Judges 17:1-18:31 + John 3:1-21 + Psalm 104:1-23 + Proverbs 14:20-21
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Old Testament - Judges chapter 17 & 18 are sad chapters to read! In these chapters we see how far a Levitical priest had wandered from his original call to serve God - by accepting money, idols, and position in Micah's house. And we see how far the tribe of Dan had wandered from God's plan for the tribes of Israel by killing the citizens of Laish - a city that did not fall under God's judgment due to serving idols or wickedness - and Laish was outside the geographical boundaries of the tribe of Dan. Unfortunately, we see Dan's tribe worshiping idols. Verse 6 in chapter 17 stood out to me - "In those days Israel had no king, so the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes." This verse certainly seems to be building up to the kings of Israel that will soon be coming. But, this verse also indicates to me the importance for each of us to have a king - so that we don't just do whatever seems right in our own eyes. Fortunately, today, we have Jesus Christ as our king. He is the best king we could ever hope for. Do you consider Jesus to be your king?
An image is below for Judges 18 verses 22 & 23 - "When the people from the tribe of Dan were quite a distance from Micah's home, Micah and some of his neighbors came chasing after them. They were shouting as they caught up with them. The men of Dan turned around and said, "What do you want? Why have you called these men together and chased after us like this?""
New Testament - Today in John chapter 3 we will read about Jesus’ interactions with Nicodemus, a member of the Pharisees. This is obviously a powerful chapter, as Jesus’ words in this chapter include the famous John 3:16. In verse 3 we will read this from Jesus – “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” And to this Nicodemus asks in verse 4 – “How can a man be born when he is old? Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born?” What do these verses mean to you? Do you understand Jesus’ statement in verse 3? Do you understand Nicodemus’ confusion and why he asked the question like he did in verse 4? Jesus later goes on in chapter 3 to say that he is referring to being born again in “the Spirit.” It is not a physical rebirth Jesus is referring to in verse 3, but a Spiritual rebirth. I do think this is an appropriate time in our One Year Bible readings – the gospel of John and John chapter 3 in particular – for each of us to ask ourselves if we have been born again in the Spirit? If not, do you want to be born again in the Spirit? Will you pray today to God and Jesus for this Spiritual rebirth?
Bible.org's commentary on John chapter 3 titled "The Doctrine of Salvation" is at this link and commentary on "Jesus and Nicodemus" is at this link and at this link.
An image is below for verses 14 & 15 as Jesus says this to Nicodemus - "And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so I, the Son of Man, must be lifted up on a pole, so that everyone who believes in me will have eternal life."
Psalms - Psalm 104 is a beautiful hymn to the Creator! I like all of the verses - verse 19 stands out to me because I can find some cool images related to this verse on the web! :) "You made the moon to mark the seasons and the sun that knows when to set."
Proverbs - Today in Proverbs chapter 14 verse 21 we read – “He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.”
Worship Video: Reading John 3:16 today reminded me of the terrific We The Kingdom song "God So Loved:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq5URsXbKXs
Do you believe John 3:16? Click here for God’s love!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you fully know and believe John 3:16. Pray for 316 people that you can share the message of John 3:16 with this next year.
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: How does today's Proverb speak to you? Do you love your neighbor? Who is your neighbor? Do you believe despising your neighbor is a sin? Are you kind to the needy? What are some ways that you are consistently kind to the needy? Do you believe that you are blessed when you are kind to the needy? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
Judges 17:1-18:31
Reading today’s Old Testament passage reminds me that things are pretty much the same today as they were 3-4 thousand years ago, nothing new under the sun. Here we have pictured some family dynamics that have gone awry. We have a son who has stolen from his mother and the return of the money, under threat or fear of a curse, is seen as time to get “religious” and honor the son who stole it. As we read on, we find out that the son’s mother is a grandmother because this man Micah has a son; what a godly example he is for his offspring, NOT.
Superstition, and superstitious have permeated Israel, not only is the God who protected them in the desert, the God who brought them out of Egypt with a might hand not served, he is looked on as one of many gods to be manipulated, a god that can be transferred from one person to another. When a nation falls into this kind of thinking, the children and other family members are used as a means of protection by the head-of-household, or the ones with the biggest posse and the greatest forth of strength. Three times, we read that either the son (1 time) or the priests (twice) were set-up to be “protection” for grown men. (17:5, 10; 18:19). Is this not what Abraham and Isaac subjected their wives too but magnified?
Whether we actually install our children as priests and give them a title as father, when we instruct our children to tell the Bill Collector on the phone that we are not in, when we stand back and send our children to the front of the line so that people will give them preference and force “mercy and grace,” we are setting up our children to be proctors like Micah and the men from Dan. When God moves from being our protector, our provider, our strong tower, when God moves from being a personal God to just a god, our children and relationships become a tool to be used to get what we want. We in effect, like Micah, like Dan establish our own religion build our own idols, even if it is not metal or stone, and offer up our children, spouses, and “friends” and other relationships on the alter of our fears.
Love desires to benefit others at the expense of self – for God so loved the world …; Lusts desires to benefit self at the expense of others. What is it? Do we love or lusts? Some very tough questions that I need to answer.
If people don’t know it, I’ve dedicated myself to focus on and post on the Old Testament readings this year; however, from time to time I will do “hit-and-run” comments on the New and today is one of those days. I read something as per the NLT translation that gave me a new perspective and deeper understanding of something I struggle with, “What does true repentance look like?”
Some background information: The first church I attended after my salvation had, what appeared to me in the beginning, a genuine love for Jesus, but something went wrong, arrogance developed. What had been a church with a humble heart and core became one that screamed “entitlement” because we are God’s people. They forgot about the Mercy of God. Because I wanted to be “loyal” to my church, I turned a blind eye to the things that I saw happening. My son didn’t want to attend the Youth group, and I didn’t force him because a succession of leadership, male and feemale where living together outside of marriage. When I left, after getting a revelation of Jeremiah 14:16, I asked what thing, if any, had I gotten out of being in that church and the only thing I heard was this, “You know what not to do if your kids go to jail.”
What that “knowing” was, was this: Jailhouse conversion doesn’t equal real conversations. Jailhouse conversions are precipitated from the state of “I’m sorry ‘cause I got caught.” It seemed that everybody and his brother/sister was going to jail from some crime, white collar and blue collar. An, “I’m O.K. cause God has my back no matter what I do,” mentality ran amuck. I wasn’t sure if there was ever any scripture to back up what I had discovered until now and it comes from the Words of Jesus, King James style,
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (Joh 3:21)
Since everything that is done in the dark, will come to the light of day, just because something is illuminated doesn’t mean that the person saying, “I’m sorry” is sorry because of his/her behavior, they more than likely are sorry because they got caught. The key is in the first half of Jesus words, “But he that doeth truth cometh to the light …”
Coming into the light after having been in the dark causes your eyes to hurt; you are blinded by that light until your eyes adjust. Coming into the light exposes the sin for what it is, ugly and rotten. While in the dark, what is ugly, gaudy and worthless, can give off the appearance of beauty and value. In the dark the things that are gray and shady, blend in and are hidden by the dark, but in the light everything is exposed.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17 KJVR)
Godly sorrow says, I didn it and I’m repentant and I am willing to pay the cost, and if there is anything else that needs to be exposed, God please show it to me no matter the pain or embarrassment. Worldly sorrow (jailhouse conversions) says, “O.K. I said I was sorry so where is the key so I can get out,” showing an unwillingness to pay the price or change directions.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
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I think the Israelites lost their fear of God.The Levite knew he was called to be a priest as did Micah.The Danites knew as a Levite he was supposed to hear from God yet they had no regard for God or his commandments.To me it seems more like the Danites went to a fortune teller.They had a few facts:the people of Laish were secluded so nobody could help them and they were unsuspecting(even trained armies are vulnerable to a suprise attack how much more these people)...could they have thought in their hearts "who needs God's approval when we can wipe out these people without breaking a nail".They obviously heard about God even went to hear from Him but their actions show they didn't fear God.This still happens today..we go to church to hear from God,maybe even get a blessing but as soon as we get out of church our light shines dimmer that that of an unbelievers.
When Nicodemus spoke to Christ he said "we" kinda makes me wonder if the rabbi's saw the truth but as John said were too full of Zeal for the house of God:it paid well,gave them respect etc.Some of them didn't even believe in resurrection so they wanted to get the best out of life on earth.When they arrested Jesus,they broke a lot of the rules they so meticulosly taught.Like the Levite priest,they only did what paid them well.When Jesus came with the truth it felt bad so they refused to listen.They let their passion for money and power blind them.The pull to listen to our passions,to live it out,to get so involved with our work or problems is sometimes much louder than the voice of the Holy Spirit.I need the fear of the Lord in my life..to know that even though nothing can take away his love for me,my lack of reverence for him will eventually make me loose my love for him then take me on a self distructive path of condamnation.********************************************************************
God bless you all
Anka
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The question do I think Jesus is my king? I have never thought of Jesus as my king. I know that He is the King of Jews. However, when I think of Jesus I think of Him as my Father.
I believe despising your neighbor is a sin. Also you have to remember, who your neighbor? It is not only the person next door, but EVERYONE. I reach out to my neighbor when they need things, I give to the needy, but I know myself I fall short in this area. I feel I am very blessed and I continue to look for areas in my life to help others. God said we are to help the widows, poor and needy, and I try do do as He says. Have a blessed day.
Peggy
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I was always taught that the very next person you see is your neighbor-so I guess that does mean everyone! Jesus is my Father, brother, savior and yes-King. We are called to serve him, as well as serve others in his name.
Cheryl
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About 3 years ago I dropped into a black hole – four months of absolute terror. I wanted to end my life, but somehow [Holy Spirit], I reached out to a friend who took me to hospital. I had three visits [hospital] in four months – I actually thought I was in hell. I imagine I was going through some sort of metamorphosis [mental, physical & spiritual]. I had been seeing a therapist [1994] on a regular basis, up until this point in time. I actually thought I would be locked away – but the hospital staff was very supportive [I had no control over my process]. I was released from hospital 16th September 1994, but my fear, pain & shame had only subsided a little. I remember this particular morning waking up [home] & my process would start up again [fear, pain, & shame]. No one could help me, not even my therapist [I was terrified]. I asked Jesus Christ to have mercy on me & forgive me my sins. Slowly, all my fear has dissipated & I believe Jesus delivered me from my “psychological prison.” I am a practicing Catholic & the Holy Spirit is my friend & strength; every day since then has been a joy & blessing. I deserve to go to hell for the life I have led, but Jesus through His sacrifice on the cross, delivered me from my inequities. John 3: 8, John 15: 26, are verses I can relate to, organically. He’s a real person who is with me all the time. I have so much joy & peace in my life, today, after a childhood spent in orphanages [England & Australia]. God LOVES me so much. Fear, pain, & shame, are no longer my constant companions. I just wanted to share my experience with you [Luke 8: 16 – 17].
Peace Be With You
Micky
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"Will you pray today to 'God and Jesus' for this Spiritual rebirth?"
Nicodemus’ Night Interview With Jesus _(John 3:1-2) Deffenbaugh Bible.org
“Before we move to our Lord’s response, we should observe that Nicodemus is partly correct in his assessment of Jesus. Jesus is a “teacher come from God,” and God is “with Him” (verse 2). What Nicodemus does not know is that his words are even truer than he realizes. Jesus is literally a “teacher come from God.” He has come down to earth from the Father. And God is “with Him.” But Jesus is much greater than Nicodemus ever imagined at this moment in time. He is God, and He manifests the power of God in His teaching and working of signs. It will be some time yet before Nicodemus realizes the full truth of what he has just said. What he hears next catches him completely off guard.
Jesus: Not a Man sent from God, but God come as Man, verse 13. The one thing about Jesus that impressed the crowds (Matt. 7:28-29) and irritated the Jewish leaders (Matt. 91:23) was that He taught and acted with authority. The basic issue for a Pharisee like Nicodemus was the authority of Jesus. Nicodemus was willing to grant, by virtue of the signs performed by our Lord, that Jesus was a man sent from God, but this was not nearly enough. Jesus was God sent as a man. Our Lord’s heavenly origin set him apart from every other Israelite, even the great men such as Abraham, Moses and the prophets: “And no one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven, even the Son of man!” (John 3:13)."
The statement like, "God & Jesus & the Holy Spirit" can confuse unbelievers into thinking that Jesus is not our eternal God who came to earth "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us", lived an unblemished, perfect life and atoned for our sin...We need to be somewhat careful not to confuse the Truth...God, the Father, God the Son, Jesus & God the Holy Spirit...Three in One Holy, Almighty, All Knowing, All Loving God.
God bless you, Mike for all you're doing with this fantastic Blog!
Joy
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I love the story from Jesus and Nicodemus!!!! When people ask me why I made the choice to be reborn, I always give them the chapter of Nicodemus.
Verse 3 "Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” ~ There's no way you can get a better explanation!
Verse 18 "“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in Him. But anyone who does not believe in Him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son". ~ I love this verse!
Proverbs 14:21 ""He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy." ~ I really care deeply for my neighbors, they're not my best friends though. And I know for a fact they are not very fund of us because we are Christians. They were raised Muslims, but do not practise their religion. Many times I've tried to have normal contact with them, but they won't allow it. All I do is pray for them, because they have a terrible relationship. They are not married and have 3 kids from her former marriage. They fight constantly and I feel so sorry for them. Life doesn't have to be this way. I truly believe that we're blessed when we are kind to the needy. I'm doing all the best I can to be kind to the needy. It makes me happy to see a smile on their face when I help them out and I thank the Lord for giving me the strength to help out.
My life is not about me, it's about others.
Mae
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I loved reading the 104th chapter of the books of Pslams today.
I sent this Psalm to a friend today who seems to worship creation more than the Creator. This is a great reminder of who is the true and only Sovereign Creator!
It also reminded me of Job's dealings with God and God's response to Job beginning in chapter 38, vs. 1-4:
"God Speaks Now to Job"
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said, Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now gird up your loins like a man and I will ask you, and you instruct Me! Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding, (NASV).
If you have friends like mine and friends who engage the theory of evolution, I believe chapters 38-41 is a must read - especially if you are ministering to friends and family alike.
My mom was a very prideful woman who thought she could box with God and I was given the opportunity (by His Spirit) to share this particular Word (Job 38-41) with her. And in her last days before the Lord took her, she cried out to Him - Adonai!
What a powerful declaration of our Father God.
Be blessed and be a blessing!
Lisa
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John 3:16 The Gospel in a nutshell. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life". Believes and receives. Even the devil believes but is not saved.
Bob
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All must experience the Spiritual rebirth to experience eternal life..We must die for ourselves.We must look who was lifted up to the cross in behalf of us sinners...He was lifted up in order for us to believe that he saves us. thru His blood that was shed on Mt. Calvary...Do we need to go further.. Jesus , He is the lamb that takes away the sins of the world... No other can do this only Jesus the Living God..
Bobbie
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I have read (and reread) Max Lucado's book 3:16. It's great, and I reccomend you read it too. Max has a great way of bringing you to a deeper connection with our God and our Lord. I have read it in times of trouble and it is a comfort. It helps keeep me on the right track focusing on God as my savior.
Julie
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It is sad that humanity is still the same as it was 2000 years ago. We tend to create an image for what we want or need to worship like Micah & the Danites. We need a physical image of something to believe in or to worship. Even when God sent His only son to save us from our sins, we still need physical evidence (doubting Thomas we are).
One way we could help the needy is to help one needy child, one child at a time. It only cost a little over $1 a day (cost of giving up a cup of coffe a day) to make a profound change to a child through World Vision
Lily
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I too saw a picture of our current situation as I read Judges. We live in a free country with no king and no state religion and in many ways this is a good thing. The state rarely gets religion right and this way we are all responsible for our own relationship with God. But at the same time there is an attitude of, "No one is going to tell me what to think or what to believe." How often do we hear slogans like, "Just be true to yourself."? We live in a society that has lost its compass. When we as a people reject God's word to guide us there is no end to the mess we can make of things. What a contrast when we read the New Testament passage about Jesus' discussion with Nicodemus. Jesus spoke truth and then demanded a decision. He actually said, "Whoever does not believe stands condemned already." These are shocking words in our, "Do your own thing" society. I think that the fact that this is shocking shows just how far we have drifted as a nation.
Teriann
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Today's verses were like soap opera and today's drama. People's schemes are not new under the son. Which is sad but so true.
I loved seeing John 3:16 verse and how God's son was so real..Jesus is so real today and back then and would even coversate with Pharisees
Lovely Psalm about the earth and moon and heavens and Proverbs. Loved those alot
Dee
Ramona,
I agree with you that nothing under the sun has changed in thousands of years. We are all sinners, blind, in the dark, etc. We read the old testament and we think, 'How could the Israelites have been so ______?' But are we not also just as guilty? Especially so before we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. But even then, we are still often blinded by sin. It's just too easy. It comes too natural says Paul. (Personally, I'm thankful for the revelation of certain sins in my life. I'm now much more concerned about the sins I don't recognize yet; pride and selfishness in certain areas.) I am so thankful for the sanctifying work of the Lord, His continual cleansing in our lives. I am sad for the continual need to be cleansed but thankful for the Savior who continues to cleans 70 times 70 times over. I am thankful to be in the light and therefore to know my condition, to know the Savior who has made a way for me, and to know that one day He will finally perfect those who have accepted the truth. The human condition, that we are born into sin and must suffer much in a world under the realm of sin and darkness, has not changed at all. The only one thing that has changed has nothing to do with accomplishments by people but praise God for the change that He has wrought and made available to all.
Briggs
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