EPIC Daily Reading

EPIC: The Story of God
Weekend March 7-8

Micah and the Levite
Judges 17-21

Summary
This pair of strange and gory tales closes the
book of Judges with the people of God at the
lowest point in their history to date. Each
features a Levite, a person from the tribe of
Levi who was supposed to know and teach
the ways of God. Both are woefully ignorant
of them. One violates God’s law by
worshipping idols, the other carves up his
murdered concubine like a character in a
horror movie. The house of God was still
with them in Shiloh, but it seemed no one
was paying much attention. “Everyone did
as they saw fit,” concludes the book of Judges.
But the story ends this way to set the stage
for the next book—Ruth—where the reader
will learn that some people remained
faithful through this time, and
hope is not gone after all.

Sample of Today’s Reading
Judges 17-21
17:1 Now a man named Micah from the hill country
of Ephraim 2 said to his mother, “The eleven
hundred shekels of silver that were taken from you
and about which I heard you utter a curse—I have
that silver with me; I took it.” Then his mother said,
“The Lord bless you, my son!” 3 When he returned
the eleven hundred shekels of silver to his mother,
she said, “I solemnly consecrate my silver to the
Lord for my son to make a carved image and a cast
idol. I will give it back to you.”

To read today's full reading click here: Judges 17-21

Question of the Day
In what areas of life do you need to learn and practice God’s
way of doing things rather than your own?

Prayer Focus:
Teach me your ways, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name” (Psalm 86:11).

EPIC Daily Reading

EPIC: The Story of God
Friday, March 6

Samson
Judges 13-16

Summary:
Samson's story is one of the most familiar of the Old Testament, a favorite Sunday school character. But if you think Jephthah was bad, pay attention as you read this story of a completely self-centered individual who uses his supernatural, God-given strength mainly to show off, get women, and satisfy personal grudges. To say the least, Samson's intentions are not incompletely aligned with God's, yet God uses this mess of a man to deliver Israel out of his own sheer grace. This lesson is clearly not that Samson's personal life didn't matter, for his misdeeds and abuse of God's great gifts brought him to a tragic end. it is more about God's readiness to redeem human misdeeds for his own larger ends.

Sample of Today's Reading:
Judges 13:1-3, 5
13:1 Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, so the Lord delivered them into the hands of the Philistines for forty years. 2 A certain man of Zorah, named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites, had a wife who was sterile and remained childless. 3 The angel of the Lord appeared to her and said, "you are sterile and childless, but you are going to conceive and bear a son...5 No razor may be used on his head, because the boy is to be a Nazirite, set apart to God from birth, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines."

To read today's full reading click here: Judges 13-16

Question of the Day:
The New Testament teaches that each believer has special gifts from God to be used for the common good (see 1 Cor. 12). Are your gifts benefiting others?

Prayer Focus:
Father, help me to remember that all I have is from you, and that you have made me a steward of these gifts to use for the good of others. Give me a generous heart to use my gifts as you desire.

EPIC Daily Reading

EPIC: The Story of God
Thursday March 5

Abimelech’s Rebellion,
Jephthah
Judges 9-12


Summary:
The stories of Abimelech’s rebellion and Jephtha
mark a steady downward cycle in the history of
Israel under the Judges. Whereas earlier
unfaithfulness brought oppression from outside,
Abimelech’s rebellion sets the Israelites against each
other. Eventually Abimelech comes to a bad end
for the murder of his brothers, but the
Israelites learn little from this and turn once again
to the very gods whose sacred groves Gideon had
cut down. Oppressors return to Israel. This time,
the deliverer is someone no self-respecting
Israelite would have chosen—a Jesse James sort of
figure named Jephthah. Jephthah knows little of
God’s ways, as he proves by making a rash vow
and carrying it out. Nevertheless God makes him a
judge, empower him with the Spirit,
and rescues Israel through him.

Sample of Today’s Reading
Judges 9-12
9:1 Abimelech son of Jerub-Baal went to his
mother’s brothers in Shechem and said to them and
to all in his mother’s clan, 2 “Ask all the citizens of
Shechem, ‘Which is better for you: to have all
seventy of Jerub-Baal’s sons rule over you, or just
one man?’ Remember, I am your flesh and blood. . “
10:15 But the Israelites said to the Lord, “We have
sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but
please rescue us now.” 16 Then they got rid of the
foreign gods among them and served the Lord.
And he could bear Israel’s misery no longer.

To read today's full reading click here: Judges 9-12

Question of the Day:
God often chooses to do his work in us through
unlikely—even off-putting—people or
circumstances. Is there someone like that in your
life right now? What might God be saying to you or
doing for you through that person?

Prayer Focus:
Lord, help me to be alert for your presence in unlikely people and circumstances. Give me grace to receive what you have to give me through these relationships and experiences.

EPIC Daily Reading

EPIC: The Story of God
Wednesday March 4

Gideon
Judges 6-8

Summary
Gideon’s story reminds us, as it reminded the
Israelites of his own day, that God is the real
power behind any spiritual triumph in life.
Gideon knew that his clan was “the weakest
in Manasseh” and he “the least in his
family”—an unlikely hero indeed! But God
picked him. The Spirit of the Lord came
upon Gideon, empowering him to lead a
band of three hundred valiant men against an
army of over 135,000, and to defeat them
completely! God expressly did this to
prevent his wayward people from thinking
that “their own strength had saved them”
(7:2). This spectacular victory serves as a
powerful object lesson of our total
dependence on God.

Sample of Today’s Reading
Judges 6-8
6:1 Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the
Lord, and for seven years he gave them into the
hands of the Midianites. . . . 11 The angel of the
Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah
that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son
Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep
it from the Midianites. 12 When the angel of the
Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is
with you, mighty warrior.”

To read today's full reading click here: Judges 6-8

Question of the Day:
What humanly impossible conflict are you facing?
Where is God saying to you
“The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!”?

Prayer Focus:
God, I am all too painfully aware of my own
weakness. The battles I am facing can only be won by
you. I invite you into these struggles.
Be my strength through the power of your
Holy Spirit.

EPIC Daily Reading

EPIC: The Story of God

Tuesday, March 3

Deborah

Judges 4-5

Summary:

The story of Deborah and Barak is one of the Old Testament accounts in which women take the leading, triumphant roles. Deborah is a prophetess—a spokeswoman for God—who commands Barak to muster and lead an army against their Canaanite oppressors. Barak, recognizing that God is with Deborah but failing to perceive that God is also with him, will only go if she goes with him. Deborah goes, but warns that the price of her presence will be that the victory will go to a woman. This comes true when the woman Jael drives a tent-peg through the enemy commander’s temple as he lies sleeping in her tent. The passage concludes with the Song of Deborah, in which the prophetess celebrates the heroes of the battle. She credits the victory ultimately to “the righteous acts of the Lord” (5:11) and prays a blessing on all who love God: “may they be lie the sun when it rises in its strength”—a life full of blessing (5:31).

Sample of Today’s Reading:Judges 4-51

After Ehud died, the Israelites once again did evil in the eyes of the Lord. 2 So the Lord sold them into the hands of Jabin, a king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. 3 The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth Haggoiyim. 4Because he had nine hundred iron chariots and had cruelly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years, they cried to the Lord for help. 5 Deborah, a Prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.

To read today's full reading click here: Judges 4-5

Question of the Day:

Even more than with Barak, Jesus has promised to be with us in all that he commands us to do(see Hebrews 13:5-6). In what area of your life do you need a fresh sense of his powerful presence?

Prayer Focus:

Jesus, thank you for your promise that you will neverleave me nor forsake me. Give me grace to trust thatpromise in those areas of my life I fear to face on my own.

EPIC: Daily Reading

EPIC: The Story of God

Monday, March 3rd

Othneil and Ehud

Judges 1-3

Summary:

The book of Judges traces the early history of Israel after Joshua and his generation were dead and gone. The early battles had been won, but there was still much work to do. Many battles remained ahead of God’s people. Many enemies remained among them, biding their time,waiting for the Israelites to drop their guard. The tabernacle of the Lord in Shiloh reminded the people of the Lord’s presence and care. But over time, the religious practices oftheir neighbors enticed them away from God. Judges 2:11-23 rehearses a sad tale of decline. The Israelites forgot God and did things their own way, with devastating results. Enemies overpowered and oppressed them, prompting them to return to God. God raised up deliverers or “judges,” beginning with Othniel and Ehud. These leaders called them back to God’s ways and led them in victory over their enemies. But in the next generation the cycle of covenant breaking, judgment and oppression, repentance and deliverance began all over again.

Sample of Today’s Reading: Judges 1:1-2; 2:1-3

After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the Lord,“Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?” 2 The Lord said, “Judah shall go up. I hereby give the land into his hand.” 2:1 Now the angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, “I brought you up from Egypt, andbrought you into the land that I had promised to yourancestors. I said, ‘I will never break my covenant with you. 2 For your part, do not make a covenant with the inhabitants of this land; tear down their altars.’ But you have not obeyed my command. See what you have done! So now I say, I will not drive them out before you; but they shall become adversaries to you, and their gods shall be a snare to you.”

To read today's full reading click here: Judges 1-3

Question of the Day:

In what areas of your life is God calling you to remember his promises to you and your promises to him?

Prayer Focus:

God, help me to remember your magnificent, gracious promises to me, whatever this day may bring. Give me grace to remain faithful to you.

EPIC Daily Reading: Day Six

EPIC: The Story of God's People

BLOG Daily Reading
Day Six: Joshua’s Farewell
Joshua 21-24

Summary:
Joshua is preparing to die. He is very old and has fulfilled his role as leader of the people. At the close of his chapter in God’s story, Joshua delivers a stirring speech to the people challenging them to remain true to the Lord. Borrowing the words of Moses from Deuteronomy Joshua says, “choose this day whom you will serve.” And then he declares, “as for me and my house I will serve the Lord.” These words spoken thousands of years ago by a dying warrior are still challenging to this day. The book of Joshua closes with a dramatic scene where the people of Israel renew their covenant to follow the Lord in all things.

Sample of Today’s Reading:
Joshua 24:14-15
14 "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

To Read Today's Entire Reading Click Here: Joshua 25-28

Question of the Day:
How have you declared in your home that you and your family will serve the Lord?

Prayer Focus:
God, I choose to live for you in every sphere of my life, from the way I serve my family and friends to the way I use my finances and time—from that which is seen to that which only I know about.

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EPIC Daily Reading: Day 5

EPIC: The Story of God's People

BLOG Daily Reading
Day Five: Division of the Land
Joshua 17-20

Summary:
The division of the Promised Land continues in today’s reading. Joshua appoints a team of land surveyors to scout the entire land and write up a description of each territory including boundaries lines and physical features. What follows is an interesting account of these land reports and to which tribe they were allotted. The section ends today with a description of the “cities of refuge.” These cities were established by God to be a safe haven for those who were being avenged by another for accidentally killing another. In a day where the law of the land was “eye for an eye” and any offense could be avenged blood for blood, God sets up a plan for people to be “innocent until proven guilty.” This is another step toward bringing order and justice into a land of chaos and violence.

Sample of Today’s Reading:
Joshua 20:1-5
1 Then the LORD said to Joshua: 2 "Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, 3 so that anyone who kills a person accidentally and unintentionally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood.

4 "When he flees to one of these cities, he is to stand in the entrance of the city gate and state his case before the elders of that city. Then they are to admit him into their city and give him a place to live with them. 5 If the avenger of blood pursues him, they must not surrender the one accused, because he killed his neighbor unintentionally and without malice aforethought.

To Read Today's Entire Reading Click Here: Joshua 17-20

Question of the Day:
God is the ultimate place of refuge—a place of safety and care. How have you sought refuge in God this week?

Prayer Focus:
God, I trust in your son Jesus today who is my refuge from sin and death.

EPIC Daily Reading: Day Four

EPIC: The Story of God

BLOG Daily Reading
Day Four: Caleb’s Land
Joshua 13-16

Summary:
At the beginning of chapter 13 we see that many years have passed and Joshua has grown old. In his long life as a warrior, Joshua has defeated many nations and has seen many battles. However, the battle is not over. There is still much land left to be taken. Joshua was not given the responsibility of finishing the entire plan, someone would be sent to pick up where he left off. However, it would be many generations before that would happen. In chapters 14, 15, and 16 the promised land is divided among the twelve tribes of Israel. Note the land given to Caleb who was among the few faithful men who trusted God in the wilderness when everyone revolted.

Sample of Today’s Reading:
Joshua 14:10-15
[Caleb said,] "Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said."

Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the LORD, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly. (Hebron used to be called Kiriath Arba after Arba, who was the greatest man among the Anakites.)

Then the land had rest from war.

To Read Today's Entire Reading Click Here: Joshua 13-16

Question of the Day:
How have you seen God reward people’s faithfulness in the past?

Prayer Focus:
God, help me to obey you this day in what you have given me to do.

EPIC Daily Reading: Day 3

EPIC: The Story of God's People

Old Testament Challenge Message Series

BLOG Daily Reading

Day Three: God’s Faithfulness

Joshua 9-12

Summary:

In today’s reading you will find that the fame of the Lord had spread to the neighboring nations. In an effort to establish a treaty with the Israelites the Gibeonite nation plays a trick on the people which Joshua honors. Chapter ten records an incredible event where God stops the sun for a full day in order to protect his people. This is followed by an extensive list of all the kings Joshua and the people of Israel defeated during their military campaigns. In a world drunk with war, God proves that no nation or war can stand in the way of fulfilling his promises.

Sample of Today’s Reading:

Joshua 10:13a-14

¹³a The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. ¹⁴ There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a man. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!

To Read Today's Entire Reading Click Here: Joshua 9-12

Question of the Day:

Do you believe God is willing to fight for you and do the impossible in order to show you his love?

Prayer Focus:

God, may I follow you in faith this day believing you can do the impossible in my life.

EPIC Daily Reading: Day 2

EPIC: The Story of God

BLOG Daily Reading
Day Two: The Battles of Jericho and Ai
Joshua 5-8

Summary:
As the Israelite people move into the land God had promised, they find themselves facing many difficult battles. In this section you will read about the miraculous defeat of the city of Jericho as well as the very strategic battle at Ai. The book of Joshua and the Old Testament in general contain many bloody battles, which are often difficult to stomach as people who remember Jesus’ words, “Love your enemies.” But the events of the Old Testament took place in a time period characterized by two things: a culture of war and rampant corruption. God fulfilled his promises during a barbaric time in history where violence was the way of life. In addition, the practices of pagan worship were out of control as people were sacrificing their own children to appease their gods. As you read through some of these difficult pages, look for ways that God was beginning his work of redeeming a world far from him.

Sample of Today’s Reading:
Joshua 6:1-5

1 Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in.
2 Then the LORD said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. 3 March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. 4 Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams' horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. 5 When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in."

To Read Today's Entire Reading Click Here: Joshua 5-8

Question of the Day:
In what ways is God fighting personal battles for you today?

Prayer Focus:
God give me the strength to trust in you today, particularly in the places that have many unanswered questions.

Today's EPIC Reading: Day 1

EPIC: The Story of God

BLOG Daily Reading
Day One: Crossing the Jordan River
Joshua 1-4

Summary:
The book of Joshua begins a new chapter in the history of God's people. The Israelites have wandered through the unforgiving desert wasteland for a generation. Now the time has come to enter the promised land and Joshua will lead them. God knows the task before Joshua will be a challenge. It will stretch Joshua in new ways. So, God encourages Joshua with the famous words, "Be bold and courageous!" What follows is a stunning scene where God miraculously parts the waters of the Jordan River and the people cross over into their new land. It is the beginning of a brand new adventure with God.

Sample of Today’s Reading:
Joshua 1:1-6
After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: 2 "Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Great Sea on the west. 5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.

To read today's entire passage, click here: Joshua 1-4

Question of the Day:
In what areas of your life is God saying, "I will be with you...be bold and courageous?"

Prayer Focus:
God help me to follow you where you lead me, even if it means trying something brand new.