Daily Devotional

Apr 6

Shock and Awe

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), April 6 The Levites never imagined the evil that lurked within the city walls of Gibeah, which was nestled among towns inhabited not just by Levites, but by Aaron's sons, who were responsible for teaching the people God's ways. Although the city of Jebus, belonging to the Canaanites, is a closer trip than Gibeah, the Levite does not feel safe staying there, so he travels later in the evening to Gibeah of the... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Apr 6

Apr 5

A Sneak Peak

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), April 5 The writer of Judges grants a peek into the private life of an Ephraimite family in Israel during the Judges Era when everyone did as he saw fit. It isn't pretty. Chapter 17 introduces Micah (whose name means "Who is like Yahweh?"), an Ephraimite, whose mother consecrates a portion of her recovered silver to the LORD for her son to make for her "a carved image and a molded... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Apr 5

Apr 4

Wasted Potential

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), April 4 Reality TV gives people a sneak peek (sometimes too long of a peek) into the otherwise private lives of others. The writer of Judges offers a glimpse into the development of a judge that God raises up to deliver Israel from the Philistines. It isn't pretty. Manoah and his wife struggle with infertility. One day the Angel of the LORD appears to Manoah's wife and foretells that she will have a son. This... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Apr 4

Apr 3

The White Flag of Surrender

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), April 3 Man is created in the image of God. Since the Fall, however, His image in man is marred by sin. Sin in the heart directs man to resist God's merciful overtures. Sin reigns in culture as sinful people collectively resist God's grace and do what is right in their own eyes. The grace of God gives man time to repent and the goodness of God allows oppression to occur to get man's attention. The Judges Era... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Apr 3

Apr 2

People and Politics

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), April 2 A stubborn people, two leaders, and two different outcomes--a recipe for disaster. Israel begins asking for a king like the peoples around them--just like Moses told them would happen in Deuteronomy 17. They ask Gideon, "Rule over us, both you and your son, and your grandson also; for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian" (Judges 8:22). Gideon proves himself the smartest politician of all... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Apr 2

Apr 1

Worship Wars

The One Year® Chronological Bibl e, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), April 1 Israel has a rich history with God. God had promised Abraham and his barren wife a son, a nation, and a land. He kept that promise. He had promised Abraham that his descendants would be strangers in a foreign land for 400 years, but that He would return them to the land He had promised to Abraham. With an outstretched arm He parted the Red Sea, and they crossed over on dry land from the land of oppression. After Israel... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Apr 1

Mar 31

The Slippery Slope of Sin

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 31 Before his death Joshua warns Israel that they are one generation away from degeneracy. And that day is not far off. After Joshua's death another generation arises, "who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel" (Judges 2:10). Israel begins the slippery slope of sin by enslaving the Canaanites instead of driving them out of the land, by intermarrying with the Canaanites, and... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 31

Mar 30

Summary of a Life Well-lived

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 30 Joshua had a tri-cultural experience. He spent his childhood in Egypt, lived in the wilderness where he moved forty or more times, and entered Canaan, where he camped in a number of places before he and his family finally moved into their tribal territory. Joshua was hungry for God and lived in Moses' shadow throughout the wilderness travels. The leadership baton could not have been passed to a better... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 30

Mar 29

Bible Literacy, Justice, and Spiritual Health

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 29 The heads of the Levite families approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families of the Israelite tribes. At Shiloh in the land of Canaan, they told them, "The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities to live in, with their pasturelands for our livestock" (Josh. 21:1-2). Cities and pasture lands throughout Israel's twelve territories were set aside for... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 29

Mar 28

God On the Go, God at Home

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 28 "Now the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of meeting there" (Josh. 18:1). Tent dwellers are typically nomadic people. God had promised to dwell in Israel's midst-"My Presence will go with you" (Ex. 33:14); therefore He commanded Moses to construct a Tent of Meeting for His Presence. This portable tent has traveled with Israel... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 28

Mar 27

Whining is a Symptom

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 27 The people of the tribe of Joseph (representing both of Joseph's sons) whine about their allocation of land, "Why have you given us only one lot and one share to inherit, since we are a great people, inasmuch as the LORD has blessed us now?" (Josh. 17:14). Joshua responds to their complaint by urging them to appropriate the forested areas of their territory. The people of Joseph ratchet up their... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 27

Mar 26

Something for Everyone

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 26 Before his death Joshua distributes the land of Canaan among the nine and a half tribes west of the Jordan and the two and half tribes east of the Jordan. Each territory contains enemies, challenges, and benefits. No one tribe is disadvantaged by the division of land--each receives grace gifts based on the promise of God to Abraham. Each tribe is blessed beyond measure with land freely given by God. All the... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 26

Mar 25

Got Enemies?

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 25 Five kings of the Amorites join together to fight against the people of Gibeon because they have made peace with Israel. The Gibeonites cry out to Israel for help. Sounds like terrible odds--5 to 1--until God is factored into the equation--"And the LORD said to Joshua, 'Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you'" (Josh.... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 25

Mar 24

Avoiding Deception

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 24 Joshua and the people of Israel no sooner recover from Achan's deception than they fall for another deception. The Gibeonites hear about the defeat of the people of Jericho and Ai and devise a plan to save themselves from the same destruction by deceiving Israel into making a treaty with them. This story alerts the reader to seven conditions that make a person vulnerable to deception: Exhaustion... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 24

Mar 23

Time for Renewal

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 23 When God opens up a new phase of your life, how should you begin? Joshua had warned the people, "You have not passed this way before" (Josh. 3:4). They are about to enter a new phase of life. What will God require of Israel as they camp at Gilgal and prepare to enter Canaan? Chapters four and five reveal five clear truths for making the transition to a new phase of life. A new phase of life... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 23

Mar 22

The Law, the Land, and the Leader

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 22 As Israel prepares to leave the wilderness behind and enter the land of Canaan, God grants Moses three forward-looking glimpses into the Conquest Era before he dies: the Levites made responsible for Bible literacy, a panoramic view of Canaan, and the transfer of leadership to Joshua. The Law Moses pronounces a blessing on each of Israel's tribes before he dies. He appoints the Levites as responsible... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 22

Mar 21

Teach Us to Number our Days

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 21 "I am one hundred and twenty years old today. I can no longer go out and come in. Also the LORD has said to me, 'You shall not cross over this Jordan'" (Deuteronomy 31:2). Moses lived 40 years in Egypt, 40 years in the wilderness as a shepherd, and 40 years in the wilderness leading people. Prior to his death, he assessed life, "The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 21

Mar 20

Genuine and Clear Choices

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 20 As in Deuteronomy 28's blessings and cursings, Moses urges those whose parents died in the wilderness to choose life as they enter Canaan: See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the LORD your God will bless you in... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 20

Mar 19

Life is Good, or Not

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 19 The Blessings and Cursings of Deuteronomy reveal both God's good intent toward His people and their evil response toward His goodness. "Life is good" for those who love and obey Him. "Life is bad, very bad indeed" for those who disobey Him. "Life is good" - God's heart to do good to and for His people is revealed through the blessing statements, "And all these blessings... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 19

Mar 18

Communal Life

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 18 Living in close proximity to other people reveals the sin and selfishness that reside in the hearts of individuals--that which destroys community. As Israel prepares to enter the land of Canaan, Moses elaborates on a few areas of social engagement (Deut. 21-23): Cold cases - 21:1-9 When a body is found dead and the cause of death remains unknown, the tribe closest to where the body is found is... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 18

Mar 17

Kings and Prophets

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 17 Moses speaks of a day in Israel's future when they will cry out to God for a king like the peoples around them (17:14). He gives them five guidelines for when that time arrives: The king must not be a foreigner (15). The king must not trust in warhorses obtained from the Egyptians, but he must rely upon the LORD to protect him (16). The king must not multiply wives for himself (17). The king... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 17

Mar 16

You Owe Me!

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 16 Not a day goes by that forgiveness isn't required. By me. By others. You owe me money. You owe me honor and affirmation. You owe me an apology. You owe me forgiveness. You owe me a pay increase or a promotion. You owe me gratitude. You owe me quality time. You owe me my inheritance. You owe me for broken promises or broken items. You owe me exoneration from... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 16

Mar 15

A Place for His Name, A Practice Worthy of His Presence

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 15 God longs to be among His people. He tells Moses of a day when He will choose a place among all the tribes of Israel to place His Name. He also warns Israel against redefining who He is and worshiping Him the way others worship their gods: "Take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, 'How... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 15

Mar 14

A People of Memory

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 14 Moses issues a number of warnings to Israel as they prepare to move into houses that they did not build and harvest vineyards and olive groves that they did not plant (Deuteronomy 6:10-11): Do not forget God. While slavery to the Egyptians had caused Israel to cry out to God, prosperity in the land of Canaan may cause Israel to forget God. Bible literacy will keep gratitude alive as Israel remembers her... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 14

Mar 13

Good Governance

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 13 Worldly men govern people by their own wisdom rather than by depending on the manifest wisdom of God. Oppression soon rules the day, and depression and despair characterize the people. Not so with God's people. God distinguishes Israel from all the peoples around them by making a covenant with them and by giving them regulations to guide their behavior, Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments,... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 13

Mar 12

Learn from the Past, but Live in the Present

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 12 Israel's forty years in the wilderness finally come to a conclusion. Moses gives Israel a final "pep" talk (Deut. 1-8). First, he reviews how Israel has responded to God's leadership in the past: Instead of going up against the Amorites, the Israelites request that a spy delegation be sent to determine which route to take and to report back. After assessing the goodness of the land,... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 12

Mar 11

Spiritual Accountability

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 11 The Levites as a tribe were not assigned a territory like their brethren. They were, however, allotted towns within each tribe's territory. Forty-eight towns in twelve territories were given to them, along with limited pasture land surrounding the town. Since their primary role was to serve in the Tent of Meeting why does the Lord spread them throughout the land? The duties of the Levitical priesthood... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 11

Mar 10

The Benefits of Moving

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 10 Israel moves 40 times in 40 years (Numbers 33). God utilizes each of these moves as learning experiences for Israel in the wilderness as well as for future generations. Truths Israel learns about God while moving about in the wilderness: God is not like the gods of Egypt. He is personal, holy, and takes exception to complaining, sin, and unbelief. God is holy and will be treated as such by His people. His... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 10

Mar 9

What Instructions Require

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 9 Moses delivers to Israel the annual calendar of celebrations that they are to follow when they enter Canaan. These celebrations require the sacrifice of hundreds of animals who have no defects. Where will these wilderness wanderers obtain such a vast number? Finally, the Lord gives Moses one final instruction, "Take vengeance on the Midianites for the children of Israel. Afterward you shall be gathered to... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 9

Mar 8

Israel's Calendar, Communal Celebration, and the Impact of Sin

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 8 Moses prepares the "new" generation to enter the land of promise and gives them an annual calendar containing specific dates and sacrificial requirements for those dates: "And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a holy convocation" (Num. 29:1): Daily: two lambs without defect, a grain offering, a drink offering Weekly (on the Sabbath): two lambs a year old... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 8

Mar 7

Bold-faced Sin

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 7 Zimri, a leader among the Simeonites, brazenly takes a Midianite cult prostitute into his tent-in broad daylight-in front of Moses. (Num. 25:14) Sexual sin normally begins "under the radar," but Zimri's boldness is an act of public defiance. In essence, he is saying, "I will do what I want to do, when I want to do it, where I want to do it, and with whom I want to do it. And no one is... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 7

Mar 6

God Uses the Unlikely

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 6 Indigenous people groups have their own gods. Balak, the king of the Moabites, terrified of the Israelites, bands together with Midianites and calls for a famous diviner, Balaam, to come and curse the Israelites. He knows that he and the god of his people are not up to the challenge. Balaam understands "that a people's own god had the greatest power over them for bad or good, Balaam attempted to... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 6

Mar 5

The High Cost of Whining

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 5 Whine. Whine. Whine. That's all that Israel has done for 40 years! Israel is at Kadesh, where they've camped a number of times over the past 40 years. This formerly well-watered oasis is waterless. Israel cannot see the water hidden within the rock waiting to become a river. Instead of asking the Lord to manifest His provision, the people blame Moses for their lack and demand that he do something: ... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 5

Mar 4

Selfish Ambition

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 4 Selfish ambition reveals its presence in the heart of man when a man craves what God has given to another. Unchecked, selfish ambition percolates into envious thoughts and envious thoughts mature into destructive actions. Korah, a distant cousin to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, envies Moses" leadership position in Israel. He resents the elevation of his cousins over him, the Levites, and the entire... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 4

Mar 3

Sight-seeing Dangers

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 3 The heart soon follows what the eye sees. The children of Israel learn through the fiasco of the spies that it takes very little to stimulate the sin that resides in their hearts. The LORD commands Israel to incorporate a visible reminder of HIs commands and the dangers lurking in their hearts. Speak to the children of Israel: "Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 3

Mar 2

The Truth About Unbelief

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), March 2 Twelve spies report back to Israel regarding their 40 day excursion into Canaan. All twelve spies see the same thing: The land flows with milk and honey. The people who live there are powerful. The cities are fortified and very large. After the spies conclude their report, Caleb declares in a burst of faith, "Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it"... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 2

Mar 1

God Bless You

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale 2013), March 1 The Lord commands Moses to communicate a threefold blessing to His people: The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26). The blessing is directed to the entire congregation, rather than to any individual. It consists of three parts. The first phrase of each blessing... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Mar 1

Feb 28

Protection for Women Falsely Accused

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), February 28 Feminists often accuse God of being a male chauvinist. They are misinformed. The LORD reveals His care for women who are falsely accused of adultery by ungrounded suspicions of jealous husbands: "If the spirit of jealousy comes upon him and he becomes jealous of his wife, who has defiled herself; or if the spirit of jealousy comes upon him and he becomes jealous of his wife, though she has not defiled... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Feb 28

Feb 27

Organized Ministry

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), February 27 "And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 'Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them to Aaron the priest, that they may serve him"" (Num. 3:5-6). No one likes to move. Moving involves packing, sorting, discarding, and serious planning. Imagine the planning and work it would take to move the Israelites in the wilderness. In the midst of all the moving, Israel had also the task of moving... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Feb 27

Feb 26

Mass Communication

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), February 26 God is the great Organizer. Creation reveals His organizational skills as He forms the heavens and the earth and then fills them with life. Throughout the process He creates systems (solar system, ecological system, reproductive systems, biological systems) which He has sustained for thousands of years. The Lord gave Israel a number of systems during their first year while they camped at Mount Sinai: the... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Feb 26

Feb 25

Want Blessing?

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), February 25 Israel camps around the Sinai area for a number of months while Moses meets with God on the mount until the Tent of Meeting is constructed. God lays out the rules and regulations for Israel's spiritual and communal life. Moses administers the first census, to determine how many people have come out of Egypt, and the camp is organized according to God's instructions. God's final message to Israel... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Feb 25

Feb 24

What's On Your Calendar?

The One Year® Chronological Bible, NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), February 24 Celebrating birthdays reminds each person of their entry into family. Annual events such as Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving remind families of past events that impact their present wellbeing and connect families to the greater community of celebrants. The Lord requires Israel to set aside days on their annual calendar to commemorate His relationship with them as individuals, families, and community.... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Feb 24

Feb 23

Disobedience Defiles Peoples and Cultures

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), February 23 To defile an object means that something permanently destructive occurs to the object that prevents or disables it from performing the service for which it was created. When Adam and Eve sinned, humanity was permanently defiled. The promise of redemption and the picture of redemption given by God in the garden of Eden were their only hope. A redeemer would come who would undo what occurred in the garden, and it... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Feb 23

Feb 22

The In-between People of God

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), February 22 "According to the doings of the land of Egypt, where you dwelt, you shall not do; and according to the doings of the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you, you shall not do; nor shall you walk in their ordinances" (Lev. 18:3). Moses spends the following twenty verses unpacking "their practices" by addressing sexual relationships. He completes his message with an explanation, "Do not defile... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Feb 22

Feb 21

Day of Atonement

The One Year® Chronological Bible (Tyndale, 2013), February 21 Leviticus 16 sits in the middle of the Torah, indicating that the Day of Atonement is the centerpiece of communal life of Israel. Leviticus 16 highlights three celebratory days for the people of God: The Passover recalls Israel's deliverance from Egypt The Feast of Tabernacles remembers God's presence during the wilderness travels The Day of Atonement acknowledges and addresses the... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Feb 21

Feb 20

Protecting Community

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), February 20 Germs spread quickly, especially in crowds. In order to protect the community from communicable disease the LORD enacted laws to identify and prevent their spread. Priests were given the responsibility of inspecting and distinguishing between what was communicable and what was not. Failure to correctly diagnose an individual's infirmity would endanger the entire congregation. Fourteen days of quarantine may... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Feb 20

Feb 19

Weird Laws or Manifest Wisdom?

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), February 19 "These also shall be unclean to you among the creeping things that creep on the earth: the mole, the mouse, and the large lizard after its kind" (Lev. 11:29). Kids ask a lot of "Why?" questions. In Leviticus, God gives a lot of instructions that naturally lead to asking, "Why?" questions, like: Why is it permissible to eat only animals with divided hooves and that chew... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Feb 19

Feb 18

Life in the Blood

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), February 18 When sin exposes Adam and Eve's nakedness, the LORD slays an animal and used its skin to cover the couple's nakedness. God who makes the first sacrifice and establishes the blood of animals as the medium of atonement, to cover man's sin until the way into the Holiest of All is manifest (Hebrews 9:8). It is symbolic. "Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Feb 18

Feb 17

Sins of Omission

The One Year® Chronological Bible , NKJV (Tyndale, 2013), February 17 "If a person sins in hearing the utterance of an oath, and is a witness, whether he has seen or known of the matter-if he does not tell it, he bears guilt" (Lev. 5:1). Have you ever realized later that you should have defended someone's innocence or spoken up in a situation? Have you ever been contaminated by something harmful and not realized it until later? Have you ever made a hasty and... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Feb 17

Feb 16

Reading Leviticus and Dry Toast

Reading Leviticus is like eating dry toast. Boring and seemingly useless to 21st readers. Or not. Our youngest son is a trend eater. Years ago when he was around eight years old he only wanted four slices of dry toast for breakfast. Without jam. Without butter. For six months. Needless to say, I worried about the quality of his nutritional intake. Until one morning when I removed four slices of bread to place in the toaster and noticed these words on the plastic bag,... Read More

Posted by Blog Archive at Feb 16