Chronological Bible Blog

April 1st Chronological Bible Readings

Judges 3:31-6:40
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Wow, the past 3 months seem to have flown by...  It's now April 1 and we are officially 25%, or one quarter, of the way through the Bible!  Congratulations! Give yourself a pat on the back!  High-five God!  Your marathon pace is going great!

Okay, women rule in today's readings in Judges!! :)  Deborah basically tells Barak that he's being a wimp, so she'll help lead the military victory, and does.  Below is a map someone put together of the whole Deborah / Barak v. Sisera battle, with Mt. Tabor in the middle highlighted being a focal point of the battle:

And then Jael, who is likely not an Israelite, finishes off Sisera, the commander of the enemy army of the Israelites, with a tent peg!  Don't mess with Deborah or Jael!  Below is a painting by Italian Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi (yes, also a woman) from the year 1620 titled "Jael and Sisera":

Before this fateful scene above, an image is below for Judges chapter 4 verses 17 & 18: "Meanwhile, Sisera ran to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because Heber's family was on friendly terms with King Jabin of Hazor. Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him, "Come into my tent, sir. Come in. Don't be afraid." So he went into her tent, and she covered him with a blanket."

In Judges chapter 5 we read the wonderful song of Deborah and Barak, and it is of note in verse 31: "Then there was peace in the land for forty years."  Quite a song!  Below is artist Gustave Dore's engraving of Deborah's song:

Bob Deffinbaugh with Bible.org's commentary on Joshua chapters 4 & 5 today titled "The Prophetess Deborah" is at this link.

Today in Judges chapter 6 verses 1 we read - "Again the Israelites did what was evil in the LORD's sight."  It is so interesting to see the back-and-forth relationship of the Israelites with God in the Old Testament.  The Israelites did evil.  They cried out to God.  God saved them.  Then... The Israelites did evil again...  And I wonder - are we so different from the Israelites today?   Should we be?  Could we be?  How?  I do believe that through a growing and loving relationship with Jesus, we can be spared of this back-and-forth relationship with God.  I believe this is the only Way.  Let us not have to spend our lives running back and forth to "caves" as we will see below...  Let us only run into the arms of the Jesus!

An image is below for verses 1 & 2: "So the LORD handed them over to the Midianites for seven years. The Midianites were so cruel that the Israelites fled to the mountains, where they made hiding places for themselves in caves and dens."

Today read about Gideon and the fleece. We also read about how the angel of the Lord comes to Gideon and tells Gideon he will save Israel out of Midian’s hands, because he is being sent by God. In verse 15 Gideon replies, “But Lord, how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” You’ll notice how this reply of Gideon’s is reminiscent of Moses’ reaction to God’s call to serve in Exodus chapters 3 & 4 – “Why me? How can I?” etc. etc. And I think it is very useful for each of us to note that God often calls the seemingly lowly – like Moses and Gideon – rather than the seemingly mighty to act for him. This should be encouraging to us! I wonder if you and I are sometimes like Gideon and Moses? I wonder if perhaps we are being called to do something incredible for God in our lives, and we are making excuses like Gideon and Moses made excuses? Should we instead act in obedience to God’s call and trust that he will lead us? If God has called us to something, shouldn’t we have enough faith to believe he will give us the strength and wisdom needed for the journey? What is God calling you to do in your life that you are not doing? Are you making excuses like Gideon and Moses did? Will you instead move forward in faith and obedience to God in this holy calling in your life?

Worship Video: Today's readings in Judges reminded me of Third Day's song "You Are Mine:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o-JPkq5rvE

Have you God's? Click here and be His!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Then Gideon said to God, 'Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece, but this time make the fleece dry and let the ground be covered with dew.'" Judges 6:39 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not put the Lord your God to the test.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 - I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

March 31st Chronological Bible Readings

Judges 1:1-3:30
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today we begin the book of Judges! Coming up in this book, we’ll be reading about Deborah, Gideon, Samson, Delilah, and Micah - to drop a few names.  Below is a great map of the judges in Israel that we'll be reading about:

Judges
Author: Unknown
Date: Eleventh century B.C.
Content: The book of Judges covers a period of several hundred years following the conquest of Canaan, during which time the people were ruled by individual leaders called judges or saviors. Their task was primarily military, being to expel the enemy from the land. Throughout this period of Israel’s history there is a tragic cycle to be observed - that of rebellion against God, followed by the judgment of God, usually in the form of foreign invasion. The children of Israel then cry to God for help and a “judge” is sent to save them. This cycle is repeated numerous times throughout the book. Tragically, the people never seem to learn that rebellion against God is a sure road to disaster.
Theme: The grim lesson of Judges is that “the wages of sin is death: (see Romans 6:23). Sin takes many forms, from the sophisticated sins of kings to the barbaric events that close the book, but the net results is always the same: when everyone does his own thing, chaos and destruction are the inevitable outcome. Through it all, however, God in his faithfulness saves the people when they truly repent and turn to him. (Above commentary is from “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 4)

More commentary on Judges is at these 3 links:
Really interesting commentary is at this link titled “The Role of Women in the Book of Judges."  (below is an image of Deborah)
https://bible.org/page.php?page_id=887
https://bible.org/page.php?page_id=951 

An image is below for Judges chapter 1 verses 14 & 15 today: "When Acsah married Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for an additional field. As she got down off her donkey, Caleb asked her, "What is it? What can I do for you?" She said, "Give me a further blessing. You have been kind enough to give me land in the Negev; please give me springs as well." So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs."

Today in Judges Chapter 2 verses 1 & 2 we will read these words from the angel of the Lord – “I said, “I will never break my covenant with you, and you shall not make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall break down their altars. Yet you have disobeyed me. Why have you done this?”” The Israelites disobeyed God back then. Why? Do we disobey God in our lives today? Why do we do this? I have a hunch that maybe sometimes we are simply afraid. Afraid of fully following and trusting God. We may think that God really won’t live up to his promises. At these moments our faith is weak. And we end up disobeying God. Fortunately our inconsistencies do not affect God’s perfect consistency. God never changes. We do. And we can allow ourselves to either be changed by God such that we live in obedience to him – or, we can continue to disobey God and live tumultuous lives. It’s a pretty simple choice. One decision brings an amazing peace that surpasses all understanding and the other decision – grief and frustration. Do we disobey God in our lives today? Why have we done this? Can we instead choose to obey God in our lives?  An image is below for Judges chapter 2 verses 4 & 5 today  - "When the angel of the LORD finished speaking, the Israelites wept loudly. So they called the place "Weeping," and they offered sacrifices to the LORD."

Today in Judges we read about Israel forgetting about God and worshiping other gods.  Sad stuff!  Judges chapter 2 verse 19 stood out: "But when the judge died, the people returned to their corrupt ways, behaving worse than those who had lived before them. They followed other gods, worshiping and bowing down to them. And they refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways."  I wonder if we are so different today from the Israelites in the time of the Judges?  Do we maybe shape ourselves up for short amounts of time - but then go back to our corrupt ways?  Do we ultimately refuse to give up our evil practices and stubborn ways?  Why is this?  What is the remedy to this problem?  Or - perhaps I should ask - Who is the remedy to this problem?  Who can literally rescue us from this problem?  Who can rescue us from ourselves?  Will you allow Jesus to rescue you from any evil practices and stubborn ways?

Worship Video:  Today's readings reminded me Matthew West's terrific song "Maker:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwRCbKXqFqY

Have you given your life over to your maker? Click here and meet your Maker!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "But when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their ancestors, following other gods and serving and worshiping them. They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways." Judges 2:19 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will never ever follow nor serve other gods. Pray that you will never take back up evil practices nor stubborn ways.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 - I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

March 30th Chronological Bible Readings

Joshua 22:1-24:33
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

In Joshua chapter 22 verse 10 today we read: "Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built a very large altar near the Jordan River at a place called Geliloth."  The place where our readings end today in verse 20 is quite a cliff-hanger!  Note that verse 20 is not the end of chapter 22, and as Paul Harvey says, further on in today's readings you will get "The Rest of the Story."  :)

Today we finish up the book of Joshua!  What a book.  I have definitely learned much from this book this year.  And today's readings are no exception.  Chapter 24 is a wonderful closing to this book where the Israelites renew their covenant with God.  Verses 25 through 27 are awesome - "So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day at Shechem, committing them to a permanent and binding contract between themselves and the LORD. Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. As a reminder of their agreement, he took a huge stone and rolled it beneath the oak tree beside the Tabernacle of the LORD.  Joshua said to all the people, "This stone has heard everything the LORD said to us. It will be a witness to testify against you if you go back on your word to God."

It's great to read verse 32 and realize that Joseph's wishes from 200 years earlier of being buried in the Promised Land came to fruition!  It is amazing to realize the Israelites carried Joseph's bones with them throughout the 40 years in the desert to fulfill this wish -  "The bones of Joseph, which the Israelites had brought along with them when they left Egypt, were buried at Shechem, in the parcel of ground Jacob had bought from the sons of Hamor for one hundred pieces of silver.  This land was located in the territory allotted to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, the descendants of Joseph."

Worship Video: Today's readings in Joshua reminded me of Jeremy Camp's song "Walk by Faith:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEkh_KxKao0

Are you walking by faith? Click here and walk unafraid!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left." Joshua 23:6 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are carefully obeying the LORD. Pray that you never turn aside to the right or the left of the LORD's Word, the Bible. Pray for strength in your walk of faith today and forevermore.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 - I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

March 29th Chronological Bible Readings

Joshua 19:49-21:45; 1 Chronicles 6:54-81
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

In Joshua chapter 20 we read about the Cities of Refuge.  I like that concept - a city of refuge.  A place of refuge.  This is what I think about Jesus today - He is our City of Refuge!  No matter what our past sins are, Jesus can be our City of Refuge if we will run to Him, believe, confess & repent.  Is Jesus your City of Refuge?

In Joshua chapter 21 we read about the towns given to the Levites, the priestly tribe appointed in the Mosaic Law for the service of the Tabernacle and of the Temple.  It seems very wise that the Levites are given towns throughout the various tribes of the Israelites.  In my mind this is spreading out the priestly tribe strategically.  Can you imagine if the Levites were all in just 1 location?  It seems to me that there would be a vacuum of spiritual leadership in the tribes if the Levites were not dispersed in the manner which they were. How does reading about the Levites being dispersed remind you of the church today? Is the church dispersed throughout the world today a good thing? What are your thoughts on the benefits or drawbacks of denominations?

Worship God: Today's readings in Joshua reminded me of Steven Curtis Chapman's song "Yours:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-ERm0_tuKM

Do you believe it is all God's? Click here and give it all to Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled." Joshua 21:45 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will always trust that God's promises will never fail.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 - I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

March 28th Chronological Bible Readings

Joshua 18:1-19:48
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

In Joshua chapter 18 verse 1 today we read - "Now that the land was under Israelite control, the entire Israelite assembly gathered at Shiloh and set up the Tabernacle."  Shiloh was located about 25 miles north of Jerusalem.  The tabernacle remained in Shiloh throughout the period of the Judges, or about 300 years.  We will later read about Samuel traveling to Shiloh with his family. The tabernacle at Shiloh may have looked something like this -

Today we finish up reading about the Promised Land being divided among the tribes!  Below is a great NASA photo with an overlay of a map of the twelve tribes:

Worship Video: Today's readings in Joshua reminded me of Michael W. Smith's song "A New Hallelujah:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBxOkruKpqI

Have you sung Hallelujah to Jesus in your heart? Click here and sing forevermore!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "So Joshua said to the Israelites: 'How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given you?'" Joshua 18:3 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not wait when God has called you to do something. Pray that you will do it.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 - I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

March 27th Chronological Bible Readings

Joshua 15:20-17:18
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Interesting side note on Joshua chapter 15 verses 61 & 62 - "In the wilderness there were the towns of Beth-arabah, Middin, Secacah, Nibshan, the City of Salt, and En-gedi--six towns with their surrounding villages."  The NIV translates wilderness as "desert", which is probably more accurate.  Zondervan's commentary on this verse today says, "The desert is the chalky dry region east and south of Jerusalem that borders the Dead Sea...  Either Secacah or the City of Salt may have been the ancient name of the site of Qumran, where the scribes who produced the Dead Sea Scrolls lived."

Worship Video: Today's readings reminds me of the fantastic live version of "Christ our Hope in Life and Death:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZBLPMgCRXY

Who is your hope in life and death? Click here for Hope!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "This is the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, according to its clans." Joshua 15:20 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving that your inheritance is heaven if you are in a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, your Lord and Savior.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 - I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

March 26th Chronological Bible Readings

Joshua 12:7-15:19
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Interesting - Joshua is an old man already here in chapter 13!  Time is flying quite a bit faster in this book than our past readings about the life of Moses....  It's estimated that Joshua is between 90 and 100 years old in chapter 13 and Caleb is 85 years old.  In chapter 14 verse 12 we read these words from Caleb to Joshua: "So give me the hill country that the Lord promised me."  Below is a good image of the hill country of Judah that Caleb sought and received, courtesy of HolyLandPhotos.org:

In Joshua chapter 14 verses 1 & 2 today we read: "The remaining tribes of Israel inherited land in Canaan as allotted by Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the tribal leaders. These nine and a half tribes received their inheritance by means of sacred lots, in accordance with the LORD's command through Moses."

It is interesting to read about the allotment of land to the tribe of Judah today!  It reminds me of how different these days are for the Israelites, compared to the 40 years of wandering in the desert - or the slavery in Egypt prior to that.  Times have changed!  God's Promise is being fulfilled.  I think this is important for us to remember in our lives as well.  Maybe we're in a "slavery" period in our own life where we are looking for a Savior to free us.  Jesus is of course that Savior to free us from our slavery to sin.  Or, maybe we're in a desert period of our lives.  We've decided to follow Jesus, but maybe we're really trudging through some hard times.  If we're in this type of period, hopefully we can be encouraged by knowing that God's Promises to us will not fail.  God will bring us peace that surpasses all understanding.  God will bring us to the true Promised Land for eternity.  Let us be encouraged in our own lives by our past few months of readings about the Israelites and their journey from slavery to now the Promised Land.  God's Promises will not fail.  They are eternal.  And they are the only thing in this passing world that is eternal.

Worship Video: Today's readings in Joshua about the allotment of land reminded me of Michael W. Smith's classic 1992 song "Place in this World:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpXMnY_t03M

Do you know your place in this world? Click here for your destination!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "When Joshua had grown old, the LORD said to him, “You are now very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over." Joshua 13:1 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray earnestly that God will have Kingdom work for you to do when you have grown old. Pray that you'll do it.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 - I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

March 25th Chronological Bible Readings

Joshua 10:1-12:6
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in Joshua chapter 10 we read about the day the sun stood still!  Have you ever received the email about this chapter titled "NASA and the Bible?" - basically the email goes into how a man from NASA proved that the sun stood still.  I have received this email a bunch of times over the past 5 years or so.  This email does appear to be an Urban Legend, but it's a fun email.  I have read many commentaries on this chapter and do believe that a miracle took place, as we read in verse 13 - "So the sun and moon stood still until the Israelites had defeated their enemies. Is this event not recorded in The Book of Jashar?  The sun stopped in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day."  Do you believe this miracle took place?  Do you believe in miracles?  Here's a great stained glass image below from Duke University Chapel with Joshua and the son and the moon:

Bible.org's commentary on our Joshua chapter 10 readings today is at this link.

An interesting note on Joshua 11 verse 21 - "During this period, Joshua destroyed all the descendants of Anak, who lived in the hill country of Hebron, Debir, Anab, and the entire hill country of Judah and Israel."  The descendants of Anak were the giants the Israelite spies feared some 40 years earlier in Numbers chapter 13 verses 32 & 33 - and you'll recall these verses kept the Israelites wandering in the desert for the next 40 years... "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them."  Interesting to see how the fear of 40 years prior had turned into the faith and confidence here in Joshua.  I wonder if this type of change can happen in our lives too?  A change from fear to faith and confidence?  Is there an area in your life where you might need this type of change?  Below is a good map of the nations of Canaan at the time of the conquest:

Worship Video: Today's readings in Joshua 10:13 reminded me of Chris Tomlin singing the Laura Story song "Indescribable:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6bfUf9S7wY

Do you know our Indescribable God? Click here for His description!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day." Joshua 10:13 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving that our God is a God of miracles!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 - I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

March 24th Chronological Bible Readings

Joshua 7:1 + 1 Chronicles 2:7 + Joshua 7:2-9:27
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

In Joshua chapter 6 yesterday we read about the fall of Jericho to the Israelites - but... things take a turn for the worse in chapter 7 today with the defeat at the city of Ai.  It is interesting to note why the defeat happened in Ai, in verse 1 - "But Israel was unfaithful concerning the things set apart for the LORD."  Think about it.  Israel just had a great victory at Jericho and then they were unfaithful toward God.  I wonder if perhaps we are like this in our lives today as well?  Maybe something amazing happens in our life, and we get so swept up in the victory dance that we forget about God.  And yet... it is God who gave us that victory.  It is God who gives us every good thing we have in our lives.  Are we being unfaithful in our lives concerning things set apart for God?  Below is an image for verses 2 & 3 as Joshua sends out some men to spy on Ai, before the defeat" "Joshua sent some of his men from Jericho to spy out the city of Ai, east of Bethel, near Beth-aven. When they returned, they told Joshua, "It's a small town, and it won't take more than two or three thousand of us to destroy it. There's no need for all of us to go there.""

In Joshua chapter 7 today we continue to read about Achan's sin, which caused 36 Israelites to die in the first attack on the city of Ai.  I realize that the destruction of Achan and his family may be tough for us to read, but I think it's important to remember Achan's sin caused other Israelites to die.  I found Joshua's words interesting in verse 19 as he spoke to Achan: "My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, by telling the truth."  He has a fatherly tone here - and I like the thought of giving glory to God by telling the truth.

In chapter 8 verse 1 we read this today - "Then the LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid or discouraged."  This repeats what we heard God say to Joshua in chapter 1 verse 9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."  This makes sense that in the midst of the conquest of the Promised Land that this would need to be repeated often.  I'm wondering if we need to hear this in our lives today as well from God often - do not be afraid or discouraged.  It is so true.  With God in our lives we do not need to be afraid or discouraged!  I need to be reminded of this often...

Now that we are just past the Pentateuch in our readings - the first five books in the Old Testament - verses like 34 & 35 stand out to me as God's covenant is renewed with the Israelites - "Joshua then read to them all the blessings and curses Moses had written in the Book of the Law. Every command Moses had ever given was read to the entire assembly, including the women and children and the foreigners who lived among the Israelites."  After our recent readings about the Israelites victories at Jericho and Ai, I am not surprises by Joshua chapter 9 verse 2 at all....  - "These kings quickly combined their armies to fight against Joshua and the Israelites."   Seems like a logical idea to try to band together.  We get some interesting tactics coming from the Gibeonites in tomorrow's readings.  Stay tuned!  Below is nineteenth century French artist Gustave Dore's take on today's readings about Ai:

Bible.org's commentary on Joshua chapter 7 is at this link, and at this link.  Commentary on Joshua chapter 8 is at this link.

As we read about the Gibeonites deception today, Joshua chapter 9 verses 14 & 15 teach a valuable lesson for each of us: "So the Israelite leaders examined their bread, but they did not consult the LORD. Then Joshua went ahead and signed a peace treaty with them, and the leaders of Israel ratified their agreement with a binding oath."  They did not consult the Lord - and thus signed a binding oath based on a deception.  How about you in your life today?  How often do you consult God on major decisions in your life?  Even minor decisions?  I know that I don't do this enough.  I do know that more and more I have found myself praying "thy will - not mine - be done" when major decisions are before me.  I am seeking God's will and guidance in my life.  But, I'm not sure that I'm really consulting God all that often.  And I'm afraid when I don't I can rush into quick & bad decisions...  I pray each of us will consult God with all of our plans & decisions in our lives - be they major or minor.  Bible.org's commentary on our Joshua chapter 9 readings today titled "The Peril of Walking by Sight" is at this link.

Worship Video: Today's readings in Joshua 8:34 reminded me of Shawn McDonald's song "Closer:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60cTbN2JtVU

Do you want to be closer to God? Click here and move closer!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—just as it is written in the Book of the Law." Joshua 8:34 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you read all the words of the Bible this year. And next year. And the next...

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 - I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

March 23rd Chronological Bible Readings

Joshua 3:1-6:27
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Today is a major day in our readings as the Israelites cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land!  The significance of the events in today's readings cannot be overstated.  The Israelites 40 years in the Wilderness are over.  God's Promise made to Abraham is being fulfilled!

I am intrigued by verse 5 in Joshua chapter 3 today as the Israelites are about to cross the Jordan - "Then Joshua told the people, "Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do great wonders among you.""  I'm wondering what the Israelites did to purify themselves?  Some sort of ritual purification I'd guess - likely similar to the purification before meeting God at Mount Sinai, which included washing all their garments as well as themselves.  I also wonder what we do in our lives today to purify ourselves?  The first thought comes to mind that we are of course purified today completely by the blood of Christ.  But, then, I also know that once we have made the decision to follow Christ we will still sin on occasion.  And then, is purification needed?  Not from a salvation standpoint - but from simply having a pure heart before God?  I'm thinking that our purification today is confessing directly to God our sins and repenting.  And I think through this process God's grace arrives in a nanosecond and purifies us.  I think we're purified by God's grace today.  But, I think in part we need to recognize our own need for purification and confess to God our shortcomings and repent.  Let me know what you think on this in the Comments below if you'd like.  Again, I'm not looking at this from a salvation / justification perspective - more of the sanctification perspective.  I like the thought of purification - of being pure before God.  I pray for this for each of us.  No dark corners.  No secrets.  Just a pure heart before our heavenly Father.

A watercolor painting is below for verses 16 & 17 - "Then all the people crossed over near the city of Jericho. Meanwhile, the priests who were carrying the Ark of the LORD's covenant stood on dry ground in the middle of the riverbed as the people passed by them. They waited there until everyone had crossed the Jordan on dry ground."

Bible.org's commentary on Joshua's readings today titled "Crossing the Jordan" is at this link.

Fascinating! verses today in Joshua chapter 5 verses 13 - 15 - "As Joshua approached the city of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man facing him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you friend or foe?"  "Neither one," he replied. "I am commander of the LORD's army." At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. "I am at your command," Joshua said. "What do you want your servant to do?" The commander of the LORD's army replied, "Take off your sandals, for this is holy ground." And Joshua did as he was told."  Tyndale's One Year Bible Companion says this about these verses - "The captain of the host was no mere angel.  His presence was an appearance of Christ in person.  Joshua worshipped the captain; his worship was accepted and he was neither rebuked nor instructed otherwise."  Whaddya think?  Was this Jesus in these verses??  Bible.org's commentary on "The Captain of the Lord's Army" is at this link.

Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of Jeremy Camp’s song "The Answer:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4n-bSz515qM

Do you want to know the answer? Click here for The Answer!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "So the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land." Joshua 6:27 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that God is with you. Pray that you are spreading Jesus' fame throughout the land.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

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