Tag Archives: Christianity

January 20, 2014 Bible Study — Let God Sort Them Out

     I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. In order to make that possible I read the passages and write my thoughts a day, or more. in advance. My work schedule has recently changed, meaning that I may not have time every day to complete these. As a result, I am trying to get several days ahead. I hope this does not negatively impact the quality of these posts (if that is possible). If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.

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Genesis 41:17-42:17

     There are a lot of lessons about God’s providence in this passage. One of the most important is the lesson that in times of plenty we should set aside some of our excess for when times are once again hard. God will provide for our needs, but we have to gather when times are good and save against the hard times. I will even say that God will provide for us in the good times enough so that, if we follow His will, we will be in a position to help those in need in the hard times.

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Matthew 13:24-46

     This is the passage from which the idea of “Kill them all, let God sort them out” derives. Although that phrase badly misses the point of what Jesus says here. He does indeed say, “Let God sort them out.” However, His point was that if we pull the “weeds”, we will inadvertently pull some of the “wheat” as well. Then we will lose some of the blessings which God intended for us to receive. The loss of the good that will happen when we try to decide who is “weed” and who is “wheat” is not worth the gain. Jesus message in this passage is, “Don’t kill any of them, let God sort them out (when the time is ripe).”
     Jesus follows this up with two parables about the Kingdom of Heaven that emphasize the fact that we should not underestimate the impact of doing the small things to which God calls us. The fact that we are few, or that something is minor, should not make us think that it is pointless to act. The mustard seed is very small, yet grows into a large bush. Yeast is a minor ingredient in bread, yet it changes the entire loaf. In the same way, we may start out as just a few people, yet if we do God’s will, He will draw many to us and the tasks He assigns us may seem minor, yet they will transform the community around us. Never think that you are too unimportant and insignificant for God to use you to transform the world.
     Finally, Jesus tells us that the Kingdom of Heaven is a treasure that is worth us sacrificing everything we value to obtain. If we have truly understand the Gospel message, we will find no amount of hardship and suffering too much to gain the rewards it offers.

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Psalm 18:1-15

     Every time I read this psalm it makes me want to cry for joy. The Lord is my strength. I called out to Him in my distress and He saved me. If you have not read this psalm, read it now. It reads like a scene from an action movie: Our hero is about to be dragged to his death by his enemies. He cries out to God and God answers him. The earth quaked and the mountains shook. Smoke and fire poured forth as God descended on the wings of an angel to save the psalmist from his enemies. I cannot do it justice in my paraphrase, the visuals which the psalmist evokes are just so intense.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.

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Proverbs 4:1-6

     The best advice a father can give his child, son or daughter, is contained in this proverb: Get wisdom and develop good judgment, never turn your back on wisdom.

January 19, 2014 Bible Study — Will You Open Your Eyes So That You Can See?

     I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. In order to make that possible I read the passages and write my thoughts a day, or more. in advance. My work schedule has recently changed, meaning that I may not have time every day to complete these. As a result, I am trying to get several days ahead. I hope this does not negatively impact the quality of these posts (if that is possible). If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.

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Genesis 39-41:16

     When Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt he came into the house of Potiphar, a powerful and influential man. Joseph was faithful to God and God was with him. As a result, Joseph quickly rose in Potiphar’s household, until he was in charge of everything. Potiphar’s wife soon began desiring Joseph and attempted to seduce him, but Joseph refused. Joseph told her that it would be wrong for him to overstep the bounds which Potiphar had set for him and that doing so would be a sin against God.
     Potiphar’s wife continued to pressure Joseph until one day she caught him in a compromising position, or at least one which she could make appear compromising. Yet Joseph still resisted her advances. She used the circumstances to accuse him of attempting to do what he had refused to do. Once again Joseph ended up in a bad position. The first time he ended up in a cistern and sold into slavery because he had done the wrong thing (bragging to his brothers that they would bow down to him). This time he ended up in a rather nasty prison because he had done the right thing. I am not going to go into much depth about the rest of this passage except to point out that Joseph had learned from his mistake of bragging to his brothers. When he was called before Pharaoh, he emphasized that he had no power to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams, but that God was capable of doing so.
     This passage reminds us of how important it is to remain faithful to God in the face of sexual temptation. It also reminds us of the price we may sometimes pay for that faithfulness. It is worth noting that in this story the woman is the sexual predator. Of course, before anyone goes thinking that the Bible singles out women as the ones who always initiate sexual sin, it is worth noting that it was Joseph’s older half-brother Judah who was guilty of sex with someone he thought was a prostitute at the end of yesterday’s passage.

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Matthew 12:46-13:23

     Jesus told His disciples that they were permitted to understand His message but that a quote from Isaiah applied to many of those around them.

When you hear what I say,
you will not understand.
When you see what I do,
you will not comprehend.

The quote continues by saying that those to whom it applies closed their own eyes so that they would not see. When I see the people around me who intentionally misconstrue God’s word so that they can ignore His commands it makes me want to cry because I know that God is offering them healing for the hurt they are experiencing. I see people all of the time seeking for something more, yet rejecting God’s message. Jesus told us this would happen in this passage. I pray that God’s Spirit will change the hearts of those who can be made willing to listen. As I write this I think of several of my friends to whom this applies and my heart breaks for them because they will not listen. They refuse to turn to God and let Him heal them. I will continue to pray for them that God’s Spirit may touch their heart.

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Psalm 17:1-15

     I always find this psalm a challenge. I know that when God has examined me that I have done wrong. Nevertheless, I am determined to not sin in what I say. I know that I shall from time to time fail in that determination. However, I also know that God will answer my prayers because I trust in the blood of Jesus. I pray that the day will come when the Holy Spirit will complete my transformation and I will be able to say that when God examines me He will find that I have done no wrong. In the mean time I am grateful for God’s wonderful grace.

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Proverbs 3:33-35

     These proverbs are fairly straightforward, the results of being wicked are indistinguishable from being cursed, while the results of doing what is right will be blessings. It will appear as if life itself is mocking those who mock others, while it will be gracious to those who are humble. The wise will be honored, while fools will experience shame.

January 18, 2014 Bible Study — “Whoever Is Not With Me Is Against Me”

     I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. In order to make that possible I read the passages and write my thoughts a day, or more. in advance. My work schedule has recently changed, meaning that I may not have time every day to complete these. As a result, I am trying to get several days ahead. I hope this does not negatively impact the quality of these posts (if that is possible). If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.

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Genesis 37-38:30

     We have here the story of Joseph’s early life. Since he was the first son of Rachel, Joseph was Jacob’s favorite. This resulted in him being spoiled. His father gave him gifts that were much nicer than those he gave his other sons and Joseph was a tattletale. Then to compound things, he had dreams which showed him ruling over his brothers, and over his father and mother. Worse, he told his brothers about his dreams, and, while the passage does not say so, I am pretty sure he talked about the obvious interpretation of the dreams and told his brothers he was their better.
     Later his father sent him to get a report about his brothers. When he arrived at where they were, his brothers decided to take out their resentment on him. However, Reuben, the eldest, had second thoughts and convinced the other brothers to throw him in a cistern, intending to return later and let him go. While Reuben was away from the rest of them, Judah had the idea of selling Joseph to a caravan of merchants. When Reuben returned and found Joseph gone, he lost his composure and worried what he would tell his (and Joseph’s) father. However, his brothers convinced him that they should dip Joseph’s coat in blood and send it to their father saying that they had found it.
     There is an important lesson for us in this passage relative to how Joseph handled his dreams, dreams which were messages from God. What we learn is that just because God has revealed something to us, we don’t necessarily have to tell everybody about it.

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Matthew 12:22-45

     A demon possessed man who could not see or speak. Jesus healed the man so that he could both speak and see. The crowds were amazed and began to ask if perhaps He might be the Messiah. The response of the Pharisees was that the only reason He could cast out demons was because He got His power from Satan. Jesus first points out that it makes no sense to believe that Satan would give someone the power to cast out demons, since that would mean that Satan was fighting against himself. He follows up this up by asking them who gives power to their own exorcists. He concludes this argument by telling them that if He casts out demons by the power of God it means that the Kingdom of God is among them. I think that He is suggesting that the reason they are denying that God is working through Him is because they are afraid to face the Kingdom of God in their midst.
     Jesus then tells us that those who are not with Him are against Him. That those who are not working with Him to bring God’s kingdom into this world are working against it. Those who attribute the acts of the Holy Spirit to Satan are committing the one sin which cannot be forgiven. Finally, Jesus tells us that we can judge people by the results of their actions. If others are better off because of what they do, they are good people. On the other hand, if others suffer as a result of their actions they are evil people.

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Psalm 16:1-11

     Who do we hold up as heroes? The successful athlete? The movie or television star? Or do we follow the example of the psalmist and hold up the godly people of the land as our heroes? I will strive to emulate the godly and hold them up for others to do the same. I will not imitate those who worship gods other than God. I will be content with what God has given me, with the inheritance which is mine from Him. No, I will not just be content, I will be glad for what God has given me, whether it is great or small in the eyes of this world.

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Proverbs 3:27-32

     This proverb is a wonderful piece of advice about how to live a good life. If you can assist someone who needs help now, do not put it off. Do good for others when the opportunity arises. Further it tells us not to betray those who have reason to trust us. Finally it warns us against admiring those who use violence to advance their interests, or to succumb to the temptation to imitate them.

January 17, 2013 Bible Study — Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath

     I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. In order to make that possible I read the passages and write my thoughts a day, or more. in advance. My work schedule has recently changed, meaning that I may not have time every day to complete these. As a result, I am trying to get several days ahead. I hope this does not negatively impact the quality of these posts (if that is possible). If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.

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Genesis 35-36:43

     I had never really noticed before that Jacob moved back to Bethel just after his sons Simeon and Levi had slaughtered all of the men of the town of Shechem because the son of the ruler had raped their sister. When Jacob learned what they had done, he was afraid that the people of the region would join together to take revenge on them by wiping out his entire family. God reminded Jacob that he had appeared to him once before when he was afraid for his life. Jacob packed up his family and moved to where God had appeared to him on that occasion.
     Jacob gathered his family and ordered them to make a clean breast of things. They were to get rid of all of their idols and all of their objects of worship of gods other than God. He took all of these goods and buried them under a tree near Shechem then they all traveled to Bethel. When they arrived, Jacob built an altar and renewed his relationship with God. Sometimes we need to do things like this. Put aside all of the things which distract us from God and go to a place where God had appeared to us before so that we can renew our relationship with Him. Jacob had named the town where he saw the stairway to heaven “Bethel”, which means the House of God. Where is the place that you think of as the House of God? Is it time for you to visit there once more?

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Matthew 12:1-21

     In this passage Jesus quotes Hosea, “I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.” This was in response to an accusation that His disciples had broken Sabbath Laws. This is followed by a story where the religious leaders are angry because Jesus healed someone on the Sabbath. The point of the two stories in today’s passage about the Sabbath is that God’s Laws are meant to encourage us to do good to those around us not to prevent us from meeting our own basic needs or caring for those in need.
     As an example of how I apply this passage: I avoid shopping on Sundays because I realized a few years ago that the only reason I did so was because I found it convenient to do so. There were times when I did not get my shopping done on Saturday because I figured I could do it on Sunday and there were other things (sometimes just being lazy) that I wanted to do on Saturday. I realized that this took away from my ability to do things related to worshiping God on Sunday, so I made the decision to stop doing so. I do not make this a rule I cannot break. I just plan my week so that I can get my shopping done on the other six days. This is a decision which I have reached and I recognize that others have schedules and needs which may make it necessary for them to shop on Sunday.

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Psalm 15:1-5

     The psalmist gives us a list of characteristics we should desire to make ours:

  • live blamelessly
  • This means not to do the wrong thing.

  • do what is right
  • However, not doing the wrong thing is not enough, we need to do the right thing.

  • speak the truth
  • This is more than just “don’t lie.”

  • refuse to gossip
  • This is often more difficult than it sounds.

  • refuse to harm our neighbor
  • Considering what Jesus says about who are neighbors are, this is pretty comprehensive.

  • refuse to speak evil of friends
  • I don’t think I need to elaborate on this.

  • despise vile persons
  • These are the people who revel in doing nasty things to others

  • honour the faithful
  • This is the flip side of the previous one. All too many despise the faithful and honour the vile.

  • keep promises, even when it hurts
  • Sometimes it is inconvenient to do what you said you would do, do it anyway.

  • lend to the poor for no gain
  • Helping the poor without making them dependent

  • refuse bribes to tell lies

It is interesting that it does not just say “refuse bribes.” It appears to suggest that it is OK to accept a bribe to be honest and upright.

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Proverbs 3:21-26

     If you want to live a life without fear, always think about what is the wise course of action and seek to understand what is going on around you. As we keep our eyes on God’s wisdom we will not be afraid of sudden disaster, nor ruin. As we seek course that reflects God’s wisdom, we will find ourselves under God’s protection.

January 16, 2014 Bible Study — Only Fools Say In Thier Hearts, “There Is No God”

     I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. In order to make that possible I read the passages and write my thoughts a day, or more. in advance. My work schedule has recently changed, meaning that I may not have time every day to complete these. As a result, I am trying to get several days ahead. I hope this does not negatively impact the quality of these posts (if that is possible). If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.

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Genesis 32:13-34:31

     In this passage we are told that Jacob wrestled with God. Jacob was not passive in his relationship with God. He struggled against God, but trusted God and did God’s will. God does not ask us to put aside our intellect or our understanding. It is OK to question God. It is even OK to sometimes doubt God. Our walk with God will not always be easy, sometimes we will have to fight with God and with ourselves in order to understand what God’s will for our lives is.

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Matthew 11:7-30

     Jesus asked the crowd a rhetorical question. He asked them what sort of man they went out into the wilderness to see when they went out to see John. Then He answered His question. People do not go to gain spiritual guidance from someone who spouts what is popular this week, nor from those whose credentials derive from their economic success. Rather people seek out prophets for spiritual advice. Jesus then points out that the opinion leaders of the day are quick to find fault with those who challenge their lifestyles. If the challenger is frugal and lives an ascetic lifestyle they will condemn him as being too severe. If, on the other hand, the challenger enjoys life’s pleasures they will accuse him of being a hedonist.
     We need to remember both of these messages. If we want to reach people for Jesus we need to stand for something and not bend in every wind of popular culture. In addition, if we call people to live according to God’s will, others are going to condemn us for not living the way they think a religious person should…even if that means condemning one person for doing what they condemned another person for not doing.

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Psalm 14:1-7

     The psalmist tells us that only fools are able to convince themselves that there is no God. He goes on to tell us that such people are corrupt and evil, even when they are not obviously so. He goes on to tell us that to a degree we have all made the mistake, at some point, of thinking that God will not judge our actions. There is no one who truly does good, which is why we need God’s saving grace. Those who are willing to learn see that the path of wickedness leads to terror. While those who trust God need not fear because God will protect them.

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Proverbs 3:19-20

     God designed the world with wisdom and understanding. He does not call on us to put our minds in park. He built the world so that it can be understood by those who are willing to think and reason and gave us those abilities so that we can learn to know and love Him.

January 15, 2014 Bible Study — The Student Is Not Greater Than the Teacher

     I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. In order to make that possible I read the passages and write my thoughts a day, or more. in advance. My work schedule has recently changed, meaning that I may not have time every day to complete these. As a result, I am trying to get several days ahead. I hope this does not negatively impact the quality of these posts (if that is possible). If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.

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Genesis 31:17-32:12

     Jacob gathered his family and set off towards the land of his father while Laban was some distance away. While they were gathering their things, Rachel stole Laban’s household idols and took them with them. When Laban learned of Jacob’s departure he gathered a force and set out in pursuit, apparently planning on forcing Jacob to return to his lands (or perhaps to merely take Jacob’s wealth). However, just before he overtook Jacob, God appeared to Laban and warned him to not harm Jacob in any way. When Laban finally overtook Jacob he confronted Jacob over leaving secretly and stealing his idols. Laban told Jacob that the only reason he was not destroying him for the effrontery was because God had warned him not to the previous night. Jacob said that he was afraid that Laban would prevent him from leaving, or, if he allowed him to leave, would have prevented him from taking his wives, children, and possessions with him. Jacob then denied having taken Laban’s idols.
     Laban searched through Jacob’s possessions for his missing idols, but was unable to find them because Rachel hid them under her seat and claimed it was that time of month when Laban searched her tent. When Laban was unable to find his idols among Jacob’s possessions Jacob lost it with Laban and confronted him by laying out his grievances towards Laban over how Laban had treated him while he was with him. That the only reason Jacob was able to leave Laban with more than the clothes on his back was because God was with him. Laban was afraid to take his conflict with Jacob any further because of the vision he had had the night before, so he made a treaty with Jacob that neither would harm the other and that Jacob would treat Laban’s daughters, Leah and Rachel, well.
     When Jacob departed from Laban, he sent messengers ahead of himself and his family to inform Esau of his coming. The messengers went to Esau and returned to Jacob. When they got back to Jacob, they told him that Esau was coming to meet him with an army of 400 men. Jacob was terrified and made preparations so that at least part of his family might escape. Then Jacob called on God acknowledging all the good which God had done him and that he was unworthy of the blessings which God had given him. Jacob concluded his prayer by asking God to save him once more, to rescue him from his brother Esau. Let us follow the model which Jacob offers us with this prayer.

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Matthew 10:24-11:6

     Jesus begins today’s passage by reminding us that the student is not greater than the teacher nor is the servant greater than the master. Since Jesus was called the prince of demons, we can expect to be called much worse. If we truly understand why we should fear God, who is the only one who can destroy our souls, we will not fear those who can only bring harm to our bodies. We need to bear in mind that not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without God being aware of it. This means that we should have no fear because God values us much more than He values sparrows.
     If we acknowledge our relationship with Christ here on earth, He will acknowledge our relationship before God in heaven. But if we deny our relationship with Christ here on earth, He will deny our relationship before God in heaven. Those who show kindness and hospitality to use are showing kindness and hospitality to Christ, those who show kindness and hospitality to Christ are showing kindness and hospitality to God the Father. Then to make sure we understand His point, Jesus tells us that those who are receptive to a prophet because he is speaking the word of God will receive the same reward as the prophet himself. Those who are receptive to a righteous person because the person is righteous will receive the same reward as the righteous person.

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Psalm 13:1-6

     The psalmist was struggling with depression when he wrote today’s psalm. He recognized that the first step to facing and defeating depression is to trust and praise God. I will sing to the God, for He has rescued me. I may not see His rescue yet, but I know that the wheels are in motion.

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Proverbs 3:16-18

     Wisdom offers long life, riches, and honor. Following the path of wisdom leads to a life of satisfaction and fulfillment. It is by choosing wisdom that we are able to find joy and happiness for the long term.

January 14, 2014 Bible Study — Be As Shrewd As Snakes, And As Innocent As Doves

     I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. In order to make that possible I read the passages and write my thoughts a day, or more. in advance. My work schedule has recently changed, meaning that I may not have time every day to complete these. As a result, I am trying to get several days ahead. I hope this does not negatively impact the quality of these posts (if that is possible). If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.

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Genesis 30-31:16

     When Jacob’s eleventh son, Joseph, is born, Jacob negotiates with Laban for wages once more (he received Leah and Rachel as his wives from his initial negotiations). Jacob and Laban agree that all of the speckled and spotted goats, and all of the black sheep in the herds which Jacob tends for Laban will be Jacob’s going forward. However, Laban knows something about genetics, so, before the agreement starts, he removes all of the goats and sheep which have the characteristics which would mark them as Jacob’s from the flocks which Jacob tends. Jacob, however, took actions which increased the likelihood that the strongest lambs and kids born to the remaining sheep and goats under his care would express the characteristics which made them his. He was successful in doing this to such a degree that Laban’s sons were jealous of his success.
     God blessed Jacob despite Laban’s attempt to cheat him. Modern knowledge of genetics suggests that Jacob’s tricks to get more spotted and speckled goats and black sheep would have had no impact on the numbers of such offspring, nevertheless, Jacob’s flocks increased. The message I take from this passage is that God will look out for our interests, even if those around us attempt to cheat us.

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Matthew 10:1-23

     Jesus sent out the twelve apostles, the Greek term here means something along the lines of “sent ones”, to minister to the people of Israel. He gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal physical problems. They were empowered to address the mental and physical problems of those they encountered. Jesus sent them out into the world to bring healing to the sick, to raise the dead, to cast out evil spirits, and to preach that the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
     This passage applies to us today in one way or another. Just as we have freely received from God the means to meet our needs, so we are to freely give to those in need, whether that need is physical, mental, or spiritual. Part of me says that not all of us are apostles, those sent by God. That some of us are called to be those in whose homes the apostles stay. And this is true. Yet part of me says that we are all sent out by Jesus to be His ambassadors, His messengers, His apostles. And this is also true. There are times when we are to accept hospitality as we deliver God’s message to those around us. And there are times when we are to provide hospitality to those who are bringing God’s message.
     There is a part of this passage that I am convinced wholly applies to all of us. When Jesus says that He is sending them out as sheep among wolves, He is talking to all of us. As He sends us forth into the world, He wants us to be innocent, but not naive. There is another very important message for us in this passage. Jesus tells us that we will be persecuted for our faith. He follows that up by telling us that when we are brought before the authorities, we should not worry about what we will say, the Spirit will speak through us, giving us the words to convey God’s message for that situation. I believe that this statement applies not just to when we are arrested, but also to any time when we are forced to make a statement. On the other hand, this instruction from Jesus is not meant to apply to those occasions when we choose to make a statement. In the latter case, we should very carefully select our words and plan what we will say, while allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us.

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Psalm 12:1-8

     We may live in a society that honors the wicked and rewards those who lie, but the psalmist reminds us that God will protect the oppressed and rise up to save the helpless. The wicked may think that none are able to stop them, but God will bring judgment upon them in the fullness of time. I will not be deceived into thinking that lies, deceit, and violence are the path to an easy life.

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Proverbs 3:13-15

     Some people expend their energy searching for gold, silver, precious gems, or other physical treasures. I will spend my energy seeking wisdom because it is more valuable than all of those combined. Wisdom will return benefits far beyond those of any material wealth.

January 13, 2014 Bible Study — Surely The Lord Is In This Place

     I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. In order to make that possible I read the passages and write my thoughts a day, or more. in advance. My work schedule has recently changed, meaning that I may not have time every day to complete these. As a result, I am trying to get several days ahead. I hope this does not negatively impact the quality of these posts (if that is possible). If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.

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Genesis 28-29:35

     While Jacob was on his way to his Uncle Laban’s he had a dream one night in which God appeared to him. When he woke up from the dream, Jacob said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it!” How often are we guilty of the same thing? Of being unaware that the Lord is in this place? All too often we forget that wherever we are, God is there as well. There is no place on the face of this earth where we can accurately say, “God is not in this place.” I will strive each day at every place that I find myself to remember that surely the Lord is in this place.
     The Lord is my God because He has been with me and protected me on my journey. He has provided me with food and clothing. He will lead me safely home to my Father’s house.

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Matthew 9:18-38

     In today’s passage we have four stories of Jesus healing people. A leader of a synagogue approached Jesus because his daughter had just died. He came to Jesus because he believed that if Jesus came and laid hands on his daughter, she would live once more. While Jesus was on the way to his house, a woman who had suffered for 12 years approached and touched his cloak. She was convinced that if she could just touch the hem of His cloak she would be healed. When Jesus got to the synagogue leader’s house, the people who had gathered to help the man mourn the death of his daughter laughed at Jesus for suggesting that the girl might live. It probably never occurred to them that by doing so they were laughing at the man they had come to comfort in his loss. As he left the man’s house two blind men followed Him to the place where He was staying, begging Him to have mercy on them. Finally, some people brought a man to Him who could not speak. The passage says that he could not speak because he was possessed by a demon, which suggests that there were more problems with him than just an inability to speak.
     In each of these cases, faith lead to action and action lead to healing. The little girl lived because her father believed that Jesus could heal her. In the face of ridicule, he went to Jesus and asked Him to come raise his daughter back to life. The woman was healed because she believed that just touching the barest edge of Jesus’ cloak could bring her healing. She went to where Jesus was and approached Him through the crowd so that she might touch Him. The blind men believed that Jesus could give them back their sight, so they followed Him to where He was staying to ask it of Him. The friends or family of the demon-possessed man believed that Jesus could drive out the demon, so they brought the man to Jesus. In each of these cases, the people acted upon their beliefs and were healed. Their faith was necessary for them to receive healing, but it was only when they acted on the basis of that faith that they received healing. If you want to receive healing, act on your faith.
     These four stories of faith are followed by an account of how, while Jesus had been teaching to vast throngs and healing the sick, He turned to His disciples and told them that there were not enough workers to do God’s work. They were to pray to God that He send more workers. Are we willing to pray this prayer as Jesus instructs us? Do we have faith that God will answer our prayer if we pray this prayer? Finally, are we willing to act on our faith so that our prayer may be fulfilled? If we want God to send more workers into His fields, we need to be prepared when God tells us that we are the workers He has chosen to send. Because we are the workers He has chosen to send. Will we do the work He has sent us to do?

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Psalm 11:1-7

     This psalm seems to me to be the answer to some of the things I read in the news and in posts I see on the Internet. People are saying we must run to the hills or other remote places, prepare to defend ourselves and our possessions because the foundations of law and order are being destroyed. While I see the same things they see, my response to them is the same as the psalmist’s: I trust in the Lord for my protection.
     As bad as things may seem, God still rules from heaven. He sees what is going on and watches what everyone does. The wicked may seem to prosper for a time, but God sees their actions and will bring judgment down upon them. On the other hand the righteous will see His face and live. God is in charge and will be my protection

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Proverbs 3:11-12

     The writer reminds us not to be upset with God when He disciplines us by bringing hardship into our lives. Just as a father who loves his children will discipline his child in order to keep it safe, or to teach the child necessary life lessons, so will God discipline us in order to teach us how to live our lives to the fullest.

January 12, 2014 Bible Study — We Need To Experience Forgiveness Before We Can Experience Healing

     I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. In order to make that possible I read the passages and write my thoughts a day, or more. in advance. My work schedule has recently changed, meaning that I may not have time every day to complete these. As a result, I am trying to get several days ahead. I hope this does not negatively impact the quality of these posts (if that is possible). If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.

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Genesis 26:17-27:46

     At the end of yesterday’s passage, Abimelech asked Isaac to move away from his lands because was becoming wealthy and powerful enough to be a threat. Isaac did not fight or complain that this was not fair. He trusted God and moved away. When Abimelech’s shepherds contested for control of the area he had moved too, even though they had abandoned that territory. Isaac just moved further. Isaac moved away from them until they no longer contested his use of the lands. When Abimelech came to him in his new home, Isaac made a peace treaty with him, even though the hostility between them had originated with Abimelech.
     Usually when we read this passage we skip over the account of Esau’s wives with just a passing thought. However, I think it is part and parcel of the whole thing. Esau married some local girls, but the fact that they were local is not the problem. They have a different idea about what is proper behavior than Isaac and Rebekah. That is the problem. There is a connection between the attitudes of Esau’s wives towards Isaac and Rebekah and Jacob stealing Esau’s blessing. It seems to me that Rebekah convinced Jacob to steal Esau’s blessing so that Esau would be mad at Jacob, giving Jacob motivation to leave and go to her brother’s house to find a wife.

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Matthew 9:1-17

     This passage tells us how Jesus interacted with sinners. He did not condemn them, but neither did He tell them that they were not sinners. Rather Jesus told them that they were worthwhile people whom God had forgiven. This passage also tells us that the first step to healing is forgiveness. In order to offer healing to our fellow man, we must first offer forgiveness. There are different ways we can look at the story about the call of Matthew the tax collector. However, it has always struck me that we cannot evangelize the lost unless we spend time among them. Too many Christians only socialize with their fellow Christians. We are not called to spread the Gospel to those who know the Gospel. So, how are we supposed to spread the Gospel to sinners if we do not know any sinners?
     I do not want to say much about the last part of this passage, except to say that in it we are reminded that there is a time and place for Christians to fast. I know that I do not do so as often as I should.

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Psalm 10:16-18

     God is king over all and those nations which despise Him and attempt to escape from His rule will vanish from the face of the earth. God hears the cries of those who suffer. He will listen to them and answer them. He defends the fatherless and the oppressed, teaching them that mere mortals cannot harm them in any way that matters.

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Proverbs 3:9-10

     This proverb reminds us that if we honor God with our wealth, if we put God’s interests ahead of our material comfort, He will bless us so that we have all that we need and enough to bless others.

January 11, 2014 Bible Study — When God Shows Us What He Wants, Are We Ready to Move?

     I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. In order to make that possible I read the passages and write my thoughts a day, or more. in advance. My work schedule has recently changed, meaning that I may not have time every day to complete these. As a result, I am trying to get several days ahead. I hope this does not negatively impact the quality of these posts (if that is possible). If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.

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Genesis 24:52-26:16

     Abraham’s servant offers us yet another model to follow in today’s passage, as does Rebekah. Once he had determined the women whom God had chosen for Isaac, he wanted to continue moving toward their marriage without delay. Rebekah’s brother and mother attempted to convince him to delay leaving with Rebekah, but he insisted on going at once. They left the decision up to Rebekah. This is where Rebekah showed us the same model. She also was eager to be about following the path which God had laid out for her. Are we prepared to move as swiftly when God shows us the path He wishes us to take?

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Matthew 8:18-34

     In today’s passage we have three different reactions to Jesus. In the first vignette, we have a religious leader who is initially eager to follow Jesus, but when he discovers that he would need to endure hardship to do so, he makes excuses. The second vignette shows us the disciples frantically waking Jesus from sleep in great fear from a storm. Jesus questions their faith then calms the storm. The disciples are in awe of Jesus and do not know what to make of Him, but they continue to be eager to learn more. Finally, Jesus arrives on the other side of the lake and sends demons out of two demon possessed men into a herd of pigs. The pigs promptly ran into the lake and drowned. The people of the town, hearing what Jesus had done for the demon possessed men and to the pigs, immediately asked Jesus to leave them alone.
     So, one reaction is to want to follow Jesus because it will make us feel good about ourselves, but making excuses not to when we discover the difficulties which doing so would entail. Another reaction is to be overwhelmed by His power and, despite our weak faith, choosing to stick around to learn more. The third reaction is to want nothing to do with Jesus because it might mean economic troubles for us. What is your reaction to Jesus?

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Psalm 10:1-15

     It may seem like God is far away when we face trouble. We may see the wicked arrogantly hunt down the poor and brag about their evil plans. The wicked are too proud to seek God, they think belief in God is for the weak. They believe that God is dead and unable to bring them to account for their actions. But God does see what they are doing. He observes their evil and the harm they bring to those weaker than themselves. He will come to the defense of the helpless, He will protect the orphan. God will turn the evil of the wicked back upon them and punish them for the harm they have caused to others.

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Proverbs 3:7-8

     If you become convinced of your own wisdom to the point that you think you know better than God what is the right and wrong thing for you to do, you are making a grave mistake. Rather than trust in your own wisdom, fear God and follow His instructions about what is right and wrong.