Thursday, February 28th: Leviticus 22:17 - 23:44, Mark 9:30 - 10:12, Psalm 44:1-8, Proverbs 10:19 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 22:17-23:44, Mark 9:30-10:12, Psalm 44:1-8, Proverbs 10:19


Psalm 44: 3-8
It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them.
[4] You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob.
[5] Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes.
[6] I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory;
[7] but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame.
[8] In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.

A good reminder to me that everything I have or have accomplished, is thanks to help I received from God. I can do nothing on my own, there are too many things in life that are beyond my control.

I am glad that God is in control, and He will one day take us to be with Him in eternity, where things are perfect.

I have plenty to be thankful for, and it is God that I need to be thankful to.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 24:1-25:46, Mark 10:13-31, Psalm 44:9-26, Proverbs 10:20-21

Wednesday, February 27th: Leviticus 20:22-22:16, Mark 9:1-29, Psalm 43:1-5, Proverbs 10:18 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Leviticus 20:22-22:16, Mark 9:1-29, Psalm 43:1-5, Proverbs 10:18

Mark 9:24 The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Surely this phrase holds true for all of us.

Faith doesn't have to be perfect for it to be genuine.

This man believed as much as he was able, and trusted Jesus to strengthen and perfect his faith.  Just as we must.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 22:17-23:44, Mark 9:30-10:12, Psalm 44:1-8, Proverbs 10:19

Tuesday, February 26th: Leviticus 19:1-20:21, Mark 8:11-38, Psalm 42:1-11, Proverbs 10:17 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 19:1-20:21, Mark 8:11-38, Psalm 42:1-11, Proverbs 10:17

I find the conversation between the disciples and Jesus in Mark 9:14-21 to be very amusing...

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.”
They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.”
Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened?  Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”
“Twelve,” they replied.
“And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”
They answered, “Seven.”
He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

And it makes me pause and think how many times God must ask this question of me. How many times has he shown me something and I still continue to question and doubt His power? I wonder how often God is up there shaking His head at me and wondering "Do you still not understand?".

I am so thankful for His patience with my lack of understanding. Maybe one day I'll get it...

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 20:22-22:16, Mark 9:1-29, Psalm 43:1-5, Proverbs 10:18

Monday, February 25th: Leviticus 16:29-18:30, Mark 7:24-8:10, Psalm 41:1-13, Proverbs 10:15-16 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 16:29-18:30, Mark 7:24-8:10, Psalm 41:1-13, Proverbs 10:15-16

In Mark we see the mother who comes to Jesus, desperate for His help for her daughter.

She came to the right place.  She went to the only One who could help.

We, too, need to recognize the evil present in the world and the sin that can have so much power over our lives.  We need to come to Jesus, the only One who can break the bonds of sin and set us free, the only One that can transform our hearts.  Not because we deserve it.  But because He is good, and He is faithful to do what He has promised.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Leviticus 19:1-20:21, Mark 8:11-38, Psalm 42:1-11, Proverbs 10:17

Sunday, February 24th: Leviticus 15:1-16:28, Mark 7:1-23, Psalm 40:11-17, Proverbs 10:13-14 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 15:1-16:28, Mark 7:1-23, Psalm 40:11-17, Proverbs 10:13-14

Mark 7:15  It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”
So often our attitudes, outlook, and actions betray what's really going on in our hearts.  But even when we can conceal it from others, we can't conceal it from God.  We need the power of the Holy Spirit to transform us, from the inside out!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Leviticus 16:29-18:30, Mark 7:24-8:10, Psalm 41:1-13, Proverbs 10:15-16

Saturday, February 23rd: Leviticus 14:1-57, Mark 6:30-56, Psalm 40:1-10, Proverbs 10:11-12 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 14:1-57, Mark 6:30-56, Psalm 40:1-10, Proverbs 10:11-12

12 Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up quarrels,
but love makes up for all offenses.

When we get upset at someone, it can be easy for us to drag up all sorts of past offenses.  But love doesn't do that.  Love forgives and then leaves it there.  That doesn't mean that we automatically trust again, that takes time.  But it does mean we don't keep beating people up for the same thing over and over. We can't forget, but we can choose not to purposefully remember and dwell on it. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Leviticus 15:1-16:28, Mark 7:1-23, Psalm 40:11-17, Proverbs 10:13-14

Friday, February 22nd: Leviticus 13:1-59; Mark 6:1-29; Psalm 39:1-13; Proverbs 10:10 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 13:1-59; Mark 6:1-29; Psalm 39:1-13; Proverbs 10:10

And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?

    My only hope is in you.

• Psalm 39:7

This is a simple reminder but such an important one. I find this is something that I keep hearing over and over again, whether it’s in the verses I’m reading or song I’m listening to:

“In Christ alone...”, “My only hope is in you...”, “I lay down everything ‘cause you’re all that I want...”

This message that Jesus is all I need seems to be everywhere, which means it’s probably something I need to put more faith in.

It’s hard to believe that I would be okay if everything and everyone in my life was taken from me. But this message of “my only hope is in you” reminds me that it is a truth. Jesus is all that we need, and we need to put all of our hope in Him.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Leviticus 14:1-57; Mark 6:30-56; Psalm 40:1-10; Proverbs 10:11-12

Thursday, February 21st: Leviticus 11:1-12:8, Mark 5:21-43, Psalm 38:1-22, Proverbs 10:8-9 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 11:1-12:8, Mark 5:21-43, Psalm 38:1-22, Proverbs 10:8-9

9 “You know what I long for, Lord;
    you hear my every sigh.“
- Psalm 38:9

God hears every cry, understands every frustrating moment, and sees every tear. He knows the desires of our hearts more than we know them. We should always trust in His knowledge, and His care for us.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 13:1-59; Mark 6:1-29; Psalm 39:1-13; Proverbs 10:10

Wednesday, February 20th: Leviticus 9:7-10:20, Mark 4:26-5:20, Psalm 37:30-40, Proverbs 10:6-7 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 9:7-10:20, Mark 4:26-5:20, Psalm 37:30-40, Proverbs 10:6-7

Psalm 37:39-40
The Lord rescues the godly;
    he is their fortress in times of trouble.
40 The Lord helps them,
    rescuing them from the wicked.
He saves them,
    and they find shelter in him.

Sometimes it really does seem like the wicked are flourishing while the godly or not.  But we know that in the end, Jesus wins, and the faithful are rescued.  We have to be purposeful about having eternity as our mindset, not this earth and it's troubles.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Leviticus 11:1-12:8, Mark 5:21-43, Psalm 38:1-22, Proverbs 10:8-9

Tuesday, Februrary 19th: Leviticus 7:28-9:6, Mark 3:31-4:25, Psalm 37:12-29, Proverbs 10:5 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 7:28-9:6, Mark 3:31-4:25, Psalm 37:12-29, Proverbs 10:5

The bible study that I'm doing along with the readings stated something that I hadn't heard before. It talks about the passage in Mark where Jesus talks about who is mothers & brothers are. The study stated that Jesus' mother and brothers were "outsiders" in the sense that they were physically outsiders. While this doesn't surprise me on the brothers part (it's not the first time brothers would not want to believe in their brother - thinking of Joseph and his brothers as an example), I was surprised to think of this in the sense of Jesus' mother, Mary. I'm not sure how she could possibly be an "outsider" spiritually as she witnessed first hand the miracle of Jesus' birth. She must have known that Jesus was more than human and that there was purpose to his life. Anyway...that was just a new idea that I'll need to think on.

However, the devotional continued in encouraging us in the hope that is to be found in watching how the brothers transformed in their belief of Jesus after the resurrection.

"They went from ridiculing Jesus to embracing him, from being cynical about Jesus to describing themselves as slaves and followers of him."

This same hope is there for us for any of our family members who are cold towards Jesus. Let's hold onto this hope and remember to pray for them.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 9:7-10:20, Mark 4:26-5:20, Psalm 37:30-40, Proverbs 10:6-7

Monday, February 18: Leviticus 6:1-7:27, Mark 3:7-30, Psalm 37:1-11, Proverbs 10:3-4~by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 6:1-7:27 Mark 3:7-30 Psalm 37:1-11 Proverbs 10:3-4

The OT passage outlines the protocol for atoning for sin. Sin has a price and a consequence. This very set of instructions indicates that people will sin and what they need to do when that happens. We have the knowledge of Christ's death and resurrection that ultimately paid the price for our sins but we still need to ask and receive that forgiveness.

The NT passage talks about how Jesus called the apostles and how Jesus preached the truth. He didn't choose the smartest, most prestigious, the richest, the most loyal, or even the most perfect people. He took people where they were and used them as they were for His purpose. Jesus didn't shy away from hard questions, from insults, and from the questions of people searching for answers. He knew his time to accomplish his mission was short and the task was big.

Psalms speaks such encouragement when you are feeling unworthy, overwhelmed, or unsure:
4 Take delight in the Lord,

    and he will give you your heart’s desires.

5 Commit everything you do to the Lord.

    Trust him, and he will help you. 

and Proverbs ends today's reading with a good reminder to not be idle with our time:

Lazy people are soon poor;
    hard workers get rich.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 7:28-9:6Mark 3:31-4:25Psalm 37:12-29Proverbs 10:5 

Sunday, February 17th: Leviticus 4:1-5:19, Mark 2:13-3:6, Psalm 36:1-12, Proverbs 10:1-2 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 4:1-5:19, Mark 2:13-3:6, Psalm 36:1-12, Proverbs 10:1-2

Mark 3 Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. 2 Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus’ enemies watched him closely. If he healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath.
Jesus noticed the man's deformed hand and had compassion for him.
Jesus' enemies noticed an opportunity to "get" Jesus for healing the man.

The difference is staggering. 
I want to have a heart for those around me like Jesus did.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Leviticus 6:1-7:27, Mark 3:7-30, Psalm 37:1-11, Proverbs 10:3-4

Saturday, February 16th: Leviticus 1:1-3:17; Mark 1:29-2:12; Psalm 35:17-28; Proverbs 9:13-18 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 1:1-3:17; Mark 1:29-2:12; Psalm 35:17-28; Proverbs 9:13-18

Whenever I read Leviticus I'm thankful that we don't have to make all those offerings and that Jesus satisfied all the law's requirements!

It would've been amazing to be there to witness the NT miracles.  We still see miracles today, but not like this.  Not where someone goes from paralyzed to being instantly able to walk and jump - incredible!

What a merciful and powerful God we serve.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Leviticus 4:1-5:19, Mark 2:13-3:6, Psalm 36:1-12, Proverbs 10:1-2

Friday, February 15th: Exodus 39:1-40:38, Mark 1:1-28, Psalm 35:1-16, Proverbs 9:11-12 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 39:1-40:38, Mark 1:1-28, Psalm 35:1-16, Proverbs 9:11-12

I’m a very visual person so it’s always been a bit of a struggle for me to read these Old Testament passages. I’ve always wished there were some pictures to show what everything looked like. So, I googled what the priests garments looked like, and this seemed to give me a better visual:

Now this might not be the most accurate drawing ever, but at least it gives us an idea.

If you feel you need a better visual to what everything looks like in these passages, I’d encourage you to google some pictures and see what comes up. Just like all the skilled people we read about today, God gave skills to others that they could draw these images for those of us who have a hard time picturing the text in our heads. If you have a skill or talent God has given you, always use it to glorify God and help others gain a better understanding of what He says.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 1:1-3:17; Mark 1:29-2:12; Psalm 35:17-28; Proverbs 9:13-18

Thursday, February 14th: Exodus 37:1 - 38:31, Matthew 28: 1-20, Psalm 34: 11-22, Proverbs 9:9-10

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 37:1-38:31, Matthew 28:1-20, Psalm 34:11-22, Proverbs 9:9-10

Matthew 28: 16-17
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. [17] When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.

Hard to believe that after all the disciples saw Jesus go through while living, then dying, then rising from the dead - just as He said would happen, some didn't believe! How often do I doubt, after all He's done for me. I pray for strength and that my will to believe would grow stronger.

Psalm 34:19
The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time

Just because we live for the Lord and try our best to do things the way He wants, we will still have troubles. The world is far from perfect and so are we. We will face many tough times, but we have Jesus to lean on for strength and for wisdom, and that is all we need!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Exodus 39:1-40:38, Mark 1:1-28, Psalm 35:1-16, Proverbs 9:11-12 

Wednesday, February 13th: Exodus 35:10-36:38, Matthew 27:32-66, Psalm 34:1-10, Proverbs 9:7-8 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 35:10-36:38, Matthew 27:32-66, Psalm 34:1-10, Proverbs 9:7-8

Exodus 36:3 Moses gave them the materials donated by the people of Israel as sacred offerings for the completion of the sanctuary. But the people continued to bring additional gifts each morning. 4 Finally the craftsmen who were working on the sanctuary left their work. 5 They went to Moses and reported, “The people have given more than enough materials to complete the job the Lord has commanded us to do!”

6 So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: “Men and women, don’t prepare any more gifts for the sanctuary. We have enough!” So the people stopped bringing their sacred offerings. 7 Their contributions were more than enough to complete the whole project.
I love this!  Prior to this it seems like it's just been bad news after bad news when it came to the Israelites - grumbling and complaining, forgetting about God's faithfulness, and so quickly falling into idolatry.  But here we finally see a good story.  A great story!

The people were so generous they actually had to be told to stop giving.

That's amazing!


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Exodus 37:1-38:31, Matthew 28:1-20, Psalm 34:11-22, Proverbs 9:9-10

Tuesday, February 12th: Exodus 34:1-35:9, Matthew 27:15-31, Psalm 33:12-22, Proverbs 9:1-6 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 34:1-35:9, Matthew 27:15-31, Psalm 33:12-22, Proverbs 9:1-6 

My devotional today talked about the "sins of the parents".

I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations. - Exodus 34:7b - 

It's pretty scary to think that our sins could have lasting affects that our children and their children may feel. I pray that God shows be any patterns of sin that could leave such a lasting effect on my children.

Another thing that really stood out to me today was the importance that God placed on the 7th day - a day set aside for complete rest. It was important enough that it comes up twice in today's reading.

You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but on the seventh day you must stop working, even during the seasons of plowing and harvest. - Exodus 34:21 -

You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the Lord. Anyone who works on that day must be put to death. You must not even light a fire in any of your homes on the Sabbath.” - Exodus 35:2-3 - 

I wonder, in today's world of craziness, if we were, as christians, to truly take this as seriously as it is stated in these verses, what our world would look like. This would be a VERY difficult thing to do. So many things we are involved in require us to be DOING something on Sunday's (assuming that is the 7th day). Today's society doesn't necessarily allow us to take this day completely as rest but maybe being more intentional about how we spend this time would allow us to feel more rested. I think there is definite value in setting aside time and being intentional about finding time to REST in Jesus.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 35:10-36:38, Matthew 27:32-66, Psalm 34:1-10, Proverbs 9:7-8

Monday, February 11th: Exodus 32:1-33:23, Matthew 26:69-27:14, Psalm 33:1-11, Proverbs 8:33-36 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 32:1-33:23, Matthew 26:69-27:14, Psalm 33:1-11, Proverbs 8:33-36

33 The Lord said to Moses, “Get going, you and the people you brought up from the land of Egypt. Go up to the land I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I told them, ‘I will give this land to your descendants.’2 And I will send an angel before you to drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. 3 Go up to this land that flows with milk and honey. But I will not travel among you, for you are a stubborn and rebellious people. If I did, I would surely destroy you along the way.”
It didn't take the people long to fall into outrageous idolatry.  The result was that God still intended to give them the land, but an angel would go before them, and He would not be with Him.

As my devotional put it....
Essentially what this meant was that they would get the best of everything this world had to offer... minus relationship with God.....

Do we just want the good stuff God gives to us, or do we genuinely want him?

It reminded me of this song by Natalie Grant "More Than Anything". 
Here is the chorus...
Help me want the healer more than the healing
Help me want the savior more than the saving
Help me want the giver more than the giving
Oh help me want you Jesus more than anything

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 34:1-35:9, Matthew 27:15-31, Psalm 33:12-22, Proverbs 9:1-6

Sunday, February 10th: Exodus 30:11-31:18, Matthew 26:47-68, Psalm 32:1-11, Proverbs 8:27-32 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 30:11-31:18, Matthew 26:47-68, Psalm 32:1-11, Proverbs 8:27-32

Exodus 31:1 Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. 4 He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. 5 He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft!

6 “And I have personally appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be his assistant. Moreover, I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make
When we think of spiritual gifts or special talents from God we tend to think more about musical talent or a gift of discernment.  But here God speaks of gifting craftsmen and builders.  Obviously, this was somewhat situational, as they were building special things for the tabernacle of God.  But, I also think the point is to remember that all our talents come from Him, and everything we do, we can, and should, do for Him and His glory.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Exodus 32:1-33:23, Matthew 26:69-27:14, Psalm 33:1-11, Proverbs 8:33-36

Saturday, February 9th: Exodus 28:1-43; Matthew 25:31-26:13; Psalm 31:9-18; Proverbs 8:12-13 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 29:1-30:10, Matthew 26:14-46, Psalm 31:19-24, Proverbs 8:14-26

Matthew 26:39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me.  Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."

Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.

That must be one of the hardest prayers we will ever pray.  I'm sure it was for Jesus, too!  He knew the awful road of torture and death He was about to go down, and He begged God to find another way.  But this was the way.  And ultimately, Jesus wanted to fulfill God's purpose and plan more than anything else.

We, too, need to be willing to surrender what we want, to what God wants.

The prayer in my devotional ends with this line....
Help me to truly believe that they joy of surrendering to your will - whatever it may be - will be worth whatever it may cost.

May that be our prayer today.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 30:11-31:18, Matthew 26:47-68, Psalm 32:1-11, Proverbs 8:27-32

Friday, February 8th: Exodus 28:1-43, Matthew 25:31-26:13, Psalm 31:9-18, Proverbs 8:12-13 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 28:1-43, Matthew 25:31-26:13, Psalm 31:9-18, Proverbs 8:12-13


14 But I am trusting you, O Lord,
saying, “You are my God!”
Psalms 31:14


We read how distressed the writer is in the first few verses, and then we come to this verse. Though he felt like everything in his world was crashing down, he was choosing to trust in God.

Lord, let us put our hope and our faith in You. Whether it’s a good day, a bad day, or an average day, help us always to trust in You.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 29:1-30:10, Matthew 26:14-46, Psalm 31:19-24, Proverbs 8:14-26

Thursday, February 7th: Exodus 26:1- 27:21, Matthew 25: 1-30, Psalm 31: 1-8, Proverbs 8: 1-11 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 26:1-27:21, Matthew 25:1-30, Psalm 31:1-8, Proverbs 8:1-11 

Matthew 25: 10-13
“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
[11] “Later the others also came. 'Lord, Lord,' they said, 'open the door for us!'
[12] “But he replied, 'Truly I tell you, I don't know you.'
[13] “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

This parable reminds us today that we need to be ready, God could take us anytime. Are we living for God the way He wants, do I put Him first?

Proverbs 8: 10-11
Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold,
[11] for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

A good reminder of the importance of wisdom and living for the Lord. We often get caught up in working toward making more money or having more things, here we see a reminder that those things fall far short of following Jesus.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Exodus 28:1-43, Matthew 25:31-26:13, Psalm 31:9-18, Proverbs 8:12-13 

Wednesday, February 6th: Exodus 23:14-25:40, Matthew 24:29-51, Psalm 30:1-12, Proverbs 7:24-27 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 23:14-25:40, Matthew 24:29-51, Psalm 30:1-12, Proverbs 7:24-27

Exodus 24:3 Then Moses went down to the people and repeated all the instructions and regulations the Lord had given him. All the people answered with one voice, “We will do everything the Lord has commanded.”
If only good intentions were enough!  No matter how much we want to, we can never obey the law completely.  It only took 40 days for the Israelites to prove that spectacularly.  Thankfully for the Israelites, and us, Jesus can do what the law can't - save us. 

I appreciated the thoughts in my devotional book today, and particularly the closing prayer.....
Lord, we need so much more in our home than a code of good behaviour and a load of good intentions. We need your Spirit to write your law on our hearts so that we will want to obey you. We need your holy law to work its way through the hidden paces in our hearts and the habits in our home so that we can be set free from idolatry and infidelity, disrespect and dishonesty. We long to be a holy people who together enjoy the freedom not to sin, which is made possible by the work of your grace in our lives. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 26:1-27:21, Matthew 25:1-30, Psalm 31:1-8, Proverbs 8:1-11

Tuesday, February 5th: Exodus 21:22-23:13, Matthew 24:1-28, Psalm 29:1-11, Proverbs 7:6-23 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 21:22-23:13, Matthew 24:1-28, Psalm 29:1-11, Proverbs 7:6-23

Matthew 24 talks about what the end of days will look like and I'm pretty sure every generation throughout history feels like it can't get much worse and the end must be at hand. Verse 12 really stood out to me today though.

"Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."

We live in a world where we are increasingly busy and as I watch my kids grow I pray that some habits of resting and quietly coming before God take root but I know that I find it harder in my own life to find that time and with all the distractions of today's world I fear this will just become harder and harder. And the lack of prayer, bible reading, attending church and cultivating friendships with like minded individuals will pull us further away for God which in turn may cause our "love to grow cold".

Lord, I pray for ourselves and for our children, that you would sustain a love in our/their hearts for you. That the distractions of the world will not pull them or us away from you and that we will continue to worship and stand firm to the very end.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus23:14-25:40, Matthew 24:29-51, Psalm 30:1-12, Proverbs 7:24-27

Monday: February 4: Exodus 19:16-21:21 Matthew 23:13-39 Psalm 28:1-9 Proverbs 7:1-5 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 19:16-21:21Matthew 23:13-39Psalm 28:1-9Proverbs 7:1-5 

Some things that stood out for me from today's readings:

Exodus

19:20 The Lord came down on the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses climbed the mountain.

God meets us halfway. He does not impose himself. He does not beg. He does not command us like robots with no free will. He calls us but we need to come to him. He will chase us but will not overtake us without our willingness to submit to Him.

20:1 Then God gave the people all these instructions[a]:

God gave. He did not make these commands without choice. He gave us the rules and boundaries to live a good life. We are told to follow them but we do have a choice. We are free to choose to live outside these instructions but we are not free from the consequences of those choices.

Matthew

13: 23 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens,[c] but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.

Following all the rules that God sets out for us does not mean that we are perfect and without sin. We can follow all the commandments like a checklist and still not enter the kingdom of Heaven. 

13: 25 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence! 26 You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish,[e] and then the outside will become clean, too.

It is not only our outward appearance that God notices but our hearts, our minds, and our motivation as well. It's not good enough to look the part we need to acknowledge our sin and how short we fall from God's expectations for us. 

Psalm

28:8&9 (ish)

8 The Lord gives his people strength.......

 
.......Lead them like a shepherd,
    and carry them in your arms forever.

Although strength comes from God when we ask for it. True strength is in total submission to Him and allowing Him to carry us.

Proverbs

7:1-3

Follow my advice, my son;
    always treasure my commands.
2 Obey my commands and live!
    Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.[a]
3 Tie them on your fingers as a reminder.
    Write them deep within your heart.

God desires us to come to Him. He gives us commandments and rules for our benefit. However, the rules are not to be obeyed verbatim as a checklist without love and compassion. We need to remind ourselves often that we are in need of a shepherd to lead us in the way we should go. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 5 Exodus 21:22-23:13Matthew 24:1-28Psalm 29:1-11Proverbs 7:6-23 

Sunday, February 3rd: Exodus 17:8-19:15, Matthew 22:34-23:12, Psalm 27:7-14, Proverbs 6:27-35 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 17:8-19:15, Matthew 22:34-23:12, Psalm 27:7-14, Proverbs 6:27-35

I love the story of God helping the Israelites in battle with Moses needing to keep his hands raised.  It was a fitting reminder for the Israelites that God was fighting this battle on their behalf, and that the glory of victory was His.

It was wise of Moses to accept advice from his FIL.  We are not always quick to listen to advice, especially when someone tells us to do something different than what we've been doing.  But Moses was wise, and implemented the advice he received from his FIL.

Obviously I've read this passage numerous times, but this is the first time I noticed that Moses' wife and children hadn't been with him for awhile - I wonder how long they had been with her family and what experiences they all missed out on, and why Moses sent them away. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Love God and love each other - so simple and yet sometimes so difficult.  A good reminder also to impress on our children that this is what's most important.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Exodus 19:16-21:21, Matthew 23:13-39, Psalm 28:1-9, Proverbs 7:1-5

Saturday, February 2nd: Exodus 15:19-17:7; Matthew 22:1-33; Psalm 27:1-6; Proverbs 6:20-26 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 15:19-17:7; Matthew 22:1-33; Psalm 27:1-6; Proverbs 6:20-26

It is amazing to me that God responded to the Israelites grumbling with graciousness.  He could've justly let them starve in the desert - they had just seen Him work amazing miracles and they were already grumbling against Him.  Instead, He responded with grace and provision for them.

They were also taught a lesson in obedience - how much manna to take on which days.

It's important for us to remember that God provides for our needs, not our wants; He provides for the day; and He desires our obedience.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:   Exodus 17:8-19:15, Matthew 22:34-23:12, Psalm 27:7-14, Proverbs 6:27-35

Friday, February 1st: Exodus 13:17-15:18, Matthew 21:23-46, Psalm 26:1-12, Proverbs 6:16-19 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 13:17-15:18, Matthew 21:23-46, Psalm 26:1-12, Proverbs 6:16-19

17 When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle

 - Exodus 13:17-18

It often feels like we are in seasons of waiting. And a lot of times we question why God would make us wait, and even tell Him that we think we’re ready for what’s coming next.

But, we are not God, so we don’t know the big picture, and we don’t have everything figured out perfectly (although sometimes we think we do). Like the Israelites, sometimes God needs to take us in a roundabout way to get to the end goal to teach us something, or show His glory.

In times of waiting, let’s remember that God has a plan, and He will get us where we need to go. We just need to trust in Him. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 15:19-17:7; Matthew 22:1-33; Psalm 27:1-6; Proverbs 6:20-26