Obadiah

New Year's Eve!  The days described in this little book are dark and foreboding.  But there is hope for a new day that is about to dawn ... "the kingdom will be the Lord's."

Read it here.

Amos 7-9

"The days are coming... when I will send a famine through the land;
not  famine of bread or a thirst for water,
but of hearing the words of the Lord"
(Amos 8:11)

We are living in the famine!  We need the hope of restoration that Amos leaves us with!

Read it here.

Amos 4-6

"Cows of Bashan" oppressing the poor and crushing the needy.

Woe to those who are at ease inZion and to those who feel secure...

Lest we fall into the same trap of oppression and spiritual lethargy...read it here.

Amos 1-3

A lion has roared;
who will not fear?
The Lord has spoken;
who will not prophecy?
(Amos 3:8)

God has not made it unclear to the world that He sees the injustice and the wickedness and that He is coming to judge.  Will we hear Him?  Will we fear?  Or will we continue on?

Read it here.

Isaiah 9:6-7 - "And He will reign!"

Merry Christmas!  He has come!  King of kings and Lord of lords!

A couple of years old, but worth watching again.  Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" in a food court.  The most unlikely place for the worship of Jesus to break out!  But that's the kind of unlikely place that Jesus comes to!  Welcome Him!

Watch it here.

Read it here.

Joel 1-3

Why the book of Joel on Christmas Eve?  It is a powerful book that encompasses both the coming wrath and the coming deliverance of the Lord.  Jesus' birth set into motion the final days of God's plan. Jesus comes as Deliverer for the humble one who cries out to Him ... for He is...

gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger, rich in faithful love,
and He relents from sending disaster.
(Joel 2:13).

But Jesus also comes as a conquering King, drawing all people to the Valley of Decision.  Will He be your Judge or your Deliverer?

"Then everyone who calls on the name of Yahweh will be saved" (Joel 2:32)

We need this Christmas message!

Read it here.

Psalms 73-74

Psalm 73 is a corrective to a heart filled with envy toward the prosperous.  We need this recalibration!

Read them here.

Psalms 71-72

I turn 50 in a few days.  This is going to become my prayer!

Even when I am old and gray,
God, do not abandon me.
Then I will proclaim Your power
to another generation,
Your strength to all who are to come.

Read them here.

Psalms 69-70

This is the cry of a hurting man.  He is afflicted and needy.  He's crying out to God.  He's desperate.  And God hears his humble prayer for help.   

Read them here.

Psalms 67-68

Why should we ask for God's blessing?  So that we can make His name known on the earth.

Question: Is that what typically motivates us to ask for God's blessing?  Hmmm...

Read them here.

1 Chronicles 28-29

Wrapping up the book 1 Chronicles today.  Here is a "timeless text" from today's reading...

“As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands the intention of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

Read it here.

1 Chronicles 23-27

Another "chronicle" of the people of that generation.  Feel free to fly through some of these lists.  Slow down as you come to any narrative along the way.

Read it here.

1 Chronicles 21-22

As David nears the end of his life, he weakens yet again and sins.  A great reminder that age is no sanctifier of the soul.

So as he prepared his son to take the throne, he urges him to stay close to God and obey His commands fully.  Great advice.

Read it here.

1 Chronicles 18-20

War was inevitable.  But as long as David walked in the shadow of the Almighty, there was victory and protection.

Read it here.

1 Chronicles 16-17

The relationship between God and David is really cool to see.  David wants to build a house of worship for God.  But God replies by saying, "No, let me build your house first, then I'll let your boy build mine."  This inspires an incredible heart of gratitude and humility from David that is captured in his songs to God.  Awesome stuff!

Read it here.

1 Chronicles 13-15

Though God is richly blessing David and the nation of Israel, He is not to be trifled with.  We shouldn't be at all put out when God strikes those who become careless in their approach to Him.  We should be shocked that ANY of us can approach Him at all!

BTW ... not everyone is thrilled that David loves God so passionately (as you'll see).

Read it here.

1 Chronicles 11-12

"Indeed, there was joy in Israel" (12:40).  David is king and the nation rallies to his side.

For those of you who already know what is coming, take note of one familiar name in the list of David's most heroic and loyal mighty men (11:41).

Read it here.

1 Chronicles 1-10

What?!?  TEN chapters?  Yep.  Its okay, you can fly through the lists of names and slow down when there is storyline.  It won't take you long.  We sweep through a big chunk of history and get all the way to the time of David in these first ten chapters.

Then chapters 11-29 will "chronicle" the reign of David.

Read it here.

Psalms 64, 65, 66

Let these psalms take you on a journey from fear and despair to triumph and praise.  Pray the words back to God as you read.  You will love the climactic ending!

Read them here.

Psalms 61, 62, 63

Do you want to train your soul to live in desperation for God?  Meditate on these psalms!

Read them here.

Psalms 59-60

How can the psalmist hear the snarling of his enemies (who are circling him like wild, prowling dogs) and then suddenly burst into joyful singing to God?  I want some of that!

Yet the psalmist knows that if it is GOD that he fights against, he must cast himself on His mercy, love and compassion.  We want God on our side!

Read them here.

Psalms 57-58

Where do you go when danger approaches?  To whom or to what do you flee?  When enemies prepared a net to trap the psalmist, he found a refuge under the shadow of God's protective wings.

Should God's people rejoice when He judges the wicked?  Psalm 58 will give you much to think and pray about.

Read them here.

Psalms 55-56

Have you ever been insulted or betrayed by a good friend, even a brother?  The psalmist understood.  As did Jesus.

"Be gracious to me, God, for man tramples me" (56:1).

Read it here.

2 Kings 23-25

Before [Josiah] there was no king like him who turned to the Lord with all his mind and with all his heart and with all his strength according to the law of Moses, and no one like him arose after him.

(2 Kings 23:25)

But his reforms were short-lived.

At the end of this chronicle Babylon charges in, Jerusalem is decimated, and the people are sent into exile.

Maybe they should have followed God.  Maybe we should listen.

Read it here.

2 Kings 21-22

Manasseh... Amon... seriously!  How could you fall so far?!?  Thank God for the emerging story of King Josiah.

"When the king [Josiah] heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes."  Josiah heard, understood, and responded to the words of God.  Great example!

Read it here.

2 Kings 19-20

Hezekiah demonstrates faithful trust in Yahweh.  His humble prayer is a model of dependency.  But toward the end of his life he demonstrates that he is still a fallen man.  The world still awaited a truly good King.

Read it here.

2 Kings 17-18 - Thanksgiving?

How did a nation that had such a God-centered beginning deteriorate and fall?  A sobering summary today.  See especially 2 Kings 17:7-20.

Then in contrast we begin the account of good King Hezekiah of Judah.  You'll like this part!

Read it here.

2 Kings 15-16

What is with the constant fascination with what everybody else has?  Even the powerful kings of Judah and Israel are gazing over their borers and wanting what "they" have.

Hmm ... wait a minute.  This is sounding a bit too familiar.

Read it here.

2 Kings 13-14

There is a famous painting by William Dyce (1806-1864) inspired by today's reading...

So many of these ancient kings were a confusing combination of faithfulness and recklessness.  They would flee to God and then run from Him.  Yet God seems to be consistently characterized by faithfulness and mercy.  Look for that today.

If our story was written out, what would it say?

Read it here.

2 Kings 11-12

Athaliah...notoriously known as the woman who wanted to rule so desperately that she killed her own children in order to secure her throne.  Thus the sign of the times in 2 Kings.

Don't get too depressed about our current political atmosphere.

And lest you picture Old Testmanet priests as pacifistic, monk-like dudes, check out Jehoiada!  He breaks that mold significantly.

Read it here.

2 Kings 9-10

Jehu.  What an intriguing man.  God used his reckless and courageous zeal.  But his heart (like so any before him) was not sold out for God.

The historian writes, "Jehu eliminated Baal worship from Israel."  And then two sentences later he adds, "Yet Jehu was not careful to follow the instruction of the Lord God of Israel will all his heart." 

When will a king arise who fully follows the Lord?  Only One.

Read it here.

2 Kings 7-8

Are we more impressed with the miracles, or the One who has the miraculous power?  Today we will read that even though God was doing spectacular miracles, these did not produce genuine faith in those who witnessed them.  Sometimes people are enamored by the "magic" but do not bow to the one, true God who alone can do the supernatural.

Read it here.

2 Kings 5-6

There is a beautiful picture in this text.  Though we are surrounded by a fierce enemy, our God surrounds us with greater power and might.  If only our eyes could see!

Read it here.

2 Kings 3-4

The miracles keep pouring out.  Today you'll read of a deeply personal and compassionate side of God's miracles through this mighty prophet.

Why so much detail?  Why so memorable?  Ask God to give you insights.

Read it here.

2 Kings 1-2

Exit Elijah.  Enter Elisha.  In grand fashion!

You've heard of, "chariots of fire?"  You'll read of its origin today.

Why so much spectacular, supernatural activity in the days of these prophets?  I'm not sure.  But it is unparalleled until you get to the times of Jesus.  God must have had some important things to say to His people!

Read it here.

Psalms 52, 53, 54

The first psalm tells of the man who makes his pride and his wealth his "god."

The second tells of the man who scoffs at the idea of God altogether and lives as if he will never give an account for his wickedness.

The third offers the prayer of the humble, penitent man who throws himself on the mercy of the God who alone can help, sustain and deliver him.

Read them here.

Psalms 50-51

Two psalms, two authors.  In the first, God speaks to the impenitent.  In the second the penitent speaks to God. 

Let these songs teach you what it means to come before God with a broken and contrite heart.

Read them here.

Psalms 47, 48, 49

God, within Your temple,
we contemplate Your faithful love.
Your name, God, like Your praise,
reaches to the ends of the earth;
Your right hand is filled with justice.
(Psalm 48:9-10)

Do not be afraid when a man gets rich,
when the wealth of his house increases.

For when he dies, he will take nothing at all;

his wealth will not follow him down.
Though he praises himself during his lifetime—
and people praise you when you do well for yourself—
he will go to the generation of his fathers;
they will never see the light.
A man with valuable possessions
but without understanding
is like the animals that perish.
(Psalm 49:16-20)

Read them here.

Psalms 44, 45, 46

Perfect psalms for election day.  They reflect the ultimate sovereignty of God.

Stop fighting and know that I am God,
exalted among the nations,
exalted on the earth.
(Psalm 46:10)

Read them here.

Psalm 42 and 43

As a deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for You, God.
I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I come and appear before God?
(Psalm 42:1)

And follow it all the way to Psalm 43:5 ... THERE is our hope!

Read it here.

Psalm 41

Happy is the one who cared for the poor;
the Lord will save him in a day of adversity.
(Psalm 41:1)

There's far more in this psalm.  But that first verse is enough to keep me going all day long.  What should that look like in my life?

Read it here.

Psalm 40

Tell someone today!
I did not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I spoke about your faithfulness and salvation;
I did not conceal Your constant love and truth from the great assembly.
(Psalm 40:10)

Read it here.

1 Kings 21-22

Today we wrap up our journey through 1 Kings.  Jezebel displays the full splendor of her wickedness.  Her cruelty and Godlessness in unbridled.  And she leads ur unwitting fool of a husband down the path of destruction.

But even wicked Ahab receives mercy from God when he humbles himself.  Clearly no one is beyond the reach of God's compassion.

Read it here.

1 Kings 19-20

The first chapter you'll read has a memorable account of a heroic prophet collapsing in weakness.  But God met him there.  Even the strongest among us is weak and susceptible.  But God knows us and meets us there.

The next chapter continues the saga of King Ahab.  He is weak and faithless.  But God is still at work even in spite of the human leader that is in place.

Read it here.

1 Kings 17-18

Don't miss today's reading.  It is one of the most incredible and memorable in all of the Old Testament.

Today we find the epic story of Elijah who stood for God in the midst of the most wicked of kings, Ahab with his wife, Jezebel.  The light of Elijah's heroic faithfulness stands in stark contrast to the wickedness of the times in which he lived.

May it be true of us!

Read it here.

1 Kings 15-16

Like father, like son.

Abijam walked in all the sins his father before him had committed, and he was not completely devoted to the Lord his God as his ancestor David had been.  (15:3)

Asa did what was right in the Lord's eyes, as his ancestor David had done. ... Asa's heart was completely devoted to the Lord his entire life.  (15:11, 14)

Nadab son of Jeroboam...did what was evil in the Lord's sights and followed the example of his father and the sin he had caused Israel to commit.  (15:25)

And then we have Ahab and Jezebel.  Stay tuned!

Read it here.

1 Kings 13-14

As we begin to toggle between the happenings of Judah and of Israel it is parallel stories of spiritual confusion, apathy, rebellion and judgment.  Yet God always has His true followers to speak on His behalf.

May we find ourselves true to Him no matter what the kingdoms around us are doing.

Read it here.

1 Kings 11-12

King Solomon loved many foreign women in addition to Pharaoh's daughter ... and they turned his heart away from the Lord. (11:1-4)

A divided heart in the king resulted in a divided kingdom for God's people.  The people had clamored for a king.  They had begged for a king.  Now God let them have what they wanted and the result was civil war and idolatry.

Read it here.

1 Kings 9-10

Solomon began to rule and prosper.  But with the prosperity he began to evidence a pride-filled heart.  He made allegiances with pagan nations, following in their ways of slavery and inhumanity.  If only Solomon would have stayed faithful to the unmatched wisdom God had given to him.

King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the world in riches and in wisdom.  The whole world wanted an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. (10:23-24).

Would my heart have been overtaken with pride if I were in his shoes?  I can only imagine!

Read it here.

1 Kings 7-8

Solomon was never confused about one thing - as magnificent as the Temple was, God did not "live" there (in the sense of being contained in those walls).

But will God indeed live on earth?

Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You,

much less this temple I have built.

But it was to represent God and become a focal point of prayer.  Reading his petitions of prayer is inspiring!

Read it here.

1 Kings 5-6

As you read about the detail and the artistic/aesthetic extravagance that went into building the Temple, let your mind imagine what it would have been like to see such magnificence   Then remember that this was nearly 1,000 years before the time of Christ!

The awe that the Temple would have inspired was to be directed toward the One who was worshipped there!

Read it here.

1 Kings 3-4

Solomon asks wisely of God ... "So give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

God answered Solomon in spades ... "God gave Solomon wisdom, very great insight, and understanding as vast as the sand on the seashore."

Let's ask God for an obedient heart and discernment!

Read it here.

1 Kings 1-2

The book of 1 Kings is the sequel to 1 and 2 Samuel.  It begins with David handing the throne to his chosen son, Solomon.  But by the time the book is over, there will be a revolution and a divided kingdom.

There is a lot of bloodshed, even from the beginning.  It was a tumultuous time in the land.  The people had clamored for a king.  Sometimes we should be careful what we ask for!

Read it here.

Isaiah 65-66

Even though many reject the loving outstretched arms of God, some will respond and will be called His people.  And for those who do, there is a great promise of a new heaven and a new earth (just as the final chapters of Revelation promise).

And what is the Lord looking for?  "I will look favorably on this kind of person: one who is humble, submissive is spirit, and trembles at My word." (Isaiah 66:2)

Read it here.

Isaiah 62-64

Check out the promise of God's deliverance followed by the prayer of God's people (63:15ff).  It is, in many ways, a model prayer.  Having understood God's promises of both punishment and deliverance, God's people call out to Him for undeserved mercy.  They know that they don't deserve God's favor.  But they appeal to His love for them.

We should do the same!

Read it here.

Isaiah 60-61

When God chooses to restore His people, the description is lavish!  "I will make you an object of eternal pride, a joy from age to age" (60:15).

Do you recall when Jesus went into a synagogue and carefully opened the scroll to read from Isaiah 61:1-2?  But if you look at that passage (Luke 4:16-21) you will notice that Jesus didn't finish the whole passage.  He broke off midway through Isaiah 61:2, right in the middle of a sentence.  Strange.  Or is it?

Jesus very intentionally ended with, "to proclaim the year of the Lords' favor...", rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down.  They all just sat and stared at Him.  Then He said, "Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled" (Luke 4:21).  In Jesus' first coming, He brought good news and healing and liberty.  That was His mission and it was being fulfilled before their eyes.

Jesus will take up the scroll and finish the verse one day.  Isaiah 61:2 concludes: "...and the day of our God's vengeance."

Read it here.

Isaiah 58-59

Often we blame God when God seems far away from us.  That is what Isaiah's readers were doing.  But God explains that the root problem is their sin, not him.  They fast and do lots of other religious things, but they don't care for the poor and they don't obey God's commands.  This passage is a great call to repentance, to ask ourselves where we are falling short in these areas and to seek forgiveness and to begin obeying.  In chapter 59 we see that the problems of sin and injustice are rampant, and that ultimately it is God and God alone who will bring justice and salvation.  Read it here.

Isaiah 56-57

One of the themes in Isaiah, is that the good news is good for more than just Israel.  In Isaiah 56 two groups traditionally excluded from worship are given hope: they will be brought to the house of God to worship, they will be invited to join in prayer with God's people.  We are beneficiaries of that promise.  Jesus was frustrated with the people of his day who ignored it and did not take seriously the idea that God's temple was to be a place where all nations would pray to God. The passage then moves to an accusation against those who are wicked, but ends on another note of comfort.  Those who are humble will receive grace.  It is a great reminder that the path to God is always repentance and humility not pride and boasting.  God in chapter 57 sees the sin, yet accepts those who are contrite.  Read it here.

Isaiah 54-55

I don't think it is a coincidence that after presenting us with a vivid account of the good news about Jesus in Isaiah 52-53 that the tone of the book of Isaiah begins to change.  In light of Jesus having suffered for us, God can now reassure us that the day of his wrath toward us is over.  In fact he can invite us to come to him.  Chapter 55 is a beautiful picture of blessing and grace.  When God says that his thoughts are not our thoughts, that we cannot understand his ways, he speaks the truth.  Isaiah himself didn't even understand the full implications of what he was writing.  But God's word was not going to be in vain. His promise to send his servant to suffer and the invitation to return to him that that made possible would surely come to pass, but not for many years and in ways no human could have predicted.  These verses are a great opportunity to begin looking forward to the future blessing we have in Christ and to know that just as God's promise to them came true, so will his promise to us.  Read it here.

Isaiah 52-53

Today we reach the highpoint of the entire Old Testament.  If the whole point of the Old Testament was to prepare us for and point us toward Christ, if Christ himself was the end of the law (Romans 10), if Jesus could open the scriptures and show how they all pointed toward him (Luke 24), then we must delight in Isaiah 52-53.  For the Ethiopian eunuch, the confusion about who the servant was that had been building as he read Isaiah reached its highest point when he got to chapter 53.  This is the last and greatest of the servant songs.  In it we see Jesus described more vividly than anywhere else in the Old Testament, how he bore our transgressions and how he is brought back to life and vindicated by God.  Take time just to worship a God who suffered for us and who has also triumphed for us.  Read it here.

Isaiah 50-51

Today we have another one of the "Servant Songs" in Isaiah.  Do you remember how in the book of Acts the Ethiopian eunuch had been reading from this part of Isaiah and was confused about who it was talking about?  He was confused for a good reason.  Isaiah uses "I" here, so he doesn't seem to be talking about Israel.  In fact in places in these chapters there is a contrast with Israel.  We might think "I" is Isaiah himself, but in places in these chapters the I seems to be God.  But the picture of God as a suffering servant didn't seem to make sense either.  God intended for these verses to be confusing until Jesus would come to fulfil them.  He is the one who allowed himself to be beaten and humiliated.  He is the one who would remove the cup of God's wrath by drinking the cup himself.  Read it here.

Isaiah 48-49

Now the focus shifts back to Israel.  These chapters show the depth of God's love for his people.  On the one hand, he loves them to much to let them go in their sin and rebellion, but on the other hand he will not let them go in captivity, he will free them.   Chapter 49 in particular has a lot of incredible imagery that shows the depths of God's love for his people.  It will be a long time before I can read 49:16 and not remember the drama Cornerstone did about the wood carver.  Read it here.

Isaiah 46-47

In these chapters the focus is on Babylon.  These would have been words of hope to those living in exile under Babylonian rule.  God used Babylon to punish Israel, but God sees its wickedness and will humiliate both it and its gods.  When I read passages like this it is a reminder that whatever powerful forces there are in our day that set themselves up against Jesus Christ will not triumph in the end.  In their day and in ours, God wins.  Read it here.

Isaiah 44-55

Today's chapters give us one of the most vivid depictions of the stupidity of idolatry.  It is comical thinking about people bowing down to blocks of wood in hopes of salvation when the Creator of the universe is watching them. Unlike the lifeless, powerless idols, God shows his power by his ability to control history and predict the future.  In today's reading he tells the name of the king (Cyrus) who will defeat the Babylonians and send the Israelites home to rebuild the temple decades before any of those things will happen.  How humbling it is that a God of such power has such care for his own people.  Read it here.

Isaiah 41-42

In these verses we are introduced to the "suffering servant."  There will be several references in the coming days, climaxing with Isaiah 53- the most stunning portrayal of Jesus in the Old Testament.  In the early passages it is often the nation of Israel that is portrayed as the servant: they were supposed to be a light to the Gentiles but instead they are deaf and blind.  This is helping us to see how Jesus will, by himself, accomplish God's purposes for Israel by being a light to the nations.  Read it here.

Isaiah 40-41

This is Alex Tuckness.  I will be guest blogging for Jeff while he is in Zambia for the next week or two.  I feel like I hit the jackpot in terms of where I am getting to jump in because Isaiah 40-66 is one of my favorite sections of the Old Testament.  There is a major shift in tone.  Much of 1-39 was about God judgment on sin, his coming wrath.  Wrath against the nations, and punishment for God's own people as well.  Now the scene shifts and Isaiah is writing to the generation yet to come who will be living in exile and is writing them words of comfort.  Chapters 40-41 tell us something deep about where our comfort comes from: the greatness of God who is more powerful than idols, more powerful than the nations.  That is our comfort, that is our strength.  Read it here.

Isaiah 38-39

Hezekiah is a faithful king.  But he is human and therefore susceptible to weakness and ignorance.  You will see both displayed in today's reading.

Thank You, Jesus, for being a King who never falters or disappoints!

Read it here.

Isaiah 36-37

Sennacherib invades Judah!

The humble, dependent prayer of King Hezekiah (of Judah) is remarkable.  And what God does is even more so!

Read it here.

Isaiah 34-35

There are two paths laid out, side-by-side, in these two chapters.  The first is a dark and scary scene of certain judgment.  The second is a scene of redemption, gladness, and joy.

Read them both and rejoice if you are on the path of salvation!

Read it here.

Isaiah 32-33

The result of righteousness will be peace;
the effect of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever.
That's what we need to hear when judgment rains down around us!

I love (33:22) because it reminds me that God alone has the "balance of power" that our civil government tried to re-create...

• For the Lord is our Judge, [Judicial branch]
• the Lord is our Lawgiver, [Legislative branch]
• the Lord is our King [Executive branch]

Read it here.

Isaiah 30-31

Do not prophecy the truth to us!  
Tell us flattering things.
Prophecy illusions.
(Isaiah 30:10)

Over 2,700 years ago these words were written.  People haven't changed very much in that time.  We'd rather believe the lie because the truth of God doesn't suit us.

But God offers hope and mercy.  He offers a day when, "your teacher will not hide Himself any longer. Your eyes will see your Teacher, and whenever you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command, 'This is the way.  Walk in it'."

That's where I want to live!

Read it here.

Isaiah 28-29

"...their worship consists of man-made rules learned by rote"

Even those who "follow" God seemed to be doing it distantly and robotically.  Is that what God desires form His people?

Yet He tells us what He wants... "The humble will have joy after joy in the Lord, and the poor people will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel"

That's what I want!

Read it here.

Isaiah 26-27

You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace,
for it is trusting in You.  (26:3)

That's what God wants.  Trust from His people.  And that's what gives us perfect peace.  We were made to walk in trust with our God.

And He's graciously willing to do whatever it takes to get us there.

Read it here.

Isaiah 24-25

The earth is polluted by its inhabitants,
for they have transgressed teachings,
overstepped decrees,
and broken the everlasting covenant.
Therefore a curse has consumed the earth,
and it inhabitants have become guilty...
(Isaiah 24:5)

Guilty.

But God triumphantly steps in with salvation for those who humbly wait on Him (25:9).

This is the eternal gospel!

Read it here.

Isaiah 22-23

On that day the Lord of Hosts called for weeping, 
for wailing, 
for shaven heads, 
and for the wearing of sackcloth.
But look: joy and gladness,
butchering of cattle,
slaughtering of sheep,
eating of meat,
and drinking of wine--
"Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!"
(Isaiah 22:12-13)

There really are people who hear about God and even sense that a day of reckoning is coming.  Their response?  Live it up!  Party!

It seems nonsensical and shockingly short-sighted.  And it is.

Need evidence that this kind of thing is happening?  Go to the bars this Saturday night.  It will give you compassion for the ancient Judeans.

Read it here.

Isaiah 19-21

C.S. Lewis nailed it ... "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to a rouse a deaf world" (from The Problem of Pain).

As you read today, notice that God's punishment (and infliction of pain) is purposeful and redemptive.  The glory that follows the pain is extraordinary.  He is GOOD!

Read it here.

Isaiah 17-18

A lot of judgment going out from the Lord.  To a people deserving of it.  But I love the promise of what will happen in the nation of Cush (the modern day region of Sub-Saharan African countries such as Ethiopia)...

At that time a gift will be brought to Yahweh of Hosts from a people tall and smooth-skinned, a people feared far and near, a powerful nation with a strange language, whose land is divided by rivers--to Mount Zion, the place of the name of Yahweh of Hosts.

Won't that be awesome?!?

Read it here.

Isaiah 15-16

Remember reading about Ruth the Moabitess?  Unlike Ruth, her people are proud, haughty, and arrogant.  Here we see their downfall.

But again, there is hope...

When the oppressor has gone,
destruction has ended,
and marauders have vanished from the land.
Then in the tent of David
a throne will be established by faithful love.
A judge who seeks what is right
and is quick to execute justice
will sit on the throne forever.
(16:4-5)

Read it here.

Isaiah 13-14

Wail!  For the Day of the Lord is near;
It will come like destruction from the Almighty.

We can't forget this truth.  It makes His salvation and rescue all the more glorious!  And it makes our job as ambassadors for Christ all the more imperative.

The Lord of Hosts Himself has planned it;

therefore, who can stand in its way?

It is His hand that is outstretched,

so who can turn it back?

We serve a Mighty God!

Read it here.

Isaiah 11-12

This is a great section!  Wow...makes me want to see what God has in store for us.  The song of chapter 12 is amazing.  What does this song sound like in heaven?  Can't wait to find out!

Read it here.

Isaiah 9-10

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness.

And what is that great light?  "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us..."

And don't miss the powerful words against the arrogant halfway through ch. 10.  WAY too close to home!

Read it here.

Isaiah 7-8

The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.

Tucked into this awesome book are the prophecies that point us WAY beyond the days of Isaiah.  They point us to Jesus.  Keep looking for Him as you read!

Read it here.

Isaiah 5-6

One of the most poignant moments in the book occurs in today's reading - Isaiah stands before God Himself!

But we first must read chapter 5.  "What more could I have done for My vineyard than I did?" God asks.  Be sure and ask the Holy Spirit to make His Word like a mirror as you read.  Will God speak to you in these chapters?

Read it here.

Isaiah 3-4

It is bad when the leaders of God's people are leading in the wrong direction.  Yet this is the case through much of this book.

"My people, your leaders mislead you; they confuse the direction of your paths" (3:12)

Yet throughout this magnificent book there are these bursts of Messianic hope!  The last paragraph of your reading to today is fantastic...don't quit until you've read it!

Read it here.

Isaiah 1-2

We are going to skip WAY ahead and read through the prophet Isaiah.  This prophet ministered for a long time, through several kings and a lot of political and spiritual turmoil.  He lived from about 740-701 B.C. - which places him more than 200 years after the days of King David.

As you read the opening pages, note the poetic imagery and vivid language.  This is more than a book of history - it is a rich story of God calling out to His people and their varied responses to His call.

Read it here.

2 Samuel 24

The end of David's reign.  This chapter ends with more death and destruction.  Israel's greatest king is still a far cry from being the Perfect King that the world was (and is) waiting for.

Just imagine, Christ-follower, what the coming Kingdom will be like when there is perfect peace and justice and love and compassion ... under the watchful care of the true High King.

Come Lord Jesus!

Read it here.

2 Samuel 22-23

"You rescue an afflicted people, 

but Your eyes are set against the proud--You humble them"

Wow - David knew this well!  Don't miss the radical dependence on God that David evidences - and his truly humble heart!  Let's learn these lessons through David that we might not have to learn them first hand!

Read it here.

2 Samuel 20-21

Again we are reminded that when we sin, the fingers of destruction continue to reach far and wide.  No one sins in isolation.  As you read of the ongoing effects of sin, ask God to give you a clean heart and to protect others from the impact of your own sin.

Read it here.

2 Samuel 18-19

"My son Absalom!  My son, my son Absalom!  If only I had died instead of you, Absalom, my son, my son!"

Is there a more gripping and pain-filled cry in all of the Scriptures?

Read it here.

2 Samuel 15-17

Insurrection.  And it is led by David's own son.  Though David's sin started this whole string of events, he is now going to remain in a humble posture before the Lord and entrust himself to God's providence.

Continue to put yourself in this unimaginable scene.  What are the lessons God has for you as you see the destructive path of sin and its residual consequences?

Read it here.

2 Samuel 13-14

The ongoing impact of bold acts of sin should frighten us to the core.  There are many people impacted by a solitary sin.  That's the point - no sin remains solitary.

As you begin to read this dark narrative, notice that before Amnon did the unthinkable, he conspired with a "friend."  Had Amnon surrounded himself with friends like Jonathan (David's friend in 1 Samuel) things may have gone very differently.  But Amnon had a "friend" that was all too eager to nudge him down a path of destruction - and then go scot free while Amnon pays for his crime.

Choose your friends wisely.

Read it here.

2 Samuel 11-12

Once again we see that God will bring us the story of what really happened - not a glossy retelling and reworking of the darker parts of the story.  We might wish that these chapters had not been written.  How could a man of God with so much potential fall so miserably?

We're not different people than David.  We're not more committed to God.  We're not immune.

God, thank You for telling us what happened with David.  And thank You for not letting David stay in that dark place.  Thank You for sending a Nathan onto the scene.  Give us a holy fear and a holy hope based on what we read today.

Read it here.

2 Samuel 9-10

Mephibosheth.  Not a common name in the church nursery.  You'll read about him today.

God continues to establish David's reign over the neighboring enemies.  His hand is on David and the people of Israel.

But if David or the people begin to turn away from following God in righteousness, God will bring them back.  As we will see tomorrow.

Read it here.

2 Samuel 7-8

The Lord gave David many victories and David was eager to give Him credit and honor.  David knew that all these victories came because of God's intention and not because David somehow deserved, earned, or achieved them.

Do you credit God for doing for you what you could never have achieved on your own?

Read it here.

2 Samuel 5-6

God is merciful.  He would grant His people their desire for a king.  But now He would raise up a king who would lead them to Him.  "Then David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel" (5:12).

David was not perfect.  But one thing characterized his life and it is found in this confession: "I will celebrate before the Lord, and I will humble myself even more and humiliate myself." (6:21-22)

Read it here.

2 Samuel 3-4

"The war between the house of Saul and the house of David was long and drawn out..." (3:1).

Back in 1 Samuel 8 the people cried out for a king so that they could be just like all the nation around them.  And that's a good thing?  God warned them that things would not go well under a human king.

What they needed (and what we need today) is to be under the kingship of the High King Jesus Christ. This story shows us what happens when we rule ourselves.

Read it here.

2 Samuel 1-2

1 and 2 Samuel form one story, divided into two volumes.  The first volume tells of the beginning of Israel's monarchy and ends tragically with the death of he first king.  The second volume, that we begin today, tells of her greatest king, David.

The story opens with bloodshed.  When God is not the supreme King, anarchy and civil war follow.

One of the strongest apologetics for the veracity of the Bible is the honest retelling of these stories.  No soft-coating, no hero worship - just the raw history of the way things really played out.

Read it here.

1 Samuel 29-31

We finish the book of 1 Samuel today.  "But David found strength in the Lord his God" (30:6) is a great summary verse for his life to-date.

But the book ends with the reader invited to mourn the death of Saul and his sons.  What a tragedy!  It is a testament to the potential wickedness that is bound up in the hearts of us all.  We must not give in as Saul did!

And it is a tribute to Saul's son, Jonathan, whose loyalty knew no bounds.  He died at the side of his father whom he knew to be a wicked man.  But it was his father-and he was there at his side.

Mourn with the author at this dark tale.

Read it here.

1 Samuel 27-28

Saul is now resorting to sorcery.  Why doesn't he cast himself upon God who is eager to forgive and full of mercy?  But God makes a surprise entrance to Saul where he least expects Him!

Read it here.

1 Samuel 25-26

Abigail is a wise and discerning woman!  Conversely, Nabal is a wicked man.  Abigail got what was coing to her and Nabal got what was coming to him.

And in the midst of Saul's murderous campaign, he has moments of sanity and truth ... if only he would stay in the light!!!

Read it here.

1 Samuel 23-24

"David inquired of the Lord and the Lord answered him" - this becomes a distinct pattern in David's life (in counter-distinction to Saul).

The role that Jonathan plays in David's life is highlighted once again.  And once David hears Jonathan, "encourage him and strengthen his faith in God," they go their separate ways, never to meet again.

What a man and what a legacy of friendship.  The man who would be king, pouring out his life (and giving his crown) for his friend!

Read it here.

1 Samuel 21-22

Saul chose a path of rebellion (see 15:23) and that path leads to ever increasing darkness and chaos.  He becomes a very dark character.  It is shocking what the human heart can do when one turns from following God.

But David continued down the path of righteousness and sought to care for those left in the wake of Saul's destruction.

God doesn't hold anything back in this Book!

Read it here.

1 Samuel 19-20

Jonathan defines friendship.  And God used him in one of the darkest, most vulnerable times in David's life.  His role in Davids' life was pivotal.  There were key moments when Jonathan was there to point David back to God and to strengthen his faith.

Ever have a true friend?  Thank God for them today!

Read it here.

1 Samuel 17-18

And so begins the awesome story of David, the greatest king of Israel.  But this isn't hero-worship.  David was very aware that it was GOD that would bring victory and God whom David would serve.

And there is another story woven into the first part of this saga.  It is the model friendship between Jonathan and David.  Would that God would give us each such a selfless and loyal friend as Jonathan!

Read it here.

1 Samuel 15-16

It often seems darkest just before dawn.  Chapter 15 ends with regret and mourning.  Chapter 16 begins the dawn of a new day and a new leader.

I'm glad God's stories always bring hope.

Read it here.

1 Samuel 13-14

We are given a contrast between King Saul and his son, Prince Jonathan.  Saul is rash, hot headed and is loyal to God in sudden bursts.  Jonathan is faithful, deliberate and marked by loyalty.

I'm glad God gives us glimmers of hope in this story.

Read it here.

1 Samuel 11-12

Don't turn away to follow worthless things that can't profit or deliver you; they are worthless.

Why do we want to exchange worship of the Lord who has faithfully done great things for us for "worship" (following) worthless things?

And why does God keep chasing us?

Because that's who we are and that's who He is.

Read it here.

1 Samuel 9-10

"There was no one more impressive than he."  Things are looking good for Israel.  They got what they wanted... a king! ... and he's everything they'd hoped for.  Surely NOW they will be happy and content.

God really did set Saul up for success.  If only Saul had stayed as humble as he was when God called him.  But that's not the way this story will play out...

Read it here.

1 Samuel 7-8

Be careful what you ask for.  Sometimes God will say "yes" to our pleas - but only to show us how pitiful and short-sighted we are.

I'm stunned at God's patience.  The people cry out for a king ... but not one with a capital "K".

Read it here.

1 Samuel 5-6

Don't mess with God.  I don't care if you're a Philistine or an Israelite - don't mess with God!

Could we use a little of this in our day?

Read it here.

1 Samuel 3-4

Samuel is called by God - even at an early age.  But his entrance is marked by times which are very dark and bleak.  A dying woman - seeing the signs of the times - names her child "Ichabod" (the glory has departed).  That's how bad things are.  But keep reading because God isn't done writing this story!

Read it here.

1 Samuel 1-2

We begin our journey into the time of the kings of Israel.  Israel is coming out of the tumultuous times of the Judges and is looking for hope and stability.  The three main characters in the book of 1 Samuel are Samuel, Saul and David.  But first you'll meet Hannah!  Many world-changing leaders become so due to the influence of an incredible mother.

Read it here.

Psalms 38 and 39

"Hurry to help me, Lord, my Savior!"  That is the final cry of Ps. 38 and it is the theme of this desperate song.  Let the emotion and desperation of the song-writer compel you and teach you to pray.

Psalm 39 contains a cold, hard slap of reality.  "Certainly, man walks about like a mere shadow.  Indeed, they frantically rush around in vain, gathering possessions without knowing who will get them."  Wait...was this psalm written to Americans in 2012???  God's Word is living and active and new every morning!

Read them here.

Psalm 37

This psalm has been a guide to me at countless points in my life.  Pray before you read it.  Ask God to reveal truth to you - putting new light on your path.  He will answer that prayer!

Read it here.

Psalms 35 and 36

Life isn't fair.  Way too often the bad guys win and the good guys suffer.  Have you ever talked to God about that?  The psalmist teaches us how... Psalm 35

Listen to this description of the wicked person: "In his own eyes he flatters himself too much to discover and hate his sin" (36:2).  OUCH!  That one strikes a little too close to home!

God, Your faithful love is so valuable that people take refuge in the shadow of Your wings! (Amen!)

Read them here.

Psalms 33 & 34

"A king is not saved by a large army;
a warrior will not be delivered by great strength."

What are we trusting in for security?  safety?  protection?

"The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues him."

These are some sweet psalms!

Read them here.

Psalm 31-32

Psalm 31 is a powerful and honest prayer - recognizing our sinfulness and our dependence on the faithfulness of God.

Psalm 32 bursts with joy for the one who is forgiven!  Have we lost the discipline of confession?  Look at the beautiful results from one who confesses to God and finds forgiveness!

Read them here.

Psalm 30

You turned my lament into dancing; 
You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.

What a beautiful picture!  God can do that.

Read it here.

Psalms 28-29

Save Your people, bless Your possession, shepherd them, and carry them forever (28:9).  The psalmist is clearly afraid as he pens these words.  This life offers us many opportunities for fear.  But the psalmist teaches us where to go with our fear.

The Lord blesses His people with peace (29:11).

AMEN!

Read them here.

Psalm 27

Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord cares for me (Ps 27:10).

Man, this psalm fills me with worship, awe, and a sense of security!

Read it here.

Psalm 26

The first three verses of this psalm should frame our approach to God every day.

Read it here.

Psalms 24 & 25

The earth and everything in it, the world and all its inhabitants, belong to the Lord.  So why do I keep trying to grab it and call it "mine"???

Then the next psalm gives me a great response... Make Your ways known to me, Lord; teach me Your paths.  Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation.

Read it here.

Judges 19-21

If you thought you'd hit the bottom in Judges, think again.  Today's stories are revolting.  Can this stuff really be in the Bible???

The book ends by repeating this timeless and poignant verse... In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever he wanted.

We need Jesus!

Read it here.

Judges 17-18

In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever he wanted (17:6).  The spiral into unbridled lawlessness is shocking.  We can't be too accusatory, though.  Let the Bible be a mirror.  Where would I be if God did not reign me back?

We need Jesus!

Read it here.

Judges 15-16

Samson and Delilah.  What comes to mind when you hear those names together?  What a crazy story unfolds.  It is reckless passion, lies, betrayal, revenge and murder-suicide.

This is yet another example of how the Bible speaks truth - even when the truth of what really happened is less-than-flattering!

Read it here.

Judges 13-14

Samson had godly parents.  And God was with him from his earliest days.  So what went wrong?  It seems that he always knew what was right and had sincere faith (see Hebrews 11:32).  But he was also driven by sensual impulses and recklessness.

What might God have done through him had he stayed on the path?

Read it here.

Judges 11-12

"Jephthah the Gileadite was a great warrior but he was the son of a prostitute."  So begins this saga in the book of Judges.  Jephthah gives us a glimpse into the chaotic and tumultuous times of the Judges.

Jephthah made two horrific mistakes - and he foolishly did so in the name of the Lord.  He made an irrational vow and then he chose to keep his irrational vow.  Remember that the book describes the events as they unfolded.  It rarely offers commentary on God's opinion of those events.  Jephthah was wrong.

Hold on ... Samson's next.

Read it here.

Judges 9-10

"Go cry out to the gods you have chosen." What a frightening thought. We chase gods that are not really gods at all. And then we fall into the pit that we have dug with our own hands. We cry out to the one, true God. What if He replied like this? Thank You for Your patience, Yahweh! Thank You that You don't treat us as our sins deserve. Read it here ...

Judges 7-8

You might get whiplash. The roller coaster of loyalty toward God from His people is crazy. The stories of Gideon alone tell this story.

When Gideon died, the Israelites turned and prostituted themselves with the Baals and made Baal-berith their god. The Israelites did not remember the Lord their God who had delivered them from the power of the enemies around them.

Read it here ...

Judges5-6

Chpater 5 is a song of praise to God. All is well. God gave victory over enemies. Then you turn to chapter 6. Check out the two verses right next to each other... "And the land was peaceful for 40 years. The Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the Lord." Huh? What happened? Our hearts are bent toward evil. The times of peace and prosperity worked to harden the ungrateful hearts of God's people. I hate that it does the same to mine. Read it here ...

Judges 3-4

It really doesn't have to be this way.  This cycle of rejecting God, falling into defeat, crying out for mercy, getting it, growing cold, rejecting God, ...  That's the story of Judges.  God is faithful and passionately committed to His people.  His people conveniently call on Him when their backs are against the wall.  Yet He remains faithful.

God, keep me from this sick pattern that is evident way beyond the pages of Judges.

Read it here.

Judges1-2

Man, do we have slippery hearts.  Just turn one page from the epic victories found in the book of Joshua and you're confronted with hearts that grow indifferent toward God, lives that spiral into moral decay, and the defeat of a nation.

God, help me not to forget You when the trial is over and I am at rest.

Read it here.

Psalm 23

Don't let the familiarity of this psalm dull you to its impact.  Muse on this one.  There's a reason it has become a timeless and global favorite.  Notice the change in imagery in :5?

Read it here.

Psalm 22

Now the king is in very dark times.  The worst of times.  The words he pens here find their way onto the lips of Jesus as He experienced the excruciating pain of the cross.

Ever cry out in pain and hopelessness to God?  You're not alone!

Read it here.

Psalm 21

The psalmist-king knew that God was his protection during days of trouble.  He also knew that God alone gave him times of glory and peace.  Whether in good times or frightening times, the king acknowledges the God who reigns over all.  Sounds like a plan.

Read it here.

Psalm 20

"May Yahweh answer you in a day of trouble;
may the name of Jacob's God protect you."

The psalmist knew trouble.  And he knew what it was to call on the the Lord.  His hope and confidence was in God.  Let this psalm draw you to the God he trusted in.

Read it here.

Psalm 19

"The heavens declare the glory of God" - The Psalmist sings of the magnificent way that God shouts to the world that He is here and not silent via the medium of His creation (:1-6).

"The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one's life" - The Psalmist then tells the reader that we can only be transformed by God as we encounter Him in the Word (:7-14).

This is a fantastic psalm.  Read it here.

Ruth

Read all of Ruth in one sitting.  It isn't long.  And it is an epic tale.  This woman of God became the great, great, ... grandmother to Jesus (Matthew 1:5).  What a heritage!

Read it here.

Joshua 23-24

This is a fantastic finale!  You can't miss the way Joshua learned from God and Moses in ch. 1 and now exhorts the people with the very lessons that he had to learn the hard way.  Joshua really points the people to God - and away from his own fame.

Don't miss 24:29.  Finally Joshua receives that most enviable of all titles ... "servant of the Lord."  Moses was called that 18x in this book.  And after a lifetime of service, Joshua receives the title.

Is that your highest aspiration?  To be the "servant of the Lord?"

Read it here.

Joshua 22

Whew!  That's a close one.  Civil war would have been devastating!  What can we learn from this conflict and the way it was resolved?

Read it here.

Joshua 15-21

That's a lot of reading!  Feel free to fly through - speed read some of the details.  But don't miss 21:43-45.

Read it here.

Joshua 13-14

Seriously?  Land coordinates?  Yep... these were vital to the nation of Israel.  They had to know exactly what God was giving them - not one acre more or one acre less.  Read 14:6-15.  Caleb was a stud!

Read it here.

Joshua 11-12

The armies that fought against Israel were "a multitude as numerous as the sand on the seashore."  Would you be afraid if you faced those kinds of odds?  Would you turn back?  Joshua ran TOWARD the battle and attacked that massive military powerhouse.  Why?  Foolishness?  Nope... Yahweh was with them.  It was His battle.

Read it here.

Joshua 9-10

The Lord's reputation is going before Him.  Clearly Yahweh is not a lifeless and powerless idol.  This is the living God!

Read it here.

Joshua 7-8

Defeat.  Stealing from God.  Deception.  Outrage.  "Valley of Trouble."  It is all part of the raw honesty of the Bible.  This is a real story about real people and the way God shepherds and redeems us.  And sometimes it gets ugly.  But even then there is redemption.

Defeat is often the pathway to dependence.

Read it here.

Joshua 5-6

Don't miss chapter 5.  We remember Joshua because of the epic scene in ch. 6 - the conquest of Jericho.  But the scene that immediately precedes it is of utmost importance.  Why would God incapacitate His army by having them circumcised just before their first battle?  What was He doing?  Read all of 5 with great care... it will totally set up ch. 6!

Read it here.

Joshua 3-4

Joshua is given his own "parting of the waters" moment and is emboldened by God's miraculous and powerful hand!  And all the time he reminds the people that it is GOD (not Joshua) who is going before them.  Follow Yahweh and listen to His voice.  And (this is important) tell your children (4:6 and 21)!

Read it here.

Joshua 1-2

Moses was the man.  How would you like to follow that?  Joshua is called up.  Over and over (17x) Moses is called the "servant of the Lord" in the book of Joshua.  Finally at the very end (24:29) Joshua is given that most noble of titles.

Notice that it is not Moses the "warrior of the Lord" or "prophet of the Lord" or "executor of justice of the Lord" or "friend of the Lord" - though he was all that and far more.  The singular title given to him in the book of Joshua is SERVANT of the Lord.

Keep that posture, Joshua, and the Lord will take care of the rest!  And He does!

Read it here.

Deuteronomy 33-34

The God of old is your dwelling place,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.

You don't get any better than that!

"Moses, servant of the Lord."  Man I would love to have that be my epitaph!  And then he was laid to rest by God Himself.  That's quite a finale for Moses.  

Read it here.

Deuteronomy 31-32

"Be strong and courageous; don't be terrified or afraid of them.  For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you" (31:6)

Then Moses wrote a song so that God's people would remember his words... (BTW -  when you read about "an inferior people ... a foolish nation" in 32:21, read "ME!")

Read it here.

Deuteronomy 29-30

"This command that I give you today is certainly not too difficult or beyond your reach" (Deut. 30:11).

Read it here.

Deuteronomy 27-28

Memorial Day!  Lot's of picnics with family and friends.  God held a similar event in Deut 27:1-8.  God and His people celebrating their relationship with a meal ... "eat and rejoice in the presence of the Lord your God."

Then the promise of blessing and reward for following the Lord vs. the promise of discipline for disobeying and going astray.  There's no middle ground.

Read it here.

Deuteronomy 25-26

Do you realize that there were no prisons in the ancient world?  There were often "jails" that would hold a suspect until his appearance before the judge.  But there was no such thing as a sentence of long-term imprisonment.  "If there is a dispute between men, they are to go to court, and the judges will hear their case.  They will clear the innocent and condemn the guilty."


What a novel idea.


The last part of ch. 26 has a fantastic call to both generous justice and just generosity.  God, help us follow Your ways!

Read it here.

Deuteronomy 23-24

The foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow - these capture a lot of God's attention.  He has compassion on the disadvantaged.  "Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt."  I am the disadvantaged one.  Why would I not have mercy on others?

Read it here.

Deuteronomy 21-22

Want to know what God thinks of a rebellious adult son?  Stone him.  What does this kind of son look like?  He is stubborn and rebellious and does not obey his father or his mother.  He doesn't listen to them even after he has been disciplined.  He is a glutton and a drunkard.  Kill him.

Hmm.  How many young adult sons would be left in our city?

Read it here.

Deuteronomy 19-20

God is just.  We can count on it.  And when He teaches His people justice, it is perfect justice.  Check out God's systems of justice today.  We live in a society of grey rules and sliding standards.  It is refreshing to listen to God unpack perfect, objective and pure justice.

Read it here.

Deuteronomy 17-18

Today we are challenged with keeping God's covenant people free of false worship.  What is the New Testament version of "purging the evil" from the ranks of God's people?  I think we should take this seriously.  (See Matthew 18, for instance).

Also, the man who claims to speak for God has a great privilege AND a great responsibility.  If he veers from saying exactly what God says ... whoa - check out the end of ch. 18.

Read it here.

Deuteronomy 15-16

For there will never cease to be poor people in the land; that is why I am commanding you, ‘You must willingly open your hand to your afflicted and poor brother in your land.’

There is always to be evidence of generosity among God's people.  Generous toward God (check out the Feasts He calls His people to) or generous toward others - especially the poor.

Would people describe you as generous? 

Read it here.

Deuteronomy 13-14

Sometimes the people who try to entice you away from following the Lord are the most unlikely people.  They might be trusted religious leaders.  They might be family members.  They might be neighbors.  Crazy!  But our allegiance has to be to the Lord!  Don't be led astray - by anyone!

Read it here.

Deuteronomy 11-12

A call to faithfulness ... Love the Lord your God and worship Him with all your heart and all your soul...


But there are always two paths before us.  Will we walk in obedience or take the road of disobedience?  Will we take the path of faithfulness, or will we stray onto the path of other gods?  It seems that almost daily there is the opportunity to take a wrong turn.  How desperately we need to FOLLOW the Lord!  There is rejoicing and feasting on the path of God (ch. 12).

Read it here.