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"Dealing with Defeat" February 18 Readings: Joshua 5-8

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Joshua 5-8 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     One of the great stories of the Bible, the Battle of Jericho, is in today's reading. There was the encounter with the Captain of the Lord's army, who gave Joshua the plan. He then went back and reported the plan to the leaders of Israel. Can you imagine their response? Walk around 13 times? Are you nuts? The key was obedience! And persistence! And God brought the walls down. Then, sinful and arrogant Israel faced defeat at Ai, a ruined town which may have been the only time in ...
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"Success" February 17 Readings: Joshua 1-4

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Joshua 1-4 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     Joshua's early chapters carry some riveting stories. Joshua begins with the eponymous character's establishment as the leader of Israel. He then guides the people through the Jordan at flood stage into the Promised Land. The crossing of the Jordan is a great story of faith. Remember, it was flood stage, and God said that he would only stop the river once they stepped in. Step in first, then God does his work! Faith precedes the miracle. We often want to sit back and say, "God, ...
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"Irreplaceable" February 16 Readings: Deuteronomy 30-34, Psalm 90

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Deuteronomy 30-34, Psalm 90 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     Today's reading is about transitions. Moses has led Israel from the moment God sent him from the Burning Bush, and now it is his time to die. Joshua has been beside him for 40 years, and it is his time to take over. This is going to be tough, but God guides his people through it. We also have our first psalm, Psalm 90, a prayer of Moses.  Daily Devotional:  Irreplaceable? Back in 2005, I did not understand why God was moving me from the church I thoug...
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"Life Is Choices" February 15 Readings: Deuteronomy 24-29

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Deuteronomy 24-29 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     The lengthy section giving the "Second Law" continues as it has in our last several days of readings. But the key thought here is the ceremony on Gerizim and Ebal, in which the choice of blessing or curses is given. A note - when we think of "curse," it conjures vivid ideas, but we ought to think more of God's discipline and the consequences of sin. Daily Devotional:   Life Is Choices Life is a journey in the valley between Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Ebal. In Deu...
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"Enemies Too Big!" February 14 Readings: Deuteronomy 18-23

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Deuteronomy 18-23 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     The expansion of the law of God continues. As you read these laws, look for the character quality of God behind the law. We may not be under the law, but our God does not change. Daily Devotional:   Enemies Too Big! Quite a pep talk God gave Israel through Moses in Deuteronomy 20:1-4. "Your enemies are always going to be bigger than you! Aren't we supposed to tell people that God won't give them more than they can handle? Aren't we supposed to motivate them to victo...
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"Under the Law" February 13 Readings: Deuteronomy 14-17

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Deuteronomy 14-17 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     The expansion of the laws of Israel continues in these chapters, with a wide variety of topics, all of which we have seen previously. Idolatry. Cleanliness. Feasts. Tithes. Canceling debts. Daily Devotional:   Under the Law "We are not under the law but under grace." I am thankful for that every day - and if I am not, I should be. We understand that our relationship with God is a product of the work of Christ, not our merit or good works. He paid it all. Too often, ...
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"He Earned Our Love" February 12 Readings: Deuteronomy 9-13

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  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation.  The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   Deuteronomy 9-13 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     These chapters focus on a pure heart, a devoted heart - one that is faithful to God. It speaks of what God requires and of Israel's covenant renewal with God. Daily Devotional:   He Earned Our Love Why should I obey God? Why should I love him? Why should I turn my back on my own desires, my own ambitions, my own will, and give myself wholly and completely to God? The Israelites asked themselves this question repeatedly. Why should we love and serve the...
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