Joshua 15:1-63 + Luke 18:18-43 + Psalm 86:1-17 + Proverbs 13:9-10
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Old Testament – It is interesting to read about the allotment of land to the tribe of Judah today! It reminds me of how different these days are for the Israelites, compared to the 40 years of wandering in the desert – or the slavery in Egypt prior to that. Times have changed! God’s Promise is being fulfilled. I think this is important for us to remember in our lives as well. Maybe we’re in a “slavery” period in our own life where we are looking for a Savior to free us. Jesus is of course that Savior to free us from our slavery to sin. Or, maybe we’re in a desert period of our lives. We’ve decided to follow Jesus, but maybe we’re really trudging through some hard times. If we’re in this type of period, hopefully we can be encouraged by knowing that God’s Promises to us will not fail. God will bring us peace that surpasses all understanding. God will bring us to the true Promised Land for eternity. Let us be encouraged in our own lives by our past few months of readings about the Israelites and their journey from slavery to now the Promised Land. God’s Promises will not fail. They are eternal. And they are the only thing in this passing world that is eternal.
Interesting side note on Joshua chapter 15 verses 61 & 62 – “In the wilderness there were the towns of Beth-arabah, Middin, Secacah, Nibshan, the City of Salt, and En-gedi–six towns with their surrounding villages.” The NIV translates wilderness as “desert”, which is probably more accurate. Zondervan’s commentary on this verse today says, “The desert is the chalky dry region east and south of Jerusalem that borders the Dead Sea… Either Secacah or the City of Salt may have been the ancient name of the site of Qumran, where the scribes who produced the Dead Sea Scrolls lived.”
New Testament – Today we read the story of the Rich Man in Luke chapter 18! There are tons of commentaries on how to interpret this story – including this commentary from Bob Deffinbaugh at Bible.org titled “Blessed Babes and a Miserable Millionaire” at this link. The verses that always speak to me the most are verses 29 & 30 where Jesus teaches – “I assure you, everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, as well as receiving eternal life in the world to come.” These are really some powerful verses for us to consider. Basically, I read – and I know from experience – that truly following Jesus comes with some costs. The costs may be loss of wealth, or worldliness, or power, or glamour, or friends, or even family perhaps. But, if we are accepting these costs for the sake of the Kingdom, then they are in my estimation our crosses that we must bear to truly follow Jesus. Following Jesus is not always easy. The world’s temptations will do everything they can for us to not follow Jesus. “It’s too hard to follow Jesus.” “Come have fun.” “It’s too much cost to follow Jesus.” But… we really need to stay in constant prayer and stay close to God to realize that following Jesus – along w/ all the costs that may be associated with following Jesus – is the only True way to live life. All other paths will lead to misery. Following Jesus and accepting the costs or our crosses ultimately leads to life in abundance. And life for eternity. Are there costs in your life that you are willing to accept to follow Jesus?
Bible.org’s commentary on our Luke chapter 18 readings today titled “From the Sublime to the Ridiculous” is at this link.
Psalms – Wow. Today in Psalm 86 we read an amazingly wise prayer of David to God in verse 11 – “Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name.” How do you think this verse works as a prayer? Can you imagine praying it to God? Do you want God to teach you his way? Do you want to walk in God’s Truth? What does it mean to you to have an undivided heart? It is possible that your heart is now divided in some way? Will you pray to God for an undivided heart? What does it mean to fear God’s name? Why would David pray to fear God’s name? I read an interesting commentary on this verse saying that David is wisely praying for God to save him from his frailty within himself. Oftentimes in the Psalms we will read about David praying for God to deliver him from his enemies. In this verse David is praying for deliverance from what is within. This is a critical point to consider. I think sometimes we always look toward “external” circumstances as the cause of all of our problems. When perhaps we need to look at some “internal” things going on inside of us as causes of some of our problems? And in realizing that there are some internal things that need to be fixed, perhaps we can humbly pray Psalm 86 verse 11 like David did thousands of years ago? “Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name.”
Proverbs – Another wow… Proverbs chapter 13 verse 9 is so beautiful to reflect upon – “The life of the godly is full of light and joy.” Ultimately, this is so true. As I posted above, yes, there will be times of trial and times of being in the desert. But, ultimately a godly life will bring light and joy – and if not in this life, then in eternity. There are of course martyrs who may not experience this light and joy externally in this life – but, my hunch is that they are experiencing the light and joy internally – and ultimately, they will experience light and joy forever in God’s Kingdom. Is your life full of light and joy? Do you believe it will be someday? For eternity?
Worship Video: Today’s readings in Luke today reminded me of the song “All My Hope” sung here by David Crowder and Tauren Wells:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tElvdnId4Q
Where is All Your Hope? Click here for eternal Hope!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.” Luke 18:29-30 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that the Kingdom of God is the top priority in your life. Pray that your relationship with Jesus is the top relationship priority in your life. Pray that you will follow Jesus, no matter the cost.
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Based on my reflections on our Joshua readings today, do you believe that God’s promises are True and won’t fail you? If you are in some sort of slavery to sin or perhaps in a desert place in your life right now, will you reach out to Jesus to save you and lead you into the Promised Land? Do you believe Jesus can Save you and Lead you? And will you follow? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )
======= Ramona:
Joshua 15:1-63
Proverbs 25: 28 He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls (AMP)
I use to try and read though biblical lists (The Book of Numbers; 1st Chronicles) at 100mph. I just wanted to get through with all those “hard” names as quickly as possible; however, last year the lists took on new meanings for me, I began to see their importance.
I have come to realize that everything written in the Bible has meaning whether I see it or not and whether I agree with God that it is important or not. If I don’t understand something I ask God for understanding and then wait. I don’t wait with baited breath for an immediate answer because I may not be able to handle that answer now (John 16:12-13), but I know that an answer will come because Jesus said I would be given an answer (Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9).
Today I see and example of what happens to us when we either remove or allow the boundaries God has given us to be breeched or removed, thus the quote from Proverbs at the beginning of my post. Self-control gives us boundaries, or walls of protection. Obedience to the Word of God gives us the power to establish self-controls.
When Proverbs 25:28 first came alive to me, it gave me the understanding that without walls, which symbolizes a defense from outside forces, anything can go out and everything can come into my life. We read today of boundaries specify given to Judah and the towns that lay either on the border or within the walls of her territory. (I hope the reader understands that I’m taking something given to the Nation of Israel and applying it to our personal lives)
The nation was warned that they needed to remove their “enemies,” if not, ” ‘But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you will live”(Num. 33:55). This was not followed and we know that from previous days readings as well as what is stated in the last verse of the fifteenth chapter, 63 But the tribe of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites, who lived in the city of Jerusalem, so the Jebusites live there among the people of Judah to this day.
It was only from reading this in previous year’s One-Year-Bible adventures that I recognized at least three cities that had been assigned to Judah that latter wind up in the hands of the Philistines, their most tenacious enemy, by the time we get to Judges, speciiflly by the time we get to the First Book of Samuel, which begins with the story of Israel’s last judge, Samuel: Ziklag, Ekron and Ashdod. In fact the Ark of the Covenant gets captured and taken to Ashdod, the home of the Philistine god, Dagon, and is placed in Dagon’s temple with some interesting results (1 Samuel 5).
When we remove or allow the boundaries God has set up to be breeched, we wind up serving someone else’s god and by default become slaves to something we don’t want to serve. (Eph 4:27 and do not give the devil a foothold.)
If we have not internal control over ourselves then external controls are placed around the person without self-controls. Sometimes the external controls are placed by the person themselves who understands that some kind of control is needed in their life, and sadly society must place controls on those who choose no controls, controls made up of concrete and steel. Yet, at the end of the day, who we are, our character is who we are when no one is looking so if we have no internal controls, who we are when we are by ourselves is the real me, the real you.
Who has rule over your spirit?
Luke 18:18-43
34 But they didn’t understand a thing he said. Its significance was hidden from them, and they failed to grasp what he was talking about.
For many of those reading along with Mike on this Blog the above verse rings true. Please stick with the readings this year and for years to come because understanding will come. Taken from someone who has been there, “This stuff makes no sense!” But who now has gained progressive understanding because that is what God has promised and He is true to His Word.
Psalm 86:1-17
6 Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD;
hear my urgent cry.
Sometimes our “urgent” prayer, in our eyes, is not urgent to God because He knows our beginning from our end. There are some things we want that God wants to give us but it is not the right time. Sort of like giving the keys to a formula one racing care to a three year old. In time, with training, they may be able to handle the track however, maturation must happen to get them from the desire to drive a fast racecar to its reality.
Isaiah 55
6 Seek the Lord while He may be found;
call to Him while He is near. 7 Let the wicked one abandon his way,
and the sinful one his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord,
so He may have compassion on him,
and to our God, for He will freely forgive. 8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
and your ways are not My ways.”[This is] the Lord’s declaration. (HCSB)
Proverbs 13:9-10
It’s best for us to live godly lives so we can see where we are going.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= Luch:
Does it ‘cost’ to follow Jesus? Absolutely! But I believe the cost of NOT following Jesus is a lot higher. My late younger brother, whom I loved, chose to NOT follow Jesus. He thought following Jesus would have restricted his life, would have kept him from having the fun he wanted. He chose a life of drug useage, self abuse, blew up his family that I take care of now, and died way before his time. Did it cost me to follow Jesus? yes, in some ways, but it cost Bruno a lot more to not follow. I think that’s the reality. I see people every day in my faith community who pretend to follow Jesus by all the overt religious paraphelia they are invested in but there is no dynamic in their faith. It’s all about ‘going and coming’ to stuff, and filling up notebooks and going to ‘service’ after ‘service’. Sometimes i wonder if we get so busy in our religious stuff to shield us from dealing with reality in our lives. I think jesus shows us in Luke 14 that unless we choose to pay the cost to follow Him we will have no saltiness in our lives. That’s a spiritual law of influence that cannot be violated. No cross, no crown, someone once sang.
the opposite of a undivided heart from Psalm 86 is 2 Chronicles 25:2 where it speaks of Amaziah “He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not WHOLEHEARTEDLY, (or with a whole heart).” As well, I Kings 11:4 says that as “Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, an his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God…” His divided heart ushered in the divided kingdom. Our unwillingness to pay the cost to follow the LORD not only impacts the quality of our lives, but impacts the future. I know this from personal experience.
I pray for myself and all my fellow OYB readers that we will choose on this DAY to keep on following the LORD with our whole hearts, and allow God to use us to influence our families and the respective worlds we are all apart of. How can’t we? We have the Risen Jesus living in us, going with us wherever we go!
Luch
======= Luch:
Luciano,
Thank you for sharing that story about your brother. My family is also choosing not to follow Jesus. This is very hard for me to accept. But whenever I do talk with them, I talk about Jesus at some point. Just planting some seeds, I guess.
Luch
======= Michelle:
I have been so burdened to keep praying for my family, and so discouraged that they seem so far from God. They have just enough God to make them feel they are probably Christian (after all they celebrate Christmas and Easter) but not enough for it to give them purpose, joy and passion. I try to just share what’s going on in my life and feel like we have nothing in common since our priorities are so radically different. If it weren’t for the parable of the persistent widow, I think I would just give up praying.
Michelle
======= Shane:
It is VERY difficult on the heart to keep praying for those you love to be saved; those prayers are daily admissions of your family’s status as unsaved. But we have a Lord in heaven–A Lord who saved Jacob though he was a deceiver, Moses though he was a murderer, Saul, David…. God has assured us that there will be a “multitude that no man can number” that will be saved, so we must hope in that. Christ has a bride, and that bride will be redeemed. I pray that your family’s eyes will be opened and their hearts changed.
Shane
======= Emily:
This is a very sensitive issue. Most of my friends (almost all are educated with promising future or already stable jobs and they’re under the age of 30) , family, acquaintances are not Christians. If I mention my Christian faith to them I get all sorts of negative reactions, from giggles, ridicules to bitter, vulgar or insulting comments. The thought of mentioning Christianity ever again (to them) makes me cringe!
Christianity has either been demonized or scrapped in this world. I cannot conclude that all those are bad people. All have their reasons to reject Bible. To be fair to them those reasons are not always based on selfish motives or their desire to live in arbitrary freedom.
I guess God will judge them accordingly, hopefully with His grace and mercy. Today, the world rejects God because it thinks God is unnecessary or a hurdle for their ‘freedoms’. But if I read my Bible, people have ALWAYS been like that. It’s a different matter though God used to TALK to them directly or through prophets.
I get a bit sad when I wonder and wonder how today’s generation will really get the message and come to the reality of God…? They say God often would make you go through slavery or suffering to draw you to Him (very true in my case) just as He did with Israelites. But sadly, I have seen suffering taking people further away from God….
But I know bright lights of hope are shining somewhere for this world as I write this in despair.
Emily
======== Victoria:
I DON’T COMMENTS VERY OFTEN, BUT TODAY’S READING HIT ME LIKE A TON OF HAPPY BRICKS…. I’VE BEEN GOING THROUGH SOME TRIALS IN MY FAMILY LIFE AND THIS READING SPOKE TO MY HEART.. ESPECIALLY LUKE 18:29 & 30 AND PROVERBS. IT MADE ME FEEL BETTER ABOUT MY SITUATION.
THANKS
MIKE…… FOR ALL YOU DO FOR US READERS>>>>>>>
Victoria
======= Anka:
Family…ouch…got a lot of unsaved relatives who deceive themselves here in romania by bowing to pictures of saints,keeping all the festivals,praying to the saints to help them pray to God and depending on what the priest says without finding out what the bible says!!Religious without Christ:(.
“Teach me your way, O LORDand I will walk in your truth;give me an undivided heart,that I may fear your name”…I thank God that I know the truth and pray that HE teaches me His ways because there are many religious people out there on the quick road to hell.I also pray for an undivided heart cos it’s so easy to be carried away by work,family…worries.I too was encouraged by the widow’s persistence…so I’ll keep praying for my folks while watching that I too don’t fall off.
God bless you all
Anka
======= Luch:
For those struggling with family/friends who do not believe, take this one in from John 7:5 “For EVEN his own brothers did not believe in him.” But later in Acts 1:14 we’re told that the followers of Jesus were constantly in prayer, including ‘his brothers.” Wow!! What an incentive to keep praying. Just to be clear, although my own brother died tragically he had connected with Jesus a couple of years before his death, so he did die in Christ, but his body had been so badly abused I suppose God in His providence chose to take Bruno home. My wife, my 3 sons, and sister had NEVER stopped praying for him, even though his choices often made us want to give up.
Never stop praying. Love believes all things, love hopes all things. Love endures all things. Love never fails. Replace love with “Jesus’ and it’s all good!!
Luch
======= Jan:
Lots of God’s promises are conditional…even the gift of salvation is conditional on “receiving” the gift (you have to receive it to get it). Most of His promises are met by our obedience & loving Him so much that we obey His commands & the promises follow; but no one hardly looks at it like this. The gift of salvation is free, but it must be sought after/asked for/surrendered to & received.
That is why we are given a choice to love & follow him…we make the right choice & we receive the blessing or we don’t make the right choice & we are cursed…life or death is the choice/decision/condition that is to be met. We will always have a part in our promises being fulfilled because of the choices we make…in obeying Him or not.
Jan
======= Shane:
Hmmmm, when praying for family I think I’d focus on the language of the Bible that shows God’s unconditional promises, rather than His conditional ones, you might feel better if you do that. When I pray for family and friends I pray Ezekiel chapter 36. In particular verses 26-28:
“Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God.”
No statements of conditionality there. God is in the business of saving people, and it is He upon whom we must rely. Better to pray, in my opinion, while focusing on the works of God and not the fickleness of man. I always find more peace that way.
Shane
======= Jan:
Shane, I understand what you are saying & I agree with you 90% with Ezekiel till we get to verse 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and BE CAREFUL TO KEEP MY LAWS.
27 I’ll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you & LIVE BY MY COMMANDS.
27 And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, & YOU SHALL HEED MY ORDINACES & DO THEM.
27 “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, & YOU WILL BE CAREFUL TO OBSERVE MY ORDINANCES.
27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, & YOU WILL KEEP MY JUDGMENTS & DO THEM.
What prophetic Words from the Ancient of Days/The Prophet of Eternity. He speaks the world into being & His Word goes forth with authority. It is still up to us meet the end of the verse in 27…I’m really not sure that they are not commands to us that we must do in order for the preceding text/Words to be fulfilled…He knows the End from the Beginning…the back to the front. I think He is saying, here is what I give you that will cause you to do this, if you will do that…of course He knows who will & who won’t keep & obey Him/His commands.
If we don’t have a choice on verse “27,” then I don’t know what it is…faith filled prophetic declarations; ever hoping they will be fulfilled by His Beloved.
Jan
======= Shane:
Oh Jan, I wasn’t trying to start a debate here. No no no, you misunderstand. What I was saying was that there are some contingent promises, and some certain. The Ezek quote is of certain promises. For instance, “you shall heed my ordinances” is a statement of certainty caused by “the Spirit within you [to] cause you” to do so. You see, the transitive verb “cause” is performed by the subject “the Spirit.” See? The same with verse 27, the idea there being that God puts His Spirit in you and causes you to do stuff–good stuff, like following His statutes. This isn’t a free will/bondage will debate kinda verse. It’s a promise from God, which is not modified by “if you,” (examples of which do exist, most notably in Ex. 19) but rather is represented as being certain by “you shall.” The verses leave no doubt as to whether He will be putting His Spirit in those people; it’s a statement fact.
The certainty of that promise is why it is so beautiful and perfect to use. When praying to God we should, in my opinion, focus on the stuff God does, like putting His Spirit in people and causing them to do stuff, rather than on the responsibilities people have. You see?
For instance, if you couch a prayer of Ezek 36 this way, “Lord cause John Smith to walk in your statutes so long as he’s willing to do so,” you’ll be praying a rather ineffectual prayer. Because, isn’t that the case anyway? You’re not asking God to do something He’s not already gonna do, for Christ already stands at the door waiting. Praying Ezek 36, and texts like it, the way it was written places the onus on God to act, Whom we really trust more than John Smith anyway.
Shane
======= Jan:
I am not debating you, just looking at it in another way. I think it is a prophetic declarative statement, because I know & experience His Spirit in me & I don’t always follow his statutes, obey His commands or heed His ordinances…even with the Holy Spirit in me…we do not always obey, it is a choice for us always; even though we are filled to the over flowing with the Spirit of God. We have to choose to be obedient even with the Holy Spirit within us; yes, the Holy Spirit living within us “should” cause us to behave in those ways, but because we have a free will to obey, it is not always the case. I have given my will to Him, but sometimes my own will gets in His/Holy Spirit’s way & I am not caused to follow the Spirit within me…still a choice to obey, which is a condition of disobedience or obedience. I find we have much more responsibility in this love between God & man/woman than we normally realize.
Jan
======= Shane:
That’s cool Jan. I’m just not a free will guy so my worldview is therefore a bit different.
Shane
======= John:
Irony
Family, friends, and co-workers know I have changed. They know the “before” and after” picture of me.
None believe it has to do with accepting Christ as my Lord and Savior. Family thinks I “hit rock bottom” and had nowhere to go but up. Friends think it was a mid-life crisis turnaround. Co-workers think it was a result of a raise and more responsibility.
When given the opportunity to explain, I get the rolling of eyes, the “that’s great that you found something that works for you”, or the “oh no, John has turned into a Jesus freak” look.
In General: They all continue to go through life dealing with families, contributing to the community, checking in periodically at a local church, being “good” people.
I beg them to just start reading the bible – they smile and shrug their shoulders. I even buy them Bibles – but – nothing.
So all I am left with is prayer.
The real irony – it is the “strangers” that listen. They see some photos of me as a down and out “bum” – and they see me now. They listen to my story, and ask questions, They show up at my church, or a Bible Study, or see me and ask more questions.
It is the 82 year old Irish Catholic (from the old country) mother of my best friend that spent four hours with me asking questions at Christmas after hearing my story. Then asking what to read in the Bible. Seeing things she was never taught in the Church. Making her think and pray. My best friend – he thinks I am “nuts”.
Go figure. You never know who you will touch. Ask God for the opportunities to talk to people. I believe that is a “prayer” God will always answer.
Keep praying for friends and family – I know my list is long – but never pass on the opportunity to share with a stranger.
John
======= Anka:
Hmm wow,it’s just so amazing the before and after stories.I won’t go into my story(until I tell my baby sister who’s 18 1st)but my friends who were good people that went to church from time to time(without ever knowing Christ) have seen the difference in me…but won’t listen when I tell them to read the bible either…my party partners have seen the difference as well but they refuse to leave their ways..But all your stories have really encouraged me to keep on keeping on.
On different views:you know the person who knows best lives right in us…I had a time when I began to wonder about some teachings…then I asked the Holy Spirit…you tell me.Wisdom is justified by her children(fruits),sometimes we want to hold on to our beliefs and ideas(doctrines)…if we go about doing the word,I’m sure God will make sure we’re on the right track.
God bless you all
Anka
======= Laura:
Regarding Friends and family: Most of our family belongs to one denomination. My sister is an ordained minister in our denomination as was my late uncle(father’s brother). I know some people in here will probably say that they have a problem with women ministers I do not. My own pastor is also a woman. I feel very blessed to be able to attend church together with my family.
My sister who came to faith long before I did, spent many years praying for me. I heard about Christ and the plan of salvation at a church camp at the age of 17. I had a mountain top experience than, but my faith was not firmly rooted. I spent about 20 years wondering in my own wilderness of sin. It took many years of prayer by my sister and probably countless others I will never know about.
As far as knowing whether or not my family members are on the same spiritual level in their journeys, is not for me to judge. If I had to make a personal determination, I would say no. Most of my family members go through all the motions of being Christians such as, tithing, being active in the church etc… I don’t see some of them attending bible study regularly or being consistant with prayer, but I know in some way God is working on them as He still is with me. I still consider myself as a work in progress.
My youngest brother married into the Catholic faith as is raising his four children Catholic even though he himself was protestant. My mother was raised catholic, but does not follow that faith now. My mother tells me she often prays to Mother Mary. Personlly, I feel and know that is wrong because I believe we are to pray to one Triune God. God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are one in the same. Thus, I believe in the trinity. All I can do is pray for my mother and tell her how I feel. My mother is active in our Methodist church and we attend together. God will be her final judge and I’ll let it go at that.
As far as friends are concerned, I have some friends who are Christians and some who are not. All have seen a change in me, so I guess I can say that my life has been a sort of witness, and I hope and pray that I have planted seeds in them and they in turn will come to faith.
My best friend became a Christain after I did. Her and I have always been pen pals because we live in different towns about an hour drive apart. We shared some really wild non-Christian times together in our past. When I finally did come to faith, and tried to share my faith with her, it fell on death ears at first. I than decided to pray for her and wrote out the plan of salvation to her in a letter one day. Shortly thereafter,she gave her life to Christ in church by going forward. I wasn’t even there. She later got babtised. She had been a tremenous witness to her family who are all non-christian. I am sure God will answer her prayers for her family and plant many seeds in their lives.
My friend is now active in her church and community and married to a wonderful Christian man. It is the happiest I have ever seen her in all the 25 years I’ve known her. She has finally found the right man and they are very strong prayer warriors.
What is neat about knowing someone else before and after they have come to faith and vise versa, is that you can see the changes in each other and continue to be a postive light and encouragment to one another.
Laura
======= Melissa:
You know, I used to hang on to that verse in Luke 18 – the one you highlighted – like how a man hung on to straw. The verse was my hope that whatever I was doing was going to be worth it.
Because I come from a relatively strict, traditional Chinese family, my turning to Christ was considered a dishonour, and it was very difficult for me to be a Christian. (I often have to hide my bibles!)
I used to be so terrified of my father finding me in church or finding my bibles … so in my fear and terror, I hung on to this saying to myself, “God says this is worth it… God will help me.”
These days are long gone, but I still look at these words with hope and fond rememberance because to me, it’s as if God was saying: “Hang on there.”
BTW, I’m thinking of rejoining the one-year-bible journey! Not sure if I can post my reflections ever day, but your work inspires me, Mike!
Melissa
======= Mae:
“Are there costs in your life that you are willing to accept to follow Jesus?” ~ Costs … well … hmmm … I don’t really want to say “costs”. Because I’d pay any price, it’s easy for me to follow Jesus because I love Him so much and see what His “costs” were to save me! I mean, that’s one big price! I’m always willing to follow Jesus, no matter what He asks. I love Matthew 4:19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” I like being one of the fishers of men. I give my testimony whenever whatever, I want everybody to know that I follow Jesus. It’s not always easy to talk to people on the streets, talking trash back to me because I confront them with God, Jesus, the 10 commandments, eternal life etc. I have a thick skin and I can take it. I feel sorry for those people … so lost in this rotten world. Costs … the costs of losing “friends” and some relatives … yes, that sometimes hurts. But knowing that I have my brothers and sisters in Christ, I can go on and follow Jesus. It’s hard sometimes to see people turning away from you, don’t invite you on parties anymore because the old Mae was much more fun to hang out with. Oh yeah well, tough. Who sais Christians can’t party??? (Jenny??????!!!! Whenever we cross that ocean, we go and party Christian-style, right girl???) I accept these costs (losts), because I want to enter the Kingdom. I asked Jesus to be my personal Saviour, so in order to have Him help me, I need to let go of my old life. So I did … and I’m fine with it. I’m happier than I ever thought I could be.
Todays Psalms were amazing!!!
86:11 “Teach me your way, O LORD,
and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name”. ~ Don’t we all want the Lord to teach us His ways? I wish I could be more godly than I am right now! I’m learning, I was only saved 8 months ago, I’m still a newborn. But I’d love to have more from the Lord! That’s why I read the Bible every day, that’s why I go to all sermons every week, that’s why I LOVE to talk to other Christians and share thoughts, insights and feelings. There’s a song we sing in church, can’t remember the name. But it’s about being more and more like Jesus. I love that song, that’s why it’s so odd I can’t remember the name. I do fear the Lord, I fear Him because I have great respect for Him and I don’t want to dissapoint Him. He does so much for me, His grace heals me, He teaches me, He loves me no matter what … yes, I fear Him and I love Him like I love nobody else.
Mae
======= Jen:
Joshua
God’s promises are True and they fail us. Jesus is the way the truth and the life.
When we lean on Jesus in hard times He brings us through.
Psalm
The first verse strikes me why would God need to bend down to hear the Psalmist’s prayer. God is all around us. He hears all and even knows our words before we speak them. However, the writer was in need. He needs protection.
Verse 2 – 6 All these things protection, salvation, mercy, content and forgiveness can be ours if He follow, serve, trust, pray and love the Lord our God. Its kinda like a two way thing.
Verse 7 There is a reassurance that if we call upon the Lord in times of trouble He will answer us. Verse 8 No one can do anything like God. Certainty no pagan God.
Verse 9 He made us. Because of what He has done everyone will come and worship and praise Him.
Verse 10 There is only one God and He is wonderful and great. He has performed great deeds like making the earth and all we see, touch, feel and hear.
The Psalmist wants to Gods laws so that He can be acceptable in His sight.
Verse 12 Because there is none like God and because of what He has done we can sing praises with all our hearts. Forever He will be worthy.
Verse 13 God loves us so much. He has rescued us from death.
Verse 14 Even when rude people call us names and people try to hurt us badly. You will protect us. Those foolish people don’t mean anything to You.
Verse 15 You care and offer protection and help to those who love You.
You have considerable patience for those whom love You. Your love never fails.
Verse 16 You give us strength and show mercy towards us if we follow You
Based on my reflections on our Joshua readings today, do you believe that God’s promises are True and won’t fail you? If you are in some sort of slavery to sin or perhaps in a desert place in your life right now, will you reach out to Jesus to save you and lead you into the Promised Land? Do you believe Jesus can Save you and Lead you? And will you follow? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” li
Proverbs
Following God means we have hope even in difficult times. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel of troubled darken times
Jen
======= Angelo:
John 8:36 tells me that “If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.” I am already freed, because Jesus has already freed me, but it is my choice whether or not I wish to go back into bondage. He sets free from all bondages, strongholds and bindings that the devil may try to set on our lives. But the power of Jesus freedom comes through believing that He has already set me free. Thank the Father for Jesus, that by His stripes, I am healed (Isaiah 53).
And I love that psalm. Its beautiful, because the fear of the Lord is a wonderful thing to have. I read Proverbs and see it mentioned very frequently. My favorite is Proverbs 1:7 and 8:13.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all knowledge.”
“To fear the Lord is to hate evil.”
I love the first one so much because it manifested itself in my life. I was saved by the fear of the Lord, because (my 2nd birthday is coming up on the 23rd of this month…Praise God) I recieved the Holy Bible as a present for my 19th bday and I, not knowing why, went immediately to Revelation and began to read it the very nect day. Reading what God was going to do to the people who didnt live for Him (I thought all you had to do was merely believe in Him, but James 2:19 tells us that “You believe there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that- and they shudder.”), I immdeiately was struck with fear. I always believed the Holy Bible to be true, but this was like some Stephen King type stuff times 1,000. And praise God that through fear of Him, I began to live for Him that day and eventually grew to love Him…not just saying it with my mouth, but actually love Him (If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. John 14:15).
And I also enjoy the last one, because I want the mindset that Jesus had, and Philippians 2:5 tells us to “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Jesus hated sin and still does, so I want to hate sin and hate what is evil; because once I have gotten to that point, temptation loses its illustrious mirage and I wont even have to consider committing an act against the Lord. I know I will never get there until I am fully delivered from this flesh and ressurected, but I strive with all my might to get there. Pray for me.
Angelo
======= Jenny:
Amen Angelo! i hear ya…about hating sin and never wanting to do it n getting to the point of being fully delivered. “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” matt 26:24
Paul said it best in Romans 7!
13 Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
Jenny
======= Johnnie:
Psalm 86 has so much treasure in it. Definitely one to be looked at and examined more closely.
Johnnie
======= Skip:
Wow!!! Psalm 86:1-17 really stood out to me today. I guess it’s because a part of my life keeps wandering back-and-forth into the wilderness and I know that when I’m in that wilderness there is only one way back, and that’s with the help of Jesus. I struggle to understand why I allow myself to wander into the wilderness. When I’m headed there I’m very conscious of where I’m going and I’m praying to God to help me turn around, but sometimes I feel as if He is also leading me there. I think maybe that the person leading me there is really Satan because God never causes us to sin. I feel God’s presence while I’m going into the wilderness and while I’m in the wilderness and I guess He goes there with me to bring me back. I just pray that I wouldn’t go there at all! If you haven’t figured it out, my wilderness is sin and there are area’s of my life that I am constantly walking along the ledge and falling into the ravine. God helps me keep my balance, but every once-in-awhile; sometimes more than others, I fall off that ledge and need to pray as David did in Psalm 86.
God…stay with me, protect me, forgive me and prepare a place for me so that I can be with you for eternity. In Jesus name I pray.
Yours in Christ
Skip
======= Sean:
It is VERY difficult on the heart to keep praying for those you love to be saved; those prayers are daily admissions of your family’s status as unsaved. But we have a Lord in heaven–A Lord who saved Jacob though he was a deceiver, Moses though he was a murderer, Saul, David…. God has assured us that there will be a “multitude that no man can number” that will be saved, so we must hope in that. Christ has a bride, and that bride will be redeemed. I pray that your family’s eyes will be opened and their hearts changed.
Sean
======= Frederick:
A rich ruler Vs a blind beggar
Luke18:18-30 & 35-43
It is interesting to read Luke 18 today. The rich ruler asked Jesus the ways to eternal life. Yet, his wealth prevented him from following Jesus, although Jesus called him to follow Him. Jesus commented that it is difficult for the rich to be saved. Then, Luke described a blind beggar who met Jesus. The blind beggar called Jesus the Son of David. The beggar ‘knew’ about the identity of Jesus. And finally, he followed Jesus.
These two short stories happened exactly like Jesus’s comments. The rich ruler preferred his wealth to following Jesus. He lost his eternal blessings. The blind beggar received Jesus’s dual blessings–his eyesight restored and his eternal life.
Frederick
======= Terriann:
In Psalm 86, I love how David approached God on the basis of and according to God’s character as opposed to his own merit or worthiness. This requires a knowledge of God’s character that is unshakable. Remember in the garden of Eden, the first thing the serpent did was to question God’s motive for giving the command and Eve bought the lie. David lived a life with many enemies and his circumstances could seem to appear that God had abandoned him but as I read this psalm it become clear that David knew better. In v.5 “You are forgiving and good.”; v.7 “You answer me.”; v.8 “There is none like you.”; v.10 “You are great and do marvelous deeds,” v.15 “You O Lord are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in love and faithfulness.”.
There are times when what we know to be true and what we see around us don’t seem to match up. I like how David verbalizes the truth. We are fortunate to have David’s words recorded for us. I think it would be good to read them out loud so we can hear these words of faith as well as read them.
Terriann
======= Lily:
I have a problem in understanding the old testament of God’s command to destroy everything when Joshua was led to take over the promise land. It seems so brutal. However, commentaries on the reasons behind it (such us removing evil and temptations, and total obedience to God’s commands) gave me a better understanding.
New testament reading (Luke 18).Comes to mind how hard to leave our comfort zone (our riches, familiar surroundings and approval of family & friends and follow God. We can not do it on our own unless we have faith and trust in God.
Lily
========= Duane:
Mike, Its been awhile since I last posted but I read your bible blog everyday. Its wonderful to know how God is using you to help others understand God’s word better and better each day. Please don,t stop doing this wonderful work, its been such a blessing in my life. The bible blog helps me to meditate and reflect and to actually see how well I have understood my reading. There have been many times where I have actually gone back and reread because of your comments and questions. Thanks may God bless you abundantly for all the hours you put in to benefit others.
Duane
======= Chris:
Hey Ramona!
Great words of wisdom.
I’m here watching, reading, meditating, and trying to obey. I don’t often post because I am taking the “easy to read” version of scripture and setting it up with CSS and HTML, oftentimes breaking it down to outlines (like the division of the tribes), and I find that not only does it give me time to “reflect” on the text, but I underscore, bold, and make colorful points that stand out for me.
It has been my pleasure to read the One-Year-Bible from 1992.
After learning I actually COULD read the entire bible, cover to cover, in 30 days–simply by dividing the pages by 30. But, as you indicated above, numbers and many other things just kind of became a blur when attempting to read so much so fast; it just did not penetrate.
I have also, in times past, read the 90-day Bible; very satisfying in that it really puts the timelines together and does not focus on one area and lose context.
Actually, I like all ways of reading scripture, cover to cover.
It is always a pleasure to read what Mike, you, and others here post. It is an encouragement! Do please continue…
HTOITA,
Chris
======= Jill:
Mike you talked about being a slave to sin. Yes I find we become enslaved to many things. Until we recognize it we can’t get out of it. I went thru a dry period where I allowed my circumstances to enslave me. I was locked in a emotional prison I couldn’t get out. The only way I was able to escape it was to recognize it, call on God, seek counsel, get into Bible Studies and study study pray pray ! There is an escape. We let Satan take over but if we put on our full armor of God every morning our lives change.
Jill
======= Dee:
Joshua, God always had his protection of His people the Israelites and especially the Tribe of Judah..
Jesus gave ultimate test..to follow him, those that gave up mother’s, fathers, sisters and brothers for Him..will be given so much more and be blessed because of it.
Psalm & proverbs amazing!!
Teach me your ways Lord! Yes..love my Jesus
Dee
======= Debbie:
Loved “All My Hope” YouTube!! Really had me praising the Lord!
Debbie
======= Ramona:
Joshua 15:1-63
Boundaries, God’s m.o. (modus operandi) are all about setting boundaries. Whether it is separating light from darkness, dry land from wet Genesis 1), sin from righteousness, death from life, God has placed boundaries upon the earth and within Believers not to cross. And when we do, well, we sadly suffer the consequences of our trespasses. Sometimes those consequences drive us toward God, repentance and acceptance of God’s way of doing things, but most often, we are driven down a path of anger, rage and rebellion toward crossing the lines God has set.
The foolishness of man subverts his way [ruins his affairs]; then his heart is resentful and frets against the Lord. (Proverbs 19:3 AMP)
Yet folks, there is Good News. For over 20 years, I raged against God and Jesus Christ. Because of the type of people Luciano posted about earlier in the day, I became a total raving lunatic against anything that smacked of “religion.” I would not go into a church no matter what was going on; I cursed out people, particularly black folk, who I saw reading the Bible on the public transportation system, “Why are you reading that white man’s book!!” I would yell and rant. I would get up in people’s faces all 5’3,” 98 pounds of me (I do not weight that anymore). At the time I had a gigantic afro (I’m dating myself) so I looked like a large Number 2 pencil with a great big eraser completely insane.)
I am sure that one of those people I cursed out prayed for me because years latter I went into an hysterical fit (laughing) when I realized I was now teaching the Bible I so insanely shouted about, to those who were saying the same thing. I know that God is a God of fun because He provided in His salvation, help for someone like me.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
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