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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 95

Apr5
Day 95.  Reading Judges 16 – 17 
 

Read today’s scripture.

Is there anything that encourages you from the book of Judges?

Judges 16.

Oh, Samson. Your lustful eyes and arrogant pride will be your downfall. (Literally.)

Samson goes down to Gaza, the southernmost Philistine city, and there he sees and uses a prostitute. When the people learn their arch-enemy is in town, they surround the house, thinking they will kill him at dawn. But Samson wakes at midnight, goes to the gates of the town (which are closed/locked for the night), pulls up the posts, and carries them and the gates to the top of a nearby hill.  So much for locking him in!

Then, in another place, Samson sees and falls for Delilah. Instead of trying to “take” Samson at dawn, as the people of Gaza, these Philistines offered to pay Delilah $35K to discover the “trick” to his strength.

She woos him, plays on his pride, and using her feminine wiles, has him “confess” three times the key to his strength. She calls the men, but Samson breaks the bindings like wax. She is peeved (seeing that cash melt away) and eventually tricks Samson into telling the true source of his strength – his Nazarite Vow, which forbids him cutting his hair.

Samson sleeps, Delilah calls a barber then the Philistines. Yep, he’s as weak as a babe.  The last thing Samson sees before losing his eyes is Delilah counting her money.  Betrayed!!!  Such glee among the Philistines! They make him “perform” and then put him to work like an ox, grinding grain at the mill in prison.

(Was Jesus thinking of Samson when He said, “If your eye offends you, gouge it out.”? (See Matthew 5:27-29)

But Samson’s hair begins to grow.  And perhaps repentance and submission to God too.

Years later at a great feast for their god, Dagon, who has the head of a man and the body of a fish, the great crowd gets bored and calls for some entertainment. Samson.  The blind man, with a head of hair to his shoulders (DIDN’T THEY SEE THAT???) is brought in to perform and be mocked.  They laugh and cheer and guzzle their wine.

“Young man,” Samson whispers, “let me feel the pillars with my hands so I may rest.“

The boy places Samson’s hands on the two center columns.

He pretends to sag with exhaustion.

“O LORD God,” he prays silently, “please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my eyes.”

God hears him. 

Samson grasps the pillars with his hands and leans forward.

“Let me die with the Philistines!” He prays.

And he pulled with all this strength … and the house fell down.

“The dead whom Samson killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life.“

His brothers buried him in the tomb of his father, Manoah. He was a national hero who died for his God and country. 

DID YOU KNOW? Samson is on the list of the heroes of the Faith in Hebrews 11:32, along with Gideon, Barak, and Jephthah.

Judges 17.

This story is evidence that the people of Israel had NOT been reading the Law of God annually.  They had no idea about His commands, statutes, rules, and laws.

Micah, a man from the tribe of Ephraim was a thief to begin with.  He stole 1,100 pieces of silver from his mother but returned it. She was so happy that she dedicated some of it to make a silver image. An idol!! She put it in her son’s house along with the ephod he made and a bunch of other household idols. This inspired Micah to ordain his son as a priest. (MAN!!! How far can they go from the LAW OF THE LORD??)

“There was no king in Israel in those days. (So) Everyone did what was right in his OWN EYES.

Then a true Levite living in Judah’s land journeyed to the land of Ephraim. When Micah saw him, he thought, “Wow, here is a real priest!!” He invited the man to stay with him. The smug Micah then thought to himself, “Now I know that the LORD will prosper me because I have a Levite as a priest.” SERIOUSLY??

Judges 18.

Dan, the tribe from which Samson came, “was seeking for itself an inheritance to dwell in, for until then, no inheritance among the tribes of Israel had fallen to them?”

(WHAT??  What about that small area on the coast including Joppa? Judges 1:34 tells us that they were indeed given that land, but THEY HAD FAILED TO SECURE IT and let the Amorites press them up into the hill country.)

Anyway, now this very small tribe was looking for some land they could easily take. Spies left Zorah (Samson’s town) and came to Micah’s house. They asked the wayward Levite priest living there for God’s direction. “Oh, all is cool,” said the Levite. “Go in peace. The journey on which you go is under the eye of the LORD.”

So the five spies went waaaayyyyyyy north into the land of the Sidonians (not the land that God had given to Israel).  The people there were isolated and quiet. Cool. No problem.  They returned to their fellow Danites and said, “Let’s go up against this people, for we’ve seen the land and it is very good. Don’t be slow to go and possess the land.  The people are unsuspecting. The land is spacious. We will lack nothing there.” 

So 600 Danites, armed with weapons of war went up and arrived at the house of Micah. The 600 men went into his house and took the ephod, the household gods, and the carved silver image.

“What are you doing?” asked the Levite.

“Keep quiet. Come with us. You can be a priest of a whole tribe in Israel, and not just one man. “

“Cool!” said the priest. He took the artifacts and went with the Danite troops.

Micah, of course, was not happy.  “Why are you taking my priest and my gods?“

The Danites told him to be quiet or else he’d “lose his life.”

The Danites then went up to the people of Laish, a quiet and unsuspecting people, and struck them with the sword and burned their city.  There was no deliverer for them since Sidon was so far away. 

The Danites rebuilt the city and named it Dan. They set up the carved image and had the priests as their own. And so they remained until the day of the captivity of the land. 

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 73

Mar14
Day 73.  Reading Deuteronomy 8 – 10. 
 

Read today’s scripture.

What do you learn NEW about God’s goodness?

Who can you share that with today?

Deuteronomy 8.

In yesterday’s reading, God, through Moses, left the people of Israel with a solemn warning of how He viewed the images and idols of the Canaanites.  THEY should utterly detest and abhor them, as HE did.

Today, Moses tells them that those idols would be the ultimate test of their love towards God. He tested them in the wilderness, “to know what was in their hearts.” He humbled them and let them hunger “to let them know that man does not live by bread alone.”

Now, in giving them the “good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing out in the valleys and hills, a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey, a land in which they will eat brad without scarcity, in which they will lack nothing” God was giving them another test.

“Take care lest you forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments and His rules and His statutes.  LEST, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied…. YOU FORGET the LORD your God who brought you up out of Egypt.”

“BEWARE lest you say in their heart ‘MY power and the might of MY hand has gotten me this wealth.’  You shall REMEMBER the LORD your God, for it is HE how gives you power to get wealth.

“And IF you FORGET the LORD their God and go after gods to serve and worship them … YOU shall perish like the nations before you.”

Deuteronomy 9.

Moses continues to encourage, scold, and warn the people of Israel.  When they conquer the Promised Land, they are not to think that THEY did it, that THEIR righteousness got them the land.  No, it was God — who is a consuming fire — that went before them and destroyed their enemies.

It certainly was NOT their righteousness that caused them to possess the land, but the wickedness of those peoples, and because of the promise God made to their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  No, the Israelites were a STUBBORN, not righteous people who had severely provoked the LORD in the wilderness.

Moses reminds them of that horrible time when he was 40 days with God, that they build and worshiped the golden calf.  He reminded them how God wanted to destroy them all, and how he — in anger — had thrown down the tablets of stone.  He reminded them how he returned another 40 days before the LORD and laid prostrate on his face before God, pleading for them, for his brother, Aaron, and for God’s reputation and Name.   

Deuteronomy 10.

Moses continues the story, how the LORD relented because of Moses’ intercession, gave him two replacement stone tablets with the LAW engraved on them, and how he put them in the Ark of the Covenant as a remembrance.   He reminded them how God set apart the tribe of Levi because of their ZEAL for Him. They were to care for the Tabernacle and the Holy Things.

“And now, Israel, WHAT DOES THE LORD YOUR GOD REQUIRE OF YOU?  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 will all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statues of the LORD ….. for your good. 

“Remember, the LORD your God — to whom belons the heavens and all that is in the earth — has set His heart in love on your fathers and chose their offspring, YOU above all peoples, as you are this day.  Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your HEART and no longer be stubborn, 

“For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God.”

“YOU shall fear the LORD your God. YOU shall serve Him and hold fast to him, and by His Name you shall swear. HE is your praise. HE is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen. 

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****O Lord, may I also never forget who You are, all the great and mighty things you have done for me, though I too am stubborn, sinful and not righteous at all … except for the righteousness You have given me through Your Son, Jesus. 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 60

Mar1
Day 60.  Reading Numbers 14 – 15 and Psalm 90. 
 

Read today’s scripture.

What do you learn about God’s goodness?

Who can you share that with today?

Numbers 14.

Yesterday’s reading ended with a showdown. Two against ten.

Two spies (Joshua & Caleb) said the land of Canaan was ripe with food, and ready for picking. The inhabitants were big, but no problem for the children of God. Let’s go in and conquer!

Ten spies agreed that the land of Canaan was ripe with food, but bemoaned the giant cities with tall walls, and the giant people that made them look (in their own eyes) like grasshoppers.  NO WAY can we conquer!

And the rest of the two million people?  They were swayed by the TEN, and cried with a loud voice and wailed and wept. They grumbled against Moses and Aaron. They bemoaned (get this, for God will answer this prayer), “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in the wilderness! Why is the LORD bringing us into this land, to fall by the sward? Let’s choose a leader and go back to Egypt.”

Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before the people.

Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes and cried, “PEOPLE OF ISRAEL! The land is exceedingly good.  If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land and give it to us… Only DO NOT REBEL AGAINST THE LORD! Do not fear the people – they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them. THE LORD IS WITH US. Do not fear them!

As the masses were picking up stones to stone the two, the GLORY OF THE LORD appeared.

“MOSES, how long will this people despise me? How long will they not BELIEVE IN ME, in spite of all the signs I have done among them.  I will strike them with the pestilence and disinherit them, and I will make of YOU a nation greater and mightier than they!”

And once again, Moses interceded for the righteousness of the LORD’s name and honor (“If you kill this people as one man, then the nations who have heard of Your fame will say, It is because the Lord was not able to bring them to the land as He swore.”).

And Moses pleaded for those horrible rebellious people too. He claimed and clung to God’s promises of love and mercy and forgiveness. (Please pardon the iniquity of the people, according to the greatness of your steadfast love, just as you have forgiven them from Egypt until now!”)

Oh, for such an intercessor today!

And the LORD heard Moses’ prayer. “I have pardoned according to your word. BUT…..truly, as I live, and as all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD, NONE of the men who have seen my glory and my signs… and yet have put me to the test…and not obeyed my voice… shall see the land I swore to give to their fathers.  NONE who despised me shall see it.  And so, TURN BACK TOMORROW AND SET OUT FOR THE WILDERNESS.”

And to the people, God said, “As I live, what you have said, I will do. Your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness, and all those listed in the census, 20 years old and upward, who have grumbled against me, SHALL NOT ONE COME INTO THE LAND, except Caleb and Joshua.  Your little ones – whom you said would fall prey – THOSE I will bring into the land.

“Your children shall be shepherds in the wilderness FORTY YEARS, and shall suffer for YOUR faithlessness UNTIL THE LAST OF YOUR DEAD BODIES LIES IN THE WILDERNESS. I the LORD have spoken.”

And immediately those ten unfaithful spies died of a plague.  ZAAPP!!!

After hearing that horrible 40 year sentence of death, the people changed their minds.  “Here we are!  We will go up into the land that the LORD promised us!”

Moses: “No! Now you are being more rebellious. The LORD is not with you!!!”

People:  “But we WILL go up into the country and fight them!”

But  neither the Ark of the Covenant, nor Moses left the camp. And the Amalekites and Canaanites came down and defeated them.  (And so, the first of those thousands of fit-for-battle rebels died.)

  • O LORD, I confess that I am so often like the people of Israel. Please keep me from walking in my own sinful rebellious ways. Grant me faith to believe ALL You promise, and courage to obey. And Father, please keep me from presumptuous sins!  Give me a humble, loving heart as Moses had.

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Numbers 15.

Even though God had pronounced the “death penalty” on the older generation of Israelites, he still had in mind to give Israel (eventually) the land of Canaan.  And He still required the sacrifices and offerings to continue as the roamed the desert. Both unintentional and intentional (knowingly and deliberately done) sins are next covered. 

Unintentional sins require and offering. A Person who sins intentionally “with a high hand” despising the word of the LORD, shall be put to death.  The example of a man who deliberately went out to gather firewood on the Sabbath, was stoned to death.

God then gave a way for Israel to always remember His commands.  They (the men) were to make tassels for the corner of their garments (shirts), each with a blue thread on it. These would be visible to themselves and to each other.

When they looked at them, they were to remember “all the commandments of the LORD, to DO them, not to follow after their own heart and their own eyes, which they were inclined to whore after. They were to remember to DO all His commandments, and be holy to their God. ‘I am the LORD your God.'”

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Psalm 90.  “A Prayer of Moses, the Man of God”  

(Here Moses seems to be asking God to have mercy on sinful humans living in a sin-cursed world. It seems to have  been written to the older generation of Israelites who were dying off in the wilderness.)

“Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.”  ” …from everlasting to everlasting YOU are God.”   “For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.”

“You return man to dust.”  “You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning…in the evening it fades and withers.”

“For all our days pass away under Your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone and we fly away.”

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”

“Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.”

“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!”

 

 

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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 40 & 41

Feb10

Days 40 & 41.  Reading Exodus 30 – 32 and Exodus 33 – 35. 

Read the scripture for today. What do you learn about God? Share what you learn with others.

Exodus 30.

Today, we learn about the two other pieces of Tabernacle furniture, one inside the tent and the other outside. We will also learn about the very special single-usage anointing oil and incense.

Inside the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, along with the Table for Bread and the Golden Lampstand, the small Altar of Incense would be placed just in front of the veil separating the two rooms.  This is where Aaron (the high priest) will burn holy, sweet-smelling incense before the LORD every morning and evening when he dresses the lamps.

The Holy Incense (not to be used elsewhere) was made of equal parts sweet spices, stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense, with a sprinkle of pure, holy salt. These are to be ground and combined carefully, as by a perfumer. They were not to make any of this recipe for personal use or be cut off from Israel.

Just outside the door of the Tabernacle the Bronze Basin (or Laver) would be placed. This is where the priests would wash their hands and feet before entering the Tabernacle and before they burned food offerings to the LORD.

All the furniture inside and outside the Tabernacle would have rings attached at the lower corners and poles going through the rings. The Levites would carry the holy items, by the poles, never touching the furniture itself. 

The sacred Anointing Oil was to be made of the finest spices: liquid myrrh,  sweet-smelling cinnamon, aromatic cane, cassia, and olive oil. These were be mixed by a perfumer in the correct portions. This anointing oil would consecrate the Tabernacle, all its furniture and utensils, and Aaron and his sons (and any future priests).  It was never to be poured on the body of any other person. No one was to make a similar composition. or else be cut off from Israel.

Taxes. (Of course!)

Besides the contributions for making all the items involved with the Tabernacle, the people were to give a half shekel each for its upkeep annually. This was a “census tax,” meaning everyone twenty years old and above would give this offering, rich or poor, the same.  (Called the Temple Tax later)

Exodus 31.

The LORD called two men (Bezalel of Judah and Oholiab of Dan) to oversee the building of the Tabernacle and all its parts. God filled them with the Spirit of God, with the ability, intelligence, knowledge, and craftsmanship.

  • to devise artistic designs
  • to work in gold, silver, and bronze
  • in cutting stones for setting
  • in carving wood,
  • to work in every craft. 

God also gave “all able men” the ability to make everything (the Tent, furniture, garments, oil, and incense.

And lest they get carried away with all this construction and craft, Moses was to remind the people that “Above all, you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the LORD sanctify you. Keep the Sabbath because it is holy for you. Anyone who profanes it shall be put to death. Six days your work will be done, and the seventh is a day of solemn rest, holy to the LORD.”

Then God gave Moses the two stone tablets with the Ten Commandments engraved by “the finger of God.”

Exodus 32.

But, while glorious things were happening in the presence of the LORD on Mt. Sinai, below, the people sank into darkest sin.

For forty days, Moses was gone.  Had he died on that fire-engulfed mountaintop? Was he ever coming back?  No, he was NEVER coming back!  What are we to do? We HAVE TO go back to Egypt!  We need gods to lead us back through this desert! Aaron!  Make us gods to lead us!!!!

So Aaron (Israel’s future holy High Priest) collected gold earrings from the people and crafted a golden calf (a prime god of Egypt) for them to worship. 

They did just that, with singing, dancing, sacrifices, and an orgy.

The LORD to Moses:  “Go down, for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. They have quickly turned aside from the Way I commanded them. They have made a golden calf to worship and sacrifice to, saying, “THESE are our gods.”  My wrath burns hot against them. I may consume them to make a great nation of YOU, Moses.”

Moses to the LORD:  “O LORD, why does your wrath burn hot against Your people, whom You have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand?  The Egyptians will say You brought them out to kill them. Turn from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against Your people. REMEMBER Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants to whom You swore by Your own self to multiply their offspring, and give them the promised land to inherit it forever!”

(The LORD heard Moses’ intercession for His glory and relented from His plans to annihilate the people.)

But Moses’s anger burned for the LORD’s sake.

He met Joshua, who had been waiting halfway down the mountain. Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted.  “There is a noise of WAR in the camp!”

“It is not the sound of shouting for victory, or the sound of the cry of defeat, but the sound of singing that I hear.” growled Moses.

As they neared the camp, they SAW the golden calf. 

Moses’ anger burned HOT. He threw down the stone tablets (with God’s laws) and broke them at the foot of the mountain. He took that golden image and burned it with fire. He ground it to powder and scattered it on the water. Then he made the people drink it.

To Aaron, his brother, the future High Priest, Moses growled. “What did this people do to you that you have brought such a great SIN upon them?”

Aaron answered with… a lie. “Don’t be angry. You know the people, that they are set on evil. They told me to make them gods to lead them back to Egypt because they didn’t know what happened to you. So they gave me their earrings, and I threw them into the fire … and out came this calf.”

Meanwhile, the people were “breaking loose” in craven, pagan frenzy. 

Moses stood at the gate of the camp and called, “WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE. COME TO ME.”  And all the Levites gathered around him. Moses sent them on a horrific mission of holy wrath. They were to go throughout the camp and kill all who had been crazy worshiping the calf.   They did.  They killed 3,000 men.

And in showing such loyalty to Moses and to God, Moses proclaimed, “Today you have been ORDAINED FOR THE SERVICE OF THE LORD for what you have done.” 

And so the Levites were in charge of the Tabernacle and everything involving the worship of the LORD God of Israel.

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Day 41, Exodus 33.

Moses, with a love for the Jewish people like Paul’s (Romans 9:1-5), intercedes for Israel because of their idolatry. “Alas, this people has sinned a great sin. They have made for themselves gods of gold. But now, if you will forgive their sin–but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written.”  

And after a plague swept through the camp, God announced that He would not go up to the promised land with Israel “lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people. So now take off your ornaments so know what to do with you.” 

And the people stripped themselves of their ornaments from that day on. 

Moses pleaded with God to accompany them with His Presence and not simply send an angel to guide them. “If your Presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people?  Is it not in Your going in with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on earth?”

And God listened to Moses’ plea.

Then … throwing caution to the wind, Moses asked to SEE GOD’S GLORY.   Whoa!

I can see God smiling at His chosen leader but shaking His head. “I will show you my GOODNESS and proclaim my Name before you. But you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.”  Then God told him how He would do that. But first, Moses was to cut new stone tablets (which he broke) for God to write the Ten Commandments on, and come up into Mt. Sinai.

Exodus 34.

After Moses made them and ascended the mountain, the LORD descended in a cloud.  He put Moses in a rock cleft, covered him with His hand, and passed by so that Moses could only see the “backside” of God’s glory. And Moses heard the “goodness” of the LORD. 

“The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands (of generations), forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by NO MEANS clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to three or four generations.”

And Moses fell to his face and worshiped God.

Then, God renewed His covenant with Israel. He said He WILL go with them to the Promised Land and drive out the pagans there. But THEY are to tear down the altars, idols, and pillars and break them into pieces. “You shall worship no other god, for the LORD whose name is “Jealous,” is a jealous God. And you shall NOT make for yourself ANY GODS OF CAST METAL.”

God reminded Moses of the feast days to be kept, the importance of the Sabbath, how to offer sacrifices and other offerings. Then God wrote the Ten Commandments again on the new stone tablets.

Exodus 35.

Moses returned to a more subdued people and repeated what the LORD commanded them.

THEN, Moses told them about the glorious Tabernacle they were to construct for the LORD so His presence would dwell “among” them in their camp.  He asked them for the contribution items and the gifted craftsmen to come forward.

All the people departed …

And then they returned. Everyone whose heart had been stirred and whose spirit had been moved came. They brought jewelry, cloth and yarns, animal skins, silver and bronze items, and acacia wood.   Every skillful woman spun with their hands the goat’s hair and wool. Men brought precious stones to be set, spices, oil, and fragrant incense.  Everyone donated items and time as “a free-will offering to the LORD.”

Bezalel, the architect and general construction manager, presented himself, got the plans, and began teaching others the skills of the trades and design. Oholiab also came and taught the skills of engraving and embroidery.  Both men had been called by God for the work, filled with the Spirit of God, and given skill, intelligence, and knowledge in all areas of craftmanship. 

(Perhaps this amazing, exacting project would keep the people’s hearts and minds away from idolatry and grumbling.)  It would take them almost one year.

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 19 & 20

Jan19

Days 19 & 20. Reading in Genesis 22-24 and 25-26. (Posted on Monday)

I invite you to read the scripture for the day and meditate on it. Then, share your thoughts in the comments.

 

Genesis 21 (last 14 verses).

After a little battle with King Abimelech about ownership of some wells, he and Abraham come to an understanding, and a deal is made at Beersheba. Abraham planted a tree there as a land marker and worshipped the Lord (as the “Everlasting God.” Then, he and his family (Sarah, Isaac, and all) lived there for a while in the land of the Philistines.

Genesis 22.

Sometime later, God tested Abraham. It was his stiffest test of obedience yet. It was much more difficult than leaving his family, traveling hundreds of miles to a strange land, and then believing God would make of him, an old man with no children, the father of peoples numbering as many as the stars. 

This test was about his most precious possession, Isaac, his son by Sarah, born when he was one hundred years old. God told Abraham to “offer” Isaac as a burnt offering.  Say what????

Early the following morning (with no hesitation), Abraham began to obey.  He took everything necessary, and then he, Isaac, a couple of men, and a donkey carrying supplies traveled for three days towards the mountains. When they got to the place where God showed Abraham (Mt. Moriah), he took the knife and the fire and told Isaac to carry the wood.

(Isaac was a young man, not a little boy, capable of carrying enough wood for a burnt offering. He was maybe about 30 years old.)  The others stayed behind at the camp.

Isaac wasn’t a dummy. He saw all the supplies but not the animal. “Dad, where’s the lamb?”

“Don’t worry, son. God will supply for Himself a lamb.”  (Hebrews 11:17-19 explains Abraham’s great faith. God had said that it was through Isaac that He would make Abraham a great nation. So, “he considered that God was able even to raise him (Isaac) from the dead” if Abraham killed him. Wow.

Abraham built the stone altar, laid out the wood, then tied up Isaac and put him on top of the wood. (Note that Isaac – who could have easily overpowered his elderly father – willingly became the sacrifice.) Abraham raised the knife to slit HIS ONLY SON’S throat.  

“Abraham, Abraham!”

“Here am I.”

“Do not lay your hand on your son, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, YOUR ONLY SON, from Me.”

And, whoa!  Behind Abraham, there appeared a ram caught in the bushes.  Abraham untied Isaac, the young man climbed down, and the ram was sacrificed. 

“On the mount of the LORD, it shall be provided,” Abraham called that place.  And many years later, on that same mountain, the ONLY SON OF GOD, was sacrificed for our salvation. Like Isaac, He went willingly, carrying the “wood” of his own sacrifice.  And yes, God raised Him from the dead as well.

  • I am SO glad that God so loved this world that He gave His ONLY SON, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.  THANK YOU, God! Thank You, Jesus!

The group then returned to Beersheba. (It’s a good thing SARAH didn’t know what was happening!!)

Genesis 23.

Several years later, Sarah died. She was 127.  They were living back at Hebron then, and Abraham purchased a field with a cave in it from his friend, Ephron, as a tomb for her (and later, for himself, Isaac and his wife, and Jacob and his wife, Leah).  It was an act of faith. It was Abraham staking a claim on the land God promised to his descendants. 

Genesis 24.

Okay, Isaac is about 40 now; his mom didn’t get to see him married or any of her grandchildren.  Abraham thought it was time to get him a wife.  NOT A CANAANITE woman, that’s for sure. So he sent his trusted servant back to Haran, to his brother’s household, to get a wife for Isaac. 

The godly servant (Eleazar?) went and after praying for a miracle, found Rebekah, the granddaughter of Abraham’s brother. Her brother, Laban, seeing the considerable dowry on the ten camels the servant brought, said she could go.  Rebekah also agreed to go with the servant, and the next day, she and her “nurse” (personal servant) left.  (Wow, she must have been really tired of being a water girl for the household and thought this would be quite an adventure.) 

After 25-30 days on a camel, at sunset, they finally arrived way south of Beersheba, where Isaac lived.  He, having finished with the duties of the day, was out in a field, contemplating the beautiful sunset.  Rebekah saw him, dismounted, pulled down her veil, and went to him.  It was love at first sight, and she became his wife. (And Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.)

  • Father, thank you for these examples of faith and patience in trusting You “over the long haul.”  “Increase my faith,” as Your disciples prayed. 

 

 

 

 

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 361

Dec27

   Day 361—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 361 – 2 John 1, 3 John 1 (Do’s and do not’s of Christian hospitality)

This is the second of three letters John wrote to churches in Asia-Minor under his oversight. John calls himself “the elder,” which signifies his age and position in leadership.

There are warnings about false teachers trying to influence them and encouragements to hold fast to the truth and to Christ-like love for each other.

2 John.

John is encouraged that in this church (the elect “lady”) some make it a habit to walk in the truth of God’s word.  He encourages them all to keep loving one another. “And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments.”

John cautions them about “many deceivers” who do NOT confess Jesus Christ in the flesh.  They are to watch out for them.  These deceivers are anti-Christ.  “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching of Christ, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.” 

John closes, saying he wishes to come and talk to them face to face to complete his joy.

3 John.

In this letter, John addresses the “beloved Gaius,” a member in good standing of the church. “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health as it goes well with your soul.”

(What a great New Year’s prayer!!)

John also tells Gaius that it brings joy to his heart that he is “walking in the truth.”  He says Gaius is doing well in supporting true believing brothers in Christ, even if they are strangers, in a manner worthy of God. This way, supporters and missionaries can be “fellow workers for the truth.”

John then calls out two men – Diotrephes and Demetrius. The first man is selfish, does not acknowledge authority, talks wicked nonsense, and refuses hospitality. (I will deal with him when I come.) The second man has received good testimony from everyone, including from us. “Beloved Gaius, don’t imitate evil, but imitate good.”

In closing, John repeats that he hopes to see them soon and talk to them face to face. Meanwhile, “peace be to you.”

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Tomorrow, we begin John’s last writing – The Revelation.

 

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 356-357

Dec23

   Day 356-357—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.  NOTE: Sunday’s and Monday’s studies will be posted on MONDAY,

Day 356 – Hebrews 7 – 10 (Melchizedek, Better Covenant, Redemption, Sacrifice, Faith)

Read a quick review of Melchizedek and Abraham in Genesis 14:18-20.

Hebrews 7.

The author discusses Melchizedek, king of Salem (peace), king of righteousness (zedek) and a priest of the Most High God. He tells how Abraham, coming home from rescuing his nephew Lot from an invading army, gave this priestly/kingly man a tithe (10th) of the loot. And Melchizedek blessed Abraham.

This was WAY before Israel’s priesthood was set up on Mt. Sinai, with Aaron, the Levite, as High Priest.  In a way (the author of Hebrews says), Aaron, the High Priest, paid tribute to Melchizedek, “being still in Abraham’s loins.” (He had no children at that point.)

Melchizedek is also said to have had “no beginning of days nor end of life” as a priest forever. He was a priest not based on the law (like Aaron) but on the power of an “indestructible” life. The author compares Jesus to this mysterious man, without beginning or end of days, but HIS ministry is much more excellent.  

The first covenant of law could make nothing perfect, so a new one was needed, allowing us to draw near to God. “Consequently, Jesus can save to the uttermost, those who draw near to God through HIM since He always lives to make intercession for them. 

Jesus is a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.  HE HAS NO NEED TO OFFER SACRIFICES DAILY like other priests, first for their own sins, then the people.  Jesus did this ONCE FOR ALL when he offered up HIMSELF.

Hebrews 8.

Jesus, as High Priest, is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a more excellent ministry than the old one.  He can mediate better because the new covenant has better promises and is faultless. In this new covenant, God says He will put His Law on their hearts and minds, not stone tablets, and His people will know Him.

He will be merciful toward their iniquities and will remember their sins no more!

Hebrews 9.

The author then reminds readers how the old covenant worked, with the Holy and Most Holy places in the “tent of worship.”  Behind the second curtain was the ark of the covenant and God’s presence.  No one could go into this place except for the High Priest, and that only once per year… carrying the blood of the sacrifice. 

But Christ, as high priest, entered ONCE FOR ALL into the most holy place through HIS OWN BLOOD. Doing this, he obtained ETERNAL REDEMPTION.  He appeared ONCE FOR ALL to put away sin by sacrificing himself. 

Hebrews 10.

Under the old covenant, the sacrifices were a reminder of sins every year. “For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”  Now, we have been sanctified (made clean, holy) through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE FOR ALL.

When Christ had offered FOR ALL TIME A SINGLE SACRIFICE FOR SINS, He sat down at the right hand of God. “For by A SINGLE OFFERING, He has perfected FOR ALL TIME, those who are being sanctified.”

Jesus. the perfect, sinless High Priest, offered Himself a spotless sacrifice and opened the new and living way for us through the curtain so that we can now “draw near (to God) with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” 

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Day 357 – Hebrews 11 – 13 (the FAITH chapter & heroes of the faith, witnesses for us to endure too, discipline as sons, acceptable worship, final instructions)

Hebrews 11.

Hebrews 11 is called the “Faith Chapter” or the “Saint’s Hall of Fame.” In it, the author defines faith and how it’s to be used. He lists heroes of faith from the Old Testament, sixteen by name (including women), and many others by deeds or means of death. These all have served and glorified God.

DEFINITION: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (verse 1)

WHAT IT INVOLVES: “Without faith, it is impossible to please God, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” (verse 6)

From righteous Abel to the prophet Samuel, men and women have lived and died for God, loved and obeyed Him, trusted and spoke for Him without shame or fear, and many paid for it with their lives. 

These heroes “conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong through weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to fight, and some women received back their dead by resurrection!! 

(I can think of some names that come to mind here, can you?”

Others were tortured for their faith, suffered mocking and flogging, even chains and imprisonments, stoning, beheading (killed by the sword), and even being sawn in two!  They were destitute, afflicted, mistreated, and lived in deserts, mountains, dens, and caves.  OF WHOM THE WORLD WAS NOT WORTHY!

And YET, they did not “see” the promised Messiah they spoke about and waited for like WE HAVE!  (How totally blessed we are!)

Hebrews 12.

“Therefore, SINCE we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (those heroes listed above), let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith.  He, for the JOY that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated now at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jesus, as God’s Son, endured much hostility against Him. And so we, as God’s children, must endure “discipline” too.  God disciplines us (through suffering/persecution) for OUR GOOD, so we may share His holiness.  It doesn’t seem pleasant at the moment, but later, it “yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness” to those trained by it. 

So…. lift your drooping hands….strengthen your weak knees….and make straight paths for your feet.   And “let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken (by persecution or death), and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”

Hebrews 13.

The author encourages readers to continue in brotherly love, hospitality to strangers, and prayer and support for those imprisoned for their faith.  They are to be faithful in marriage, not love money but be content with what they have.

They are to “remember their leaders (in prayer and financially), the ones who first spoke the Word of God to them.”  They are to consider the fruit of those men’s ministry and imitate their faith.  They are to pray and support their leaders and also to submit to and obey them (for THOSE MEN will have to give an account one day).

He ends with a doxology. ‘Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant….equip you with everything good, that you may do His will.

To Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen”

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 349-350 (Part 2)

Dec16

   Days 349 & 350—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.  NOTE:  Sunday & Monday studies are posted together on MONDAYS. This is Part Two.

Day 350 – Ephesians 1 – 6 (Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, greetings & blessings & prayer to them, Salvation by grace & faith alone, the gospel to Gentiles, special prayer, gifts to the church, armor of God)

Ephesians 1.

Paul greets these believers and reminds them of their blessings in Christ Jesus. God chose them before the foundation of the world, predestined them for adoption as sons through Jesus, redeemed them through Christ’s blood, forgave their sins, and gave them an inheritance.  Then Paul writes a glorious, extended prayer in thanks for them and for their spiritual growth.

Ephesians 2.

Paul explains how salvation comes by GRACE through FAITH.  They were spiritually DEAD in sin, living in all the wicked passions of their flesh, by nature children of wrath.

“But God being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved – and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” 

“For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the GIFT of God, not a result of works, so no one may boast.”

Ephesians 3.

Paul then tells of the “mystery” that was revealed to him by God, that he should also minister to the Gentiles (like them), making them fellow heirs (with the Jews), members of the same body, and partakers of the promise of Christ Jesus through the gospel. 

His fervent prayer for them is “that according to the riches of His glory, He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, and that you, being rooted and grounded in love may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, and that you may be filled with all the fulness of God.”

(Wow… and we can be in that prayer too! Read it again!)

Ephesians 4.

Paul urges the Ephesians to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

He reminds them how God gave each of the churches gifted leaders, such as the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastor-shepherds, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to-and-fro by every wind of false doctrine. 

They are to “put off” their old selves and be renewed to “put on” the new self, created in the likeness of God in righteousness and holiness.   Then, he lists more of the ways Christ shows Himself in their actions, words, and thoughts. 

Ephesians 5.

“Be imitators of God, as beloved children. And WALK in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

“WALK as children of the light, for the fruit of light is found in all that is good, right, and true. And try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.”

“Look carefully then how you WALK, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of your time because the days are evil.”

Ephesians 6.

‘Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.   Therefore, take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and have done all to stand. 

  • Stand, therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth
  • and having put on the breastplate of righteousness
  • and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
  • In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one
  • and take the helmet of salvation,
  • and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God
  • Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

(I wonder if Paul looked over at the Roman soldier guarding him in prison to come up with the armor of GOD necessary for believers?)

Next, he sends greetings, telling the church that Tychicus will tell them everything happening to Paul and encourage their hearts (and bring news of them back to him.)

“Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.”

 

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 326

Nov22

    Day 326—We are in the ELEVENTH month of Bible reading and studying The ACTS of the Apostles with the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 326 – James 1 – 5 (Faith, wisdom, the Word, works, the tongue, worldliness, prayer)

James, the brother of Jesus and the leader of the Jerusalem church, writes to believing Jews living outside of Israel. His letter is rich in practical ways to live a life of faith.

James 1.

Be joyful when you experience trials, for they strengthen your faith. Ask God for the wisdom you need, and He will give it. Temptation is not from God but from your own sinful desires. Don’t just hear the teaching of the word, but work it out as well. Watch your tongue! True “religion” is shown by visiting orphans and widows and keeping yourself unstained by worldly things.

James 2.

Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ show no partiality to the rich. Even if you are “righteous” in all other ways, this is lawbreaking.  Mercy triumphs over judgment. Faith without actions is dead faith. Yes, it is great that you believe, but even demons do that. Show your inner faith by how you live.  Check out the actions and faith of Abraham and Rahab in the Old Testament.

James 3.

Teachers, beware, for you will be judged with greater strictness.  “Be careful little tongue, what you say!”  Bits in horses’ mouths and rudders on ships control them.  YOU must control your speech.  What you say can be a scorching fire from hell, a world of unrighteousness, a restless evil full of deadly poison. Watch your tongue!  Remember, true wisdom is from God. It is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.  Your good conduct will show you have this wisdom.

James 4.

Control your passions!  They will cause fights, quarrels, dissatisfactions, and even murders.  They make your prayers foolish, desiring things to lavish on yourself.   God gives grace to the humble, so submit yourselves to God.  Resist the devil and his ways…and he will flee from you. Draw near instead to God, who will respond.  Again, humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.  Don’t boast about tomorrow. Who knows anything about tomorrow?  Commit it all to the Lord.  And it’s a sin if you know the right thing to do, and you don’t do it.

James 5.

Don’t boast or have confidence in riches. They won’t help you on judgment day.  Be patient in your work for the Lord.  You know He is coming; work patiently till then and don’t grumble.  Let all your praying be done by faith. Whether praying for the sick or a sinning brother, your prayer of faith accomplishes much. Remember how Elijah prayed, and there was NO rain. Then he prayed again, and there was an abundance of rain.  If any one of you strays from the truth, bring him back. His soul will be saved and his sins covered.

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 315

Nov11

     Days 315—We are in the ELEVENTH month of Bible reading and studying the New Testament Gospels.

NOTE:  For THIS WEEK, the Sunday and Monday studies will be posted separately because they are lengthy.

 Day 315 – John 14-17. (Jesus teaches, warns, and encourages the eleven, His high-priestly prayer)

John includes private and precious teaching by Jesus to His disciples before the horrors of arrest, trials, and the crucifixion. Read these chapters and ponder all that Jesus said and prayed.

John 14. Teachings and Q & A by the disciples.

The disciples don’t understand what is coming soon to Jesus and to them although Jesus has stated clearly that He is going to be tortured and killed. Nevertheless He speaks peace and hope to them. “Don’t be afraid. I go to prepare a place for you and I will come again and take you to myself, when I am.”

Thomas: “Lord, we do not know where you’re going, how can we know the way?”  “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me, and you have known my Father.”

Philip: “”Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough.” “Have I been so long with you and you still don’t know? Whoever has see me and seen the Father. The Father and I are one.”  “He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will manifest myself to him.”

Judas (not Iscariot): “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us and not to the world?”  “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him and WE will come to him and make our home with him.”

Then Jesus teaches them about the “Helper,” the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send to them. “He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. I’m leaving you my peace. Don’t be afraid.”

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John 15. The vineyard example. Persecution. More about the Holy Spirit.

Jesus gives them a private parable. He compares Himself to a vine, the true vine. He tells them that His Father is the vinedresser/vineyard keeper.  He cuts off dead and unproductive branches, and prunes back the fruitful ones so they will bear more grapes.

Jesus tells them that they (and believers today) are branches. He urges them to stay connected (abide) in Him so they will bear a lot of fruit for the Master. (They can produce NO fruit unless connected to Him.) Jesus tells them that He chose them and appointed them to go and bear fruit, and that that fruit would be lasting forever.

“Abide in ME. Bear MUCH fruit. Prove to be my disciples! And so glorify my Father.”

Jesus tells them to also abide in His words and in His love. And their prayers will be answered. A way to abide in His love is by keeping his commandments (as He kept the Father’s.) He promises them abundant joy by abiding in Him, loving Him, and obeying Him.

Specifically, Jesus tells them to LOVE EACH OTHER as He has loved them — sacrificially, laying down their lives for each other.

Jesus then warns them that the world systems will HATE them as they hated Him and hated God.  They will persecute and kill the disciples, as they will do to Him….and without a cause. (Psalm 35:19m 69:4)

Again Jesus encourages them by telling them of their Helper, the Holy Spirit who will be sent by the Father. He is the Spirit of Truth and He will witness about Jesus through them, even in persecution.

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John 16. Reason for warning them, More on the Holy spirit and joy, more Q&A.

Jesus’ disciples WILL be persecuted. People will think they are doing God a service by killing them (Like Paul did. Acts 9:1-2.)

Jesus tells them He is going away, back to the Father who sent Him.  He knows they are sorrowful, but the truth is, it is to their advantage, because when He goes, the Helper, the Holy Spirit, will come to them.  The Spirit will convict the world about sin, righteousness and judgment.  He will guide them into all truth because He will speak only what He hears. He will tell them about things to come. He will glorify Jesus.

The disciples: “What is this that He says to us – a little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me; and because I am going to the father. What does He mean? We don’t know what He is talking about!

“Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy. You have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”   “I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to My Father.”

Disciples: “Ah, now you speak plainly and not using figurative speech.  Now we know. Now we believe.

“Do you now believe?

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John 17. Jesus prays to His Father for them (and us).

Jesus prays that He will glorify His Father in His “hour” to come. He says he has accomplished all that the Father told Him to do so far. And He prays that He will do it to the end.

He states that “And this is Eternal life, that they know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

He prays for the disciples, that God would keep them in His name and make them become one. He prays God will keep them from the evil one and sanctify them in the truth, which is God’s word.

“O righteous Father, even though the world does not know You, I know You, and these know that You have sent Me. I made known to them Your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which You have loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”