Good evening, everyone!
Today I read Luke 17-18.
In today's reading, Jesus reminds us that even if someone sins against us many times, we should still forgive them, so that we too can be forgiven.
We talked about this while reading one of the other gospels, so I'm going to share that as a reminder for all of us, and cut the post short today. I've been super busy today.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Luke 19-20.
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 301: Humble Ourselves
Good evening, everyone!
Today I read Luke 14-16.
Today I just want to share a few verses.
Luke 14:7-11 - And He began speaking a parable to the invited guests when He noticed how they had been picking out the places of honor at the table, saying to them, "When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for someone more distinguished than you may have been invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, 'Give your place to this man,' and then in disgrace you proceed to occupy the last place. But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher'; then you will have honor in the sight of all who are at the table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
We should all strive to be humble.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Luke 17-18.
Today I read Luke 14-16.
Today I just want to share a few verses.
Luke 14:7-11 - And He began speaking a parable to the invited guests when He noticed how they had been picking out the places of honor at the table, saying to them, "When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for someone more distinguished than you may have been invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, 'Give your place to this man,' and then in disgrace you proceed to occupy the last place. But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher'; then you will have honor in the sight of all who are at the table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
We should all strive to be humble.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Luke 17-18.
Monday, October 29, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 300: Jesus' Teachings
Good evening, everyone!
Today I read Luke 12-13.
In today's reading, Jesus reminds us that God knows about every sparrow that falls and that He also knows the very number of the hairs on our heads, that He values us, and loves us.
Also, Jesus warns us not to store up earthly treasures, but to keep our focus on spiritual treasures instead, because what we treasure is what is most important to us.
I think that's all for today. I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Luke 14-16.
Today I read Luke 12-13.
In today's reading, Jesus reminds us that God knows about every sparrow that falls and that He also knows the very number of the hairs on our heads, that He values us, and loves us.
Also, Jesus warns us not to store up earthly treasures, but to keep our focus on spiritual treasures instead, because what we treasure is what is most important to us.
I think that's all for today. I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Luke 14-16.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 299: Priorities
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Luke 10-11.
There is a lot I could talk about today, but I'm going to focus on one part, and do a special post next year for the parable of the good Samaritan.
Luke 10:38-42 - Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord's feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things, but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
Ah. Mary and Martha.
Have you heard these verses before?
It's a good lesson.
Sometimes we get busy. It's a natural part of life. We always have so many things to do, so many obligations.
But are we giving priority to the right ones?
Are we choosing to stay home from church more Sundays than we should to give priority to something that's not as important in the eternal plan?
Do we choose not to go to that extra service so that we can go out to a party instead?
Well, maybe that's not you.
Maybe instead, you're like me.
Maybe you get so bogged down with what you have to do everyday that you, like me, don't always spend enough time with God, reading His word, praising Him, and just talking with Him and listening to Him.
I've had a big problem with that lately.
I have a giant list of things to do, and the truth is, that when I get down to do it, it's actually not as big as I thought it was, so really I should have plenty of time for God. But my priorities are sometimes skewed. And I don't.
This week, let's all challenge ourselves to spend more time on what's important, instead of those distractions.
(Now, I'm not saying to let your house go to ruin, so you still have to vacuum the floors.)
But let's all try to set aside more time for God this week. Maybe you're a morning person like me, and that's early, before anyone else is awake. Or maybe not, and the time will be right before bed.
Let's try for 10-15 minutes, okay? Put on some worship music and just sit in God's presence. Read His word.
I think we'll all find that our days will be much better when our priorities are in order.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Luke 12-13.
Today I read Luke 10-11.
There is a lot I could talk about today, but I'm going to focus on one part, and do a special post next year for the parable of the good Samaritan.
Luke 10:38-42 - Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord's feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things, but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
Ah. Mary and Martha.
Have you heard these verses before?
It's a good lesson.
Sometimes we get busy. It's a natural part of life. We always have so many things to do, so many obligations.
But are we giving priority to the right ones?
Are we choosing to stay home from church more Sundays than we should to give priority to something that's not as important in the eternal plan?
Do we choose not to go to that extra service so that we can go out to a party instead?
Well, maybe that's not you.
Maybe instead, you're like me.
Maybe you get so bogged down with what you have to do everyday that you, like me, don't always spend enough time with God, reading His word, praising Him, and just talking with Him and listening to Him.
I've had a big problem with that lately.
I have a giant list of things to do, and the truth is, that when I get down to do it, it's actually not as big as I thought it was, so really I should have plenty of time for God. But my priorities are sometimes skewed. And I don't.
This week, let's all challenge ourselves to spend more time on what's important, instead of those distractions.
(Now, I'm not saying to let your house go to ruin, so you still have to vacuum the floors.)
But let's all try to set aside more time for God this week. Maybe you're a morning person like me, and that's early, before anyone else is awake. Or maybe not, and the time will be right before bed.
Let's try for 10-15 minutes, okay? Put on some worship music and just sit in God's presence. Read His word.
I think we'll all find that our days will be much better when our priorities are in order.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Luke 12-13.
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 298: Don't Hide Your Light
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Luke 8-9.
Today's focus is:
Luke 8:16 - "Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light."
What came to me today when I read this verse was this:
Don't hide your light.
When you accept Jesus as your Savior, you get His light, and when He begins to change you from the inside out, and cleanse you, that light grows stronger and shines in you.
Don't hide that. Let others see what Jesus has done in your life. It doesn't have to be overt. You don't have to beat anyone over the head with it.
Just let your light shine, so that others can see.
Jesus' light will be reflected in your attitude, your choices, and your actions.
That's not to say that everything will be perfect all of the time, or that the change will be easy. It's a process.
But once that light begins to shine, don't cover it up. Let others see it. Not everyone will like it, and some people may be confused by the changes in you, but shine anyway.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Luke 10-11.
Today I read Luke 8-9.
Today's focus is:
Luke 8:16 - "Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light."
What came to me today when I read this verse was this:
Don't hide your light.
When you accept Jesus as your Savior, you get His light, and when He begins to change you from the inside out, and cleanse you, that light grows stronger and shines in you.
Don't hide that. Let others see what Jesus has done in your life. It doesn't have to be overt. You don't have to beat anyone over the head with it.
Just let your light shine, so that others can see.
Jesus' light will be reflected in your attitude, your choices, and your actions.
That's not to say that everything will be perfect all of the time, or that the change will be easy. It's a process.
But once that light begins to shine, don't cover it up. Let others see it. Not everyone will like it, and some people may be confused by the changes in you, but shine anyway.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Luke 10-11.
Friday, October 26, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 297: A Difficult Command
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Luke 6-7, and I want to focus on just one part of it.
Luke 6:27-29 - "But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either.
Wow. That doesn't sound easy. But all things are possible with God.
In addition, even if this is hard at first, it gets easier with practice. One day, I realized that letting people make me angry wasn't really bothering them at all. So, I decided to try not to react with anger.
It doesn't always work. But it's a lot better than it used to be. Now, if someone is grumpy and picking at me, I can usually regard it with humor (or even pity, depending on the situation), and not let it bother me.
I'm still working on this, though, and sometimes it's still a struggle. But I'm learning.
Have you challenged yourself with something similar? Let me know in the comments below.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Luke 8-9.
Today I read Luke 6-7, and I want to focus on just one part of it.
Luke 6:27-29 - "But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either.
Wow. That doesn't sound easy. But all things are possible with God.
In addition, even if this is hard at first, it gets easier with practice. One day, I realized that letting people make me angry wasn't really bothering them at all. So, I decided to try not to react with anger.
It doesn't always work. But it's a lot better than it used to be. Now, if someone is grumpy and picking at me, I can usually regard it with humor (or even pity, depending on the situation), and not let it bother me.
I'm still working on this, though, and sometimes it's still a struggle. But I'm learning.
Have you challenged yourself with something similar? Let me know in the comments below.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Luke 8-9.
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 296: The Beginning of Jesus' Ministry
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Luke 4-5.
In today's reading, after His baptism, Jesus went out into the wilderness with the Holy Spirit for 40 days, fasting.
There, He was tempted by the devil, who tried to get Him to disobey God.
Jesus triumphed, however, and left the wilderness to begin His ministry.
He went around to the synagogues, teaching and preaching, and many people listened to Him.
He also began to heal the sick and cast out demons, who, knowing He was the Son of God, wondered if He had come to destroy them. Even the demons know who He is, and what His purpose is.
And people were talking about Him, and beginning to follow Him.
Around this time, He began to call His first disciples: Simon Peter, the brothers James and John, and Levi, also called Matthew, the tax collector.
After that, Jesus was teaching, and the Pharisees began to grumble that He was eating with tax collectors and sinners, but Jesus said:
Luke 5:31-32 - "It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance."
Thus showing how the Pharisees missed the point.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Luke 6-7.
Today I read Luke 4-5.
In today's reading, after His baptism, Jesus went out into the wilderness with the Holy Spirit for 40 days, fasting.
There, He was tempted by the devil, who tried to get Him to disobey God.
Jesus triumphed, however, and left the wilderness to begin His ministry.
He went around to the synagogues, teaching and preaching, and many people listened to Him.
He also began to heal the sick and cast out demons, who, knowing He was the Son of God, wondered if He had come to destroy them. Even the demons know who He is, and what His purpose is.
And people were talking about Him, and beginning to follow Him.
Around this time, He began to call His first disciples: Simon Peter, the brothers James and John, and Levi, also called Matthew, the tax collector.
After that, Jesus was teaching, and the Pharisees began to grumble that He was eating with tax collectors and sinners, but Jesus said:
Luke 5:31-32 - "It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance."
Thus showing how the Pharisees missed the point.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Luke 6-7.
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 295: Jesus in the Temple
Good afternoon, everyone!
Today I read Luke 2-3.
Today's reading details the birth of Jesus, as well as the preaching of John the Baptist and Jesus' baptism.
Mary and Joseph are in the stable where Jesus was born. The angel appears to the shepherds.
Luke 2:10-12 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Then the host of heaven appeared and began praising God.
Luke 2:14 - "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."
And when Joseph and Mary took Jesus to be blessed as was custom, they were amazed at the things Simeon the priest said about Him, even though an angel had told them already.
Later, when Jesus was twelve, He was left behind accidentally in Jerusalem. Mary and Joseph found Him in the temple, listening to the teachings and asking questions.
They scolded Him for making them worry, but He declared that He was where He should be: in His Father's house.
But they were amazed and did not understand.
Even though they knew that Jesus was God's Son, as parents, it was difficult for them to understand the way Jesus behaved sometimes.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Luke 4-5.
Today I read Luke 2-3.
Today's reading details the birth of Jesus, as well as the preaching of John the Baptist and Jesus' baptism.
Mary and Joseph are in the stable where Jesus was born. The angel appears to the shepherds.
Luke 2:10-12 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Then the host of heaven appeared and began praising God.
Luke 2:14 - "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."
And when Joseph and Mary took Jesus to be blessed as was custom, they were amazed at the things Simeon the priest said about Him, even though an angel had told them already.
Later, when Jesus was twelve, He was left behind accidentally in Jerusalem. Mary and Joseph found Him in the temple, listening to the teachings and asking questions.
They scolded Him for making them worry, but He declared that He was where He should be: in His Father's house.
But they were amazed and did not understand.
Even though they knew that Jesus was God's Son, as parents, it was difficult for them to understand the way Jesus behaved sometimes.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Luke 4-5.
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 294: John the Baptist and God's Will
Good evening, everyone!
Today I read Luke 1.
In today's reading, we learn about Zacharias, the priest, and his wife, Elizabeth. An angel visits Zacharias and tells him that he will have a son, and name him John, and that John will be the one who goes as a forerunner before Jesus. Zacharias does not believe him, and questions the angel, Gabriel. Thus, Zacharias' mouth is closed and he cannot speak.
During the time of Elizabeth's pregnancy, Gabriel also visits Mary, who is engaged to Joseph, a descendant of King David, to tell her that she will conceive and bear a son, whose name will be Jesus. She wonders how this can be, since she is a virgin, but Gabriel explains that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and she will conceive the Son of God.
And then Mary says something rather profound.
Luke 1:38 - And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
She declares herself to be a servant of God, and says that He may do with her as He will.
Now that's true submission. How may of us could do the same?
I know. Sometimes we don't like that word. But we are all supposed to submit ourselves unto God. Women and men.
And Mary is a wonderful example of this. She says "I'm Yours, Lord. Do with me as You will."
Then Mary visited Elizabeth, and when Mary touched Elizabeth's belly, John leapt within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and began praising God.
Mary stayed for three months. Soon after she left, it was time for John to be born.
When he was born, Elizabeth made it clear that she wanted him named John, but her neighbors and relatives argued with her since the family had no relatives named John, and wanted to call him Zacharias, after his father. They finally asked Zacharias his opinion, and he wrote on a tablet that the boy's name was John. As soon as he did, he could speak again, and everyone was in awe, knowing that the Lord was with John.
Then Zacharias prophesied about his son, declaring him to be God's prophet.
And so John grew strong and began to live in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to preach and to baptize.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Luke 2-3.
Today I read Luke 1.
In today's reading, we learn about Zacharias, the priest, and his wife, Elizabeth. An angel visits Zacharias and tells him that he will have a son, and name him John, and that John will be the one who goes as a forerunner before Jesus. Zacharias does not believe him, and questions the angel, Gabriel. Thus, Zacharias' mouth is closed and he cannot speak.
During the time of Elizabeth's pregnancy, Gabriel also visits Mary, who is engaged to Joseph, a descendant of King David, to tell her that she will conceive and bear a son, whose name will be Jesus. She wonders how this can be, since she is a virgin, but Gabriel explains that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and she will conceive the Son of God.
And then Mary says something rather profound.
Luke 1:38 - And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
She declares herself to be a servant of God, and says that He may do with her as He will.
Now that's true submission. How may of us could do the same?
I know. Sometimes we don't like that word. But we are all supposed to submit ourselves unto God. Women and men.
And Mary is a wonderful example of this. She says "I'm Yours, Lord. Do with me as You will."
Then Mary visited Elizabeth, and when Mary touched Elizabeth's belly, John leapt within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and began praising God.
Mary stayed for three months. Soon after she left, it was time for John to be born.
When he was born, Elizabeth made it clear that she wanted him named John, but her neighbors and relatives argued with her since the family had no relatives named John, and wanted to call him Zacharias, after his father. They finally asked Zacharias his opinion, and he wrote on a tablet that the boy's name was John. As soon as he did, he could speak again, and everyone was in awe, knowing that the Lord was with John.
Then Zacharias prophesied about his son, declaring him to be God's prophet.
And so John grew strong and began to live in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to preach and to baptize.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Luke 2-3.
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 293: Jesus' Anointing
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Mark 14.
In today's reading, Jesus and the disciples go to the Garden of Gethsemene, where Jesus prays to ask God to take His burden from Him, but ends with "Not My will, but Yours."
Then, Judas betrays Jesus.
The priests question Him, twisting His words, and quickly accusing Him of blasphemy.
Then, Peter denies Jesus 3 times before the rooster crowed, just as He said Peter would.
But before that, a woman came with a costly alabaster bottle filled with a costly perfume. She broke the bottle and poured the oil over Jesus' head.
Those with Him began to grumble, saying that she could have sold the oil and used the money for the poor, but Jesus rebuked them, reminding them that the poor would always be with them, but that He would not, again foretelling His death.
And so, the woman anointed Him for burial before He was taken.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Mark 15-16.
Today I read Mark 14.
In today's reading, Jesus and the disciples go to the Garden of Gethsemene, where Jesus prays to ask God to take His burden from Him, but ends with "Not My will, but Yours."
Then, Judas betrays Jesus.
The priests question Him, twisting His words, and quickly accusing Him of blasphemy.
Then, Peter denies Jesus 3 times before the rooster crowed, just as He said Peter would.
But before that, a woman came with a costly alabaster bottle filled with a costly perfume. She broke the bottle and poured the oil over Jesus' head.
Those with Him began to grumble, saying that she could have sold the oil and used the money for the poor, but Jesus rebuked them, reminding them that the poor would always be with them, but that He would not, again foretelling His death.
And so, the woman anointed Him for burial before He was taken.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Mark 15-16.
Saturday, October 20, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 292: Render to God
Good evening, everyone!
Today I read Mark 12-13.
There was a lot going on in today's reading as well, but I want to focus on one part of it.
Mark 12:13-17 - Then they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Him in order to trap Him in a statement. They came and said to Him, "Teacher, we know that You are truthful and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? Shall we pay or shall we not pay?" But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, "Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at." They brought one. And He said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" And they said to Him, "Caesar's." And Jesus said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they were amazed at Him.
They kept trying to trip Jesus up, but He never stumbled.
Give back to God what belongs to God. Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar.
Very wise words.
Do you have any thoughts or questions about this statement? If so, leave a comment below!
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Mark 14.
Today I read Mark 12-13.
There was a lot going on in today's reading as well, but I want to focus on one part of it.
Mark 12:13-17 - Then they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Him in order to trap Him in a statement. They came and said to Him, "Teacher, we know that You are truthful and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? Shall we pay or shall we not pay?" But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, "Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at." They brought one. And He said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" And they said to Him, "Caesar's." And Jesus said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they were amazed at Him.
They kept trying to trip Jesus up, but He never stumbled.
Give back to God what belongs to God. Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar.
Very wise words.
Do you have any thoughts or questions about this statement? If so, leave a comment below!
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Mark 14.
Friday, October 19, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 291: Bartimaeus, the Blind Beggar
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Mark 10-11.
A lot happened in today's reading, from healing to Pharisee questions, to Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
But today I want to talk about one of these healings.
Bartimaeus. The blind beggar.
He cried out to Jesus, and though the crowd tried to silence him, he cried out louder, and Jesus called him forward.
When Jesus asked what he wanted, Bartimaeus replied that he wanted his sight back.
Jesus told him to go his way, because his faith had healed him.
And immediately Bartimaeus could see.
Now, the reason I wanted to talk about this is because I'm pretty sure this is the only time that a blind man is named in the Bible. Very likely that's only because Mark knew his name while the others did not, and has no other significance.
However, Bartimaeus does something else that I don't think I've read yet.
When Jesus healed people, normally, they would rush back to their homes and tell everyone along the way what Jesus had done, often despite instructions not to tell anyone.
But Bartimaeus didn't do that. He began to follow Jesus.
I wasn't really sure where I was going with this. I just found it interesting.
But I suppose we can parallel it with our own lives.
We once were in sin, begging for mercy. We once were blind, but now we see. And when Jesus restored our sight, we no longer had to beg, because He cleansed our sins, and we immediately began to follow Him.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Mark 12-13.
Today I read Mark 10-11.
A lot happened in today's reading, from healing to Pharisee questions, to Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
But today I want to talk about one of these healings.
Bartimaeus. The blind beggar.
He cried out to Jesus, and though the crowd tried to silence him, he cried out louder, and Jesus called him forward.
When Jesus asked what he wanted, Bartimaeus replied that he wanted his sight back.
Jesus told him to go his way, because his faith had healed him.
And immediately Bartimaeus could see.
Now, the reason I wanted to talk about this is because I'm pretty sure this is the only time that a blind man is named in the Bible. Very likely that's only because Mark knew his name while the others did not, and has no other significance.
However, Bartimaeus does something else that I don't think I've read yet.
When Jesus healed people, normally, they would rush back to their homes and tell everyone along the way what Jesus had done, often despite instructions not to tell anyone.
But Bartimaeus didn't do that. He began to follow Jesus.
I wasn't really sure where I was going with this. I just found it interesting.
But I suppose we can parallel it with our own lives.
We once were in sin, begging for mercy. We once were blind, but now we see. And when Jesus restored our sight, we no longer had to beg, because He cleansed our sins, and we immediately began to follow Him.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Mark 12-13.
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 290: Leaven
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Mark 8-9.
In today's reading, Jesus feeds the four thousand. Yes, I said four thousand.
Before, Jesus fed the five thousand with the five loaves and two fish.
This time, Jesus feeds four thousand with seven loaves and a few fish.
So, this was not an isolated incident. I wonder if Jesus did this many times. I wonder if this was common when large crowds came to hear Him teach.
Later, after the Pharisees had argued with Him again, Jesus and the disciples were in the boat, and the disciples were wondering whether or not they had enough bread to eat.
And Jesus warns them about the leaven of the Pharisees.
But the disciples mistake Him, and think He is talking about actual bread.
Really, though He was talking about the corruption of the Pharisees.
And this can apply to everyone.
But, wait. What is leaven?
Leaven is the yeast. It's what makes the bread rise. During Passover, remember that the Israelites did not eat leavened bread.
Here, Jesus is making the example that once bread is leavened, you can't remove the yeast. It will always be leavened.
So, He is warning the disciples about the Pharisees' corruption. To not let the Pharisees corrupt them.
And this can apply to all of us. To not let other people corrupt us.
Well, that's all I have for today. I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Mark 10-11.
Today I read Mark 8-9.
In today's reading, Jesus feeds the four thousand. Yes, I said four thousand.
Before, Jesus fed the five thousand with the five loaves and two fish.
This time, Jesus feeds four thousand with seven loaves and a few fish.
So, this was not an isolated incident. I wonder if Jesus did this many times. I wonder if this was common when large crowds came to hear Him teach.
Later, after the Pharisees had argued with Him again, Jesus and the disciples were in the boat, and the disciples were wondering whether or not they had enough bread to eat.
And Jesus warns them about the leaven of the Pharisees.
But the disciples mistake Him, and think He is talking about actual bread.
Really, though He was talking about the corruption of the Pharisees.
And this can apply to everyone.
But, wait. What is leaven?
Leaven is the yeast. It's what makes the bread rise. During Passover, remember that the Israelites did not eat leavened bread.
Here, Jesus is making the example that once bread is leavened, you can't remove the yeast. It will always be leavened.
So, He is warning the disciples about the Pharisees' corruption. To not let the Pharisees corrupt them.
And this can apply to all of us. To not let other people corrupt us.
Well, that's all I have for today. I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Mark 10-11.
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 289: Persistent Faith
Good morning, everyone!
I forgot to publish my post yesterday, so you get two posts today. Yay!
So, today I read Mark 6-7.
In today's reading, we learn of King Herod, and the beheading of John the Baptist, though it's in less detail than Matthew's report. Also, Jesus went around teaching, preaching, and healing the sick.
He was not well-received in His hometown. Everyone was confused, having seen Him grow up, and did not believe.
Doesn't that happen to us sometimes? Our families or high school friends remember how we were, and can't believe or accept who we are?
Yeah.
But what I really want to talk about is the Gentile woman who approached Jesus for deliverance for her daughter, who was possessed by a demon.
She approaches Jesus, and begs Him to heal her daughter.
His reply is not what you might expect.
Mark 7:27 - And He was saying to her, "Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs."
Does that sound harsh? Maybe a bit, but let's break it down.
The children are the Jews, the Israelites, God's people from the beginning, since the days of Abraham.
They have to be taught and reached and healed first.
Jesus says that it isn't a good thing to take what belongs to them and give it to outsiders.
"But He called her a dog!" I can hear what you're thinking. You. Yes, you. In the corner. I can hear you. Just calm down. Bear with me.
Yes, He called her a dog. But you have to remember the time period. Gentiles did not serve God. Gentiles were outsiders of the Jewish faith and culture. She technically has no right to ask Jesus for anything, since she doesn't even believe in God.
But let's get to her response.
Mark 7:28 - But she answered Him, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table feed on the children's crumbs."
Wow. Now that's a faith response. She didn't get mad that He called her a dog. She didn't get discouraged by His first reply. She responded in faith, and begged for grace. She asked for a crumb, just the tiniest portion of the meal He was serving to His people.
Mark 7:29 - And He said to her, "Because of this answer, go; the demon has gone out of your daughter."
Jesus didn't have to go to the woman's house, or say anything else.
The woman asked for Jesus' favor.
Jesus tested the woman's faith.
The woman persisted and begged for grace.
Jesus answered the woman's request.
This is a pattern we should all recognize. Sometimes we (and I 100% include myself in this) take the test of our faith as a final "No," and we stop persisting.
We get discouraged, or we get angry when all we would have to do is persist in our request. All we would have to do is beg for grace. Plead for mercy.
I pray that each of you will persist in your pleas, and no matter how long you've been praying, know that God hears you, and His response may not be a "No." It may just be a not yet. But keep persisting.
After all, because of Jesus' sacrifice, we can all be called sons and daughters of God.
Let's exercise our faith this week, and see what happens.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Mark 8-9.
I forgot to publish my post yesterday, so you get two posts today. Yay!
So, today I read Mark 6-7.
In today's reading, we learn of King Herod, and the beheading of John the Baptist, though it's in less detail than Matthew's report. Also, Jesus went around teaching, preaching, and healing the sick.
He was not well-received in His hometown. Everyone was confused, having seen Him grow up, and did not believe.
Doesn't that happen to us sometimes? Our families or high school friends remember how we were, and can't believe or accept who we are?
Yeah.
But what I really want to talk about is the Gentile woman who approached Jesus for deliverance for her daughter, who was possessed by a demon.
She approaches Jesus, and begs Him to heal her daughter.
His reply is not what you might expect.
Mark 7:27 - And He was saying to her, "Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs."
Does that sound harsh? Maybe a bit, but let's break it down.
The children are the Jews, the Israelites, God's people from the beginning, since the days of Abraham.
They have to be taught and reached and healed first.
Jesus says that it isn't a good thing to take what belongs to them and give it to outsiders.
"But He called her a dog!" I can hear what you're thinking. You. Yes, you. In the corner. I can hear you. Just calm down. Bear with me.
Yes, He called her a dog. But you have to remember the time period. Gentiles did not serve God. Gentiles were outsiders of the Jewish faith and culture. She technically has no right to ask Jesus for anything, since she doesn't even believe in God.
But let's get to her response.
Mark 7:28 - But she answered Him, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table feed on the children's crumbs."
Wow. Now that's a faith response. She didn't get mad that He called her a dog. She didn't get discouraged by His first reply. She responded in faith, and begged for grace. She asked for a crumb, just the tiniest portion of the meal He was serving to His people.
Mark 7:29 - And He said to her, "Because of this answer, go; the demon has gone out of your daughter."
Jesus didn't have to go to the woman's house, or say anything else.
The woman asked for Jesus' favor.
Jesus tested the woman's faith.
The woman persisted and begged for grace.
Jesus answered the woman's request.
This is a pattern we should all recognize. Sometimes we (and I 100% include myself in this) take the test of our faith as a final "No," and we stop persisting.
We get discouraged, or we get angry when all we would have to do is persist in our request. All we would have to do is beg for grace. Plead for mercy.
I pray that each of you will persist in your pleas, and no matter how long you've been praying, know that God hears you, and His response may not be a "No." It may just be a not yet. But keep persisting.
After all, because of Jesus' sacrifice, we can all be called sons and daughters of God.
Let's exercise our faith this week, and see what happens.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Mark 8-9.
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 288: The Mustard Seed
I can't believe I forgot to post this yesterday!
Sorry!
Hello everyone!
Today I read Mark 4-5.
In today's reading, Mark wrote about Jesus' parables - the parable of the seed, the parable of the sower, and others.
But he also wrote about the parable of the mustard seed, and I think this is the first time we get to read this one.
Mark 4:30-32 - And He said, "how shall we picture the kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the soil, though it is smaller than all the seeds that are upon the soil, yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR can NEST UNDER ITS SHADE."
Now, whenever I hear the word mustard seed, I think of having faith as small as a mustard seed, because that's what we hear growing up in church.
And I think we'll get to that one, but let me touch on it a bit now while I'm on the subject.
The mustard seed is like the kingdom of God. It's also like our faith.
It begins small. The tiniest seed. But when planted, and watered, and fed, it grows into the largest tree that can shelter birds.
Such is the kingdom of God. The seed that is planted starts small, but when tended, it grows very large and takes care of people. And so God's kingdom grows.
Such is our faith. It starts small, but when we tend it, when we feed our faith (rather than our fears), it grows very large and can survive through all the situations we go through.
So, that's what I think it really means to have faith like a mustard seed. We can't just say "Oh. I have a tiny faith." We aren't supposed to have a tiny faith. We have to feed our faith rather than our fears.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Mark 6-7.
Sorry!
Hello everyone!
Today I read Mark 4-5.
In today's reading, Mark wrote about Jesus' parables - the parable of the seed, the parable of the sower, and others.
But he also wrote about the parable of the mustard seed, and I think this is the first time we get to read this one.
Mark 4:30-32 - And He said, "how shall we picture the kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the soil, though it is smaller than all the seeds that are upon the soil, yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR can NEST UNDER ITS SHADE."
Now, whenever I hear the word mustard seed, I think of having faith as small as a mustard seed, because that's what we hear growing up in church.
And I think we'll get to that one, but let me touch on it a bit now while I'm on the subject.
The mustard seed is like the kingdom of God. It's also like our faith.
It begins small. The tiniest seed. But when planted, and watered, and fed, it grows into the largest tree that can shelter birds.
Such is the kingdom of God. The seed that is planted starts small, but when tended, it grows very large and takes care of people. And so God's kingdom grows.
Such is our faith. It starts small, but when we tend it, when we feed our faith (rather than our fears), it grows very large and can survive through all the situations we go through.
So, that's what I think it really means to have faith like a mustard seed. We can't just say "Oh. I have a tiny faith." We aren't supposed to have a tiny faith. We have to feed our faith rather than our fears.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Mark 6-7.
Monday, October 15, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 287: Authority
Good evening, everyone!
Today I read Mark 1-3.
In today's reading, we learn that John the Baptist had the job of preparing the way for Jesus. He baptized people, and then baptized Jesus before He began His ministry.
After His baptism, Jesus went into the wilderness where Satan tempted Him for 40 days.
I always forget it was that long.
I can barely stand to be tempted for 20 minutes. But 40 days? I'd probably give in.
Which means I need a lot of work.
But Jesus is my example, and my strength, so I'll keep going.
When Jesus had successfully resisted the devil, He began preaching, healing the sick, and casting out demons. He also met and called His disciples.
When He taught, He taught as one with authority, unlike the teachers of the day, and all the people were amazed (Mark 1:22).
I think that's something we forget sometimes too.
Amid all the teaching about how we need to "love everyone" and "don't offend anyone," we forget that Jesus often offended people with His teachings. And that while He loved everyone, He wasn't afraid to speak the Truth. All the Truth.
And He spoke with authority.
He wasn't a hippie who walked around going "Yeah, peace man. Love everyone."
He spoke with authority. He spoke the Truth. He taught people the direct Truth of God's laws.
And sometimes I think we forget that. We get the world's view of Jesus mixed up with the real deal, as shown in scripture.
So, I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Mark 4-5, as I continue to learn the truth about Jesus.
Today I read Mark 1-3.
In today's reading, we learn that John the Baptist had the job of preparing the way for Jesus. He baptized people, and then baptized Jesus before He began His ministry.
After His baptism, Jesus went into the wilderness where Satan tempted Him for 40 days.
I always forget it was that long.
I can barely stand to be tempted for 20 minutes. But 40 days? I'd probably give in.
Which means I need a lot of work.
But Jesus is my example, and my strength, so I'll keep going.
When Jesus had successfully resisted the devil, He began preaching, healing the sick, and casting out demons. He also met and called His disciples.
When He taught, He taught as one with authority, unlike the teachers of the day, and all the people were amazed (Mark 1:22).
I think that's something we forget sometimes too.
Amid all the teaching about how we need to "love everyone" and "don't offend anyone," we forget that Jesus often offended people with His teachings. And that while He loved everyone, He wasn't afraid to speak the Truth. All the Truth.
And He spoke with authority.
He wasn't a hippie who walked around going "Yeah, peace man. Love everyone."
He spoke with authority. He spoke the Truth. He taught people the direct Truth of God's laws.
And sometimes I think we forget that. We get the world's view of Jesus mixed up with the real deal, as shown in scripture.
So, I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Mark 4-5, as I continue to learn the truth about Jesus.
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 286: See to That Yourself
Good evening, everyone!
Today I read Matthew 27-28.
Today's reading is all about Jesus' crucifixion, death, and resurrection.
And this morning, that's what I intended to talk about. But tonight, I'm pretty sure there is something else I need to talk about instead.
I'm sure most of you know the story of Jesus' crucifixion, death, and resurrection, so I think this is okay. And if you don't, don't worry. Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about it as well; it's very important - the most important part of the gospels - so we will definitely get there. But for today, let me talk about something else.
Matthew 27:3-5 - Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver [probably about $600] to the chief priests and elders, saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." But they said, "What is that to us? See to that yourself!" And he threw the pieces of silver into the temple sanctuary and departed; and he went away and hanged himself.
Now, we've been through the whole book of Matthew at this point, and we read how the Pharisees try to trip up Jesus. We read how they condemned the disciples for minor infractions of the law. And we read how they pointed fingers at everyone but themselves.
And what happened with Judas in today's reading is a prime example of what was wrong with the attitude of the religious leaders of the time.
"I have sinned by betraying innocent blood."
Judas was guilty of betrayal. He was guilty of delivering Jesus up to those who hated Him for money.
He was guilty. And he confessed. He told the leaders that he was wrong.
And they said....
"What is that to us? See to that yourself!"
See to that yourself.
What does that have to do with us?
The religious leaders of the time hated Jesus so much, that they were willing to condemn Him on any charge they could fabricate, at any cost. Just to make Him stop talking. Stop teaching. Stop preaching.
Because...well, because it had to happen that way. Thank goodness for us that it did. And that Jesus went through with it. If He hadn't been willing to endure the pain, the torture, the beatings, the slander, and the death, none of us would have a chance.
But they also did it because He made them look bad. They were sticklers for the Law. In public. They went nuts when someone broke the Law. Unless they did it.
And that's how they treated God's people. Jesus' people.
What is that to us? Handle it yourself.
Oh! That person didn't bring in enough money to the temple, their sacrifice isn't "good enough", because they didn't make enough money. Shame!
No matter that the husband broke his leg and is out of work, or that the kids are doing jobs they're not old enough for, or that they barely have enough to eat because of it.
What is that to us? Why should we help?
Now, before this becomes a tangent...because it could...think about this with me for a moment.
What if...
What if Judas had seen Jesus and said "Lord, I sinned by betraying You." What if Judas had told Jesus that instead of the elders?
What happens when we repent and confess our sins to God? He forgives us. Without question. Wholeheartedly. When we cry out to Him, Jesus always steps in and takes our hand and pulls us back up from the ground.
Jesus never says "What is that to Me? See to that yourself."
Jesus is never too busy, never too proud, never too tired, to help us.
Are we too busy to help each other? Are we like Jesus? Willing to teach, to speak truth, and to help others like He did?
Or are we like the religious leaders?
"See to that yourself," they said, and sent Judas away.
He threw the silver on the ground, and went and took his own life because he felt his sin would never be forgiven. He had found no help, no forgiveness, and no friends in God's Temple.
Because the religious leaders were so corrupt that they did not care about doing the right thing. They cared about the appearance of doing the right thing. Does this make me look good? Does this make me look holy?
And then, they took the money back anyway. They knew they could not use it for the Temple, since it was blood money, but they used it to buy the Potter's Field, which is a grave site, now called the Field of Blood, because of the silver they used to purchase it.
I don't want to be like the Pharisees and Sadducees. I don't want to just have the appearance of doing good. Because it doesn't get you anywhere.
Oh, I'd go to church, and people would say "Wow. There goes Sarah. She's got it all together. Man! Isn't she righteous? Isn't she holy? I want to be like Sarah."
I don't want that. I don't have it all together. I'm very much still messed up. Jesus is the only one who keeps me together some days.
But He hasn't given up on me.
And He won't give up on you either.
Don't be like me. Be like Jesus. Don't just act good. Be good.
Now, that's really hard. The flesh does not want to be good. It wants to have earthly fun. It wants to wallow in sin, and laugh while doing it.
I don't want to act good. I want to do good. In private. In public. Everywhere. Whether people can see me or not.
That is not easy. So, before you close the browser because you feel I'm preaching at you, please wait. I'm preaching at myself.
I am not perfect. I will never be perfect. But Jesus is loving, and forgiving. And He gives us the tools we need to be good. To do good.
Now, what was I talking about?
Oh, yes.
Judas.
What if he had found the help he needed that day? Would he have killed himself? Would he have gone on to preach the gospel as the other disciples did?
We'll never know.
But it raised a lot of questions for me today.
What if we all made sure that we never said anything like that to anyone?
"What is that to us? See to that yourself!"
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Mark 1-3.
Today I read Matthew 27-28.
Today's reading is all about Jesus' crucifixion, death, and resurrection.
And this morning, that's what I intended to talk about. But tonight, I'm pretty sure there is something else I need to talk about instead.
I'm sure most of you know the story of Jesus' crucifixion, death, and resurrection, so I think this is okay. And if you don't, don't worry. Mark, Luke, and John all wrote about it as well; it's very important - the most important part of the gospels - so we will definitely get there. But for today, let me talk about something else.
Matthew 27:3-5 - Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver [probably about $600] to the chief priests and elders, saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." But they said, "What is that to us? See to that yourself!" And he threw the pieces of silver into the temple sanctuary and departed; and he went away and hanged himself.
Now, we've been through the whole book of Matthew at this point, and we read how the Pharisees try to trip up Jesus. We read how they condemned the disciples for minor infractions of the law. And we read how they pointed fingers at everyone but themselves.
And what happened with Judas in today's reading is a prime example of what was wrong with the attitude of the religious leaders of the time.
"I have sinned by betraying innocent blood."
Judas was guilty of betrayal. He was guilty of delivering Jesus up to those who hated Him for money.
He was guilty. And he confessed. He told the leaders that he was wrong.
And they said....
"What is that to us? See to that yourself!"
See to that yourself.
What does that have to do with us?
The religious leaders of the time hated Jesus so much, that they were willing to condemn Him on any charge they could fabricate, at any cost. Just to make Him stop talking. Stop teaching. Stop preaching.
Because...well, because it had to happen that way. Thank goodness for us that it did. And that Jesus went through with it. If He hadn't been willing to endure the pain, the torture, the beatings, the slander, and the death, none of us would have a chance.
But they also did it because He made them look bad. They were sticklers for the Law. In public. They went nuts when someone broke the Law. Unless they did it.
And that's how they treated God's people. Jesus' people.
What is that to us? Handle it yourself.
Oh! That person didn't bring in enough money to the temple, their sacrifice isn't "good enough", because they didn't make enough money. Shame!
No matter that the husband broke his leg and is out of work, or that the kids are doing jobs they're not old enough for, or that they barely have enough to eat because of it.
What is that to us? Why should we help?
Now, before this becomes a tangent...because it could...think about this with me for a moment.
What if...
What if Judas had seen Jesus and said "Lord, I sinned by betraying You." What if Judas had told Jesus that instead of the elders?
What happens when we repent and confess our sins to God? He forgives us. Without question. Wholeheartedly. When we cry out to Him, Jesus always steps in and takes our hand and pulls us back up from the ground.
Jesus never says "What is that to Me? See to that yourself."
Jesus is never too busy, never too proud, never too tired, to help us.
Are we too busy to help each other? Are we like Jesus? Willing to teach, to speak truth, and to help others like He did?
Or are we like the religious leaders?
"See to that yourself," they said, and sent Judas away.
He threw the silver on the ground, and went and took his own life because he felt his sin would never be forgiven. He had found no help, no forgiveness, and no friends in God's Temple.
Because the religious leaders were so corrupt that they did not care about doing the right thing. They cared about the appearance of doing the right thing. Does this make me look good? Does this make me look holy?
And then, they took the money back anyway. They knew they could not use it for the Temple, since it was blood money, but they used it to buy the Potter's Field, which is a grave site, now called the Field of Blood, because of the silver they used to purchase it.
I don't want to be like the Pharisees and Sadducees. I don't want to just have the appearance of doing good. Because it doesn't get you anywhere.
Oh, I'd go to church, and people would say "Wow. There goes Sarah. She's got it all together. Man! Isn't she righteous? Isn't she holy? I want to be like Sarah."
I don't want that. I don't have it all together. I'm very much still messed up. Jesus is the only one who keeps me together some days.
But He hasn't given up on me.
And He won't give up on you either.
Don't be like me. Be like Jesus. Don't just act good. Be good.
Now, that's really hard. The flesh does not want to be good. It wants to have earthly fun. It wants to wallow in sin, and laugh while doing it.
I don't want to act good. I want to do good. In private. In public. Everywhere. Whether people can see me or not.
That is not easy. So, before you close the browser because you feel I'm preaching at you, please wait. I'm preaching at myself.
I am not perfect. I will never be perfect. But Jesus is loving, and forgiving. And He gives us the tools we need to be good. To do good.
Now, what was I talking about?
Oh, yes.
Judas.
What if he had found the help he needed that day? Would he have killed himself? Would he have gone on to preach the gospel as the other disciples did?
We'll never know.
But it raised a lot of questions for me today.
What if we all made sure that we never said anything like that to anyone?
"What is that to us? See to that yourself!"
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Mark 1-3.
Saturday, October 13, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 285: Jesus is Betrayed
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Matthew 26.
In today's reading, the priests and elders plotted to kill Jesus. They paid Judas money to betray Him.
In Bethany, a woman anointed Jesus with costly perfume. The disciples, thinking to be righteous (I think), scoffed and said she should have sold it and given the money to the poor. But Jesus corrected them, saying that she was preparing Him for burial.
Later, they prepared for Passover.
At the table, Jesus broke the bread and blessed it, saying that it was His body. Taking the cup, he blessed it and said that it was His blood, which He would shed for all mankind.
Even today, we take what is called communion, which we do in remembrance of His sacrifice, as Jesus said to do.
Then they went to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed heavily. The disciples were supposed to keep watch, but kept falling asleep. Jesus took time away from His prayers to go back to them, and had to keep waking them up.
He prayed that God would take the "cup" or assignment from Him, if it was the Father's will. But Jesus surrendered His will to the will of the Father.
Soon after Jesus finished praying, Judas, accompanied by soldiers (or Matthew just says a crowd) armed with weapons, came upon them, and, kissing Jesus on the cheek, hailed Him, and thus delivered Him to those who wanted to kill Him.
The priests and elders questioned Jesus, but could find no fault in Him.
Finally, one asked Him, in the name of God, to tell the truth, whether or not He was the Son of God.
Jesus affirmed that He was, and they seized Him, and beat Him, and spit on Him, declaring blasphemy.
This is about the time that Peter, having declared that he would never do so, denies ever being with or even knowing Jesus, not once, not twice, but three times. In the night, before the rooster crowed. And, having been so sure that he would not, he wept bitterly.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 27-28.
Today I read Matthew 26.
In today's reading, the priests and elders plotted to kill Jesus. They paid Judas money to betray Him.
In Bethany, a woman anointed Jesus with costly perfume. The disciples, thinking to be righteous (I think), scoffed and said she should have sold it and given the money to the poor. But Jesus corrected them, saying that she was preparing Him for burial.
Later, they prepared for Passover.
At the table, Jesus broke the bread and blessed it, saying that it was His body. Taking the cup, he blessed it and said that it was His blood, which He would shed for all mankind.
Even today, we take what is called communion, which we do in remembrance of His sacrifice, as Jesus said to do.
Then they went to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed heavily. The disciples were supposed to keep watch, but kept falling asleep. Jesus took time away from His prayers to go back to them, and had to keep waking them up.
He prayed that God would take the "cup" or assignment from Him, if it was the Father's will. But Jesus surrendered His will to the will of the Father.
Soon after Jesus finished praying, Judas, accompanied by soldiers (or Matthew just says a crowd) armed with weapons, came upon them, and, kissing Jesus on the cheek, hailed Him, and thus delivered Him to those who wanted to kill Him.
The priests and elders questioned Jesus, but could find no fault in Him.
Finally, one asked Him, in the name of God, to tell the truth, whether or not He was the Son of God.
Jesus affirmed that He was, and they seized Him, and beat Him, and spit on Him, declaring blasphemy.
This is about the time that Peter, having declared that he would never do so, denies ever being with or even knowing Jesus, not once, not twice, but three times. In the night, before the rooster crowed. And, having been so sure that he would not, he wept bitterly.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 27-28.
Friday, October 12, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 284: Prepare for the Bridegroom
Good evening, everyone!
I got sick this week, and it finally manifested today - headache, cough, sore throat, sore ears, the works. Yuck!
So this post is a little late, and is going to be fairly short, because I'm still tired, even after all the rest I got today.
So, today I read Matthew 24-25.
In today's reading, the disciples asked Jesus when they would see all the things that He talked about happen.
He told them a few parables.
One I want to mention, is one you've probably heard before.
The bridegroom and the virgins.
Ten virgins (meaning maidens, or young women in this case, I think) took their lamps to meet the bridegroom.
Five prepared well, and had plenty of oil to make it to the ceremony.
Five were foolish, wasting their time, and did not have enough oil. They asked to borrow, but the five who were well-prepared, could not give them any, because there would not have been enough oil for all of them.
So the foolish young women had to go find more oil for their lamps, and as such, reached the banquet hall after the doors were closed, and the bridegroom turned them away, declaring that He did not know who they were.
We should all be preparing for our Bridegroom's coming. Having said this, I feel bad, because this has not been a good week for me. I have slipped up and slipped in to temptations this week that I have fought against for a long time. I was doing better, but each battle is still a challenge.
We mess up sometimes. But we need to be prepared. If we mess up once, it's an accident. Twice? Still an accident. Three times or more in one week over the same issue? Well, speaking for myself, I should know better. And I do know better. I've fought this fight before, and I win more battles than I lose - but only with God's help.
So, let us pray for one another, that we may all be prepared when our Bridegroom comes.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 26.
I got sick this week, and it finally manifested today - headache, cough, sore throat, sore ears, the works. Yuck!
So this post is a little late, and is going to be fairly short, because I'm still tired, even after all the rest I got today.
So, today I read Matthew 24-25.
In today's reading, the disciples asked Jesus when they would see all the things that He talked about happen.
He told them a few parables.
One I want to mention, is one you've probably heard before.
The bridegroom and the virgins.
Ten virgins (meaning maidens, or young women in this case, I think) took their lamps to meet the bridegroom.
Five prepared well, and had plenty of oil to make it to the ceremony.
Five were foolish, wasting their time, and did not have enough oil. They asked to borrow, but the five who were well-prepared, could not give them any, because there would not have been enough oil for all of them.
So the foolish young women had to go find more oil for their lamps, and as such, reached the banquet hall after the doors were closed, and the bridegroom turned them away, declaring that He did not know who they were.
We should all be preparing for our Bridegroom's coming. Having said this, I feel bad, because this has not been a good week for me. I have slipped up and slipped in to temptations this week that I have fought against for a long time. I was doing better, but each battle is still a challenge.
We mess up sometimes. But we need to be prepared. If we mess up once, it's an accident. Twice? Still an accident. Three times or more in one week over the same issue? Well, speaking for myself, I should know better. And I do know better. I've fought this fight before, and I win more battles than I lose - but only with God's help.
So, let us pray for one another, that we may all be prepared when our Bridegroom comes.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 26.
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 283: Testing
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Matthew 22-23.
In today's reading, the Pharisees and Sadducees question Jesus, hoping to trip Him up.
The Pharisees ask whether it is lawful to give taxes (in this case, tithes) to Caesar.
His response?
Matthew 22:18-22 - But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, "Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax." And they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said to Him, "Caesar's." Then He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's." And hearing this, they were amazed, and leaving Him, they went away.
Later that day, the Sadducees also tested Jesus.
"The law says that if a man dies without children, his brother is to marry his widow. What if he has seven brothers, and each dies so she marries all of them, whose wife is she?"
Jesus declares that they are misunderstanding the Scriptures. He says that people are like the angels in heaven, in that they are no longer married in heaven. Marriage is no longer necessary.
They are astonished.
But the Pharisees, hearing this, question Him again, asking which of the commandments in the Law is the greatest.
Matthew 22:37-40 - And He said to him, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.
Then it's Jesus' turn to ask questions. He asks them what they think about the Christ (not declaring Himself to be so) and asks whose son they think the Christ is.
They answer that He is David's son.
So, Jesus questions why then David calls Him Lord, if He is David's son.
Matthew 22:46 - No one was able to answer Him a word, nor did anyone dare from that day on to ask Him another question.
Jesus left them speechless, and the Pharisees could not ask Him any more questions. He spoke the truth of the Law, and they knew it.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 24-25.
Today I read Matthew 22-23.
In today's reading, the Pharisees and Sadducees question Jesus, hoping to trip Him up.
The Pharisees ask whether it is lawful to give taxes (in this case, tithes) to Caesar.
His response?
Matthew 22:18-22 - But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, "Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax." And they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said to Him, "Caesar's." Then He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's." And hearing this, they were amazed, and leaving Him, they went away.
Later that day, the Sadducees also tested Jesus.
"The law says that if a man dies without children, his brother is to marry his widow. What if he has seven brothers, and each dies so she marries all of them, whose wife is she?"
Jesus declares that they are misunderstanding the Scriptures. He says that people are like the angels in heaven, in that they are no longer married in heaven. Marriage is no longer necessary.
They are astonished.
But the Pharisees, hearing this, question Him again, asking which of the commandments in the Law is the greatest.
Matthew 22:37-40 - And He said to him, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.
Then it's Jesus' turn to ask questions. He asks them what they think about the Christ (not declaring Himself to be so) and asks whose son they think the Christ is.
They answer that He is David's son.
So, Jesus questions why then David calls Him Lord, if He is David's son.
Matthew 22:46 - No one was able to answer Him a word, nor did anyone dare from that day on to ask Him another question.
Jesus left them speechless, and the Pharisees could not ask Him any more questions. He spoke the truth of the Law, and they knew it.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 24-25.
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 282: Hosanna
Good afternoon, everyone!
Today I read Matthew 20-21.
In today's reading, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a landowner with a vineyard. He hires workers, and they agree to the payment of one denairus, which is...let me check...about $3.62.
The landowner continues to find workers, and sends them when he finds them. This means that some of them only work for an hour, while others have worked for much longer.
When everyone gets paid at the end of the day, the landowner has the last come first, and the first come last. Those who began work last get paid the same amount as those who began work first, and worked longer.
Those who worked longer complained because they felt they should get more. However, the landowner reminds them that they agreed to work for one denarius.
This is like the kingdom of heaven, Jesus said. It doesn't matter when you are called. All who come into the kingdom through the Son are saved, and get the same reward: eternal life.
Jesus then foretells His death. But first, He makes his entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. As He passed, the crowds cried
Matthew 21:9 - "Hosanna to the Son of David; BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Hosanna in the highest!"
Hosanna: an expression of adoration or praise.
One of my favorite songs includes this phrase. I'll share it at the end.
But oh, how quickly the crowd will change its mind.
Please join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 22-23.
Today I read Matthew 20-21.
In today's reading, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a landowner with a vineyard. He hires workers, and they agree to the payment of one denairus, which is...let me check...about $3.62.
The landowner continues to find workers, and sends them when he finds them. This means that some of them only work for an hour, while others have worked for much longer.
When everyone gets paid at the end of the day, the landowner has the last come first, and the first come last. Those who began work last get paid the same amount as those who began work first, and worked longer.
Those who worked longer complained because they felt they should get more. However, the landowner reminds them that they agreed to work for one denarius.
This is like the kingdom of heaven, Jesus said. It doesn't matter when you are called. All who come into the kingdom through the Son are saved, and get the same reward: eternal life.
Jesus then foretells His death. But first, He makes his entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. As He passed, the crowds cried
Matthew 21:9 - "Hosanna to the Son of David; BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Hosanna in the highest!"
Hosanna: an expression of adoration or praise.
One of my favorite songs includes this phrase. I'll share it at the end.
But oh, how quickly the crowd will change its mind.
Please join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 22-23.
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 281: Children and Forgiveness
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Matthew 18-19. In today's reading, Jesus continues teaching His disciples and the people who come to hear Him.
The disciples ask who will be greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus calls a child to Him and replies:
Matthew 18:3-6 - "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."
We must humble ourselves as children.
And we must be very careful what we teach our children.
Matthew 18:12-14 - "What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying? If it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray. So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish.
God wants everyone to be with Him in heaven forever. Sadly, sometimes people choose to sin, and choose to be cut off from God. But that's not His will. Ultimately, He wants to find all the lost sheep and bring them back into the flock.
Now, Peter has a well-known question for Jesus.
Matthew 18:21-22 - Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."
I may have talked about this before.
Seventy times seven is 490 times. In case this means something like fourscore, we could also say 77 times.
Now, who keeps track of how often you forgive someone?
I don't. Some things are harder to forgive than others, but we're still supposed to do it. Let it go! Let it go!
Sorry. I was singing there for a minute. Got sidetracked.
But you get the point. It's not always easy, but when we know we're supposed to do it, we do it. And every time afterward gets easier.
Or that's how I've found it.
There's a lot more I could talk about, but I'll leave it there for today. I encourage you to read the chapters for yourselves, and leave a comment if you have questions or anything to add.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 20-21.
Today I read Matthew 18-19. In today's reading, Jesus continues teaching His disciples and the people who come to hear Him.
The disciples ask who will be greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus calls a child to Him and replies:
Matthew 18:3-6 - "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."
We must humble ourselves as children.
And we must be very careful what we teach our children.
Matthew 18:12-14 - "What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying? If it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray. So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish.
God wants everyone to be with Him in heaven forever. Sadly, sometimes people choose to sin, and choose to be cut off from God. But that's not His will. Ultimately, He wants to find all the lost sheep and bring them back into the flock.
Now, Peter has a well-known question for Jesus.
Matthew 18:21-22 - Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."
I may have talked about this before.
Seventy times seven is 490 times. In case this means something like fourscore, we could also say 77 times.
Now, who keeps track of how often you forgive someone?
I don't. Some things are harder to forgive than others, but we're still supposed to do it. Let it go! Let it go!
Sorry. I was singing there for a minute. Got sidetracked.
But you get the point. It's not always easy, but when we know we're supposed to do it, we do it. And every time afterward gets easier.
Or that's how I've found it.
There's a lot more I could talk about, but I'll leave it there for today. I encourage you to read the chapters for yourselves, and leave a comment if you have questions or anything to add.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 20-21.
Monday, October 8, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 280: Missing the Point
Good evening, everyone!
Today I read Matthew 15-17.
In today's reading, the Pharisees complained to Jesus that the disciples had broken tradition by eating bread without washing their hands.
Jesus rebuked them, saying that what comes out of your mouth is worse than the food you put into it.
Matthew 15:11 - It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.
The disciples approached Jesus after this, and said something like "Um, Jesus, you totally offended them by what you said."
Jesus replies that it is of no concern, because the Pharisees will see what they want to see, hear what they want to hear, and believe what they want to believe.
When the disciples question Him about what the parable meant, He replies,
Matthew 15:17-20 - "Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man."
Sometimes people are so concerned with the "proper" way to do things, that they forget the whole point. Sometimes churches get so caught up with "religion" that they forget the whole point.
Jesus was very much concerned about the Law. He did not come to break it, after all, only to teach people the truth about the law.
Jesus' point was, so often, that the religious leaders of the time were so focused on being "proper" in the eyes of others, that they had missed the whole point. They were focused on the wrong things. Instead of teaching God's people, reaching God's people, helping God's people, they were only concerned with how many people "broke" the law.
And pointing fingers was their specialty. Just not at themselves.
Oh, the disciples didn't wash their hands before they ate the bread! Oh, Jesus is eating with sinners! Oh, Jesus healed someone on the Sabbath!
Totally missing the point.
Going back to our last few posts: God said "I desire compassion, and not sacrifice."
Those who will see, will see. Those who will hear, will hear. And those who will understand, will understand.
Don't stress if someone in your life seems to be missing the point. Just keep praying for them. God can move hearts, after all.
And let's all try not to miss the point. The law is important, but we shouldn't get so bogged down with the law that we forget what God really wants.
He's not a tyrant with a whip just watching for people to mess up. He is loving and compassionate and merciful.
He wants obedience, yes. But He also wants all people to hear the Truth. Even if that means we need to eat with sinners, without washing our hands, or to help people even during our time of rest.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 18-19.
Today I read Matthew 15-17.
In today's reading, the Pharisees complained to Jesus that the disciples had broken tradition by eating bread without washing their hands.
Jesus rebuked them, saying that what comes out of your mouth is worse than the food you put into it.
Matthew 15:11 - It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.
The disciples approached Jesus after this, and said something like "Um, Jesus, you totally offended them by what you said."
Jesus replies that it is of no concern, because the Pharisees will see what they want to see, hear what they want to hear, and believe what they want to believe.
When the disciples question Him about what the parable meant, He replies,
Matthew 15:17-20 - "Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man."
Sometimes people are so concerned with the "proper" way to do things, that they forget the whole point. Sometimes churches get so caught up with "religion" that they forget the whole point.
Jesus was very much concerned about the Law. He did not come to break it, after all, only to teach people the truth about the law.
Jesus' point was, so often, that the religious leaders of the time were so focused on being "proper" in the eyes of others, that they had missed the whole point. They were focused on the wrong things. Instead of teaching God's people, reaching God's people, helping God's people, they were only concerned with how many people "broke" the law.
And pointing fingers was their specialty. Just not at themselves.
Oh, the disciples didn't wash their hands before they ate the bread! Oh, Jesus is eating with sinners! Oh, Jesus healed someone on the Sabbath!
Totally missing the point.
Going back to our last few posts: God said "I desire compassion, and not sacrifice."
Those who will see, will see. Those who will hear, will hear. And those who will understand, will understand.
Don't stress if someone in your life seems to be missing the point. Just keep praying for them. God can move hearts, after all.
And let's all try not to miss the point. The law is important, but we shouldn't get so bogged down with the law that we forget what God really wants.
He's not a tyrant with a whip just watching for people to mess up. He is loving and compassionate and merciful.
He wants obedience, yes. But He also wants all people to hear the Truth. Even if that means we need to eat with sinners, without washing our hands, or to help people even during our time of rest.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 18-19.
Sunday, October 7, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 279: Great Value
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Matthew 13-14.
In today's reading, Jesus taught in parables, and I want to share a few of them today.
The first parable is that of the sower. He sows seed, and some seed falls beside the road, only to be eaten by birds, others fell on the rocks and did not have a good foundation to grow, others fell among the thorns, where they were choked, and still others fell upon good soil, and took root.
This parable is about God's Word. Sometimes the Word gets snatched away by the Enemy; sometimes it takes root, but does not have good soil to grow in; sometimes it gets choked by doubts and fears. Yet, sometimes the Word also grows in good soil, where it takes root and flourishes and produces fruit.
Someone once said something I will never forget: It's not our job to save people. That belongs to Jesus.
What we are supposed to do is to tell people about Jesus, and teach or preach His word (if those words seem too strong to you, just consider it a conversation).
We are supposed to plant the seed. God moves in people's hearts, and will continue to move whenever we speak His true word. All we have to do is sow the seed, and God will tend the soil.
Sometimes, the seed does not take root, and that isn't something we can control in other people's lives. We can only make sure that the seed in our own lives produces fruit.
But Jesus is the only one who saves.
The other parable I want to talk about is the parable of the pearl.
Matthew 13:45-46 - "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
You are that pearl. Jesus saw so much value in you that He gave all that He had - His very life - just to redeem you for His own.
I know sometimes it's easier to believe the lies, easier to believe that Jesus would never want anything to do with you, easier to give in to the doubts. But remember, these are lies. Jesus loved you so much that He died so that you could have eternal life - with Him, in heaven, forever.
You have been redeemed at a great price - the life of Jesus Christ, our Savior - because you are of great value.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 15-17.
Today I read Matthew 13-14.
In today's reading, Jesus taught in parables, and I want to share a few of them today.
The first parable is that of the sower. He sows seed, and some seed falls beside the road, only to be eaten by birds, others fell on the rocks and did not have a good foundation to grow, others fell among the thorns, where they were choked, and still others fell upon good soil, and took root.
This parable is about God's Word. Sometimes the Word gets snatched away by the Enemy; sometimes it takes root, but does not have good soil to grow in; sometimes it gets choked by doubts and fears. Yet, sometimes the Word also grows in good soil, where it takes root and flourishes and produces fruit.
Someone once said something I will never forget: It's not our job to save people. That belongs to Jesus.
What we are supposed to do is to tell people about Jesus, and teach or preach His word (if those words seem too strong to you, just consider it a conversation).
We are supposed to plant the seed. God moves in people's hearts, and will continue to move whenever we speak His true word. All we have to do is sow the seed, and God will tend the soil.
Sometimes, the seed does not take root, and that isn't something we can control in other people's lives. We can only make sure that the seed in our own lives produces fruit.
But Jesus is the only one who saves.
The other parable I want to talk about is the parable of the pearl.
Matthew 13:45-46 - "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
You are that pearl. Jesus saw so much value in you that He gave all that He had - His very life - just to redeem you for His own.
I know sometimes it's easier to believe the lies, easier to believe that Jesus would never want anything to do with you, easier to give in to the doubts. But remember, these are lies. Jesus loved you so much that He died so that you could have eternal life - with Him, in heaven, forever.
You have been redeemed at a great price - the life of Jesus Christ, our Savior - because you are of great value.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 15-17.
Saturday, October 6, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 278: Compassion and Not Sacrifice
Good afternoon, everyone!
Today I read Matthew 11-12.
John is in prison, and begins to doubt, so Jesus sends his disciples to tell him of all they had witnessed: of the blind receiving sight, of the lame walking, and of the dead being raised.
Jesus declares that John is the special prophet who was sent to pave the way for Jesus' ministry.
Matthew 11:10 -This is the one about whom it is written, 'BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY BEFORE YOU.'
After this, Jesus goes on to teach the people.
What He says is relevant to us today. And the invitation is still open.
Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
After that, Jesus and His disciples were walking on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, so they began to pick grain and eat it. The pharisees objected, and declared it a sin. "Not lawful."
Jesus reminds them of how David went into a temple when he was on the run from Saul and ate the holy bread.
Then Jesus reminds them:
Matthew 12:7 - But if you had known what this means, 'I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,' you would not have condemned the innocent.
Those are powerful words. And the more I read them, the more they resound within me.
"I desire compassion, and not sacrifice."
What good is service if it is in name only? What good are good deeds if they are only to draw attention to ourselves, and not because we mean it?
What good is sacrificing to God - tithes, time, self - if we aren't compassionate to all people? Aren't we, after all, meant to be a light for Him to all people?
We are meant to be walking, talking, living, breathing examples of Christ's love. Examples of what He did for us.
And that's just given me a lot to think about.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 13-14.
Today I read Matthew 11-12.
John is in prison, and begins to doubt, so Jesus sends his disciples to tell him of all they had witnessed: of the blind receiving sight, of the lame walking, and of the dead being raised.
Jesus declares that John is the special prophet who was sent to pave the way for Jesus' ministry.
Matthew 11:10 -This is the one about whom it is written, 'BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY BEFORE YOU.'
After this, Jesus goes on to teach the people.
What He says is relevant to us today. And the invitation is still open.
Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
After that, Jesus and His disciples were walking on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, so they began to pick grain and eat it. The pharisees objected, and declared it a sin. "Not lawful."
Jesus reminds them of how David went into a temple when he was on the run from Saul and ate the holy bread.
Then Jesus reminds them:
Matthew 12:7 - But if you had known what this means, 'I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,' you would not have condemned the innocent.
Those are powerful words. And the more I read them, the more they resound within me.
"I desire compassion, and not sacrifice."
What good is service if it is in name only? What good are good deeds if they are only to draw attention to ourselves, and not because we mean it?
What good is sacrificing to God - tithes, time, self - if we aren't compassionate to all people? Aren't we, after all, meant to be a light for Him to all people?
We are meant to be walking, talking, living, breathing examples of Christ's love. Examples of what He did for us.
And that's just given me a lot to think about.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 13-14.
Friday, October 5, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 277: Dining with Sinners
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Matthew 9-10.
In today's reading, Jesus instructs His disciples, heals the sick, raises a girl from the dead, restores the blind to sight, and casts out demons. But today I want to focus on just a couple verses. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.
In Matthew 9, Jesus was dining with tax collectors (the worst!) and sinners. The Pharisees didn't like it, and began to murmur and question His disciples. Jesus said this:
"It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Matthew 9:12-13).
It is those who do not know Jesus, those who are living in sin, who need Him the most. If Jesus Himself did not shy away from sitting with them, and helping them, how can we justify doing so?
Actually, this goes along with yesterday's post about not judging people.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 11-12.
Today I read Matthew 9-10.
In today's reading, Jesus instructs His disciples, heals the sick, raises a girl from the dead, restores the blind to sight, and casts out demons. But today I want to focus on just a couple verses. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.
In Matthew 9, Jesus was dining with tax collectors (the worst!) and sinners. The Pharisees didn't like it, and began to murmur and question His disciples. Jesus said this:
"It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Matthew 9:12-13).
It is those who do not know Jesus, those who are living in sin, who need Him the most. If Jesus Himself did not shy away from sitting with them, and helping them, how can we justify doing so?
Actually, this goes along with yesterday's post about not judging people.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 11-12.
Thursday, October 4, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 276: The Centurion's Faith
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Matthew 7-8. And here's where the hard part begins. There's so much I want to talk about, and I just don't have time!
So, I'm going to pick just a few verses. Here we go!
Jesus says, in Matthew 7:1-5 - "Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not noticed the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
So, basically, we shouldn't judge other people for their sins, because we have all sinned. And all sin is equal to God. But once we have repented and sin has been cleansed from our lives, we can help others to recognize sin in their own lives and repent.
I still have trouble with this sometimes. I have very high standards, even for myself. And often, people fall short of those standards. I'm learning to be less judgmental, and more caring.
Matthew 7:7-11 - "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!
God is the best Father. He always listens, and He only gives us good things. In fact, He gives us the best things. Sometimes we have to wait a while so we can move out of a particular season, or so we will appreciate them more, but God always comes through.
Now, in chapter 8, is the story of the centurion's faith. Now, a centurion was a Roman soldier. They were the oppressors of the Israelites, and this story is special because it is unusual.
This centurion's servant is sick, and he comes to Jesus asking Him to heal his servant. Jesus agrees to go, but the centurion says "Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, 'Go!' and he goes, and to another, 'Come!' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this!' and he does it." (Matthew 8:8-9)
Jesus marveled at this, because it was the greatest show of faith He had seen. And the centurian's servant was healed at that moment.
There is a lot more, but I have to stop for now. Please read the chapters for yourselves, and if you have any comments, leave them below.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 9-10.
Today I read Matthew 7-8. And here's where the hard part begins. There's so much I want to talk about, and I just don't have time!
So, I'm going to pick just a few verses. Here we go!
Jesus says, in Matthew 7:1-5 - "Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not noticed the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
So, basically, we shouldn't judge other people for their sins, because we have all sinned. And all sin is equal to God. But once we have repented and sin has been cleansed from our lives, we can help others to recognize sin in their own lives and repent.
I still have trouble with this sometimes. I have very high standards, even for myself. And often, people fall short of those standards. I'm learning to be less judgmental, and more caring.
Matthew 7:7-11 - "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!
God is the best Father. He always listens, and He only gives us good things. In fact, He gives us the best things. Sometimes we have to wait a while so we can move out of a particular season, or so we will appreciate them more, but God always comes through.
Now, in chapter 8, is the story of the centurion's faith. Now, a centurion was a Roman soldier. They were the oppressors of the Israelites, and this story is special because it is unusual.
This centurion's servant is sick, and he comes to Jesus asking Him to heal his servant. Jesus agrees to go, but the centurion says "Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, 'Go!' and he goes, and to another, 'Come!' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this!' and he does it." (Matthew 8:8-9)
Jesus marveled at this, because it was the greatest show of faith He had seen. And the centurian's servant was healed at that moment.
There is a lot more, but I have to stop for now. Please read the chapters for yourselves, and if you have any comments, leave them below.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 9-10.
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 275: The Beatitudes
Good evening, everyone!
Today I read Matthew 5-6.
And today I'm going to share just a few of the wonderful verses I read today, commonly called the Beatitudes.
Matthew 5:1-11 - When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
Blessed are...those who follow Jesus, and seek His kingdom first, above all things. That's you and me, friend. Even when it's not easy, keep hanging in there. The blessing will be worth it.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 7-8.
Today I read Matthew 5-6.
And today I'm going to share just a few of the wonderful verses I read today, commonly called the Beatitudes.
Matthew 5:1-11 - When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
Blessed are...those who follow Jesus, and seek His kingdom first, above all things. That's you and me, friend. Even when it's not easy, keep hanging in there. The blessing will be worth it.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 7-8.
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 274: Jesus' Lineage
Good evening, everyone!
Today I read Matthew 1-4.
In today's reading, we learn of Jesus' birth, and the beginning of His ministry.
Most of us know those stories, and Mark, Luke, and John talk about them too, so today I want to focus on His genealogy.
Matthew 1:
Abraham
Isaac
Jacob
Judah
Perez
Hezron
Ram
Amminadab
Nahshon
Salmon
Boaz (by Rahab)
Obed (by Ruth, the Moabitess)
Jesse
David (God's chosen king)
Solomon (by Bathsheba, whose husband he had killed)
Rehoboam
Abijah
Asa
Jehoshaphat
Joram
Uzziah
Jotham
Ahaz
Hezekiah
Manasseh
Amon
Josiah
Jeconiah
(Then the Israelites were deported to Babylon)
Shealtiel
Zerubbabel
Abihud
Eliakim
Azor
Zadok
Achim
Eliud
Eleazar
Matthan
Jacob
Joseph (Mary's husband)
These are the generations of Jesus' family, through His adopted father, Joseph, who raised Him.
Did you recognize some names?
Did you also notice that those names you recognized were not perfect people? Some of them had terrible reputations, and some did bad things. But all of them had a purpose.
I love looking at this lineage. No family is perfect. Even Jesus' own earthly family wasn't perfect.
His disciples weren't perfect either.
We don't have to be perfect. We are chosen. And that's enough. We serve God to the best of our abilities.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 5-6.
Today I read Matthew 1-4.
In today's reading, we learn of Jesus' birth, and the beginning of His ministry.
Most of us know those stories, and Mark, Luke, and John talk about them too, so today I want to focus on His genealogy.
Matthew 1:
Abraham
Isaac
Jacob
Judah
Perez
Hezron
Ram
Amminadab
Nahshon
Salmon
Boaz (by Rahab)
Obed (by Ruth, the Moabitess)
Jesse
David (God's chosen king)
Solomon (by Bathsheba, whose husband he had killed)
Rehoboam
Abijah
Asa
Jehoshaphat
Joram
Uzziah
Jotham
Ahaz
Hezekiah
Manasseh
Amon
Josiah
Jeconiah
(Then the Israelites were deported to Babylon)
Shealtiel
Zerubbabel
Abihud
Eliakim
Azor
Zadok
Achim
Eliud
Eleazar
Matthan
Jacob
Joseph (Mary's husband)
These are the generations of Jesus' family, through His adopted father, Joseph, who raised Him.
Did you recognize some names?
Did you also notice that those names you recognized were not perfect people? Some of them had terrible reputations, and some did bad things. But all of them had a purpose.
I love looking at this lineage. No family is perfect. Even Jesus' own earthly family wasn't perfect.
His disciples weren't perfect either.
We don't have to be perfect. We are chosen. And that's enough. We serve God to the best of our abilities.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 5-6.
Monday, October 1, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 273: Malachi
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Malachi 1-4.
In today's reading, God declares that He has loved His people, but they have doubted it and turned from Him (Malachi 1:2).
And that's what I want to focus on today.
Don't we all feel that way sometimes? Or is it just me?
Sometimes I doubt God's love for me. Sometimes I feel so messed up, so engulfed by trouble that I forget how much He loves me.
And He does love us. Each of us. All of us. So very much.
But that's easy to forget when one thing after another is going wrong.
And there's no easy solution. No easy way to remember that God loves us and will take care of us.
Some days it's easy to get back where I'm supposed to be.
Other times, it takes an act of rebellion to truly break me and remind me that I don't want to be that person anymore because I have experienced God's enduring love.
Do you ever forget how much God loves you?
If so, how do you remind yourself?
Or was this the reminder you needed today?
Speaking of God's love, this post finishes the Old Testament books, and tomorrow we're moving on to the gospels!
If any of us need a reminder of God's love, we'll find it there.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 1-4.
Today I read Malachi 1-4.
In today's reading, God declares that He has loved His people, but they have doubted it and turned from Him (Malachi 1:2).
And that's what I want to focus on today.
Don't we all feel that way sometimes? Or is it just me?
Sometimes I doubt God's love for me. Sometimes I feel so messed up, so engulfed by trouble that I forget how much He loves me.
And He does love us. Each of us. All of us. So very much.
But that's easy to forget when one thing after another is going wrong.
And there's no easy solution. No easy way to remember that God loves us and will take care of us.
Some days it's easy to get back where I'm supposed to be.
Other times, it takes an act of rebellion to truly break me and remind me that I don't want to be that person anymore because I have experienced God's enduring love.
Do you ever forget how much God loves you?
If so, how do you remind yourself?
Or was this the reminder you needed today?
Speaking of God's love, this post finishes the Old Testament books, and tomorrow we're moving on to the gospels!
If any of us need a reminder of God's love, we'll find it there.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Matthew 1-4.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)