Read the Bible in One Year!

Don't be like Byron Weekly Devotional February 29— Psalm 16 : There's Hope Beyond the Grave! Reflection It's good to stop and look back, to review what God has done in order to gain strength to move ahead. That's what Moses has been doing for the nation Israel—looking back at God's amazing work in their midst, reiterating his commands for holy living, and challenging them to go forward in faith. Moses' life was drawing to a close, but he faced his death with the assurance that only one who has walked with God can possess. Today as we pause on our journey through the Scriptures, let's review our own life and consider our own death by studying Psalm 16 prayerfully. Think Heavenwardly Those who seldom thinks of heaven are not likely to be on their way there. Don't live in hopelessness like the poet George Gordon Byron during the end of his life expressed in his poem-- My days are in the yellow leaf, the flowers and fruit...

Moses gone to Mount Nebo—Gone but not Forgotten! Scripture February 28—Deuteronomy 31-34: Conclusion of Moses Life Observation With Israel ready to cross the Jordan into the Promised Land, Moses' responsibilities as deliverer and guide are completed. He assigns Joshua to be his successor before giving a last warning to the people to remain true to the covenant. Moses turns his final message into an easily remembered song, and teaches it to the people so they in turn can pass it on to future generations. After a parting blessing, he climbs Mount Nebo to catch a glimpse of Canaan, then dies in a location known only to God. Application Did you ever wish you were someone else? Children at play openly imitate their favorite heroes. Though adults are more subtle, they often try to pattern themselves after a popular personality, a successful executive, or an inspirational leader. Trying to be some...

Our Everlasting Covenant! Scripture February 27—Deuteronomy 27-30: Commitment to the Covenant Observation In his final sermon before his death, Moses solemnly tells the people about the blessings (and curses) that will accompany their obedience to (or rebellion against) God's covenant. Obedience will bring prosperity, provision, and protection from God; disobedience will lead only to disaster. The nation may choose for itself which path it will take, but the consequences of the decision are predetermined. Moses wisely counsels the people to "choose life" (30:19) . Application Have you ever been in the awkward position of having to discipline someone else's child? It usually doesn't work very well because that child is not yours. There is no parent-child relationship to give your demands for obedience the ring of authority. Discipline works best when relationship precedes requ...

We were made to live in peace... Scripture February 26—Deuteronomy 21-26: Social Laws in the Land Observation Today's reading is long, but it contains fascinating insights into some what if questions that will no doubt arise once the people are in the land. Moses covers such topics as how to purify the land from an unsolved murder, how to administer capital punishment, who is eligible for membership in the congregation and who is excluded, how to avoid the extinction of a family name, when and how money may be loaned for interest. Such regulations are essential if the people of God are to live in peace and purity in the Promised Land.  Application How far does God's care extend? Is he concerned about things like cruelty to animals, preservation of the species and global warming? How about accurate pricing at the stores, or protecting consumers from loan sharks? All of the above and more are...

God our King! Scripture February 25—Deuteronomy 17-20: Civil Laws in the Land Observation In addition to the religious laws regulating national worship, Moses delivers a set of civil laws to be used in governing the internal affairs of the nation. Holiness should not be practiced in the tabernacle only. Justice, truthfulness, and humane treatment must characterize all the nation's dealings. Moses anticipates three situations that are sure to arise once the people are in the Promised Land: (1) the desire to crown a king; (2) the need to examine a prophet's credentials to determine if he speaks for God; (3) the need for a refuge to protect those who have committed manslaughter unintentionally. Application When was the last time you had a brush with the occult? Before you pass off the question lightly, consider the pagan activities that the Israelites were strictly forbidden to practice: magic spe...

Beware of False Gods Scripture February 24—Deuteronomy 12-16: Ceremonial Laws in the Land Observation In chapter 12 , Moses moves from the broad principles of the Ten Commandments to the more detailed regulations that will govern the daily conduct of God's people in the Promised Land. Religious life must be characterized by intolerance of idolatrous influences, strict attention to the sanctity of life, and careful personal hygiene. Every seventh year will bring the forgiveness of debts, and three yearly festivals will commemorate important events in the nation's history. Application There is something money can't buy and it's called poverty! Poverty is nothing new: "There will always be some among you who are poor" (15:11) . But God does not see it as a hopeless situation. In today's section is recorded a divine plan for poverty relief—a plan that, if followed, might make gov...

Moses Chiseled out Two Stone Tablets Again! Scripture February 23—Deuteronomy 8-11: Warnings for a New Generation Observation Moses once again takes the Israelites back into their national history to illustrate that God is true to his word. He is a God who loves to bless his people, as demonstrated during the wilderness wanderings. For forty year God prevented clothes and shoes from wearing out while he faithfully provided life-sustaining manna. And he constantly set before his people the promise of even greater blessings once they entered the land. But the golden calf incident was a painful reminder that disobedience brings swift punishment. Application Could the problem be that people don't pay enough attention to the details? Was it hard for the Israelites to keep God's commandments because they didn't pay attention to the details of the commandments or was it because they didn't consider...

Next Generation of Obedient People to Enter the Promised Land! Scripture February 22—Deuteronomy 5-7: Recalling God's Promises Observation Moses' second sermon, which extends through chapter 20, contains many of the same commands previously received at Mount Sinai. Moses starts with the basics—the Ten Commandments—and then urges the parents to teach these precepts faithfully to their children. There is a note of urgency in Moses request. The Promised Land remains to be conquered and enjoyed. God is looking for a generation of obedient people he can lead in victory and thereby fulfill his long-standing promise. Application Wanted: Energetic young couple for demanding assignment. Must have boundless reserves of patience, stamina, and optimism. Must be able to function reasonably well on three hours of sleep, diagnose childhood ailments, and read the same book twenty-seven times without appearing bored. Mu...

God Forget me Not! Weekly Devotional February 21— Psalm 13 : God Never Forgets Us! Reflection Despite the miraculous provision of God, his people wandering in the wilderness are quick to grumble and complain. Finally the journey comes to an end and the people prepare to enter the Land God has promised them. But before they enter in, plans are laid and a new leader chosen—Joshua. Then Moses begins a series of sermons reviewing the nation's history and God's faithfulness. Through it all God's faithfulness shines, a faithfulness that extends even to us today. And that's a thought worth praising God about! Let's do just that by reflecting on Psalm 13. His Faithfulness What do we do when we know God never forgets yet apparently he has forgotten us? When we know God is the Lord of hosts yet we see the enemy prevailing around us? We probably would do what David did: ask a sincere question. Old Testament saints were no different than moder...

Disobedience caused the Israelites  a Forty-year Tragedy Deuteronomy Introduction The last of the five books of Moses, Deuteronomy reviews the forty-year period of the nation's walk with God, and previews the new nation's walk with God, and previews the new relationship soon to begin in Canaan. Taking the form of series of sermons, the book addresses the new generation emerging from the wilderness march. Moses reminds them of the central importance of obedience and stresses holiness as a way of life. Everything--possessions of the land, victory over enemies, prosperity, and enjoyment of life--depends on these valuable lessons. Scripture February 20—Deuteronomy 1-4: Reviewing the Wanderings Observation Deuteronomy opens with the first of Moses' three sermons—a review of the nation's history, with particular emphasis on God's dealings with his people. Moses recalls Israel's failure to claim the...

A Settlement Scripture February 19—Numbers 34-36: Moses and the Settlements of the Israelites Observation Now God specifies the boundaries of the land and appoints the men who will oversee the work of dividing it among the remaining tribes. The cities in which the Levites will live are designated, as well as the cities of refuge for those guilty of unintentional murder. Since the land is apportioned through the male side of the family, the case of a family in which there is no male heir is clarified by Moses, who specifies that all land must stay within the tribe to which it was originally given. Application A good subtitle for today’s reading might be “How To Be Blessed with God’s Best.” As you read, think about this question: Why do some people seem to enjoy the blessing of God more than others? God’s “best” for Israel was complete possession and enjoyment of the land of Canaan. The equitable division...

Solders that defeated the Midianites Scripture February 18—Numbers 31-33: Last Days of Moses’ Leadership Observation Moses’ final acts of leadership before his death involve conquest and consolidation. Midian, which had led Israel into idolatry, is judged as 12,000 crack Israelite troops annihilate this powerful people and collect a wealth of spoils. Next, the tribes of Reuben and Gad ask to settle on the east side of the Jordan. Moses grants their request on the condition that they help the remaining ten tribes complete the conquest of the Promised Land first. The section closes with a review of the geographic movement during the forty years of wandering. Application If you have ever watched a quiz show where contestants are faced with the difficult choice of (1) keeping what they have already won, or (2) risking it all on winning an even bigger prize, then you’ll understand the situation in today’s sectio...

A New Leader to Lead Israelites to the Promised Land! Scripture February 17—Numbers 26-30: Second Census and Laws of Israel Observation A final census of the people, ordered by Moses prior to entering the Promised Land, reveals that the old generation has died off—a fact that signals an end to the forty years of wandering. Following the census, God designates a new leader to replace Moses. For although he survived the judgment of his generation, he would not lead the people into Canaan. Next, Moses reviews for the new generation the various sacrifices of worship—as well as the daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly celebrations—to insure that the nation does not overlook any of its holy obligations or divinely assigned remembrances. Application Would you rather be known for your good reputation or your outstanding character? Though reputation and character are often used as interchangeable terms, the meaning ar...

Fiery of Serpents Scripture February 16—Numbers 21-25: Serpent of Brass and Story of Balaam Observation The wanderings are drawing to a close and the movement of the people becomes more purposeful. They are heading for the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River and are poised just opposite the Promised Land. Along the way they face both physical and spiritual conflict. Militarily, they enjoy victory over the Canaanites, Amorites, and the Bashanites. But constant grumbling about food and water results in God sending fiery serpents in judgment. The advancing Israelite horde causes the king of Moab to hire a diviner, Balaam, both to foretell the future and to curse the nation of Israel. Instead, Balaam blesses Israel and predicts how she will prosper. Application Are you a roller-coaster Christian? Up one day and down the next? It’s a frustrating feeling, and one most Christians would rather do without! But what...

Moses Striking the Rock that Cost Him the Promised Land! Scripture February 15—Numbers 17-20: Aaron and Levites Wondering in the Wilderness Observation As the “grumbling generation” marches through the wilderness outside the Promised Land, their discontent focuses on Moses and Aaron. Only a miraculous budding of Aaron’s rod can convince the people that Aaron represents God’s authority. In this context of rebellion, God again emphasizes the Levites’ role in the service of the tabernacle and provides the red heifer as a means of cleansing the people from the ever-present defilement of death. Eventually, Moses is affected by the nation’s complaining attitude as well. In a moment of anger, he strikes the rock, instead of speaking to it as God commanded, and so forfeits his privilege to set foot in the Promised Land. Application Write down three things you feel are absolutely essential for your future security. Now go ...