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#2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 74

Mar14

    Day 74 —  Now that we’ve passed Day 66, we have established a “habit.” So CELEBRATE our habit of daily Bible reading! We are in the THIRD month so far! Praise God!

   Day 74– Deuteronomy 11 – 13 (Love, discipline, & obedience, Holy Worship, False Prophets)

Moses continues his admonitions to Israel in Chapter 11, urging them 1) to LOVE their God (who loves them) and 2) to KEEP his charge, statutes, rules, and commandments, and 3) to CONSIDER the discipline of their God for their good, and 4) to REMEMBER His care for them in the wilderness.  Oh, the blessings that will follow, if they do these!

Then Moses offers them two choices. “See, I am setting before you today a BLESSING  and a CURSE; the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you today, and the curse if you do NOT obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way…and go after gods that you have not know.” Their choice.

In Chapter 12, Moses tells them God will choose a place where He will dwell and where they are to worship Him. No longer will He be in the center of their camp, but in a permanent place in the Promised Land. BUT they are still to come there to offer their burnt sacrifices, no matter how far away they live.

They are also to tear down all the alters and pagan worship places they encounter in the land, and not be tempted to worship false gods there.  God also now says they can slaughter and eat meat whenever they wish, and not first offer it to God.

Moses then gives stern warning against false prophets or “dreamers” in Chapter 13. Even if these men speak truth, and what they say comes to pass, IF THEY LEAD TO IDOL WORSHIP, they are to be stoned to death, so that “evil will be purged from Israel’s midst.”  EVEN IF their close relatives tempt them secretly to go serve other gods, they are to be killed.

LOVE the LORD only, and SERVE HIM only.

#2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 73

Mar13

    Day 73 —  Now that we’ve passed Day 66, we have established a “habit.” So CELEBRATE our habit of daily Bible reading! We are in the THIRD month so far! Praise God!

   Day 73– Deuteronomy 8 – 10 (Remember, don’t forget, not your righteousness, 2nd chance)

In these chapters Moses continues with his admonitions, reminders and challenges to Israel while on the brink of entering the Promised Land.

In Chapter 8 Moses tells them to remember how the LORD led them and took care of them for 40 years. How he humbled and tested them, how he fed them and kept their clothes from wearing out and their feet from swelling.

He also tells them not to forget the LORD once they are in that good and fruitful land, and their homes are built, crops & herds flourishing, and bellies full.  But remember how he kept them in that terrifying wilderness and watered and fed them there.  They are to remember it is the LORD who gives them the power to get wealth, and to NOT forget their God and go after idols.

In Chapter 9, Moses reminds them them that it was NOT THEIR righteousness that brought them to the Promised Land, but because of the wickedness of the nations they will be driving out.  These nations’ iniquity had grown to full ripeness, and Israel was going in to pluck and destroy it.  THEIR wickedness, not ISRAEL’S righteousness is bringing them into the Land, for they are a stubborn people.

Moses reminds them of the horrible golden calf they built and worshiped, and how he fell flat on his face before God for forty days interceding for them and for Aaron that God would not destroy them all, not for THEIR sake, but for HIS great name’s sake.

In Chapter 10, He tells them again of the tables of stone which contain the Ten Commandments for them to keep. “And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD…..for your good.”

And they were to “circumcise their hearts and no long be stubborn, for “the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, the awesome God.”  “He is your praise, He is YOUR God.”

#2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 72

Mar12

    Day 72 —  Now that we’ve passed Day 66, we have established a “habit.” So CELEBRATE our habit of daily Bible reading! We are in the THIRD month so far! Praise God!

   Day 72 – Deuteronomy 5 – 7 (Recap of the Ten, Admonishment, the Shema, Promises, God’s chosen & loved people)

These chapters are full of the goodness and sweetness  and majesty of the LORD for Israel. Attributes that made them want to promise to fear and obey Him always.   (But, alas, God knew they would/could not.)

Chapter 5 Moses reviews the Ten Commandments by first calling them together with, “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the rules that I speak in your hearing today, and you shall learn them and be careful to do them.”

The people proclaim God’s glory and greatness, and claim that, what He says, “we will hear and do it.”

God answers with longing, “Oh that they had such a mind as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants forever.”  (Amen, for me too.)

In Chapter 6,  Moses gives the “greatest commandment.”  “HEAR, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your might.”

And HOW to do them? By keeping them in their heart, teaching them diligently to their children, talking about them when they sit in their house, walk by the way and lie down, and rise up. They should bind them as “a sign” on their hand and forehead (what they do & think). They should write time on the doorposts of their homes and on the gates.  (They are to be totally surrounded and emersed in the Words of God.)

Then follows a warning to them (and to us) that when they are in the land of good and plenty, that they should NOT forget Him, but fear and serve and love Him ONLY. And not put Him to the test.

In Chapter 7, Moses assures Israel that they are a people holy to God, “The LORD your God has CHOSEN you to be a people for his treasured possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. It was NOT because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his LOVE on you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the LORD loves you and is keeping the oath that He swore to your fathers.”

“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who LOVE HIM and keep his commandments to a THOUSAND GENERATIONS.”

And God goes on to list many great and wonderful promises of blessing, fruitfulness, health, freedom from enemy attack and fear.  If they would but serve and worship HIM ONLY!!

#2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 70 & 71

Mar11

    Day 70 & 71—  Now that we’ve passed Day 66, we have established a “habit.” So CELEBRATE our habit of daily Bible reading! We are in the THIRD month so far! Praise God!  (Note: SUNDAY’s reading is combined with MONDAY’s)

   Day 70 – Deuteronomy 1 – 2 (God’s orders & Moses’ Recap so far)

Deuteronomy means “Second Law” so in this book, Moses repeats a lot of what has happened so far, and explains and clarifies the law God gave them. He will also tell them what will happen if Israel obeys, and what will happen if they don’t.

In Chapter 1, Moses reviews the journey from Mt. Horeb (Sinai) to where they are at present, east of the Jordan River.  Their journey should have taken eleven DAYS, but here they are in the fortieth YEAR.  Why?  He recalls how they had originally approached the Promised Land, sent in spies, and believed the fearful report from 10 of the spies, and decided to choose a new leader and go back to Egypt.

God responded by telling them they would indeed go back, but just into the wilderness until ALL that generation was DEAD. When they heard that, they wept bitterly, but “the LORD did not listen to their voice or give ear to them.” (1:45)

In Chapter 2, Moses tells how God eventually instructed them to turn NORTH.  But He warned them not make trouble with Edom (descendants from Jacob’s brother Esau) or with Moab & Ammon (sons of Abraham’s nephew, Lot), because they were “Family” and God had also given them their land (for Abraham’s sake). God promised to put “fear and dread” in the hearts of all the rest of their enemies for their sake as they moved into enemy territory.

    Day 71 – Deuteronomy 3 – 4 (Reminders of God’s power in war, Moses’ request denied, No other God like Israel’s God)

In Chapter 3, Moses recalls to the people how God helped them war & win against King Og and King Sihon, without a man of Israel lost, and how they were enriched by all the spoil.

(A fun side note is that King Og was the last of the giants (Rephaim) in that area, and that his bed (or coffin) was 13.5 feet long and 6 feet wide.  In reminding Israel how God had defeated him, they were not to be afraid of the other giants in the land.)

Moses then pleads with God. “Please let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan.”

The LORD answers sternly, “Enough from you. Do not speak to me of this matter again.”

However God does allow Moses to “see” the Land from the North to South, and East to West from Mt. Pisgah, but it is Joshua who will lead the people to possess the Promised Land.

In Chapter 4, Moses repeatedly WARNS Israel not to make or worship any carved idol-gods, for WHO IS LIKE OUR GOD?  What nation has ever had so powerful and righteous a god as the God of Israel. They are to remember all He has done for them, rescuing them from “the Iron Furnace” of Egypt, caring for them, loving them, providing for them, protecting them.

They are also to remember that the LORD their God is a “consuming fire, a jealous God” (for the people He chose, loved, and rescued).  He warns that if they turn from this truly magnificent omnipotent God, He will send them to exile. But even there, He will not forsake them. And if they seek Him with all their hearts, they will find Him. For their God is also “a merciful God.” He would not leave or destroy them or forget the covenant He swore to their forefathers.

He is like no other!  There is no other besides Him. THEREFORE, they were to keep his statutes and His commandments.  From there Moses gives an introduction to the Law that God wrote on the tablets of stone.

(Next chapter will review the TEN in detail)

#2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 56 & 57

Feb26

   Day 56 & 57 —  We are still in the second month, but we’ve begun a new book! We’ve been reading for a 1/12 of a year! Praise God! I hope that it’s become a GOOD habit that will continue. (SUNDAY’s reading is combined with MONDAY’s)

   Day 56 – Numbers 5 – 6  (Confession & restitution, a test for Adultery, The Nazirite Vow)

God again tells Moses to instruct Israel on how to deal with uncleanness, and how to make restitution for sins against others. They must confess and then make things right.

Also in chapter 5, are the details solving the problem of jealousy by a husband towards what he thinks may be his cheating wife. It’s a bit frightening, involving certain offerings and a drink of holy water mixed with dust from the floor of the Tabernacle, and ink that the curses were written in. It was called “the water of bitterness that brings a curse.” The suspected adulteress was to take an oath. When she drank the water, THE LORD ALONE KNEW HER GUILT OR INNOCENSE, and would judge her with … 1) nothing, which proved her fidelity, or 2) a curse of bitterness, swollen bowels and a rotted thigh. (Definitely a strong deterrent to sleeping around)

Chapter 6 covers the rules concerning whether a man or woman wants to voluntarily make a special vow to the LORD, the Nazirite Vow. The requirements for keeping this vow are even more strict than the ones governing the priests’ lives. Grapes (any part and in any form), hair cutting, and being near a dead body were all forbidden. If any of that happened, the person would have to begin the period of their vow again from the start.  Samuel, Samson, and John the Baptist were men in scripture with life-time Nazirite Vows.

     Day 57 – Numbers 7 (Israel’s offerings)

The very long chapter 7 covers in DETAIL the many varied and abundant offerings that the people brought to the House of the LORD, tribe by tribe, for it’s use and the support of the Levites.

First the chiefs of all the tribes brought six wagons and twelve oxen to pull them. Two wagons with their oxen to the Gershonite clan of Levi (They were the ones who transported all the cloth materials of the Tabernacle and courtyard). Four wagons with their oxen went to the Merarite clan of Levi (They carried the poles, bases, and structural pieces of the Tabernacle). No carts or oxen was given to the Kohathite clan, for they were to carry the holy objects on their shoulder by the attached poles.

After that EACH TRIBE (listed in order they were set in camp, Judah first) gave THE EXACT SAME THINGS for the support of the Levites and the Tabernacle — a silver plate and bowl full of fine flour and oil (a grain offering); a golden dish full of incense; a bull, ram, male lamb for a burnt offering; one male goat for a sin offering; and two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs for the peace offering.

And then Moses went into the Tent to speak with the LORD, and the voice of the LORD spoke to him.

#2024 GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 21 & 22

Jan22

    Day 21 & 22 — (I combine Sunday and Monday reads.)  Won’t you read the Bible with me this year?   It only takes a few minutes.  (You can also listen to an audio recording.)

   Day 21 – Genesis 27-29  (Isaac & sons, Jacob on his own)

Chapter 27 tells us that Isaac is getting old and blind. He is 137 years old (the age his half-brother, Ishmael died, and he assumes his death is coming soon. But Genesis 35:28 tells us he actually will live another 43 years and die at 180!!!)

But that was his frame-of-mind when he decided to bestow the “Blessing” on his older son, Esau (whom he loved best, because of the food he brought. Hmm, like father, like son: food would be his downfall!)  He asks Esau to go hunt for some fresh meat, cook it, and bring it to him so he could bless him.  Exit Esau, Meanwhile behind the tent flap Rebekah & Jacob eavesdrop.  And Mom sets a plan into action that will eventually deprive her of her favorite son for the rest of her life.

Together, with like-tasting venison-stew, kid leather hand and neck coverigs, and a stolen robe of Esau’s they TRICK old Isaac into blessing Jacob.  Now God had already promised this, and might have brought it about in an amicable way, but Mom couldn’t chance. it.  The ruse goes off, with only a few suspicious questions, and Jacob receives the Patriarchal Blessing. But is he blessed?  You decide.

Esau returns and blows up at the trick. He now has neither Birthright or Blessing. He threatens to kill his brother (as soon as their father dies). Rebekah is frightened he WILL do it, and convinces her husband to send Jacob off to her brother Laben’s family “to get a non-pagen wife.”  Remember Esau’s Hittite wives who were bitterness for her and Isaac.

Chapter 28, it sounds good to Isaac and he sends Jacob off to Haran, where his very own wife came from. Sadly Rebekah never sees her fave boy again. She dies before he comes back.

Too bad they hadn’t know Proverbs 3:5-6.

Heading north, Jacob stops at a place he renames Beth-el (house of God) and has a fantastic dream about a ladder stretching from earth to heaven, and angels going up and down on it.  (Remember the song about climbing Jacob’s Ladder?)  And the LORD, the God of Jacob’s fathers, appears and blesses him: his offspring as numerous as dust – the land theirs forever – all the nations to be blessed through his Offspring.

On top of that, God promises to be with Jacob always and will bring him back to The Land.  Jacob vows back to God, saying that if He will do all that, then the LORD will be Jacob’s God too.

Chapter 29 – Jacob reaches Haran, and (deja vu) he sees a woman coming to water her sheep who is of the very household he’s looking for. It’s love at first sight. Her father, Laban (Jacob’s uncle), agrees to give Rachel to him as a wife …. for seven years of free labor.  The years fly by.  The wedding feast comes, and he marries Laban’s veiled daughter.

Come morning… YIKES!!! Not the beautiful Rachel, but her older, not-so-pretty sister, Leah. Jacob complains to Laban. YOU TRICKED ME!  Ah, Jacob, you know how it feels now!  Laban says, oh, I forgot to tell you the oldest daughter gets married first. But no problem, Rachael can be yours for another seven years free labor.  A week later, Jacob now has two wives, and although LEAH is considered Jacob’s “prime wife” by God, Jacob always calls RACHEL his true wife.

Four sons are born to Jacob by Leah – Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah (the son through whom the Messiah will come.)  Judah’s name means PRAISE because with him, Leah praised the LORD.

   Day 22 – Genesis 30 – 31

Chapter 30 begins with a MEGA STRIFE in Jacob’s household. He is bought, bartered, and traded between his two wives and their servent girls for his affections and his “power to impregnate”. Before the chapter is done, Jacob (at 91)  has eleven sons and a daughter and he thinks it’s time for him to “go home,” back to the Promised Land. Uncle Laban objects hotly. Jacob has been his “rain maker” and brought much prosperity to him.

ALLOW him leave?  NO!!!

In chapter 31 Jacob sighs and agrees to work a few more years, all the while plotting an outrageously weird plan to “cheat” Laban out of his best sheep and goats. Laban is conniving too, and switches the rules several times. (What a pair!) Jacob claims Laban cheated him TEN TIMES!

(Oh, Jacob, remember the lentil stew you traded for the Birthright? Remember the kid-leather gloves and claiming to be Esau to get the blessing…..?)

But God is sovereign in all, and Jacob prospers despite all the trickery.  Then God sends an angel to tell Jacob it’s time to, “go out from this land and return to the land of your kindred.”

He takes his two wives out into a field and secretly tells them to pack up, that they are leaving.  And while Laban and his other sons are moving the sheep to another pasture, Jacob, all his women and kids and possessions exit Haran, gaining a 3-day lead on his father-in-law.

Laban is furious and takes some men in hot pursuit. But God sent a nightmare to Laban warning him, “Be careful not so say anything to Jacob, bad or good.”  Laban catches them and rants at Jacob. WHY have you tricked me? Why did you trick me?  It’s in my power to do your harm, but….. your God warned me not to.

At the end, he just asked to kiss his daughters and grandkids goodbye.  Things calm down, but then Laban drops a bombshell.  “I know you longed greatly for your father’s house…..but WHY DID YOU STEAL BY IDOLS?”

What???

Jacob swears he did NOT take them, and allows Laban to search all his tents, pronouncing a “curse of death” on anyone who has them. (Jacob will rue the-is day.)

But…Jacob did not know that Rachel — his beloved Rachel, his precious wife, the mother of his favorite son, Joseph — had taken the idols from her father’s house. She hid them under a camel’s saddle in her tent and sat on it, claiming to be in “the monthly way of women,” and not able to get up.

Jacob and Laban argue more, and finally agree on a mutual oath, that they would be “keeping an eye” on each other. The oath they swore has been taken as a benediction today, but it was originally a malediction.

“The LORD watch between you and me, when we are out of one another’s sight.”

And they set up a piller (like a line drawn in the sand) saying that neither one was to pass over it to do the other one harm.  “May God judge between us” they vow.

In the morning Laban kissed his grandchilddren and daughters and went home. Jacob went on the other way.

May 5, 2021 – #5 of 31 Days of Biblical Women

May5

Eve ~~

Genesis 2:15-25

Eden, fresh from the hand of the Creator. Beautiful beyond imagination. Self watering and weed free. Every tree bearing delicious fruit, just for the picking. Yes, there were two special trees in the very heart of the Garden. The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

There was only one prohibition. Do not eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

They why plant it there? To see if man would choose life.

Then from His loving heart, the Creator put the man into a deep sleep, took one of his ribs and closed the flesh. Out of the rib, He made a perfectly matched and fitting together, helpmate. A woman. And the man was “wowed!”

Naked and unashamed the roamed and worked the Garden, eating fruit as they desired, learning about each other. Heaven on earth.

One day, walking together, the woman laughing and frolicking, her toes treading deep in the soft dewy grass, they came upon a magnificent tree.

“No, Eve. Let’s go on. We aren’t to eat the fruit on that tree.”

“Why not?” she asked her husband.

“The LORD God said so,” Adam told her.

“But why not?” she said again, walking toward the tree, her eyes wide with wonder.”

“He said we would surely die.”

“What does ‘die’ mean, Adam?” she said circling the trunk of the enticing tree, delight on her face.

“Why, hello there,” came a silvery voice from the heavily laden branches. “Did God actually say ‘you shall not eat of any tree in this lovely garden?”

The woman peered closer and saw a beautifully colored serpant weaving before her.  “We may eat of all the trees here except this one. He said we would ‘surely die’ if we did. We may not even touch it,” she added coyly.

“You shall not surely die,” came the sensuous, deep voice. “For God knows that when you do eat of it, you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

He paused then continued, “Here, try one. It is sweeter than any fruit you have ever eaten.”

The woman saw that the fruit would be good for food, and wasn’t that her tummy growling?

It was a beautiful fruit as well, so shining and deeply hued. She fancied she could even smell the warm fruitiness. Her mouth began to water.

And, if eating the fruit would make her wise, well, why wouldn’t anyone want that. She reached up, touched one of the fruits, and it fell into her hand.  She put it to her mouth and took a bite. It was so sweet and juice ran down her chin. “Ohhhhhh!” she moaned in pleasure.

“Here, husband, you must have one too!”

And Adam also ate.

Instantly the eyes of their soul were opened and the knew they were naked and they were ashamed. They crept into the trees, hands and arms covering the parts of their bodies they had deemed beautiful before. The half-eaten fruit lay in the grass, already beginning to rot. Flies hovered nearby.

 

Later, in the cool of the evening when they always walked and talked with their Creator, they heard His voice. That voice that had inspired such great joy within them, now struck terror.

“Where are you, my children?”

Adam crept out from the bushes, the hastily woven leaves covering his genitals. “I… we…heard your voice and were afraid because we are naked.”

“WHO told you, you were naked?” thundered the voice of God. “Have you eaten of the tree which I commanded you not to eat?”

“The woman you gave me to be with, she gave me the fruit and I ate.” Adam answered his voice quavering.

God turned to the woman, “What have you done?”

“The…the…serpent deceived me… and… I ate,” her voice barely a whisper.

The God of the Universe turned to the serpant and roared, “You are cursed above all things. I will put enmity between you and the offspring of the woman. You shall bruise His heel.  But HE, He shall crush your head!”

“And as for you, woman, you will have pain now in childbearing. Your desire will be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.”

Majesty turned then to Adam. And in a still but intense voice, He said, “Because you listened to your wife, cursed is the ground because of you. In pain you shall eat of it all your days. Prickling, painful thorns will it bring forth for you, to tear your flesh. You will sweat and toil and in the end you will return to the dust from which I made you.”

Then in saddness and anger the Creator drove the humans He’d created out from the Garden He’d made for them. He placed one of His myriads of cherubim with a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the Tree of Life.

Lest the man and woman now eat of it and live eternally in their SIN.

The picture represents Eve in shame before Mary who is carrying the promised offspring, the Son of God, who will indeed die by the serpant’s wiles, but who will rise from the dead triumphant to crush death and Satan forever.

 

 

LORD, help me to seek Your face and Your ways, and to love and obey you with my whole heart. Lead me not into temptation and deliver me from the Evil One.

Jh

YET I will rejoice in the Lord!

Jan12

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NIV)
“Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to tread on the heights.”

 

Make “YET” be your word in 2021

Mark 4:14-20 – The Meaning of the First Parable

Sep8

After explaining WHY He is now speaking to the people ONLY in parables*, Jesus explains the meaning of the Parable of the Sower (actually the Soils).  It is important that Jesus tells them because by understanding this first parable, the disciples will be able to understand ALL the parables. (Mark 4:13)

The SOWER is Jesus here, but also the Old Testament prophets, the disciples, the apostles, preachers, teachers, and all true believers.

The SEED is “the Word” (the Word of God, the truth of God, the Gospel of salvation, the Grace of God in truth, the Word of Christ, the Truth, the Good News, the imperishable Seed, the living and abiding Word of God, Truthful speech, and the “washing” detergent which the Holy Spirit uses when He regenerates believers.**) that the sowers scatter into the world (as per the Great Commission, Matthew 28:19-20, and Mark 16:15-16).

The SOILS are the hearts of the hearers of the Word.  All of them listen, but their responses differ.  Only a few will truly HEAR the message, receive it, accept it, believe it, obey it…. and ultimately become fruitful.

#1 Soil = No interest.

#2 Soil = Superficial commitment.

#3 Soil = Love of the world is too strong.

#4 Soil = Understanding, believing, are regenerated, and bear fruit.

Long afterwards, Jesus’ brother James, one of those true believers, writes a warning and a call to commitment for us in his book, “Be DOERS of the Word, and not HEARERS ONLY, deceiving yourselves.” James 1;22

 

* Jesus gave the crowds ample opportunity to hear his direct teaching (see the previous post), and believe in Him. For those who did, He gives further understanding, to those who rejected Him, he now speaks in mysteries and secrets.  Those who are willing to HEAR, receive more. Those who REFUSE, lose what bit of understanding they had.

** See Romans 10:17, Ephesians 1:13, Colossians 1:5, I Thessalonians 2:13, Titus 3:5, 1 Peter 1:22-25,