Today's Reading
Welcome to an intriguing day of reading. I hope we have LOTS of questions and comments today.
Genesis begins with a dialog between Abraham and God. It's a fascinating window into a part of God's character. What do you see? What do you question?
At the same time that Abe is interceding on the mountain, a spiritual war rages in the valley. No doubt you will be amazed and perplexed by what happens in Lot's house. After they leave the city, some things happen in his family that are almost beyond our imagination. Read and let us know what you think.
Matthew today is still from the Sermon on the Mount. You will find it both comforting and challenging. Do you have questions about what He says? Comments?
Psalms. This passage flies in the face of the idea that we are essentially no different than the animals.
Proverbs. Again, it's as if wisdom is speaking directly to us. In today's reading, wisdom points to God as the Author.
So, fire away! What do you see? What do you question? What do you wonder?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
"Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."
ReplyDeleteThere are a couple of things that I feel as if I've been praying about for years. This verse really encouraged me today.
Christmas has left me feeling very materialistic. I look at the number of toys my son has and it's crazy! Then, while making room for our new baby, we've been struggling with where to put everything. We have so much stuff and it feels like the stuff and the problem of where to put it is dominating my life.
ReplyDeleteSuddenly I see this parallel with yesterday's Matt 6:19 (Don’t store up treasures here on earth... Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be) and today's vs 25 (“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?)
It's hard to get rid of stuff, wondering if we'll need it later, but God tells us the solution in vs 31 (31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.)
Not only does worrying about my provisions make me keep more than I need and make me miserable trying to keep it all in place, but when I own all these treasures here on earth, they own a piece of my heart whether I like it or not- sorta makes the whole monk lifestyle make sense to me...
Ranelle, thanks for the reminder. I needed it today!
ReplyDeleteJulie, I love your insight on the "solution" you discovered in verse 31. Good stuff!
"So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him"
ReplyDeleteThis verse causes me to ask the age old question - if God gives good gifts to those who ask, why is there poverty? Or sickness?
Lara, I'm going to give what I think is an answer and you can decide if you want to accept part or all of it. I recently read and article in Fast Company magazine (available online, I think) about the diamond mining in Africa. It told of finding an area rich with diamonds. The problem is that the entire governmental and private enterprise system is corrupt there. "Average" people are living in squalor while the "rulers" are raking in millions.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that God gave them "good gifts" in the form of a commodity that could feed, clothe, house and provide medical care for them all, but those good gifts are being stolen by a "thief" (John 10:10)
What do you think?
Pastor Sam,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the commentary on these readings! I have been following along the One Year Bible plan since the start of the New Year, and my older sister Lara recommended your blog as a great resource to guide me along the way.
In today's reading, I was struck by Abraham's boldness in questioning God's decision to destroy Sodom. He engages in real dialogue with God, and though verse 27 shows us that he embraces humility before Him, ("now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes"), he truly bears his soul to his Creator and comes before him with unabashed honesty. I think about how often I try to present the best version of myself to God, rather than engage with Him in an open way that is not afraid to come before Him just as I am, to question Him, or to accept decisions that I may not fully understand. Though Abraham may not have fully understood God's decision to destroy Sodom he trusted Him anyway.
Genesis is a great reminder that God is merciful to those who live righteously and follow him sincerely.
Hi Sam. I just started today. I read the past days and all the comments so I'm all caught up.
ReplyDeleteA silly question after all this reading. Why does God change people's names? Abram was known by that name for over 90 years. Why change it?
I'm sure I'll get more in depth as we go along.
Missy and Roberta, welcome!
ReplyDeleteMissy, I'm moved by your insight. It's a reminder to me that I need to present myself "Just As I Am" and let Him correct and cleanse me from there. You are right about God's mercy. It truly endures forever.
Roberta, it was common in those cultures (still is today in some places) to change a name based on a change in life. Jesus called people and changed their names. Saul the persecutor in the book of Acts became Paul the apostle.
Each time you notice a name change, look a little deeper, taking note of the former name and the newer name. It's fascinating to see the meanings behind them.