April 21st Bible in a Year Readings

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

New Testament - Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 20's readings today titled "One Bride for Seven Brothers" is at this link and commentary titled "David's Son" is at this link.

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

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

Worship Video: Psalm 89:15 reminds me of Chris Tomlin's song "Made to Worship:"

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

Are you made to worship? Click here and worship!

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

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

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  How are you doing in accepting criticism in your life today?  Do you accept it?  Receive it?  Learn from it?  Or perhaps... ignore it?  Why do you think this Proverb says if you ignore criticism you'll end up in poverty and disgrace?  Do you think many people in our world today ignore criticism?  Is ignoring criticism perhaps a selfish act?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

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

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

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Comments

[Ramona]

Joshua 22:21-23:16

An altar is a place of exchange. In the case of Israel, their alter was a place where they exchanged their personal and national sins for God’s righteousness through daily blood sacrifices. For the 2 ½ tribes, their memorial, their large memorial was to be a reminder to whom? What one says and what one’s true intentions are is two separate things. It can be said that one’s actions speak so loudly that what is being said is drowned out. So unless we know what is truly in their hearts, we cannot discern their true intentions. However, we do have a record of what happened to both those on the east of the Jordan and those on the west. Their fruit, like our fruit gives evidence of what was in the heart.

The tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh had requested land not intended as their Promise, to be there substitute Promise. So what was the real intent of this memorial/altar. Had they since realized after really seeing the Promise that God had for them, that they had made a mistake and were to proud to say so? The problem with “memorials” is this: unless one is interested in history, they either become a place for pigeons to sit on and/or they become part of the scenery and all meaning is lost except by the tourists and the lovers of history and architecture.

To truly keep your mind focused on something, one must have a heart felt love for what is before you. Altar or no altar, memorial or no memorial the issue at hand is what is going on in the heart of both the 2 ½ tribes, east of the Jordon, and the 9 ½ tribes on the west. That is the same predicament we have today. Whether we have statues/paintings/icons of those, we have decided by consensus, to be godly saints, or we have sparse places of worship with plan walls, the issue is and has always been what is going on in the heart.

We justify our actions by appearances; GOD examines our motives. Clean living before God and justice with our neighbors mean far more to GOD than religious performance. (Proverbs 21:2-3 MSG)

Grace and peace,
Ramona

[Dee]

Same like Ramona..the actions of people speak louder than words. Reuben especially with all that conspired as a young rebellious man I feel his tribe still feels jilted with being the oldest of Israel's children. However, he slept with his fathers concubine which defiled the firstborn right. So, now it's like having squatting rights. But really what's the point? Joshua is getting ready to be with the Father's in Heaven. He is a ripe old age. It's interesting that Joshua tells the 2 1/2 tribe not to defile the marriage bed so to speak. That is a sure fire way to get on the wrong side of God and have a thorn in your side throughout life is to have a someone who is against your religious beliefs in your household and your bed. Ouch!

How am I in accepting criticism in my life today? Well that would be from whom? A child, someone over me or in charge or just in general. I try not to absorb it and remain stable by what God says about me..

Do I accept it? Receive it? Learn from it?
I try not to absorb or receive at all. If it's true..I look and take a moment and see how to improve..I try to receive with a wise grain of salt. Yes I try to learn what I hear.

Why do u think the Proverb says..if u ignore criticism you will end up in poverty and disgrace?

If we ignore what is evident to grow then our spirit will shrink and we will out from under the covering of grace.

Amen!

[Robert]

Joshua 23

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

[dmarts]

Love how real Jesus is! As much as I love my hubs..we will he more like angels after this side of heaven is over. People always trying to trip Jesus up. He always amazed them with his incredible answers.

I feel bad that church hasn't been done mid week in a while. We are on a new study tonight of Hebrews. I've got to stop asking excuses and get back there, but definitely on weekends, sunday..I'm there. Love my church family.

Proverbs 13:18
Love this..made me think of my mentor at my 2nd teaching job. I had alot to learn as a teacher. But I didn't shun constructive criticism..I was honored. So this verse is special to me.

[Jane]

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

[Joyce]

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

Gratefully,
Joyce

[Frederick]

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

I like Jesus's challenge to the religious leaders.

[Raenn]

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

[Lily]

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

Criticism is hard to take especially when directed to us. However, with criticism we find learning. I need a lot of growing-up in this area.

[Teriann]

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

[Samuel]

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

[Jim]

"How are you doing in accepting criticism in your life today?"

One of my most valuable High School classes was Advanced Art as it provided the only instruction in 18 years of schooling on providing and taking criticism. Alas, most Bible studies, in contrast, seem to preach criticism is always bad. I recently was in one, in fact, that asked whether we preferred encouragement or criticism -- suggesting, of course, that an empty "Be of good cheer" was always better than anything so negative as criticism. Studies in 1990 and in 2002 even showed that HR managers, in fact, would rather have employees that were not critical (or politically correct) with few reading, science, and math skills than the other way around. Many other studies have shown that such empty encouragement, good cries, and even most prayers are worse than nothing because they kill our natural motivation to change and grow (just like the praying Christian on the roof of his house in a flood that refused being saved three times while his unbelieving independent unpraying neighbor was saved right away).

I personally am a fairly slow learner, but I value and respect nothing more highly than thoughtful criticism (even though my slowness requires such to also be persistent). I read a list a couple of weeks ago of the top 30 values that people say motivate their actions (to be the best, etc) where the introduction said the normal person was driven by 5-6 of these things. The only value, though, I read from the list that clearly motivates me is the joy of learning. People look at me strange when I say that I usually prefer to lose than win, but there's generally far greater opportunity to learn in losing (clearly the sliver lining in the cloud called "loser") not to mention that playing against better opponents raises my level of play. Now, whether you just give me the right answer with some good advice or show me the right answer by continually beating me (an easier method to get my attention) - my slowness to learn will tend to ignore you the first time, but I eventually listen. I have shown the same tendencies with God, someone who is slow to learn but who eventually listens (and, in the end, appreciates the attention). Life is not about who makes the most money or has the best time, but who learns the most.

But, I'm like most people. While managers think employees most want money, the number one reason people quit - even when saying it's for more money (whether true or not) as we think we're unusual about the importance of money - is for more training and career advancement.

[Nasser]

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

[Anka]

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

[Kate]

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

[Luch]

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

Thank you Francis Schaeffer for sensitizing me to the bigger picture, and for helping me to understand the ways of God from Joshua 22.

[Andy]

Actually the story in Joshua 22 is a great example of how to answer false accusations by brothers. Most of Israel was 'assuming' they had turned away from God but before getting all the facts they rushed to judgment. They were going to kill them for heaven's sake! But the tribes who were living on the other side of the Jordan had done everything asked of them when they had decided in Deut where they wanted their inheritance. As noted by others, it was a memorial or a reminder as opposed to an altar for false worship or even to substitute for the temple.

I have used this as a good example of how to respond when people jump to quick jugdemental accusations especially when people are questioning your motives. We move so qucikly to attack one another when if israel has simply asked a question or believed the best it would have been solved.

[Angelo]

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

[Jenny]

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

[Mae]

I LOVE to worship! I do it everywhere and all the time!
"Do you worship God with a community of believers each week?" ~ Yep, 3 sermons a week, 2 biblestudies a week, once or twice a week the evangelism and the Saturdaynight "coffeehouses", as we call them. And I just LOVE it! I can feel the Holy Spirit doing its work when I stretch out to Jesus to worship Him! I really love the worship songs and I sing them all the time. Like Jenny sais, at work. Most of them know I'm a Christian now. But in the beginning they were surprised to hear songs such as "My Jesus, my Saviour" and "Praise Adonai" ... "God of Wonders" from Rebecca St James. I also love my prayersmeetings 1 hour before each sermon, an hour before we go evangelise and the prayers at home, when I pray for at least 30 minutes a time. I know ... for most of you it's not that long, I'm still in a learning process here LOL I love to worship God at the beginning and end of my prayers. Worship him in tongues and words of worship. Such a great time to be close with Him!

Proverbs 13:18 "If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept criticism, you will be honored." ~ I totally agree: when you can appreciate criticism, it means you are learning. I have grown tremendously in this area. God really helped me with it. I used to run away from criticism or be mean to the person that was giving me criticism. I've learned to listen to it and to take out of it what I think is usefull and to let go of the things that weren't for me. Maybe not let go, but to keep it somewhere and in some points it will happen that I think back and finally understand what they were talking about LOL