Bible Reading - April 2 to April 8
There is a phrase that just seems to repeat and repeat itself so far in Judges. “Again the people of Israel did what the LORD said was wrong” Every time we read that phrase the next verses show who the LORD allows to defeat and rule over Israel. Israel repents of her wickedness and then you read about the variety of judges that free Israel. There was Ehud, who killed Eglon, King of Moab by stabbing a sword so deep into him (Eglon was very fat) that he couldn’t get the sword back out. Shamgar, who killed 600 Philistines with a sharp stick used to guide oxen. Deborah, the female judge. Gideon, who put a fleece before the LORD - two times! - just to be sure that he was hearing God right, then defeated the Midianites with just 300 men. And then one of the most heartbreaking stories in the Bible, Jehpthah, who, in his overbearing pride, sacrificed his only child to God. After each of these judges defeats Israel’s enemies, there is peace in Israel. But when the judge dies - Israel goes right back to her idol-worshiping ways. Sometimes I wonder why Father didn’t just give up on them and just let them go. But I am glad He didn’t - because it means that He won’t give up on me and just let me go!
We read one of my favorite chapter’s in the Bible this past week. Corinthians 13 - the love chapter. I love the way it starts out “And now I will show you the best way of all.....” And that best way is to have every action and thought motivated by love of God and love of others. I call this chapter my life’s measuring stick because I use it to determine both the motives of what I do, and the quality of how I do it. It the motive is not love - if it is ego-driven- or self-interest driven - then I am nothing but a clanging bell. And if the love with which I do something is not pure, and unselfish - then again, I am wasting my time.
This week we finish Judges, read all of Ruth (I love Ruth!) And get into 1 Samuel. In the newer testament we stay in 2 Corinthians all this week - then into Matthew next week.
Sonday, April 2........Judges 13-16, 2 Cor 2
Monday, April 3........Judges 17-18, Psalm 89, e-Bible Reading2 Cor 3
Tuesday, April 4.......Judges 19-21, 2 Cor. 4
Wednesday, April 5.....Ruth 1-2, Psalm 53 & 61, 2 Cor 5
Thursday, April 6......Ruth 3-4; Psalm 64-65, 2 Cor 6
Friday, April 7........1 Samuel 1-2, Psalm 66; 2 Cor 7
Saturday, April 8......1 Samuel 3-5, Psalm 77, 2 Cor. 8
Posted by Valerie at April 2, 2006 02:58 PM