Chronological Bible Blog

Numbers 14:1-15:41
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Today in Numbers chapter 14 we read about Joshua and Caleb’s bold faith.  They were ready to move into the Promised Land!  Again, similar to my thoughts in yesterday’s post, I wonder if sometimes in our lives, when we are on the brink of something new & something big – that is of God – are we like Caleb & Joshua, or are we like the Israelites?  Are we ready to move forward quickly and decisively on toward what God is giving us?  Or, are we putting on the brakes and starting to complain?  Do we sabotage ourselves?  This is a tough question to ask ourselves I realize.  But I think that if we honestly look at our life, we can oftentimes be more like the Israelites in this chapter – putting on the breaks and really becoming the cause of my own problem…  I pray that I can have faith like Caleb and Joshua.  I pray that I will boldly move forward to what God is calling me toward.  How about you?

Bible.org has a powerful commentary about our recent readings in Numbers titled “Israel’s Failure at Kadesh Barnea” at this link.

Next in Numbers chapter 15 we read about unintentional and intentional sins.  Verse 30 stood out to me – “But those who brazenly violate the LORD’s will, whether native Israelites or foreigners, blaspheme the LORD.” I have thought about this in my life in the past… and thought about that old phrase, “ignorance is bliss.”  While this phrase may seem true at first glance – ignorance is bliss – it’s obviously not “True” at all.  It is so much better to know godly Truth, than to be ignorant.  However… once we know godly Truth, what if we then consciously go against that Truth?  What if we “brazenly violate God’s will”?  This verse today reminded me that once we know Truth – and as we continue to grow in our knowledge of Truth and the Bible – we really should be much more intentional in how we live.  We know what godly living looks like.  We should not go back to our old ways of thinking or our old habits.  We know better.  And we most certainly should not think that “ignorance is bliss.”  It isn’t. 

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Numbers 14 reminded me of 33Miles song “One Life to Love:”

Are you living your one life to love? Click here for True Love!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.” Numbers 14:9 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you never rebel against the Lord. Pray that you are never afraid of any other men, but only fear the Lord. Pray in thanksgiving that the Lord is with you, through a saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

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 11:1-13:33
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today we begin to read about the Israelites discontent with God’s provision and care in Numbers chapter 11, and this discontent & disobedience we will read about through chapter 25. As we read through these chapters, I do think we would do well to not point fingers at the Israelites and say that we would have behaved differently back then. I’m not so sure that I would have. . . I think these chapters will very likely speak into our lives today and we might find that we are often not so different from the Israelites. In Numbers chapter 11 verse 1 today we read: “Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused.” How does this verse speak to you today? I don’t know about you, but for me this verse is convicting. Simply because I know that I often complain more to God than I actually thank God for the blessings he has poured out into my life. It really is incredible to stop and think about how good God is to us. In fact, one of our Bible participants in the past had a blog called “God is Good All the Time.” And this is so true. And yet, what is our percentage of thanksgiving to God versus our complaining to God? I’m afraid my percentage is way skewed toward complaining or worrying (worrying is really similar to complaining I think). I pray that as I go forward in my walk with God that I will do a lot more thanking and a lot less complaining & worrying. It is an amazing thing – this gift of life. Even in the midst of all of our daily challenges and storms, let us know that God is the anchor and harbor in our life. And he continues to pour out blessings upon blessings upon our life – oftentimes without us consciously being aware of the blessings. And oftentimes without us thanking God for the blessings. How about you? How is your thanksgiving of God’s blessings in your life going these days?

Today in Numbers chapter 11 we read about God’s Spirit resting upon 70 leaders!  I loved verse 29 where Moses responded to Joshua’s protesting of Eldad and Medad prophesying in the camp: “”Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his Spirit upon them all!”” This is great humility on Moses part!  He was not threatened by others using gifts of the Spirit in public.  “I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets.”  These words of Moses remind me of a more modern day quote I read somewhere that went something like this: “We are all called to be saints.”  I like that…  Do you believe that you are called to be a saint? How will you be made to be a saint? Or, perhaps I should ask, through Whom will you be sanctified?

Below is an image for Numbers chapter 13, where we read about twelve scouts exploring the Promised Land, and Moses sending them out in verse 17 & 18: “Moses gave the men these instructions as he sent them out to explore the land: “Go northward through the Negev into the hill country.  See what the land is like and find out whether the people living there are strong or weak, few or many.”

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Numbers today reminded me of Third Day’s song “Consuming Fire:”

Have you experienced the holy fire of God? Click here and receive His Holy Spirit!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, ‘We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.’” Numbers 13:30 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will live your faith boldly for the LORD. Pray that you will not fear, but will trust God wholly.

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 6:1-27; Numbers 10:1-36
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in Numbers chapter 6 we read about the Nazirite laws!  The Nazirite vows could be taken for as little as 30 days or as long as a lifetime.  It was voluntary – except parents could take the vow for their children, making them Nazirites for life.  Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist are all thought to have been Nazirites for life.  Below is a painting by C.E. Brock of Samson and the lion from Judges 14:6 –

Today in Numbers chapter 6 verses 22-27 we will read the well known “Aaronic Blessing”, which I’ve underlined in the verses (and is in the image below) – “The LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”” How does this blessing speak to you today? Have you heard this blessing prayed aloud before? Can you imagine this ancient blessing that has been prayed innumerable times in history being prayed over you today? Take a few moments to really meditate upon the 3 sections of the blessing. Do you notice that each section begins with God’s name? Do you believe that God can indeed bless you and keep you (favor & protect you)? That he can indeed make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you (be pleased & be merciful and compassionate to you)? And do you believe that God can indeed turn his face toward you and give you peace (give approval & peace to you)? It is also of note that this blessing “put God’s name on the Israelites and they were blessed.” Do you believe that God’s name is upon you today? Do you want God’s name to be upon you today?

Worship Video: Based on reading the Aaronic blessing today in Numbers, here’s the blessing sung as a duet.  Beautiful!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQNZs7preGw

Has the Lord blessed you? Click here to be kept forever!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: “”The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that God will bless you and keep you. Pray that Jesus will give you peace. Pray Numbers 6:24-46 for your family and neighbors today.

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 4:1-5:31
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in Numbers chapter 4 we read about the duties of the Kohathites, Gershonites and the Merarites!  Reading this chapter reminded me of the church where I used to work – where we had to set up and tear down the sanctuary each Sunday, because we were holding services in a rented community center building.  And truly, most Sundays my days felt like verse 31 and the Merarites: “”Their duties at the Tabernacle will consist of carrying loads.”  But, even though this task of carrying loads back then and today may seem “menial” at first glance, the task was of utmost importance for the community’s worship!  So, I hope this chapter can be an encouragement to you if at times you feel like you are simply “carrying loads” at your church – keep in mind it is a holy task that the Merarites faithfully conducted before you in the time of Moses!

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the Casting Crowns song “Nobody:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yBzIt_z8oY

Are you a Nobody? Click here to live for Nobody but Jesus!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Say to the Israelites: ‘Any man or woman who wrongs another in any way and so is unfaithful to the LORD is guilty and must confess the sin they have committed. They must make full restitution for the wrong they have done, add a fifth of the value to it and give it all to the person they have wronged.” Numbers 5:6-7 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you do not wrong others and so sin against the LORD. Pray that when you do wrong others, you make full restitution for the wrong you have done.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on my reflections above, have you ever had volunteer duties at your church that were less than glamorous duties?  🙂  Do you think that maybe these duties were actually very glamorous to God, even if they weren’t glamorous to the world?  Do you make it a habit of volunteering at your church regularly?  What are some volunteer things you do for your church to help “carry the load” of your church’s ministry?  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. 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 2:1-3:51
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in Numbers chapter 2 we read about the organization of Israel’s camp!  For some reason I really like these types of chapters – chapters where we get what may seem at first glance to be “just a bunch of details” and maybe we even ask occasionally, “what’s the point?”  For me, the details are the point!  I don’t know about you, but I’ll confess this here and now on the blog – I’m a bit of a packrat.  🙂  Seriously.  And not only that – but I have seasons of crazy disorganization in my house and in my life.  And I of course remember the old adage, “cleanliness is next to godliness….”  🙂  And yes, I guess I can at times feel guilty about my disorganization.  But, for some odd reason just this past few weeks I’ve been on an organization kick.  The homestead has been getting a serious cleaning.  I’m getting rid of stuff that I really really don’t need to keep.  And then I read chapters like this in Numbers, and I realize that God is a God of order.  He likes things organized.  And I think we as followers of God do well when we get things organized in our lives too – our housekeeping, our finances, how we spend our time, etc.  Now, don’t hear me say that you should be obsessive compulsive about order… 🙂  But…  I am seeing amazing benefits in my life of being organized.  A good overview of the camp in Numbers chapter 2 is in this image below:

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in Numbers reminded me of MercyMe’s song “You Reign:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eow2hNlA-k

Do you know our God who reigns? Click here to meet your King!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “So the Israelites did everything the LORD commanded Moses; that is the way they encamped under their standards, and that is the way they set out, each of them with their clan and family.” Numbers 2:34 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you do everything the LORD commands you.

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!

Leviticus 27:1-34; Numbers 1:1-54
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today we wrap up Leviticus and transition into Numbers!  Congratulations on staying the course through the book of Leviticus!  Have you Learned to Love Leviticus this past couple of weeks??  🙂  Commentary on Leviticus chapter 27 by Bob Deffinbaugh titled “The Value of a Vow” is at bible.org at this link.   Numbers is an amazing book! I encourage you to reflect on words “Obedience” and “Disobedience” as we read through the book of Numbers. We’ll read much about both of these words in this book. And – I think as we read about both Moses’ and the Israelites Obedience and Disobedience, we will see many parallels in our own lives today. We have an opportunity with the book of Numbers to reflect upon where we have been both Obedient and Disobedient to God in our lives. We also have the opportunity to reflect upon the fruits and blessings of Obedience and the consequences of Disobedience – in Moses’, the Israelites, and our lives today. I hope you are ready to experience the book of Numbers!

~The Book of Numbers~
Author: Moses
Date: 1420 or 1220 B.C.
Content: This book deals with the journey of Israel from Mt. Sinai to the edge of Canaan and the Israelites’ preparation to enter the Promised Land. Because of sin and unbelief, however, they were not allowed by God to claim their inheritance but were condemned to wander in the wilderness for forty years. After the forty years they slowly made their way back to Canaan – this time ready to obey God’s commands. After winning some important battles to the east of the Jordan River, the Israelites prepared for the entrance into the land itself.
Theme: The book shows the continual faithfulness of God and the unbelievable sin of man. Israel rejected God but God remained true to his word, in leading the people through the wilderness and providing for their needs. In the New Testament the Christian life is likened to a wandering in the wilderness with the promise of a heavenly Canaan before us. (Above commentary is from “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 2-3) Excellent commentary on the Book of Numbers is at this link.

Today in Numbers chapter 1 verse 1 we read: “The LORD spoke to Moses in the Tent of Meeting in the Desert of Sinai on the first day of the second month of the second year after the Israelites came out of Egypt.” You’ll definitely notice as we read through the book of Numbers that God speaks to Moses, and through Moses to Israel. This fact is stated over 150 times and in more than 20 different ways in the book of Numbers – all the way from this first verse above until the very last verse of Numbers in chapter 36 verse 13 – “These are the commands and regulations the LORD gave through Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho.” The Israelites were dependent on Moses at that time to hear from God. How do you hear from God in your life today? Do you believe that you are hearing from God as you read the Bible? Do you believe that you can hear from God during times of prayer? Do you believe that today you can hear from God through your faith in Jesus and in your participation in the body of Christ, the church? Are you hearing from God today? Do you want to hear from God today?

Worship Video:  Today’s readings reminded me of the song “Tear off the Roof” by Brandon Lake:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQA6fbSoq-g

Has Jesus torn off the roof for you? Click here!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “The LORD spoke to Moses in the tent of meeting in the Desert of Sinai on the first day of the second month of the second year after the Israelites came out of Egypt.” Numbers 1:1 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are listening to the LORD today, tomorrow, and every day 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!

Leviticus 25:24-26:46
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in Leviticus chapter 25 we finish up reading about the Year of Jubilee.  I don’t know what it is about the Year of Jubilee, but for some reason I really like the concept of it!  I actually read a commentary that said there is no evidence that the Year of Jubilee was actually ever carried out, which made me a bit sad.  However, that same commentary suggested that the Year of Jubilee was ultimately fulfilled through the life of Jesus, as Jesus himself quotes this very Year-of-Jubilee-ic 🙂 sounding verse from Isaiah in Luke chapter 4 verses 18-21: ““The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then Jesus rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.””  Whaddya think?  Think the concept of the Year of Jubilee was indeed fulfilled in the life of Jesus?  I do.  And we don’t need to count down 50 years from now until the next Year of Jubilee.  The Year of Jubilee is available to each of one of us today!  I came across this beautiful piece of artwork below called “Year of Jubilee” – see anything in this artwork that might be pointing toward Jesus?

Leviticus chapter 26 is a great look at the blessings of obedience and punishments for disobedience.  As I read through the punishments for disobedience my mind instantly went to where, later in the Bible, Israel would indeed walk down the path of disobedience – and ultimately be punished with the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile into Babylon.  For those going through the One Year Bible for more than the first time, I am sure you probably recognized this as well.  What is interesting to keep in mind that these words of God were written by Moses nearly 1,000 years before the Babylonian exile.  This reminded me again of how powerful God’s Word truly is – and how true it really is.  And it reminded me that even in our modern times, the Bible is still truth, and the teachings of Jesus are still relevant now 2,000 years later…  Truth is truth.  We may be inconsistent, but God is not.  Are you walking in the path of obedience in your relationship with God?  Are you walking in Truth?

Verses 44 & 45 in this chapter stood out to me as a reminder that even though God punishes disobedience, he leaves room for repentance and he allows for a remnant to carry on the covenant: ““But despite all this, I will not utterly reject or despise them while they are in exile in the land of their enemies. I will not cancel my covenant with them by wiping them out. I, the LORD, am their God. I will remember my ancient covenant with their ancestors, whom I brought out of Egypt while all the nations watched. I, the LORD, am their God.”  And verses 12 & 13 in this chapter are awesome: “I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people. I, the LORD, am your God, who brought you from the land of Egypt so you would no longer be slaves. I have lifted the yoke of slavery from your neck so you can walk free with your heads held high.”  Do you believe that God walks among us today?  Is God your God?  And are you His?  Has the yoke of slavery from sin been lifted from your neck?  Are you walking free today with your head held high?

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in Leviticus reminded me of Mandisa’s song “Stronger:”

Think you are strong? Click here and be made Stronger!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high. “ Leviticus 26:13 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are walking with your head held high thanks to your saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

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!

Leviticus 23:1-25:23
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in Leviticus chapter 23 we read about the Appointed Festivals!  The NIV Study Bible has a great chart summarizing the Old Testament Feasts and Other Sacred Days, which is significantly paraphrased below with just Name & Purpose:

1. Sabbath – Rest for people and animals
2. Sabbath Year – Rest for land.
3. Year of Jubilee – Help for poor; stabilize society.
4. Passover – Remember Israel’s deliverance from Egypt.
5. Unleavened Bread – Remember how the Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt in haste.
6. Firstfruits – Recognize the Lord’s bounty in the land.
7. Weeks (Pentecost or Harvest) – Show joy and thankfulness for the Lord’s blessing of harvest.
8. Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah-New Year’s Day) – Present Israel before the Lord for his favor.
9. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) – Atone for the sins of priests and people and purify the Holy Place.
10. Tabernacles (Booths or Ingathering) – Memorialize the journey from Egypt to Canaan; give thanks for the productivity of Canaan.
11. Sacred Assembly – Commemorate the closing of the cycle of feasts.
12. Purim – Remind the Israelites of their national deliverance in the time of Esther.
13. Hanukkah (Feast of Dedication or Festival of Lights) – Commemorated the purification of the temple and altar in the Maccabean period.
14.  New moons were also often special feast days.
(Above is from Zondervan’s “NIV Study Bible” pp. 176-177) Below is a Jewish calendar, which includes many of the feasts and sacred days listed above:

Bible.org’s commentary on Leviticus chapter 23 titled “The Lord’s Appointed Times” is at this link.

Today in Leviticus chapter 24 we read the well known law of retaliation from verses 19 & 20: “Anyone who injures another person must be dealt with according to the injury inflicted– fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Whatever anyone does to hurt another person must be paid back in kind.”  I’ve read commentaries that say that this law of retaliation was actually compassionate for its time – in that it limited what one person could to another person in a very lawless age.  If you lost an eye, you could take an eye – but you could not kill in return, for example.  So, I see the logic behind saying that the law of retaliation limited punishments…. but, I also think we would do well to remember Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount where he quotes from Leviticus 24 verse 20 in Matthew chapter 5 verse 38 & 39: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”  Jesus teaches that there is a higher law of love that is better than the law of retaliation. Commentary on Leviticus chapter 24 titled “The Lamp, the Loaves and The Loudmouth” 🙂 is at Bible.org at this link.  Commentary on Leviticus chapter 25 is at this link and at this link.

Well, I learned something new!  This is pretty awesome – the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is so named because this statement from Leviticus chapter 25 verse 10 is written on the bell: “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.”  (which you won’t be able to see well in this photo below – I believe the inscription is around the top of the bell, where you’ll see 2 lines near the top and can make out the word “Proclaim.”) 

In Leviticus 25 verses 9 & 10 today we read: “Then on the Day of Atonement of the fiftieth year, blow the trumpets loud and long throughout the land. This year will be set apart as holy, a time to proclaim release for all who live there. It will be a jubilee year for you, when each of you returns to the lands that belonged to your ancestors and rejoins your clan.”

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the song “Be Thou My Vision.” Here’s a great live version by Shane & Shane:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgLHar8VWJI

Who or what is your vision? Click here for your eternal vision!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Follow my decrees and be careful to obey my laws, and you will live safely in the land.” Leviticus 25:18 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are careful follow God’s decrees and laws through your saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

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!

Leviticus 20:1-22:33
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

You’ll notice lately that I’ve been punting over to Bob on many of the Leviticus chapters.   I’m honestly not finding as much time as I’d like to spend on study & prep as I’d like lately. But, I also think Bob’s writings on Leviticus are powerful – and so here he is on Leviticus chapter 20 at this link.  Actually, one quick powerful note on Leviticus 19:18 (from yesterday’s readings) – “Never seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”  Jesus quoted the underlined portion of this Leviticus verse as we see in Matthew 22:36-40: “”Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, ” `You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: `Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

In Leviticus chapter 20 verses 23 & 24 we read – “Do not live by the customs of the people whom I will expel before you. It is because they do these terrible things that I detest them so much. But I have promised that you will inherit their land, a land flowing with milk and honey. I, the LORD, am your God, who has set you apart from all other people.”  These verses are another reminder that God’s laws to the Israelites were given to set them apart from the pagans surrounding them and in Canaan.  God’s laws were given to differentiate what is right and wrong, in comparison to the pagan immoral customs.  I wonder about this in our modern world today.  As followers of Jesus, do you think we should be “set apart” from what the modern world tells us to do & how to live?  Should we or should we not be living by the customs of our modern world?  How are you living your life today?  If someone examined your life, would they see that you are set apart from the customs of our modern world?  Bob Deffinbaugh’s commentary on Leviticus chapters 21 & 22 is at this link. 

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in Leviticus reminded me of Josh Wilson’s song “I Refuse:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIv_zkOC97Q

Do you refuse to say another empty prayer? Click here and pray for real!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.” Leviticus 20:26 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are living a set apart life, wholly pleasing to 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!

Leviticus 17:1-19:37
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Bob Deffinbaugh at bible.org’s commentary on Leviticus chapter 17, “The Preciousness of Blood,” is at this link.   A quote from Bob from this link – “The Israelite of old learned from Leviticus, as nowhere else up to that point in time, the preciousness of blood to God. How much greater value does blood take on for the New Testament saint, whose blessings are all a result of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. As Harrison summarizes the matter, “The blood is the life of the flesh (Lev. 17:11), and it is through the atoning blood of Christ that the believer receives redemption (I Pet. 1:18-19), forgiveness (Eph. 1:7), justification (Rom. 5:9), spiritual peace (Col. 1:20), and sanctification (Heb. 13:12).”

Leviticus 18 is primarily a chapter about forbidden sexual practices.  However – before we get to those – I think verses 1-5 are incredibly powerful as God reminds the Israelites that he is their God – and that he has set them apart from the pagans surrounding them – and that his laws must be obeyed by the Israelites – “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Say this to your people, the Israelites: I, the LORD, am your God. So do not act like the people in Egypt, where you used to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must not imitate their way of life. You must obey all my regulations and be careful to keep my laws, for I, the LORD, am your God. If you obey my laws and regulations, you will find life through them. I am the LORD.”  As I read this I see the compassionate nature of God throughout history.  The laws were so much better than the pagan ways of the nations surrounding Israel.  The laws were better.  More compassionate than immorality to be sure.  Check out again Bob Deffinbaugh on Leviticus chapter 18 verses 1-5 titled “Obedience—The Obligation of Being Owned” at this link.  And below is one of my favorite obedience cartoons… 🙂

For the rest of Leviticus chapter 18 I’m going to punt once again over to Bob Deffinbaugh at bible.org at this link.   Here’s a quote from Bob at this link – “Leviticus 18:6-29 has a very simple structure and message. Its intent is to define the boundaries of godly human sexual relationships. There are three of them, which I call the inner, middle, and outer boundaries of godly sexuality. Verses 6 through 18 define the “inner boundary,” prohibiting sexual relationships with close relatives. Verses 19 and 20 define the “middle boundary,” which limits sexual relations within marriage and prohibits them outside marriage. Verses 21 through 23 define the “outer boundary” of unnatural sexual relations. Verses 24 through 29 tell us about God’s judgment upon a nation that crosses these boundaries. They clearly tell us that God’s judgment for sexual sin is all nations, not just the covenant nation of Israel.”

Today in Leviticus chapter 19 we read about holiness!  What a tiny but powerful little word – holy.  This chapter is of interest to me in that I continue to struggle with the call to holiness in my life.  I understand grace.  I get grace.  I’m good at receiving grace…  🙂  But holiness?  Well, that’s a bit trickier for me personally.  I guess where I am at these days in my walk with the Lord is really trying to balance grace and holiness.  I know we are saved through grace, not works – but, I also believe there is a call to holiness in our lives once we have received that gift of grace.   You know I love Bob Deffinbaugh’s writings over at bible.org.  I think Bob’s writings on Leviticus chapter 19 titled “How to Spell Holy” at this link is up there with some of his best stuff.  Please check out this link, and make sure you scroll down to read about Bob’s take on “perversions of holiness” – 1. stained glass holiness 2. positional holiness 3. equating holiness with the miraculous 4. isolational holiness 5. holiness by redefinition.  Great stuff!

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in Leviticus 18 reminded me of Rebecca St. James’s song “Wait for Me:”

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Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.” Leviticus 19:2 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray for holiness 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!