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
The Old Testament reading today is Deuteronomy 7:1 - 8:20. This passage starts with clear instructions about how Israel is to interact with the nations they come across in the promised land. They aren't. In any way. They are to destroy them - period. Remember that in the long run God is developing for Himself a unique culture of people who will be the perfect avenue through which to bring the Messiah. So, at this point He can allow no compromise that would clutter or degrade the culture He is building. For Israel to have mercy on those people means that they will absorb them into their culture and there would be syncretism - the blending of religions. That is what God is trying to avoid through all of this. That and keeping Israel focused purely on Him.
Chapter 8 is a reminder that was really vital for Israel, and one that still resonates today. In summary it says this: When you come to a position of comfort, you will be liable to think that you accomplished it yourself, in your own power. As you begin to think this you will turn away from God. So, always remember what God has done for you, and that He alone provides you the resources necessary, even your ability to work. Never forget the role God has played in your life. To do so is to head away from God and the life He has for you.
The New Testament reading, Luke 7:36 - 8:3, is the interaction between Jesus, the woman who washed His feet and Simon the Pharisee. It's a powerful picture of grace and forgiveness. It's also a great illustration of "missing the point," which Simon clearly did. This passage, and the few verses at the beginning of chapter 8, also gives us a little deeper insight into Jesus' interaction with women. He valued them highly. He treated them in ways that they were rarely treated in this culture. They even were found among his regular disciples, and some of them were instrumental in supporting the cost of His ministry.
Today's Psalm reading is Psalms 69:1-18. This is the first half of the 69th Psalm. This passage is an in-depth expression of a heart that is worn out and at the end of its rope. We can probably all relate. This person is calling out to God in that place of near total despair. This is an encouragement to me when I get into those dark places. (Which I do from time to time. I'm a bit melencholic.) Even in those dark places, God hears my prayers. As His child I can call out to Him anytime and in any situation.
Proverbs 12:1 is the Proverb reading today. This is a very hard truth, but one that is the key to maturity and wisdom. People who are truly wise see correction, even discipline, as a good thing. it takes them to greater places of wisdom. People who simply avoid discipline at all costs are the greatest fools.
2007 Cohort Comments
Comments (8)
Marc Schelske said
at 9:49 am on Mar 27, 2009
Good morning all. I appreciated your thoughts on our lack of participation this year, Jim and Jackie. Let's pray about that, and then take some time to talk about what we might do. I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'll be back later to check on your comments and feedback.
Jacqui Wheelhouse said
at 2:32 pm on Mar 27, 2009
I did yesterday's study today. A little behind. I just invited someone else to our little community here and have shared with others that it's available. Sometimes there is an ebb and flow to the process. We are ebbing. :)
I am facing a dramatic transition in my life this weekend and needing extra prayer for my heart and for my children's hearts and their dad's heart as well.
Paul is moving into a season of being on his own. I do not know what the future holds at this point. I do know that God is the keeper of my heart and is holding it fast. I also know that He loves all of us and has good things for our future. My prayer is that it is together as a family and that the enemy will not destroy 21 years of time and memories and sharing the path together. Please pray for open hearts and healing and restoration for the Wheelhouse family. Thank you.
Jim Huddart said
at 2:58 pm on Mar 27, 2009
I think it was last year about this time (may have been the year before) that we had a pretty serious lapse in participation. If I remember correctly, after a while and a few comments about the lack of participation and requests to hang in there, it started to pick up again. It seems so easy to stay away after missing just a few days, and then it is much harder to get back into the habit. I know it has been said before, but if you don't feel like you want to comment on the texts just say "hi" or "I'm still here" or "you guys are boring me silly". Whatever it is, remember that it may be just the thing to spark someone else to speak about some observation, a question, a difficult situation in their life, a praise, or they may even spew out some outrageous wisdom that someone else needs to hear and hopefully all or most of us can benefit!
If we run into someone that we know has withdrawn, maybe a personal non guilt laden invitation to return would be helpful.
Blessings to you ALL!
Jim Huddart said
at 3:08 pm on Mar 27, 2009
Sorry Jacqui, your comment was posted while I was laboriously typing mine. Of course you and your family will be in our prayers. God is so serious about free will that He allows each person to make their own decisions and will not force His will. Unfortunately, those decisions often impact the lives of others, but God will make good out of even the worst situations if we have faith and give Him time. Easy to say - hard to do!
Jacqui Wheelhouse said
at 3:12 pm on Mar 27, 2009
Thanks Jim. Even though I am weak, He is strong and that is what I am pressing into right now. So glad He is in control. Gives me reason to take heart and trust the outcome to Him. Love you my friend.
Rich Rawlins said
at 10:14 pm on Mar 27, 2009
Just reviewing everything and checking in. Hey Marc, I really appreciate the effort you put into your responses to my questions. Also, I'm still reading the book you recommended and should finish it up before to much longer. Nate, Jim, Jacqui and some of the rest of you have also put thought and effort into your responses, which I appreciate as well. And Candi, I have enjoyed your "behind the scenes" contributions too. With regard to the lack of activity, as the new kid on the block I got to feeling a little self conscious and decided to reel things in a little as it seems I was over contributing and I know I come at things with such a different perspective than everyone is use to. To be honest, I started to wonder if my contributions might be a good part of the reason others might not be contributing. Kind of wondering if I was freaking everyone out a bit or maybe being bothersome, as I have in other situations. Not sure if that's the case of if I'm just feeling that way. I'm not wanting to not contribute, just trying to find or feel the balance. Still enjoying this regardless and I'm glad Jim asked me to plug in.
...rich
Candi said
at 5:57 pm on Mar 28, 2009
Hey Rich, your comments are a good part of the reason I DO show up here (even when I haven't read the required scripture!). I love your honesty and lack of religious piousness! ;)
Marc Schelske said
at 10:56 am on Mar 30, 2009
Hey all, three things. First, we should be praying about this. Second, personal invitations are the most effective. When we have the opportunity to talk with folks that have been involved, our personal invitation to reconnect makes a difference. Finally - like Jim says: we just keep coming and interacting here. If this is a meaningful thing to us, then we keep with it. That's the point of growing a new habit for our spiritual journey. Thanks all of you for coming back. I'll see you around later.
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