Saturday, May 4th: Judges 19:1-20:48; John 3:22-4:3; Psalm 104:24-35; Proverbs 14:22-23 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 19:1-20:48; John 3:22-4:3; Psalm 104:24-35; Proverbs 14:22-23

The historical account in Judges is likely the most brutal portion of scripture, and we may wonder why it's even included.

From this blog post....

how should we read difficult texts like Judges 19?  We should read it for what it is: an historical narrative about a group of people at the depths of their depravity, doing wicked, vile, and evil things.  And we can make those judgments because we the rest of the testimony of scripture: we know that the character and nature of God is contrary to the events described in Judges 19.  God did not approve of it, nor desire for it to happen.  

But also, we know from the rest of scripture that even though mankind is at his most depraved in Judges 19, he has not moved so far away from God as to be unredeemable.  Yes, the events of this chapter are horrific and demand our condemnation and swift justice and punishment.  Indeed, God will see that justice is done for the nameless concubine who is horrifically raped, murdered, and mutilated.  Justice will be served for those responsible, either through an eternity of punishment in hell, or through the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ.  Judges 19 is a picture of just how sinful we all truly are.  No, you may have never committed acts like those described in this chapter, but you certainly have fallen - and far - from God's grace, perhaps through murder of the heart by hating your brothers, or perhaps through sexually violating someone in the secret thoughts of your heart and mind.  Nevertheless, you are not too far away to be redeemed.  The scandal of grace - and the message of the book of Judges - is that God can even redeem rapists and murderers - even you.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Judges 21:1-Ruth 1:22, John 4:4-42, Psalm 105:1-15, Proverbs 14:25

Friday, May 3rd: Judges 17:1-18:31, John 3:1-21, Psalm 104:1-24, Proverbs 14:20-21 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 17:1-18:31, John 3:1-21, Psalm 104:1-24, Proverbs 14:20-21

O Lord, what a variety of things you have made!

    In wisdom you have made them all.

    The earth is full of your creatures.

• Psalm 104:24

It’s good to take a moment every once in a while to stop and appreciate all that God has created. The earth really is full of the magnificent works of His hand, let’s make sure we praise Him for it. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Judges 19:1-20:48; John 3:22-4:3; Psalm 104:24-35; Proverbs 14:22-23

Wednesday, May 1st: Judges 13:1-14:20, John 1:29-51, Psalm 102:1-28, Proverbs 14:15-16 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 13:1-14:20, John 1:29-51, Psalm 102:1-28, Proverbs 14:15-16

Judges 14:3 His father and mother objected. “Isn’t there even one woman in our tribe or among all the Israelites you could marry?” they asked. “Why must you go to the pagan Philistines to find a wife?”

But Samson told his father, “Get her for me! She looks good to me.” 4 His father and mother didn’t realize the Lord was at work in this, creating an opportunity to work against the Philistines, who ruled over Israel at that time.

It's amazing to me how God can work through us - even when we're acting out of self interest and going against His commands.  Even when we're sinning or living in outright rebellion, His sovereignty remains and His plans will not be thwarted.

Samson's parents were right to be concerned.  They were right to object to Samson's plans to marry against God's commands. 

We, too, are right to be concerned when we see our children making poor or outright sinful choices. 

But we can have faith in our God who is able to work through them, often despite themselves, and often despite us!  So thankful His plans are not depending on my faithfulness.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Judges 15:1-16:31, John 2:1-25, Psalm 103:1-22, Proverbs 14:17-19

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 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

~~~~~~~


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

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

~~~~~~~

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

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

Balance between the two is key!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, April 3rd: Judges 19-21; Luke 7:31-50 ~ Kezia

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 19-21; Luke 7:31-50

In the Old Testament we read quite the strange story. Sometimes I wonder what the significance of a story like the Levite and the Concubine is, and why it's even in the Bible in the first place. This link sums up the meaning behind this passage pretty well:

"This grotesque series of events concludes with the fitting words of verse 25: “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” Readers reeling from the immoral activities of these closing chapters of Judges can take some comfort in the fact that Scripture clearly condemned these activities. This dark period of Israel’s history would soon lead to the demand for an Israelite king, an act that would help to some degree yet would also reveal the need for a perfect King and Messiah—Jesus Christ, who would come later in the New Testament"

Sometimes in the moment our situations are tough and confusing and we don't know why God put it in His plan for us to go through them.  But if we take a moment to step back and realize what it could look like in the big picture, we could be nearing something so much greater. This story in the Bible is a great representation of how much we needed Jesus to come down to the Earth to show us what it looks like to be a perfect King.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ruth 1-4; Luke 8:1-25

Sunday, April 2nd: Judges 16-18; Luke 7:1-30 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 16-18; Luke 7:1-30

Old Testament:

Just like Samson had God-given strength, we are also given "strengths" by God. We need to make sure we use our strengths for God and His purposes, and not for the secular purposes of this world. 

New Testament:

The story of the centurion and his servant is a great example of what kind of leaders we should be (deeply loving and caring for those "below us" like the centurion), and also what kind of followers we should be (serving others wholeheartedly and wanting to do and give our best to them like the servant).

No matter what position we are put in, whether a "high-up" leader or a "down-low" servant, we can always use our strengths and abilities that God has given us for Him. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Judges 19-21; Luke 7:31-50

Saturday, April 1st: Judges 13-15; Luke 6:27-49 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 13-15; Luke 6:27-49

I found it incredibly ironic that we first read the story of Samson, and his penchant for revenge, and then when we switched to the NT we immediately read....
27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
It goes against our natural instinct to respond to abuse with love - indeed, it is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit living within us.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Judges 16-18; Luke 7:1-30

Friday, March 31st: Judges 11-12; Luke 6:1-26 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 11-12; Luke 6:1-26

The story of Jephthah and his rash vow is an interesting one. Some people believe that Jephthah fulfilled his vow and killed his daughter as a sacrifice, while others believe he simply dedicated her to a life of service.  After reading up on some of the arguments for and against both positions (this article and this one), I'm inclined to think he did the former.

Though God used Jephthah to accomplish His purposes, the Old Testament never refers to him as a godly man. In fact, if he was a godly man he would've known about God's provisions for rash vows and he would have made the necessary sacrifices to get out of his foolish vow.  God also uses anyone He wishes, godly or ungodly, to accomplish His plans. He is mentioned in Hebrews 11, but just like Samson who slept with a prostitue and David who was an adulterer and murderer, he was still a sinner in need of a saviour. As abhorrent as the idea of child sacrifice is, it seems likely that that is indeed what occurred.

No matter what happened, it is a reminder that we are all guilty of making sinful choices - whether they are planned or impulsive - and we are all in desperate need of the saving grace Jesus came to provide.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Judges 13-15; Luke 6:27-49

Thursday, March 30th: Judges 9-10; Luke 5:17-39 ~ Deena

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 9-10; Luke 5:17-39

Luke 5:17-26 tells how Jesus healed the body and the soul of a paralyzed man. Following that miraculous event, Levi answered Jesus’ call to follow Him and then invited his fellow tax collectors and friends to a banquet in honor of the Lord (vv.27-29). When some people accused Jesus of associating with undesirables (v.30), He reminded them that healthy people don’t need a doctor—adding, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (v.32).
To everyone who feels like a “throwaway” headed for the landfill of life, Jesus opens His arms of love and offers a fresh beginning. That’s why He came! (Our Daily Bread, Sept, 2014)

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Judges 11-12; Luke 6:1-26

Wednesday, March 29th: Judges 7-8, Luke 5:1-16 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Judges 7-8; Luke 5:1-16

Today's Old Testament story is a familiar one, the story of Gideon and how he defeated the Midianites.

This story is about how God reduced Gideon's army to pretty much nothing, and still defeated a foe that was thought to be unbeatable. This is another of many miracles that God did for the Israelites.

Judges 8:23
But Gideon told them, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you.”

Gideon was the piece God used in this story, he could have taken credit and received praise, but was wise to know and say that it was God who did everything.

Do I give credit where credit is due, to God? Or do I just take compliments myself and not say a word about the One who deserves credit for any success I may have?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Judges 9-10; Luke 5:17-39

Tuesday, March 29th: Judges 4-6; Luke 4:31-44 ~ Jody

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Judges 4-6, Luke 4:31-44

“Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.” 16 And the Lord said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.” 17 And he said to him, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, then show me a sign that it is you who speak with me. 18 Please do not depart from here until I come to you and bring out my present and set it before you.” And he said, “I will stay till you return.” Judges 6:15-18

Gideon had it right. We need to humble ourselves before God and realize that we are nothing without Him. Yet another reminder that God looks for our hearts to be willing and for ears to hear. Gideon's pursuit of God to give him signs was not a lack of faith, but a desire for confirmation that he was indeed hearing God's direction correctly. He is going back to what the Israelites had forgotten - asking God for direction and then heeding it!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Judges 7-8; Luke 5:1-16

Monday, March 28th: Judges 1-3; Luke 4:1-30 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 1-3; Luke 4:1-30

It's so sad how quickly the Israelites forgot about God.  They didn't drive out the Canaanites completely, as God had commanded.  Instead, they lived among them, intermarried with them, and were ultimately led astray by them - exactly what God had warned them against. Yet, over and over again, He gave them another chance, He raised up a judge to rescue them, He extended grace.

Eventually, the Israelites would become so disobedient that God would reject them as His people, and His grace would be extended to the Gentiles.  This is what our NT passage points to....
25 But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, 26 and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And there were many lepers[a] in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” 28 When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath.

We, Gentile Christians, were not a part of Israel, God's covenant people.  And our salvation came about, in part, because His people rejected God's grace.  This must make us exceedingly humble.  God's grace reaches beyond Abraham's children, it reaches people in the midst of the worst of sins, it resurrects those who are spiritually dead. It is amazing grace indeed!


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Judges 4-6; Luke 4:31-44