As we conclude the book of Judges, we hear about the horrifying events that occurred among the tribes of Israel in the days when "every man did what was right in his own eyes". The readings for today are Judges 19-21 and Psalm 148. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Today we follow two stories of betrayal with Samson and Delilah and Micah and the Levite. Fr. Mike also explains why Judges is the best example of how God can use broken people to do his will. The reading are Judges 16-18 and Psalm 147. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Today, Fr. Mike begins to read Samson's story and points out that Samson, despite his physical strength, has a lot of weaknesses. The readings are Judges 12-15 and Psalm 146. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Today's readings are Judges 9-11, Ruth 4, and Psalm 137. In the reading from Judges, we hear about the rise and fall of Abimelech, as well as the misguided and heartbreaking vow Jephthah makes to God in return for victory over the Ammonites. We also conclude the book of Ruth with the marriage of Boaz and Ruth. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
In today's reading from Judges, Fr. Mike talk about Gideon's story, and points out how the people began to worship the object Gideon had created to glorify God, instead of worshipping the living God. In Ruth, he highlights the role of kinsman-redeemer and how Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of that role. Today's readings are Judges 6-8, Ruth 3, and Psalm 135. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suita...
Fr. Mike highlights the life of Ruth, and what seems to be the first day of hope she's had in a long time. Sometimes it takes a long time to catch a glimmer of hope in the darkness of our lives, but Ruth reminds us that no matter what we've been through, God is always with us. Today's readings are Judges 4-5, Ruth 2, and Psalm 134. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental di...
Welcome to the book of Judges! Fr. Mike foreshadows the events of Judges, and the cycle of disobedience we'll continue to see Israel go through. He also gives some context on the book of Ruth, and how we can find grace within the frustrating moments of Scripture. Today's readings are Judges 1-3, Ruth 1, and Psalm 133. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is ad...
Fr. Mike focuses on the last words Joshua speaks to the people of Israel, and how he calls them to choose the Lord above all other things. We all have idols in our lives that take us away from God; how are we choosing to love Christ above these idols today? Today's readings are Joshua 22-24, and Psalm 132. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike reminds us that God keeps his promises, even if it takes a little longer than we thought. Just like the people of Israel received everything the Lord had promised them, we too will receive everything the Lord has promised us, even in the midst of hardship and temptation. Today's readings are Joshua 19-21, and Psalm 131. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discr...
Fr. Mike reminds us that God is present with us in every step of our journey, even the seemingly mundane aspects. He also encourages us to not be discouraged on this journey, but to focus on relating to the historic stories of our biblical brothers and sisters. Today's readings are Joshua 15-18, and Psalm 130. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
As we read about Joshua leading Israel into battle, Fr. Mike helps us comprehend the meaning behind all the destruction God commands. He emphasizes that God ultimately wants us to fight for each other and not against each other. Today's readings are Joshua 12-14, and Psalm 129. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike offers us different ways we can interpret the miracle of the sun standing still in Joshua 10, and also reminds us that God always desires unity for us even though we often face war and division in this world. Today's readings are Joshua 10-11, and Psalm 128. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike expands on the significance of establishing a covenant relationship, and how the trickery of the Gibeonites can represent the desire to enter into a relationship with God out of fear rather than out of love. Today's readings are Joshua 8-9, and Psalm 126. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike explains the meaning of circumcision for Israel's relationship with God. He also underscore the gravity of Achan's sin, and how the Valley of Achor symbolizes shame that is painful but not hopeless. Today we read Joshua 5-7 and Psalm 125. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
As we begin our reading of the book Joshua, Fr. Mike draws our attention to God's power as he parts the waters of the Jordan river, allowing the Israelites to walk across on dry land. We learn that following God often requires great courage and trust. Today's readings are Joshua 1-4, and Psalm 123. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Congratulations on completing the Desert Wanderings period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the fifth biblical period, Conquest and Judges. They discuss the trials the Israelites face as they enter the Promised Land. We learn that the book of Joshua and the book of Judges are characterized by Israel's unfaithfulness, destruction, and repentance. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for ...
As we finish our journey through the Desert Wanderings, Fr. Mike zeroes in on the purpose of cities of refuge for the Israelites and the strong bond of community that they shared and maintained as the tribes grew. Today's readings are Numbers 35-36, Deuteronomy 34, and Psalm 121. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Today, Fr. Mike points out how the boundaries of the land of Canaan in Numbers remind us that the Promised Land is not a nice idea, but a real tangible place. He also reveals that Psalm 120 begins the Psalms of Ascent, or the Psalms that people would pray as they went up to the Temple to worship. The readings are Numbers 34, Deuteronomy 33, and Psalm 120. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable fo...
In today's readings, we trace the route of the Israelites in Numbers and hear the song of Moses in Deuteronomy. Fr. Mike reflects on a hard lesson from these passages; that God will allow us to choose something other than him, even though it hurts us. The readings are Numbers 33, Deuteronomy 32, and Psalm 118. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike points out why it's important that the tribes of Reuben and Gad agree to fight in Numbers 32 and also reflects on how God knows that his people will be faithless, and yet He remains faithful to them. The readings are Numbers 32, Deuteronomy 31, and Psalm 117. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike breaks down the battle against Midian and explains why God would allow destruction and warfare that can seem brutal. He also highlights how we can learn from Israel's weakness by destroying the things in our lives that lead us away from God. Today's readings are Numbers 31, Deuteronomy 30, and Psalm 116. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised...
Fr. Mike gives us some background around the feast days of the Old Testament and emphasizes the importance of vows, which are serious promises made with God. Today's readings are Numbers 29-30, Deuteronomy 29, and Psalm 113. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike discusses the inheritance given to Zelophehad's daughters. He also highlights the journey of Joshua as Moses' successor, and how Christ is the fulfillment of Joshua's leadership. Today's readings are Numbers 27-28, Deuteronomy 28, and Psalm 112. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike explains why it was important to take a census at different points of the people of Israel in the Old Testament. We also learn that the Tribe of Levi is the only tribe that doesn't get an inheritance of land, because they're receiving something much greater. Today's readings are Numbers 26, Deuteronomy 27, and Psalm 111. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental disc...
Fr. Mike describes the sinful events of Israel in Moab, and why God chooses to bless the Israelites through Balaam in spite of their sin. Today's readings are Numbers 24-25, Deuteronomy 26, and Psalm 107. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike shares more details surrounding the Old Testament laws, including why God would give us these laws in the first place. Today's readings are Numbers 23, Deuteronomy 24-25, and Psalm 106. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike dives into the character of Balaam, and why his offense was so treacherous towards his relationship with God. Today's readings are Numbers 22, Deuteronomy 23, and Psalm 105. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike explains how the bronze serpent is a prefiguration of Jesus on the Cross. We also continue to learn how God's laws in Deuteronomy redefine the social and sexual norms for the Israelites to teach them about the dignity of every human person. Today's readings are Numbers 21, Deuteronomy 22, and Psalm 102. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised....
Fr. Mike describes the miracle of the waters of Meribah that God performs for his people in the wilderness. He also explains the logic behind the laws God gives his people to restore their morality as they learn to live in relationship with each other. Today we read Numbers 19-20, Deuteronomy 21, and Psalm 100. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike breaks down God's divine judgement, and the refuge he offers to those who are faithful to him. Today's readings are Numbers 18, Deuteronomy 19-20, and Psalm 99. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
