Sunday, March 31st: Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20, Luke 9:7-27, Psalm 72:1-20, Proverbs 12:8-9 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20, Luke 9:7-27, Psalm 72:1-20, Proverbs 12:8-9 

Luke 9:23 Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. 

This is one of those verses that we kinda wish wasn't in the Bible if we're being perfectly honest.  We don't want to be ridiculed, alienated, mistreated, or rejected, and we certainly don't want that for our children. 

But, as my devotional book says (emphasis mine).....
deep down we know that it is not comfort that forms character. It is not applause and approval that develop humility. It is not ease that tests integrity. These grow by God's grace in the fertile ground of difficulty and adversity......

So rather than protect [our children] from hardship, we pray for them in hardship, asking God to use each painful experience to make their satisfaction less dependent on the things of this world and to convince them that they way of Jesus - the way of dying to oneself and pursuing his Kingdom - is the only way to live a truly fulfilling life. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Deuteronomy 18:1- 20:20, Luke 9:28-50, Psalm 73:1-28, Proverbs 12:10

Saturday, March 30th: Deuteronomy 13:1-15:23; Luke 8:40-9:6; Psalm 71:1-24; Proverbs 12:5-7 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 13:1-15:23; Luke 8:40-9:6; Psalm 71:1-24; Proverbs 12:5-7 

I appreciated the insight from my devotional book on today's passage.....


Deuteronomy 15:16-17
16 “But suppose your servant says, ‘I will not leave you,’ because he loves you and your family, and he has done well with you. 17 In that case, take an awl and push it through his earlobe into the door. After that, he will be your servant for life. And do the same for your female servants.
When Paul, James, Peter and John introduce themselves at the beginning of their letters in the New Testament, they do so by referring to the status found here in Deuteronomy.  They have willingly chosen to be the servant's of Jesus for life. 

From the devotional....
A bond-servant is not just a slave, but a slave who has willingly committed himself to serve a master he loves and respects even after he has been given the freedom to go. This kind of slavery is chosen, not imposed; it's the result of freedom, not compulsion.

My Lord and Master, I realize that you are not forcing me into slavery. Becoming your bond-servant is my choice. And my choice is made. I want to relinquish my independence, surrender my will, and declare my loyalty to you.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20, Luke 9:7-27, Psalm 72:1-20, Proverbs 12:8-9

Friday, March 29th: Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32, Luke 8:22-39, Psalm 70:1-5, Proverbs 12:4 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32, Luke 8:22-39, Psalm 70:1-5, Proverbs 12:4

Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.

• Deuteronomy 11:19

We should always be talking about the words God has given us, and having conversations about Him. Let’s work to make God and the bible a daily topic in our conversations. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Deuteronomy 13:1-15:23; Luke 8:40-9:6; Psalm 71:1-24; Proverbs 12:5-7

Thursday, March 28th: Deuteronomy 9:1 - 10:22, Luke 8:4-21, Psalm 69:19-36, Proverbs 12:2-3 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22, Luke 8:4-21, Psalm 69:19-36, Proverbs 12:2-3 

Deuteronomy 9:6
Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people.

Just like the Israelites, we get a lot of good things that we don't deserve. In fact we deserve a lot worse then any bad things we get. It's all thanks to God's goodness and His love for us, that we get anything good.

We also don't deserve Heaven, no matter how good we've been. It's also all thanks to God's goodness and love for us.

How could we then not accept this  gift from God and commit to Him, and go on to humbly work as hard as we can for Him?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32, Luke 8:22-39, Psalm 70:1-5, Proverbs 12:4 

Wednesday, March 27th: Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20, Luke 7:36-8:3, Psalm 69:1-18, Proverbs 12:1 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20, Luke 7:36-8:3, Psalm 69:1-18, Proverbs 12:1

I found the titles of the OT readings today to be interesting....

The Privilege of Holiness

Deuteronomy 7:7 “The Lord did not set his heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! 8 Rather, it was simply that the Lord loves you

Like us, the Israelites did absolutely nothing to earn or deserve God's favour, mercy, grace, or love.  He loved them because He chose to love them, and He loves us because He chose to love us.  He has chosen us, we are His, and He loves us.  That comes with a privilege and responsibility to live in holiness.

A Call to Remember and Obey
As the saying goes, those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.  Like the Israelites, we need to remember our penchant for sin, we need to remember God's faithfulness, we need to remember Who He is and what He has done for us.  And we need to obey.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22, Luke 8:4-21, Psalm 69:19-36, Proverbs 12:2-3

Tuesday, March 26th: Deuteronomy 5:1-6:25, Luke 7:11-35, Psalm 68:19-35, Proverbs 11:29-31 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 5:1-6:25, Luke 7:11-35, Psalm 68:19-35, Proverbs 11:29-31 

Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

This seems like such easy instructions for how to teach our children but to me it's not always as easy as it should be. It more easily becomes a part of life rather than rules to follow if we integrate it in every aspect of our lives rather than just a Sunday morning agenda. I know that God is not always the first thing on my mind. So if that is the case, I need to make a better effort at bringing God into every part of my life so that it becomes second nature to me to talk about my beliefs and how God affects every moment of my life. I completely believe that He does affect all the areas of my life but it's acknowledging it in the moments and bringing them up in conversations with my family on a regular basis. I'm working on it...

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20, Luke 7:36-8:3, Psalm 69:1-18, Proverbs 12:1

Monday, March 25th: Deuteronomy 4:1-49, Luke 6:39-7:10, Psalm 68:1-18, Proverbs 11:28 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 4:1-49, Luke 6:39-7:10, Psalm 68:1-18, Proverbs 11:28 

Luke 6:41 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye[b] when you have a log in your own? 42 How can you think of saying, ‘Friend,[c] let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.
My devotional book caused me to think of this passage in a different light than I've previously read it, and that is in regards to our children (emphasis mine)......

Certainly our children's sins need to be lovingly confronted. But before we speak, before we point, we would be wise to take a look in the mirror with eyes willing to see our own vanity, our own idolatrous obsessions, our own selfishness. Our children struggle with the same sins we do; we've just become better at justifying and ignoring them. We need to examine ourselves to see if we're disciplining our children for sins that we allow ourselves to get away with. Ultimately parents who are grieved and humbled over their own sins are best prepared to deal with the "speck" in their child's eye. If we deal as firmly with our own sins as we do with our children's, demonstrating a commitment to obedience as well as an expectation of grace and mercy, we'll be living out authentic faith before them, the kind of faith they'll likely want to live out themselves. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Deuteronomy 5:1-6:25, Luke 7:11-35, Psalm 68:19-35, Proverbs 11:29-31

Sunday, March 24th: Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29, Luke 6:12-38, Psalm 67:1-7, Proverbs 11:27 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29, Luke 6:12-38, Psalm 67:1-7, Proverbs 11:27 

Luke 6:27 “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. 30 Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. 31 Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
This is not possible without divine intervention.  This is not possible without the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. 

To love those that love us is natural.
To hate those who hate us, hurt us, or humiliate us, is natural.
To love those who hate us - that is hard, that is unnatural, that is humanly impossible. 

May it be our prayer that God would give us His love for those around us, even (or especially) those who have done us harm.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Deuteronomy 4:1-49, Luke 6:39-7:10, Psalm 68:1-18, Proverbs 11:28

Saturday, March 23rd: Numbers 36:1-Deuteronomy 1:46, Luke 5:29-6:11, Psalm 66:1-20, Proverbs 11:24-26 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Numbers 36:1-Deuteronomy 1:46, Luke 5:29-6:11, Psalm 66:1-20, Proverbs 11:24-26

Luke 5:31-32

31 Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. 32 I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.”
I was reminded today that we need to remember that not only are we sick, we are totally unable to heal ourselves.  Our sin sickness is not something that be fixed with the bandages of good works (the law).  We need a Saviour, we need a Healer, we need grace!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29, Luke 6:12-38, Psalm 67:1-7, Proverbs 11:27

Friday, March 22nd: Numbers 33:40-35:34, Luke 5:12-28, Psalm 65:1-13, Proverbs 11:23 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Numbers 33:40-35:34, Luke 5:12-28, Psalm 65:1-13, Proverbs 11:23 

From my devotional book on our Luke passage.....

In this unpredictable call to Levi and his unexpected, instantaneous, all-out response, we see that Christ's call to followership is completely sovereign and irresistible. To the leper Jesus says, "Be healed!" and h is healed. To the paralyzed man he says, "Stand up," and he stands up and walks. And to Levi Jesus says, "Follow me", and he immediately follows.  But the authority of Jesus does not discount Levi's genuine response.....

We can pray for Jesus to..call our children to himself. And we can trust that his call is irresistible.

Praying for His irresistible call on our children's lives!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Numbers 36:1-Deuteronomy 1:46, Luke 5:29-6:11, Psalm 66:1-20, Proverbs 11:24-26

Thursday, March 21st: Numbers 32:1 - 33:39, Luke 4:31 - 5:11, Psalm 64:1-10, Proverbs 11:22 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Numbers 32:1-33:39, Luke 4:31-5:11, Psalm 64:1-10, Proverbs 11:22 

Luke 4: 33-34
In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice,
[34] “Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are---the Holy One of God!”

Luke 4:41
Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God !” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah.

In both these instances the demons knew exactly who Jesus is, He is the Messiah and is all powerful! They want Jesus out of the way so they can destroy us.

Lots of people both then and now don't know Jesus, they've heard of Him but refuse to acknowledge and accept Him. Jesus is the only one who can save us, I'm thankful that He loves us enough to die for us and allow us to be with Him forever in Heaven, if we accept Him in our lives and then follow Him.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Numbers 33:40-35:34, Luke 5:12-28, Psalm 65:1-13, Proverbs 11:23 

Wednesday, March 20th: Numbers 30:1-31:54, Luke 4:1-30, Psalm 63:1-11, Proverbs 11:20-21 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Numbers 30:1-31:54, Luke 4:1-30, Psalm 63:1-11, Proverbs 11:20-21

Psalm 63: 1-3
O God, you are my God;
    I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you;
    my whole body longs for you
in this parched and weary land
    where there is no water.
2 I have seen you in your sanctuary
    and gazed upon your power and glory.
3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself;
    how I praise you!

I want to be able to pray this as earnestly as David did.  To know that God is enough, that He is everything. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Numbers 32:1-33:39, Luke 4:31-5:11, Psalm 64:1-10, Proverbs 11:22

Tuesday, March 19th: Numbers 28;16-29:40Luke 3:23-38Psalm 62:1-12Proverbs 11:18-19

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Numbers 28:16-29:40, Luke 3:23-38, Psalm 62:1-12, Proverbs 11:18-19

Does anyone else feel exhausted reading about all the different sacrifices and celebrations? I'm so glad that we no longer have to follow all these instructions. I'd have to quit everything else I do and just focus on making sure I didn't miss anything...then again...it might keep me more focused on God instead of letting all the business of life distract me.

Psalm 62.5-8
Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
    my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God[c];
    he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
    pour out your hearts to him,
    for God is our refuge.

These are some great words and reminders. For me the words about my honor depending on God really stood out. Sometimes I feel like I have to defend my honor to others. This verse today reminded me that regardless of what people think of me the only one who I have to prove my honor to is God. I don't need to defend myself to anyone else. And that's not always easy, especially when we want to make sure that people haven't misunderstood us. We can find rest in knowing that God is our Rock and He knows us inside and out. He knows our heart and our minds and if we work to keep those in line with Him then we don't need to worry about what others think.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Numbers 30:1-31:54, Luke 4:1-30, Psalm 63:1-11, Proverbs 11:20-21

Monday, March 18: Numbers 26:52-28:15 Luke 3:1-22 Psalm 61:1-8 Proverbs 11:16-17 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Numbers 26:52-28:15, Luke 3:1-22, Psalm 61:1-8, Proverbs 11:16-17 

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

6 And the Lord said to Moses, 7 “The daughters of Zelophehad are right. You shall give them possession of an inheritance among their father's brothers and transfer the inheritance of their father to them. 8 And you shall speak to the people of Israel, saying, ‘If a man dies and has no son, then you shall transfer his inheritance to his daughter. 

So often, to non-believers, Christianity appears to be a religion that suppresses the rights of women. They see "submission" and "helper" as sexist, and the belief that women women are inferior is the general consensus among non-believers. But reading passages like this one show that God does value women and offers them rights and privileges equal to that of a man. Specifically the gift of salvation is freely offered to men and women.

 16 John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 

Over the Christmas break, I read this book and it while it is a fictional account, it really helped me to consider the real person of John. Imagine clearly knowing that you had a job to do with direct specific instructions from God and being aggressive, passionate, and confident in your mission. In Kingsbury's book, John has a neighbour named Anne and in a different situation they may have eventually married. However, John knew his purpose and left all worldly desires behind and he confidently spoke on the errors of people's ways....including King Herod. John knew his mission and would die for the sake of it. Jesus is still mightier than anyone who came before or after him and we should be encouraged by John to share the good news with others before it's too late.

4 Let me dwell in your tent forever!
    Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! 

Last week we experienced a snow storm and many rural divisions cancelled school and roads were closed. One of our teachers, who lives out of town, spent the night at her parent's house in anticipation of the storm. We instinctively look for ways to be safe and to find refuge in times of trouble. We make decisions about our life based on what we feel will be safe. What a comfort to know that no matter what storm of life is coming at us that we can find safety in God's presence.

17 A man who is kind benefits himself,
    but a cruel man hurts himself. 

Sometimes it appears that the wicked prosper and the godly suffer. However, earthly prosperity is fleeting and there is judgement on the actions of all eventually.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Numbers 28;16-29:40Luke 3:23-38Psalm 62:1-12Proverbs 11:18-19

Sunday, March 17th: Numbers 26:1-51, Luke 2:36-52, Psalm 60:1-12, Proverbs 11:15 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Numbers 26:1-51, Luke 2:36-52, Psalm 60:1-12, Proverbs 11:15 

Psalm 60:12 With God’s help we will do mighty things,
for he will trample down our foes.
I love that this psalm is crystal clear about who gets the glory for the things we do.

Here's a hint: it's not us!

Anything good we do is because of Him, through His power, and for His glory.  All praise be to Him!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Numbers 26:52-28:15, Luke 3:1-22, Psalm 61:1-8, Proverbs 11:16-17 

Saturday, March 16th: Numbers 24:1-25:18; Luke 2:1-35; Psalm 59:1-17; Proverbs 11:14 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Numbers 24:1-25:18; Luke 2:1-35; Psalm 59:1-17; Proverbs 11:14

Psalm 59

16 But as for me, I will sing about your power.
    Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.
For you have been my refuge,
    a place of safety when I am in distress.
17 O my Strength, to you I sing praises,
    for you, O God, are my refuge,
    the God who shows me unfailing love.

Most of us won't experience having someone trying to kill us, but David did. And in the midst of that distress, he penned these words. 

But when my trials come, I want to say confidently, as David did, no matter how bleak my life circumstances may be at the time....

Despite my circumstances, I will sing about your power.
Despite my circumstances, I will sing about your unfailing love.
Despite my circumstances, I will sing with joy.
Despite my circumstances, I know you are my refuge.
Despite my circumstances, I know you are a place of safety.



Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Numbers 26:1-51, Luke 2:36-52, Psalm 60:1-12, Proverbs 11:15

Friday, March 15th: Numbers 22:21-23:30, Luke 1:57-80, Psalm 58:1-11, Proverbs 11:12-13 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Numbers 22:21-23:30, Luke 1:57-80, Psalm 58:1-11, Proverbs 11:12-13

As I was reading the story of Balaam and his talking donkey, I was reminded of the times I heard this story in my younger years of Sunday School. At that point in my life, I still had the “childlike faith” where it made complete sense to me that the donkey could talk. Now reading this same story, I’m more in awe of it. Imagine if your pet would suddenly speak to you! That would be pretty amazing. 

I also noticed the fact that Balaam did not give his donkey the benefit of the doubt, even after knowing him for many years. How often am I quick to overreact to a friend or family member’s comment or action? The answer is probably a lot more often than I should. We need to remember to trust our loved ones, and give everyone the benefit of the doubt, especially those we’ve known for years and years.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Numbers 24:1-25:18; Luke 2:1-35; Psalm 59:1-17; Proverbs 11:14

Thursday, March 14th: Numbers 21:1 - 22:20, Luke 1:26-56, Psalm 57:1-11, Proverbs 11:9-11 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Numbers 21:1-22:20, Luke 1:26-56, Psalm 57:1-11, Proverbs 11:9-11

Numbers 21:4-5
They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way;
[5] they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”

We've heard this complaint from the Israelites many times, after God helped them out of slavery in Egypt.

When I hear this I feel like I can't believe they would have the nerve to complain! God had done a huge miracle for them. But then I realize that I also have a negative attitude and doubt and complain as well, and what has God all done for me?!

He's done much more then I deserve and I need to be thankful.

Psalm 57:9-11
I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.
[10] For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. [11] 11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

David was under huge stress at this time, and he still found time to think of the realty in life - to give God the praise He's due. I want God to be more of a central focus in my life at all times.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Numbers 22:21-23:30, Luke 1:57-80, Psalm 58:1-11, Proverbs 11:12-13

Wednesday, March 13th: Numbers 19:1-20:29, Luke 1:1-25, Psalm 56:1-13, Proverbs 11:8 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Numbers 19:1-20:29, Luke 1:1-25, Psalm 56:1-13, Proverbs 11:8 

Psalm 56:11 I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?  What can mere mortals do to me?
Obviously mere mortals can do a lot of things to us, many of them worthy of being afraid. But they can't do anything about our eternity, and nothing they do can trump God's sovereignty.  This doesn't mean that nothing bad will happen, but that God will be with us through the worst this life can throw at us, and we can trust Him. He is good.  He is sovereign. He is with us. 

That is the most common response/reason why we do not need to be afraid.  Because God is with us. (Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 43:5, Psalm 23:4, Joshua 1:9, Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 118:6-7 are just a few examples!)

He is with us. And that is enough.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Numbers 21:1-22:20, Luke 1:26-56, Psalm 57:1-11, Proverbs 11:9-11

Tuesday, March 12th: Numbers 16:41-18:32, Mark 16:1-20, Psalm 55:1-23, Proverbs 11:7 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Numbers 16:41-18:32, Mark 16:1-20, Psalm 55:1-23, Proverbs 11:7 

Proverbs 11:7 New Living Translation (NLT)

7 When the wicked die, their hopes die with them,
for they rely on their own feeble strength.
No matter how successful unbelievers may appear to us on the outside (and we all know that the outside polished veneer very often conceals unhappiness on the inside), that success ends at the moment of death.  And all that success will be absolutely meaningless in the face of an eternity of suffering.

As believers, we are not promised wealth or health here on earth.  We are not promised an easy life or that God would remove all our trials.  Indeed, quite the opposite!  It's clear that while on earth we will face trials of many kinds.  But our hope lies in Jesus and His victory over sin and death. 

Instead of our own feeble strength, we rely on His unwavering strength and His faithful presence through all the storms of life.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Numbers 19:1-20:29, Luke 1:1-25, Psalm 56:1-13, Proverbs 11:8

Monday, March 11th: Numbers 15:17-16:40, Mark 15:1-47, Psalm 54:1-7, Proverbs 11:5-6 Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Numbers 15:17-16:40, Mark 15:1-47, Psalm 54:1-7, Proverbs 11:5-6 

34 Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”[f]

From my devotional (emphasis mine)......
[Jesus] was experiencing something infinitely more painful than even his physical agony - he felt the spiritual agony of having the familiar presence of God withdrawn. 

At the cross Jesus became sin for us. And because God cannot look upon sin, the Father had to turn away....

Though it pains and perhaps confuses us to think of God turning away from his own Son, we must see that this abandonment was purposeful and profitable. Because God turned aside form his Son on that day, you and I need never fear that God will abandon us or our children. Jesus experienced the separation that we deserve to experience forever so that we will never have to experience it. While we may sometimes feel abandoned by God, we have never been and never will be. Because Jesus was alienated from God as our substitute, we can draw near to him. Because God turned his face away from Jesus, we can be confident that he will never turn away from us. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Numbers 16:41-18:32, Mark 16:1-20, Psalm 55:1-23, Proverbs 11:7

Sunday, March 10th: Numbers 14:1-15:16, Mark 14:53-72, Psalm 53:1-6, Proverbs 11:4 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Numbers 14:1-15:16, Mark 14:53-72, Psalm 53:1-6, Proverbs 11:4 

Every time I read this portion of scripture I wish the ending would turn out differently. 

I want Joshua and Caleb to convince the people to trust God!

I want the people to remember all the miracles God had already done for them - the twelve plagues, parting the Red Sea, daily manna, quail from the heavens - and count on God's faithfulness once again.

I want the people to remember all the consequences they had already experienced for their sins of complaints, unbelief, and rebellion; and to fear the consequences of unbelief more than the giants of the land.

I want the 70 elders to speak up and declare God's faithfulness and might, and to turn the tide of unbelief.

But they don't. 

And the consequences are huge!  They are banned from entering the Promised Land.  All the miracles that came before, that brought them to the edge of what they were promised, and because of their unbelief they can go no further.  Instead, they wander the desert until they begin to die off one by one.

(I realized that Joshua and Caleb would've been around 20 years older than the next youngest people by the time they entered the Promised Land.  That must have been very strange, particularly after enjoying the wisdom of Moses - who was about 40 years older than them.)

May we not make the same mistakes!

May we be purposeful about remembering God's faithfulness in the past - both to ourselves personally, and to those around us, or even Biblical events.

And may we be determined to trust in God's faithfulness now, no matter how dire the circumstances may seem.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Numbers 15:17-16:40, Mark 15:1-47, Psalm 54:1-7, Proverbs 11:5-6

Saturday, March 9th: Numbers 11:24-13:33 Mark 14:22-52 Psalm 52:1-9 Proverbs 11:1-3 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Numbers 11:24-13:33, Mark 14:22-52, Psalm 52:1-9, Proverbs 11:1-3

Mark 14:30 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.”

31 “No!” Peter declared emphatically. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the others vowed the same.
What Peter didn't realize was that good intentions are not enough.
What Peter didn't realize was that he was not strong enough to resist temptation on his own.
What Peter didn't realize was that he could do something he thought he would never do.

We need to have more than good intentions.  We need to be humble enough to recognize that we are not immune to the temptation of sin, nor are we strong enough to combat it on our own.  We need to realize our utter dependence on the Holy Spirit and live in the light of that knowledge.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Numbers 14:1-15:16, Mark 14:53-72, Psalm 53:1-6, Proverbs 11:4

Friday, March 8th: Numbers 10:1-11:23, Mark 14:1-21, Psalm 51:1-19, Proverbs 10:31-32 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Numbers 10:1-11:23, Mark 14:1-21, Psalm 51:1-19, Proverbs 10:31-32

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.

    You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

• Psalm 51:17

We believe that God has grace for everyone, that no matter what they’ve done they can find restoration from God. But even though we believe this for everyone else, sometimes we find it hard to believe in for ourselves. Sure, we know that God has grace for us, but it’s hard to believe it sometimes.

This scripture reminds us that God will not reject a broke and repentant heart. No matter what you’ve done, He still has grace for you, and He still loves you.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Numbers 10:1-11:23; Mark 14:1-21; Psalm 51:1-19; Proverbs 10:31-32

Numbers 8:1 - 9:23, Mark 13:14-37, Psalm 50:1-23, Proverbs 10:29-30

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Numbers 8:1-9:23, Mark 13:14-37, Psalm 50:1-23, Proverbs 10:29-30 

Numbers 9:8
Moses answered, "Wait here until I have received instructions for you from the Lord."

This verse made me think, I was surprised Moses didn't have an answer ready, or that God hadn't let Moses know the answer ahead of time.

It seems like over the last number of weeks we've read about how the Israelites were to deal with almost any kind of situation, but this one seems to have caught Moses off guard or unsure of what to say.

It was wise of Moses to pull back and wait for God to give him advice, rather then to go ahead and do what he thought.

We also don't need to have every possible future situation in life figured out ahead of time, we can't in fact, we're only human. We need to prepare, but more importantly we need to go to God at all times for advice and wisdom - and sometimes wait for Him to give us advice.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Numbers 10:1-11:23, Mark 14:1-21, Psalm 51:1-19, Proverbs 10:31-32 

Wednesday, March 6th: Numbers 6:1-7:89, Mark 12:38-13:13, Psalm 49:1-20, Proverbs 10:27-28 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Numbers 6:1-7:89, Mark 12:38-13:13, Psalm 49:1-20, Proverbs 10:27-28

Numbers 6:22 Then the Lord said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing:

24 ‘May the Lord bless you
    and protect you.
25 May the Lord smile on you
    and be gracious to you.
26 May the Lord show you his favor
    and give you his peace.’

I've always loved this blessing.  I appreciated these words about these verses.....

This prayerful blessing is packed with meaning for worshipers and divides into six parts:

May the Lord Bless You...

Here, the blessing summarizes the covenant between God and his people. Only in relationship with God, with him as our Father, are we truly blessed.

...And Keep You

God's protection keeps us in covenant relationship with him. As the Lord God kept Israel, Jesus Christ is our Shepherd, who will keep us from getting lost.

The Lord Make His Face Shine Upon You...

God's face represents his presence. His face shining upon us speaks of his smile and the pleasure he takes in his people.

...And Be Gracious to You

The result of God's pleasure is his grace toward us. We don't deserve his grace and mercy, but because of his love and faithfulness, we receive it.

The Lord Turn His Face Towards You...

God is a personal Father who pays attention to his children as individuals. We are his chosen ones.

...And Give You Peace. Amen.

This conclusion affirms that covenants are formed for the purpose of securing peace through a right relationship. Peace represents well-being and wholeness. When God gives his peace, it is complete and eternal.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Numbers 8:1-9:23, Mark 13:14-37, Psalm 50:1-23, Proverbs 10:29-30

Tuesday, March 5th: Numbers 4:1-5:31, Mark 12:18-37, Psalm 48:1-14, Proverbs 10:26 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Numbers 4:1-5:31, Mark 12:18-37, Psalm 48:1-14, Proverbs 10:26 

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 

Mark 12:30-31

I love these verses and our whole job as Christians is summed up in these 2 verses. I'll never forget the day that they became so very clear to me. Micah was around 5 or 6 and he was struggling with all the rules. He was frustrated and said there were so many rules to remember and Cam stopped and said "Micah, there are really only 2 rules you have to remember. One, love the Lord your God with all your heart. And two, Lover your neighbor as you do yourself. If you do those 2 things then you will have followed all the other "rules"."

There is such wisdom in what he said. Sometimes is hard to follow all the rules but when you stop and think about it if you are focusing on loving others and treating them the way you want to be treated then there is nothing else you need to remember.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Numbers 6:1-7:89, Mark 12:38-13:13, Psalm 49:1-20, Proverbs 10:27-28

Monday, March 4: Numbers 2:1-3:51 Mark 11:27-12:17 Psalm 47:1-9 Proverbs 10:24-25 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Numbers 2:1-3:51, Mark 11:27-12:17, Psalm 47:1-9, Proverbs 10:24-25 

A few things stood out for me:

These are the people of Israel as listed by their fathers' houses. All those listed in the camps by their companies were 603,550.

603 550. I think sometimes it's easy to overlook the fact that there were so many people. Can you imagine the logistics of camping with over 600 000 people?

17 Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” And they marveled at him.

Sometimes we tend to focus on the things that don't really matter in the grand scheme of things. Money. Possessions: stuff we acquire/ vehicles we drive. The things that won't matter beyond this life or rather the stuff that becomes irrelevant as we age from this life. Now you could look at money and possessions as from God to use for His glory, but I think Jesus was more concerned about the stuff that God gives to us that lives on after we cease to exist like time (we gave to serve), love, honour and respect  (unconditionally to those who deserve it and to those who do not), and our talents. What we use for God's purpose from these things will live on in the people we affect through them.

He subdued peoples under us,
    and nations under our feet.

Nothing is beyond God's power. He has dominion over the earth and everything in it, including the people who believe they are not under God's rule.

Furthermore:

What the wicked dreads will come upon him,
    but the desire of the righteous will be granted.

One day all will know that God is who He has always been and that His word is truth. For many, this realization will come too late.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Numbers 4:1-5:31, Mark 12:18-37, Psalm 48:1-14, Proverbs 10:26