August 1, 2014

AUGUST 1

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

2 Chronicles 30-31

When you think back on the attempt of Jehoshaphat to unify Israel and the disaster that was, you look at these two chapters and see that God showed Hezekiah the right way to call Israel together.

I really don't have a lot to say about these chapters other than what is obvious. A godly king or leader leads his people in following God and worshiping God, and he oversees the organizing to make this possible. Ezra showed that this passion for organization began with David and was true of every godly king who had the heart of David.

2 Chronicles 30

Vs. 1-9 I’m sure that they consulted the Lord on changing the date to celebrate the Passover. Isaiah was a prophet and I'm sure they sought the Lord to get these concessions. God had already mentioned in Numbers 9:11 that if someone was unclean, they could celebrate the Passover in the second month.

Vs. 6-9 This message was very straightforward and truthful. Political correctness and tolerant persuasion were not given any credence. The offer was very simple and the reasons to respond would only have been felt and understood by the humble. Notice that it refers to there only being a remnant of the people left. It was during the reign of Ahaz, Hezekiah’s father, when the northern kingdom had been taken into exile. The fact that God had allowed the Assyrians to take the northern kingdom into captivity should have had an impact on the Jews who had been left in the land.

Vs. 10-12 What is interesting about the couriers being laughed to scorn is that God's judgment had already hit the northern kingdom. Most of the people had been dragged away into captivity. These were the few people who were left. Talk about blindness and arrogance. But even at this late date, there were some who saw and understood and were humbled. God was still extending grace, but many people decided to ignore this offer. Still, some responded and came to Judah where the hand of the Lord was blessing. As disciples, we, like our heavenly Father, keep extending the offer.

Vs. 13-22 As the people came together to worship God, they noticed the monuments that had been standing for years, maybe generations, and understood that they were not just landmarks, they were idols or places of worship. Notice in v. 15 that the priests and Levites were ashamed. They never believed that so many people would show up. They hadn’t bothered to consecrate themselves, so they would be ineligible to make the sacrifices.

V. 17 Again, God showed His flexibility by not judging the people from the northern kingdom who came to eat the Passover. What is even more amazing is that Hezekiah and the leaders knew those people were in trouble and they prayed for them.

V. 20 Hezekiah, though not a priest, interceded for the people and God “healed” them, by forgiving them.

Vs. 23-27 There was such a spiritual atmosphere and blessing from God that they decided to celebrate for another seven days. This second week seems to have surpassed the first week. The spirit of sharing and devotion to God was so great the entire congregation rejoiced in God, and God blessed them from His holy habitation.

God had made the feasts a requirement. Obeying Him and celebrating the feasts would have kept the country unified and focused on Him. Anyway, that had been the original plan. Notice that nothing like this had happened since Solomon. What is in view is probably the dedication of the temple. It is very cool to see the people gathered together like this. At the same time it is kind of sad that this happened so seldom since God had made the provision for it to happen three times a year, not once every two hundred years.

2 Chronicles 31

This chapter shows the result of this great spiritual awakening. Hezekiah organized the worship of Israel. Ezra again is showing that political leaders do this because it is the mark of a truly spiritual leader.

V. 1 This is the response of the people as they made their way home. Cleansing had already been done, but I think the deeper the people went spiritually, the more they noticed the objects of pagan worship that had become invisible parts of their culture.

Vs. 2-10 Notice that Hezekiah made sure the tithes were brought in to feed the priests and the Levites. This was an important part of showing that the people understood the importance of the sacrifices, the worship and the presence of God among them. Later in Nehemiah, Nehemiah will set up all of this and convince the priests and Levites to come to Jerusalem. As soon as Nehemiah went back to Persia, the people stopped giving and the Levites left and went back to their farms. Tithing is not a matter of economics and return on investment (Why should I work and pay to have them sit on their hands?); it is a matter of spiritual perspective. God had commanded the people to support the priests and Levites so His work could be done, so His people would be cleansed and so that they would be unified in His love through the feasts. We have seen too that the Levites taught the people. Men and women of faith saw this and obeyed. Others didn’t see the importance at all.

Vs. 11-19 Now that the people were willingly giving tithes, these resources had to be organized and stored. All of these names would have had meaning to the returned exiles. In a couple hundred years Nehemiah would be looking at these Scriptures and trying to do the very same thing in Jerusalem.

Vs. 20-21 This is a summary of Hezekiah's faithfulness, and the result was that people were seeking the Lord.

Romans 15:1-22

Paul is continuing his teaching about what to do when you have people in the congregation who are weak in conscience because of their past life in paganism or in legalism. The answer will be to imitate the love of Christ and to focus on why we are left here; that is, to proclaim together the glory of God to a lost world.

Vs. 1-3 Notice that Jesus is the example. We were (are) all weak and Christ bore with us. He is our example. So, who do you suppose reproaches sinful worthless humanity?

Vs. 4-7 Verse 4 sounds very much like 1 Corinthians 10:11, Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the age has come.

Notice that the focus of all of this is to have the unity to proclaim together the glory of God. Jesus again becomes the one we imitate. He didn't save us to be alike, but to give glory to God together. Regardless of our differences, we should all be able to welcome one another into the company of the redeemed and work together in the harvest. Right?

Vs. 8-13 How Paul and the Spirit state this is very interesting. The promise to Abe and to this nation is always being respected. Christ came one way, as a servant to the Jews (Jesus the deacon), for two purposes. First, He confirmed the promises to the Jews. He didn't fulfill them. He showed by His coming that they would one day be fulfilled. Second, in fulfillment to the promise to Abraham and using the blessing to the Jews, Jesus started a fire under the Gentiles so that because of receiving God's mercy, the Gentiles would proclaim God's glory in all the earth. That's why we were left here, to proclaim God’s glory. It is another way of expressing the Great Commission.

Notice how Paul goes to the OT to show that God's plan of redemption always included the Gentiles and how reaching the Gentiles was always the mission of the Messiah.

Vs. 14-16 This is a very clear expression of Paul's commission by God. Notice that one of Paul’s criteria is that they not only knew the Word, but that they were able to teach one another. That would be important if disciple making was functioning in that church. When Jesus called the disciples as apostles, there were three things that stood out: they were to be with Him, they were to preach and they were to have authority. All of these are seen in Paul. Here Paul expresses his “authority” as his service to the Lord and to other disciples in the harvest.

Vs. 17-21 I think this is our commission also as disciples working in the harvest. This portion is worth memorizing. When I read this I think of Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 4:7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?

Paul understood the grace and commission given to him. It was all a gift and there was never room to boast in anything but Jesus. I’m sure Paul was amazed and humbled by what God had done through him. Paul and the Spirit said in 1 Corinthians 15 that Paul worked harder than any other apostle, but it was the grace of God. Only Jesus could have designed a guy like Paul, and it came at a price to Paul and to many other believers for Paul to be the grateful, driven man he was. Unknown to Paul, shortly after this writing, God was going to give him at least four years of R&R in jail, with some adventures in between.

V. 22, in my thinking, should have gone with tomorrow's reading.

Psalm 25:1-15

I get the feeling that David wrote this while he was still in distress, either before Ziklag or afterward in Hebron. It's interesting to me that when we are in distress, we also think back on our own sins. I guess we can't help thinking there might be a connection. Subconsciously we are always under the weight of our sin and our failures. Isn't it great to know that Christ has lifted that weight, and we are totally whole, loved and accepted in the Beloved?

The parts that speak to me are the desire to know the way of the Lord (4-5), the remembrance of, and pleading for, God's steadfast love (6-7), the confidence that when the Lord leads us we realize His steadfast love (10), and finally, David's desire for God's friendship (14).

Vs. 1-3 David knew he was being judged and ridiculed for waiting on the Lord. David also knew that God respected that kind of faith.

Vs. 4-5 In spite of all the criticism directed at David, David knew he was following the Lord. David wanted to know the Lord more and more. What a guy.

Vs. 6-10 This is something David learned from God. What a thing to learn. God gives love and that love is the basis for forgiveness.

Vs. 11-15 On the basis of all of this, David became a witness to the nations, glorifying the Lord for His love and greatness.

Proverbs 20:13-15

This seems like another random smattering of wisdom. I guess if I were putting them together to make sense of them, I would say that diligence (13) and craftiness (14) can get you what you need, because there is an abundance of gold and costly stones to be had (15); but lips of knowledge (of the Lord) are rarer, more valuable, and you only get them one way. The people in the ruined northern kingdom figured this out when they received Hezekiah's offer to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem. They humbled themselves and sought the Lord.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this linkhttp://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go tohttp://www.esvbible.org/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. Send comments or feedback todgkachikis@gmail.com.

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go tohttps://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.

July 31, 2014

JULY 31

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

2 Chronicles 29

Hezekiah is one of the two greatest kings after David, rivaled only by Josiah. There are many parallels between Hezekiah and Josiah. Both served after their fathers almost destroyed Judah. Both launched incredible revivals. Both held Passovers that were so genuine that they are commented on as going back to the early days of Israel. Both kings faced the destruction of Judah and the people of God. Of the two, Josiah faces the greatest darkness, but Hezekiah sees the greatest visible deliverance.

Vs. 1-2 Note that Hezekiah's devotion is compared to David's. It is also interesting that although he reigned 29 years, he still died young. Also, his mother seems to have been related to Zechariah the son of Jehoiada. The use of the word “son” or “daughter” often meant a descendant, not the literal son or daughter. I think what Ezra is showing here is why Hezekiah was so much different than his father.

Vs. 3-11 Hezekiah opened the house of the Lord immediately. What a great “pep talk” by this 25-year-old king. Along with the motivation was the command to the Levites to consecrate themselves for the work in the temple and for leading the people in worship. This entire chapter displays Hezekiah’s godliness and faith by showing how he refocused the nation on worshipping God.

V. 10 Notice that Hezekiah wanted to make a covenant with the Lord. Only he and Josiah did this. As we have seen, many people of both kingdoms had been captured and led out of Israel. Hezekiah understood he was living in a very dangerous and important time in Israel. By this time, the northern kingdom had already fallen to Assyria and most of the people had been lost to deportation and exile. Most of these people would have been lost to Israel forever, being absorbed into other peoples with no sense of their genealogy or heritage. Deportation usually meant the "extermination" of an ethnic group by mixing them with other peoples.

Vs. 12-19 At Hezekiah’s command, the priests first consecrated themselves, and then they consecrated the temple. This was all under the direction of the king.

Vs. 20-24 Once the temple was cleansed, Hezekiah led the priests, Levites and people of Jerusalem and made sin offerings for everyone and everything, cleansing the sin of the land and the people. This was all done according to the books of Moses. Notice too (looking back at v. 2 and looking ahead to the next three verses), that David was also mentioned as being the model to follow.

Vs. 25-31 This time of worship was to complete the consecration of the temple. It was like a celebration. Although the priests and Levites did what only the priests and Levites were allowed to do, these kings, like David and Hezekiah, personally worshiped and led the people in worshipping God.

Vs. 32-36 Now they were ready to worship. This is an interesting note that the Levites were more dedicated to the temple worship than the priests, who were also Levites, but in the family line of Aaron. When God saw that the hearts of the king and the Levites were set to worship Him, He allowed them to make exception and to allow the Levites to participate where there were too few consecrated priests. Isaiah the prophet was present during all of this and I’m sure he was consulted frequently.

V. 36 They perceived that this had come from the Lord. And there's more to come!

As disciples, the lesson is to help people come close to the Lord. Working in the harvest and making disciples can never become separated from loving our Lord and being in His Word daily. To work without loving Him and seeking Him in the Word creates a work that cannot last. It is a contradiction that Satan knows he can easily exploit.

Romans 14

So, why would this be a huge issue? In a mixed church it is very likely that the Jews were the "weaker" brothers. There was more for them to stumble over, coming from the man-made, restrictive codes of Judaism. As anyone can tell you, "culture" creates incredible disunity in a church and it can keep a church from being able to reach lost people. A church with unresolved internal “cultural” conflicts does not work well in the harvest. It doesn’t make healthy disciples, and it usually becomes a bad testimony in its area.

There appear to be two issues here. One is that the conservative people in the congregation were judging the less conservative people. Then the less conservative, more “open,” people were publicly engaging in their "eating and drinking" without care, not for the strong judgmental conservatives, but for the weak believers who would violate their own consciences if they were to indulge.

Now, without reading too much of my own experience with this into these notes, I have a few observations.

Vs. 1-4 While "despising" and "passing judgment" seem like the same thing, I don't think they are. Notice that immediately in this chapter they are being linked to the attitudes of two different groups. The despising comes from those who were open to everything. Passing judgment comes from the conservative side of things. In most churches the greatest problem comes from the conservative side judging that the others are wrong. Usually the "open" people really don't care that the conservative people don't, for example, drink wine. They might just “despise” them by making fun of their silly scruples and hang-ups. But the conservative people really do care that the others drink wine and see it as a violation of Scripture and judgment follows.

Vs. 5-9 Regarding matters of conscience, we need to be firmly convinced in our own hearts and live to please the Lord, not others. This is a command. There shouldn't be any judgment toward one another for what the other prefers.

Vs. 10-12 At this point Paul is saying that all of us must give a personal account of ourselves to Christ. This is what Paul mentioned about the gold-silver-precious stone-wood-hay-stubble.

Vs. 13-19 Based on our own personal accountability before the Lord, we are not to judge one another regarding our preferences, but what about the weak? The strong are to refrain from their freedom publicly if it would cause the weak to fall into a trial of conscience.

V. 13 With this challenge in focus, each person was to focus on strengthening others for the harvest rather than contending about matters of conscience. To really understand the issues here, read 1 Corinthians 8, which is a very clear description of a part of the problem faced by believers in that pagan world. The fact that there were also Jews coming into Christianity was a problem too. They had many cultural traditions that could be held on to, but were not necessary in following Christ. Some Jews could shed these traditions in a moment and dive into the ribs and bacon; but others, while understanding the freedom, were still bound in conscience. Look at 1 Corinthians 6 and 10, and notice how Paul affirms freedom but condemns unbridled freedom, especially where it was destroying other believers.

Vs. 14-16 While Paul and the Spirit are declaring all things being clean, they are also saying that living as servants of Christ means living to please God and facilitating growth and unity. This is a very important portion of Scripture, and I think we’ll see in chapter 15 that the point of this unity is to proclaim Christ. It is not to simply live peaceably in church. It is to facilitate proclaiming God with one voice.

V. 17 The focus for each disciple is not to express their personal liberty or their personal conservativism, but rather to live in a way before the Lord that reflects the “rightness” of following the Lord and experiencing the peace and joy that come from the Spirit.

V. 18 This kind of service is also expressed in 1 Corinthians 9:19, and it is done for the sake of the gospel.

V. 19 This sounds like 1 Corinthians 14:26. The goal of our interactions is to strengthen and encourage one another.

Vs. 20-23 God is commanding here that a person keeps his freedom to himself. I think that Paul and the Spirit are talking about a proud public display of freedom. Again, if you look at 1 Corinthians 8 and 10, you can see that the real violation occurred publicly, for if anyone sees you who have knowledge, eating in an idol's temple, and if one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. But if someone says to you… Inherent in the abuse of freedom is that the person doing this has lost connection with His Lord and His Lord’s mission on this earth.

Paul isn't done here. This "command" continues into chapter 15, where it ends at the unified testimony in the harvest. Keep in mind that living each day following God's redemptive purpose requires us to keep respecting the mercy we have been shown. This gives us love and humility as we follow Christ in the harvest and helps us overcome our "cultural" preferences. But today we still have churches fighting over "insider" cultural issues. The strongly conservative hold the church hostage to maintain strict and outdated cultural preferences citing these verses. Although they say the harvest is important, they deny what God desires - the lost being reached and disciples being made. On the other hand, you have people making everything so “contemporary,” that there is hardly any substance to their message. In both cases the lost find it hard to find Jesus and disciples are not made who can make disciples.

The following verses are for everyone. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. ²⁰To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. ²¹To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. ²²To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. ²³I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

Psalm 24

When you read this, you can see why David's devotion and love for God became the measure of all things. Many of the songs we sing today in worship use words and ideas from the psalms he wrote. Also, since these are Scripture and given by the Spirit, David was one of those people who the Spirit used to inspire the worship of Israel back then, and he still inspires the worship of the church today.

Vs. 1-2 David establishes that God is God and His power and preference is what we bow to.

V. 3 So then, according to the Lord, who does He allow to approach Him?

V. 4 This is the answer, but this only makes sense as God defines these things in His Word. This person lives for God according to God’s will, not his own desires.

Vs. 5-6 The blessing of the Lord is for all those who seek Him and call upon Him.

Vs. 7-10 These verses intensify and add to vs. 1 & 2. Why should the earth bow? Because He is the King of glory. What does that mean? It means He is our Savior and Protector.

Proverbs 20:12

I read this morning where Jesus said to His disciples, "Do you not yet perceive or understand?" We need to spend more time than we do straining ourselves to understand the Word, and to perceive what the Spirit is doing around us. And just like He gave us eyes and ears, He is willing to give to those who ask, show to those who seek and open to those who knock. This should be the pastime of disciples in the harvest.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this linkhttp://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go tohttp://www.esvbible.org/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. Send comments or feedback todgkachikis@gmail.com.

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go tohttps://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.

July 30, 2014

JULY 30

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

2 Chronicles 26-28

2 Chronicles 26

Uzziah is one of the good kings in the line of David. He is especially well known for his mention in Isaiah 6:1, In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Uzziah reigned for 52 years. His father, Amaziah, was very unstable and it is suggested that the people made Uzziah a co-regent with him and that father and son reigned together for many years. Notice in v. 1 that it doesn't mention the death of Amaziah, but rather that the people made Uzziah king "instead of" his father. It also doesn't explain how long Amaziah was away, hiding in Lachish.

Uzziah was the only king that an entire generation had ever known. Fifty-two years was a long time; and when he died, I'm sure for Isaiah, and for all of Israel, it was a very discouraging time.

V. 4 Note that Uzziah followed the Lord according to the way his father Amaziah had followed God for the brief time Amaziah followed God. It is interesting that Ezra doesn't compare Uzziah to David.

V. 5 Seeking God has been and will remain an important mark for someone following God. Notice that Uzziah began to seek God under the teaching of Zechariah, the man his grandfather King Joash had killed. Although it appears that the time references shouldn't work out, somehow Zechariah's influence was important in the life of Uzziah. Zechariah's godly example and murder continues into Jesus' teaching in Matthew 23:35 and Luke 11:51.

Vs. 6-15 This fits into what we should be getting used to. These are Uzziah's acts of faith and following God. In contrast to some of the other kings, Ezra isn't showing any great moment when Uzziah had to exercise faith. Probably the fact that he didn't worship other gods is remarkable enough. He is the first king since Jehoshaphat who didn’t worship idols.

V. 16 Here is that verse of warning, when he was strong. It would be interesting to go through all the kings and write down the variations: When he was strong, when he was established, etc.

Vs. 16-23 It appears that for Uzziah the area of pride was thinking he should have the privilege to stand before God without needing a priest. This wasn't just disrespect for the priests and Levites, it was disrespect for the God who had given all of these instructions. As dirty Harry so sagely put it, "A man's gotta know his own limitations." The same is true for us in the church and in the harvest.

What is interesting about this punishment is that as a leper, Uzziah couldn't enter the temple or the company of God's people. On the other hand, Uzziah could still worship God in spirit, even if he had to live outside of Jerusalem.

As disciples, it is easy sometimes to disrespect the church or God’s choice in gifting or even offices like pastor or elder or deacon; but God appointed these men and designated these offices. If they are important to the Lord for His harvest, then we need to work with them, not around them. If a local church isn’t a good fit for us, then we need to find a church that does allow us to join with them in unity, following Christ in the harvest and making disciples who make disciples. We can’t give up on church or what God has planned and ordained. Uzziah didn’t submit to God’s decision to be served by the Levites, and he paid a price for it.

2 Chronicles 27

There is not much to say here. Jotham seems to have been a good, godly king. It is possible that Jotham was actually leading the country years earlier, since he had to represent his father Uzziah who was a leper. Notice again, that Ezra does not compare Jotham to David.

V. 2 It is important to note that the people were running out of control. Uzziah had not been a godly example.

V. 6 is probably the key thought that Ezra wanted to impress on his readers. It may be that Jotham was a mediocre king; but by the fact that he ordered his ways before the Lord, he became one of the few kings against whom there is nothing negative to say.

2 Chronicles 28

This is actually a terrifying story. The Davidic line and all of Judah came within a few words of extinction. The writer of Kings didn't let us know that, but Ezra is making sure those who have come out of exile see this. Had it not been for the words of Oded in v. 9, and the favorable reaction of the men of Ephraim in v. 12, it would have been lights out. Judah was spared only by the grace of God, just like all of Israel was spared by God's grace during the Babylonian captivity.

Vs. 1-4 For whatever reason, Ahaz was deeply involved in idolatry. Remember that the idolatry back then was very sexually motivated. Sex is a great motivator. The fact that he sacrificed his infants to Molech suggests that Baal worship and sexually inspired worship were also in the picture. You had to do something with those unwanted babies that came through Baal and Asherah worship.

Vs. 5-7 Look at the carnage caused by Ahaz's sins. Notice that the defeat and massive amount of deaths were the result of not just Ahaz, but the nation following him in this sin. Ezra’s point to the returnees of Israel would be clear. Leaders cause people to follow and can lead to massive ruin.

Vs. 8-11 Ahaz was defeated by Syria and then by the totally backslidden northern kingdom. Thankfully there was this prophet named Oded. In this it is obvious that God let things go this far in order to humble Judah. Otherwise it would have meant the end of Judah as a nation.

Vs. 12-15 This mercy and obedience by Israel was ironic and it was a message to Judah. In spite of all the godly kings they had had, God didn’t spare Judah for allowing one ungodly man to ruin the nation.

Vs. 16-21 Ahaz had the gift of being unteachable, so the Lord kept using everything he tried against him.

Vs. 22-27 Ahaz actually became worse. It is interesting that the Lord didn't take him out; but again, this would all become a test to the people. During the Tribulation it says that the people on earth will understand that the natural disasters are from God; but rather than turning to God, they will only get madder at Him and intensify their persecution of His followers. It is the natural way that the sin within us reveals itself as it reacts to God.

Ezra's point is clear for those he was writing to, and for us. It only takes one generation to destroy everything that past generations have built. For us, that is why our focus on Christ, the harvest, and making disciples who make disciples is so important. A church has lost its focus when it ceases to see people come to Christ and see people raised up who actually win others and make disciples. Ahaz was obviously sinful and idolatrous. In Jesus' generation those who opposed God were religious. The appearances may change, but results are the same. Anything that keeps us from doing the one thing we were left here to do, the Great Commission, has to be put aside until we are following Christ in the harvest and seeing fruit.

Romans 13

Remember that the first 11 chapters have been focused on God's redemptive purpose on earth. This chapter is a command of God to His disciples in the harvest. You can almost see how removed a person is from Christ and from the harvest by the amount of energy they expend blaming political parties. It is very interesting to me that this is the Spirit of God writing. At the end of the chapter He calls all of us to attention, to put our energy into the harvest.

Vs. 1-7 This section should raise a lot of questions, but the tone of what the Lord is saying is pretty simple. I'm sure there were lots of things to find wrong in Rome and with Nero; but even in that context, Paul told them to live above all that and to see God's redemptive mercy and plan. Another good portion to read with this is 1 Tim 2:1-5.

V. 1 One thing I've heard that makes sense is that we are to obey the government, until obeying is a sin.

V. 6 Isn't this interesting that Paul and the Spirit get in the face of those who complain about paying taxes?

Vs. 8-10 Paul says that our true duty in this dark harvest is to love our neighbor. This is also an interesting way to tell these Christians to adjust their perspective to the spiritual realities of life. Not only was loving one’s neighbor a way to fulfill the law, but it was a very natural way to begin leading your neighbor to Christ.

Vs. 11-14 I think these are great verses and show God's perspective on where our eyes should be. This is also pretty good discipleship stuff.

Psalm 23

We read this psalm earlier in the year before we read about David and his life. Reading this psalm now, do you have a different appreciation for what David went through and how this psalm came to be?

Vs. 1-3 Notice all of the things the Lord does for us as our Shepherd. This was David’s experience in the wilderness, running from Saul. It was hard and there was no big deliverance; but daily, the Lord showed David faithfulness, small deliverances and kindnesses.

V. 4 David was under the penalty of death from Saul, but David sought the Lord daily and received His comfort and leading daily.

V. 5 In the middle of all of this, God blessed David and the community that followed him. Although these were hard times, I’ll bet God made them memorable and provided seasons of joy. God confirmed His anointing and choice of David during the blessings that came during these hard days.

V. 6 Notice the allusion to God’s mercy (ESV notes "steadfast love") and David’s passion to dwell in the presence of the Lord. It’s no wonder that David set his heart to bring the ark into Jerusalem and to build the temple. This verse makes me think of what Paul says in Romans 8:31-32, What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Proverbs 20:11

The past three verses had something to do with judging, discerning and measuring. How do you discern the heart of a child? By his acts. How do you understand what is a good or bad action? By the Word of God.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this linkhttp://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go tohttp://www.esvbible.org/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. Send comments or feedback todgkachikis@gmail.com.

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go tohttps://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.

July 29, 2014

JULY 29

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

2 Chronicles 24-25

2 Chronicles 24

Vs. 1-3 Jehoiada was Joash's uncle and really looked out for him. Joash only lived to be 47. That will make sense later. Verse 2 doesn't mean much now, but it will in a few verses.

Vs. 4-7 So far, so good. Joash looks like a model king. He got the Levites and priests working to repair the temple.

Vs. 8-14 This is all very cool.

V. 14 Twice in this section there is a curious phrase, all the days of Jehoiada. This points to another of those "weaknesses" that we are all prone to and have seen in the church. There are believers who look good as long as there are others around them. They are kind of like the seed sown on rocky ground. They pop up and look good, but when the godly influence leaves them alone, they have no "root in themselves," no genuine relationship with God. Church activities and even working in the harvest provided them with a purpose that was no deeper than the activity, and they never had "their own" relationship with Christ.

Vs. 15-16 This was a great honor. Not only did God grant Jehoiada a long life and influence, but he was buried among the kings. Jehoiada was used by God to save the Davidic line. Now there were surely other people roaming around who could trace their lineage back to David. You see this in the genealogies of Joseph and Mary in the NT, showing that Jesus' lineage went back to David two different ways. Still, Jehoiada showed great courage and faith in the promise of God to do what he did. Also, you realize that Jehoiada was no spring chicken. Humanly speaking, his goose should have already been cooked before this all began. He was at least in his 90s when the Lord moved him to save Judah and the line of David. As a result of God's use and purpose for him, he lived to be 130. That's older than Moses was when he died.

Vs. 17-19 Just the mention of the Asherim gives you an idea of how theses princes enticed Joash. This was very sexual worship. How could you resist? It was immediately more fun than worshipping Yahweh. The Levites and the Sons of Korah were not match to the wild women of Borneo who served at the worship of the Asherim. And being king, who could tell him to stop? Notice that there were many whom God sent to try to break through to Joash. The Lord gave him many opportunities.

Vs. 20-22 This is kind of cool that the Spirit clothed Zechariah. The reason why this rebuke went deeper is that it looks like it was public. Growing up, Zechariah would have been like a big brother to Joash.

Jesus refers to this murder twice, the last time being the Wednesday before He died. The fact that they waited until Zechariah came out of the holy place and was walking toward the altar adds a deeper irony to the ambush of these murderers. In the holy place Zechariah was standing before the Lord, interceding for the people. Verse 22 is Ezra's commentary on King Joash, the "fake" believer. This murder would be a foreshadowing of the murder of Jesus.

Vs. 23-24 Notice that this judgment didn't come the next day. God waited. The more you read the Bible, the more you see that "waiting" is almost an attribute of God. His waiting causes His people to grow in faith, and it causes the rebellious to think everything's cool so they keep on sinning. The result is that God's people get stronger and write psalms of praise, and the other guys get a rude awakening. Here, Jerusalem was taken, the army was defeated and all these princes were killed by a small force. It was a very obvious judgment on Jerusalem.

Vs. 25-27 Notice that Joash wasn't buried in the tombs of the kings. It is interesting, and probably just trivia, that the two assassins were both descendants of Lot, children from a forbidden relationship and an awful heritage.

2 Chronicles 25

This is a very strange story and you only hear half of it in Kings. This is now the great-great grandson of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat's sin had now seeped into the 4th generation. Read this and try to figure out what could possibly have been going on in Amaziah's mind. It blows me away, but actually we saw this with some of the kings of the north who lived with Elijah and Elisha. God helped them, but they didn't grow in faith or follow God.

Vs. 1-4 As you read this, except for Ezra's note in v. 2, this guy looks pretty kosher and shows some genuine faith and obedience.

Vs. 5-13 This entire story will make you scratch your head. He obeyed God in not facing Edom with a large army of mercenaries. God gave him the victory, but he showed incredible cruelty to his prisoners. And then…

Vs. 14-16 What was going on? How did Amaziah view spirituality? Was it that he had this victory and thought that he had done this himself? Were the idols made out of diamond and incredibly valuable?

V. 16 is a pretty awesome verse. Notice that the prophet stopped arguing with Amaziah.

Vs. 17-24 This is the story we have already seen in Kings. Now we understand why Amaziah lost the battle and why he was so arrogant. In fact, his arrogance shows us what must have been going on in his heart when he won the battle with the Edomites. He really thought he had won the battle on his own. God made sure Amaziah was publicly humiliated by having the city wall torn down and the treasures taken.

V. 20 This is Ezra's commentary to the new generation returning to the land.

Vs. 25-28 It is amazing that God punished Amaziah, but didn't take him out. Actually, his ungodliness became a test of the godliness of the people; and they took care of him. Maybe this is also Ezra's encouragement to the people and leaders of Israel not to tolerate an ungodly ruler.

V. 28 He was still honored in burial as a descendant of David, the line of promise.

Romans 12

Vs. 1-2 One of the challenges in v. 1 is to be able to think through all the past 11 chapters and understand the impact of I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God... How would you summarize what Paul and the Spirit have said in such a way as to give you such a spiritual shot of adrenaline that you would live a supernatural life on earth, submitted to Christ and submitted to God's purpose of redemption in the world?

The spiritual "awe" of what Paul has been writing is going to be used to convince these people to take command of their lives on earth, so that they can work together as a mixed church, proclaiming the testimony of God's glory in a lost world.

V. 3 Do you detect that Paul is addressing a problem here? Verses 1-2, then, are to have the impact of getting them to see their own personal issues as insignificant in comparison to God's redemptive mercy, plan and calling.

Vs. 3-8 How do you think having a mixed "Jew-Gentile" congregation aggravated the problem with gifts? God assigns gifts according to His will, not our background or ethnicity. What do you see in these verses that gave them a spiritual understanding to help them get along together? It all began with God.

Vs. 9-13 How would you title these verses? If Paul kept referring back to vs. 1 and 2, it would sound something like, on the basis of the past 11 chapters, (insert vs. 1 and 2), and so now let us….. God is expecting our maturity to rise to the level of being able to do this in spite of what goes on around us.

Vs. 14-21 These disciples were to have lived like Jesus commanded in the Sermon on the Mount. The impact of chapters 1-11and the summary of 12:1-2 were supposed to put these people in the spiritual frame of mind to serve with strength, humility and sacrifice.

What Paul is writing here is very similar to what Jesus told His disciples in the Sermon on the Mount. If disciples are focused on Christ and the work in the harvest, their perspective on themselves and on life is supposed to lift them above themselves and give them a spiritual vision of how to live in this harvest.

Psalm 22:19-31

This part of the psalm still seems to be "messianic" in describing the aftermath of Christ's death and resurrection. The words here seem like something reflected from Isaiah 53:10-12.

Vs. 19-21 The deliverance has been from the irrational violence of men. Notice the "wild life." I grew up around these kinds of people.

Vs. 22-24 This seems like David is giving testimony to Israel of deliverance and praising God.

Vs. 25-26 This is David's praise to God and confidence in God’s blessing on those who follow Him.

Vs. 27-31 This is the proclamation to the earth that there is deliverance in God. This is what we, as disciples, get to pass on in the harvest.

Proverbs 20:8-10

These all seem a little random. As I read this first one, I think of what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:15, The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.

V. 8 This was God's ideal for a king or a person who ruled others. David and Solomon were men like this, and were renowned for their judgments, until their unconfessed sin and its damage ruined them.

V. 9 We all have sinned, but that doesn't mean we can't judge. Verse 9 is true in that we cannot say we have made our hearts pure, but we can say that God in His Word, through His Spirit, is working on our hearts.

V. 10 The judgments, or the stuff that goes into discerning one thing from another, come from true weights and measures. The one who sets these weights and measures morally, and who sees the hearts of men, is God. It is on the basis of God's truth that we can determine right from wrong and make just judgments, even though we ourselves are needy. God's Word gives us the true "weights and balances."

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this linkhttp://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go tohttp://www.esvbible.org/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. Send comments or feedback todgkachikis@gmail.com.

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go tohttps://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.

July 28, 2014

JULY 28

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

2 Chronicles 21-23

These are very dark chapters. They are dark not just because bad stuff happens, but because all of this was launched by a godly king, Jehoshaphat. As you read all of this, think of it as the result of his desire to unify Israel by uniting with those who didn't love God. Ezra is also including this history as a lesson to the returned exiles. No matter what they build in devotion to the Lord, they can plant the seeds of destruction by becoming "unequally yoked" with the ungodly.

2 Chronicles 21

Vs 1-7 Jehoshaphat had actually made it so that his other sons would be blessed and honored with their own cities and wealth. They would not have been a problem or threat to Jehoram. It should have been a big happy family. But alas, Jehoram's wife was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel through a marriage alliance.

V. 4 When Jehoram was established, he killed all of his brothers. This would have included their families and anyone who might have had a claim to the throne. This was unprecedented in Israel and it was fueled by his wife, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, who Jehoshaphat made sure Jehoram married.

Vs. 8-10 Under Jehoshaphat the Edomites were allies. Now they were enemies.

Vs. 11-15 There is a problem here with this letter being from Elijah. We don't know when Elijah was taken into heaven, but it appears that it was before Elisha was in active ministry. In 2 Kings 3:13, Elisha spoke with Jehoshaphat. It may be that a copyist made the mistake of writing Elijah instead of Elisha. When we see the original writings, I'm sure this will make sense. Another possibility is that Elijah was led by the Spirit to write the letter before he was taken.

This sickness sounds like how God took Herod out in Acts 12:23. Whatever it was, it looks like a nasty, painful way to die; but he deserved it. It is interesting that God didn't do this to the other ungodly kings who reigned in Israel, Ahab for example. Sometimes God judges quickly and sometimes not-so-quickly. But He judges.

Vs. 16-17 And in the middle of this wonderful illness, the country was weak and was being terrorized by the neighboring countries.

Vs. 18-20 What a statement against this man. Everyone was happy to see him go. In light of the fact that he killed his brothers and had a godly grandfather and a godly father, he was really a bad guy. It is interesting that God allowed Jehoram to reign so long, but made sure he died in agony.

As a result of all of this, and probably something that Ezra mentioned when he taught this, the Davidic line was now threatened, not only with ungodliness, but with extinction. All of Jehoshaphat's other sons and their families were killed; and all of Jehoram's kids, but one, were killed.

2 Chronicles 22

V. 1 The people must have hoped to find a godly king, but Athaliah, Jezebel's daughter, was still spewing poison into the land. This now is the second generation diseased by Jehoshaphat's poor decision.

Vs. 2-9 What’s interesting is that Ahaziah was killed as a part of the judgment against Ahab. God said that all who were related to Ahab would die. Ahaziah was a grandson of Ahab. Unwittingly, Jehoshaphat had brought his family under God's curse on Ahab. Jehu, though not a real follower of God, knew of Jehoshaphat's godliness and therefore respected the burial of Ahaziah.

Vs. 10-12 This would have meant the extinction of the line of David, except for the actions of the godly priest Jehoiada. Jehoshaphat's misled actions now have brought the house of David down to (almost) the last man. Jehoshaphat's sin will now extend to three generations.

2 Chronicles 23

Vs. 1-7 You might wonder why all of this is given in such detail. Ezra was a priest and leader of the people, and maybe Jehoiada was his hero. More likely, the importance is that the line of David was almost extinct and it took great personal courage by many, especially the priests and Levites, to protect the line of David and the work of God. Notice that Jehoiada gathered the Levites so that there would be support for following God and for fighting to maintain the line of David. Both Ezra and Nehemiah fought hard to have the Levites live around Jerusalem to help teach the people and hold up a godly example for the nation. When you read Nehemiah, you'll see that this wasn't easy.

Vs. 8-11 Once the Levites were in place and the people of the city recognized that an heir of David had been placed on the throne, the tide turned in the city.

Vs. 12-15 Athaliah apparently thought she had support in the city.

Vs. 16-21 In the coronation of the king, notice the mentions of the Levitical priest and King David. This was the expression of putting Israel back in order. The promise to Abraham was manifested in the people learning the Word of God and being devoted to Him. David was the extension of the promise to Abraham; in that, from David would come the "Son of David."

The lessons here for those returning from exile would be obvious. It is worth giving your life in order to serve God and His people, leading them in the way of God's promised blessing. That is a good lesson for us too, to be making disciples in the harvest who will make disciples.

Romans 11:13-36

As you read this section, it is helpful to think of Gentiles and Jews as racial entities being addressed. Rather than speaking to individuals, Paul is speaking to groupings of people. Paul says here, and will say again in chapter 15, that he was an apostle to that group of people called Gentiles. So he is talking about a group, not individuals.

V. 13 This is one of those verses that tells you that the Roman church was a mixed church.

Vs. 13-16 The key here is in v. 15, when Paul talks about "their" acceptance. This refers to "the nation of Israel" during the time when that particular group is on earth and turns their hearts to Christ. It is not as if the church doesn't "need" the redemption of Israel. The working of God through the church is just one aspect of His plan. This has nothing to do with the equality of believers, Jew or Greek. Israel will still play a role. It is the redemption of Israel that will bring the plan of God for mankind to completion.

Vs. 17-24 Now, as with most illustrations, they make a point or two, but are not meant to be carried on to infinity. What is the cultivated olive tree? It appears to be Israel or maybe even the promise to Abraham. The line of the promise from Adam and Eve, through Abraham, through David was one continuous lineage. The wild olive tree is definitely the Gentiles. According to this illustration, we Gentiles have been grafted into this promise. Remember that when Jesus was talking to the Samaritan woman in John 4, He told her in a way that was very matter-of-fact, that salvation is from the Jews. Later in Romans 15 Paul will say that the Gentiles have become partakers of Israel's spiritual blessings. They are partakers, not owners.

V. 22 is a little problematic if you see this as individuals and not as groups. God has power to graft the believing Jewish nation into the promise. And if the Gentiles reject God's salvation, they will be excluded. On this note, it is interesting to think that in the Tribulation, the Jews will comprise the largest missionary force that has ever worked at one time on earth. (In the Olivet Discourse Jesus said the gospel would be preached to all nations.) If you count up all the members of all the mission organizations (not churches) today, you won't come up with a total of 144,000 missionaries. If I understand the dynamics of the time of "Jacob's Trouble," the nation of Israel will turn to Christ, and the Gentile world will be, for the most part, chasing a delusion.

Vs. 25-32 This is the conclusion of chapters 9-11. I find it hard to understand how people don't see a distinction between the church and Israel, holding that the promises to Israel will not be literally fulfilled.

So, which verses seem to put the plan of God together for you? How would you explain this to someone else?

Vs. 33-36 Benedictions are full of theology, and usually, every word is intentional. Notice that it isn't God's power and elective determination that are praised here, but rather His wisdom and knowledge and how unsearchable His judgments are. This was God's argument to Job. Paul's conclusion is that God does all of this righteously; and though it is so intricate that we could never understand it, we know and trust that His way is righteous and good, because we know Him through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalm 22:1-18

I was reading this morning how difficult it was for the disciples to understand that Jesus should suffer, be treated with contempt, die and on the third day be raised. For them, He had become the Holy One of God, the Christ, the Son of the Living God, the Son of Man. To hear then that, so also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands, was utterly impossible.

This is a prophetic psalm talking about the suffering of the Messiah. David's experience mirrored what was to be felt by Jesus. Read this psalm from that perspective.

Vs. 1-2 If this psalm is what David experienced at the beginning of his decade of running from Saul, it makes perfect sense. David had been anointed by Samuel to be king of Israel. David was a hero. Everything David did had been blessed by God. Suddenly David lost everything.

Vs. 3-5 Here David is remembering the history of redemption and men like Abraham and Moses. He was now standing with them.

Vs. 6-8 David's reputation was ruined in a night. This was also the experience of Jesus on the cross.

Vs. 9-11 David held on to God's calling of him. This faith in the promise also made Abraham strong. Jesus, too, knew that He was the chosen, beloved and anointed Son of God.

Vs. 12-13 This seems to describe the power of the foes that faced David.

Vs. 14-15 This was the emotional effect on David, and I'm sure this mirrors some of what the Lord experienced in the garden.

Vs. 16-18 We clearly know what happened to the Lord. Here, David experienced something similar. When David ran from Saul he had to leave his house and possessions behind. Verse 18 might be how his former friends divided his possessions and decided who got the cappuccino maker.

Proverbs 20:7

If you put this with the verse before, it basically says that talk, even Christian talk, is cheap. Integrity by definition means that everything this person does is in keeping with his or her expressed love for God. Reality is seen in action, and in our case that means in the harvest.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this linkhttp://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go tohttp://www.esvbible.org/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. Send comments or feedback todgkachikis@gmail.com.

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go tohttps://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.

July 27, 2014

JULY 27

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

2 Chronicles 19-20

2 Chronicles 19

Vs. 1-3 It isn't unusual to see God rebuke a king for doing wrong. What makes this interesting is that Jehoshaphat is rebuked and responds with humility. Now we'll see two further acts of faith and obedience that are not mentioned in Kings. It is good trying to understand God’s rebuke of Jehoshaphat. God is not against compassion and reaching out, but the gospel and seeking God should always stand between us and others. Locking arms with those who hate the Lord is not the way to win them to Christ.

Note also the name of this prophet. We saw his dad get thrown into jail on July 25th. Joe responded better than his father Asa had.

Vs. 4-11 This sort of godly organization is "typical" of the Davidic kings who loved the Lord. After the kind of rebuke he received from the Lord, you might think Jehoshaphat would try to "look" repentant. But these acts are very intelligent and sincere, aimed at keeping the heart of Israel focused on the Lord. This would be important for Ezra to show the leaders of Israel, that when rebuked, a godly leader humbles himself and keeps working to lead the people to the Lord.

Vs. 4-7 This was the civil law.

Vs. 8-11 This is what God had always wanted. In disputed cases, the people were to come to the priests and seek God through the Urim and Thummim. It is amazing that Jehoshaphat organized like this.

2 Chronicles 20

This is a very long account of Jehoshaphat's spiritual leadership. Ezra is showing that the heart of a leader of Israel should rely on the promises of God.

Vs. 1-4 What is interesting here is that Jehoshaphat sought the Lord and the Lord only. When he needed help, he didn't run to the northern kingdom or Ahab's house. Ezra is showing that a leader should also lead the people in seeking the Lord. How could a guy this good go so wrong?

Vs. 5-12 This is very godly leadership by Jehoshaphat, and what a great prayer. He focuses the people on the promise that God made to Abraham and then the promise to make the temple the place of His dwelling. Jehoshaphat knew of Solomon's prayer of dedication and God's eternal promise to hear this kind of prayer. What a model to the people and what a man of faith.

Vs. 13-17 So, the life of the nation is on the line. Jehoshaphat has prayed his heart out. Suddenly this guy stands up and says this. Now, Ezra mentions his pedigree, but still, it is just this guy, not a voice or a cloud out of heaven. The response to this prophecy shows great faith.

Vs. 18-19 Jehoshaphat knew that it was the Lord and led the people in obedience and worship. This is faith. Notice that Joe had the singers, the sons of Korah, ready to give praise to God.

Vs. 20-21 So then, under Jehoshaphat's leadership they get ready for battle and go out to the field, and they have a "praise" service. And look what they sing, the "Best of David." Give thanks to the Lord, for His steadfast love endures forever is the expression of David's faith that he commanded to be sung in all the worship of Israel. I doubt that they teach this “strategy” at West Point or in any military training facility today.

Vs. 22-23 And "Boom!" the Lord settled the matter for them.

Vs. 24-30 You've got to admit that this is an amazing thing and Jehoshaphat led them in it.

V. 25 Notice that like the battle that Asa fought, they were given the spoils by God. The lesson here for Jehoshaphat is that God can make rich without foul allegiances and chasing gold. He can save without having to waste time amassing a large army. Focusing their energy and endeavor on the spiritual would have saved many of these kings.

V. 26 Notice, too, that Jehoshaphat finished this event with praise to God.

V. 30 Normally this should be a note of blessing; but now that the Lord has given Jehoshaphat peace and he doesn't have a mission, what will he do?

Vs. 35-37 Actually, we know from Kings, that Jehoshaphat also joined together with Ahaziah in a battle and again came under demonic influence. That time the rebuke came from Elisha.

The lesson I see here is that as disciples, we need to make our following simple by doing what our Lord desires in the harvest. We don’t need armies or wealth. God can supply what we need. We don’t need big churches or a “voice.” God gives those too. God never asked Jehoshaphat to build a bridge of unity to the northern kingdom. It might have been a "noble" desire on Jehoshaphat's part, but it appears that he had some other motives too. Being a peacemaker sounds like a "god" thing, but not if it's not God's will, and not if it keeps us from honoring Him in the harvest.

What is interesting in both Asa and Jehoshaphat is that when they were simply honoring God, God brought them respect, and people from the northern kingdom were convicted and came to Jerusalem. Jehoshaphat didn't need to join with Ahab or anyone from the northern kingdom. When Jehoshaphat was honoring God, God put the fear and respect of Judah in the hearts of the surrounding nations. Jehoshaphat never had to build a good-looking army. When Jehoshaphat was building into the lives of his people and honoring God, he never had to do a joint venture thing to get gold and wealth. God just dumped it in his lap.

As disciples, our focus only needs to be on one thing, loving our Lord and following Him in the harvest. That vision and mission are more than enough. Seeing the lost saved and making disciples who make disciples is blessing enough on this earth. Paul's life was a living sacrifice to Christ and he put it like this in 1 Corinthians 9:23, I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

Romans 10:14-11:12

Romans 10:14-21

Vs. 14-17 The question that jumps out to me in reading this section is, "What question or objection was Paul answering?" One other major difference between Judaism and Christianity was that Christians had a mandate and commission to be out and to be preaching and telling. It seems here that Paul is showing that sharing the gospel is not only logical and necessary, but is mentioned in the OT. It was part of the plan of redemption. We are left here on purpose, to proclaim the gospel so that people can believe.

V. 17 is another of those famous verses.

Vs. 18-21 I suppose the unspoken objection would be that Israel never really had a chance to hear and understand the message of faith from the OT.

V. 18 Paul's knowledge of the Word was vast when you think of all the Scripture he quotes and alludes to. This quote is from Psalm 19:4. Wouldn't it be great to have such a close walk with God and such a vast understanding of the Word?

V. 19 This quote will become important in the next chapter. The church is that foolish nation.

V. 20 Again, from Romans 3, no one seeks for God unless God takes the initiative in giving nudges. What happens after “the nudge” is up to us. In the case of Israel, God had given them His truth and promises, and they still didn't seek Him.

V. 21 This is what we know from reading the OT. On the one hand, we'll hear that God gave them a spirit of stupor; but on the other hand, reading the OT, we realize that each person and every king made their own decisions. It isn't the case that God "blinded" them, but rather (as in Rom. 1:18ff) God gave them up to their own desire to sin. There came a point when He would no longer throw pearls before swine. As we'll see, God will work in mercy to get them ready to receive truth.

Romans 11:1-12

This is a good chapter to read fully. If you don't, you could get caught thinking that the "remnant" is the only part of Israel that will be saved. If you read to 11:25 you'll see that there is a future redemption for the entire nation of Israel.

Vs. 1-6 This is an interesting argument by Paul. The remnant in Elijah's time was a small group of people in the northern kingdom God kept from worshiping Baal. After the time of Elijah and after this remnant was gone, there were many prophets who wrote of the nation returning to the Lord. The remnant was preserved by grace during a very dark time for a specific purpose, but it was in no way taking the place of the nation or inheriting the promises of God to the nation of Israel. The present remnant of which Paul was a part, and of which Jewish believers today are a part, in no way takes the place of this future generation of the nation of Israel who will fulfill God's promises to it. This remnant is comprised of Jewish believers, who with God's help, have escaped the national blindness and have embraced their Messiah. And it is all grace and faith, without works.

Vs. 7-12 This is an unfortunate breaking point. I'd suggest reading the rest of the chapter.

What we find here is the description of God's punishment on Israel and His purpose of redemption for the Gentiles and Jews in that punishment. The hardening of heart, as with Pharaoh, was in response to their own hardening of heart. If a person rejects God long enough, God will intensify the blindness to fulfill His own purposes. That blinding will be lifted in the future when God prepares the hearts of the nation to receive His truth. In God’s amazing wisdom and foreknowledge, He had already planned to use Israel’s sin and rejection of Him to reach Gentiles. That is where we are now, but you can sense from how this is written, Paul is anticipating that the time for the Jews will come. They are being made jealous by the grace being given to those outside of Israel.

Psalm 21

This psalm has an evangelistic tone to it as David proclaimed the secret of his success. And if God will do that for David, we can trust Him too. What do we trust in as we follow Christ in the harvest? What can we be sure to receive from Him? Houses? Cars? Comforts? Verse 7 says it, the steadfast love of the Most High.

V. 1 This is David's praise and "boasting" in the Lord.

Vs. 2-7 This is the list of things the Lord had done for David. In giving David the desire of his heart, I wonder if David was referring to the ark of the covenant coming to Jerusalem so that David could dwell in the presence of the Lord.

V. 7 David's real confidence was in the Lord and His steadfast love.

Vs. 8-12 In a way, it wasn't just that God was protecting David and removing his enemies. God was furthering His plan of redemption and punishing those who stood against that plan.

V. 13 There is no other person in the Bible who was more committed to giving praise and testimony to God.

Proverbs 20:4-6

If v. 4 is read with the previous three verses, you have a picture of different behaviors.

In v. 5, the man of understanding observes all of this, knows that motives run deep, and he has the patience and wisdom of the farmer to draw out and understand these people.

Words don't show loyal love, but faithfulness does. Think of God’s love for David. Verse 6 might belong to the proverb for tomorrow which mentions integrity and it being passed on to children.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this linkhttp://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go tohttp://www.esvbible.org/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. Send comments or feedback todgkachikis@gmail.com.

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go tohttps://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.

July 26, 2014

JULY 26

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

2 Chronicles 17-18

Unlike the writer of 1 & 2 Kings, Ezra is only interested in the kings of the Davidic line. Today we get far more information on Jehoshaphat than we did in 1 Kings. Again, he was an amazing man of faith, yet one who destroyed everything good that he had done. Actually, we will be reading about the fallout of one amazingly blind decision for the next few days. As you read these two chapters, learn from the good things he did, and then try to understand what it was that motivated him to make such grave mistakes.

2 Chronicles 17

Vs. 1-6 Notice that the kings are "graded" in terms of David, that is, of following Yahweh only. Jehoshaphat sought the Lord and he was courageous in following the Lord. I’m certain that one of the reasons many of the commands of the Lord were not followed is that it was hard, even for a king, to make the people obey and then to put up with all the resistance. Joe must have had a good way with people. He would have been reigning with his father Asa during the final years of Asa’s bitterness, and therefore the people would have been looking more and more to Joe. The fact that everyone brought him gifts and wealth shows they thought he was a great administrator. One other note is that because Asa sent so much of his wealth north to bribe the Syrians, it might have been felt that Jehoshaphat needed it. It was the Lord who made Joe rich, not his own efforts. Keep this in mind.

Vs. 7-9 This was a very wise thing that Jehoshaphat did. You don't read about any other king doing this.

Vs. 10-17 Notice that the result of Jehoshaphat's godliness was that God brought this fear and respect. Notice again that God was making Joe secure and bringing him wealth. You wonder then why Jehoshaphat spent so much time building up the "might" of Israel. Ironically, it wasn't Israel's might that put them in this position. God honored Jehoshaphat for honoring Him. I wonder why this was so important to Joe. This pride and his military might well lead to the next event. Almost all of the godly kings did something silly when they became strong.

2 Chronicles 18

Vs. 1-3 Now that Jehoshaphat was strong and honored, he did something that was totally wrong. Without seeking the Lord, he made a marriage alliance with Ahab. I think he knew God would have said no. I think God is trying to tell us something. My only conclusion is that Joe thought he should work to unite the northern and southern kingdoms. This might have been motivated out of a good heart, seeing how God had blessed him, but we know for sure that he never asked God about this. Look ahead at 2 Chronicles 19:1-3. How sad and ironic. Notice that in 2 Chronicles 15:9 it was God’s blessing that brought people to King Asa and began to unite the country.

Ironically, Ahab probably wanted Joe’s help because of Joe’s nice shiny army.

Vs. 4-11 This is a sad portion. It appears that Jehoshaphat was being wise and godly, but Joe had already committed himself to helping Ahab. These words are condescendingly foolish at best. If Joe had asked God if he should even be there, God would have said, "No." Unknown to Joe, he was under the satanic influence that was bearing down on Ahab. We see this influence in the form of this false prophet Zedekiah. We find out in the next section what made Zedekiah so believable and persuasive.

Vs. 12-27 This story is rich with lessons. These kings had hardened their hearts to the Lord’s will and so God was giving them up to the lies they wanted to hear. I think this principle is still one God uses today for those who seriously don’t want to listen to Him.

V. 15 How funny. Apparently Micaiah had parroted or imitated the false prophets and Ahab saw the ridicule. Ahab actually tried to make it look like he was the spiritual man always having to deal with this foolish prophet.

V. 16 Just the change of tone should have given people goose bumps. This is an incredible portion of the Word.

Vs. 20-22 When we set our hearts to join those who are rebelling against God, we put ourselves under the same satanic influence that is working on them. In this case, Jehoshaphat was also falling under the judgment of God on Ahab. Even before they sought the advice of God, they had already made up their minds. You and I can do this too. You have to wonder what was going through Joe's mind when he heard this from Micaiah. He must have known he was wrong, but hardened his heart and still didn't back down.

Vs. 23-27 It is hard to imagine a godly man like Joe allowing this to happen. I’ll bet he knew in his heart of hearts that this was a true prophet of God. And he just sat there and watched the abuse of Micaiah.

Vs. 28-34 What a bummer. Micaiah was right even though they tried to “trick” God.

V. 31 We see this formula all the time. We cry out and He hears us. Notice that Ahab didn’t cry out. He is the perfect heroic unbeliever, dying in stubbornness for nothing.

We still have two chapters about Jehoshaphat, but he has shown here the mind and heart attitudes that will bring about tremendous ruin in his family and in Israel. I’m sure Ezra was hoping the returnees would take to heart how serious it was to mix in with the ungodly. As disciples we have this tremendous faith in us to follow Christ; yet, as Paul says in Romans, we have this deep sin within us that pushes us to ignore God at crucial points in our lives. We all have personal issues within us that are a challenge to our obedience and faith. When some idea or project tempts us to go forward and not seek God or hear Him, we need to stop. These details from the lives of such great men of faith are recorded here for no other reason than to warn us to be careful, as we walk before our Lord in His work in the harvest.

Romans 9:22-10:13

The editors who put in the chapter and verse breaks generally did a great job. Because of the tight logic of Romans, the editors did an exact job here. The chapters in Romans comprise complete thoughts, so, in the way we're reading it in The One Year Bible, it is a bit disjointed. I would recommend paging back or ahead and read the complete chapters.

Romans 9:22-33

Vs. 22-24 Read this as the conclusion of Paul's thinking from yesterday.

Paul is slanting the argument toward those who object to God's "use" of the disobedient. If God knows before a person is born that they will rebel against Him, why even let them live? Yet, God allows these people to live and enjoy life and raise heck and do all sorts of stuff that, if you think about it, is hard for God to watch. This is that perfect love of the Father who sends His rain on the just and unjust. Yet, in His divine wisdom and power, He also uses them for His glory and for the purpose of redemption. When it is all said and done, the lost will be lost because of their choices and their free will to reject God. God gives the rebellious chances, shows them love and grace, allows them to live and enjoy life; but in His wisdom He uses them for His purpose.

What we don't see yet is that Paul will say that God is using the disobedience of Israel so that the Gentiles can be saved. This is just "step one" of Paul's argument. In chapter 11 he brings it all together and gets the future nation of Israel saved too!

Vs. 25-29 Saul of Tarsus (Paul) was an intense student of Scripture. At his conversion, his world was shaken. Not only had he been wrong, but he had opposed God, cheered for those who killed the Messiah and had persecuted, beaten, and had part in the murder of many believers in Christ. After his conversion, Paul disappeared for about three years during his Damascus adventure. And after he visited Jerusalem, Paul disappeared again for years until Barnabas found him up in Turkey. During those years of silence, Paul must have reexamined the Word, trying to understand how he and the Jews missed it, and why salvation was now going to the Gentiles. This passage is evidence (actually all of Romans is evidence) of how thoroughly Paul searched the Scriptures.

Summing up these passages, Paul is showing that the Gentiles are now the focus of God’s plan of redemption and that a remnant of Israel has been saved. The fact that Jews could be saved at all signifies that they are a remnant saved by grace; but the time is coming when the nation will turn to God.

Vs. 30-33 This is Paul's conclusion to this part of his argument. You say, "What argument? What's his point?" What is written here is Paul's point. As Isaiah and Jesus predicted, the Jews stumbled over God’s plan and particularly over Jesus. The next chapter will support this point. Then chapter 11 will go further and show that in God's plan of redemption, the complete fulfillment of the promise of Abraham and the establishment of the believing nation of Israel is still future. The fulfillment of the promise to Abe is intertwined with the redemption of the Gentiles. Through Abe’s offspring (Jesus) all nations (Gentiles) would be blessed. (Galatians 3:8)

Notice in this that the cornerstone was a person and that those who were to believe in that person would not be put to shame. The promises to Adam and Eve, Abe, and David all had to do with a Son, a Person who would win the redemption of man. This reminds me too of Isaiah’s description of the Christ, a root out of dry ground. Not pretty or physically appealing, but He was the Messiah all the same and He is mighty to save.

Romans 10:1-13

This is a famous portion of the NT because of vs. 9-13. This entire chapter will show that Israel can only be saved through faith.

Vs. 1-4 The basis of righteousness was always going to be that promised child. The Jews in Jesus’ day became lost in following the law and becoming righteous in their own estimation. That’s interesting when you think of the Old Testament, since the major problem in most of Israel’s history was idolatry and living as if Yahweh was just one of many gods. The Judaism of Jesus’ day was a zeal for God, but without truly knowing or loving God.

Vs. 5-8 This is very interesting. It would mean that Moses’ words in Deuteronomy were really describing following God in faith in the promise to Abraham. This is one of those portions that show how Paul worked through the OT, looking for salvation by faith. This is from Moses' final words to Israel in Deuteronomy 30:11-14. Look at these OT verses and imagine that the Spirit was really telling the people that rather than religious routine, from the very beginning the law could only be followed through faith.

Vs. 9-11 These are very famous and important verses. Notice, it all has to do with a confession, and the heart and a person. It isn’t just faith. It is becoming absorbed in a person. In the OT, it was faith in the promise to Adam and Eve regarding her child. It was faith in the seed or offspring of Abraham. It was faith in the eternal heir of David. And all of this “faith” wasn’t “faith” until it became confession and following.

Vs. 12-13 Think of all the crying out we have read from David. Think of all the mentions of kings who sought God. This is all the Lord has ever wanted and it is the only way that a person can be saved. Notice this isn’t belief in a god or a supreme being. It is calling upon the God of Abraham. It is calling upon the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The message in the harvest is very simple. God does the rest.

Psalm 20

You wonder if David wrote this in his early years as the king of Israel. There were still battles to be fought, but he was in Zion (v. 2) and David had the assurance that God had helped him (v. 6).

David might have written this before a battle with the Philistines or one of the armies hired from the north. But because of the years he had depended on the Lord during hard and uncertain times, you know that he was assured now that trusting in the name of the Lord, not armies (think of Jehoshaphat above), was his strength and salvation.

Vs. 1-5 David understood that victory had to do with personal integrity and devotion to the Lord. Notice the blessing that David invokes on those who follow the Lord.

Vs. 6-8 After all of David’s years of running and waiting, he knew he could trust the Lord,

V. 9 Now David was calling for help for the immediate challenge before him.

Proverbs 20:2-3

We don't really worry about "kings," unless we mean bosses, police or teachers. Maybe, it would be good to think of the Lord here. There is a very healthy fear of the Lord that keeps us safe, just like being afraid to put your hand on the stove or to speed past a cop. Sin needs to be kept in check, and fear sometimes does the trick.

V. 3 Along with this, I think of what Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:23-26, Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. ²⁴And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, ²⁵correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, ²⁶and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

It is good to fear and respect the Lord, and to just obey. It might feel like fun to be right and win an argument, but Paul tells Timothy what is really at stake. And above all, as disciples, we are the Lord's servants. We are not here in this harvest to serve ourselves.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this linkhttp://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go tohttp://www.esvbible.org/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. Send comments or feedback todgkachikis@gmail.com.

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go tohttps://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.