THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR l "March 16th Bible Readings" l School of the Bible l VidDevoChurch

March 16th One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 24:1-25:18 ~ Luke 2:1-35 ~ Psalm 59:1-17 ~ Proverbs 11:14
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

Old Testament - Today in Numbers chapter 24 we read about Balaam’s prophecies!  Verse 17 is thought to be prophetic of Jesus: "I see him, but not in the present time.  I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel. It will crush the foreheads of Moab's people, cracking the skulls of the people of Sheth."  Tyndale's commentary today suggests that the star rising from Jacob may be the prophecy that convinced the wise men to travel to Israel in search of the newborn Jesus.  Here's an image of Balaam prophesying over Israel's camp:  (and of course Balak looking horrified over this blessing that Balaam is giving)

And just when it looks like Balaam was turning out to be maybe not so bad in chapter 24... we get to chapter 25...  In chapter 25 we read about Israel's sin in worshiping Baal and their sexual immorality.  What we don't find out until Numbers chapter 31 verse 16 is that Balaam was the principal instigator of the idea of leading Israel toward this sexual sin & idolatry: "They were the ones who followed Balaam's advice and were the means of turning the Israelites away from the LORD in what happened at Peor, so that a plague struck the LORD's people." Revelation chapter 2 verse 14 also refers to Balaam's hand in the incidents that took place: "Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality."  Reading about these incidents in chapter 25 today - do you think people today still live in this tension of serving God versus being seduced by idols?  What saves us from this tension?

Bob Deffinbaugh's take on Chapter 25 and Balaam's behind the scenes work is at Bible.org at this link and leads off with, "Balaam’s Advice: “If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em!”" is at this link.

New Testament - Okay, any fans out there of Charlie Brown's Christmas Special recognize anything here from Luke chapter 2?? :)  Yes, indeed, Linus' speech to Charlie Brown about the meaning of Christmas comes straight from the KJV of this chapter, Luke 2:8-14.  Great speech Linus! 

One thing that seems to be standing out to me quite a bit in reading Luke this year is how much Luke writes about Mary.   I like how Luke gives us a little bit more of a glimpse of the mother of Jesus in his Gospel.  We saw this obviously in our readings 2 days ago about the Magnificat.  And then today we read about Mary listening to the shepherds' words in verse 19: "Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often."  And then in verses 34 & 35 today we read: "Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, "This child will be rejected by many in Israel, and it will be their undoing. But he will be the greatest joy to many others. Thus, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.""  This last sentence of Simeon's seems to be the first glimpse of Jesus' suffering and death that will come later in his life....  Here's a nice image of Simeon holding Jesus:

Bible.org commentary on Luke chapter 2 titled "The Birth of the Messiah" is at this link, and"Acclamations of the Birth of Christ" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 59 has some powerful imagery of the "night of danger" in verse 14 and the "morning of deliverance" in verse 16 - "But as for me, I will sing about your power. I will shout with joy each morning because of your unfailing love."  I like that thought - shouting for joy each morning because of God's unfailing love.  I pray that in some way I "shout" for joy each morning because of God's love.  How about you?  Do you in some way "shout" for joy each morning because of God?

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 11 verse 14 teaches us today: "Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers." This is a great teaching that it is wise to seek the counsel of others!  Whether it is a nation or in our own lives, this is wise advice.  We can't figure it all out on our own.  We need many others in our lives to help counsel us along The Way.  We certainly need the Bible to help counsel us along The Way...

YouTube - Based on my reference above to Linus telling Charlie Brown about the true meaning of Christmas in Luke Chapter 2, here's the clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKk9rv2hUfA

Do you know the true meaning of Christmas? Click here for your Christmas today!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will treasure all of the Words of Scripture that you are reading this year and that you will often ponder the Word in your heart.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Proverb today, do you have advisers in your life today?  Are there times that you try to figure things out just on your own rather than consulting advisers?  Which way works better?  Has the counsel of advisers in your life ever changed how you might have approached a situation on your own?  If you don't have advisers in your life, do you think you should?  Where do you think you can find wise advisers these days?  In church?  In a small group?  In a Bible study?  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

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR l "March 13th Bible Readings" l School of the Bible l VidDevoChurch

March 13th One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 19:1-20:29 ~ Luke 1:1-25 ~ Psalm 56:1-13 ~ Proverbs 11:8
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

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

New Testament - Today we begin the Gospel of Luke!

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

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

Psalms - Psalm 56 verse 10 makes a One Year Bible blogger quite happy :) "O God, I praise your word. Yes, LORD, I praise your word."  Does this verse make you happy?  Do you praise God for the gift of the Bible?  Do you praise God's very Word, the Bible?

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

Worship God: Today's readings in Numbers 19 reminded me of Nicole Nordeman's song "Holy:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6a80TfszMU

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

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

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

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

Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR l "March 12th Bible Readings" l School of the Bible l VidDevoChurch

March 12th One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 16:41-18:32 ~ Mark 16:1-20 ~ Psalm 55:1-23 ~ Proverbs 11:7
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

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

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

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

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

Bible.org's commentary on yesterday & today's readings in Mark titled "A Follower's Opportunity" isat this link.

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

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

Worship God: Psalm 55:22 above reminded me of the fun but great message song by MercyMe called "So Long Self."  Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJtKdjaH2nY

Have you said "so long self?" Click here to meet your true Self!

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

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

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

Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR l "March 11th Bible Readings" l School of the Bible l VidDevoChurch

March 11th One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 15:17-16:40 ~ Mark 15:1-47 ~ Psalm 54:1-7 ~ Proverbs 11:5-6
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

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

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

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

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

Bible.org's commentary on Mark chapter 15 titled "A Follower's Substitute" is at this link.

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

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

Worship God: Per my reflections in Numbers above, and somewhat related to that old R.E.M. song, here is Building 429's great song "End of Me:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkehLFcqSfA

Have you reached the end of you? Click here for the beginning of eternity!

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

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

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

Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR l "March 10th Bible Readings" l School of the Bible l VidDevoChurch

March 10th One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 14:1-15:16 ~ Mark 14:53-72 ~ Psalm 53:1-6 ~ Proverbs 11:4
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

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

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

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

Psalms - If you've ever asked yourself - or ever been asked - why do we need a Messiah?  What is our need of Jesus?  Well, I think this question is clearly answered in verses 2 & 3 of Psalm 53 - "God looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if there is even one with real understanding, one who seeks for God. But no, all have turned away from God; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not even one!"  This is why we need Jesus.  With Jesus, we indeed seek for God.  With Jesus, we are blessed with the Holy Spirit to begin to have some real understanding.  But without Jesus.... well, it reminds me of the old DC Talk song "In the Light" - "What's going on inside of me?  I despise my own behavior.  This only serves to confirm my suspicions, that I'm still a man in need of a Savior!"  Amen... Today's Psalm reminds me of a powerful blog posting from Tim Challies I recently read titled "Real Guilt and Sinfulness," which you can read at this link.

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

Worship God: Today's Proverb reminds me of the thought-provoking song "One Life to Love" by 33Miles:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuIloWyJNXM

Are you living your One Life to Love? Click here for True Love!

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

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

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

Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR l "March 9th Bible Readings" l School of the Bible l VidDevoChurch

March 9th One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 11:24-13:33 ~ Mark 14:22-52 ~ Psalm 52:1-9 ~ Proverbs 11:1-3
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

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:

Commentary from Bible.org on Mark chapter 14 titled " A Follower's Test" is at this link. 

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 God: Psalm 52:9 reminded me of the song "One True God" by Mark Harris.  Here's a great live version of this song:

http://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

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR l "March 6th Bible Readings" l School of the Bible l VidDevoChurch

March 6th One Year Bible Readings

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 BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

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.  More info on the Nazirites is at this link.  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 God: Based on reading the Aaronic blessing today in Numbers, here's the blessing sung as a duet.  Beautiful!

http://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

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR l "March 5th Bible Readings" l School of the Bible l VidDevoChurch

March 5th One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 4:1-5:31 ~ Mark 12:18-37 ~ Psalm 48:1-14 ~ Proverbs 10:26
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

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.  More very interesting information about The Shema from a Jewish website is at this link.

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 God: Today's readings in Mark today about the two greatest commandments reminded me of The City Harmonic's song "Manifesto:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_6JQDsbtlM

Have you ever sang loud Amen's like this song? Click here and sing Amen 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

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR l "March 4th Bible Readings" l School of the Bible l VidDevoChurch

March 4th One Year Bible Readings

Numbers 2:1-3:51 ~ Mark 11:27-12:17 ~ Psalm 47:1-9 ~ Proverbs 10:24-25
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESVBible.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) ~

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, 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 God: Today's Psalm reminded me of the fantastic worship song "You Reign" by MercyMe:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eow2hNlA-k

Do you know our God who Reigns? Click here and meet your King!

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