Day 124

1 Samuel 23 starts out with David's men going into battle.  David goes against the Philistines that are attacking Keilah.  This does not seem to be like a very important thing, but I feel that it is.  In my opinion it is a cornerstone to the building of David's empire.  The remaining portion of this chapter is about Saul chasing after David.  It amazes me how many times Saul gets close and David gets away.  It really shows how much God is in control.

Psalm 54 is very short yet very insightful into Davids fight.  We see David once again calling out to God for help.  I love how David is not afraid to go to God.  Even for the smallest of decisions we see David asking advice from God.

Psalm 63 is almost a whole other side of David.  We have been reading over and over about David going to God for help about an upcoming crisis.  This chapter however shows David longing just to be near God.  How he wants to praise God to worship Him.

The end of Luke 22 is drawing us near to the end of Jesus physical life.  Our reading today starts with the group coming to arrest Jesus.  As Judas approaches I think Jesus throws him off by knowing how he is going to betray Him.  I would have to think by this time Judas has to be thinking am I prepared for what I am about to do.  Jesus' other disciples try and prevent this and draw their swords until Jesus puts an end to this.  I wish that I could show that much control if I knew what was about to happen.  Jesus knows that He is about to be lead to his torture and death, yet knows that He is doing exactly what God wants him to do.  If we could all live like that could you imagine how the world would be today.  The next portion is about Peter disowning Jesus three times just as Jesus told him he would.  How he did not realize what he was doing still floors me.  You would have thought by the second time he would have smacked himself in the forehead and said this is exactly what Jesus was telling me about.  The final portion of this chapter is the beginning of Jesus' trial.  Jesus tells them that He is the Son of Man.

Tomorrow's reading is:
1 Samuel 24, 25, 26, 27 and Luke 23:1-25

Day 123

Psalm 52 has me at a loss.  Since I was not able to really understand what it was talking about, I turned to my friend Google.  With the help of Google I stumbled upon this website talking about this particular Psalm.  It helped shed some light on this passage for me.

Psalm 57 I absolutely love.  The side notes in my Bible say that this is a song from David.  Reading it just filled me with the spirit that David had for his Creator.  David sings this Psalm with not a single doubt in his mind who is in charge of his life.  He shows such a great faith in God and is willing to put his entire life in God's hands.  He sings of how people are trying to overtake him and they stumble every time because they are not with God.  I particularly like the verses 7 through 11. 

"My heart is steadfast, O God, 

my heart is steadfast; 

I will sing and make music.

Awake, my soul!

Awake, harp and lyre!

I will awaken the dawn.

I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations;

I will sing of you among the peoples.

For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;

your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;

let your glory be over all the earth."

To me those verses really show that David has an amazing grasp on what God is all about.  He knows that God's word needs to be spread and that should be his personal responsibility.  

Psalm 142 shows what I think is the troubled side of David.  David knows he is in trouble and is calling out to God for help.  He shows that he is at a loss but knows that God will direct him in the correct path.  His faith really reminds me of Job.  I wish my faith was like that all the time.  It is one of my biggest struggles.

Our reading in Luke continues further into Jesus being betrayed.  Peter learns that he will denounce Jesus 3 times before the rooster crows and scoffs at it.  Peter does not imagine how he could ever do that.  They are all kind of taken up in arms saying they will do whatever is necessary to not let this happen, but Jesus tells them that it has to happen this way.  Then we see Jesus do what He does so many times.  He goes off by himself to pray.  This is a very common sight that you may not have picked up on while reading.  Jesus often goes off by himself to pray, it is noted several times after all of his sermons.  It really does show a side of Jesus that we can be like.  We will never be sinless as he was but we can always pray like He did.

Tomorrow's reading is:

1Samuel 23, Psalms 54, 63 and Luke 22:47-71

Day 122

1 Samuel 22 starts us out with David on the run.  Even on the run it seems like David is collecting a large following.  He is hiding in a cave and somehow gathers around 400 men to follow him.  I would have liked to see all of them hiding in that cave.  The next portion of this chapter is very saddening.  I never expected Saul to be this jealous.  He is so overcome with anger that he is acting out in rash decisions and kills off the Lord's priests.  How does Saul not realize that what he is doing is not in the favor of the Lord?  I foresee the life of Saul coming to an end very soon.  For the one that escaped to David I do feel sorry for him and can only imagine the anguish he must have felt.  To lose your entire family in one day has to be the worst fate that could happen.

Psalm 56 is one I have not read before.  I am amazed at the strength that David shows even after being captured by the Philistines.  Not once did he doubt God.  He knows that God is watching over him and that He will take care of him no matter what.  I wish I could say my faith is that strong.  Many times I feel that I am to worried about what the world thinks of me when I should not care.  I should know that as long as I have faith God will provide for me.  We read before about how God provides for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field and that we are greater then these.  Since we are greater then these we should know that God will take care of us as well.  If you want to look that verse up again it is in Matthew 6, but ever since reading it I think of it often.

Luke 22 is the beginning of the plotting of Judas the Iscariot.  I think this has to be the first time I have ever actually read this part.  I was shocked when I read that Satan actually entered Judas.  Never once did I imagine Satan entering Judas.  Now, I had thought that a demon possessed him but for it to be the one in charge of the demons altogether I was not expecting.  The remaining portion of our reading begins the last supper.  The preparations for the last supper happen just like I expected them to.  The disciples asked Jesus what they were to do and He tells them exactly what is going to happen.  Sure enough they go to town and it happens just like He said it would.  Time and time again we read stories like this and I just have to wonder if the disciples ever got tired of hearing it.  For some reason I can hear the disciples saying "Wow, that's amazing" in the voice of the guy on the Staples commercial.  During the supper Jesus then goes about telling them that His time on Earth is about to end and that the person that will betray him is with them at this very moment.  I can just picture everyone of the disciples being awestruck at that very moment.  Everyone of them thinking surely it is not I.  The one thought that I can not grasp though is that of Judas.  I really wonder what he is thinking during all of this.  Is he sitting there with laughter in his head saying "ha ha you have know idea what I am about to do to you."?  I mean honestly Judas this is Jesus Christ we are talking about.  He formed you, He knew you before you were you.  The really important part of this reading though is that of the broken body and spilled blood.  Jesus gave us a covenant before he passed away on the cross and rose from the dead on the third day.  A covenant is a very import thing.  It is not something to enter into lightly.  It is a dedication to be made and held onto for your entire life.  For those of you reading this that have entered into that covenant I would like you to take a deep look into and truly exam it.

Tomorrow's reading is:
Psalms 52, 57, 142 and Luke 22:24-46

Day 121

1 Samuel 20 is a pretty long narrative.  I really think it could have been a little bit shorter and covered the same information.  I am once again confused though.  I thought Saul had agreed to not kill David and here we have him right back at it.  These Israelites really are a stubborn people.  Jonathan and David though have an amazing friendship.  Jonathan has looked out for David to the best of his ability and is trying to send him off safely.

Chapter 21 of 1 Samuel shows David is on the run.  He is looking for supplies as he goes.  He is able to acquire some bread and the sword of Goliath.  I am not sure that I understand the whole bread thing that they talked about.  I thought it was set aside for the priest but David takes it anyway.  I have to wonder if something is going to happen to David for taking it.  Goliath's sword must have been relatively large for David to carry around as well.  If Goliath stood over nine foot tall you would think his sword would be larger then the average man's sword.

Psalm 34 bounces back and forth a lot in my mind.  There are a few things that pop out at me that we have read before.  One of them being that we should seek the Lord.  Another is that we should not partake in evil things and that the Lord will protect us.

The last part of Luke 21 continues with the coming of the end times.  Reading this chapter has really put me in the mood to read Revelations.  Jesus continues to tell his disciples of the events that will take place during the end times and I still begin to wonder if some of those are happening at this very moment.  I know somewhere it says that time is different in Heaven compared to Earth and I have to wonder if those times are not starting already.  It may take 100 years here on Earth which could only be a day in Heaven.  Really makes me wonder.  I like the end of this chapter where Jesus tells his disciples that they should be ready.  That they need to live there life at the ready, because they do not know when it will happen.  It really makes me realize that I should be living my life that way as well.  It needs to be geared to doing Gods work 100% of the time and not worrying about what will happen tomorrow so long as I am prepared to meet my maker today.

Tomorrow's reading is:
1 Samuel 22, Psalms 56 and Luke 22:1 - 23

Day 120

Wow, chapter 19 of 1 Samuel is a great chapter.  I enjoyed reading this chapter.  There is so much going on in it that I do not know where to begin.  Saul seems to still be jealous of David and is now trying to persuade people to kill him.  Saul's son is not for this and leaks that information to David so that he can get away.  Saul finally gets tired of the people he has ordered to kill David not following through that he decides to do it himself.  The sad part is he can not do it either.  I actually had to laugh when i read that he fell down and prophesied too.

Psalm 23 I do not think I can improve on so I am just going to write it down for us to read again.  "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."  I put in the King James Version just because I like the way it reads.

Psalm 59 is kind of gruesome.  I am intrigued by it though and would be interested in hearing what other readers think about it.


The first part of Luke 21 is an amazing story.  I feel that I can relate to it in so many ways.  I know that sometimes it hurts to give but I have come to realize that if faith is placed in him all will be taken care of.  The next section is one that always sparks a little bit of conversation.  Many people are starting to believe that we are in those end times that these verses spoke about.  I can see how many might think that but I think it is not here yet.


Tomorrow reading is:
1Samuel 20, 21, Psalms 34 and Luke 21:20-38

Day 119

1 Samuel 17 brings us to that all so familiar battle.  Yep, the one between David and Goliath.  Goliath came out to the middle of the valley to fight for the Philistines and challenged the Israelites to send out someone to fight for them.  Some features of Goliath really stand out in the Bible.  Goliath stood over nine feet tall and wore a coat of armor that weighed five thousand shekels.  Five thousand shekels to us would equal about 125 pounds.  Now his height and what would have to be an impressive statue would scare I think just about anyone.  I mean to wear something that weighed 125 pounds and still be able to fight with ease he must have been pretty well built.  Now David was coming from the fields to give food to his brothers who were severing in the army.  While David was there he heard the words of Goliath and wondered why no one had taken him on.  David goes to Saul and tells him that he will confront Goliath in the name of the Lord.  David is outfitted with everything for battle and finds it to be to bulky and cumbersome for his style.  David gathered 5 smooth stones and went out to confront Goliath.  Goliath basically laughed and David replied by saying that he comes in the name of the Lord.  As they ran towards each other David drew a stone from the bag and slung it into Goliath's forehead.  Goliath then collapses to the ground.  At this point most people assume that Goliath was killed with a stone, but I read it a little different.  It reads to me like Goliath was simply knocked out and David killed him with his own sword and then cut off his head.  I could be wrong on that point though.  Saul then has David brought to him to find out who he is.  I find this to be a bit confusing because I thought that David was already part of Saul's entourage.

Chapter 18 continues with David in Saul's service.  Saul has begun to become jealous of David and all the success he has.  Saul decides to put David in charge of an army and hopefully he will die in battle.  Sadly, this does not happen and David continues to have success at all that he is put in charge of.  Saul tries to trap David but putting him in a hard battle to win his daughters hand in marriage.  David returns triumphant and Saul becomes even more scared.

Luke chapter 20 finishes out with talking about resurrection.  The Sadducees come to Jesus and ask Him what I feel to be a very appropriate question.  Jesus's answer to the question on the other hand is not what I expected at all.  I guess I had always assumed that when we die we would be rejoined with our first wive or husband if more then one were involved.  Jesus however says that we will all be like children in Heaven and marriage will not be recognized.    The last portion of this chapter I really do not understand.  It seems like there is a lot of that lately.

I apologize for still being behind.  Work has been pretty busy lately and keeping me busy.  Hopefully after the new stuff is installed this week at work my life will slow down a little bit and I will be able to catch back up.  I want to thank all of you for continuing to read and hope that you are getting a lot of use out of this blog.

Tomorrow's reading is:
1Samuel 19, Psalms 23, 59, and Luke 21:1-19

Day 118

1 Samuel 15 is about a battle that Saul is in charge of.  He is given specific instructions from God on how to go into battle and win it.  It sounds like this would be something simple for Saul to follow but somehow Saul messed it up.  Saul messes up the whole battle even though they win the battle.  Samuel then comes to Saul and tells him that he is no longer in the favor of the Lord.  Saul cries out and tries to find out how he can get back in the grace of God.

In chapter 16 we learn who is to replace Saul.  Samuel travels to see the son's of Jesse.  Jesse has eight sons and God has chosen the youngest of them to be the ruler.  Samuel anoints him there in front of his family.  We then learn that Saul is having some issues and they call for David to help him by playing his harp.  I think this is very interesting how God has put David in the presence of the king.

Luke 20 starts our with a quick story about Jesus being confronted by some other priest, teachers of the law, and elders.  They question Him on who gave Him the authority to do the acts that He has been performing.  Jesus ask them a question to sort of teach them that He will not tell who gave Him the authority.  The next parable is about workers being put in charge of the fields while the master is away.  When the master sends for his portion the workers have other thoughts in mind.  I wonder how they thought their plan would actually work?  The next little portion is the section that I am not to fond of.  You can probably guess why too.  In this little portion we are told that we are to pay our taxes.  I know what a bummer. 

Tomorrow's reading is:
1Samuel 17, 18 and Luke 20:27-47

Day 117

OK, I am going to be honest and say I am not really certain what is happening in 1 Samuel 13.  Saul is preparing for a battle against the Philistines and I guess jumped the gun a little bit and Samuel got after him for that.  Samuel tells Saul that he is now not in God's favor.  Then it confuses me once again by saying that none of them had weapons.   Really, why would you plan to go into battle if you had no weapons and no means of getting them.  I guess I am lost on this chapter.

Now, we move into chapter 14 and see that Saul's son Jonathan has kind of taken the battle into his own hands.  It appears that he is using God as his guide and allowing God to make the decisions for him.  Jonathan travels to a Philistine outpost and God delivers it to him.  Jonathan and his armor bearer then continue on and the battle actually begins and grows.  The last part of 14 I am still trying to wrap my head around.  I do not see how it could have been bad for Jonathan or the Israelites because Jonathan ate the honey.  If he had not heard he would not have known that Samuel had put our a curse.  I am not sure why Samuel would have put out a curse like this in the first place.  It only makes good military sense that your soldiers be feed so that they can perform better.

The last part of Luke 19 is once again a repeat of earlier readings.  I am still trying to figure out why we have things multiple times within the Bible?  We read once again the story of Jesus riding in to town on the donkey and of Him tearing up the temple.

Tomorrow's reading is:
1Samuel 15, 16 and Luke 20:1-26

Day 116

1 Samuel 10 tells of Samuel appointing Saul as the King of Israel.  Samuel does this by telling Saul of many things that will happen to him that day.  All the things Samuel says comes true.  Then when Samuel meets the people of Israel a few days later they are reluctant to except Saul as their king.

Chapter 11 brings us to the first challenge that Saul will confront.  The Ammonite's attack Jabesh Gilead and try to take over them and make them servants.  A plea is made to give them seven days and then they will surrender peacefully if no one comes to help them.  Saul hears of what is happening and then puts out orders and travels to the land with three hundred thousand soldiers.  After the battle the Israelites realize that Saul should be their king.  They worship the Lord and affirm Saul into his kingship.

Chapter 12 is kind of a summary of Samuel's life and a warning to the Israelites not to go against God.

Our reading in Luke 19 starts our with the story of Zacchaeus.  Zacchaeus really wanted to see Jesus as He was traveling through town.  Being a short man though he had to climb into a tree to be able to do this.  Jesus came up to him and told him that He was going to be eating in his house today.  Zacchaeus then gave his life to Jesus.  The last part of our reading in this chapter is about the servants that were given money.  We have read this story before in other books and I really do not have much more to say about them.

Tomorrow's reading is:
1Samuel 13, 14 and Luke 19:28-48

Day 115

1 Samuel 7 tells once again of the Israelites returning to the Lord.  They realize they have been living in the wrong and that is why they are under the Philistines.  Samuel tells them to get rid of their other idols and then I like what I read they put them away.  To me that says you said get rid of them but I think I will throw it in this lock box for now and get it back out when I am ready to play again.  Under the leadership of Samuel they conquered the Philistines and leaved peacefully with the Amorites.

In chapter 8 we find out that Samuel is getting old.  He appoints his sons as judges only to find out that they do now believe the way that he did.  They are both wicked men and not worthy of the title that they hold.  The people come to Samuel because they still respect him and ask for a king.  Samuel gives them a warning from the Lord on what will happen if they take a king over God.  They do not care about what God has told Samuel and ask for a king still. 

Chapter 9 has an interesting story.  I kind of enjoyed the way God picked the king of Israel.  Who would have imagined going on a journey to find a herd of lost donkeys only to become a king.  How would you respond to something like that?  And think he was ready to turn back but thankfully to his servant he kept on going to the next town.

Our last bit of Luke 18 starts out with a few things that I like and a few that I do not.  I like that the fact that He says with men it is impossible but with God all things are possible.  The part that really gets me down is it sounds like He wants us to leave everything behind including our family.  I do not understand how anyone could say well I love you but I have to go off and serve the Lord.  Was it not possible in those times to take your family with you?  If God was calling me to go somewhere and preach I would hope that He would allow me to bring my family with me.  To end the chapter we see Jesus traveling to Jerusalem to what He knows will be his end.  While on His way He still finds time to stop and heal a blind man.  The blind man had faith that Jesus would heal him even though the people leading the way were telling him to be quiet.  Then of course as soon as Jesus heals him the group worships even more.

Tomorrow's reading is:
1Samuel 10, 11, 12 and Luke 19:1-27

Day 114

OK, looks like I made a little oops yesterday and did an extra chapter on that post.  1st Samuel chapter 4 is in the previous post, so I will be skipping to chapter 5.

Chapter 5 has a lot going on in it for the ark.  It seems like since it has left the Israelites it has done nothing but cause trouble for those who have had it.  I could not begin to imagine what it must have been like to go in and see the statue of your god bowing to the ark.

Chapter 6 tells of the ark actually making its trip back to the Israelites.  It is put on a brand new cart with two bulls pulling it.  Sent along with it are gold representing the kings and the tumors as a guilt offering.  Sadly, Israelite men open the ark and look into it.  Seventy Israelite men die because of that action.

Luke 18 starts out with a parable that I do not fully understand.  Is Jesus wanting us to continually ask until it becomes annoying?  The next parable tells us that we should not flaunt what we have.  We should be humble and in being humble one day we will be exalted.  The next little bit is something we have read several times.  It gets me thinking every time though.  I have to stop and think have I accepted the kingdom like a little child.  I often wonder then what exactly it means to except like a child.  The last part of our reading for today is another story we have read before.  It is the story of the rich man wanting to enter into the kingdom of Heaven.  Jesus tells him what he needs to do and he can not do it.  How often do we hear what God is telling us to do and then determine that we can not do it.  We are told that God will not give us anymore then we can handle, so guess that means do everything He tells us.

Tomorrow's reading is:
1Samuel 7, 8, 9 and Luke 18:24-43

Day 113

In 1st Samuel chapter 1 we are greeted by Elkanah and his two wives.  One of his wives was unable to have children and the other constantly rubbed that in her face.  I do not see how a woman could be that mean to another woman who longed badly to have a child.  I mean do you not think that she was in enough pain already by herself.  Hannah prays to the Lord and pours it all out to Him.  She is pleading with Him to giver her a son and if He does that son would be dedicated to Him.  Once she became pregnant I can only imagine the glory she felt.  She would have loved him very much but had made a promise that he would serve God all of his life.  So, she took him to the temple where he was to stay.  I could only begin to imagine what that must have felt like walking away from the temple while your only child stays there.

In chapter 2 it starts out with a song from Hannah.  The song is actually very nice.  The next part of the chapter however is not so nice.  We learn that the son's of Eli are not really men of God as they should be.  The way I read it, it sounds as if they steal from the people as they are trying to give their offerings to the Lord.  Not only that but they are sleeping with various woman.  The remaining portion of this chapter is God speaking to Eli about what will happen to his family line for the sins they have committed.  Once again the wrath of God is coming down.  When will the Israelites learn that they can not hide what they do from the eyes of God?

Chapter 3 is a story I have heard several times and it makes me wonder a few things.  First, we see God calling to Samuel.  Samuel is confused and runs to his master to help him because he called.  This happens three times before Eli realizes what is going on.  It makes me wonder how many times have we heard God calling to us and we have ran to some other master and not Him?  Then Samuel finally answers God with what Eli has told him.  I love the way Samuel replies to God calling him as well.  "Speak, for your servant is listening." (1 Samuel 3:10)  It really makes me wonder how much better I life might be if we replied the way Samuel did?

Chapter 4 starts off with a pretty horrific battle.  From my counts Israel lost 34,000 soldiers during that battle.  The also lost the ark of the covenant during that battle.  You have to wonder what the rest of Israel must have thought on learning that the ark of the covenant was lost in a battle?  Eli's sons were lost in this battle as well.  Not only did Eli's sons die if you keep reading you find out that Eli himself dies.  This really is not a good day for the Israelites.

The final reading of Luke 17 tells of the coming of the Kingdom of God.  He describes it with so much detail but with very little detail.  Is that possible?  I mean it makes sense but it doesn't all at the same time.  I guess that is the purpose though so we do not know when the final day is coming.  Toward the end when He is talking about how one will be taken and the other will not, I could not help but think about the Left Behind series.  As for the very end of this chapter I am confused.  I do not understand the whole vultures thing that was brought up.  Once again there is a verse missing, at least in my text.  Verse 36 is skipped over.  This seems to happen a lot where there is a verse or verses missing and I do not understand why that is so.


Tomorrow's reading is:
1Samuel 4, 5, 6 and Luke 18:1-23

Day 112

Ruth 1 begins to tell the story of Ruth.  We meet Naomi and her husband.  They also had two sons who married Moabite woman, one named Orpah and the other named Ruth.  All the men of this family has died very quickly in this chapter and the woman are left to fend for themselves.  Naomi decides it will be better for her to move back to her people to live.  She attempts to send the girls back to their people.  Orpah returns but Ruth vows not to leave her mother-in-law.

In Ruth chapter 2 Ruth goes out into the fields to find a place to work to gather food for her and Naomi.  She ends up working in Boaz's field.  Boaz is a relative of Naomi and treats Ruth with great respect and puts protection on her.  She gathers a very nice harvest for Naomi and herself.  Naomi tells Ruth that she should continue to work in Boaz's fields as he will protect her.

Ruth 3 leaves me a little confused.  I am not sure exactly what Naomi is trying to do to Ruth.  I think she is trying to find Ruth a new husband.  I am not sure why she has her lie with Boaz and I am not sure exactly what Boaz told her.

In Ruth 4 Ruth gains a new husband.  Boaz attempts to find a husband for her but it does not work out so he himself takes her as his wife.  Ruth gives birth to a son and they name him Obed.  Through Ruth we actually get to the line of David.

The first part of Luke 17 talks about sin, faith, and duty.  Jesus tells us that it will be worse for the person that cause someone to sin then the one who sinned.  At least that is what I think it is saying.  It also tells us that we are to forgive.  The next little portion of our reading in Luke tells of ten men that were healed from Leprosy.  All ten were told to go see the priest and while on their way they were healed.  Only one of them came back to thank Jesus.  I have to wonder what is going through the minds of the other nine people that were healed and did not come back to thank Jesus for doing it.

Did you catch that?  We read a whole book in one day.  I bet you never thought you would read a book of the Bible in one day.

Tomorrow's reading is:
1Samuel 1, 2, 3 and Luke 17:20-37

Day 111

Judges 19 leaves me disgusted.  I really do not like this chapter at all.  I do not understand its purpose either.

Judges 20 is a battle between the Israelites and the Benjamites.  This battle is in response to what happened in chapter 19.  Why they told the story twice in the same chapter I am puzzled about.

Judges 21 talks about the Benjamites again and how they do not have wives.  I do not get these last few chapters and how they bounce back and forth between things being good and bad.  So much going on that I really seem to be lost.

Luke 16 has a few different parables in it.  The only one that I really like is the last one.  It really shows that we should take care of others.  All the parables in this chapter seem to deal with taking care of others or the property of others.  The last one though shows that our actions can make a difference not only here on Earth but where we may end up when we die.

Tomorrow's reading is:
Ruth 1, 2, 3, 4 and Luke 17:1-19

Day 110

In Judges 16 Samson meets Delilah and falls in love with her.  She is easily swayed to do harm to Samson though by an exuberant amount of money.  She tries to find the secret to Samson's strength.  He tells her multiple times different things to take his strength away.  Each time she does what he says and then calls the Philistines in to kill him.  Delilah I think by now would be ticked off as she appears to be but not around any more if it was me she was doing this to.  Anyway Samson finally caves and tells Delilah what the secret is to his strength and she goes about removing his hair.  When the Philistines come upon him this time they over power Samson and gouge out his eyes.  After that they put him to work in the prison.  You would think that the Philistines would have learned something from this but they did not.  While in prison Samson's hair began to grow back and his strength returning with it.  The Philistines bring Samson out to entertain them and place him next to the supporting pillars of the temple.  Samson prays for strength to return to him for one last act to get revenge for his eyes.  Samson then knocks down the two pillars killing more Philistines during his death then he did while he was alive.  Now for fun I have to post this video from Tim Hawkins a Christian comedian.

Judges 17 does not make a lot of sense to me.  It also made me wonder during all this time of faltering back and forth what happened to all the stuff the Levites were suppose to be in charge of like the tent and the ark and various other things.

Judges 18 brings us the tribe of Dan.  The tribe of Dan has yet to receive their inheritance in the promised land and decide that it is time for them to claim a stake of land.  They find a place and attack it, destroy it, and rebuild it.  The one thing that confuses me though is the fact that they stopped at the house of Micah and took his Levite priest and idols.  My concern is how did this tribe win the battle with possession of these idols in their mist.  Once they have the city they set up the idols.

The last part of Luke 15 I am not going to say much about as most people know this parable.

Tomorrow's reading is:
Judges 19, 20, 21 and Luke 16

Day 109

Judges 13 starts out a lot like the story of Joseph and Mary.  An angel of the Lord came to the wife of Manoah and told her that she was to give birth to a son even though she was sterile.  OK, I guess that really is not a lot like Joseph and Mary except for the fact that an angel of the Lord told her that she was going to give birth to a son.  Now, Manoah did not know what to think of this and asked to see the angel so that they would know how to raise the child.  The angel appears to them again and tells them that they are to raise the boy as a Nazirite.  Manoah had some weird issues with this angel.  He treats the angel as if he is God Himself.  The angel seems to have a hard time getting this past Manoah that he is not God but and angel of the Lord.  Finally Manoah understands and offers up a sacrifice to the Lord.

In Judges 14 we see Samson already grown up and talking of a wife.  He has fallen in love with a philistine woman and tells his parents to get her for him.  This woman was put in Samson's life because of God.  As they are going to see this woman a lion rushes them and Samson tears him apart with his bare hands.  Now how his parents did not notice this I am not sure, but he did not tell them what had happened.  When he went to the field and talked to the woman he liked her.  I am confused by this because I thought he already liked her.  Then on his journey back to marry her he took some honey out of the lion's carcass and ate it and shared it with his parents.  Then during the wedding ceremony Samson puts them to a challenge of a riddle.  He gives them seven days to give him an answer and he will give them some clothes.  The people confront Samson's new wife and force her to get the answer from Samson so that they do not have to give Samson clothes.  In a fit of anger over this Samson kills thirty of their men and gave their clothes to the ones that won the riddle.  The last portion of this chapter has really confused me once again "And Samson's wife was given to the friend who had attended him at his wedding." (Judges 14:20)  I do not understand why Samson's wife was given over to some other person.  Samson reminds me a lot of the Greek demigod Hercules.

Judges 15 carries a lot of vengeance.  Samson has found out that his wife was given to another man and burns the Philistines fields down.  He later killed One thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey.  He was being handed over to the Philistines by the men of Judah who promised not to kill him.  Just before he was handed over to them and before he killed the thousand Philistines the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and gave him strength once again.  We then learn that Samson led Israel for twenty years.

Luke 15 has some of my favorite parables.  The first one we read about is the parable of the lost sheep.  This parable tells us a great lesson that we should learn.  It tells us that we were not put here to bring those already in Christ but to work on bringing those who do not know Christ.  The next parable about the lost coin tells the same story with just a different analogy.  Both of these parables remind me that Jesus did not come to help those that already knew Him but He came for the sinners and the sick.  He was often found in places with those who were unclean because of disease or those plagued with demons.  He knew who He was here to help and we should not be any different.

Tomorrow's reading is:
Judges 16, 17, 18 and Luke 15:11 - 32

Day 108

Judges 11 tells a story like many we have read before.  Israel once again is in trouble and is looking to God for help.  This time the help comes in Jephthah.  He goes to battle for the Israelites and vows to God that he will sacrifice the first thing that comes out of his house when he returns home.  The first thing out was his only child, his daughter.  He is a much stronger man then I because I would have a terrible time completing this task.

Judges 12 tells of another quick battle which appears to be between the Israelites.  Then we see Jephthah pass away and are listed the next few rulers of Israel.

Our reading in Luke 14 is a short one.  Really there is not much to gather from it other then the fact that we are to give up everything to follow God.

Tomorrow's reading is:
Judges 13, 14, 15 and Luke 15:1-10

Day 107

Judges 9 has a lot going on in it.  We see a variety of battles and killing.  I can not believe the way they are acting and then to go up and kill seventy people to make one a ruler.  I think the curse that was put on them was well worth it.  I will be honest though I was a little confused when Abimelech started going to battle against those who made him a king. 

Judges 10 it looks like the Israelites are back at it again.  Over and over the Israelites continue to fall away from God.  It is amazing how many times He will take them back.  I am glad that He is so patient with them.  It shows that He is a patient God and wants us to do the right thing no matter how long it takes.  I know I have fallen away and gone back before.  Do I want to continue to do that, no.  I think the reading of the Israelites story has been very good for me. 

Luke 14 starts off with a bang.  I think this first portion is very important to note.  Jesus shows that some work is required on the Sabbath day.  We are not to go and make a habit of working on the Sabbath day but certain things need to be done.  The next portion about honor was kind of eye opening for me.  It really shows that we should be humble.  If we are humble then we can not be humiliated but we can be honored.  The last little portion kind of left me confused.  I wish I could fully understand what He is trying to teach us here.  I am looking at it as everyone is invited to him but those that do not come will be shut off from Him. 

Tomorrow's reading is:
Judges 11, 12 and Luke 14:25-35

Day 106

Judges 7 has some interesting things going on in it.  We start out by find out that Gideon's army is to large.  So, the Lord separates them out by how they drink water.  I find this very interesting and remember doing something like this in Sunday morning Bible class when I was a little kid.  The next part is what threw me.  Gideon himself goes down to the enemy camp and listens to them as they talk around the campfire.  My main thought is how did they not recognize this man as he set with them around their campfire and think who is this guy, I have not seen him before?  Then they go into battle.

Judges chapter 8 has the conclusion of the battles of Gideon.  Gideon is asked to rule over the Israelites which he declines.  Knowing their history I do not blame him one bit.  Towards the end of this chapter we Gideon passing away and the Israelites falling right back into their bad habits.

The first portion of our reading in Luke 13 today starts out by saying that not everyone is going to get into heaven.  The last portion I do not really get.  I see a reference to three days and wonder if He is not giving them a glimpse that He will only be dead for three days.  Other then that I do not have much for the reading in Luke today.

Tomorrow's reading is:
Judges 9, 10 and Luke 14:1-24

Day 105

Judges chapter 4 is a chapter where women finally see some glory.  The current leader of the Israelites is a lady by the name of Deborah.  Israel is having another period of time where they are doing what is wrong in the eyes of the Lord.  They travel to speak to Deborah because she has found favor in the eyes of the Lord.  While they speak she tells them since they have come that Israel this time will not be gained again by a man but by the hand of a woman.  We continue then into a pretty gruesome battle and end the battle with a shock.  Of all the stories in the Bible I have not heard of this one before.  I could never have imagined someone being killed by a tent stake in the Bible.

Judges 5 is one long song.  It praises Deborah for the victory given to the Israelites.

In Judges chapter 6 it appears that the Israelites are at it again.  They have reverted back to worshiping Baal and God once again builds up a person to bring out Israelites.  To make sure it was the correct time to take back Israel, Gideon ask for certain test to be completed to make sure it is time.

Luke 13 begins by giving us a warning on why we should repent.  The next little portion is about a woman who Jesus heals on the sabbath and how the ruler of the synagogue did not like this because He was working on the sabbath.  The last parable I really do not understand.  It seems like there is a lot of them that I do not understand.

Tomorrow's reading is:
Judges 7, 8 and Luke 13:23-35

Day 104

We start into Judges today.  Judges chapter 1 happens after Joshua has died and the Israelites who are still in God's favor learn that it is time for them to conquer more land.  They go into several areas and conquer them but leaving some alone and putting them into forced labor.  We then read about Caleb giving his daughter away, I am pretty sure we just read something about that in Joshua.  I may be confused but it sounds identical to what we read towards the end of Joshua about the battles towards the end.  Now, one thing has me concerned.  They are keeping a lot of Canaanites alive and putting them into forced labor.  I thought though that God told them to kill them all.  To me it seems like they are quickly setting themselves up to fall with all of these Canaanites still running around.  I can quickly see the likes of rituals being shared and marriages happening.

Well, it looks like I was right about something.  In Judges chapter 2 it seems that the Israelites have fallen into the sinful ways of those already in the land.  It begins to show as well when they go into battle.  The Lord is no longer with them and they are not in his favor anymore.  He attempts several time with the raising of Judges but they continue to return to the sinful ways of those already in the land.  Each time they go further and further in the wrong direction.  Just imagine what Moses and Joshua must be thinking as they sit up there and watch their people lose their life's work.

Judges 3 is a pretty gruesome chapter.  We have the rise and fall of Israel three different times.  The second story goes into a lot of detail, which was kind of fun to read.  There really is not a whole lot to say about this chapter.

The remaining portion of Luke 12 starts out with a blow.  It tells us that we should be waiting and serving.  We do not know when the master will return so we must be on the watch.  We should not deviate while we are on watch or we may do something wrong when the master returns.  The next little bit leaves me a little puzzled.  Jesus says he has come to bring division, but I thought He was here to attempt to bring everyone to Him.  The last portion of this chapter has me completely stumped.  I really have no idea where He is going with these comments.  Sometimes, I think these things made more sense in their original text then the translations do.

Tomorrow's reading is:
Judges 4, 5, 6 and Luke 13:1-22

Day 103

In Joshua 22 we see that the Israelites are quick to anger.  The group that lives across the Jordan has built an altar and the rest of the Israelites do not like this fact.  They feel that the other side has done this in a disregard for the Lord.  They send over some priest and a spokesperson from each tribe to confront them.  After this confrontation everything is cleared and all is well once again in the promised land.

Joshua 23 is a little scary.  We learn that Joshua is about to die, so he gathers all of Israel to speak to them.  He warns them that they need to continue to follow the laws of Moses or else God will turn on them and not rest till they are all wiped from this Earth.

Joshua 24 finishes out the book of Joshua.  We have a quick recap of all that has happened and another promise that the Israelites will stay true to God.  I am worried they are not very good at following through with what they say.  We then see Joshua passing away after living to be a hundred and ten years old. 

The first part of Luke 12 starts out by giving the disciples a list of warnings.  We still need to remember these warnings as they still apply today.  The next parable is one that I have a hard time with.  I know I need to live more like this, but it is hard to do.  We are told that we should not store up here on Earth but should live today as it is our last.  The last portion of today's reading is a story that goes hand and hand with the parable we just read.  We should know that God will take care of us just as He does the creatures and plants on Earth.  Yet, we worry and we are not suppose to.  I have a hard time with this as well.  I worry about so much because I want to be able to provide for my family and friends.  I need to learn to let it all go and put it all in the hands of God.

Way to go readers!  We have one more book done.  Does it seem like this is getting easier for anyone yet?

Tomorrow's reading is:
Judges 1, 2, 3 and Luke 12:32-59

Day 102

Joshua 19 finishes out dividing up the land.  Each tribe gets what was allotted to them.

Joshua 20 gives us the cities of refuge.  These cities were set up and in a sense were a form of house arrest.  Any person who accidentally killed another person could flee to one of these cities and be safe from those avenging the death.  This person would have to stay in this city until the current high priest passes away.  Once the high priest passes on then the person would be free to leave the city of refuge.

Joshua 21 is where all the Levites receive their land.  One thing I noticed was they received a lot of the cities of refuge.  I wonder somewhat why that was?  I kind of like the way this chapter ends with the saying "The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers.  Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord handed all their enemies over to them.  Not one of all the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled." (Joshua 21:44, 45)

The last part of Luke 11 left me with a lot of questions.  I understood the first part about the sign of Jonah and the middle section about the lamp.  As for the last part about the woes, it totally lost me.  I do not understand exactly what He is trying to say to them.  I think it has something to do with them not being fit to enter the kingdom of heaven because they are in sort, hypocrites. 

Tomorrow's reading is:
Joshua 22, 23, 24 and Luke 12:1-31

Day 101

We continue on in Joshua 16 and 17 with the allotment of more land.  This chapter works on dividing up the land for the descendants of Joseph.  I am glad to see that they did not forget the daughters when they divided up the land.  With all they are given I am still shocked that they find time to complain about the land they are given.

In Joshua 18 we see Joshua sending out a group to survey the land.  Once this is done he is going to cast lots to see which clans get the remaining parts.  He then gives out the land for the tribe of Benjamin.

There is so much going on in this first portion of Luke 11.  We start out by learning how to pray.  Jesus teaches them to pray with this "Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.  Give us each day our daily bread.  Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.  And lead us not into temptation." (Luke 11:2 - 4)  As Christians we often refer to this as the Lord's prayer.  The only difference is that we have added some lines and until recently I did not know that they were not written in the Bible as well.  I was talking to a friend who is a Catholic and somehow we got on the topic of this prayer.  I asked why they did not say all of it, only to find out that they do and we have added more to it.  Why, we added more I am not sure.  If anyone can give me some insight on that I would truly appreciate it.  The next bit of reading I absolutely love.  A few verses that really stand out for me our.  "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." (Luke 11:9, 10)  I also like the next portion about the father and son.  It is so true as to what He says.  The remaining portion of our reading talks about how we can not be divided from Jesus and if we are we will scatter.  That is not really something I would want to experience.  I want to be drawn to Him, embrace Him, and to live with Him eternally in His father's house.

Tomorrow's reading is:
Joshua 19, 20, 21 and Luke 11:29-54

Day 100

Triple digits, what an amazing feeling this is.  I know for a fact that this is absolutely a great habit now.  It is hard to skip a day and not feel bad about it.  Way to go everyone following along.

Joshua 13 really did not give me much.  We read over the land that was distributed to some of the clans by Moses.  We also find out that Joshua is now old and still has lands to conquer in the promised land.

Joshua 14 tells us about the land given to Caleb.  Caleb was one of the spies that Moses ordered into the promised land to see what all it held.  He is the only other one besides Joshua that told the truth of what they had seen.  He is now asking for the land that Moses had promised him.  Joshua holds up what the Lord and Moses had commanded and gave him his share of the promised land.

Joshua 15 has a lot going on in it.  We read about the land given to the tribe of Judah.  Just from the reading their land sounds like it is a very large quantity of land.  We also see very quickly a glimpse of a few more battles that took place.  Caleb even offered his daughter as a prize for one of those battles.  I could never imagine offering my daughter as a prize.  I mean really where is love in that type of relationship.  He is setting her up for disappointment in my opinion. 

Our last portion of Luke 10 gives us a very familiar parable.  The parable of the good Samaritan.  In this parable Jesus is trying to teach to an expert of the law.  This expert stood up in the group and proceeded to ask Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life.  Jesus asked him what the law said and the expert promptly replied with the correct answer.  By now I hope that we all know what those laws are.  They are "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' and 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Luke 10:27)  Now, this so called expert wants a little further clarification on who exactly is his neighbor.  Jesus answers him by telling the story of the Samaritan.  One thing of note that you should know going into this story is that the injured man and the Samaritan were of two different clans.  These clans despised each other.  In this particular story though the Samaritan took mercy on this injured man.  Why, I really could not say.  All I can say is that he was doing what was right by the Lord.  He helped this injured man and even took steps to keep him well until he was completely healed.  How often can we say that we did something of that nature?  Many of us in today's society go about our own business and do not attempt to help anyone else out unless it can get us ahead.  Well, guess what?  Helping anyone and everyone out will get us ahead.  Jesus asked us to help others and in doing so we are helping Him.  Please note our previous reading in Matthew 25:31 - 46 about that.  Jesus then told him the expert that he should go and act as the Samaritan had acted.  Showing compassion and mercy to every one, friend or enemy.  The last short portion of this chapter holds a very profound message.  We see Jesus entering into a house and two women choose two very different routes.  Martha the lady of the house begins to make preparations for her guest while her sister Mary sits at Jesus' feet and hangs on every word that he says.  This upsets Martha and she tells Jesus about it.  Jesus calmly replies to her that Mary has made the better choice.  I am sure that this did not go over well with Martha.  I can just picture her throwing a little temper tantrum and stomping out of the room.  What does this little section of reading really tell us.  It tells us that we should be hanging on every word that God has said.  God put Jesus here on Earth to teach and we should be clinging to those words and worrying about nothing else.  Is Jesus going to allow you to enter Heaven because you cooked him a meal and did not listen to his teachings or because you set, listened, took to heart and went out and shared all of those things that He taught?  I do not think it will be the first option, if it was it would be extremely easy to get to Heaven.

Tomorrow's reading is:
Joshua 16, 17, 18 and Luke 11:1 - 28

Day 99

Joshua 10, wow, what a way to defeat several kings at one time.  Five groups come together to attack the Israelites new slaves and meet defeat at the hands of Joshua.  One of the ways this was accomplished was by the sun not going down.  That alone I think would be a scary sight.  The sun just stopping in the middle of the sky and not moving anymore.  It really goes to show the higher power that the Israelites had with them.

Joshua 11 we see the Israelites defeating the norther cities.  It also appears that just like the other cities nobody was left alive.  It saddens me that nobody was left alive.  I mean I can understand killing during battle but to totally wipe out all the women and children just seems like a bit of overkill to me.  I understand though that they were doing as the Lord had directed.  I just think it would be hard to do that portion.

Joshua 12 is simply a list of the kings that have been conquered by Joshua and the Israelites.

Luke 10 has so much in it I do not know where to begin.  I mean just the reports that come back from the seventy-two, how could you not wish to be one of them.  The thought of being able to cast out demons and people in groves coming to the Lord.  Wow. 

Tomorrow's reading is:
Joshua 13, 14, 15 and Luke 10:25-42

Day 98

Well, Joshua 7 is a sad story.  The Israelites move on to their next victim only to find defeat.  Joshua goes before the Lord to find out what happened, only to find out that someone broke the covenant with the Lord.  I knew it would happen, it just had to happen.  I mean everyone saw it coming with the whole line about we will obey you as we did Moses.  I really do not feel sorry for this person, even if he was stoned to death.  The punishments in this time was always severe and God always got his man.  I cannot imagine ever going against God or breaking his covenant.

In Joshua 8, though, the Lord shows Joshua his power by allowing Joshua to overtake the city of Ai.  By luring all the men out of the city with part of his army of 30,000 the other part of the army was given access to the city.  Taking it's provisions & livestock for themselves the rest was burned and everyone in the city was killed, including the women (and I assume, the children) lest the king who was taken to Joshua.  Following God's command Joshua kept his army going until every citizen of Ai had been slain and then he hung the king.  I find it interesting that the Word comments several times on how the city of Ai is still a pile of rumble and that the king was thrown in the city entrance and piled on with rocks that are still there today.  The taken of this city under Joshua, by God's command, would be a historical event--one that enables us to prove the Word is true.
After his victory, Joshua gave all the glory back to the Lord by building an alter for sacrificing and writing and reading the words of the law for all of Israel to hear.

Joshua 9 starts by telling us that all the other kings west of the Jordan River planned to make war against Joshua and his country for what he did to Ai, except for the Gibeonites who planned instead to lie to save their hides.  They made Joshua believe they were from far away and they were very poor and would become the Isrealites servants & that they'd follow the name Joshua had made in the Lord's name.  The Bible points out that, while Joshua made a treaty of peace with the Gibeonites, he did not consult with the Lord first...oops (how many times have we done that in our lives?).  When the Isrealites found out the truth--that the Gibeonites were their neighbors & had lied to them because they feared their lives--they didn't attack them because of the peace treaty, but Joshua & the leaders did put them under the curse of being lowly woodcutters & water carriers (hard laborers) from them on.

To finish off of Luke 9 we read about a young boy that was filled with an evil spirit.  This evil spirit was doing harm to the boy by throwing him into convulsions.  If I remember correctly from reading this story in other chapters it would do this and throw him into fires and similar things.  The next little portion is about the disciples arguing between themselves and showing a little bit of jealousy.  The little story about their traveling to Jerusalem kind of confuses me.  I don't fully understand the thought of the disciples wanting to call down fire on the city because they would not except Jesus.  Seems like a pretty severe punishment coming from the disciples.  The last portion of this chapter stands out a lot to me.  Jesus shows us that it is not simple to follow Him.  He makes it know that we have to give up a lot to do what is right.

Tomorrow's reading is:
Joshua 10, 11, 12 and Luke 10:1-24

Day 97

Joshua 4 is an entire chapter on crossing the Jordan.  The priest stood in the middle of the Jordan with the arc while all of the Israelites crossed on dry ground.  Twelve stones were removed from the middle of the Jordan to build a memorial where the Israelites camped for the night.

The first portion of chapter 5 is about the Israelite men being circumcised again.  All of the original men that had been circumcised had passed away in the desert.  I am not really sure why we have to have so much to read on the circumcision.  I mean a few lines saying that they were circumcised would be enough for me.  The last portion of this chapter I kind of like.  Joshua heads out to meat a soldier to only find out that it is a soldier of God.  How excited he must have felt.  To see a physical soldier of God standing in front of me I think I would have done the exact same thing Joshua did.

Joshua 6 is all about the fall of Jericho.  This story intrigues me somewhat.  I mean it is such an odd military strategy that you would just have to say that it came from the Lord.  I mean could you imagine walking around a country these days and then blowing a trumpet to conquer it.  When I think about it I see tanks, planes, and loads of soldiers doing strategic maneuvers to invade and conquer.

Our reading in Luke 9 starts out with Jesus questioning his disciples on who He is.  They tell Him who the crowds think He is and then reply with who they believe He is.  We have some great verses in this short little section of reading.  "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.  What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?" (Luke 9:24, 25)  The last portion of our reading for today is a story we have read before.  We read again about Jesus' time on the mountain where He talks to Moses and Elijah. 

Tomorrow's reading is:
Joshua 7, 8, 9 and Luke 9:37-62

Day 96

The book of Joshua is upon us.  What exactly will it hold?  Hopefully it is better then Deuteronomy was.  Joshua 1 begins by giving us the new leader of the Israelites.  Who exactly is the new leader, well it is Joshua.  The people seem to show a great faith in Joshua.  Joshua also seems to know what he is doing.  One line that really stood out to me was, "Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you." (Joshua 1:17)  Just as we fully obeyed Moses, I do not get that.  To me it appeared that they questioned Moses a lot, last time I checked to obey also meant to not question.  You do it because that was what you were told to do.

Joshua 2 is a story I kind of like.  I am not sure why though.  I think it is because in a sense it has to do with some form of military action.  We learn of two spies that are helped by a lady who in turn makes a deal with them.  She knows that their God is the only true God and pleads with them to spare her family because she knows what is coming.  They agree to spare her family as she spared their lives when the guards were looking for them.

Joshua 3 gives us another tale of the Israelites crossing a river on dry grounds.  I can just imagine the strength that must have entered the soldiers when they saw this happen.  At that moment they truly knew that God was with them.  A sight like that sure would lift my spirits.  And just imagine the fear it put into the enemy.  If enemy soldiers would have seen that I can see them turning tale and running.  I do not imagine I could have went into a battle after seeing that happen for those I was about to fight.  I would be throwing up my hands and shouting "I'm out!"

Luke 9 starts out with stories that we are familiar with.  We read once again the story of the feeding of the five thousand.  It still amazes me how He can do so much with so little.

Tomorrow's reading is:
Joshua 4, 5, 6 and Luke 9:18-36

Day 95

Deuteronomy 32, what a song Moses sings to the Israelites.  How many times do you suppose he had to sing it for them to memorize it?  I think it would be rather difficult to remember since none of it rhymes.  I guess it could make more sense in their native tongue, but since I do not speak their language I can not vouch for that.  Then to be told what your final act will be, how Moses must have felt.  I can just see Moses thoughts, "Well, I am off to climb this mountain and view the promised land because you made me so mad that I messed up and do not get to enter it.  Oh, and while I am on this mountain I know I am going to die.  I wonder if I don't climb this mountain how long I will live?"

Deuteronomy 33 is all the blessings that Moses gave out.  I am not sure what happened here.  I thought there was twelve tribes but I only see ten blessings.  Also, some of them seem very short while others have a decent amount of length to them.  I will be honest and say that I do not fully understand each of the blessings.  I can make out portions of some of them and what they might mean but others I really have no clue.

Deuteronomy 34 is the final chapter for Moses.  Moses climbs the mountain and sees the land that was promised to the Israelites.  I can only imagine as to what he must have thought when seeing this.  Then the comments that go on to finish out the chapter truly amaze me.  All of the scripture on how there has not been a prophet like Moses in all of Israel just kind of stands out to me.  It seems that even though God was not happy with him for disobeying him He still held him in a very high regard.

Continuing in Luke 8 we begin with the story of demon-possessed Man.  He was possessed by a legion of demons that Jesus cast out into a herd of pigs.  This story we have read before but it still interest me in the fact that the people of this area became afraid of Jesus.  I can see their point.  I mean would you not be scared of a person that has control over demons.  I also find comfort in this chapter.  Jesus travels into this area and comes out with only one person, but gives him a great piece of advice.  "Return home and tell how much God has done for you." (Luke 8:39)  The next story is one that we have read before as well.  Not much seems to pop out for me once again since we have talked about it before.  The one thing that does stand out is how Jesus tells them not to tell anyone what has happened.  I find it strange that many people in the crowd already knew she was dead and was telling him not to bother Jesus any more.

I know I am still behind a little in post.  I am trying to work on that and get them caught back up.  I appreciate everyone hanging in there as I play catchup.  Excited though that we have finished another book.  Kind of glad actually.  Deuteronomy was not all that exciting for me.  I hope that Joshua has more in it for us to dive into.

Tomorrow's reading is:
Joshua 1, 2, 3 and Luke 9:1 - 17

Day 94

Deuteronomy 30 is a great chapter.  I love the fact that it tells us that as long as we obey we will be blessed.  Even if we are not obeying and have been cursed when we find God again and except him into our heart and obey him his blessings will return.

Deuteronomy 31 begins with Moses telling Israel that he will not be going with them into the promised land.  Joshua will be leading them over the Jordan and into their new home land.  Then all the laws are written down and handed out with instructions to have them read aloud every seven years.  The end of this chapter is a bit of a shocker.  God tells Moses that the Israelites will not last long before they turned to other gods.  This is one of the points I have never fully understood.  God gives us free will yet He knows what we will do before we do it.  If He already knows then how is that free will?

Luke 8 gave me a little extra thoughts.  We see mentioned that besides Jesus and the twelve apostles a group of females also traveled with them.  As for the first parable in chapter 8 it is one of my favorites.  We have so much in it that we should take to heart.  Verses 19 through 21 I really do not like.  I thought we were to honor our mother and father and here I see Jesus not even caring that his mother is outside trying to see him.  We do see mention that Jesus has other siblings as well.  I have often wondered how many brothers and sisters Jesus has?  The final portion of our reading shows that Jesus not only has control over demons and can forgive sins but He has the ability to control even the weather.  It shows us that there is nothing that Jesus can not take care of.

Tomorrow's reading is:
Deuteronomy 32, 33, 34 and Luke 8:26 - 56

Day 93

Deuteronomy 28 gives us a short section of blessings and then a whole list of curses.  It really goes to show that you do not want to go against God because he can be ruthless. 

Deuteronomy 29 is all about the covenant that the Israelites will enter into with the Lord.   And if they do not follow through with this covenant, will lets just say I would not want to be that person.  Curse after curse will fall upon that person and it will not be good.  God goes as far as saying that their name will be blotted out of heaven.  Now, I do not know if that means that they will not be able to ask for forgiveness and still enter into heaven or if they are completely out and going down.

I really like the last story in Luke 7.  It shows no matter how much or how little we have sinned that we all can still be forgiven.  It also shows that the person who has sinned more and done more wrong should be more grateful for this forgiveness. 

Tomorrow's reading is:
Deuteronomy 30, 31 and Luke 8:1 - 25

Day 92

Deuteronomy 26 is about how they are to tithe when they enter the promised land.

Deuteronomy 27 has some interesting curses at the end of it.  For some reason that part really stood out in my mind.  The rest of the chapter has to do with setting up stones with all the laws on them and building an altar.

Luke 7 begins with another familiar story.  The story of the centurion who wanted Jesus to heal one of his servants.  Jesus healed him because the faith the centurion had.  We then read about a boy that Jesus raised from the dead.  This story is a new one for me, at least I think it is.  It is one I would have truly loved to be in the audience to see.  To hear Jesus say get up and then see this dead boy rise makes me wonder how many people fell to the ground in shock or worship?  The last little bit of our reading in Luke tells us more of John the Baptist.  The words of praise given to him by Jesus, how amazing.  I think I would be falling apart to hear those words spoken about me.

Tomorrow's reading is:
Deuteronomy 28, 29 and Luke 7:31 - 50

Day 91

Well, can you believe it has been three months worth of reading so far.  I am shocked.  I have never kept with reading the Bible for this long.

Deuteronomy 23 gives us a few more laws and a few I could have gone with not reading.

Deuteronomy 24 continues on with the various laws including some about marriage and taking care of the widows and fatherless.

Deuteronomy 25 includes a few more laws about marriage and laws about having honest scales.  It seems like Deuteronomy is nothing but a book of laws and history.  Some of the laws are very interesting others would differently make you think twice about sinning.  Most punishments ended with death, makes you wonder what today's world would be like if it was still followed.

The remaining portion of Luke 6 once again tells us to love our enemies.  We also are told that we should not judge or condemn others because it will happen to us in the end.  We are told that we should bear good fruit, nothing comes from bad fruit.  The very last potion once again tells the story of building on the rock for a good foundation.

Tomorrow's reading is:
Deuteronomy 26, 27 and Luke 7:1 - 30