Old Testament reading: Psalm 24-27

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). What a beautiful expression of faith is this! Would to God that every believer should have the same confidence in God. David’s confidence and lack of fear were based in his faith in God and His divine protection and provision (v 2). The Hebrews writer referenced this very text while seeking to instill the same confidence in those who would soon shed their blood for their faith (Heb 12:4), saying, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (13:6). Finally, Jesus taught the same in Matthew 10:27-31. This context is often ignored in favor of citing verse 28, but such misses the point of Jesus’ statement. Our Lord commanded His disciples to proclaim His word from the rooftops, not fearing the repercussions of man, but rather in the fear of God. However, this fear is not rooted in terror of being struck down by God. Rather, this fear is grounded in the loving care and provision of God, who does not let a single, seemingly insignificant sparrow fall to the ground apart from His notice, and Who also knows us so well so as to know the number of hairs on our heads.

New Testament reading: Luke 10-11

“But whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house” (Luke 10:5). We should purpose and pray for God’s peace to take up residence in every house, for the home is the foundation of society. No nation can long prosper when its foundation is breached and broken. When God’s peace resides in our homes, our homes become a little slice of heaven, providing light and refuge in a world filled with darkness and turmoil.  When a home is saturated with God’s peace, we can see at work the provision of God, the love of Christ and the unity of the Spirit. Peaceful homes produce pleasant children and productive members of society. What a tragedy it is to know how many millions of children are surrounded by turmoil and discord in their homes. Where will these find respite? Where will they find peace? Where will these find the love of God? Christian parents should always be mindful to maintain their homes as a place of peace and tranquility.

Old Testament reading: Psalm 19-23

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). The consistency of the created order speaks to every person on earth. From the time God created all things, man has been able to see God’s hand in nature. Everywhere one may go, he sees the evidence of God’s unimaginable power and intelligence. Across the globe, humanity naturally recognizes that a superior mind and power indeed exists, for the earth and all the things in it are insufficient to explain their own existence. Even those who neither know nor believe in the God revealed in the Bible still know that man is insufficient to explain the existence of the creation. Thus, they worship a host of gods, knowing in their hearts that some higher power exists. Psalm 19 also contains an interesting statement in verse 13: “Keep back your servant from presumptuous sins.” Any time man assumes to act on God’s behalf or offer worship to God that He has not commanded, it is the height of presumption. Who are we to assume what pleases God apart from doing what He has said? We are not at liberty to do what pleases us and validate the same by attaching God’s name to it.

New Testament reading: Luke 8-9

Luke 9 begins with the empowering of the twelve to cast out all demons and heal every disease. Matthew 10 includes the power to raise the dead (v 8). This necessarily includes Judas Iscariot, whom Jesus later described as being given to Him by His Father but later was lost (John 17:12). Judas presents a conundrum for those who embrace and teach the error of the impossibility of apostasy. If this doctrine, also known as “once saved, always saved” is true, and that any who fall away “were never saved to begin with,” then Jesus empowered a lost man to work miracles in His name and preach the gospel of the kingdom of God. On the other hand, if Judas was indeed saved, then a man may be saved even after betraying the Lord and unrepentingly committing suicide. I don’t think anyone wants to take up this banner either. It is always much easier to believe the truth than to attempt to defend error.

Old Testament reading: Psalm 14-18

“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” Not, “The fool has proven…” Not, “The fool has demonstrated…”  But, “The fool has SAID…”  Saying something is true proves nothing. While the infidel may believe what he professes, he can never with any degree of certainty prove it to be true. I believe in God because all the evidence points to Him. The existence of the world is insufficient to explain its origin. The truth of David’s words is seen in this statement by George Wald, professor of Biology at Harvard, “The reasonable view was to believe in spontaneous generation; the only alternative, to believe in a single, primary act of supernatural creation. There is no third position. For this reason many scientists a century ago chose to regard the belief in spontaneous generation as a “philosophical necessity.” It is a symptom of the philosophical poverty of our time that this necessity is no longer appreciated… One has only to contemplate the magnitude of this task to concede that the spontaneous generation of a living organism is impossible. Yet here we are as a result, I believe, of spontaneous generation” (“The Origin of Life”, Scientific American, August 1954  p.46). So we see this Nobel Prize winner admitting that he believes what he knows with absolute certainty to be impossible! How scholarly!

New Testament reading: Luke 6-7

“Among those born of women there has not arisen a greater prophet than John the Baptist, but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” John was forerunner of Jesus. As a forerunner, he would have not only taught and prepared the people for Jesus’ coming, but he would have also pictured the character and integrity of Jesus. In this respect, John had no equal (the Lord excepted). But what a great blessing and privilege it is to be a member of the kingdom of God (the church – Matt 16:16-18). As dying prior to the establishment of the church, John never enjoyed membership in the kingdom. Contrariwise, all Christians have been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God’s dear Son (Col 1:13). This citizenship must be appreciated and protected at all costs. “Hold fast what you have until I come” (Rev 2:25).

Old Testament reading: Psalm 8-13

“What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You visit him?” These are the beautiful words of Psalm 8:4. In these questions are the affirmations and declarations that man is ever in the mind of God. Moreover, being in His mind, man is cared for by His Creator. Contrary to deism, the erroneous idea of a distant and impersonal God, David unashamedly and thankfully affirms God’s love and provision for humanity. Also, we are reminded that man is the highest of God’s earthly creation. He has given man dominion over all that has been created. David notes that all animals, those on land and sea, are under man’s dominion. Man and animals are not equals at any level or in any sense of the word. Man thus has the responsibility to be a good steward of what has been placed under his hand. Because all creatures were created for man, his dominion and stewardship would include using animals for food, clothing, domestication, and labor.

New Testament reading: Luke 4-5

“So when they brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.” And so we are also called to follow Jesus today. An interesting thought to consider is the Divine provision seen here with the incredible catch of fish. In Matthew’s account, we see that James and John were fisherman and worked for their father. Losing his two sons would have created a hardship on Zebedee, but Jesus smoothed the transition by giving Zebedee a catch of fish beyond his wildest dreams. The fact that they were all astonished by their catch implies that they had never witnessed or experienced a catch anywhere close to the one they had just brought in. Luke also notes that Simon and Andrew were partners with Zebedee (5:10). Such a haul would have given Zebedee a financial windfall to cover the time needed to replace his sons and his partners in his fishing business. Another thought to consider is that Zebedee was greatly inconvenienced by his sons’ and partners’ decision to follow Jesus. We can discourage young men and women from serving the Lord, citing the instability of ministry or the inconvenience that missions place on a family. Thank God that Zebedee let his sons follow Jesus!

Old Testament reading: Psalm 1-7

Today begins our journey through the Jewish book of songs. Unlike the songs of men today (e.g., Amazing Grace, How Deep the Father’s Love) which are not inspired, the Psalms are divinely given. More than simply songs of praise, these inspired hymns also gave the worshipers hope in the Messiah to come (Psalm 2). Jesus Himself spoke to this in Luke 24:44, “All things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me” (cf Psalm 110:1, Luke 20:41-44). Psalm 1 sets the tone for this great book, giving a description of the blessed man. First, the text describes him by what he disdains, namely, the company of the ungodly (v 1). Second, he is described by his delight, “the law of the Lord” (v 2a). Third, he is described by his determination, meditating on the law of the Lord day and night (v 2b). Finally, verses 3-6 mark the distinct outcomes between the blessed life of God’s man and the curse of the ungodly.

New Testament reading: Luke 2-3

“There’s so much more to tell, but we just don’t have the time.” Luke 2-3 contains most of what we know about Jesus’ childhood. Luke makes no mention of the magi, the slaughter of the innocents, or the family’s flight to Egypt (Matthew 2), but of the things concerning the child Jesus Himself, Luke gives us a picture of the faithfulness of Jesus’ parents and the early stages of Jesus’ recognition of His uniqueness. “My Father’s business” was neither a reference to Joseph nor to carpentry! While we would love to read and know more of Jesus and his childhood, this will have to suffice us on this side of eternity. We must move on to the more important matter of the ministry of Jesus. One more note before we move on… Twice in our reading Luke make the following statement concerning the events surrounding Jesus – “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart” (2:19, cf 2:51). What a marvelous testimony to motherhood! I cannot tell you how many precious moments I have forgotten while my children were living at home but have been kept in the heart of my wife. These memories would prove invaluable for Mary as Jesus entered His public ministry and endured the death of the cross.

Old Testament reading: Job 40-42

I am glad this text comes at Day 200, as I hope that after such a length of time that I have earned some degree of your confidence. Contrary to what we were taught in school and what is commonly believed among most people today, I believe dinosaurs and man lived at the same time. I don’t see how anyone can read Job 40 alongside the Creation account of Genesis 1-2 and arrive at any other conclusion. The description of the behemoth in Job 40:13-24 fits that of a dinosaur, perhaps an Apatosaurus. It cannot, as some Bible margin notes imply, describe a hippo or an elephant. The vivid description of the tail being moved like a cedar precludes any identification with the elephant or hippo. Moreover, I believe in dragons. Not that they actually exist today, but that some type of fire-breathing creature did indeed exist at some time. Read the account of the Leviathan in Job 41. There is no other creature fitting this description other than what we know as a dragon. By the way, did you know that dragon “legends” are found in most civilizations around the world? And that the description of these creatures is consistent across the globe? How can this be if dragons are nothing more than a myth?

New Testament reading: Luke 1

Luke’s gospel account might be described as a letter to a friend of God. Like other New Testament books (Timothy, Titus, Philemon, 3 John), Luke’s gospel account is written to a single individual, in this case, Theophilus, whose name is a compound of Theo (God) + philos (friend). Whether this be his given name and he lived up to it, or a nickname given by reason of the life he lived (e.g., Barnabas – Acts 4:36), this is certainly a most noble identifier. It calls to remembrance James 2:23, wherein Abraham is called a friend (philos) of God (Theos). Whereas John’s gospel was written to create faith in men that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (John 20:30), Luke’s gospel was not written to convert Theophilus. Rather Luke wrote to confirm and reaffirm in Theophilus’ own mind the things in which he had formerly been instructed.

Old Testament reading: Job 38-39

Uh oh. The Voice that Job has demanded to hear, and the Voice that Bildad, Eliphaz, and Zophar have represented as their own, is about to be heard. This is not going to be good. Out of a whirlwind, the Lord exhorts Job to stand and answer for himself like a man. What follows is a litany of questions beginning with, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?” It doesn’t get any better or easier from there: “Who determined its measurements? Surely you know!” To say the Lord puts Job in his place with His line of questioning is an understatement. Point of interest, these questions are not designed to show man’s lack of knowledge as much as his insignificance in light of God’s knowledge and power. God here reminds Job that He created all things and exercises absolute authority over all things guided by His own infinite and perfect wisdom.

New Testament reading: Mark 15-16

“You shall not follow a crowd to do evil” (Exodus 23:2). We would also do well to accompany this statement with these words from the Lord, “Woe to you when all men speak well of you” (Luke 6:26). Pilate clearly understood the motive of Jesus’ accusers (15:10). However, “wanting to gratify the crowd,” he made the decision to condemn to death a man he knew was innocent. In our American way of thinking, we are often convinced that what the majority wants should win the day. However, throughout our history, we find that the majority is often wrong, very wrong. This was also true in the early days of the church, and has continued even into modern times. For example, attitudes toward and demands upon the Gentiles were problematic from the earliest days of the church. See Galatians 2. This was wrong. More recently, beginning from the earliest days of the American Restoration Movement and continuing throughout the 20^th century, many in the church supported segregation and other prejudices towards blacks and other minorities. This was also wrong. Let us commit ourselves to the support and practice of righteousness regardless of how many agree or practice the same. As Paul said to the Galatians, ‘If I try to please men, I cannot be the servant of Christ’ (1:10).

Old Testament reading: Job 35-37

Elihu concludes what is the longest uninterrupted homily in the book, equaled in length only by Job’s final defense immediately preceding. Elihu’s scathing rebuke of self-righteousness ought to give us all a reason for pause and reflection, “If you are righteous, what do you give Him? Or what does He receive from your hand?” (35:7).  In other words, at my very best, even if I could achieve sinless perfection in my life, I still have nothing to offer God that He needs, nothing of any value whatsoever! I love Elihu’s opening line in chapter 36 – “Bear with me a little, and I will show you that there are yet words to speak on God’s behalf” (v 2). What a gem is this man! Indeed, there were many words left to speak on God’s behalf. The other three had been speaking for Him for quite some time, yet not one of them had spoken accurately. Thus, Elihu continued, “I will fetch my knowledge from afar; I will ascribe righteousness to my Maker. For truly my words are not false; one who is perfect in knowledge is with you” (vv 3-4).

New Testament reading: Mark 13-14

“She has done this for my burial.” So said our Lord when the woman broke the alabaster flask to pour out its costly contents on His head. Hers was a great personal sacrifice and one that went mostly unappreciated except by the one who received it. As this unnamed saint, like the poor widow of chapter 12, was willing to give all to serve God, so must we also be so willing. Important times, tasks, and events call for great sacrifice. Husbands and wives must be willing to break the alabaster flask if they would truly serve one another in marriage as one flesh. Parents must break the alabaster box in their homes if they would raise our children in the nurture and admonition of Lord. We must break the alabaster flask when the needs of our brethren or community are great. Remember, it all belongs to the Lord. I am only a steward of that which God has entrusted me. And as a steward, I am required to be found faithful (cf 1 Cor 4:2).

Old Testament reading: Job 32-34

You don’t get to be old by being a fool. On the other hand, “Great men are not always wise, nor do the aged always understand justice” (Job 32:9). With this latter phrase we are introduced to Elihu, a new character in this great discourse. Wearied with the baseless accusations of Job’s companions and Job’s own self justification, Elihu can no longer hold his peace. But before he speaks his piece, he assures Job’s companions that he has listened carefully to them all, declaring, “Surely not one of you convinced Job or answered his words.”  Elihu begins his rebuke of Job by noting he has surely heard Job’s words with his own hearing, and accurately represents Job’s complaint. What follows in this and the following four chapters is a beautiful declaration of God’s justice and a condemnation of self-righteousness. Elihu’s rhetorical inquiry, “Who gave Him charge over the earth? Or who appointed Him over the world?” (34:13) exalts God as answering to nothing in heaven and certainly not on earth. Verses 14-15 continue with this exaltation of God’s majestic power and provision. To paraphrase, ‘If God were to inhale and withhold His breath, everything on earth would die and return to dust.’

New Testament reading: Mark 11-12

Don’t let Jesus find you guilty of “false advertising.” This is the message behind the cursed fig tree. The fig tree is an interesting plant insofar as it sets its fruit before putting on foliage. The text is clear that “it was not the season for figs” (11:13). However, the fig tree advertised itself as having figs because it had put on its foliage. Fig trees are well known for setting fruit as the leaves begin to spring forth. Thus, seeing the leaves, Jesus expected to find figs on the tree. Finding none, He cursed the tree, which immediately began to wither from the roots. The lesson for us is clear, being a Christian is more than just showing off our leaves, there has to be fruit too! If Jesus returns and finds us fruitless, we too shall fall under His curse.

(For more information on the fig tree, please see this article, www.apologeticspress.org/apcontent.aspx?category=11&article=1956.)

Old Testament reading: Job 30-31

Job 30-31 conclude Job’s final defense against the attacks of his three companions. Those who once waited on Job’s counsel and delighted in his approval (29:21-25) now mock him, even among the younger generation (30:1). Disrespect for those older was a grievous sin in those days; Oh, that those days would return! (cf Lev 19:32, Isa 3:5). They go so far as to sing songs of derision using Job’s name (30:9) and unhesitatingly spit in his face (30:10). This latter insult is considered the most despicable even to this day. In chapter 31 Job declares his righteousness regarding lust (vv 1-12), integrity with reference to the poor, the fatherless and the widow (vv 13-23), covetousness (vv 24-28), and even his integrity and righteousness in dealing with his enemies (vv 29-30). Job went so far as to say that no sojourner ever had to sleep in the streets, as he opened his doors to all travelers (v 32). Finally, Job makes a statement he will soon regret, namely that the Almighty would answer him. That answer will come soon enough, and Job will discover he’s not as prepared as he thinks to converse with the God of heaven.

New Testament reading: Mark 9-10

Mark 9:14-29 presents a tremendous difficulty for those who attempt to explain the failures of modern day faith healers. The usual excuse is that the individual who desires healing lacks sufficient faith to be healed. This, despite the fact that those who desire to be healed often express their faith by traveling great distances, and with great difficulty no less, to present themselves to these healers. However, in this inspired account of a healing failure, the problem lay with the healers, not the sick. Moreover, these were men who were accustomed to healing the sick and were well know for their abilities. No sick or disabled person was ever blamed or accused of having a lack of faith to be healed in the New Testament. The truth is, modern day healers fail because they do not possess the ability to heal. All such miraculous abilities died shortly after the days of the apostles (Acts 8:14-20) and the completion of the New Testament (1 Cor 13:10, 2 Tim 3:16-17).