April 15th Bible in a Year Readings

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

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

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

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

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

Worship Video:  Today's Psalm reminded me of the terrific song "Better is One Day" by Matt Redman:

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

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

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

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

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

God bless,
Mike

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Comments

[Ramona]

Joshua 11-12:24
As I read today’s passage I immediately thought about one of David’s Psalms, the second one to be exact.

1 Why do the nations rage?
Why do the people waste their time with futile plans?

2 The kings of the earth prepare for battle;
the rulers plot together against the LORD
and against his anointed one.

3 "Let us break their chains," they cry,
"and free ourselves from this slavery."

4 But the one who rules in heaven laughs.
The Lord scoffs at them.

Why do we fight against God and His people? It’s a futile act and will only lead to our destruction.

Luke 17:11-37
I love the story about the ten lepers. I love it because it shows the mercy of God toward the nine healed lepers who either didn’t notice or didn’t bother to turn back and give thanks. The Samaritan, a non-Jew, understood and valued what had happened. How often do we Christians miss out on everything God wants to do for us because we are ungrateful and unthankful? This story not only convicts me of how casual I treat my relationship with God but it also reminds me that the simple act of giving thanks to God is the ultimate act of graciousness. There is nothing I can really do for God, yet He allows me to co-labor with Him when He really doesn’t need my help. Thanks be to God!
Psalm 84:1-12
1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD Almighty.
2 I long, yes, I faint with longing
to enter the courts of the LORD. With my whole being, body and soul,
I will shout joyfully to the living God.

Continuing with my thoughts from the Gospel reading, this too reminds me that there is nothing better then giving thanks to God and enjoying His Presence in my life. Having an attitude of gratitude is everything.

Proverbs 13:5-6

Proverbs is not only a book about cause and effects, how behavior effects our lives and the lives of others, it also gives lessons in “profiling.” It doesn’t profile based on race, ethnicity or culture, it profiles people’s character by connecting choices with core beliefs and values. Our choices are not based in a moment of time but are rooted in our character. Proverbs teaches us to work on our character and discern the character of others.

Mike my pastor has said, “Anything built on a lie will collapse,” and :Half-the-truth is a whole lie.” We talk about little “white” lies which means it is just a little itsy bitsy one, so no one will get hurt, or will they?

If we are truthful with ourselves, we lie because we are afraid. And if we lie to “protect” others from the wrath of others (Hitler, etc; even the crazy boss), are we really protecting others, or are we protecting ourselves because we are unwilling to pay the cost of doing the right thing? Another Note: No one is innocent, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but the gift of God is everlasting life (Romans 6:23). Time to receive the “gift,” if you already haven’t and move from death to life.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

[Allison]

Hi! Today is my first time here and first time reading The One Year Bible (my sister in Christ mailed it and I just received it today)!
Luke 17:8 stood out (about the 10 healed lepers)
"Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?"

How often do people take for granted blessings they have? Who recognizes they are a gift from God? The only one who returned was the foreigner. It reminds me of people in the western culture (many Americans) who take for granted things like running water, heat, homes with garages or basements...not to mention all the other gazillion materialistic things we have). Sometimes it takes someone who doesn't have these things to point out what is taken from granted.

At 8, I lived in a woman's shelter with my mom and brother and we shared an area with 2 other women with children. Each woman with her kids had a bedroom.
I remember not having much food (just what was donated). I remember a used toy for Christmas. I know this experience taught me not to take things for granted.

(God indeed uses all things for a greater purpose)! 🙌🏻✝️

V20-21 stood out: "The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or 'There!' for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you."

When my sister in Christ (who I have never met personally, but study with online) sent me this book, I felt so profoundly blessed. She had a surprise tucked inside and I was even more blessed. The little acts of kindness we bestow on one another showing God's love IS the kingdom of God among us, right here, right now--in the midst of us. So beautiful. I'm forever grateful. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

I underlined Luke 17 v33 Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.

There is FAR more beyond this life in the flesh than we realize; most will never experience it, but some of us are catching glimpses of this other life. I pray I never forget to hold loosely to this life because this isn't all there is. Kind of goes straight into Psalm 84:1-2 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. ...v10 For a DAY in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. ...v12 O Lord of hosts, blessed us the one who trusts in you! 🙌🏻✝️🙏🏻

[Sandra]

Beautiful thoughts, Allison.