Day 132

Judges 14:1-15:20

In chapter 15 Samson's own men came and bound him up in order to hand him over to the Philistines. They didn't realize that Samson's strength was from the Lord and their ropes would do them no good. I love when the scriptures says "The Spirit of the Lord came upon Him in power." Samson is being used of the Lord to destroy the Philistines!! God was on his side, he had supernatural power, he was a superhero all because God assigned him to be one before he was even born!! Would Samson save the world? Would Samson become the greatest superhero ever to live? Or would his assignment cut short because of his love for women...we will have to see tomorrow.....


John 7:14-44

I found a really interesting nugget in this chapter. Verse 26 "the crowd" which represents the general poplulation of the day, say "Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Christ?"

The crowd was not about to believe Jesus teachings until the authorities concluded he really was Jesus. They trusted the authorities instead of searching for themselves.

The church today does the same thing. We believe anything "the authorities" say instead of checking the Bible. That is how many denominations are so off based. The authorities can say and make up anything they want and the people will believe because of their position. Martin Luther was kicked out of the church for going against "the authorities". He chose to believe in grace by faith rather than being saved by works after he read the Bible.

There was a Jewish man I once worked with who had never even read the Old Testament. I was amazed. He just believed what the synagogue told him to believe instead of discovering for himself what the word of God said.

When the leadership is corrupt we go with the leadership because they are leaders but we need to follow the Bible over anything!!! What the Bible says is truth and life and our guidebook. No matter how important the person, we need to follow God's word first!!


Proverbs 11:29-12:7

Look at all the good things the Lord has promised the righteous in just 9 verses!!!

The righteous: their fruit is a tree of life, they win souls, they receive their due on earth, they obtain favor from the Lord, cannot be uprooted, their plans are just, their speech rescues them and their home stands firm. I want to be righteous!

Day 125

Judges 2:6 - 3:31

Here we go... the book of Judges. You would think nothing could top the obedience/disobedience cycle of the first 6 books of the Bible. But, oh no, we are embarking on yet another book where we just shake our heads in disgust. Around and around we go. Verse 10 "after that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel." This verse and ensuing chapters really challenge me as a mother. I not only want but NEED my children to experience God for themselves. I can tell them about the past and what God did but they need a first hand revelation of God's power in their lives. We are really only one generation away, as this verse shows, from being godless. We need to be careful about putting too much emphasis on "way back then" when God did something great. These Israelites had heard the "stories" but they needed something for themselves which they didn't get and instead went off to serve other gods. We need to ask God to move TODAY and show up now in this generation so we can have an active powerful relationship with God.


John 4:27 - 42

Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Get up and tell someone about Jesus. All around you are people just waiting for someone to tell them. We need to be reapers for Jesus in 2009. Your neighbors, co-workers, family and classmates are standing in the field just waiting for a reaper. Be bold. Be unashamed. Ask God for prophetic revelation (word of wisdom) like Jesus had to speak into someone's life and change them for eternity. Not only was this woman's life changed, but because of her testimony, many people in her town were also saved! This is true food, too. Jesus didn't need earthly food to make him feel better he found complete satisfaction in doing God's will. Spiritual work satisfies!!!


Psalm 56:1-13

I have to say this for humor. Many girls in college would quote this scripture: Be merciful to me, O, God, for men hotly pursue me. Ha ha...luckily I never had that problem.

But seriously now I like the line in verse 4 " what can mortal man do to me?" We get so worked up about what others think and will do to us but ultimately God is in control. When we trust Him we do not have to be afraid!

Day 118

Joshua 13:1-14:15

How excited God must have been to finally be giving the Israelites the towns He had promised them so many years before. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and Moses had all been promised this land flowing with milk and honey but none of them saw the fulfillment. God must have felt like parents do when they can't wait to give a gift to their children on Christmas morning. It is certainly more blessed to give than receive! Heaven must have been full of rejoicing as the Promised Land is now being possessed by the children of Israel.


Luke 24:36-53

Jesus appearances after His death were always positive and assuring to the disciples. Here Jesus emphasizes that EVERY promise from the Old Testament has been fulfilled. Not one detail has been forgotten. The ascension of Jesus must have been a cool thing to see. Jesus is taken up to heaven and the disciples, understandably, have mixed emotions. They are sad to see Jesus go but they have a promise of the Holy Spirit. They really have no idea what this is but they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.


Psalm 52:1-9

When we trust in money and in ourselves we are unstable and our way is headed for destruction. Here the Psalmists says God will tear you from your home and bad things will happen to you when you love evil and wickedness. People get away with sin for awhile but just like Madoff of today, it catches up with you and the fun is over.

BUT when I trust in the Lord, I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God. I have plenty of food, I grow strong and I am surround by the very presence of God! Better is one day in your courts than thousands elsewhere.

Day 111

Deuteronomy 33:1 - 34:12

Today is a sad day. The Moses era is now behind us. What a special man God used. Even though he made mistakes God still said about him that "the Lord knew face to face." Moses was 120 when he died and he still had his eyesight and his strength. When God ordains you to fulfill a destiny in life He will give you the weakness and strengths that you need. What I mean by weaknesses is that Moses studdered or had some sort of speak problem but God still used him. We also see from this passage that God does order our steps and knows when we are to die. I wonder what Moses thought when God called him to climb the mountain to die? But looking ahead, the Lord has already anointed Joshua to lead the good naughty good naughty good naughty good naughty people into the Promised Land.


Luke 20:27 - 21:4

"He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive." I love this verse. God does not see death like we do. For those who are saved it really is just passing from one life to another. Those who are in Christ will never for one moment be apart from God. Not one second. For to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.


Psalm 49:1-20

Quit being jealous of all the rich people in the world. Their riches are only for a moment in the span of eternity. We have something far greater! The last verse is the clincher: a man with riches but without God is as good as an animal when he dies. Ouch.

Day 110

Deuteronomy 31:30 - 32:52

It's interesting to hear Moses' last song concerning his journey on earth. This recount is coming from one who has spent most of his life speaking face to face with God. What a powerful picture he paints of our God.

God tells Moses to go up on Mount Nebo because he's going to die there. But I love how God's grace is still present in his death. Even though Moses disqualified himself from entering the Promised Land, God allowed him to see it. What a gracious and compassionate God we serve.


Luke 19:45 - 20:26

These passages today show me that our God is simply just. I think too many times Christians began making God so much more complicated than we need to. Just like the Pharisees and Saducees were trying to trick Jesus, the simplicity of His message astounded them every time. Stick to the basics--our relationship with Christ!


Psalm 48:9-14

Thank you Lord that You are our guide until the end! We will never walk alone!

Day 109

Deuteronomy 30:11 - 31:29

This is a very sobering passage. Moses begins by clarifying the fact that the Israelites have free will. They can choose to obey or they can choose to not obey--it's completely up to them. Moses sets them up with their new leader, Joshua, and then commands them to read the law periodically, so as to not forget it. But this passage ends by Moses letting them know in advance that they are not going to choose obedience. Imagine someone laying out for you two options and then telling you that you're not going to pick the right one. Wouldn't you reconsider your decision? Unfortunately for the Israelites, they continued on their beaten path and fulfilled Moses' prophecy.


Luke 19:11-44

We should desire to be diligent with the tasks that God has given us. If it's to serve in the nursery, then that should be the best nursery ever. If it's to serve on the worship team, then we give it our all and make music to the best of our ability. As our faithfulness increases, God will give us more opportunities to be faithful.

We also read today about the Triumphant Entry. The people are excited about Christ entering and Pharisees are critical. However, our God is SO worthy of praise, He will cause the rocks to cry out and praise Him if we don't. Just like the song, "ain't no rock gonna cry in my place!"


Psalm 48:1-8

I enjoy the pictures that are created in the Psalms about the majesty of God and His dwelling, and about the power of His might and the security of His hand.

Day 108

Deuteronomy 29:1 - 30:10

I love how God is so forgiving--even in our worst sin. Though God would have to punish the Israelites by exiling them, He would also hear their repentant cries and restore them in His infinite love. What a powerful, merciful God.


Luke 18:31 - 19:10

This passage of scripture is one of my favorites. I really draw courage from the blind beggar. He desperately needed a touch from God. When he cried out for that, those around him attempted to silence him by their words. But the Bible says "he shouted all the more". I appreciate this example. Even when there are doubters among us, we are to cry out the Creator--where our help and our strength come from.


Proverbs 10:1-10

Such nuggets of wisdom. I particularly like verse 9. This gives me comfort to know that walking in integrity is a safe way to go--no matter how turbulent it may be, we are safe on that road. Walking any other way is crooked and potentially embarrassing when you are discovered.

Day 107

Deuteronomy 28:15-68

Just as God promises to bless us beyond measure for our obedience, He is a just God, and there are consequences for our disobedience. It's so easy to read this and judge the Israelites, wondering how they could disobey with such steep consequences clearly laid out. Then I realize, I'm the same way. God may not send me a prophet to explain all of the horrible consequences to me, but God does expect me to obey. I may not be exiled, but I do distance myself from my Creator when I choose not to obey His plan.


Luke 18:1-30

Love the persistent widow. May we all be persistent about the things of God and bringing them before His throne.

I also love the story of the rich ruler. I find comfort in the last part when Jesus lets us know that the things we give up for God's purposes are not given in vain. God will bless us--our sacrifices don't go unnoticed!


Psalm 47:1-9

Praise God! He alone is worthy of our praise!

Day 106

Deuteronomy 26:1 - 28:14

God promises to bless us when we obey. Why is it so hard for us, then, to obey when we have such a great reward waiting for us? I know for me, it's sometimes hard to believe that the struggle I will endure in obeying will be worth the blessing, whatever it may be. It's a trust issue--trusting that God has my best in mind. Chapter 28 is a great reminder that He does have my (our) best in mind.

Luke 17:11-37

What a statement of gratitude it was for the lone Samaritan to come back and thank Jesus. That action spoke volumes about his character. What are my actions speaking about my character? Ouch!

Psalm 46:1-11

What a mighty God we serve! Nothing is beyond His abilities or His notice. Even with this majestic, thunderous God, He calls us to "be still" and know Him. Be still.

Day 105

Deuteronomy 23:1 - 25:19

Because 10 wasn't enough.....here are some more rules! Now today, we have gazillions of them--that's right, gazillions. Every rule, you can boil right back down to one of the 10 commandments, which are conveniently summed up into two commandments in the New Testament. God has so much patience to deal with the human race--we are too difficult!!


Luke 16:19 - 17:10

Again, we're hearing about how small our faith needs to be to start. The disciples were asking for more faith, and Jesus is saying whoa! Start here, and then watch it go!


Psalm 45:10-17

Verse 17: "Therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever." I can't wait for that day to come!

Day 104

Deuteronomy 21:1 - 22:30

Marriage violations are not to be taken lightly. They were killed for it during the O.T. times and now we make t.v. shows out of them. What a shame that marriage is so trodden in our society. But in your home and in your life it does not have to be. Save yourself for your spouse and remain faithful the rest of your days! Virginity is a precious gift given by God. Don't give in to the world's view of purity! Purity was God's idea and don't let anyone look down upon for being pure and in right standing with God.


Luke 16:1-18

This is a great segment for young people. Verse 10-be faithful in the little things you are asked to do. Do your very best at everything. Don't just do your best when people are watching or may reward you. Learn to do everything with excellence and people will trust you with bigger and bigger responsibility. If you work a low paying job and do a sloppy job because nobody cares than who is going to give you a higher paying job and think you will do any different?


Proverbs 9:13-18

Folly is a word we don't hear a lot about. But folly is obviously undisciplined, without knowledge and lacking judgement. Discipline yourself and be full of knowledge from the Holy Spirit so that when folly comes knocking on your door you slam that door shut or better yet, never even open it.

Day 103

Deuteronomy 19:1 - 20:20

Isn't it just like our Just God to provide refuge. God foresaw all the circumstances that would befall the Israelites and provided for refuge for those that could possibly be accused of something that they didn't' mean to do. Accidents happen, right? God had called the Israelites to purge the people who were willfully sinning, whether it be serving another God or murdering another Israelite. But, God, in His infinite mercy, provided a way out for those who didn't' mean any harm.


Luke 15:1-32

These parables make me feel special. How awesome it is that God rejoices over us when we allow Him to save us. God is searching for those that are lost, calling out to them. If only they knew!! Maybe we should tell them?


Psalm 45:1-9

How majestic is our God! I love reading passages like this that describe His splendor. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!!

Day 102

Deuteronomy 16:21 - 18:22

In Chapter 17, verse 1, Moses is laying out the specifications of an offering--that it must be without defect. I believe God wants the same perfection in our sacrifice today. No, I don't think we need to be perfect--we couldn't if we tried! But, when we are offering ourselves to do something for the Lord, I believe God wants our best. When we commit to doing something for the Lord, He's not looking for our excuses, those are flaws and defects in our sacrifice. Let's do everything unto the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength!


Luke 14:15-35

Following Christ is not to be a flippant decision. Just as we saw in Deuteronomy, how God doesn't want flawed sacrifices, He also wants us to follow Him completely, not just partly. Jesus gives the example of building a tower or going to war. We need to be prepared when we follow Christ. This goes for our decision to continually follow Him, as well as our decisions to serve Him. Let us remain salty!


Psalm 44:13-26

Talk about tugging at a dad's heartstrings: "Rise up and help us; redeem us because of your unfailing love." Help me Lord, because You love me!!

Day 101

Deuteronomy 15:1 - 16:20

Be openhanded. Ouch! Especially in this economy, huh?! Chapter 15, verses 7-11, says that we need to be openhanded towards our brothers who are in need. Recently, I've been praying that God would give me opportunities to "pay it forward." I want to be less focused on the balance in my checking, and more focused on the needy around me--the hurting ones that God needs my hands to help.


Luke 13:31 - 14:14

Again, as we see so often in our journey here, just as we are reading about taking care of the poor in Deuteronomy, Jesus is talking to the Pharisees about inviting the poor, the crippled, the lame and blind to your care, and you will be blessed. Jesus is taking it a step further here from just poor, He's going to those that are hurting physically as well. Any one up for a little Matthew 25 ministry?!


Psalm 44:1-12

I love verses 6-8! I'm not going to trust in my own abilities, because I know that they aren't going to accomplish anything. It's through the power of God that things are going to happen and change in my life, and I will in turn give praise to God!

Day 100

Deuteronomy 13:1 - 14:29

A couple of things really stick out here to me. First is the idea of no other gods. God keeps drawing their memory back to when He alone delivered them from their bondage. Again, through the harsh consequences is a God so desperate for His people to be holy and with Him. He again and again, and again, reminds them that it is He alone, with a mighty hand and outstretched arm, that delivered them and set them free.

What also jumped out at me is God's focus on tithing. It's so important! So many Christians in the church today are missing out on the fullness of God's blessing because they just aren't committing their finances to His care. It's SO hard sometimes to write that tithe check when you think of all the other things you could be doing with the money, but the blessings and miraculous provisions of God far outweigh the earthly pleasures!


Luke 13:1-30

I really appreciate the simplicity of verses 18-21. You hear people all the time suggesting that things don't happen because their faith just wasn't big enough. Do they not understand that a mustard seed just ain't that big?! God is trying to make it as simple as possible for us, because He, better than anyone, understands our faithlessness. Just have a little faith, and see how it grows!


Proverbs 9:1-12

The fear of the Lord. That's something I've been pondering lately. When I think about fearing such a kind God, one that we often picture sitting with children and lambs, it's hard to associate that with fear. But I've been drawn back to the passage of scripture when the God wants to speak to the Israelites. They purify themselves and meet at the base of the mountain. God comes as fire, dark clouds, thunder and lightening. They were afraid! That's the mighty God we serve--a God so powerful, He alone holds the ability to save us. To fear Him is the beginning of knowledge. To understand the consequences of what we've done and to accept His mercy is the beginning of knowledge.

Day 99

Deuteronomy 11:1 - 12:32

What's there not to love?

Even in all these requirements and strict rules, I can so clearly see the deep love of God between the lines. He yearned for the best for his chosen people. He wanted them to succeed. He wanted them to be free from consequences.

He still wants the same thing for us today! He has reconciled us to Himself and He longs for the day when we commune together face to face. Let us love Him truly and obey Him wholeheartedly--getting rid of all the evil in the camp.


Luke 12:35-59

This passage has really taken on a new meaning to me over the last couple of years. Verses 49-53 have truly played out in our lives. I wondered why I was having such a hard time in some relationships, and this verse explains it all. Our light shining bright can bring division to those who are avoiding the light altogether. They are going to shy away from it (us). It's not us--it's the Holy Spirit in us. Take heart!


Psalm 43:1-5

Again, David is reassuring himself that God alone is his deliverer. David can do nothing aside from the power of God at work in and around him. "Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."

Day 98

Deuteronomy 9:1 - 10:22

Oh that pride! I think it's fascinating how God, through Moses, was anticipating the prideful hearts of the Israelites. The first part of chapter 9 is Moses repeating over and over that they are not going to the promised land because of their righteousness. God knew their hearts and wanted make sure that it rang in their heads that it wasn't because of them, but for the glory of God.

I also really enjoyed 10:12-13. It's just another simplified version of the Christian life. If we use this model and apply the power of the Holy Spirit now living in us, we can be some world changers!


Luke 12:1-34

Do Not Worry. It's not that simple, is it? This is such a peaceful passage to me, both here and in Matthew. It's as though God is walking us through nature showing us His beauty and then saying, "You're even more beautiful than that to me, and I'm gonna take care of you." What an amazing Savior we have!


Psalm 42:6b-11

I love the picture David paints here. You can see the desperation in his soul when in verse 7 "Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls...", as though life has completely consumed him. But how does David reply? Verse 11: "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." Wow--those are some strong words. Even in my despair, depression, sorrow, grief, devastation, anger, bitterness, in my lowest point of desperation, I WILL hope in God and I will YET praise Him. AMEN!

Day 97

Deuteronomy 6:1-8:20

Oh man, this is a portion so full of good things where can I start? You can preach series after series of this!!!!!

Take these commands and:

-Put them on your heart

-Impress them on your children

-Talk about them at home and going to and fro

-Tie them on your hands

-Bind them on your foreheads

-Write them on your houses and gates

You got it yet?? Don't forget them!!!

And then when you are blessed DON'T FORGET GOD!!

Over and over and over and over and (you get the point) God warns them to follow His decrees and laws closely. He tells them as they enter the Promise Land to be very careful in several areas. He says don't serve their gods but destroy them, don't intermarry with them, don't make a treaty with them, don't, don't, don't... but remember be careful remember be careful remember be careful.... You would think we would get God's point, to0. The devil is the master of deceit in getting our eyes on everything else but God.


Luke 11:33-54

Six Woes

When I read this passage I think of the beautiful people not very far from Bakersfield in LA who look gorgeous and make the magazines but one day the real truth of their insides is going to be revealed. Every young person in America is wishing and striving to be like so and so but we should really be striving to be like Jesus!

And I then think of the preachers on t.v. who seem to have fantastic ministries. Even that is not enough and they commit sins and excuse them and they too are clean on the outside but dirty on the inside. Lord if nobody notices me for the perfection on the inside, may you notice the cleanness of my heart!


Psalm 42:1-6a

Why so downcast, O my soul? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him. My savior and my God.

Need I say more?

Love you all! Rachel

Day 96

Deuteronomy 4:15 - 5:33

So much good stuff in this section today! I like how verses 32-40 seem to perfectly sum up the Bible. They go through and show the majesty and awesomeness of God, and then give us the direction to just follow Him. That simple.

I also like at the very end of the reading how Moses says in verses 32 and 33 that we just need to obey the Word of the Lord. Don't turn aside to the right or to the left, but do what God has called you to do. When we do this, God will prosper us. It truly is an amazing thing when you walk where God calls you to walk.


Luke 11:5-32

Just to tie into our Old Testament reading today, in verse 28, Jesus says "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

People were ogling over Mary and how blessed she was to have raised Jesus, and He's saying "No, no, no. You've got it all wrong!" (Not really, but in a nutshell) The ones who are blessed are those that are following Jesus and the Father's instructions.

It's neat how when we absorb the Old and New Testaments together, we get a much clearer picture of what it truly means to be a Christian.


Proverbs 8:32-36

Again, a recurring theme is finding the will/instructions of God and following it. Verse 35 says "For whoever finds me [wisdom] finds life and receives favor from the Lord." Find wisdom by finding the will of God, and just do it. Thank you, Nike.

Day 95

Deuteronomy 2:24 - 4:14

Again, we're going over recent events leading up to today. One thing really stuck out to me, though. Maybe it's because it's totally something I would do. In chapter 3 verses 21-29, Moses is talking about how he wants to see the Promised Land but can't. Specifically, verse 26 he says "But because of you the Lord was angry with me...."

Now let's recall what happened. God was mad at the people, again. No surprise. He gave Moses specific orders on what to do to get the people water. Moses disobeyed. Yes, the people were bad and he wouldn't have acted out at all if they hadn't complained in the first place. However, ultimately, it's his own fault. He should have obeyed God. We, and I'm definately including myself in this, are so quick to pass the buck, so to speak. We need to own up sometimes, though, and say "I messed up".

I had to personally do this recently. I had been difficult to someone and actually fibbed a bit to not have to accomplish a task they were asking of me. Oh, the guilt!! I had to go to them and say that I was sorry, I lied, I was being difficult and I'm sorry. I could have easily left it because it really wasn't my "job" to do what they were asking, but God spoke very clearly that the buck stopped with me--I had to own up to my mistake. Ouch.


Luke 10:25 - 11:4

How many of you picture vegatables with pots and shoes on their heads when you read this parable? Oh, am I the only Veggie Tale watcher? Ha! I love how that parable ends, when Jesus says, "Go and do likewise". Go and have mercy on others. Everywhere we go with Jesus through the New Testament, we see Him do something and then tell them to "go". We have received grace and mercy, so we need to "GO!".


Psalm 41:7-13

I love verse 12! David says "In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever." I love that he doesn't say "in my righteousness" or "in my perfection" or "in my royalty". He says, simply, my "integrity". That's all God is asking of us--not perfection. He just wants us to always live a life for Him--even when no one is looking!