04 May 2007

Today's Reading May 04

Firstly, I am remiss in not making mention yesterday of the annual event known as the National Day of Prayer. That was my failure. While indeed we all ought to pray without ceasing, it's not a bad idea to make this an annual observance as an encouragement and as a reminder. I really think that nothing good comes without prayer and I have seen prayer work miracles in people's lives.
-
Today's Old Testament reading continues in First Kings, chapters 8 and 9. This is first of all about the dedication of the Temple that Solomon has had built. Good stuff in here, I do wish I'd been there.

8:10 And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD,
11 So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.

Must have been something!
Much here also about the prayers offered that day.
Chapter 9 deals with some other issues Solomon had going. I'm not convinced that all of them served as proof of his wisdom.

.
The evening New Testament portion continues in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 23, verses 39 through 56. The final stage of the crucifixion. This includes the marvellous account of the thief on the cross. Even at the end of life, there is hope for those who call upon Him.

03 May 2007

Today's Reading May 03

As we continue the journey
By the way, have you noticed how far we've come in only a few months, with just a few minutes' reading each day?
This morning's passage from the Old Testament continue in the book of First Kings, chapters 6 and 7. Solomon is at last building the Temple in Jerusalem, what we refer to as the First Temple. There is quite a lot of detail here, and since the Temple is believed to be a representation of Heaven, there is significance to everything. I don't understand all of it, and on this side of Glory it's possible that I never will. But I know that the details are important, because God ordained them.
A great section is in the middle of it all:

11 And the word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying,
12 Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father:
13 And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel.


The evening's reading is from the Gospel of Luke chapter 23, verses 27 through 38
This is not easy reading, this is Luke's account of the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior. I never take it lightly and no one should. This is the most important period in all history. Without the Cross, we have nothing but dust and ashes. Without the Cross, there is no Atonement and no Resurrection either.

02 May 2007

Today's Reading May 02

Continuing in the Old Testament, today's passage comes from First Kings, chapters 3,4, and 5. Solomon is king now, and the results are both good and bad.
Bad - he is buddies with Pharoah of Egypt and marries one of his daughters. Bad move.
Good - he is visited by the Lord, and granted great wisdom.

.

New Testament portion, Luke chapter 23 verses 1 through 26 . The Romans sentence Jesus

01 May 2007

Today's Reading May 01

This morning's reading, from the Old Testament, comes from First Kings, chapters 1 and 2. Samuel has died, and David is at the end of his life. Now come the succession issues. Having multiple wives and therefore a multiplcity of claimants for the throne has never been a good thing, and here you see some of the reasons why it is not a good thing. Solomon wins out. As per David, some old scores are settled very early in his reign, others take a little while.
,
The evening reading comes from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 22, verses 54 through 71.
Jesus has been arrested in the garden, everyone fled. And at the house of the high pries, Peter denies Christ, 3 times.

60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

Verse 62 always gets me. I too have denied the Lord, yet He has forgiven me. I take it personally.

30 April 2007

GOP Straw Poll

My conservative preferences are no secret. Here is a straw poll making the rounds.
I will make no secret of the fact that I regard Giuliani, McCain, and Pataki as being utterly unacceptable. I would go so far as to say that I will actively oppose Mr. Giuliani, no matter who his opponent might be. Your mileage may vary.

Today's Reading April 30

Today is the last day of April. I hope that things are good wherever you are.
It is also, as we continue our journey through the Bible, the final reading out of 2nd Samuel. We're looking today at 2nd Samuel, chapters 23 and 24.

Chapter 23 is largely a retrospective, and it give the names and a few details of a group of David's close companions in warfare, the three mighty men, and the thirty. I haven't studied these individuals, I don't know whether or not they left a good legacy of faith for their descendants. I know that they were there for David when he needed them, and that some 3000 years or so later we still can read their names. Sometimes the good we do dies with us and is soon forgotten. What we do for God is not forgotten, and He knows our names.

Chapter 24 starts with a plague against Israel as a result of David's sin. The effects on others that result from our personal sin is a very large subject. But the plague ends at a particular place, the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite (resident of Jerusalem). That floor, that VERY place, became the location of the Temple in Jerusalem. And that very place remains the holiest spot in the world for the Jews and the war over its control remains a very great part of the war between the Jews and the Islamo-heathens. But - and note this - David acquired that ground for a price. As he wisely said, ''Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing.''

.

The evening's reading from the New Testament continues in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 22, verses 31 through 53. For those who saw ''The Passion of the Christ'', the narrative follows the movie pretty well, and the movie brought the reality to home perhaps so clearly that it makes us uncomfortable (as it should). The account begins with Jesus warning Peter that he will deny Christ that very night. It goes on to the Garden, the betrayal by Judas, and the taking of Jesus by the Temple soldiers.

Tough reading.

29 April 2007

Today's Reading April 29

Sorry for the lateness of the post, it's been an ''interesting'' day already.
The morning reading for today, coming from the Old Testament, is from 2nd Samuel, chapters 21 and 22. This is our next-to-last reading from 2nd Samuel.
These are rather different passages.
Chapter 21 begins with a famine in Israel, and the revelation that it was sent by God, as punishment for Saul's oath-breaking campaign against the Gibeonites. To expiate this, seven of Saul's descendants are handed over the the Gibeonites, who kill them and expose the remains to the elements. I struggle with this section.
Chapter 21 continues with the exploits of David's servants who, having decided that it is too risky for the King to be engaged in personal combat, leave him out of the fray and continue to battle Israel's enemies, many of them Philistines (that hasn't changed) and many of them counted as giants (that hasn't either).

Chapter 22 is altogether different. It is one of the praises for which David is remembered even now. I love it:


... And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
Heb 2:13
I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid;
The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me;
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.
Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth.
There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
He bowed the heavens also, and came down; and darkness was under his feet.
And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: and he was seen upon the wings of the wind.
And he made darkness pavilions round about him, dark waters, and thick clouds of the skies.
Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled.
The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice.
And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them.
And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.
He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters;
He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.
They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.
He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
For all his judgments were before me: and as for his statutes, I did not depart from them.
I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity.
Therefore the LORD hath recompensed me according to my righteousness; according to my cleanness in his eye sight.
With the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful, and with the upright man thou wilt show thyself upright.
With the pure thou wilt show thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt show thyself unsavory.
And the afflicted people thou wilt save: but thine eyes are upon the haughty, that thou mayest bring them down.
For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness.
For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall.
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.
For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God?
God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.
He maketh my feet like hinds' feet: and setteth me upon my high places.
He teacheth my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great.
Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip.
I have pursued mine enemies, and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had consumed them.
And I have consumed them, and wounded them, that they could not arise: yea, they are fallen under my feet.
For thou hast girded me with strength to battle: them that rose up against me hast thou subdued under me.
Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me.
They looked, but there was none to save; even unto the LORD, but he answered them not.
Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad.
Thou also hast delivered me from the strivings of my people, thou hast kept me to be head of the heathen: a people which I knew not shall serve me.
Strangers shall submit themselves unto me: as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient unto me.
Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their close places.
The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.
It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people under me.
And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies: thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.
He is the tower of salvation for his king: and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore.

It just doesn't get much better.

.
The evening portion from the New Testament, continues in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 22, verses 1 through 30.
We begin Luke's account of the Last Supper, Jesus and His disciples.

28 April 2007

Today's Reading April 28

The morning's reading from the Old Testament, is 2nd Samuel, chapters 19 and 20. This finishes the immediate aftermath of the Absalom rebellion, but goes on to relate the aftershocks and other rebellions. It begins with David mourning his son. One should mourn his son and I understand that, but David helped to create the problem in the first place and his subjects rightly felt that he would have gladly traded Absalom's life for the lives of his faithful servants and all their families. Which led to further problems.

Yet it is not possible to be sympathetic to
2 And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son.

.
The evening reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 21, verses 20 through 38. This is Jesus continuing to speak on end times matters. We do well to study it.
20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

Hosea 9:7


27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Dan 7:13 Matt 24:30 Mark 13:26
28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.


33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.


I am not one of those who sees the end of the age with every earthquake. I have not forgotten that the woman who was to sing at our wedding in 1988 did not show up. She was involved in one of those tiny cults that had calculated that the day of the Rapture was the same day as the wedding, so she stayed home to pack or something. (true story). But while I recognize that ''no man knows the day or the hour'', events do seem to be moving towards some sort of finality. I have believed my entire life that I will see The Day. I believe it now, though I could not tell you why. And may well be wrong.

27 April 2007

Today's Reading April 27

Good morning.
This morning's reading in our through-the-Bible-in-a-year path, from the Old Testament is Second Samuel chapters 17 and 18. The struggle between David the king, and Absalom, his own son who sought to kill his father and seize the crown, reaches the end. Absalom dies. His father mourns him.
One translation of the name of Absalom is ''father of peace''. Well, we all want good things for our children, and perhaps the names we give them are indicative of our hopes for them. This one went wrong, real wrong. It is not possible to excuse his actions. But David his father bore some guilt. Plural marriages were part of the problem. Whether that is the displayed as the ''serial monogamy'' of our own time, which leads to ''blended families'' and similar problems, or the polygamy we see in the failed societies of the Islamic heathens, nothing good comes of it. David's refusal to take seriously the issues of his other children also was part of the problem. Sound familiar? Finally, patricide, matricide, fratricide, etc. are and have long been part of mideastern ''culture''. Some of the ''celebrate diversity!'' flaks really ought to be aware of this.
At any rate, a fight took place that should never have happened and there was a lot of ''collateral damage'' landing on those who had no guilt in the matter. That often happens, by the way. The ''it's my life!'' folks never seem to own up to that.

.

This evening's reading, from the New Testament, comes from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 21, verses 1 through 19. Luke's Gospel always seems to be packed full of good stuff, and this passage is no different, and contains a few things we often overlook.
Verses 1 through 4 recount in a few words the offering of the widow's mite in the Temple. Jesus saw her acts, and her heart. The Lord still does, by the way. Something for us all to consider. More than 2000 years later, her act is still celebrated. The money was not the issue, her heart was.
Verses 5 through 19 get into a teaching moment on future cataclysmic events. There is here no polite easy path predicted.

12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.
13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.

And, yet, I nearly overlooked verse 19:
19 In your patience possess ye your souls.

Hang on, hold fast. It ain't over yet. See past the moment to the reality. God is still in control. Lean on him. Good words.

26 April 2007

Further bleg 26 April 2007

I ask that the family and I be in your prayers. It appears certain that my position with my current employer is ending. We have endured so much over the last years - plant closings, buyouts, mergers, downsizings, etc. Since 1992, we have moved across state lines four times and have endured terrible privations. And I'm considered to be a valued professional, respected and accomplished in the area of manufacturing engineering. Perhaps I would have done better to train as a machinist or plumber - such people are in high demand. Which is not always the case with those of us in the so-called ''STEM'' areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

While I believe in the sovereignty and presence of Almighty God in the world, and I know that He not only cares for us but knew long ago that this would be our lot, I confess to a hope that we might achieve a less tumultuous life - something we've never had. I'm getting tired of job hunting and relocations.

----------
UPDATE
Well, it is official. I have now rejoined the ranks of the unemployed. This is not what I hoped to be reporting at this stage in my life, but that's the reality of the matter.
Having said all of that, I am aware that God knew a million or so years ago that this would happen. And He sent me into this situation knowing that. He has always been faithful, despite having pretty poor stock to work with.
If you happen to be surfing around on the 'Net, you might want to check out a piece of music I'm listening to right now, created by Mike Speck of the Specks, called '' Till the Storm Passes By''. URL is http://www.mikespeckministries.com/MP3/Till%20The%20Storm%20Passes%20By.mp3
It expresses the moment pretty well. I was privileged a few years ago to be a member of a backup choral group for one of the Speck's performances in Tennessee. They have a powerful message.

Today's Reading April 26

This morning's reading, from the Old Testament, comes from Second Samuel, chapters 15 and 16.
This is another segment in the account of David's son, Absolom, who is attempting to take the kingship away from his father. It is not a pleasant account. David allowed the situation to develop in his own family and did not deal with it when he might have, and didn't set a particularly good example himself. The passage for today concludes with Absolom raping his father's concubines in a more-or-less public spectacle. One might note, of course, that David might have been wiser not to HAVE concubines. And having multiple wives led to a pack of half-brothers and half-sisters, which developed into the situation you see here. Yet the concubines were not guilty here, it's likely that they had no influence in their situation. Yet David's failures hurt them as well.

The evening's reading comes from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 20, verses 27 through 47.
Jesus is contending with the Sadducees on the issue of resurrection.

25 April 2007

A Personal Bleg 25 April 2007

I was officially/unofficially advised yesterday that my relations with my current employer are about to cease, probably today. I will not go into the internal dynamics of the organization or detail in any other way what's really leading to all of this, but I can honestly say I've done my very best for the organization and wish it well. There are some good people there and some good products, but I have not been able to find a way to make the kind of improvements that they said they wanted while at the same time not making any changes, something they have an institutional resistance to. Attempts to do so have evidently stepped on some toes.

However, I will be job hunting starting now. After 20-some years in a variety of positions that essentially mean engineering activities in support of manufacturing, I am looking at alternatives. Any suggestions or recommendations are welcome and invited.

Today April 25

This morning's reading from the Old Testament comes out of Second Samuel, chapters 13 and 14. This gets into the matter of David's son Absolom. When David's daughter is raped by one of her half-brothers and David takes no action, Absolom sets a pattern of taking matters into his own hands. The result is disaster for all, and this section shows only part of it.
.
This evening's reading from the New Testament is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 20, verses 1 through 26. This passage contains, among other things, the parable of the vineyard, and the memorable verse,

Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's

24 April 2007

Today April 24

This is a two item posting. Taking things in reverse order of importance, I am asking for prayers for my family and I. Rumor has unofficially reached me that my employment may be ending soon, perhaps even today. The reasons for this are beyond the scope of this discussion, involving business levels, internal politics, and a host of other factors. This, if true, is something that I can scarcely handle after the events of the last 3 years. Please keep us in prayer.
.
This morning's reading, from the Old Testament, continues in 2nd Samuel, chapters 10, 11, and 12. David defeats the Syrians again (sounds like modern times), sees Bathsheba, arranges the death of Uriah her husband, has a child by her who dies, and then has Solomon by her. And much else besides - this is a passage with a lot in it.
.
This evening's passage, from the New Testament, continues in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 19, verses 29 through 48. Jesus enters Jerusalem in triumph, a Palm Sunday record, and throws the moneychangers out of the Temple.

23 April 2007

Today's Reading April 23

Good Monday morning to you.
This morning's reading, from the Old Testament, continues in the 2nd Book of Samuel, chapters 4, 5, and 6. These are the accounts of the early part of the reign of David the King. He is denied permission to build a temple, smites the Syrians, and arranges for Jonathons's son to be treated as one of his own.
.
This evening's reading, from the New Testament, continues in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 19, verses 1 through 28. Jesus is approaching Jerusalem as the climax of His ministry approaches. While on the way, He encounters Zaccheus and makes of it a teaching moment. He goes on the teach the parable of the talents.

22 April 2007

Today's Reading April 22

This morning's reading, from the Old Testament, is 2nd Samuel, chapters 4, 5, and 6.
Most of this recounts David's accession to the kingship of all of Israel, the evil things that were done by those attempting to curry favor with him, and ends with the relocation of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. This also contains a short passage that some find controversial:
1

4 And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.

For those who are, like myself, of the Southern Baptist persuasion, mention of dancing in a positive light is often viewed as akin to gross sexual immorality. But as David Jeremiah remarked once, ''I've done a very careful word study on this passage. The word means 'danced'.''
Take that for what it's worth.
.
The evening's reading, from the New Testament, is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 18, verses 18 through 43.
I love this passage, I really do. It contains two accounts that have spawned numerous sermons, discussions, books, and programs.
The first is of a rich man who comes and asks a very good question
18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
(Ex 20:14,13,15,16,12)
21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.
22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
26 And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?
27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

Even within the church, unfortunately, those with money sometimes are presumed to be somehow more respectable. (and, yes, I've seen the opposite presumption as well. Neither is correct).

The second part here that I really love is
35 And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:
36 And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.
37 And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.
38 And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.
39 And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.
40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,
41 Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.
42 And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.
43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.


Here's what's important. The man cried out to Jesus and would not be silenced. He knew from Whom healing came and NOTHING could keep him silent. How often are we too polite to single-mindedly call out to the Lord in our distress? And how often, when He helps us, do we forget to give thanks?

21 April 2007

Today's Reading April 21

A Happy Saturday to you.
This morning's reading from the Old Testament begins the study of Second Samuel. Samuel himself has already passed on, what we are getting into here is David's ascension to the kingship. The passage for today is Second Samuel, chapters 1, 2, and 3. David's start as king is filled with intrigue and murder and blood, primarily on the part of his ''friends''.
This evening's reading, from the New Testament, continues in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 18, verses 1 through 17. This is a short section with several strong teachings in it, each of which has spawned countless sermons and lessons. Consider,
1 - 8, the ''Parable of the Importunate Widow''. God hears our cry.
10 - 14, the prayers of the repenting sinner and the self-righteous compared
15 - 17 , God loves the little children

Tomorrow is Sunday, the Lord's day. Remember it.

20 April 2007

Today's Reading April 20

This morning's reading, from the Old Testament, is in First Samuel, chapters 30 and 31.
Chapter 30 recounts the return of David to his town of Ziklag, only to find the town had been attacked by the Amalekites, all the people carried off captive and the town burned. He was, to put it mildly, in great distress. But, in one of the great verses in Scripture,

6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God

Good advice for us as well.
Chapter 31 recounts the death of Saul in battle. You knew this was coming, but it to this day it bothers me each time I read it. His fall was not unjust, but it is still tragic. Not least because, while Saul may have ''had it coming'', others died too. Like, for instance, the three sons of Saul. The evil that we do affects others as well.

.
This evening's reading, from the New Testament, is the Gospel of Luke, chapter 17, verses 20 through 37. This includes some teaching on the End Times:
33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.
34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.
35 Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

19 April 2007

Today's Reading April 19

This morning's Old Testament continues in the book of First Samuel, chapters 27, 28, and 29. The conflict between Saul and David draws closer to the end. David takes refuge with, of all people, the Philistines. Saul goes to war, towards his final battle, and as he accelerates his downward slide he stoops to consult a medium, the witch at Endor. Nothing good comes of this. (hint to nominal Christians who still, ''for amusement'', consult the horoscope in the local paper. Don't.) The fateful battle is near Jezreel. If you have a map, or can look one up on the Internet, you may be interested to know that the Plain of Jezreel is essentially the same place as the plain of Megiddo. Otherwise known as Armageddon. Just a thought.
.
The evening reading from the New Testament continues in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 17, verses 1 through 19. Jesus heals ten lepers. Only one comes back to thank him. And he was a Samaritan. Do we thank Him, enough?

18 April 2007

Today's Reading April 18

Good morning. Pre-dawn here, and one can not help being mindful of the families and friends of those who were murdered in Virginia on Monday. There are those who believe that humans are good by nature. Scripture does not teach that. Neither does history. On occasion, we are reminded of the fact that all of us can do great evil, and most of us do so regularly but on a smaller scale.
-
This morning's reading, from the Old Testament, continues in First Samuel, chapters 25 and 26.
In chapter 25 is the account of David's dealings with the arrogant Nabal, his death, and ends with David taking Abigail to wife.
In chapter 26. David has an opportunity to kill Saul. Saul has, after all, been industriously trying to kill David for some time. Yet David refuses the opportunity, as he still regards Saul as the Lord's anointed.
-
This evening's reading, from the New Testament, continues in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 16, verses 19 through 31. This is Jesus teaching using the illustration of a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus.

17 April 2007

Today's Reading April 17

This morning's reading, from the Old Testament, continues in First Samuel, chapters 22, 23, and 24. Saul continues to seek the life of David. As part of this, an entire town, Nob, is put to the sword. Men, women, children, livestock. And note, that this was perpetrated for Saul by an Edomite, a member of a group that was supposed to have been wiped out earlier.
.
This afternoon's passage, from the New Testament, comes from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 16, verses 1 through 18. Jesus continues to teach, and to get the Pharisees upset with Him.

16 April 2007

Today's Reading April 16

This morning's reading, from the Old Testament, is in First Samuel, chapters 19,20, and 21.
The friction between Saul, current king of the united kingdom of Israel, and David, that anointed future king, is out in the open. While the deep friendship between David and Jonathon, Saul's son and putative heir, remains strong, Saul is determined to kill David and remove the threat to his line. Worldly wisdom would dictate this. David finds himself running for his life and the subject of a serious manhunt. God does not leave him helpless, and thwarts some of Saul's plots in ways that should have been a clear sign that David was under His protection. Yet David is not exactly in a comfortable situation. Happens to us too - carrying out the will of the Almighty sometimes puts us in difficult situations.
.
The afternoon reading, from the New Testament, is in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15, verses 11 through 32.
This is the story we often call the parable of the Prodigal Son.

15 April 2007

Today's Reading April 15

This morning's reading, from the Old Testament, continues in First Samuel, chapters 17 and 18.
Chapter 17 is the story of David and Goliath. Most of us are familiar with it, somewhat. It's worth a second look.
Chapter 18 is a bit ''icky''. David's been offered the hand of Saul's daughter Michal. The bride-price is a bit awful, the foreskin's of 100 Philistines. The visual image of what it took to achieve this is not something that most of us want to imagine. But it does say something about the ferocity of the warfare of the time.
.
This evening's reading, from the New Testament, continues in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15 , verses 1 through 10. The parable of the ninety and nine.

10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

And that is still the case.

14 April 2007

Today's Reading April 14

This (late) morning's reading is from First Samuel, chapters 15 and 16.

Saul is commanded to utterly destroy the Amalekites, disobeys, is warned that his kingly line will fail. David is anointed as the next king.

There's some things here we feel uncomfortable with. I certainly do. I grew up in the Mennonite church, a denomination that prizes non-violence, peace, non-resistance almost as much, unfortunately, as the Bible. Yet that is not necessarily what the Bible record reveals. Saul is here commanded to wipe out the Amalekites UTTERLY. Men, women, children, babies, sheep, goats, oxen, town. Utterly. That's not the image of an eternally smiling God, affably overlooking the most egregious sin, that we see preached in many pulpits and believed in by the majority of our neighbors.
We will not always understand the commandments of the Lord. We're not required to do so. What is required is to obey them, simply because they're His commandments. (Not suggestions, by the way). For,

1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. (see also Mark 12:33)

Saul disobeyed. Not only did it cost him his kingdom, but ultimately his life, the lives of his sons. And it left a mess that we still deal with today, the heathens that live in bondage to the lie of Islam that pollutes the Middle East (and, probably, your town as well).
All from disobedience more than 3000 years ago.
,.

This afternoon's reading is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 14, verses 25 through 35.
A series of stark warnings, such as
33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple

Scripture is full of warnings that we must seek Him ''with all your heart'', ''seek ye FIRST the Kingdom of God'', ''You shall love the LORD your God with ALL your heart, soul, mind, and strength'', and many others. No place here for fence straddlers, for the 'yes and no' doubleminded. Dedication. Commitment. Jesus had it. So must we.
One of the great curses of the modern church is the desire to have one foot in Heaven and one foot in the cares of the world. That's not what He teaches.

13 April 2007

Today's Reading April 13

Good morning, and Happy Friday the 13th.
.
This morning's reading, from the Old Testament, is First Samuel, chapters 13 and 14.
Saul is disobedient to the Lord's command, and fights against the nation's enemies. We see here an indication of Philistine ''gun control''. The Hebrews generally had no weapons such as swords and spears. Tyrants, and those who would like to be, almost always try to remove the ability to overthrow them. Some things never change.
.
This evening's reading, from the New Testament, is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 14, verses 1 through 24. The parable of the feast.

12 April 2007

Today's Reading April 12

Good morning!
This morning's reading, from the Old Testament, is First Samuel, Chapters 10, 11, and 12.
Saul is anointed as king, goes to war against the Ammonites and kills many, and is crowned as king. Samuel, now very old, speaks to the people.
.
This evening's reading, from the New Testament, is the Gospel of Luke, chapter 13, verses 22 through 35.

11 April 2007

Today's Reading April 11

This morning's reading, from the Old Testament
First Samuel, chapters 7, 8, and 9
This is the point at which the Israelites come to Samuel, and say,

''... now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.''

In other words, ''we want to be like those around us''. Sound familiar? It should. We have the same problem today. People want to be like everybody else. But that's not what the people of God are supposed to be, then or now.
.
This evening's reading, from the New Testament, comes from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 13, verses 1 through 21. Jesus is continuing to heal, to proclaim the Kingdom of God, and to issue a warning that He expects his people to be fruitful. It's not a suggestion. We treat it like one, but it's not.

10 April 2007

Today's Reading April 10

Good morning. It is 4:55AM here. The sun is not yet visible, but I know it's going to happen. The same for all the promises that God has made: they're not yet see, but I know they're coming. He promised, after all.
.
This morning's reading, from the Old Testament, continues in the book of First Samuel, chapters 4, 5, and 6. This recounts battles between the Israelites and their enemies, the loss of those battles, the seizure of the Ark of the Covenant, and the eventual return thereof.
.
This evening's reading continues in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 12, verses 35 through 59. This includes a passage that is rarely preached these days - we don't like the message, it seems.

51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

Micah 7:6

09 April 2007

Today's Reading April 9

Good morning. I hope that your Easter was as wonderful as ours.
-
This morning's reading, from the Old Testament, begins the Book of First Samuel, chapters 1, 2, and 3. As we saw often in the Judges, the People of God had a continual preference to go astray (sound familiar?) and suffered the consequences. Now we start down the path to a King. I love Hannah's prayer in Chapter 2, it reminds me of Mary's prayer.
.
This afternoon's reading, from the New Testament, is taken from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 12, verses 1 through 34.

08 April 2007

Today's Reading April 8 Easter Sunday

He is risen! He is risen indeed!
This is the reminder of the reality of our risen Lord, passed down to us through the centuries. He is alive! The tomb is empty! We have the victory. Death no longer has power over us.
He is risen! These are as important as any words ever spoken.
.
.
This morning's portion in our through-the-Bible-in-a-year journey is the book of Ruth.
If I ever get the opportunity to write some serious Bible commentary, I would like to begin with Ruth. This was a woman, a Moabitess, one of ''those'' people. You know, the ones who everyone knew were evil, not our kind of folks, one of those who is just no good and the Almighty hates them, and they have no portion of Him. And her life was full of loss and tragedy. Loss of a husband, a brother-in-law, a father-in-law. And yet, she saw something that caused her to trust in the Lord and to love her widowed and destitute mother-in-law. The passage from Ruth, chapter 1, verses 16 and 17, is one of those great poetic moments that Scripture is rich in. It was part of the text when my wife and I were married.

16 And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

That's a declaration of determination and faith.
And the Lord heard her, and rewarded that faith.
Ruth, the Moabitess, had quite an adventure. And become an ancestor of David the King, and Jesus the Christ, our Lord.

.
This evening's portion, from the New Testament, continues in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 11, verses 29 through 54.

07 April 2007

Today's Reading April 7

Today is sometimes known as Holy Saturday, a somber day of reflection upon what the sacrificial death of Jesus the Christ really means, both for the world and for us personally. This is not a time of merriment, but of sober reflection and repentance. Yet we also know that this is not the end, that after the darkness of the moment comes the light.
.
This morning's reading, from the Old Testament, is from the Book of the Judges, chapters 20 and 21.

25 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

We see this phrase throughout Judges, it reminds us of the human propensity to do evil. We see it around us every day, if we have eyes to see.
.
The evening reading, from the New Testament, is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 11, verses 1 through 28. Like always, there is a lot here. Today my attention is particularly on the first
1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

We sometimes refer to this as the Lord's Prayer. It's a good pattern for our own.

06 April 2007

Today's Reading April 6

This is Good Friday. Please remember, all day, just what this day means.

This morning's reading, from the Old Testament, is chapters 18 and 19 from the Book of the Judges. More of the record of the downward spiral of the Hebrews after their entry into the Promised Land. Wickedness on all sides. Here we see it in the areas of Dan and of Benjamin, but it was so everywhere. Sounds familiar, somehow.

This evening's reading, from the New Testament, is taken from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10, verses 25 through 42. There's good stuff here, a lot of it. I particularly like

25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
Lev 19:18 Deut 6:5, 10:12 Mark 12:30 Matt 22:37
28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

05 April 2007

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.


.
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.

04 April 2007

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?
.
This evening's reading, from the New Testament
the Gospel of Luke, chapter 9, verses 37 through 62
.
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!

03 April 2007

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.

01 April 2007

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.

29 March 2007

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.

.
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.
---
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.
.


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.


--
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.
.
This morning's reading, from the Old Testament, is Joshua 23 and 24. This completes the book of Joshua.
.
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!).
.
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.

28 March 2007

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.
.
Evening from the New Testament, continues in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 6, verses 1 through 26.

27 March 2007

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.
--

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?

26 March 2007

Today's reading March 26

I regret the lateness of the posting - it's been a trying day.
.
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
.
Evening reading, from the New Testament
the Gospel of Luke, chapter 5, verses 1 through 16

25 March 2007

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.
.
The afternoon/evening reading continues in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 4, verses 33 through 44. More of the miracles of Jesus.

24 March 2007

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.
.
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.

23 March 2007

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.
.
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.

22 March 2007

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.
.
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

21 March 2007

Today's Reading March 21

Good morning, and Happy Spring!
.
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.
.
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.

20 March 2007

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.
.
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.

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

19 March 2007

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!

18 March 2007

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.

17 March 2007

Today's Reading March 17

This morning's reading from the Old Testament
Deuteronomy 29 and 30
.
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.

16 March 2007

Today's Reading - March 16

Morning reading, from the New Testament,
Deuteronomy 28
.
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

15 March 2007

Today's Reading March 15

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

14 March 2007

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.

13 March 2007

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.
.
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.

12 March 2007

Today's Reading - March 12

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

11 March 2007

Today's Reading March 11

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

10 March 2007

Todays Readings, for March 10

Morning reading, from the Old Testament,
the book of Deuteronomy Chapters 11, 12, and 13
.
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.

09 March 2007

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.
.
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.
.
Today's morning reading from the Old Testament is from Deuteronomy, chapters 8, 9, and 10. Good stuff here, don't miss it.
,
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.

08 March 2007

Today's Reading March 08

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

07 March 2007

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.
..
Evening reading from the New Testament,
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 11, verses 20 through 33

06 March 2007

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.
..
Evening reading from the New Testament,
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 11, verses 1 through 19 -- Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem

05 March 2007

Today's Reading March 05

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

04 March 2007

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.
.
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

03 March 2007

Today's Reading - March 03, 2007

Morning reading, from the Old Testament
Numbers, chapters 30 and 31
.
Evening reading, from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 9, verses 30 through 50
.

02 March 2007

Today's Reading - March 02

Morning reading from the Old Testament
Numbers, chapters 28 and 29
.
Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 9, verses 1 through 29
the Transfiguration is in this passage
..

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.

01 March 2007

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
.
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.

28 February 2007

Today's Reading February 28

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

27 February 2007

Today's Reading February 27

Morning reading from the Old Testament
Numbers, chapters 18, 19, and 20
.
Evening reading from the New Testament
the Gospel of Mark, chapter 7, verses 1 through 13
.

26 February 2007

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.
.
.
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

25 February 2007

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

24 February 2007

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.
.
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.
.
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.

23 February 2007

Today's Reading February 23

Morning's reading, from the Old Testament
Numbers, chapters 8, 9, 10
.
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.

22 February 2007

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.

21 February 2007

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.

20 February 2007

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

19 February 2007

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

18 February 2007

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

17 February 2007

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

16 February 2007

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.

15 February 2007

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!''

14 February 2007

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

13 February 2007

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.

12 February 2007

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?

11 February 2007

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

10 February 2007

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.

09 February 2007

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''

08 February 2007

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

07 February 2007

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.

06 February 2007

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.

05 February 2007

Today's Reading February 05

Morning
the Exodus, chapters 37 and 38

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

04 February 2007

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

03 February 2007

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

02 February 2007

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

01 February 2007

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

31 January 2007

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.

30 January 2007

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

29 January 2007

Today's Reading January 29

Morning the Exodus chapters 19, 20, and 21

Evening the Gospel of Matthew chapter 20 verses 1 through 16

28 January 2007

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