October 31st readings

(click on the date above for today's readings)
Lamentations 4:1-5:22 ~ Hebrews 2:1-18
Psalm 103:1-22 ~ Proverbs 26:23

Lamentations Chapters 4 and 5 are tough chapters to read. We know why everything that we read in these chapters has come to pass, from our readings in the book of Jeremiah. I guess the thing personally that kind of jumped out at me today when reading this chapter were these thoughts. Have I personally ever experienced anything like what we read about in this chapter? The answer is no. The second thought or question that came to me, however, was this - Are there people in our world today that are experiencing similar things that we read about in this chapter? And I believe the answer is obviously yes. Not necessarily for the same "reasons" that Jerusalem was experiencing all of this - but the same experiences of starvation and lack of hope are indeed happening in our world.

Then.... the question becomes - is this fair? Is this right? Should we try to do something for people in our world that are experiencing starvation, lack of hope, and worse? What will we do? I know there are thousands of organizations that we could support to help those in need in our world. One that I have personal experience with is World Vision. If you have an extra dollar a day, you can sponsor a child and radically change that child's life - forever. Or, even if you have an extra dollar a month, World Vision can do incredible things. If anyone wants to post up other good relief orgs in the comments sections, please feel free. Thanks.

Hebrews chapter 2 starts strong with the first verse - "So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it." This is powerful. We must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we'll drift away from it. My thoughts here are that listening carefully in this sense also means listening often to the truth. Or reading often of the truth. Reading the Bible often. Say, every day? :) I think our human nature is such that we'll oftentimes hear something and it goes in one ear and out the other. We need repetition. We need a routine. We need the truth. So we don't drift away from it...

Verse 12 is beautiful - "I will declare the wonder of your name to my brothers and sisters." Here Jesus calls those who believe in him his "brothers and sisters." What a great thing. To be brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ. And in the gospels Jesus also calls those who believe in him his "friends." This is good stuff. Who better to be your brother and your friend than Jesus?

And verse 18 is a great reminder that "Since he himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is able to help us when we are being tempted." We all will go through temptations in this life. Don't feel bad if you are "tempted." Jesus himself was tempted by the devil in the gospels. The problem comes when we give into temptation and commit the sin. However, when in the midst of temptation, this verse reminds us to turn our minds to Jesus when we are being tempted - and he will help us. He has been there - he has been tempted. Another great tool to combat temptation is bringing Scripture to mind. In fact - this is exactly what Jesus did with the devil in the desert. Each temptation the devil threw at Jesus, Jesus combated with Scripture. What a holy sword Scripture is in the midst of temptation! To help us in the midst of temptation, memorizing Scripture regularly is a very wise practice. Do you memorize Scripture? Do you think it would help you in the midst of temptation?

Psalm 103 is a great Psalm today! Each verse is a powerful reminder of God's character and our relationship to God. Verse 8 definitely jumps out today - "The LORD is merciful and gracious. He is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love." So very true. If you're not sure about this, please please do read Brennan Manning's "The Ragamuffin Gospel". (there's a link to it on the left hand side of this blog, under Books)

Proverbs Chapter 26, verse 23 is so true - "Smooth words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze covers a common clay pot." Be watchful for the smooth words / smooth talker. Again, think of the devil tempting Jesus in the desert in the gospels... were there smooth words being said by the devil in those temptations?

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike