March 7

March 7
One Year Bible Readings:
Numbers 8:1-9:23
Mark 13:14-37
Psalm 50:1-23
Proverbs 10:29-30
Supplemental Reading for The One Year Bible.
The following are excerpts from Mike’s One Year Bible Blog.

Numbers:
Today in Numbers chapter 8 we read about the dedication of the Levites and in Numbers chapter 9 we read about the Second Passover. In chapter 9 we read about the fiery cloud over the tabernacle! Verses 22 & 23 stood out to me in today's readings: "Whether the cloud stayed above the Tabernacle for two days, a month, or a year, the people of Israel stayed in camp and did not move on. But as soon as it lifted, they broke camp and moved on. So they camped or traveled at the LORD's command, and they did whatever the LORD told them through Moses."

Mark:
In Mark chapter 13 today we read about the signs of the end of the age. For me personally, Jesus’ words in verses 32 & 33 have always been so powerful when it comes to end-times considerations – “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” I think this teaching from Jesus is so important for each of us to keep in mind. No one knows the day or the hour of the end of times. Only God the Father. I have some friends who are very into speculating and discussing end-times prophecies and events. For me personally, these verses above make me realize that we truly do not know when the end of time will come – but, yes, we know it will come. And therefore I believe we should live every day loving God and loving people around us – and not get so focused on speculation of end times that we forget about these 2 great commandments. . . :) My other thought on these verses is this – not only do we not know when the end of the age will come, but we do not know when the end of each of our lives will come. Hopefully we will live long lives. But it’s not guaranteed. You know how life is – there is cancer and there are accidents and the list could go on. So, I guess I’d recommend this – don’t worry about when the end of the age will be. Don’t worry about when the end of your life will be. Instead, be on guard and be alert each and every day to make sure you are loving God and loving people – as if each day might be your last day. I am reminded of something I read on another Christian blog recently and it really did make me think. Here’s how this blog put it, and I think this relates well to these Mark verses – “Breaking News: mortality rate is STILL 100%! You are not guaranteed all the days you believe you have coming to you. What would you do differently if today was your last day alive?”
Q: Powerful question for each of us to consider, no? What would you do differently if today was your last day alive?

Psalm:
Psalm 50 verses 14 & 15 are beautiful words from God to Israel - "What I want instead is your true thanks to God; I want you to fulfill your vows to the Most High. Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory."
Q: Do you believe these words can apply to us today as well? Are you giving true thanks to God each day? Are you trusting in God in your times of trouble? Are you giving God glory for all that he has done for you? How often do you say "thank you" to God?

Proverbs:
Proverbs chapter 10 verse 29 teaches us today: "The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous." This is a great teaching that those who trust in God are covered with a hedge of protection. Thank God for this protection! I know I need it. And I believe that God oftentimes protects us in ways that we do not even consciously realize... As we pray in the Lord's prayer - "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." Amen.
Q: How is God your refuge?

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