My 'One Year Bible' Journey

Today I read from the following books;

JUDGES 1:1-2:9
LUKE 21:29-22:13
PSALM 90:1-91:16
PROVERBS 13:24-25

Today's reading was awesome. Coincidentally today's reading fell right in line with what our sermon at church was (maybe god is trying to tell me something). The general theme was becoming a disciple, and the way we should follow the lord and put our trust in him as well as serve him in our lives.

Yesterday was the last day of the book of Joshua. We started off on the book of Judges today and already its pretty intense. In the first paragraph it states that now that Joshua has passed the Israelites asked the Lord, "Who will be the first to go up and fight fir us against the Canaanites?" The Lord answers them with "Judah is to go, I have given the land into their hands."

- It must be an awesome feeling to be called out by the lord like that, there is a level of security that goes along with it given the history of the Israelites. The lord has handed over all their enemies to them for many years so when your called by the Lord to go into battle, you know your in good hands. -

It talks about Adoni-Bezek who was an enemy. He fled from the army of Judah, but they caught up with him and cut off his thumbs and his big toes. Adoni-Bezek replies with; "Seventy kings with their thumbs and big toes cut off have picked up scraps under my table. Now God has paid me back for what I did to them." It says they brought him to Jerusalem where he died. They also attacked Jerusalem and "took it".

- I'm not sure who Adoni-Bezek is or who he represents but I can not imagine having my thumbs and toes chopped off and then having to travel hundreds of miles in the desert. I could imagine that they didn't exactly give him a velvet throne to ride on for the ride either. I'm sure that he was probably tied to the back of a wagon or horse across the desert. By the time he got to Jerusalem I could imagine that his wounds were majorly infected which might explain why he died at that time. -

It then states that after attacking several cities they advanced to attack Debir (formally called Kiriath Sepher). Caleb said, "I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage to the man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher. It states Othniel son of Kenez, who was Caleb's younger brother (making them cousins...weird) won the city over so he was given Acsah to marry.

- OK, I have a few questions about this... First off it wasn't too long ago that God gave specific directions to the Israelites on who they can and can't marry and have sexual relations with. So how is it possible (except for going against God) that cousins could marry? -



In Luke today it talks about Jesus preaching in the temple warning the people to be careful, that their hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life. It states that each day Jesus would preach in the temple and then retreat to the hills called the mount of olives to sleep. Each morning people would gather very early to get the chance to hear him speak. The passover was approaching and it states that the chief priests were looking for a way to catch Jesus in the act of doing something illegal. It then states that Satan entered Judas (one of the twelve), he then went to the priests and offered to betray Jesus and they accepted, they also gave him money for it. Jesus told Peter and John telling them to go ahead and prepare for the passover. He told them to go into town, look for a man carrying a jug of water and follow him into the house that he enters. He told them to ask the owner where the guest room is and that "The Teacher" needs it. The owner than showed them the upper room and they made the preparations for the passover.



The Proverbs for today is; PROVERBS 2:10-3:31 "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. The righteous eat to their hearts content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry."

Labels: Acsah, Adoni-Bezek, daily readings, Israelites, Jerusalem, Jesus, Joshua, Judah, Judas, Judges, Luke, Proverbs, Psalms, Satan

Today I read from the following books;

JOSHUA 24:1-33
LUKE 21:1-28
PSALM 89:38-52
PROVERBS 13:20-23

Today's reading was amazing. All four sections were very vivid and defined. In Joshua today Joshua talks to the elders of the great nations of Israel. He tells them with the help of God about how they came to this place and all the wonders of God that took place to get them there. Joshua tells them what their life will be like if they continue to serve the lord and vise versa what evil will come to them if they turn their back on the lord and serve other idols.

All elders agree they will continue to serve the lord and only the lord. Joshua picks up a stone tablet and tells them that the stone is a witness to their decision to follow the lord.

- This section made me think that at that time Joshua knew that eventually they would fall away from God. The way he says it and re-confirms it with the elders so many times its almost like he was hinting towards something. Maybe not, that's just how it came across to me. -

After this was done Joshua "recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God." It then states that after sending them away Joshua died right their at the age of 110 and was buried on the land the lord had given him.

In Luke today it pretty much has 2 parts. The first part tells of people putting their gifts in the temple treasury. He sees all the rich people putting in their silver and gold and then he sees a homeless woman putting in 2 small copper coins. He says to everyone, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people fave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

It then states that people started talking about the temple and how it had a lot of precious stones and gifts dedicated to God. Jesus then tells everyone a story which gives them a glance of the "end times". He mentions that many will come claiming that they are Jesus returning to earth but he said do NOT believe them. He said when he really does return he will fly in with a cloud of great power and glory and everyone will know without a doubt that he has returned.

He talks about great wars taking place (huh, aren't they going on right now?...spooky) and nations fighting nations, father fighting son, brother fighting brother, etc. People will be punished and even kills due to their faith. Jesus tells the people not to be afraid that God will be with them, he tells them not to worry about what to say, that he will speak through them. He says all men will hate you because of me, but by "standing firm you will gain life".

He says "when you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near."

- That's some pretty heavy stuff. Its amazing how specific somethings are described in the bible. I think many people (including my self in the past) chalked the bible up as a outdated book of stories that really wasn't specific enough for today's day and age. I have found the exact opposite. It seems like every day I read something that directly applies to me life. It has been an amazing time reading the bible so far. Every day more and more answers of mine are answered. There have been a number of times where I will be struggling with something in my life that day and the reading will directly relate to it and put the issue to rest. It has been truly amazing. -

The Proverb for today is: PROVERBS 13:20-23 "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous. A good man leaves an inheritance for his children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous. A poor mans field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away."

Labels: daily readings, God, Israelites, Jesus, Joshua, Luke, Proverbs, The end times, The Return of Jesus, wars

Today I read from the following books;

JOSHUA 22:21-23:16
LUKE 20:27-47
PSALM 89:14-37
PROVERBS 13:17-19

Today in the book of Joshua it talks about the alter that was built. It was originally thought (and I even thought that it was from yesterdays reading) that it was built to worship false gods, or to offer sacrifices to someone or something other than the Lord. But when Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh reply they explain how the alter was built as a reminder to their children and their children's, children etc to praise God. It was made to teach and remind them all to continue to follow gods ways. When the rest of the Israelites heard this they were very pleased.

Then it talks about Joshua, by now he is very old, it actually states "he is old and well advanced in years". He gathers the Israelites and reminds them to continue to worship god and no one else, he tells them not to inter-marriage with the countries and repeats the rules that God told Moses to enforce. He then makes a comment that implies he is going to die, or will be dead soon. he says : "Now I am about to go the way of all the earth"

- I am not sure if Moses' legacy is over yet in the bible. I say Moses because he started this whole thing and then handed down to Joshua, who is now about to pass. It appears that the Israelites are settled in their new land and are continuing to praise the lord and live faithfully. It has been an amazing story, so many things have happened and been witnessed. That would have been the most amazing piece of history to witness. -

In Luke today it talks again about Jesus preaching in the temple. People are asking questions to him and he is answering them. One of the questions mentioned the laws that Moses commanded where if a married man is to die, that his brother is to take his place as the husband. A hypothetical situation is asked where if a woman has multiple husbands on earth who will she belong to once she reaches heaven. Jesus replies back with a cool answer that amazes and pleases everyone. He says "The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage."

Jesus closes with warning the people about the "teachers of the law" (lawyers, I'm assuming) he says that "...they devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely."

The Proverb for today is: PROVERBS 13:17-19 "A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing. He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but fools detest turning from evil."

Labels: alter, daily readings, flase gods, God, Israelites, Jesus, Joshua, Luke, Manasseh, moses, preaching, Proverbs, Reuben, temple

Today I read from the following books;

JOSHUA 21:1 - 22:20
LUKE 20:1-26
PSALM 89:1-13
PROVERBS 13:15-16

Today my readings talked about the completion of the lords gift to the Israelites. It talks a little more about what final pieces of land were divided up between the remaining tribes. It also mentions that the land that was promised to the Levites was finally given to them.

It tells of some Israelites that had built a Imposing Alter to worship something/someone other than god. When word got out that they had done this the other tribes sent their leaders to go talk to them about this. It says they were angry and told them that they are going against the lord and that God would punish all Israelites for that sin just like he did with Achan sinned. It states that "He (Achan) was not the only one who died for his sin."

Luke 20:1-26 was good today, it talks about how Jesus preaching in the temple and then the high priests questioned him on how Jesus got the authority to do and say the things that he did. He answered them with another question about John's baptism and whether it was from heaven or from man.

The priests talked about it and couldn't decide which answer they should give because each one would lead them to be looked down upon. They ended up saying "We don't know where it is from". And Jesus replied back with "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."

- I don't quite understand this part. There must have been a reason why Jesus didn't answer them with "GOD" but I can't see it at this point. I guess he might not have answered them because that could look like he was giving in to the questioning or that he had to defend himself for something, so simply saying he won't tell them is his way of staying on top....as he should be. -

He then tells a parable about a man that bought a large vineyard. He left the vineyard and had some tenants take care of it. Later he sent one of his servants to the vineyard to get some grapes but the tenants beat him up and sent him back empty handed.

He sent more servants who were beaten and sent away empty handed as well. he then finally sent his own son to the vineyard thinking that the tenants would surly respect him, but actually they say him and knew that he was the heir to the vineyard so they killed him so that the vineyard could still be in their possession.

Jesus then asks and then answers a question. (this part is confusing to me, I'm not sure what it means) "What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others."

- That is a mystery to me, I can't imagine that Jesus is condoning murder in any way, but that is what it sounds like to me. Weird! The next few lines are confusing as well, it reads: When the people heard this, they said "May this never be!" Jesus looked directly at them and asked, "Then what is the meaning of that which is written: "'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone'". -

It then talks about how the priests were desperately trying to find something that they could pin on Jesus to put him to death but they could not find anything. So they sent spy's to watch Jesus looking for something that they could punish him with. The spy's questioned him about paying taxes to Caesar thinking they would catch him in a crime and he simply replied with "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's".

- Awesome. -

The Proverb for today is PROVERBS 13:15-16 "Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard. Every prudent man acts our of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly."

Labels: daily readings, God, Israelites, Jesus, Joshua, Priests, Vineyard

Today I read from the following books;

JOSHUA 19:1-20:9
LUKE 19:28-48
PSALM 88:1-18
PROVERBS 13:12-14

In Joshua today it explains in more detail the land that got divided among the Israelites. It states that some land was taken from 1 tribe and given to another, and also it talked about how God came to Joshua and told him to have the Israelites select which cities they wanted to designate as "refuge" for people that have committed murder (both intentionally and unintentionally). These murders could come live in that city until their trial is over and the "avenger of blood" (the person closes to the victim, brother, wife, etc.) wouldn't be able to kill him back.

- How amazing is that? That is totally different than today's society, especially in the US. I couldn't imagine something like this set up here, it would be so different from anything we've seen before. I guess jail is kind of a refuge for both the innocent and guilty. While someone is in jail the avenger probably wont be able to succeed in killing that person. Also, was it legal or more importantly was it not a sin for the avenger of blood to commit murder? In those days could I legally and sinless-ly (I'm sure I just made up that word) kill my brothers killer? -

In Luke 19:28-48 it tells of Jesus instructing 2 disciples to go ahead into the village. He told them that they would find a colt tied to a post and that they should untie it and bring it back. he told them that if anyone questioned them, just tell them that the lord needs the colt.

- Could you imagine in today's day and age, you are sitting on your front porch and a stinky homeless looking guy walks on to your driveway and starts to get into your car. I doubt the words "the lord needs it" could get out of his/her mouth before the owner of the vehicle decides to take matters into his own hands. That's crazy, but I guess its just another miracle of God, he made it possible and it happened. -

Sure enough the 2 disciples come into the city and see the colt, they untie it and like any good colt owner they get questioned on why they are about to steal the horse. But as you probably guessed, all they said was "The lord needs it" and they left with it. So Jesus mounts the horse and starts to ride into town. People are there waiting for him, they throw their coats on the ground in front of his horse so that even his transportation doesn't have to touch the ground. But in reality it was a major act of sacrifice, compassion, faith and love for them to do that.

Jesus rides through town and into the temple. He entered to find people selling goods like it was the black market, he starts kicking everyone out and says to them "My house will be a house of prayer'" but you have made it into a "den of robbers" It states that he taught at that temple every day and people came from all around to listen to him. It also states that the chief priests, teachers of the law, and leaders among the people were trying and plotting to kill Jesus. It did say that they were having trouble doing it because the people were "hung on his words". I'm sure trying to pin a crime against the only "perfect" human is a little difficult.

The proverbs for today is: PROVERBS 13:12-14 "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded. The teaching is the wise is a foundation of life, turning a man from the snares of death."

Labels: daily readings, God, Israelites, Jesus, Joshua, Luke, murder, Proverbs, Psalms

Today I read from the following books;

JOSHUA 16:1-18:28
LUKE 19:1-27
PSALM 87:1-7
PROVERBS 13:11

Today it talked about the division of the land that the lord has given to the Israelites. It went into detail of the names of the cities, and the borders of which land was given to which tribe or group of people. I think it was around Joshua 18:16 where it talks about the people of Joseph talked with Joshua about the land they were given. They complained that it wasn't enough land and that the Canaanites were there and were strong (he actually said, "they have iron chariots"). Joshua then gave them more land in the hills. He told them to cut the timber and make their homes on the hills as well. They again complained that the Canaanites were too strong and they feared fighting them.

- I still don't get why they are afraid of anything, over the last couple books these people have seen the wonders of god on pretty much a daily basis. God has helped them fight so many countries with success that it amazes me how these people still complain when they have to do something hard or scary. Haven't they realized that God is helping them in every way possible? -

Joshua replied to them that they were strong and that they would win if they fought. His words to the people of Joseph were, "..though the Canaanites have iron chariots and thought they are strong, you can drive them out."

It goes on to read about the tribes that have not been given their land yet. It talks about the men from those tribes going out and scouting the land that is to be theirs. That is the end of Psalms for today.

Luke 19:1-27 tells a great story about a chief tax collector that was VERY rich. It says he was a short man and couldn't see over the crowd but wanted to see Jesus so he climbed a tree. When Jesus passed him he stopped and asked Zacchaeus (the tax collector) to come down. He said, "I must stay at your house today."

- Talk about inviting yourself! :) but who in their right mind, believer or not, would actually pass up an evening with Jesus? I know I wouldn't... -

Zacchaeus came down from the tree and said to Jesus that he will give 1/2 his money to the poor and that anything he cheated from other people he will re-pay 4x the amount.

Jesus must have seen that he was speaking the truth because he tells him that he is saved. Jesus then tells a parable about a king who gives some servants money (it states "minas", but the refers to it as money later) to make investments while he is gone. It states that the servants don't like him very much. Anyway, he returns and goes to the first servant. He invested the money and make 10x the amount. the king was obviously happy and gave the servant 10 cities to overlook, the 2nd servant made 5x the amount and was given 5 cities to overlook, then another servant came and said that he had set the money aside and did nothing with it, he gave back the original amount of money. The king was peeved and said he was wicked. The servant pretty much put the king in his place and the king lashed out saying that he will give back to those who are rich, but for those that are poor they get nothing. He then gave the 3rd servants money to the 1st servant who made the most. He then asks for all the people who didn't want the king to be king should be brought to him and put to death.

The Proverb for today is: PROVERBS 13:11 "Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow."

Labels: daily readings, God, Jesus, Joshua, Luke, Proverbs, Psalms, Zacchaeus

FYI, I have been reading the one year bible for a few months now so I am kind of starting in the middle of a book. Hopefully I will keep this up for the rest of the year where I will then repeat the bible and will end up documenting from the beginning at that time.

Today I read from the following books;

JOSHUA 15:1-63
LUKE 18:18-43
PSALM 86:1-17
PROVERBS 13:9-10

We are kind of mid story in Moses' legacy. Moses died on the mountain and leadership was given to Joshua. Today it talked went into great detail regarding the division of the land. As you may know (or may not) God delivered the Israelites out of Egypt and promised them land. Many years later after "weeding out" some of them, he delivered the land to his people. Today did not tell a story but more a detailed description as to which tribe would get which groups of land. I suggest reading it to get more information because it would take me all day to repeat some of the cities/countries that god is handing over.

Luke 18:18-43 is very intersting. The book of Luke has been very fun to read, the stories of Jesus really catch my attention and draw me in.

Today it mentioned a "certain ruler" said to Jesus "Good ruler, what he must do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus responds back with "Why do you call me good?" No one is good-except God alone.

- pretty humble if you ask me, I mean, he is Jesus. I would think of every human he would probably be called the "good"est. He could have easily said "becuase my dad is GOD!...and I would have been happy with that too. :) -

He then recites the 10 commandments to the man and the guy says, "I have followed all those" but Jesus replies back with...."sell all your belongings and come follow me." The guy gets upset with this (as I'm sure many would) cause he was rich. Jesus then goes on to make references to getting into heaven and being rich. He says things like "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle thna for a rich man to enter the kingdom of god."

- I have a hard time with this, I can't imagine he's saying christians can't be rich.?.? I'm sure he is probably talking about greed and kindness. He states many times in the bible to give to those who can not give to themselves (the poor). I'm sure if a man is fortuniet enough to have money, but regularly uses his money for gods work and for good, then that would be what Jesus is talking about. Right? -

He goes on to say that whatever we sacrafise here on earth we will be rewarded many times over in the kingdom of heaven. He then takes the 12 deciples aside and talks to them about what is about to happen (his death, and resurrection) it states that "The disciples did not understand any of this." It then tells a story of a blind man on the side of the road while Jesus is entering Jericho. I envision a homless wrinkly old man in rags for clothes sitting up against a building while Jesus and his gang roll into town on donkeys or horses. The blind man calls out "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me."

- I'm not even that far into the Bible and already it has mentioned at least a dozen times about people being cured or saved based on their faith in Jesus and Gods powers. This man has only heard about Jesus, he's obviously never personally met him but he's heard stories, he has been told that this guy Jesus is healing people and he truely believes (or has faith) in his heart that Jesus can cure him. You would think more people would catch on, especially since miricules were happening right in front of them, you'd think more people would believe. -

The people that followed him around that were in front of the line "rebuked" him and told him to shut up but the blind man continued, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus called him over and told him that his faith has cured him. The man instantly reseived sight and followed them from there on out.

The Proverb for today is: PROVERBS 13:9-10 "The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice."

Labels: daily readings, God, Jesus, Joshua, Luke, Proverbs, Psalms, The Bible