Saturday, March 31st: Judges 16-18; Luke 12:1-34 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 16-18; Luke 12:1-34

Luke 12:4 “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. 5 But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell.[a] Yes, he’s the one to fear.
Today is the Saturday in between Good Friday and Easter Sunday.  We, of course, know how Easter Sunday turned out.  But the disciples and those that loved Jesus did not - even though Jesus had tried to talk to them about it many times.

That Saturday must have been a horrible day.  Jesus, God the Son incarnate, their Saviour, the One they thought was going to rescue them from Roman rule, was dead, and all their hopes and dreams along with Him.

But death did not have the final say.  And the very next day Jesus would rise victorious over death and sin!

And this Jesus is who we should fear.  We should not fear people who can only cause us temporal or physical harm - though that would not be easy and I don't mean to minimize the suffering that we can and will suffer while on earth.  What we should fear MORE is God.  But because of Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection, we can rest in the assurance of His love and the length He went to to save us.
We are also living in a constant state of "Saturday".  We are still waiting for the ultimate "Sunday" when Christ will return and we will live forever with Him in victory.

As Christians, we know that even though it is Saturday, we can rejoice because we know that Sunday's coming!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Judges 19-21, Luke 12:35-59

Friday, March 30th: Judges 13-15; Luke 11:33-54 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 13-15; Luke 11:33-54

““What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.” - Luke‬ ‭11:42‬

One of my best friends is an atheist, which is very very heartbreaking. She came to my school (a public school) from a private Catholic school. The students and teachers at her school, according to the stories I have heard from her, seem like they cared only about the rules of the bible, and nothing about the friendship and relationship you can have with God. This caused my friend to turn away from all faith; it even took her a while to warm up to the fact that I’m a Christian. I’ll never forget what she said to me when she found out: “you’re a Christian? But you seem so nice”.

We need to make sure we, yes, obey the rules God has given us, but not forget the most important one: love. Love God first, and everyone else second. We need to give Christians (and God) an image of love and mercy. Not one that makes people surprised when they hear you’re a Christian because you “seem so nice”. God is love, and if we are supposed to act like Him, we need to be love too. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Judges 16-18; Luke 12:1-34

Thursday, March 29th: Judges 10 - 12, Luke 11: 1-32 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 10-12, Luke 11:1-32

Judges 11:38-39
“You may go,” he said. And he let her go for two months. She and her friends went into the hills and wept because she would never marry. [39] After the two months, she returned to her father, and he did to her as he had vowed. And she was a virgin.

After the rough life Jephtah had lived, and how he had turned things around with the help of God, I would have thought this story would have ended better. Jephtah had made a vow (v31), but I would have thought that God would help make things good for Jephtah after the battles he fought.

We live in a sinful world, things won't always go well for us if we make the right decisions here on earth. We need to keep focused on where we are going after death, and eternity there. We need to make good choices and live for God now and not expect the reward to come now, but later.

Luke 11:9
"And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

We need to keep up asking, seeking and knocking. Just like we need to keep fighting the battles, not just look to God once in our lives and leave it, we need to keep going to Him throughout our lives.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Judges 13-15 ,Luke 11:33-54

Wednesday, March 28th: Judges 7-9, Luke 10 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 7-9, Luke 10

We are so prone to take credit for things we simply have no business taking credit for.  Yes, some of our accomplishments are possible in part because of our own hard work and effort, however the gift itself and even the physical ability to make honing our gift possible is only there by the grace of God.  It's so easy for us to forget that and to take all the credit and glory for ourselves.

That's what I love about the story of Gideon.  God weeded that army down until there was no doubt that the victory was God's and God's alone.  Gideon's army could not take credit for it, there was no doubt.  Hopefully we can remember to take that lesson to heart before God needs to weed our army down to remind us.

~~~~~~~


25 One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”
26 Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”
27 The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Simple words, yet to hard to put into practice.  We cannot love God or our neighbour perfectly, yet that it what our goal should be.

~~~~~~~

The story of Mary and Martha is a good one to remind the Martha in me to be Mary sometimes.  Often we can become so busy doing things for God that we neglect to make time to be with God.  

I do think sometimes Martha gets a bad rep though - it is also true that we need to put hands and feet to our faith.  

Balance between the two is key!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Judges 10-12, Luke 11:1-32

Tuesday, March 27th: Judges 4-6, Luke 9:28-62 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 4-6, Luke 9:28-62

Luke 9:61-
Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back & say goodbye to my family.”

Let their be nothing holding me back from following you, Lord. Let there be no excuses or reasons. Help me not to hold onto any of the “old ways” but to give everything I am, each day completely & fully to following You. Amen.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Judges 7-9, Luke 10

Monday, March 26: Judges 1-3, Luke 9:1-27 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 1-3, Luke 9:1-27

The Lord commanded the Israelites to drive the people out. But verse after verse tells us that they did not do it. There were long lasting consequences for their disobedience:

“I brought you up from Egypt and brought you into the land that I swore to give to your fathers. I said, ‘I will never break my covenant with you, 2 and you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall break down their altars.’ But you have not obeyed my voice. What is this you have done? 3 So now I say, I will not drive them out before you, but they shall become thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you."

How often do we too, disobey what God has commanded us. Do not lie, do not gossip, do not covet, do not be slaves to greed, lust, dishonesty.... Love your neighbour as yourself, turn the other cheek, forgive....and so many others. There are long lasting consequences for our disobedience against God too. Just like the Israelites that were swayed by these other nations to worship their gods, we too can be swayed by the ways of the world when we don't follow God's instructions.

In the NT, today's readings reminded me of something I heard recently. Satan first tempted Jesus at his weakness. After 40 days of fasting, Satan's first temptation was the offer of bread. Jesus must have been hungry. The temptation would not have seemed so appetizing if Jesus had just consumed a large meal. Satan will also tempt us where we are the weakest. It's the easiest thing to mess up on during a moment of weakness. We need to arm ourselves against the things that we struggle with so that we are not tempted.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Judges 4-6, Luke 9:28-62

Saturday, March 24th: Joshua 22-24; Luke 8:26-56 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Joshua 22-24; Luke 8:26-56

14 “So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. 15 But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”

In our passage today Joshua reminds the people that serving the Lord requires total commitment to Him, and to Him alone.

We cannot serve both God and, no matter what that "and" is.   Money, power, prestige, popularity, conformity, success, or anything else (even good things) that give any lordship of our lives to anyone other than God.

From here.....

Christ calls us to go all in, to worship only God, and to stop making excuses for our half-heartedness. So whom will you serve? Will you follow the tendency of others around you, and devote your time and your energy to this project or that activity, and only think about God when you are in trouble or it suits you? Will you busy yourself “playing church,” and hope that’s good enough? Or are you ready to commit yourself fully to serving God and God alone? Are you ready to stop playing church and start being church as a devoted follower of Jesus Christ? Will you stand with Joshua and say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord?”
Tomorrow: Catch up Day
Monday's Bible In a Year Passage: Judges 1-3, Luke 9:1-27

Friday, March 23rd: Joshua 19-21; Luke 8:1-25 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Joshua 19-21; Luke 8:1-25

“The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm.” - Luke‬ ‭8:24‬

This is a story I’ve always very much related to. Having anxiety, fear has always been present in my life. There have been many times where I have cried out to God (like the disciples in this passage), letting my fear be bigger than my faith. But like He did for the disciples, Jesus calms my fears.

It’s hard to remember when you’re in the midst of panic that Jesus is always with you. The disciples thought Jesus wasn’t with them because He was asleep, much like how I’ve thought Jesus wasn’t with me because fear has made me feel alone. But Jesus was still on the boat, and He still woke up, and He still calmed the storm. In the midst of my anxiety, I need to remember that He is still with me, and He will calm the storm. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Joshua 22-24; Luke 8:26-56

Thursday, March 22nd: Joshua 16 - 18, Luke 7:36-50 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Joshua 16-18, Luke 7:36-50

What a great story told in our new testament reading today. Jesus went to eat at a Pharisee's house and came across a "woman of the city".

This woman obviously had a profession that we also think low of today. She had done a lot wrong and she obviously knew that nobody thought much of her, but she came to Jesus anyway and showed Jesus much respect by wiping Jesus' feet with her tears and anointing them with ointment.

Do we block out what others think and go directly to Jesus to honour and worship Him? Do we let criticism from others effect our worship of Him?

I can learn from this woman and what she did for Jesus.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Joshua 19-21, Luke 8:1-25

Wednesday, March 21st: Joshua 13-15, Luke 7:1-35 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Joshua 13-15, Luke 7:1-35

12 As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15 And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus[d] gave him to his mother. 16 Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!”
I believe God can still do miracles (I know He healed my nephew when the doctors had given up all hope, and they had no explanation for his recovery).  But He didn't heal him instantaneously.  It was a gradual healing, and he had to relearn how to do everything - crawl first, then walk, etc.  When Jesus healed while He was on earth it was instant!  In my nephew's case, he would have gone from being comatose and the beginnings of organ failure, to waking up talking and walking like he had simply been having a nap.  The gradual miracle was amazing, but an instantaneous miracle would've been, quite frankly, scary!

And that's what happened in our passage today, on an even more drastic scale.  The man was dead and about to be buried, until Jesus intervened out of compassion for his mother.  All it took was one sentence from Jesus and that dead man sat up and began to speak.  I can only imagine the utter fear that would've gripped those spectators!

What power! And that is the Jesus we worship and follow today.  That power may be veiled for now, but I can't wait until we see it again!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Joshua 16-18, Luke 7:36-50

Tuesday, March 20th: Joshua 10-12, Luke 6:20-49 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Joshua 10-12, Luke 6:20-49

Luke 6:45
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, & the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

What a challenge!

What is stored up in my heart? My words, actions & thoughts are a direct reflection of who I really am. Am I honouring God from the inside out or am I just doing “lip service”?  If I’m really giving my life over to him, I should be considering the cliched question “what would Jesus do?” in everything I do & say, how I act & react, what I think & how I treat others.

Is it evident that I’m a Christ follower to those around me?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Joshua 13-15, Luke 7:1-35

Monday, March 18th

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Joshua 7-9, Luke 6:1-19

Joshua 7:10 says, "The Lord said to Joshua, 'Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?11 Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep." then in verse 13 God says, "You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove it." As I read this I thought about my life, and how i tend to try and forget the wrongs I have done, rather than try and fix or confront them. Here The Lord clearly states that in our lives we must fix the sins we commit before we can truly feel free, because we can't forget them because He will keep it prevalent in our life.







Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Joshua 10-12, Luke 6:20-49

Saturday, March 17th: Joshua 4-6; Luke 5 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Joshua 4-6; Luke 5

I heard a preacher once say that one of the reasons Jesus did miracles was to prove His deity, but that much of the time, out of all the miracles Jesus could have chosen to do, He did miracles of compassion.

He could've made the planets dance in the sky.

He could've turned grass purple.

He could've created a mountain with one word.

He could've changed a pig into a goat.

He didn't do miracles just for the sake of doing miracles.  He didn't do miracles in order to dazzle or create chaos or miracle worship fever.  He did miracles out of love and compassion.  Because He is a God of love and compassion, and He loves to reveal Himself to His people.

Do we represent that part of Jesus well?  Do we demonstrate love and compassion to those we encounter?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Joshua 7-9 ,Luke 6:1-19

Friday, March 16th: Joshua 1-3; Luke 4 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Joshua 1-3; Luke 4

“As the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed every one.” - ‭‭Luke‬ ‭4:40‬

It’s so easy to read passages like these like we’ve heard it all before. The stories aren’t written with exciting words so it can be easy to forget how amazing these miracles actually were. This passage is literally talking about how Jesus healed everyone, no matter what their diseases were! Could you imagine a man walking through a hospital and fully healing every single patient with the touch of his hand? That would be unbelievable to see with your own eyes! It’s easy to just skim over these passages because we’ve read them all before, but really we should take the time to acknowledge how amazing our God is!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Joshua 4-6; Luke 5

Thursday, March 15th: Deuteronomy 33 - 34, Luke 3 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 33-34, Luke 3

Deuteronomy 34: 10-12
Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, [11] who did all those signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do in Egypt---to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. [12] For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.

What an amazing leader and prophet Moses was. He truly did many great things, with God's help. But he was also a human and a sinner, and fell short of being perfect. It was because of the wrong he did that God wouldn't allow him to enter into the promised land.

We too can have good days when things go well and we are pleasing God with what we do, but we also are sinners and will make mistakes. We, like Moses, need help from God. Only God can truly forgive our sins and allow us to start over. It's crucial that we place our trust in Him, and ask Him to forgive our sins.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Joshua 1-3, Luke 4

Wednesday, March 14th: Deuteronomy 31-32, Luke 2:21-52 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 31-32, Luke 2:21-52

25 At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.
I don't know about you, but often I read passages I've re-read before and take it face value, like a story, not recognizing the significance of the words.

This was a big deal.  No one had heard a message from God in 400 years.  Four. Hundred. Years!!  That's a long time.  And suddenly, an old man named Simeon, who had served God faithfully and devotedly, heard a message from God.  And not just any message!  The long awaited message that the Messiah was coming!  And not only was the Messiah coming, but He was coming soon.  And not only was He coming soon, but Simeon would see Him with his own eyes!

What a privilege!  What amazing news this was.  What an amazing reward to a faithful servant.  Why Simeon?  Surely there were other righteous and devout men serving with him.  We don't know.  All we know is that God chose him, in an act of grace.  Though Simeon was godly, this was still unmerited and undeserved - as is any gracious gift from God.

Like Simeon, God has chosen you.  He has chosen you for something.  No, it might not be something as big as the announcement of the Messiah.  But He still has a plan for you.  Whatever it is, He hasn't chosen you because of anything you have or haven't done, but because of His mercy and grace.  It is a gift.

May we live out the calling God has chosen for us, wherever we are, and whatever it is.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Deuteronomy 33-34, Luke 3

Tuesday, March 13th: Deuteronomy 28-30, Luke 2:1-20 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 28-30, Luke 2:1-20

Luke 2:4-5
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him & was expecting a child.

I really appreciate what my Life App Bible says about these verses:
Sometimes we think to ourselves, “I’m being obedient, so why aren’t things going better?” We face discomfort or inconvenience and immediately think either that we have misread God’s will or that God has made a mistake. But watch this quiet couple as they head toward Bethlehem. God did not soften Joseph’s bumpy road, but strengthened him. God did not provide a luxurious inn for Joseph and Mary, but brought his Son into the world in humble surroundings. When we do God’s will, we are not guaranteed comfort and convenience. But we are promised that everything, even discomfort and inconvenience, has meaning in God’s plan. He will guide you and provide all you need. Like Joseph, live each day by faith, trusting that God is in charge. 

Vs 19 says-
But Mary kept all these things in her heart & thought about them often

Mary’s faith was huge & her road wasn’t easy but what a bigger blessing than being entrusted to be the mother of Jesus.  I love this verse. I believe that Mary treasured all that was going on in her life, the good & the bad. From the moment the angel told her that she would be expecting a child to the moment she held that child & marveled at the way God was orchestrating each detail. The road to this point hadn’t been easy & she couldn’t imagine what the future held, but she treasured it all & “thought about it often.”  She reflected on God’s goodness in it all, she could look back & see his faithfulness & trust him for the future.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Deuteronomy 31-32, Luke 2:21-52

Monday, March 12: Deuteronomy 25-27 Luke 1:39-80 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 25-27 Luke 1:39-80 

So many nuggets to chew on from today's readings:

 16 For the Lord your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly.

Conduct your actions with integrity

10 and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, Lord, have given me.”

Remind yourself that all you have is from God by giving back a portion to Him

15 “Cursed is anyone who makes an idol

Don't put anyone or anything above God

16 “Cursed is anyone who dishonors their father or mother.”

Be kind to your Dad and Mom

17 “Cursed is anyone who moves their neighbor’s boundary stone.”

Don't be greedy.

18 “Cursed is anyone who leads the blind astray on the road.”

Take care of others

19 “Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.”

Stand up for the vulnerable

21 “Cursed is anyone who has sexual relations with any animal.”

Don't be gross

24 “Cursed is anyone who kills their neighbor secretly.”

Don't kill them or kill their reputation with your words

25 “Cursed is anyone who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person.”

Don't be misled by wealth

26 “Cursed is anyone who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out.”

These guidelines are for your benefit.

47“My soul glorifies the Lord
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

Pregnant, unmarried, and young without any idea how this plan will work out and yet glorifies the Lord. 

68 68“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
    because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

Mute for months, chastised from friends and neighbours for straying away from family names when naming your son and yet praises God for his goodness.

What trouble are we in that might benefit from this attitude? Can we trust God to keep his promises? What areas do we need to work on in our own lives?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Deuteronomy 28-30 Luke 2:1-20

Saturday, March 10th: Deuteronomy 22-24; Luke 1:1-38 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 22-24; Luke 1:1-38

18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”19 Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! 20 But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”
Zechariah's response to the angel's announcement that they would become the parents of the prophet John in their old age was questioning.  I've always found that a bit interesting.  I mean, if I saw an angel, I'm pretty sure I'd believe anything he said, no matter how crazy I thought it sounded.  After all, seeing an angel seems crazy enough!

I wish the Biblical account included an indication of what tone of voice Gabriel used in his reply to Zechariah.

Was he shocked by Zechariah's disbelief?  "I am Gabriel!  How can you even think to question my message?"
Was he angered?  "I am Gabriel!  And I don't know how God puts up with you humans"
Was he authoritative?  "I am Gabriel, and here's a list of my credentials and why you should believe me"
Was he sympathetic? "I know you think you might be dreaming right now and this is all a bit much to take in, but I am Gabriel..."
Was he amused?

But no matter Gabriel's reaction, the truth was this was an amazing day!  After 400 years of silence from heaven, FINALLY there was word that the Messiah was coming.  And it would be pretty hard to take in that your family would have anything even remotely to do with it.

John's role was to prepare the way for the Messiah.

Really, that's our role too.  We need to proclaim Jesus.  We need to tell others about Him. We have been given an immense privilege that God entrusts us with that responsibility.  What will we do with it?

Tomorrow: Catch up Day
Monday's Bible In a Year Passage:  Deuteronomy 25-27, Luke 1:39-80

Friday, March 9th: Deuteronomy 19-21; Colossians 4 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 19-21; Colossians 4

“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” - ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4:2‬

Prayer needs to be more than just the routine prayer we pray at the end of the day. We need to constantly be talking with the Lord, thanking Him for all He has done, and talking with Him about what’s going on in our lives. Even if He already knows everything about us, He still wants us to talk with Him and tell Him about us ourselves. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Deuteronomy 22-24; Luke 1:1-38

Thursday, March 8th: Deuteronomy 16 - 18, Colossians 3 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 16-18, Colossians 3

Deuteronomy 18: 1-2
The Levitical priests—indeed, the whole tribe of Levi—are to have no allotment or inheritance with Israel. They shall live on the food offerings presented to the Lord, for that is their inheritance. [2] They shall have no inheritance among their fellow Israelites; the Lord is their inheritance, as he promised them.

Often I've thought that Levites didn't get much or have much, all the other tribes got land and cities and towns that were already built. God had given the rest of the tribes many earthly gains to start out with.

"Short term" gains like earthly wealth or possessions are nice but don't compare to "long term" gains like pleasing God and spending eternity with Him. My focus needs to therefore be "long term", trying my best to please God and live for Him, and not worry about the "short term" gains.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Deuteronomy 19-21, Colossians 4

Wednesday, March 7th: Deuteronomy 13-15, Colossians 2 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 13-15, Colossians 2

6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Our journey of faith doesn't end with the moment of our salvation.  Indeed, it's only the beginning!

We must continue to follow Him.

We need to purposefully develop roots that grow down into Him - only possible through reading, studying, meditating on, and memorizing His Word, and through prayer.

We need to build our lives on Him.  We are not our own foundation - He is our foundation.  Like the man who built his house on the sand, if we do not build our spiritual lives on the Rock, we will be knocked down by the storms of life.

When we do those things, THEN our faith will grow strong, THEN we will be able to discern truth, THEN we will overflow with thankfulness.  Those things don't come automatically, but only with effort!

We must continue to follow Him.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Deuteronomy 16-18, Colossians 3

Tuesday, March 6th: Deuteronomy 10-12, Colossians 1 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 10-12, Colossians 1

Colossians 1:10-
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord & may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God

Am I living a life worthy of the Lord?  Do I please him in every way?

Do I acknowledge whom I say I follow?  If I take time to really consider that I'm a child of the King, the God of this universe, the Creator of all things & that He loves me, how can I not humbly fall before him & do everything I can to live a life worthy of him. How can I not be ashamed of all my shortcomings & give everything I have to better myself.

Lord, I want to please you in every way.  Open my eyes to the things in my life that need to change & do a mighty work in me. Shape each part of me into something that is worthy of you. 'Take my life & let it be consecrated, Lord to Thee.'


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Deuteronomy 13-15, Colossians 2

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 7-9, Hebrews 13

In Hebrews 13:8-9 it says, "8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so." I often find myself forgetting that God has always been the same, and will always be the same. I believe that we are often led astray by false teachings, and find ourselves believing what society tells us is true, and now what the Word say is true. We need to trust the Lord because he knows everything we have done, and will do, as he is always going to be the same, and he knows what we need.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Deuteronomy 10-12, Colossians 1

Saturday, March 3rd: Deuteronomy 4-6; Hebrews 12 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 4-6; Hebrews 12

Deuteronomy 4:39 “So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The Lord is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other.
The Lord is God and there is no other.

Including me.

That seems pretty obvious, but how often do we live as though we are God?  As though our opinion is the one that should matter?  As though we get to decide what's right and what's wrong?  As though we get to interpret a biblical passage the way we wish it was, instead of the way God said it was?

From another angle, how often do we live with our focus on ourselves instead of on God?  How often are we focused on what will make us happy, or what's best for us, instead of best for those around us?  How often do we live for our own glory instead of His?

From another angle, how often do we look to anything but God for our fulfillment and joy?  Some of those things are good when given the correct priority, but are not so good when them become our top priority - including work, family, and friends.

The Lord is God and there is no other.

Do we live like we believe that?

Tomorrow: Catch up Day
Monday's Bible In a Year Passage:  Deuteronomy 7-9, Hebrews 13

Friday, March 2nd: Deuteronomy 1-3; Hebrews 11:23-40 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 1-3; Hebrews 11:23-40

“All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.” - ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:39-40‬

I am so thankful for the hope God reminds us of in this passage. We need to remain faithful and loving, hoping for our reward in Heaven where we can be with Him forever. No more sadness, no more anger, no more fear, no more sin. Just God, His children, and more love than we could ever imagine. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Deuteronomy 4-6; Hebrews 12

Thursday, March 1st: Numbers 34-36, Hebrews 11: 1-22 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Numbers 34-36, Hebrews 11:1-22

Numbers 34: 9-12
Then the Lord said to Moses: [10] “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'When you cross the Jordan into Canaan, [11] select some towns to be your cities of refuge, to which a person who has killed someone accidentally may flee. [12] 12 They will be places of refuge from the avenger, so that anyone accused of murder may not die before they stand trial before the assembly

I've always found the verses that deal with someone accident killing someone, interesting. Did this happen often back then? How do these verses apply to us today, how often does someone accidentally kill someone else?

The point I get from these verses is that obviously God cares for everyone and wants to help us no matter what mistakes, we've made or caused. Sometimes we unintentionally do things that have unexpected consequences that are negative, God is still there to help us, He will not give up on us.

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Hebrews 11: 13-16
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. [14] People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. [15] If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. [16] 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

We also may die one day before Jesus returns, we also need to live our lives with faith that God will do what He said He would all do, and trust in Him.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Numbers 34-36, Hebrews 11:1-22