Gen 25, 26 – Mt 18:1-20

As I was reading these passages I noticed a difference in focus from the old testament to the new testament. In Genesis we find the history of a family and there is a lot of talk about descendents and who settled where and what land was owned by who. Wells and livestock, riches and birthrights. There is the fear of death or bodily harm by Issac when he is in a strange land. So much so that he lies.

“When the men of that place asked him about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,” because he was afraid to say, “She is my wife.” He thought, “The men of this place might kill me on account of Rebekah, because she is beautiful.”Gen 26:7 NIV

But in Matthew, we see a heavenly focus. Men who are more worried about their place in heaven than their place in society.

“Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Mt 18:1 NIV

They have left everything behind to follow this man Jesus. They want to know how to please God in a way that will have eternal effects. And Jesus tells them.

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Mt. 18:3-4 NIV

He also talks about sin and the lengths we should go to to avoid it, even bodily harm. Wow!! I don’t know about you, but for me I have enough trouble just turning off he TV sometimes or staying away from the refrigerator to avoid temptation.

After reading these things I am left questioning myself. Where is my focus? What or who do I love more? Do I care more about heavenly or earthly things?

God, Help me to remember what really matters. Help me to do things that will matter for eternity. In Jesus name, Amen

Allen Tanner (allen4myfamily)

Genesis 23,24; Matthew 17

I think I’ve done it too. Like Abraham’s servant on a mission to find a wife for Isaac–he stood there before a well, talking to God, telling Him how it ought to go down … if this, and that, then “this is how I will know “… I found huge delight at what followed:

Before he had finished praying, he saw a young woman named Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder. Genesis 24:15a (NLT; emphasis mine)

Looking back in time, God’s hand becomes easier to see. But in the moment, I imagine the task Abraham’s servant faced. I sensed his uncertainty building, and his prayer touched me, because I’ve done similar: God, if this is what You want, make it clear to me! And to think that before my prayer is finished leaving my mouth, He’s already worked it out. Sometimes so I can recognize it, other times in ways that take me by surprise.

I wonder what Peter thought when Jesus told him to reach into the mouth of a fish and retrieve coins to pay the taxes! It should not have been any less astonishing were Peter told to ask a specific person for the coins, or to even find them on the ground … but Jesus takes it to the extraordinary. Jesus stretches Peter’s thinking (and mine).

Lord, I’m so grateful for all the ways you make yourself known–that I find you in ways I can recognize, and in ways I’d never imagine. I delight in seeing your hand active in history (and my life), how you stretch my imagination. Thank you for always being there.

Courtney (66books365)

Listening to: You Were There by Avalon.

 

Job 41, 42 Matthew 16

You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men. ~ Matthew 16:23

A “stumbling block” is anything that tries to keep you from following the will of God.  No matter what God’s will is for our lives people will always try to impose their vision and their dreams on us.  In preparing for our first child, the best advice my best friend gave me was to use great discernment when it came to the advice of others, as even well-meaning people could give advice that could be a hindrance to God’s will.  If ever I’m feeling shaky, I always turn back to the vision and promises God made to me about our child and I am able to stand firm.

When Job spoke of things that were “above” his understanding, God asked him, “Who is it that obscures my counsel without knowledge?”  And to Peter’s declaration about the Cross not coming to pass, Jesus said, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me,” (Job 42:3; Matthew 16:23).

Points to Ponder:

1)     Has God given you a vision for a specific area of your life?  If so, write it down so that it will be ever before you.  If not, ask Him to reveal it to you plainly.

2)     What things have become stumbling blocks—hindrances to God’s will—to you?  If you aren’t sure, ask God to reveal them to you and ask His guidance for “side-stepping” them.

Father, thank you for this word today.  Lord, I pray that You would give us eyes to see and ears to hear, that we may discern Your will for our lives and help us to choose the things that align our lives with Your will.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

HeatherPotts5

Job 38,39,40; Mathew 15:21-39

Job 38

1 Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm.  He said: 2 “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?”

I love a good debate.  It is even better if it is on a topic about God.  I’ve been known to argue both sides of a topic just to make sure that all aspects are analyzed properly.   Job and his friends have been having a lively debate.  Both sides putting together beautiful statements and rebukes.  Everyone thinking that they where speaking the words of God to the others.  Each thinking that wisdom and insight had been given to them to share.  Then God shows up on the scene and asks who has been speaking without knowledge.  Silence reigns.  Their wisdom didn’t seem quite so great in the presence of God.

The appearance of God made me think of two things.   The first was when Jesus claimed that when two or three gathered in His name there He would be (Math 18:20).  The second was the numerous times I have offered words of wisdom to others usually quoting scripture and offering to pray for them.  I  have to think now that maybe a better response is to turn to God and ask Him for the wisdom that the particular situation calls for.  It seems like the more I learn, the easier it is to find the “Ed Wisdom” that fits the particular situation.  I think that it is a safe bet that God could say to me “who has been speaking words without knowledge?”   It is humbling to know that God is with me and hears my words of wisdom and how often they are probably lacking.   I am reminded that I have two ears and one mouth and should monitor what I say much more carefully than what I do.

Father may you help me to always seek you in filling my words with knowledge.  Help me to turn to You in all things especially bringing to mind situations when I am tempted to speak up with “Ed knowledge”.  Guide me instead to seek true knowledge from You, the source of all wisdom.  Continue to show me your love, grace, and mercy, in Jesus name, Amen.

Ed (edsorrell)

Job 36,37; Matthew 15:1-20

Jesus replied, “And why do you, by your traditions, violate the direct commandments of God?” (Matthew 15:3 NLT)

My first thoughts on the Matthew passage were “Yeah, Jesus, you tell those Pharisees a thing or two!” Then my thoughts go quickly to the Christians today that would be the equivalent of the Pharisees of Jesus’ day. You know, THOSE people…  We all know them, right?

Right??

Then I reflect on our reading in Job.  We know Job is a very righteous man, yet earlier when Job gives us a list of all the reasons why he is so righteous and so does not deserve this  Elihu finally speaks up to remind Job of the greatness, power, and justice of God.  Elihu is still going on about this in our readings today. Job may have done many wonderful things, but he needs a reminder that God is infinitely greater, He is in charge, and nothing happens that is not under his sovereignty.

Then I start to think…  If righteous Job has faults, then maybe I better go back and look at that Matthew passage again…  What (if any) man-made commands do I follow and thus violate the direct commands of God?   If I am totally honest, I can think of a few possibilities. Then as I reflect more and more, I think of more. I really want to be done thinking about this, it makes me very uncomfortable! As is usually the case when my quiet time starts out with thoughts of how passages apply to other people, if I take the time to reflect I see that it applies to me as well…  I think of Psalm 19:12 “How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?  Cleanse me from these hidden faults.”

Lord, please help me discern the man-made commands from the true commands of God. You say “fom the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you.” But you can cleanse our hearts. “Create in me a clean heart, O God” – words from David in Psalm 51:10 – words from You.

suegraff