April 1, Reading Notes (No Joke)

Deuteronomy 18-20

Deut. 18:1-8

So the king was to devote himself to the law under the guidance of the Levites, now God restates the provision of the Levites who live among the people, guiding the nation into the knowledge of God. The fact that this has been restated so often means that it was important and that the people would have the tendency not to respect or value the importance of the Levites living among them.

What were the "cheeks," the rump? And I guess the stomach means the abdomen muscles. If not, I wouldn't have fought you for it at the table.

Deut. 18:9-14

It would be the Levites helping the people who would keep the Law before them. The Levites would supply guidance from God by teaching the people His Word.

Notice that Moloch worship, the sacrificing of unwanted babies, was mentioned first. This worship took care of a social/personal need.

The next mention also took care of a social/personal need: ways to contact the spirit world to get guidance. God, through the Word and the ministry of the Levities, would supply that guidance.

Deut. 18:15-22

God says He will bring another prophet to guide Israel. Now, Israel had lots of leaders and prophets; but this guy must have had a special meaning in the minds of the Jews, a meaning they understood even back then. Later, the Jews come to John the Baptist and ask him if he is "the prophet." Jesus was that prophet. It apparently meant one man, like Moses, who would lead the entire nation before God. So, from this text you understand that God will send prophets to guide the people. From later texts (Isaiah, for example) and the NT, we understand that God is promising to one day send "The Prophet." And we know Him.

Deut. 19:1-13

Just as idolatry, spiritual adultery, would contaminate the land and defile the nation, so would the blood of the innocent. Again, King Manasseh led his people to irrevocable judgment, first spiritually, and then by the guilt of all the innocent blood he spilled. Oddly enough, he reigned longer than any other king.

These cities of refuge were a provision for the innocent man. Also, just by the fact these cities were present, they were a visual reminder that the people were to make sure the innocent were protected and laws were followed.

Deut. 19:14-21

The other way to contaminate the land and to defile the nation was through injustice. Notice that the first four of the 10 Commandments are in respect to living with God. The next six commandments are how to honor God in living with one another. Later in Israel's history, God and the prophets will lament that the people only deal unjustly with one another.

Notice that the priests get involved in this too. The high priest had the means for determining the truth of a matter. Too bad they didn't use it. It was a long way to Jerusalem and why bother when you could flip a coin or throw some sticks on the ground to get guidance.

Deut. 20:1-9

So what would you call this section? What stands out to me is that they needed to realize the Lord was with them. Their strength wasn't in numbers or skill. Therefore, they were to be compassionate toward the fainthearted and to recognize special situations.

There's more in this, but that's what seemed prominent to me.

Deut. 20:10-18

It seems to me here, too, the main point isn't war, but compassion. However, if I was a non-Israelite male and knew our army had been defeated on the field and now Israel was marching on our city and I'd be fighting Israel and knew about these laws, I'd relocate. For a surrendering city, everyone was spared but the guys.

Just for perspective on the law being given here, it's important to notice that the only land Israel was told to war against was Canaan, and there they were to take no prisoners for the reason mentioned in v. 18. This was God's punishment on the sickness of the people who lived there. In order for Israel to become involved in any other conflict, and has already happened and will be the case later, the other cities and nations were the aggressors who attacked first. Most often, after Israel was attacked and defeated the army of the aggressor on the field, they went after the city the army came from.

Except for God's judgment on Canaan, Israel was never told to fight against anyone who didn't attack them first. Sihon and Og and the Midianites were examples of people who Israel tried to avoid and had no quarrel with, but who attacked Israel first. These lands became the possession of the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh.

Deut. 20:19-20

I guess this fits into the compassion scenario. No wanton destruction was allowed. I think of Levi and Simeon when they destroyed Shechem. Even at the end of his life, Jacob condemned their uncontrolled, arrogant wrath and cruelty in wantonly laming the livestock in that city.

Luke 9:28-50

Luke 9:28-36

Matthew and Mark mention this event too, but Luke is the only one who says what Jesus was doing when He began to glow. Kind of cool, huh?

Luke 9:37-49

V. 43 In contrast to the transfiguration and to the majesty of Christ shown in healing the boy, Jesus strongly reminds them that things are not going to go the way the disciples think. God's plan of redemption would lead Jesus to "defeat" and "disappointment," at least from the standpoint of the disciples' expectations. Isn't it funny that even the best of us, serving God in the harvest, still battle with our expectations in contrast to God's actions? We learn, too slowly, that He is wise beyond all of our thinking and does what is best for His purpose and plan. We simply follow, sometimes with no clue of what He's doing.

Verses 46-50 have good teaching and make good points, but they really show that the disciples didn't "get it."

Psalm 73

This is an amazing psalm. Take your time here.

Notice the conflict the writer has in all of what he humanly sees, feels and understands. Notice what it was doing to him personally, emotionally and spiritually.

Notice the turning point. Where do you find that "sanctuary" today?

Vs. 25-26 are worth memorizing.

Notice that the answer for the writer and for us is verse 28, and you are doing it by now by drawing close to Him in His Word. Even with His Spirit within us, only His closeness in His Word truly helps and shields us from despair in this world.

The words of Magnificent Obsession by Steven Curtis Chapman, express some of this. One of my favorites.

if it won’t play, double click the “Watch on YouTube”

or follow this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cel_O-qy0i0&feature=player_embedded

Proverbs 12:10

Sounds like what we were talking about at the end of Deut. 20, above. And I would add from J. R.R.R.R.R.R.R. Tolkien that only an Orc wantonly cuts down trees.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.

March 31, Reading Notes

We've made it a quarter of a year! Don't worry about getting behind, just keep toning those "read the Bible every day" muscles. Eventually it will get a lot easier.

This also means that you've read about a quarter of the Bible. That's something to celebrate. I'd suggest taking your Bible (and wife) and going out to McDonalds, getting a Senior Coffee © and their Cinnamon Melts © and enjoying today's reading.

Deuteronomy 16-17

Deut. 16:1-17

These are the feasts again. Thanks to Laura, I'm seeing "at the place (He) will choose," all over the place. I never saw that before. Remember, these feasts and festivals were meant to focus their hearts on God and His love and deliverance. They really needed this help and what a neat way to remember God's love.

What also stands out to me more and more, is how God keeps mentioning that He brought them out of Egypt and their slavery and made them the most honored nation under heaven.

Deut. 16:18-22

The mention here of the judges and officials seems logical since these guys would be models of obedience to the community and they would make sure that the people held to these feasts.

Deut. 16:21-17:1

This must be referring to what the Canaanites placed next to their altars and the type of animals they offered. It didn't matter how artistic and beautiful the poles were, Israel was not to imitate the Canaanites. Neither were they to skimp on what they offered.

Deut. 17:2-13

To understand this section, we need to remember that for the past 38 years Israel has been averaging 400 funerals a day. Why? Because someone rebelled against the Lord and many were swept with them into bitterness and sin. This wasn't an open license to conduct "witch hunts," but rather this was a way of keeping the nation pure. If any Israelite wanted to live in another country and not hold the Sabbath, and eat pork chops, and worship other gods, all they had to do was leave and they were free. It was a big world and Israel was only a small piece of real estate. No one had to live in Israel.

Notice v. 8. If they had a big question and needed an answer, they just had to go to the place the Lord chose to set up the Tabernacle and ask the priest. What was so special about the priest? He had a special pouch on his ephod (bib apron) where he had the Urim and Thummim, remember? Amazingly, you never hear of Israel using this except on a couple of occasions. Probably, they didn't believe it, or didn't want God's answer, and didn't want the hassle of having to travel all the way to the Tabernacle.

Deut. 17:14-20

Vs. 16-17 Solomon, the wisest man in the world, broke all of these. In fact, the first thing Solomon did was make a marriage alliance with the Pharaoh of Egypt.

Vs. 18-20 When it says "Law," it is probably referring to the five books of Moses. Under the supervision of the Levites, the king was to make his own copy of the Law and he was to read from it every day of his life. I doubt that the wisest man in the world did that. I would say that David definitely did when he was king in Hebron for seven years and that Psalm 119 was a byproduct. I would also bet that Josiah did.

So what would writing out and reading the first five books of the Bible do for a king? At this point, we can ask that of ourselves. What does it give you? You get creation, the fall, and the redemptive plan of God working though Noah, to Abraham , to Israel. It gives you a perspective of life and this world, and it fills you with mission. More than everything else you see God's love in working to free men from sin and death.

As I was reading this morning, I thought of how important it is for us as disciples to be in the harvest and remember that God has rescued us. The further we get from the harvest, the less we remember what it was that God freed us from. Our salvation seems like a dusty trophy on a shelf. In Deuteronomy God constantly reminds them that He is the Lord their God who led them out of slavery. The same is true for us and Jesus tells Simon the Pharisee, "he who is forgiven little, loves little." How do we remember the value of our own salvation and where we were? By making disciples of lost people, we are constantly reminded of what it was that God freed us from and how needy we are of His grace and help.

Israel needed to remember their chains, and as disciples, so do we.

Luke 9:7-27

As you read all of this section, you can see how the parts fit together. Herod's question eventually leads to Jesus' question to the disciples regarding His identity. What you miss in all of this is that immediately after Jesus fed the 5000, the people and many disciples left Him as recorded in John 6:60-71. John doesn't have the specific questioning of the 12 that Matt., Mark and Luke have, that is, "Who do men say that I am?" But as the crowds and many of His disciples were turning away from Him, at that moment in John 6, He asked the 12 if they were going to leave too. Peter came up big in John 6. Here in Luke 9, it is sometime later (that same day or week?). Jesus asked them directly, "Who do men say that I am?" Peter shines again and Jesus makes him the pope (JUST KIDDING!!!).

Notice that Luke omits Jesus' words to Peter as seen in Matt. 16:18-19. Believe it or not, in Acts, there is a lot of tension in the Christian church, especially coming out of Jerusalem. You see this tension in Galatians 2:12 and in Acts 15:1. It might be that because Luke hung with Paul, and Paul was being constantly hounded by Christians from the "circumcision party," Luke didn't want to confuse his Gentile readers with Peter being the "big boss" and Jerusalem being the center of the world.

Vs. 21-27 have a bit different ring to them if you understand that many, perhaps hundreds of Jesus' disciples have left Him as a result of His "Bread of Life" sermon. I've had sermons like that too (JUST KIDDING!!!). A disciple sticks with Jesus even when it looks stupid to do so. The question is not what others think of Him (and think about us as a result), but the real question is "Who is He?" For us, there is no one else.

One more little thing. Notice what Jesus was doing before He asked the 12 this question. Luke is the only one who mentions that. This means that this question was very important and that He discussed it with the Father. This moment launched the 12 into a new level of their discipleship.

Psalm 72

This psalm is supposedly from Solomon. Sounds like he was having a good day. Some think that this psalm has a prophetic element looking at Jesus' millennial reign because of the absolute language used that couldn't be referring to Solomon.

I know this psalm is inspired, but knowing Solomon, I get the feeling reading this that I get from a preacher preaching on forgiveness who has never been deeply harmed by another person. Everything he says is true, but it lacks the reality of experience. Or being led in worship by someone who has never lived in poverty or pain, who has never waited in darkness and hopelessness for God and then experienced the miracle of His deliverance in the morning. The words are true, but there's something missing.

Proverbs 12:8-9

In some versions, verse nine is expressed differently, indicating that there's something in the Hebrew that isn't clear. There seems to be a play being made on the word "despised" (Greek "turn up your nose") in verse eight so that it is immediately reflected in the word for "lowly" (Greek "dishonor") in verse nine. It isn't clear if the good man in verse nine has a servant or is a despised common worker. The RSV, Luther and Einheits (both German) give this other sense. The proverb might look like this;

8 A man is commended according to his good sense,
but one of twisted mind is despised.
9 Better to be despised as a lowly servant and do your work
than to play the great man and lack bread.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.

March 30, Reading Notes

Deuteronomy 13-15

Look for recurring words, phrases and themes. There are some big themes that God is emphasizing for Israel.

Deut. 13:1-5

I really don't think we grasp the consequences of sin and separation from God. This thing on earth is happening so slowly and invisibly. The reality, however, remains unchanged. From all that we see, there is a contest for the souls of men. Truth is important, even if people think truth is relative, because the truth doesn't change, no more than gravity working for one person and not for another.

It's interesting that the example mentioned here is where the words of the prophet come true. Wouldn't that be a case for listening to what he says? Paul ups the ante on this and says in Galatians 1:8, "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we preached to you, let him be accursed."

Deut. 13:6-11

Now this rule was only for Israel as they were a nation under God's rule. This is hard for us to choke down, I know, but the lessons of the wilderness taught them that (as Paul says in 1Cor 5) "a little leaven leavens the whole lump." How much cancer is acceptable? What God is setting up here is a "perfect" society that He knows won't work. It won't work, not because it is a "perfect" society, but because there is something in mankind that rebels against God. By the end of Judges, everything has fallen apart. The law was given, not to make man perfect, but so that sin would be shown to be sin, and through the commandment, become sinful beyond measure.

Deut. 13:12-18

Moses has gone from addressing the false messenger, to the false loved one, to the false city. This will happen at the end of Judges and the tribe of Benjamin will almost be lost.

Since Christ, the power of the Gospel and the love of God is what works in a pluralistic, relativistic, lost world. Society today doesn't give a parent or employer many rights on limiting the freedom of the people they are responsible for. As disciples of Christ, the truth we bring is wrapped in spiritual power and in the love of Christ working through us. Sin rebels against Law. It is not so powerful when confronted by the love and grace of Christ. Today our work is not to shape people or nations by activism, but by working and witnessing and praying "under the radar" to see people come to Christ.

1 Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way. 3 This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Deut. 14:1-2 Great verses and what a privilege.

Deut. 14:3-21

Since God says in the NT that all foods are clean, this was a law showing their differentness among the nations. It was the equivalent of them eating with a fork and a knife instead of their fingers or blowing their noses instead of picking them. It showed a sense of propriety and "rightness" to their customs. Even in the last thing mentioned here, the boiling of the lamb, it was just a point of propriety or respect. My take on this.

Deut. 14:22-29

This section is about the tithe and in that there is a link between only offering the tithes at the Tabernacle and the provision for the Levites. In giving the tithes, there is the underlying value that this is important. But why? Does God need food? No. So do they give because of raw obedience? That only takes you so far. Valuing the presence of God at the Tabernacle was faith. Providing for the Levites was also faith because they, scattered around the country, taught the people spiritual values. They were the "Sunday school teachers" of Israel. If the people lost the value of being a spiritual nation they would stop coming to the Tabernacle and they would stop providing for the Levites. These two "rules" showed what the people truly valued in their hearts.

One note here: When the people came to offer the tithe of their crops, they were to celebrate before the Lord. This is kind of interesting because verse 26 suggests a feast and a celebration. Before the Lord, held in check by their love for God, they could buy any food and drink wine or "strong drink." There is the balance between the occasional being "merry of heart" and being a perpetual drunk. Drunkenness means being given to being drunk. There is a positive rendering of being mildly intoxicated that God doesn't seem to judge, for example, Ruth 3:7 When Boaz had eaten and drunk and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain; and she came secretly, and uncovered his feet and lay down.

I'm not making a case for anything, but as Christians and disciples, we should be able to understand these verses without resorting to reshaping the text according to our cultural interpretation. When Jesus made wine in John 2, the context suggests that the wine had the ability to make the heart merry. God made many things to be enjoyed within bounds by those who believe and know the truth. Excess is something we're all prone to because of having a sinful nature.

Deut. 15:1-23

I just have a few observations.

First, note that in verse 4 it says they will not have poor people, but in verse 11 it says they will always have poor people. So what does that mean? I believe it means that God will work things out so that there are always people who need help from others to test the hearts and generosity of the people. I would rather be on the giving end than that God pulls the rug out from under me to make me be on the receiving end to test the heart of others. But it is obvious that God does this. I think this goes for today too, and extends to health care costs and to the protection of the helpless. Lots of wisdom is needed in all of this, but the point seems obvious; God keeps some people in a state of need to see if the surrounding society is humble and willing to care and share.

The contradiction in verses 4 and 11 is dissolved in that God would bring people to the place of being poor, but Israel would meet their needs so that they would no longer be poor. That would be pretty cool.

Second, what we have here isn't true, genuine slavery. People were free after 6 years. Imagine today if someone was out of work and destitute. Mercedes comes along and says, "We'll give you a job, food and a place to live if you'll sign a 6-year contract." Isn't that nuts! Who would say no? In fact, if the situation was really good, at the end of 6 years, the "slave" could say he wanted to stay on permanently and could retire from there. The nations back then were largely farming communities. Help was always needed. The people were to be generous and actively help people by signing them on to work. God said He would bless them for that. For the provision of six years of food, clothing and shelter, a poor person worked. Not a bad set up for the poor, no local government was involved and no taxes were levied on the people to give aid to the needy.

V.19-23 are again that test of heart and security in God's provision. When we get to Malachi the people were not giving God the best because they were pressed by hard times. It's hard to give when it hurts, but it really is hard to give if we don't believe or trust God.

Luke 8:40-9:6

To me it is interesting that Jesus only took Peter, John and James with Him.

It seems to me that the dramatic nature of both of these healings somehow added to the decision to send the 12 out. Their confidence would have been high. It also seems that they all went together (it's what they were doing already, minus Jesus) and that Jesus knew that Peter, James and John would provide leadership.

Talk about total dependence on God. In the west, as disciples, we have so much reserve you wonder if we ever truly learn to depend on God alone.

Psalm 71

This psalm and the next four are pretty long, and it's easy to get lost in the alternating thoughts of crying out and confidence and desiring justice and praising God. I'd suggest you choose something(s) to underline, for example, the pleas (rescue me, be not far from me, etc…) or the praises.

I find verse 20 interesting, "You, who have made me see many troubles….will bring me up again."

Even the psalmist realized that God led him into troubles, to show him that he could depend on God and that God would revive him again. That is a good lesson for a disciple to learn.

Proverbs 12:5-7

I don't know. I guess I'd rather hang with the righteous dudes. So what does real biblical righteousness look like? Luke 6:47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like:

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.

March 29, Reading Notes

A couple of days ago in Deut. 8:3 we read why God gave Israel the manna. This is also the portion of Scripture Jesus used in His confrontation with Satan.

It snowed yesterday and never really went below freezing all night. This morning there was snow on the grass, but it wasn't a solid blanket, but patchy little puffs all over everything. I wonder if that's what the manna looked like. As I thought about it and what God was teaching Israel, I was thinking how much I need all those lessons today in my life. Here's some of what struck me.

God can still do that and can meet all of my needs instantly if He chooses to. I'm secure.

The people weren't allowed to save up the manna and store it up for security. They had to be secure in God, every day.

They couldn't work the fields or make gardens because of moving. Their lives were focused each day on waiting on the Lord, learning of Him, waiting each day for His provision. It must have been that during those years, during the day, the Levites gathered people in different tribes and taught them the law.

God fed them like this, showing His power and showing that their security was in Him. They were to learn that man doesn't live by bread alone, nor by savings, nor by work, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. All of this teaching about God's power and our security being in God alone seems to be what God was teaching David also, when David was living in caves and while he was in exile, running from Saul.

How does God teach that same thing in our lives today without taking us through similar experiences? It makes me appreciate my present situation and makes the day seem like something God has designed rather than a random mess. God is truly amazing and His Word is strength and health to the heart.

Just as a reminder, remember that in what I'm writing, my purpose is to encourage your discovery and not make all the discoveries. I'm hoping these posts will develop into a tool to help people read through the Bible every year and help them begin digging for themselves. The discussions in groups of 3-4 people should be fueled by what everyone is reading together, but also by how the Spirit is working with each person individually. You could call this group mentoring, but I think it is disciples making disciples, sharpening one another with the focus of each following Christ in the harvest, together, individually, every day.

One correction: Yesterday I said that Psalm 69:22-23 was quoted in Romans 9, but not so. It is in Romans 11:9. I knew there was a "9" in there somewhere.

Deuteronomy 11-12

Deut. 11

It seems to me that this chapter concludes the introduction of the sermon. Moses restates 6:1-9 in verses 18-21.

Notice how often it talks about loving the Lord, taking care / being careful, obeying, possessing the land. Find something that interests you and follow it though, highlighting or underlining it. Don't worry about underlining everything. Make a note at the beginning of your Bible or in the margin where Deuteronomy begins, to follow a different word through the book for next year.

There are great words here that should strengthen your heart as a disciple.

One thought about the blessings and curses as they apply to us as disciples. Even the best of us fall, and sometimes we get really down on ourselves. Sin and discouragement has an incredibly acidic effect on our hearts and minds. Not only that, Satan is the accuser, standing before God telling Him we deserve judgment. Satan shares this with us too. In fact, Satan, like Balaam, lures us into sin so that God will have to punish us, knowing that God would never punish us if we didn't bring the punishment on ourselves.

So, how do you know if it is God humbling or teaching or chastening you, or if it is Satan and your own fallen nature tearing you apart? Satan and self always tell you there is no more grace for you and that you are a failure. God never does that. This is why reading your Bible through is so important. Did Jacob deserve grace? Does Israel deserve grace? Wait until we get to Judges. Will David, the murderer, or Solomon the idolater who sacrificed his children, or Manasseh, who did worse than all of them and brought irrevocable judgment on his people, deserve grace? But they all received it. After repentance, even after falling into sin for the millionth time, God looks on us as a Father, encouraging our next step in obedience with His grace. And He will use us, just as God used all of those men after their repentance. Satan and self will destroy you and make you unfit to be used by the Lord. God will restore you. There may be consequences that you'll have to deal with, but you couldn't be loved more and you will never be shunned by Christ. Look at Paul, the murderer, who remembered what he did right up to the end of his work in the harvest. Paul was an example of how Jesus will lift the fallen and bless them for His glory, just like us. 1 Timothy 1:16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

If you had a child who had done everything wrong and made every mistake, as a parent, would you condemn them to failure and self hate, or encourage them to health and obedience? And if they obeyed, would you rub their noses in their past failures or lead them on to restoration and success? This is what the Pharisees couldn't stand about Jesus, blessing a woman who had been a terrible sinner, or asking a tax collector to be His disciple.

Deut. 12

Here comes the body of the sermon.

It seems to me that the big point here is that they should only worship in sacrifice at the Tabernacle. It's sort of like the tree in the garden. They can do all sorts of other things, but that one thing needed to happen in God's presence in the place He designated.

Notice the repetition regarding the blood of life. This was a big deal for God, mentioned as far back as Noah.

V.8 This is the refrain at the end of the book of Judges.

V. 9 This is the "rest" from Hebrews

V.10 Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, quotes this.

V.12 God wanted them to rejoice and be successful.

V.20 This verse links Jabez (1Chr. 4:10) to this time of the conquest of the land.

V.31 The sacrifice of their children.

There is so much here. Don't mind me, I think Deuteronomy is incredible.

Luke 8:22-39

Luke 8:22-25

Do you ever think about being totally awed by God to the place of fear? Me neither. We need the Lord to restore this to our hearts and I think the place we find it is in the harvest, not special meetings at church. He shows His power where His passion is, in reaching the lost and dying.

Luke 8:26-39

Matthew has two men here. It is the same event and both Matthew and Luke are accurate, but Mark and Luke only quote the spokesman of the demonic duo.

Vs. 38-39 are all the Lord asks us to do on earth. So what has the Lord done for you?

I've probably referred to this video before, but the echo of those words, "what the Lord has done for you," always remind me of this song, "What the Lord has done in me" by Hillsong. I like Hillsong doing this live. There are other good videos of this song on YouTube if you don't like this one. The guy with the acoustic guitar, right of center, is Reuben Morgan, the guy who wrote it. And by the way, the song doesn't teach salvation via baptism. It's a biblical image of cleansing and regeneration and resurrection through baptism with Christ in Romans 6.

 

And since we're talking about proclaiming what the Lord has done for us and in us, here is another Reuben Morgan song, "You Said." I hope it revs you up the way it does me. We sang both of these in Germany and the youth loved them, and got revved up and kept bringing their unsaved friends.

Psalm 70

Once again, those who seek the Lord like this are driven to their knees by need so that, after waiting for His deliverance and crying out in desperation, they see and are awed by the salvation of the Lord. Then they declare to all men, from their hearts, that God is great.

This is how God did it to Israel, to the disciples in the boat, and the possessed man. Why should I expect anything different if the Lord loves me and wants to use me as His disciple?

Proverbs 12:4

Seriously, I never go a day without realizing how blessed I've been for the past 33 years. I have only known the first part of that Proverb. That is pure grace.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.

The Missing Video and other technical mishaps

If you didn’t see the video I posted on March 28th it’s because I don’t understand computers or the web.  I still think my TV works by magic. 

Anyway, if you really want to see that video it is by Wayne Watson and called, If Not for Love. 

You’ll have to go to this webpage

https://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/messages

and click and download “If Not for Love.”

Sorry for the mishap

March 28, Reading Notes

Deuteronomy 9-10

Deut. 9:1-10:11

It seems to me that this entire section is to humble Israel in their own eyes knowing that God is giving them the land, but not because they are righteous. There are lots of things to observe in this section.

Notice that at the end, in 10:6, Moses summarizes some of the history, referring to Aaron's death and the selection of the Levites, then he comes down from the mountain. The people get the idea. They have not been an easy people to lead. So much of this just testifies to the honesty and accuracy of this reporting. No great nation would ever air their dirty laundry like Israel is doing here. This isn't a testimony to them, it is a testimony to God and His love and forgiveness.

Deut. 10:12-22

What things stand out to you in this section? I don't know about you, but this stirs my heart. What does God seek? At the top is love. Love is a relationship. Even in marriage this is the key. You can break love down into actions or responsibilities like communication and faithfulness and service to one another, but these only help us try to grasp what love really is. What God really gives to us and wants from us is love. There are many religions and misrepresentations of "god" on earth, but none of them come close to this reality. God is deeply clear and straightforward about wanting a relationship with us that is first and foremost a bond of love. This is the consistent message of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.

Someone needs to preach a message on this. This song would be a great way to complete the service.

Luke 8:4-21

I just have a couple observations here.

Note that the real focal point of the parable and bearing fruit is expressed in what Satan seeks to prevent in verse 12: Believe and be saved.

Also, in case anyone holds the idea that bearing fruit can mean something other than reaching the lost with the message of Christ, look at verses 16-18. Being a testimony to Christ is a necessary part of being fruitful. Verse 21 cements the deal.

Psalm 69:19-36

You can still read this section from the perspective of Jesus on the cross.

Notice verse 21. Jesus was offered vinegar on the cross to keep Him alive until Elijah came to rescue Him so the people could see a miracle.

Verses 22-23 are quoted by Paul in Romans 11:9.

On the cross Jesus asks the Father to forgive those who mocked and killed Him. We've seen in Numbers that God forgives, but still exercises judgment on the guilty and unrepentant. So, between verses 21 and 22 insert the theological thought, "and for those who reject your forgiveness and remain in rebellion." This is the case in reality. Grace is offered now. When the time of God's kindness has ended, His wrath will be powerful and terrible.

Notice who will dwell in the land with God. Somehow all of this comes back to the first and greatest commandment, to love the Lord thy God. As disciples, love has to permeate our message and our method in making disciples.

Proverbs 12:2-3

Again, sometimes to spend more time on a Proverb like this, especially if you're using it for a short message for a group, take it apart and put the parallel pieces together. Take time to notice the couplets and the parallelism in the verses. The second verse usually advances the image of the first verse. In the One Year Bible they do a pretty good job of keeping these couplets together.

2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord,

(and in all the storms of life the branches might get beaten by the wind and he may be refined by fire)

but the root of the righteous will never be moved.

but a man of evil devices the Lord condemns.

(and although he might look successful and God might use this man for His purpose)

3 No one is established by wickedness,
Especially in hard times or hard circumstances, it costs something to follow Christ in the harvest and to remember we are here on mission. Our witness is often shown most powerfully in honoring God where others don't, and facing the consequences. It is more important that the lost see Christ than for us to get a "deal" or a promotion. I know a guy from the Ukraine who came to Christ, because a fool took a beating for Christ in the Russian army in Siberia (most of Russia, I think). The guy's branches definitely got broken, but his root never moved and God gave him unknown fruit. Peter watched and thought, "It would have been so easy to have lied. What would possess a man to take a stand like this in such a dangerous place?" Peter found out.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.

March 27, Reading Notes

Deuteronomy 7-8

This is such a rich section, I don't feel I need to say much. Feed your heart. There are amazing truths here that can also be applied to us.

Note that God speaks of the inhabitants of the land as if they are a danger to Israel, danger by spiritual / cultural infection. The same thing that the Spirit tells us, to not be conformed to this world.

Notice how often love is mentioned.

Notice the phrase "the Lord your God."

Or notice how often God refers to the fathers or to bringing them out of Egypt.

There is so much.

So why did God choose us to become followers of Christ? Love. If you witness to people, you understand the miracle of someone who will listen and open their heart. Why? Because they're smart or sensitive or good? Somewhere in there, I believe there is a molecule of will, so small as to be nearly inconsequential. The rest is pure grace; God choosing the foolish and the weak and low and despised to save and make followers of Christ in the harvest.

Luke 7:36-8:3

If we are talking about love in saving us, here it is again. We love because He first loved us. But, and this is a question for each of us, were we really, really, really lost, or sort of on the border? This is an event that cuts right to our hearts too. Those who follow in the harvest passionately are those who realize the miracle of their own salvation. They realize they were desperate, with no way to pay: hopeless. They love much and follow their Savior in His work, seeking the lost, working with the other redeemed, making disciples who make disciples.

What does the Lord say to you in this story?

One note here is that it is supposed that this might be Mary Magdalene. It doesn't say it is. The woman who anoints Jesus' feet is a sinner, not demon possessed. Although, obviously, He might have already cured her, but then, you wonder why Simon wouldn't have had a bigger fit. Who knows?  Mary, called Magdalene, is introduced immediately after this story.  Who knows?

What we do know is that another Mary, the rich one who lived with Martha and Lazarus, heard this story and, just before Jesus was crucified, humbled herself and did the same thing for Him that this "sinful" woman did.

At the end of this passage it mentions other women who became disciples. Why did they follow Jesus? Why do you follow Jesus?

Psalm 69:1-18

This Psalm is quoted in several places in the NT. We just have the first half of Psalm 69 today and there are at least 3 references that I can find, all of which refer to Jesus. Tomorrow there will be some more references. The Spirit designed David's experience to mirror what Jesus would someday feel. Pretty interesting that God can do that with us and our lives, to be an encouragement or lesson or model for others. He doesn't ask us first. He just does it. And since we know He loves us, and we love Him and would have been dead without Him, we rejoice in His use of our lives, knowing that, "in everything He works for good with those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose."

Read this Psalm as Jesus' suffering on the cross. Notice verses 4 and 9. Also, since Paul quotes from this Psalm, I'm willing to bet it was an important Psalm to him as a disciple following Christ in the harvest.

Proverbs 12:1

There's that "L" word again.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.

March 26, Reading Notes

Deuteronomy 5-6

Deut. 5

This is still some of the introduction to the sermon that really begins in the next chapter. As a disciple, what speaks to me is the privilege they had, that we have.

Vs. 3-4 The covenant is made with those standing there. They were "face to face" with God. They could claim something no other nation could. That's the same for us in Jesus.

V. 6 All of what they have is built on God delivering them. That's the same for us.

I find it interesting that there is so much said about not making images and keeping the Sabbath. Also, it is interesting that keeping the Sabbath is linked to God delivering them in power.

What a great chapter. When I read verse 33, it makes me think that in God's work to redeem mankind, nothing has changed. In our lives following Christ, nothing has changed. Look again at yesterday's reading in Luke, Luke 6:46.

Deut. 6

This chapter is full of good stuff. Take your time and look for repetition and recurring themes. As a disciple, write down every principle you think is important for you, your church, or that "other guy."

Notice v.16, Jesus quotes this in His confrontation with Satan in the wilderness.

Notice that this chapter almost ends the same as the last chapter.

Just for fun, or if you don't have enough to do, I'm giving you some links to a sermon by Howard Hendricks that I've put up on YouTube. The message is called "Rearing Children, The Home" and comes from Deuteronomy 6. There are 6 parts because it's a long message, but it is the best sermon I've ever heard on parenting or on this section of Deuteronomy. If you don't want the introduction, listen to 2-6. It ends abruptly but the tape is over 30 years old and it's right at the end of the message. This is Hendricks at his best and should be a part of any church's parenting library. The background picture is one of my favorites by Michael Dudash, A Father's Heritage.

Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acp2V-PD6SY

Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDWpEDNt0_g

Part 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNAaOKT2lhs

Part 4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMX5nyJnM54

Part 5 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_mjYT62Uv4

Part 6 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSwLNsTWCvU

Oh yeah, and they're funny.

Luke 7:11-35

Luke 7:11-17

This event is only in Luke. There are a couple things that I get from this story. First, Jesus was led by the Spirit just like we are. Jesus didn't know He would find this going on, but as He saw it, moved with compassion, He knew what the Father wanted Him to do. Second, this event was one of the things that caused John the Baptist to doubt. Jesus was leading the life of the Messiah who was freeing captives of sin, not captives of government. John had been sitting in prison under a tyrant a long time and was losing perspective.

Luke 7:18-35

Matthew also has this encounter. Jesus' answer to John was to focus on how Jesus fulfilled all the Scripture concerning the Messiah, rather than concentrating on his own circumstances.

Not a big point, but in Matthew it says John came neither eating or drinking. Here, maybe for the sake of accuracy and because of legalistic Jewish Christians who followed Paul "correcting" his teaching and who taught the Gentiles abstinence, Luke says that John ate no bread and drank no wine. It is clear in this context that Jesus drank wine. Jesus was the opposite of John in these details. He both ate rich food and drank wine. The word for drunkard is "wine drinker." This would have been a rebuttal to legalistic teachers telling the Gentiles that they needed more "rigor" to their faith. Paul warned Timothy about such teachers. 1 Timothy 4:3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

Psalm 68:19-35

I suppose it is hard for us to embrace the sense of God's victory over oppression unless we are oppressed. It is hard to rejoice in His victory over enemies unless we have lost family and friends to these enemies. In the western world we are insulated, for the most part, and so we read this from David as primal raving from a primitive, uncultured age. The same God who tells us to love our enemies, inspired this in David.

In light of the revolutions of the past couple of months, it is interesting to read here, and elsewhere, that Egypt will come to God and know Christ.

Proverbs 11:29-31

Good words for the wise of heart.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.

March 25, Reading Notes

Deuteronomy 4

I really don't need to say much in this section. These chapters in Deuteronomy are like sitting down at an amazing feast, where everything you'd want is there, but there's too much. Or it's like having a late-night conversation with a someone you haven't seen in years who you really respect and everything they're saying is good and confirms and strengthens your heart, but you know in the morning you won't remember it all. This book, these chapters, are like a well that any disciple will want to come back to repeatedly to drink from. So, mark up your Bible and highlight everything that speaks to you, that you think is important for you, for us, as disciples following Christ in the harvest. Next year when you read this, you’ll find more.

Vs. 6-8 This talks about the testimony that Israel would have to the nations around them, if they followed.

One common theme or repeated command will be to teach their children.

I never noticed before the many references to the people hearing God and how that related to not making an image.

Vs. 41-43 might seem out of place. Suddenly there is another subject. Moses has been talking about them polluting the land through idolatry, but there is another way for them to pollute the land, through murder, bloodshed. The next great curse on creation, after Adam and Eve, was that Cain killed Abel and "hid" his blood in the earth. God cursed the ground. When the people are finally exiled out of the land, which has just been spoken about, it is because of how King Manasseh filled the land with innocent blood.

2 Kings 21:16 Moreover, Manasseh shed very much innocent blood until he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another; besides his sin with which he made Judah sin, in doing evil in the sight of the LORD.

2 Kings 24:4 and also for the innocent blood that he had shed; for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and the LORD would not pardon.

You don’t really have to wonder what God thinks about the killing of innocent children for the sake of our sexual freedom and convenience. The Canaanites sacrificed the children born through Baal worship to Moloch. For all of this, after hundreds of years of patience, God judged saying, “The land vomited them out.” If God is silent, God’s silence is scary. There is grace and there is patience, but His patience is His kindness trying to lead us to repentance.

Romans 2:4 Or do you presume upon the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not know that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

As a friend of mine said, “God doesn’t always pay on Friday.” The Bible, from one end to the other, says that “pay day” is coming.

The cities of refuge were a provision to make sure the innocent were protected, so that the land wouldn't be polluted.

Vs. 44-49 Everything so far has been Moses introducing the need to give them the Law a second time, therefore the Greeks named the book, "Second law." Actually this book is a series of sermons based on the law to motivate the people to be obedient and follow the Lord.

Luke 6:39-7:10

Luke 6:39-49

Jesus finishes up his "disciple orientation." Think of what you just read in Deuteronomy. Moses will keep telling them to heed God's words. Jesus is telling His disciples to heed His words. We can't be good disciples or makers of disciples if we are not allowing the Word to be cleansing our "eyes." The Lord may show us something, but we have to obey. The words in verse 46 are convicting and haunting, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?" The proof is in the doing.

Luke 7:1-10

This centurion understood the lesson on authority that Jesus just mentioned. If you are a master, you say it and it is done. He knew Jesus was LORD. As in the parable above, not everyone who calls Jesus “Lord,” recognizes Him as Lord. The proof is in the doing.

Psalm 68:1-18

David must have been having a good day.

Proverbs 11:28

The thing is, society exalts the prominence of the rich, but you don't notice the leaves of trees.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.

March 24, Reading Notes

Deuteronomy 2-3

These two chapters are a review, but from God's perspective. You've read of the events as history, but now Moses is telling from his and the Lord's perspective. It's an interesting slant on things.

Note that Israel was not allowed to fight against Edom, Moab or Ammon. The Ammonites are not the Amorites.

2:11-12 Remember that the spies said there were giants in the land and they couldn't fight against them? The Emim or the Rephaim and the Anakim were giants. Notice what happened to them. Apparently Israel was the only ones afraid of them. Big guys make big targets.

2:14 It took about two years for the people to get organized under God and move to Kadesh-Barnea where they rebelled. It was 38 years and some months that they were finally ready to enter the land. Not all 40 years were punishment.

2:36 Notice that one of the cities they took was fortified with high walls. This was another reason the 10 spies said to stay out of the land.

3:1-11 In this account, once again, the report of the 10 spies was laid to rest. A cubit was 18 inches. I'll bet that's why no one made fun of his name. Who names their kid “Og?”

3:12-22 This was a foretaste of what would happen in the Land. The people had seen the battles, the booty and 2.5 tribes find a home. God protected and blessed them in all of it and they never lost a man.

3:23-29 Now we’re back to “real time.” If you know the song "Sweet Hour of Prayer" you know the phrase from that third verse that nobody sings, "till from Mt. Pisgah's lofty height I view my home and take my flight." That's a cool verse.

Luke 6:12-38

It would be great to put all of the Gospels together to get the full view of this. Luke is the only one who says that Jesus prayed all night before He chose the twelve. Mark says why He chose them in a very cool way.

Notice here that Jesus lifts His eyes on His disciples. This is how we know that the Sermon on the Mount in Matt. 5-7 is really Jesus' orientation to His disciples. I guess that means to us too.

Psalm 67

Just like with Psalm 66, this could have been written by Israel as it entered the land. Notice the blessing that God gave to Aaron. Notice too, that there is a testimony to the nations. Verse 5 is quoted by Paul in Rom. 15. The witness to the nations was what Israel was all about as a continuation of the promise to Adam and Eve, and the promise to Abraham. It was always about the redemption of mankind.

Proverbs 11:27

There is a kind of justice in the Bible where God gives a person what they want, or here, what they seek. It is not always good to succeed, and just because the Lord lets you have something, doesn't mean it was His will, or that it's good for you.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.

Read this if you’re behind in your reading

Any time you try to create a new habit or skill in your life you have difficulty.  It takes time and it takes a certain amount of “failure” (actually “learning”) to get things together.  If you are normal, it will take 2-3 years to learn to keep up in the One Year Bible.  You begin to notice what distracts you and what gets you off track.  You begin to plan how to catch up.  You take the Bible with you to the Dr’s office, the throne room, you put it next to the bed and before you turn out the light you just read the OT portion.  You discover strategies for reading a little more each day.  But in 2-3 years you figure it out.  Don’t be discouraged.  This has to happen.  All of us “think” we can run the hundred yard dash until we have to do it.  Reality is a good teacher.

And after 2-3 years you will have fewer weeks when you miss a day.  After 2-3 years you will read and remember the observations you made the previous year.  After 2-3 years you will make all sorts of connections between different books in the Bible, between the OT and the NT.  In 2-3 years you’ll listen to sermons and involuntarily, you’ll put other Scripture together with what the preacher is saying.  It’s sort of the Karate Kid, “wax on, wax off” effect.  You actually know the Bible and the Holy Spirit begins making all sorts of connections for you.  In 2-3 years you’ll be in a Bible study talking about something as a group and you’ll begin referring to something in Leviticus or Numbers like it’s really important and people will just look at you, stunned, food will fall from their mouths, wondering which planet you came from.

But the most important thing that will happen in 2-3 years, is that you’ll know the Lord so much better, and that means everything.  You’ll have a very regular, actually precious, meeting time with Him.  There will be stability in your life that comes from Him, His Spirit and His Word.

If you’re behind, be encouraged, you’re learning.  Now keep on going.

March 23, Reading Notes

Numbers 36

You did it! You finished the first four books of the Bible! If you're up to date in your reading, great. If not, don't sweat it. It literally takes you a couple, three, years to get into shape, to lay down the daily habits, and the only way you do that is by getting behind and coming up with ways to stay on target.

Numbers concludes with the tribe of Manasseh. I don't think this story is put here for trivia. It demonstrates that people learned to seek the Lord and ask for modifications of the laws He had given. First the daughters came to Moses the right way, then the leaders of the tribe asked for an amendment, and finally the daughters complied and did the right thing.

This story was to show that the people now knew to come to God, and His appointed representatives, to get answers instead of complaining or doing their own thing. It will be sort of funny in Joshua to see the people come after Joshua for making a decision without consulting the Lord. They got the message.

Deuteronomy 1

One more book to go and you have read the Pentatuch! The Penta-who? The Jewish name for the first five books. Again, as you've seen so far, these books are rich in helping us, as disciples, see the heart of God as the plan of redemption unfolds. There are lots of foundational truths, biography, stories and symbols. And all of what we find here helps us see the great heart of God, our savior.

Deuteronomy is one big final speech to the people. These are Moses' final words to the nation he shepherded out of Egypt and through the wilderness for 40 years. At the beginning they were 2,000,000+ rebellious, disorganized people. Now Israel is an obedient nation. They will never be this devoted to God again, until the tribulation and the return of Christ.

Vs. 1-5 seem to be written by Joshua or a priest.

Vs. 6-18 seem to be Moses' telling the people, many of whom were not there, what led to the organization of Israel as it is now.

Vs. 19-46 This is a retelling of the rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea.

Notice in v. 22 that Moses says that it was the idea of the people to spy out the land.

Notice also in v. 29 that giants are mentioned.

In v. 37 Moses blames their rebelliousness as part of the reason God wouldn't allow him to enter the land. This is parenthetical since the event occurred 38 years later, but it was spurred on by the same kind of bitterness and complaining of the people.

As disciples, we really should be about the future and working to reach lost people and make them disciples. Still, it is good to look at history, personally or as a church. When was our faith fresh? If it isn't fresh anymore, what happened? When was the church on target? Was it reaching people? Did it only grow through transfer growth? What have we lost? What do we need to do? I've seen two churches totally ignore their history and fight in denial to accept what happened to them. It's not in the Bible, but it is true, that those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. In Christ there is a very cool "reset" button, Him: His grace, His love, His forgiveness, His freedom, His mission. In any culture on earth, in any time period, these things with His Word and His Spirit will put our lives on the right track, following Him in the harvest.

Luke 5:29-6:11

Luke 5:29-38

These two events happened very near to each other. The Pharisees went after Jesus' disciples first, and Jesus told them that He didn't come to call the "righteous." The Pharisees didn't get it and they weren't satisfied either. Then the Pharisees went to the disciples of John the Baptist to create a division between the followers of John and Jesus. In Matthew, it is the disciples of John who ask the question, but here it is the Pharisees. The Pharisees must have gone to John's disciples and led them to Jesus, probably initiating the conversation. Jesus' words, in parables, would have been understandable to the disciples of John, but the Pharisees would have missed the point. Read the end of John 3 and you'll know why.

Jesus' second Passover, mentioned as the "feast" in John 5, happens here before Luke 6. If you read John 5, notice the words of the Pharisees, "Who is the man who told you, 'take up your pallet and walk?'"

Luke 6:1-11

The Pharisees have already decided they have to get rid of Jesus after His actions in Jerusalem. Now they are constantly following Him, looking for something. These two occasions gave them the necessary proof and anger to plan Jesus' death.

Psalm 66

It doesn't say who wrote this or when it was written, but you could imagine that this was written by the nation shortly after the victory at Jericho.

Notice that the effect of what the Lord did with Israel would bring faith and submission to the surrounding nations.

Proverbs 11:24-26

Sounds like the Lord is giving us a good argument for tithing and being generous.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.

March 22, Reading Notes

Numbers 33:40-35:34

I only have a few observations for today.

Apparently to avoid a fight, God moved Israel another 8 times to position them opposite of Jericho. Next stop, the Promised Land.

V.50 God gives them the first of many warnings to make sure they drive the people completely out of the land. This wasn't just God giving Israel someone else's land. God was punishing these people. His witness to the Canaanites was finished and they hadn't listened to Melchizedek and others. This people, these cultures, were sick and were to be cleansed out of the land. Israel is warned, and the sad thing is that we know they won't listen. Israel, along with many of its kings, including Solomon, will be idolaters. Idolatry won't be removed from Israel until after the Babylonian exile.

34:1 You can probably find a map online or in a study Bible that gives these boundaries.

V.11 The sea of Chinnereth is the sea of Galilee.

35:1 The Levitical Cities were not just places for the Levites to live. God could have put them all around the Tabernacle like He did in the wilderness. The Levites were spread out among the people and were supposed to have a good influence on the nation, copying the books of Moses and teaching the people the Bible.

V. 9 The cities of refuge were interesting. What hits me was the idea that even in an accidental death, there was an avenger who would seek out the killer. Even if it was proven that the death was a totally freak accident and the "killer" was innocent, he had to live in the city and couldn't go outside until the high priest died. If he did stray outside and the avenger was still mad, the avenger could kill him without penalty. Sounds like Texas. Apparently, even in accidental death it would be looked at as God taking a hand in the action, calling one person to stand in His presence, and assigning the other person to live in a city of refuge for the rest of his life. This was an object lesson. Life was sacred and guilt was upon anyone who took a life.

Imagine what this law should have meant for David and for his son Absalom, both murders and adulterers.

Luke 5:12-28

V. 12 We've seen this story before. After telling the people in Nazareth that the only person ever cured of leprosy was a Syrian, Jesus heals the first Israelite, who promptly disobeys Him.

V. 17 What is interesting here are the visitors. They are here to check Jesus out. Those words, "Arise, take up your pallet and walk," will become haunting when these same leaders hear them again in Jerusalem coming out of the mouth of a man who has just been healed. When they say, "Who is the man who told you….," they will be remembering this incident.

V.27 Levi was ready to follow knowing that Jesus was willing to stand against the religious authorities and accept him.

Psalm 65

Vs. 3-4 Forgiveness and dwelling in the courts and temple of the Lord.

V. 5 O God of our Salvation

V. 7 Who stills the roaring seas

V. 9 The river of God

These are great truths and images that carry through the Bible, and through the life of Jesus.

Proverbs 11:23

And so we keep on praying and working in the harvest.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.