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
Today's Old Testament reading (Genesis 16:1-18:15) gives us three significant episodes in the life of Abram/Abraham.
First, in Chapter 16, we have the story of Hagar, a female servant in Abram's household, and her son Ishmael. (By way of Abram!) Now, remember the situation. Years ago God had promised Abram that He would make him into a great nation. Years later, no kids. Abram and Sarai were getting old, and it was pretty urgent that they have an heir. In fact, Abram had already made arrangements for a beloved servant of his to inherit when he died. Sarai felt the pressure too, so she made a suggestion to Abram. "Why don't you sleep with my servant girl, Hagar." Sounds like an odd arrangement to us, but culturally it wasn't out of line. Frequently when the wife in a wealthy family was infertile, arrangements were made to continue on the family name through some kind of substitute. It was a cultural norm, but it was also not God's promise. God said he'd give a son to Abram and Sarai. But Abraham agrees with the plan and difficulty ensues. Surprise!
The consequences of this decision were momentous. Abram did have a first-born son, but not by Sarai. As the first-born son, God kept his promise to Ishmael, even when Abram had messed things up. Ishmael got his own form of the covenant where God promised that he also would prosper and be a great nation (See Genesis 25:12-18). Even so, there were still consequences to Abram's sin. Abram's children would always be at odds with each other. Now here's the interesting part. Isaac became the ancestor of the semetic people who would become the Jews. That's the family tree we trace throughout the Old Testament. But Ishamel, what of him? Well, it is a Moslem tradition, supported as well by some ancient Jewish rabbis, that Ishmael's children ultimately became some of the Arab tribes in the region of Caanan. Now here's the scary part. Fast forward and see the wreckage unfold. What if the hatred and fighting we see today in Palestine truthfully finds its origin in the jealousy and animosity that grew between Isaac and Ishmael as a result of their father Abraham's sin? Truly the sins of the fathers are visited on the children.
The second story, chapter 17, gives us the next installment in the story of God's covenant with Abraham. After the debacle with Hagar, 13 years later, God appears to Abram and outlines the details of the previously vague covenant. God covers His end of the agreement--what He will do for Abraham and his descendants. Then He outlines Abram's end--what they must do to live in alignment with the covenant. Then God adds the sign of the covenant that Abram and all his descendants are to keep - circumcision. Inwardly they will be different, and this will be marked by an outward symbol that will set them apart from everyone around them.
That had to be a difficult day when Abraham announced this news around the camp.
The third story in chapter 18 is the introduction to the story of Sodom and Gomorrah (remember that Lot is living down there outside the cities.) Abram, now Abraham, has three visitors. He extends the Bedouin hospitality to these men, only to have one of them prophecy about a soon coming pregnancy for the nearly-hundred-year-old couple. Sarai laughs. God rebukes. Very strange, indeed.
Today's New Testament reading (Matthew 6:1-24) is part 3 of the "Sermon on the Mount." Today's theme seems to be authenticity. When we serve others or pray or fast it is not for the benefit of our reputations. It's not about how we look or what others think of us. If it is--in our mind--then we're undermining the whole process. We serve to bless others. We pray to make our hearts known to God. We fast as a form of personal devotion. Key word = personal.
This section brings us the powerful teaching of what's come to be called "the Lord's prayer," and the important remindner that we will find forgiveness only as we extend it to others. We end with a short teaching on priorities. Where we invest out time, what we pursue, what we look at and who we serve--all choices we get to make, choices with consequences.
Psalms 7 is our Psalms reading for today. (Psalms 7:1-17) This is another situation where David is in a bind and calls out to God to rescue him. You'll find that while there are a lot of celebratory Psalms, where the author is praising God for good circumstances, there seem to be many more that at least start with bad circumstances. Maybe it's the old thing about praying in a crisis.
Here we see David express his desire for God to intervene, to deal with his enemies and to be victorious. David makes the claim that he's acting with integrity and asks to be tested on this (a bold request, if you ask me...). The Psalm ends with a stern reminder of the power of God when it is arrayed against those who stand against God. Pretty common pattern for David. But here's the cool thing: regardless of the situation, regardless of whether we might evaluate David's thoughts as godly or not, David continues to pray. He keeps his heart open to God, and keeps his circumstances before God. I think this, above all else, is what made David the "man after God's own heart." He was committed (even at times when his view of God might have been a little skewed) to keep connected to God and to allow God to work in him. That gives me hope. I'd like to think that all my ideas about God are right, but there's a pretty good chance that's not the case. It's great to know that even in my misinformed short-sightedness, God still is open to intimacy with me and will use that to shape me.
The reading from Proverbs (Proverbs 2:1-5) is a fantastic and articulate introduction to the pursuit of wisdom that Proverbs is all about. If we seek it like it was something exceedingly valuable, applying to our hearts and crying out for it, then we will have just begun to walk the path of true Godly wisdom.
2007 Cohort Comments
Comments (17)
Carl Shelton said
at 5:11 am on Jan 7, 2009
Hey all I read this morning and wrote in my journal but I wanted to see your comments today.
Many blessings on the journey today,
Carl
Jim Huddart said
at 11:50 am on Jan 7, 2009
The subtleties of the name changes given to Abram and Sarai are interesting. Abram meant “exalted father” (Abram, meaning “exalted father,” does not appear in this form elsewhere in the Bible, but is found under the form Abiram, meaning “my father is exalted”) and God changed it to Abraham which is probably best translated as “father of a great number”. The latter fitting much better with God’s promise to make Abraham a “father of many nations”. To me, it also seems more appropriate that God would be the only “Exalted Father”.
Sarai to Sarah is an even more subtle change since they both have a basic meaning of “princess”. The difference is Sarai means “my princess” and Sarah means “a princess”. Once God made Abraham the father of many nations, it only made since that Sarah would be a princess of many instead of just Abraham’s (my).
It’s fun to find these subtle little things that have significance, but the biggest message to me in the OT reading today is that we should never doubt what God can do nor should we decide what He will do. We just need to ask for God’s will to be done (even if we don’t understand) and have complete faith that He has the power to do anything.
Blessings to you all!
Marc Schelske said
at 12:07 pm on Jan 7, 2009
Jim - I think the whole name change thing is interesting on many levels. What would it be like to have God change your name? And then, not just change it, but change it so that it reflects your calling? What would your name be, or mine - if God did that for us?
Personally, the story of Hagar has special resonance today with the war between Israel and Hamas raging this very moment. What a reminder that when we choose to live outside of alignment with God's character, there are consequences that will impact others - possibly even for centuries! It's also a reminder of how vitally important reconciliation is in this new way of living. Setting aside pride and hurt, so that we can live in forgiveness - even with those who have hurt us - it's so crucial for our spiritual growth - and it may even be crucial for the existence of our race.
Nate Burton said
at 2:40 pm on Jan 7, 2009
Hey all, sorry for my absense so far this year. I tend to be in the best routine for reading and interacting here during my lunch breaks at work, because when I'm at home, I'm pretty mych seeing the kids or working on our house project late into the night. The holidays and all got me started way behind on reading so I feel a bit out of touch, but I expect to be caught up by next week. I'm glad to see everyone forging on, I look forward to learning from each of your insights this year!
Ethan Morrow said
at 4:52 pm on Jan 7, 2009
Hey all,
in Matthew 6:2, it says, "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full."
That was a huge thing that popped into my mind. I do sometimes announce my "givings" or "good deeds" to people sometimes for attention and compliments. After reading that, it made a lot more sense to me why just to do the good deed, rather than to do it and expect something in return.
Aaron L Huddart said
at 5:17 pm on Jan 7, 2009
What a great realization. I feel that this is something that has gone very wrong in our society today. And just coming out of CHRISTmas a couple of weeks ago, I have become more and more of a Scrooge McDuck over the years when it comes to CHRISTmas time. Not because I don't like the holiday or what it represents, or that I feel I have to give, but because of the overall general attitude of the season. I love the time with family, the great foods, the gathering with friends, even the lights and the decorations. And I really enjoy being able to give, but the devil has done a amazing job of bring out the dark side of the season, so much so, that it sometimes makes it hard to truly enjoy that it is and what it represents. And in my mind, this very idea that you found today, is at the core of what is driving us as a people to truly appreciate what God has given us.
Sorry, a little off the days reading, but Ethan, I think you have made a great realization that many people have not, and may never, realize about themselves. Anyway, it is great being able to have you reading along with us all. I really enjoy having such a varied diverse group, it brings in so many great points and thoughts. Thanks for joining and sharing.
Jim Huddart said
at 5:41 pm on Jan 7, 2009
I'd like to say welcome to my good friend Rich Rawlins who signed on yesterday. He has a sharp and inquisitive mind along with a great wit. However, I would like to make a quick disclaimer - I accept absolutely NO responsibility for ANYTHING Rich may say or do!!! :-) The next time you sign on Rich why don't you share a little bit about who you are? The clean version! I guess that would be nice for all of us to do since there are new people this year and we are scattered all over the U.S. and even Canada.
I am married to a wonderful and beautiful woman named Peggy. We have three adult kids (Brenda, Aaron and Adam) and three grandkids. I'm a businessman living in Salem, OR with my office in Silverton. I’m a founding member of Bridge City Community Church (which oddly enough is 55 miles from where we live???). I was raised a Seventh Day Adventist, but have not been an active member for the last 10+ years. Most of my core beliefs have not changed since leaving. I am not a bitter or angry ex member, I just feel God wants me to be part of a Christ centered community church that is not bogged down with the bureaucracy of a multi million member denomination. This is my third year as part of this online study group. I have learned and grown so much, but maybe the greatest blessing has been the friendships that have grown out of this (some I still haven’t met face to face). I’m excited to see what God reveals this year and I’m looking forward to making more new friends as well.
Jay Morris said
at 6:13 pm on Jan 7, 2009
Good to see you here Ethan. I love the diversity of this group.
Is anything too hard for the LORD ? Genesis 18:14. Sometimes like Sarah and Abraham we look at a situation and think, ya right God. But when the control is rendered and given to Him, he does far better than we ever could have imagined.
When we left Portland (with hesitation and sadness for having to leave a great church and good friends), God supplied our needs in so many ways. He put me in a job I was not yet qualified for, placed us in Texas at a time when Danny's kids have needed us the most. We have custody now of two and are learning to depend on God even more as we go through raising teens. Had we taken things completely into our own hands, things never would have worked as well as they have and through this group we are still able to maintain ties with BCCC and friends. Yay God!
LuDell Parrett said
at 12:59 am on Jan 8, 2009
I want to share how very blessed I have been this past year journeying through the New Testament with this amazing group of believers! This process has touched my inner core and changed my heart to desire to know God more. I am honored to be joining all of you this year and look forward to the insights and inspiration you share.
I am a forty-something (at least until November :-)) wife to a wonderful man, Dave, that I have been married to for 28 years. We have 2 kids - Chelsea who is 20 and lives in Portland, works and goes to college; Matthew who is 16 and goes to our local Adventist school. I am an Occupational Therapist 3 days a week and do some interior design on the side. I was raised by "1/2 and 1/2" parents -- Mom was Seventh-day Adventist -- and Dad was an angry alcoholic who did NOT go to church but thought the rest of us needed to be perfect Christians. I love him anyway :-). I am active in my church: helping to teach in the high school youth group and recently was asked to join in as part of the elders. I am privileged to have a wonderful pastor who knows Jesus with such intimacy that he exemplifies relationships and love in a truly Godly manner; and challenges me to seek God, truth, insight and relationships for The Kingdom. I really benefit from the structure this system provides and the support you all provide -- to keep me in The Word daily. With my hectic schedule I often read but do not comment -- but I am here with you guys.
LuDell Parrett said
at 1:00 am on Jan 8, 2009
Hey Rich, welcome! Remember me? My family shared dinner together with you at Black Butte with Jim and Peggy a couple of summers ago. So good to have you here... I was touched by your candor, impressed by your writing ability, and amused at your humor with what you shared yesterday. Good stuff -- sharing so openly the struggles that we all experience in different ways. Thanks for putting such heart into your expressions of your struggles. I look forward to learning more about God from everyone in this process.
As for today's readings -- I can so see myself in Sarah's laugh. Why do I think that I have to "make" things happen? Why do I need to help things along? I truly need to trust more and rest in faith that God will provide.
In His Love,
Rich Rawlins said
at 2:20 am on Jan 8, 2009
At Jim Huddart’s request, here is a little personal background... the "clean" version. I've had a bit of an unusual life. At one time or another, I lived in a one room log cabin at an outpost lake in Canada, somewhat of a group home Hawaii, a shack on a cattle ranch, a fishing boat in Alaska, A condo in Salem, the burn unit at Emanuel in Portland, a rehab facility in Newburg, a family home in the country, a resort outside of Sisters and most recently in a small condo in Bend. I'm writing this from a bunkhouse in Prairie City. It's 1:16 AM. I've been married three times, two of which was to the same woman (I'm obviously not the smartest guy in the bunch). I'm currently retired, but I have a background in real estate, banking and day trading. I have one son of my own who is 22 now and kind of another son who was sort of unofficially adopted after the death of his father several years ago. He is also 22. Both of them are at that stage of life where they are trying to figure out how to quit being kids and start being adults. I'm trying to figure out how to continue the transition from dad the dictator to dad the consultant. 21 years ago I was involved in a very messy airplane crash and sustained 3rd degree burns to about 75% of my body along with a little other damage. I now spend a fair amount of time at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio Texas working in the burn ward with burn patients and their families. I'm not totally sure (kind of goes back to that whole communication thing), but I think God has me there. Thank you all for allowing me to study with you. I'm really looking forward to this.
OK. I agree the name change was interesting, but does anyone else think the whole circumcision thing is a little weird? I can almost hear Abram… “The Arabs get all the oil, and we have to cut off WHAT?!!!! I mean it’s not like they had much in the way of surgical tools and anesthetics. Why do you suppose God come up with that one?
Rich Rawlins said
at 2:27 am on Jan 8, 2009
Ya, ya... I remember you Ludell. Nice to see you again. Really looking forward to this!
...rich
Jacqui Wheelhouse said
at 10:24 am on Jan 8, 2009
I am Jacqui. Born in Portland, Oregon in the 60's. It was a groovy era baby, oh yeah! That makes me 40ish now. I have been married 21 years this year and have 3 miniature versions of my husband and myself. One is 16 and causing us anxiety because he is so handsome. We named him after a good friend from Germany, Matthias. Pronounced Muh-Tee-Us. Then we have Grace who is nearly 10 and dreams of being a rock star. Benjamin is our 'baby' and he weighs in at a whopping 50 pounds and is 8 years old. Loves spiderman and thinks the tooth fairy is real. Life is good. I have been in this study going on 3 years now and have thoroughly enjoyed the fun we have here. It makes reading so much more enjoyable. I love to dance, sing, laugh, connect, read, explore and travel. I work at Bridge City with some amazing people and help lead worship, am involved in the cell group process and basically, they let me stick around because everyone is so nice. I have spent some time in Africa this past year and plan on returning. It's where my heart dwells. I coach kids through a program called Young Hearts for Africa and help them to create opportunities for fundraising for the kids suffering from AIDS in Swaziland and Kenya. It's very rewarding work and much needed. "Find a need and fill it" is one of my mantra's this year. I am excited to know all of you more and love meeting our new friends!
ok, who's next?
Ken Null said
at 9:07 pm on Jan 8, 2009
Thank you all for sharing something about yourselves. Since it's auto-biography time, here is my short attempt.... I'm Ken (short for Kennen). I was born in Portland, and am also in my 40's - for about 9 more days. I have been married to Cheryl for nearly 25 years. We have two kids - Karly, 17, and Skyler, nearly 15. They are both attending Heartlife Imagineering Co-op this year. I work as an Application Specialist (software support, etc.) for Adventist Health and have been with the company for 23 years. We were involved with BCCC at the beginning in 1997, and stuck around for a couple years. Then we went church shopping for about 6 years before coming back to BCCC in 2005. It now feels like home here. This is my first year on this Bible reading wiki. I'm already finding it hard to squeeze in time to read the texts and everyone's comments, so I'm going light on the comments and may not read every one of yours.
Nate Burton said
at 1:51 pm on Jan 9, 2009
I'm an Idaho native, moved out here with my beautiful wife Candi who's from here about 5 years ago. We're blessed with 2 little ones, Boaz & Evie who are extremely cute and fun. I work in architecture, and am currently building our first house as well. I grew up in a Baptist church, so I have been taught a lot about the Bible and doctrinal issues, but that also gave me abit of an attitude, and some lack of love and understanding. Anyway, if you see any of that come out of me, please let me know and be patient with me as I want to be much less of a know-it-all and pursue God's intentions for my actions. We have been coming (somewhat) regularly to BCCC for about 18 months or so and have really enjoyed being a part of this church family and connecting with some of you who live elsewhere as well.
Marc Schelske said
at 5:40 pm on Jan 9, 2009
Welcome back, Jim! Glad to have you and your heart in the mix. And thanks for bringing Rich along. A little spice will do us good. ;-)
Marc Schelske said
at 5:53 pm on Jan 9, 2009
Thanks everyone for taking a moment to share where you're coming from.
I'm Marc. I sort of lead this thing - at least by the fact that I show up, and read, and wrote the coaching comments last year. I'm really excited to be able to read the passages and reflect on them without the added load of writing the coaching comments this year. Looking forward to being able to just be with the text more. I've been a pastor at Bridge City for just over 11 years, and in ministry full time for thirteen. Married to Christina, my fascinating and wonderful wife for 9 years (Oh man, that means I need to start planning our tenth anniversary... OHNOEZ...). We share responsibility for two great kids - Emerson Rose who is 2 and 3/4, going on twelve, and Lucas who is 14 months. My life is a shambles because of all the competing interests, and am trying to let the right priorities rise to the surface.
I am looking forward to seeing how this develops this year. We've had two years to iron out the bugs and get a sense of how communication in this kind of venue works, and I think it's a great time to bring a lot of new people into the mix. I'll leave you with one encouragement. This feels like a big commitment and it is. Reading all the passages, and reflecting on them, then reading the coaching comments and everyone elses's comments can take a big chunk of time every day. So, don't make that your standard. Make it your standard to just show up every day. Read as much as you have time for. Ask God to plant the seed of His word deep in your heart, and then just check in with a comment. Don't feel compelled to post every thought or question or write long literary masterpieces. Just say, "Hi." That way we know you're here, we can pray for you, and check in with you from time to time. Don't bear the burden too heavily. Just enjoy building the habit of orienting your heart around some scripture every day. Talk to yo u more soon!
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