First Things First

Many people told him to keep quiet, but he was crying out all the more, “Have mercy on me, Son of David!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man and said to him, “Have courage! Get up; He's calling for you.” Mark 10:48-49 HCSB

One of the manners my wife and I tried to teach all four of our children was to not interrupt. As children they did not want to wait, they wanted to say or do something immediately. We taught them to wait their turn and wait for a break in the conversation.

The blind man was crying out to Jesus using the terminology “Son of David”. He was acknowledging that Jesus was the Messiah and was the rightful one to be the Davidic king. The people wanted the blind man to stop interrupting and told him to be quiet, but that caused him to cry out even louder, trying to get Jesus' attention. Jesus then stopped and called for the blind man to be brought to him. Jesus did not mind the interruption.

Challenge: Jesus saw the blind man as a valuable person, one who was created by God, while the crowd only saw him as a nuisance. You are a person of worth and value to Jesus. Cry out to Him and ask Him to intervene on your behalf. Do not listen to others who are telling you to be quiet or that you are not a valuable person. Look around and determine who might be feeling as though he is worthless. God is calling you to reach out to that person and help him know that he is a valuable person to God.

Read The Bible Through In Two Years: Genesis 15:1 – 16:15; Matthew 9:18-38

Saturday: Psalm 3-4; Matthew 10:1-42

Sunday: Genesis 17:1 – 18:33; Matthew 11:1-30

They came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, and Bartimaeus (the son of Timaeus), a blind beggar, was sitting by the road. When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out, “Son of David, Jesus, Have mercy on me!” Mark10:46-47 HCSB

I have told this story before but it is worth repeating. When my family was visiting New York City we were walking down the sidewalk where beggars were sitting leaned up against the buildings asking for money. I was walking on by just hoping I could get my family past the beggars to a safe place. When I turned around to check on my children, my oldest daughter, Bethany, was stopping to put change in each cup or box as she passed by. I will never forget that sight and the conviction her actions brought to me. She was setting the example for me when I should have been setting the example for her. Even today, Bethany still has such a compassionate heart for those in need. She is always giving sacrificially and willing to help others. I am thankful God has planted that spirit within her that has helped me to become more compassionate.

Beggars were a common sight in most towns in Jesus' time. Begging was the only way a person with a disability could make a living since most jobs required some type of physical labor. A person who was blind was considered to be cursed by God, but Jesus refuted that idea in John 9:2. Even though God's laws required that people were to care for the needy (see Leviticus 25:35-38), most people saw the beggars as nuisances. Bartimaeus was in desperate need and he knew that Jesus could help him, so he cried out for Jesus to have mercy on him.

Challenge: You may not be blind or need to beg, but you may be in desperate need of Jesus, the only One who can heal a broken spirit, a broken relationship, and give you hope for the future. Cry out to Jesus and turn your problems over to Him. He will hear your cry and answer.

Read The Bible Through In Two Years: Genesis 14:1-24; Matthew 9:1-17

If you say, “But we didn't know about this, won't He who weighs hearts consider it? Won't He who protects your life know? Won't He repay a person according to his work?” Proverbs 24:12 HCSB

There are many who are elderly, disabled, blind, and/or homeless. I have encountered such individuals and have oftenbeen tempted to avoid or ignore them. We will all be held accountable for ignoring the innocent and needy.

This verse is referring back to the previous two verses and describes the consequences for ignoring the innocent and needy. It also shows the seriousness of following God's commands. Someday we all will stand before a Holy God and give an account for what we did here on earth. He will judge sin and the deeds of all mankind.

Challenge: God looks at our hearts – our motives, thoughts, and intentions – rather than our actions. Nothing we do or think is hidden from God. Be careful what you think. Pray that your thoughts and motives will always be clean and pure.

Read The Bible Through In Two Years: Genesis 12:1-13:18; Matthew 8:18-34

Rescue those being taken off to death, and save those stumbling toward slaughter. Proverbs 24:11 HCSB

The state of Kentucky just passed a new law requiring that all women desiring an abortion must first have an ultrasound. Kentucky has also passed legislation banning all abortions after 20 weeks. This is a reversal from current policies that did not require an ultrasound and allowed abortions up to very late in the pregnancy.

This verse in Proverbs reminds us that all of life, from conception until death, is valuable and important. Therefore life is worth protecting at all stages. The unborn child that is being aborted is being taken off to death. If at all possible, we are to rescue the babies who are being slaughtered. There are people we encounter every day who are not Christians and who are stumbling toward eternal separation from God. We must share the Good News and rescue them from death.

Challenge: Pray for women who are considering having an abortion. Consider supporting a Choose Life clinic that is trying to save children from abortion. Volunteer your time or make a contribution to a clinic which protects the unborn. Pray for and share the Good News with those who need to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Listen to the old hymn “Rescue the Perishing” by Fanny J. Crosby on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_e4RXHF6Yk

Read The Bible Through In Two Years: Genesis 11:1-32; Matthew 8:1-17

If you do nothing in a difficult time, your strength is limited. Proverbs 24:10 HCSB

I have heard it said, “Getting started is half done.” or “To fail to try is to fail.” or “It is better to have tried and failed than to have never tried.” or “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” These are all good motivational sayings that have a lot of truth to them. Just imagine if David had shrunk back in fear at the thought of facing Goliath, the giant of the Philistines. Instead He boldly moved to take action when others were afraid to do anything.

In this proverb Solomon is challenging his readers to face difficult times and to at least do something. Lack of action is not an option; it will limit us and lead to failure. Life is filled with difficulties. How one approaches and deals with the difficulties will define who a person is and what he will accomplish in life. A person can either shrink back in fear or boldly move forward to face the challenge.

Challenge: When you are faced with a difficult situation, know that God is with you and that you can boldly face the challenge with confidence, knowing that with God all things are possible.

Read The Bible Through In Two Years: Genesis 10:1-32; Matthew 7:1-29

And Joshua said to all the people, “You see this stone – it will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the Lord said to us, and it will be a witness against you, so that you will not deny your God.” Joshua 24:27 HCSB

Our family had the privilege of traveling to Washington DC. We went to see the Lincoln, FDR, Vietnam War, Korean War, and the World War II memorials. Each memorial is designed to be a permanent reminder and memorial to the individuals or group of soldiers who fought in the war. Each time a person visits these memorials, he is reminded of what a sacrifice those whose names are engraved did for our country.

The stone that Joshua placed was to be a reminder or memorial of the commitment the people had made to serving the one true and living God. The stone could not actually hear or be a witness, but it would be a reminder to the people and a way of helping themkeep their promises.

Challenge: Have you ever made a promise to someone? Have you ever made a promise to God? Be careful what you promise to do. Be a person of your word. Who helps to hold you accountable to do what you have promised? Consider planting a tree as a memorial for someone who has special significance in your life. Each time you see the tree, it will be a reminder of that person and the sentiment you hold for him.

Read The Bible Through In Two Years: Genesis 7:1 – 8:22; Matthew 5:21-48

Saturday: Psalms 1 and 2; Matthew 6:1-15

Sunday: Genesis 9:1-29; Matthew 6:16-34

The people replied, “We will certainly not abandon the Lord to worship other gods! For the Lord our God brought us and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery, and performed these great signs before our eyes. Joshua 24:16-17 HCSB

One of the gifts my wife and I received for Christmas was a digital frame with over 1,000 pictures on the thumb drive. It is a joy to sit and watch the pictures change every five seconds. There are pictures of all of our grandchildren and a few of our children that cover a period of time over the last four years, from when our first grandchild was born to the present. As I watch the pictures change, I often smile or laugh because the picture brings back a great memory, a time enjoyed with our children and grandchildren.

The people responded to Joshua's challenge to serve God alone by saying they would not abandon the Lord to worship other gods. They remembered the past and how God had delivered their fathers out of the land of Egypt. They also remembered the many miracles and signs that the Lord had done as a way of protecting them. These memories prompted and motivated them to make the commitment that they would not abandon the Lord.

Challenge: Count your blessings. Make a list of the many ways God has blessed you. Thank Him for all He has done for you. Keep a list of your prayer requests and then record when and how God answers those prayers. It is good to look back and remember how God has worked in your life. Sometimes even the bad times become good times when you see how God accomplished His will as you walked through the valleys of life.

Read The Bible Through In Two Years: Genesis 5:1 – 6:22; Matthew 5:1-20

“But if it doesn't please you to worship Yahweh, choose for yourselves today the one you will worship: The gods your fathers worshiped beyond the Euphrates River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my family, we will worship Yahweh.” Joshua 24:15 HCSB

America was founded on Christian values. Our forefathers would be appalled at how America has changed. Instead of Christian values being held up as the standard by which to live, Christianity is being attacked and Christians are being ridiculed and viewed as old-fashioned and narrow-minded, not caring for those who may have different lifestyles. Christianity is being challenged today in many different ways.

Joshua knew that being committed to the One true God would be difficult. There would be people who challenged their faith and beliefs and would even return to worshiping false gods. Joshua said that he and his family were going to take a stand against the thoughts and ideas of others who did not want to serve God. He and his family were going to serve the Lord.

Challenge: What will your family do? Even though others in our culture may criticize Christianity and our values, we must be like Joshua and stand firmly committed to God. We have seen and experienced how God has worked in our lives which should inspire us to remain faithful to God in the face of opposition. We can take a stand for what we believe without being offensive to others. We should love our enemies as Jesus commanded. Take a stand and do what would bring honor and glory to God.

Read The Bible Through In Two Years: Genesis 4:1-26; Matthew 4:1-25

“But if it doesn't please you to worship Yahweh, choose for yourselves today the one you will worship: The gods your fathers worshiped beyond the Euphrates River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my family, we will worship Yahweh.” Joshua 24:15 HCSB

The last part of this verse is a very well-known Scripture which many people have memorized. It has been used on a variety of plaques, posters, and pictures that adorn the walls of many homes. My wife and I have a framed picture on the wall in the entry way of our home proclaiming in calligraphy, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua challenged the people to choose who they would worship. There was an immediacy to his request. He wanted them to choose that very day. The people stood at the crossroads, and they needed to make a choice. Joshua was basically asking, “Are you going to serve the One true living God or are you going to put your faith in these false gods and idols?” He did not want the people to settle into the promised land as idolaters but to be totally committed to God alone.

Challenge: From the beginning of time God has always allowed people to make choices. Adam and Eve made the wrong choice and today we still make wrong choices. Just as in Joshua's time, we must each choose who we will worship and serve. Choose today to worship the One true and living God.

Read The Bible Through In Two Years: Genesis 3:1-24; Matthew 3:1-17

“Therefore, fear the Lord and worship Him in sincerity and truth. Get rid of the gods your fathers worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and worship Yahweh.” Joshua 24:14 HCSB

Just about everyone has a keepsake box. I have a box that contains items I have kept from my past going back to my childhood. Nothing in the box holds any real value, but each item means something to me because it brings back a memory of some activity or person. For example I have the baseball glove, a ball, and my hat from when I played Little League. We all tend to keep things that have meaning to us.

It is hard to believe that after wandering in the wilderness for forty years and being admonished by Moses to worship the one true God that some people still had graven images and idols of false gods in their possession. Joshua instructed the people to get rid of the gods of their fathers. The old generation had passed away and now the younger generation still had idols that had been brought out of Egypt. Why were they holding on to these worthless idols? Did they think they could “fall back” on the other gods if Yahweh did not come through for them? Were they holding on to the memory of the past? We do not know, but we do know that Yahweh is the one true God and deserves our complete devotion and worship.

Challenge: What bad habits and sins from your past are you holding on to? Are there things in your life that are more important than God? Are these things your false gods that you need to get rid of? Trust God to take care of you and leave your old life behind. Worship the one true God with awe, reverence, and faithfulness which should lead to you servingHim through your daily actions and words.

Read The Bible Through In Two Years: Genesis 2:4-25; Matthew 2:1-23