Bible In 90 Days – Day 17

Reading: Joshua 15:1 – Judges 3:27

Take Away(s):

So when I read each day, I usually put a tic next to a verse or group of verses that just sticks out or that means something to me.  As I looked back over today’s reading, each one was a declarative statement that was made about God, to Israel or about the person making the statement.  The cool part is that these statements are true still today!

• 21:45. Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. Unlike many of ours, God’s promises are ever true!
• 22:5. “But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul.” Luke 10:27 – ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
• 24:14-15. “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” May the final sentence be true in me and my family – through the power of the Holy Spirit!
• Judges 2:3. [The angel of the Lord speaking to Israel after they broke their covenant with the Lord] “Now therefore I tell you that I will not drive them out before you; they will be thorns in your sides and their gods will be a snare to you.” If we don’t drive out or truly turn away from our sin (through the power of the Holy Spirit), our sin becomes a thorn in our side…constantly irritating and ensnaring us.  BUT: “…greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

If you’re participating in BIND, what were your observations?

Bible In 90 Days – Day 16

Reading: Joshua 1:1 – Joshua 14:15

Take Away(s):

• Joshua Succeeds Moses. In Deuteronomy 31, Moses announces to Israel that Joshua will succeed him.  But it is not until a while later that God commends Joshua and commands him to lead Israel into the promised land.  As Moses continued instructing during this succession time, one could surmise that he is mentoring Joshua and ensuring that he is ready to lead – even assuring and encouraging him several times.  Just reminds me that I need to have this type of relationship with people in my life: at work, church, wherever I lead.
• Read it all! I love how the NIV makes clarifying comment on what Joshua read and to whom he read it, “³⁴ Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—just as it is written in the Book of the Law. ³⁵ There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read to the whole assembly of Israel, including the women and children, and the aliens who lived among them.”  Just a reminder to not pick and choose the “likable” parts of the bible to read and also to make sure we share THE WHOLE of scripture with kids – not just the “kid-friendly” stories.
• Caleb So when I read about Caleb in chapter 14 (¹⁰“…So here I am today, eighty-five years old! ¹¹ I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then.), I get this image of my wife’s grandfather, who lived to be 99 years & 11 months old.  He was active way into his old age and was VERY independent and determined to be on his own, doing things his way…the old way!  We miss him!

If you’re participating in BIND, what were your observations?

Bible In 90 Days – Day 15

Reading: Deuteronomy 23:12 – Deuteronomy 34:12

Take Away(s):

• Revelation. As I read 29:2-5, I had this image of the Israelites having an “ah ha” moment.  As if Moses is pulling back the curtain and revealing to them (even reminding them of) the things that they may have taken for granted while they wondered in the desert.  They lived the journey, but his words seem to indicate that they just didn’t understand the journey.  Again, Moses reminds them of their experiences.  Reading through Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, it often seems repetitive – the cool part is that there was a purpose for the repetition.  I think sometimes we overlook repeating or remembering things in our lives about God’s purpose, faithfulness, sovereignty, provision, all the awesome characteristics that we often overlook or think are far off with God.  I pray that I would have a constant revelation of God and His care and sovereignty in my life!
• I’m Glad for the Secrets. In 29:29, Moses says, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.”  I’m glad I worship and serve a God who I can’t completely know or understand – if I did, I wouldn’t need Him.  Reminds me of a lines from Francis Chan’s book, Crazy Love, “Isn’t it a comfort to worship a God we cannot exaggerate?”  AMEN!

If you’re participating in BIND, what were your observations?

Bible In 90 Days – Day 14

Reading: Deuteronomy 8:1 – Deuteronomy 23:11

Take Away(s):

• The Complete Picture of Obedience. In 10:16, Moses says that the Lord demands that the Israelites circumcise their hearts.  They knew about circumcision – it was an act of obedience that was instituted long before by God to their forefathers.  It showed that they were set apart and that they belonged to God.  It was an outward sign of obedience.  But here, God says that outward is not the complete picture of obedience.  The heart also is where obedience rests – thus He commands that they circumcise their hearts – where our true self and intents lie.  I pray that my outward display of obedience match my heart condition of obedience.  I know that I can’t do it on my own, but only through the power of the Holy Spirit.
• A Preview of Golgatha. In 21:22-23, we see the reason why Jesus’ body was quickly placed in the tomb.

If you’re participating in BIND, what were your observations?

Bible In 90 Days – Day 13

Reading: Numbers 32:20 – Deuteronomy 7:26

Take Away(s):

• No Math!. Deuteronomy 4:2, “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you.” Moses commands that the Israelites not alter or edit the commands that God had given through him.  Fast forward to our time.  How hard that command is for us.  We may not add or subtract anything from God’s Word overtly, but when we impose our opinions, likes, dislikes, feelings, etc. on top of His word…we do what is wrong before God.  In fact it is sin.  I pray that I am conscious about how I treat God’s Word and obey it myself “as written” and impart it the same to others.
• Just Talk! Several times in today’s reading it talks about reminding one’s children (and family) about God’s commands and what God has done – even saying to “impress” them on your children.  I pray that as Karen and I enter parenthood soon, we seek to do this with our children.

If you’re participating in BIND, what were your observations?

Bible In 90 Days – Day 12

Reading: Numbers 21:8 – Numbers 32:19

Take Away(s):

• Balaam’s Talking Donkey. When I read the story of Balaam’s donkey, I wonder what it would be like if our “donkey” talked to us.  Stay with me… We all have “donkeys” in our lives.  You know, the things that we take our unwarranted frustration out on (umm, if I’m the only one here…just pray for me!).  They are the things that are the innocent victim of our anger or just irritation.  They can be live things or inanimate – but we see them as hindrances or irritants – just like Balaam did with his donkey.  If we believe Romans 8:28, we know that God uses “all things” – let’s think about the object or person we see as our hindrance…God may be using them for our good!
• Pleasing aroma. 29:6 talks about the the offerings being a pleasing aroma to the Lord.  Just think, our singing on Sunday – as well as our non-singing worship (Romans 12:1-2) – is a pleasing aroma to the Lord (when done in spirit and in truth, of course).  I pray that I’m not (in the words of Nacho Libre) “estinky” before the Lord as I worship.

If you’re participating in BIND, what were your observations

Bible In 90 Days – Day 11

Reading: Numbers 8:15 – Numbers 21:7

Take Away(s):

• Redefining Humility. As I’ve been reading about Moses and his interaction with God over the past few days, I initially found it hard to reconcile Numbers 12:3 (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth) with what seemed, at times, an arrogant attitude by Moses toward God. There are various definitions of the word humble – one that I think is displayed in Moses’ relationship with God is: “not proud or arrogant; modest.”  How often we think that humility is narrowly defined as being meek and mild – even wimpy!  Moses knew God and approached him with appropriate respect, but enjoyed a relationship that involved some honest conversation with God – and God was painfully honest right back!  He also lead the Israelites in humility, but with authority.  Reminds me of Christ’ leadership while on earth – he was humble, yet authoritative in a profound and powerful way.  What models we have in God’s word to follow as we lead at home, at work, and in an situation in our lives.  Praise God that through His Son, we have direct access to Him – freedom to call out His name and talk with Him at any time, in any place.  OH TO GRACE HOW GREAT A DEBTOR!

If you’re participating in BIND, what were your observations?

Bible In 90 Days – Day 10

Reading: Leviticus 26:27 – Numbers 8:14

Take Away(s):

• The Levites Given Their Tabernacle Tasks/Responsibilities.
  • As I read about how the Levite tribe was given various duties around the tabernacle, it reminded me that eventually in 1 Chronicles 16:4-7, David appoints them to a ministry of music and praise – specifically as, “ministers before the ark of the Lord, to invoke, to thank, and to praise the Lord.”  From caring for the actual Tent to the poles and pegs;  in today’s reading, they were given the these duties and set apart for ministry before and to the Lord.  These duties seem trivial compared with their future responsibilities assigned by David, but they were just as critical to worship of, showing reverence to, and pleasing and obeying God.  I think sometimes people see their part of the Sunday worship service as unimportant or less important or critical than other roles (at times, those being lead see this similarly).  Some think that the only roles that matter during the service are the ones that are on stage.  That is so far from the truth.  Just like the Levites in the Old Testament and their specific roles with the Tabernacle, each and every person is key to worship on Sunday morning today.
  • The other take away from this passage is that leading worship (all of the roles/duties involved) is at it’s core serving.  We must first have a servants heart AND put that into action before we can even lead others in worship of our amazing God.  This example is evident in the progressing role of the Levites.

If you’re participating in BIND, what were your observations?

Bible In 90 Days – Day 9

Reading: Leviticus 14:33 – Leviticus 26:26

Take Away(s):

• In, Not Of. In 18:3-5, the Israelites are warmed by God not to follow the practices of the other people around them.  They are set apart…different.  They are in the world, but not of the world. Reminded me of the Apostle Paul and his “all things to all men” passage in 1 Corinthians 9.  Whenever I read that passage, I am reminded that Paul met people where they were – all the while, not compromising his testimony for Christ and the work at hand.  May that be so in me…through the power of the Holy Spirit!
• Keep, Not Think About. In 18:5, God says, “Keep my decrees and laws, for the man who obeys them will live by them.”  Note to self: There is a distinct difference between keeping and thinking about or even knowing.  We can’t live by simply having a good intention to obey…we must obey.  Thinking about or knowing without the actual action of keeping is fruitless.
• Made Holy – By The Holy One.  In 19:1, God says that they are to be holy for He is holy.   Quite a tall order.  Without verse 20:8 (“Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the LORD, who makes you holy.”), their (and our) efforts to be holy are futile.  Thank God for His enabling power and the Holy Spirit!  I could never measure up on my own!

If you’re participating in BIND, what were your observations?

Bible In 90 Days – Day 8

Reading: Leviticus 1:1 – Leviticus 14:32

Take Away(s):

• The Lord instructs on Offerings. In this first section of Leviticus, God lays out the details for offerings to Moses (as well as other Levitical procedures).  I am struck by the details that were given/required.  I have no insight into the physiology of these specific animals, but I’m sure God had a rational for instructing specificaly in this manner.  Contrast that with how we gripe about some of the “methods” or commands we (as Christ Followers) follow in obedince…in a grumbling manner at times.  I guess if we heard them from Him directly, we’d consider them differently.

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