Today's Reading April 5

This morning's reading, from the Old Testament
Judges, chapters 15, 16, and 17
The first two of these chapters conclude the story of Samson.
The third includes language that becomes all too familiar, and reminds me of the world in which we now live. (and I fully expect the same, sad results)
6 In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

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This evening's reading, from the New Testament
the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10, verses 1 through 24
every bit of this is good, and worth going over and over. I have trouble picking out the most important piece.

Today's Reading April 4

This morning's reading, from the Old Testament
Judges, chapters 12,13, and 14
It is a recitation of events that generally go like this:
1 And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD delivered them into the hand of ...

Some things never change, do they?
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This evening's reading, from the New Testament
the Gospel of Luke, chapter 9, verses 37 through 62
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This is Holy Week, the rehearsal of the events of our Lord's crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Because of this, we have hope and certainty. Praise God!

Back again

Just a brief post.
We have just returned from our 2000-mile road trip for my mother's funeral. My grateful thanks to all who prayed for us, who sent expressions of support, who attended or who just took a moment to think of us. Thank you, thank you so much. It has been a great comfort to us in a difficult period.
God is SO good, and His love and grace has made all the difference. We are greatly comforted in knowing that we will see her again, and that she is safe in His care now.
And that's good news. That's the gospel.

Today's Reading April 1 and other news

I apologize for the light posting over the last few days. In a few hours, we will be laying my mother to rest in the plot out behind the church I grew up in. We spent last night at the calling hours, seeing family members that I had not seen in upwards of 30 years. So blogging has not been uppermost in my mind lately.

Yet this is Palm Sunday, the beginning of the most momentous week in history. And it is because of Easter, the reality of the death and glorious resurrection of our Lord, that even hard weeks like this are possible to endure. Not easy, but possible. We do not despair, and we know that the death of the body is not the end.

This morning's reading, from the Old Testament, is chapters 6 and 7 of the book of the Judges. The Gideon account.

This evening's reading, from the New Testament, is Luke 8, verses 1 through 21.

Short break 29 March 2007

A few hours ago, I received The Call that I had been dreading. My mother has entered into the Presence of her Lord and has left this life of pain and sickness behind. While a large part of me grieves the loss of her presence, I know full well that she is in a far better place and that I will, someday, see her again.

In the morning, we will set off on a l-o-n-g car trip to gather with my brothers and sisters and father, to mourn her passing and to celebrate her life and faith. And it was a living, vital faith.

Please keep us in prayer.

God is good, always, even when the circumstances aren't.

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Posting is going to be light for the next few days.
Sunday is Palm Sunday, the day we remember the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, an event that led, only a few days later to cries of ''Crucify him!''. And yet, because of the events of that week, we can have confidence and hope today, even when, as today, we see the realities of this broken world. Jesus could see past the events of the moment, good and bad, and see the outcome. So must we.
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UPDATE

Prepping for the journey, I found a little bit of writing that my dad put together for their 50th Wedding anniversary, back in 1998. It's probably not great writing, but it has great personal meaning for me. Read it at your own risk.
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Though we were born in humble homes
Of noble birth are we;
To claim the King as Father
Grants us nobility.

Once we walked our paths alone
Then God brought us together;
And so we formed a loving home
That only death can sever.

Fifty years ago we chose
No more to walk alone;
Through all these years He blessed us well
How quickly the years have flown.

Still our home was not complete
Till children came to birth;
And here were formed the warmest ties
That can be found on earth.

Our family of faith has done its best
To give us loving care;
While friends and neighbors lend a hand
We find them everywhere.

The sunset comes before the dark,
So soon the day is done;
But darkness must give way to light
Soon comes eternal dawn.

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I thank God humbly for having given parents such as that.

Today's Reading March 29

Good morning. The Easter celebration is fast approaching. It is something that we should be keeping in mind during the course of this through-the-Bible journey. The Bible readings, the Bible itself, are not useful simply to gain familiarity over a book, even a very special book. The Bible is a record of the Lord's love for us over a very long time, and it all points to Jesus. The Promised Land to which He led the Israelites during the Exodus and, during the time of Joshua, to the occupation, is only a glimpse of the real Promise that we have through Christ Jesus. And, just as in the division of the land shown in Joshua, no detail escapes His attention and no name is unimportant.
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This morning's reading, from the Old Testament, is Joshua 23 and 24. This completes the book of Joshua.
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This evening's reading, from the New Testament, is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 6, verses 27 through 49. Some of the most memorable parts of all the New Testament (which is saying quite a lot!).
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On a personal note, I am waiting for The Call to let me know that my mother has passed over into the presence of the Lord and has left her sickness and pain behind. That will set me off on a journey of 2000 miles or so and I will likely be absent a few days. Pray for us.

Today's Reading March 28

Short shrift today.
Please keep my mother in your prayers. She is still with us on this side, physically at least. And my dad - seeing his wife of 58 years in extremis is wrenching, to say the least.

Morning reading, from the Old Testament, is Joshua, chapters 21 and 22. Having completed the division of the land, he sends the tribes whose inheritance is on the EAST side of the Jordan (something conveniently forgotten by many who should know better) to their lands.
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Evening from the New Testament, continues in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 6, verses 1 through 26.

Today's Reading March 27, 2007

Good morning
Posting is going to be very light for the next few days. I received word an hour ago that my mother is in the process of entering the presence of the Lord. I will, probably, set out later today on a thousand-mile journey from Lower Alabama up to the far northeast corner of Ohio and will be considerably out of pocket for the next week.
Please keep my father in prayer - they were married in June of 1948 and that's a long companionship whose break is a terrible blow.
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This mornings portion of the Old Testament is taken from Joshua, chapters 19 and 20. This is the final of the apportioning of the Promised Land to the Israelites. It makes a lot more sense if you have access to a good topographical map. Every tribe, and every family within that tribe, had its own assigned region and land.

The evening's reading, from the New Testament, is taken from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 5, verses 17 through 39. There's a lot in this passage, but I particularly love the image of the men, desperate to bring their friend to Jesus, went up on the rooftop of the house and let him down, on a litter (suspended by ropes I imagine). They would do extraordinary things to bring their friend to Jesus.
Question: what are we willing to do to bring the lost to Christ? How many obstacles are we willing to overcome?

Today's reading March 26

I regret the lateness of the posting - it's been a trying day.
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Morning reading, from the Old Testament
Joshua, chapters 16 through 18
this makes more sense if you have a good, topographical map of the area
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Evening reading, from the New Testament
the Gospel of Luke, chapter 5, verses 1 through 16

Today's Reading March 25

Good Sunday morning to you.
This morning's reading, out of the Old Testament, continues in the book of Joshua, chapters 14 and 15. This includes the record of Caleb. Caleb was, you may recall, one of the 12 scouts sent by Moses, some 40 years previously, to spy out the land. Ten of those scouts brought back an evil report, a message of discouragement, that resulted in the people wandering around the wilderness for 40 more years as the faithless died off. Only Joshua and Caleb were still around. Joshua was leading the whole people, while Caleb was a leader within his own tribe, 85 years old now but reportedly just as strong and vigorous and enthusiastic as he had been 40 years before. Now he came forward to request a hard assignment, one he was granted and which was carried out fully.
Much of the rest of this passage seems dry and of no interest. Do not make that mistake. Get a map and hunt down the place name references. There are fights going on over that very same territory today. The Muslims claim suzerainty over it. Like virtually everything else that the Muslims say, they're wrong on that as well.
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The afternoon/evening reading continues in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 4, verses 33 through 44. More of the miracles of Jesus.

Today's Reading March 24

Good morning!
This morning's reading, from the Old Testament, is from Joshua, chapters 11, 12, and 13.
I know that to some, this record of the cities and regions of the Promised Land seems quaint, and pointless, and of no purpose. Look at the news. These lands remain a point of contention thousands of years later. And, as then, it is brutal warfare. I once wondered why so much fighting over land I wouldn't want. There are answers to that - the land and trade routes that cross between the great civilizations (at the time - no longer) of Egypt and Mesopotamia, for example. But the main point is that G-d Almighty assigned this land to these people and their descendants, and that land grant is the important one.
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Thie evening's reading from the New Testament continues in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 4, verses 1 through 32. This is the record of Jesus in the wilderness, tempted by the Devil, followed by His teaching at the synagogue in Nazareth.

Today's Reading March 23

Good morning!
This morning's reading is from the book of Joshua, chapters 9 and 10. This is early in the accounts of the taking of the Promised Land, as the Lord had promised (and still does, by the way). Some of the place names are strange to us. Some are not, we hear them in the news even today. Places like Hebron. Places like Gaza. The issues that we see even today go far back, some further than this account, to the heritage of Ishmael and Lot and Esau.
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This evening's New Testament reading is the 3rd chapter of the Gospel of Luke. This gets into the accounts of John the Baptizer's ministry, the baptism of Jesus, and the earthly lineage of Jesus the Christ.

Today's Reading March 22

Morning reading from the Old Testament
Joshua, chapters 7 and 8
This is the account of the first attack on Ai, and the failure thereof due to sin in their midst, the consequences of that sin revealed, and the second, successful attack on the city of Ai.
Sin has consequences, for the sinner personally, and all too often for those around the sinner, those who often had no part in it.
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Evening reading from the New Testament,
the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, verses 25 through 52
this is some early accounts of the life of Jesus the Christ
- the prophesy of Simeon

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
Isa 42:6
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

- the words of the prophetess Anna
- Jesus with the teachers in the temple

Today's Reading March 21

Good morning, and Happy Spring!
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This morning reading from the Old Testament comes from the book of Joshua, chapters 4, 5, and 6. This recounts the crossing of the Jordan River during flood stage and the entry into the land and the taking of Jericho.
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This evening's portion continues in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, verses 1 through 24. This probably the most familiar rendering of the Christmas story, the birth in Bethlehem, of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus the Christ. Please don't let it be so familiar that you skim over it. It's worth savoring the moment, always.

Today's Readings March 20

Good morning to all. It is 04:57 as I write this, and it is still dark outside. But, just as the sun makes the day bright and chases away the shadows, so does the Son. Not poetic, perhaps, but true nonetheless.

This morning's reading, from the Old Testament, begins the book of Joshua. See how far we've come since 01 January! And in the same way, Joshua begins the record of the entrance of the Israelites into the Promised Land.
The passage for today is Joshua, chapters 1, 2, and 3. Herein is found another of those 'memory verse' passages - chapter 1, verses 7 through 9 but especially verse 9.

6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Sometimes that is translated as ''be strong and courageous''.
One of the great quotes from Winston Churchill is ''Never give up. Never give up. Never, never, never give up.'' Sometimes all you can do is to just hang on. Sometimes that's all you have to do, Someone else is doing the heavy lifting. As was the case with the Israelites. Not a bad place to be, if you think about it.
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This evening's reading is taken from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1, verses 57 through 80. This is the birth of John the Baptist, and contains yet another section of great, almost poetic, declamation, by John's father

67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

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And all of that was, and is, true.
Have a great day.

Today's Readings March 19

This morning's reading, from the Old Testament, is from the book of Deuteronomy, chapters 33 and 34. This completes the readings from Deuteronomy, and also from the Pentateuch, the five books of Moses. These are the most important Biblical portions for our Jewish friends. I regret to say that they are not nearly as familiar to Christians as they should be. They are vital. And yes, I know that all Scripture is important, and God-breathed, and vital.
This portion concludes Moses' farewell to the people before the Lord takes him, and includes one of my favorite verses,

27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms:

Seems to me you could make a hymn out of that line. (grin).


This evening's reading from the Old Testament is in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 1, verses 24 through 56. This is the Annuniciation to Mary which and her response, which I consider to be pure worshipful poetry -

46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

Would that we thank Him for His blessings as well as she did!

Today's Reading March 18

Good morning!
This morning's Scripture reading, from the Old Testament, is taken from the book of Deuteronomy, chapters 31 and 32. This portion contains a passage that has been a great comfort to me in many times of great trial.

31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Heb 13:5 Deut 31:8 Joshua 1:5
7 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.
8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
Heb 13:5 Deut 31:6 Joshua 1:5

Each of us goes through this life and faces adversity, trial, fear, despair, loss, and opposition. It has meant more to me than I can express to be reminded that the One who sees every sparrow also sees me.

This evening's reading, from the New Testament, starts in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1, verses 1 through 23. This is the Annuniciation of the birth of John to his father while serving the Lord in the Temple. A miracle.

Today's Reading March 17

This morning's reading from the Old Testament
Deuteronomy 29 and 30
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Evening reading, from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 16
the Resurrection and Ascension of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

Today's Reading - March 16

Morning reading, from the New Testament,
Deuteronomy 28
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Evening reading, from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 15 verses 27 through 47
this is the finale of the death of Jesus and the burial in the garden tomb

Today's Reading March 15

This morning's reading, from the Old Testament,
Deuteronomy chapters 26 and 27
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This evening's reading, from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 15, verses 1 through 26
the crucifixion of Our Lord

Today's Reading March 14

Good morning! Today is March 14. We are nearly at the halfway point in the 3rd month of the year already. It seems as if we were just celebrating the Christmas event and thinking about the new year about to begin. Now we are well into it. I hope that there are those who have been keeping up with our through the Bible reading program. Even if you came in late, you can start right here and keep going with us. I can confidently predict that you will be blessed by it.

Today's morning reading from the Old Testament is take from Deuteronomy, chapters 23, 24, and 25.

The evening reading, from the New Testament, is continuing in the 14th Chapter of the Gospel of Mark, beginning with verse 51 and continuing through verse 72. This shows Peter denying Christ.

Today's Reading March 13

Good morning!
This morning's Old Testament portion on our journey through the Bible is taken from the book of Deuteronomy, chapters 20, 21 and 22.
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Our evening portion from the New Testament is taken from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 14, verses 26 through 50. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, and His betrayal.

Today's Reading - March 12

Morning reading from the Old Testament
Deuteronomy, chapters 17, 18, and 19
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Evening Reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 14, verses 1 through 25
this is the Last Supper account of Mark

Today's Reading March 11

Morning's reading, from the Old Testament
Deuteronomy, chapters 14, 15, and 16
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Evening reading, from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 13, verses 14 through 37

Todays Readings, for March 10

Morning reading, from the Old Testament,
the book of Deuteronomy Chapters 11, 12, and 13
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I was watching a discussion last night over at the lucianne.com web site, and one of the topics was the woeful lack of Biblical knowledge in our land. We would, perhaps, expect some of this from the unsaved, from those who do not now nor ever have had the grounding we once presumed to be the case in the church. Sadly, this is not the case. There are all too many Christians who have almost no grounding in the Old Testament, outside of some of the Psalms and some of the Davidic history and a very brief look at early parts of Genesis (which many privately doubt). And not all of the Psalms - mention the imprecatory Psalms and many will give you a blank look. These ''hard'' parts of the Pentateuch, the blessings and cursings, the absolute commandments, the requirements that the Almighty placed upon his people - these aren't so much ignored by the Church as the fact that most are unaware of them. Grace and forgiveness are the emphasis, which is proper, but the word ''sin'' is all too rarely heard. I am told that most Baptist pastors kicked out of their pastorate are removed because they mentioned sins that some of the parishoners were quietly practicing. Somehow I doubt that the Lord approves of this.

Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 13, verses 1 through 13
Jesus is speaking of the end of days.

A Small Victory

Like most people over the age of 20 or so, I generally expect the American Judiciary to be largely composed of power-mad imbeciles. I offer as evidence the 9th Circuit Court, SCOTUS blemish Ruth Bader Ginsberg, and such historical nitwits as Federal Judge John Nixon in Nashville, SCOTUS blights Blackmun, Brennan, Souter, Douglas, as well as lesser-known others like Bradford Timbers of PA.
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So it came as a shock and surprise to learn that an appellate court, in this case the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in Washington, has, quite correctly, upheld the validity of the Constitution, in particular the 2nd Amendment thereto. And said that, no, the blatherskites mis-ruling the DC area, really do not have the authority to ban handguns within the district. I am indeed surprised. But you can go read it for yourself.
Read Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down D.C. Handgun Ban at Bloomberg. com.
This could go to extra innings.

Today's Reading, for March 09

Another Friday, and it seems as if the year is flying past.
Not everything is going well for any of us. I have been advised that my mother will be going Home to be with the Lord very soon now. And I believe that my father will join her there soon. Their rooms are just about ready for them.
There is much about us to bring to the Lord. Don't be hesitant to do so.
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Today's morning reading from the Old Testament is from Deuteronomy, chapters 8, 9, and 10. Good stuff here, don't miss it.
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The afternoon is still in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 12, verses 28 through 44. Go over this (and all these readings) carefully and prayerfully. It's important.

Today's Reading March 08

Morning Reading from the Old Testament,
Deuteronomy, chapters 5, 6, and 7
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Evening reading from the New Testament
The Gospel of Mark, chapter 12, verses 1 through 27

Today's Reading March 07

Morning reading from the Old Testament
Deuteronomy, chapters 3 and 4
Moses is addressing the people before his death, before the cross over the river Jordan into the Promised Land, reminding them of the Lord's provisions for them, their journeys in the wilderness, and reminding them to follow the Lord's leading.
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Evening reading from the New Testament,
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 11, verses 20 through 33

Today's Reading March 06

Morning reading from the Old Testament,
Today we begin in Deuteronomy, chapters 1 and 2. Deuteronomy is the last of the 5 books of Moses, we sometimes call that Pentateuch. This book is the final account of the Exodus of the Israelites on their way to the promised land. It remains important to us even today.
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Evening reading from the New Testament,
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 11, verses 1 through 19 -- Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem

Today's Reading March 05

Morning reading from the Old Testament
Numbers, chapters 34, 35, and 36
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Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 10, verses 32 through 52

Today's Reading March 04

Morning reading, from the Old Testament
Numbers, chapters 32 and 33
the Gadites and the Reubenites seek to take the lands east of the Jordan as their inheritance. This would include much of modern-day Syria and Jordan.
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Evening reading, from the New Testament,
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 10, verses 1 through 31
this passage includes, among others, the story of the rich young ruler

Today's Reading - March 03, 2007

Morning reading, from the Old Testament
Numbers, chapters 30 and 31
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Evening reading, from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 9, verses 30 through 50
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Today's Reading - March 02

Morning reading from the Old Testament
Numbers, chapters 28 and 29
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Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 9, verses 1 through 29
the Transfiguration is in this passage
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I ask for prayers today. We live in central Alabama. Last evening, tornadoes tore through the state and many are dead, and there is damage, and pain, and sorrow, and broken dreams. Please keep the situation in your prayers.

Today's Reading March 01

Morning reading from the Old Testament,
Numbers, chapters 26 and 27

Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 8, verses 22 through 38
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Today we begin a new month. We are now 60 days into our new year. Like the Israelites in the Old Testament at the time of this reading, we are on a journey. My desire is that, like them, you too have left the bondage of sin and your old way of life and are headed towards the Promised Land. None of us is promised a trip without some trials along the way. But, just like them, we have with us at all times a very faithful G-d who cares for us. So the destination at least is assured.

Today's Reading February 28

Morning reading from the Old Testament,
Numbers, chapters 21 and 22
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Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 7, verses 14 through 37
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If you are following along in this 'Through the Bible in a Year' path, note how far we've come in only 59 days.

Today's Reading February 27

Morning reading from the Old Testament
Numbers, chapters 18, 19, and 20
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Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 7, verses 1 through 13
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Today's Reading February 26

Morning reading from the Old Testament,
Numbers chapters 16 and 17
in chapter 16 we see trouble again, this time a rebellion. The result is that the earth opens underneath the rebels and swallows them up. Along with their wives, their children, their tents and possessions. As today, sin has consequences, and not only for ourselves, but often the ramifications affect all those around us. I have only this consolation - that those who bear the consequences in this life are not necessarily condemned eternally for the sin of another.
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Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 6, verses 33 through 56
the feeding of the 5000 (counting just the men, women and children also fed) followed by Jesus walking on the water

Today's Reading February 25

Morning reading from the Old Testament,
Numbers, chapters 14 and 15
The Israelites, having heard the evil report of 10 of the 12 spies, first determine to NOT go into the land but instead speak of even returning to Egypt, the land of bondage. Then, warned of their 40 more years of wandering in punishment, decide to go up in direct disobedience in their own strength, and meet disaster.
Some things never change, do they?

Evening reading from the New Testament,
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 6, verses 1 through 32

Today's Reading February 24

Morning's reading, from the Old Testament
Numbers, chapters 11, 12, and 13
There's a lot here.

Chapter 11 recounts more complaining by the Israelites. They actually spoke of going back to their slavery in Egypt on the grounds that the food was better! I guess there will always be those who prefer to be in bondage. (which ties in with the lesson I'll be teaching Sunday morning). The Lord did several things here. The first was to place His spirit upon more of the Israelites, so that they did prophesy. The second was to dump loads of quail upon the camp, so that they might eat meat and cease their whining about food. The third was to smite them with a great plague.
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Chapter 12 gets into what I'd call a power struggle, with Moses on the one hand and Miriam and Aaron on the other. The result was that Miriam was stricken with a temporary form of leprosy, such that she had to remain outside the camp, out of fellowship, for a full week. If you've ever been in a church controversy, you'll probably admit to a sneaking desire that the ones overstepping themselves might meet a similar result. That's probably not a laudable wish, but it would make the Lord's will clear. I'd like to think we've progressed beyond such squabbles, but the evidence to the contrary is pretty strong.
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Chapter 13 is a momentous one. This is the point at which the spies are sent into Canaan, and come back with an evil report. This is the matter which led in turn to events which caused the Israelites to spend an addition 40 years in the wilderness. There are consequences for our actions. That's not a popular view these days, but the popularity of it is of no consequence: death isn't popular either but that doesn't deter germs or drunk drivers.


Evening reading, from the New Testament,
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 5, verses 21 through 43
two of Jesus' healings.
The first of the daughter of Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue. She was dead, by all accounts. Yet He raised her to life. I guess that the One who invented life has power to restore it when He wills to do so. Both physical life, as in this case, and spiritual life, which is the real reason He was on earth in any event.

The other of a woman with ''an issue of blood'' who obtained a healing by touching ''the hem of his garment'' but with faith. Such a woman was ceremonially unclean and by all rights should have not even been in such a crowd of people. Yet her need drove her to Jesus, a story many of us can tell. And as for touching the hem of his garment, I'm told that there was an old prophecy that when Moshiach came, even the tassels at the corner of his garment (recall that this was required for the Hebrews) would bring healing. Clearly, this prophecy was fulfilled here.

Today's Reading February 23

Morning's reading, from the Old Testament
Numbers, chapters 8, 9, 10
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Evening reading, from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 5, verses 1 through 20
please do not skim right over this passage. It's one of my personal favorites. Jesus goes across to the Gadarenes, those ''other people'', and enocunters a demon-possessed man. He casts out the demons, restoring the man to reason. The demons enter the herd of pigs nearby, who thereupon drown themselves. The people of the area, far from being delighted at the restoration of their fellow, beg Jesus to leave, and He does. The restored man begs to come along. Instead, Jesus directs him to publish abroad what the Lord has done for him. And he does. This is a picture of our own salvation.

Today's Reading February 22

Morning reading from the Old Testament
Numbers chapter 7
.
Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 4, verses 21 through 41
Jesus calms the storm. He still does that, you know.

Today's Reading February 21

Morning reading from the Old Testament
Numbers, chapters 5 and 6
.
Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 4, verses 1 through 20
this is Jesus telling of the parable of the sower. It remains valid today. I have long grieved over one of the tragedies of American Christianity - those who enter our churches through the front door, excited, fresh, eager to know the Lord, and who later disappear out the back door tired, discouraged, disillusioned.

Today's Reading February 20

Morning reading from the Old Testament
Numbers, chapters 3 and 4
.
Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 3, verses 22-35

Today's Reading February 19

Morning reading from the Old Testament
today we begin in the book of Numbers, chapters 1 and 2.

Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 3, verses 1 through 21

Today's Reading February 18

Morning reading from the Old Testament
Leviticus, chapters 26 and 27

Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 2

Today's Reading February 17

Morning reading from the Old Testament
Leviticus, chapters 24 and 25
.
Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 1, verses 23 through 45

Illegal Immigration, Part 1007 and Government Non-feasance

It just never seems to end. We elect persons to positions of public trust, based upon our belief that they will ''... well and faithfully carry out the duties of the office ...'', perhaps you've heard it before, or perhaps have taken a similar oath. But some of them seem to have had their fingers crossed. Or perhaps they are just oathbreakers. Our President seems to be one. The Attorney General of the United States is another. And then there are the public officials in North Carolina. I like the place, particularly the western part of it. But it seems to be governed by persons lacking a sense of duty or of honor.

Here's an example, right out of the headlines. You can read it at the Charlotte Observer under the headline ''Driver in fatal wreck had 3 prior N.C. arrests with the sub-head of

Man charged in wreck that killed pregnant woman was deported twice in '90s but not after arrests here

It seems that one Carlos Alfonso Guillen Martinez, a citizen of El Salvador, was deported several times back in the 1990's. But, though apprehended three times since 2002 for various offenses against the public order, was not deported. Instead, he was allowed to remain in the country. I guess no one really cared. Permitting, in turn, him to get into still another wreck one that involved Leeanna Newman, 20, killing Newman and her unborn baby.

Two people are dead now. And for that turn of events we must blame, first, this bum. I'm in favor of hanging him, frankly. Deportation at this point is silly. He didn't learn the first few times, it's silly to assume that he will this time. Hang him. Publicly. Do it today.

But we must, absolutely, hold to account those whose dereliction of duty has led to this tragic turn of events.

First and foremost must be those dishonorable and disreputable officials within the state of North Carolina who refused to do their duty and push the matter when he previously came to the attention of law enforcement. Start with the officials in Alamance County and in Rowan County.

But primary responsibility for the control of the border and the territorial integrity of the United States falls upon the Federal Government. Not only have the feds as a whole failed to do the job, but a good case can be made that this failure is in fact a straightforward refusal to carry out the duties sworn to do.
When all is said and done, the responsibility for this rests with the President of the United States, George W. Bush. He has the blood of this innocent on his hands as a direct and predictable result of his obstinate refusal to secure the borders and to vigorously enforce the laws with respect to illegal aliens. No other term fits. I supported W in two general elections. I have respect for many of his policies and I used to have that respect for him personally. But the blood of this woman and her baby, and many others like them, is on his hands.

According to Rep. Steve King, on the average 12 American citizens are murdered by illegal aliens every day! That works out to about 21,900 since 9/11/01. And 13 Americans are killed in traffic accidents by illegal aliens every day!. That works out to around 23,725 since 9/11/01. Thousands and thousands every year, and the response is a refusal to secure the border, a proposed 'shamnesty', kissy-face with the thieves of the Mexican government, slander about 'vigilantes', and the despicable railroading of two Border Agents into a federal prison as a warning to other agents to cease guarding the border.

What is truly disturbing is that the thieves and liars within the Clinton administration did a better job of guarding the borders, enforcing the law, clamping down on those who hire illegals, workplace enforcement, etc. than the Bush crew has. I don't know why, and right now don't care. They took an oath, they should honor that oath. If they did, we wouldn't be seeing these cases.

What part of this looks good?

Today's Reading February 16

Morning reading from the Old Testament
Leviticus, chapters 22 and 23
.
Evening reading
The Gospel of Mark, Chapter 1, verses 1 through 22
.
We have now in 6 weeks completed the first of the Gospels and are well on our way through the first five books of the Old Testament. This endeavor of reading through the Bible in the space of a year is not difficult, and I urge you to keep up with it daily. And not to read idly, as if it were the newspaper or a light novel, but to do so intentionally. Prayerfully, reverently, expecting God to show you what He would have you to see. He will, you know.

Today's Reading February 15

Morning reading from the Old Testament
Leviticus, chapters 20 and 21


Evening reading from the New Testament
Matthew, chapter 28

''He is not here, He is risen!''

Today's Reading February 14

Morning reading from the Old Testament
Leviticus, chapters 18 and 19
.
Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 27, verses 32 through 66
the Crucifixion

Today's Reading February 13

Morning reading from the Old Testament
Leviticus, chapters 15, 16, and 17
.
Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 27, verses 1 through 31
.
A grim passage, Jesus before Pilate, Judas attempts to recant and his death, and ending with the sorrowful words,

29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.

Today's Reading February 12

Morning reading from the Old Testament
Leviticus chapter 14
.
Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Matthew chapter 26, verses 55 through 75
this is Jesus before the Council, and Peter's denial.

''... and he wept bitterly''

I've been there. I've done that. I know something of how Peter felt. Do you?

Today's Reading February 11

Morning reading from the Old Testament
Leviticus, chapter 13

Evening reading from the New Testament,
-- the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 26, verses 20 through 54
this is the dark part of the Last Supper, the Passion in the Garden, and the arrest of Jesus

Today's Reading February 10

Morning reading from the Old Testament
Leviticus, chapters 10, 11, and 12

having just gone through extensive and detailed steps as the Tabernacle and the Aaronic priests were set up, consecrated, and installed, just after the patterns of worship, sacrifice, and atonement were established, we see failure.

1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.
2 And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.
3 Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.

The LORD established a pattern from which they were not to deviate. And immediately, some did. For all those who claim great freedom to treat the worship of GOD lightly, this is a stern warning.



Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 26, verses 1 through 19

These are the events leading up to the Last Supper that Jesus had with His disciples, just before His arrest, show trial, and crucifixion. Every word here is important, don't miss any.

Today's Reading February 09

Morning reading from the Old Testament
Leviticus, chapters 7, 8, and 9

Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 25, verses 31 through 46

''...Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me''

Today's Reading February 08

Morning reading from the Old Testament
Leviticus, chapters 4,5, and 6

Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 25, verses 1 through 30

Today's Reading February 07

Morning reading from the Old Testament,
Leviticus, chapters 1,2, and 3

Evening reading from the New Testament,
the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 24, verses 23 through 39


It was, I believe, the late J. Harold Smith who said that if the book of Leviticus is properly understood, then much of the Bible becomes much plainer. I do know that I do not understand everything presented here, but I do know that it is in the Bible because the LORD wanted it there, and that is a pretty powerful argument.

Today's Reading February 06

Morning reading from the Old Testament
the Exodus, chapters 39 and 40

Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 24, verses 1 through 22

Today's morning reading completes the book of the Exodus. The Exodus is the second of the remarkable books that our Jewish friends recognize as Torah and it is for them foundational. But it is no less important to Christians, and does not get the attention it deserves. God Almighty is still in the business of bringing His people out of bondage. And, like the Hebrew children led by Moses, we are still stiff-necked, complaining, and prone to sin. ''All we like sheep have gone astray ...'' and that has not changed. One of the phrases repeated in these two final chapters is ''... as the LORD commanded Moses.'' Doing as the LORD commands is still the way we must go. One of the calls upon our lives is to obedience to what the LORD has revealed to us.

Today's Reading February 05

Morning
the Exodus, chapters 37 and 38

Evening
the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 23, verses 23 through 39

Today's Reading February 04

The morning reading from the Old Testament,
the Exodus, chapters 34, 35, and 36

The evening reading from the New Testament,
the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 23, verses 1 through 22

Today's Reading February 03

Morning reading from the Old Testament,
the Exodus, chapters 31, 32, and 33

Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 22, verses 23 through 46

Today's Reading February 02

The morning reading
the Exodus, chapters 29 and 30

The evening reading
the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 22 verses 1 through 22

Today's Reading February 1

Morning reading from the Old Testament
-- the Exodus, Chapters 27 and 28

Evening reading from the New Testament
- the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 21, verses 23 through 46

Today's Reading January 31

Morning, Old Testament portion
the Exodus, chaptes 25 and 26

Evening, New Testament portion
the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 21, verses 1 through 22

there are those who regard a reading through the complete Bible as a monumental task. While it is significant, it's worth doing and, in a way, it is monumental. Consider: in the span of of month now, we have gone from those wonderful words, ''In the beginning, GOD ,,,'' through the invention of light, the creation of the world out of nothing, the creation of plants and animals and humans, the Fall, the Flood, the scattering of the human race, the development of kingdoms and empires, the split between the sons of Abraham - Isaac and Ishmael that troubles the world to this day, the retreat into Egypt, the Exodus from Egypt, and now the instructions for the Tabernacle. Quite a journey in only 31 days!
And the Gospel portion is no less significant - we are already into the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.
This is Good Stuff. Stay with it.

Today's Reading January 30

Morning reading from the Old Testament
the Exodus, chapters 22, 23 and 24

Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 20, verses 17 through 34

Today's Reading January 29

Morning the Exodus chapters 19, 20, and 21

Evening the Gospel of Matthew chapter 20 verses 1 through 16

Today's Reading January 28

Morning (Old Testament portion)
the Exodus, chapters 16, 17, and 18

Evening (New Testament portion)
the Gospel of Matthew chapter 19, verses 16 through 30

Global warming fraud tactics

Once in a while one comes across something that illuminates an issue with such clarity that you can't help but admire it. There are probably many of these every day that I am too blind to see. One of these has just come by.
Of all the fraud-based movements crawling around the earth these days, the Global Warming one is one whose willful blindness to the facts, overweening appeal to the emotions of the clueless, and naked lust for power rivals only the equally imbecilic Islamofascists and the sad remnants of the socialist/communist/Marxist/statist/Social Justice blatherskites. But those are subjects for other moments.
Back to the great analyses. In today's Contra Costa Times, Dr. Vlado Bevc has briefly demolished many of the big font issues of the Luddites. His article, Global Warming Nothing But A Paper Tiger, contains such points as

1) Uncontrolled fires in China's abandoned coal mines release as much carbon dioxide as the entire nation of Japan does from useful fuel consumption.
2) The oceans and land outgas 210 billion tons per year compared to 3 billion tons per year from human activity.

Of course, you won't encounter these 'inconvenient truths' in Al Gore's propaganda movie, nor on ABCCBSNBCCNNPBS or the other stooges for this 'movement'.

UPDATE/Mod

First off, in the list of propagandists shown earlier I left out a few notable outlets. The first is the BBC - a poster case for the worthlessness of most government programs and why the US Constitution envisioned a very limited central gov ernment, something our British and European friends have not yet figured out. Another example is the US-based Weather Channel which has begun, under its new mis-management a transmogrification into a political pressure operation. Also include MSNBC, to no one's surprise.

Secondly, I neglected the alway-interesting web site JunkScience.com That's an oversight none should make. The site has a good explanation of the matter up and I recommend you take a look at it. Go over to The Real 'Inconvenient Truth'
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Today's Reading January 27

Morning the Exodus chapter 13, 14, and 15

Evening the Gospel of Matthew chapter 19 verses 1 through 15

Today's Reading January 26

For the morning
Exodus , chapters 11 and 12

For the evening
The Gospel of Matthew, chapter 18, verses 21 through 35

Today's Reading January 25

Morning Old Testament reading the Exodus chapters 9 and 10

Evening New Testament reading the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 18, verses 1 through 20

this reading ends with what is surely a great promise For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them '' Never forget this.

Today's Reading January 24

Morning Exodus chapters 7 and 8

Evening the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 17

Today's Reading January 23

Morning the Exodus, chapters 4, 5, and 6

Evening the Gospel according to Matthew chapter 16

I'm convinced that this is one of the most significant daily readings of the year. And yes, I realize they're ALL important. But this one speaks to me every time.
''Who do you say that I am''? remains one of those questions that all of us must answer personally and individually, from the heart. What will we do with this Jesus? He asks that question, and we must answer. And there are consequences for that answer.

Today's Reading January 22

We have now completed the book of Genesis, the record from the time of Creation up to the death and burial of Israel. I have always loved Genesis, with it's reminder of where our attention must always be in those great words ''In the beginning, GOD ...''. If we always keep that focus, we're heading in the right direction.

For today
Morning beginning the book of the Exodus, chapters 1 through 3.
Evening, continuing in the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter 15 verses 21 through 39. Pay attention to this one - there's some great hope therein. None of us have a right to the mercy of the Lord but He has it anyway.

Today's Reading January 21

As we continue on the adventure


Morning reading Genesis chapters 49 and 50

Evening reading the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 15, verses 1 through 20

News From the Border: Bush to talk to border agents' families

The story linked here (and I hope that I've done this properly) is one I mentioned in the post below.
News From the Border: Bush to talk to border agents' families

Illegal Immigration, Part 1006 and the Border Travesty

It just doesn't seem to improve, does it? I'm referring not only to the continuing violation of the territorial integrity of the United States, but also of the wretched record of the Bush administration in the matter. Not content with a consistent record of non-performance in the matter, not content with slandering those who have an expectation that the law and the nation's border will be honored, the Administration, acting through the ill-named Justice Department has now railroaded two good Border Agents into a Federal prisons, and as a further injustice, have arranged that there locations will be nearly as far as is possible from their families.
One of the many good takes on the matter can be found over at the News From the Border blog

Let me be frank. I voted for Mr. Bush in two general elections. In many respects, he has been a great president. In other respects, he has been a catastrophe for the nation. The defense of and honor of the nation's borders and those who protect them is one of those catastrophic issues.

Today's Reading January 20

As we continue our adventure. I find that reading through the Bible, God's written love letter to us, is a lot like an adventure. And He thought highly enough of us to give us a written history of His past blessings with promises of future ones. I always find that amazing, not that He could do all of these things, but that he would go to the trouble. That's the miracle!

Morning Genesis chapters 46, 47, and 48
Evening portion the Gospel of Matthew chapter 14, verses 22 through 36

In the Gospel portion shown here, Jesus calms the waves (thought by many at the time to be the province of one of the local gods) showing His authority over them, and then goes over to the other side, among ''those people'', the ones that were not Jews, the ones that had no historical claim to the blessings of God. Like me.
35 And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;
36 And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.
Jesus still does that. He makes us whole.

In the portion out of Genesis, we see Jacob, now named Israel, as he makes the move into Egypt, with the assent of the Almighty. It will provide a place of refuge (odd how often that turns into bondage!!) as the family grows into a great nation ready to claim the inheritance promised by God. Going in among a wicked nation, waiting for God's own time. Quite a story, really, and one whose echoes are felt to this very day. I understand that a few years ago some nutcase from Egypt tried to file a claim under one of the execrable International Courts, seeking recompense for the goods taken by the Israelites as they left Egypt more than 3000 years ago.

Today's Reading January 19

For the morning Genesis chapters 44 and 45
For the evening Gospel of Matthew Chapter 14, verses 1 through 21

Today's Reading - Jan 18

I apologize for the lateness of the post, it does make the notation about ''Morning Reading'' quite incorrect. Today, this morning, was not a fun time for reasons I may get into at another time. At any rate, my apology.

Morning (Old Testament reading) Genesis chapters 42 and 43
Evening (New Testament reading) the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 13, verses 33 through 58

The section from Genesis is one that has particular meaning for me. I met with our pastor for lunch today, the first time I've gone out of the workplace for lunch in the five months I've been with my present employer. One of the things that I related was the rather bumpy road we've been through over the last 2-1/2 years, and yet, like Joseph in the passage, this was foreknown by the Almighty. In the case of Joseph, God's plan was at work, and His will was done. While my own troubles have not been of the scope of Joseph's - sold into slavery by those who should have protected him, carried off to a foreign land, falsely accused, thrown into prison while already a prisoner, all of that - yet we all have our own story. It is at least some comfort to realize that all of this may have been in order for God to accomplish his ends. May it be so.

Today's Reading - Jan 17

Morning's portion Genesis chapter 41

Evening reading the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 13, verses 1 through 32

Today's Reading - Jan 16

Morning portion Genesis chapters 38, 39, and 40

Evening portion the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter 12, verses 22-50

Illegal Immigration, Part 1005

Like many Americans, I have been outraged by the Bush Administration's malfeasance, mis-feasance, non-feasance, anti-feasance, whatever on the issue of illegal immigration. The scandalous persecution, yes persecution of two
Border agents to the extent that they have been railroaded into a federal prison starting in two days, has only served to prove that the President has dishonored his oath of office in this matter. While I regard Mr. Bush as a generally good man, and voted for him in two general elections, he has been a disaster in this matter. The current situation is one in which he has embraced our foes (the illegals) and damaged our nation. Perhaps you have a good term for that.

While many matters surrounding the issue can be open to interpretation and dispute, I was made aware earlier of some figures that seem to prove that the Bush administration has no intention of following nor of enforcing the laws, things that they are not only responsible for, but have sworn to do. And then ignored their oaths and duties. A comparison of enforcement actions, taken from the vdare web site.

Worksite arrests of illegal alien workers:
1997: 17,554
1999: 2,849
2000: 953
2001: 735
2003: 445
2004: 159

Notices of intent to fine employers:
1997: 865
1999: 417
2000: 178
2001: 100
2003: 162
2004: 3

It is difficult to draw any conclusion other than to believe that the Administration is uninterested in carrying out the duties that they, and in particular the President, are sworn to do.

Today's Reading - Jan 15

Morning Genesis chapters 36 and 37

Evening The Gospel of Matthew, chapter 12, verses 1 through 21

Today's Reading - Jan 14

For the morning Genesis, chapters 33 through 35

For the evening the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 11

Today's Reading - Jan 13

Continuing in our course to read through the Bible in one year

Morning reading Genesis, chapters 31 and 32
Evening reading Gospel of Matthew, chapter 10, verses 24 through 42

Today's Reading January 12

Morning Genesis chapters 29 and 30
Evening the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 10, verses 1 through 23

Today's Reading January 11

Morning Genesis chapters 27 and 28

Evening the Gospel of Matthew chapter 19 verses 18 through 38

Today's Reading --- January 10

Continuing on the through -the Bible in a year schedule

Morning Genesis chapters 25 and 26

Evening the Gospel of Matthew chapter 9 verses 1 through 17.

Today's Reading - January 09

Morning Genesis chapters 23 and 24

Evening Matthew chapter 8

Today's Reading - Jan 08

Morning Genesis 20, 21, and 22

Evening Matthew Chapter 7

Today's Reading - Jan 07

A continuation of a Through-the-Bible in a year postings

Morning Genesis Chapters 18 and 19
More of our legacy of faith, these chapters start by a visit from, I believe a pre-incarnate Christ to Abram, go on to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and show the origins of the Moabite and Ammonite nations in Lot's drunken incest.



Evening The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 6
Continuing in the Sermon on the Mount, passages so rich in meaning that it is difficult to point to one in particular. But I'll try == verse 33 has particular personal meaning for me: ''33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.''

Sometimes ridicule is the best approach

For a bit of a funny, go to The Pervert Prophet post over at the Justify This blog. The Muslims won't like it, but then they're generally not known for having a sense of humor (or any other kind, either).

Today's Reading - Jan 06

For the morning, Genesis Chapters 15, 16, and 17

For the evening reading the Gospel according to Matthew, Chapter 5, verses 27-48

Sometimes you hear questions raised about the reliability and interest in these sections from early Genesis. I remind all that it's very germane - the rivalry between Isaac and Ishmael is with us even today: Isaac was, through his son Jacob, the ancestor of the Jews (and of Jesus Christ) while Ishmael is the father of the Arabs and, per Muhammad, the progenitor of the evil of Islam. The rivalry goes back that long, and I am persuaded it will persist until the End. Those that ignore or downplay this reality do so at their own peril; there are many people for whom this remains an issue.

The portion out of Matthew continues the Sermon on the Mount. Better and wiser people than I have commented on this - books and articles and sermons - which is an entirely appropriate response to something this important.

Today's Reading January 05

Morning Genesis Chapters 12, 13, and 14
Evening The Gospel According to Matthew, Chapter 5, verses 1 through 26

Today's Reading - Jan 04

Today's installment of the 'through the Bible in a year' plan.

Morning Genesis Chapters 8, 10, and 11
Evening the Gospel According to Matthew Chapter 4

The passage in Matthew's gospel begins with the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness,a and ends with the beginning of His ministry and the calling of Simon Peter and Andrew.

The passages in Genesis begin with Noah and his sons after the Flood, and continues with the generations following that, through the tower of Babel (sometimes identified as being near Babylon, near Baghdad) and ends the chapter with the birth and marriage of Abram through the death of his father Terah.

Today's Reading - January 03

Morning Genesis chapters 6, 7, and 8

Evening The Gospel According to Matthew, chapter 3

comments later

Today's Reading - Jan 02

For today
Morning Genesis Chapters 3 4 and 5
Evening the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 2

Today's Reading - Jan 01

My first obligation is to the Lord. Everything else is secondary, even my beloved wife and family. Politics, various earthly efforts and controversies have a place well behind them, and while they will continue to have a place here, they will and must remain lesser in importance to Him.

In an earlier period of my life, I was greatly privileged to be associated with the Gideons International. I commend them to you as an organization worth supporting, either personally or through your local church. One of the things that they publish, in addition to the Bibles given out and placed in hotels, is a very worthwhile schedule that will let you read through the Bible in a year. I've been using it for more than ten years now, it is worth your consideration. The entire year's schedule can be seen on their web site at http://www.gideons.org

For January 1:
Morning Genesis 1, 2
Evening Matthew 1


There are links at their site that will also take you to a King James translation of the readings for the day. Enjoy.