Category: Two-Year-Bible-Reading

“Instead of” – 2025 Day 170 – Numbers 3:40-4:49

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 138, Numbers 3:40-4:49.

Hearing “instead of” can be a bad thing. Maybe someone else was chosen for a job promotion instead of your husband. Maybe the Chicago Cubs won the World Series instead of your beloved St. Louis Cardinals. (Highly unlikely.) Maybe the grocery store accidentally gave you zucchini instead of cucumbers in your grocery pickup order. (Much more likely.)

In Genesis we read this phrase “instead of” three times, and each time it’s very good. First, God gave Adam and Eve another son after Cain had killed Abel. Eve “called his name Seth, for she said, ‘God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.’” (Genesis 4:25 ESV) Next we read that, “Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son.” (Genesis 22:13 ESV) Finally, in Genesis 44:33, Judah asks his brother, Joseph, “Please let your servant [Judah] remain instead of the boy [Benjamin] as a servant to my lord, and let the boy go back with his brothers.”

Today we read about the Levites who were being given to the Lord instead of the firstborns whom God had chosen during the Passover in Exodus 13.

And you shall take the Levites for me
—I am the LORD—
instead of all the firstborn
among the people of Israel,
and the cattle of the Levites
instead of all the firstborn among the cattle of the people of Israel.

Numbers 3:41 ESV

And I’m reminded of the greatest “instead of” story that I’ve ever heard. God poured out His wrath on Jesus instead of me. God nailed His own son to the cross instead of me. Jesus died instead of me.

“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5:14-21 ESV

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of Your Son, the perfect, spotless Lamb who died instead of me. And now I can look forward with full assurance to living in eternity with You. It is in the name of Jesus Christ that I pray. Amen.

God of Every Grace – Keith and Kristyn Getty

God’s Children are called to Serve in Different Places and for Different Purposes – 2025 Day 169 – Numbers 3:1-39

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 137, Numbers 3:1-39

If you read Numbers 2 carefully, you noticed that God specifically told each of these different clans where they were to camp: some to the north, some to the south, some to the east, and some to the west. This pattern is repeated again in Numbers 3, but now with the Levites. The Gershonites are to camp to the west of the tabernacle, behind it. They are responsible for guarding the tabernacle itself, the tent and its covering, the screens, hangings, and cords. The Kohathites are to camp to the south of the tabernacle, and they are responsible for protecting the ark, the tables, the lampstands and altars, and all the vessels of the sanctuary. Finally, the Merarites are to camp to the north of the tabernacle, and they are responsible for the frames and bars and pillars, the bases and pegs and cords – all that extra heavy stuff.

But what about the front of the tabernacle, the east, the side facing the sunrise? God has a plan and purpose for that place, too. Moses and Aaron and Aaron’s sons are to camp there.

God has ordained for each of these groups, these clans, according to their father’s households, a specific place and purpose.

Though our specific instructions are no longer written out for us in His Word, God still has unique purposes and callings for His children. Ephesians 2:10 is as true today as when it was written 2,000 years ago! “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

God had planned out unique purposes and places for the Levites, and He has unique purposes and places for us, too. We’re not all called to go serve in Asia or Africa or Europe or South America, but some of us are. We’re not all called to homeschool or adopt or teach English, but some of us are. We’re not all called to be pastors or pastors’ wives, but some of us are. We’re not all called to translate the Bible into other languages or write children’s Bible study curriculums, but some of us are!

Whatever it is that the Lord is calling you to do, do it. Do it well. Do it whole-heartedly.

Listen carefully
and follow fervently.
That’s something we’re all called to do!

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the unique callings and purposes that You have placed on each one of our lives. We are members of one body, the body of Jesus Christ, but You have unique places and purposes for each one of us. You are the all-powerful, all-wise God. Help us to listen carefully and follow fervently — for the glory of Your name. It is in the name of Jesus Christ, the name that is above every name, that we pray. Amen.

Facing a Task Unfinished – Keith and Kristyn Getty

According to My Father’s House – 2025 Day 168 – Numbers 1-2

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 136, Numbers 1-2

In reading Numbers 1-2, it quickly becomes obvious that the people of Israel were organized “by their fathers’ houses.” This morning as I look forward to honoring my husband and my dad on this Father’s Day, it suddenly occurred to me that I wouldn’t have been placed with my own father’s line, but with the line of my husband and his father.

I’ve always been a bit of a Daddy’s girl. My dad is gentle, humble, and kind. Though he has so much wisdom to share, he’s more likely to be found listening than speaking. My dad will always, always have a very special place in my heart.

Yet, like Ruth of long ago, I was grafted into my husband’s family. “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16b) When I married my husband, his family became my family. His mom and dad became like my own mom and dad. I desire to honor them as I would honor my own parents.

So, Papa Bill, Happy Father’s Day to you, too. God has blessed you with a heart and a house full of blessings – children, grandchildren, and now even great grandchildren. Praise the Lord for His mercy and kindness. God has been so, so good to us.

Sisters, how can you honor your husband, your father, and your father-in-law today?

Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving my dad to me. He is a treasure. I pray that You would bless him with every spiritual blessing. And thank You, too, for my husband and his family who have welcomed me into the fold with open arms. I pray that You would bless them with peace and joy that surpasses all understanding. Give me opportunities to honor and bless my parents and my in-laws as well. By the grace of Your loving kindness poured out on me through Your Son Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

This is My Fathers World – Steve Green
As for Me and My Home – Brandon Lake

Which Tent are You Serving? – Hebrews 13 – 2025 Day 167

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 135; Hebrews 13

We have an altar from which those who worship at the tabernacle do not have a right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the most holy place by the high priest as a sin offering are burned outside the camp. Therefore, Jesus also suffered outside the gate, so that he might sanctify the people by his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing his disgrace. For we do not have an enduring city here; instead, we seek the one to come.

Hebrews 13:10-14 CSB

Let’s not rush past these verses without asking ourselves some transformational questions?

  • Am I living for this earthly body, this corruptible, temporary tent, or am I living for that eternal tabernacle in the heavens where Jesus is already seated at the right hand of God?
  • Am I willing to go to Him outside the camp and bear the same disgrace that He bore in my place, or am I ashamed of the gospel and unwilling to endure the disdain that the world has for the Name of Christ?
  • Am I seeking the praise of man, the accolades of this earthly city, or am I seeking the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant,” that my Father will one day welcome me with when I pass from the temporary to the eternal?

Ask yourself,
“Is what I’m living for
worth Christ dying for?”

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father, in our hearts we know the right answers to these questions, but so often we lack the strength to do what we know that we ought. Please strengthen our weak knees and make straight the paths that You want us to walk. We do love You, Lord, but so often it is not with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength. We are at best half-hearted followers. Oh, but Father, we want to give You our whole hearts. Please, do it in us. Pierce our hearts with the truth of Your word and help us to see our sin, so that we can be faithful to cast it off and put on Christ. We love you, Lord. It is in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Savior that we pray. Amen.

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I Love You, Lord – Kathryn Scott

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The Lord’s Discipline – Hebrews 12 – 2025 Day 166

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 134; Hebrews 12

After hobbling around in a walking boot for six weeks, I was so tired of it. I wanted to throw it straight in the trash. I felt like it was hindering me and making me weak, when actually it was helping me heal properly.

It’s like the Lord’s discipline. The Lord is a good Father, a perfect Father. He wants for our good. He wants to teach us and train us. He wants to “raise us up right,” and that means that He is diligently working to conform us into the image of His Son.

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.

Hebrews 12:11-13 ESV

I don’t want to be left lame. I don’t want to be left weak. I don’t want to have to walk the crooked path. No. I don’t. I need the Lord’s discipline – and so do you.

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for making me Your daughter. It’s so good to be Your daughter. Thank You that You are not punishing me as Your enemy, but disciplining me as Your daughter. You want for my good. You want to make me straight and strong, and You want to teach me to walk on the straight paths. Help me to give thanks in all circumstances and to trust that the path You have me on is Your will for me in Christ Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of my faith and the Savior of my soul. For it is in His holy name that I pray. Amen

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Holy, Holy, Holy (We Bow Before Thee) – Shane and Shane

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How can I Endure? – Hebrews 11-12 – 2025 Day 165

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 133; Hebrews 11:32-12:28

I hope you read Hebrews 11 immediately before reading Hebrews 12, because of that critical first word of Hebrews 12, “Therefore.”

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV
  • Why do we remember all those men and women of faith who went before us, men and women who didn’t ever receive what they were promised, what they were hoping for?
  • Why do we cast off sin and all those other not-so-helpful things that are holding us back in this race?
  • Why do we consider Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, the One who endured such hostility?

So that we can keep going, running the race without fainting from weariness or lack of strength. Remember those saints. Remember Jesus. Cast off sin and selfishness and pride and cling to your faith.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving us the example of the suffering saints and the suffering savior. Help us to suffer well. Help us to endure when race of life feels long and hard and lonely. Make us a reflection of Christ, remembering our children, our neighbors, our fellow church members are watching us. For Your glory and honor we pray, Amen.

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I am a Christian – Hudson Harmony Band

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Life is Hard. God is Good. – Hebrews 11 – 2025 Day 164

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 131-132; Hebrews 11

I love, love, love Hebrews 11. I love it from the first verse to the last verse. I could spend a month just studying this one chapter of the Bible. How can I choose just one verse to focus on?

  • Do I choose the definition of faith – that faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen – that we find in verse 1?
  • Or how about that the universe was created by the word of God, that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible, like we read in verse 3?
  • But what about verse 6, that without faith it is important to please God, for whoever would draw near to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him?
  • Or maybe I should choose one of the stories of faithful men and women, like Noah or Moses or Rahab?

No, I’m not going to choose any of those. Rather, I want to take you to some of the less popular verses which are found at the end of this chapter, the stories of faithful men and women whose stories aren’t so famous as Abraham and Joseph. I want you to really consider the men and women who aren’t featured in our children’s Sunday school lessons.

Let’s begin reading at verse 32.

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection.

Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Hebrews 11:32-40

Sisters, Brothers, life isn’t always easy, but God is always good. Trust Him.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for all of these examples of faithful men and women who have gone before us. Thank You for the wonderful stories of miracles like Abraham and Sarah having a baby in their old age, and Moses parting the Red Sea. Help us to remember that even in those joyous stories there is great pain – Sarah’s pain enduring decades of barrenness, Moses’s years growing up apart from his mother along with forty years in the wilderness. And, Lord, there’s also all those stories of men and women who were mocked, tortured, and killed, who never received in this life the rewards and promises they hoped for. Oh, but Father, today they are in Your glorious presence. Today they see You face to face. And someday we will, too, if we do not lose heart. Give us strength to hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, because You, O Lord, are faithful to keep Your promises. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

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Faith to Believe – Shane and Shane

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Together – Hebrews 10 – 2025 Day 163

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 130; Hebrews 10

When I was little, I loved the Sesame Street book, The Together Book, which features pairs of things that need to be together. A wagon needs wheels. A milkshake needs a straw. A sled needs a hill. And Grover needs Big Bird to push him on the swing.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV

I love how these verses pair these two ideas together: hold fast to the confession of our hope and meet together with other believers.

  • We need to hold fast to our faith, and we hold fast to other believers.
  • We need to cling to the gospel, and we need to cling to our sisters and brothers.
  • We need to keep our hope in God, and we need to keep the encouragement of our faith family.

Sisters, I need you, and you need me, and we both need God and the gospel. Let me encourage you, and please come encourage me. We need each other.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the hope that is mine because of what Jesus did for me. And thank You for giving me sisters to encourage me when life is hard, for You knew that life would be hard. I pray for my sisters who aren’t active, participating members of a local fellowship of believers. Please show them their need for encouragement and exhortation, and please direct them to a local Bible believing, Bible preaching community of Christ-followers. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

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The Together Book – Sesame Street
Ancient of Days – Shane and Shane

Looking Forward to Heaven – Hebrews 9 – 2025 Day 162

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 129; Hebrews 9

For several years, I have been teaching English classes online using The Beginners Bible. I remember one year when I taught the last class, reading the last story, the story of John’s vision of heaven. One of my students wondered if heaven would be boring, if we’d all just be sitting around on clouds singing and playing harps. We had a great discussion about how glorious and good heaven will be. I promised him that he wouldn’t be bored, and I sent his mom a link to another wonderful book, perfect for parents and kids alike, Heaven for Kids by Randy Alcorn.

More recently, I spent 18 weeks leading the youth through a study of the book of Revelation with our local Community Bible Study group. As part of that study, we memorized Revelation 21:1-8 about the glories of the new heaven and the new earth.

So, those things returned to my mind, when I read Hebrews 9.

For Christ has entered,
not into holy places made with hands,
which are copies of the true things,
but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.

Hebrews 9:24 ESV

Jesus is there now, at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us, and that fact alone is enough to make me long to go – which then reminded me of this quote from John Piper

“The critical question for our generation—and for every generation— is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ were not there?”

John Piper

Our Father in Heaven, what an honor it is to pray to You, to know that You hear our prayers while we are here on earth, and what an even greater honor to know that Jesus is interceding on our behalf. We look forward to seeing You face to face, to sitting at Your feet and at least beholding Your glory. We pray that You will draw our loved ones to Your side, that we can worship You side-by-side with those we love. In the Name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

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Heaven is a Wonderful Place – Psalty

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He Maketh No Mistake – Hebrews 8 – 2025 Day 161

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 128; Hebrews 8

Before reading Hebrews, I read the books of Exodus and Leviticus. While reading about the detailed construction of the tabernacle and the establishment of the gifts, sacrifices, and offerings, I often thought, “Why are we given so many details about how exactly these things are to be conducted and constructed?” Well, the answer is found here in Hebrews 8:5 – These things were a copy, a shadow of the heavenly ones.

I may not understand why God does what He does,
but I can trust that He has a purpose
and a plan for whatever He brings to pass.

When our baby Tommy passed away at 16 weeks after attempting in-utero surgery, a friend gave me this poem. I hope it blesses you, as it did me.

He Maketh No Mistake
by A. M. Overton

My Father’s way may twist and turn,
My heart may throb and ache,
But in my soul I’m glad I know,
He maketh no mistake.

My cherished plans may go astray,
My hopes may fade away,
But still I’ll trust my Lord to lead
For He doth know the way.

Though night be dark and it may seem
That day will never break;
I’ll pin my faith, my all in Him,
He maketh no mistake.

There’s so much now I cannot see,
My eyesight’s far too dim;
But come what may, I’ll simply trust
And leave it all to Him.

For by and by the mist will lift
And plain it all He’ll make,
Through all the way, though dark to me,
He made not one mistake.

Heavenly Father, Help us to trust You when we don’t understand. Help us to trust You when everything seems strange and not how we would have planned. Help us to trust You when the night is long and the days are weary. We believe that You are good, and You maketh no mistake. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

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He Maketh No Mistake – Crown College Choir
Blest the Man that Fears Jehovah (Psalm 128) – Christ Church

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