john14six

Reading for the week of: 10/5/2008-10/11/2008

Psalms 96-102

Revelations 5-11

Isaiah 65-66

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This week we start new chapters:

Jeremiah 1-12

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Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

Reading for the week of: 9/28/2008 - 10/4/2008

Psalms 89-95

2 Peter 1-3

Isaiah 51-64

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This week we start new chapters:

Revelation 11-4

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Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

Reading for the week of: 9/21/2008 - 9/27/2008

Reading for the week of: 9/21/2008 - 9/27/2008

Psalms 82-88

James 4-5

Isaiah 37-50

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This week we start new chapters:

1 Peter 1-5

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Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

Reading for the week of: 9/14/2008 - 9/20/2008

Reading for the week of: 9/14/2008 - 9/20/2008

Psalms 75-81

Mark 13-16

Isaiah 23-36

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This week we start new chapters:

James 1-3

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Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

Reading for the week of: 9/7/2008-9/13/2008

Psalms 68-74

Mark 6-12

Isaiah 9-22

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Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

Reading for the week of: 8/31/2008-9/6/2008

Psalms 61-67

2 Timothy 3-4

Song of Solomon 1-8

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This week we start new chapters:

Mark 1-5

Isaiah 1-8

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Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

Reading for the week of: 8/24/2008-8/30/2008

Psalms 54-60

1 Timothy 2-6

Job 40-42

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This week we start new chapters:

2 Timothy 1-2

Ecclesiastes 1-12

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Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

Reading Plan for the week of: 8/17/2008-8/23/2008

Psalms 47-53

1 Thessalonians 3-5

Job 25-39

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This week we start new chapters:

1 Timothy 1

2 Thessalonians 1-3

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Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

Give me that bible

The Olympics have been great for so many reasons: watching the amazing athletes, seeing the pride they have for the countries they represent (and getting a geography lesson at the same time), and seeing the different cultures.  China is a beautiful country and the stories on the culture have been fascinating.  However, there are some very troubling stories that have also been brought to light during the Olympics:

• The little girl who sang at the opening ceremonies was not cute enough for TV:

BEIJING (AP) — One little girl had the looks. The other had the voice.

• Olympic protest requests are not being processes by the Chinese government:

BEIJING (ESPN)-- Chinese authorities have not approved any of the 77 applications they received from people who wanted to hold protests during the Beijing Olympics, state media reported Monday.

• Bibles were confiscated at the Beijing airport:

BEIJING, China (CNN) -- Four members of a Christian group from the United States are refusing to leave an airport in China after authorities confiscated their 300 Bibles, the group's director said Monday.

I am sure this is just the short list of things that are going on with little to no media attention.  President Bush has been doing a fair job to condemn China's stance on human rights.  The Olympics should not be a platform for politics, but it has severed as a magnifying glass for China.  It serves as a good reminder for the religious freedom we have here in the United States.  Thank God for that!!!

Reading for the week of: 8/10/2008 - 8/16/2008

Psalms 40-46

Philippians 4

Job 8-24

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This week we start new chapters:

Colossians 1-4

1 Thessalonians 1-2

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Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

Reading for the week of: 8/3/2008 - 8/9/2008

Psalms 33-39

Ephesians 3-6

Esther 3-10

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This week we start new chapters:

Philippians 1- 3

Job 1-7

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Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

Do not be anxious...

This is always a good reminder...especially for someone who worries as much as I do:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6

Literal Interpretation of the bible?

In the reading this week, we come across Ephesians 5:22-33.  This is the passage that says a woman must completely submit to her husband.  I am not sure this is to be taken as word for word law, but rather the spirit of the law holds true.  This really points to an even bigger question: do you take the bible by its literal interpretation.  I am not sure and struggle with many issues. The bible talks about slaves respecting their masters, I do not believe the Lord is telling us slavery is OK, but rather this was written in a time when slavery was OK. The same is true with the role of the woman in the household. It was a different time back then. However, back then sexual immorality (sex before marriage, homosexuality, divorce, infidelity, etc…) occurred and the bible addressed that. The same things occur today, but society has changed and become more accepting of it. Is that the same? Not sure. It is an issue that continues to be at the forefront of our churches today. In California, the Supreme Court recently ruled that gay couple can be legally married and many initiatives are being run to take action in the November election. It is a really hard issue and one that I don’t think we will know the absolute answer on until Jesus returns to set the record strait.  I personally believe in a forgiving God, one who says to love your neighbors and your enemies. I struggle with this issue daily.

 

In searching through the internet looking for articles on the literal interpretation of the bible, I found this open letter to Dr. Laura.  I am neither defending Dr. Laura’s remarks that being homosexual is a genetic error, nor am I trying to say the bible should be ignored on homosexuality.  However, this is a rather humorous response….in the end, I still find myself struggling with this issue.

Dear Dr. Laura,             

            

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's law. I have learned a great deal from you, and I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind him that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the specific laws and how to best follow them.             

When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. How should I deal with this?             

I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as it suggests in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?             

I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.             

Lev. 25:44 states that I may buy slaves from the nations that are around us. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans but not Canadians. Can you clarify?             

I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?             

A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 10:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?             

Lev. 20:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear prescription glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?

I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help.  Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

-Author unknown (there are rumors, but no one knows for sure)

   Yes, this letter shows that the Levitical laws obviously do not apply in today's society if taken literally.  However, the spirit of the law still hold true, and I will always believe that God's word is eternal and unchanging.  I am sure many of you also struggle with these issues....all you can do is read your bible and pray for guidance.

Psalms 19:14

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."
Psalms 19:14

Remember this Psalm before sitting down to do you bible study and as you go throughout your day. Clear your mind of your todo lists, your e-mail, etc... Go to the Lord focused on him and open your heart to his teachings...easier said then done, but it is something I try to do. God will always meet you whererver you are, you just have to give him your time and your heart.

Reading for the week of 7/27/2008 - 8/2/2008

Reading for the week of: 7/27/2008 - 8/2/2008

Psalms 27 - 32

Matthew 27 - 28

Nehemia 1-13

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This week we start new chapters:

Titus 1- 3

Ephesians 1 - 2

Esther 1 - 2

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Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

Remember me with favor, O my God

I just finished reading Nehemiah. I really enjoyed this book. Nehemiah Chapter 9 gives a good summary of the first half of the old testament and the struggles and blessings of God's chosen people.

Nehemiah felt the calling of the Lord to restore Jerusalem, both the city, walls, and the people that reside within it. He is very bold and leans on the Lord to get the job done. He asks for guidance and strength. During the rebuilding of the wall he asks the people to carry loads with one hand and carry a sword with the other...do not fear the enemies that want to kill you...God will protect you. In all he did he would call out to the Lord: "Remember me with your favor, O my God." A great way to live your life....do you have a little Nehemiah in you?

I could tell you but you would not believe me

These are some interesting times we are living in right now. Gas prices, wars, home foreclosures, Iran talking about wiping Isreal off the map....you get my point. Pastor Ray has been talking about all this a lot and has really put it all in perspective. You may want to scream up to God and ask: "do you see what is going on down here? Are you going to step in here and help us out of this mess?" His reply is simple: "I have not missed a second and nothing has surprised me. It is all part of my plan. My plan for you is so great, I could tell you but you would not believe me." I have been reminded of this so many times in my life. I am sure every time God has been up there saying, relax, I am with you, now and always....just wait and watch how my plan is goig to work out and all the great things that await you.

Reading for the week of 7/20/2008-7/26/2008

Psalms 19-25

Matthew 20-26

Ezra 1-10

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Reading for the week of 7/13/2008 - 7/19/2008

Psalms 12-18

Matthew 13-19

2 Chronicles 27-36

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Reading for the week of: 7/6/2008-7/12/2008

Psalms 5-11

Matthew 6-12

2 Chronicles 14-26

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Reading for the week of: 6/29/2008-7/5/2008

Proverbs 29-31

Galations 5-6

1 Chronicles 27-29

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This week we start new chapters:

Matthew 1-5

2 Chronicles 1-13

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Reading for the week of: 6/22/2008 - 6/28/2008

Proverbs 22-28

2 Corinthians 11-13

1 Chronicles 10-26

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This week we start new chapters:

Galations 1-4

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Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

Reading for the week of: 6/15/2008-6/21/2008

Proverbs 15-21

2 Corinthians 4-10

2 Kings 20-25

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This week we start new chapters:

1 Chronicles 1-9

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Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

Reading for the week of: 6/8/2008 - 6/14/2008

Proverbs 8-14

1 Corinthians 13-16

2 Kings 7-19

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This week we start new chapters:

2 Corinthians 1-3

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Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

Reading for the week of: 6/1/2008 - 6/7/2008

Proverbs 1-7

1 Corinthians 6-12

1 Kings 15-22

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This week we start new chapters:

2 Kings 1-6

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Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

Reading for the week of: 5/25/2008 - 5/31/2008

Psalms 144-150

John 20-21

1 Kings 1-14

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This week we start new chapters:

1 Corinthians 1-5

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Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

John 16:33

Whenever you are feeling like the weight of the world is too heavy, and feel the world is against you, remember this verse:

In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NIV)

Jesus was telling his disciples that they will be prosecuted for their teachings, that people will kick them out of the synagogues, that they will be mocked.  He tells them that they will face hard times in this world.  There is good news though, he will not leave them.  Through him, they can do anything.  He has come the world and has conquered it.  Through him, you can handle anything that comes your way.  A little bit of prayer and a ton of faith, Jesus will always be by your side.  That gives me great comfort.

Reading for the week of: 5/18/2008-5/24/2008

Psalms 137-143

John 13-19

2 Samuel 15-24

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Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

Walking with God

I have been a big fan of John Eldredge for quite some time.  His book Wild at Heart changed my life and the way I view it.  He has a new book out now: Walking with God.  I was lucky enough to have been one of the few who got an early look at the book before it was released.  It is another great book from John.  I have not finished it, but I have really enjoyed the first half and look forward to the second half.  Go out and grab a copy.  Here is the description from amazon:

Product Description

 

Walking with God moves through a year in the life of John Eldredge showing and teaching what an intimate relationship with God looks like day to day.

 

God longs to speak. And it is our right and privilege to hear His voice. Our deepest longings could all find sufficient fulfillment in God's company. Yet, somehow, the looming discontent of most Christians is a lack of intimacy with God. Walking with God is unlike any book John has written. It moves through a year in his life showing and teaching what conversational intimacy with God can be like. It teaches readers how to make decisions aligning with God's will, understand barriers and "agreements" keeping them from the life God intends, fight spiritual battles for their own heart and for others, and much more. Ultimately, Walking with God shows readers that walking intimately with Him can be a normal part of the Christian life.

   

      About the Author
  John Eldredge is the founder and director of Ransomed Heart™ Ministries in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a fellowship devoted to helping people discover the heart of God. John is the author of numerous books, including Epic, Waking the Dead, Wild at Heart, and Desire, and coauthor of Captivating and The Sacred Romance. John lives in Colorado with his wife, Stasi, and their three sons, Samuel, Blaine, and Luke. He loves living in the Rocky Mountains so he can pursue his other passions, including fly-fishing, mountain climbing, and exploring the waters of the West in his canoe.

I can't wait for the day....

You are in your car driving home.  Thoughts wander to the game you want to see or meal you want to eat, when suddenly a sound unlike any you’ve ever heard fills the air. The sound is high above you. A trumpet? A choir? A choir of trumpets? You don’t know, but you want to know.. So you pull over, get out of your car, and look up. As you do, you see you aren’t the only curious one.  The roadside has become a parking lot. Car doors are open, and people are staring at the sky. Shoppers are racing out of the grocery store. The
Little League baseball game across the street has come to a halt. Players and
parents are searching the clouds. And what they see, and what you see, has never before been seen.


As if the sky were a curtain, the drapes of the atmosphere part. A brilliant light spills onto the earth. There are no shadows. None.


From every hue ever seen and a million more never seen. Riding on the flow is an endless fleet of angels. They pass through the curtains one myriad at a time, until they occupy every square inch of the sky.


North.  South. East. West.


Thousands of silvery wings rise and fall in unison, and over the sound of the  trumpets, you can hear the cherubim and seraphim chanting, Holy, holy, holy.. The final flank of angels is followed by twenty-four silver-bearded elders and a multitude of souls who join the angels in worship.


Presently the movement stops and the trumpets are silent, leaving only the triumphant triplet: Holy, holy, holy. Between each word is a pause. With each word, a profound reverence. You hear your voice join in the chorus.  You don’t know why you say the words, but you know you must.


Suddenly, the heavens are quiet. All is quiet. The angels turn, you turn, the entire world turns and there He is. Jesus.


Through waves of light you see the silhouetted figure of Christ the King. He is atop a great stallion, and the stallion is atop a billowing cloud. He opens his mouth, and you are surrounded by his declaration:


I am the Alpha and the Omega.


The angels bow their heads.. The elders remove their crowns. And before you is a Figure so consuming that you know, instantly you know: Nothing else matters. Forget stock markets and school reports. Sales meetings and football games. Nothing is newsworthy…All that mattered, matters no more.... for Christ has come.

Please let me know the exact time you read this. It is mystical—honest.


This morning when the Lord opened a window to Heaven, he saw me, and he asked: My child, what is your greatest wish for today?


I responded: ‘Lord please; take care of the person who is reading this message, their family and their special friends. They deserve it and I love them very much’.


The love of God is like the ocean, you can see its beginnings but not its    end.


This message works on the day you receive it.


To some it may sound dumb, but the person who sent this to me was impressed with its timing. Let us see if it is true.


ANGELS EXIST, but sometimes, since they don’t all have wings we call them FRIENDS, SUCH AS YOU.

Reading for the week of 5/11/2008-5/17/2008

Psalms 130-136

John 6-12

2 Samuel 1-14

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Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

A lamp to my feet

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalms 119:105

Reading for the week of: 5/4/2008 – 5/10/2008

Psalms 123-129

Hebrews 12-13

1 Samuel 14-27

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This week we start new chapters:

John 1-5

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Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

Do you let His words fall to the ground?

The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and  he let none of his words fall to the ground. 1 Samuel 3:19 (NIV)

I wish I could say I have lived the life of Samuel and listened and embraced everything the Lord has said to me.  There have been many times I have let his words "fall to the ground".  It is such a blessing to have the Lord love us, to care about us, and to speak to us.  I know there are times when the Lord speaks to me and is guiding me on how to live my life:  "don't boast, show compassion, don't judge them, help that man on the street, love your neighbor, ...."  We have all heard his words.  Try not to let them fall to the ground...I am trying.

Reading for the week of: 4/27/2008 – 5/3/2008

Psalms 117-122

Hebrews 5-11

Ruth 3-4

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This week we start new chapters:

1 Samuel 1-13

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Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

The Capstone

Psalms 118:22 (NIV)
The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone.

The capstone is Jesus and the builders are the religious leaders who refused to accept his teachings.  The building is religion.  A capstone was probably a crucial stone at one of the corners of the building.  This stone would support a great deal of weight and  it would define the size and shape of the building.  This is what Jesus does...he defines our religion he gives it shape and without him the building crumbles.  In his day, Jesus was mocked and rejected.  Little did they know.

Gideon - Judges 6-9

I did not think that I was going to enjoy the old testament as much as I have. I am in Judges and I am reading about the different Judges (aka Leaders) that have delivered Israel in the name of the Lord. The people of Israel continue in the pattern of breaking from the law of the Lord and worshipping other Gods and Idols. This leads to famine, despair and attacks from neighboring kingdoms. Each time the Lord raises up a "Judge" to correct the ways of Israel and deliver them in the name of the Lord. I just read about Gideon (Judges 6-8). I found it fascinating at how insecure he was in his calling and how he repeatedly asked for additional signs from the Lord. Here are the signs:

He placed an offering on a rock and from the rock, fire engulfed the offering. After receiving the sign, he followed the Lord's command and destroyed the alter of Baal and the Asherah pole next to it.

He then placed a piece of wool outside and asked the Lord for an additional sign: if only the peice of wool had dew on it and the rest of the ground dry...he could be convinced. The next morning, that is exactly what he found. The ground was dry and he wrung the dew ot of the wool. Still not convinced, he asked for another sign. This time he asked that the ground be covered with dew and the wool dry. The Lord delivered and he awoke to a dew soaked ground and dry wool. I guess he was finally convinced.

He assembled a huge army of over 20,000 men. The Lord said that the numbers were too many and that he need to send some home. He released 10,000 men and the Lord still said that there were too many. He said to take the men to drink from the stream. The men who kneeled to drink were sent home and the men who lapped up the water were sent to battle (~300 men). The Lord knew that if the battle was won by simply outnumbering the enemy, they would not acknowledge that it was the Lord, but due to their own hands. However, if they won with only 300 men, there would be no doubt that the Lord had delivered them....AGAIN!!!

When the time had come, Gideon assembled his army and prepared for battle. Waiting for a sign from the Lord, Gideon would attack. He told the men, do as I do. They were armed with trumpets and empty jars in with torches inside. He told them: "When I and all who are with me blow our trumpets, then from all around the camp blow yours and shout, 'For the LORD and for Gideon.'" Judges 7:18 (NIV). They defeated the Midianites and forced them from the land.

The Israelites pleaded with Gideon to be their king, but he refused, telling them that only God was their ruler. He did make one request. He asked for one earring from each of the men from their share of the plunder. From this he made an ephod as a sign of their battle. It became a symbol that would be worshipped by the people and became a a snare to Gideon and his family. Despite the peace that they enjoyed, they soon fell back into their old ways of worshipping other Gods and Idols. They soon forgot all the good things that Gideon had done.

This is a fascinating story. Who said the bible was boring.....NOT ME!!!

Reading for the week of: 4/20/2008 - 4/26/2008

Psalms 110-116

Luke 22-24

Judges 9-21

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This week we start new chapters:

Hebrews 1-4

Ruth 1-2

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Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

The coming Kingdom

I am in Luke chapter 17:20-37.

Jesus is asked about when the kingdom of God will come to the earth. He makes clear that there will be no doubt when it occurs. He also notes that the son of man must suffer and be rejected by this generation. This was true in the day of Noah and the day of Lot. They were eating and drinking and being married as Noah was loading up the Ark. It will be the same when he returns again. Some will be working together and one will be taken and the other left behind. It is so sad to realize how many people do not know the Lord and will be left behind. We will not know the hour or the day...do not be one that is left behind...if you do not know Jesus, do not wait a day or an hour to meet him.

More than a fan club

Luke 13:22-30 : The narrow door.

The Lord wants an intimate relationship with you and not just a fan club. He wants more than someone to say: I have heard of Jesus, I have been to church. He wants people to believe in him, to know that there is only one way to enter the gates of heaven: through the blood of Jesus. Through an intimate relationship with him. Many will not enter because they missed this point. Does he know you? He wants to know you...all you have to do is ask.

Reading for the week of: 4/13/2008 - 4/19/2008

Psalms 103-109

Luke 15-21

Joshua 15-24

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This week we start new chapters:

Judges 1-8

Read from: NIV, King James, New Living Translation (link to BibleGateway.com) Link will open in a new window.

Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

Psalms 91

This gives me great comfort:

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the almighty -Psalms 91:1 (NIV)

Reading for the week of: 4/6/2008 - 4/12/2008

Psalms 96-102

Luke 8-14

Joshua 5-22

Read from: NIV, King James, New Living Translation (link to BibleGateway.com) Link will open in a new window.

Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

A puzzling parable

This parable was a little puzzling to me, so I went and got some help on this one. Not only did I find what I was looking for, but also a great series of commentaries on the New Testament. You can find the book here. Just to set the scene for this passage, the Pharises and the teachers of the law saw Jesus and his disciples eating and drinking and having a good time. They thought that the disciples were too cheerful. They were surprised that they were not fasting. Here is the passage and his answer:

33They said to him, "John's disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking." 34Jesus answered, "Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? 35But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast." 36He told them this parable: "No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. 37And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. 38No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. 39And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, 'The old is better.' "

He tells them that, while in his company, the disciples are very happy, so why practice a mournful ritual of worship. He already hints at the day when he will not be with them... in those days, they will fast. Verse 36 gets into the less strait-forward explanation. He uses the illustration of patching torn clothes. You would not tear a new garment, to fix the old garment...it just not make sense and they would not match. And then he talks about wineskins. Wineskins were made from the skin of animals to hold liquids. When they are new, they are flexible and able to expand. As they age, they get tight and can burst if you try to expand them. New wine must be put into new wineskins. He is using both analogies to make this point: He is not just patching up Judaism, but rather teaching something radically new. If he tries to explain his teaching in the constraints of the "old wineskin" of Judaism (practices like fasting), the result would be disastrous. This is totally new. He realized that his teachings may not be palatable to some: those who prefer the old wine would not enjoy the new wine. To them the old wine is better. You have to remember how much of a radical Jesus actually was (in a good way of course). His teachings were not immediately accepted and many did not get it. I have to admit that I had read this parable before and just did not understand it. I am really glad that I found the Tyndale New Testament Commentaries and figured this one out. I am constantly amazed at the depth of the teachings in the bible. I can see how you can read it over and over again and learn something new each time.

Psalms 90:12

A prayer of Moses the man of God: "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalms 90:12 (NIV)

Reading for the week of 3/30-4/5

Psalms 89-95

Luke 1-7

Deuteronomy 25-34

Read from:  NIV,  King James,  New Living Translation  (link to BibleGateway.com) Link will open in a new window.

This week we start new chapters:

Joshua 1-4

Read from:  NIV,  King James,  New Living Translation  (link to BibleGateway.com) Link will open in a new window.

Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

Don't be a stiff-necked people

I am in Deuteronomy now and I came across the expression: "...you are a stiff-necked people." Deuteronomy 9:6 (NIV).  What in the world does that mean...it does not sound good, but I thought I would go a little deeper and see what it means.

To set the context, Moses is about to send God's chosen people across the Jordan to settle in the land the Lord has given to them.  Moses is not allowed to go with them and stays there, where he ultimately dies on Mount Nebo in the care of our Lord....that alone is amazing.  Maybe more on that later.  Moses is sending them off and is restating the laws and commandments to them.  He tells them not to be arrogant.

1 Hear, O Israel. You are now about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities that have walls up to the sky. 2 The people are strong and tall—Anakites! You know about them and have heard it said: "Who can stand up against the Anakites?" 3 But be assured today that the LORD your God is the one who goes across ahead of you like a devouring fire. He will destroy them; he will subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them quickly, as the LORD has promised you. 4 After the LORD your God has driven them out before you, do not say to yourself, "The LORD has brought me here to take possession of this land because of my righteousness." No, it is on account of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD is going to drive them out before you. 5 It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations, the LORD your God will drive them out before you, to accomplish what he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 6 Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people. Deuteronomy 9:1-6 (NIV)

The adjective "Stiff-necked" was coined by William Tyndale for his 1526 translation of the Acts of the Apostles (7:51).  Their necks are called stiff, because they refuse to bend to God's will.  This unwillingness to bend is well documented from Exodus through Deuteronomy, despite all the Lord had done for his people.

How often we are stiff-necked to things we know we should be doing.  It is a constant struggle.  I pray that you remember to bend to the will of the Lord and not be a stiff-necked people.

Reading for the week of: 3/23/2008 - 3/29/2008

Psalms 82-88

Romans 10-16

Deuteronomy 11-24

Read from: NIV, King James, New Living Translation (link to BibleGateway.com) Link will open in a new window.

Reading plan from "Maranatha Chapel's: A Year in The Word"

impress them on your children

I am now in Deuteronomy and Moses is reminding Israel of the struggles they went through, the commandments the Lord gave then, and to keep God's laws.

He says: Hear, I Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Love you 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.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit in your home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of you houses and your gates.  Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NIV).

The most segregated hour

I hear the speech of Senator Obama this morning.  It was a good speech about our society and racism today.  He made a very interesting statement:

"The most segregated hour of life occurs on Sunday morning."

What would Jesus say about this?  Makes you think.