Tuesday, April 30th: Judges 11:1-12:15, John 1:1-28, Psalm 101:1-8, Proverbs 14:13-14 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 11:1-12:15, John 1:1-28, Psalm 101:1-8, Proverbs 14:13-14

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.  He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
John 1:10-13

The devotional I am reading along with this plan talks about the idea that our children (well all of us) are born spiritually dead. And only the work of the Spirit can bring them (us) to the spiritual birth that we desire for our children and those we love. I'm finding that as my children get older it is not an easy thing to let go and let God, as it were. I want to make them choose Jesus but I'm finding that this is something they have to do on their own. I always knew that they would have to one day believe for themselves, but I find myself lacking the patience to let them figure this all out on their own. Lord, let me trust that you will draw them to you and patience to know that it will be in your perfect time.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Judges 13:1-14:20, John 1:29-51, Psalm 102:1-28, Proverbs 14:15-16

Monday, April 29: Judges 9:22-10:18, Luke 24:13-53, Psalm 100:1-5, Proverbs 14:11-12

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 9:22-10:18, Luke 24:13-53, Psalm 100:1-5, Proverbs 14:11-12 

Things that stood out for me today:

54 Then he quickly called the young man who was carrying his weapons and told him, “Draw your sword and kill me. I don't want it said that a woman killed me.” So the young man ran him through, and he died.

This reminds me of when Pilate washed his hands of Jesus' fate and yet all this time later, everyone reads the testimony from the Bible that Pilate was responsible for the death of Jesus. Even though the weapon carrier finished the deed, readers know the truth of what really happened. We can try to wash our hands of our problems or make it look in a way that skews the facts but the truth always comes out.

29 but they held him back, saying, “Stay with us; the day is almost over and it is getting dark.” So he went in to stay with them.......33 They got up at once and went back to Jerusalem, where they found the eleven disciples gathered together with the others 

The day was almost over and it was getting dark....but they got up at once to share what they had just seen and heard. I will be the first to admit that I CANNOT keep a secret. Especially when it is good news and exciting and I can't wait to share it. These men couldn't keep it a secret either because they didn't even wait for the next day before they made the journey back to share it with the disciples.

The Lord is good;
    his love is eternal
    and his faithfulness lasts forever.

In an ever changing and complex world, what an encouragement it is to know that The Lord is good. His love and faithfulness are without an end.

What you think is the right road may lead to death.

I've read this verse before but today it reminded me about the Bible College student who recently died while on a mission trip. He seemed to be on the right road: serving and giving of himself to others in God's name. However, he died due to a medical complication. Now, assuming this guy was a believer, his death should be looked at as a positive since he would be experiencing Heaven upon his death but it is still sad for the people he left behind as they wait to join him. I also have read this verse with the interpretation that what we might think is the right road--a white lie, a small indiscretion, a half truth---may lead to a slippery slope away from God forever.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Judges 11:1-12:15John 1:1-28Psalm 101:1-8Proverbs 14:13-14 

Sunday, April 28th: Judges 8:18-9:21, Luke 23:44-24:12, Psalm 99:1-9, Proverbs 14:9-10 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 8:18-9:21, Luke 23:44-24:12, Psalm 99:1-9, Proverbs 14:9-10

It seems that Joseph, one of the high council, was one of the first notable religious leaders to publicly claim Jesus. It definitely took courage to do so, particularly since the religious leaders had just had Jesus executed! 

Always love reading the resurrection story!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Judges 9:22-10:18, Luke 24:13-53, Psalm 100:1-5, Proverbs 14:11-12 

Saturday, April 27th: Judges 6:1-40; Luke 22:54-23:12; Psalm 95:1-96:13; Proverbs 14:5-6 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 6:1-40; Luke 22:54-23:12; Psalm 95:1-96:13; Proverbs 14:5-6

The story of the thief on the cross beside Jesus who turns to Him in repentance at the eleventh hour gives us hope for our unsaved family and friends - to continue to pray for them and not give up hope until the end.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Judges 8:18-9:21, Luke 23:44-24:12, Psalm 99:1-9, Proverbs 14:9-10

Friday, April 26th: Judges 6:1-40, Luke 22:54-23:12, Psalm 95:1-96:13, Proverbs 14:5-6 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 6:1-40, Luke 22:54-23:12, Psalm 95:1-96:13, Proverbs 14:5-6

The sea belongs to him, for he made it.

    His hands formed the dry land, too.

• Psalm 95:5

This verse made me think of the one time I heard someone say that if they could travel back in time to any point they would choose creation. I had never thought about that before but that would be exactly where I would choose to go too. Imagine watching the planets being moulded together, the stars be put into place, the land and the water being separated. That would be so cool to see!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Judges 6:1-40; Luke 22:54-23:12; Psalm 95:1-96:13; Proverbs 14:5-6

Judges 4:1-5:31, Luke 22:35-53, Psalm 94:1-23, Proverbs 14:3-4

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 4:1-5:31, Luke 22:35-53, Psalm 94:1-23, Proverbs 14:3-4 

Psalm 94:8-11 NIV
(8)Take notice, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise? [9] Does he who fashioned the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see?
[10] Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge? [11] 11 The LORD knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile.

These verses stood out to me, and gave a small reminder again of how awesome our creator is.

He made our ears and eyes, He disciplines and is the ultimate teacher, and yet we at times question Him and wonder if He is truly in control...

Our plans are futile (v11), it makes a lot of sense then to trust in the one who is truly in charge and in control.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Judges 6:1-40, Luke 22:54-23:12, Psalm 95:1-96:13, Proverbs 14:5-6

Wednesday, April 24th: Judges 2:10-3:31, Luke 22:14-34, Psalm 92:1-93:5, Proverbs 14:1-2 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 2:10-3:31, Luke 22:14-34, Psalm 92:1-93:5, Proverbs 14:1-2

Judges 2: 10 After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel.

11 The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight and served the images of Baal. 12 They abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They went after other gods, worshiping the gods of the people around them. And they angered the Lord. 13 They abandoned the Lord to serve Baal and the images of Ashtoreth. 14 This made the Lord burn with anger against Israel, so he handed them over to raiders who stole their possessions. He turned them over to their enemies all around, and they were no longer able to resist them.15 Every time Israel went out to battle, the Lord fought against them, causing them to be defeated, just as he had warned. And the people were in great distress.

I think it's safe to say that it's not so much that the Israelites didn't remember what God had done for Israel - after all, I'm sure the stories were passed down, there were too many miracles that took place for people to be unaware of what had gone on.  But they didn't acknowledge His Lordship over their lives and remembering the past was irrelevant to have they lived. 

It reminds me of the phrase "Those that don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it".

It's not enough to just know about God and about the things He has done.  After all, the demons not only know about God they know He is God - but they obviously do not love, worship or serve Him.

Knowledge needs to become faith!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Judges 4:1-5:31, Luke 22:35-53, Psalm 94:1-23, Proverbs 14:3-4

Tuesday, April 23rd: Judges 1:1-2:9, Luke 21:29-22:13, Psalm 90:1-91:16, Proverbs 13:24-25 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 1:1-2:9, Luke 21:29-22:13, Psalm 90:1-91:16, Proverbs 13:24-25

This is more of a thought than any great advice.

There were 4 words in today's reading that caught my attention. In Luke 22:3 it says "Then Satan entered Judas..."

I've never noticed that when I've read that in the past and I found it interesting. I believe that the Holy Spirit enters someone when they accept Christ and seals them so that they can no longer be possessed. We can be oppressed by Satan but not possessed.

Anyway, it just struck me as I was reading it that the Holy Spirit was not in the world at this point. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit after he left the earth to seal us and guide us.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Judges 2:10-3:31, Luke 22:14-34, Psalm 92:1-93:5, Proverbs 14:1-2

Monday, April 22nd: Joshua 24:1-33, Luke 21:1-28, Psalm 89:38-52, Proverbs 13:20-23 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Joshua 24:1-33, Luke 21:1-28, Psalm 89:38-52, Proverbs 13:20-23 

Joshua 24: 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.”

As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord!

We definitely want to claim this verse for our family. 

The thing is - it's not just a one time choice and then things are easy.

Unfortunately, it's all too easy to let "false gods" of prosperity, materialism, image and success, power, and more, get a grip on our lives. 

As my devotional book says:
We refuse to give up. We decide that our family will serve the Lord today. And we make the same choice tomorrow. We ask for his power to keep choosing to serve him in all the days to come. 

We choose...... today, and the day after, and the day after that.  Every day.  With His power.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Judges 1:1-2:9, Luke 21:29-22:13, Psalm 90:1-91:16, Proverbs 13:24-25

Sunday, April 21st: Joshua 22:21-23:16, Luke 20:27-47, Psalm 89:14-37, Proverbs 13:17-19 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Joshua 22:21-23:16, Luke 20:27-47, Psalm 89:14-37, Proverbs 13:17-19

Joshua 23:9 “For the Lord has driven out great and powerful nations for you, and no one has yet been able to defeat you. 10 Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised. 11 So be very careful to love the Lord your God.

12 “But if you turn away from him and cling to the customs of the survivors of these nations remaining among you, and if you intermarry with them, 13 then know for certain that the Lord your God will no longer drive them out of your land. Instead, they will be a snare and a trap to you, a whip for your backs and thorny brambles in your eyes, and you will vanish from this good land the Lord your God has given you.

This passage highlights the dangers of Christians marrying non-believers. 

From my devotional....
But oftentimes even some believing children toy with relationships that grow deeper than they expect, sometimes ending in marriages in which either the Christian relegates Christ to the margins of life, or the unbelieving partner is marginalized, leaving both parties feeling lonely and unhappy.

When our children's hearts become entwined with those who do not share faith in Christ, they resist the reality that pursuing a relationship with another person who has little to no interest in building a life around Christ will make them miserable over the long haul. They're convinced that somehow their case will be the exception. They insist that the unbelieving spouse will be supportive of their Christian faith. They are convinced that the two of them are soul mates. Blithely optimistic, they're sure that their passion and commitment will overcome all obstacles.....

a romantic entanglement with an unbeliever has the potential of becoming a snare and a trap, something that may seem so very right in the moment but will bring great sorrow and loneliness over their lifetime.

So important to impress this on our children!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Joshua 24:1-33, Luke 21:1-28, Psalm 89:38-52, Proverbs 13:20-23

Saturday, April 20th: Joshua 21:1-22:20, Luke 20:1-26, Psalm 89:1-13, Proverbs 13:15-16 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Joshua 21:1-22:20, Luke 20:1-26, Psalm 89:1-13, Proverbs 13:15-16

Luke 20 One day as Jesus was teaching the people and preaching the Good News in the Temple, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. 2 They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?”

3 “Let me ask you a question first,” he replied. 4 “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?”

5 They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn’t believe John. 6 But if we say it was merely human, the people will stone us because they are convinced John was a prophet.” 7 So they finally replied that they didn’t know.

8 And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.”

An understanding of the Hebrew method of rabbis training disciples is helpful here, but the most interesting part from this passage is the fact that Jesus was not only a rabbi, but a rabbi with s'mikhah.


A rabbi with authority to reinterpret the text was and is said to have s’mikhah, the Hebrew word denoting authority. The ceremony of giving s’mikhah would involve two rabbis already with s’mikhah who would place their hands on the new rabbi, thus vouching for their exceptional competence...

John laid his hands on Jesus, and became Jesus’s first witness for his s’mikhah. At the same time that John baptized Jesus, God came down on Jesus as a dove. Any Pharisee reading Matthew would instantly recognize that Matthew was making an argument.

God was Jesus’s second witness, and Jesus now had s’mikhah.

Whenever the Bible talks about Jesus teaching as one with authority, that is what it is referencing.  He was a rabbi that was given authority to reinterpret the text. 

Matthew places the “sermon on the mount” almost immediately after Jesus gets his s’mikhah and calls his first disciples. Notice how much of the sermon on the mount takes the form of “You have heard that it was said [old teaching on the Torah] but I tell you [new interpretation of the Torah].”....

Jewish children who go through Bet Midrash are trained to respond to questions with questions. In fact, the answer to the original question is usually in the responsive question itself. As you will see, Jesus’s answer is that his s’mikhah came from (1) John the Baptist and (2) God.

And that's what Jesus does in this passage in Luke.  Fascinating!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Joshua 22:21-23:16, Luke 20:27-47, Psalm 89:14-37, Proverbs 13:17-19

Friday, April 19th: Joshua 19:1-20:9, Luke 19:28-48, Psalm 88:1-18, Proverbs 13:12-14 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Joshua 19:1-20:9, Luke 19:28-48, Psalm 88:1-18, Proverbs 13:12-14 

Psalm 88:1-4 O Lord, God of my salvation, I cry out to you by day.
I come to you at night.
2 Now hear my prayer;
listen to my cry.
3 For my life is full of troubles,
and death[b] draws near.
4 I am as good as dead,
like a strong man with no strength left.
I appreciated the thoughts in my devotional book about this passage.....

Most laments in the Psalms let in a ray of sunshine, closing on a confident note of determination to trust God. But not this psalm. There seems to be no resolution. But that does not mean there is no genuine hope...

Faith can be real even when it can't be tied up into a tidy conclusion, even when it cannot articulate strong hope, even when it's barely holding on, even when everything seems very dark.....

And though the light of redemption is faint in this psalm, it helps us recognize that the God of our salvation is the only one with the ability to pierce through the darkness of our difficult circumstances.

That feeling of darkness is appropriate for today....Good Friday. 

Here are some thoughts from Randy Alcorn about Good Friday....

Today is “Good Friday,” commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus. But that torturous death of God’s Son was the single most horrible injustice in human history. So WHY do we call it Good? Why not call it Bad Friday or Horrific Friday?

Because out of the appallingly bad came what was inexpressibly good. And the good trumps the bad because the bad was temporary while the good is eternal. God’s love and grace come to us soaked in divine blood.

The Cross is God’s answer to the question, “Why don’t you do something about evil?” God did do something…something unimaginably great and powerful. One look at Jesus—at His incarnation and the redemption He accomplished for us—should silence the argument that God has withdrawn to some far corner of the universe where He keeps His hands clean and maintains His distance from human suffering. God does not merely empathize with our sufferings. He actually suffers. Jesus is God. What Jesus suffered, God suffered.

A powerful moment in the movie The Passion of the Christ occurs when Jesus, overwhelmed with pain and exhaustion, lies on the ground as guards kick, mock, and spit on Him. A horrified woman, her hand outstretched, pleads, “Someone, stop this!” The great irony is that Someone, God’s Son, was doing something unspeakably great that required it not be stopped. Had someone delivered Jesus from His suffering that day, He could not have delivered us from ours.

The Gospel accounts of the Crucifixion and Resurrection depict Christ’s deep unhappiness in Gethsemane and His anticipation of the Cross. Joy and happiness are overshadowed by sorrow and grief—until the release of death. What follows for Jesus is joy, but for the apostles it is overwhelming grief. Resurrection happiness soon shines its light, pushing sorrow into the shadows. Death is conquered, and our eternal happiness secured.

What would otherwise have been remembered as Terrible Friday is transformed into Good Friday because Christ’s resurrection works in reverse upon death. The hidden purpose in Christ’s suffering is no longer hidden—it becomes a spectacular cause for happiness. This is the gospel’s Good News! In the end, life conquers death, joy triumphs over suffering. Happiness, not sorrow, has the last word—and it will have the last word forever.

This secure future invades our present, so that even while death and sorrow remain, the new normal in Christ isn’t sorrow but happiness. As Easter worked in reverse to make Good Friday good, so our resurrection will work in reverse to bring goodness out of our most difficult days. Faith is a sort of forward memory in which we trust God’s promise of eternal happiness and experience a foretaste of that happiness in severe difficulty.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Joshua 21:1-22:20, Luke 20:1-26, Psalm 89:1-13, Proverbs 13:15-16

Thursday, April 18th: Joshua 16:1 - 18:28, Luke 19:1-27, Psalm 87:1-7, Proverbs 13:11 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Joshua 16:1-18:28, Luke 19:1-27, Psalm 87:1-7, Proverbs 13:11 

Luke 19:5-10
(5) When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”
[6] So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
[7] All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”
[8] But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”
[9] Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.
[10] For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost .”

This story made me think of a famous person in Canada who at the time is not especially liked, our Prime Minister - Justin Trudeau. Just like Zacchaeus - he too has done dishonest things.

What would be my reaction if Justin Trudeau became a genuine Christian? If he asked Jesus to forgive his sins and gave his life to God, and tried to do better, would I laugh and doubt him? Or would I embrace him and pray for him?

Most important in life is a relationship with God

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:   Joshua 19:1-20:9, Luke 19:28-48, Psalm 88:1-18, Proverbs 13:12-14 

Wednesday, April 17th: Joshua 15:1-63, Luke 18:18-43, Psalm 86:1-17, Proverbs 13:9-10 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Joshua 15:1-63, Luke 18:18-43, Psalm 86:1-17, Proverbs 13:9-10 

Luke 18:26 Those who heard this said, “Then who in the world can be saved?”

27 He replied, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.”
The reality is: we can't save ourselves.  It's impossible.  We are spiritually dead.  Dead people can't resurrect themselves - only God can do that. 

But God mercifully softens our hearts.
God miraculously replaces our hearts of stone with a heart of flesh.

God sent Jesus to live the perfect life that we could not live, to suffer the death we deserved, and to rise victorious over sin and death. 

With God, the impossible is possible!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:   Joshua 16:1-18:28, Luke 19:1-27, Psalm 87:1-7, Proverbs 13:11

Tuesday, April 16th: Joshua 13:1-14:15, Luke 18:1-17, Psalm 85:1-13, Proverbs 13:7-8 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Joshua 13:1-14:15, Luke 18:1-17, Psalm 85:1-13, Proverbs 13:7-8 

Now the people of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know what the Lord said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh Barnea about you and me. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt in fear. I, however, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly. So on that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.’

“Now then, just as the Lord promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. ow give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.”

Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance.

Joshua 14:6-13

I love the story of Caleb, it's partially why our youngest child carries that name. Caleb was a man who was willing to stand up for truth, even if it meant being a minority. So often we let the opinions of others sway us and we willing to ask our friends and other experts what to do but often avoid asking God what He has to say about the issue. I love this quote in my bible's commentary on Caleb...

"Caleb was not so much a man of great faith as a man of faith in a great God!"

And here in today's passage we see the fruit of his faith. It took a while...45 years to be exact...but here we see him standing before Joshua receiving the blessing that the Lord promised him so long ago.

But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.
Numbers 14:24

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Joshua 15:1-63, Luke 18:18-43, Psalm 86:1-17, Proverbs 13:9-10 

Monday, April 15: Joshua 11:1-12:24, Luke 17:11-37, Psalm 84:1-12, Proverbs 13:5-6 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Joshua 11:1-12:24, Luke 17:11-37, Psalm 84:1-12, Proverbs 13:5-6

These verses stood out for me:
From the Old Testament
15 Just as the Lord had commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did."He left nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded Moses."

Left nothing undone. God gives us commands that are meant to be followed completely. We are also called to "leave nothing undone". Are there areas we struggle with complete obedience?

From the New Testament:
14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed.

And as they went. If you had a skin disease and were suffering so much and likely had been for some time, it would have been difficult to imagine going to the priest in your condition. It doesn't say that they were healed by Jesus as he spoke but it says "as they went" healing occurred. What faith it must have taken to begin to make their way to the priest when healing was not immediate. Sometimes we are called to step out in faith and it is only when we do that a miracle happens.

From Psalms:

10 For a day in your courts is better
    than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
    than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

What a picture of how great Heaven will be that the Psalmist is proclaiming that one day is worth more than 1000 anywhere else. To serve God in Heaven is better than anything worldly possession we could own.

6 6 Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless,
    but sin overthrows the wicked.

All have sinned and will face judgement one day. There will be consequences but our debt has been paid and we will appear righteous and forgiven before God through redemption through Christ.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Joshua 13:1-14:15, Luke 18:1-17,  Psalm 85:1-13,  Proverbs 13:7-8 

Sunday, April 14th: Joshua 9:3-10:43, Luke 16:19-17:10, Psalm 83:1-18, Proverbs 13:4 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Joshua 9:3-10:43, Luke 16:19-17:10, Psalm 83:1-18, Proverbs 13:4

Luke 16:3-6 “If another believer[c] sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. 4 Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”

5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith.”

6 The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you!
My devotional book had an interesting take on this passage that I don't think I've heard before....

Recognizing that they didn't have in themselves the needed resource for this radical kind of forgiving, the apostles told Jesus they needed more faith, But Jesus said it wasn't more faith they needed; they already had enough. Jesus was saying that if his gospel had any place at all in their hearts - even the size of a mustard seed - they had what they needed to forgive. The same is true for us and for our children: If we have enough faith to believe that God has forgiven us our enormous debt of sin, we have what we need to forgive the debts of others. 

Just a mustard seed's worth of comprehension of God's forgiveness is enough to break our hearts over the enormity of our own sin and the greatness of his mercy. We, in turn, can extend mercy to someone who has hurt or offended us. Jesus wants to help us become as forgiving as he is, but he knows that we don't have what it takes to do that on our own - but then, if we are in him, we are not on our own.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Joshua 11:1-12:24, Luke 17:11-37, Psalm 84:1-12, Proverbs 13:5-6

Saturday, April 13th: Joshua 7:16-9:2; Luke 16:1-18; Psalm 82:1-8; Proverbs 13:2-3 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Joshua 7:16-9:2; Luke 16:1-18; Psalm 82:1-8; Proverbs 13:2-3


Proverbs 13:3 Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.
Opening your mouth can ruin everything.

I think it's safe to say that we've all experienced that.  That moment when we say something we know we shouldn't, whether out of carelessness or to be intentionally hurtful.  Harsh words can't be taken back and are difficult to forget.

Controlling our words is a valuable thing to practice, and something that we can only do through the power of the Spirit.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:   Joshua 9:3-10:43, Luke 16:19-17:10, Psalm 83:1-18, Proverbs 13:4

Friday, April 12th: Joshua 5:1-7:15, Luke 15:1-32, Psalm 81:1-16, Proverbs 13:1 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Joshua 5:1-7:15, Luke 15:1-32, Psalm 81:1-16, Proverbs 13:1

I find we often read stories of the Israelites and how they don’t have enough faith. But today we read a story of great faith; the story of the walls of Jericho crumbling down. 

Imagine being told to march around a city seven times in order for the walls to fall down. That sounds completely irrational and out of the ordinary, and I’m sure the Israelites thought that too. But they showed great faith by listening to God rather than listening to their own thoughts.

We should show this kind of great faith in our lives as well. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Joshua 7:16-9:2; Luke 16:1-18; Psalm 82:1-8; Proverbs 13:2-3

Thursday, April 11th: Joshua 3:1 - 4:24, Luke 14:7-35, Psalm 80:1-19, Proverbs 12:27-28~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Joshua 3:1-4:24, Luke 14:7-35, Psalm 80:1-19, Proverbs 12:27-28

Luke 14:7-12 NIV
(7) When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable:
[8] “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited.
[9] If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, 'Give this person your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place.
[10] But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests.
[11] For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

On a personal note - would be great to get bumped up to a better seat, and humiliating to get taken to a worst spot.

Jesus taught - to put others ahead of ourselves, to think of others needs before our own.

Reality - may not be rewarded for it here on earth, but will be in Heaven one day, that makes it worth it!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:   Joshua 5:1-7:15, Luke 15:1-32, Psalm 81:1-16, Proverbs 13:1 

Wednesday, April 10th: Deuteronomy 34:1- Joshua 2:24, Luke 13:22-14:6, Psalm 79:1-13, Proverbs 12:26 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 34:1- Joshua 2:24, Luke 13:22-14:6, Psalm 79:1-13, Proverbs 12:26 

Joshua 1:6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
I can only imagine how Joshua felt taking over as leader of the Israelites.  Moses had been the only human leader they had known and those were big sandals to fill!  And he was going to be the leader to bring them into the Promised Land.

God gives Joshua clear instructions on how to get through this transition and how to become a godly leader.  The key, of course, is God. 

Joshua needs to rely on God and God alone. 

He needs to rely on God's Word.  In order to that, he needs to know it inside and out (just like we need to, and why we are doing this blog together).  He doesn't just need to know it, he needs to obey it, he needs to apply it to his life. 

He needs to rely on God's presence.  Almost every time in the Bible that we see the instructions "Do not fear" it is followed by the reason we don't need to fear:  God is with us. 

The same holds true for us today.  We need to rely on God alone.  We need God to transform us through the power of the Holy Spirit and His Word.  We need to trust and rely on His presence every step of the way.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Joshua 3:1-4:24, Luke 14:7-35, Psalm 80:1-19, Proverbs 12:27-28

Tuesday, April 9th: Deuteronomy 33:1-29, Luke 13:1-21, Psalm 78:65-72, Proverbs 12:25 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 33:1-29, Luke 13:1-21, Psalm 78:65-72, Proverbs 12:25

Happy Birthday Tammy! I hope you have a wonderful day!!

Then Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? How can I illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed that a man planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds make nests in its branches.” He also asked, “What else is the Kingdom of God like? It is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”  Luke 13:18-21

In the devotional that I am reading through I was really challenged by this...

"Just as the Jews of Jesus' day wanted the Kingdom of God to come triumphantly and comprehensively in one swift show of power and transformation, so we tend to want the reign of Christ to come into our children's lives...this isn't how his Kingdom comes into the world, and it's not how his rule and reign comes to our lives or the lives of our children. It starts small, like a tiny seed that requires nourishment and light to grow. It begins almost invisibly, doing its work from within, like yeast. The Holy Spirit works through the Word to make a dead heart come alive, and over time, that radical inner change works its way through the whole person. This means we, as parents, have to be patient. It means we should not be surprised that our children are not now everything we long for them to be."

I've really been struggling in the last year as my children get older and start making their own decisions. Decisions that I am not in control of any longer. I have to trust that God will take that mustard seed that we have hopefully planted in our children and will grow it into something wonderful. And I will have to be patient (willing to relinquish my desire and trust God) while watching them grow, sometimes turning slightly away from the sun or possibly having a leaf or two that dries up, but hopefully, ever-renewing, ever-growing, and ever-strengthening as they grow into all the God intends for them to be.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Deuteronomy 34:1- Joshua 2:24, Luke 13:22-14:6, Psalm 79:1-13, Proverbs 12:26 

Monday, April 8th: Deuteronomy 32:28-52, Luke 12:35-59, Psalm 78:56-64, Proverbs 12:24 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 32:28-52, Luke 12:35-59, Psalm 78:56-64, Proverbs 12:24 

Deuteronomy 32:45 When Moses had finished reciting all these words to the people of Israel, 46 he added: “Take to heart all the words of warning I have given you today. Pass them on as a command to your children so they will obey every word of these instructions. 47 These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River.”
A great reminder to be purposeful about speaking God's Word, speaking truth, speaking life into our children.
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Luke 12:38b But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.
Are we ready for the Lord's return?
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Proverbs 12:24 Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.A reminder of the value of a strong work ethic.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:

Sunday, April 7th: Deuteronomy 31:1-32:27, Luke 12:8-34, Psalm 78:32-55, Proverbs 12:21-23 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 31:1-32:27, Luke 12:8-34, Psalm 78:32-55, Proverbs 12:21-23 

Luke 12:25 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 26 And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
This reminds me of a question/quote:  Have you prayed about it as much as you've worried about it?

We know God is sovereign and that He is good - we need to trust and rest in those truths.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Deuteronomy 32:28-52, Luke 12:35-59, Psalm 78:56-64, Proverbs 12:24

Saturday, April 6th: Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20; Luke 11:37-12:7; Psalms 78:1-31; Proverbs 12:19-20 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20; Luke 11:37-12:7; Psalms 78:1-31; Proverbs 12:19-20

Deuteronomy 30:19 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! 20 You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
Choose life!

Love God, obey him, and commit yourself firmly to Him.

Of course, we cannot do this on our own. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit gives us a new heart and the strength to choose life.  May we remember not to rely on ourselves (because then we will fail) but to rely on Him alone.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Deuteronomy 31:1-32:27, Luke 12:8-34, Psalm 78:32-55, Proverbs 12:21-23

Friday, April 5th: Deuteronomy 28:1-68, Luke 11:14-36, Psalm 77:1-20, Proverbs 12:18 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 28:1-68, Luke 11:14-36, Psalm 77:1-20, Proverbs 12:18

“Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will be blessed.” - Deuteronomy 28:6

In today’s reading, we are reminded that there will be a reward for those who choose to follow God. If we work hard for Him on this earth, we will be rewarded in Heaven.

We also see the other side, that if we disobey God and choose to stray from Him, we will regret it forever.

So let’s hold on to the hope that there is something better coming, and not stray from the path that God has put in front of us. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20; Luke 11:37-12:7; Psalms 78:1-31; Proverbs 12:19-20

Thursday, April 4th: Deuteronomy 26:1 - 27:26, Luke 10:38 - 11:13, Psalm 76:1-12, Proverbs 12:15-17 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26, Luke 10:38-11:13, Psalm 76:1-12, Proverbs 12:15-17 

Deuteronomy 26: 9-11
[9]He brought us to this place and gave us this land flowing with milk and honey!
[10]And now, O  lord, I have brought you the first portion of the harvest you have given me from the ground.’ Then place the produce before the lord your God, and bow to the ground in worship before him.
[11]Afterward you may go and celebrate because of all the good things the lord your God has given to you and your household. Remember to include the Levites and the foreigners living among you in the celebration.

The last part of this passage stood out for me, "remember to include the Levites and the foreigners living among you in the celebration".

The Levites didn't get any land to own, they  relied on God to provide for them.

Is this a position we would look down upon nowadays? Or is this a special calling, and people to be looked up to and respected? Can we help people in our churches or elsewhere that have chosen to follow God - in leadership?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:   Deuteronomy 28:1-68, Luke 11:14-36, Psalm 77:1-20, Proverbs 12:18 

Wednesday, April 3rd: Deuteronomy 23:1-25:19, Luke 10:13-37, Psalm 75:1-10, Proverbs 12:12-14 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 23:1-25:19, Luke 10:13-37, Psalm 75:1-10, Proverbs 12:12-14

Luke 10:20b, 22 rejoice because your names are registered in heaven....No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
This is indeed cause for rejoicing! From my devotional book.....
And this is what we so desperately want for our children. We long to peer into that registry in heaven and be assured that our children's names are there. We want them to have eyes that are open to seeing Jesus. And we realize that "no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him". So we want to pray that Jesus will reveal himself to our children!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26, Luke 10:38-11:13, Psalm 76:1-12, Proverbs 12:15-17

Tuesday, April 2nd: Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30, Luke 9:51-10:12, Psalm 74:1-23, Proverbs 12:11 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30, Luke 9:51-10:12, Psalm 74:1-23, Proverbs 12:11

If someone has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and will not listen to them when they discipline him, his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his town. They shall say to the elders, “This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.” Then all the men of his town are to stone him to death. You must purge the evil from among you. All Israel will hear of it and be afraid. Deuteronomy 21:18-21

The last several days in Deuteronomy have been pretty harsh. Lots of stoning and purging. Today's passage talked about stoning the disobedient, oldest son. I have to wonder how bad a child's behavior had to be that the parents were willing to bring their child in front of the elders and have him stoned. I'm not sure what my threshold would be to take that kind of action. I really appreciate what the devotional had to say about this passage...

"While there is no record of anyone being executed under this law, this instruction still alarms and perhaps even embarrasses us because it doesn't seem very godlike. But there is actually great hope in this dark scene. Centuries later, a firstborn Son who obeyed his Father perfectly would be put to death - not for his own stubborn rebellion, but for ours. He would experience the curse that all rebellious sons deserve so that we can experience the blessing of the long, full life that he deserved. He experienced the ultimate curse so that we can enjoy unending blessing."

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Deuteronomy 23:1-25:19, Luke 10:13-37, Psalm 75:1-10, Proverbs 12:12-14