"In God Alone" March 8 Readings: Numbers 27-28, Mark 10:1–16, Psalm 33:11–17, Proverbs 8:8-9
Reading the Bible in 2025
Each day this year we will read a selection from the Old Testament, the New Testament, a portion of the Psalms, and part of Proverbs. By the end of the year, you will have read the entire Bible. We read this way to give you a bit of variety.
NOTE: If you get behind, do not give up. Read today's readings and try to catch up when you have a chance. The goal is not to "accomplish a task" but to meet God in his word. Read the word. Also, if you are short on time, READ GOD'S WORD and skip my devotional!
Bible Readings: Numbers 27-28, Mark 10:1–16, Psalm 33:11–17, Proverbs 8:8-9
Scriptures linked to Bible Gateway in ESV version
Daily Devotional: In God Alone
Today, you will have to read ahead a little. Psalm 33:11-17 lays the foundation for an important point that is made plain in the rest of the song.
Israel, through the years, had a very bad habit of looking for help in the wrong places. When trouble came, they would go to Egypt (or another nation) with their hats in hand, opening the treasury of the Temple to purchase assistance. The God of Heaven had promised to be their God, to help them, protect them, and provide for them, but he also demanded repentance, spiritual fidelity, and obedience to his laws. Israel found it easier to empty the coffers instead of turning to God.
The Psalmist warned them that there was no real help to be found in human sources. They might provide momentary assistance, but in the long run, depending on political machinations and military might would lead only to disappointment.
And still, the next time trouble came, they would rely on large armies, warriors, and horses! It would be easy for us to sit in judgment on Israel and disdain them for their lack of faith if we did not so often do the same thing.
In tomorrow's reading (Psalm 33:18-22), the Psalmist will remind us of the unfailing goodness of God and how reliable he is when we put our faith in him.
Israel, through the years, had a very bad habit of looking for help in the wrong places. When trouble came, they would go to Egypt (or another nation) with their hats in hand, opening the treasury of the Temple to purchase assistance. The God of Heaven had promised to be their God, to help them, protect them, and provide for them, but he also demanded repentance, spiritual fidelity, and obedience to his laws. Israel found it easier to empty the coffers instead of turning to God.
The Psalmist warned them that there was no real help to be found in human sources. They might provide momentary assistance, but in the long run, depending on political machinations and military might would lead only to disappointment.
The Bible is full of stories in which God enabled an outnumbered and overpowered army to prevail when they depended on him. God even reduced the size of Gideon's army so much that victory was impossible without the power of God. Time and again, Israel faced overwhelming odds, and impossible situations, and came through victorious when God's power was unleashed.The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue. Psalm 33:16-17
And still, the next time trouble came, they would rely on large armies, warriors, and horses! It would be easy for us to sit in judgment on Israel and disdain them for their lack of faith if we did not so often do the same thing.
- We look to money to provide security instead of depending on God.
- We seek man's applause instead of living for God's approval.
- We trust human experts instead of what God's Word says.
- Our hope is in this world, instead of eternity.
In tomorrow's reading (Psalm 33:18-22), the Psalmist will remind us of the unfailing goodness of God and how reliable he is when we put our faith in him.
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,on those who hope in his steadfast love,that he may deliver their soul from deathand keep them alive in famine.Our soul waits for the Lord;he is our help and our shield.For our heart is glad in him,because we trust in his holy name.Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,even as we hope in you.
Father, I trust in you. I may receive help from friends at times, but my hope is in you. You are steadfast and faithful. I love you and thank you for your power, your goodness and your grace.
Consider God's Word:
Which of these four passages spoke most clearly to you today?
Is there sin in your life that needs to be confessed and dealt with that was revealed in one of these passages?
Is there something in your life that needs to change?
Is there a struggle in your life that one of these passages spoke to?
Do you trust in God for your help, or are you self-reliant?
Do you trust in others more than you trust in God?
Do you trust in the power of people, money, or other things of this world?
He alone is your help, your shield - the one whose steadfast love sustains you.
Spend time today meditating on this truth.
Do you trust in others more than you trust in God?
Do you trust in the power of people, money, or other things of this world?
He alone is your help, your shield - the one whose steadfast love sustains you.
Spend time today meditating on this truth.
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