Daily Reading Passages
Click below for access to the passages. Biblegateway.com is an excellent site with many versions of the Bible. The link below opens in NIV.Youversion.com is a new site that allows you to annotate your own Bible, make notes, and comments once you create an account. That link opens in the TNIV version. Other versions are available at both sites.
Coaching Comments
Joseph's story continues in today's Old Testament reading, Genesis 42:18 - 43:34. As you recall, Israel sent his sons to Egypt to buy grain because of a terrible famine that was in the region. When they arrived, Joseph (now Zaphenahh-Paneah, the Prime Minister of Egypt) recognized them. But before he could revel himself to them he had to know if they were still the same men who sold him into slavery. He had to know if they would fight for their own safety or of they would care for the the heart of their father. So he put them to the test. This is what we see unfold today.
The New Testament reading Matthew 13:47 - 14:12, for today contains a number of short pericopes. We begin with one last parable, attached to the sequence of teachings we had yesterday. In this teaching Jesus talks about fishermen who cast their nets, collecting everything that gets caught. But then the fishermen sit down and sort their catch, the good from the bad. Here Jesus is giving a teaching about the fact that God allows good and bad to co-mingle now, but in the end, they will be sorted and the bad will be cast away.
Following that teaching, we see Jesus and the disciples return to the town Jesus grew up in. There the people didn't really take him seriously. After all they knew him when he was young. They knew his family. The story ends with a sad statement, "And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith." God, protect us from such familiarity that we lose our faith. Give us eyes to see beyond our limited expectations and preconceptions, so that we will be open to whatever you want to do among us!
The Psalms reading for today is Psalms 18:16-36. This is our second day in this lengthy Psalm. In yesterday's verses David celebrated God's power and rescue. Today, his words turn to the intersection between God's rescue and David's own heart. David says that God has worked on his behalf because he has been faithful to God. He has kept himself pure and focused on the things of God, and in return God has blessed him. At first glance this reads a little legalistic. David behaved and because of that God blessed him. But in a later verse, David himself says that his righteous behavior itself comes from God. Verse 32, "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect."
There is an important reminder here for us. The way we choose to live does matter to God, and there is something in that process that puts us the right posture to receive from God. As we are faithful to God, we are more able to recognize and receive His interaction with us.
The reading from Proverbs, (Proverbs 4:7-10), continues King David's training of his son Solomon. Solomon is relating the words his father told him. Godly wisdom is supreme. Though it costs you everything get it and live it out.
2007 Cohort Comments
Comments (5)
Marc Schelske said
at 11:29 pm on Jan 20, 2009
Good morning, all! Today as you read whatever passages you do, keep this in mind. Reading the scripture is about two things: growing in familiarity with the tone of God's voice and being shaped into the image of Christ. So, invite the Holy Spirit to guide your reading, and then reflect on the passages in these two way. Don't get distracted from God's big purpose to shape your heart.
Rich Rawlins said
at 11:02 am on Jan 21, 2009
In the NT passage today it occurred to me when John was beheaded, that there are times when God lifts his hand of protection from you and the answers to your requests to Him are simply no. I can imagine how scary the whole thing was for John and how he must has prayed very sincerely to get out of this situation and have his life spared. The way the account is recorded, I wonder if he even had any idea this was coming or that he would die in this way at this time. I find myself wondering why God allowed it.
...rich
Jacqui Wheelhouse said
at 11:12 am on Jan 21, 2009
Wisdom. Something I know I need more of in my life. Just when I think I have a grasp on something, God shows me my arrogance and pride and I find that my wisdom is small. The Proverbs today says that, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." This is troubling to me. What I am hearing is that the 'understanding' part is the piece that requires wisdom. Just the thought of understanding a situation is really difficult for me at times. This morning, I had a tense conversation with my husband. I was sharing something and didn't feel heard. It was becoming upsetting for me to continue to attempt to share when I was interrupted and told how it really is. This happens off and on and my usual course of action is to get quiet and hold back my thoughts. In this situation, I don't feel I have the understanding to grasp on to. There are days when I really don't want to understand anymore. So for me, that means I am casting wisdom aside and taking the path of least resistance in life.
Today I received a quote, something I signed up for and get daily in my email. It was perfect timing for me to read it. I will share it with you all:
"Nothing of great value in life comes easily. The things of highest value sometimes come hard. The gold that has the greatest value lies deepest in the earth, as do the diamonds."
This really struck me in the heart. Oh Lord, how will I ever be able to really grasp your wisdom? I feel like it's so far from my reach at times.
Forgive me when I am stubborn and selfish and want to be justified.
Nate Burton said
at 1:36 pm on Jan 22, 2009
Great prayer, Jacqui, I second that!
Marc Schelske said
at 3:31 pm on Jan 22, 2009
That's an important observation, Rich. American Christianity has spent a lot of time and effort teaching people that following God is the safest way to live. It's common to hear Christians say something like, "the safest place to be is in the center of God's will." But it's just not true if what you mean by safe is no trouble, no risk and no pain. Joseph's story shows us that. John the Baptist's story certainly shows us that. Paul's story (beaten, persecuted, left for dead) shows that. We are safe in that God is intimately a part of our journey and that we are assured relationship with Him now and into eternity. But it may not be God's will for our life here to be easy, or fun or pain-free. God has big thing's He's accomplishing and it's enough that we get to be a part of that.
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