ability, nor the desire to forget.
Duane

======= Angie:

psalms 51 is very powerful to me. yes, i do confess my sins to god ALL the time. and yes, i do and have had confessed my sins to others just to get it off my chest. i know that i am already accountable to my sins, why should others who i tell already tell me this? i just ask them to be there for me, not to judge me and help me through it and pray for me. this is all i’m going to write cuz i’m in a really crappy mood tonight. its just been one heck of a long year and its just now starting to wind down to the very end of things on friday. i’m really stressing out bout going to the bank over this truck loan. and now me and my husband are agruing. hes not at all happy with what i said, it may have been wrong of me to say, but i’m sticking to my guns on this one. and like i said before, i really don’t care what people think anymore, and i’m making a LOT of changes this year, and its going to make a WHOLE lot of people pretty upset and might even end up costing me my marriage and a ton of money. and i really don’t care anymore. its just been a really stressful evening and i’m tired and VERY moody and grumpy. have an awesome day,
rock on!
Angie

======= Mae:

Angie, I’m praying for you, sweetie!
Things will be fine! Have faith!
“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease”
Mae

======== Katie:

I’m praying for you today Ang, God loves you! : )  Amen
Good morning everyone!
The Lord is so awesome to me. He let this chapter be for today!!!
Just yesterday I was in my car driving from one point of work to another and started praying…
I was struggling with some things just a few weeks ago, and blatently just let myself wallow in some sin. Well, I realized what the heck was going on, the control I was just handing over to the enemy, the potential for really bad… so I stopped. I turned from that sin and am running the other way now!!! All that was fine, I thought. Yesterday, though when I was driving I realized I needed to actually repent. Not just decide not to be bad anymore, but to verbally repent, tell the Lord I am sorry, name my sins, and REPENT.
I did, and oh my goodness, I started crying and I knew I was forgiven. I thank Jesus for his forgiving power. He is so awesome to me. He is so awesome to us all. I felt so clean, like the time I gave my life to the Lord.
I was thinking about this Psalm, the parts I know by heart, And look, here it is! Less than 12 hours later, the Lord just places it in my lap. How awesome is our God!
My only question now: should I repent this to another human being? I feel like I’ve been forgiven, and “Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,”
I didn’t actually hurt any human beings, just my walk with the Lord. I would have to find a someone I really trust to share some things with. I do have people that I love dearly and trust but I just don’t feel comfortable sharing these things with them. I feel like Jesus has forgiven me. Yesterday I felt a complete release and cleansing. So do I need to confess to a human, or is the grace of God enough? I think it is, but I’m open to hearing from you guys, who I trust.
Happy Thursday!
Katie

======== Mae:

What a wonderful testimony! God bless you, Katie!
I love what you wrote “I turned from that sin and am running the other way now!!!”. What a powerful moment; walking away from your sins. I did that to before I got saved. I turned around from my sins, wanting to be a better person, wanting to change my life and a few weeks later (a few weeks of total struggle) Jesus knocked on my door. I was saved, my sins were washed away and that was a new day from a whole new life! I to thought about the people I might have hurt during my ‘unsaved life’. Okay, well, you didn’t hurt any human beings, but shees, I did … But I’ve come to realize that they were sinners to, not only me. Throughout all the services, all the studies and all my talks with my Brothers and Sisters, I know that I can truly say “My sins are washed away, God has forgotten about those sins and that’s important for me”. So what I’m trying to say is that I don’t feel the need no more to confess to people, especially since I wasn’t the only one that didn’t treat people right there. I was hurt by them as well. You know, I think it all depends on the situation wether I will or won’t confess. The people I got this huge fight with before I was saved, they’re not worth it to confess to, because they probably still hate me and they won’t give me a chance to talk and confess. At the other hand it would be good for them if they’d find Jesus to, so I had been thinking about it to let them know that God’s grace cleansed me … Hard, eh? I know, I’m sorry, I’m not helping. Well, I do think like you; God’s grace is enough. I most cases I think it is. And you know, I think the Holy Spirit will help you to. A couple of weeks ago I was using my husbands laptop and it opens right up in his emailbox. I saw an email from his exgirlfriend, so yeah … you know … LOL Without a doubt I started to read the email. And it was nothing, she wasn’t even sure if she had the right emailaddress. It was the second time she emailed and she didn’t get a response yada yada yada I was relieved!!!!!!!!!! But also a huge pressure of guilt on my shoulders. Why reading that email????????? Why??????? I went upstairs to my ‘quiet place with God’, got down on my knees. Prayed and asked for forgiveness. I cried rivers of guilt, I plead for the blood of His Son. And I felt forgiveness … I felt clean and all was good. I prayed again to worship and thank Him. I came downstairs and the Holy Spirit spoke to me … I had to confess. My husband came home and I told him I read that email. He said it was okay, it wasn’t a secret. She emailed him twice and he never responded. I told him that it was NOT okay for me, I felt a wave of jealousy and I HAD to read the email. And you know what, Katie? I’ve never been jealous ever since!
I hope this helped a bit!
Wow … powerful Psalm-reading! I loved it!!!!
Do you confess your sins to God? Do you confess your sins to others? ~ well, I think I wrote about that to Katie. Didn’t realize it was one of the Questions of the Day. I always confess my sins to God, ask Him to forgive me, ask Him to help me. Confessing to others depends on the situation. Like the situation with my husband, confessing my mistake to Him was a reason for God to take my jealousy away from me. A stupid and annoying ‘quality’ of mine.
Verse 4 “Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;
I have done what is evil in your sight.
You will be proved right in what you say,
and your judgment against me is just.”
God is always right … maybe there are times we sin not intentional, but He’ll call us on it. I truly believe so! I feel that I’m really growing as a Christian, I study the Word of God which really helps me a lot. I’m only saved 7 months, but it does feel longer. Words of encouragement came from one of my Sisters in church yesterday “You have grown so much! You are so wise in God’s Word!”. It made me warm inside! Anyway … in the first months of my reborn life I would sin unintentional, but God had a special way of letting me know that. By having the pastor preach about it or to have me read about it in the Bible. Because I was open to God’s Word, I came to see it. God can only work where He’s welcome … He’ll always work on you, but it’s up to us: will we receive it or not. I can say “It might be wrong, but I’m doing it anyways” … that’s not helping myself! I can get down on my knees and ask for His grace … but how powerful will that be if I stand up and continue what I’m doing? I know He’ll never punish, but He will correct. Just like a Dad does to His children. But for me … I fear Him and I don’t want to dissapoint Him. He’s my Father, He saved my life, He made me a better person and I’m thankfull for that. I don’t want to sin … Jesus has been through enough!
Mae

======= Pam:

In Numbers 11 God asks Moses “Is the Lord’s arm too short?” What a beautiful thing to remind us that nothing is out of God’s reach. Even forgiveness, even restoration, even the love of our creator to the point of making a way where there was not way – Jesus knowing our every inclination to be evil, still obeyed, still loved and still gave His life for our sin. He stretched His arms out to us, and they were not to short. As He suffered and died he reached pasted our faults and into to book of life to write “debt paid” on our account! No Lord your arm is not too short, it is precious, strong, and forever around us!
Pam

===== Herb:

I stand convicted, guilty , and unworthy. Praise the Father for Jesus. How could I have ever made it without You Lord? Your presence, Your mercy, Your faithfulness, Your joy, Your strength, Your love. Wow. Thank You Lord.
Herb

======= Stacey:

Wow, today is the first time visiting but I am certain I will be back. What a powerful message and very powerful comments.
I loved the analogy about “manna” symbolizing the word and “meat” symbolizing sin and worldly pleasures. It got me to thinking about how Adam and Eve basically exchanged paradise for an apple. And how the Israelites weren’t happy with the miracle food but instead wanted something they didn’t have. Oh how many times have I felt unpleased with the blessings I have. I don’t think I have enough money or I don’t have a nice enough house or car. I have to stop my complaining and begin praising.
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Sometimes I feel like I no longer contain the Holy Spirit. I guess I need to start praying and preparing for His return. I hope I can do this. Evil has been pushing me away and it’s time I ask God to remove the presence.
Stacey

======= Cheryl:

All of the whining the Israelites did makes me think of the Lord’s Prayer, Give us THIS DAY, our daily bread. Not tommorrow or next week or next year, but this day. The Israelites were getting their daily manna and still they weren’t satisfied. Are we satisfied with what we get each day-or are we all still wanting more, more, more.
Yesterdays readings made me think of a story when my oldest son was in high school. When he was confirmed at church he was given a small wooden cross to wear around his neck. That boy wore that cross every day and was often persecuted at school-still, he continued to wear it. We got him a used BMW as his first car-was at least 10 tears old but he loved it and took real good care of it. One day he was at the gas station when an old scruffy looking bum admired his car. My son was kind of nervous but thanked the man. Then the man asked him if he was a Christian since he wore a cross around his neck. This was less than 2 months after the Columbine shootings when that girl was killed after she admitted that she was a Christian. All my son could think of was-today I’m going to die at age 16- but my son looked into that man’s eyes and proudly said “Yes I am a Christian.” The man shook my son’s hand and said he didn’t think many young people were Christians these days and they went on to have a long conversation about God. Then my son went to church and told our preacher all about it and they had prayer. I still get chills when I think about it. He thought that was his last day on earth and what a blessing came out of it! How awesome is our God! I think about Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers for by so doing some have entertained angels unaware. I wonder if that scruffy bum was an angel. God Bless
Cheryl

======= Gina:

“Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused.” How does this verse speak to you today?
This definitely speaks to me…I’m doing better now, but there was a time not too long ago when I was the chief complainer! I praise God that He is changing that in me…I have so much to be thankful for and complaining is just a pride issue in my opinion.
Psalm 51 is amazing! It’s close to my heart because it is David’s heart after the whole Bathsheba thing…and since I’ve been down that same road that David was on, this psalm was a big part of my forgiveness from God during that time for me.
I do confess to God on a regular basis. I know my sins are washed away already, but sin that is committed daily, that is unconfessed, will put a wedge between me and God and I don’t want that. I also confess to people. There are 3 people in my life that are what I consider “accountability partners” – each one knows things about me and loves me anyway. They also know how to speak the truth to me…even when it hurts…to help me get back on track. They love me enough to not leave me hanging on to sin…they will do whatever it takes to get me back with God and away from the sin!
We can’t just continue on in sin because we feel good or like it or want to do it. When it comes to God’s way…if we truly want to follow Him, we MUST turn from all sin…no matter how we FEEL…we have to do what is right in God’s eyes.
Gina

======= Carlos:

to all of you,,,,may our GOD bless each one of you,
Carlos

========= Laverne:

what stood out to me today was in chapter 11;23 of the book of Numbers. The Lord said to Moses ” I can do anything! Watch and you’ll see my words come true.” Now this was after Moses had seen God do many signs and wonders. This resonated with me b/c it showed me how close to my life, thoughts and feelings Moses is. Even after seeing the great things God could do Moses still said; At least six hundred thousand grown men are here with me. How can you say there will be enough meat to feed them and their families for a whole month? 22Even if we butchered all of our sheep and cattle, or caught every fish in the sea, we wouldn’t have enough to feed them.” Sometimes I happen to put my biblical ancestors on this pedestal when in reality they we just like you and me in a lot of ways. A little doubt, fear and wonderment can make you go ummm even though you know.
Thank Q Father for your grace and new mercies…
Laverne

======== Anka:

We all long for that great cloud that led Israel in the wilderness,it guided them so they knew when to set out,when to stop..It would have been an awesome sight to watch,we all long for God’s guidance in our lives,to tell us when to turn left or right…but they paid a price..God’s presence doesn’t tolerate sin,disobedience,rebellion,etc…here we read that the fire from the Lord burned them…Back then for each sin blood had to be shed by a priest..for intercession and atonement..Now the persfect Lamb has been slain for every sin we have committed and the for the ones we will commit…Our High Priest is ever making intercession for us..what a blessing…
Create in me a clean heart…I love this prayer..it reminds me that I can’t ever make myself clean,I can’t ever do anything right without Him(God)..When we sin,God simply removes His presence from us…He doesn’t send fire because our High priest is interceeding…yet without the presence and guidance of the Lord…we grope around in darkness…until we confess and repent of our sins..The presence of God in our lives make us “light” to the world…without it…we are no witness…May we always yearn for the presence of God in our lives…
Anka

======= Nicole:

I love Numbers 11:23 where God asked Moses “Is the LORD’s arm too short?”
What a great way of saying that the Lord created the Earth, led the Isrealites out of Egypt, so he can certainly give them meat for a month!
It reminds me in my life that there isn’t anything the Lord can’t do….
Nicole

====== Ann:

When we sin, God doesn’t remove His presence from us…the sin removes us from His presence. That’s why it’s imcumbent upon us to confess our sins and ask Him to forgive us for those sins which then will enable us the right to move back into His presence.
Ann

===== Trae:

I just wanted to thank you for your blog – you keep me accountable and I look forward to my daily readings. I’ve never read the Bible all the way through, so I’m learning a lot!
On another note, I really enjoyed the song today – create in me a pure heart….so I may worship thee.
Good stuff.  Have a great weekend everyone!
Trae

======= Lisa:

When I first accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I had no clue what to pray. I do not remember why I looked into the Psalms, but God knew. As I scrolled through each Psalm, I paused at Psalm 51. That spoke to me deeply, because I yearned for our Father to hear my prayer and feel my need. I read it over and over and over -again and again- it was my heart’s cry.
I looked up the meaning of the word “create”:
Dictionary.com
1. to cause to come into being, as something unique that would not naturally evolve or that is not made by ordinary processes.
Great insight on “create in me a clean heart” Anka!
God’s Word is His Will for us – so I knew He heard my cry.
Seek ye the kingdom first …
Lisa

======= Julie:

Two new things that stood out to me today in this reading was that a trumpet was blown to announce time to move on. I thought of the US Cavalry blowing their trumpets & of course the Last mighty Trumpet call for us to move on!
Second, was the the fact that God could see the burden that Moses was under but not till he asked for help then God gave him the 70 to help carry the burden. I have that burden on me often & have to ask God to make my load lighter & He always comes thru! He is a mighty God!! I love Him dearly!
Julie

======= Skip:

It’s been a while since I posted so I thought it was time to chime in.
I confess my sins to God everyday. I also thank Him for all the blessings that He has bestowed upon me. I think it’s important to acknowledge to God that we have sinned and what those sins are/were. I think it’s equally important to praise Him for the blessings that He gives us. I find that by confessing my sins daily and making a list of the blessing I have received, it helps me to live a cleaner more sinless life.
Thank you God for the wonderful family I was born into. Thank you for all of my wonderful friends. Thank you for a dream job that I truly love and love performing and also thank you for filling that work place with great people. Thank you for a roof over my head that is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Thank you for reliable transportation to get me from place-to-place and a garage to keep it in. Thank you for an abundance of food and the means to provide for myself and my family. Thank you for good health. But mostly, thank you for making me a believer in You and for allowing me to live in a country where I can freely read your word, tell others about You and freely worship You in whatever way I choose.
Yours in Christ
Skip

======= Mick:

I was just wondering. With all the animal sacrifices required by the Law, how is it that the people complained that they had no meat to eat?
Mick

======= Elizabeth:

Hello Mick,
My husband and I were discussing your question over here, and we both came away with the thought that it was a great question!
We talked about how how some of the sacrifices were entirely consumed in the fire and that part of the sacrifices were set aside for the priests, but even then–there should have been some meat left over…particularly with the fellowship/peace offerings.
Anyone have thoughts here?
I also notice that the Israelites were also complaining about not having fish, melons, cucumbers, onions, leeks, and garlic.
I find it interesting that they were discontent with their current provisions (manna) and lusting for their past. There’s certainly great life application points here–the “known” past is can be appealing–warm and solid in contrast to an immediately difficult present and an unknown future.
My husband’s question was “Why did the Lord give them the quail then? Doesn’t that encourage their complaints?”
Of course, the plague is part of the answer to that question. He gave them the quail, but He also brought the plague.
And, it reminds me of that quotation:
“There are two tragedies in life: one is not to get your heart’s desire. The other is to get it.” -George Bernard Shaw
For me, it points to the reality that it’s not our outward condition that is most significant, but the inward contentment and peace that comes only from trusting and knowing Him.
It reminds me of Proverbs 17:1
“Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of feasting with strife.”
The problem was the state of their hearts. I agree with you Mike–it’s easy to be backseat theologians from the comfort of our 21st century homes –to look back to the Israelites and shake our heads and say “will these people never learn!” But will WE ever learn is an equally legitimate question. Dissatisfaction and an ungrateful heart are timeless conditions….. They go back to Cain and will continue until we are all perfected in Him.
Elizabeth

======= Frederick:

Psalm 51
Surely David repented for his sins and wrote this Psalm. I believe God accepted his confession and repentance. But it did not mean that God did not punish David for his sins. God is also a righteous God. Sins have consequences. David and his family paid a big price for his sin.
I remembered one of my good Christian friend told me that sin is a serious matter. It is so serious that only God’s only son can redeem us for our sins.
Frederick

======= Stuart:

As I was reading through today’s blog, I congratulated myself because I never (knowingly) complain to God. Then I read what Mike says about worrying. Conclusion, I do complain:(
Stuart

======== Steve:

Psalm 51:10-12 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
This verse stood out because of the unusual way David prayed for forgiveness, instead of pleading for forgiveness outlining the sin he committed and attaching his remorse to his plea, he fast forwards to the heart of the problem, realizing what he needs requires replacement not repair. “Create in me a pure heart, O God”, David knows that the heart is desperately wicked and drawn to the path of sin, his prayer is for God to create a pure heart in him.
For some reason this reminded me of having a flat tire, the tire is damaged but instead of patching the tire it needs to be replaced or it will just fail again. “Renew a steadfast spirit within me”, again David pleads for newness not repair. The only thing he doesn’t ask for new is salvation, instead he asks for the restoration of the joy and willingness that he once had, knowing that is what sustains him. David’s prayer reminded me of the manna (God’s word) from heaven; it’s fresh and new every morning and has everything we need to sustain us.
Every now and then (lately) I’ve been a little off in my walk, my joy went AWOL and my willingness to humble myself before the Lord and others has been compromised. Sometimes I know how I got here and other times I’m clueless of how it happened but I know it’s time to confess before the Lord and ask that He create a pure heart in me and restore the joy of my salvation. How cool it is that when we find ourselves in the doldrums’, we can come to the well and drink from the living waters. God is good.
Steve

======= Reuben:

Actually, next year for a tune how about a link to Keith Green’s “So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?” Perfect fit for Num. 11.
Reuben

======== Duane:

When the people were complainng to Moses, Moses took their complaints to the Lord. It reminded me when Jesus fed the people with the fish and bread.Where can we get enough meat to feed these people for a month, Moses said. Has God’s arm become slack. With God all things are possible. I believe if I were living during that time, I too would prabably be caught up in complaining. We are quick to judge people over the obvious sins pertaining to the ten commandments, but the sin of murmuring and complaining we seem to overlook.
Duane

======= Beverly:

Will be looking for verses telling us to confess to men. Confessing to God is much easier because he has mercy and goodness in his heart, whereas men not so much.
Beverly

======= Jane:

Worry. Something that I do often. However, worry comes down to faith. If I worry does my faith come into question. I believe the Israelites were worried and then complained. Worry angers God. Lord thank you for your eye on my life and forgive me of my worry. Freedom from worry and complaining is a wonderful thing.
Jane

======= Jill:

Hmmm comparing .. Coveting? Interesting. It’s a dangerous game! I find I desire a relationship with daughterinlaws and granddaughter because I didn’t have girls! But if I cling to anything more than God, that is sin! Maybe just maybe if I stop complaining about what I don’t have and be thankful for what I do have. God will give me the desires of my heart. I love psalms 51!!
Jill

======= James:

This is why reading the “One Year Bible Blog” is such a blessing. Praying through Psalm 51 just totally opens my heart and mind to the Lord. Create in me a clean heart. The Lord really wants to cleanse our hearts and our minds . . . . instead of throwing away as I may see fit. Praise God for His mercy and grace. Thank you Mike
Thank you Ramona for your daily commentary and perspective . . .
James

======= Robert:

Numbers 11
Complaining
I find that when I get into a rut of complaining and feeling sorry for myself, I try to do positive things, like watch Christian movies on Netflix or you tube. Last night I watched an uplifting movie about Jeremiah. Going for coffee with a friend. I find reading and blogging on this site is very helpful. Prayer.
I love the help Moses receives vs. 11:16 -17 as he finds leadership becoming a burden. Delegate. Many times I want to do it all myself and don’t go to the Lord for help. He has surrounded me with talented, dedicated and willing people but I don’t get it. This is a good reminder to look for the Lords helpers that are amongst me.
Psalm 51: 10-12
I grew up in the Lutheran Church and this was spoken every Sunday at church. Wow, you think of sin as a pandemic, this was certainly the vaccine! I think it also fits into Mike’s thoughts about how refreshing it is to confess our sins. It certainly helps when we are in that Numbers 11 complaining mood.
Robert

======= Debbie:

What struck me about Psalm 51 was how much of the gospel is in it. David is asking for God’s forgiveness–for God to create in him a clean heart, like being born again. He wants God to restore in him the joy of His salvation, as Jesus will on the cross for us. David doesn’t want to lose the Holy Spirit, which Jesus will bestow upon His followers including us. Finally, he will teach transgressors God’s ways which bespeaks the Great Commission. Pretty awesome!
Debbie

======== Dee:

Numbers 10-11:23, the verse(s) that stood out to me was at the end of our lesson in Numbers 11. Here Moses is complaining or offering up a plea to God, Please Help Me, Their acting like babies, like children. I didn’t give birth to them! Am I suppose to carry them in my arms to and through the Promise Land? Will they ever get weaned?!! lol, its funny but its ever too real, because I know we feel like that sometimes when we are in a leadership role and our followers are “not getting it, or not catching on quick enough” I am sure God gets frustrated with us likewise for our slow involvement or murmuring when we should be praising Him. And then comes God’s remarks which are amusing to me today..Tell the people this: Make yourselves holy. Tomorrow you will eat meat. The Lord heard you cry, “We want meat! We were better off in Egypt!” So now the Lord will give you meat to eat. You will not eat it for just 1,2,5,10 or even 20 days. You will eat meat for a whole month. You will eat it until it comes out of your nose. This is hilarious! Did anyone else have to laugh and smirk a little at the Lords comebacks today? Sometimes we have to be careful what we ask for, cause you just may get it and a heap of it at that !! And then the Lords last comments to Moses in verse 23 after Moses is wandering, how are you going to provide in the natural all that food for 600,000 + people Lord? He is questioning God’s ability to meet a need? God replies, “Do you think I’m weak? You will see if I can do what I say.” Again, that is so us! so typical of us, Help me Lord, help me, help me. I believe Lord, but help my unbelief.
I believe the verse that penetrates the most in Mark is the last verses in Mark 14:21. The Son of Man must go and die. The Scriptures say this will happen. But how terrible it will be for the person who gives the Son of Man to be killed. It would be better for that person if he had never been born. How pitiful to know that all your life and all the 3 1/2 years of mentorship with the Saviour was for nought/nothing, forgettable. To be written down in history as being an enemy of Christ. It makes me think about ‘religions’ today and how many so called preachers are imitators of the Word, and leading people astray with laws and regulations instead of grace and mercy and redeeming Love that Christ has for us! It would be betterfor those just like Judas if they never were born. That is what Christ is saying right there. I pray that each one that goes to this blog and that goes to church or is in a bible based community group of some sort is hearing the true unaltered, never changing, beautiful Words of the Living God and being taught correctly and guarding your hearts with all diligence because out of it flows the wellsprings of life. Proverbs 4:23.
Psalm 51, if noting with Mikes commentary, I was out on my back porch this morning, praying to God and asking for forgiveness and I try to make it a weekly thing to ask if there is any unresolved forgiveness or hidden things I had forgotten or need to come to a surface to please reveal them to me. I try to always renew my mind daily with the Word of God and to stay true to my Prov 4:23 because that is one of my favorite verses. However, I do feel what David is saying in the Psalms today. So heartfelt and pure. It truly is the very purest acts of confession and forgiveness. We could all learn a little from this Psalm. What I got out of the Psalm is closer to the end of the Psalm, David was admitting to God that, He (God) is not pleased by sacrifices, no burnt offerings either. What God wants is a willing spirit. God, you will not reject a heart that is broken and sorry for its sin! Amen, Amen, Amen!!
Dee

======= Vance:

THANK YOU for referring me to this article on Psalm 51: The Necessity of Full Forgiveness
By: Allen Ross, Th.D., Ph.D.
* UNLESS ONE SEES PERSONAL SIN, THERE IS NO BELIEF THAT FORGIVENESS IS NEEDED.
* WHEN SIN IS SEEN AND ACKNOWLEDGED, THEN FORGIVENESS CAN BE GIVEN WHEN SINCERELY ASKED FOR
* REPENTANCE IS KEY TO ASKING FOR AND RECEIVING FORGIVENESS
The last point I made about repentance being KEY for receiving forgiveness needs to be repeated over and over. WITHOUT REPENTANCE AND SUBSTITUTIONARY DEATH, THERE IS NO FORGIVENESS OF SINS.
It is not that it is “up to us” to be perfect because we have sincerely and wholeheartedly decided to give up sin because we want to do God’s will.
We will never be “sinless” while on earth, for GRACE gives us plenty of opportunities to MATURE. But I am convinced God calls us to “sin less and less” as we grow “more and more” into the character of the Lord Jesus.
It fits our culture very well, that there is no “felt need” for repentance. It even goes father than that. It is not uncommon for American people to be OFFENDED at the suggestion that they might have to repent of sin. I am sure other cultures share many of the same qualities.
At the very least, they will mock those who are stating the need for repentance. In American society, people who are offended can move legislators to pass laws that make it a criminal offense to talk about the need for repentance because of sin.
~~~ WE NEED TO PRAY FOR OUR COUNTRY… and all countries as well.
Look at some of the descriptions of sin from Psalm 51 given from the website: Psalm 51: The Necessity of Full Forgiveness By: Allen Ross, Th.D., Ph.D.
* There are several words for sin in Psalm 51
è Transgressions – my rebellious acts
“The word is pesa‘ (pronounced peh-sha); a study of its usage will show that it is used in military contexts to describe open and intentional rebellions. David is not trying to cover his sin, but is naming it for what it is, a willful rebellion against God. The form is plural, because in his situation sin was compounded on sin.”
è Iniquity – going astray, possibly involving twisting of truth
“[This is a] noun ‘awon [which is] pronounced ah-vone… [this sin] could be premeditated or inadvertent…”
For myself, it seems clear that a sin that is premeditated would definitely involve a deliberate twisting of meaning, leading to a crooked path of life.
è My sin – missing the mark (or missing the center bull’s eye of the target)
“The verb behind the noun is hata’ (pronounced khah-tah), and it clearly means “to miss a goal, or a way.”
~~~
Of course, one would ask how can I avoid sin when truly and sincerely repented of? The quick answer is that I cannot, and I have to depend on the Life of Christ through the Spirit of Christ within me. “Greater is He Who is in me than he that is in the world.” (I John 4:4).
Or, as I like to paraphrase it for myself: ‘Greater is He Who is in me than anything OF the world.” The nature of the world cannot stay when I depend on the One Who is Perfect in His nature, and Who lives in me.
I John 3 (New King James Version)
8
He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
9
WHOEVER HAS BEEN BORN OF GOD DOES NOT SIN, FOR HIS SEED REMAINS IN HIM; AND HE CANNOT SIN, BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN BORN OF GOD.
10
In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: WHOEVER DOES NOT PRACTICE RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT OF GOD, nor is he who does not [PRACTICE THE] love his brother.
~~~
WE CAN TRUST THE AUTHORITY OF THE ONE WHO IS IN US BY HIS GRACE to give us the ability to resist sin, and then to go the next step to OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD.
Romans 8 really highlights the inability of the believer to do God’s will by relying on his or her own strength. Yet, it also highlights the ability of the One Who is in us, and the power of “the Spirit of Life that is in Christ Jesus”. See below for my final comment.
Romans 8 (Amplified Bible)
2
For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death.
3
For God has done what the Law could not do, [its power] being weakened by the flesh [the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit]. Sending His own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, [God] condemned sin in the flesh [subdued, overcame, deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice], (LEVITICUS 7:37)
4
So that the righteous and just requirement of the Law might be fully met in us who live and move not in the ways of the flesh but in the ways of the Spirit [our lives governed not by the standards and according to the dictates of the flesh, but controlled by the Holy Spirit].
~~~
Jesus came as a man, disguised like a secret agent onto enemy territory. He is fully human, and as such He is still the Perfect Man. Through His Perfect Humanity, we as the Church—with our spirits, souls and bodies members of Christ—are raised and seated with Him at the right hand of the Father.
Jesus came, according to Romans 8:3 above, “…in the guise of sinful flesh…”. Humanity was not evil originally evil, but only became evil through sin. The enemy used the deceit of pleasure ruling over the rule of truth to deceive mankind into giving the earth over to him as ruler.
Jesus was and is TRULY HUMAN as well as FULLY GOD. As a Man, He was able to completely resist sin AS OUR REPRESENTATIVE. As a Man, He was able to be the SACRIFICE as our SUBSTITUTE.
As our SUBSTITUTE, He took on our sins, sicknesses, griefs, and sorrows.
As our REPRESENTATIVE, He can literally come into our lives and LIVE HIS LIFE FOR US and THROUGH US that we cannot on our own.
FINALLY, I note that the cross reference to Romans 8:3 in the Amplified Bible is Leviticus 7:37. This is interesting, especially as we just finished reading through Leviticus. Below is the verse and comment.
Leviticus 7 (Amplified Bible)
37
This is the law of the burnt offering, the cereal offering, the sin offering, the guilt or trespass offering, the consecration offering, and the sacrifice of peace offerings
MY COMMENT:
There had to be A LAW of the burnt offering so God could have fellowship with people with judging them for their sin. A person who did NOT sacrifice offerings acted to his or her own peril or destruction.
How much more then, is THE Perfect Sacrifice of Christ, necessary for us today?
I close with a quote by C.S. Lewis from Mere Christianity:
“Christianity thinks this dark power was created by God and was good when he was created, and went wrong. Christianity agrees with Dualism: that this universe is at war.”
“But it [Christianity] does not think that this is a war between independent powers. [Christianity] thinks it is a civil war—-a rebellion, and that we are living in a part of the universe occupied by the rebel. Enemy-occupied territory—-that is what this world is.”
“Christianity is the story of how the rightful King has landed—-you might say landed in disguise-—and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage.”
“When you go to church, you are really listening in to the secret wireless from our friends. That is why the enemy is so anxious to prevent us from going…”
Vance

Numbers 8:1-9:23 + Mark 13:14-37 + Psalm 50:1-23 + Proverbs 10:29-30
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Old Testament – Today in Numbers chapter 8 we read about the dedication of the Levites and in Numbers chapter 9 we read about the Second Passover:

In chapter 9 we read about the fiery cloud over the tabernacle!  Verses 22 & 23 stood out to me in today’s readings: “Whether the cloud stayed above the Tabernacle for two days, a month, or a year, the people of Israel stayed in camp and did not move on. But as soon as it lifted, they broke camp and moved on. So they camped or traveled at the LORD’s command, and they did whatever the LORD told them through Moses.”  Below is an incredible image of the Israelites’ camp at rest:

Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
To order prints visit her “Revelation Illustrated” site.

New Testament – In Mark chapter 13 today we read about the signs of the end of the age. For me personally, Jesus’ words in verses 32 & 33 have always been so powerful when it comes to end-times considerations – “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” I think this teaching from Jesus is so important for each of us to keep in mind. No one knows the day or the hour of the end of times. Only God the Father. I have some friends who are very into speculating and discussing end-times prophecies and events. For me personally, these verses above make me realize that we truly do not know when the end of time will come – but, yes, we know it will come. And therefore I believe we should live every day loving God and loving people around us – and not get so focused on speculation of end times that we forget about these 2 great commandments. . .  🙂 My other thought on these verses is this – not only do we not know when the end of the age will come, but we do not know when the end of each of our lives will come. Hopefully we will live long lives. But it’s not guaranteed. You know how life is – there is cancer and there are accidents and the list could go on. So, I guess I’d recommend this – don’t worry about when the end of the age will be. Don’t worry about when the end of your life will be. Instead, be on guard and be alert each and every day to make sure you are loving God and loving people – as if each day might be your last day.

Psalms – Psalm 50 verses 14 & 15 are beautiful words from God to Israel – “What I want instead is your true thanks to God; I want you to fulfill your vows to the Most High. Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” Do you believe these words can apply to us today as well?  Are you giving true thanks to God each day?  Are you trusting in God in your times of trouble?  Are you giving God glory for all that he has done for you?  How often do you say “thank you” to God?  Below is a great image for verse 1 from Psalm 50 today:

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 10 verse 29 teaches us today: “The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous.”  This is a great teaching that those who trust in God are covered with a hedge of protection.  Thank God for this protection!  I know I need it.  And I believe that God oftentimes protects us in ways that we do not even consciously realize…  As we pray in the Lord’s prayer – “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”  Amen.

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Mark about Jesus’ Second Coming reminds me of the FFH song “One of these Days:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHdSgQVIb5c

Are you prepared for Jesus’ Second Coming? Click here and be prepared for that Day!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.” Mark 13:26-27 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are looking forward to the day of Jesus’ return. Pray “Come, Lord Jesus, quickly come.”

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on my reflections above on Mark 13:32-33, I am reminded of something I read on another Christian blog recently and it really did make me think. Here’s how this blog put it, and I think this relates well to these Mark verses – “Breaking News: mortality rate is STILL 100%! You are not guaranteed all the days you believe you have coming to you. What would you do differently if today was your last day alive?”  Powerful question for each of us to consider, no?  What would you do differently if today was your last day alive?  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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======= Ramona:

Numbers 8-9:23
“Tell Aaron that when he sets up the seven lamps in the lampstand, he is to place them so their light shines forward.”
The light of God is to shine forward in our lives it is not for looking back at things in the past. Forgetting those things that lie behind and pressing toward the mark of the high calling of God (Philippians 3:13-14). Jesus said that one is unfit for the kingdom of God who puts their hand to the plow and then looks back (Luke 9:62). This seems to be one of the hardest things not to do, dwell in the past. Regrets, hurts, disappointments seem to resurface at the oddest of times when there is no thought of them being cultivated by my mind. Like an unwanted neighbor dropping by at the most inopportune time, thoughts, anger, resentments flood my mind without asking my permission to enter: unwanted guests with boundary issues.
I love the image of the fiery cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night as a guide. This is the image of the direction of the Holy Spirit but I’m not as obedient as the children of Israel in following His guidance. One of the things you must do to be able to move at the drop of the hat, so to speak, is to travel light. The acquiring of Ethan Allen heavy type furniture is a no-no. Ya gotta be ready to throw the little stuff you have in a cart and shout, “Head um up, move um out!”
Mark 13:14-37
Every time I read any text of the Gospel (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) where Jesus speaks of the “End Times, I think of the beginning of the Parable of the “other” Ten talents or pound. In this Parable in Luke chapter 19, the servants are given their orders then given ten talents/pounds, and in the King James Version it states, “Occupy till I come.” Yet our tendency is to sit on the curb waiting for the rapture. Sitting around talking about “religious” things gives us the appearance of doing good deeds but what we are really doing is creating a lot of movement without momentum.
We are to notice the times we are living in and when we see them we are not to shut ourselves off and talk about how bad it is ‘cause Jesus already told us it is going to be bad so we should just quit acting surprised. When it is raining “cats and dogs,” get out your umbrella, put you hip boots on and get to work.
Psalm 50:1-23
12 If I were hungry, I would not mention it to you,
for all the world is mine and everything in it.
New Flash: God doesn’t need our help to do anything. God is not going to roll over and have a hissy fit ‘cause we don’t obey Him. The world will not stop rotating when we sin. We are the ones who benefit and are blessed when we obey God. The invitation is from God for us to do “right” not the other way ‘round. God is not our co-pilot, He is our pilot. Just like when our mothers invited us to help them back a cake when we were two or three, God is inviting us to come work with Him. We may think we have really helped our moms’ make that double chocolate devil food cake, but all we really did was spread flour and icing everywhere it really shouldn’t have been.
What God really wants from us is our hearts and truth in the words that flow from our mouths, 14 “What I want instead is your true thanks to God; I want you to fulfill your vows to the Most High.”
Proverbs 10:29-30
30The godly will never be disturbed, but the wicked will be removed from the land.
This concept of being removed from the land is a theme I keep focusing on ever since we read through Leviticus. The land actually expelling out its inhabitants, Hmmm (Leviticus 18:25, 28)
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Amy:

Tangential Thoughts on Leviticus & Numbers…
I’ve enjoyed them much more than last year. Why? I think the pictures on the blog (thanks!), and the reflective questions have been a great help towards applying these teachings to my life.
TRANSITION & WANDERINGS
A commentary from Warren Wiersbe notes Numbers is a book of transition and wanderings. Who cannot relate to that? Everyone feels this way at times and wants to know what their purpose is, what they should do and where they should go… hence the popularity of The Purpose Driven Life. It is a good book.
WANDERING? LEARNING?
While the Israelites were kind of on hold for 40 years wandering in the desert- what were they learning?
One piece from todays reading (Num 9:15-23) is they were learning to follow God- to have some sensitivity and awareness in this. They looked to see if the cloud moved during the day- and if it did- they moved.
“Whether the cloud stayed above the tabernacle for two days, a month,or a year, the people of Israel stayed in camp and did not move on. But as soon as it lifted, they broke camp and moved on. So they camped or traveled at the Lord’s command, and they did whatever the Lord told them through Moses.” Num 9:22-23
WHERE IS MY CLOUD/PILLAR OF FIRE?
Okay, sometimes I would not mind seeing this real visible cloud/pillar of fire out on my front lawn, so I would know -yes its time to move on or stay in certain areas of life. I know the Israelites are a bit on the rebellious side, in the past whineing about wanting to go back to Egypt, but at least here they seem to be obedient. They never say-hmmm, this area of the desert is really nice, lets stay a couple days extra, or gosh, I just got my tent set up correctly, or hey you guys unpack I’m gonna go on ahead. Maybe they did mumble these things, but when the cloud moved, they moved. How hard is it to get us to move? How hard is to get us to stay? Are we even paying attention? While we don’t have the Lord’s presence in the cloud, I know we have the Holy Spirit and God speaks to us in a number of ways. We have to be attentive.
I cannot quite make the connection, but all this moving & not moving, makes me think of a quote.
“Understanding what God is about to do where you are is more important than telling God what you want to do for Him.” By Henry Blackaby
DISTANCE>>>
Here is a great question: I once read that the distance between Mt. Sinai and the promised land was not very far. What was the distance? If God had allowed them to walk straight there, how long would it have taken? I thought I heard something like 10 days.
Take care!
AMY

======= Ramona:

Hey Amy, It supposedly should only have been a two-week journey. It took God two weeks to Get Israel out of Egypt but it took forty years to get Egypt out of Israel. The miracle was that it took them forty years to take a two-week stroll, Hmmm!
Ramona

========= Matt:

Mike, God is moving me over here, your comments on the brevity of life and the end times are exactly what God, through the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart as I visited yesterday with some family members.
Matt

======== Anka:

Mark13:30 I tell you the truth, this generation[e] will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.
I’ve often wondered about this passage because the generation Jesus was talking about couldn’t have been those he was actually talking to since many more generations have come and gone since then…Does anyone have an idea what he meant in that verse?
God bless you all
Anka

======= Ramona:

Anka,
I looked up the Greek word translated “generation” in this verse and the word (Greek) can be applied to man, time, or nation. I’m inclined to think, based on the context, that in this passage it is referring to a period of time or dispensation. From the time of Jesus’ death, we have been in what is known as the “last days.” And many think we are in the last of the “last days.”
As per Thayer’s dictionary:
G1074
γενεά
genea
Thayer Definition:
1) fathered, birth, nativity
2) that which has been begotten, men of the same stock, a family
2a) the several ranks of natural descent, the successive members of a genealogy
2b) metaphorically a group of men very like each other in endowments, pursuits, character
2b1) especially in a bad sense, a perverse nation
3) the whole multitude of men living at the same time
4) an age (i.e. the time ordinarily occupied be each successive generation), a space of 30 – 33 years
Part of Speech: noun feminine
Hope this helps,
Ramona

======== John:

Anka,
Matt 24:3
“…when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
Matthew adds this perspective – “sign of your coming” – which would have been of interest to the Jewish audience of his gospel. Mark has no need to include this to his Gentile audience.
To answer your question on “this generation”, you need to look at the lesson or parable of fig tree. The events that unfold will be like the leaves starting to bud on a tree. Soon the tree will be in full foliage. (similar imagery using “birth pains”).
“I tell you the Truth” (or “verily” or “amen”) is what a witness said in a Jewish court to indicate he is speaking the Truth.
So Jesus is saying – ‘I am speaking the truth’ – “this generation will certainly not pass”. Jesus is summing up his lesson(parable): the generation that sees these events (signs) unfold (tree budding, beginning of birth pains) will not pass away away before it all happens, culminating in the “Son of Man” coming (second coming).
He ends the lesson by empasizing his “Word” is more durable than the “heavens and earth”.
A genearation of thirty or so years would certainly see things to the conclusion if you view the whole discouse as regarding the “tribulation”. Tribulation lasts “seven years”.
People argue whether the “church” will be there or not, and there are certainly other interpretations on “this generation” as Chip pointed out. In my straightforward interpretation of the Bible, the explanation I gave fits best with my outline of the Bible.
Of course, I could be wrong, and in that case I will have to apologize to you in heaven : )
John

======= Anka:

Thanks Ramona and John for your explanations…I’m sure John I’ll be too awed by heaven to remember the question anyway:)…do you know any site I can do a larger study on that.I know that verse has been a tool for many to discredit the words of Jesus and I want to be able to fully explain it.God bless you all
Anka

======= Mark:

Hi Everyone, I really love the old Testement verses today. The imagery of God being right in the middle. The focal point of their lives, very visible. The Israelites trusted and obeyed God. The were truly following Him. Where do we stand i our lives? Are we following after God? Are we moving when He moves, staying where He stays? I pray that our Lord will develop that passion and desire in my life to seek Him and His kindgom first.
Mark

======= Betty:

What great imagery in today’s readings! God, the Almighty in the midst of His people, a cloud or fire, His obvious presence to lead the nation of Israel. Question for myself: Do I look upward everyday with my heart to see where God is? Without looking for Him, how do I know what He wants for me today, tomorrow, moment to moment? Truely, God is our God forever and our guide through life. I just have to remember always to acknowledge His presence with me and His desire to guide me with His word, and the Holy Spirit. Isn’t God good that He seeks us out in relationship and reveals Himself to us everywhere. We just need to be tuned in.
Betty

======= Ramona:

Numbers 8:1-9:23
Today’s reading in the Old Testament brought to mind things from the New as well as some from the Prophets. The first being,
1 ) Say to Aaron, When you set up and light the lamps, the seven lamps shall be made to give light in front of the lampstand. And Aaron did so; he lighted the lamps of the lampstand to give light in front of it …. (Numbers 8:2-3 AMP)
The Light of the Word is for our steps going forward not backwards. We are to examine our mistakes and our past so that we will understand and identify the “traps” of the sins that has so easily beset us (Hebrews 12:1) when we see them coming, but I believe we are not to so closely examine the past by use of God’s Word at the exclusion of what is up ahead.
Jesus said to him, No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back [to the things behind] is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:62 AMP)
2 ) The tribe of Levi pointed to the time when each of us (Believers) would be asked to be a “Living Sacrifice” by presenting their bodies (Romans 12:1)
For they are wholly given to Me from among the Israelites; instead of all who open the womb, the firstborn of all the Israelites, I have taken the Levites for Myself. For all the firstborn of the Israelites are Mine, both of man and beast; on the day that I smote every firstborn in the land of Egypt [not of Israel], I consecrated them and set them apart for Myself. (Numbers 8:16-17 AMP)
The Tribe of Levi was offered up as an exchange for the “first born” of all the other eleven tribes. This to me was clearly a type of Christ.
3 ) God is a God that allows us to “reason” with Him (Isaiah 1:18) He wants us to come top Him to get an explanation of His laws and rules, and when we have faith enough to ask He will honor us so that we receive what we have asked (Matthew 7:7).
Those men said to [Moses], We are defiled by touching the dead body. Why are we prevented from offering the Lord’s offering at its appointed time among the Israelites? And Moses said to them, Stand still, and I will hear what the Lord will command concerning you. And the Lord said to Moses … (Numbers 9:7-9 AMP)
4 ) And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning. So it was always: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night. And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents. (Numbers 9:15-17 KJV)
If the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night represents the Holy Spirit guiding and leading us, may we all yield to the leading of the Spirit as He directs our path so we will know when to “pitch” our tents and when to take them up and move. This I pray in Jesus’ glorious name, Amen.
In order to do this we must travel lightly and have made the decision to leave behind the things that cannot be carried.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Daniel:

Excellent site!
¡God bless You!
Daniel

======= Pat:

Numbers 9:1-14, the reading about the Passover, really grabbed my attention this morning. Some of the Levites had become unclean because of being exposed to a dead body and they wanted to participate in the Passover with the other Levites. They came to Moses and wanted to know why they couldn’t participate. Moses told them he would consult with the Lord before giving them an answer. When Moses took the problem to God, God told him that it would be okay for them and for anyone who was on a journey to go on and participate in the Passover rituals. What this said to me this morning is that God wants to be consulted! He wants to be in the loop when there are decisions to be made. When we include God, then He will provide the provisions for us in which we can work out the problem. From our past readings we have learned that it is when we do not consult with Him and leave Him out of our decision-making, that things don’t turn out well.
God Bless!
Pat

======= Johnnie:

I so believe that God surrounds us with His protection. Last night I witnessed this when a topper on a truck blew off on the highway. I watched it in slow motion as if someone was ripping it off from the top and throwing it in front of me. Praise God that I missed it. It literally skipped in front of me and was moved to the side. I went back to the place and it seems as if no one was hurt either. So…God wasn’t just watching out for me, he was watching out for those around me.
Johnnie

======= Ed:

Num 8:9-13, 17-19 – The Levites are appointed specially by God to serve Him, the people of Israel were instructed to lay hands on them to dedicate them as a wave offering. The Levites are God’s gift to Aaron and his sons to assist them to make atonement for the people of Israel, that there may be no plague among them. Application: To those who are called to serve God in the ministry of helps to assist the pastors, it is also a divine appointment from God and the people (congregation) are to lay hands on them to dedicate and bless them for their service to God so that the people will be ministered and blessed (free from plagues).
Ed

======= Angie:

What would you do differently if today was your last day alive? what would i do differently? many things. never would have gotten married and to be in the mess i am today. i would have traveled way way more, and took the scholarship i was offered to the art institute of pittsburg, should have went to australia when tony asked me to come visit him, never have said the things i said to him to ruin our friendship, which i will work to my dying day to fix and resolve. no matter what. and so many more things i would change. to many to mention on here.
mark stands out to me today. i’ve had a few near death experiences where i should be dead now but i’m not. why, cuz it wasn’t my time yet. my time here on earth is not done. like last week with our furnance, i could have laid down and never woken back up. but i didn’t. i called my dad cuz i was smelling gas fumes. that happened one other time 6 years ago. me, my husband and his two kids, (will be nice here) and the dogs could have died that night. i was in a really really bad car accident and walked away from it without a scratch or bruise on me. i was sore the next day but i was alive. even the sherrif couldn’t believe i walked away from it ok. but only god knows when its your time, defiantly. from the second we are born, he has our whole lives mapped out and knows everything.
Angie

======= Jenny:

I am definitely interested in eschatology, it fascinates me. but i dont focus on it more then i should, i am on alert that any day could be my last here and have I shared sufficiently with others? I think it gives us an urgency and to see prophecies fulfilled in my life time, blows my mind!
i recently saw a website of a guy who claims God gave him the month and year of the rapture. i dismissed it, i think its soo wrong to ever say we know something like that when as in Mark, Jesus made it very clear no one would know! but we would be aware of the seasons. If God didnt want us aware, Jesus wouldnt have told us the signs to look for, I believe, so we see the urgency!
What would I do differently if today was my last day? well, that doesnt give me much time to do things, but honestly, nothing. I live every day as if its my last. i have lost many loved ones to ‘expected’ and unexpected deaths, so i learned at a younger age, to tell ppl you love them and tell them often, you may not get another chance. Not just tell them, but show them. Also, we may lose our loved ones at any day, so never say goodbye without the thought this could be your final goodbye, that you are ok leaving things as they are. They know how you feel. not to be morbid, but i suffered so much pain and guilt over this for yearrrrs. A loved one died unexpectedly, and i was in pain and mourning. My best friend (the person closest to me in the world!) was there for me, but a month later she committed suicide as well. this pretty much ruined my life, but God has been mending me greatly.
After that my mom got cancer, and after a year of suffering, she died, but I did get to say all i wanted to her. a year after that a good friend of mine and I had a falling out and we didnt speak for a couple yrs. one day God put him on my heart, ‘find him and make amends!’. why? as far as i knew this guy hated me, but God insisted and I obeyed. i got a hold of this guy through a friend, not sure how he’d react, he was thrilled to hear from me! so i went down to his job and visited him…it was like old times, i ran to him and hugged him and just looking in his eyes, we both knew the past was forgiven. it was a very joyous day. (i gave him my number but he never called. so my mutual friend who saw him often said he would say hi to me, so i gave her my number to give to him and I told her, tell him to call me!) She gave him my ., but he looked away and gave it back and said, no i cant…(????). We were both perplexed by this. Long story short about a year later i got a call from another friend that he died of Aids :(. But what if i hadnt listened to God and made amends, i would have lived in guilt for so long!!!
I lived in fear and anxiety daily after all this that someone else would die. but God doesnt want me to live like that. he wants me to trust Him and I know no matter what He will be there.
Once on the freeway i saw a anti-smoking billboard that said something like 40% of people alive today will die from smoking related deaths. Ok, true maybe, but i was thinking, well 100% of ppl alive today will die! i kinda thought that was silly.
anyways yes, i thank God often for much! “Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” i love that!!
Jenny

======= Jenny:

I wanted to share an amazing story if anyone is interested. I thought of God leading the Israelites by a pillar of fire when I heard it, so when i read this in Numbers, i thought of the story. This was back in Nov or Dec. My sis, a believer, lives in CO, anyone remember the terrible blizzards there last winter? well, my sis had been going through personl things, so we were praying God would help her see things more clearly and some very specific, personal stuff.
Anyhow, my sis arrived to work last winter and then was told to go home bcos the blizzard was getting bad. right as she was leaving she heard the governor declared a state of emergency, “no one leave their house!” but she was on the road already and wanted to get home to her family. On her way, her car got stuck in the snow and she was scared and started praying and two guys ran out of a fast food restaurant n dug her out. Further down the road her car got stuck again, she could barely see anything, no one in sight and she was just crying to the Lord, terrified she’d be stranded in her car in the freezing blizzard. Suddenly she looked up and an old man was there with a shovel digging her out. She kept saying thank you, but he just said, ok, when i say ‘gun it’, go! (where did he come from? an angel perhaps?) So she got out. she made her way to a route but by this time the blizzard was worsening. To make matters worse, her windshield wipers froze! so she had to roll her windows all the way down just to see out, and stick her head out the window while driving! She kinda knew about where she was, but couldnt see and knew there was a drop off cliff nearby! she was terrified and thought she might die. She was praying and praying (she had called me but i missed her call) but she called her kids and told them, ‘stop what your doing and pray for me! (these lil angels are prayer warriors!) So soon she felt a calm surround her, a peace from God and she knew the kids were praying. she couldnt see anything but kept driving and suddenly she looked up and saw a light up several feet high, a flashing light…it must have been from a truck. So she said, Ok God, i’m trusting you. I’m gonna follow this light, i trust you will lead me home. (she lives an hour away from work so she was quite a ways off…and her journey ended up taking her 4 hours!). So, not knowing WHERE the truck was going, could be anywhere, she followed it…thinking at any moment she could go off the drop-off cliff but she said, Ok God, my life is in Your hands 100%.
So she just followed this truck for ages, and who knows where she was going! seemed like an eternity! Suddenly, she looked up and saw a sign for the city she lives in! She lived only about 5 minutes from that sign. UNbelievable, God led her directly home! She was able to make her way home after this. So she got home, car smoking weird and she had a bad headache and felt sick so she lay down. she called her hubby who was stranded at his job (overnight) and explained the way she felt and the way he car was acting funny. he said, sounds like carbon monoxide poisoning. So a day or 2 later they inspected her car, there was snow stuck in the exhaust pipe! she looked up online, if a person has a window rolled down 6 inches and their tailpipe is blocked, it takes about 6 minutes for it to be fatal. she had been driving like that for hours maybe! BUT, her windshield wipers had froze, forcing her to roll both her windows down all the way, the reason she is alive still!!
I thought this was amazing and knowing my sister’s personal struggles right before this, she needed to go through this, to see she needs COMPLETE trust in God 100% bcos he WILL take care of her, a renewed desire for life, and the power of prayer, not to mention the affect this story had on me and others we told. This is 100% the hand of God! I thank Him he spared her life, but also that he spoke to her through this and the things He desired to show her (the specific personal things) were revealed to her in this storm!
Jenny

======= Mae:

What a wonderful & powerful testimony, Jenny!!!
I’ve had experiences like this (well, not exactly like this, but you know what I mean), and it’s so amazing to feel God’s hand helping you.
What would you do differently if today was your last day alive? ~ If this was my last day? I’d go on the streets and spread the Word with a huge megaphone! It’s illegal to use a megaphone without city permission, but hey, what are they gonna do? Arrest me? It’s my last day alive!!! LOL I’ll let the whole city know that THIS is my last day alive and I’m not afraid! I’m not afraid to leave this world because I’m going home! How powerful would that be? I bet I can get a lot of people to be saved that way! So that’s what I would do differently if today was my last day alive: I’d go preach the Gospel instead of going to the office!!!
Reading Mark made my heart go faster … I don’t know what it is, but whenever I read, talk or hear about the end of times, my heart goes faster. Mark 13:33&34 make me think about the song from Crystal Lewis. “People get ready, Jesus is coming, soon we’ll be going home. People get ready, Jesus is coming to take from the world his own”. I love that song so much! We don’t know when it’s going to happen, we don’t know when the rapture is. But get ready! “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.”
Psalm 50:14&15 “What I want instead is your true thanks to God; I want you to fulfill your vows to the Most High. Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” ~ I trust Him, I trust Him all the way. Like with Jaden now … I know Jaden will be allright. I trust Him! All the prayers for Jaden, here and all over the world. He’ll listen to those prayers and Jaden will be allright! I give God all the glory! He answered so many of my prayers! He saved my husband, he saved my parents! God desereves all the glory!
Mae

======= Katie:

Good morning!
The Lord spoke to me when I was reading the OT passage this morning about
Num 9:22 & 23:”Whether the cloud stayed above the Tabernacle for two days, a month, or a year, the people of Israel stayed in camp and did not move on. But as soon as it lifted, they broke camp and moved on. So they camped or traveled at the LORD’s command, and they did whatever the LORD told them through Moses.”
I remember when I was younger, when I read this, I would always get jealous that the Israelites had such a clear vision of what they should do. But as I read it this morning, the Lord showed me that as long as I’m reading His Word and praying to Him, He will always give me a clear answer and lead me. “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, Open the eyes of my heart, I want to see You, I want to see You…”
This has been very clear to me in recent days. I was having a couple of serious issues, and now that I’m spending time in His Word again, His guidance is so clear and so obvious to me.
His Word, to me, is like the clould (the fire) over the Tabernacle giving me a stop, go, rest here, work here, be with Me signals. Now it’s my turn to be obediant and follow his directions! : )
Thank You Lord
Katie

======= Casey:

I don’t think there would be enough time to do it all. so i think the one thing i’d do is spend time with God. i would definitly feel unworthy because, i do not spend time with Him on a daily bases so i would be ashamed, that now that i know this life is over i’m going to spend it with him, i wouldn’t want Him to say i’m just doing it to get in, but he knows my heart and i truly want to be with Him. Just Yesterday I drove 5 miles with my emergency brake on. I noticed it when i got there. went I came out and started to leave, as i was backing out i went to put my brakes and they would not work so i coasted back into a parking spot. as i sat there i thought, Thank You Lord for bringing me this far and that when i pulled in here the brakes didn’t go out then, i would have hit that woman that was waiting for me to pull in. and that there was noone behind me when i pulled out. so my brakes had gotten so hot they quit working. but they waited till i got to where i was going. belive me it’s a scary thing when you push your brakes and they go all the way down to the floor board. this is only one small example that lets me know he really cares.
Casey

======= Angie:

ok, i guess i mizunderstood!!!!….if today was my last day here on earth, i would spend it doing all kinds of things. i would first of all, spend it with my mom, dad, grandma, jay, jeff, angie and cassandra and bunk and her two kids, lexi and dakota. cuz thats all the family i have left now. i’d have one hell of a huge party with all our friends and live it totally up!!!!! i’d have a few bands, spike and the bulldogs, and a dj of course, and dance all night long and drink all the margaritas and sex on the beaches i could get my hands on with my closest and dearest friends knowing it would be my last time to ever do that with them. i would call tony up and try to apologize to him for the all the things i’ve said to him and try to make amends with him. and i would keep calling him back till he actually listened. whats he going to do? its my last day on earth, right? i’d tell him i’ve always loved and cared about him and how special he is to me and always will be. i don’t care what anyone says, this is how i feel and its how i’m always going to feel. i can’t just turn off my feelings and i don’t want to either. i said i would fight for him to my dying day and i plan on doing just that. and even in the afterlife. but this is what i would do if it were my last day on here on earth. this is exactly how i plan to spend it. living it up with my family and friends for the last time. i want to leave them knowing they got to spend their last day with me on a good note, not one in a hospital dying or sick or whatever. i’ve seen my grandfather and my grandmother dying in a hospital bed and it sucks. i still can’t get the vision out of my head. and its hard. i don’t want that vision in my friends and families head. this may be wrong in some of your guys eyes but i’m to the point in my life i don’t care what other people think anymore. i know that god loves me, i’ve accepted him and believe and trust in him and know when i do die, i’ll be with the ones who i’ve lost before hand, and will be waiting for the rest to join me and we’ll have one big party again up there. and i’m looking forward to it. i’m not scared to die. i used to be. but i’m not anymore. i haven’t been for a good many years. the only thing i’m scared about is leaving my family and friends behind and knowing how dearly they’ll be grieving over me. and i can’t bear that thought. plus, i’m just not ready to go yet. and god himself knows that or otherwise i’d be gone a long time ago!!!!! i’m too mean and fiesty to leave just yet!!!!!!! lol!
Angie

======= Betsy:

The entire account of the journey of the children of Israel being directed by God stand out for me today. The fact fact that they knew the mind of God and followed him is amazing. when He said wait, they waited as long as He wanted them to and when He said move they moved not asking questions. Today most times, we do not focus on God to show us when to move or when to wait in our life’s journey. This a great lesson that we should seek God’s face in all we do. If God directs our path then we shall not miss the it.
In Mark 13:31 “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” The word of God stands for all generations, It is true and shall not change!
Betsy

======= Caroline:

Mike we love you…
In heaven we will meet so I can thank you….
Because I haven’t seen you until now….
May Our Lord bless you until the end of our journey together at the end of the year….
Caroline

======= Elsa:

Hello,
Yesterday, I wrote to two people about forgiveness, their forgiveness towards me. Many years ago my actions were horrible also my emotions were out of whack. I acted out in the worse way…I have since joined a wonderful church that is teaching me about obedience and submission. I have also been doing my devotions and reading other christian books. In reading one particular book, it made reference to your scripture that we know not when my time or when the end times will come. But rest assure I will be judged for my actions. I got up from bed and decided it was time to stop feeling bad and correct the wrongs that I had been justifying. Thank you for confirming that what I did yesterday and what I will do today is written down and I will be held accountable for my actions.
Elsa

======= Lisa:

Help!
I read the suggested link for Mark, Chapter 13.
Can someone shed light on the following excerpt from the link.
“117 A common misunderstanding about end times—even in Bible-teaching churches—pertains to the preaching of the Gospel to all nations. Many believe that Jesus cannot return until the Gospel is preached to every living soul. Some seek to bring about the return of Christ by preaching to every soul—as if Jesus will immediately return the very moment that last person hears the Gospel. Note the interesting difference between Mark 13:10 and Matthew 24:14.”
I don’t quite understand what the person is stating as far as the “misunderstanding” goes.
Thanks!
Lisa

======= Tom:

Thanks for your site and the work you put into it.
Tom

======= Elizabeth:

Hello All,
Glad that we are finally beginning to MOVE in Numbers…there IS a cloud to follow and onward I march.
One thing I found interesting was this verse
“And this was the workmanship of the lampstand, hammered work of gold. From its base to its flowers, it was hammered work; according to the pattern that the LORD had shown Moses, so he made the lampstand. ” -Numbers 8:4
Not only did the Lord give Moses the ten commandments and the law, but He gave specific directions for the lampstand–placement of the lampstand–even down to the exact PATTERN He showed Moses. The extent of His specificity, His meticulous attention to obscure details is fascinating to me.
Of course, this entire universe reflects His meticulous and glorious nature. Down to the pattern of the lampstand—WHY does the Lord care about a lampstand? I may as well ask, “Why does He care about the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10 from today’s reading), How can He know “all the birds of the hills” (Psalm 50:11). And why in the world does he bother with the likes of men??
I don’t know, but I’m SO thankful He does!
I find great comfort in the thought that He knows all these details…that when I walk through quiet forest coves where flowers bloom unseen—I know that HE sees them. He ordained the very place that flower would grow and bloom. It strengthens my spirit to think upon such truths.
Elizabeth

======= Reuben:

In Psalm 50, it is interesting that the wicked try to do a religious thing or two, but God see through them/ Also interesting that God stays silent through some of their sin, and the wicked take the silence to mean consent – but He will not be silent forever, meaning judgment is inevitable.
Reuben

======= Luch:

Mike
through your tireless investment of helping people read the scriptures on a daily basis you are helping us all to ‘be on our guard and alert’. Another parallel verse to Mark 13:32-33 is Paul’s closing thoughts to the wayward Corinthians when he writes, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong, and let all you do be done in love.” I corinthians 16:13, 14 I like the last part ‘let all you do be done in love’, which resonates with 1 corinthians 13 Pursue Love at all costs!! So for balance of the year I will continue to be alert and be on my guard’ but seek to allow the Love of God to influence all of my thoughts, words and deeds. I find that many ‘end day talkers/writers’ are long in the tooth on their prognosticians but short on ‘love’. I’d rather be off on my precise predictions of future but be ‘on’ in my intention to love God and those around me.
And thanks Mike for continuing to make OYB a ‘sacred space’, a place to come and just ‘be alone with God’.
A fitting scripture is Mark 13:31 that OYB helps us to keep in perspective–“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” And if you add 1 cor 13:13 to Mark 13:31, you have “now abide faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.’ So 4 wonderful values to embrace–the scriptures, faith, hope and love. Wow!! It doesn’t get better than that for a Lord’s day, eh!! : )
And here’s another thought for the day that is connected to our watching and waiting, guarding, and embracing faith, hope, love and the scriptures, and this comes from Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard —
God creates out of nothing. Wonderful you say. Yes, to be sure , but he does what is still more wonderful: he makes saints out of sinners.” Right on Soren!!!
Luch

======= Steve:

Numbers 8:1-9:23
The Israelites didn’t know when they would suddenly break camp and move. I can’t imagine what it would have been like, living in a camp and having to move at the drop of a hat. One thing for sure, it would make you think twice about accumulating more stuff. Imagine if we were the Israelites today and had to break camp, carrying that big screen TV could be hard on the back. The New Testament apostles and disciples also traveled light and shared things in common.
Think about how amazing it would have been to actually see God working with external visible signs such as the pillar of fire and the cloud telling us when and where to move. As amazing as that sounds, the New Covenant is even more amazing, instead of external signs we have the Holy Spirit inside us, the New Covenant leading and directing us on the path of adventure and fulfillment as the Holy Spirit places His will upon our heart.
Steve

======= Frederick:

Psalm 50:14-15
14 “Sacrifice thank offerings to God,
fulfill your vows to the Most High,
15 and call on me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
From these two verses, my impression is that God wants us to have a relationship with Him, rather than doing the rituals without any committment from the heart.
Frederick

======= Jill:

I thank God ever day for all he has given me! good and bad! He is shaping and molding me more to His likeness! Thanks mike for your honesty and humbleness. As a commentator you don’t come across as self righteous! My brother and I are following your blog ever day and growing in The knowledge of His word!
Jill

======== Cathy:

The scripture of Numbers 8-9:23 “Tell Aaron that when he sets up the seven lamps in the lampstand, he is to place them so their light shines forward.” and Mark 13:14-37 reminds us that we should be ready at any time. To be ready we have to place the lamps in such a way that their light shines in the future.
It helps me understand that as I don’t know when the end is, i have to be ready, trust God and keep moving.
Thank you all.
Have a blessing day.
Cathy

======= Ron:

If today was the last day that we have, I would step into work , stand on the break room table and tell everyone to repent of their sins for The Lord is coming soon. I would not have to worry about getting fire from my job. Wish I could do that now but working for the government ……
Ron

======= James:

Mike,
Thank you for emphasizing that God says “no one knows the hour or the day of His return”. We are all in end times. 100 years if we are so allowed by God to live on this earth.
The Rapture…. I pray that everyone that anyone who believes in the pre-tribulation rapture read about the man who misinterpreted this as etched in stone prophecy from the Bible in the 1830’s. His name was John Nelson Darby. Please take time to read about this man who came up with this after he fell of his horse.
We all believe that Jesus is coming a second time and it will be the final time. But the idea that the Lord will come and take the believers and leave the unbelievers on earth for a thousand years to rule the earth is not Biblical.
The Christian Research Institute has a very sound interpretation of Jesus’s Second coming back by the Bible itself. http://www.equip.org. We need to seek the truth of every part of God’s Word not books and movies by Tim Lahay.
Thank you and God Bless
James

======== Robert:

Numbers 9:10
The Passover Celebration
“…or are away on a journey”, these few words tweaked my curiosity. I always thought the Israelites moved about in a huge group never straying far from the camp. However, this suggests they may have been traveling, trading, vacationing, away from the group? I would like to research this a bit more, any ideas? NB: Over 40 years, they set up camp 42 times.
Mark 13
End Times
I agree with Mike. Too much speculation on end times and maybe not enough on our own end. Our thing is to keep awake because Jesus doesn’t want us to sleep walk through life. Be attentive to what is going on around us and ask him what does he want me to be aware of?
Ramona: Love your spirit today…raining cats and dogs…. “Head um up, move um out!”……double chocolate devil food cake.
Robert

======== Mitch:

NT – prophecy? When talking to youth at church – I just say – “Jesus is coming back”. There were 200-350 (depending on your source) verses in OT predicting Jesus’ first visit to Earth. Double that number for the second coming of Jesus. (Plus all the NT references). It was correct the first time, and I trust it will be correct about the second.
Mark 13:30 – IMO what this is saying that WHEN people see all these signs – Jesus’ return will be in THAT generation.
Mitch

======= Dee:

Again, Ramona, your insights amaze me! You are right on them sister. I say and noticed in Leviticus too, when it started out telling Aaron to set up the seven lamps in the lampstand so the light shines forward in front of the lampstand. I thought symbollically of us, in that we are the lampstand, the Holy Spirit is our Light that guides our path, the Lord dwells in us and as he descended into Heaven He told His disciples He would send a special helper to guide the Way, The Holy Spirit: John 14-16. Just as God sent the sudden appearance of the cloud of fire by day and a pillar of fire by night to guide so He is sending His Spirit to dwell among you.
In Mark, Wow! The powerful Spirit filled, God Breathed Words that transform our lives: God and His son are saying Get Ready! Don’t sit idle with your head in the ground like an ostrich so to speak, but get ready! Be prepared like the 10 Virgins(Matthew 25:1-13) with the oil, don’t idle or procrastinate, go out and prepare your flock that God has chosen for you to minister to, Everyone has people that God has sent our way to tell of the Good News of the Gospel..However, he tells us, not to get impatient, or run our mouth about when, or where, and not be busy bodies about “telling” others when or what or trying to “help” God out with the finite details, because God owns it all and is the only All Knowing, He is the Great I AM!! Be assured and greatful, that our Daddy supplies all our needs according to His riches and glory through Christ Jesus, and He Owns it all, all the cattle on a thousand hills, the gold is His, the silver is His, Be thankful that you are ambassadors to the throne, that you are His children, You are Joint Heirs with Jesus, Your Big Brother!! Romans 8:16-17. Hallelujah!!
Be Blessed,
Dee

Numbers 6:1-7:89 + Mark 12:38-13:13 + Psalm 49:1-20 + Proverbs 10:27-28
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today in Numbers chapter 6 we read about the Nazirite laws!  The Nazirite vows could be taken for as little as 30 days or as long as a lifetime.  It was voluntary – except parents could take the vow for their children, making them Nazirites for life.  Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist are all thought to have been Nazirites for life.  Below is a painting by C.E. Brock of Samson and the lion from Judges 14:6 –

Today in Numbers chapter 6 verses 22-27 we will read the well known “Aaronic Blessing”, which I’ve underlined in the verses (and is in the image below) – “The LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”” How does this blessing speak to you today? Have you heard this blessing prayed aloud before? Can you imagine this ancient blessing that has been prayed innumerable times in history being prayed over you today? Take a few moments to really meditate upon the 3 sections of the blessing. Do you notice that each section begins with God’s name? Do you believe that God can indeed bless you and keep you (favor & protect you)? That he can indeed make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you (be pleased & be merciful and compassionate to you)? And do you believe that God can indeed turn his face toward you and give you peace (give approval & peace to you)? It is also of note that this blessing “put God’s name on the Israelites and they were blessed.” Do you believe that God’s name is upon you today? Do you want God’s name to be upon you today?

Chapter 7 is the longest chapter in the book of Numbers, and certainly an amazing one.  It is awesome to read about the presentation of offerings for the dedication of the altar over 12 days.  At the end of this chapter we read in verse 89: “Whenever Moses went into the Tabernacle to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the Ark’s cover–the place of atonement–that rests on the Ark of the Covenant. The LORD spoke to him from there.”

New Testament – In Mark chapter 12 verses 41 through 43 today we read the powerful narrative of the Widow’s Mite – “Jesus went over to the collection box in the Temple and sat and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two pennies. He called his disciples to him and said, “I assure you, this poor widow has given more than all the others have given. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.””  How does this narrative speak to you?  When it comes to your time, treasure, and talents, do you give to God out of your surplus?  Or do you give to God all that you have?  What should we learn today from the widow about giving?

Psalms – Psalm 49 verses 1-3 are a fantastic teaching that the Word of God, the Bible, is for everyone, no matter what our lots in life may be – “Listen to this, all you people! Pay attention, everyone in the world! High and low, rich and poor–listen! For my words are wise, and my thoughts are filled with insight.” Are you listening today?  Are you paying attention to the wise words and insights of the Bible?  Are you truly studying the Bible and then applying the Bible’s teachings to your life?  Then, verse 15 in this Psalm is beautiful: “But as for me, God will redeem my life.  He will snatch me from the power of death.”  How about for you?  Will God redeem your life?  Like the parable of the lost sheep that we read about in Luke 15:3-7, has Jesus saved you from being snatched from the power of death?

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 10 verse 27 teaches us – “Fear of the LORD lengthens one’s life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.” Below is a great image for Proverbs 10:28 from today’s readings:

Worship Video: Based on reading the Aaronic blessing today in Numbers, here’s the blessing sung as a duet.  Beautiful!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQNZs7preGw

Has the Lord blessed you? Click here to be kept forever!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: “”The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that God will bless you and keep you. Pray that Jesus will give you peace. Pray Numbers 6:24-46 for your family and neighbors today.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on Proverbs 10:27 above, do you agree that the fear of the Lord lengthens your life?  Why or why not?  Do you think fear of the Lord is a good thing?  Why or why not?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

Numbers 6-7:89
In the dedication of oneself to the Lord as a Nazirite (note in the Hebrew text, the English translation in the Tanakh, Nazirite is not capitalized), if someone defiles you by dying in your presence, you are required to present a “sin” offering as well as a guilt offering. This shows us how insidious sin is even when we are not participating in sin ourselves. The sin that is committed around us by others brings guilt upon us. So sin is not an individual thing, like yeast it spreads to those around us just because it is sin.
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Every time the people gathered to hear what the Lord had spoken the people heard, 24 The Lord bless you and protect you; 25 the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord look with favor on you and give you peace. God, because He made us, knows that it takes us hearing something over and over again before we believe it and this would “train” His people to understand His relationship with them. 27 In this way they will put My name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”
I was wondering why every tribe brought the exact same gift as they presented their gift to Moses after the Tabernacle was anointed and consecrated. But it makes perfect sense because God is not a respecter of persons so as long as everyone’s gift was the same, no one could claim a higher or lesser place in God’s sight based on what they gave.
Which leads into today’s Gospel reading.
Mark 12:38-13:13
Folks not only jockey for power and position by the number of alphabets they have behind their names (degrees), but in a great many churches, including mine, people parade their counterfeit-power by the colorfulness and the high-powered labels on their clothes. This is a very easy trap to fall into and Jesus address his disciples and those he taught to watch out for these trappings from people who behind close doors or out of the light of day manipulate people to gather up money and property that don’t belong to them and cover it up by pretending to be holy.
One of the things I find interesting about the widow that Jesus observed, it doesn’t say that Jesus ran or called after her so he could give her back her money. Jesus knew that there is a blessing in giving and He would have deprived her of that blessing if he had told her a) not to give, or b) given her money back to her. We need to encourage those who think they are poor because they lack monetary wealth to give to God because no one can out give God and it is in our giving that we receive.
Jesus foretelling of the end times is both a blessing and a stumbling block to people. There are those who know that the injustices they see will not last forever and they will be given an opportunity to proclaim Jesus’ name to the nations or ethnos. This will user in opportunities to spread the Good News or Gospel, which is our primary purpose however uncomfortable the situation may be. Then there are those who sit around talking amongst themselves trying to figure out how long or short His return will be based on how they read the political and environmental climate. The problem with that is there is so much time being spent doing this they are not following the command of Jesus, which is to “occupy until I return.” Talents are being buried and are not being put to good use because we are talking about the wrong things.
We use fear to try to get people into the Kingdom when they are suppose to come by faith (Hebrews 11:6)
Psalm 49:
This is a Psalm that tells it like it is. It seems to be something one would find in the Book of Proverbs, but here it sits in Psalms. If ever anyone needs to be reminded of the fragility of wealth, the frailty of intimidation and brute force, and the foolishness of human knowledge, one only need to turn to the Forty-ninth Psalm to get the straight deal.
And as we go into the reading of today’s Proverb we see that our love affair with the human trappings of man’s power, wealth, might and human knowledge comes with defense.
Proverbs 10:27-28
27 Fear of the LORD lengthens one’s life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28 The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked are all in vain.
I think where we go wrong in this affair when we think that life is confined to breathing and walking on this planet earth in our earth suits. We forget that we are spiritual beings trying to master the human experience. Our longevity is not in question, what is in question is at what location we are going to spend the rest of our spiritual lives: Like real estate its, location, location, location.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Anka:

Numbers7:9 But to the sons of Kohath he gave none, because theirs was the service of the holy things, which they carried on their shoulders.
I couldn’t help wondering why the sons of Kohath were given nothing…could it be that carrying the Holy things was a reward in itself…
Fearing the Lord is a constant prayer of mine…it helps me keep my raging thoughts in order,it helps me not rely on grace when my flesh wants to lead in into disobedience…or the sin of omission…it helps me keep in mind that my creator is not only to be loved but to be feared,it helps me come to terms with my worthlessness and foolishness without Christ which makes me value the sacrifice more often than just during easter.Maybe I’m kinda hoping fear will not make me take love for granted.
God bless you all
Anka

======= Micah Girl:

I love the Aaronic blessing and frequently pray it over my children when I am tucking them in, or use it to close a worship service in prayer. It is so powerful and I love benedictions!
I thought that there was an interesting contrast in Mark between the teachers of the law who devour widows’ houses and pray for show (reminding me of modern-day, lavish-living, tv personalities who have people send in their money all the time) with the simple widow who really gave to the work of the Lord, not under manipulation but out of simple obedience.
Also, I do indeed believe that “fear of the LORD lengthens one’s life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.” As I am growing in disciplines out of my fear of God my days themselves seem longer because I am wasting less time and am more in tune with God’s will for me.
Micah Girl

======= Stacey:

“Fear of the LORD lengthens one’s life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.”
I believe that “to fear the Lord” brings eternity into view. Those who fear the Lord accept Jesus as their Savior and begin the life that continues forever. The wicked only live here in this life and when they die physically, they are eternally dead as well.
To fear the Lord means to reverence Him in such a way as to live your life to please Him. For He is holy and Sovereign. His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts.
Is 55: 6 Seek the LORD while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake his way
and the evil man his thoughts.
Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
Eternal life starts here and now for the believer. “Fear the Lord” becomes a sign posted on life’s highway that leads to the exit of real eternal life. “Fear the Lord” may very well be the signpost on the narrow gate. From Matt 7:13″Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Just like the picture of a highway, the destination may be a long way off. In California the sign post for “Sacramento” starts way down in San Diego. To travel the highway and make it all the way there are choices of turn offs to take for hundreds of miles. Lots of course corrections:just when you think you are on the right road, another option pops up and you have to check the signs and make sure that you are in the right lane to eventually reach “Sacramento”.
So I liken “Fear the Lord” to the same type of sign post. “Fear the Lord” points out the right course to take. “Fear the Lord” helps one to understand the will of God. I can’t find all the “Fear the Lord” signposts myself. That is why I need the Holy spirit as Counselor and Guide. I need Him to show me His ways and teach me His paths. (Ps 25) I need the Lord to direct may steps. I need to be walking daily and in tune and in step with the Holy Spirit. (Gal 5:25)
Here is the tragic result for those who do not find the narrow way. Again from Matt 7: 21″Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
May God bless you all this day and may you find the narrow path. John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Hi Beryl, I am rejoicing with you and Stef about your surgery and God’s gracious Hand upon you.
Stacey

======= Birdie:

Stacey, I like your comments about following the long road. I also think that fear of the Lord means your life will be lengthened, but I think it is eternal life, which will go on forever, and as you said, begins right now.
Birdie

======== Jim:

DEFINITION OF FEAR OF GOD:
“The fear of God is that awesome reverence of the LORD deriving from being sensitive to His glorious, holy and majestic Person resulting in respect and obedience.”
Our reverence should not be one of fearfulness where we want to run away but a good healthy awe which creates a desire to serve.
Jim

======= Ramona:

umbers 6:1-7:89
As I read today’s Old Testament passage, I thought how “expensive” it is to take the vow of a Nazarite and to submit oneself to undertake the symbolic “separation to God,” (6:5). The expense is in your time, your pocketbook and your emotions and “family” responsibility. In other words, to follow God and His Christ cost. This was not something one should be doing rashly.
I am reminded of the Words of Jesus,
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, and wife and children, and brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn’t sit down first and compute the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? (Luke 14:26-28 NET.)
Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell everything he had and, “Come, follow me ….” (Matthew 10:21). Sometimes I wonder if, when we are actively trying to “win” others to Christ, we are like many unethical salesman, not dealing truthfully in what it cost to follow Christ. On the other hand, we may not be explaining our “product” carefully and rightfully because we ourselves really don’t know what we are selling because we have not considered the cost to ourselves, hmmm.
The offering for the dedication of the Tabernacle is very curious to me, all tribes gave the same thing no matter their size. Not only could no one say, they gave more than the others did; no one tribe gave less either because of their numbers. I believe the “fee” or tax for the Temple/Tabernacle was the same amount for everyone no matter the person’s financial status, and I think we had some comments about that from our previous readings. Interestingly enough for me this Old Testament reading kind of fits into the widow and her 2 pennies in the reading of the New.
I believe she feared God enough to understand that what she gave she was obligated to give so she gave out of her fear of God while others gave out of their “wealth,” not out of their fear of a Holy God.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Chip:

Ramona,
One thought on the equality of the tribes:
Judah, through Ephraim and Manasseh, gave a double portion. Levi gave nothing.
The latter is undoubtedly due to the Levites’ separation as priests.
The former: due to Judah’s birthright (double portion of the inheritance)?
Chip

======= Ramona:

Chip– I believe Ephraim and Manasseh were Joseph’s kids but because Jacob adopted them as his own I think each qualifies as Jacob’s children, thus possibly a separate tribe.
Come to think of it could it be that Joseph (double portion) is a type of the New Testament church receiving as the ones grafted in by adoption better promises based on a “better” covenant? Sorry I am work and don’t have access right now to my references. Also, since levies didn’t have to bring an offering because they ministered in the Tabernacle, could we back track there exemption to that conversation we had about ministerial compensation (This is just a rhetorical question I don’t want to bring up the angst from our previous conversation.)
Chip thanks for the “catch.”
My understanding of the Fear of the Lord is taken primarily from the book of Proverbs,
Pro 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Ramona

======= John:

Chip
“Judah, through Ephraim and Manasseh, gave a double portion.”
I am confused????
“The one who brought his offering on the first day was Nahshon son of Amminadab of the tribe of Judah.”
Nahshon represented the tribe of Judah.
Ephraim and Manasseh were adopted in to keep the number of tribes at twelve. One to carry on for Joseph (Jacob’s son) and the other to take the place of Levi (Jacob’s son) who was not counted as a tribe. They each headed their own tribe.
Why keep it at twelve?
12 – THE NUMBER OF GOVERNMENTAL PERFECTION. There were 12 tribes of Israel; 12 Apostles, 12 foundations in the heavenly Jerusalem; 12 gates; 12 pearls; 12 angels. The measurements of New Jerusalem are 12,000 furlongs or stadia, while the wall will be 144 (12 x 12) cubits
As far as all the protions being equal no matter the size of the tribe – this is also reflected in Jesus’s parable in Matthew regarding wages for differing hours of work.
No matter the per individual rate of offering, no matter the hours worked – both foreshadow the concept:
No matter whether you have sinned a lot or a little, whether you are saved early or late – heaven is there for all. The cost is the same for everybody:
WHOMSOEVER WILL
John

======= Angie:

ok, i know sometimes we all get mad at the lord, but why should we ever fear him? never, in a million years would i ever fear the lord!!!!! i know he is always going to be there for me no matter what. there is no reason why we should fear the lord. he loves us all so very much. and someone who loves you that much you shouldn’t ever be scared of!!!!!!!!
numbers stood out to me today. our pastor always says this during communion. something about it, i dont’ know what, but it always seems to comfort me.
Angie

======= Jenny:

Angie, I totally know what you’re saying, we love the Lord and lean to Him as our protector and comforter, but to “fear the Lord” is actually a good thing and we hear it again and again in the Bible. I know the term may not make sense, I mean I fear tigers, alligators and spiders, and I sure dont love them or want them near me! But I do fear the Lord also, but I love Him and want Him with me every step of the way. Doesn’t quite make sense huh?
Prov. 1:7 says: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”.
To fear God is to have a holy reverence for Him, to recognize His supreme sovereign majesty. Reverence means to have an awe for Him, a respect. We are to fear Him in that we don’t bring Him down to our level. Some ppl say, Jesus is my homeboy, me and God are buddies. I think this is in a way disrespecting God. Yes, we who trust in Him are called friends of God, but we are to have a reverence for Him and deep respect and not bring Him down to our human level because He is far above us. He is awesome, glorious and holy and isn’t to be equated to anything/anyone else on earth.
i looked it up in my study Bible and here’s what it says:
“The fear of the Lord. The overarching theme of this book (Proverbs) and particularly the first 9 chapters is introduced- reverence for God. This reverential awe and admiring, submissive fear is foundational for all spiritual wisdom and knowledge. While the nonbeliever might make statements about life and truth, he does not have true and ultimate knowledge until he is in a redemptive relationship of reverential awe with God. Note the progression here: 1) teaching about God; 2) learning about God; 3) fearing God; 4) knowing God, and 5) imitating God’s wisdom.
The fear of the Lord is a state of mind in which one’s own attitudes, will, feelings, deeds, and goals are exchanged for God’s.”
Hoped that helped clear it up a bit, I had questions about that too.
Jenny

======= Katie:

Thank you Jenny for that great definition and explanation for the fear of the Lord. The Lord loves us and takes care of us, we don’t have to be SCARED of Him. But just like our earthly fathers, or persons we love and respect on earth…. we want to please Him, we want to bring honor to Him. Sometimes when I’ve wanted to do something stupid or bad or …. well, you know what I mean…. I realize that my Lord is right there watching me. And then, the fear of the Lord HAS lengthened my life (like in the topic question). The fear of the Lord, the desire to please Him, not wanting Him to see me in my “yucky”-ness, has either kept me out of some things or has caused an earnest repentence in me, to turn me back to Him.
Katie

======= Jenny:

I LOVE Numbers 6:24-26! “The Lord bless thee, and keep thee. the Lord make His face to shine upon thee. and be gracious unto thee, and be gracious unto thee. the Lord lift up, his countenance upon thee and give thee peace.” (KJV)
I’m singing it! It’s been the closing song at my church for as many yrs as I can remember so I can say these are maybe my most quoted verses! I LOVE it!!!
Verses 9-12 in psalms 49 stood out for me.
This is very critical, “no man can redeem his brother.” Salvation is individual and personal. No one is born into true Christianity. We may be raised in a Christian home, but at one point each one of us has to decide for ourselves if we want to follow Jesus and then be born again. Christianity is the only ‘religion’ where every single person who is truly a believer is a convert. All other world religions you can be born into. You can’t simply convert outwardly (say, to appease someone else). It’s a heart issue, one needs to repent, have a change of heart, be in submission to God, be baptized in the Spirit. This is all very personal and we cannot do this for anyone else nor can anyone do this for us. (a pastor once said, you cant ride into heaven hanging on to someone else’s coattails!).
Aww, that lamb picture is cute, poor lamby! I know it’s symbolic of course, and yes God has snatched me from the powers of death, physically and more importantly, spiritually.
Prov. “Fear of the LORD lengthens one’s life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.”
I had a Q about this one a few wks ago that my brothers, sisters helped me with…fortunately I’m not in such a negative state.
Anyhow, this is a tough one because I know many evil people have lived long lives and many godly people have had short lives. Now, this could be taken eternally, we physically die, but our spirits continue on living, whereas the wicked experience two deaths.
Or this could be signifying that godly people will live more wisely, more cautiously and won’t partake in activities such as excessive drinking, drug use, promiscuity…all of which can shorten our lives. But we live in a fallen world. Many ungodly who do these behaviors have outlived believers by many years who do none of these and fear God. Its very important that we know that sickness is not related to a lack of faith as some faith teachers claim. They may say if we have faith we wont get sick or be poor, etc. This is very much against God’s word, but I don’t want to get into a tangent here so I better stop.
Jenny

======= Gina:

It took me a while to understand the fear of the Lord also…but when I finally got it, I saw God in such a different way! He is to be revered – we should be in awe of His holiness. Sometimes I think we can forget just how Holy God really is. I’m like you Jenny, when I hear people talk about God kind of flipantly…the “man upstairs”…. I get a sort of a righteous anger in me that wants to scream God is HOLY – the creater of the universe – the savoir of the world – not some “the man upstairs”!
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” – I love this also! It reminds me of a song that we used to sing when I was in grade school. But it also reminds me that God is always with us. He is always waiting to shine on us and through us. His peace is always there if we accept it.
I’ve always loved the story of the widow giving all she has. Her heart was so pure and it’s a reminder to me to do a heart check too!
Gina

======= Mae:

I like the question of the day …
Do you agree that the fear of the Lord lengthens your life? Why or why not? Do you think fear of the Lord is a good thing? Why or why not? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? ~ I fear the Lord … I’m not scared of Him, but I do fear Him. A healthy fear that keeps me going. Indeed it lengthens my life. So yes, it’s a good thing for me. I actually keep it in mind constantly … I never forget 1 Samuel 12:24 “But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you”. I read what you wrote, Jenny & Gina, about people who refere to the Lord as “The big guy” or “My pal” … he saved us! He gave His son to pay for our sins! He deserves more respect than just being ‘the big guy’. That can be your friend at work or at school, but not our Heavenly Father! Yes, I fear the Lord, I love Him, serve Him … but I do fear Him. I love Him so much, I don’t want to dissapoint Him … Psalm 2:11 “Serve the Lord with reverent fear,and rejoice with trembling” and Psalm 25:14 “The Lord is a friend to those who fear him.He teaches them his covenant”. It’s okay to fear … it doesn’t mean that you’re scared of Him.
Mae

======= Katie:

Awesome! I feel like I’ve been to an awesome service!!!
Katie

======= Laverne:

Fantastic comments all…..
Laverne

======= Helen:

Thanks for these continued devotions Mike.
By the Numbers and Mark readings I was just reminded how God knows all that we give Him.
Blessings,
Helen

======= Julie:

MercyMe also has a song with this blessing. I love it when musicians old (hymns) & new put God’s word into their songs for those of us that are newer Christians but the best part is recognizing it from my studies! Same here with the photos you post when I reread the scriptures those photos remind me & I remember God’s word.
Thanks for your blog.
Julie

======= Margaret:

In Numbers, I am reminded that God is the “God of details”. God details for Moses exactly how Nazarites should act and how Moses should judge Nazarites who disobey. I was particularly amazed when God added what to do if a person dies beside a Nazarite.
In response to your question, I don’t think obedience to God necessarily gives us a long life on earth. That would mean that a baby who dies, had disobeyed God and I don’t believe that. BUT obedience to God gives us eternal life.
Margaret

======= James:

Margaret makes a very good point but talks about life on this earth from only a chronological point of view. Alas, most people grow older but not up – becoming adults while still reacting to the world as small children. The “trick” to living a long life in wisdom and maturity is the fear of God. As such, any child that truly loves their parents will fear them more than any slave. This is both a physically real fear as well as great respect. If I had ever talked to my mother even on her death bed the way that children commonly get away with talking to their parents today I would have rightly feared what she would have paid someone to do to me. People always like to suggest that working out a compromise is better than such “win-lose” situations in daily relationships, but top negotiators and psychiatrists (like Dr. Schnarch, the most respected relationship counselor) all say, “Compromise is the tyranny of the lowest common denominator.” Fear (and respect) is a two way street and anything else is tyranny (so says science).
Moreover, an infant cannot express a belief, a confession, a sorrow, call on the Lord, make a decision to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, or demonstrate an outpouring of the Holy Spirit… and so we all see a different path (or loop hole) to salvation for them… and most of us see a different story that the Catholic suggestion that an infant can be “freed from the power of darkness” only through infant baptism… and so, it is not valuable to speak of infants when discussing the only path to righteousness (that includes fear) available to the rest of us – today, here and now. Spirituality is wholly about a dynamic interconnected life-affirming approach to LIVING IN THE MOMENT (Trott, 1996)… while religion is about doctrines, rituals, and creeds. So, fear is a godly relationship characteristic only valuable to our here and now. We don’t fear God to get into heaven, we fear God to get closer to Him now.
James

======= Anka:

The difference I believe about God and gods is that our God is not one we can manipulate but one that we have to submit to…Fearing God is accepting Him as God…not just another god in our lives that can just appear when we need him…then disappear when we can make it on our own…The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom
Anka

======= Lisa:

The verse that stands out to me today is:
Former
Numbers 7:89 (NLT 2nd Edition)
Whenever Moses went into the Tabernacle to speak with the Lord, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—that rests on the Ark of the Covenant. The Lord spoke to him from there.
Which now brings me to the next few verses:
Latter
Hebrews 1:1-2a (Amplified Bible)
1-IN MANY separate revelations [each of which set forth a portion of the Truth] and in different ways God spoke of old to [our] forefathers in and by the prophets,
2-[But] in the last of these days He has spoken to us in [the person of a] Son, Whom He appointed Heir and lawful Owner of all things, …
John 1:14 (Amplified Bible)
14-And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth.
Isn’t it amazing how the S’hekinah of God tabernacled (dwelt) in the Ark of the Covenant.
Now he tabernacles with us through His Holy Spirit, by the blood of the Lamb.
Hebrews 4:16 (NLT 2nd Edition)
16-So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Rejoice in the Lord Always!
Lisa

======= Rakesh:

hi thanx for ur blog…its awesome….yes the fear of the Lord increases life…we will live eternally……and tht pic of the lost sheep touched me deep inside…..I was reminded of the song by casting crowns….and now my lifesong sings
Rakesh

======= Elizabeth:

Hello,
Well, still here slogging through Numbers. I love the Aaronic Blessing though–it’s one of my favorite passages in the Bible. I used to sing it over our oldest daughter when she went to bed at night. I think it succinctly captures a right perspective toward God and man. Though we may wish others well, we have no power within ourselves to ordain anything in the lives of others. This is why it drives me nuts when I tell someone who doesn’t know the Lord that I have been praying about such and such situation in their lives and they respond with “I appreciate your kind thoughts”–what in the world does THAT mean?? My thoughts alone don’t have the power to do squat! Indeed, it is He who blesses us, keeps us, grants us peace despite our circumstances (bad or good). I think it just illustrates the disconnect from a secular man-controls perspective and a God-fearing perspective. Anyway….
I particularly love the image of “make His face shine upon us”–reminds me of sitting outside on a spring day with the sun warm on my face–how you instinctively turn your face into that warmth. God’s love is like that–how lovely the warmth of His face shining in our lives.
Elizabeth

======== Stephanie:

I just wanted to thank you for this blog. Its been a real blessing to me. I’ve been struggling to get back into the word everyday and now, with this blog, have been looking forward to it. Thank you! And God Bless you!
Stephanie

======= Jennifer:

I am really enjoying this blog. I listen to the readings on the Daily Audio Bible and then come here to gain more insight. I love the artwork and videos here, too. Thank you for helping me to stay on track with my Bible reading.
Jennifer

======= Eric:

I just wanted to share with everyone the goodness of the Lord and testify to His Power – over the past few days I have been struggling with feelings of hurt and anger with the leadership of my church about the way in which they handled something with me. I knew the devil was trying to plant a root of bitterness in me to destroy the love I have for my brothers and sisters, and I knew I did not want this to happen. I cried out to the Lord to help me, because in my natural self I was hurt and unable to forgive. When I read the Aaronic blessing in todays reading I knew the Lord was telling me to say this for the people who hurt me. (We always say this blessing in our church each Sunday and as I said it I pictured all those people) – as I pronounced the blessing, all my feelings of anger and hurt just melted away, and I was deeply aware of the SPirit of GOd working in me in power and I just want to Give glory to God for this, I know it was his power by the Holy Spirit working this in me as I obeyed his teaching. I want to give encouragement to all, that the Lord is a very present help in times of danger, and when we submit to his will me really does transform us into his likeness – what a victory! Thank you Jesus xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx His work is living and active! Praise His NAme.
Eric

======= Tom:

The year was 1955 and I became part of a Choir at the High School I was attending and the “Aaronic Blessing” became a significant part of my life. This was a signature piece of music for our choir. It has been a valuable part of my life and in how I serve the Lord. How often we forget to offer a blessing on all those around us. May the Lord Bless you and keep you, is all that need be said and your world will change.
In His service,
Tom

======= Sheena

I have to agree, because I believe every word of the bible is true, although I’m not sure how would lengthen your physical life. Maybe it’s referring to our eternal life – if we fear God, we will spend our eternity in life with him. I think fear of the Lord is a good thing, something not taught well today. We don’t fear God just for being God – being a great, powerful, omniscient God. We live like there are no consequences for our actions, or as if we’re only worried about the human, earthly consequences (is there a law against it? will so and so be mad at me?). I also think we have lost our awe and wonder of God. It’s good that we can come to him as our Father, but again, we’ve lost that feeling of smallness and reverance.
Sheena

======= Steve:

Mark 12:43-44 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.
This verse stood out because the poor widow represents the believer that gives all of his life to the Lord unlike the believer that gives his life to the Lord out of his surplus time and surplus energy. We’re either all in or we’re out. Lukewarm doesn’t make the cut.
IF we’re all in then Psalm 49:1-3 sums up how we feel about the word of God. “Listen to this, all you people! Pay attention, everyone in the world! High and low, rich and poor–listen! For my words are wise, and my thoughts are filled with insight.”
I think that reading and studying God’s word everyday makes it a lot easier to be all in. Whenever I find myself drifting, it’s usually because I haven’t been reading my bible for a few days.
Steve

====== Neil:

I agree with Ramona that we confine our life as only during this lifetime. My friend has lymphatic cancer and is a Christian and like all of us has sometimes gone through questioning times with God but we both know that God is faithful and while our bodies will fail, we shall be redeemed and restored due to God’s grace. I love that blessing in Numbers 6 and will surely memorise that today.
God bless,
Neil

======= Reuben:

As a postscript to Ramona’s comment about Numbers 7, there was already some disparity among the tribes in numbers, wealth, and standing (think of the four tribes who represented each quafrant), but the equality of gifts which was likely directed by God as part of verse 11 shows that equal standing before him.
She made a great tie-in to the NT passage.
Reuben

======== Frederick:

Mark 12:42-44
42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
Jesus commended on the poor widow’s offering. I heard a sermon some years ago that the widow donated two copper coins. She had little and yet when she had two copper coins, she donated both. Her faith and her deed truly deserved Jesus’ commendation.
Frederick

======= Jill:

Ramona, I believe we need to fear The Lord out of a reverence and awe of Him. Not the type of fear where we run from him. We need to tell people how beautiful Heaven is gonna be to make then wanna be there. But also to know that eternity is forever And we want to spend it in a Heaven.
Mike, I pray the Numbers verses over my granddaughter when I watch her. It is my fav passage.
Somebody told me you shouldn’t bless yourself. well I tend to disagree. I found asking God to bless your life that you can in return bless others is a good prayer. I love Numbers 26:24-26. Its a good illustration to follow.
I think of what we can give to God. He wants our best. All we have is from him anyway. He has blessed us with life abundantly so we give back. and he will reward us. I’m thankful the rich heritage my parents gave me that I can pass on to the next generation!
Psalms 49:1-3 Being filled with Gods wisdom. You we all have the knowledge in our head but until it connects to the heart, its hasn’t become activated. Once it gets to the heart it becomes wisdom. Thats where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge!
Blessings,
Jill

======= Chris:

Mar 13:7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.
We are at just such a concern today, with Israel, Syria, Iran, Iraq, and also with Russia and the Ukraine. It seems everyone is rattling their sabers today. But I am reminded of the scripture again when Jesus was talking to Peter, and I am reminded of what Jesus said earlier and here again in Mark:
Mar 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Praying that we all shall endure unto the end…
Chris

======= Judie:

I did not know that Numbers 6:24-26 was named the Aaronic Blessing. I learned those words decades ago when I sang in the junior choir in church, and sang it off and on throughout the years in choir as a prayer response or benediction, although the tune was a different one from today’s video. It is dear to my heart because it has been with me throughout my lifetime. I often say or sing this blessing when I am praying for people I know who are living troubled lives.
Judie

======= Lee:

SO glad you posted John Rutter’s “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” My thoughts went to that very anthem which I have sung often in a choir. As I read your comments on the Aaronic Blessing, i was going to include a link for a version of it in my comments until a short while later, there it was, included in your comments! Thank you for that inspiring version done by young people.
As I was reading, I was blessed, sensing God had answered my request to be nourished spiritually in this early morning hour for the day ahead; I claim God’s promises to be blessed, to be be kept in His sight and presence, to be surrounded by His radiance and graciousness, and to wear His garment of peace.
That blessing comprised the final words of the wedding service of my life partner and myself. In our home is an oval mirror with the text of the Blessing painted on its surface, reminding us each time we gaze in the mirror how much God loves us, and how gracious a gift is His peace in our lives.
“I am leaving you with a gift-
peace of mind and heart.
And the peace I give
is a gift the world cannot give.
So don’t be troubled
or afraid.”
John 14:27
NLT
Lee 

======= Dee:

There is so much good comments today, I don’t know where to begin! Numbers Aaronic Blessing is indeed a beautiful one: I think the only thing we can add to it that others didn’t really say above is: when you pray and speak these words into others lives, don’t forget that God is speaking to YOU also, so when you are praying in the mornings, remember to ask the Lord to Bless You, Protect You, and His face to smile upon You, and be gracious to You today, The Lords favor be on You, and give You peace. You can replace the you with your direct name. God likes personal prayers as well as praying for others. Always remember You are loved and needed in the Fathers work and He isn’t a respector of persons so whether, rich, or poor, short or tall, big or small, Come one, Call all, for the Harvest is Ripe, Fields are plentiful and ready for harvesting and entering that precious seed of the Word of God into the Lost and dying world!!
Be Blessed,
Dee

Numbers 4:1-5:31 + Mark 12:18-37 + Psalm 48:1-14 + Proverbs 10:26
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today in Numbers chapter 4 we read about the duties of the Kohathites, Gershonites and the Merarites!  Reading this chapter reminded me of the church where I used to work – where we had to set up and tear down the sanctuary each Sunday, because we were holding services in a rented community center building.  And truly, most Sundays my days felt like verse 31 and the Merarites: “”Their duties at the Tabernacle will consist of carrying loads.”  But, even though this task of carrying loads back then and today may seem “menial” at first glance, the task was of utmost importance for the community’s worship!  So, I hope this chapter can be an encouragement to you if at times you feel like you are simply “carrying loads” at your church – keep in mind it is a holy task that the Merarites faithfully conducted before you in the time of Moses!

New Testament – I have heard Jesus’ teaching about the 2 greatest commandments in Mark chapter 12 verses 29-31 summarized as simply Love God & Love People:  “Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: `Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: `Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.””

Here is a very interesting note about Jesus’ quote above from Deuteronomy 6:4 that starts ‘”Hear, O Israel!” – This verse begins what is known as the Shema – which was named after the first word in this verse and means “Hear.”  The Shema became the Jewish confession of faith, which was recited by pious Jews every morning and evening and it is still recited in synagogue services today.

Psalms – Psalm 48 is a celebratory Psalm of Mount Zion in Jerusalem, as verse 8 reads:  “We had heard of the city’s glory, but now we have seen it ourselves- the city of the LORD Almighty. It is the city of our God; he will make it safe forever.”

I like verse 10 a lot in this Psalm: “As your name deserves, O God, you will be praised to the ends of the earth.”  I have had the good fortune to travel many places on this planet, and I will admit that it always encourages me to no end when I see God being praised and worshiped in other cultures.  I always try to visit churches wherever I travel on Sundays, and I love seeing how different cultures worship God.  One of the most memorable experiences was in the Dominican Republic in a very impoverished community.  I honestly don’t know that I have ever seen a congregation worship God so wholeheartedly than I did that day in the DR.  It was beautiful.  The other thing I am reminded of when traveling is that when we are in relationship with Jesus, God is always with us no matter where we go.  When we’re 35,000 feet above the ground in an airplane, God is with us.  When we’re in the middle of nowhere that has no church – God is with us.  So, no matter where we go, if God is with us, we have the opportunity to praise God’s name to the ends of the earth!  Even if you’re traveling to some far off locale where no one else around you would praise God, will you?

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 10 verse 26 teaches us: “Lazy people are a pain to their employer. They are like smoke in the eyes or vinegar that sets the teeth on edge.”  I think this gives each of us a chance to reflect upon how diligently we work for our employers.  I think about this a lot.  I know there are friends of mine that surf the net at work or send personal emails or play video games.  I suppose some of this is okay, if you really are counting it as “break time” and not letting it eat into the actual hours you are supposed to be working.  I would simply say that I think this is a very slippery slope for each of us – wasting time at work on personal stuff or games on the computers.  I pray that each of us are so diligent to not start down this slope at work…  and if we are on this slope already, to get off of it immediately!   Actually, while I’m going on this tangent, I’ll keep going…  🙂  A friend of mine once gave me some very wise advice.  He was in a job that he really didn’t like.  He knew he wouldn’t be there long, and he was looking for other jobs – outside of work time.  But, when he was at this job he was still giving it 100% – he was working hard.  I asked him why he was working so hard if he knew he was leaving soon.  He simply said to me, “Mike, if you pick up bad habits in one job, let me guarantee you that you are going to carry forward those bad habits to your next job.  Don’t kid yourself and think that you can turn those bad habits off overnight.  You can’t.  I don’t want to carry forward any bad habits when I land my dream job.”  Wow… what amazing wisdom from my friend here!  I also kind of wonder that if we have bad habits at work, if they will also carry over into our personal lives?  I think they might… I think we’d all do well to meditate on this Proverb and ask ourselves are we really working an honest day’s work each and every day for our employer?

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Mark today about the Shema reminded me of this singing of the Shema in both Hebrew and English:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKIcvrMm8S8

Do you love the Lord your God? Click here and love Him forevermore!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: “”The most important commandment,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will love God today with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. Pray that you will love your neighbor as much as you love yourself. Pray that God would show you today who your neighbor is and that you will love them.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on my reflections in the OT, have you ever had volunteer duties at your church that were less than glamorous duties?  🙂  Do you think that maybe these duties were actually very glamorous to God, even if they weren’t glamorous to the world?  Do you make it a habit of volunteering at your church regularly?  What are some volunteer things you do for your church to help “carry the load” of your church’s ministry?  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:

Loading in and breaking down, or striking, temporary church sanctuaries probably taught everyone who participated skills that have been transferred into every other area of your life and increased your value in the “market place.” God is kind of like that you know.
Numbers 4-5:31
“Aaron and his sons must always go in with them and assign a specific duty or load to each person,” thus begins a principal that is echoed throughout today’s reading. (Numbers 4:19; 27; 32). The children of Israel where directed to do an assigned job. Not only were they assigned a job, their placement to do that job was also directed. Are we willing to submit to leaderships direction or do we walk in telling the “pastor” what our gifts are and what we will do.
God is a God of order, not chaos. Paul echoes orderliness within Christian meetings in the 14th Chapter of first Corinthians, 40 But be sure that everything is done properly and in order. And it is also noted in the Book of James, that were there is disorder a certain “work of the flesh” is lurking about, 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (James 3:16)
Numbers, chapter 5, reminds us that God does not suggest purity within the “camp,” he requires it. The purity also includes marital fidelity. However, I still haven’t come to a full understanding regarding this ritual of drinking water with clay mixed in. I’m thinking that if I were faithful and I had a jealous husband on my hands and he made me drink some nasty water with dirt in it, the household would not need an air condition unity in the summer time.
Mark 12:18-37
Questions, questions, questions. I have learned in life that most questions are not asked by folks to get information. Most questions are asked to inform the questionee (is that a word) that the questioner is so far above the intelligence of the one being asked. Thus most questions are designed to be the one being asked, “In their Place.” So the religious leaders of Jesus’s day wanted to put Jesus in this place, and most thought His place was “dead.”
Psalm 48:1-14
I like the last half of the last verse in this Psalm,
“He is our God forever and ever, and he will be our guide until we die”
Whether we like it or not, whether we voluntarily Praise God or not or we are forced to bow down with an Angels foot on the back of our neck, God is our God forever and ever even if we shout at the top of our lungs, “There is no God!”
Proverbs 10:26
O, may the Holy Spirit check me if I’m like today’s Proverb. Not only is a lazy person a source of anguish to their employer, they cause everyone around them, friend, relatives, and foes to carry a unequal share of corporate responsibilities.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Micah Girl:

All the attention God paid to the Ark of the Covenant and the tabernacle is so incredibly detailed. The holiness required to even look upon it or touch it is almost beyond belief. Since the Holy Spirit now lives in us as believers, we should now take care of our bodies with the same intentionality as the ancient Levites with their task. They cared only for a holy box made of acacia wood…our temples are flesh and blood.
1 Corinthians 6 18Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. 19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
Micah Girl

======= Rob:

i too have been in a church that met in a theatre where the carrying of loads was a weekly occurrence. one day, we found that the central heating was faulty and had to move back to the church building which planted us. the story is more complex than i am making it seem, but one year later we are still back at base. i would like to see us move out onto the edge again – if we can’t manage a bit of lugging stuff around then we are not exactly going to make waves for teh kingdom. Rob
Rob

======= Mark:

Mike,
Thank you for your “tangent” about your friend who continued to work 100% in his old job, etc. The carry over of either good or bad habits into the new. Caused me to think this morning about your questions and ask God to help me not to form bad habits and keep them. Great advice for us all, thanks!
In Christ:
Mark

======= Ramona:

Mike,
As to your tangent: It reminds me of a phrase I’ve heard several times and thought about often, especially when I want out of a situation, be it a place, relationship or a group: Entering is based on leaving. How you leave determines how you enter.
I think that is sort of a quote (can’t trust memory for the exact words) from the late, Ed Cole of the Christian’s Men Network.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Roslyn:

The Saducees’ question on “whose wife will she be, when the seven were married to her?” referring to having been married in succession to her brothers-in-law and leaving no children after her husband’s death. Christ’s resposne is so simple yet so powerful: “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? When the dead rise they will neither marry or be given in marriage; they will be like angels in heaven…
He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”
To me the last statement is a most powerful one.
Christianity has been focusing on Christ’s
Crucifixion rather than on His Resurrection. We should not be stuck on death (sin) but rather on a life filled with hope and promise (Resurrection).
Again, when Jesus responded to the question on the most important law— “To love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding, and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is most important than all burnt offerings and sacrifice.” Burnt offerings refer to our broken sinful selves and it is for us with God’s grace to transcend our sinfulness (death) and focus on love (resurrection) instead.
I’ve been re-reading Thomas Merton’s New Seeds of Contemplation which I have had for years on my bookshelf. For some reason, the Spirit lead me to it when my friend with whom I share posts practically everyday based on our readings, he brought out basically the same thought: the focus on death rather than on the resurrection.
Roslyn

======= Betty:

Mike, I loved those moving images of the men carrying the board and turning pages at a desk! The readings really blessed me today! A lightbulb went on in my head when I realized I don’t have to like everything I do in my work, but still need to give it my 100% anyway. I am presently learning a new career and I hate change. It has been a daily facing of the “lions” because I fear failure. However, I believe this is where God has placed me and need to be faithful. So your images today are good humorous pictures of what I need to do, take it one step at a time, honor God with discipline, faithfulness, and not be “sloth”! Certainly the last verses in today’s Psalm reading encouraged me as a see God, our strong tower, our refuge, an ever present time of help in time of need, and our God forever! He indeed is our guide. Thanks Mike for your post….it came just when I needed it!
Betty

======= Beryl:

hello,
this is beryl with a note of heart-felt thanks for all your prayers and loving support.
I am out of hospital after only a 24 hour stay, needing almost no painkillers and feeling quite well enough to go to church this morning as a testimony to answered prayer and gods loving-kindness.
I am amazed at support from all over the world. thank you.
I love todays reading from deut. about the duties assigned to people. Our church hires a school and we share the duties of setting up and taking down. This is a reminder of the importance of each task done for the lord, no matter how seemingly unimportant.
Beryl

======= Laura:

Beryl: Glad to see that you are okay and our prayers for you have been answered. I’m very thankful for our virtual community. In can seem at times, very impersonal to study the bible this way. But all your comments, concerns, prayers and answered prayers bring us back to reality.
Laura

======= Anka:

Hi Beryl,good to see your post and see God’s faithfuless at work.Welcome back and may God continue to strengthen you…..
Anka

======= Luch:

beryl
It’s wonderful to see the good hand of the Lord in your life.
I was totally ambused this morning by mark 13:1 “As Jesus was leaving the Temple that day, one of his disciples said, “Teacher, look at these tremendous buildings! Look at the massive stones in the walls!” Jesus replied, “These magnificent buildings will be so completely demolished that not one stone will be left on top of the another.” While I know this passage has a specific context, it does reflect the values of Jesus. Whereas in mark 12:38-44 He gave a perspective on what really matters, here he gives us a perspective on ‘brick and mortar’. thank God for the nice facilities that I’m sure many of us are able to worship in, but I take from this passage that I/we should never become preoccupied with ‘size or square footage or real estate as it relates to our places of worship. In a day where churches especially in North America are into the ‘building edifice complex’ it’s wise to exercise some restraint when we set out to do a ‘building campaign’and consider Jesus’ word. Which brings me to another word of Jesus, “Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever.” Matthew 24:35
Luch

======= Peggy:

I enjoyed the reading to day, but I was puzzled about Numbers 5:30 If the husband was guility of being jelous and the wife had not made herself unclean, why does the law only appply to the wife? Why is he not guility of being jelous?
Have a blessed day.
Peggy

======= John:

Peggy,
Separation from the suspicion of sin.
Maybe reading this section of the commentary from Enduring Word might help.
======================================================
What I have gleaned from other hardback commentaries:
Man is guilty of jealousy, that is why there is an offering and a method to resolve the issue.
Other nations at the time would allow the husband to divorce his wife, or have her killed – just on the suspicion of infidelity.
God’s way of dealing with this issue may seem strange to us, but at least was more merciful than above. Remember God has been visiting Moses and travelling with the Nation. His power and authority has been demonstrated often to the Jewish nation. They would and should take this ceremony seriously.
From the link above:
“This ceremony only dealt with an adulterous wife and not a husband because for the most part, the Mosaic Law was “case law” – not meant to anticipate every potential situation, but to give examples that will set precedence for other cases. It is likely that the same ceremony would be practiced if a wife became suspicious of a husband’s adultery.”
The plausible reason for the example given this way in Numbers (and not vice versa)is:
the “case of jealousy” is a picture of Christ and the Church. There is no questioning the fidelity of Christ, but the church (body of Christ) often strays. God is a jealous (zealous)God – He loves us and wants our Love in return.
Pure conjecture here: If we (the Church body) stray with our affections – the mixture of our faith efforts (worship, prayer, etc.) and our sins will cause a bitter water to exist that will have a “sickening effect” on our lives (body). Perhaps a bit much, but remember it is pure conjecture.
John

======== Jenny:

Numbers. I didn’t understand the woman’s punishment for cheating on her husband…I read the evidence of guilt wrong the whole way through the first time, haha. I read it: the water would cause her abdomen to swell and her thigh to be waist–wide! I thought hmm, she’d be made very overweight? then I read it right, abdomen would swell, her thigh would waste away. So I got out my study Bible and it said the penalty would be death. that makes sense, the abdomen swells when u die n you waste away. Ok, got it. Now what about the man that commits adultery?
The parable of the 7 brothers, 1 wife…wouldn’t the brothers catch on that they probly shouldn’t marry this woman? :p
But interesting when it said the Sadducees “(who say that there is no resurrection)”….
We got this very same thing going on today! Tonight the discovery Channel aired which I’m sure most of us heard about, the Jesus Tomb which is on now. I have no desire to watch it, but I’m gonna tape it for my dad. But we as Christians should all be ready to give an answer if people have questions. This film/documentary is claiming to have found the bones of Jesus. Pure hogwash as we all know. Finding Jesus’ bones would disprove the validity of Christ and the entire Bible. It would prove Jesus was a fraud. We who know Him have His spirit in us and that is a testimony to us. Unfortunately til Jesus returns, the attacks via movies, books, etc will continue as they have since the beginning. Interesting whenever the Bible/Christ is scrutinized, it’s all the hype, but it doesn’t seem to be the case with the other religions of the world. Why is Christ and Christians so attacked? Hmm, could it be because Jesus truly is the way the truth and the life and no one shall come to the Father but by Him.? (John 14:6) and because ‘The world hates light and loves darkness, lest their deeds be exposed’. (John 3:20)
There is also a new ruling underway to make it a “hate crime” if Christians say homosexuality is a sin. True genuine believers aren’t going around hating, we are to love others, but hate sin. Interesting, that we are told to shush about sin, yet they badmouth Christ and Christianity, anything referring to God is an offense and they can judge slander and hate Him.
“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil!!” (Isaiah 5:20).
I know what you mean about traveling and wherever you go, you know Jesus is right there beside you! I think of that when I travel. Anywhere I go on earth (even if I went to the moon!), when I fly, He is in that plane with me. When I went skydiving and bungee jumping, I had a peace that He would catch me!
When you travel its like you left all you ‘know’ behind, but I know the Lord is with me always, as close as my heartbeat, but closer. Its such an awesome comfort! And think we will NEVER be separated from Him, ever! As soon as we close our eyes in this world and step into eternity we are in His presence immediately! theres no lapse, we just move from our tents to our heavenly bodies, we are sealed in Christ. That’s just incredible! Thank you Jesus for being our WAY our TRUTH our LIFE! Thank you for the promise You will be with us always!! NOTHING can ever separate us from His love!!! =))
Jenny

======= Mae:

Verses that stood out for me today:
Mark 12:27 “So he is the God of the living, not the dead”.
Mark 12:30 “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength”.
Psalm 48:11 “As your name deserves, O God, you will be praised to the ends of the earth. Your strong right hand is filled with victory”.
Psalm 48:14 “For that is what God is like. He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die”.
As for Proverbs … well, I give myself 100% when I’m at work. To make it worth my while AND for my managers. It’s a 2 way-street, you know what I mean? If I don’t give myself 100%, I can’t expect 100% from them. Like next summer, I’ll have 5 weeks off of work, no problem. This week I was suppose to work extra shifts as well, but since Jaden isn’t doing well, I wanted to work my regular hours, even though I knew this big project started recently. My manager didn’t make a point, it was okay. However … my work isn’t my biggest priority. My family is .1, always and always!!!!!! I’m a mother and wife first!
Mae

====== Pat:

My thoughts on the punishment of women in today’s reading from Numbers 5:11-31. It reads like a method that would have used to test for witches during the last few centuries. However, I need to remember that this law of jealousy was God’s law and not one dreamed up by man. If the woman was innocent, the bitter water would not make her sick. If the woman was guilty, the bitter water would make her instantly sick. It’s as simple as that because God said so! I keep thinking about all the women that were accused unjustly. This would not only prove the wife’s innocence to her husband, but I image the clan members would learn of the test result. All it would cost the husband materially was 1/10 an ephah of barley (about 2 quarts) for the grain offering that the priest received when his wife was presented for testing. However, I wonder if it didn’t really cost him a lot more if she was innocent, as it seems it would result in him losing some respect within the clan.
God Bless!
Pat

======= Laverne:

Numbers chapter 4 reminds me of something Bishop T.D.Jakes said that I have in my office visbile to only me: “This is my provision until the promise” and I am ok with that because I know right now I am the best person for this job, and when the time comes for something different God will move me on. Until then I will do the best I can do.
—————————
I use to be very busy at church because we had a small congregation at my old church. I was ok with the size I never attend church for the #’s. At my old church we were stewards inside of another church where we rented space for worship service & bible study. We didn’t have alot of space for our stuff so we carried many boards back & forth twice a week. Along with the necessities I always brought a jar of candy.
—————————
Today Psalm 48; 9-10 really hit home for me.
9We have thought on your steadfast love, O God,
in the midst of your temple.
10As your name, O God,
so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.
I love how connected I feel to God while in church. When we are listening to the sermon,singing praise & worship, in prayer in our seats or at the alter. It really comes together for me and the Christ in me and everyone else is magnified I like that. I can truly feel His steadfast LOVE. When its time to go after 2 hours it ALWAYS seem like 10 minutes….
—————————
Laverne

======= Katie:

This is a good word for me. My husband is the asst pastor/worship leader/ youth pastor at our small church… meaning he does A LOT!!!!! And as his wife, sometimes I feel called to be involved and part of things that I wish we weren’t….
But this has opened my eyes, has opened my heart, to the special calling that this is.
Thank You Lord for the honor…
Amen

======= Edward:

Mark 12:33-34 – What so special about the scribe’s answer that made him wise and not far from the kingdom of God and that no one dared to ask Jesus further questions after that? It seemed that the scribe only repeated Jesus’ answer earlier when he asked Jesus the same question, so what did Jesus noticed? Application: What the scribe basically added was loving God and loving your neighbour as yourself is more important than sacrifices. In OT, when a person sins against God or his neighbour, he is breaking the laws, he then has to offer up burnt sacrifices as a form of repentance. However as much as God desires a person repentance, nothing pleases God more if a person truly loves God and truly love and care for others around him. If a person can truly love, he will have fulfilled all the Lord’s commandments.
Mark 12:35-37 – Jesus the Christ is not just the Son of David, He is the Lord God Himself. It reveals the duality of God that He is both the Lord of heaven and earth, and the Lord Messiah who shall rule over all His enemies at the end.
Edward

======= Gina:

We used to do the same thing in our church when we were meeting in an elementary school gymnasium…set up chairs! Our life groups would rotate the task each Saturday night. It was boring and not a lot of fun, but with a group of friends, we could make anything fun! When we moved into our new building, my husband and I worked on the stage set up. We have 3 services each Sunday morning and there were a lot of different things that needed moved around. I wasn’t fond of moving big props either…I’m not very strong :)…then I went into life group ministry…helping people get connected in small groups. It was right up my alley but I still felt like something was missing. I was always in prayer about where God wanted me to serve but I felt like I was just moving around aimlessly until I attended a conference in Chicago. It was supposed to teach about small groups, and it did, however, I found myself dealing with the fact that we have lost people out there and we did not have a ministry set up for them to find out more about a relationship with Jesus. When I got back, as God would have it perfectly planned, I received a call from a staff member asking if I would like to help with praying with people who have accepted Jesus. Bingo! A new ministry began called “Say Yes” – now, 4 years later, my team and I have the wonderful privledge of praying and following up with those who accept Jesus each Sunday! When I look back on all the other things I did before I found my “place”, I know now that God was preparing me for this ministry. The other things were just stepping stones that I needed to step on to get me where I am today. :0) I’m thankful for that!
I can’t imagine not serving in church. It’s sooooo rewarding! But sadly, probably like in most churches, it is usually about 20% of people doing all of the work. Our church has grown a lot in the past 10 years, but sometimes finding volunteers it the bigest challenge we face!
Proverbs today….I soooo needed to hear that! Thanks for the commentary!
Gina

======= Angie:

actually to be honest here again, (oh boy, i feel like a really rotten person here) but the only time i ever volunteered at church was for summer bible school which was only a week every summer. and some years i helped and some i didn’t. i was always more involved in girl scouting then i was with my church volunteering. so i would always be working at the camp or had a summer job that prevented me from doing the volunteer work. and now that i’m out on my own and married, never. we dont’ even go to church and i’m ashamed to even say that. my church that i was brought up in has had many conflicts the last 6 or so years and we quit going. we didn’t want to join another church but didnt’ want to quit the one we had grown up in. so in time, we just quit going altogether, not knowing really what to do. every time we thought about going, we always had to end up working that morning or day and didnt’ go. we had to pay be able to pay our bills and thought that work was way more important and our bills came first. and it is. money here is really tight for us still so every bit helps. especially since we are probably going to be buying a new truck this week or next, due to my stepson’s complete stupidity. and thats one thing i’m trying to get past here lately, is all this anger towards him. everyone tells me that i shouldn’t hold a grudge over this truck that my husband will be in a better and more reliable vehicle. and i know they are right. but i still have all this anger in me, and lord only knows me best that i will have it for a very very long time and yet, i’m trying to not get mad at seeing this truck in my driveway everyday. right now, its just going to be a constant reminder of what he did to me, my husband, and my family and it makes me so angry it makes me sick to my stomache. but maybe this is something that god is doing to help me get over my anger, to move on, and trust in him. and in time, that i’ll trust him enough to go back to church again. right now, i’m still on rocky road here so please bear with me. this is all very new to me and i still have a lot of anger issues i’m trying to sort all out. even with god himself. but he knows that.
Angie

======= Luch:

I love this focus on the Shema. A great companion resource to this teaching is Scott Mcknight’s book ‘The Jesus Creed’ which is all based on this teaching.
I would like to offer this video piece from New Testament scholar Scott McKnight. Here’s an introduction to his book ‘the Jesus Creed’ where he also addresses the need to bring the Shema into our daily lives in a new testament kind of way. Only about 3 minutes in length.
enjoy
https://www.youtube.com/embed/OfveyGofEy0?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent
Thank you for helping us all to ‘jump start’ our days with the most important teaching Jesus ever gave. The piece he added was ‘to love our neighbour as ourselves which was also talked about in Leviticus.
Luch

======= Chris:

Love both the Shema and the Jesus Creed. Hope to return to the Shema chant frequently enough to commit it to memory, as it will serve me well in some visitation I do. And the Jesus Creed–especially if I can put it to music–will be wonderful food for mouth and soul. Thanks to Mike & Luch for the links.
Chris

========= Nick:

Bad after-work habits can also have a negative affect. If we come home from work, eat, then plop down in front of the television, it seems that ‘good works’ have been postponed.
Instead I think we need to eat the ‘bread’ that sustains us, and pray to our Lord, who gives us life. With the distractions of work gone, we can then take advantage of the valuable time we have to get closer to God.
Nick

======= Elizabeth:

Hello Everyone,
Lily, I must agree with your comment on Numbers from yesterday—Numbers is certainly s-l-o-w starting, though I do recall that it picks up speed and relevance once we get past the census and duties of the Levites.
Mike, I noticed you didn’t touch Numbers 5–can’t say I blame you. What a bizarre little chapter that is! It reminds me of all of the weird superstitious things people have done throughout history (i.e., Salem Witch Trial kind of stuff). Sometimes I get perplexed about the Israelites when it comes to casting lots and such–even passages like where Gideon asks for a sign (dry fleece/wet fleece). The Jews/Middle Eastern culture strikes me as very prone to superstitious thinking, and sometimes the Lord seems to work within their mentality, yet other times NOT!
I have a brother-in-law who is Lebanese and his entire family is exceedingly superstitious. I am amazed at how “old world” some of their thinking is. Some of this I believe goes way WAY back to this early culture, and I imagine that’s part of why the Lord was clear about how much He detests fortune telling, mediums and such.
Anyway…I DO think chapter is nothing short of bizarre—pronouncing curses and a woman drinking water with dust from the temple floor in it! It is strange to think how far removed our culture is from our own. Can you imagine a modern day wife being asked to do something like this?
And touching back to my confusion about modern-day Judaism–how do modern Jews make sense of and apply a passage like this?
********************
On an entirely different topic…
With regard to work habits, I agree with everything that Mike & Nik have said. From a practical standpoint, poor work ethics are detrimental, but even more, I always think about how we are working unto the Lord and not unto men:
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” -Colossians 3:23-24
I like to think (and believe there is scriptural precedence too) that the Lord gets greater glory and delights even more when we are doing the menial tasks, the less glamorous jobs….at home, work, or for ministry.
Also, I think of the passage where Paul speaks of the body having some parts that are “weaker” or less “presentable” than others, but how instrumental those parts are:
On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require.” 1 Corinthians 12:22-24
I like this commentary on it:
“Some members of the body … seem to be weaker than others. The kidneys, for instance, don’t seem to be as strong as the arms. But the kidneys are indispensable whereas the arms are not. We can live without arms and legs, or even without a tongue, but we cannot live without heart, lungs, liver, or brain. Yet these vital organs never put themselves on public display. They just carry on their functions unostentatiously. ” -Believer’s Bible Commentary
I believe the Lord delights in those members of the church, His body, who serve in ordinary everyday ways—ways that are essential to the health of the body but don’t earn people a lot of pats on the back.
As a homemaker and mother, the bread and butter of what I do every day is this kind of work–repetitive, monotonous, and most of it not inherently interesting. BUT, if it doesn’t get done, our entire family would not function in good health, so I believe it is vital work! I think it’s a very modern and secular idea that our work should be “interesting” and “worthy” of our attention.
Anyway…..sorry to chew your ear off this morning! ; )
Elizabeth

======= Bobbie:

May I always Love the Lord w/ all my heart and w/ all my soul and w/ all my mind and w/ all my strength. Thank you for being my God even if I always falter to your standard but you have always giving me the chance to correct all my mistakes. Your so good and your love is a never ending love. Help me that I am in align to your will and may I always recognize that wherever I am and wherever I go you are always with me. Thank so much for giving the opportunity to read your words everyday.
Bobbie

======= Steve:

Proverbs 10:26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so are sluggards to those who send them.
I chose this verse because I’ve retired and sometimes feel like I’m not contributing as much as I should. Before retirement it would have been hard for many to keep up with me, I was very driven, I couldn’t help it as that’s just the way my father raised me. Now that I’m retired and no longer have the structure that a 9-5 job provides, it seems to take longer for me to do the same things that I once just effortlessly blew through. The other side of the coin is that those hurried feelings (always being on a mission) and feeling like a participant on the game show “Beat the Clock” are peeling off a layer at a time.
The nine to five working day structure is now gone but it’s slowly being replaced by the structure and balance that comes from reading and studying my bible. My priorities are shifting and a new path full of adventure is beginning to unfold. If I had a Time Machine and could return to that crazy/busy driven time in my life I would never have become a life contestant of “Beat the Clock”.
Steve

======= Debbie:

Proverbs 10:26 goes with the OT reading. What if someone assigned one of the duties was a lazy person. The whole system would suffer. I didn’t grow up in an environment where everyone had a job and duty. My life was unstructured and I find structure difficult. I am content to find a place that needs help and pitch in. I’m annoyed with the attitude, “that’s not my job.” But I see in this OT passage where jobs and duties are vital – if someone is not doing their “job” a leader needs to hold them accountable or find someone else who will do the job. I lived in some campus dorms that had a resident assistant who was responsible to keep the hallways clean but they never did and no one held them responsible. Everyone suffered.
This passage is a good passage on leadership for the church, isn’t it?
Debbie

========= Robert:

Psalm 48
Jerusalem
It was great this morning I read the Psalm to my son and when I got to the part about telling people about Jerusalem, I had the opportunity to tell him a little bit about the city.
“12 Walk about Zion, go around her,
count her towers,
13 consider well her ramparts,
view her citadels,
that you may tell of them
to the next generation. ”
I have been there twice in 40 years and I haven’t seen a lot of change from my perspective. I told him about the 4 religions that each lived in a quarter of the city and how interesting it was to walk through each part and experience this balance of war and peace between them. I hope one day he gets to see the Dome, the Wall, the 8 Gates, Mount of Olives and best smorgasborg at the King David Hotel.
Mark
Mark 12
The Shema
I think this is the first time I have ever has a chance to ponder these verses and really enjoy them. It is so interesting to remember standing at the Temple Wall in Jerusalem with many people reciting the Shema in many cases. The words certainly echo what is said in the commentary today ( What is behind the most famous Jewish prayer?) about God’s unity, God’s love and Jewish unity.
Little aside note my wife told me about why the Jewish people sort of rock when they stand and read or recite text. Its because it mimics the action of a candle and can be a helpful spiritual connection with God.
Ramona, good insight into what do “questions” really mean?
Robert

======== MItch:

NT – Greatest commandments? Love God with everything you’ve got, and love your neighbor as yourself. Why the greatest? Because if you love like that (and maintain it) you will not sin against God nor your neighbor. (Note; Good Samaritan parable defined neighbor as everyone.)
Why did Jesus bring up the conundrum of Messiah being son of David, yet David called Messiah “Lord”? Once again in a different way Jesus is trying to illuminate His deity. Like a lawyer with a leading question – if OT is true and Messiah is son of David, then how can David call Messiah -Lord?
Because the Messiah is both – Jesus is the God Man.
Mitch

======= Dee:

There is alot of references in Number 4-5:31 where God spoke to either Moses and Aaron or spoke into Moses:
4:1 Then the Lord said to Moses and Aaron..
4:17 The the Lord said to Moses and Aaron..
4:21 And the Lord said to Moses
5:1 The Lord gave these instructions to Moses
5:5 Then the Lord said to Moses..
5:11 And the Lord said to Moses..
That brings me to the thoughts of: To whom much is given, much is required. Moses was a leader, so was his brother Aaron. Whether they wanted to be, it was upon them. We have to learn to rise to the occasion if we are called to this positioning in our life from God, which I believe God calls all people into leadership in some respect, but then don’t get me wrong, if you are the behind the scenes man or not the lead in something, where it be at work or church or family..God calls us to many different positions and orderliness which he has displayed and he is not an author of confusion or chaos, but of order and love and not a respector of persons, He loves all of us..
I am like Ramona on the questioning in Mark..how dare they, the saduccees question or put on an act to be seen, Oh Teacher..tell us this one thing, they couldn’t give flippity squat what the Lord had to say as being knowledgable and sowing into the seed of the heart, they were out to sow discord, and Christ saw their evil hearts..its sad to say that there are people out there within churches that are just that pious, snooty, hi-falutent(I know my spelling is wrong) and think they are above the Laws of God Himself, and they are so wrong..God will reward the diligent and curse the ones who use His temple as anything but pure, holy, and just..
I remember looking back at my old life and working at an office where I used to surf internet on what I thought should be my “free” time or breaks in between work, which I know is wrong now looking back at that. Right now I am a stay at home mom and a full time online student, so now my employer is my family so to speak.  and I pray that I always serve my home well and give God the Glory within it each and every day.
God Bless each and every one)~~
Dee

Numbers 2:1-3:51 + Mark 11:27-12:17 + Psalm 47:1-9 + Proverbs 10:24-25
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Old Testament – Today in Numbers chapter 2 we read about the organization of Israel’s camp!  For some reason I really like these types of chapters – chapters where we get what may seem at first glance to be “just a bunch of details” and maybe we even ask occasionally, “what’s the point?”  For me, the details are the point!  I don’t know about you, but I’ll confess this here and now on the blog – I’m a bit of a packrat.  🙂  Seriously.  And not only that – but I have seasons of crazy disorganization in my house and in my life.  And I of course remember the old adage, “cleanliness is next to godliness….”  🙂  And yes, I guess I can at times feel guilty about my disorganization.  But, for some odd reason just this past few weeks I’ve been on an organization kick.  The homestead has been getting a serious cleaning.  I’m getting rid of stuff that I really really don’t need to keep.  And then I read chapters like this in Numbers, and I realize that God is a God of order.  He likes things organized.  And I think we as followers of God do well when we get things organized in our lives too – our housekeeping, our finances, how we spend our time, etc.  Now, don’t hear me say that you should be obsessive compulsive about order… 🙂  But…  I am seeing amazing benefits in my life of being organized.  A good overview of the camp in Numbers chapter 2 is in this image below:

New Testament – In Mark chapter 12 we read Jesus’ profound Parable of the Tenants, which exposes the planned attempt on Jesus’ life. At the end of the parable Jesus quotes from Psalm 118 verses 22 & 23 when he says in Mark chapter 12 verse 10: “Haven’t you read this scripture: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”” I have heard some awesome sermons on this verse – about how our Christian lives should be based upon and aligned with the true foundational Cornerstone – and that cornerstone being Jesus Christ. Do you believe that Jesus is the cornerstone of Christianity? Is Jesus the cornerstone of your life? Do you align your life with Jesus’ teachings? Do you live your life based on being in alignment with the true Cornerstone – the only Cornerstone – Jesus? Will you pray to Jesus that He will be your Cornerstone now and forever?

Today we also read about Jesus’ teaching of giving Caesar what belongs to him, and I came across this very cool image below, which shows a silver denarius coin that was from Jesus’ era with Tiberius Caesar’s image & name stamped on it.  The wording on this coin below reads from right to left: “TI (BERIUS) CAESAR DIVI AUG (GUSTI) F (ILIUS) AUGUSTUS” – which reads translated: “Tiberius Caesar, august son of the deified Augustus”. Jesus could have been holding such a coin as below when he said in verses 15 through 17 – “Show me a Roman coin…” When they handed it to him, he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God.” This reply completely amazed them.”

Commentary on our Mark chapter 11 & 12 readings today are at bible.org at this link and at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 47 is an awesome Psalm!  I can almost hear and feel music and a drum beat as I read this Psalm today!  This Psalm was used in later Jewish synagogue liturgies for Rosh Hashanah, the New Year Festival.  This Psalm has also been used by the Christian church in the Celebration of Jesus’ ascension, in particular with emphases on verse 5 – “God has ascended with a mighty shout. The LORD has ascended with trumpets blaring.”  Do you hear and feel the music as you read this Psalm?  Verse 1 sets the stage so very well for verse 2 in the image below – “Come, everyone, and clap your hands for joy! Shout to God with joyful praise!”

Proverbs – Proverbs 10 verse 25 is a verse for each of us to meditate upon a bit – “Disaster strikes like a cyclone, whirling the wicked away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.”  Do you have a lasting foundation?  Do you have a Cornerstone?

Below is an image from Proverbs 10:24 in today’s readings:

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Mark reminded me of the song “Cornerstone:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv5Aaab0XU4

Is Jesus your Cornerstone? Click here and meet the Cornerstone!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” Mark 12:17 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you would give your heart, mind, soul and strength to God today, and not to worldly things.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on my OT reflections today, are there any other closet packrats out there that will fess up in the Comments section below??  🙂 Or any former packrats / disorganized folks that can give us some advice in the Comments below on how you got orderly?  Do you think that God is a God of order?  Should we be a people of order?  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:

Hmmm Mike, >>And I of course remember the old adage, “cleanliness is next to godliness….” : )  
>> Well there is one little problem here whose standard of cleanliness and godliness are we to measure by? Jesus certainly knocked the Pharisees out of the water with his rebuke of their cleanliness rituals. It might be an old adage but is that adage true?
Numbers 2:3-51
Is there order here? Yes there is order, God’s order and everything regarding the Temple, the camp and the placement of the tents of the tribes and their “fighting” men and the people following also speaks to me about the plan and purpose of God. Everyone is given a plan and has a purpose designed by God. But the choice is ours whether to work the plan God has given us or to work the plan we want to pick up. I believe we enter chaos when we pick up our plans instead of God’s.
The redemption of the firstborn sons foreshadows Christ, as the Firstborn of God, redemptive work upon the earth. Except Christ work is so very deep and broad that there only need be one of Him for all of us.
Mark 11:27-12:17
This entire section is about authority and submission to an authority. The question is whose authority is being submitted too? The religious leaders question Jesus, demand from Jesus who has given him authority to disturb their “business” franchise in the Temple. Jesus’ response to them challenges their authority to question Him about His authority.
The leaders response to Jesus show that they are week leaders, afraid of the people and week leaders may have positional authority but they lack spiritual authority.
The farmers didn’t want to submit to the owner’s authority over his fields that they worked in the owner’s physical absence. His authority comes by right of ownership not by what they think is fair or unfair.
The trick question the Pharisees tried to put to Jesus about taxes, again is really about authority. If they truly believed that Jesus “…sincerely teaches the ways of God,” why would they even ask Him a question about paying taxes? They through, wrongly, that submitting to God was mutually exclusive. If you submit to God you cannot submit to earthly authority. Jesus shocked them by letting them know that the things of God and the things of man are not one and the same.
Psalm 47:1–9
The only thing I can speak of is to add to Mike’s comments with an encouragement, “Rap on, Rap on!! Just make sure you give it a beat that you can dance to.
Proverbs 10:24-25
Fears and hope, both will bring to pass what is in the heart. The question becomes what is the state of my heart, what kind of soil have I prepared and will it bring to fruition deadly fears or life-giving hope? Wickedness or godliness, there is probably just a thin line that divides one from the other and it all has to do with the state of the heart and our dealing honestly and truthfully with what is there.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Mark:

Mike, thanks again for your faithful service by keeping this posting going on a consistent basis. I appreciate your comments and questions. I squirmed a bit this morning as I read your questions about a disorganized life.
I enjoyed the diagram of the camp of Israel and noticed a couple of things. Remeber when Jacob was meeting Esau and he held Rachel and her sons to the back of the procession? Well that’s where her children: (Benjamin and Ephraim/Mannaseh a.k.a. Joseph) are positioned, behind the tabernacle compound. Leah’s children line the east and south sides (with Gad being the single exception) and the offspring of the handmaids taking their position on the northside of the camp. The one thing that stood out the most to me was that the tribe of Judah was directly in front of the gates. Jesus, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah; is the Way to the Father. We enter the holy place through the blood of Christ.
I had to laugh at today’s stories in Mark about the two questions. When Jesus asked the question of the Pharisee’s, they decided that it would be politically incorrect to give an answer and slinked away to lick their wounded pride. The other question — perhaps posed by some of the same men to Jesus — was designed to trap him. When Jesus answered: “Give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his.” Their mouths hung open, speechless. HAaa!! Haa! ha…hey wait!! How many times have I had to bring myself up short because God’s word tells me something so radical and out of my comfort zone? How many times do I avoid a question or situation because I may be a little uncomfortable or too proud to respond in a way that doesn’t paint “ME” in the best possible light?
Mike, I wish we could get together to do some worshipping from Psalms and to make a joyful noise. that may never happen here on this earth, but I know that in heaven, we’ll experience music, worship and praise in awesome ways.
Psalm 47:5-7
Loud cheers as God climbs the mountain,
a ram’s horn blast at the summit.
Sing songs to God, sing out!
Sing to our King, sing praise!
He’s Lord over earth,
so sing your best songs to God.
I hear at least 6 or 7 tunes in my head right now, the one that’s the loudest is the one that says: Forever you are faithful, Forever you are strong, Forever you are with us, Forever, Forever…
Proverbs 10:25 I always thought that the scripture for the Sunday School song, “The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock” was solely based on Jesus’ parable. Here is the same theme in Proverbs this morning!! Hmmm… It’s almost there is an unchangeable God or something…. (Now Chris Tomlin’s song is in my head)
Rejoicing in Him,
Mark

======= Marty:

Proverbs–it’s only one line, but so much there!-“Disaster strikes like a cyclone, whirling the wicked away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.”
(I’ve only posted once before, but have been reading the OYB & blog comments.)
This one line…touches me-hurts me-haunts me-heals me — all at once. As I mentioned, disaster struck my family when the good Lord took my 4yr old daughter to be with Him, just 19 weeks ago. It’s a disaster, but she was not wicked…was an angel on earth! I’ve always had faith, but now it’s being tested and I’m here to listen and learn. I know there must be an eternal plan. My foundation/rock is God himself as well as my family, friends, neighbors and parish…they are all God to me…keeping the foundation of my faith in tact. Thank you Lord, for your love is shown to me in these people.
Peace!
Marty

======== Laura:

Welcome Marty to our community. I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I can understand your mixed emotions. God is our mighty healer. It’s nice to know that our ultimate destination is a place of no tears. And a place that we can all be at peace and one with the creater of the universe.
We look forward to having you onboard as we all go on this journey with OYB. Blessings and Peace to you.
Laura

======= Stacey:

Discipline and orderliness is is an interesting topic for me this week. I’ve been meditating on Jubilee since we read about it the other day. The thoughts about Jubilee sound something like this to me: “What is it that I have inherited in Christ that I have either sold off or neglected that God would like me to have back?” and “What do I need to be serious about reclaiming because He redeemed me and paid full price for it by dying on the cross?” (1 Pet 1:13-25)
And the result has been that I have been working on two personal self discipline projects. I have been humbled and have asked God to show me His way to accomplish and complete these disciplines. While praying about it and seeking the Counsel of the Holy Spirit, I was reminded by the Lord that self discipline is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. One who matures in their walk with Christ will also mature in self discipline. ( Gal 5:23, 2 Pet 1:6) For it is natural that when good seeds of life in the Holy Spirit are planted and nutured, good fruit will grow.(Gal 6:7-9) So I am in the process of allowing God to break up some fallow ground in my life and plant the good seeds of righteousnes and godliness which will become fruit that others will see in the form of orderliness and self discipline.
I grew up in a family of packrats and have enjoyed leaving that old life behind. Because of what the Lord has done in my life, I don’t think that anyone I know now would believe the situation I grew up in. In my childhood home, the outward extreme clutter and filth was just a symptom of the inward problems and struggles of physical and financial disorder and rebellion. My mother grew up in an extremely unhealthy perfectionistic environment where she would do nothing to please her mother. By the time I came on the scene, my parents procrastinated about everthing in life. Clutter piled up, bills piled up. If everything couldn’t be fixed immediately and perfectly, they would just procrastinate until”someday” when things would all work out. Procrastination is very crippling and our home was extremely disorganized and chaotic. And it just became too overwhelming for my parents to deal with any of it.
There was something about the overall chaos of my childhood home that seemed to give my parents excuses about their personal relationship with God. They were too busy and life was too complicated for them to give any time over to the Lord and to attending His church. Fortunately, my aunt and uncle took me to church and I found the way to escape my life of frantic chaos. Salvation through the blood of Jesus set me on the path of righteousness and my life has certainly been different than ” the empty way of life handed down by my forefathers” (1 Pet 1:18).
It was very interesting that years later in their 70’s, my parents really came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Now as my mom is living alone and trying to follow Christ with her whole heart, her apartment is neat, tidy and well organized. She takes care of eating well, exercising and spends a lot of her day with the Lord. He directs her path and she has completely given herself over to a life of loving obedience and discipline in Him. It’s all the fruit of seeking Him first of all and best of all, and giving Him first place in life. The proof is in the fruit.
I believe that walking in the Spirit and living for today is what plants the good seeds. Pretty soon you turn around and enjoy a whole tree full of goodness, blessing, discipline, and holiness as a gift from God.
Jeremiah 32:38 They will be my people, and I will be their God. 39 I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me for their own good and the good of their children after them. 40 I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. 41 I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul.
Stacey

======= Ramona:

Numbers 2:1-3:51
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. (Psalms 32:8 KJV)
I was really impressed upon reading these two chapters how God is interested and desires to not only love us, but to “order our steps.” More often than not we want to chose our paths and ask God to “bless” what we have chosen. Here, in today’s reading, God gives the order: where to pitch the tents and what order each tribe will march. Again, our blessing is tied up in our obedience just like Israel blessing and protection was tied up in her following God.
I must confess I am also a packrat, but about sixteen months ago when I had to remove things from my apartment so that my walls could be dismantled due to finding mold, I had to get rid of all those things I was saving because, “I probably could use that.” I’m not sure about this but I think the more we give our lives over to God, like Israel in the desert, God will show us where to pitch our tent and where to march and what to bring along, ordering our steps. I believe we hold on to things because somewhere in the back of our minds we think we will never have all the stuff again. But after all it’s just that, “stuff,” and that stuff doesn’t’ belong to us anyway; God is the creator of all things.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= John:

Ramona,
“I’m not sure about this but I think the more we give our lives over to God, like Israel in the desert, God will show us where to pitch our tent and where to march and what to bring along, ordering our steps.”
YES!!! Sorry, but this is SOOOO important. When we submit to the will of God and do the things (my post to Andrew 2 days ago) we are supposed to do joyfully and with reverence – then the blessings will flow and we can be directed toward Eph 2:10:
“we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
This is so hard for mankind. It is extremely hard for me. We have so much Pride, and too often we do the things we think we are to do in this world, rather than depend on direction from God.
If we ask for direction and don’t feel that we get it, we are at a loss. We cry out, What about “free will”? Yet Jesus is our greatest example. He did nothing that was not in His Father’s will. We will not be complete until we submit to the Father’s will. Do the things we are told. Do them joyfully. When we are in fellowship with God then the connection is strong, and He will show us the way in our lives.
Be obediant, be still(patient), and know that He is God.
The times I have done this in my life (albeit too infrequently), I am at peace because I know that I am in the Will of God. Rather than being restrictive, I can only tell you it is – an incredible feeling and “place to be” in our relationship with God.
John

======= Becky:

“What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted.” (Proverbs) This really stood out to me today, reminding me that God sees the good and the evil, and ultimately rewards accordingly.
But I think it’s also telling me that being focused on the negatives, on trying NOT to do something, or teaching children what NOT to do is not as powerful and life-giving as focusing on the positive, standing for –and thinking on– whatever is good, noble, beautiful, right, etc and showing our children what they SHOULD do. However, this is easier said than done, for me, anyway!
Becky

======= Laverne:

STACEY – thank u so much for reminding me of this scripture – ( Gal 5:23, 2 Pet 1:6)” ” I was reminded by the Lord that self discipline is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. One who matures in their walk with Christ will also mature in self discipline. – Sometimes I think I am so hard on myself. You are right as I have matured I have also become more nad more disciplined and obedient.
—————————
I have always been orderly, for me ALL things have a place even if I create one. I have a basket under my end table in the livingroom in it is my Discipleship Journal, Pray, Prevention and Simple magazine I have already read. On my desk in my office I have cups and trays to put pens, paper clips, stickey pads and bills. I love the Container Store, Hobby Lobby and any Wal-Mart store that offer knick nacks to help me remain organized.
—————————
U better believe I believe God is a God of order and the Holy Spirit does not disrupt. Which brings me to something I have wondered but I am sure will never get an answer. In my old church many people would fall down, get in the aisle and do their thing for long periods of time. I am not judging but as I have said the Holy Spirit does NOT disrupt.I’ve often wonder are these learned behaviors. I love worship and will get very excited and moved as a song ministers to my heart & soul or at the word preached I’ll jump right out of my chair, and encourage that paster, Rev. or minister, or when the choir is singing a song I sometimes get so moved I express it with my arms – they move freely, however I don’t think that is disruptive. We should be a people who are controlled & ware.
—————————
The verse that stuck out for me today was mark 12; 6-8 The owner had a son he loved very much. Finally, he sent his son to the renters because he thought they would respect him. 7But they said to themselves, “Someday he will own this vineyard. Let’s kill him! That way we can have it all for ourselves.” 8So they grabbed the owner’s son and killed him. Then they threw his body out of the vineyard.
I wonder if in my life do I show people that who my Father loved I love. I certainly hope so. I don’t want to be like the tenants.
Laverne

====== Sunny:

I am a packrat, I keep everything that has to do with Family Tree Stuff. I have most of it organized but my husband calls our computer room the fire attraction. Anything anyone sends me goes in the computer room. Maybe one day I will get it all organized but Life passes us by so fast that I chose to put it on the desk and dust plies on it then I forget about it until a month or two later.
God is a God of order you can tell that when it is our time to go. He picks those that are ready to see the Lord. Like my cousin for example, its not fair that he died so young but God had his order set up and took him at his precise time. My cousin’s wife moved away and I haven’t heard from her at all but she got to move away from amarillo and life must be better for her.
I think we are people of order for others but for ourself…well I am lacking in that aspect. I have everything organized when I go teach and when I teach my little boy but when it comes to me and ordering/organizing come to my house and I will show you!
Sunny

======= Mae:

Verses that stood out for me today:
Mark 12:17 “Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God.” This reply completely amazed them.”
Psalm 47:10 “The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.”
Proverbs 10:24 “What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted.
Jesus? Will you pray to Jesus that He will be your Cornerstone now and forever? ~ Yes, I always ask Jesus to be my Cornerstone. He’s my Personal Saviour. I accepted Him as my Personal Saviour. Today we have been praying a lot for Jaden, we claimed Jesus’ blood on our lives and prayed for the little guy. We took Jaden to church this evening, I went to the altar as I do every service, but today we had a special healingservice. And we all do a lot better. I felt a difference! Even my stiff neck is healed!!! God was at our service tonight. I felt a change and I’m sure Jaden will do A LOT better tomorrow when he wakes up! It was a very intense day, so I’m keeping this short. But I really have to let you all know that God answered our prayers!!!! Allllllllllllll the prayes from allllllllllll over the world! Praise and thank the Lord for that!
Mae

======= Jenny:

I love Jesus’ answers when they tried to trap Him, always so perfect! Well because He IS perfect and God! :p Jesus is definitely the cornerstone and always will be! In my life, He sure is! Times in my life when He wasn’t, everything just fell apart for me! Even as a believer, if I wander away, if I take my eyes off Him, I fall! Fortunately I fall into His arms. =) As our Proverbs readings say, we have an everlasting foundation!
God is such a God or order! Look at the complexity of the body, every cell, its amazing!… look at the universe, the stars, planets, He keeps everything aligned by the very word from His mouth!
My mom was the biggest packrat! Haha. I was always so organized as a youngster she said I should write a book or teach classes on how I do it, haha. As I got older, I found it harder because of less time, but I’m not too bad. I call my room an organized mess! :p
I noticed after people in my life died I would go through and get rid of things. I only want to have what I actually use. I am very sentimental so I’ll keep some things I don’t use. When my mom, the queen packrat :p, died, we had to go through sooo much stuff and get rid of a lot…so I get on cleaning kicks when I think of the brevity of life. This may be silly, but I don’t want to leave a huge mess for others when I die, could be tonight, could be in 50 yrs. I try not to hold on too much value to anything material bcos it could be stolen, lost in a fire…for memories sake that would devastate me. But I know where my imperishable treasures are! =)
Jenny

======= Angie:

i’m a total pack rat and i love it. everything i keep means something very special to me or i hold a dear memory of. i keep every card, every letter/envelope, every picture which by the way i take a ton of, every chinese horoscope from the fortune cookie, every movie ticket stub, flowers and balloons i get, EVERYTHING! thats why i have SOOOOOOO many scrapbooks. they make me really happy when i go back through them all and see everything that i have kept my entire life. my first set of eye glasses, my first tooth i lost, my first lock of hair that was cut. its all about me and my life. i can’t get rid of it. its like throwing my life away and theres so much bout me. you know? i am pretty organized though. thats why i try to keep up with my scrapbooking and photo albums. i remember that stuff like it was yesterday. i know exactly where i was at, how old i approximently was, and how i felt at that time in my life. some are sad and some are really happy and some i’m extremely proud of. theres no way i’m going to throw all that away!!!!! so the best thing for me to do is keep it all in scrapbooks. thats the best advice i can give to another pack rat!!!! scrapbooks are great!!!!!
i loved psalms. i think i’m this big psalms chick on here!!!!! can’t help it. its my favorite book so far!!!!! i love music and loud music for that matter. always have and always will! so i can almost hear the those trumpets blaring and feel the music. and to me, thats a wonderful feeling in the world!!!!
Angie

======= Enid:

I have said for many years “The secret to success is to be organized” I believe this is true in all aspects of our lives.
Enid

======== Lisa:

Right now I am going to exercise self-control; well because it is part of our meditation scripture of the week.
Um, no because I have to think order as Mike pointed out God is a God of order.
O.K. – I am calm. :-). There is so much I want to share. I will try and be succinct about it.
We started in the book of Numbers this week – oh yes, did I mention this will be my first time reading the bible in one year? Now I understand why it is called the Book of Numbers – the 12 tribes are HUGH and that doesn’t include all the folks! No wonder the new king of Egypt (post-Joseph) was afraid! They could have slaughtered the Egyptian folks and taken names (smile)!! However, they would probably have preferred the booty instead.
Next, in the book of Mark, Jesus spoke -to put it mildly- about the cornerstone. I read it, but today I READ IT (without commentary :-)), as the Holy Spirit illumined this quote from Jesus within my spirit. WHEW!, no wonder they walked away. No one wants to be told about themselves, it is a hard pill to swallow – especially when truth hits the core of the heart!
And next, Psalm 47!!! How powerful. This is my meditation chapter, not a verse or word but the whole. And yes Mike, my spirit could not stop singing “Praise to my King”. I kept repeating it over and over again. Oh how wonderful! And what a great way to top off this Psalm with a series of praise songs!!!! Great stuff – thanks Mike!
Let the Redeem say SO!
Lisa 

======= Julie:

My heart soared this morning reading Psalms, I love that when that happens!
As far as the clean-up, I went thru the same thing a month ago. I read that we have made our things our ruler & god, we work for them, we clean around them & we buy more! So I now have the midset that I pretend I am about to move into the most wonderful place & I don’t want any of that stuff again. Also a friend had a mother that died & it took 3 dumpsters to clear her house. I don’t want to be a burden to my children when I go.
Since I have cleaned up, I have had such a cleansing as I look around & all I have is what I need or really love. I can actually find my commentaries & all my books on shelves not in boxes which helps me with my studies. My mind is now full of all kinds of things I want to do & not in the doldrums any more.
The fruit of the Spirit always convicts me when I read it, in today’s world it is so hard to be that way. Thanks for reminding me!
Julie

======= Diana:

This is truly wonderful and I am amazed at the continuity and flow from the Old Testament to the New in my daily readings. This is my 2nd year of reading and I love it!
I, too, saw the organization of God in Numbers. He is the author of it and see Him as the organizer of everything.
I saw the Lord’s Heart yearning over the loss of Aaron’s 2 sons and filling that void with a whole tribe of Levites!
I see His Heart yearning over our lives: as a nation, as a people/tribe, as family, as individuals and finally looking right down into the very core of our being. It is easy to see that He simply had to get up off of His Throne and come down to save us for we have been destroying ourselves and He loves us too much.
Take a look at verse 1. Moses and Aaron, both leaders yet terrible things happened in their family. Both men living completely for God yet death strikes for not one but two sons because of a horrible mistake, disobedience. Wide open and laid bare are the triumphs and defeats of their lives but the Lord our Restorer and Redeemer took into account all of it and gave these two men even more…spiritual sons, the whole tribe of Levi!
Amazingly, after reading of the Lord’s authority in setting the tribes in order now we head straight into Mark 11 and discover that His authority was questioned by the “religious priests and teachers of the law”!
Jesus headed them off by giving them a question they could not answer. They said “we don’t know” revealing doubt, confusion and everything else that comes with unbelief. They could not see who Jesus is.
Then it hit me in Mark 12:1 “HE THEN BEGAN TO SPEAK TO THEM IN PARABLES…”
I am excited to say what I saw here…when we miss the mark and question God’s authority, His Word, whether spoken or written, we won’t have the understanding either of the Scriptures and our thinking and beliefs will not be correct.
It hits the very core of our being. Is His Word true or not? Do I believe that He can take care of my needs? Do I fully trust in Him as my Problem-Solver or Need-Meeter?
Wow…I love the challenge : )
Diana

======= Lori:

Sometimes when the “cyclone” hits, and the cyclones will always hit, I wonder if I am one of the wicked ones and I don’t know it. Fundamentally I don’t think so, but what if I am blind like so many are?
Lori

======= Lisa:

Hi Lori –
Why do you say you wonder if you are one of the wicked ones? Is that just to say that “there is none righteous” because we are born in sin?
I hope so!
Lisa 

======== Lori:

No, It’s just that when I read the proverbs, and I think back on the difficult times I have had over the last couple years, it just makes me afraid that I am actually being punished. I am not used to the old testament God. I am used to a God who loves me and forgives and offers grace and mercy. I just want to be reassured that I am living “good” enough. I don’t even believe in living “good” enough, we are saved by grace and thank God we don’t really get what we deserve. I just never want to be deceived into complacency. If the trials in life are being brought on us by God, how do we know and how do we fix it?
Lori

======== Lisa:

Hi Lori,
That is a mouthful.
Let me share what I believe the Holy Spirit was speaking to my heart about on this matter, while I was praying for an answer to more than encourage you but that you would come to trust in His Word more and not get stuck in your fears.
Please consider meditating on the book of Romans, Chapter 8. Key verse is 35.
I also want to share this awesome commentary that hits right to the core of what you expressed.
For your study:
Read these verses (8:31-34) carefully, taking note of each single thing God is teaching us here. Honestly identify ways in which you allow yourself to be accused and condemned ‘ by your own heart/mind, by fellow human beings, especially Christians, and by, so you or others think, God himself. What are these verses telling you? Grasp hold of and thank the Lord for the powerful truth they teach, and ask him to help you to believe his Word here.
In 8:35-37 Paul gives a list of physical suffering and states that none of these can separate us from Christ’s love ‘ they can never mean God is condemning us. Even in the presence of these things ‘we are more than conquerors’. How? Through our own sinless lives? Through our own perfect, unwavering faith? No! ‘Through him who loved us.’ Suffering is suffering. It is not punishment for sin ‘ Christ, who loved us, bore all of that for us. It does not mean God has cut off his love ‘ God loved us while we still sinners, he is not going to cut us off now that he has placed us in Christ (Romans 5:1-11; 8:32). Christians who believe that suffering is because God is withholding his love because of their sin, or that their sin has blocked God’s love, are still perceiving their relationship with God as merit/performance based; they are assuming that God is still seeing them as they are in themselves ‘ kata sarka. They are not living with the grand and glorious reality that God no longer relates to them as individuals in their aloneness and nakedness, but relates to them always, ever and only in Christ ‘ kata pneuma.
8:38-39: Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ. Nothing can deny or undo our salvation. Not sin, not law, not death, not the law of sin and death, or the fact we are not Jews. Because our relationship with God is not based on any thing variable or changeable but on Christ to whom God has united us by his Spirit.
I pray this is most helpful Lori.
Shalom
Lisa 

======= Lori:

Lisa, Thank you so much for your investment in my search. I sincerely appreciate your words and wisdom, and I will study this further. Thank you for your kindness.
Lori

======== Lisa:

Lori, I thank God for you and your honesty.
We all at some time or another in our life feel a sense of inadequacy. But, I thank God for Jesus and the reinforcement of His Word in both our lives.
I am glad you posted and that I was able for myself, as well as you to get encouraged again. I also will study further.
And you are quite welcome, that was the least that I could have done for my sister-in-Christ!
Lisa 

======= Briggs:

In reading through the passages this morning and over the last several weeks, it seems odd to me how distant the LORD was from the Israelites.
He gave great detail regarding the construction of the tabernacle, the utensils and other implements of worship; more detail regarding the act of sacrificing the various animals, grain and wine for the many and detailed specific offerings; very specific detail in segregating the clean from the unclean; more detail regarding the certain feasts; and today more detail regarding how each tribe shall position themselves relative to each other and the tent of meeting.
He gave very specific detail regarding certain ‘acts’, yet no instruction on how to approach Him, no mention of prayer, seemingly no emphasis on the spirit or the heart of their worship.
In these recent chapters, I can’t help feeling that the Lord was very distant from the Israelites. He showed very little of who He was, or who we know Him to be as He revealed Himself in the New Testament, or how to seek a relationship with Him. He even said that if they approached certain areas of the tabernacle, those other than the Levites would be killed.
This seems so contrary to what the Lord is now seeking from His children among all the nations.
Briggs

======= Lily:

Wow I just wanted to share how Leviticus is not my least favorite book. Numbers is for it’s redundancy. But, I will get through it with the support of this community. On what Briggs said; I didn’t think about that much, but it is really true. Jesus had to rend the veil before we could have intimacy with God.
Lily

======= Elizabeth:

Hello,
The OT relationship between the Israelites IS drastically different than the NT fulfillment in Christ. I also struggle with the heavy ritualism of the OT and the seeming distance between the Lord and His people.
One thing that has always puzzled me is how modern day Jews practice their faith in real ways in the real world. So much of Judaism seems to be obscure laws, regulations, and specifications. I don’t “get” functional Judaism I guess. Is it more than just the rules to most Jews? It strikes me as a cold distant faith.
On another note–with regard to Mike’s question about being a pack rat– I am definitely a “saver” and a “recycler,” and I always feel like I am fighting the fine line between creativity and chaos. Stuff and organizing stuff can become a burden and bondage–whether we excel at the organization or not! I know some ladies with perfectly immaculate homes that live in bondage to that standard, and I have some dear friends who can’t seem to get out from underneath the mess of their stuff and their self-condemnation about not being able to keep a clean home.
I struggle with wanting to find a good use for something, thinking that “if I can just set it aside” I will find the right use in time. And I strongly dislike the disposable mentality of our culture…think it’s awful stewardship of His creation.
I guess it’s all about balance. When I think about this struggle, I think of that passage in Matthew:
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
-Matthew 6:19-21
God created a physical world that reveals His glory and all He made is good, but I think it’s tempting to over-cling to things (or over-cling to a desire to “control” the things) if we are not careful. The things should not dominate our psyche and should definitely not take precedence over matters of the heart—like people.
Going back to my friends with very clean homes—I don’t always feel comfortable in their homes because they are so uptight about keeping them clean that I feel like the “cleanness” over-dominates their minds.
Sometimes I feel like the Jews must have become borderline obsessive-compulsive trying to keep up with all the minutia….
Just my two cents, ; )
Elizabeth

======= Nick:

re: packratism
isn’t everyone a ‘packrat’ to a certain extent? don’t we all fill boxes with rarely used things and store them away?
my question is this: will any of our boxes of stuff make it to the kingdom of God?
Nick

======== Frederick:

I echo with Mike’s mentioning of an adage “cleanliness is next to godliness”. I have a personal encounter with God that, when I started ordering my workplace and homestead, God commenced to disclose more of Himself to me.
Frederick

======= Raeann:

The book of Leviticus is ALL about the Hebrew laws given on mount Sinai. The sanctuary had to be built using certain materials and to VERY exact specifications. There were three week long feasts a year that everyone had to attend at the sanctuary. The people had to give twice daily offerings at the sanctuary for an aroma pleasing to God. There were laws for dealing with sick people, mold and the poor. The priests wore ornate robes to stay pure when they ministered to the people and lived by a strict code of conduct. A justice system was given and laws and punishments were established. God promised to bless his people as long as they followed His laws and statutes. What animals you could and could not eat, sexual immorality, women had to be separated during there periods, priests could not touch a dead body, dress should be modest and you had to honor your father and mother, ALL of these laws were thoroughly discussed in the book of Leviticus.
Raeann

======= Sheena:

I’m a little bit of a packrat, but I’m in a spring cleaning/decluttering mode right now. I’m just doing it a little at a time. I do believe that God is a God of order. Just looking at how the universe works, and how seasons change and rotate, and the laws and guidelines he gave his people – how can you believe anything different? It makes me glad, because I’m a Sheena of order as well.  : )  I like having processes and guidelines and schedules. I don’t think people who aren’t like that are ungodly, because I think just generally as people we live in order, not in chaos. We have laws and standards that we all live by. If we were living in filth and anarchy – that might be a different story. But yes, I think God is of order and so should we be.
Sheena

======= Janice:

God is so orderly as we can see by the way he positions the tribes. He wants order in our lives too, but I do have clutterd times in my life and it is hard to focus. When I get things organized, I can see everything much clearer. What stood out to me in Numbers today is where God is positioned. Right in the middle of the tribes. That is where he wants to be in our lives as well –right smack tab in the middle.
Janice

======== Reuben:

Mike shows us a map of the basic layout of the Israelite’s camp in the desert. For a further interesting observation on the shape of the camp as viewed from above, read here: http://ldolphin.org/camp.html The numbers of people given for each tribe would cause the camp to appear as the sign of the Cross. That’s what Balak and Balaam would have seen when they went up on the high place to attempt to curse the Israelites a few chapters later in this book!
Reuben

======= Bobbie:

Well, it is sad to say that there are still many people who does’nt know who the true cornerstone of our lives.Jesus the cornerstone must be lifted up in our life. Our lives should be in aligned w/ all His teachings.I am very much thankful that God open my eyes and choose me to be an instrument for other people to know God inspite of their fears and sicked bodies tormented with different illness still God is so gracious to let them know that there is God.
Bobbie

======= Liz:

Yesterday, a friend who is also reading the same Through-the-Bible plan told me that Numbers had convicted her that she needed to get rid of the clutter and unnecessary things so if God called her to “move” she would be able to.
I have always been a kind of packrat. Saving things, just in case… Of course the scriptures about treasures in Heaven and corrupting and rusting come to mind, too.
Last night, I had my daughter-in-law come over and help me start purging the unnecessary out of my house. Starting with the closets. It’s just a beginning, but I already feel freer and that means I am making room in my thoughts to allow for more service to the Lord.
Many people do not relate the clutter to a hindrance to serve. I don’t agree with “cleanliness is next to godliness” but I am beginning to understand why the adage from long ago, in a simpler age was used. You cannot make full use of your gifts if you are always in a state of disarray or clutter. Hoarding is lack of faith.
Anyway, that’s how He’s working in my life right now. I want to be free mentally and physically from things that would distract me from service.
Liz

======= Steve:

Mark 12:1-12 The parable of the wicked vineyard tenants
The bible uses metaphors, often agricultural such as vineyards, orchards and the bearing of fruit to drive home a point. We are called to be fruitful, if we are not fruitful it’s because we’re not listening and not yielding to the Holy Spirit. The parable of the wicked vineyard tenants at first glance seems to be speaking of some distant really bad people that have taken over the owner’s vineyard by committing murder and stealing the vineyard from the rightful owner. I know that is how I perceived this parable at first. After reading several commentaries on this parable it became evident that this parable is like an onion skin, the more it’s peeled the more layers we begin to see and the closer we get to our own association with the wicked tenants.
.
In the parable Jesus indicts the same people God delivered from bondage in Egypt, reminding them that God also sent them messenger after messenger only to have great men of God like Elijah, Elisha Isaiah and Jeremiah rejected or killed as they refused the call to repentance. So, are we like the wicked tenants? Are we giving God the portion of our lives that is due for our tenancy here on earth? We are the vineyard (the church) and we must ask ourselves what will happen when the owner of the vineyard returns? As Christians, God will not see us as those who killed His Son but as those who the Son willingly died for. This parable for me was like having cold water thrown in my face, waking me up to the reality that every time I willingly sin, I’m the wicked tenant rejecting the voice of the master. God’s word provides such balanced teachings, the wisdom of the Old Testament law and wonder of His New Testament grace, the wonder of His constant forgiveness.
On Mike’s question “Do you think that God is a God of order? Should we be people of order?”
I am a person of order? Please don’t ask my wife the answer to that question? I stand firmly on being a person of Semi-Order as I cop to the garage contents, many of which are deferred decisions that someday I will reckon with.
But seriously, I do believe as we turn the reigns over to the Lord, He will to the degree we allow Him access make us people of order. The benefits of living as people of order are paramount. Getting rid of clutter and having things in order frees from distraction and helps us put our priorities in proper sequence. Thanks Mike for giving me a better perspective as I launch the Spring cleaning, I am going to look at it differently, not as a chore but more as an opportunity to be included in the headcount of God’s people of order.
Steve

======= Cathy:

Thanks for all your comments. It truly help to have better understanding of God’s words.
Cathy

======== Herb:

The tribe of Judah was placed at the entrance of the tabernacle. The meaning of the name Judah is Praise. That means that in order to enter the tabernacle they had to enter through Praise the same way we enter God’s presence today. Just a thought
Herb

======= Joyce:

Mike,
It’s still hard for me to focus and concentrate as I read the Old Testament passages.
I am grateful that your comment and others’ comments bring new lights/interesting angles to look at these passages – thank you all!
Hopefully as I press on reading in the Old Testament each day, I will find importance in the details too.
May our faithful God continue to use this blog to bless many with His Truth!
Sincerely,
Joyce

======== Jeff:

Glad to have made it through all the laws in Leviticus. But so far in Numbers it looks like more rules (about census and organization of tribes). I hope the OT moves on to something less tedious SOON!
Godspeed,
Jeff

======= Robert:

Numbers
Being Organized.
There was a Japanese Show that became viral a few years ago and everyone around the water cooler was talking about the way Marie Kondo organized things. “The most important thing about tidying up is thinking about what you would lke to keep”. I believe her advice is still relevant today so watch if you need some motivation and tips.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/JJwN4PQv_So?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent
Robert

======== Dee:

Adding to Mikes comment up above. I struggle with being a “packrat” too. So you are not alone. I try to seasonally go through my closets and get rid of or donate to our community outreach but at times its still hard to part with “stuff” which is sad, but I am working on it. Currently with doing this blogs and enjoying them every morning with cup of Joe, I do online schooling each day working on my teaching degree. I am trying to get the time in, to do a few things in orderly fashion, like scrapbooking (all my pics are everywhere)and coupon organizing, I am a coupon nut! but I love to save a buck!! : )  However, I really try and strive to live out and look up to Proverbs 31 woman, I love all that she does, especially Prov 26: When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. I think a little in alignment with Ramona, it is who we are following and giving honor to God and He will direct our paths, but in statement with Frederick, I have also found out when my paths are orderly, God works and speaks to me more. Its like He is saying, “Ok, I can trust you with this small thing, let me teach you another level into orderliness..” Like building the temple or organizing the tabernacle, you have to have the foundation stable before the Lord will order the next steps to go forth in the ongoing project. We are ongoing projects, and that is great! Just make sure you are always growing and not remaining stagnant! Be blessed~~
Dee

Leviticus 27:14-Numbers 1:54 + Mark 11:1-26 + Psalm 46:1-11 + Proverbs 10:23
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today we wrap up Leviticus and transition into Numbers!  Congratulations on staying the course through the book of Leviticus!  Have you Learned to Love Leviticus this past month??  🙂  Commentary on Leviticus chapter 27 by Bob Deffinbaugh titled “The Value of a Vow” is at bible.org at this link.   Numbers is an amazing book! I encourage you to reflect on words “Obedience” and “Disobedience” as we read through the book of Numbers. We’ll read much about both of these words in this book. And – I think as we read about both Moses’ and the Israelites Obedience and Disobedience, we will see many parallels in our own lives today. We have an opportunity with the book of Numbers to reflect upon where we have been both Obedient and Disobedient to God in our lives. We also have the opportunity to reflect upon the fruits and blessings of Obedience and the consequences of Disobedience – in Moses’, the Israelites, and our lives today. I hope you are ready to experience the book of Numbers!

~The Book of Numbers~
Author: Moses
Date: 1420 or 1220 B.C.
Content: This book deals with the journey of Israel from Mt. Sinai to the edge of Canaan and the Israelites’ preparation to enter the Promised Land. Because of sin and unbelief, however, they were not allowed by God to claim their inheritance but were condemned to wander in the wilderness for forty years. After the forty years they slowly made their way back to Canaan – this time ready to obey God’s commands. After winning some important battles to the east of the Jordan River, the Israelites prepared for the entrance into the land itself.
Theme: The book shows the continual faithfulness of God and the unbelievable sin of man. Israel rejected God but God remained true to his word, in leading the people through the wilderness and providing for their needs. In the New Testament the Christian life is likened to a wandering in the wilderness with the promise of a heavenly Canaan before us. (Above commentary is from “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 2-3) Excellent commentary on the Book of Numbers is at this link.

Bible Project: Here is a great brief overview of the book of Numbers!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp5MIrMZFqo

Today in Numbers chapter 1 verse 1 we read: “The LORD spoke to Moses in the Tent of Meeting in the Desert of Sinai on the first day of the second month of the second year after the Israelites came out of Egypt.” You’ll definitely notice as we read through the book of Numbers that God speaks to Moses, and through Moses to Israel. This fact is stated over 150 times and in more than 20 different ways in the book of Numbers – all the way from this first verse above until the very last verse of Numbers in chapter 36 verse 13 – “These are the commands and regulations the LORD gave through Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho.” The Israelites were dependent on Moses at that time to hear from God. How do you hear from God in your life today? Do you believe that you are hearing from God as you read the Bible? Do you believe that you can hear from God during times of prayer? Do you believe that today you can hear from God through your faith in Jesus and in your participation in the body of Christ, the church? Are you hearing from God today? Do you want to hear from God today?

New Testament – Today in Mark chapter 11 we read about Jesus’ Triumphal entry in Jerusalem!  This entry is an important transition point in Jesus’ ministry, in large part because it is the last week of Jesus’ life, which inaugurates Passion Week.  But also because Jesus’ ministry will now be focused in the confines of Jerusalem, the Holy City.  Jesus’ triumphal entry is a deliberate Messianic action and the clue to its understanding is found in Zechariah chapter 9 verse 9: “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Hosanna in the highest!  (Hosanna is a Hebrew expression meaning “Save!” which became an exclamation of praise).  Commentary on Mark chapter 11 readings for today by Bob Deffinbaugh titled “The Triumphal Tragedy” is at bible.org at this link. 

Today we read in verse 17: “Jesus taught them, “The Scriptures declare, `My Temple will be called a place of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.””

Below is a great image for Mark 11:25 in today’s readings:

Psalms – Today we read Psalm 46, which is an incredible Psalm! This Psalm represents a song of hope celebrating the certain triumph of God’s kingdom – even in the midst of times of severe trouble. This Psalm served as the inspiration for Martin Luther’s famous Hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” Just after 9/11 I saw emails and posts on the internet floating around with the entirety of this Psalm. I would encourage you to keep this Psalm in your “back-pocket” as a Psalm to meditate upon whenever you personally might be going through times of severe trouble – or whenever our world might be going through times of severe trouble. Near the end of Psalm 46 in verse 10 we read a tiny little verse that I think is the key to this Psalm – “Be still, and know that I am God.” If you are going through a time of trouble in your life right now, will you take some time to meditate upon Psalm 46 and in particular verse 10? 

Proverbs – Today in Proverbs chapter 10 verse 23 we read: “Doing wrong is fun for a fool, while wise conduct is a pleasure to the wise.” This is one of those convicting Proverbs for me, as I have found myself on both sides of this coin. In my past, I’ve had fun in doing wrong. And in recent years I have found wise conduct to be a pleasure. As I’ve walked along the Way of following Jesus, I do know that I’m spending more time than ever enjoying wise conduct – thanks to the grace of God. However, this Proverb still makes me really examine how I am living my life today. Have I really stopped finding pleasure in doing wrong? Are there still some subtle ways perhaps that I am having fun doing wrong? Am I still acting foolishly at times? How about you? How does this Proverb speak to you? Have you found yourself on both sides of this coin? What does wise conduct look like to you in your life today? Will you seek to live a life of wise conduct? I believe we cannot live this life of wise conduct solely on our strength. Will you pray unceasingly to God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit to give you the grace and strength to live a life of wise conduct?

Worship Video: Based on my Psalm 46 reflections above, here’s Steve Green in 1987 singing an incredible acapella version of Martin Luther’s “A Mighty Fortress is our God:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRJHKzU_t1M

Is God your mighty fortress? Click here and be strengthened!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will be still today. Pray that you will seek God in the stillness. Pray that you will know without a doubt that Jesus is God.

Comments from You & Question of the Day – Back to Psalm 46 verse 10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”  What does it mean to you to “Be still, and know that I am God?” Do you believe that being still during times of trouble can draw you closer to God? Will you be still today before God? In this stillness will you seek to know that He is indeed God? Even in the midst of whatever might be troubling you, will you seek to know that I AM is your God?  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:

Leviticus 27:14-34
In reading this last chapter of Leviticus about redeeming things, people, and livestock that has been dedicated to the Lord is cost you the value of the item plus 20% which is somewhat in line with the rate of interest of some credit cards. Very interesting.
There is a Proverb that is brought to my mind when reading this chapter: Proverbs 20:25 It is dangerous to make a rash promise to God before counting the cost.
Numbers 1:1-54
When God called this census it wasn’t as if He needed to know the number of fighting men. The results of the census needed to be known by Israel herself. She had to know that in her midst there were over half-a-million men who were able to fight, fit for duty. Israel needed also to be in some sort of order because the God that delivered them is a God of order and not one of confusion.
Mark 11:1-26
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to me is a sad event because I know that my face could easily fit into the crowd. My voice could easily have shouted Hosanna. I’m sad because I realize that just like the crowd who welcomed Jesus I could turn against Jesus and cry out, “Crucify Him!” because my idea of deliverance just wouldn’t match up with God’s plan.
The cursing of the Fig Tree and the Cleansing of the Temple were two different actions of the same event, judgment of Israel, specifically Jerusalem and her religious leaders. The Fig Tree represented Israel and the Temple is where Israel went to worship.
Isaiah 29:13 The Lord says:
“These people come near to me with their mouth
and honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship of me
is made up only of rules taught by men.
This is not something that happened 2,000 years ago. We are in danger of being accused of the same thing today.
Romans 11: 17 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, 18 do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.
How are our Houses of Worship?
Psalm 46
O, if I would only remember when things seem to be falling apart all around me that,
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
O, to remember that and call on Him instead of picking up the telephone and calling on the arm of flesh that cannot help me.
Proverbs 10:23
Doing wrong may be fun for a fool, but the fool fails to consider the chain of events that he/she sets off in his/her own life and the life of others.
Sin is only pleasurable for a season and woe unto you when that season runs out.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Caryn:

Mike – that is the cheesiest picture of “hearing” I have ever seen! Thanks for the laugh!
Thanks for all the pics. Last night at our church home group I displayed OYB on our PC screen so that people could see the pics relating to the Tabernacle, as that was our topic for the evening. Was very helpful.
Caryn

======= Emily:

Forty years in wilderness is an amazing lesson for man who can go awry. How can one expect the blessings of God when at the same time one forgets God and His commandments? God’s miracles and man’s faith in God is a two way process.
Emily

======= Luch:

I hope that Beryl is doing well from her cancer surgery that someone mentioned she was going through earlier this week.
We have found great comfort in Psalm 46:5 that says in the NASB “God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; GOD WILL HELP HER WHEN MORNING DAWNS.” Isn’t that wonderful!!! For many who suffer mornings can be rough. The thought of getting up to face a new day with all its challenges but being vulnerable due to some illness or issue like cancer as we are experiencing, this verse offers a lot of hope and help. Lord, for today I pray that all those OYB readers who are suffering in one way or other will experience YOU as the one who is in their midst, and that they will not be moved, and most of all, help each one when ‘morning dawns’.
Luch

======= Stef:

hi everyone, beryl is home from hospital, surgery went well and they hope to have removed all the cancer.she is so thankful for all your prayers,me too!thanks for the messages of love and hope.
God bless,
Stef.

======= Kristie:

In answer to your question about listening and hearing God. I am learning more and more the reality of the Bible as being what speaks to me. As I pray I am moved from the heart to pray for cerrtain things, but frankly I can’t always trust my “impressions.” I still wonder about this…but in the meantime, when I look back on times in my life when I didn’t take the Bible at it’s word, like not really forgiving, but holding onto anger…or anything in the Bible that I compromised…well, I was wrong and I would have saved myself alot of pain and anquish if I had just followed it instead of thinking my situation was the exception.
When I do have “impressions” it is because I am recalling something I read in Scripture that I need to follow!
Kristie

======= Bob:

I’ve never been one to “hear” God. I can never tell if I’m just talking to myself or what, because it all sounds the same, whether or not I’m in prayer, or thinking about my day while stuck in traffic on the freeway. However, I can look back on my life, especially the last few years, and see where God has openned doors , closed others, and given be big ol’ clues on where he wants me to go.
Bob

======= Ramona:

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalms 46:10 KJVR)
For me it has always been when my mind and heart were still that God was able to speak into my life. Let me back up and rephrase, it is when my mind and heart are still that I can hear that still small voice of God speaking into my life. I have wailed and cried out to God, shaken my little puny fist at God, but it was always at the point of exhaustion, when I had tired myself out then and only then can I hear from God.
Paul writes about many voices and all of them have significance, but it is in the quietness of spirt that the voice of God is discerned in the midst of national tumult. Mike speaks of the time of 9/11. I remember that day but not for the panic but for how calm I was walking around in New York City that day. As fear and panic swept through my work place, this great peace and calm invaded every fiber of my being. I work in a College that had just put the incoming freshman in a newly built dorm where the wiring for landline phone service had not been completed. Cell phones were not working, except for those who had one particular carrier. Panicked parents jammed the lines at school, but I remained calm. I knew that day there was a God and I knew that He was still seated on His thrown.
Ramona

======= Rob:

Hi Mike and OYB-friends,
I would like to share some thoughts and experiences on psalm 46:11 from our reading today.
Be still and know that I [am] God.
I will be exalted among the heathen
I will be exalted in the earth
(KJV)
I found myself fascinated by the phrase “be still”. This is what Bible.org has to say about it:
“tn Heb “do nothing/be quiet (see 1 Sam 15:16) and know.” This statement may be addressed to the hostile nations, indicating they should cease their efforts to destroy God’s people, or to Judah, indicating they should rest secure in God’s protection. Since the psalm is an expression of Judah’s trust and confidence, it is more likely that the words are directed to the nations, who are actively promoting chaos and are in need of a rebuke.
My Dutch bible (New Bible Translation) translates “tn Heb“ as “Cease fighting” The George Lamsa translation translates the same word as “Repent”. This gives me at least the following translations from the original Hebrew:
• Be still
• Be quit
• Do nothing
• Cease fighting
• Repent
Usually when I get myself into trouble (that is: away from God), it is the result of my “inner nations” that are “are actively promoting chaos and are in need of a rebuke.” All kinds of worries, desires, thoughts make up my “inner nations”. I then find it very helpful to do ALL that is suggested by the several translations:
First I refocus (re-pent) my attention to God, I stop fighting/struggling and just do nothing, and then try to be as quit as I can, offering the inner earthquakes, the tumbling and shaking mountains and the crashing and foaming waves to God. This usually brings me to my inner special, holy dwelling place of the sovereign One. That is where I truly realize God is exalted of the nations and the earth.
All this is just my experience and limited understanding.
All the best,
Rob

======= Pat:

Good morning one and all!
I would like to say a few words about the fig tree (Mark 11:12-14, 20-26, Matthew 21:18-22). I’ve heard people, even ministers, say that Jesus cursed the fig tree just so that He could teach a lesson from it. That is NOT what the Scripture says at all. Jesus cursed the fig tree because (1) He was hungry and (2) He became frustrated and even angry when there was no fruit on the tree to meet His daily human need at that exact moment. This shows us the human side of Christ and it also shows us that Christ knows what we endure being humans! He had the same daily needs that we have; He suffered the same pangs that we suffer; He knows what it is like to become frustrated when our daily needs are not being met. These scriptures have always been a great source of comfort to me. Our Lord is not a mystical creature in some far away place. Our Lord has walked on this earth in our shoes and He has experienced what we experience. He has even reacted with the same human emotions that we display during times of frustration, anger and fear.
Yes, Jesus used that fig tree to teach a lesson but not until the next day! Matter of fact, He used that withered tree to teach us two lessons! Lesson one – We should talk over our needs with the Lord and believe that the Lord will meet our needs! Jesus could have ordered figs to grow on that tree at that very moment but He did not. He went on traveling until another source of food was located. Even though we become frustrated, we have to keep on the road Christ has paved for us until our need is met. It may not be met in the way we expect, or at the time we want it met, but it will be met! Lesson two – We need to try to understand the hasty actions of other people and forgive them, and we need to ask for forgiveness when we act hastily in a negative way. These are two powerful lessons!
God Bless!
Pat

======= Laverne:

ROB – Thanks for the share –
—————————
I have not learned to love Leviticus I do have a new appreciation for the book.
—————————
I believe and know that God is still speaking to me today in the same way that Able’s testimony/blood still speaks to all of us.
—————————
I believe this piece of scripture Psalm 46;10-11 literally means to be STILL. I think God is telling us to STOP LOOK & LISTEN it’s like when we were in grade school. If you don’t stop you will get in the way, if you’re not looking you will miss God’s grace and important response and if you don’t listen you will not know how to proceed and when….He is my refuge and strength and I must know at all times He is with me.
_________
Fig Tree (PAT) – isn’t it also true that the normal order of growth in fig trees was fruit preceded the leaves? … That tree presented itself as a false picture, it took up space and nourishment but bore no fruit…
This parable helpos me to continue to grow in the word, at church and during prayer in my life. I pray I am NOT that Fig tree at a time in my life when I was. I was going to church but not growing I decided to switch churches. Now I go and grow, which is the normal order of growth…Amen!
Laverne

======= Pat:

Laverne, the Scripture says the following:
Mark 11:13 “When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs”. Matthew 21:19 says, “Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves.”
Both of these Scriptures, especially Mark, indicates that there was nothing wrong with the tree, it was just not the season for the fruit to be ripe on the tree.
As I said, this is a great comfort to me because I know that my Lord and Savior understands my human weaknesses because he experienced them himself. It is also a great comfort to me that the next day – not immediately thereafter, not even that night, but the next day after he had eaten and was rested – he used that withered tree to teach us the lessons of dedicated prayer and forgiveness. When we are disappointed, frustrated, scared, worried or angry, we need to take time to cool down and rethink the situation, and then deal it prayerfully while rendering forgiveness and asking for forgiveness.
God Bless,
Pat

======= Laverne:

Pat, I hear you it is a wonderful thing to find exactly what you need in the word when you need it for you or a friend.
Laverne

======= Angie:

for me, i’m not a very patient person so sitting still is NOT a strong point for me. even when i know i need to be. even more so during times of trouble. during the times of trouble, i want the issue resolved NOW. not later. i’m just that way. its just the way i was made i guess. but someone very special in my life who is no longer a part of it now but maybe in sometime in the future, who knows, has taught me patience. and i know god is also teaching me patience as well. to sit still and wait. so yes, it is bringing me closer to god a little. sometimes it makes me a bit angry cuz i want it now. but i know i can’t have it now!!!!! again, with the patience thing!!!!! which then brings me back to god. big circle here!!!!!
psalms stood out to me. cuz i’ve had a lot of times of trouble the last past year, and someone very dear and special to me in the past. i’m turning to god now to help me deal with all this cuz i know i can no longer do it on my own. and i know it time, he will ease my troubles. so again, i’m trying to sit still and be patient.
Angie

======= Lisa:

Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God:
The bible says to meditate on His word day and night. So with each daily reading I try to take a nugget that stands out so that I may meditate on that word, verse, etc. So Psalm 46:10 is a good one.
As we grow spiritually in the Word – we must come to the conclusion that we must put “faith in practice” as my pastor would say.
At this point, I admit that I stand in the way of God when I need Him to answer a prayer. I pray and still try to answer my own prayers because my faith was displaced; and the situations I prayed to our Father about kept repeating themselves. Finally, I said I must put my faith into practice. Once I put my faith into practice by not answering and/or solving my own prayers in my own familiar way, I knew I had the peace of God. With His peace you will learn patience. I use to think I had the “patience of Job” until I did a scriptural based search on the word patience; and wow, did I understand with my heart what Job experienced in chapter 42, verse 5 where he says I HEARD with my ears, but now my eyes have SEEN!!
To conclude, I took an excerpt from the John Gill Exposition of the Whole Bible on Psalm 46:10:
“ … but that they should not be fearful, nor fretful and impatient, or restless and tumultuous; but be quiet and easy, resigned to the will of God, and live in an assured expectation of the appearance of divine Providence in their layout. And “know”; own and acknowledge that he is God, a sovereign Being that does whatsoever he pleases; that he is unchangeable in his nature, purposes, promises, and covenant; that he is omnipotent, able to help them and deliver them at the last extremity; that he is omniscient, knows their persons, cases, and troubles, and how and where to hide them till the storm is over; that he is the all wise God, and does all things after the counsel of his own will, and makes all things work together for good to them; and that he is faithful to his word and promise, …”
Trust God in ALL your ways and lean not to your own understanding.
Until the next time put your “faith in practice”.
Lisa 

======== Art:

What great comments today! One of my very favorite stories from the OT is that of 2Chronicals 20. There is so much in that chapter to meditate upon, and I would miss very much if I only read it and meditated upon it on the one day that we pass through during our year’s study. Same with Ps 46.
I thank those who provide their insights to these pages, bits and pieces that enrich my understanding and bring me ever closer to the true Word of God!
Part of the truth of Psalm 46:10 is revealed, I think, in its opposite — so terribly prevalent in our culture and many of our busy lives today.
I.e., Satan wants us to be so busy with worldly stuff that we don’t take the time to ‘be still’… for if we did, we would know God and Satan’s plans to distract us and waste our time would be foiled.
The truth of this was also made plain to me on a backpacking trip I took in the wilds of Wyoming two years ago during which time I saw no one for four days. God was SO CLOSE in the silence and the stillness. The utter peace of that stillness and knowledge of God stuck with me quite palpably for almost a year. It is so hard to renew it amidst the distractions of daily life. We must *work* at the discipline of being still.
Art

======== Elizabeth:

Hello,
First, I must admit that I’m glad to be finished with Leviticus for now. I did enjoy the commentaries–especially Deffinbaugh’s connection of the Old Testament feasts to New Testament realities, but all said and done, Leviticus is a lot of work! My husband and I repeatedly talked about how you have to dig deep to get juice out of Leviticus because if you just stay on the surface with a quick read, it becomes drudgery.
I am looking forward to Numbers, though we have to get through that census first! ; )
I’m thanking God this morning for the usefulness of His psalms. Right after I read Psalm 46 this morning, our nine-year old came into the bedroom downcast because of two bad dreams she had last night. After listening to her dreams, I was able to read her to Psalm 46. We listened to Steve Green’s “A Mighty Fortress” (what a stirring rendition) and then looked up the lyrics to Luther’s hymn and sang them together. Despite the antiquated (though gorgeous) language, we were able to get ahold of some great and greatly useful truths—God is our fortress, Satan may try to scare us, but ultimately God’s rule will prevail. We talked about how He is the ultimate bulwark (wall of defense, or part of ship’s sides above water–had to look this one up!) a defense that never fails.
Praise Him for His faithfulness to help us out this morning. His Word is everlasting, useful and true. His mercies fresh every morning,
Elizabeth

======= Nick:

at first, I did not take Proverbs 10:23 personally, but your explanation helped illustrate how this verse relates to all of us. Surely this verse also refers to the subtle ways that sin can enter our everyday lives. It is bad enough that we have our tongues to contend with, James clarified that, but then there are those foolish little activities that may seem OK or not so bad, but do contribute to drawing us away from God. Cold drafts entering through the holes in our armor.
Nick

========= Lily:

This is my 2nd year reading the Bible with One Year Bible Blog. Mike, you are right. Though I do not love Leviticus yet, I have started to warm up to it and learn more from it the second time around. There is always something to learn from the old rituals and covenants. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. The greatest thing though is that Christ is the ultimate offering for the redemption of our sins. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 46: 1-11
I have to learn to be still in the presence of God. My daily meditation reading today is calling me to look for God’s presence in every situation. This means to be still and experience God’s presence. This is a challenge.
God bless.
Lily

======== Steve:

Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Each day our mind processes about fifty thousand thoughts; we’re exposed to advertising messages, lured by various distractions in one form or another throughout the entire day. It’s a wonder that were even capable of turning it all off and going to sleep at night. I’ve known people that don’t like silence; they want background noise such as the radio on constantly because contemplative thoughts are perceived as an invasion.
When Jesus slept through the storm and the disciples were terrified the boat would break up and sink, He calmed the storm, yelling “Peace, Be Still” and immediately it was calm and peaceful. I was thinking that the storm is similar to a turbulent mind troubled by the current crisis in our life. Psalm 46:10 doesn’t tell us to know God, it says to Know that I am God and there is a big difference. Knowing that He is God, is knowing that He is in sovereign control of our lives every step of the way. When we realize that we can’t calm the storm on our own, were acknowledging that we are finite and that He alone is infinite.
Our peace does not come from lack of troubles; it comes from the one true living God, the creator of the universe, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and, we are stilled by Him like a small child is comforted in the safety of mother’s arms.
Steve

======= Bob:

PSALM 46: What do we do when we are anxious? Try to relax and genuinely trust God for the outcome of Life’s Trials. Meditate on His attributes.
Ever wonder who the Bible translators were? Apparently Shakespeare may have had his turn in Psalm 46 during the King James Version (1610). He was 46 years old and if you count 46 words down you get “shake” and 46 words from the bottom up is “spear”.
Numbers: Have you ever been given a number by God? I was given this one: 157.73 and I think it is Money. If anyone has an idea?
Mark 11: I think it is important to note the importance of how the power of prayer and genuine forgiveness are intertwined.
Proverbs 10:23 Wisdom comes from experience, maturity, age, self examination common sense. At times we all fall short of these and foolishly default to evil.
I will be away for a couple of weeks but I hope to keep up my reading. We will all experience times where it is easy to slide out of our one year reading discipline. May God grant us all the desire to remain in His Word.
Bob

======= Annie:

Be still and know that I AM God-means to me that no matter what life brings be it trouble or jubilee I can wholly trust in Him and know that I don’t have to do it on my own. He fights for me and beside me. In my sin He is gently leading me out. In my praise He is my praise. I know I can rest in Him when I lay it at His feet. He holds everything in His hand.
Annie

======== Robert:

Numbers 1
Three years ago our church did a weekend study on Hearing God. The program was developed at Southland Church, Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada. We had a whole spectrum of people that were at different levels of relationship with God and I could see many struggling with hearing the Holy Spirit open up scripture for them. Over the years I have found this to be a learning process that takes patience and awareness. Not for everyone! Even though the teaching at this seminar was excellent, my Christian buddy didn’t get a thing out of it. He is a very black and white type of guy and when this abstract is introduced to him he wasn’t able to understand. That may be harsh but even though he tried…..nothing. I felt sad for him because he really was missing out on a dimension of Christianity that is very rich and meaningful. It made me feel very blessed to have this aspect or gift from God.
Psalm 46
Steve, I like what you said about God, “He is in sovereign control of our lives “. If we are anxious about anything we should relax into his peace and genuinely trust him for the outcome of life’s trials. I think I will just listen to Steve Greens, “A Mighty Fortress is our God” and just meditate and exalt all of God’s attributes. Thanks.
Robert

======= Dee:

In Leviticus 27:28,29, However, anything specially set apart for the Lord–whether a person, an animal, or family property–must never be sold or bought back. Anything devoted in this way has been set apart as holy, as it belongs to the Lord. I understand that, such as clean animals, but not first born animals because they already are the Lords, the unclean animals, we can recompense to ourselves after ceremony and offerings to the Lord and buy back unclean, person(s) I suppose that is slaves which will also fall under family property and I know when you have land and homes it is set them apart for the Lord and blessed as in previous chapters. What I don’t get is the next verse..No person specially set apart for destruction may be bought back. Such a person may be put to death. Can anyone elaborate on that one?
Mark 11:1-26..I too am saddened by the yet count down of Passion Week and the triumphant entry of our Lord. I guess because we know what is to come and it grieves us, however, I am like Ramona..I don’t know if I would be any different from the others back then. I would like to say I would be as strong as His lady followers, His mom, Mary Magdelene and Salome were and stuck by Him through and through but who is to say what our mind would have fathomed because we are all mere mortals with minimal comprehension into the mindset of Christ.
Psalm 46:1-11 I love, love, love Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God. I believe that being still is a waiting process with you and God. Establishing the fruits of the spirit, especially the book ends as I like to call them Love being the first one, and the last one being Self Control..without these two beginning the fruits and ending them the whole parrelel of the fruits of the Spirit would fall apart. We have to realize that His thoughts are not our thoughts, His Ways not our ways..His timing is not contingent with our timing..But His sweet soft spoken words ring true..Be Still and Know I AM GOD!!! Awesome..
Proverbs 10:23
One foolish thing I think is silly and some parents go along with it for their kids, is foolish pranks kids do especially around “halloween”. Egging someones home, toilet paper the yard, dumping trash in yards, ringing elderlys doors and running away..I am still a youthful mother and wife and have two youth in my home so I haven’t come to the teen years where kids are really influenced in that sector. However my sister is, and it really shocks me that she lets her teenage boys do any of the ones above. To me that ties in with , “Doing wrong is fun for a fool” Now I don’t think God wants you to lose your sense of humor, because our laughter comes from the Lord, however when we do wrong at the expense of another, then we are playing with fire..
God Bless and Be a Blessing to someone today!!
~~Dee

======= John:

Psalm 46
It was composed in response to a terrifying event in the life of Good King Jehoshaphat. We read all about it in 2 Chronicles 20: the Moabites and the Ammonites and the Meunites-had made a treaty to attack and plunder their nation.
The king prayed, and God reponded through the prophet Jahaziel:
“Listen, King Jehoshaphat. This is what the Lord says to you; ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours but the Lord’s.”
The next day he and his army went out to meet their enemy with the choir leading the way still singing God’s praises. And, as they crested the hill and looked down on the enemy camp, all they saw were dead bodies. It looked as if a great battle had already taken place-and it had. You see, in the night, God had confused the enemy soldiers so much that they had attacked each other and not one warrior in that vast army had remained alive. Well, this inspired Jehoshaphat’s music minister to write the 46th Psalm.
======================================================
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
God is – God exists
God is our refuge – place of safety
God is our strength – when we take refuge in God – He is our strength.
God is ever-present – He will never forsake His chosen people, then or now.
======================================================
2 Therefore we will not fear,…
Do not fear, no matter what. Why? Because God is always with us and is our refuge and strength.
======================================================
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
This is troublesome. There is no major river around Jerusalem. Until you look at the New Jerusalem in Revalation 22:
1Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2down the middle of the great street of the city.
God sees everything as a done deal. So while Jerusalem is referred to here as with a river, it is because God sees it as the end product of His plan. God will defend it and deliver the Holy City of God.
======================================================
7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah
Do not fear – the Lord Almighty – creator of the Universe is with us. This same God is also the God of Jacob (meaning cheat or swindler). So the same all powerful transcendant God is also the personal God of unworthy sinners. This verse tells us how much of a “personal” yet powerful God we have as our Lord.
======================================================
10 “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
“Be Still” carries the idea of God saying to us, “When you face a terrifying situation, lay down your arms. Put down your ‘sword and shield.’ Step aside and acknowledge that I am the one and only victorious God.”
How can we be still during tough times – every natural instinct in our bodies tells us we need to DO SOMETHING. The answer is we have something a non-believer doesn’t have: WE KNOW that “God is” and he is fully capable of handling everything.
In the end God will receive all the praise and glory from everyone.
John

======= John:

Proverbs 10:23
“A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct,
but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.”
A fool amuses himself by getting into trouble; it’s his favorite sport. A man of understanding gets his pleasure in conducting himself wisely.
MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. 1997, c1995. Believer’s Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments . Thomas Nelson: Nashville
John

======= John:

Donkey
We touched on it in Matthew, but maybe it bears repeating here in Mark. The arrival of Jerusalem on a donkey is certainly foretold in prophecy.
Remember,(from O.T. study in OYB) a donkey was an unclean animal, and as such its firstborn could not be offered up to the Lord. So the firstborn must have neck broken, or be redeemed with a lamb. (Ex. 13:13)
Not the first time Jesus was associated with the “unclean” in his ministry.
The redeemer rode on an animal who was considered by God not good enough as an offering – just as we ourselves are not good enough on our own.
Jesus rode on an animal not ridden on before. Just as mankind (in general) had, up to this point, not let the redeemer take control of our path (lives).
It was a humble entry. Although the donkey was used often by leaders in the past, this was a time of horses and chariots for triumphal parades.
[Maybe I am making too much of this – just thinking out loud – but sometimes have wondered – “why did God use a Donkey in his plan?” why not some other type of entry? Hence the above thoughts.]
John

======= John:

Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Notice the change of the psalmist from referring to God and then in vs. 9 using the pronoun “he”, to God declaring “I will” in vs. 10.
“Be still” in the Hebrew (orek) implies a forebearance or self-restraint (of patience). NASB says “Cease Striving”. Stop everything and “wait”, “be patient” – for God will handle everything, because He is God.
I shudder to think of the things that will happen to bring this about. As much as I want the Lord to “not tarry”; I also want him to wait so that more can be saved.
The concept in vs. 10 is carried from Psalms to Isaiah and on to Paul’s writings:
Isaiah 45:22-23
“Turn to me and be saved,
all you ends of the earth;
for I am God, and there is no other.
By myself I have sworn,
my mouth has uttered in all integrity
a word that will not be revoked:
Before me every knee will bow;
by me every tongue will swear.”
Romans 14:11
It is written:
” ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
every tongue will confess to God.’”
Philippians 2:10-11
“that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.”
John

======= Vance:

I read the following statement from the article, “Learning to Love Leviticus” By: Bob Deffinbaugh , Th.M.
“In the Mark 9 passage cited above, I believe that the key to the interpretation to this text is to be found in understanding the role salt played in some of the Old Testament sacrifices, such as found in Leviticus 2:13.”
See reference from Leviticus below:
Leviticus 2
13
And every offering of your grain offering you shall season with salt; you shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your grain offering. With all your offerings you shall offer salt.
~~~
I have never completely understood what “salt” means in the Bible, or what is the “covenant of salt”.
Below are some study insights from http://www.studylight.org
American Tract Society Bible Dictionary
Salt is also the symbol of perpetuity and incorruption. Thus they said of a covenant, “It is a covenant of salt for ever before the Lord,” Numbers 18:19 2 Chronicles 13:5.
Easton Bible Dictionary
All meat-offerings were seasoned with salt (Leviticus 2:13). To eat salt with one is to partake of his hospitality, to derive subsistence from him; and hence he who did so was bound to look after his host’s interests (Ezra 4:14, “We have maintenance from the king’s palace;” A.V. marg., “We are salted with the salt of the palace;” RSV, “We eat the salt of the palace”).
A “covenant of salt” (Numbers 18:19; 2Chr 13:5) was a covenant of perpetual obligation. New-born children were rubbed with salt (Ezekiel 16:4). Disciples are likened unto salt, with reference to its cleansing and preserving uses (Matthew 5:13).
Holman Bible Dictionary
COVENANT OF SALT
Salt was often utilized in covenant making probably as symbolic of that which preserves and prevents decay. The hope was that the covenant thus enacted would endure (Numbers 18:19; 2 Chronicles 13:5). Salt was an essential element of the cereal offerings made to God (Leviticus 2:13).
~~~
So what have I learned?
a. SALT REPRESENTS PERPETUITY AND INCORRUPTION
The hope was that the covenant enacted with salt would endure.
b. SALT WAS A SPIRITUAL / COMMUNAL GLUE CONNECTING GOD WITH COMMUNITY: eating salt with someone is to partake of his hospitality and to derive subsistence from him. This, then, bound the partaker of the hospitality to look after his host’s interests.
c. SALT HAS CLEANSING AND PRESERVING USES:
Disciples of the Lord Jesus are to be cleansing and preserving agents
~~~
From this, I am receiving comfort from salt as representing GOD’S CLEANSING AND PRESERVING POWER.
Perhaps a second lesson as a result of this is to see HOW EVERYTHING AROUND ME IN THIS LIFE can be used as a symbol to reveal so me something of the Lord.
MAY I – MY WE – HAVE SPIRITUAL EYES to see how all of life teaches me how to teach others about the Lord Jesus. He used all of life as parables, and we can do this too.
Vance

Leviticus 25:47-27:13 + Mark 10:32-52 + Psalm 45:1-17 + Proverbs 10:22
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Old Testament – Today in Leviticus chapter 25 we finish up reading about the Year of Jubilee.  I don’t know what it is about the Year of Jubilee, but for some reason I really like the concept of it!  I actually read a commentary that said there is no evidence that the Year of Jubilee was actually ever carried out, which made me a bit sad.  However, that same commentary suggested that the Year of Jubilee was ultimately fulfilled through the life of Jesus, as Jesus himself quotes this very Year-of-Jubilee-ic 🙂 sounding verse from Isaiah in Luke chapter 4 verses 18-21: ““The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then Jesus rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.””  Whaddya think?  Think the concept of the Year of Jubilee was indeed fulfilled in the life of Jesus?  I do.  And we don’t need to count down 50 years from now until the next Year of Jubilee.  The Year of Jubilee is available to each of one of us today!  I came across this beautiful piece of artwork below called “Year of Jubilee” – see anything in this artwork that might be pointing toward Jesus?

Leviticus chapter 26 is a great look at the blessings of obedience and punishments for disobedience.  As I read through the punishments for disobedience my mind instantly went to where, later in the Bible, Israel would indeed walk down the path of disobedience – and ultimately be punished with the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile into Babylon.  For those going through the One Year Bible for more than the first time, I am sure you probably recognized this as well.  What is interesting to keep in mind that these words of God were written by Moses nearly 1,000 years before the Babylonian exile.  This reminded me again of how powerful God’s Word truly is – and how true it really is.  And it reminded me that even in our modern times, the Bible is still truth, and the teachings of Jesus are still relevant now 2,000 years later…  Truth is truth.  We may be inconsistent, but God is not.  Are you walking in the path of obedience in your relationship with God?  Are you walking in Truth?

Verses 44 & 45 in this chapter stood out to me as a reminder that even though God punishes disobedience, he leaves room for repentance and he allows for a remnant to carry on the covenant: ““But despite all this, I will not utterly reject or despise them while they are in exile in the land of their enemies. I will not cancel my covenant with them by wiping them out. I, the LORD, am their God. I will remember my ancient covenant with their ancestors, whom I brought out of Egypt while all the nations watched. I, the LORD, am their God.”  And verses 12 & 13 in this chapter are awesome: “I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people. I, the LORD, am your God, who brought you from the land of Egypt so you would no longer be slaves. I have lifted the yoke of slavery from your neck so you can walk free with your heads held high.”  Do you believe that God walks among us today?  Is God your God?  And are you His?  Has the yoke of slavery from sin been lifted from your neck?  Are you walking free today with your head held high?

New Testament –  In Mark chapter 10 verse 33 today we read Jesus’ third and last prediction of his death to the disciples in Mark’s Gospel.  You’ll note the two previous predictions are at Mark 8:31 & 9:31.  Crucifixion is not explicitly stated by Jesus in this verse, but it is implied in that he states he will be handed over to the Romans.  The Romans in this era killed non-Romans via crucifixion.

Verse 45 I think is such an important verse in the Bible for us to really meditate upon and understand, as this verse summarizes Jesus’ ministry and purpose so succinctly and powerfully: “For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many.”  Jesus was not your typical “King – who lords it over the people beneath him”.  He did not come to be served.  But to serve.  And he gave his life as a ransom for our sins.  Via crucifixion.  For some reason in this Lenten / pre-Easter season I am thinking more and more about Jesus’ Passion and what he did for each of us on the cross.  It’s really really humbling to think about.  But so good I think for each of us to reflect upon the ransom that was paid for us by Jesus.  The Suffering Servant.  The King.  The Savior of the World.

In today’s readings we read about Jesus healing Bartimaeus, who was blind.  You’ll notice that Bartimaeus seems to have a very “expectant” faith!  He expects that Jesus will heal him.  But, it’s not expectation alone that demonstrates his faith in Jesus – Bartimaeus verbalizes that Jesus is the Messiah, when he calls him “Son of David!” in verse 48.  It was known that the Messiah would be a descendant of King David, and Bartimaeus clearly believed.  Is there anything today you can learn from Bartimaeus and his expectant faith? 

Psalms – Psalm 45 is very likely a song of praise to King David on his wedding day.  Interestingly, after the Babylonian exile, this Psalm was applied to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the promised Son of David.  I can see how some verses in this Psalm could apply to both the current king of the day and the true king yet to come.  Verse 7 is a good example: “You love what is right and hate what is wrong. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.”  Below is Mary’s (Martha’s sister) anointing of Jesus from the Gospel of John chapter 12 verses 1-8.   

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 10 verse 22 is short but powerful!  “The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.”  I love that thought – we should have no sorrow with the blessings God gives!  God does not add the sorrow.  We might…  but, with God’s blessings should come joy and thanksgiving and praise!  What are 3 things in your life today that God has blessed you with?  Will you take a moment to be joyful in these blessings, and thank and praise God for them?

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Mark reminded me of the fantastic song “True Love” by Phil Wickham. Here’s a great live version of the song. Make sure you watch past the short opening interview and worship to this powerful song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL7Uo__ss7g

Do you know your True Love? Click here for Love Eternal!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:43-45 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not seek to be served in this life, but will instead seek to serve. Pray that you will have a servant’s heart. Pray that you will serve like Jesus served.

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

God bless,
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:

Leviticus 25:47-27:13
I’m trying to see the difference between a resident foreigner “owning” an Israeli (fifty years) and a fellow Israeli (seven years), why the huge discrepancy? Is it because one should have went to a fellow country men first before selling oneself to a foreigner living in the country? This little dilemma is one I will think about.
We know through reading of the Prophets, especially Jeremiah and Ezekiel and the historical books of Ezra and Nehemiah that Israel never in acted the Sabbath rests nor the Jubilee year and because they didn’t, they went into captivity to Babylon for 70 years which represented the total Sabbath year rests, plus the Jubilee years. God commanded the rests; however Israel didn’t take them voluntarily, but she still took them involuntarily. What God has commanded will come to pass even when we rebel and don’t cooperate.
Blessings and curses, is it God blessing and cursing us, or is it the effect of a cause, obeying or disobeying a command. I believe when we obey God, there is a natural sequence of events, or causes, that happen because of our obedience. When we disobey God the same thing happens except those consequences are not beneficial to our well being and prosperity. In previous posts I noted that God told Israel that the land he was giving them had “vomited” out its original inhabitants because of their “sin” and if they sinned, it would vomit them out also. (Leviticus 18:25,28; 20:22). Blessings and curses are natural occurrences of our obedience or disobedience to the Word of God effecting our own bodies, those of our households, community and nation, as well as the land we stand on.
Mark 10:32-52
Again Jesus teaches them about His death, but they just don’t get it. If I were around, would I have gotten it? Probably not. I think it is near impossible to “get it” when you have your own agenda going on in your head. We project our own desires onto the God’s agenda, mudding the waters of righteousness. But even though we mess with the purpose and call of God, we can never change, defeat or hinder God’s plans.
Blind Bartimaeus is another blind man that saw that Jesus was the son of David, the Bread of Life, born in the House of Bread, Bethlehem (which means House of Bread), but called a Nazarene. If Jesus was the son of David, then Jesus was the promised Messiah. And a man with no sight saw what people who supposedly had vision couldn’t see.
May all those who visit this sight have their spiritual eyes and ears opened and see past the natural limitations of seeing and hearing. Amen
Psalm 45:1-17
What I noticed when I looked at this Psalm was not the content of the Psalms but the directive to the choir director. This Psalm was to be sung and the music used was not composed for this Psalm but was taken from a love song called Lilies. I wonder if that shocked the folks of the day.
Proverbs 10:22
When the Lord blesses you not only are you a person of wealth, which doesn’t mean you have a lot of money, your new position of affluence and prosperity doesn’t come with headaches. I think it’s time for me to reexamine what true “riches” are.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Mark:

Leviticus 26:11 “I’ll set up my residence in your neighborhood; I won’t avoid or shun you; 12I’ll stroll through your streets. I’ll be your God; you’ll be my people. 13I am GOD, your personal God who rescued you from Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians. I ripped off the harness of your slavery so that you can move about freely.
Egypt is often used in scripture as a symbol or type of Satan and his domain. So verse 13 could take on a special meaning for today’s church, i.e. that God is the one who has delivered us from lifestyles (nature) devoted to sin – “ripping off” (I love the picture this evokes) the harness of our slavery, allowing us to move about freely. Reminds me of the gentle words spoken by Jesus when He invites: “Come unto me all you who are weary and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Mark 10:45 That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served–and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage.”
Hello, the gospel in the Torah is echoed here in the words of Christ!
Psalm 45:10 “Now listen, daughter, don’t miss a word:
forget your country, put your home behind you.
11 Be here–the king is wild for you.
Since he’s your lord, adore him.
As the Bride of Christ, we can revel in the love that our King, our bride-groom has for us — He is wild for us!! We can forget about our origins, no matter how sordid. We have a new citizenship, a new home and a new allegiance. Adore Him!
Proverbs 10:22 GOD’s blessing makes life rich;
NOTHING we do can improve on God.
Period.
Mark

======= Andrew:

Wow! OYB keeps up a relentless pace. Yesterday a tough discussion on the death penalty. Today we get to imagine a Year of Jubilee!
What would that be like for us? All our mortgages cancelled, all our credit card accounts back to zero, all our employment contracts ended? Everyone back to square one with his ‘original’ land (whatever that is) and his herds and flocks (savings). Today a big party and tomorrow everyone to the marketplace to make new deals for the next 50 years. Hard to imagine.
But I do believe Jesus came to fulfill something like that. A new era, a new deal, a new relationship between man and God, a life of freedom as citizens of His Kingdom, a life empowered by the Spirit of God (Eph 1:19). So the Jubilee should be a walking-on-the-water party!
Re Mike’s question about the picture:
It is not altogether clear to me. I suppose the people are looking for the first rays of the dawn on the first day of the Year of Jubilee, the day they are set free. Is that person reaching up to try to catch the first rays? What is that in beyond the people? Water, strangely coloured by the orange dawn? Maybe that is the place for the walking-on-the-water party!
Sorry if that seems facetious or irreverent. It is meant to be more of a challenging question. Maybe I am running ahead in the OYB programme. We still have to get through quite some Torah and we are still in the Gospels and not yet in Acts. But I do have questions about why we as believers are not booming with more of the power of the Spirit, why are we not manifesting a bright new life, why we are not celebrating a perpetual Year of Jubilee?
Andrew

======= Ramona:

Andrew,
I was kinda of think’n the same thing but from a different perspective. I read and reread the Leviticus reading four times this morning and will probably do the same thing during the day. My question to God was, “Is this command, thus the consequences and blessings for us, or is this, was this, specifically for Israel?” If today’s believers can tap into this, why haven’t we and what consequences of our failure are being brought into the lives of our children?”
Lots to think and pray about.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= John:

Andrew,
“But I do have questions about why we as believers are not booming with more of the power of the Spirit, why are we not manifesting a bright new life, why we are not celebrating a perpetual Year of Jubilee?”
Being a born again Christian for about two years now, I look around the Christians I know, and I have observed this:
I have noticed some 60 – 90 year old people that have walked with the Lord for a LONG time. They absolutely glow, their manner is so gentle, their beliefs so firm, their love of Christ so deep, the Holy Spirit seems to just shine through their skin.
Back in my Christian infancy, I asked them what they believed, how they acted out that belief, how they handled adversity, etc.?
Going to sound like a broken record, but the bottom line is they were faithful in reading the “Word”, prayer, worship, obediance, and the discipline of applying what they learned from all the above, (and throw in a little fasting:). I asked, “because I wanted what they had.”
I have experianced in my brief walk with Christ, some of the blessings of God through the Holy Spirit. It always happens when I am faithful in my prayer, Bible Study, my worship, my desire to do God’s will; not my will, and my resistance to temptation (especially regarding sins from my past life). The blessings are manifested in addictions being removed, opportunities to witness and share the “Word”, financial blessings, handling of situatons different than I would have in the past, and a perceived difference in me by others (especially non-believers), etc.
My prayer is that I can stay in that state of reverence and obediance in a more consistent manner. I believe this will increase the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in my life and be pleasing to God.
Conversely, if I do not do the things pleasing to God, and I am haphazard in the areas listed above, I believe my growth in Christianity gets “stunted” or “stuck”. Perhaps then the task of the Holy Spirit becomes one of teaching, correcting, disciplining, and molding me, rather than just being a pure conduit for the flow of God’s blessings.
[Note: the last sentence is one of pure conjecture on my part.]
John

======= Andrew:

Hi Ramona,
Any further thoughts on consequences of the Leviticus passage for us today?
And what general principles do we have for determining which of the Law applies to us and which was specific for the Israelites, but is not intended for us now?
Thanks,
Andrew

======== John:

Ramona,
I’ll bite, even though I get the distinct feeling this was a rhetorical question.
Leviticus 26:46
These are the decrees, the laws and the regulations that the LORD established on Mount Sinai between himself and the Israelites through Moses.
Chapter 26 is about the Blessings and Curses of the LAW (repeated again in Deut???) as it applies to the Sons of Israel (Hebrew translation for Israelites – i.e. twelve tribes).
For us, as you and I have both stated the “Curse” of the Law was nailed to the Cross, and the Law is now written in our hearts. As the “spiritual seed” of Abraham, I believe when we are obediant and faithful to God’s internal commands, the blessings of God will flow to us. They are not related to the covenant promises to Israel, but nonetheless they are blessings in our lives.
When we are disobediant, the curses no longer apply, but God will discipline consistent and habitual disobediance. Hopefully we, as Christians, will be so convicted by the Holy Spirit over our disobediance that we will repent, confess our sins, and return to fellowship with God.
If the curse of the law was nailed to the cross for the “spiritutal seed” of Abraham, and the curses above apply to the nation of Israel, then:
I do not believe anything is passed down to children due to our habitual transgressions. I think this will come up later during the Bible Study, so I leave it at that for now.
John

======= Ramona:

Leviticus 25:47-27:13
The year of Jubilee seems to be a release for the children of Israel from the consequences of “bad” choices. Children would not be penalized for bad financial choices their parents made. The God of restoration provided His people, His servants with a means to restore what they had lost through bad choices or unforeseen circumstances. However all of this restoration, at least in their lifetime was contingent on them “obeying.” Their obedience would insure the weather would fit the “seasons” for sowing and reaping. Their obedience in keeping the Sabbath rests for the land insured that the land would keep them.
Is this meant for us today? Can believers, should believers expect the same thing? First, I’m not so sure these promises are for anybody outside of Israel; however, each and everyone who calls themselves a Christian has had to face there own deliverance from the bondage of sin into the land of freedom, liberty from the cords of sin. With freedom comes responsibility: responsibility to walk in that freedom comes by way of walking in obedience. Obedience and/or submission to God is not perceived as being free by many believers, including Christians. In truth, we want the “freedom” to do what we want; but not the “freedom” to receive the consequences of our failed choices. Consequences, our consequences, we would prefer someone else other than us to either remove them from us or accept them and claim, “It’s may fault for letting you be free.”
Because I’ve read through to the end and been on this journey several times, I know how this story will end, the people could not obey the Law, but Jesus came to complete or fulfill the Law. He came to do what no one else could do. Jesus is the one who removed our consequences.
I am struggling with some of the things I am seeing in our youth. Choices, bad ones, they are making because of the choices their parents have made. Parents breaking faith with their God and the children rejecting that God and crying out “Hypocrites!” This is not a new model, Israel did it back in the “day.” Yet the Jesus I serve is the Jubilee restoring the “land” of the forefathers back to “In the beginning …”
Andrew B asked me what I saw in today’s passage but not in those words. What I see is the promise of Jubilee. Whether I am experiencing it now or fail to see signs of it in the future, today’s reading tells me it is already here. I don’t know if it is for us, I don’t know if the land is still “vomiting” out its inhabitants (See: Leviticus 18:24-29), but if is or if it ain’t it is still commanded that God’s people, not the elected officials or the king or queen, to Obey.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV)
Grace and peace,
Ramona

========= Micah Girl:

I am seeking to embrace Lent this year, although it’s not really from my tradition. I am taking up a discipline of time which I have just attempted to articulate on my blog. Basically, I am meditating on, looking at, and being intentional about how I use my time so that God can make me more useful to Him.
Micah Girl

======= Jayne:

This Lent, I just want to grow in my faith and continue reading the bible and learn!
Jayne

======= Stacey:

I love the idea of Jubilee. But it is so disappointing to realize God’s people never really took Him up on His offer of restoration. I feel the same sadness over those who believe in God, but never do take up His offer of salvation in Jesus Christ and the awesome Jubilee power of the Holy Spirit.
God is very big and very faithful. He really just has asked for one big thing from us all whether Israelites or present day Christians. My favorite verse about the blessing and cursing of generations is found in Exodus 20:1 And God spoke all these words:
2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before me. 4 “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.
And from Jesus: John 14: 15″If you love me, obey my commandments. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. 17He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. 18No, I will not abandon you as orphans–I will come to you. 19In just a little while the world will not see me again, but you will. For I will live again, and you will, too. 20When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21Those who obey my commandments are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them, and I will love them. And I will reveal myself to each one of them.”
John 14:23Jesus replied, “All those who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and live with them. 24Anyone who doesn’t love me will not do what I say. And remember, my words are not my own. This message is from the Father who sent me. 25I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. 26But when the Father sends the Counselor as my representative–and by the Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit–he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I myself have told you.
New life, restoration and the beautiful walk of the beloved in the Holy Spirit. That my friends is Jubilee!
Stacey

======= Ramona:

Leviticus 27: 1-8
Yesterday, March 2nd, I read something that caught my attention, I made a mental note of it but I forgot to mention it when I wrote my comments.
1GOD spoke to Moses. He said, 2″Speak to the People of Israel. Tell them: If anyone wants to vow the value of a person to the service of GOD, 3set the value of a man between the ages of twenty and sixty at fifty shekels of silver, according to the Sanctuary shekel. 4For a woman the valuation is thirty shekels. 5If the person is between the ages of five and twenty, set the value at twenty shekels for a male and ten shekels for a female. 6If the person is between one month and five years, set the value at five shekels of silver for a boy and three shekels of silver for a girl. 7If the person is over sixty, set the value at fifteen shekels for a man and ten shekels for a woman. 8If anyone is too poor to pay the stated amount, he is to present the person to the priest, who will then set the value for him according to what the person making the vow can afford.
In the 3rd verse it states that a man is valued @ fifty shekels of silver (NLT) if they are vowed in the service of God. I immediately thought of Judas who negotiated the price of 30 pieces of silver for “turning in” Jesus, the value of a woman. A man and a religious body who never even realize the magnitude of their transaction undervalued Jesus who did indeed make a vow in the service of God, to be crucified to pay for our sins. God’s will and plan overrides all our plans and schemes. His will gets down despite wither our misplaced good or even bad intentions. God rocks and rules.
Ramona

======= Laura:

Question regarding Lent: I attended an Ash Wednesday service for the first time. I was a very glad that I did. Our service was very different than usual. Our pastor told us that we wouldn’t have to give up anything for Lent, but to add a few things. One of those things, is that we accept our babtisim and Christ’s forgiveness.
The service started out with a silent prayer and than a greeting that went as follows: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you” and we responded, “And also with you”. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless God’s Holy name”. Our response: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all God’s benefits”. Paster: “Who forgives all your sins and heals all your infimities”. People: “Who redeems your life from the grave and crowns you with mercy and loving-kindness”. Response: “Bless the lord who forgives all our sins. God’s mercy endures forever”.
We than sang some hymns, heard scripture, had another responsive reading. Thanksgiving over the ashes was discussed, “The Lord be with you and also with you”
Than there was the imposition of ashes. We were asked to come forward, kneel at the altar to receive the ashes on our foreheads. Afterwards there was a Psalm of confession said in unison.
One of the things that was different about this service was that we had an exchange of forgiveness. We had the opportunity to share exchanges of forgiveness with several people around us. We said “Forgive me my sister/brother” and we were to respond with “May God forgive us both” After that we sang Psalm 51: CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right spirit within me. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right spirit within me. And cast me not from your presence, O Lord, Take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore me, the joy of my salvation, And renew a right spirit within me”.
After that we did communion, lite prayer candles,during this time if we wanted to we had an opportunity to give a prayer request. The rest of the service was very beautiful and proceeded as follows:
THE LIGHTING OF PRAYER CANDLES
The flame rising up to heaven represents our prayers ascending to God and empowering our acts of obedience. The sap of the Frankincense tree and other aromatic substances have been used in honor of God and have been associated with the worship of God since God commanded Moses to burn incense to Him in the tabernacle in the wilderness (Exodus 30). The use of incense in worship continued through New Testament times, the magi offered frankincense to the Christ Child in honor of His High Priestly role, and its use has continued in the worship of the New Testament Christian church to the present day. Incense today represents our fragrant offering to God, the prayers of the saints worship of God in Heaven. Today we light candles to show how the prayer of the saints raise like incense and are ever before the throne of God.
THE EXCHANGE OF FORGIVENSS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE LENTEN SEASON:
Another ancient and traditional Christian practice is the asking and exchanging of forgiveness one with another on the evening preceding the first day of Lent. The Lenten season of preparation with its associated disciplines of prayer, fasting, almsgiving and renewed service to Christ and His church is almost as old as the Church itself, and early Christians recognized the importance of beginning the season in unity and reconcilliation, Thus the practice of the exchange of forgiveness was initiated, in which, during the final evening service before Lent, believers go to each other (if possible, to all in attendance, if not practical and exchange the words, “Forgive me, my brother(sister)! to which the other responds, “May God forgive us both!” This beautiful act of fellowship was truly a healing and restoring experience. As the body of Christ it enables us to begin the journey towards the celebration of the Resurrection together.
THE IMPOSITION OF ASHES
The imposition of ashes on our foreheads in the form of a cross is a reminder of our mark of discipleship. Submitting to the imposition reminds us that we are to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus, even as He sets His face toward Jerusalem. In our humble obedience to walk with Him through the time of preparation, we kneel for the imposition and again accept the mark of Jesus own sufferings on our own lives. The ashes are a sign of deep grief and repentance. (Daniel 9:3, Matthew 11:21; Luke 10:13) Historically those grieving the loss of a loved one or the deep grief of recognizing their own sins would sit in sackcloth and ashes. It is a sign of our need to repentance and a reminder or our own mortality. The traditional word of imposition are, “From dust thou art and to dust thou shalt return” and “repent and believe the good news”. Yet, the sign doesn’t end there; the mark of the cross reminds us that though we are dust, Jesus loved us enough to die for us and will walk with us to the victory of Easter and Life Abundant (John 10:10)!
GREETINGS & HAND SHAKE BLESSINGS
The sign of the fish (an acronym for Christians showing they believed Jesus to be the Son of God and our Savior)was a common way to greet people during times of persecution. Other Christians would recognize the sign and hopefully, it would appear a mindless act to non-believers. Similarly to encourage each other, Christians couldn’t always openly speak words of comfort and hope. Instead they furtively did a handshake blessing by crossing their fingers as they shook hands. This signified the blessing. “May Christ have victory in your life”.
I hope this wasn’t too long and you enjoyed my sharing of information about our Ash Wednesday service. Blessings…..
Laura

========= Sandy:

Hi, everyone. This is my first post to any site ever! Did anyone see the cross glowing in the picture of Jubilee? That is what I’m aiming toward, and the only place of rest or celebration for us Christians. Jubilee is an interesting subject, one which gives me great joy as I see God as a God who celebrates!
I have found this OYB study site as a great addition to my study and quiet times. I read in ESV (I’m an NASB person, but they don’t do OYB and ESV is the closest) and then check out Matthew Henry’s thoughts, and then the blog. I like the pictures! Thanks.
Sandy

======= Birdie:

Yes, Sandy I saw the glowing cross. Beautiful!
For Ash Wednesday this year our pastor did something a bit different, too. First of all he had the imposition of ashes given by children because he said ashes represents our sin and the priest or pastor should not be the one to do it. I’m not sure I follow his reasoning on that one. Then after the imposition of ashes, he had part of the baptism service and as part of that we went forward and washed our ashes away, as if Jesus was washing our sins away in the baptismal waters. It was different!
Birdie

======= Cheryl:

I attend an Episcopal church. We have start by having a pancake supper on Shrove (Fat) Tuesday. We put away the Alleluia Banner and burn the palms left over from last years Palm sunday service. The ashes from the burned palms are used during Ash Wednesday service. This is a deeply moving service. It is a good way to evangelize when people come up to you all day and tell you that there is dirt on your forehead,:) We have a simple supper every wednesday evening during lent of soup and bread. This is a big difference from the hardy meals we have on wednesdays the rest of the year. I have given things up in the past but not this year. My son is in Iraq and I am praying so hard for him that I did not give up anything this year. On Palm Sunday we gather in the parking lot and process into the church singing Hosanna and waving our palms. Some years we even have a donkey to march around the church yard. Holy week has some kind of a service every day. I especially love the Maundy Thursday service-we actually take turns in a footwashing ceremony for each other by candlelight. Good Friday service is also moving-the entire altar is stripped and made bare. Some member of the church stays in the church to pray for an hour( members sign up for what hour they want) all the way until sunrise easter morning service. This is the great vigil-I have not yet done this but I plan to at some point. Even though we are a Christian church we also have passover meal on Good Friday with the unleavened bread and the bitter herbs and the jewish readings. This meal is by candlelight. This is also a beautiful service and is very helpful for teaching our children. Every Friday during Lent we (can) walk the stations of the cross-we have the stations plaques up on the pillars in the church. We have sunrise service and regular 1030 service on Easter and the Alleluia banner returns and the altar is dressed again! There are many Passion plays around my city but I’ve never been to one. We did have a special showing of Mel Gibson’s movie for our church the year it came out-there is no way to decribe that experience! During Lent we traditionally do not have weddings or baptisms but always have baptisms on Easter sunday. We have a 3-4 foot wooden cross covered with chicken wire. Everyone brings flowers to church and the children go up front and “flower”the cross. The ugly cross becomes beautiful as the children put their flowers on it. The chidren are given “mite” boxes to fill with pennies and other change during Lent and they bring their boxes up during the offering. We have alot of traditions and ceremonies but nothing can compare to the sacrifice Jesus made for us. I tell my children when they complain about having to go to church so much during Holy week that He gave so much for us, the least we can do is remember His death and celebrate His resurrection and where better than by going to church and by prayer and Bible readings. I may not be the best person, I know I am a sinner, I probably could be a better wife and mother, but I KNOW my children have heard the message of salvation all their lives and even at 17, my twin daughters are bringing all their friends to church with us, youth services and Sunday school. Now if the Holy Spirit could just save my brother-in-law that would be a great thing….His name is Chris-please pray for him.
Cheryl

======= Pam:

In reading the Psalm today, it was so joyful! I see it as the mariage feast of the Lamb – We are His bride!
The image of “Ester” from the movie “One Night With the King” came to mind.
What a glorious day it will be to be the bride of Christ!
Pam

======= Gina:

I don’t practice Lent like I used to. It’s a totally different concept to me now. Before I was saved, Lent was the time to give up swearing, chocolate and Taco Bell. Now Lent is a time of repentance and reflection of all the Jesus went through so that I could have a place in eternity with Him. I will do little fasts throughout this time for different reasons. I also try to be more aware of what I CAN do for someome else instead of what I should “give up”.
Regarding the “expectant” faith of Bartimaeus – I heard a sermon on the radio today about Hebrews 11 – the “faith” chapter. The concept of this sermon was the same…to be expectant in our faith whether it’s for healing or forgivness…whatever it is, expect God to do it as long as it’s according to His will! Just thought that was very cool!
What are 3 things in your life today that God has blessed you with?
Off the top of my head, I would say my family, my friends and my health. Now I could break each thing down and I could also make a list a mile long….but those are the 3 things that came to mind first. And although I am struggling with some areas of my health for now, I will continue to praise Him through this and have that “expectant” faith…that child-like faith. I trust Him completely.
Gina

======= Jenny:

I love how Jesus is so humble and loves the humble, to be a servant is almost against our nature, it takes God’s power. Some ppl are naturally more inclined to serve of course. Reminds me of a great song by one of my fave bands Kutless called Not What You See:
“I am not what you see, oh no. Not much more than a slave I wish to be. I am not what you see, not much more a slave I should be. Nothing more, a slave I will be.
How could I ever think to be more than the one who created me! I watched him do all that He said, His words were “Be a servant to all”. “
When I read about Bartimaeus, all I could think of is how much I wish I lived in those days! Imagine that! Of course I do get eternity with Him which is so awesome, too awesome to imagine!
Honestly, I’m not even sure exactly what Lent is, forgive my ignorance, is it rooted in Catholicism? I know ppl give stuff up for a certain time, but mostly I hear nonbelievers talk about how they give up sex (premarital), drinking, foods, it bothers me. God doesn’t care about those traditions, if its outward, its useless and will not be blessed. If there is something ‘bad’ I need to give up for Lent or whatever, how about I give it up all together. I have no pre-Easter traditions, but rather I meditate on Christ’s death and sacrifice often throughout the yr. I love Good Friday service so much! It’s just such a special day for me each year.
Of course I can think of many blessings, but the ones that come to my mind first, what I’m most grateful for: Jesus’ atonement for my sins!, I have been forgiven and called a daughter of the King, I have the promise of the spirit and Christ dwelling in me all my earthly days, and I have a glorious eternity after my body dies!!! I cant think of anything more wonderful, because there is nothing better!!!
Jenny

======= Angie:

actually, to be honest, i was brought up as a lutheran and still believe in that religion. so i never gave anything up for lent like the catholics did, (most of my friends here are catholic). we always went to church sunday morning and then had a big family easter dinner and always had the easter baskets. after i moved out on my own, we quit going to church easter mornings. we still kept up the family easter dinner though. and there was MANY times we would have been in florida to see my grandparents during easter since it always fell on spring break and usually on my birthday. or very near my birthday. now, i have the family dinner and i know this sounds really pathetic and uncalled for, but i swear, i do not have the time to get up and go to church easter morning when i need to be home here getting things ready to go and am cooking a huge dinner. but as i’m getting ready for my guest to arrive and getting myself ready, i do reflect/meditate why we do celebrate easter. and i always loved palm sunday. in church, we would all get a palm leaf, and the service was always so pretty and so meaningful to me.
proverbs stood out to me. blessings. i’m very blessed to still have the family that i have left which is so not very many now, cuz we disowned them for many different reasons. i’m very blessed to have the friends that i do that love and care about me. and also for the job i got at the end of the janurary. i REALLY needed a job and i was blessed with getting one when i needed one.
Angie

======= Skip:

During the homily at mass this morning our priest was talking about how we people see and judge others by what we see on the outside, but that Gods sees what is in our hearts. One of the stories he used to demonstrate how we don’t see who or what a person really is is the story of Bartimaeus and that it took a blind man to see who Jesus really was. I mean here’s Bartimaues, blind, sitting there, probably with his hand out begging. He was dependent on the good hearted people passing by for his survival. Yet when Jesus walked by it was only Bartimaus who saw who He was as he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Bartimaus saw the son of God while everyone else was blind to whom Jesus really was. I had never thought of that before today. I find it amazing now that I read it and heard Father Simi say it that it took a blind man to see who Jesus really was while the rest of Jerusalem was blind to Him!
Yours in Christ
Skip

======= Lisa:

Proverbs 10:22
“The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.”
As I mulled over the comment posted by John who cited from the Believer’s Bible Commentary the following: “… ‘How does this reconcile with the fact that the most godly people pass through times of deep sorrow? …’”, my spirit could not quite catch what was said in lieu of the context of the message. From my understanding and from how the scripture reads, I see that one thing has nothing to do with the other as stated in the commentary; but maybe I just lack understanding.
So I furthered my research and will share a commentary that reflects how I think the scripture is being relayed.
The New John Gill Exposition of the Entire Bible on Proverbs 10:22:
The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich…
In the diligent use of means; see (Proverbs 10:4) ; riches are from the Lord, and should be acknowledged as such, and not attributed to the industry, diligence, sagacity, and merit of men; but should be looked upon as had through the blessing of the Lord upon the labours of men; and when they come this way they come as a blessing, and with one: it may be understood of being made rich in a spiritual sense; it is the blessing, good will, and favour of God, that makes men rich in Christ; that bestows upon them his unsearchable riches; that enriches them with all spiritual blessings in him; that makes them rich in faith and in good works, and with the riches of grace and of glory; and he addeth no sorrow with it;
no sorrow goes along with the blessing, but what is a blessing itself, as one observes; riches enjoyed through the blessing of God are not attended with that sorrow in getting, keeping, and losing them, as the riches of wicked men unlawfully gotten are; see (1 Timothy 6:9,10) ; for as the good man comes by them easily, without any anxious care and sinful solicitude, he seeking the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all these things are added to him, over and above, without much thought about them, or expectation of them, (Matthew 6:33) ; so it is with great delight, pleasure, and cheerfulness, he enjoys them, and readily communicates them to others; while the wicked man is full of anxiety, distress, and sorrow; see (Ecclesiastes 5:12,13,18) (6:2) . This is eminently true of spiritual riches; there is no sorrow attending them; the fruit and effect of them are peace, joy, and comfort.
You can find the above quote from the following site.
http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/geb/view.cgi?book=pr&chapter=10&verse=22
Lisa 

======= Elizabeth:

Hello All,
I love the thought of Jubilee as well–the idea of starting fresh and starting others fresh…recognizing that the land (really everything) is the Lord’s…good concepts to dwell upon and certainly fulfilled in Christ.
My husband (Briggs–you’ll see him post occasionally) had time for Bob Deffinbaugh’s commentary on the year of Jubilee this morning and really enjoyed it. We are both turning into Deffinbaugh groupies! ; )
One general theme impressed me from today’s reading: our condition, i.e., our “state of the union” if you will–is entirely dependent upon Him and not upon our outward circumstances. This is how rich people can be miserably poor, how people can be surrounded by strong walls, yet tremble in fear inwardly. Our outward condition is but one piece of a much bigger equation. It is God who makes the difference. Thus we get verses like this (reflecting the negative)
“And as for those of you who are left, I will send faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies. The sound of a driven leaf shall put them to flight, and they shall flee as one flees from the sword, and they shall fall when none pursues.” Leviticus 26:36
or like this: (reflecting the positive)
“I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid.” -Leviticus 26:6
For me this also ties into the idea of Proverbs 10:22
“The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10:22
It is His divine hand over our lives that makes the difference…not any efforts to secure riches, safety or peace by our own hands or the hands of others.
Just thinking,
Elizabeth

======= Nick:

‘Prediction’ is a good word to use, as it relates to the prophetic aspect of Jesus informing his disciples that He would be betrayed to religious authorities, who would condemn Him to death, and then given to Gentiles to be abused and killed.(Mark 10:33,34)
After considering how much control Christ had over the situation, whereas He had the power to call the crucifixion off at any moment – though not to imply that He ever would have. Just to note that He had that authority; He is the King. Can that relate to His obedience?(Philippians 2:8)
Jesus was walking so straight, and loving us so much – what He faced must have been so clear in His mind. Jesus foretelling His death was an ‘announcement’; “He must be killed and after three days rise again.”(Mark 8:31)
Just as it was first foretold in the Old Testament, it was necessary that Christ should intervene for the purpose of saving men – the cross being His destination, and salvation being His purpose. Christ was to suffer, die on the cross, rise from the dead and ascend to heaven – which He did!
This was a message more important than the all of the front page headlines combined – that quickly turn yellow. Even more important than John the Baptist shouting “Behold the Lamb of God!” Little did they understand at the time, that announcement by Christ – the son of man was going to Jerusalem, then to suffer, die and rise again – would be one of the greatest announcements ever heard by men.
Nick

======= Jeanne:

In today’s readings (Mark 10:32-52), I was struck by the fact that in verses 36 and 51, Jesus asks the exact same thing: “‘What do you want me to do for you?’” Indeed, as verse 45 says, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve”. This is an example repeated to us so that we might learn and follow.
Jeanne

======= Bobbie:

Pro. 10:22
The blessings of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow in it. For me riches is not only money but it includes our relationship to our family and to others most especially our relation to the Lord.It includes also our health,peace of mind and many others. Thnks God that He always gives me peace that is priceless.
Bobbie

======== Jennifer:

The Lord said to Moses I am your God and will walk among you. That verse struck me because I believe that he resides within my soul and that we hears me and touches me through the Spirit, but I never really think about God walking among us…
Then as he continues he explains how again to be his holy people and what will happen if Isreal rebells.
Our choices are what separate us from God.
I pray that I am like the tree planted near the flowing stream, that my leaves never wither, that I produce fruit in season and always prosper.
Jennifer

======= Steve:

Leviticus 25:47-27:13
As the book of Leviticus comes to a close, it describes the rewards of obedience (leading to blessings) and the fate of disobedience (leading to burdens and misery), each day we come to the fork in the road and must decide which path to take. Leviticus goes into great detail describing the two paths and Jesus simplifies everything for us by describing the path of blessings in (Mark 12:30-31) “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself”. There is no commandment greater than these.” I love the way Jesus simplifies everything in just a few words yet leaves nothing out.
As we study the scriptures, we understand that God’s laws are immutable; they are just as real as the laws of gravity. Today I choose the path of obedience, I choose to simplify my life and lay my agenda at His feet.
Steve

======= Frederick:

Mark 10:47-48
47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
I am also impressed by Bartimaeus’s spiritual awakening. Although he was blind, yet his spiritual eyes were able to see the real identity of Jesus. As in another occasion when Jesus acknowledged Peter’s recognition of Jesus as the son of God, it was a blessing from the Heavenly Father.
Frederick

======= James:

Ramona, I like what you have stated in “We project our own desires onto the God’s agenda, mudding the waters of righteousness. But even though we mess with the purpose and call of God, we can never change, defeat or hinder God’s plans”.
I have personally experienced this:
“But if you will not listen to me and will not do all these commandments, 15 if you spurn my statutes, and if your soul abhors my rules, so that you will not do all my commandments, but break my covenant, 16 then I will do this to you: I will visit you with panic, with wasting disease and fever that consume the eyes and make the heart ache.
. . . visit you with panic. I get it now. God will do what it takes to teach us that we need to turn back to His righteous ways.
James

======= Jill:

As long as we are here on this earth We will never reach perfection. To a certain extent we become bound or enslaved by our sin without realizing it! Even though we recognize it, we want to change but we keep falling back. That’s the humanness in us. It can be anything, even resentment, anger, fear, jealousy. Etc. this is just satan trying to destroy Gods work and the Holy Spirit living in us.
Mark 10:45. I love this verse! we are here to serve! We may not feel like it but that is Gods desire we become like Jesus. A good song Laura Daigle song ” how can it be” sums it up.
Jill

======== Jane:

I am just blown away this am reading mark 10:45. Just reading how Bartimaeous said! “Son of David have mercy on me”” and Jesus said to the people surrounding “Call him””
Those words are huge and impactful on our lives. All we have to do is call on him! And believe in the Son.
God show me how I can trust you when I’m faced with Giants whether relationships or physical health or job or whatever it may be. Let me hear those words “call him”
Jesus is calling you! Blessings
Jane

======= Jeff:

The scripture that came to me today was when Jesus asked the question to his disciples can you Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with. Answering this question for me would have been hard. Because Jesus is so worthy. I am not sure I would have answered it the same way. However the disciples responded that they could. And then Jesus goes on to answer their other question, which was those seats who sit next to god are already prepared. I think when the disciples answered yes, they also answered their own question, that their seats are already prepared for them because they can drink the same cup and be baptized with the same water. And so that questions today is still relevant and if we believe and say yes, are seats are prepared. Awesome!
Jeff

======== Nancy:

I noticed when blind Bartimaes got up to go to Jesus for his healing he threw his cloak aside. This cloak was likely used to keep him warm at night. He believed he would be healed & would pick it up later even tho he had carelessly tossed it away.
Nancy

======= Dee:

Good morning everyone! I got out of Leviticus a little on line of Mike’s in: Lev 26:12 and 13, I will walk among you;I will be your God, and you will be my people. I am the Lord your God,who brought you out of the land of Egypt so you would no longer be their slaves. I broke the yoke of slavery from your neck so you can walk with your heads held high. I believe we are free indeed, but it makes me wander like Mike commented, how many still wear the yoke? How many are convicted in their heart and lied to by the enemy saying they are bound when they are already free people! Also, how many are in bondage that just need to reach their hands up and cry Abba, Father! Forgive me, Cleanse me , Free me from all this garbage in my life and lift these chains Oh Lord!! It gives us something to think about. I also agree with Ramona from yesterdays comments, about not feeling good about slaves even in bible, even in later years, however it was there and I believe just like with slavery, and polygamy, and intermarital relations, God frowned on all of it, however, that didn’t stop the blessings on Gods people if they humbled themselves to Him and come back into His Blessing and Covenent. Because His Covenent was always their for His people, it is our reluctance, and ignorance and lack of common sense and wisdom(from yesterdays readings in Proverbs 10:20-21)that cause us to stumble the way we do.
The book of Mark, every time I hear and read the leading up to our Saviors punishment and death for us, I am saddened. I am saddened not just because he had to do it, because it was out of His humanly thoughts, remember He said, Whatsoever ye say, Father, Have Your Will Be Done! Not My Will but Yours! It saddens me because in our humanly realm, we so do not understand Christs thoughts, or feelings, and even in that day with all of His “close” friends near by, they didn’t understand Him! How that must have felt, to (1) know you have to get betrayed by one of your own, and (2) blind followers paving the way and not even knowing it. The other 11 were blind to Gods plan, they were told once, twice, and three times the charm and Nothing! They had power, and fame, and Kingdom righfulship in their mind, or at least two of them did, the other 9 only wish they had thought of it first. How sad! Lord, I pray that You can use us, little ole us to bring forth Your kingdom, Your blessings and Your honor. May we never leave Your thoughts, or Will that You lay out for us. In Your Name We Pray! Amen..
Be Blessed!!
~~Dee

Leviticus 24:1-25:46 + Mark 10:13-31 + Psalm 44:9-26 + Proverbs 10:20-21
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Old Testament – We begin month 3 of our One Year Bible readings today!  Whoo-hoo!  Congratulations!  Today in Leviticus chapter 24 we read the well known law of retaliation from verses 19 & 20: “Anyone who injures another person must be dealt with according to the injury inflicted– fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Whatever anyone does to hurt another person must be paid back in kind.”  I’ve read commentaries that say that this law of retaliation was actually compassionate for its time – in that it limited what one person could to another person in a very lawless age.  If you lost an eye, you could take an eye – but you could not kill in return, for example.  So, I see the logic behind saying that the law of retaliation limited punishments…. but, I also think we would do well to remember Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount where he quotes from Leviticus 24 verse 20 in Matthew chapter 5 verse 38 & 39: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”  Jesus teaches that there is a higher law of love that is better than the law of retaliation. Commentary on Leviticus chapter 24 titled “The Lamp, the Loaves and The Loudmouth” 🙂 is at Bible.org at this link.  Commentary on Leviticus chapter 25 is at this link and at this link.

Well, I learned something new!  This is pretty awesome – the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is so named because this statement from Leviticus chapter 25 verse 10 is written on the bell: “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.”  (which you won’t be able to see well in this photo below – I believe the inscription is around the top of the bell, where you’ll see 2 lines near the top and can make out the word “Proclaim.”) 

In Leviticus 25 verses 9 & 10 today we read: “Then on the Day of Atonement of the fiftieth year, blow the trumpets loud and long throughout the land. This year will be set apart as holy, a time to proclaim release for all who live there. It will be a jubilee year for you, when each of you returns to the lands that belonged to your ancestors and rejoins your clan.”

New Testament – Today in Mark chapter 10 we read about the Rich Man.  I have heard plenty of sermons on this passage of scripture and read a bunch of commentaries.  The message is probably not that every Christian needs to sell all they have, give to the poor, and you’ll have treasure in heaven.  However… this could be the message for some of us.  Basically, the message is more along the lines of what in your life are you holding on so tight to, that you need to let go of?  What are you worshiping?  What are you letting stand in the way of your relationship with Jesus?  And what must you let go of?  What’s your “camel” that’s holding you back?  It might be money or material possessions.  It could be an addiction.  It could be status.  It could be anger.  It could be lust.  I don’t know what it is for you – that’s between you and Jesus.  But, can you let your “camel” go, so that you won’t be like this camel here trying to get through the eye of a needle…  🙂

Psalms – Every time I read Psalm 44 verse 23 it reminds me of one of the amazing aspects of the Psalms – that the Psalms are people like us speaking to God – and in all sorts of emotional ways: “Wake up, O Lord! Why do you sleep? Get up! Do not reject us forever.” This type of verse reminds me that it’s okay for us to not always talk to God in our “church voice.”  It’s okay to get a little bit passionate in our prayers to God.  I think God would prefer us to be real with him – where we are right now or at any given moment – rather than try to put on any special facades for God.  If ever you feel like you are at a loss for words for what you might want to say to God – how you might be needing to pray to God – surf through the Psalms…  you’ll very likely find voice for what you are trying to say. 

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 10 verses 20 & 21 are interesting – they are both about the words that come out of the mouths of the godly – “sterling silver” & “good advice”.  I pray that each one of us would grow more and more in our relationship with the God, so that our words are indeed like sterling silver and that we give good advice.

Worship Video: My Leviticus reflections above, and particularly that eye photo, reminded me of the song “Open the Eyes of My Heart.”  Here’s Michael W. Smith’s live version.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxq_6prPABs

Are the eyes of your heart opened? Click here and open your eyes!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: “Jesus said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.” Mark 10:14-16 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will have faith like a child. Pray that you will always bless and serve and teach children in your life.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What is your take on the Rich Man / Rich Young Ruler?  Why do you think Jesus said he should sell all he had and give to the poor?  Are there areas in your life where Jesus has asked you to give up something?  Maybe something material or maybe something more like an addiction or obsession, etc.?  Have you obeyed Jesus in this regard?  Was it a blessing to obey Jesus?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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

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

======= Ramona:

Leviticus 24:1-25:46
“Command the people of Israel to provide you with pure olive oil for the lampstand, …” Just noticed that there is a big difference here from when the people voluntarily offered (Exodus 25: 2) whatever was on their heart to give back in Exodus. I don’t have time to look up the Hebrew word that this English word, “Command,” sites on but when I have time I will look it up.
I think it would also be interesting to chart out what type and under what circumstances God asks for a “freewill” offering as opposed to ones that are commanded.
Mike I’m not sure that the “Just Punishment” section is really about retaliation as much as it is about the priests matting out just and righteous punishment. If Leviticus was written as guidelines for the priests, then the entire book needs to be looked at from that perspective. The problem lay folks have is that we can run off on a tangent (your favorite word) when we have information without training. Information is great when we become partners with our Doctors, Lawyers, Accountants, etc, however, when we try to do their job and usurp their “authority” in dealing with them because we have information, then we get into trouble. Either we need to change professionals, if they are unaware or ignorant of the basics and new information that comes out daily, or we need to support them with the information they have.
One of the things I have taken note of in chapter 25 in dealing with the Sabbath Year (seven), the Year of Jubilee (50) and the return of property, that is not in walled cities, to the original owners is that this is suppose to be a celebratory event. However, in order to be ecstatic about this if you are not the party being released, one must practice love for your neighbor as a lifestyle! There is also a type or element of restoration and redemption from sin as one would be rescued from either bad choices or environmental circumstances that would have caused selling oneself into slavery, or selling off the family home. Looking at the Hebrew or Greek root of the work translated “sin” you would see that it means “to miss the mark.” So one can be aiming for the bulls eye but miss the mark, which is what sin really is. In a careful reading of the first few chapters of Leviticus you will see that the sacrifices first mentioned are for “unintentional” sins.
Because we are so adverse to the word “sin” we shy away from it not realizing that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), and it is not big sins or little sins that merit the death penalty, it is SIN (singular) PERIOD, intentional and unintentional. Although the penalty for sin, big, little or medium, is death the gift of God is life, eternal life.
Mark 10:13-31
“Good Teacher/Master …” begins the Rich Young Man begins his address to Jesus. There is more to his statement to Jesus then meets the eye. By calling Jesus good he was stating that Jesus had “worked out his salvation/redemption” and he, the Rich Young Man was looking to join him. In Judaism (I hope there are Jewish scholars on this Blog to either confirm or refute what I’m about to state), especially in Hasidim, redemption is worked out be “good works,” so by calling Jesus “Good” he was either validating that Jesus, like him, was a good guy (Only one greater than you can validate someone lesser—now that can be a whole discussion See Hebrews 7:7)) or he was seeking validation himself. If this man was seeking to validate Jesus, thus placing himself above God, then Jesus’ remarks to him, at least for me, carry greater weight and conviction then I’ve ever thought about. Yes, I know that he ran to Jesus, yes I know that he bowed down, but I also know that we participate in “false” humility all the time to “justify ourselves.” And if we are justifying ourselves, we are not doing it for ourselves we are doing it for those around us so that they know how great and wonderful we are. We are already thinking that we are great (large and in charge) and we want others to know that we are.
I really have to rethink the entire dynamic of this little scene, even the conversation Jesus has with his thoroughly confused disciples afterwards. And if you notice the commandments that Jesus gave to him were the ones dealing with outwardly behavior toward man, those were the ones this guy kept; however what wasn’t mentioned were the commandments that dealt with the “heart.” The first four commandments can be outwardly demonstrated; however inwardly, in the heart without anyone knowing them, you can break them. Jesus didn’t mention those four, I wonder why? (The question is rhetorical)
Psalm 44:9-26
Although the writer is speaking in the plural, we and us, this Psalm seems to really speaking about the Messiah. Only the Messiah, the sinless one, can make with any kind of certainty, the bold statements of being without sin.
17 All this has happened despite our loyalty to you.
We have not violated your covenant.
18 Our hearts have not deserted you.
We have not strayed from your path
Hmmm!
Proverbs 10:20-21
There are a lot of fools out here in the world because Common Sense, is not so common. The question for is, “Do I lack some of this uncommon Common Sense?”
21 …but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Mark:

… easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye…
Mark 10:26 That set the disciples back on their heels. “Then who has any chance at all?” they asked.
27Jesus was blunt: “No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you let God do it.”
In the vernacular of AA’s 12 steps: “Let go and let God!” As my faith grows, I see more clearly how my salvation has very little to do with me, but is almost entirely about God! I really love Ephesians 2:8,9, which tells me that I am saved by grace (God’s gift) through faith (life-changing belief) and that the very faith I use to receive God’s grace hppens to be a gift from God as well – not of works (any amount of self-effort) so that I have not even a speck of room to boast.
Jesus, you are more than I need, more than enough!!
Mark

======= Ann:

This is something I have always wanted to know:
Law of retaliation.
‘Turn the other cheek.’ Did Jesus refute God’s words; ‘an eye for an eye; or was the ‘law of retaliation’ misinterpretated?
Ann.

======= Becky:

A worthwhile commentary on this question, this seeming conradiction: Pink writes that the law of retaliation was for the use and guidance of magistrates– not for ordinary people to take the law into their own hands. This whole issue is one that has often puzzled me. Jesus said to turn the other cheek, but when Jesus was struck during the phony trial, He rebuked them, asking why they were hitting him for speaking the truth. So, it seems that there should be different responses for different situations, and we need wisdom to guide us.Sometimes it’s right to confront evil, especially to protect others. Read the sermon and let me know what you think!
Becky

========= Anka:

My take on eye for eye,during the time this law was given,the world system was pretty brutal.If people thought it ok to sacrifice their children to a god,then I don’t think that they would have spared a person who struck them or given a chance for any explanation.God gave Israel laws to set them apart from other nations and to bring about justice.An eye for an eye not a life for an eye.
Jesus was arrested and tortured by the very people he came to save.He could have struck them all dead but he didn’t.He also however asked his disciples to equip themselves after his departure,he also told them to have swords(see Luke 22:36)which my thinking is was for their self defence.When he was arrested he however rebuked Peter for using the sword to defend Him saying it was the Father’s will that He be arrested.
My conclusion,God’s laws were given to protect and guide us here on earth also to reveal Himself to us…Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfil it as well as explain it because alot was added to God’s law by the time Jesus came as is the case today.Today we have the Holy Spirit to guide us as to what to do in situations we face in life as well as explain God’s word to us since He is our teacher.
………………………………………………………………………
29Jesus said, Truly I tell you, there is no one who has given up and left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for My sake and for the Gospel’s
30Who will not receive a hundred times as much now in this time–houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions–and in the age to come, eternal life.
31But many [who are now] first will be last [then], and many [who are now] last will be first [then].
I have read this passage often yet never saw that along with receiving family and houses in return for giving up everything for Jesus,we will also receive PERSECUTIONS in this age.God is love and nothing can change that,if we get sick,loose loved ones,face financial distress,God is still Love.When our prayers go unanswered and our troubles never seem to end,God is still Love.I have to admit I may not be able to thank God when I’m walking through the Valley but I can still call out through my tears,”I’ll worship You alone Lord with all that I have”.He gives us joy,He gives us gifts but never guarantees a smooth ride through life.
There are times in our lives He is silent,there are times in our lives He seems uncaring…but He’s always by us guiding our steps and His nature is Love,His ways,thoughts,much higher than ours.
God bless you all
Anka

========= John:

Ann,
I agree with Becky. God does not want man taking revenge. However, here and in the NT, society in its structure can judge and take a life. (My opinion in reading of Scripture).
We are to turn the other cheek and forgive – but it does not say that we cannot have the person arrested and let a societal system decide judgment. In that sense God desires order over anarchy. However, He never wants us taking the matter into our own hands.
======================================================
Spiritually?????
“But he prescribes immediate death because this sentence is designed to teach a truth. The truth is that a man who curses God, who rejects God, has denied himself the very basis of life. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God,” {cf, Matt 4:4}. And if a professed believer denies God, he has denied the basis of his life, the only way he can live. So God makes it obvious, makes it clear. He says that the man has lost the right to live, has denied himself that right. And his life was taken away so that the truth might be vividly demonstrated to all.
Thus we know that this is what happens to us, spiritually. We don’t need to point the finger at this young man, do we? How often do we do this very thing! We get angry with God and we shake our fists at him, just as Martha did with Jesus. She blamed the whole thing on him, and we do it, too. We say, “It’s your fault! Get lost, God, I don’t need you anymore.” And when we take that attitude, God says, our life is ended. Our spiritual life is stopped right there. We are not lost. This doesn’t mean that we have lost our salvation; it means that his supply of life to us to live by day by day is ended — until we see what is wrong — and his grace restores us. Then we can begin again.” – Ray Stedman
John

======== Katie:

Mark 10:26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”
27Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
These verses really are a blessing straight from Jesus to me. There is no way in the world I should be allowed into the kingdom of Heaven, I have way too many “camels” holding me back! : ) (Every once in a while I seem to even climb on another camel to prevent my entering the presence of God! )
But Jesus is awesome, because although it is IMPOSSIBLE for me to be saved, through His mercy and grace, “all things are possible with God”
Hallelujah!
Katie

======== Gina:

A bit of a continuation from yesterday…Lev 24:15-16 – “If anyone curses his God, he will be held responsible; anyone who blasphemes the name of the LORD must be put to death.” After reading all the comments from yesterday, it seems we have all had an issue with cussing and swearing at one point in our lives…I know I was right there not that long ago! – and thank goodness they don’t stone us for cursing now…we’d all be dead already! My husband couldn’t believe the things that came out of my mouth! But like you said Jenny, I tried to change this on my own for many years….even gave it up for Lent each year….I usually lasted about 4 hours or so….I just couldn’t do it. (Notice I say “I” couldn’t do it!) After I got saved, I didn’t even ask God to take that away…it was literlly the first thing that went! I just realized one day (as did my husband) that I just didn’t swear like that anymore! Now do I slip up from time to time? Of course…but again like you said Jenny, the conviction is right there and I know that when I do it, it is definitely NOT pleasing to God! I will be praying for all of us in this area that God will help us clean up our speech! Anyone want to join in that prayer with me? Maybe we can check back in a month or so to see how we all are doing….just a thought…
Thanks for the info on the Liberty Bell! I had no idea! That is really cool!
Ok Can we have a Year of Jubilee now!!! One that will make all our debt go away??? LOL!!!
In Mark today with the rich man, I don’t think Jesus was telling him to “sell” everything he owned to make him poor…I think Jesus was showing this man that his heart was not quite right. I think we tend to get like the Pharisees…all righteous in the good things we do…and forget that the bible says that none of us are good….I know there are areas in my life that I have not totally surrendered to Jesus….like a saftey net to the world….afraid to give it all…I might miss something or lose something. Again, in my head I know this is not true, but in my heart there is fear! It’s always about the heart with Jesus – never our heads or our outward appearance…Jesus sees our hearts. Probably the biggest thing in my life that Jesus asked me to give up was the relationship I was in while separated from my husband. I KNEW Jesus was calling me to run fast from that relationship and go back to my husband! The choice came down to this 1) will I choose Jesus or 2) will I choose self. At that time I bet I felt exactly like the rich man…asking God “you want me to do what???” then going at God full force with my excuses…”but God, I love this man”, “God, I know it’s wrong but you can forgive me, right?” “God please don’t make me go back” etc…. Well, here I am almost 6 years later…and you ask “was it a blessing to obey Jesus?” – It has been MORE than a blessing! It was thee best decision I’ve ever made! God is soooo faithful and He has blessed our marriage more than I can ever say! The trust is back, the love is back and only God was able to do that! Ok – I’m done with my tangent…hehehehe….but maybe this will help someone out there who is reading this to trust Jesus and not go down the same road I did…I pray that is does. 
Psalms – yes I agree that we need to be ourselves when we talk to Jesus…we can’t fool Him, He knows everything anyway. So why try to lie to Him – even the tone of our voice could be lying to God – we just have to be real with Him – He doesn’t want us all fake, tell Him like it is…remember He sees our hearts anyway – no use hiding it from Him!
On a side note…if you feel lead…would you all please say a prayer for me today. I’m having a minor outpatient procedure at the hospital and I’m very nervous about it. Thanks so much!!!
Gina

======== Mae:

I love Mark 10:14 “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children”. ~ Wonderful! Beautiful! I love the innocence of children! Jaden is 4 years now, he knows now what’s wrong or right. Slowly I start to teach him about sins and how God doesn’t like it when we lie and that God wants us to be kind to all people, even when people aren’t kind to us. Jaden does lie from time to time, you know little kids lies “Jaden, did you take a cookie from the cookiejar?”, “No mommy, Spiderman did”. But still, it’s a lie and he does know he’s not suppose to lie. So now we decided to slowly teach Jaden that God sees what we do and that God doesn’t want us to lie. It’s not easy, because we don’t want to make God some sort of boogyman, you know what I mean? So we tell Jaden that God loves us sooooooooooooooo much and that He really wants us to do the right things.
I also love Mark 10:15 “I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it”. ~ With the innocence of a child we have to accept the Kingdom of God. See it and experience it. I love to experience this all throughout the eyes of a child. My Pastor tells me this every time “Don’t think too deep … take it as a child would take it”. For me this really works!
Are there areas in your life where Jesus has asked you to give up something? Maybe something material or maybe something more like an addiction or obsession, etc.? ~ Yes, Jesus asked me to give up our vacation to Bali this year. Instead we entered this European Childrens Organisation (I’m sure I told you all about this) and we’re going to take care of a child, out of a poor family from the UK. It feels good! You know, it doesn’t really feel like “giving something up”. The thought of having that child in our house and taking her places, it makes my heart warm. It’s a true blessing!
Mae

======== Angie:

Mae, even though we didn’t get talk on the phone today cuz of some sort crazy messed up phone lines or whatever, i want to tell you now and here that i think its absolutely WONDERFUL what you and rene are doing this summer by taking that little girl in! when i first read that you were doing that, it also warmed my heart. and it made me think about christmas, i get that same feeling at christmas time but what about the rest of the year? why should we only have that feeling one time a year? its crazy! but there is still a HUGE part of me that is still selfish and i just don’t want to give things up at this time of my life. i’ve put off traveling the last 10 years cuz of my husband and his kids. i thought at the time it was worth it but i look back and wished i had done it anyhow if i knew things would have turned out the way the they have. but i can’t change that. i’ve put so much of me aside that i want to think about me. so i guess this is where the camel comes in huh? and its hard to let go. and i’m trying. i’m trying not to be so selfish. so maybe when i do start traveling next year, that i can do something like mae is doing. but thats still a little over a year away and i know i will grow so much more and will be less selfish. but for once in my life, i just want to be a little selfish. and yet i know thats wrong. so thats one thing i really need to work on too. i just felt like i had come such a longs ways so far, but i see myself as though i haven’t. and yes, there is something (someone) i need to let go of, my head tells me to let go, but my heart is telling me not to cuz i honestly do love him. so i guess if i’m never allowed in the kingdom of heaven cuz of this, then i guess so be it. cuz i just can’t see myself ever letting go of him.
i loved psalms again. i’m always real with god. maybe a little too real at times. and yes, i do feel like at times i’m at a loss for words. but i always seem to find them.
Angie

======== Jenny:

I love how Jesus just loves children so much. they are so precious, God has a special place in His heart for them, tho i know He means we should become like them. As a child, i had faith, i never questioned it. then i grew up n the world hardened me, and i fell into rebellion. Children have an innocence and a genuine trust. children have to be taught not to believe in God. I believe unrepentant people who harm children, by destroying their faith or doing something despicable to them, these people have a special place reserved for them in the lower parts.
Yes, the rich young ruler professed to have kept the commandments from his youth (i highly doubt that) but one commandment, tho shall not have any other gods besides Me, sounds like he broke that by having money be his god. he trusted in his riches. we all have something we cling to that God tells us to put away. For me, one of my gods when i was a teen was music and musicians. as i came back to Christ, God told me, put these idols away! my god was also myself. i didnt want to submit, i wanted to do my thing, tho deep down i was so empty and i knew it. whatever we put before Christ, no matter what, money, loved ones, relationships, our family, it all has to be second. If say, i put a boyfriend before Him (unintentionally) God will lovingly rebuke me first. if i dont heed this, He will chasten me. When i get caught up in things i know i shouldnt, He tells me i need to lay these things aside. Though I have eternal life, we still struggle. God pretty much took away everything and everyone i had til I had nothing left, it was a very lonely place til I learned to love Him with all my heart, He filled the void. all He allowed to be taken from me, He replaced with something much better!!
I wonder, wat did the rich young ruler do. He walked away sad we know. He must have went home and thought it over….
Honestly when I talk to God, i do reverence Him, but i am totally honest. God wants us to be, He knows my heart anyway. sometimes i have my pity parties, God this isnt fair! Why??
If i am mad, sad, etc i tell Him…He wants to communicate with us. He listens to me, He lets me finish, then He reveals wat He has to say to me. But do I always let Him finish? not always. I know I need to improve my listening to God skills, i need to wait on Him more.
Jenny

======= Laverne:

Our minister of music taught us this cute song sung by children:even though we are adults, we love singing it. It goes like this “Jubilee oh Jubilee alleluia we’ve been set free. Jubilee oh Jubilee sing a song of victory” This song really puts the congregation in such an angelic mood and is a wonderful song to begin praise service….The main theme I like about the jubilee is a CLEAN SLATE.
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The Book of Psalm – has increasingly become one of my most favorite books of the bible. I am learning many words from the pastor, choir and ministers come directly from this book..
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Umm the rich man claimed he kept all the but what he forgot or was confused about was one simple rule its not about his works but his heart. He had a heart filled with the love of things…(Look at verse 20 – “all these I have kept since I was a boy”)Also the rich man had no clue of his sin or guilt.This meant he would continue sinning while walking in the midst of the Gospel.
Laverne

======== Lisa:

Our “camels” are basically our desire for control-our lack of faith. Can you see Jesus trying to drag a camel(undecided one) through the eye of a needle (One door and only One)when he said “hot or cold or I’ll spit you out.” We want it both ways, and chaos reigns, the seas are rough. We must trust in the One who says “Peace be still” and even the wind and the seas obey. Why do we so deceive ourselves?
Lisa

======== Nick:

There is an ancient law that relates to the ‘law of retaliation’. In Genesis 9:6, God said to Noah and his sons, “Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man.” As a reference, we could refer to that as the ‘law of bloodshed’. From there, we could refer back to Genesis 4:10, where God asked Cain, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.”
Nick

======== Romayne:

What struck me when listening to the Levitical laws was that as a society in general, we tend to hold to most of these today either legally or sinfully in the sense that revenge is still a dish served up hot for many people who think nothing of it. However, when it comes to the sin of homosexuality, suddenly everybody is against the Law, i.e. they accept 99% of it as being wise or moral, but not this particular one – I find that interesting. I think it’s again a case of selective reasoning where scripture is concerned, yet if you’re going to pick and choose those parts of scripture to hold to, you may as well dump the lot. That’s not to say that we practice all of the Law any longer because we don’t, being under Grace, however, the essence of it still holds forever, because Jesus said nothing would pass away from the Law before He returned.
Blessings,
Romayne

========= Julie:

Today is my 43rd B-day and I feel so blessed that I’ve found this blog. I have never made it through the entire bible – but feel confident that I will with the help of Jesus and this site.
The comments regarding what are we holding onto is addressed in a wonderful bible study by Beth Moore called, “Breaking Free” that I highly recommend.
Julie

========== Patty:

i guess, the law was just about justice and what’s fair. I need to reread it though didn’t get all of it in a first sitting. I got the rich young ruler, the issue wasn’t his ‘stuff’ it was his heart/ he loved things and his way of life more than God. I can understand this. this is hard if you have been given alot of stuff, and you don’t understand the goodness of God. You think He’s hard and just wants you to be miserable. It’s easy when you have nothing, because you only stand to gain. but when you wealthy sometimes you ‘lose’ and have to pick up sufferings you didn’t have before. Although ‘what does it profit a man’ usually ease makes you wicked and you end up losing everything anyway. so it’s a better trade off to give wht you have for God.
Patty

======= Steve:

Mark 10:25
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
After reading some commentaries on this verse I learned that this is probably the only man in the bible that kneeled before Jesus that went away worst than he came. Riches truly are a blessing and a curse. The story of this man approaching Jesus is told in the Gospel of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Matthew describes him as a young man, Mark calls him a rich man and Luke describes him as being a ruler.
So if we put all three accounts of this man together we find that he is the perfect picture of success by worldly standards, he’s rich, young and powerful. That’s a combination that’s hard to give up for anyone but he was missing something, he was bankrupt and needy on the inside. It’s not uncommon for someone who has everything, youth, riches and power to also be the most miserable of all, keenly aware of their own emptiness.
Jesus didn’t disagree with him when he told Jesus that he was a good man who kept the laws and was moral and religious. So we add that to his resume and he really looks good but he is missing the one thing that is required of us, we are to have no other gods, we are to put nothing before God. How different if would have been for him had he not been hung up on all the glitter he was blessed with.
Steve

======== Jennifer:

What struck me today is Aaron tending the light in the Temple. In modern terms I think we all have the same responsiblity and I hope I have the same reverance for the act. I must tend my light and let it spread so that all can feel and see the light of God. How well Christ has said the 1st will be last and last will be first. Love God, love others, and serve.
Another area of this Leviticus chapter that hit me is the idea that we stop harvesting on the 7th year–how can we you might ask–God will provide. This is so important that when we are asked to stop and go or do that we know that God will provide.
Jennifer

========= Frederick:

Leviticus 24:5-9
5 “Take the finest flour and bake twelve loaves of bread, using two-tenths of an ephah for each loaf. 6 Arrange them in two stacks, six in each stack, on the table of pure gold before the LORD. 7 By each stack put some pure incense as a memorial portion to represent the bread and to be a food offering presented to the LORD. 8 This bread is to be set out before the LORD regularly, Sabbath after Sabbath, on behalf of the Israelites, as a lasting covenant. 9 It belongs to Aaron and his sons, who are to eat it in the sanctuary area, because it is a most holy part of their perpetual share of the food offerings presented to the LORD.”
I remember about the story in 1 Samuel when David fled from Saul and ate the bread in the temple. Were the breads that David and his companions ate the kind of breads that God commanded Moses and Aaron to prepare in the temple?
1 Samuel 21:3-6
3 Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever you can find.”
4 But the priest answered David, “I don’t have any ordinary bread on hand; however, there is some consecrated bread here—provided the men have kept themselves from women.”
5 David replied, “Indeed women have been kept from us, as usual whenever[b] I set out. The men’s bodies are holy even on missions that are not holy. How much more so today!” 6 So the priest gave him the consecrated bread, since there was no bread there except the bread of the Presence that had been removed from before the LORD and replaced by hot bread on the day it was taken away.
Frederick

========= Bob:

The 50th jubilee year really intrigues me! Imagine giving your property back to the original owners. Ouch…… Or is that the wrong attitude? Even though I don’t think this concept was ever practiced, it is a great reminder of the trust we might endeavor to place on our God to take care of us. Would we, could we love our neighbor to that degree? Imagine you being the recipient? How would you handle that? Even though John was of the secular world and even thought he was more popular than Jesus, he saw the concept.
Bob

========= Frank:

I had learned previously that there was a gate in Jerusalem called the Eye of the Needle. The camel had to go through it stooped down and it also had to have its baggage removed prior to going through the gate. This may be a wrong interpretation but I have found a site in Biblical Hebrew that also explains another path that it could be. Here is an excerpt:
Mangled Greek maybe?
There are some differences in the transmitted Greek. The needle in Matthew and Mark is a rafic. In Luke it is a belone. But both are synonyms for needles used in sewing, but Luke’s is more likely to be used by a surgeon than a seamstress.
Another possible solution comes from the possibility of a Greek misprint. The suggestion is that the Greek word kamilos (‘camel’) should really be kamêlos, meaning ‘cable, rope’, as some late New Testament manuscripts1 actually have here. Hence it is easier to thread a needle with a rope rather than a strand of cotton than for a rich man to enter the kingdom. A neat but unnecessary solution!
A variation on all of the above is that the needle was a 6 inch carpet needle and the rope was made of camel hair- but this is again clutching at straws or camel hair, and is an unnecessary emendation.
Frank

========= Jeff:

Today is the first time I really felt convicted. When I read Jesus’ saying: “it is harder for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” And in earlier verses when the rich man asked what he must do to obtain the Kingdom of Heaven and Jesus told him to go sell all that he had and give to the poor.
Sadly, I must admit: I don’t think I can do that.
Sadly,
Jeff

========= Jack:

When living in Israel, I wondered about Mark 10:25. My pastor, Dr. Robert Lindsey, was a Greek and Hebrew scholar, and we would discuss such difficult to understand passages of Scripture. In Greek it doesn’t make sense but when translated into Hebrew, it is a Hebrew Talmudic saying. In Jerusalem, there is a gate called appropriately enough “eye of the needle”, and it was the passageway for camels to pass through in ancient times when the main gates were closed after dark. The camel could not pass through this “needle” unless all of its baggage was removed from its back and it crawled on its knees. Now this is a complete myth, but my pastor knew that the image created by Yeshua was to show His Talmidim (followers) that they had to surrender everything to G-D and follow Him! The L-RD will provide and care for us.
Jack

========= Robert:

Ramona have you ever come across anything that suggest the year of the jubilee (50) was ever practiced? I also like your thoughts on the word “good”. I would of just skimmed by that thinking it was like a nice salutation.
Psalms 44, 48 and 88
These 3 in particular lament the past and show us a place where there may not be any answers. That is what I feel during Covid but I also know many others feel this too. It says in my commentary, “Prayers and faith in God have not produced any results. Is God asleep?” No, I have to look at the bigger picture and remember nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. (Romans 8:36). I especially like to read these aloud when I feel darkness is my closest friend 
Robert

======== Dee:

Leviticus 24:3b *Aaron must keep the lamps burning continually. This is a permanent law for you and it should be kept from generation to generation. Are we keeping our light shining for Jesus! Are we teaching others, our family, children and children’s children about the gospel and redeeming grace? Are we anchoring on to the Word of God and letting that Lamp unto my Feet and Light unto my path guide the way for the Way, the Truth, and the Life?
Mark 10:17-25 was preached on recently at our church, and this thought was sprung or mentioned by one of our beautiful men of God. Through research and inquiry, there actually is an “eye of a needle” in Israel, it was like a narrow archway to enter through. If any scholars or philosophers are on here and want to elaborate please do, because I didn’t take detailed notes, just remembering vividly. The archway or needle so to speak, made the masters camels have to kneal down and squeeze through their so to speak. Another thought and notion that comes to mind and was referenced at church is, Are we getting on our knees enough? Are we humbling ourselves before God and giving Him the glory and honor He deserves? Like Mike said above and really what Jesus was saying was its not what you have that will send you to Hell, its how you care about it, where your thoughts are at, what you place as of high importance..is it Christ, the Son of the Living God, or materials, food, clothing, manna. God provides it all. But that’s just it, God would have given that young man all that he had and more! If he just submitted to God. God gives us blessings and things so we can use them for His kingdom..feed the hungry, clothe the poor, provide the Gospel to the ends of the earth, pray for the destitute, broken hearted, nurture the widows and orphans. How is your love walk these days??
Proverbs 10:20-21, esp verse 21, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense..parrelel to Hosea 4:6, my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Get knowledge, Get wisdom,get truth, the truth of Christ and of His Word will Make You Free!! God bless, cast cares unto the Lord!!
~~Dee

Leviticus 22:17-23:44 + Mark 9:30-10:12 + Psalm 44:1-8 + Proverbs 10:19
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Old Testament – Today in Leviticus chapter 23 we read about the Appointed Festivals!  The NIV Study Bible has a great chart summarizing the Old Testament Feasts and Other Sacred Days, which is significantly paraphrased below with just Name & Purpose:

1. Sabbath – Rest for people and animals
2. Sabbath Year – Rest for land.
3. Year of Jubilee – Help for poor; stabilize society.
4. Passover – Remember Israel’s deliverance from Egypt.
5. Unleavened Bread – Remember how the Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt in haste.
6. Firstfruits – Recognize the Lord’s bounty in the land.
7. Weeks (Pentecost or Harvest) – Show joy and thankfulness for the Lord’s blessing of harvest.
8. Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah-New Year’s Day) – Present Israel before the Lord for his favor.
9. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) – Atone for the sins of priests and people and purify the Holy Place.
10. Tabernacles (Booths or Ingathering) – Memorialize the journey from Egypt to Canaan; give thanks for the productivity of Canaan.
11. Sacred Assembly – Commemorate the closing of the cycle of feasts.
12. Purim – Remind the Israelites of their national deliverance in the time of Esther.
13. Hanukkah (Feast of Dedication or Festival of Lights) – Commemorated the purification of the temple and altar in the Maccabean period.
14.  New moons were also often special feast days.
(Above is from Zondervan’s “NIV Study Bible” pp. 176-177) Below is a Jewish calendar, which includes many of the feasts and sacred days listed above:

Bible.org’s commentary on Leviticus chapter 23 titled “The Lord’s Appointed Times” is at this link.

New Testament – Mark chapter 9 verses 33-35 always stand out to me and I personally always need to be reminded of Jesus’ teaching here in the last sentence: “Jesus asked them, “What were you discussing out on the road?”  But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down and called the twelve disciples over to him. Then he said, “Anyone who wants to be the first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”  How are you doing on this last sentence?  Are you taking last place?  Are you the servant of everyone else?  Do you think this last sentence applies to Jesus’ life?  Do you think we should model how Jesus lived his life?

I came across an artistic image I liked a lot, below, which applies to verses 36 & 37… except of course that the child is wearing very modern day clothes – keep in mind it is art! 🙂 –  “Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes my Father who sent me.”

Psalms – Psalm 44 verse 3 is a wise statement about where the Israelites and our true strength and victory in life comes from! “They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strength that gave them victory. It was by your mighty power that they succeeded; it was because you favored them and smiled on them.”

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 10 verse 19 today teaches us: “Don’t talk too much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow!” This is a wonderful reminder that we should listen at least twice as much as we talk!  That’s why we have 2 ears and one mouth…  🙂

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Matthew reminded me of the Casting Crowns song “Nobody:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yBzIt_z8oY

Are you a Nobody? Click here to live for Nobody but Jesus!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will never strive to be first. Pray that you will strive to be the servant of all, as Jesus was the servant of all.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on Psalm 44:3 above – as you look back on your life and at the good things that have happened to you, do you think that these things occurred because of your own power or work alone?  Or, do you think it is possible that God’s hand was blessing your life through all of those good things – even if maybe you did not notice God was there at the time?  Can you think of some instances in your life that when you look back on them you realize that God was absolutely there and blessing what was taking place?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
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======= Ramona:

Leviticus 22:17-23:44
I haven’t counted how many times in Leviticus that God declares His Holiness to His people, but whatever the number may be it is a lot. God want’s His people to know that He isn’t any ole stone or wood God that He is the God over everything. I’m not sure if it is stated somewhere in the text of the Old Testament, maybe in the Prophets, or maybe I just heard this and somewhere within my spirit it spoke truth, but I believe we become what we worship.
If that statement is true then we are transformed by the attributes and the character of that which we direct our adoration and reverence too while in worship. If that is the case then we can see why God spends so much time revealing who He is and what He will and will not accept in worship and in sacrifices and offerings.
We can also picture God as a stern taskmaster full of doom and gloom, yet there are at the least nine plus festivals throughout the year celebrating this most awesome God. In the ‘hood some might say that God knows how to throw a party and sometimes the parties are one entire weeklong.
Although not listed here, there is a celebration that Jews participate in, at lest the Hassidic and Orthodox Jews do, that celebrates the reading of the Torah. Mike, just like we are doing, they use a plan that goes through the entire Torah in one-year and when they finish, the police shut the streets down in Crown Heights Brooklyn (One of the Hassidic enclaves in Brooklyn) and the men dance in the streets passing the Torah, which is in a special case (it is a scroll), to each other and kissing it. It is a sight to see and one cane become envious seeing the joy that is in the eyes of these religious Jews over the Mosaic Law that they study all their lives.
Wouldn’t it be great for us to have a non-New Years celebration of the reading of the entire Word of God old and new? It would give new meaning to the old Motown song, “Dancing in the Streets.”
Twice in today’s reading God opens up His ordinances and the blessings that come along with following His commands, to those who are not his people, “Give Aaron and his sons and all the Israelites these instructions, which apply to those who are Israelites by birth as well as to the foreigners living among you.” (22:18) In the 22nd verse of chapter 23 foreigners are included with the poor as benefactors of the grain deliberately left in the field. God has always allowed for those who were not His people to benefit from the “crumbs” from those who were and are His people as we read Saturday in the Gospel reading (Mark 7:28) What a mighty God we serve!!
What I really like about today’s reading is that it shows how our God is a God who loves parties. He want’s His people to not only reverence and obey Him He wants them to have a good time in doing it. There are lots of “feasts” and sacred assemblies, food and more food. God wants us to celebrate Him and who we are in Him. So Christian, please don’t walk around with a long face, shout Hallelujah from time to time because we serve a God that enjoys our enjoyment of all the things He has done for us.
Mark 9:30-10:12
Jesus turns the disciples understanding of greatness and leadership upside down by explaining that to be great, and he doesn’t rebuke them for wanting to be great, is to serve one another: greatness through servant-hood.
Just because someone is not part of the “us four and no more” group doesn’t mean they are not doing the work of the Gospel. We live in a society of “gang affiliations” Our gangs may not be the Bloods and the Crips, but they are the church’s we attend, the companies we work for, the folks we “hang” with, the neighborhoods or sub-divisions we call home. But Jesus says that is all incidentals because our afflictions should be based on those lifting up the name of Jesus.
Jesus pulls the marriage relationship out of the comparison arena, our comparing longevity, or lack there of, based on the yardstick used by the rest of society. Jesus pulls marriage back to, “In the Beginning …” and God’s original plan, which should be our yardstick. Even though the question about marriage was to be a trap, Jesus gave them more then what they bargained for. The more information one is given, the more one will be held responsible for the information they receive, so in trying to trap they became entrapped by new information.
Psalm 44:1-8
A couple of years ago I told a good friend that he needed to be careful about how much credit he took for his achievements and while we were talking an image of a baby in a car seat that was equipped with a toy steering wheel came to me. Although the baby may think he is driving a car because he has in front of him something that appears to be the car’s actually steering mechanism, yet none of his actions are causing the car to move. We are in danger of being like that baby who thinks all of his actions are directly causing the car to take him to grandma’s house. This Psalm gives us a reality check.
Proverbs 10:19
This is a warning about the fish story, the one that got away, taken to every area of our lives.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Jennifer:

Ramona, I too was struck by how much God wants us to celebrate with him and sometimes I get too serious about studying and meditating and don’t realize the pure joy of knowing Christ and God. Come to me as little children and enjoy being with me. I was thinking of the song “I am a friend of God.”
Jennifer

======= Mark:

Psalm 44:3 We didn’t fight for this land; we didn’t work for it–it was a gift! You gave it, smiling as you gave it, delighting as you gave it.
This verse struck me – reminding me of Paul’s picture of we Gentiles being grafted into the spiritual Israel.
Thank God for his unspeakable gift!!
Mark

======= Stacey:

With regards to Ps 44:3 “They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strength that gave them victory. It was by your mighty power that they succeeded; it was because you favored them and smiled on them.”
It is so good to remember to look to the Lord for His smile and His favor in life. This Psalm shows the fulfillment of the Aaronic blessing said over the people time and time again. Remember that these were the same people called hard hearted and rebellious. In the midst of all of their rebellion and sin, God told Aaron to bless them with this blessing from Numbers 6:22 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Instruct Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing: May the LORD bless you and protect you.May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you.May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.’
27This is how Aaron and his sons will designate the Israelites as my people,and I myself will bless them.”
I am thinking this morning about how important it is for us to pray for blessing for our families and communities. Even though those around us may seem hard hearted and rebellious, will you take up the challenge to pray this blessing over them daily as I am committed now to do? For I want to see victory in my family and my community. I want very much to see the changes manifested when God shows them favor and smiles upon them.
Stacey

======= Richard:

I believe in the relationship of prayer and living. For years I thought that I was the master of my own destiny and that all that happened to me was…well because of me. Is that not how we are trained these days? Take control of your life! I got so distorted in my thinking that I blamed all the bad in my life at the foot of my Lord. “How could you allow this to happen! Just leave me alone!” It was at this time I noticed that through his grace he granted me this request. He left me alone… My life was a mess and mistakes were many. All my low points in life were the result of answered prayers. He let me walk alone and man did I fall! Needless to say, even when bad things happen I no longer ask Him to leave me alone, but beg him to pick me up! Human pride is sometimes unavoidable when interacting with other humans…but it has no place in a relationship with Christ Jesus.
Your in Christ
Richard

======= Micah Girl:

I am looking for a lenten discipline to take up…perhaps a special prayer time like the Divine Hours or some kind of special Lectio Divina. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks,
Micah Girl

======= Cory:

Micah Girl,
I’ll ditto the Divine Hour suggestion. There is a volume that focuses on Lent, and my friend even found it at Barnes & Noble.
Cory

======= Anka:

Hi Micah,what do you mean by lenten disciple?
Bless you,
Anka

======= Micah Girl:

Anka–
By Lenten discipline I mean something that I start doing for the 40 days of Lent like a special kind of prayer or specific bible readings, rather than something I give up for 40 days, like chocolate.
Micah Girl

======== Katie:

I can totally see that God has made things work good for me, where I had no power at all in them. Even recently, I was walking in a way that could have really hurt me and made bad things happen to myself and people I love. But when I repented, immediately the Lord turned things around, and the same negative things have turned into a blessing and God is being glorified.
Like your question, “God is absolutely there” and is taking care. I know I’m talking a little bit it circles…(some things just don’t need to be shared…:) )…. but I want to give praise and glory to Jesus for His love, faithfulness, mercy and grace!
…not their own strength that gave them victory. It was by your mighty power that they succeeded; it was because you favored them and smiled on them…Psalm 44:3b
amen, hallelujah!
Katie

======= Gina:

Lev 22:32 stood out for me this morning….”Do not profane my holy name. I must be acknowledged as holy by the Israelites. I am the LORD, who makes you holy.” – Sometimes we can get carried away with our use of God’s name…it’s so “normal” in today’s socitety to say “Oh my God” and not even bat an eye! But really, to me, that is using God’s name flippantly…with total disregard and disrespect for who He is and His holiness.
Seeing the disciples argue just makes me realize that they were just men also. Sometimes I tend to want to put the 12 on a sort of pedistal…like Jesus chose them because they were all spiritual and sutff…but so many times we see them acting just like we do! Yet Jesus chose them anyway! That’s grace!
Looking back on my life, I know, without a doubt that God had His hand all over it! There are so many things that can only be explained by the power and grace of God especially when my husband and I were separated for 2 years. All the “roadblocks” that kept delaying our divorce were definitely from God! And I praise Him now for that because we got to tear up our divorce papers before it happened!! God brought us back together and made us one flesh again – those verses in Mark about divorce are special to me because when I was beginning my search for God, it was the same time we were separated. I knew after reading those verses and some others that God was saying NO to divorce and YES to getting back with my husband!! God worked it all out perfectly! We are better than we ever were – Praise be to God!
The verse in Proverbs is very true! The sin of exageration!! It’s so easy to take a little story and make it much bigger either to make yourself look better or someone else look bad!! Gossip – this reminds me of gossip also! Ooooo it can be so easy to want to share something we know is not edifying – and we can try to justify it by saying “well it’s the truth!” I always try to ask myself “would I say this exact thing in the same tone of voice or manner if all people involved were standing here with me??” Most likely the answer is NO! So it’s better to just keep my mouth shut!!! :0)
Gina

======= Angie:

as for me, i’m trying very hard to slow down on my swearing and using gods name in vain. but with having worked in a factory for over 11 years, i have a factory mouth. and i’ve realized, its not only disrespectful to god, but to myself. what kind of person am i showing to people when i say F word all the time? not a very classy one for that matter. i know when i get really angry, i throw out the F word quite frequently. like the other day, i wrote to a very dear friend of mine and said it quite often cuz i was so angry, (and had every right to be over my stepson and husband), but never, EVER, have i went back and apologized for all the swearing i did. until the other night. and she told me she really appreciated it. just little things like that i’m noticing about myself and the changes. i still swear, i always have. even my first word was sh…(you fill in the last two letters). but i’m trying to change that. and its hard. but instead of saying god (in vain), i’m trying to say, gosh instead, or oh my goodness. i’m still working on it. and where i work at now, i really have to be careful of the choice words i say to the customers since i no longer work in a factory. i’m dealing with the public now. so i am trying to say, gosh, or darn, and that kind of thing. or keep it to myself!!!!!!!! lol!
i know what you mean gina by when you say that god had a hand in everything that happens. my dad tells me, god has a plan for all of us, we just follow it. he gives us the directions and we follow. that all things happen for a reason and we learn from it all. sometimes we don’t get the answers we want right away or we say, why didnt’ we think of that before and why did i have to struggle with it then and not now? cuz i feel that god wanted us to think for ourselves then he helped us when we went to him. the more i let him in, the more he helps me it seems like. sometimes i still wonder why he let the things happend that has happened and maybe i’ll never know. me and my husband almost got a divorce also almost 6 years ago. but it never came about. now, we’re doing better with our marriage. its still not the greatest but its better. i’m happier than i was 6 years ago thats for sure!!!!! and just everything in general too, all the rotten things that have happened, happened for a reason. talking in circles i think here, but i’m starting to understand a few things now and make better sense out of it all. and i look back now and realize what a blessing it is to have god in my life and know that i am very lucky and fortunate person. sometimes i think my life is crap and i start to look around or i hear things about other people who have it much worst than i do and start realizing how lucky i am. and i can’t just pick one or two instances because all of them have been a blessing. and all of them have been from god.
proverbs stuck out to me today. i’m learning to keep my mouth shut, (very hard for me to do when i’m so opinionated and a big mouth) but i’m learning to listen more. to people around me and also god. so far, its working but i still need a lot of work!!!!
Angie

======== Mae:

Mark 9:50 “Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.” ~ I had to read this verse a couple of times before I really realized what it was about. Thought it was a headscratcher LOL Basicly it sais I have to flavor my relationships, so it won’t loose it’s flavor. Keeping the relationships flavored, means I have to maintain my relationships, in order to live in peace with everybody. If I stop maintaining, I stop the relationship … Just like the relationship I have with God. Without maintanance (going to 3 services a week, joining the coffeehouse on Saturdaynight, having my biblestudies, preaching the Gospel on the streets) I will drift away from God. I need to stay awake in this, especially with the attacks from the enemy. I need to feel God’s power, I need to feel the Holy Spirit, that makes me strong! It brings me to another verse that stood out for me Psalm 44:6 “Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes”. I love to feel His power! It makes me strong! I can feel eternity in myself, it’s just so awesome to have a strong relationship with the Lord!!!!
God has absolutely been there all of my life. Jesus Christ knocked on my door plenty of times before I finally let Him save me. Ever since I became a Christian I can feel He has a plan for me. I can see clearly He has something special in mind for me and my family. And this plan was always there! When I look back on my life I can see God’s work, but also satan who kept me away from Him. My sins stood in the way from God. The good things in my life were defenitly not only my work, God really blessed my life through all of those good things. Satan still attacks me a lot, but my faith in God makes me strong, and that’s my power working, if I hadn’t been that strong, satan would pull me away from God. God makes me strong, my faith in Him makes me feel I can overcome anything! I’m not afraid anymore!!!
Mae

====== Jenny:

Jesus’ analogy of salt is awesome. salt is used for flavoring and as a preservative alot in those days. we who are His are called to be the salt of the world. we are to full of life and zest for his name’s sake. we are also called to be called to be godly and be a preservative in our society. some ppl just hate christians, we are supposedly a bunch of hypocrites and haters, so they think. but look at the world, Christians built most the hospitals, orphanages, christians step up and care when people are in need (not all, but in general). of course then are many kind non-christians who do have godly characteristics, bcos we were all made in His likeness.
Jesus was the ultimate servant! he was lowly, a many of many sorrows. He was our example! he took pity on the poor, He loved to heal (still does, but referring to His life on earth) and He was humble. Like that picture of Him washing the disciples feet the night before His crucifixion. He even washed judas iscariot’s feet knowing he was about to betray Him. When he did betray Him, Jesus still called Judas His friend.
I’ve never been married so i cant comment too much on the divorce issue. marriage sounds like its very hard, maybe the single life is for me =)
Regarding Prov. I’ve never regretted biting my tongue!! i can talk alot and sometimes i wish i could muzzle myself, lol. But i love to listen to others more, if my friend calls and walks to talk non stop for an hour, i love to listen. I’m happy to sit back and let others talk, and when you give them that chance, they do. some ppl are terribly shy so i feel like i gotta keep talking, but I much rather hear what others say. i think my favorite thing in the world is to overhear people talking about the Lord. like if i’m at a restaurant and the ppl next to me are talking about the Lord, i just want to sit and listen. It delights God’s heart so much when he overhears us talking about Him!
God has always had His hand on my life, like everyone else commented about. even the bad things, God was preparing me, for divine appointment and then to grow me. it may have been VERY painful at the time…in fact I’ve had more pain in my life then good, not that i’m a sad person (some of you know i had a very tough week) but i think we learn from the pain. There’s poem i love, not sure who its by:
“I walked a mile with Pleasure, she chattered all the way; But left me none the wiser, for all she had to say……
I walked a mile with Sorrow, and ne’er a word said she; But, oh, the things I learned from her, when Sorrow walked with me!”
Its so true, we learn though our pain. But i long for the rivers of joy…I love The Valley Song by Jars of Clay, “I will sing of your mercy that leads me through valleys of sorrow to rivers of joy”.
thats a GREAT song to listen to when your hurting.
I love Psalms, it is NEVER our strength, our faith, its HIS strength, His power. After we come to Him, we need to empty ourselves. We have nothing to boast of in ourselves, not our faith, not our strength, no way. My family who knows the hard life i had often say: your so strong, you overcame so much. your so full of perseverance!
NOOOO! wrong! I am NOT strong, i am weak and only by god’s love and mercy does he see me through! To be blunt, without Christ, I wouldnt pulled the trigger on myself by now! I’m fragile, weak…once about 8 yrs ago i was clutching a bottle of prescription pills, should i down them? I just prayed GOD, HELP ME! I CANT DO THIS. DONT LET ME GO, PLEASE, I CANT HOLD ON ANYMORE, SO DONT LET GO OF ME! He told me, I will never let you go! Its not MY grip on Christ that saves me, its His grip on me! When i let go, He doesnt!
Jenny

======= Laverne:

I never understood this piece of scripture until my church had its 3 yr anniversary last year. My pastor asked me to be the Armor Bearer of the Bishop of our Sister & Brother church out of state. I was a nervous wreck. I read I Timothy I believe, and then did a search. Then I met with my pastor and she explained what I needed to do for the Bishops. At first I thought is this all she thinks of me? Why can’t I do something important. So many analogies ran through my head. “In order to be first the next time around I had to be last, this time”. Our Bishops were entrusted to me this was important. I realized the honor in being an armor bearer. So if I need to take last place I am fine with that.
—————————
God hand has definitely been ALL over my life. I would not be alive had it not been for my Lord. I would not have been able to say this in 1990, I was too busy running the streets. Now I know all those time without my knowledge, I could have dodged a bullet, an argument, or oncoming traffic, but I know God was saving me even when I was too stupid to save myself. My constant prayer in this life is that I can make it as LONG as God continues to head my life and keep His hands on me. Ang, Mae and Jenny I love your prayers and I agree…
—————————
The verse that stood out the most to me today was Mark 9:
” 30They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 32But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it”
– The disciples in this scene remind me of me. Many times in my conversations with Jesus I am afraid to ask, so I don’t. It’s not that I fear the answer or that I fear my Lord, its because I am afraid to have & the thing, and like the disciples afterwards I am sorry.
Laverne

======= Skip:

I think that not only the good things that have occurred to me but I believe that everything that has occurred to me was made possible by the hand of God and the blessings that He chose to bestow upon me. As I look back over my life I can see why certain events happened in my life that prepared me for where I am today. If it hadn’t been for those events I wouldn’t be who I am or be doing what I’m doing; and most of all being happier than I’ve ever been. I attribute it all to God and His blessings. I have been truly blessed in all ways. I have a wonderful family and many wonderful friends. I have a great job that I love, a house that is almost mine that is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I have transportation to get me where I want to go. I have the freedom to read and write whatever I want and I have the freedom to worship God in whatever way I want. I thank God every single day for all the blessings that He has given me. I don’t deserve them and I don’t take advantage of them because I also know that He can take them away anytime He pleases. Thank you my dear Lord and God for all the blessings that you’ve given me and show me where and how to share them with other people.
God gives us two ears and one mouth for a reason. I love the picture of the basset hound! :-{D It is so true. We all need to learn how to listen twice and much as we talk. My dad taught me about this with a bit of rewording. He taught me that when our mouths are open, our ears are closed. I find that so true. When we are talking or especially interrupting, we are not listening. We all need to listen much more.
Yours in Christ
Skip

======= Heather:

Thanks so much for the calendar information!
Heather

======= Elizabeth:

Hello,
I followed the link over to the article on Jewish feasts this morning (Curtis’s “the Lord’s Appointed Times) Interesting reading. He makes a case that the OT celebrations line up thematically with the message of the NT and suggests that we consider incorporating them (not under the law, but as a way of recalling to mind the tenants of our faith and teaching our children these).
I don’t know if I’m rushing out to celebrate the Jewish holidays this year, but I will mull this over some more. Especially since Passover is close to Easter this year… It may be nice to celebrate this feast with our children–to connect it to the Last Supper & our deliverance through Christ from slavery to sin. All in all, the article was good food for thought.
I particularly liked his point that many aspects of these holidays are sensory and object lessons that communicate spiritual truths in tangible ways—especially to children.
Curtis also helped me to understand the Jewish calendar a little better:
“The Jewish Calendar, however, is based on the relative motion of both the moon and the sun. It is, therefore, called a luni-solar calendar. Since it is based on the moon, the first of every month coincides with a new moon and the fifteenth of every month coincides with a full moon. In other words, each month is defined by the phases of the moon. The Jewish Calendar keeps the months and their respective seasons together by the insertion of leap months. This means that most years have twelve months, but some have thirteen. The whole system has a nineteen-year cycle. It is more accurate than our solar calendar, but it’s more difficult to follow. The Jewish calendar does not mark the first day of spring, summer, fall, or winter. The primary markers in the Jewish Calendar are the holidays.” -Donald Curtis
Elizabeth

======= Briggs:

Looking back on my life I see clearly that the Lord has blessed me in spite of the decisions and courses of action that I have chosen.
Before I accepted the Lord I lived a very foolish life, utterly lost, reveling in ignorance and self-destruction. Not mean-spirited or even necessarily selfish, sometimes I think decidedly selfless, but just utterly ignorant and unbound. Almost as if I were convulsing in the throes of death and urging it on, yet completely deceived at that present time of the death that I was welcoming, encouraging and proliferating. Why would the Lord reach in at His peril and pull me out of this? Why me and not others?
After accepting the Lord and since then slowly but increasingly seeking His will for my life, I still make many mistakes in judgment but He is ever faithful and lovingly corrects me and prospers me in spite of my continued ignorance and lack of faith; mostly with good intent and yet still sometimes not.
Briggs

======= Sheena:

I look back at all of the good things that have happened to me, and I definitely see God doing them. For a long time I didn’t recognize that it was God, but lately I’ve begun to see him working as he works, which is really cool, and helps me when I get impatient or don’t get the answer I want.
Sheena

======= Steve:

Leviticus 22:17-23:44
The link Mike provided “The Lord’s Appointed Times” is a wonderful article written by Donald E. Curtis. It’s about Leviticus chapter 23, The Appointed Festivals. In the article Donald breakdown the festivals and explains the Holidays as both of Commemoration and Expectation. I appreciated how he pointed out how they’re interwoven through the past, the present and the future of our calendar and the Jewish calendar. The summer festivals are the past (Old Testament) and the winter festivals are future (New Testament) as in the events described in prophecy such as the book of Revelation. I must admit, when I read Leviticus 22:17-23:44 before I read this article, I didn’t get nearly as much out of it until Donald’s article which increased my understanding of the Festivals.
I’ve gone through the bible on my own and using reading plans but going through the bible here at One Year Bible Blog is outstanding thanks to Mike’s faithfulness, diligence and just plain hard work. Thanks again Mike for the insight and connections you provide each and every day that help us connect the dots.
Steve

======= Frederick:

Leviticus 23:15-16
15 “‘From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. 16 Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the Lord.
The impression I get from these verses is that our God is a God of both work and partying. Our God laid down festivals to the Israelite to celebrate, e.g. Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread in the first month. He also allowed time for the Israelite to work (7 full weeks). Then, God ask them to enjoy the festival with Him again (e.g. Festival of Weeks).
Frederick

======= Cathy:

Psalm 44:3 was so powerful. We cannot even count all the blessings we have on our everyday life. Nothing is done because our personal power or knowledge. God is so powerful. Just look at the breath we have everyday. He is merciful, merciful…. I feel it everyday and time..
Have a blessing day.
Cathy

======= Bob:

I try to follow the Christian year order that many churches will also practice to various degrees. It gives yearly order to our formation with Christ incarnate in his ministry death, burial, resurrection and coming again through Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Easter and Pentecost. Unfortunately, I don’t think we are as “festive” as the Levitical People but we can become a counter cultural witness and have opportunity to draw closer to Jesus at these times through the year.
I like how Ramona caught the ordinances and blessings God allowed for those “others”.
Bob

======= Carol:

Oh yes, it is only due to God, His patience, love and His protective hand that I am here today. He is my all ‘n all and I owe everything to His kind mercies!!
Mark 9:35….. very convicting!! Also convicting, bringing our best to God … not our leftovers, not an afterthought, but the firstfruits and the best!
Carol

======= Liz:

When I read in Leviticus about the sin and guilt offerings that God required for unintentional sin, it makes me ponder what he must think of intentional sin. Pride in your sin is a very egregious affront to a holy God. If there was/is no grace other than sacrifice (now Jesus’ sacrifice) for “unintentional” sin, the wages of intentional sin and pride is destruction (death) without repentance. I think the grace movement may be leading people to a false understanding of a just God.
Liz

======= Janet:

Thank you for the encouragement to keep going , as it takes me a good hour to put aside in the morning , if I leave the reading until evening ,I probably would get behind , I always feel so encouraged by this blog and my day would not be the same if I did not start of with this total time in gods word . Thank you and God Bless all who put the one year bible together.
Janet

======= Mick:

What has stood out to me in the readings of Leviticus is that God wants our best not second best. I am convicted in that I try to figure out how I am going to have time to read God’s word and time to go to church- when instead of trying how to fit God into my life and schedule. This thought and process is totally wrong. It should be how am I going to fit my life into my God. Leviticus shows me that life of God’s people was fit into their God and only and always the best was given to Him. I pray that I can have the same passion and love for God, and give him my first bests.
Mick

======= Marcia:

It’s awesome to see the wisdom and care of God through the law. While the law could never save humans, it shows such involvement, care and shepherding by God to His people. I’m reminded how much we need direction from God, while we are not bound by law and we don’t earn anything in relationship to God, He still give us His counsel because we are “like sheep” and so prone to wander. We too are called to remember and to specific actions that help us worship, obey and witness to Christ…for His glory and our benefit. What an awesome God we serve!
Marcia

======= Robert:

Festivals
I agree with you Ramona that God loves a party. During Covid, I have really noticed how much I miss them too. Our church had a monthly potluck usually with a theme and it was a wonderful way to get to talk to your friends. There was always worship, music and prayer. In many ways I wished our Gentile Churches would celebrate more of the Old Testament feasts and other sacred days that Mike mentions.
In his commentary Donald Curtis says, “The Lord communicates His truth in diverse ways. The holy days tell and show the great truths of God’s salvation, His love, and His plans. “
I particularly liked when he talked about how a Sunday was a day of rest and how it is described by Laura Ingalls Wilder in her series Little House on the Prairie. I remember growing up in the 1950s and doing some of these things but now……I think we have lost it.
In Donald’s conclusion, “Should the Church of Jesus Christ celebrate these things? Four times in Leviticus 23 we are told, “It is to be a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwelling places.” Of course, the command is addressed to the Jews. On the other hand, these appointed times testify over and over again about the past and future work of our Lord. Should we not make room for the principal ones like Passover, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles? These speak of three major doctrines of our faith: the Death of Jesus for our sins, His return, and His coming Kingdom. Think how clearly these holidays speak of these truths, because they are free from the secular clamor that surrounds Christmas and Easter. Besides, as I said above, the Feast of Tabernacles appears to be the big international holiday of the Millennial Kingdom.”
Robert

======= Mitch:

OT – God brought Israelites out of slavery, listed some rules, and they said “Yes Lord”. Now they are to obey – not always knowing “why”. Do we as believing Christians do the same? It is tough and we probably falter as much or more as the Israelites ended up doing as told in the Bible.
NT – Been thinking: Jesus has now told them twice about impending death and resurrection. Disciples did not get it – maybe because Jewish faith believed in resurrection of bodies at the end of days. Coming back after three days was strange idea to those guys.
40% of Americans do not believe in hell – 20% of Christian subgroups do not believe in hell. Everyone likes the idea of heaven, but some not so much hell.
Girl in pageant was asked position on same sex marriage. She replied, ‘I am a Christian and a follower of Jesus Christ – he said: “one man, one woman, United as one, for one lifetime.’ When people have an issue with that -it is not with me, their issue is with Jesus Christ..
Mitch

======== Dee:

Before I get get started Amen, Amen! Ramona. God does love a party and He loves to show out in His love and admiration and adornment for His children. I love to have get togethers in His name. Just last night, I had a womens bible study review based on a book by Elizabeth George, A Woman’s High Calling. Ten Essentials to Godly Living. I get so excited about these get togethers. The food is nice and fellowship. However the annointing in the place is unbelievable. We had 5 precious ladies come to this and I just tell you that it is a party and a rejoicing time in heaven I believe when you are being diligent to God’s work, you are serving others so to speak with the Word and opening your home to new and old believers. Wow!! I laughed at todays Proverbs 10:19: Too much talk leads to sin, Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. In our study book in Chapter 3 from last nights get together, it talks about slander and malicious talk and that speech of that nature comes straight from Satan. It gave 4 steps to avoid too much talk that I thought I would share with you guys. It is the 4 T’s to live by: Time: don’t waste or have too much idle time, keep too busy so that way you won’t run to the phone or neighbors and tattle or be a busy body. Telephone: keep off the phone as much as possible, in fact Elizabeth George says to keep a daily time to return calls, she chooses 11:30-12 and 5:00-5:30, that way most people are doing lunch, and getting home or preparing dinner so they are short for talk anyway. Talk: when you do talk to people, keep it short and sweet, that way you won’t invite in “other” topics of gossip or slander into the conversation. and last one is: Tarry: which means, don’t be so sudden to answer or respond back to someone, it’s ok to say, “Let me think or pray on it awhile and I will get back to you”. 4 T’s, Time, Telephone, Talk and Tarry. Keep those and it will help all of us to be not slanderous and foolish people! Amen!! God Bless you guys, take care!
Dee