Friday, March 1st: Leviticus 24:1-25:46, Mark 10:13-31, Psalm 44:9-26, Proverbs 10:20-21 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 24:1-25:46, Mark 10:13-31, Psalm 44:9-26, Proverbs 10:20-21

The words of the godly encourage many,

    but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.

• Proverbs 10:21

We need to use our words to lift others up, not tear them down. Non-christians especially look at us to see how we might be different from them because of our faith. If we put other people down, we are hurting their image of who Jesus is. We need to always make sure we are doing our best to properly portray the image of Jesus, and that comes from encouraging others with our words.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Leviticus 25:47-27:13; Mark 10:32-52; Psalm 45:1-17; Proverbs 10:22

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    My only hope is in you.

• Psalm 39:7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    and he will give you your heart’s desires.

5 Commit everything you do to the Lord.

    Trust him, and he will help you. 

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

Lazy people are soon poor;
    hard workers get rich.

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

Thursday, February 15th: Leviticus 25 - 27, Philippians 4 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 25-27, Philippians 4

Leviticus 25:18
“ 'Follow my decrees and be careful to obey my laws, and you will live safely in the land.

A simple yet difficult verse to follow in our lives, and difficult for the Israelites as well. What makes it difficult is our own stubbornness in thinking that we know what's best for ourselves and will then do anything to achieve this. This verse is simple - it says to follow God and obey Him.

In our new testament reading we also see this,

Philippians 4: 6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

A good reminder for me to leave things with God and not worry, to trust in Him fully.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Numbers 1-3, Hebrews 1

Friday, February 9th: Leviticus 10-12; Ephesians 5 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 10-12; Ephesians 5

“Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” - Ephesians‬ ‭5:16‬

It can be very very tiring to keep the faith in “these evil days”, as put in this verse. Sometimes it can even seem hopeless, especially when you’ve been friends or coworkers with someone who does not believe in God for years, and still they don’t believe in Him. But don’t lose heart, God is working in ways you can’t even see. You might just be the planter of seed, and it will be someone else who harvests. It can be very hard not to lose hope when everything around us seems to be without God, but we need to trust that God has a plan, and we need to “make the most of every opportunity” that He presents us with. It’s a tiring race, but it’s nothing compared to the wonderful reward we will receive at the finish line.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 13-15; Ephesians 6

Thursday, February 8th: Leviticus 7-9; Ephesians 4 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 7-9; Ephesians 4

“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” - ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:3‬

This verse serves as a good reminder that we need to work our hardest to be at peace with everyone around us, especially fellow Christians who we are supposed to be one with. We need to remember we are all God’s children, and none of us is greater than the other. Five year olds, ninety year olds, men, women, pastors, newest church goers, and everyone else. We need to act as one body because that is what we are. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 10-12; Ephesians 5

Wednesday, February 7th: Leviticus 4-6, Ephesians 3 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 4-6, Ephesians 3

Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
He is able to do more than we can even imagine.

And that amazing power is in us.

He can work in us.
He can work through us.
For His glory.

Such simple and yet profound truth.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 7-9, Ephesians 4

Monday, February 20th: Leviticus 26-27; Mark 2 ~ Kezia

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 26-27; Mark 2

Nowadays, news travels fast. Texts, emails, snapchats, and Instagram pictures can be sent or uploaded in just a few seconds. Political news and celebrity gossip are never kept a secret very long, and once something is out, everyone instantly knows.

It wasn't always like this though. In Jesus' time, news was spread through word of mouth. Instead of newspaper headlines and twitter updates, people were telling about Jesus by talking about him. Some people in particular heard of Jesus and his ability to do miracles, and had faith he could heal a paralytic.

"Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Mark 2:4-5

Can you imagine? Maybe never even seeing Jesus before, but having so much faith in His ability to heal that you lower a paralytic from the roof a building to beat the crowds to get him closer to Jesus? There was no photo or video proof of Jesus' powers, yet their faith was so strong in Jesus.

My prayer is that I grow to always have a faith like this. A faith where I don't need proof to know that God is real and He is powerful. A faith where God is never questioned or challenged and doubts never cross through my mind.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Numbers 1-2; Mark 3:1:19

Sunday, February 19th: Leviticus 25; Mark 1:23-45

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 25; Mark 1:23-45

Scripture: Leviticus 25:20-21 But you might ask, "What will we eat during the seventh year, since we are not allowed to plant or harvest crops that year?" Be assured that I will send my blessing for you in the sixth year, so the land will produce a crop large enough for three years.

Observation: God knew that His people would question His instructions. We should not question God, but we do anyway. God knew the Israelites' hearts and knew they would need reassurance, so He gave it to them.

Application: The Lord provides!

Prayer: God, help us today not to question what You are doing in our lives, and help us to trust that You will provide and work things out for our good. Amen.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 26-27; Mark 2

Saturday, February 18th: Leviticus 23-24; Mark 1:1-22 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 23-24; Mark 1:1-22

God's timing is always perfect.

It was no coincidence that Jesus was born during Pax Romana - a long period of relative peacefulness throughout the Roman empire.  In order to maintain their sprawling empire, the Romans built an extensive system of roads making it easier to communicate, and for their troops to travel.  This also meant that news about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection would be able to spread quickly throughout the vast empire.

John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus. In Rome, important officials were always preceded by an announcer.  This is why the book of Mark, which was written to Roman Christians, begins with John the Baptist - the herald of Jesus Christ.

John preached in order to prepare people to accept Jesus as God's Son, challenging them to confess their sin individually.  People who don't know Jesus nowadays, also need to be prepared to meet Him.  They need to admit that they need forgiveness before they can accept it.  And, of course, their hearts need to be softened.  We need to pray for the unbelievers around us, that God would soften their hearts, and prepare the way for Jesus.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 25; Mark 1:23-45

Friday, February 17th: Leviticus 21-22; Matthew 28 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 21-22; Matthew 28

In our NT passage today, Matthew tells of the discovery of Jesus' resurrection in such a way that makes it hard to discount its truth.

In NT times, women were not allowed to testify at legal trials.  If the disciples wanted to make up a story about Jesus' resurrection, there is no way they would have women be the first to discover His missing body.

The importance of the resurrection to the Christian faith cannot be overstated.

Jesus promised He would rise from the dead - and He did.  He keeps His promises.

He is the ruler of God's eternal kingdom and has the power to defeat death.

We can be certain of our own resurrection.  Death is not the end for us!

That same power is at work within every believer.  It was responsible for bringing our spiritually dead selves back to life, and gives us the ability to obey Him even as we continue to live in our sin-filled world.

Good news indeed!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Leviticus 23-24; Mark 1:1-22

Thursday, February 16th: Leviticus 19-20; Matthew 27:51-66 ~ Deena

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 19-20; Matthew 27:51-66

The Pharisees and religious leaders were fearful of Jesus rising from the dead so they did all they could humanly possible do, to stop that from happening. Placing Him in a tomb, securing it with a big stone, and having guards stand by it. If Jesus would rise from the dead then everything they had accused Him of would be false. They were scared!
We can't force people to believe in Jesus, but we can show them by how we live our lives that He is Lord!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Leviticus 21-22; Matthew 28

Wednesday, February 15th: Leviticus 17-18, Matthew 27: 27-50 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 17-18, Matthew 27: 27-50

Leviticus 18: 3-5
You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices. [4] You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the Lord your God. [5] Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the Lord.

These verses tell the Israelites how to live, but can also be a guide for us. We are not to live as those unsaved around us, but must follow the Lord.

Often we get caught up and live like those around us who aren't saved, and make the same lifestyle choices. This is a reminder for us to live differently, and make lifestyle choices that God would want us to.

Matthew 27: 30-31
They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. [31] After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

We've all heard this story many times, but can learn something new from it by reading it again. I am reminded here of the personal pain and humiliation that Jesus went through, for me. He loves me so much that He was willing to go through this all so that I would hopefully give myself to Him. A debt I could never repay. A reminder to do my best for Him all the time, and commit myself to Him.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 19-20; Matthew 27:51-66

Tuesday, February 14, 2017: Leviticus 15-16; Matthew 27:1-26 ~ Jody

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Leviticus 15-16; Matthew 27:1-26

Whenever I read the story of Jesus' crucifixion, I have never understood how the crowd of people called for Barabbas to be released. I've always assumed the push of human nature to protect itself - like avoiding a "notorious prisoner" being released back into society would prevail. I just chalked it up to God setting things up to happen according to His plan for Jesus to die for us. Which, of course was His plan, however the choices of the people were also evident. I noticed two things when reading this today:

1. "So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up." Matthew 27:17-18 What a powerful statement! Pilate knew that they had no criminal grounds for bringing Jesus before him, but it was pure envy. This statement sat heavy with me as I think about the damaging power that envy can have over us. It can remove all logic and create hurtful emotions and irrational actions. Even Pilate could see that.
2. "Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus" Matthew 27:20 This verse stuck out for me regarding the power that people in authority have - especially leaders in the church. A reminder of how important it is to pray for our leaders and always recognize God as our ultimate leader!

This whole reading gives me the chills as we see the power of a crowd following their sinful nature. A mass of people coming from a place of envy and blind following of their leaders. Oh, that we remember to always go back to the Author and Perfecter of our faith to ensure our actions align with HIM rather than our own selfish sin-nature!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 17-18; Matthew 27:27-50

Monday, February 13th: Leviticus 14; Matthew 26:51-75 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 14; Matthew 26:51-75

In our NT passage Jesus makes it very clear that He is laying down His life of His own accord.

He chose to become the sacrifice for our sin. He knew what was coming.

He knew His closest friends would betray and desert Him, and what pain that would bring. We can all relate to a certain degree, but how many of us have been abandoned by our closest loved ones in the hour we need them most, in a literally life and death situation?

He knew He would be mocked, completely unjustly. Again, we can relate to a certain degree, but never has a man so utterly powerful and supreme been mocked by those so unworthy.

He knew He would be beaten, that He would experience physical pain and torture few people have to experience, and that He would die alone, with the weight of the world's sin on His shoulders.

He knew that sin would cause Him to feel forsaken by God.

He knew He didn't deserve it.

He knew we fully deserved it.

And He chose to do it in our place, so we wouldn't have to, in order to restore us to right relationship with God.

Amazing love, how can it be, that thou my God shouldst die for me! (Charles Wesley)


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 15-16; Matthew 27:1-26

Sunday, February 12th: Leviticus 13; Matthew 26:26-50

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 13; Matthew 26:26-50

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

Jesus prayed that He wouldn't have to endure the suffering, but said that His Father's wishes be granted above His own.

This is the kind of attitude we should have when we have to face trials of this world. We can pray that God would take them away, but overall, we need to be satisfied with doing His will above our own.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 14; Matthew 26:51-75

Saturday, February 11th: Leviticus 11-12; Matthew 26:1-25 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 11-12; Matthew 26:1-25

In our passage today we see an example of humanity suffering from the consequences of sin. Indeed, though it is true that we are sinful because we sin, it is also true that we sin because we are sinful. From the moment of birth we are sinful and unclean.

The time of uncleanliness for a woman who has given birth is likely in part to remind her of the curse all womankind received when Eve sinned. That's also likely why the time was longer for a female child. It is crucial to remember that we are unclean, and that the law provides no way to truly become clean. That can only come through Jesus!

This reminds us that we should expect to deal with both just and unjust consequences simply because we continue to live in a fallen world.

But it should also remind us that we need to go outside the camp, to the unclean, in order to bring them to the only One who can truly cleanse our sin.

In our NT passage it struck me that all of the disciples doubted their ability to remain faithful under trial. They all thought it horrifically possible that they could be Jesus' betrayor.  They recognized their uncleanness. They recognized their capacity for evil. They were humble enough to admit that it could be them that would fail Jesus so utterly. And, indeed, they would all desert Him soon enough. The key is to know Who to turn to - both in moments of doubt, and in the times we fall.

We must choose.

Will we run towards sin, and away from Jesus?

Or will we run away from sin, and towards Jesus?

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Leviticus 13; Matthew 26:26-50