Day 547- Luke 11:14-54 & Proverbs 22:1-16

 Julie

Jesus is telling people that they are not good people and it's across the board that he is saying this. He is trying to warn them that they will do evil things to others and they are not following the will of God as they are supposed to. Their (especially the Pharisees and holy men) egos are so big that they cannot see that he is trying to help them to see the error of their ways and instead they are trying to catch Jesus doing something wrong. It's so sad that this kind of thing continues over and over and over and we are still dealing with this today.

I feel like this one is telling us to give to those in need and if we covet our money then we are not Godly people and will lose it all in the end. 

Michelle

I am catching up today.  It's been a hectic few weeks and being at camp last week really messed up my life in so many areas.  I am going to see how far I can get.  I am starting to feel a little lost and not keeping up with this study may be why.

Still working on catching up.  While I was reading today's passage, it kept coming to mind that we are always asking for signs from God.  In the reading they are asking for signs, and it seems that Jesus rebukes them and it just made me think, why are we always doing that.  Yes, we ask for God to be shown to us, but it seems we are always asking for a sign for something.  I can't deny, I have done this exact thing and I was given a sign, or what I took to be a sign.  I think sometimes God shows himself to us even when we are not asking, yet we just don't see it cuz we are not really looking or paying attention.

I agree this is speaking about being generous and how that will show you blessing.  Something else that stood out was speaking with grace and disciplining your child.

Day 546 - Luke 9:51 - 11:13 & Proverbs 21

 Julie

Some of these readings cover so much that it can be hard to summarize it all or pick out something that stands out more than others. 
I like the story of the good samaritan. The first two in the story should have been the expected ones to help because in that society they were considered to be better than the Samarians. However, the Samarian is the one that shows kindness and compassion to a stranger. We see this so much where the most unlikely person is the one that is better than the others. I hope that I can be this kind to someone no matter who they are. I will say that living in this area I really do have to change the way I view people because some of the kindest people I have met are also some of the roughest. I am not sure how to explain that well, they are poor, or on drugs or were on drugs or have been in jail...here is a place where God can teach someone real compassion for others.

More words of wisdom for how to find our righteousness.

Michelle

I read to far on yesterday's reading.  It's interesting that you took that out from the reading.  Your environment does seem to have alot to do with your state of mind and how we look at things and people.  Being there has given you the quiet you needed to alter perspective in some ways probably.  I don't recall the story of the seventy-two in the first two books.  Bur he was sending them out to find those that believe and open their doors to them.  The others are mostly repeats of the previous stories told.  The one about prayer stood out to me.  I don't pray this exact prayer anymore, but I wonder if this should be in our daily prayers.  It is relevant to each day really.  The version in my bible leaves out some of the verses that we were taught growing up.  It says in the footnote that different versions of manuscripts have the added verses.  The devotional with this one talks about being too busy and how we get lost in the day-to-day things of life.  That we must remember to that even in this lifetime it won't be enough time to know God, but that the smallest efforts will be rewarded and that we need to keep at it daily.

The wife verses are standing out again in this reading.  This happened before too.  Makes me wonder if I am not doing my duty as a wife and that is why I don't feel like I am getting what I need in return.  I often feel less than adequate as a wife and mother.  I am a better mother than a wife though, I think.  Although I wonder if my husband feels the same way, cuz I am not sure I live up to his expectations most of the time.  It gets tiring though.  

Day 545 - Luke 9:1-50 & Proverbs 20

 Julie

Luke is giving his own accounting of Jesus foretelling his death and resurrection. They are learning lessons of humility as Jesus uses children to show them that the lesser of them is sometimes the greatest.

This reading seemed to cover a lot of different ground. Not to repay evil with evil we need to allow God to handle those things. The Lord helps those that want help and those that walk with the Lord are righteous.

Michelle

Some of these stories are repeats from before.  Jesus tells of his death a couple of times and feeds the masses.  I don't quite understand the transfiguration.  I think I may have said this before.  The part that stands out to me the most is the end of the chapter speaking about the cost of following Jesus.  It sounds like they all want to get their affairs in order before going on with him, yet he basically says, leave it all behind with no explanation and follow me.  I am not sure if I am interpreting that correctly, but that is what it seems to say.  

The devotional with this one does talk about not getting revenge and leaving it all to God instead.  Makes alot of sense.  The verse that stood out to me is, "The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out".  

Day 544 - Luke 8 & Proverbs 19

 Julie

So we have heard all of these stories before as well and there doesn't seem to be much difference in Luke's telling of them in comparison with the others. The one difference with look is that he seems to be the first to mention the women that accompanied them on their journey. He doesn't go into great detail about them or about how they came to be, but he does include them. The constant theme in most of what is discussed in these particular stories is do not fear, have faith and trust in God.

More words of wisdom and ways we can stay righteous in God. This chapter seems to have a mixture of different ways to do that.

Michelle

These are all stories we have heard before and I didn't realize about the women but thinking back you are right.  I don't believe the others mentioned them.  The overall theme is having faith and trust in God, as you say.  

There is alot in this reading.  It does all have to do with wisdom and ways to be righteous in God's eyes.  But I think some of these are more than that.  Some of them come down to behavior in relation to others in general.  

Day 543 - Luke 7 & Proverbs 18

 Julie

Jesus is trying to show people that it doesn't matter how big your sins are, if you ask for forgiveness and show humbleness and trust in him that they will be forgiven. Being a holy man or someone that sees themselves as perfect doesn't get them there. He tried explaining this in so many ways, but those that saw themselves as better than others could not see the truth.

We should not isolate ourselves and we should be asking for the wisdom and knowledge of God in making decisions. 

Michelle

I am trying to understand the faith of the Centurion.  I don't quite understand how him telling not to come to his house shows his faith.  Scratching my head on that one.  The remainder is as you say.  He seems to be showing people that they need to be humble and trust in him.  While I was reading this section, it made me think about the Pharisees and elder leaders were probably questioning why he didn't heal more people or raise more from the dead.  It seems he is picking and choosing, but there must be some intention around it and those in power could have used that as a reason for eventually sending him to his death.  He didn't bow down to their demands and requests to do more and used those he did help to do greater things.  

This one is still talking about words and how our tongue has the power of life and death.  There is more to it though, as it speaks about mouths of fools and listening.

Day 542 - Luke 6:12-49 & Proverbs 17

 Julie

We are gaining great insight and helpful lessons through this reading. This one covered a lot of ground. I think that this is the first time that we see the Beatitudes and God telling us that we should be humble and know that even in times of trouble we will overcome them. One of the most important rules/commandments it he Bible is to love your neighbor as yourself. He tells us that if we love those that are difficult to love that shows our compassion and forgiveness that He provides to us. We should not judge others because we are likely guilty of the same thing or we are forgetting that we are just as human and make mistakes. We should also treat others as we would want to be treated. We are not blessed for treating those that we like and have no problems with grace, but for those that we struggle with.

This is telling us to have wisdom in the words we speak and in how we speak. 

Michelle

I think you said this perfectly.  It's just what I was thinking as I read it.  The devotional with this section talks about having a solid foundation.  It likens our spiritual foundation to that of a building with a rock-solid foundation.  That if we have a solid foundation in God and his word, we will be able to withstand anything that comes at us.  The last paragraph sums it up in much the same way as you did.  "Love your enemies and be good to them.  Exchange kindness for anger, silence for gossip, a sweet spirit for bitterness.  Don't judge others but accept them as God has accepted you.  Forgive, because you have been forgiven.  Be generous, and generosity will come back to you when you most need it.  Be more concerned with your own purity than about the purity of others.  Care about the goodness of your heart because your words will reveal, no matter how good of an actress you are, what's really inside.  The rock-solid foundation isn't an abstract notion.  The "rocks," ironically, are a soft heart and a gentle spirit.  And those can only come from...Jesus Christ."  

This one does seem to be about watching what you say and foolish behaviors and words.

Day 541 - Luke 5 - 6:11 & Proverbs 16

 Julie

I guess I hadn't realized until now just how repetitive these first few books are, but at the same time some are also giving more detail than others. You would think that it would be seen by unbelievers that when you have all these accounts that are telling of the same things that there must be some truth to all of this. The one thing that stands out different from the others in this one is where Jesus tells them that they will now be fishers of men. 

All of these proverbs that we have been reading recently are talking about how we can be righteous and I know I have mentioned this before but they all seem to say that those that are slow to anger are better than the mighty. They don't all say it exactly that way, but they all do talk about our ability to be slow to anger and the importance of it.

Michelle

That's true.  You would think that various people giving the same account would cause people to stop and think maybe this is an accurate depiction of events.  One of the things that always stands out in the fisherman story, is that they all left everything behind to follow Jesus.  Not many people would do that today.  It took alot of faith, and some things being shown to them, in order to get them there.  

This one feels like it has alot of different things to teach you, however, you are right that they all share a common theme.  

Day 540 - Luke 4:14-44 & Proverbs 15:30-33

 Julie

Luke is telling his version of when Jesus begins his teaching and recounts the stories of Jesus healing people and removing demons.

We should listen and fear God so that we will work harder at staying righteous in him.

Michelle

I don't understand why Jesus gets rejected in this reading.  But the rest is another account of Jesus healing and removing demons from many people.

This seems to be about discipline and accepting correction and that wisdom is gained from fearing the Lord.

Day 539 - Luke 3 - 4:13 & Proverbs 15:1-29

 Julie

John the Baptist begins baptizing people and telling them how to be better people. It's too bad that they all did not follow what she said. He also tells them that he is not the Messiah and explains that Christ will be coming soon and will save them and baptize them in the Holy Spirit. Jesus is also tempted by the devil and shows us how we can use the Words of God to stay righteous. We just have to stay strong and trust in God.

We are still learning that the righteous gain the favor of God.

Michelle

It was interesting that the people in different professions were coming to John asking what they should do, and he was really telling them to be content in what they have and to share whatever extra they have with those that don't.  Also, not to be greedy or ruthless and to not extort money from others in their positions of power.  It is sad that they did not listen.  He baptizes Jesus in this chapter as well.  And when he does, the sky opens up and it says the Holy Spirit descended on him.  What a sight to see that would have been.  It also goes through the line of Jesus to God, and you see all the names of those we have read about, and some I don't recall.  As Jesus is tempted by the devil, he does use what we know as scripture to ward him off.  I think you are right that it's showing us how to use the Word of God to remain righteous in the midst of our trials.  

Day 538 - Luke 2 & Proverbs 14

 Julie

This one tells of the birth of Jesus. 

This proverb seems to deal quite a bit with anger and how we treat others. The one verse that really stood out was, "Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly." 

Michelle

This is the story of Jesus.  It does give a glimpse of him at the age of twelve, but aside from that it is basically his dedication at birth, being presented in the temple and then at the end says, "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man".  There is a verse that stands out in this chapter for some reason, and I can't figure out what it is trying to say.  "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."  "But his mother treasured all these things in her heart."  

I was thinking the same.  It seems about being wise and foolish in our interactions with others.  There are 2 that stand out for me.  "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."  "Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress and for their children it will be a refuge."

Day 537 - Luke 1 & Proverbs 13

 Julie

The Bible can be a very confusing book because nothing is put together in chronological order. This is talking about the birth of John the Baptist and of Jesus. If I remember correctly, this is one of two times that Gabriel's name is written in the Bible. I know that it is very few times that angels are mentioned by name. Could you imagine being John the Baptist and being so devoted that you died for your beliefs?

If I recall the first time we wrote about these I felt like there was little to say. It's more ways to righteousness and more on how we can do wrong. This one again, ends on a solid note, "The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked suffers want." If we are righteous and ask God he will provide all that we need.

Michelle

My bible starts by telling us that Luke is a physician and missionary and that he meticulously researched the details for his book by talking with people who had known Jesus well.  It also says that he is the one who wrote Acts.  It also says this was written to Theophilus (not sure who this is) but intended for all believers.

It's interesting that we hear of the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus and then what they did in adult life.  At the end of this chapter about John it says, "And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel".  I wonder why we don't hear about any of their growing up times.  And it's interesting that it says he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly.  So, it was prophesied about John and Jesus, yet it seems that John grew up in seclusion, or at least that is what it sounds like.  It also says this is the only time that you hear about Mary's song.

This seems more about right verses wrong behaviors and actions and the consequences of each.

Day 536 - Proverbs 12

 Julie

This more of the ways that lead to righteousness and those that lead down the wrong path. The final verse is very telling, "In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death." If we are righteous we will have eternal life. I think that people get confused here because they think it means that the will live this physical life forever and that is not what God is saying. If we are righteous we will continue our lives in heaven...

Michelle

More about righteousness verses wickedness and evil.  I think you are right about people thinking it means they will live longer lives when it actually means life in heaven.

Day 535 - Proverbs 11

 Julie

More ways to live righteously from Solomon. I do want to be a righteous person...

Michelle

This does seem to be a Proverb about righteousness and tells of what will happen if you are evil or wicked.

Day 534 - Mark 16 & Proverbs 10

 Julie

Interesting...

So I was confused because the list said to only read through verse 8 but my Bible showed 20 verses. When I actually got to reading, at the end of verse 8 there is a disclaimer before verse 9 that says, "Some of the earliest manuscripts do not include 9-20." So I read the explanation and apparently they are unsure if these are actually words written by Mark as they were included much later. It is said to read them with caution however most of the verses can be read somewhere else in the NT so it's not like they are actually made up. 

Sometimes the Proverbs confuse me, and maybe that is not the right way to say it, I guess I don't always understand exactly where they are going with what they are saying. These proverbs I guess are explaining how to work in a righteous way.

Michelle

Ok...very interesting...

I have alot swimming about this passage.  First, it says that the women were told to go out and tell that Jesus had risen, but says they did not because they were too scared.  Then in the additional verses it says that Jesus chastised his disciples for not believing them.  So seems a bit contradictory there.  Although maybe I misunderstood.  What also stood out was the part about the snakes and poison and it made me think about all those religious people that handle snakes and claim to heal people.  I wonder if this is where that comes from.  In the foot notes of my bible there is an additional verse that says some manuscripts have it between 8 and 9 and others have it after 8 and omit the 9-20 verses.  It reads, "Then they quickly reported all these instructions to those around Peter.  After this, Jesus himself also sent out through them from east to west the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation.  Amen."  

Day 533 - Mark 15 & Proverbs 9

 Julie

The crucifixion of Jesus occurs. I have always wondered why they felt it necessary to treat him worse than anyone else that was being crucified. The devil was truly at work here. When I We read this or watch some of the depictions of this I am so in awe and that someone would endure all that pain for me. 

We need to have wisdom in how we do things and in who we choose to listen to...

Michelle

It is an awesome act that he gave his life and endured such pain for the people of the world.  It's interesting reading this today because I noticed that Pilate even tries to tell the people there was no evidence of wrong-doing and the people were being stirred up by the chief priests to get him killed.  I am always confused by the part when Jesus calls out asking why he has been forsaken by his father.  He knew what was coming, was he expecting to be saved from the cross?  He seemed to tell everyone what would happen so for some reason that part confuses me.

The verse that stands out says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding".  

Day 532 - Mark 14 & Proverbs 8

 julie

These are stories we have heard many times. Peter denies that he knows Jesus, they have the dinner with Jesus and Judas betrays Jesus. Jesus even tells them that they will do these things. I wonder if this is like in the OT where God would tell them that they would do the things that he didn't want them to do. Do you think that Jesus was hoping that Peter would have more faith and trust to be able to say, yes he knows Jesus and that by telling him that he would do this that he was giving him a chance to maybe not do it...

We are blessed with the wisdom of God if we ask for it and listen and trust.

Michelle

I wonder the same thing.  It seems he is telling some of them what is going to happen, as God has done in the past, and yet they still do exactly what he foretells, but it seems a chance for them to alter their behaviors or choices.

We should seek wisdom from God above all else.  Doing so will keep us on the righteous path.

Day 531 - Mark 12:41- 13:37 & Proverbs 7

 Julie

This one is talking about the return of Christ and the tribulations that we will be going through. It's confusing because they talk as if this is related to the resurrection, but I don't believe that is what they are talking about here. They are talking about what would be our "end times." The last part of this reading stands out because it is warning us that we need to pay attention and to be focused on  God and in his Word so that we will know when it happens.

Is this a warning to not be tempted by either a man or a woman to commit adultery? 

Michelle

I agree with you that we need to make sure we are paying attention and staying focused on God because if not we won't know when the time is coming.  Some of the things it talks about in this passage, seem related to things that have happened in history and today.  It makes you wonder how long of a time is the end times.  

I think yes, this is a warning against adultery and to also stay in the word of God.  

Day 530 - Mark 11:27 - 12:40 & Proverbs 6:20 - 35

 Julie

This doesn't really seem to say anything different that the account Matthew gave. Yes, we must pay taxes, yes, we need to love others. I get a little confused with the rules about the widow. However, reading it today I now see why some believe that we will not be married in heaven...at least I think that is what this is saying.

This continues with why you should not commit adultery and the consequences for doing so.

Michelle

It sounds like marriage will not be the most important factor once we are in heaven, but that you are then in the presence of God, so why is there worry about that.  They talk again about the most important commandments, which I never thought about this before, but when Moses brought those down, it never said anything about sacrificing to God on the commandments, so it seems that people are confused about what they should and should not be doing as some are just following the "traditions" that have been passed down thru the generations.  It also sounds like the "teachers of the law" are robbing the widows at the end of this passage, which is disturbing.

This continues about adultery and how to stay away from it, but also talks about being taught and disciplined by your parents and how you should remember those things when making decisions.

Day 529 - Mark 10:46 - 11:26 & Proverbs 5 - 6:19

 Julie

Jesus cleanses the temple and tells this that this should be a house of worship but they have perverted it and made it a den of thieves. However, this angers the priests and they are set on a path of trying to destroy him. He leaves us with some lessons in the final passages; if you ask for something in prayer believe that you will receive it, forgive others so that you can also be forgiven and have faith in God.

The first proverb is a long one telling why adultery is bad and how to refrain from it. The other part is a list of warnings some made sense...some not so much. They end this reading with six things that the Lord hates; lying, killing, being wicked, turning to evil, lying and causing drama with those around you. 

Michelle

It's interesting that the priests get upset about Jesus getting onto them for perverting the house of worship. It tells us what their true intentions were based on this.  I understood the same lessons you listed and the one that really stood out to me was that if we ask for something in prayer and truly believe we will receive it, it will be given to us.  Now in saying and believing this, we have to remember that it does not mean it will happen when we want it to, but in God's time.

Day 528 - Mark 9:30 - 10:45 & Proverbs 4

 Julie

Jesus is trying to tell the disciples about his coming death and resurrection, but they do not seem to want to understand and are afraid to ask him what he means. He is also explaining what makes us bound for heaven. He reminds the rich man that he must follow the commandments, but he also asks him to give up everything and follow him. I think that is one of the hardest things for people to do is to give up what they have to do something God is asking. The is a fear in the unknown instead of trusting that all will be ok. He also reminds us that we need to let go of the things that cause us to sin.

This proverb seems to fit with part of what Jesus was talking about above in that we need to follow the path of righteousness and stay on the straight and narrow. We need to remove ourselves from sin.

Michelle

What stood out to me in this reading is when Jesus says we should receive God like children.  I know it's not said that way but that is what it sounds like to me.  We should be like children and receive God openly and without hesitation.  The devotional, coincidentally, is about these very verses.  It says, "the kingdom of God belongs to people with childlike faith".  

The end of this proverb tells us how we are to maintain righteousness on our path and how to follow along according to God's command in all things.  

Day 527 - Mark 8:22 - 9:29 & Proverbs 3

 Julie

I don't see anything that stands out here that is different or more thought provoking than in Matthew. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. This verse is very telling and really if we look at Peter talking to Jesus in the verses above when Jesus is telling them about his death and Peter rebuking that is basically what he is telling Peter. 

Michelle

A few things came to mind today.  Jesus, yet again, asks someone he healed to keep it to himself.  It seems he is already a celebrity in his time for what he is saying and doing, and the masses are swarming to see him.  Not unlike the way people are today with various celebrities and such.  What stood out is when he tells them that they must deny themselves and take up their cross and whoever does that will be saved.  I do not understand the Elijah discussion that has gone on in the last few chapters.  Is he using him as an example?  I can't tell.

This seems to be speaking of some of the commandments.  What stood out to me is this line that says, "do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways".  It's a reminder to follow the commandments and seek wisdom.

Day 526 - Mark 6:6b - 8:21 & Proverbs 2

 Julie

I like how Jesus asks why this generation needs signs as proof. Especially since it's coming from the Pharisees who are supposed to be faithful and trusting holy men. He tells them that they are no longer following the commandments of God, but the traditions of men so he is questioning their righteousness and faithfulness. It's interesting that although the disciples are with him and see all that he does they still question so much. Jesus even asks them, "Do you not yet understand?" After all that he has shown them and done for and with them they still seem to be fearful. Which goes to show that even experiencing things the way they did their humanity shows and shows that they are not perfect either and are weak.

If we receive God's Word and follow his commandments and truly listen and learn then we will be protected and saved. 

Michelle

Mark seems to have longer passages about the events that are written.  It is interesting how his disciples are questioning him and does seem to show how little faith everyone has.  Jesus continues to tell those he heals not to share with anyone, yet they continue doing so.  I am not sure what this is to represent.  Continued defiance?  I am thinking that the feeding the masses stories are telling us that God provides all that we need, and we need not worry.  

The devotional with this section talks about being a strong-willed woman.  Being independent can make you feel as if you have to give that up when you give your heart to Christ.   But this says that is not so.  That we should celebrate who we are and acknowledge that God chooses all different types of people to be a part of his kingdom.

We should allow wisdom to enter our heart and knowledge will be pleasant to our soul, and then you will walk in the ways of good and keep the path of righteousness.

Day 525 - Mark 4:35 - 6:6a & Proverbs 1:8-33

 Julie

Wouldn't it have been awesome to see Jesus work in the way that he did. Healing people just by speaking and touching them. I know that we should be praying and asking for those things to happen, but I think it's harder for us to have faith with because we don't get to experience it in the same way. The story in the boat is one of my favorites because it really does show that we are weak and tend to lose faith, but that God is there with us all the time and we just need to trust and know that he can still the waters for us if we just ask.

We need to be careful of being led astray and not listen to and follow those that would try and do that. We should listen for and ask for the wisdom of the Lord so that we can make righteous choices. If we listen we can be assured of the security of God and we don't have to dread the disaster that could lay ahead.

Michelle

I think you are right.  It's harder because we don't see or experience it as they did then.  And even then people didn't believe or had a hard time with it.  Faith seems to be something that is easily lost.  

It warns to listen to your parents and not be enticed by sinful men.  Be open to wisdom's teaching or when you seek it, it will not answer.

Day 524 - Mark 3:7 - 4:34 & Proverbs 1:1-7

 Julie

There is a lot that happens in this reading today, but what really stands out is the parable about the sower. If we do not root ourselves in the Word of the Lord then that gives the enemy more of a chance to influence us and to pull us back out. Jesus explains to the disciples that everything is in parables so that those who have rooted and are listening will be able to see what the Word of God is trying to tell them. 

We should be trying to understand the proverbs as they are instructions and wisdom that is being shared with us. 

Michelle

This is a powerful story.  And I believe you are right in that we must root ourselves in the word of God in order to maintain that connection and understanding.  It's interesting the parable explanation, as it makes it sound like they are only there to save those with the roots, verses aiding those without roots to grow roots.  I don't know if that is really accurate, but that is how it reads.  It seems like Jesus has to explain all these things to his disciples as they don't understand, so makes it seem like they do not have the roots.  I might be reading that wrong.

The purpose of the Proverbs are to gain wisdom and instruction from the Lord.

Day 523 - Mark 2 - 3:6 & Psalm 150

 Julie

Mark is telling some of the same stories as Matthew did. The one thing that he adds in this chapter that I do not recall Matthew mentioning is the story of the paralytic that they dropped down into the house from the roof. 

We should Praise the Lord in every way possible.

Michelle

My mind is wandering today.

These are the same stories from different perspective it seems.  One thing that stands out is that they are already plotting how to kill Jesus.  Also, Jesus keeps telling those he heals not to talk about it, but they continue.  He ends up getting hoarded by the masses with everyone wanting healing.  Yet it doesn't say that he heals everyone, but then in another place it says he healed many.  I find this frustrating because it seems that people only want his healing powers and are not necessarily listening to his teachings.

Praise God with music and dancing.  Let everything with breath praise the Lord.

Day 522 - Mark 1 & Psalm 149

 Julie

It's interesting how they all tell the same stories, but they focus their details in different areas. There are some things that they all repeat and one of those is when Jesus heals the leper and tells him not to tell anyone. Matthew talked about that same thing. However, the leper goes and tells everyone and then Jesus is inundated with sick people wanting to be healed.

This is another psalm of Praise for the Lord! One that also tells us that singing is a great way to praise him.

Michelle

The preface to this book says that it's the most fast paced narrative of Jesus' life and that it shows his humanity.  I read once that the first 4 books of the New Testament tell Jesus's story from 4 different perspectives, which is part of why his story is so believable to so many people.  What I also find interesting is that the writer is quoting those from the Old Testament, which in the preface of Matthew it states that it's been at least 400 years between the times.  

These seem like short stories about things Jesus did or went through.  Some with few to no details, but just a summary.  I felt like that in Matthew too.  I wonder why the leper didn't do as Jesus asked.  I don't know why but that has been plaguing me.  The part that stands out is when it says that Jesus went to pray in a solitary place, but his companions went to get him cuz people were looking for him.  His healing powers are what seem to be the thing that draws people to him.  But it doesn't seem like that is what he wanted to happen.  

It does seem a psalm of praise and instruction to use music and instruments of music to praise him along with dancing.  

Day 521 - Psalm 148

 Michelle

Another psalm of praise, that again brought to mind that song "So Will I".  In that song it talks about how nature bows in reverence to God and that we should/will too.  It's interesting that alot of songs have been coming up for me lately.  

Julie

There are a lot of songs that have come out of the Psalms. I love how they have inspired so many. 

Day 520 - Psalm 147

 Julie

They titled this one He Heals the Brokenhearted, but that is only one line. It seems more like a psalm of praise...

Michelle

I have been struggling to get through Matthew.  Every time I read something I have to read it 3 more times.  It seems like I am struggling with Jesus' story for some reason.  I am trying to catch up today.  We will see how it goes.  

Ok, so I was able to catchup today.  It's been a bit of a struggle to do so, but I had a half day today so lots of quiet time at home, which helps.  I still struggled through most of it though.  I've been struggling with this book.  I find that I have alot of questions and that seems to be my main issue.  I continue reading but it brings more questions.  So, then I have to go back and read it again.  I am not sure how to proceed but will keep going anyway.  

This psalm brought to mind another song.  There have been alot of song reminders today as I have gone thru the rest of Matthew.  I agree it does sound like a psalm of praise.  It brought to mind the "So Will I" for some reason.  It's a favorite and when I hear it, I have visions.  That sounds weird, but I do.  I am not sure why.

Day 519 - Matthew 28 & Psalm 146

 Julie

Jesus is resurrected. The guards are paid off to say that the disciples stole the body. Interesting that things like this still happen to this day. Jesus goes to the disciples so that they can see that he has returned. 

We should sing praises to the Lord. We should not place all of our trust in man but in God. 

Michelle

This does seem a recurring story throughout time.  Nathan and I actually had a conversation about how people are easily paid off to do things they shouldn't and how you have to be strong enough to stand up for your beliefs and not be persuaded in that way.  This story follows that.  This section brought to mind another movie about a guard who was tasked with finding out the truth about the resurrection and if it was a ruse or not.  In the end, you see that he believes in the truth.

I think you said it well, we are to place our trust in God and not man.

Day 518 - Matthew 27 & Psalm 145

 Julie

Jesus is crucified and dies for us...

The Lord helps those that call on him. 

Michelle

This section goes through the crucifixion of Jesus.  At the beginning, Judas commits suicide because he is remorseful for his part that caused the death of Jesus.  Reading about the crowds calling for his crucifixion reminded me of today's culture in which people rally together to "cancel" someone or destroy their reputation.  They get mocked and ridiculed and it destroys them, yet the crowds don't feel a thing or believe they are in the wrong.  It then speaks of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection.  I feel like I've heard more detail before but maybe it comes in other books.

The last line stands out to me, "My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord.  Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever." 

Day 517 - Matthew 26 & Psalm 144

 Julie

This is where Jesus is arrested. What stands out the most in this reading is the way in which he handles the situation. The disciples want to fight and protect him, but he tells them...do you not think that I cannot appeal to my father and that he would protect me? However, if I were to do that then the scripture would not be fulfilled. I must go and be crucified. While they love him they tend to forget that he has the power to save himself, but that is not his purpose here. 

The Lord is our rock and our fortress. He will protect us against anything that comes our way and with his steadfast love we can lean on him. 

Michelle

There is a movie on Netflix that I think is called the Messiah.  It is a modern-day Jesus story.  It tells it as if he came today and how people would and would not believe in him.  Or so that is how it seems to me.  Reading this section, reminds me very much of that movie.  How he is willing to sacrifice himself and he tries to get people to remain peaceful even when they want to fight for him.  He knows what needs to be done.

It seems like it says the Lord is our protector.