Thursday, October 4, 2012

Day 102: September 22, 2012- The Fall of Jericho

The Readings:

Joshua 5:1-7:15, Luke 15:1-32, Psalm 81:1-16, Proverbs 13:1





To read along, click here.

Day 101: September 21, 2012- Crossing of the Jordan

The Readings:

Joshua 3:1-4:24, Luke 14:7-35, Psalm 80:1-19, Proverbs 12:27-28



To read along, click here.

Day 100: September 20, 2012- Be Strong and Courageous

The Readings:

Deuteronomy 34:1-12, Joshua 1:1-2:24, Luke 13:22-14:6, Psalm 79:1-13, Proverbs 12:26




To read along, click here.

Day 99: September 19, 2012- Moses Blesses the People

The Readings:

Deuteronomy 33:1-29, Luke 13:1-21, Psalm 78:65-72, Proverbs 12:25





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Day 98: September 18, 2012- Surf Cowboy

A Cowboy?
 
 




"Is this real?"

"Yes, Luke. Dad is a real surf cowboy."

"Cool..."

The Readings:

Deuteronomy 32:28-52, Luke 12:35-59, Psalm 78:56-64, Proverbs 12:24





To read along, click here.

Day 97: September 17, 2012- Snapshot of Love

Snapshot of Love.
 
 



There's no one quite like you.

The Readings.

Deuteronomy 31:1-32:27, Luke 12:8-34, Psalm 78:32-55, Proverbs 12:21-23

Old Testament.
Moses raises up Joshua to succeed him. And then he sings a prophetic song to the Israelites. Beforehand, he tells them that they will forsake the Lord and be punished for it.

I don't understand how they are unresponsive. Wouldn't you be alarmed and do whatever it took to prevent it?

It is sadly ironic that after all Moses has done to lead Israel to God's promised land, he basically has to tell them that they will go back into exile before he dies.

Ugh. Let us whole-heartedly devote ourselves to the Lord.

New Testament.
Jesus says if you don't stand up for him, he won't stand up for you. But he also won't get into the civil issues that people try to drag him into. He's focused on the kingdom.

Psalms.
God stuck up for the Israelites with twelve plagues. They still rebelled. But this Psalm is a good reminder.

Proverbs.
God delights those who tell the truth. The wicked have trouble. Good proverbs to check out today. Refreshing, for those who love God.





To read along, click here.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Day 96: September 16, 2012- Daddy's Wish

Daddy's Wish.
 

 


It comes true now and then.




I get to sleep with my best friend.

The Readings:

Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20, Luke 11:37-12:7, Psalm 78:1-31, Proverbs 12:19-20

Old Testament.
Moses gets his last talk with the Israelites. The Lord has revealed to him that they will stray from him and be banished from the land. He tells Moses this before they even enter the Promised Land.

It must be a heartbreaking way to end one's journey leading God's people. To know that it will be unsuccessful in the end.

So Moses gives a long talk about how much they will be cursed if they reject God, and he reminds them that God will bring them back and bless them if they return to God after their sinfulness.

New Testament.
Jesus takes it to those Pharisees. They're good at all the rules, but they miss the heart of the faith. And, because of that, their rules are misguided too. They'd kill somebody if they could get away with it. Oh, wait...

Psalms.
Everyone who turns his back on God fails. That is all you need to know for now.

Proverbs.
Isn't it comforting to know that truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are revealed?

We've all been lied to. And everyone else lied to as a cover-up. Which makes us look bad. But God promises that the lies will be soon exposed.

Praise God for truth. Let's choose nothing else.

The Readings...On Video(s)!!

So this didn't work too well. Had to shoot four parts, which I spliced into three. But it makes for great videos, because this encompasses Daddy/Luke time and bathtime. Some of the shots are priceless.

Enjoy!

Part 1.



Part 2.



Part 3.



And just the audio, if you're into that sort of thing:





To read along, click here.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Day 95: September 15, 2012- Conversations

Conversations with Three Month Olds.
 
Hey, little buddy. What are you doing?

 
 
Hi. I'm kicking off my blanket.
....
Oh, you noticed?
 

I'm sorry, I can't talk right now.
You see, there's this blanket that needs kicking...
 
 
I guess we'll have to get back to you soon.
 
The Readings:

Deuteronomy 28:1-68, Luke 11:14-36, Psalm 77:1-20, Proverbs 12:18

Old Testament.
God leaves the head or the tail, the top or the bottom, blessings or curses, before his people today. If we only choose to obey and follow him, we will receive the best of everything. But if we don't...it will be our enemies'.

And the itch. Anything called the itch has gotta be bad.

New Testament.
Satan is the strong man. Jesus is the man stronger than him who removes him. All we need is Jesus as our bodyguard.

That's pretty much it.

Psalms.
When you cry out to God for help. When you wonder if the Lord will deliver you. Remember his ways, the Lord's, are holy. He leads us like a flock by the hand of Moses.

Proverbs.
Your tongue can be a sword or it can bring healing. Which would you choose?

The distinction, reckless or wise, is determined by the result.





To read along, click here.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Day 94: September 14, 2012- Daddy Tucks Away

Daddy Slips Bathtime Under the Covers and Tucks It Away.


 
 
When you're ready for bed and need comforting, when you're slipping after bathtime and need to be nestled in your cradle, I'll tuck you in.

 
 
 
 
It's kindof a cool thought. Like the bathtime sprig on top of your head. It'll dry.
 
And in the meantime, Daddy will hold you in his arms.

 
 


A kid, and a dad, couldn't ask for more than that.
 
The Readings:

Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26, Luke 10:38-11:13, Psalm 76:1-12, Proverbs 12:15-17

Old Testament.
How sad it is reading of God calling his people to whole-heartedly obey him. He asks it again and again. He commands. He inspires. He warns.

And nothing he says will change what comes next in the story: that they deny him. I know, I know. Spoiler alert.

But it makes me think. Will we do the same? Are we?

He so loves us. Like a Lover in Song of Songs who is jealous for his beloved. Like a Father in the beginning who wants to walk with his kids.

There is no greater purpose than to love him back.

New Testament.
Mary made the better choice, and it will not be taken from her. I'm sensing a theme. She chooses to sit at Jesus' feet and is blessed for it.

I wonder how much of our day is spent preparing the meal and how much sitting at Jesus' feet. Seems like a good evening to just love God.

Psalms.
Great is God! Glorious and majestic! More than the mountains. No wonder you are greatly feared.

Proverbs.
Fools think their way is right.

The wise listen to others. And they deflect the insults of fools when they encounter them, remaining calm.





To read along, click here.

Day 93: September 13, 2012- When Cute Loses



 
When Cute Loses, Everyone Wins.
 
 


There are no words.

But I can never root for you to get what you want if you look this stinkin' adorable when you don't.

I will remain conflicted and allow you to entertain the laws of gravity with that lower lip.

The Readings:

Deuteronomy 23:1-25:19, Luke 10:13-37, Psalm 75:1-10, Proverbs 12:12-14

Old Testament.
As I read through so many laws from God, I think, "How awesome it is that God cares so much to protect us." It makes me feel comforted that God desires order and loves righteousness, and that he points to us the way.

New Testament.
God hides these things from those who think they are wise and clever, but reveals them to the childlike. I want to always be childlike before God. Always sit in his presence, like in Daddy's. Always learn from his Word. Is there any better life, in the love of our God?

Psalms.
You know, the time will come when God will judge the wicked. The time will come when we are saved. The time will come.

But I will rejoice in the Lord, my God, in the meantime. Who is there like you? What is there that can compare to you?

Proverbs.
The godly escape trouble because of their wise words. The wicked are trapped by theirs.





To read along, click here.

Day 92: September 12, 2012-Cute Wins

Cute Wins All the Cuddles.




Honestly, cutest picture ever, kid.

Did I tell you that I love you?

The Readings:

Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30, Luke 9:51-10:12, Psalm 74:1-23, Proverbs 12:11

Old Testament.
Hmm. Dealing with a rebellious son. They get to kill him. Not sure if I'm going to bring that up in a blog about how much I love my son. Will get back to you in 10-15.

New Testament.
An interesting read. Herein, people's rejection of Jesus and followers' refusal to give all the loyalty he requires, juxtaposed with him sending out his faithful disciples. Some are willing to join the mission and follow whole-heartedly; others aren't.

Do we realize the true cost of discipleship?

We can't remain secular Christians and follow Christ. Oh sure, we can say we are Christians. But if Christ were here, he'd have none of it. Something about, "Let the dead bury their own dead," or "Foxes have holes but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

Meaning, our Crystal Lite version of Christianity that puts ourselves, our whims, and our buffet style, salad bar doctrine over following Christ and what he says completely might just be enough for him to say, "No, thanks. Christ ain't got no bed. You won't be comfortable in the stable. (points) You others go out two by two."

/dust shaken. Minus the ebonics.

Psalms.
Asaph, he ain't foolin'. (Fist/chest pound twice.)

When God seems to have slowed on the miracles and you're wondering where he is, know that Asaph went through the same thing.

This is an encouragement to all of us who've been down-hearted now and then. Nothing wrong with pleading with God.

True dat. (Sideways peace sign, yo.)

Proverbs.
Ah, alas, the verse about "he who chases fantasies..." I guess if there's a time when I have to come down to earth it's now. Hard work trumps all. Hard work on fantasies? ...head asplode.

I'm going to start a garden. No one can argue that farming is not hard work.

(In reality, I just wanted to say true dat and alas in the same post. Carry on, Christian soldja.)





To read along, click here.




Sunday, September 16, 2012

Day 91: September 11, 2012- Preparation For the Promised Land

The Readings:

Deuteronomy 18:1-20:20, Luke 9:28-50, Psalm 73:1-28, Proverbs 12:10





To read along, click here.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Day 90: September 10, 2012- Mom and Dad's Anniversary!

It All Began.

It wasn't too long ago. Mom and Dad were dating, curled up around a laptop, listening to marriage podcasts, flipping through marriage books, dreaming about the future.

And then the day came.

They gave their lives to each other. One year ago.

They had their time away as a married couple to grow their relationship strong.

Then three days later, I arrived!

All one family. Now curled up in a bedroom together, rain blasting from a noise maker that covers us in a soothing downpour of love.

It all began at the beginning. And this time, that's the way it should be.




The Readings:

Deuteronomy 16:1-17:20, Luke 9:7-27, Psalm 72:1-20, Proverbs 12:8-9





To read along, click here.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Day 89: September 9, 2012- The Family Experience

Luke and the Mommy/Daddy Experience.
 
Luke and Daddy so many nights and swaddles ago.
 
You were so small then. Your head like the palm of my hand.
 
You'd yell, "Heelair, heelair," when you cried.
 
 
 
 
Now here you are with Mommy in church today.
 
 


My adorable pair.

Beautiful Mommy and slightly grumplestiltskin baby Luke.

What good times we have. Your cry is a lot louder now. And less like a distressed seal.

But your smile is a lot bigger.

And in it, and the one alongside it, I find a family from which I couldn't ask for anything more.

The Readings:

Deuteronomy 13:1-15:23, Luke 8:40-9:6, Psalm 71:1-24, Proverbs 12:5-7

Luke performed for the camera. He looked everywhere but at it. Then he looked at it. Then drooled all over his Mommy.

Check out this kid's reading, er, listening comprehension. You're gonna be sharp, kid.

And you're gonna know a ton of the Word.

The video of the reading:





Or, here's just the audio:





To read along, click here.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Day 88: September 8, 2012- Nap Time With Daddy


Nap Time.
 
Look at you, my little son. All little curled up on Daddy, little parts and little heart.
 
There's something about falling asleep with your whole world on your chest.
 
 
 
 
It was so precious having you sleep on me when you were younger.



 
 
And it still is.

The Readings:

Deuteronomy 11:1-12:32, Luke 8:22-39, Psalm 70:1-5, Proverbs 12:4





To read along, click here.

Day 87: September 7, 2012- A Multiplicity of Cuteness

A Multiplicity of Cuteness.
 
I am the king of Lukes. Bow to me!
 


Okay, he's probably not thinking that.

But what a happy king he would be!

(The subjects don't look too thrilled.)

But look at this one. Can you see the sensitive heart in those eyes?

Sensitive heart
 
God is going to do powerful things with that heart, Lukey. You have a wonderful, sensitive, dynamic personality already.
 
On second thought, I think the subjects would be thrilled. Just don't learn the word "mine."


The Readings:

Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22, Luke 8:4-21, Psalm 69:19-36, Proverbs 12:2-3





To read along, click here.

Day 86: September 6, 2012- Preciously Made

A Look Back.
 
This is what you looked like when you were younger, Luke.
 

 


You were bundles of adorable.

Don't worry, I won't tell anyone.




But I might tell someone about those fingers. You cuddly little lip biter kid.

Wonderously made. I think I'm starting to get it.

The Readings:

Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20, Luke 7:36-8:3, Psalm 69:1-18, Proverbs 12:1





To read along, click here.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Day 85: September 5, 2012- Little Man in Big People Land

Little Man Explores Big People Land.
 
So Luke said hi to me today from the iphone. In the form of this picture.
 
 


I don't know how he did it.

But you're a resourceful fellow, you sly guy.

And Mom made this one for Daddy:




Luke and Dad are in the big bed on a weekend morning. We love weekends, because we can be together. Daddy loves the bed a little more than Luke does.

The Readings:

Deuteronomy 5:1-6:25, Luke 7:11-35, Psalm 68:19-35, Proverbs 11:29-31

Old Testament.
Probably good before Moses dies for him to give the Israelites a run down on what God has been saying to them. Not sure they're going to remember.

But this one's about the ten commandments, so that's cool.

He finishes with the final, the most important thought: fear the Lord. And then he instructs them to tell the story of what the Lord has done when their children ask why they should.

Cultivating a healthy fear of the Lord is deciding what he says matters most and putting him on the throne of one's heart, even over oneself. There are reasons to fear him. But I kindof think the fear of the Lord is the deepest of loves yet...

New Testament.
Man, how cool is it that Jesus just has compassion on a mother when her son is being carried by, so he heals her. I pray we do that now. God give us faith!

And Jesus has a pretty poetic answer for John the Baptist's followers when they come looking for him. I always wondered how John got the message from a somewhat cryptic answer. But the miracles pretty much speak for themselves.

Finally, why do we require people to jump through our hoops in the church? John got criticized for living strictly, fasting and abstaining from wine, and was accused of having a demon. Jesus lived in freedom, ate and drank wine, and was accused of being a glutton and a drunkard.

But here's the key for a church that often reacts hastily over living rightly in Christ-- wisdom is proved right by her children.

Grow the tree of our spiritual lives deep in the roots of God's Word and a relationship with him, and he'll give us the wisdom of how to be free and how to be strict, and at what times. And "a good tree bears good fruit." So wisdom, if we have it, will show the fruit of righteousness. And when we look at the fruit we are producing, we will see the state of our tree clearly, our lives, whether good or bad.

Jesus is pointing to this in his analogy of wisdom being proved by her children. So let's grow a tree in wisdom, with the love of God, the Word, and the Holy Spirit! It may not sway to the tune of whichever prevailing wind presses upon it, but it will be rich with fruit in Christ Jesus.

Psalms.
There's power and majesty in God. Awesome is he!!

Proverbs.
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life..."

Oh, God, you know what you're doing.





To read along, click here.

Day 84: September 4, 2012- Jesus Finds a Man With Faith

The Readings:

Deuteronomy 4:1-49, Luke 6:39-7:10, Psalm 68:1-18, Proverbs 11:28

The Roman officer in the New Testament reading has real faith. He understands authority. Do you?

Healing is a simple condition of God being in control. So, if we understand his total control and trust him with it, what faith will we lack?





To read along, click here.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Day 83: September 3, 2012- Who's Got Smiles

Who's Got Smiles?
 
 


That's right. You got smiles, kiddo.

The Readings:

Deuteronomy 2:1-3:2, Luke 6:12-38, Psalm 67:1-7, Proverbs 11:27





To read along, click here.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Day 82: September 2, 2012-Growing Up is Easy to Do

Almost 12 Weeks Old.
 
Play time with Dad today.
 
I love weekends.



Today, brunch with the family! Great to see everyone and to have Luke rocking in his comfy lazy boy swing.

Tomorrow, on the river! Always fun to have Luke dozing away under the console of the boat.

We have one active kid.

The Readings:

Numbers 36:1-13, Deuteronomy 1:1-46, Luke 5:29-6:11, Psalm 66:1-20, Proverbs 11:24-26




To read along, click here.

Day 81: September 1, 2012

The Readings:

Numbers 33:40-35:34, Luke 5:12-28, Psalm 65:1-13, Proverbs 11:23




To read along, click here.

Day 80: August 31, 2012

The Readings:

Numbers 32:1-33:39, Luke 4:31-5:11, Psalm 64:1-10, Proverbs 11:22




To read along, click here.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Day 79: August 30, 2012- Luke Smile Wins

My Favorite Person.



Can you beat that smile?

Simply adorable. I can't wait to love you for the rest of my life.

The Readings:

numbers 30:1-31:54;luke 4:1-30;psalm 63:1-11;proverbs 11:20-21

Old Testament.

Balaam from a couple weeks ago, who couldn't curse Israel, we now find advised Balak to have his women seduce the Israelite men into sexual promiscuity and worshiping their gods.

It's in the reading...

New Testament.
When Jesus begins his ministry, the first thing that happens is he's tempted.

Boy is that true.

Psalms.
When you're in a parched and weary land with no water, do you lie awake thinking of God?

Proverbs.
God highlights just how important integrity is. Does your word mean something or does it change depending on convenience?

God destests people with crooked hearts and punishes the wicked.

Let us choose integrity and God over our own advantage every time. It will work out our way in the end.





To read along, click here.

Day 78: August 29, 2012- God, the Rock

The Readings:

Numbers 28:16-29:40, Luke 3:23-38, Psalm 62:1-12, Proverbs 11:18-19

Old Testament.
You must do no ordinary work. You must do no ordinary work. You must do no ordinary work.

A day of rest. Are you getting God's message to you?

New Testament.
Jesus traces back to Adam through Joseph.

Psalms.
No matter how many enemies come against me,

God is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.

Proverbs.
Riches are worth little. Godly people find life. Wicked people, death.





To read along, click here.

Day 77: August 29, 2012- My Little Cutie

My Little Cutie.
 
I've gotten some good time with you. Every moment is precious.
 

I can't wait to get you up in the middle of the night, little guy. When you get me up, that is.

The Readings:

Numbers 26:52-28:15, Luke 3:1-22, Psalm 61:1-8, Proverbs 11:16-17

Old Testament.
God shows he cares about one family's name. He cares about yours.

New Testament.
John is a voice crying in the wilderness. He is the Elijah the people will later mock Jesus for never receiving.

Psalms.
Sometimes you just need God to listen. David did too.

It's enough to make you offer God everything. David does that too.

Proverbs.
Kindness is the key. It rewards you. Cruelty, on the other hand...





To read along, click here.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Day 76: August 27, 2012- Luke and Daddy

So I had some technology malfunctions, which means the app I use to record the podcasts malfunctioned and I frustratedly pressed the same buttons expecting a different response. But I was unwilling to part with anything I had done, so thus, we are left with two halves of the podcast. Alas, all is well; they equal one whole.

Pictures:

Yay!!!

So computer un-malfunctioned and allowed me to upload pictures. Who owns media? This guy.

And here's Daddy and Luke hanging out together. Luke is post nap and looking for a little walk with a view but a little comfort, too.

 


And...


 
 
You're quite the kiddo, kiddo.

I love you.

The Reading:

Numbers 26:1-51, Luke 2:36-52, Psalm 60:1-12, Proverbs 11:15

1st Half:



2nd Half:



To read along, click here.

Day 75: August 26, 2012- Luke is Mesmorized by Bible Time

Okay, the adorable has no end. You have to watch the video below. Luke is staring at me as I read him the Bible on the playmat.

The Readings:

Numbers 24:1-25:18, Luke 2:1-35, Psalm 59:1-17, Proverbs 11:14





To read along, click here.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Day 74: August 25, 2012- His Name is John, Er, Luke

(Argh. I have pictures I'm dying to share. Don't you love the anticipation? Unfortunately, our computer is now no longer uploading the pictures to blogger. I have a sneaking suspicion it is just overloaded with processes and services. I have a much more certain suspicion that I have no idea how to fix the problem. Looking into it...)

The Readings:

Numbers 22:21-23:30, Luke 1:57-80, Psalm 58:1-11, Proverbs 11:12-13

Old Testament.
I love how no one can stand against God, no matter how much one plots.

Balak things he's going to buy off Balaam (and unfortunately, we find out in Hebrews that Balaam gives him crucial advice that allows him to draw Israel into adultery). But he can't secure his curse.

I don't know why I find this funny. Balak keeps asking, and everytime, Balaam blesses Israel more.

Ask again, for our God to betray us, please. This is getting good.

New Testament.
One of my favorite parts of the Bible is the opening chapters of Luke. So deeply heartfelt, even mysterious, they are like the first snowflakes falling in the lamplight of the parking lot of church, right as you leave Christmas Eve service.

Something near to the heart of God is in these stories.

And they don't get better than this one.

The people crowd around Zechariah, anxious to learn what he will do about his wife's strange choice of names for their son. He scrawls on a tablet, "His name is John..."

Psalm.
Injustice, lies, venom...

The Psalm today is biting, as are snakes. And when we face them, God will break off their fangs.

"The godly will rejoice when they see injustice avenged."

Proverbs.
Can you keep a secret if someone asks you? Is your word or your confidence worth something?

There is no trust without discretion.





To read along, click here.

Day 73: August 24, 2012- God Is For Us

The Readings:

Numbers 21:1-22:20, Luke 1:26-56, Psalm 57:1-11, Proverbs 11:9-11

Old Testament.
I don't understand why the Israelites keep complaining. And they I look at my own life.

But they make it look so uncool. And then I stop talking.

New Testament.
"Let it be to me as you have said."

May my life be encompassed in those words.

Psalms.
God, our enemies have set traps for us. We are weary from distress.

Thank you that you make them fall into their own pits.

It's good to have God on our side.

Proverbs.
"With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous."

This one sticks out to me right now. It's amazing how some destroy their friends with their words. But truth will bear the righteous out, and they will be vindicated.





To read along, click here.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Day 72: August 23, 2012- The Book of Luke!

The Readings:

Numbers 19:1-20:29, Luke 1:1-25, Psalm 56:1-13, Proverbs 11:8

Today, a very special book for a very special boy...Luke!

We'll celebrate the baby Jesus in the gospel that focuses the most on the details of Jesus' birth while we still celebrate baby Luke. In the book written by the apostle he is named after!

Praise God for all these joys.




To read along, click here.

Day 71: August 22, 2012- The Resurrection

He's a Cutie!


Just playin' and takin' it all in

Isn't it all cool, Mommy?


The Readings:

Numbers 16:41-18:32, Mark 16:1-20, Psalm 55:1-23, Proverbs 11:7

Old Testament.
Fallout from the lack of faith and being rejected at the Promised Land. Now the people blame Moses for Korah's death. Guh.

New Testament.
He is risen! A former pastor of mine would be proud at the timing.

Psalms.
Can you catch the prophecy in this reading? It follows closely the New Testament storyline.

Proverbs.
What do you put your hopes in?





To read along, click here.