Month #5 of Daily Bible Readings

Daily Bible Reading with DragoNate #155

Victory

Joshua 8

I pray blessings on you as you read.

(v. 2) "You will do the same thing to Ai and its king that you did to Jericho and its king. However, you may take its loot and livestock for yourselves. Set an ambush behind the city.' " (v. 16-17) "All the troops in the city were called out to chase them. As they chased Joshua, they were lured away from the city. Not one man was left in Ai or Bethel; They all went after Israel. So the city was left unprotected as they chased Israel." (v. 19) "The men who were hiding got up as soon as he [Joshua] stretched out his hand. They entered the city, captured it, and quickly set it on fire."

My Thoughts

It was not very smart of Ai to have sent out every single soldier, every single able bodied man, to fight their attackers. That move caused them to leaver the city entirely unprotected, and Israel was able to capture it and set it on fire. They had the victory soon after because the men of Ai had nowhere to go, with the Israelites in front and behind.

Most of us more than likely cannot relate to this kind of victory, not counting games. We still have victories all the time, though. Small victories are still something to celebrate. Our biggest victory as God's people is over the enemies and every one of his tactics.

Nothing Satan could ever do can ever truly ruin us if we are in Jesus. Whether it comes in the form of other people's evil actions, or stupid or unfortunate things happening.With today being Pink Shirt Day, my main focus is on bullies. You can watch this video giving a word of encouragement if you would like.

As stated in the video, it does get better. You have victory over them as well because nothing bullies do can ever separate us from God. Even though you may be going through that situation, and even if it has been a long time, you have victory.

Stay strong and don't let the bullies get to you. I know it's easier said than done, but you have to try. Don't lose yourself the people who bully you because they are not worth it. Talk to someone who can help you in some way.

Prayer Time

Now you talk to God about what you read, and you can even read this chapter of the Bible for yourself before you do.

Let me know your thoughts on this reading as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read, I pray that what you have read blesses and inspires you! Godbless!

Daily Bible Reading with DragoNate #154

What Goes Around Comes Around

Habakkuk 2

I pray blessings on you as you read.

(v. 15-16) " 'How horrible it will be for the one who makes his neighbor drink from the bowl of God's rage, making him drunk in order to stare at his nakedness.' You are filled with disgrace rather than glory. Drink! Yes you! And expose yourself as godless. The cup in the LORD's right hand will come around to you. and disgrace will cover your glory."

My Thoughts

Habakkuk 2 says that those who cause harm to others will receive the same in return from God. Quite literally what goes around comes around. And it will. Maybe not in this lifetime, but when their physical bodies die.

Those especially who make others incur God's wrath, will themselves receive God's wrath. This particular book is about Habakkuk's complaints about things to God, and God's answer to him. Habakkuk was upset that wicked people seemed to have all the success. God's answer to that was that they would be punished in the end. During their lifetime, their success would not make them happy.

These people that Habakkuk were talking about either stepped on others in order to be successful, and/or, they praise themselves and their tools by which they became successful. This is not at all the right way to go about things. God can give us success without the use of any kind of tool. Though I don't want to focus on the idea of idolatry right now.

People who step on others to gain success are likely to be stepped on themselves. They will cause others to stumble so that they can get ahead. God will knock them back down. People who do this kind of thing are not likely to continue having such 'good luck,' it will eventually run out and they will be at the bottom once again.

Even for the time that they are at the top, they won't have much joy or happiness because of it. That's their punishment. Gain the whole world, but lose your soul, again, quite literally. I would much rather have few things and accomplishments and little success and be happy and joyful because of God, than to have everything I ever wanted and never get any joy from it.

Prayer Time

Now you talk to God about what you read, and you can even read this chapter of the Bible for yourself before you do.

Let me know your thoughts on this reading as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read, I pray that what you have read blesses and inspires you! Godbless!

Daily Bible Reading with DragoNate #153

Abandoning God

2 Kings 24

I pray blessings on you as you read.

(v. 13) "He also took away all the treasures in the LORD's temple and the royal palace. As the LORD had predicted, Nebuchadnezzar stripped the gold off all the furnishings that King Solomon of Israel had made for he LORD's temple." (v. 20) "The LORD became angry with Jerusalem and Judah and threw the people out of his sight. Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon."

My Thoughts

God's people had abandoned Him again and after so doing, there were many evil kings for such a long period of time. As a result of the people abandoning God, God did what He said He would do and Judah and Jerusalem were attacked and taken captive and all the treasures that Solomon had made for God's temple were taken.

Many times God had warned His people of what would happen if they abandoned Him and did not turn from their evil ways. They provoked God to anger, which is actually quite difficult to do. We know that what God says is true, but the people back then, and a lot of people now, do not believe that.

Obviously they didn't care much about what God had been saying to them, or they would have at least tried to turn from their ways. Don't be like them. When we disobey God, which is also known as sin, we can't enjoy the good things that God has in mind for us and our lives.

Like I have said before, God does not promise us a good life or an easy life. What He does promise is eternal life. When we live in God's presence, we experience all the good things that God has planned for us. If we abandon Him, we cannot experience or receive any of that at all.

Learn from the mistakes of God's people in the Bible and don't make the same ones. Don't abandon God and pass up everything He has for you. Even through hard times, if you stay faithful to God, He can, and He will, bring good out of it somehow.

Prayer Time

Now you talk to God about what you read, and you can even read this chapter of the Bible for yourself before you do.

Let me know your thoughts on this reading as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read, I pray that what you have read blesses and inspires you! Godbless!

Daily Bible Reading with DragoNate #152

A Downcast Soul

Psalm 42

I pray blessings on you as you read.

(v. 2) "My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When may I come to see God's face?" (v.11) "Why are you discouraged, my soul? Why are you so restless? Put your hope in God, because I will still praise him. He is my savior and my God."

My Thoughts

What do you do when you are downcast or discouraged? Look up to God of course. God is our Rock and we can stand firm in Him. Let God encourage you again. Whenever you are feeling discouraged, just talk to God. Give it to Him and ask for courage.

There have been many times I feel discouraged about things. I always talk to God. He helps me to feel better. Not always to I feel better about the specific situation, but I definitely feel better in general. Just ask God to pour over you His grace and His peace. You may be surprised how much better you feel after.

Of course, you can always talk to a good friend, mentor or family member, whether or not you've talked to God already. Talk to God before if you want and you'll feel a bit better for when you talk to whoever else. If you talk to them first, they'll probably pray with you anyway.

This feeling doesn't last forever, unless you let it. It does get better. Feelings of discouragement or anything else for that matter--depression, anxiety, anger, hatred, or any other negative feelings. They don't last forever. The sooner you deal with them, the better it will be and the less time they will last.

Whenever you have strong feelings, you should share it with someone. Positive or negative feelings, you should share it. Especially negative, so that it can be dealt with. Don't forget to talk to God though. Share your positive and negative feelings with God as well!

Prayer Time

Now you talk to God about what you read, and you can even read this chapter of the Bible for yourself before you do.

Let me know your thoughts on this reading as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read, I pray that what you have read blesses and inspires you! Godbless!

Daily Bible Reading with DragoNate #151

A Do-Nothing God?

Zephaniah 1

I pray blessings on you as you read.

(v. 12) " 'At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish those who are satisfied with their hardened lifestyle, who think that the LORD won't do anything--good or bad."

My Thoughts

Tons of people today think that God is a do-nothing God. They think that God either sits in heaven watching us and leaving everything to us, never lifting a finger. Or, they think that God has abandoned us, doesn't even watch us anymore. Those people would be wrong, wouldn't they?

The people in Zephaniah's time thought this way as well. They thought that God would just sit in heaven and not care about what they did and that He wasn't going to do anything about anything. Well, God did do something.

God is very much active today. You may not hear stories like what happens in the Bible as often now as they seemed to then. I was going to say "that's because God doesn't do that anymore" or that He's changed. God stopped me right away here and reminded me that He is unchanging. It's not God who has changed, but us.

God is just as prominent as He always has been. He has not changed. We have. We have lost faith, diminished faith. Our society today has become so absorbed in itself. Almost everyone is now so focused on time. 'Time is money.' I admit even I get into that mindset sometimes and I get impatient with things.

Amazing things happen all the time. God has answered many of my prayers. People hear from God often, though not often does each individual hear from God. There are different reasons for that. All I'm going to say about that is that if you are not right with God, don't expect to hear much from Him.

My point with all this is that God is not silent. In any way. If you believe that God is silent and doesn't care anymore, how can you possibly accept it when He speaks to you? How can you expect Him to speak to you or answer prayer if you don't believe in Him? You have to trust, believe and have faith. Otherwise, you are the one that has closed the door on Him and blocked it off. Open the door and invite God in, if that is what you want.

Prayer Time

Now you talk to God about what you read, and you can even read this chapter of the Bible for yourself before you do.

Let me know your thoughts on this reading as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read, I pray that what you have read blesses and inspires you! Godbless!

Daily Bible Reading with DragoNate #150

Anger of the Lord

Nahum 1

I pray blessings on you as you read.

(v. 2-3) "God does not tolerate rivals. The LORD takes revenge. The LORD takes revenge and is full of anger. The LORD takes revenge against his enemies and holds a grudge against his foes. The LORD is patient and has great strength. The LORD will never let the guilty go unpunished.Raging winds and storms mark his path, and clouds are the dust from his feet." (v. 6) "Who can stand in the presence of his rage? Who can oppose his burning anger? He pours out his rage like fire and smashes the rocky cliffs."

My Thoughts

God 'is full of anger?' What? Isn't anger a bad thing? Well, yes, unless it is for a righteous anger. God does not get angry and say bad words or lash out at people. God becomes angry when people go against what is right. We get angry when things don't go the way we want them to.

It's okay to get angry. It is a natural human emotion, in fact, it's an emotion that God has. It it when we get angry at stupid things that it is wrong. God does not get angry at stupid things. He doesn't even become angry that often. It's not like God is angry at us every time we do something wrong. He is slow to anger.

God's anger burns against those who are against God. We all make mistakes and God does discipline us when we do, but God is love. If our hearts are not against God, then God is not against us.

It would be wise of us to control our anger as well and only let ourselves become angry about things that God would become angry about. I know I get angry, frustrated, upset and annoyed about stupid things. Much more than I would like. That's why right now, I ask God to please take away any and all anger that is in me for anything not worth being angry about. Give me a righteous anger. Let me only become angry about things that you become angry about. Amen.

Prayer Time

Now you talk to God about what you read, and you can even read this chapter of the Bible for yourself before you do.

Let me know your thoughts on this reading as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read, I pray that what you have read blesses and inspires you! Godbless!

Daily Bible Reading with DragoNate #149

Wandering Mind

Philippians 4

I pray blessings on you as you read.

(v. 7-8) "Then God's peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable or commendable."

My Thoughts

Our minds like to wander, don't they? Mine definitely does, and it seems to do so more when I am trying to focus on something, like prayer. Not always does it go to bad things, but it does wander. Sometimes, my mind does wander into areas I don't want it to. That's something we need to be careful about.

What we need to keep our minds focused on are what Paul mentions here. True, pure, fair, honorable, acceptable and commendable things. Don't let your mind go to places where impure thoughts abound. Doing so will lead you into temptation, like I talked about a couple days ago.

When your mind wanders into that kind of territory, you become distracted from the things of God. Our attitude can reflect it sometimes too. So if we keep pure thoughts in our minds, our attitude will reflect that as well.

There is nothing wrong with thinking about work or a project or a movie or a game. The biggest thing is that is not where our minds should be focused most of the time. Focus on the task at hand that needs to be done like work. When you're watching a movie, enjoy the movie. It's when we are bored or relaxing or otherwise not doing anything that we need to be wary of where our minds are.

When your mind is in that place where it has nothing specific to focus on or anything, that's when it may wander into impure territory. When we have nothing to do or we are bored or relaxing, we need to be careful of our thoughts and focus them on the things of God and on other good things. Not let our thoughts become dark or tainted or impure.

Prayer Time

Now you talk to God about what you read, and you can even read this chapter of the Bible for yourself before you do.

Let me know your thoughts on this reading as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read, I pray that what you have read blesses and inspires you! Godbless!

Daily Bible Reading with DragoNate #148

Hate Evil

Psalm 97

I pray blessings on you as you read.

(v. 10) "Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked."

My Thoughts

If you love God, you will hate evil. Not all people who don't believe in or follow God are evil or wicked. Sometimes it may seem like that's what is being said, but is not. The wicked are against God and against love and good. God is good and God is love, so if you are against either of those or you are against God, that what qualifies as wicked.

Unfortunately though, no matter how good a person you are, if you deny that God exists or decide not to follow Him. In other words, if you are unfaithful to God, how can you expect God to be faithful to you? If you don't believe in Him and don't accept Him, He will not accept you into heaven.

Now when the Bible says to hate evil, it does not mean to hate evil people or to hate any person at all. 'Hate the sin, not the sinner.' That's what this is about. We are called to love people, including our enemies, and to hate evil. You love a person, but you do not have to love what they do or have done.

I have many different friends that are of different faiths and beliefs and that like different things and that have done certain things. I love all of my friends the same. I don't agree with certain things some have done, and I don't agree with certain things some do or think. That doesn't mean I hate them for it, it just means that I don't like or agree with certain things.

The bad things that people do, I hate. The bad things I have done, I hate. When someone does something bad, especially if it is really bad, you do get a different perspective of them, whether you haven't known them long or you've known them forever. Don't lose love for them as a person. You don't have to love them enough to invite them into your home, but love them as a person.

Hate the evil that someone does, but do not hate the person. People can change. The evil things someone has done can be stopped and they can turn around from it. That's what matters and that is why we can't hate the person, because they can become good.

Prayer Time

Now you talk to God about what you read, and you can even read this chapter of the Bible for yourself before you do.

Let me know your thoughts on this reading as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read, I pray that what you have read blesses and inspires you! Godbless!

Daily Bible Reading with DragoNate #147

Temptation

James 1

I pray blessings on you as you read.

(v. 13-15) "When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted why, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."

My Thoughts

When you are tempted, have you ever said that God is tempting you? Have you ever said that God is testing you? I do believe that God does test us, but I do not believe that God puts us into those situations. The situations, whatever they may be, do come and God allows them to happen, but He does not cause them to happen.

As James says here, temptation is caused by desire. The desire to have or to do something that you know shouldn't arises, and out of that we are tempted. When we desire strongly for something that we shouldn't have or are denied having, that is when temptation arises If we can't let go of that desire, we give in to temptation, which then leads to sin.

Temptation itself is not a sin. The kind of temptation that James is talking about indeed leads to sin, but we use the word for other things that do not necessarily lead to sin. For example, when you are craving chips or chocolate or you are really wanting to do something specifically special again. You have a strong desire for whatever it is, to which we can be tempted as well. Giving in to the 'temptation' of chocolate is not a sin, but it can become so if you let it.

With that chocolate, if you are craving it or are 'tempted' by it, then just have it. Just don't go nuts with it and eat three or four bars. With chips, just don't eat the whole bag. You can cause yourself harm if you give in to that kind of thing. Now when it comes to being tempted by alcohol or sex or some kind of addiction, do not give yourself a taste because pretty well every single time, it ends up being 'one thing led to another...' kind of story. Just don't do it.

If you do end up giving in to the temptation, and you have that drink or take that pill or look at that picture/video, don't condemn yourself. Especially for an addiction. If you feel guilty, then that's your punishment discipline. Don't think of it as a failure, but rather a fall. This is the reason why:

Failure- The opposite of success. To fail means you cannot succeed. It takes the possibility of success away.

Fall- A temporary setback. To fall means only that your progress is slowed. You can still get back up and keep going.

If you think of these temporary setbacks as failures, then you will never succeed because you are not allowing yourself to succeed. on the other hand, if you'd only fallen down, then get back up and keep moving on. It may take you longer because you fell, but you are not out yet.

Prayer Time

Now you talk to God about what you read, and you can even read this chapter of the Bible for yourself before you do.

Let me know your thoughts on this reading as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read, I pray that what you have read blesses and inspires you! Godbless!

Daily Bible Reading with DragoNate #146

Looking Back

Exodus 39

I pray blessings on you as you read.

(v. 32) "So all the work on the inner tent, the tent of meeting, was now done. The Israelites followed all the LORD's instructions to Moses." (v. 33a) "Then they brought everything to Moses..." (v. 42-43) "The Israelites had done all the work following the LORD's instructions to Moses. Moses inspected all the work and saw that they had followed the LORD's instructions. So Moses blessed them."

My Thoughts

Do you ever look back at or think back to anything? You finished a project that you have been on for a long time and you look back at it to make sure all is good. Or you think back to when you first started learning something new and you think about how much you've improved and progressed since then and all the things you have done so far, and will some day, achieve.

Looking back is necessary to improve further. You learn from your mistakes and you remind yourself of things you may have forgotten. Remember the mistakes and look for imperfections and ways that you can improve upon what you are doing now or have done for a long time. It's important in order to progress further.

In the case of work that you have finished, it is important to review it to make sure that it is up to the standard that you want. If you don't do it yourself, then having someone to do it for you is good as well. In fact, having someone else, or even multiple people, to review your work and give you feedback is good anyway because other people always have different ideas and viewpoints and perspectives that can help us to improve even more.

God gave Moses instructions as to what He wanted to be done and how. Moses gave those instructions to the Israelite workers and they did the work. When they were finished, Moses inspected all the work they had done and found that it was all in line with the instructions God had given.

With anything that you do, it is good to look for the critique and opinion of others. Other people tend to see what we miss with our work and can point those things out. In turn, we can then improve what we are doing and become more efficient and proficient and progress more and faster.

You can apply Exodus 39 directly to your life as well. The work is your life and the choices you make. We want our life; our choices to be exactly as God commanded and in line with what He wants so that when He looks back and we look back at our lives God will say, "It was exactly as I commanded."

Prayer Time

Now you talk to God about what you read, and you can even read this chapter of the Bible for yourself before you do.

Let me know your thoughts on this reading as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read, I pray that what you have read blesses and inspires you! Godbless!