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We are following a Old Testament in a year plan with 10-minute daily readings. Your options for joining us include: 1. Subscribe to our daily readings emails above. 2. Read online using our daily links to Bible Gateway. 3. Read from your own Bible using your preferred translation. You can print out a listing of our entire year's readings in PDF at this link. 4. Email me with any questions at [email protected]
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God bless! Mike
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Today in Deuteronomy chapter 7, the New Living Translation has the chapter titled "The Privilege of Holiness." Keep in mind that these chapter headings - or headings within sections of chapters - are not Biblical text. They are not from the original manuscripts, but are basically brief summaries from the viewpoint of modern-day translators. Generally speaking though, you can trust what they are telling you - but just remember, they're not Biblical text. All this to say, I was intrigued by this chapter's title in today's readings. Israel was indeed privileged and called to holiness. I think an important for us to keep in mind is that in the Old Testament, Israel was God's chosen people. So, yes, we do read in this chapter and future OT chapters God favoring Israel over all other nations. However, keep three things in mind. One, Israel is the people of God's covenant going to back to Abraham and God is just forming Israel as a nation. Two, the other nations at that time were immersed in sin and idolatry to other gods. Three, through Jesus' ministry, God indeed shows love toward all nations today and wants all nations to be in relationship with him. But, prior to Jesus, we see clearly in this chapter that Israel is, per verse 6: "a holy people, who belong to the LORD your God. Of all the people on earth, the LORD your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure."
Today in Deuteronomy chapter 8 verse 10 we read: “When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you.” What a great verse! Many say that it is because of this verse that we traditionally say grace at meal time. Interesting that this verse indicates that the Israelites were to praise God after eating – which, actually, is sometimes how I say grace today now too – when I forget to say grace before eating! :) I think the other thing this verse above gets at is that we humans have a tendency to “forget” God in the good times. In the bad times, maybe we do a decent job of praying to God and trying to stay close to Him. But in the good times, I know that sometimes I can forget Who really blessed me with the good times. I think it is so important for us to remember each and every day this one thing – God has given us everything. Every single good thing we have in our life comes from God. Our family. Our friends. Our physical abilities. Even the very air we breathe. It ALL comes from God. And, while I think it is pleasing to God for us to praise him for these good things – I also think it is ultimately healthy for us to praise God for the good things he has given us. Because, when we truly thank God each and every day for even very simple things – our eyesight, our 12 year old car that still runs fine, etc. etc. – we realize how very blessed we really are, and then I think we have less of a chance of feeling sorry for ourselves. We are blessed! How are you doing on praising God for the good things he has given you in your life? Now that we are in this Easter & Spring season, will you make a conscious effort to really praise and thank God each and every day? Think this might be pleasing to God? Think this might be healthy for you?
Worship Video: Today's readings reminds me of the fantastic live version of "Christ our Hope in Life and Death:"
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Based on Deuteronomy chapter 8 verse 10 above, do you say grace or offer up some sort of prayer of thanksgiving to God at each meal? Why or why not? Do you think it is pleasing to God when we do say a prayer at mealtime? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Today we get a nice recap of the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy chapter 5! We originally read these in Exodus chapter 20 and then again in Exodus chapter 34. There are some differences in the wordings of the Ten Commandments in each of these chapters, but not enough to worry about. :) Bible.org has a great overview of the Ten Commandments, based on Exodus chapter 20, at this link.
I love Deuteronomy chapter 6 verses 4 through 9 in our readings today! These verses are known as the Shema - which was named after the first word in this verse and means "Hear." The Shema became the Jewish confession of faith, which was recited by pious Jews every morning and evening and it is still recited in synagogue services today. They are the last words a Jew says prior to death. More very interesting information about The Shema from a Jewish website is at this link. ""Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again. Tie them to your hands as a reminder, and wear them on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."
Bible.org's commentary on Deuteronomy chapter 6 titled "Responsibilities of Fatherhood" is at this link.
Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the Chris Tomlin song "Let God Arise" with the lyric: "Our God is a God who Saves!"
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today:"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts." Deuteronomy 6:4-6 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you will love God with all of your heart, soul and strength. Pray that God's commandments are written upon your heart today and forevermore.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Today in Deuteronomy chapter 4 verse 29 we read: “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” How does this verse speak to you today? Do you believe it is true? Have you sought God with all of your heart and with all of your soul? This verse also reminds me of Jesus’ teaching of one of the two great commands – which he quoted from Deuteronomy chapter 6 verse 5 – “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” So – if you have sought after God and found him, do you now today love God with all your heart and with all of your soul and with all your strength? What does this look like in your life? How do you love God in your life today?
Worship Video: Today's readings in Deuteronomy remind me of the Matt Maher song "Alive Again:"
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Okay, I think we've come across quite an understatement in our readings today in Deuteronomy chapter 2 verse 1 when Moses says: "We wandered around Mount Seir for a long time." Indeed... it was a long time of 3 decades plus of wandering... :) But, it's important for us to remember why it was such a long time of wandering - because of the Israelites' sin in not entering the Promised Land when they were first instructed to do so by God. And, I think about this in our lives today. When we sin. And particularly when we consistently sin - with a bad habit or addiction that we know we should not be indulging in - we can become just like the Israelites, wandering around in the wilderness for a long time... My fear is that we can get so used to our sin and wandering around in the wilderness that we don't ever break free from it. We stay in bondage to the sin. And then we stay in the wilderness. The wilderness for us today may simply be living life half-heartedly in a bit of a haze or a bit of a funk. With some sort of cloud hanging over us. It's no way to live life. I guess I just want to encourage you that if you are struggling with what seems to be an unreleaseable sin to not give up. Don't ever give up on victory! Continue to take the sin to Jesus over and over and over again. Take it to God over and over and over again. Pray about it continuously. Seek wise counsel from friends and pastors and professional help. Freedom awaits you. You can get out of the wilderness. The Promised Land awaits you. Please don't continue to "wander around Mt. Seir for a long time".... Below is a painting titled "The Wanderer" by German artist George Seir from 1934:
We read some significant verses at the end of Deuteronomy chapter 3 when Moses asks to enter the Promised Land, and God replies in verses 26 through 28: "`Speak of it no more. You can go to Pisgah Peak and view the land in every direction, but you may not cross the Jordan River. But commission Joshua and encourage him, for he will lead the people across the Jordan. He will give them the land you now see before you.'" Here we see that God is standing firm in his refusal of allowing Moses to enter the Promised Land - and yet, he does show mercy in allowing Moses to view the land.
Worship Video: Today’s readings reminds me the amazing song "My Redeemer Lives" by Nicole C. Mullen:
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Today we wrap up the book of Numbers and begin Deuteronomy, the last book of the Pentateuch (or 5 Books of the Law)! And as we all Learned to Love Leviticus this year, my prayer is that each of us will be Diggin’ Deuteronomy as we read through it this year! :)
~Deuteronomy~ Author: Moses Date: 1420 or 1220 B.C. Content: The book consists of a series of addresses given by Moses in the plains of Moab prior to their entering into Canaan, as well as some specialized regulations and the appointment of Moses’ successor, Joshua. In Moses’ addresses he summarized the events that led up to that day, exhorted the people to faith and obedience, called the Israelites to rededicate themselves to the task God had given them, and then led them in worship and song. After the appointment of Joshua, Moses left the people and, after viewing the Holy Land from afar one last time, he died. With Moses’ death the old order passed away and the destiny of Israel moved into the hands of the next generation. Theme: The faithfulness and power of God to save are stressed throughout the book. A look at Israel’s past shows that God led his people through their darkest days and gave them hope for the future. What God did in the past he could do again. The need for faith and obedience on the part of God’s people is also stressed. God’s richest blessings are given only to those who will use them for his glory. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 3) Great commentary on Deuteronomy is at this link: https://bible.org/article/introduction-deuteronomy
In Deuteronomy chapter 1 verse 1 today we read: "This book records the words that Moses spoke to all the people of Israel while they were in the wilderness east of the Jordan River." This image below sets the stage incredibly well for the book of Deuteronomy! Here is Moses giving the address to the Israelites!
Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of Jeremy Camp’s song "The Answer:"
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Today in Numbers chapter 33 we read about the other nations in Canaan. In chapter 34 we read about the boundaries of the Promised Land. Below is a map of how the tribes will divide Canaan - which we will read about later in the Bible in more detail:
In chapter 35 verses 10-12 we read about the Cities of Refuge - "`When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, designate cities of refuge for people to flee to if they have killed someone accidentally. These cities will be places of protection from a dead person's relatives who want to avenge the death. The slayer must not be killed before being tried by the community." Reading about the Cities of Refuge reminds me of our current day laws of "innocent until proven guilty." It seems like the Cities of Refuge idea still lives on in our justice system today in some regards.
Worship Video: Today's readings remind me of the Britt Nicole song, "The Lost Get Found." Here's a great live version of this song:
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Today in Numbers chapter 32 verse 23 we read this strong warning from Moses to the Reubenites & Gadites about their promise to fight with Israel and their desire to settle in the land east of the Jordan river: "But if you fail to keep your word, then you will have sinned against the LORD, and you may be sure that your sin will find you out." I think this is powerful for us to keep in mind in our lives today as well! It's important for us to keep our word! If we're not sure we can keep our word, we shouldn't give it. But if we do give our word, and we fail to keep it, we have sinned. And I do believe the sin will still find us out today. How are you at keeping your word these days? Is there an area of your life where you gave your word and you now are wavering? Can you keep your word in that area? Will you pray to God to give you strength to do so? Let us not be people who fail to keep our word or who stretch the truth!
Chapter 33 is a great re-cap of Israel's journey!
Worship God: Luke chapter 5 reminds me of Steven Curtis Chapman's great song "For the Sake of the Call:"
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
Love, Trust and Obey Jesus, Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Today in Numbers chapter 30 we read about the various complexities of vows, particularly related to women making vows. (and how their fathers or husbands can void them on day 1, etc.) Apparently the Jewish system and tradition of vows and what counts and didn't count got even more complex over the years between this chapter in Numbers and when Jesus was born. I love that in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus simplifies the whole complex system of vows! Check out Matthew chapter 5 verses 33 through 37 where Jesus says: "“You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one." Let's let our yes simply mean yes and our no's simply mean no's!
Below is an image for Numbers chapter 31 verses 11 & 12: "After they had gathered the plunder and captives, both people and animals, they brought them all to Moses and Eleazar the priest, and to the whole community of Israel, which was camped on the plains of Moab beside the Jordan River, across from Jericho."
Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of the song "Lord I Need You" by Matt Maher. Here's a great live version:
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
Love, Trust and Obey Jesus, Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
I read an interesting commentary today that said the giving of the instructions of the offerings for the festivals in today's readings was done as part of the transfer of power from Moses to Joshua that was coming up soon. As we saw in yesterday's readings with the census, there are 600,000 men about to enter the Promised Land - potentially 2 million or so total including women & children - who these instructions for the offerings for the festivals were given by Moses from God, as we see in chapter 29 verse 40 today: "So Moses gave all of these instructions to the people of Israel, just as the LORD had commanded him."Below is a nice image of the Jewish calendar and major festivals that I've posted up before, but I think serves well for today's readings to review again:
An image is below for Numbers chapter 29 verse 1: "The Festival of Trumpets will be celebrated on the appointed day in early autumn each year. You must call a solemn assembly of all the people on that day, and no regular work may be done."
Worship Video: Today's readings reminds me of Casting Crowns song "If We are the Body." Here's a great live version of that song:
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Today in Numbers we read a powerful narrative about how Joshua was to succeed Moses. Jesus' name comes from Joshua, which means, "Jehovah is salvation." Makes a lot of sense for Jesus' name... Is Jesus your salvation? Below is a great image for Numbers Chapter 27 verses 16-17:
Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of Steven Curtis Chapman's song "Dive:"
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
Love, Trust and Obey Jesus, Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
