April 10 Readings

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The Reign of Saul
Today's reading 1Samuel 15-16; Luke 10.25-42

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 1Samuel 15; 1Samuel 16; Luke 10

1Samuel 15
In verses 1-3 Samuel told Saul that God wanted to punish the Amakelites for what they did to Israel when they attacked the Israelites when they came from Egypt. Saul was to totally destroy everything that belonged to them. Every living thing was to be killed. Saul and his army attacked the Amakelites and destroyed all the people EXCEPT for King Agag. in verse 9, Saul spared Agag and the BEST of the sheep and cattle. They were unwilling to destroy things that were good or of benefit to them but everything that was despised and weak they totally destroyed. God was grieved and told Samuel that He regretted having made Saul King because he did not follow out His instructions. Samuel was troubled and he cried to God all that night. Samuel was a man of prayer, he must have interceded for Saul. The next day, Saul saw Samuel and LIED and said that he had followed God's instructions. Samuel confronted Saul and said, 'What then is the bleating in my ears? What is the lowing of cattle that I hear?' Saul made up this excuse that the soldiers spared the best of the sheep and the cattle to sacrifice to the Lord. Samuel rebuked him that he, Saul was once small in his own eyes and now he is king of Israel. God gave him specific instructions to completely destroy all the wicked Amakelites. But he did not follow instructions. Saul denied that, he claimed that he followed God's instructions. Saul replied with this: 22 "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD , he has rejected you as king."
In verse 27, as Samuel turned to leave, Saul caught hold of the hem of his garment and it tore. Saul turned to him and said 28 "The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to one of your neighbors-to one better than you. 29 He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind."

Samuel put Agag to death. Samuel mourned for Saul and the Lord was grieved. What a tragedy for Saul. He had such a good start in the race of life but then he failed and his life ended as we see later in a downward spiral. How do you run the race of the Christian life? We have to keep on saying TRUST and OBEY!

DORE DEATH OF AGAG

In 1Samuel 16, God chose David the youngest of eight of Jesse's son. In verse 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

In Verse 14, the Spirit of God had left Saul and was replaced with an evil spirit. Saul was tormented by God. This was done to bring David to play the harp for Saul so that evil spirit would leave.


1 Samuel 15, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Samuel 16, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - 1Samuel

Luke 10.25-42, Commentaries, verse by verse

Luke 10.25-42
He was then tested by an expert in the law, who said to Him, ‘"Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" 26 He said to him, "What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?" 27 So he answered and said," 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,' and 'your neighbor as yourself.'"
28 And He said to him, "You have answered rightly; do this and you will live." 29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus told him the parable of the Good Samaritan. Please note the ones who should have come to the aid of the man who was robbed should have been the priest or the Levite. They were trained un the laws of God and should have shown mercy. Instead Jesus came up with the astonishing rescuer, a Samaritan who not only rescued the man but took him to an inn, and took care of him! Who were the Samaritans? Samaritans were ranked low in social standing and acceptance in the life of the Jews in Jesus’ day, they might as well have been a tax-collector, a prostitute.or a leper. But Jesus chose this example to teach an important object –lesson. He wanted to show the people that their neighbor could be anyone including a Samaritan. Let us be honest with ourselves and asked ourselves this question. Who is my neighbor?



Luke 10.38-42 Jesus was invited to the house of Martha and Mary. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet listening to Him while Martha was busy being hospitable.. Martha got frustrated with Mary and complain to Jesus to let Mary helped her. Jesus said that Mary had chosen what was better. We should learn to sit at Jesus’ feet by spending time in prayer, in the Word, and fellowship with Christian. These have a higher priority to the Lord than serving Him. When we do the sitting at His feet then the service will fall in place.


Vermeer: Martha and Mary

IVP Commentary on Luke 10

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This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

April 9 Readings

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The Reign of Saul
Today's reading
1Samuel 13-14; Luke 10.1-24
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 1Samuel 13; 1Samuel 14

SAUL'S FAMILY 1Samuel 13.1,14, 49-51
THE HOUSE OF SAUL 1Chronicles 9.35-44

SAMUEL REBUKE SAUL 1Sam 13.2-15
Saul had three thousand men while the Philistine had three thousand charioteers and six thousand soldiers. This meant Saul was outnumbered by a ratio of three to one. It was understanable that the morale of Saul's men plumetted when they realized that they were outnumbered. Some hid in cabes and thickets while some deserted the army and went to the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul was told to waited for 7 days. After 7 days, still no Samuel. Saul decided to d a burnt offering! He took the situation in his own hands. Instead of depending on Samuel, God's man, he decided to depend on himself. When Samuel arrived and saw Saul and asked what he was doing, Saul said when he saw the men scattering and that he did not come and the Philistines were assemb.ling at Micmash, he thought that he ought to sought the Lord's favor by offer the burnt offering. Saul rebuked himn and told him because of his action he would not establish his kindom forever but will give it to another person (which we know that David would have the kingdom) because the Lord has sought a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of the people. What would you have done if you were Saul? Do we have the patience to wait on the Lord to get things done even when things look rather desperate.

LARGE PICTURE - SAMUEL TURNS FROM SAUL

When Samuel had visited Saul Saul only had six hundred men left. The Philistines had a strategy by which they ensure that there was no blacksmiths left in Israel. Israel even had to go to the Philsitines to have their plowshares, mattocks, axes and sickles sharpened! The strategy had work so that only Saul and Jonathan were the only ones who had a sword or spear in his hand.

In 1 Samuel 14.1-13. Jonathan took the initiative to attack the Philistines without his father, Saul, knowing. Jonathan went out in faith and attacked the Philistines. Jonathan saod "Perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few." His armor-bearer supported Jonathan wholeheartedly and both went in faith and did a surprise attack on the Philistines.

In 1 Samuel 14.14-23, God honored the first attack by Jonathan and his armor-bearer. A panic struck the whole Philistine army. This panic was created by God. The Philistines were killing each other! The Lord rescued Israel that day!

In 1 Samuel 14.24-45, Saul bound the Israelites under an oath, 'Cursed be any man who eats food before evening comes before I have avenged myself on my enemies!' None of the Israelies ate anything that day. The troops had entered the woods and there was honey oozing out. No one dared to eat any. Jonathan did not hear his father made the oath and ate some honey. Someone told him about the oath and Jonathan said that cause trouble for Israel, and if they had eaten they would have felt better and have defeated the Philistines even more. Later in verse 39 when Saul had asked God if they should attack the Philsitines. God did not answer him. This indicated that there was a sin in the camp. The rash oath that Saul gave was broken by Jonathan. Saul realized that he had to kill Jonathan but the troops intervened on Jonathan's behalf and his life was spared. When we are under stress, do not make rash promises or oaths to God, it can create bad consequences as we see in 1 Samuel 14. We should follow Jesus' advice on making oaths (Matthew 5.33-37). Jesus said that we are not to swear at all!

1 Samuel 13, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Samuel 14, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - 1Samuel

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: Luke 10

Luke 10 with Commentaries, verse by verse

In Luke 10.1-12, Jesus sent out another seventy two (Luke 10.4.12; Luke 9.3-5) in groups of two ahead of him to every town and place where he was to go. He spoke about the harvest being plentiful but the laborers are few. The same principle of nott taking a purse or bag or sandal applies, staying at people’s homes to those who are hospitable and to those who are in hospitable, wipe the dust off their feet. Those who reject the message will be punished. The principles that Jesus gave are principles we should use when considering discipleship and evangelism. Are doing evangelism and discipleship in our lives for the advancement of His Kingdom.



Jesus continued his instructions to the seventy two that he sent out. Those who reject the message who regret their decision. He then said to them in verse 16, "He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me." (NKJV). The seventy-two came back with good news of their mission, that even the demons submit to them in Jesus’ name’ Jesus reminded them that they should rejoice that their name are written in heaven, than the demons submitting ti them, He praised God that He had revealed it to the seventy-two, the little children as He called them not to the wise and learned of the world (1Corinthians 1.25). The he said to them "Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; in verse 24 "for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it." (NKJV).

IVP Commentary on Luke 10

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This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

April 8 Readings

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Samuel Brings About Transition
Today's reading
1Samuel 10-12; Luke 9.37-62
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 1Samuel 10; 1Samuel 11; 1Samuel 12

In 1Samuel 10 Samuel anointed Saul and told him that several things would happen to him. He would meet two nen near Rachel's tomb who would tell him where the donkeys were, his father has stopped worrying about the donkeys and is worried about you, he will meet three men at the great tree of Tabor and they will give you two loaves of bread. After that when he reached Gibeah, he would meet some prophets with musical instruments and they will be prophesying, and the Spirit of the Lord will come upon Saul and he would prophesied with them. All these signs happened as Samuel said. Samuel called the people together v. 20 and name the tribe which was Benjamin, then he called the name of the clan which was Matri, and the family of Kish was chosen. and after that Saul was made as King. When God chose Saul it was the smallest tribe, with the least of the clans of Benjamin. This is how God chooses people not that the person is strong or wise or reputable but what they will be when God starts to use them.



In 1Samuel 11, Nahash the Ammonite beseiged Jabesh Gilead, a town in Manasseh. The Israelites asked for a treay but he gave them a threat that he would give them a treaty where he would goude our their eyes. Word of this got to Saul. And the Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul and he burned with anger and the terror of the Lord came upon the people of Israek. Saul mustered the men together and they defeated Nahash.
Saul was then confirmed as king.

In 1Samuel 12, Samuel gave his farewell address
Samuel was a good servant of God. There was nowhere in the Bible that mentioned his faults or sins. It does not mean that he was sinless or perfect. He was above reproach. He ministered to the people, he warned them, rebuked them and loved them.


1 Samuel 10, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Samuel 11, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Samuel 12, with Commentaries, verse by verse


Links to Commentaries and other References - 1Samuel

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: Luke 9

Today's Readings Luke 9.18-36

Luke 9 with Commentaries, verse by verse

The second event is the healing of the boy with an evil spirit (Luke 9.37-45; Matthew 17.14-18, 22,23; Mark 9.14-17, 30-32). Faith and prayer were needed to healed the boy.
The third event was when the disciples were arguing among themselves about who would be the greatest. Luke 9.46-48; Matthew 18.1-5; Luke 9.46-50; Mark 9.33-40 The Christian life is full of paradoxes. To be great, you have to be humble. disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. 47Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. 48Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all–he is the greatest.”

He also warned them against having exclusive groups among themselves. (v. 49-50) He said to the 'Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you (even though he is not one of you)!

IVP Commentary on Luke 9

Luke 9:51-56
Samaritan Opposition
Jesus had determined to finish his mission on earth v. 51. He had sent messengers ahead of him for the Samaritan village to get things ready for him but the people did not want him there. But James and John asked Jesus if He wanted them to call fire from heaven to destroy the village but Jesus rebuked them and went to another village. This was John before he was changed by the Holy Spirit! He became the disciple who preached about God’s love. His brother James was the first martyr.

What does it cost to follow Jesus? (Luke 9:57-66; Matthew 6:19-22) Jesus saw three men who would be ‘wanna be’ disciples. The first one saw Jesus and said to him ‘I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied in Luke 9:58 And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head."(NKJV) The second one he said to follow him and he said that he should go and bury his father. Jesus replied ‘let the dead bury the dead..’ The third one said he would follow Jesus but let him go and say goodbye to his family. Jesus replied in verse 62 "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (NKJV).. We have many in the churches who say that they are disciples of Jesus. Well if they are, praise God. The requirements are 1) Material things should not hinder us from being disciples. The second is family relationship which should be second to the total commitment to Christ and thirdly, a total commitment to Jesus Christ means looking forward. This is like plowing in the old days, the farmer looks straight ahead when he is plowing the field and does not look back. Let us be honest with ourselves here, is Jesus above material wealth, family and an unswerving undivided attention in our lives?



IVP Commentaries on Luke 9.18-50


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This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

April 7 Readings

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The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan

Samuel Brings About Transition
Today's reading 1Samuel 7-9
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 1Samuel 7; 1Samuel 8; ; 1Samuel 9

In 1Samuel 7.2-6, the Israelites called for rededication of themselves to God and got rid of foreign gods and idols. At Mizpah (v. 7-14), they defeated the Philistines. At Ramah (v. 15-17) Samuel continued as judge.

1Samuel 8
The people asked for a king. Samuel's sons were evil, they walked in the ways of Samuel and seek after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice. Samuel warned Israel that when they have a king, they would be subjected to taxes, he could force them to join his armiesm and the would have to serve him and pledge their loyalty to him. Israel refused to listen to Samuel (19-22)

1 Samuel 9 Some of Saul's father's donkeys got lost He was told to find them. The servant told him to use a seer to help find the donkeys. The seer was Samuel. God told Samuel that Saul was the one. Samuel met with Saul, had dinner with him reassured him that the donkeys were found. Note that Samuel called Saul to whom is all the desire of Israel is turned if not to you and all your family (v. 20). Saul replying was humility that he was a Benjaminite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, from the least of the clans of the tribes of Benjamin.


1 Samuel 7, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Samuel 8, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Samuel 9, with Commentaries, verse by verse


Links to Commentaries and other References - 1Samuel

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: Luke 9

Today's Readings Luke 9.18-36

Luke 9 with Commentaries, verse by verse

In Luke 9.18-20; Matthew 16.13-16; Mark 8.27-25, Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ. Jesus predicted His death and resurrection (v. 21-22). 23Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. 25What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? 26If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”



In (Luke 9.28-36; Matthew 17.1-8; Mark 9.2-8)
Luke gave an account of the Transfiguration experience where Jesus met Moses and Elijah/ What was the significance of the Transfiguration? According to the NIV Study Bible, (1) it was a revelation of the glory of the Son of God, a glory that is hidden now but to be fully revealed when He will return, (2) a confirmation of the teaching of Jesus to the disciples that He was the Messiah and He would give Peter the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, (3) a beneficial experience for the disciples who were discouraged when Jesus spoke about His death and resurrection. Have you ever thought about Jesus in all of hIs glory. Then you would falll on your face like the Apostle John when He had a vision of Jesus in Revelation 1.9-20.




IVP Commentaries on Luke 9.18-50


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This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

April 6 Readings

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The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan

Samuel Brings About Transition
Today's reading 1Samuel 4-6
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 1Samuel 4; 1Samuel 5; 1Samuel 6

In 1Samuel 4 The Israelites were defeated at their forces on the battlefield. The Israelites decided to bring the ark with them into battle. The Philistines captured the ark and killed Eli's sons. 1Sam 4.6-11. When Eli heard this, he fell backward off his chair and broke his neck. After she heard the bad news, Phineas's wife gave birth to Ichabod and died. Ichabod means no glory because the glory has departed from Israel because the ark was captured by the Philistines.

In 1Samuel 5, the ark brought trouble to the Philistines. The Philstines set the ark next to their god, Dagon. Dagon was found every morning to have fallen with his face on the ground. God afflicted the Philistines with tumors in whatever city the ark was located.

LARGE PICTURE OF DAGON AND THE ARK

In 1 Samuel 6, the Philistines proposed to returned the ark to the Israelites along with five gold tumors and five gold rats, because God's hand was heavy on them. The Philistines returned the ark at Beth Shemesh (v.6.13-7.1). The people at Beth Shemesh rejoiced when they received the ark. However, seventy of them was stuck down because they had looked into the ark of the Lord.

1 Samuel 4, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Samuel 5, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Samuel 6, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - 1Samuel

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: Luke 9

Today's Readings Luke 9.1-17

Luke 9 with Commentaries, verse by verse

In Luke 9.3-5; Matthew 10.9-15; Mark 6.8-11 Jesus called the Twelve and gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases and to preach the Kingdom of God. He told them not to bring anything for the journey, no staff, bag nor bread, money nor tunic. He want on to say that they should stay at people's houses where hospitality is shown and if hospitality is not shown, they are to shake the dust off their feet. How does this apply to us today? we should have the attitude and the spirit that the disciples have. WE should have the motivation and the zeal to serve the Lord, we should focus on the wealth of God's Kingdom rather than on the things of the world (Colossians 3).

In (Luke 9.10-17; Matthew 14.13-21; Mark 6.32-44; John 6.5-13), Jesus fed five thousand men (v. 14) Actually He probably fed more than ten thousand men, women and children. The lesson here is Jesus did something huge with some thing small. He fed some ten thousand people with five loaves and two fish. He could only do this if someone was willing to give up something. In this case, it was a boy who gave up his lunch. This is the only miracle besides the resurrection that is mentioned in the four gospels.



IVP Commentaries on Luke 8.4-9.17


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This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

April 5 Readings

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The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan

Samuel Brings About Transition
Today's reading 1Samuel 1-3
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: 1Samuel 1; 1Samuel 2; 1Samuel 3

1Samuel 1
Israel is now moving from a reign of of Theocracy to where God is king to Monarchy where a man is king. Samuel was the last judge of Israel. Hannah was a woman who experience barrenness like some opf the other women in the Bible such as Sarah, Samson's mother and Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Elkanah, her husband gave her double portions of meat because he loved her and the Lord had closed up her womb (v. 5). Penninah the other wife would taunt her because she could not have any children. One day Hannah went to the Temple, in her tears, she made a vow to God, if God gave her a son, she would give him to serve the Lord and no razor would touch his head. Eli thought that she was drunk but she told Eli about the vow she made. Eli said may God answer your prayer. The Lord remembered her and Samuel was conceived.

1Samuel 2 (v. 1-10)
Hannah sung a prayer of thanksgiving and to God. This song is very similar to the one that Mary sung in the New Testament in Luke 1.46-55. The Church knows Mary's song as the Magnificat. The song of Hannah is known as the Magnificat of the Old Testament.

In verse 12-26, Eli, the high priest, had two sons who were wicked men, and had no respect for God. They sinned by taking the meat before it was offered to the Lord in a burnt offering, and they would send a servant to take a portion of the raw meat even before it was boiled. In God's eyes they treated the Lor's offering with contempt. The sons had also slept with the women who served at the entrance of the meeting. place. Eli had tried to rebuke them but they would not listen to them.

In v. 27-36 a man of God came and prophesied against the House of Eli, for the sons had treated the offerings made to God with contempt, The prophet said that both would die on the same day. God would take away the priesthood from Eli's family and give it to another. The priesthood was given to the family of Zadok.

1Samuel 3
In verse 3.1-18 God calls Samuel. Samuel was given to the Lord to minister in the Temple. Eli's eyes were becoming so weak, and he was lying in his usual place, Samuel was lying down in the Temple of the Lord where the ark was. The Lord called Samuel. Samuel ran to Eli and said 'Here I am.' Eli said that he did not call to go back and lay down. God called again and Samuel ran to Eli and said 'Here I am, you called me.' Eli said that he did not call to go back and lay down. Samuel did not know the Lord yet. A third time, the Lord called Samuel. Samuel came to to Eli and said 'Here I am.' Eli realized that the Lord was calling, so he said to Samuel, when you hear Him calling, say 'Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.'
The Lord called again and Samuel said 'Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.' The Lord told him that He was about to something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle... God was going to punish the house of Eli because of the contemptible things that Eli's sons have done. The guilt of Eli's house will never be atoned for by sacrifice and offerings. This is very serious matter to God.
Samuel went back and lay down, he was afraid to tell Eli of the vision he saw. Eli called him and persuaded him to tell him about the vision. So Samuel told him. Eli's reply was 'He is the Lord, let him do what is good in his eyes.' What an answer! Eli although he had his faults, knew God and His holiness.
In verse 3.19-21 Samuel is known as a prophet. The verse in 19 The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up and he let none of his words fall to the ground. God was with Samuel. We should note that even in spiritual darkness, God will find
someone to show forth his light. He replaced an old priest with a young boy!!

1 Samuel 1, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Samuel 2, with Commentaries, verse by verse
1 Samuel 3, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - 1Samuel

King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: Luke 8

Today's Readings Luke 8.26-56

Luke 8 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Luke 8.22-25; Matthew 8.23-27; Mark 4.36-41
Jesus wanted to go on the other side of the lake. Because of the geographical location of the Sea of Galilee, storms would oftne form. They got into a boat and started to sail to the other side. Compare Jesus with the apostles when the storm brewed. Jesus was asleep and had faith in God while the disciples were panicking and lacking faith. What can we learn from this? Jesus had compete trust in God that he was even sleeping during the storm. In the storms of life and there are guaranteed to be many, we can weather them when we have the faith to deal with them.




The Healing of Legion (Luke 8.26-37; Mark 5.1-20)
Legion was a demon-possessed man in the area of Gerasenes, in a Gentile area. He had walked around naked and had chains which he broke frequently. He asked Jesus 'What do you want with me, Jesus, son of the Most High.' Actually it was the demons questioning Him. Jesus asked him 'What is your name?' He said Legion because of the many demons living in him. The demons had asked Jesus permission to go into a herds of pigs nearby and they rushed down the steep bank by the lake and drowned. The townspeople were filled with fear and ran and told everyone in the town. They asked Jesus to leave. It seems that they would have been perfectly happy having Legion remained the way he was. Are we like those townspeople? Would we rather that Jesus did not come in and change things? Are we perfectly happy the way we are? Is there a stronghold in our life, an addiction that we cannot let go? Jesus came to cure that addiction or remove that stronghold in your life. He can heal you just like how he healed Legion.
Legion wanted to leave that town. Jesus told that he should stay there and to tell what God had done for him. Sometimes God wants you to be where you are. He wants you to be faithful as a witness to Him. Do you realize that you could reach people other Christians or ministers or missionaries could never reach? Why? Because God wants to use you as His witness.

Luke 8.40=56; Matthew 9.18-26; Mark 5.22-43
Two miracles took place in today's passage. One had to do with the resurrection of Jairus' daughter a little girl, and the other had to do with the healing of the woman with the issue of the blood. On the way to Jairus' house, Jesus and his disciples passed this woman. She was in a very desperate situation. She has been ill for 12 years, and spent most of her money on physicians to healed this issue of blood. She was running out of money but even worse because of her issue of blood and the Law, she was ostracized from society as a whole. She might as well be a leper! She thought to herself if she touched Him she would be healed. The crowd was pressing against Jesus and she touched Him! He turned around and said who touched Me? Now the disciples thought that was a ridiculous question because the crowds were pressing in on Him from every direction. Jesus said that all the power left Him. He turned to the woman and said that her faith healed her.

When Jesus reached Jairus' house he aid that the girl was sleeping and not dead. He should know, He is the Resurrection and the Life. He raised the girl from the dead.



In Luke 9.3-5; Matthew 10.9-15; Mark 6.8-11 Jesus called the Twelve and gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases and to preach the Kingdom of God. He told them not to bring anything for the journey, no staff, bag nor bread, money nor tunic. He want on to say that they should stay at people's houses where hospitality is shown and if hospitality is not shown, they are to shake the dust off their feet. How does this apply to us today? we should have the attitude and the spirit that the disciples have. WE should have the motivation and the zeal to serve the Lord, we should focus on the wealth of God's Kingdom rather than on the things of the world (Colossians 3).

">IVP Commentary on Luke 8


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This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

April 4 Readings

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The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan

Ruth 1-4; Luke 8.1-25

The Story of Ruth
Ruth 1-4
King James Version with links to WebEncyclopedia: Ruth 1; Ruth 2; Ruth 3; Ruth 4

Ruth 1 There was a famine in the land and Naomi and Elimelech moved to Moab with their two sons. The sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. Elimelech died, and the sons died some ten years later. Naomi lost her family except for her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth. In verse 6-14, Naomi heard that there was food in Judah, so she decided to go back. She bade farewell to Orpah and Ruth. Ruth expresses a bond with Naomi and her God which is the key verse of the Book. '...your people will be my people and your God, my God.' Ruth could have stayed in Moab with Oprah but she was willing to go in faith and go with Naomi. What about us? Are we willing to step out in faith and identify ourselves with God and His people through good times and bad times? The two women returned to Bethlehem (v. 19-22).Bethlehem

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In Ruth 2, Naomi had a relative on her husband's side, whose name was Boaz. We have to remember that Ruth was a Moabitess. The Moabites were enemies of Israel. Harvesting barley was done when Ruth and Naomi showed up. Gleaning was allowed under the law (Leviticus 19.9; 23.22). This was where the corners of the field were not be reaped and any sheaves that were accidentally left behind was not gathered. They were left for the poor to pick up for food. Boaz was kind to Ruth and gave her as much grain as she needed. Boaz had heard about the bond Ruth made with Naomi and God. Ruth told Naomi about Boaz.



In Ruth 3, Naomi now has hope, and told Ruth to wash and perfume herself, according to the NIV Bible that is to prepare herself as a bride. When Boaz is lying down, Ruth should go and uncover his feet. In verse 9 to spread the corner of your garment over me since you are a kinsman-redeemer. This is a very important concept to understand the book of Ruth. Kinsman-Redeemer Boaz was related to Mahlon (Ruth's former husband). the closest male relative had the responsibility to marry a widow.

In Ruth 4, Boaz wanted to make sure that if there was another kinsman alive, that he would be treated justly under the Law and fulfil the obligation of kinsman-redeemer. The obligation was to redeem a property from Naomi, and to marry Ruth! He declined the offer and Boaz married Ruth. The genealogy is such that Ruth is the great-grandmother of Daivd and is an ancestress of Jesus Christ.


PAINTING Ruth and Obed by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel


Ruth 1, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Ruth 2, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Ruth 3, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Ruth 4, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - Ruth


Luke 8.4-21 with Commentaries, verse by verse
This is the parable of the sower (Luke 8.4-15; Matthew 13.2-23; Mark 4.1-20). There are many ways to look at this parables. The things in the story that remain constant is the sower and the seed! That is God the Holy Spirit who plant the seed (the word of God). The factor that is not constant is the soil. The soil is the condition of the human heart. The soil vary from being hard to being very receptive. Regardless, the Holy Spirit sows the Word into our hearts. Jesus let in verse 8 "He who has ears to hear, let them hear."
Here is a synoptic version of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke combined together).



Jesus talk about a lamp on a stand (Matthew 5.15). The Christian life is a light, you cannot hide a light in darkness. You cannot help but notice the light in darkness. We had a power black out recently, it was getting dark. It was amazing that even one little candle or the use of a flashlight could help us that nght until the electic power was restored.

Jesus' brothers and mother came to see him. They could not get near to them, He said that His mother are brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice.
Let us be careul not to be hung up on veneration of the Virgin Mary but remember that she obeyed God and was blessed for being Jesus.

">IVP Commentary on Luke 8


Links to Commentaries and other References - Luke

Bible Study Tools
Jesus Saves
How to Become a Christian

This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

April 3 Readings

CHECK OUT THIS SITE FOR LINKS TO ALL THE BLOGS I HAVE CREATED WITH PERSONAL COMMENTS, BIBLE COMMENTARIES AND BIBLE RESOURCES AND FREE BIBLE BOOKS AND SOFTWARE

The Back to the Bible OT and NT Together Reading Plan
Judges 19-21; Luke 7.31-50

Civil War with Benjamin
Judges 19-21
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: Judges 19; Judges 20; Judges 21; Luke 7;

Judges 19
A Levite had a concubine, but she was unfaithful to him. The concubine left him for four months. The Levite wanted to be reconciled with her, he went to his father-in-law's house. The father-in-law persauded him to stay for three days, and persauded him to stay a couple more days. When they were on their way to Gibeah, they stayed at an old man's house. The old man showed them hospitality. The Benjaminites wanted to cause trouble and some of the evil men there said that the Levite should come out, they wanted to have sex with him. The old man said that the men could have his virgin daughter and the concubine. Does this remind you of the angels staying at Lot's house? The men raped the concubine and she died some time after that. The Levite was so angry that when he got home he cut up his concubine in twelve parts and sent it to the twelve tribes.

Judges 20
The Levite told the Israelites what happened and they decided to punish the inhabitants of Gibeah. Civil war was decalared. Eventually the Israelites won after being defeated twice from the Benjaminites. The details are in the chapter. The Benjamites did not repent of their sins to God or tried to reconcile themselves with their fello Israelites. Consequently, they lost twenty-five thousand swordsmen on that day.




Judges 21
The Israelites realized that the tribe of Benjamin was about to be extinct not only because of the many Benjaminites lost during the civil war but also the rash vow that they made 'Not one of us will give his daughter in marriage to a Benjaminite.' The leaders of Israel became peacemaker and the tribes worked together on solving this problem to avoid Benjamin from becoming extinct. Israel had vowed not to give Benjamin wives, but they dis not object if the men from Benjamin went out and took wives 21.16-14).

Finally, to summarize what was happening n Israel, 'In those days Israel had no king, everyone did as he saw fit.'

What do we learn from the today's reading Again, sin is like yeast, a little of it makes the dough rises. The easy way to solve things may be the hardest way. The Benjaminites could have repented and tried to solve the conflict before it happened. Did you know that King Saul and the Apostle Paul came from the tribe of Benjamin. God had to ensure that the tribe of Benjamin would be around despite the mess that the Benjaminites got themselves into. It is wasier for us to do things man's way instead of God's way, when we do that we pay a heavy price.



Pett on The Levite and His Concubine
Judges 19, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Judges 20, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Judges 21, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Division of the Land
Tribal Lands

Links to Commentaries and other References - Judges


Luke 7.31-50 with Commentaries, verse by verse
In this account Luke 7.37-39; Matthew 26.6-13; Mark 14.3-9; John 12.1-8, a Pharisee invited to Jesus have dinner with him. A woman, who lived a sinful life, probably a prostitute, came into the Pharisee's house, bringing an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume. She wet His feet with her tears and wiped His feet with her hair, kissed them and pooured perfume on them. The Pharisee who had invited Jesus, said to himself, if he was a prophet , he would know this woman was a prostitute. Jesus told the Pharisee, the parable of two men owing money to this money lender Luke 7.41-42; Matthew 18.23-24
. Which one would show him more gratitute if his debt was forgiven, The Pharisee said that the one who had the bigger debt canceled. Jesus then compared this woman to the Pharisee, that since she had more sins (debts) which were forgiven, she was the one who showed the most gratitude to Jesus


Luke 7-8.3 IVP Commentary

Links to Commentaries and other References - Luke

Bible Study Tools
Jesus Saves
How to Become a Christian

This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.