~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Genesis 13:5-15:21 ~ Matthew 5:27-48
Psalm 6:1-10 ~ Proverbs 1:29-33
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Old Testament - These are some great readings today about Abram and his faith! Chapter 13 verse 9 stood out to me today as Abram was trying to settle the arguments between his and Lot's herdsmen over pastureland - "I'll tell you what we'll do. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want that area over there, then I'll stay here. If you want to stay in this area, then I'll move on to another place." I guess what I really like about this is Abram is giving Lot the first choice of the land. It seems like Abram his confident that he will personally be okay with whatever 2nd choice is left-over to him because he is in a relationship with God. I like this. And I hope that we each do this in my life from time to time. Think about this random example - parking spaces in a crowded mall can be hot commodities and arguments can ensue. What would it be like if we let others get the first choice and we continued on in confidence that we will be okay with whatever 2nd choice is left-over to us? Who knows - maybe we'd end up with the parking space in the boonies - and get an extra quarter mile of a walk for exercise... maybe not such a bad 2nd choice? Is it possible for us to get in the habit of letting others get the 1st choice of things whenever there is an argument about to ensue - and us being confident that 2nd choice will still be great for us - maybe in ways we don't foresee? And confident that because we are in a relationship with God? Below is an image of Abram and Lot in Genesis 13 about to part ways -
Chapter 14 verse 14 also stood out in regards to Abram's character - "When Abram learned that Lot had been captured, he called together the men born into his household, 318 of them in all. He chased after Kedorlaomer's army until he caught up with them in Dan." I don't know about you... but I'll be honest. If my nephew got captured by a band of marauding kings and their army, I'm thinking I might just let my nephew go and chalk it up to very bad luck on his part... But not Abram! When he heard the news that Lot had been captured, it looks like he did not even blink! He called together his household immediately and they were off and running after Kedorlaomer's army. Yes, they were chasing after an army... again, I'm not so sure I would do this... though, hopefully, maybe I now would if I can keep in mind Abram's character here.... What about you? Would you chase after an army? Is there maybe someone in your life who has been "captured" by something - an addiction, a sadness, some bad luck - and will you go chasing after that person and help to free them from the "army" that has ensnared them?
In verses 17 through 20 in chapter 14 we read about Melchizedek. And I definitely would like to get others opinions on this - Who was Melchizedek? The reason I ask this question is due to Hebrews Chapter 7 - click on this link to read this chapter of Hebrews. (Hebrews 7 is well worth the read at this point in our Genesis journey.) I guess my thinking currently is that Melchizedek was a very great priest - but I'm not sure he was Jesus Christ preincarnate? But, again, I'm willing to listen to others on your thoughts on this. My thoughts on this is that Hebrews 7 seems to be saying that Jesus is "like" or "in the order" of Melchizedek - but not quite saying Jesus is Melchizedek. I read there are 4 basic theories on who Melchizedek is - 1. simply a king of Salem and Abram was showing him respect, 2. Melchizedek was a standard title for the kings of Salem. 3. He was a "type of Christ" and he illustrates a lesson about Christ. or 4. He was Jesus preincarnate in a temporary body form. So - whaddya think? Below is an oil painting by Peter Paul Reubens, circa 1625, of Abram and Melchizedek meeting -
Genesis chapter 15:9-21 is the first Abrahamic Covenant. It was an unconditional divine promise to fulfill the grant of the land to Abram and his descendants. Verses 5 & 6 in chapter 15 are powerful - "Then the LORD brought Abram outside beneath the night sky and told him, "Look up into the heavens and count the stars if you can. Your descendants will be like that--too many to count!" And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD declared him righteous because of his faith." And verse 6, the preceding sentence to this one I think is important for each of us to consider. Do we believe God's promises? What are God's promises for us? Do we have faith that God's promises for us through his son Jesus are true? Even if we've been walking with faith for a while now - are we still as "on fire" with our faith as we once were? Can we pray to God to show us his promises anew (or maybe for the first time) for our lives? Can we pray to God for faith like Abram's? It is believed that in the dark night sky of the ancient near east Abram could have seen up to 8,000 stars in the sky. Perhaps when God said the words above in verses 5 & 6 Abram saw a view of something like this below (image taken from NASA's Hubble Space telescope of the Sagittarious Star Cloud) -
New Testament - Matthew 5:27-30 are Jesus' teachings about adultery. And really I think these teachings, along with many others in the Sermon on the Mount, are even more so about what is going on inside our hearts. Jesus discusses how the law says clearly how we are "not to do" something - it's very apparent and very "exterior" if we commit a sin like adultery. Jesus says that the exterior/apparent/obvious sin is wrong for sure - but Jesus is equally as concerned with what's going on in the "interior" - inside our hearts. Jesus proposes that if we have looked at someone lustfully with our "interior", we have committed the same sin as if we had actually committed adultery on the "exterior". Do you see how Jesus' teachings in today's readings are really focusing on the condition of our hearts? How is the condition of your heart today when it comes to these teachings?
I know these can be seen as "hard teachings." Please note that I do not believe that Jesus is advocating self-mutilation in these readings - he is being figurative, not literal, in his speech about gouging out an eye or cutting off a hand. (someone can be blind and still lust) But he wants the point to be that strong. These teachings are obviously important for us to meditate on and learn from. I am sure we all know it is true that what we "think" can often become what we "do". So, it seems to me that Jesus is trying to stop us from even committing sin at the "thinking" level, because it may later manifest itself into action. Or - even if it does not manifest itself into action the thinking of the sin can actually affect us just adversely as much as the actual doing of the sin. Let us not let our minds wander into cloudy territory, but let us keep our minds clean and focused on Jesus, His Kingdom, and His Righteousness. Jesus' teachings today in Matthew 5 can certainly keep us from cloudy thinking and the confusion of internal sin -
I do actually want to say a few more things about the whole adultery / lust issue brought up in today's readings. And it is this - probably many of us have struggled with lust, or are struggling with lust right now. I have. And I know many of my friends who have. I am very saddened by many things I have seen and heard and experienced over the years. However sad I am or have been though, I am sure God grieves for us so much more. I guess I just want to encourage anyone now who is reading this that might be struggling with lust or pornography or adultery or pre-marital sex etc. - there truly is freedom from what you are struggling with. And that freedom ultimately only is found in the healing love of Jesus. I just pray that you will do everything you can to allow Jesus to free you from what's enslaved you - seek professional counseling, find an accountability partner, confess your sins, read empowering books about freedom from what you are struggling with, avoid R-rated movies or Hollywood entertainment magazines if you need to, avoid situations or locations that will tempt you, and above all pray to Jesus and ask for healing continually. He will heal you. It may take time. But he will heal you. God bless you as you work your way out of this and into amazing freedom! God will get you there! Let the healing begin!
FYI on a great book I read recently by Lauren Winner, with a title that may alarm you, but don't worry, it is by an evangelical Episcopalian author and is well done! "Real Sex: The Naked Truth about Chastity" - I read this book late last year and was profoundly impacted by it. It is a great overview of God's plan for sex within the boundary of marriage and chastity outside of marriage. I'd say the book is probably best for 20 or 30 somethings. I'm not sure that I'd give it to teens. 40+ single somethings could get a lot out of it too. If you are single and in your 20s or 30s or know someone who is, please check this book out. Lauren is also author of "Girl Meets God", a great book about her being raised Jewish but then coming to faith in Christ in her early 20's. She's a good author! For anyone who subscribes to Christianity Today's Books & Culture magazine, check out her wonderful article on the ministry of sleeping 8 hours a night. It's brilliant! :) Actually, I just found her article on sleep online here.
Psalms - As I read Psalm 6, it seems very penitential to me - like David was making a confession of sins and praying for forgiveness from God. As you read through these verses, have you ever felt like this? I have. And it ain't fun. But, it's part of the healing process. I do think we need to allow ourselves to get fully broken before God before we get fully healed. We can't mask over or hide from God what's really going on - we gotta put it all out there on the table before God, for him to be able to truly fix it. However - there is great encouragement and confidence from David in this Psalm in verse 9 - "The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD will answer my prayer." The Lord will hear your plea! The Lord will answer your prayer! Please plea and pray to him if you need to. He will listen and answer.
Proverbs - Proverbs 1 verse 31 is a strong teaching to consider - "That is why they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way. They must experience the full terror of the path they have chosen." I guess what jumped out at me is the simple word "path." Such a simple word... but a profound one. Every single day there seem to be various paths in front of us. Various options. Choices we can make. Paths we can take. Paths that can lead to light and life. Paths that can lead to full terror. What type of path are you on now? Are you on the right path? Who is leading you down this path? Is it God? I'll close with one of my favorite Proverbs, that I have memorized and repeat to myself often, which also discusses paths - Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Let us pray for straight paths today!
Comments from you & Question of the Day - Based on our readings in Matthew chapter 5 today about lust, are there any good books or websites you can recommend related to achieving victory in this area of our lives? Or any habits or practices of yours that you are comfortable sharing about how you avoid the sin of lust in your life? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking the "Comments" link below!
Grace,
Mike
The hit verses for me this morning are:
Gen 15:6 And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD declared him righteous because of his faith.
Mat 5:47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Prov 1:32 For they are simpletons who turn away from me--to death. They are fools, and their own complacency will destroy them. 33 But all who listen to me will live in peace and safety, unafraid of harm.
And then I feel so challenged that I need the whole of Psalm 6 to cry out to the Lord!
Be blessed today, Andrew B
Posted by: Andrew B | January 05, 2006 at 11:57 PM
Gen 15:6 And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD declared him righteous because of his faith.
This reminded me of 'the Euthyphro dilemma', which in modern phrasing can be put as follows:
"Is X morally good because God wills it,
or does God will X because it is morally good?"
Hmmm. Not exactly theology, more like Philosophy of Religion, but I've been fasincated by 'the Euthyphro dilemma' for a long time, thought I'll mention it here as food for thought.
best,
Kristy
Posted by: Kristy | January 06, 2006 at 01:24 AM
Genesis 13:5-15:21
Choices, we are where we are today, and we have what we have because of choices. What we choose to do is rooted in what we think which stems, or grows from the seed of what we believe. Lot’s chose to go to the, “plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. (Genesis 13:10 KJV),” because of what he believed about God and what he believed about himself.
Abram chose to wait on Lot’s choice because of what be believed, but more importantly what he knew about God. As we read in today’s text, after Lot chose, God gave. In life, it’s not what you take that counts but what God gives you. Lot’s choice was one-directional, and in the wrong direction. Just observe the consequences. God’s giving to Abram was 360 Lot’s was a kinda looks like Egypt and the “garden,” while Abrams real estate was based on long term potential, his descendents.
I will probably come back to this when I return from work tonight, but there are a lot of things running through my head that I just don’t have the time or the clarity of thought to get together. It looks like I will be doing some serious mediating and discussion with God on my train ride this morning. Yes, a train ride into work can be a great “prayer closet.”
Grace and peace,
Ramona
Posted by: Ramona | January 06, 2006 at 04:16 AM
I have never read any book about sex as good as Real Sex by Lauren Winner. Here is a hearty amen to your recommendation!
http://micahgirl.blogspot.com/2005/12/some-thoughts-on-real-sex-by-lauren.html#comments
Posted by: Micah Girl | January 06, 2006 at 06:41 AM
OB 13 (NKJV)
2
What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you.
3
But I would speak to the Almighty, And I desire to reason with God.
4
But you forgers of lies, You are all worthless physicians.
5
Oh, that you would be silent, And it would be your wisdom!
MY NOTE:
These verses really highlight for me the importance of always treating others with respect. It is so easy to speak out of pride and anger, instead of really listening. Then, after really listening, we can respond with truth in a way that deals with the issues a person is really dealing with, and we convey a sense of honor to them in the process.
Of course, it is true that, with some people, it does not matter how respectful you are as you speak. If you speak truth to them, they are offended at you, and nothing can change that.
JOB 13 (NKJV)
15
Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.
16
He also shall be my salvation, For a hypocrite could not come before Him.
17
Listen carefully to my speech, And to my declaration with your ears.
18
See now, I have prepared my case, I know that I shall be vindicated.
19
Who is he who will contend with me? If now I hold my tongue, I perish.
MY NOTE:
Job’s faith in the middle of a very perplexing and painful situation truly amazes me. My heart really goes out to him, and I have great respect for him. Especially, after being married, my respect for him has tripled! Note what God allowed, Job’s emotional and physical condition as a result, and the exchange between Job and his wife:
Note in JOB 2 (NKJV)
7
So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD, and struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.
8
And he took for himself a potsherd with which to scrape himself while he sat in the midst of the ashes.
9
Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!”
10
But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
As I am now married, his courage to speak truth to his wife in this situation really is an example to me. It is easy to SAY that I will follow Job’s example. However, in real life in dealing with feelings of another person, it is challenging.
~~~
I really respect Job. As far as he could honestly see, he had not sinned in any intentional way. Of course, he confessed and sacrificed offerings for unintentional sin, and knew that no man is righteous before God.
Job entrusted himself to the Lord Who is faithful. In case God needed to slay him for a sin he was not aware of, Job trusts God’s righteousness. Job’s determined trust and faith in God is a true testament for us today.
Vance
Posted by: Vance Brown | January 06, 2006 at 06:52 AM
MY FULL COMMENT. Sorry I was cut off.
Posted by: Vance Brown | January 06, 2006 at 07:04 AM
REST OF COMMENT:
As I am now married, his courage to speak truth to his wife in this situation really is an example to me. It is easy to SAY that I will follow Job’s example. However, in real life in dealing with feelings of another person, it is challenging.
~~~
I really respect Job. As far as he could honestly see, he had not sinned in any intentional way. Of course, he confessed and sacrificed offerings for unintentional sin, and knew that no man is righteous before God.
Job entrusted himself to the Lord Who is faithful. In case God needed to slay him for a sin he was not aware of, Job trusts God’s righteousness. Job’s determined trust and faith in God is a true testament for us today.
Vance
Posted by: | January 06, 2006 at 07:05 AM
Today's reading in Genesis opened my eyes to see the remarkable faith of Abraham. God calls him away from all he knows to a land that God will show him. The promise of God starts in Genesis 12 to bless him, and make him the father of a great nation, and inherit a land for his offspring. Along the way, Abraham shows true character in offering Lot first choice in the land before them. It is actually comical in a way. I picture Lot with his eyes just taking in the potential bounty from the fertile plains and after a long look "Lot chose that land for himself'! Not only did Lot think first of himself, but chose to set up tent near an ungodly group of people. "After Lot was gone" the Lord took Abrham aside and gave him the 360 degree look of all that lay before him and seemed to say, "if you think what Lot took was great,turn around and see, "I am going to give all this land to you..." as far as he could see. Isn't that just like God who wows us with His abundance. If we keep our trust on the One who is trustworthy, then nothing else really matters. Abraham could have chosen first since he was older, he could have demanded the best, but instead he cared less for material gain than taking care of those in his charge. He took care of Lot both in land and in rescue, and also his allies after rescuing Lot. Abraham knew God was trustworthy which explains why he so obediently left his home, family, and relatives to go on this adventure yet to be seen.And if we look at God's promises to Abraham, other than Isaac, Abraham really didn't live to see the promises fulfilled. Hebrews 11:13 "All these faithful ones died without receiving what God had promised them, BUT THEY SAW IT ALL FROM A DISTANCE and welcomed the promises of God." I pray God would teach me to have the character to live beyond what I see, and live by faith looking foward to the legacy before me. Abraham "believed God" to be good for all His promises and lived knowing God was good for His Word.
Posted by: Betty | January 06, 2006 at 12:32 PM
re: Abram's covenant with God.
It is my understanding that in a covenant, there are certain things each side promises. If they break their promise, there are consequences. In this covenant, God was taking upon Himself the consequences should EITHER side break the promise! What an awesome God!
Sacrifices: Some were thank offerings. Those for sin would make me think pretty long and hard before I decided to sin and then have to make a sacrifice! Unfortunately, by the time of Christ, sacrifices were frequently done without much thought as to their significance and the local streams flowed with blood, not a pretty sight at the time of Passover, I suspect.
One paraphrase I have reads thus for the Matthew 5:
Happiness comes from having the right attitude. If you feel your need of God and trust Him, you have the kingdom of God within you.
Happiness comes from grieving when you sin. Confess your sins and you will be forgiven and peace will spring up in your soul.
Happiness comes from being eager to listen and obey. When you acknowledge God as the source of life and abilities, you will feel blessed. One day, people like this will fill the whole earth.
Happiness comes from loving to do what is right. Those who do right will have an inner satisfaction that nothing else can give.
Happiness comes from being kind, considerate and forgiving. People will remember your mercy and they will return the same to you.
Happiness comes to those with pure thoughts and motives. Such people will one day have the privilege of seeing God face to face.
Happiness comes from being a peacemaker, for such are God's children.
Happiness even comes from being persecuted for doing what's right. Just remember that no matter what happens, your place in heaven is already secured.
I love to read your thoughts and inspirations! There apparently are 2 debs, so I'll need to come up with something else......
God bless!
Posted by: deb/debby | January 06, 2006 at 01:26 PM
I'm so encouraged that there is a desire within the body of Christ recently to deal with hidden sins such as lust. God is definately dealing with this issue in His church, not be exposing it, or by bringing guilt, but really wonderfully setting people free into greater levels of intimacy with Him which mean that there is no longer desire for anything other than Him.
I've heard a number of testimonies on this issue over the last 6 months. So if you're struggling, I echo Mike's encouragement that Jesus really will set you free.
I believe that it's a battleground for all men that Jesus wants us to overcome. I suspect it's a battle for women too, but that's outside of my personal experience.
One of the most powerful messages that has really helped me in this area is a Father's day sermon given at Toronto Aiport Fellowship by a guy called Duncan Smith (who I feel privileged to have got to know this summer). Duncan's genuinely light-hearted style (I don't mean frivilous or insincere), humble, open testimony, and the principles that God showed him how to overcome in this area are a tremendous blessing. You can buy it on DVD from http://www.newdayinternational.org/shop/customer/product.php?productid=517&cat=109&page=1
or I guess also from TACF's website http://www.tacf.org
If anybody wants to send me a private email (via the "Contact" tab on my weblog) then I'd love to pray for you, no questions asked, and in the strictest confidence. God is telling me that I can impart through prayer some of what I've received myself. If you do email me then please DO NOT tell me any details. Just tell me your first name and that you'd like prayer on this topic.
Posted by: Mark H | January 06, 2006 at 01:54 PM
Today's contribution:
http://www.chipbennett.net/wordpress/index.php/2006/01/oyb-january-6/
Excerpt:
"The Hebrew word translated as “in” or “according to” is kata, which means, “down, against, according to.” The Hebrew word translated as “order” is taxis, which means “an arranging, order” and derivates from the root tasso which means “to draw up in order, arrange.” Thus, the Scripture is not referring to “order” as a group (religious order, or group) but as an arranging (order of events) or type (similarity). Hebrews indicates that Melchizedek symbolized and foreshadowed several things about the Christ, including..."
Posted by: CB | January 06, 2006 at 04:04 PM
Even though the situation was different, I can understand David's heart hurting and his pleas. I read in the NASV and these verses read this way:
v3: And my soul is greatly dismayed; But You, O Lord, how long?
v.6 I am weary with my sighing; Every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my tears.
v.8b - For the Lord has heart the voice of my weeping
v.9-The Lord has heard my supplication,
The Lord receives my prayer.
I understand too well the ache of a heart, the great dispair, the tears every night soaking the bed, and deep deep grief. Just over a year ago, our 16 year old son died of an accidental hanging from the "choking game". He lost the game, we lost a son, though he had a very deep personal relationship with Jesus, but made a foolish, horrible mistake. 2005 was a very difficult year in my marriage - and by God's grace we've made it, in friendships, of which friends disappeared cuz they did not know how to understand our pain that continues, and grieving individually and with my husband and children. But, God has not left us and we are seeing the peek of the "joy in the morning" and as in verse 8 "the Lord has heard of the voice of my weeping."
http://www.matthewsstory.com
Loni
Posted by: Loni | January 06, 2006 at 08:51 PM
Kristy,
At first blush I'd have to say, "X is morally good because God wills it." This puts God at the foundation; the alternative subjects God to an outside standard.
Posted by: Bald Man | January 06, 2006 at 09:22 PM
Along with Micah Girl, I reccommend reading Girl Meets God by Lauren Winner. She takes a slice of her life from converting from Judaism to Christianity and shares it with you. I loved this book.
Nicole
Posted by: Nicole | January 06, 2006 at 09:43 PM
The best online resource I've run across is www.pureonline.com -- a way to get confidential Christian-based help for sex-related issues such as addiction to pornography. Their goal is to help people conquer sexual issues and regain control of their lives.
Posted by: Linda | January 06, 2006 at 09:48 PM
The Psalm reading today is the very reason that I turned my life around! I was fully broken and didn't know where else to turn to, so I turned to God. The commentary said it well:
"we need to allow ourselves to get fully broken before God before we get fully healed"
I feel I became fully healed on Good Friday this past year. It was the first time I had attend a Good Friday service since being a kid. With tears running down my face I told God how sorry I was for walking away from Him and asked Him to forgive me. I hit rock bottom and He didn't think twice about helping me up. There's no way I would be here if it wasn't for that.
Posted by: Jayne | January 07, 2006 at 04:14 PM
in proverbs, why is wisdom characterized as female? keeper of tradition, carrier of culture? this could just as easily be a stereotype as a godly mandate, and so the question is which came first, the stereotype or the mandate?thank you timothy m. tress for your kind words. look forward to hearing from you again and have to read more. anyone ever read the dance of the dissident daughter?
Posted by: deb | January 07, 2006 at 04:47 PM
I agree with the recommendation about Real Sex by Lauren Winner.
For guys it's hard to beat "Every Man's Battle." There are several other books in the series now (for women, for young men, etc.) but I haven't read those so can't speak to them.
And xxxchurch.com has been a huge help for me. It's edgy but for the right reasons and very effective. Especially good for younger (15-35) guys.
Posted by: Brian Baute | January 11, 2006 at 09:01 PM