Day 18

Today we have read 20% of the Bible, or 1/5th. What a great way to start the new year! Today is also the last dayof January. I really pray this reading challenge has been a blessing to you. I pray that you have been encouraged, inspired, pricked, quickened, and rejuvenated in the word.

Today I want to take note of someone pretty insignificant in the Scriptures. This is what we read about Shamgar: "And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel" (Judges 3:31). 

Shamgar is one of those intriguing persons in Scripture because he is only mentioned twice in a way that may seem like an afterthought. But this is not so with God. God does not include anything in his word that is insignificant. But neither does this mean we should speculate upon profound fantasy to strive toward a meaning that is absent of the Scriptures. What we know about Shamgar is exactly what we need to know about Shamgar.

He is a man used by God to "deliver Israel". An insignificant man who had nothing worthy of writing about: This is who God chose to "deliver Israel". The power did not exist in Shamgar's greatness - He had no greatness worthy of writing about. It wasn't even in his weapons - He used a common farmers tool, an ox goad. In Shamgar we are reminded that God uses whom he chooses for his purposes. Nobody is off limits. There are no pre-requisites to meet.

So do you feel insignificant? I mean, you haven't done anything worth writing about, have you? You are not a person we will be reading about in Scripture anytime soon, right? But these things are not pre-requisite to serving God. Service is not reserved for the elite, the educated, the sophisticated, the prepared. Service is reserved for his holy chosen people. In Christ we have all that is necessary to rise up and serve him. 

Do you believe that?

Day 17

Since becoming a Christian I have always read the beginning of Judges with a fearful spirit. When I read about an entire generation who was raised not knowing the Lord I wonder at the massive failure that took place. How is this possible? It doesn't seem possible, especially when you take into consideration all the years of God walking with Israel, going before them to fight and prepare the way for them. How can an entire generation simply forget everything God has done and proven to them? Nevertheless, it happened. And I think of my own responsibilities as a father and husband and wonder where my children will be when they are ready to leave home. Will they be a generation who will forget God? I always remind my children that they must possess a genuine faith of their own because they can not inherit my faith. They must know God themselves. And so I will continue to teach them and point them to Christ Jesus as often as I can. 

Let's not raise our children up to forget the Lord,

Jay Silvas

Day 16

I love the imagery in Joshua when Israel crosses the Jordan. Here a just a few quick observations I take away when I read this book. First, God passed before Israel to make the way open. He did all the work to open the way for Israel. Likewise, Jesus has gone before us to open the door to salvation. Secondly, God made sure everyone made it across the river. There was not one left behind. Christ has told us that he will not lose any one of us, but that he will come again and receive us unto himself that where he is, we may be also. Thirdly, once Israel was across he shut the way allowing the water to flow once again. They could not cross back to where they came from nor could they run away. Our salvation in the Son of God is complete! Amen! He brings us into his family and keeps us. He will never leave us nor forsake us. And one final observation I notice is this: They crossed during the swelling of the Jordan. This is the time in which the Jordan was overflowing onto the banks. You see, the river was not to much for God to handle, and neither is our sin. Christ took all of our sin, even becoming sin on the cross, bearing it all as God poured out his wrath on his own Son. The Scriptures say "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

These are just a four quick observations I made. Feel free to respond with observations of your own about anything you have read. Only, please "reply to all" so that we can all enjoy it together!

With Love in Christ,

Jay Silvas

Day 15

Here is a verse that I love:

And the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. (Deuteronomy 30:6)

In it I learn that God is faithful in his promise to us; He is changing us, conforming us even closer into the image of his Son Jesus. In this verse I see God at work in me to remove (expiate) that thing of offense (sin) which has driven us apart. In this I see that God is teaching me to love him even more each day. Man can lay hands on the flesh for the purpose of circumcision, but only God can circumcise the heart.

I pray that this truth would persist in you throughout our reading and you would let your hands rest in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Sincerely, 

Jay Silvas

Day 14

I really hope that you are enjoying yourself as you read through the word of God. But imagine this, what if God required you to copy your own complete Bible by hand for your own reading and studying instead of simply buying a standard Bible off the shelf? Do you think that would make a difference in your life?

Well, this is exactly what God required the king of Israel to do (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). Keep in mind that this is long before Israel ever desired a king, but God in his infinite wisdom was setting the requirements for Godly leadership in his kingdom. And even though a king of Israel could not drive to the local Barnes and Noble to purchase a Bible, they had plenty of scribes they could commission. But that wasn't what God said. He said "he shall write him a copy of this law in a book" and study it all the days of his life.

You see, this hand copied book of Scripture was to be the king's guide while he ruled. It symbolized the amount of dedication and zeal toward God the king must have. Imagine if our world leaders did this as a part of their inauguration. How would the world be different. Now imagine how your life will be different simply by faithfully reading the word of God and obeying.

I hope this 90 day Biblereading challenge is only the beginning of a new life devoted to God's word.

In Christ, 

Day 13

As we begin Deuteronomy you will begin to notice how often we are called to obey the words of the Lord. In fact, all of chapters 4-7 we're dedicated to this message. And if you take notice the reason we are to obey is because we love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind. Another reason given was to be a testimony to the nations and our children. In obeying the Lord the world will say "has there ever been a more righteous God as the one who is with these people?" notice the emphasis is on God's righteousness, not ours. And as for our children, they will ask us why we follow the commands of the Lord so diligently and we will respond with a testimony of Gods greatness and glory. Our life is a witness. Does yours give glory and honor to the Lord God who brought you out of The slavery of sin?

Soli Deo Gloria,

Jay Silvas

Sent from my iPad

Day 12

Today we read about Phineas who took up a javelin and ran it through the man of Israel who took an unlawful women into his tent before all the people. Because of Phineas' actions the plague ended and God's wrath was turned away. It's easy for us to praise Phineas for what he did because he acted in faith to correct the problem of sin among the community. But we should also make sure that we are not too quick to act as Phineas did.

Sometimes we can be too quick to take up our weapons and run someone through. If we are not careful we can cause a terrible amount of undue damage. Consider what was special about Phineas' actions. First, God's anger was kindled against Israel and he poured his wrath on them in the form of a plague. Secondly, God told Moses to slay all those who were worshiping the false gods. And thirdly, there is no evidence that Phineas acted in anger. In fact, the Scriptures say he was zealous for the Lord's sake that God would not consume all of Israel in the plague.

So before you go run that person through, you know, the one who really annoys you... Ask yourself, "Why am I angry? Why am I doing this?" Is your situation really the same as Phineas'?

Sola Gratia,

Jay

Day 11

Numbers 15:37-41

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God. I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD your God.

You have probably heard of people tying a string around their finger so they would not forget something. These dayswe usually write post-it notes and plaster them all around us. God's way of reminding his people of all the commandments was to weave this blue cord through their clothes. But even in this the people failed. Sure, we could put dots on everything that remind us to pray, read the word, or forgive those who offend us, but I believe one of the most ready solutions to remembering and obeying God's commands is found in Psalm 119:11 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

Reading the word of God is never a waste of time. It fills your heart and orders your steps. It becomes the thoughts of your meditations. It becomes the topic of your discussion.

I really pray you would be blessed as you read the Scriptures.

Day 10

Numbers 6:24-26

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

It's a real blessing to see a faithful God at work in the lives of his children. Today we read about the those who were numbered in the ranks of Israel and the dedication of the altar. But just consider all that you read today and how many God has numbered. Didn't God promise Abraham, who had no son of his own, an heir? And not only that, he promised that his seed would be numbered as the stars in the sky. And that's exactly what we read about: A faithful God who has kept his word.

And yet at times it's difficult to trust God for whatever reason. It's usually our circumstances that cloud our judgement and blind us. But praise the Lord, we have his word handed down to us which confirms from the beginning to the end that, "he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Of this very thing we are made confident in reading his word (Philippians 1:6).

Solo Scriptura,

Jay Silvas

Day 9

I am the Lord your God.

This is what is repeated over and over in Leviticus. It's such a simple statement, yet it is repeated so frequently that we cannot help but leave our reading today with that phrase throbbing in our mind. God does not expect obedience to be conditioned upon our feelings, our circumstances, or even rationalization of right and wrong. We obey him because he is our Lord God. Our obedience is centered directly in the person and work of our Lord God; it has nothing to do with us.

The Lord our God know's what is best for us. He has revealed what is best for us in his word. So let the word spur you unto obedience as you continue to read everyday. There is no blessing in disobedience, but obedience leads to an immeasurable blessing!

If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them;

Then I will 

1. give you rain in due season, 
2. and the land shall yield her increase, 
3. and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.
4. And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, 
5. and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time:
6. and ye shall eat your bread to the full,
7. and dwell in your land safely.
8. And I will give peace in the land, 
9. and ye shall lie down, 
10. and none shall make you afraid: 
11. and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, 
12. neither shall the sword go through your land.
13. And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword.
14. And five of you shall chase an hundred, 
15. and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: 
16. and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.
17. For I will have respect unto you, 
18. and make you fruitful, 
19. and multiply you, 
20. and establish my covenant with you.
21. And ye shall eat old store, and bring forth the old because of the new.
22. And I set my tabernacle among you: 
23. and my soul shall not abhor you.
24. And I will walk among you, 
25. and will be your God, 
26. and ye shall be my people.

I am the Lord your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright.

Day 8

I really hope you enjoy todays reading from Leviticus. There really is so much there to take in and meditate on. I think one of the biggest impressions I am left with when reading these chapters is the immense cost of sin. You may be familiar with a song that goes something like this:

I'll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

But leviticus gives us a glimpse of that cost: life for life, the innocent for the guilty; and without the shedding of blood there is no fogiveness of sins.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCeIKgdKrGc

In Christ,

Jay Silvas

Day 7

I hope you all had a wonderful day of rest in the Lord. Today we read about Israel building the tabernacle, clothing, and furniture as they were commanded. It seems a bit redundant for God to give such detail on how to build it just to have it repeated like a checklist a few chapters later. But what this demonstrates to me is the integrity and sincerity Israel met this challenge with. They wanted to follow God's word, every bit of it. They wanted to get it right and so we see them follow the instructions step by step. I think it's best illustrated at the end, "And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them." (Exodus 39:43).

Imagine if we were to make a report on our Christian life. Would we report in a level of detail that demonstrates our devotion to following God? Do we really want to live as Christ commanded us? Or is there some area we try to skip? Is there an area you'd rather not acknowledge because it seems to tedious, trivial, or undesirable? I find this quote to be very comforting and encouraging, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." (I John 5:3).

I do not believe building the tabernacle was a grievous task. In fact, the people were so eager to obey God that the leaders of Israel had to turn away those who wanted to donate more items to the building of the tabernacle; They had given too much!

In Christ,

Jay Silvas

Day 6

Today's reading is so good. We read about the beginnings of Israel in the wilderness and Moses interactions with God on the mountain and receiving the decalogue, but one of the most powerful things we read about in Scriptures are the instructions God gives for building his tabernacle. There is so much imagery in this holy construction that we could talk about it for quite a while. But what I love most about this, is that the tabernacle was built after the example and shadow of the heavenly reality (Exodus 25:40; Hebrews 8:5). God is faithful and his presence is with us. 

I wanted to share a video with you that might help you visualize what the tabernacle looked like in the lives of God's people and in it's finished form.

http://www.vimeo.com/10886542

Coram Deo,

Jay Silvas

Day 5

I hope you all are strengthened by the Scriptures this week. Today we read about God working in the life of Moses to bring his people out of Egypt. I have attached a link to a song describing the events of the Passover. I hope you enjoy it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSKO2EoWz9U

Sincerely, 

Jay Silvas

ps. Reply all and share how God has blessed you this week in his word. We would love to hear from you.

Day 4

It has been a blessing to read the word with so many of you this week. Today we finish the book of Genesis with the account of Joseph's family being reconciled. Just consider the long years of bitterness, regret, and sorrow that built up between Judah, Joseph, and Israel. You can see it in their tears when they face each other. In this case God used the event for good to save many people alive, but what about your life? Are you harboring years of bitterness, regret, and sorrow for others or even your family members? In forgiveness is liberty. 

Just consider some of these verses: "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 16 Moreover when ye fast , be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you , They have their reward." (Matthew 6:14-16); "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged : condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned : forgive , and ye shall be forgiven:" (Luke 6:37); "And when ye stand praying , forgive , if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." (Mark 11:25); "If any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." (Colossians 3:13).

Deus Semper Fidelis,

Jay Silvas

Day 3

Well it's day 3 of our reading challenge and I hope you are all getting along well. Today we read about the many struggles Jacob encounters: Struggles with his brother Esau; struggles with his father in law, Laban; struggles with his wives; struggles with strangers, especially Hamor's son who raped Dinah; and even struggles among his own children. Jacob seemed to be surrounded with troubles yet God loved Jacob. God never left Jacob and no matter how bad things became God fulfilled his promises to him.

Are you burdened with struggles? Know that He has promised to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He will complete that work which he has begun in you.

Laus Deo Semper,

Jay Silvas

Sent from my iPad

Day 2

Well it's day two of our 90 Bible reading challenge. I am praying for each one of you to be blessed as you fill your heart and mind with God's word today. It's amazing how God's word can bring your body to life when you are feeling tired and spent (This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. Psalm 119:50). 

If you want to be reminded of the immeasurable grace God's has poured on us, simply reflect on Abraham and Isaac's dealings with Abimelech. Now that's grace. Thank God today for protecting you from evil.

Sola Gratia,

Jay Silvas

Beginning the 90 Day Challenge

I sent this message to a group I read with last year. I hope it encourages you.

Today we start our journey through the greatest story ever told. It is the Story of who our God is and what he has done. It is unmatched in it's power and unrivaled in it's influence. So powerful is the word of God that several men gave their lives just to see it in a final translation of the English language, and when they had finished the translation, they wrote a ten chapter preface to the reader of the word. Here is just one quote from those men who translated God's word to English:

"But now what piety without truth? what truth (what saving truth) without the word of God? What word of God (whereof we may be sure) without the Scripture? The Scriptures we are commanded to search. John 5:39. Isa 8:20. They are commended that searched and studied them. Acts 8:28-29, 17:11. They are reproved that were unskilful in them, or slow to believe them. Matt 22:29. Luke 24:25. They can make us wise unto salvation. 2 Tim 3:15. If we be ignorant, they will instruct us; if out of the way, they will bring us home; if out of order, they will reform us; if in heaviness, comfort us; if dull, quicken us; if cold, inflame us. Tolle, lege; Tolle, lege, Take up and read, take up and read the Scriptures"

So in the spirit of our 90 day challenge I want to echo the words of those translators who believed with their whole lives that this is the very word of God: 

Tolle, lege; Tolle, lege, Take up and read, take up and read the Scriptures!

Soli Deo Gloria,

Jay Silvas

ps. Please forward this on to others you know are participating. There were others who did not add their address but wanted the emails. Also, feel free to post these emails on the churches facebook group.