Chronological Bible Blog

Deuteronomy 6:1-9:29
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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.

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? 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?

Okay, I’m really appreciating the New Living Translation little commentary headers before sections of our readings – as I discussed in yesterday’s post, these are not from the original manuscripts so should not be considered Biblical text.  Nonetheless, I personally do find them useful.   And I really do like the first header in Deuteronomy chapter 9 today in the NLT – “Victory by God’s Grace.”  You’ll note that you won’t actually find the word “grace” in any of the verses that follow.  However, I think we do get a good overview of how grace works in this section, and verse 6 gives an example of grace: “I will say it again: The LORD your God is not giving you this good land because you are righteous, for you are not–you are a stubborn people.”  This verse made me chuckle a bit when I read it.  Because it is true.  The Israelites were a stubborn people, as we’ve seen in our readings.   And yet, God was still showing grace by giving them the Promised Land.  This verse primarily made me chuckle because I think that we, today, are still oftentimes a stubborn people.  Not a lot has changed in 3,000+ years.  We humans are still a stubborn people.   And God is still a God of grace.  Then and now.  God shows us humans his grace.  Thank goodness!

Later in Deuteronomy chapter 9 we read about the golden calf, and we get a great reminder of how Moses truly was a mediator between God and the Israelites – in some ways foreshadowing the mediator role that Jesus is now between God and all humankind.  Verses 18 & 19 demonstrate Moses’ mediator role well – “Then for forty days and nights I lay prostrate before the LORD, neither eating bread nor drinking water. I did this because you had sinned by doing what the LORD hated, thus making him very angry. How I feared for you, for the LORD was ready to destroy you. But again he listened to me.”  And check out this amazing image below of Moses laying prostrate before God on behalf the Israelites…  can you imagine doing this for 40 days and nights for someone?  Particularly for someone who just sinned greatly against God?  Moses is amazing… 

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Deuteronomy reminds me of the fantastic song by Shaun Groves called “Welcome Home:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3lv1hsiRUo

Have you welcomed Jesus into your Home? Click here and welcome Him!

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. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Deuteronomy 3:21-5:33
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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.   

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?

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. 

Worship Video: Today’s readings i Deuteronomy reminded me of the Mikeschair song “Let the Waters Rise:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofmEiNzWDOk

Are the waters rising on you? Click here for Rescue!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “You shall have no other gods before me.” Deuteronomy 5:7 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have absolutely no other gods before the LORD our God. Pray that you do now serve any other idols – success, comfort, money, pride, etc. Pray that you will serve the LORD wholeheartedly.

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. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Deuteronomy 1:1-3:20
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Today we 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

Bible Project: Here is a terrific overview of the book of Deuteronomy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5QEH9bH8AU

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! 

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:

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the song “Holy Spirit” by Francesca Battistelli:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoZd7ZXh9yY

Do you know the Holy Spirit? Click here to meet the Holy Spirit!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “See, the LORD your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 1:21 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will never be afraid nor discouraged when the LORD calls you forward to do something in accordance with His perfect will. Pray for strength in the LORD.

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. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Numbers 34:1-36:13
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Today we wrap up the book of Numbers! In Numbers 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 Videos: Today’s readings in Numbers 35 about the cities of refuge made me think about how Jesus is our only true refuge in this world, which reminded me of Jason Castro’s song “You Are:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUkCrSTYGA8

Is Jesus your One refuge? Click here for your Refuge!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “These six towns you give will be your cities of refuge.” Numbers 35:13 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that Jesus is your “city of refuge” now 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. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Numbers 32:1-33:56
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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 Video: Today’s readings in Numbers 33 reminded me of Christy Nockels song “Waiting Here for You:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3OEGnH5x8g

Are you waiting for the LORD? Click here and wait no more!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the LORD; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not sin. Pray in realization that every sin you commit is truly a sin against the LORD. Pray that you will not sin against the LORD.

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. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Numbers 30:1-31:54
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

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 in Numbers 30 and the vows reminded me of Avalon’s song “Testify to Love:”

Have you ever testified to love? Click here and Testify!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “When a man makes a vow to the LORD or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said. “ Numbers 30:2 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that your yes means yes and that your no means no. Pray that you don’t break your word, but that you do everything that you say you will do. Pray that you will be a person that under-promises, but over-delivers.

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. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Numbers 27:1-29:40
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

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:

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 in Numbers reminded me of Third Day’s song “I Need a Miracle:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTjimzpyE4k

Do you need a miracle? Click here for a Miracle!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “May the LORD, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the LORD’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.” Numbers 27:16-17 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving that the LORD has appointed Jesus to be our good shepherd.

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. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Numbers 25:1-26:65
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And just when it looks like Balaam was turning out to be maybe not so bad in chapter 24… we get to chapter 25…  In chapter 25 we read about Israel’s sin in worshiping Baal and their sexual immorality.  What we don’t find out until Numbers chapter 31 verse 16 is that Balaam was the principal instigator of the idea of leading Israel toward this sexual sin & idolatry: “They were the ones who followed Balaam’s advice and were the means of turning the Israelites away from the LORD in what happened at Peor, so that a plague struck the LORD’s people.” Revelation chapter 2 verse 14 also refers to Balaam’s hand in the incidents that took place: “Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality.”  Reading about these incidents in chapter 25 today – do you think people today still live in this tension of serving God versus being seduced by idols?  What saves us from this tension?

Bob Deffinbaugh’s take on Chapter 25 and Balaam’s behind the scenes work is at Bible.org at this link and leads off with, “Balaam’s Advice: “If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em!”” is at this link.

Today in Numbers chapter 26 we read about Israel’s second census, which was commanded by God.  (We’ll read later in the Bible a census conducted by David that was not commanded by God, which was a sin.)  This 2nd census in numbers was taken approximately 38 years after the first census.  The first census in Numbers chapters 1 & 2 was taken after Israel had left Egypt.  This second census is being taken just before the conquest of the Promised Land.  In verse 51 today we read: “So the total number of Israelite men counted in the census numbered 601,730.”  This total of the second census compares to 603,550 from the first census, so is very comparable.  These second census numbers obviously reflect the 24,000 deaths we read about in chapter 25 – so this number would have been higher.  To me, overall, to see the numbers so similar over 38 years in the wilderness shows that God’s hand of blessing was so clearly upon the Israelites.  They were flourishing in the desert.  Hopefully this is encouraging to us today.  If we are in right relationship with God, I believe our lives will clearly flourish in whatever circumstances we might find ourselves in – even if we are in the desert!

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminds me of the FFH song “One of these Days:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHdSgQVIb5c

Are you prepared for Jesus’ Second Coming? Click here and be prepared for that Day!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “So Israel yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor. And the LORD’s anger burned against them.” Numbers 25:3 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will never yoke yourself to any false God or idol. Pray that you will never anger the LORD through idolatry of any kind.

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. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Numbers 22:1-24:25
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in Numbers chapter 22 we read about Balak sending for Balaam – hoping Balaam will curse the Israelites.   Balak sends messengers the 1st time and Balaam gets a message from God to not go with these messengers, as God has blessed the Israelites.  What is interesting to me are verses 15-17: “Then Balak tried again. This time he sent a larger number of even more distinguished officials than those he had sent the first time. They went to Balaam and gave him this message: “This is what Balak son of Zippor says: Please don’t let anything stop you from coming. I will pay you well and do anything you ask of me. Just come and curse these people for me!”  For some reason these verses really reminded me of temptation in our lives today.  Like Balaam with the messengers on their first visit, we may realize something is not what God would want us to do – and we send the temptation away.  But…  then the temptation can come back!  In a bigger way – with more distinguished officials than before… with more allure than before…  the temptation that we resisted once so valiantly can come back.  And then, the question becomes – with the opportunity to be “paid well” by the temptation, will we still resist the temptation?  Can we resist the temptation a 2nd time?  Through Jesus, our mediator before our Heavenly Father, yes, I know we can.  If temptation has visited you once – or twice – or even many times – will you pray to God today in the name of Jesus that temptation will never overcome you?

Today in Numbers chapter 22 we read about Balaam’s talking donkey! Yes, this is a very unique portion of scripture, and, yes, one we can learn from. In verses 27 & 28 we read: “When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he was angry and beat her with his staff. Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?”  There is a lot going on in the verses leading up to this point, and in the verses thereafter – which you can study more at this link . I think one thing for us to pay attention to here is how we are sometimes saved from a bad situation by what at first glance appears to be an “inconvenience.” A donkey laying down and starting to talk is inconvenient to Balaam. But, this talking donkey saved Balaam from an angel with a sword in hand that Balaam could not see. Are there perhaps “inconveniences” in your life today that are maybe saving you from a bad situation? Or, do you recognize inconveniences in the past that saved you from a bad situation? I know I have. If my car breaks down or I get sick or I miss a flight – all inconveniences – I try to remind myself that it might just be possible that this inconvenience was meant to be. It may have saved me from something much worse happening. The inconvenience – the “talking donkey” – may have actually saved me from something I could not see. Keep your eyes open for inconvenient “talking donkeys” in your life 🙂 – and praise God for them when they appear! Here’s Rembrandt’s take on Balaam’s talking donkey from the year 1626:

Bible.org commentary on Balaam in chapters 22 & 23 is at this link.

Today in Numbers chapter 24 we read about Balaam’s prophecies!  Verse 17 is thought to be prophetic of Jesus: “I see him, but not in the present time.  I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel. It will crush the foreheads of Moab’s people, cracking the skulls of the people of Sheth.”  Tyndale’s commentary today suggests that the star rising from Jacob may be the prophecy that convinced the wise men to travel to Israel in search of the newborn Jesus.  Here’s an image of Balaam prophesying over Israel’s camp:  (and of course Balak looking horrified over this blessing that Balaam is giving)

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Numbers today about the messages God gave Balaam to give to Balaak reminded me of The City Harmonic’s song “Manifesto:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_6JQDsbtlM

Have you ever sang loud Amen’s like this song? Click here and sing Amen forevermore!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Numbers 23:19 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will trust God completely. Pray that you will see God’s promises made and promised kept in the Bible this year, and in your life.

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. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Numbers 19:1-21:35
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Today in Numbers chapter 20 verse 12 we read about God pronouncing that Moses & Aaron would not enter the Promised Land – “But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!””  Why did this happen?  Well, it’s best to stick with Scripture – God says that Moses & Aaron did not trust God enough.  They did not trust God enough to demonstrate his holiness to the people of Israel.  Thus they will not lead them into the Promised Land.  Where was the lack of trust?   Go back to verse 8 and you’ll see God tell Moses to “command the rock” for water – command meaning verbally… then in verse 11 we see Moses strike the rock twice – not using the verbal command God instructed him on, but using an action.   There also may have been a pride issue when Moses in verse 10 says “must we bring you water from this rock?”  You’ll notice the little word WE – We being Moses & Aaron? -this is probably not the way to best recognize God for God bringing water out of the rock…  It looks like Moses is taking credit.   How about us in our lives today?  Are there times when we disobey God’s direct commands to us?  Are there times when we take credit for God’s work?  Even if we generally follow God’s instructions – as Moses clearly does for the majority of his life – should we be on constant watch that we do not disobey God?

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Numbers 20 reminded me of Jeremy Camp’s song “Not Ashamed:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHUNlFuWk7g

Are you ashamed? Click here for no more shame forevermore!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.’” Numbers 20:12 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will always trust God wholeheartedly. Pray that you will always honor God for His holiness before all men.

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. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!