Monday, October 31st: Matthew 26:31-35, Mark 14:27-31, Luke 22:31-38, John 13:31-38, John 14-16 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Matthew 26:31-35, Mark 14:27-31, Luke 22:31-38, John 13:31-38, John 14-16

There are a few themes woven throughout our passages today. The ones I want to focus on are love and God's presence.

Jesus is the only way to God.  It cannot be said any more clearly than that. He is the only way to restore our relationship with God. Thankfully, because of His death and resurrection, we can experience His presence forever. Truly, that is heaven. Heaven is a place, but what makes heaven heaven is the presence of God.

We need to abide in Him now in order to bear fruit in this life. We enjoy His presence and power through the Holy Spirit now, as promised in this passage, and we will experience the reward of being fruitful eternally in His presence.

Finally, our relationship with Him will be, must be, proved genuine by our love for each other. Can others tell we are Christians by our love?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: John 17, Matthew
26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:39-
46, Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-
52, Luke 22:47-53, John 18:1-24,
Matthew 26:57-68, Mark 14:53-65,
Luke 22:54, Luke 22:63-65

Sunday, October 30th - Matthew 25:1-26, Matthew 26:1-5, Mark 14:1-2, Luke 222:1-2, Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11, Luke 22:3-6, Matthew 26:17-19, Mark 14:12-16, Luke 22:7-13, John 13:1-20, Matthew 26:20-30, Mark 14:17-26, Luke 22:14-30, John 13:21-30 - Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Matthew 25:1-26, Matthew 26:1-5, Mark 14:1-2, Luke 222:1-2, Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11, Luke 22:3-6, Matthew 26:17-19, Mark 14:12-16, Luke 22:7-13, John 13:1-20, Matthew 26:20-30, Mark 14:17-26, Luke 22:14-30, John 13:21-30

The parables in Matthew 25 are good reminders to me to always be ready for Jesus' return.  In verses 1-13 the wise virgins were prepared to wait and be ready for the bridegroom's return while the foolish virgins were not prepared and missed out on the bridegroom's arrival ultimately not being able to attend the wedding banquet.  This represents always being ready for Jesus' return at any time and if we are not prepared we will miss out on heaven.  The parable in verses 14-30 shows us the importance of using what God has given us to the best of our ability.  This made me think about what talents and gifts God has given me and question myself if I am using these gifts to God's glory.  How disappointing it must be for God to see gifts and talents not being used.  

Verses 35-36 say "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."  After reading these 2 verses I thought about whether I share what I have and help those in need.  In my Life Application Bible it describes this parable as acts of mercy that we all can do every day.  These acts do not depend on wealth, ability or intelligence, they are simple acts freely given and freely received.  We have no excuse to neglect those who have deep needs.  What a great reminder to myself to be aware of others around me that may need help in different ways and not necessarily monetary.  

Finally, I found reading the passages of the Last Supper interesting in each of the Gospels.  Each Gospel is very similar yet a few extra details are thrown in some of the verses that not all the Gospels have.  One example would be in Matthew 26:15 where it mentions that Judas received 30 silver coins where Mark and Luke don't mention the number of coins that Judas received for betraying Jesus but that Judas was promised money.

Finally, John 13:1-20 are the verses about Jesus washing the Disciples' Feet.  I have heard this story many many times but after reading this passage again I tried hard to envision what that would have been like to be one of the disciples and what this represented.  I learned that by Jesus washing their feet He was showing humility and servant hood as this was usually done by the lowliest of servants.  This action of servant hood was completely opposite of what the disciples had been arguing about prior to this in Luke 22:24 as to which one of them was the greatest.  This was also an example for us to serve one another in humility and love.  

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Matthew 26:31-35, Mark 14:27-31, Luke 22:31-38, John 13:31-38, John 14-16

Saturday, October 29th: Matthew 22:41-46, Mark 12:35-37, Luke 20: 41-44, Matthew 23:1-12, Mark 12:38-40, Luke 20:45-47, Matthew 23:13-36, Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4, Matthew 24:1-51, Mark 13:1-37, Luke 21:5-38 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Matthew 22:41-46, Mark 12:35-37, Luke 20: 41-44, Matthew 23:1-12, Mark 12:38-40, Luke 20:45-47, Matthew 23:13-36, Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4, Matthew 24:1-51, Mark 13:1-37, Luke 21:5-38

In the beginning of our passage we see that the Pharisees had missed an important detail about the Messiah - they knew He would be a descendant of David, but they seemed to have missed the fact that He would not simply be a political or military saviour, but God in the flesh!  The fact that Jesus is God is what sets Christianity apart from all other religions.  Our belief about who Jesus is, is crucial!

We are next reminded of the fact that holiness is not simply a matter of rules and laws, do's and don'ts.  The law shows us how much we fall short of the mark and shows us our need for a Saviour.  And obedience to God IS a marker of genuine faith.  But actions alone are meaningless if we are rebellious on the inside.  We need a new heart!

Finally, it can be scary to contemplate the negative aspects of the end times (which is really everything between Jesus's ascension and when He returns again, ie now).  We have the assurance that no matter what trials may come, He will never leave us, and eventually He will bring an end to the suffering and bring justice, as well as life everlasting.  We need to rest in that hope!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Matthew 25:1-46, Matthew 26:1-5, Mark 14:1-2, Luke 22:1-2, Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11, Luke 22:3-6, Matthew 26:17-19, Mark 14:12-16, Luke 22:7-13, John 13:1-20, Matthew 26:20-30, Mark 14:17-26, Luke 22:14-30, John 13:21-30

Friday, October 28th: Matthew 21:18-22, Mark 11:12-14, Mark 11:20-25, Matthew 21:23-27, Mark 11:27-33, Luke 20:1-8, Matthew 21:28-46, Mark 12:1-12, Luke 20:9-19, Matthew 22:1-22, Mark 12:13-17, Luke 20:20-26, Matthew 22:23-33, Mark 12:18-27, Luke 20:27-40, Matthew 22:34-40, Mark 12:28-34 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Matthew 21:18-22, Mark 11:12-14, Mark 11:20-25, Matthew 21:23-27, Mark 11:27-33, Luke 20:1-8, Matthew 21:28-46, Mark 12:1-12, Luke 20:9-19, Matthew 22:1-22, Mark 12:13-17, Luke 20:20-26, Matthew 22:23-33, Mark 12:18-27, Luke 20:27-40, Matthew 22:34-40, Mark 12:28-34 

"Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be sincere. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said, so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor."  Luke 20:20

Jesus was under a tight surveillance, and as Christians, we are too.  The language we use, our attitudes, and the actions we take all need to be in accordance with God.  The teachers of the law would have loved to catch Jesus saying or doing the wrong thing.  In the same way, many non-believers wait for us to fall short of perfection too.

"They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent."   Luke 20:26

Something that I enjoy reading is how Jesus answers the questions he is being asked.  He is able to answer in such as way that it astonishes people and leads them to silence as opposed to ticking them off and then leading them to anger.  Jesus is able to answer people in such as way that they are not only silenced, but His responses cause others to ponder and discuss what He has said.   

"Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’^[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment."  Matthew 22:37

The reality is, if we truly love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind, we would be obeying all the commandments.  It takes all three parts for this to happen.  We can't live for God only using one or two of these aspects; we need to use all three, all the time.  

Three things that I would like to apply to my life:
1.  That I will be able conduct my daily business in a way that is pleasing to God, whether I am being watched or not.  
2.  That I would be able to communicate to non-believers in an effective way.
3.  That I would apply 100% of my heart, soul, and mind to loving God.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Matthew 22:41-46, Mark 12:35-37, Luke 20: 41-44, Matthew 23:1-12, Mark 12:38-40, Luke 20:45-47, Matthew 23:13-36, Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4, Matthew 24:1-51, Mark 13:1-37, Luke 21:5-38

Thursday, October 27th: Matthew 20:29-34, Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43, Luke 19:1-27, Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, John 12:1-11, Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-40, John 12:12-19, Luke 19:41-44, Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48, John 12:20-50 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Matthew 20:29-34, Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43, Luke 19:1-27, Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, John 12:1-11, Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-40, John 12:12-19, Luke 19:41-44, Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48, John 12:20-50

A couple thoughts...

Jesus heals the blind man (men) - In this passage my thoughts were on the crowd and how the yelled "Be Quiet" when the blind man was trying to get the attention of Jesus.  I wonder how often we don't do the same thing...do we judge someone and decide that they aren't worthy of Jesus and try to distract ourselves with our own worthiness? The attitude of the crowd in this passage shocked me when I read it this time.  I think in their minds they were maybe trying to protect Jesus but they obviously also had a sense that they were better than the blind man and wanted to keep the less worthy from bothering Jesus. I hope that we look at those who may in some minds be less worthy and love them the way Jesus loved this blind man.

Zacchaeus - I can't every read this story without remembering the song about Zacchaeus in a tree that I learned as a very little girl...any of you remember that one?  Again, in this story we have to be careful not to write any one off. No one liked Zacchaeus and Jesus was willing to look past what other said and care for this man. He was every bit as worthy of Jesus as the rest of them...the people just couldn't see past Zacchaeus sins.

The Ten Servants - I think we all know this story and we all should be challenged by it to look at our lives and make sure that we are investing the things that God has given us in the right way.  Are we multiplying or just protecting.

Jesus' Triumphant Entry - My thoughts as I read this section went to the fact that prophecy was being fulfilled here and no one recognized it as such until they thought back on it much later.  They lived in a time where the prophecies had been written about a Saviour and were fully waiting on that to happen and yet didn't recognize it when it was right in front of the.  We don't have the same types of prophecies today as they did then, as the prophecies yet to be fulfilled I believe, will all be a part of the end times.  Will we recognize the end time propechies when they are fulfilled or will we miss them and only realize it after the fact too?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Matthew 21:18-22, Mark 11:12-14, Mark 11:20-25, Matthew 21:23-27, Mark 11:27-33, Luke 20:1-8, Matthew 21:28-46, Mark 12:1-12, Luke 20:9-19, Matthew 22:1-22, Mark 12:13-17, Luke 20:20-26, Matthew 22:23-33, Mark 12:18-27, Luke 20:27-40, Matthew 22:34-40, Mark 12:28-34

Wednesday, October 26th: Matthew 19:3-12, Mark 10:2-12, Matthew 19:13-15, Mark 10:13-16, Luke 18:15-17, Matthew 19:16-30, Mark 10:17-31, Luke 18:18-30, Matthew 20:1-19, Mark 10:32-34, Luke 18:31-34, Matthew 20:20-28, Mark 10:35-45 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Matthew 19:3-12, Mark 10:2-12, Matthew 19:13-15, Mark 10:13-16, Luke 18:15-17, Matthew 19:16-30, Mark 10:17-31, Luke 18:18-30, Matthew 20:1-19, Mark 10:32-34, Luke 18:31-34, Matthew 20:20-28, Mark 10:35-45

I found today's reading had a lot to comment on and discuss. This made me think that Jesus life here on earth must have been exhausting, I imagine He was constantly being asked for advice or being tested, all day every day. He would take a break and sail off with His disciples, but that lead to other events that lead to Him acting, then teaching a lesson. His teaching never ended. Us humans would be exhausted, but He is God and can do anything, and He shows this by His tireless work.

A couple of things that caught my attention while reading today's scripture...

- We need to give thanks for our spouse, and do all we can to make our marriages work. So often we see couples splitting up and treating it like it's not a big deal, like it's normal for people to grow apart. It's a serious issue, and we need to take our marriages seriously.

Mark 10: 11&12
He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. [12] And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery .”

- Matthew 19: 23&24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. [24] Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

We here in Canada are all rich, when compared to other people elsewhere in the world. This passage made me think of how often I'm too busy to devote proper time into reading and learning what the Bible talks about. We have time and money for many things, and devote ourselves to hobbies and things we like to do, but do I take the time and make the effort to be properly devoted to God? A good reminder to make Him priority.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Matthew 20:29-34, Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43, Luke 19:1-27, Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, John 12:1-11, Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-40, John 12:12-19, Luke 19:41-44, Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48, John 12:20-50

Tuesday, October 25th: Luke 16:1-31, Luke 17:1-10, John 11:1-57, Luke 17:11-37, Luke 18:1-14 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Luke 16:1-31, Luke 17:1-10, John 11:1-57, Luke 17:11-37, Luke 18:1-14

It amazes me how you can read the familiar teachings of Jesus over & over again & something new just stands out at you. The parables we read today I had heard many times over & had various verses underlined in my bible & yet some completely thoughts stood out to me.

Luke 16:14 –
The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this & were sneering at Jesus.

This verse is preceded by Jesus’ teaching that you cannot serve both God & money. The Pharisees were considered very religious, but they loved money, so they took exception to this teaching. That's not how it works & yet how easy it is to have a similar attitude. To read portions of the bible & make excuses as to why I'm the exception or spend more time applying them to someone else than our own lives. Every teaching is in the bible for a reason & no one person is exempt from any of them. Along with that, none of them are any less important than the other. It is easy to excuse ourself with the attitude that I can still be a Christian even if I do this, it's really no big deal. (Disclaimer: I'm not saying that our Christianity comes into question with every choice we make, I'm just trying to express a thought 😉)

Luke 17:9-10 –
Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’

When we have obeyed God or served him in any capacity, we should not look for recognition or acknowledgment, but know that we have only done our duty & rather consider it a privilege to have had the honour of serving God. Obedience isn't something we do for extra credit, it's our duty.

Luke 17:30-33 –
It will be just like this on the day the son of man is revealed. On that day no one who is on the roof of his house, with his goods inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, & whoever loses his life will preserve it.

How much of our identity is in what we have accomplished on this earth, in what “wealth” we have accumulated. What really hit me were the words “remember Lot’s wife.”  Remember Lot’s wife?  She lost her life for looking back. We are not told that she turned around or hesitated & took a few steps back; she looked back, that's it. Do I hold value to anything on this earth that would cause me even a moments hesitation when God returns four men?  If so, I have to let it go. Maybe a sobering thought, definitely a reality check.

John 11:35 –
Jesus wept.

Everyone knows this verse, the shortest one in the bible.  What struck me today is what is all shown to us in these two words. “Jesus wept.”  Jesus was on this earth & felt all the emotions we go through. He could identify with the others in their pain & heartache & went through it with them, just as he will understand everything we face.  When we need comfort, a shoulder to cry on, or maybe even someone to “wrestle it out with” (just as Mary & Martha questioned where he was & why he didn't come earlier), Jesus really understands.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Matthew 19:3-12, Mark 10:2-12, Matthew 19:13-15, Mark 10:13-16, Luke 18:15-17, Matthew 19:16-30, Mark 10:17-31, Luke 18:18-30, Matthew 20:1-19, Mark 10:32-34, Luke 18:31-34, Matthew 20:20-28, Mark 10:35-45

Monday, October 24: Luke 10:25-42, Luke11:1-13, Luke 11:33-54, Luke 12:1-59,Luke 13:1-17, John 9:1-41

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Luke 10:25-42, Luke11:1-13, Luke 11:33-54, Luke 12:1-59,Luke 13:1-17, John 9:1-41


So many nuggets in today's reading!

*The story of the Samaritan....so often we are too busy or too "important" to help someone in need. May we search out opportunities to serve others even if it expensive in time or in money. How are we using our resources for God's kingdom?

*I can TOTALLY identify with Martha. My word for 2016 is "STILL" and it is a reminder to just be still instead of focusing on the long to do list and instead of focusing on what others are, or aren't, doing. It's so backwards and upside down to think that sitting and listening to Jesus is what was applauded instead of being a good hostess.

*How to Pray:

I read a devotional once that suggested using the acronym ACTS:

Adoration
Confession
Thanksgiving
Supplication

When you read through the Lord's prayer it does follow this model. What a good reminder that God is not an instant teller of dream granting.

*Ask, Seek, Knock

God is the giver of all good things and He loves to shower His blessings on His children. But it is us that need to come to Our Saviour to ask and seek and knock.

*We need to shine. We need to be the light in a dark world.

*The truth hurts. The Pharisees, the Sadducees, the lawyers didn't want to hear what Jesus was saying. Sometimes we don't want to hear it either.

*God loves us so much. We are more valuable than sparrows and God takes care of them. Even the hairs on our head are counted by Him.

*What goes around, comes around. If we deny Christ, he will deny us.

*Everything can be taken from us in a moment. Just like the rich farmer who couldn't take his bountiful crops with him, neither can we take our worldly possessions with us. Whatever is consuming our thoughts and our time and our resources should have lasting value.

*Be ready--any time and any place. Jesus is coming back!

*We can be healed. Whether we are disabled or blind-physically or spiritually, God can heal us and make us whole. It is his greatest desire for humanity and He was willing to give up His Son to make it possible.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Luke 16:1-31, Luke 17:1-10, John 11:1-57, Luke 17:11-37, Luke18:1-14

Sunday October 23rd: Matthew 19:1-2, Mark 10:1, Luke 9:51-56, Matthew 8:18-22, Luke 9:57-62, John 7:10-53, John 8:1-59, Luke 10:1-24~ Jay

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Matthew 19:1-2, Mark 10:1, Luke 9:51-56, Matthew 8:18-22, Luke 9:57-62, John 7:10-53, John 8:1-59, Luke 10:1-24

What struck me from the passages today were a few key thoughts:

1) There were numerous people jumping on the bandwagon...both the Matthew 19 and Mark 10 verses describe large crowds that followed him and he healed them and taught them.  We also read of several individuals who pledge that they will follow Jesus wherever He goes....yet there are caveats that these individuals put in place before they can follow....bury their father, say goodbye to their family. Although we don't read if these people followed Christ and altered their plans relative to personal sacrifice....it brought me to think of how we approach our relationship with Christ.  It is easy to pledge our willingness to follow Christ verbally...but are we ready to sacrifice personally in order to follow Him.

2) In Luke 9;51-56 we read about a Samaritan village which did welcome Jesus or his disciples. The disciples are incensed and want fire called down, yet Jesus calmly acknowledges the rejection and heads on to another village. At the outset of the passage it stated that the time was approaching for Jesus to be taken up into heaven.  Do we look at things this same way?  The return of Christ is approaching and as we encounter those who reject the message of Christ or us, do we get bent out of shape with righteous indignation or do we calmly continue to spread the message of Christ to others.  

3) In John 8, I always smile at the story of the accusers who brought the adulterous woman to Jesus and wanted to trap Him.  Either plausible answer he could have given would have landed him in trouble with either the Romans or the religious leaders. Instead of the plausible answer, Jesus challenges them to look at their own hearts and the one without sin could cats the first stone.  In the end no man was left and Jesus challenged the woman to leave her life of sin. This story always make me take a introspective look at myself....how easy is it for me to identify sin in someone else.  I need to daily focus on my own sin and the need for forgiveness.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Luke 10:25-42, Luke 11:1-13, Luke 11:33-54, Luke 12:1-59, Luke 13:1-17, John 9:1-41

Saturday, October 22nd: Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36, Matthew 17:14-20, Mark 9:14-29, Luke 9:37-45, Matthew 17:22-23, Mark 9:30-32, Matthew 17:24-27, Matthew 18:1-5, Mark 9:33-37, Luke 9:46-48, Mark 9:38-41, Luke 9:49-50, Matthew 18:6-10, Mark 9:42-50, Matthew 18:12-35, John 7:1-9 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36, Matthew 17:14-20, Mark 9:14-29, Luke 9:37-45, Matthew 17:22-23, Mark 9:30-32, Matthew 17:24-27, Matthew 18:1-5, Mark 9:33-37, Luke 9:46-48, Mark 9:38-41, Luke 9:49-50, Matthew 18:6-10, Mark 9:42-50, Matthew 18:12-35, John 7:1-9

The portion of our passage that struck me today was the passage on forgiveness.

Isn't it true that we want mercy when it comes to our own sins, but we want justice when it comes to wrongs committed against us?  Our views of justice, mercy, and forgiveness tend to be very one-sided.

In a society that tells us anything goes as long as it's right for us, we tend to think that we're good, certainly better than most, and haven't really done that much for which we need to be forgiven.  But that's because our perspective is so skewed.

We don't fully grasp the holiness of God, and we don't fully grasp our own sinfulness, which means we don't truly grasp how much we've been forgiven - particularly those of us who grew up in Christian homes and don't have a dramatic conversion story with a drastic before/after persona.  And if we don't grasp how much we've been forgiven, we aren't appropriately grateful, and we aren't as inclined to bestow that forgiveness to someone else.  Just like the man in Jesus' parable.

We are that man.

I pray that our eyes would be opened to His holiness, our sin, the magnitude of His forgiveness towards us, and that our hearts would overflow with gratitude resulting in our willingness to forgive others for what they have done (and will do!) to us.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Matthew 19:1-2, Mark 10:1, Luke 9:51-56, Matthew 8:18-22, Luke 9:57-62, John 7:10-53, John 8:1-59, Luke 10:1-24

Friday, October 21:Matthew 15:21-28, Mark 7:24-30, Matthew 15:29-31, Mark 7:31-37, Matthew 15:32-39, Mark 8:1-10, Matthew 16:1-4, Mark 8:11-13, Matthew 16:5-12, Mark 8:14-26, Matthew 16:13-20, Mark 8:27-30, Luke 9:18-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Mark 8:31-9:1, Luke 9:22-27 ~ Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is

Matthew 15:21-28, Mark 7:24-30, Matthew 15:29-31, Mark 7:31-37, Matthew 15:32-39, Mark 8:1-10, Matthew 16:1-4, Mark 8:11-13, Matthew 16:5-12, Mark 8:14-26, Matthew 16:13-20, Mark 8:27-30, Luke 9:18-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Mark 8:31-9:1, Luke 9:22-27

Do I have the kind of faith that believes that mountains can be moved?

Sometimes I don't think so.

Today's passage starts off with demonstrations of great faith. A persistent Gentile woman is granted healing for her possessed daughter because she believed Jesus could heal. Many sick, lame, blind, crippled, and mute were healed by their faith.A deaf man was given his hearing and his ability to speak. The disciples took baskets in faith and distributed food to 4000+ people after watching Jesus bless 7 loaves and a few fish. God is the God of the impossible.

So often we are like the Pharisees and the Sadducees and we demand a sign to give us faith...even with signs all around... but God desires us to have a faith in the things unseen. 

Peter knew who Jesus was. We know who Jesus is. We know what he did and what he can do. Our faith is tested but we need to know that we serve a God that can, and will, do the impossible.

Yesterday, I did a devotion with my "family group" (each teacher has a group made up of a few students from each class) and I shared this lesson with my group about God doing the impossible.

I asked my students if they thought I could take a sheet of paper and cut a hole with scissors that was big enough for me to step through. This appears impossible. Lots of situations in our life may seem that way. Of course, the all agreed that it would be impossible for me to cut a hole big enough for me to step through. I then showed them the plan at the back of the page and how God already has a plan all worked out and if we follow it the way God designed it then God would make the impossible possible. As I cut out the lines, it became clear that I would not only be able to step into it, but I could pass my whole body into the hole that was created through my cutting along the plan. 

Nothing is impossible with God. The sick can be healed, the blind can see, the lame can walk, the demons can be cast out, the deaf can hear, the hungry can be fed, and the Son of God can be made human and die for us. We can live in heaven forever even if we are sinners because we have been bought by Christ. Seems impossible, but it's true. We serve an amazing God!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36, Matthew 17:14-20, Mark 9:14-29, Luke 9:37-45, Matthew 17:22-23, Mark 9:30-32, Matthew 17:24-27, Matthew 18:1-5, Mark 9:33-37, Luke 9:46-48, Mark 9:38-41, Luke 9:49-50, Matthew 18:6-10, Mark 9:42-50, Matthew 18:12-35, John 7:1-9

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Thursday, October 20 - Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, John 6:16-21, Matthew 14:34-36, Mark 6:53-56, John 6:22-71, Matthew 15:1-20, Mark 7:1-23 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, John 6:16-21, Matthew 14:34-36, Mark 6:53-56, John 6:22-71, Matthew 15:1-20, Mark 7:1-23

I had a couple thoughts while reading these verses...

Jesus Walks on Water
I've always found this story intriguing.  I try to put myself in the position of the disciples who are out on a boat in the middle of a crazy storm and then they see this man walking towards them. He must have appeared like a ghost because in all the wind and waves they would likely not have seen him coming...he would have likely just appeared there.  And that would be a strange and terrifying sight. I think I would have just stood there speechless and yet somehow Peter has enough wits about himself to ask Jesus to prove that He is actually the Lord and have him come walk to Him on the water.  What a strange situation this would be.

Many Disciples Desert Jesus
I don't know if I've every read this and caught the fact that Jesus has many disciples and at this point most of them left His side, leaving only the 12.  This section reminds me of Matthew 7:13-14 which says “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell[a] is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.  Jesus was asking them to believe in Him and His power and I think this scripture shows how so many people will see and hear and still choose to walk away from Him. It's definitely a choice. Some will choose to follow through faith, not always knowing or understanding all the answers. And some will choose to turn away because they can't know or understand all the answers. And the ones that choose to follow will be small compared to those that walk away.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Matthew 15:21-28, Mark 7:24-30, Matthew 15:29-31, Mark 7:31-37, Matthew 15:32-39, Mark 8:1-10, Matthew 16:1-4, Mark 8:11-13, Matthew 16:5-12, Mark 8:14-26, Matthew 16:13-20, Mark 8:27-30, Luke 9:18-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Mark 8:31-9:1, Luke 9:22-27

Wednesday, October 19th: Matthew 9:27-34, Matthew 13:53-58, Mark 6:1-6, Luke 4:16-30, Matthew 9:35-38, Matthew 10:1-15, Mark 6:7-13, Luke 9:1-6, Matthew 10:16-42, Matthew 14:3-12, Mark 6:17-29, Matthew 14:1-2, Mark 6:14-16, Luke 9:7-9, Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-15 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Matthew 9:27-34, Matthew 13:53-58, Mark 6:1-6, Luke 4:16-30, Matthew 9:35-38, Matthew 10:1-15, Mark 6:7-13, Luke 9:1-6, Matthew 10:16-42, Matthew 14:3-12, Mark 6:17-29, Matthew 14:1-2, Mark 6:14-16, Luke 9:7-9, Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-15

Today's reading also covers many different storeys and events during Jesus time on earth, like we've read in the past few days.

The part that stood out to me the most was the instructions Jesus gave to his twelve apostles before sending them out. He gave them authority as well as specific instructions to pack light.

Mark 6:8-9
These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt.

These verses are basically repeated in Matthew 10:9  “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts and Luke 9:3  He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt.

If I were to go on a journey now, I'd be packing a lot of things, thinking I may need these things and not wanting to be caught without, but here we see that this journey is about more and is very important.

Jesus goes on to warn his apostles about what awaits them once on their journey,

Matthew 10:16-17
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.  Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues.

And then goes on to sum up,

Matthew 10:38
Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me

This to me should sum up what life is all about for us as Christians, keeping things simple and focused on God, having faith that He will provide. We are so busy with life, but need to re-focus daily on Him.

As well, we are only here for a short time, and may have to be shamed or persecuted for following Christ, but it will be worth it.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, John 6:16-21, Matthew 14:34-36, Mark 6:53-56, John 6:22-71, Matthew 15:1-20, Mark 7:1-23

Tuesday, October 18th: Mark 4:21-25, Luke 8:16-18, Mark 4:26-29, Matthew 13:24-33, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-21, Matthew 13:34-35, Mark 4:33-34, Matthew 13:36-52, Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25, Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39, Matthew 9:18-26, Mark 5:21-43, Luke 8:40-56 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Mark 4:21-25, Luke 8:16-18, Mark 4:26-29, Matthew 13:24-33, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-21, Matthew 13:34-35, Mark 4:33-34, Matthew 13:36-52, Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25, Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39, Matthew 9:18-26, Mark 5:21-43, Luke 8:40-56

We read several of Jesus’ parables & times with his disciples today. What really resonated with me was the application to our faith, what we are doing with it & the challenge to deepen it.

Luke 8:17&18 –
For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, & nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.

If you're not growing stronger, you're growing weaker. These verses challenge us to use what God has taught us.  Only as we put into practice what we've been taught will our ability to understand more deepen. The truth is clear, but our ability to understand is imperfect. The more we seek God & live it out, the deeper our understanding of him will be.

Luke 8:24-25 –
The disciples went & woke him saying, “Master, Master, we're going to drown!” He got up & rebuked the wind & the raging waters; the storm subsided, & all was calm. “Where is you faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear & amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds & the water, & they obey him.”

I am always amazed at this passage & how even the disciples, who witnessed Jesus first hand, had times of doubt & fear.  Does our faith have a limit?  Do we only trust God up to a point & then feel like we are on our own? We can truly rest in our faith. We have a God that controls the wind & the waves & in the same way can calm any storms we face as long as we run to him. Notice that, even though the disciples feared/doubted, they ran to Jesus.  They didn't huddle in fear or try to come up with their own plan, they recognized Who it was that could help them & went to Him. And after seeing what He could do, they could stand back in awe & amazement at who He really is!

Mark 5:24,25,27-29 –

A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in a crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped & she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

We go on to read that Jesus stops & asks “who touched me.”  In a crowd of people pressing around him, this one touch was noticed. Why? Because it was a touch of faith. It wasn't someone just trying to be in on the latest gossip or craze or even someone checking to see if the things they were hearing about this man were true. It was someone with genuine faith & hope in the power of Christ. The verses say that she had heard about Jesus, she had never met him or seen his many wonders, but she believed. What a challenge to our faith; to reach out & believe. To trust that Jesus is who he says he is without any reservations & believe his every word.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Matthew 9:27-34, Matthew 13:53-58, Mark 6:1-6, Luke 4:16-30, Matthew 9:35-38, Matthew 10:1-15, Mark 6:7-13, Luke 9:1-6, Matthew 10:16-42, Matthew 14:3-12, Mark 6:17-29, Matthew 14:1-2, Mark 6:14-16, Luke 9:7-9, Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-15

Monday, October 17th: Luke 7:36-50, Luke 8:1-3, Matthew 12:22-37, Mark 3:20-30, Luke 11:14-23, Matthew 12:38-45, Luke 11:24-32, Matthew 12:46-50, Mark 3:31-35, Luke 8:19-21, Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, Luke 8:4-15 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Luke 7:36-50, Luke 8:1-3, Matthew 12:22-37, Mark 3:20-30, Luke 11:14-23, Matthew 12:38-45, Luke 11:24-32, Matthew 12:46-50, Mark 3:31-35, Luke 8:19-21, Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, Luke 8:4-15


Today, the portion of our passage that impacted me the most was the parable of the sown seeds.

Usually when I read these passages I'm more concerned with the theology behind how people receive the gospel message. Ex - if they fall away easily does that mean you can throw away your faith, or does it mean that it wasn't genuine to begin with.

But today I noticed something different.

The farmer sowed his seed. But he was not responsible for what happened to the plants. There isn't a verse that says "but some of the seed was sown using the wrong sowing method and it died" or "the farmer forgot to tend to the plants so they didn't make it.

The lesson? We are responsible to sow the seeds - to share the gospel. But we are not responsible for how the seed grows. That's the work of the Holy Spirit, the state of the person's heart, and their decision of what to do with the message they've heard. We can't always see whether the soil is fertile - we're responsible to sow anyway.

Are you and I sowing any seeds?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Mark 4:21-25, Luke 8:16-18, Mark 4:26-29, Matthew 13:24-33, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-21, Matthew 13:34-35, Mark 4:33-34, Matthew 13:36-52, Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25, Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39, Matthew 9:18-26, Mark 5:21-43, Luke 8:40-56

Sunday October 16; Matthew 7:1-6, Luke 6:37-42, Matthew 7:7-11, Matthew 7:12-29, Luke 6:43-49, Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:1-17, Matthew 11:1-19, Luke 7:18-35, Matthew 11:20-30 ~ Kelora

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is:  Matthew 7:1-6, Luke 6:37-42, Matthew 7:7-11, Matthew 7:12-29, Luke 6:43-49, Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:1-17, Matthew 11:1-19, Luke 7:18-35, Matthew 11:20-30

I really enjoyed reading these passages as a number of songs came to mind when reading these verses.  I remember singing the song about The Man who Built his House on the Rock and the significance of that to me as a child.  How important it is to have a firm foundation in our faith, so that when hard times come we are able to rely on God and trust Him to carry you through them.

Another song popped into my head when reading Mathew 7:7-8.  Seek Ye First is in the name of the song which comes from these verses.  These verses are a great reminder to continually learn about God and ask Him to show you His ways.  It doesn't say to only do it once, but to continually pursue God.

Reading Mathew 7:1-5 talks about judging others.  How easy it is to pick out faults of others and criticize without looking at ourselves first.  Verse 2 is a good reminder to me to remember that I will be judged the same way I judge others, and is a sobering thought. This is a good reminder to look at myself first before saying anything about others around me.

These are just a few tidbits that I took from these passages.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Luke 7:36-50, Luke 8:1-3, Matthew 12:22-37, Mark 3:20-30, Luke 11:14-23, Matthew 12:38-45, Luke 11:24-32, Matthew 12:46-50, Mark 3:31-35, Luke 8:19-21, Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, Luke 8:4-15

Saturday, October 15th: Matthew 12:1-8, Mark 2:23-28, Luke 6:1-5, Matthew 12:9-14, Mark 3:1-6, Luke 6:6-11, Matthew 12:15-21, Mark 3:7-12, Luke 6:17-19, Mark 3:13-19, Luke 6:12-16, Matthew 5:1-12, Luke 6:20-26, Matthew 5:13-48, Luke 6:27-36, Matthew 6:1-34 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Matthew 12:1-8, Mark 2:23-28, Luke 6:1-5, Matthew 12:9-14, Mark 3:1-6, Luke 6:6-11, Matthew 12:15-21, Mark 3:7-12, Luke 6:17-19, Mark 3:13-19, Luke 6:12-16, Matthew 5:1-12, Luke 6:20-26, Matthew 5:13-48, Luke 6:27-36, Matthew 6:1-34

There was a lot going on in our passage today!

I appreciated a note in my Life Application Bible about the beatitudes...
The Beatitudes can be understood in at least four ways: (!) They are a code of ethics for the disciples and a standard of conduct for all believers. (2) They contrast Kingdom values (what is eternal) with worldly values (what is temporary). (3) They contrast the superficial "faith" of the Pharisees with the real faith that Christ demands. (4) They show how the Old Testament expectations will be fulfilled in the new Kingdom. These Beatitudes are not multiple choice - pick what you like and leave the rest. They must be taken as a whole. They describe what we should be like as Christ's followers.

Each beatitude tells how to be blessed by God. Being blessed means more than happiness. It implies the fortunate or enviable state of those who are in God's Kingdom. the Beatitudes don't promise laughter, pleasure, or earthly prosperity. Being "blessed" by God means the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances. To find hope and joy, the deepest form of happiness, follow Jesus no matter what the cost.

Overall, to me it felt like the common theme of our passage today was inner purity.  Due to the Law, the people had become very ritualistic and concerned with behaviour.  And rightly so!  But they actually had too narrow a view of sin.  It doesn't only matter what we do, it matter why we do it.  Not only do our actions need to measure up, so do our thoughts, desires, and motives.

Which should tell us with absolute clarity that none of us are capable of this.  None of us are sinless.  Not even close.  Oh, we may not be murderers, but we have spoken hurtful words in anger.  We may not be adulterers, but our eyes and minds have not always been pure.  We may not be thieves, but we have been envious of others.

We don't have an adequate grasp on the glorious holiness of God.
We don't have an adequate grasp on the utter depravity of our sin.

The closer we grow to God in our walk with Him the more we begin to see those things.  As our concept of God's holiness grows, the reality of our sinfulness will also grow.  As we mature in our walk with God we will begin to sin less, and yet that sin will bother us more, continuing to drive us to the cross where God is ever willing to give us His mercy and grace through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus, the only sinless Man who ever lived.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Matthew 7:1-6, Luke 6:37-42, Matthew 7:7-11, Matthew 7:12-29, Luke 6:43-49, Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:1-17, Matthew 11:1-19, Luke 7:18-35, Matthew 11:20-30

Friday, October 14th, 2016: Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:17-26, Matthew 9:9-13, Mark 2:13-17, Luke 5:27-32, Matthew 9:14-17, Mark 2:18-22, Luke 5:33-39, John 5:1-47 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:17-26, Matthew 9:9-13, Mark 2:13-17, Luke 5:27-32, Matthew 9:14-17, Mark 2:18-22, Luke 5:33-39, John 5:1-47

"Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven."  Mark 2:4-5

Two thoughts came into my mind regarding these verses.  The fist thought is that these people were doing everything possible to have contact with Jesus.  They didn't just walk down the block to see Him, many travelled from the surrounding towns.  With the crowds being too large for the paralyzed man to get close enough, they brought him to the roof top and dug a hole so they could lower him down to Jesus.  The people were not going to let anything get in there way of seeing Jesus to receive healing.

This caused me to ponder whether I have that determination?  I have my typical aches and pains as I continue to age.  I've seen my parents become more and more fragile with their older age.  I know of people experiencing unexpected illness or loss, at an age that would be too young in my mind for someone to have to go through.  I bring these requests, and others, to God knowing He hears my prayers.  But then what.........Am I persistent in my prayers?  Do I expect my prayers to be answered, or do I pray with uncertainty?  Do I continue to "dig" so that I am able to connect with Jesus?  Or do I allow my daily schedule to hinder the time and energy required to experience the healing miracle?

The second thought that came to my mind, was that the first thing Jesus said wasn't that the paralyzed man was physically healed, but that his sins were forgiven. Jesus came to heal the sick, but maybe our perspective of sick needs to be realigned.

I pray that I can apply a "digging" perspective in my own life so that I can experience Jesus and desire Him more.  Also, when I feel a physically pain, I pray that I would be reminded of the more important spiritual healing that I require.    

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Matthew 12:1-8, Mark 2:23-28, Luke 6:1-5, Matthew 12:9-14, Mark 3:1-6, Luke 6:6-11, Matthew 12:15-21, Mark 3:7-12, Luke 6:17-19, Mark 3:13-19, Luke 6:12-16, Matthew 5:1-12, Luke 6:20-26, Matthew 5:13-48, Luke 6:27-36, Matthew 6:1-34

Thursday, October 13 2016: Mark 1:21-28, Luke 4:31-37, Matthew 8:14-17, Mark 1:29-34, Luke 4:38-41, Matthew 4:23-25, Mark 1:35-39, Luke 4:42-44, Matthew 8:1-4, Mark 1:40-45, Luke 5:12-16 ~Cameron

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Mark 1:21-28, Luke 4:31-37, Matthew 8:14-17, Mark 1:29-34, Luke 4:38-41, Matthew 4:23-25, Mark 1:35-39, Luke 4:42-44, Matthew 8:1-4, Mark 1:40-45, Luke 5:12-16

Many things bother me, like impotent leaders or someone far too low on the corporate ladder behaving like they are the CEO. Both are often caused by the individual not knowing their place. While that can come across as harsh, it's true. It is always better to know where you fit in a given social structure.

Now consider Mark 1:21-28. The teachers had set themselves up as leaders in the Synagogue. They implemented political and social power structures to insulate their positions. Yet they were powerless when confronted by "unclean spirits".

By contrast, Jesus arrives on the scene with a resume that includes creating the universe! But He arrives merely as a man. He didn't need power structures to establish His authority. His Presence shook the unclean spirits enough that they cried out to Him and obeyed His commands.

What a shocking approach! The teachers had not been prepared for such authority. It was, after all, outside of their control.

Now consider that same authority has been given to us (Matthew 28:18-20). We are not the CEO. We have work to do and must prepare for and perform it diligently. But we have been blessed with His authority while here on earth and given the task of tending to and expanding His Kingdom.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:17-26, Matthew 9:9-13, Mark 2:13-17, Luke 5:27-32, Matthew 9:14-17, Mark 2:18-22, Luke 5:33-39, John 5:1-47

Wednesday, October 12th: Luke 3:19-20, Matthew 4:12, Mark 1:14, John 4:1-42, Matthew 4:13-17, Mark 1:15, Luke 4:14-15, John 4:43-54, Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:1-11 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Luke 3:19-20, Matthew 4:12, Mark 1:14, John 4:1-42, Matthew 4:13-17, Mark 1:15, Luke 4:14-15, John 4:43-54, Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:1-11

We're taking a class in Sunday School about sharing our faith, so the passage about Jesus and the Samaritan woman drew my attention.

First, it was a good reminder that the gospel is for everyone.  This woman was a Samaritan (mixed race hated by the Jews), was known to be living in sin, and was a woman in a public place.  No respectable Jewish man would talk to such a woman.  But Jesus not only spoke to her, He gave her the Good News.  We must be ready to share the Good News with anyway in any place no matter what their race, social position, or reputation.  Jesus crossed all social barriers, and we must be ready to do the same.

John 4:35 You know the saying, 'Four months between planting and harvest.' But I say, wake up and look around. The field are already ripe for harvest.

It's easy for us, as believers, to make excuses in order to get out of witnessing, justifying our reluctance or fear with the excuse that they're not ready to believe yet.  Jesus makes it clear that there are people ready to hear the good news, there's a harvest ready to be reaped.  We just need to look around.

It can be uncomfortable to share the gospel.  It can be intimidating.  There can be messy consequences.  But it's not a suggestion, it's a command.

Are we being obedient?  When's the last time you or I shared the gospel with someone?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Mark 1:21-28, Luke 4:31-37, Matthew 8:14-17, Mark 1:29-34, Luke 4:38-41, Matthew 4:23-25, Mark 1:35-39, Luke 4:42-44, Matthew 8:1-4, Mark 1:40-45, Luke 5:12-16

Tuesday, October 11th: Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13, John 1:29-3:36 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13, John 1:29-3:36

I have always found the passages of Jesus being tempted in the desert very interesting. It was a passage that had always been hard for me to really understand. I mean, what was really wrong with Jesus using his power & authority to show satan what he was really able to do?

I have appreciated both my bible applications as well as a study I did a few years ago to bring more complete understanding to these verses.

His first temptation was to turn a stone into bread. He had been fasting for 40 days & the verses tell us that he was hungry. Sometimes what we are tempted to do isn't necessarily wrong, but it's the reason behind it. Jesus was led into the desert by the Spirit to fast, therefore the fast wasn't over until God said it was over. Satan was trying to get Jesus to seek comfort at the sacrifice of discipline. Satan often works to tempt us to take action, even the right action, for the wrong reason or at the wrong time. The fact that something isn't wrong does not mean that it is good for you at that given time. We need to first be sure that it is God’s desire for us & not us trying to take control of the situation.

His second temptation was to worship Satan to gain the world. Even the idea of this is almost laughable to me. I can't imagine though, how hard it must have been for Jesus not to “put him in his place” & show him His true power. However, Jesus had the patience to wait for God's timing. He knew that the time wasn't right. Sometimes we need to wait on God's timing, even when everything around us screams that we should do it now.

The last temptation was to “throw himself down,” testing God for his protection. In Deuteronomy 6:16, we are told not to put God to the test. When our faith may be weak in a situation, we may be tempted to ask God to prove himself to us. However, we need to live by faith, not by magic. We can't manipulate God by asking for signs.

While facing these temptations, Jesus repeatedly quoted scriptures. Jesus was able to resist all of the devil’s temptations because he not only knew the scriptures, but he also obeyed them.

We, also, need to recognize that often we are tempted not through our weaknesses, but through our strengths. Satan tempted Jesus where he was strong; he had power over stones, the kingdoms of the world & even the angels. Satan wanted for Jesus to forget his mission, his focus & use his powers in a way that would have misdirected God's plan. When we focus on our strengths, we become proud & self-reliant & will set ourselves up to be misdirected by satan. Trusting in our own powers, we feel little need for God. To protect ourselves from this, we need to realize that all our strengths are God's gifts to us & we need to continually give them over to God for his use & direction.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Luke 3:19-20, Matthew 4:12, Mark 1:14, John 4:1-42, Matthew 4:13-17, Mark 1:15, Luke 4:14-15, John 4:43-54, Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:1-11

Monday, October 10:Matthew 2:1-23, Luke2:39-52, Matthew 3:1-12, Mark 1:1-8,Luke 3:1-18, John 1:19-28 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Matthew 2:1-23, Luke2:39-52, Matthew 3:1-12, Mark 1:1-8,Luke 3:1-18, John 1:19-28

A theme from today's readings stood out for me: searching and obedience.

The wise men put their lives on hold to search out the meaning of the star they had seen. It lead them to Jesus. They worshiped and gave gave gifts because their search had led them to the greatest King. Then they obeyed when a dream told them to return a different way.

Herod searched for Jesus too, not to worship but to plot to get rid of Him. His subjects obeyed Herod's command to kill all the boys and thus fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah.

Joseph and Mary searched for safety from this plot and obeyed when God told them to go to Egypt. This also fulfilled the prophecy of Jesus being called out of Egypt. Joseph obeyed when he took Jesus  to Nazareth.

When Jesus was 12, Mary and Joseph searched for Jesus. Jesus was found obeying his Father by teaching in the temple. The passage also said Jesus was submissive to his parents too. He was obedient.

John was preaching to all of those who were searching for answers. He was obedient to his job to prepare the way for Jesus.

In Sunday School, we are taking a session on sharing our faith. People are searching. We need to be ready to give our testimony to share what God is doing in our lives. No one can dispute this because it is our story. When we step out in obedience to share our faith, the Holy Spirit can work to help those who are searching to find what they need.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Matthew 3:13-17, Mark1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13, John1:29-3:36

Sunday, October 9th, 2016: Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-38, Luke 2:1-28 ~ Jay

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-38, Luke 2:1-28

Reading about the Christmas story on Thanksgiving weekend gave me a chance to pause..and consider again the gift of salvation that God has provided through His Son.  We have much to be thankful for!

I thought it interesting that the Bible reading started with the Birth of Christ and then jumped back to the genealogy from Joseph (the father of Jesus) tracing his heritage all the way back to Abraham.  The order helped me consider the fulfillment of the promise God made to Abraham, and reminded me that God is faithful to His word.

In the Luke genealogy, two things stood out to me when comparing to the genealogy in Matthew;

1) Right off the start- Luke refers to Jesus father (Joseph) as Heli yet Matthew refers to Joseph's father as Jacob.  I looked a little further to see where in the genealogy the two diverged and it appears right after King David. Luke's account names Nathan as the son of David and traces to Jesus from that point while Matthew names Solomon as David's son and traces to Christ from that vantage point.  All of this to say..after some research it looks like Heli was Mary's father and Jacob was Joseph's father.  This in no way diminishes the fulfillment of the promises, but as one commentary states simply highlights the importance Luke places on women in his gospel.

2) Luke's genealogy goes back to Adam yet Matthew stopped at Abraham.  This highlights that the gift of Christ Jesus, was not just for the Jewish people (traceable through Abraham) but rather the gift of salvation is for the entire world (Adam).

Again, much to be thankful for this weekend....the greatest of which is God's gift to all men.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:

Saturday, October 8th: Mark 1:1, Luke 1:1-4, John 1:1-18, Luke 1:5-80

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Mark 1:1, Luke 1:1-4, John 1:1-18, Luke 1:5-80

There were 400 years of silence from God between Malachi and the birth of Jesus. 400 years!

So when the angel appeared to Zechariah it's not overly surprising that he had trouble believing what the angel said to him, that he would play a role in the coming of the Messiah! But once his son John was born Zechariah believed without a shadow of a doubt that what the angel had told him would come to pass.

And Mary. I can't even imagine what that must have been like for her. Sure, the angel explained the miracle of immaculate conception to her. But he didn't explain it to her fiancé (initially), her parents, her siblings, her friends, the local townspeople. She knew what people would think of her, but she was God's willing servant anyway.

Do we, like Zechariah, take God at His Word and trust His promises?

Do we, like Mary, joyfully obey God no matter the personal cost?

Do we, like Israel, continue to believe God's promises, even after years of silence?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Matthew 1:18-25,
Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-38, Luke 2:1-28

Friday, October 7th, 2016: Malachi 1-4 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Malachi 1-4

The words Malachi spoke to God's people were powerful and practical; not just to Israel then, but to us today too.

"When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?” says the Lord Almighty."  Malachi 1:8

The Israelites priests were performing their religious duty - offering sacrifices.  But they were doing it with the wrong motives and with complacency.  They were not giving God their first rate animals, but rather offering up their diseased and lame animals.

Are we doing tasks like the Israelites did to simply get them done?  Do we say a quick prayer before we eat or go to bed so that we can check off "prayer" on our to-do list?  Do we speed read through our devotions possibly missing the main point of the reading just so we can get on with the rest of our day?

Well God responds to the Israelites with the following message:

"And now, you priests, this warning is for you. If you do not listen, and if you do not resolve to honor my name,” says the Lord Almighty, “I will send a curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not resolved to honor me."  Malachi 2:1-2

When we withhold from God, we short change ourselves on what God will do for us.  He does not want us to give a partial tithe or offering, He wants us to trust and obey Him.  He wants us to be faithful to our spouse.  He does not want us to be complacent bobbing around in luke warm water, but rather to prioritize Him so He is first and foremost in our lives.

So how do we do this?  "Return to me, and I will return to you", says the Lord Almighty.  (Malachi 3:7)

We need to renew our relationship with the Lord Almighty so that we will be spared on the day of judgment.  Just as the Lord would receive the Israelites back, He will do the same for us if we renew our relationship with Him through a sincere heart of repentance.  Our God is a God of love and justice, and He does not change.  So we can be sure that He will take our guilt away if we repent and turn to Him.

God wants to bless us beyond our comprehension; we just have to trust Him.

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the LordAlmighty."  Malachi 3:10-11. 

One of my favourite television sitcom series taped a show pointing out that in every relationship there is a reacher and a settler.  This, of course, was done with comedy in respect to a dating or married relationship.  However, God as our loving Father, pleads with us to recommit our lives to Him and His ways, and yet He has so much more to offer us, than we can offer Him.

Are we going to reach, or are we going to settle in our relationship with God?    

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Mark 1:1, Luke 1:1-4, John 1:1-18, Luke 1:5-80