January 18th One Year Bible Readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Genesis 37:1-38:30 ~ Matthew 12:22-45
Psalm 16:1-11 ~ Proverbs 3:27-32

Old Testament - Today in Genesis chapter 37 we begin the incredible last portion of the book of Genesis where we read about Joseph!  This portion of the story that starts in today's readings will carry us through the rest of the book of Genesis and will set the stage for the exodus from Egypt.  Below is an image of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" from a modern day play of the same name (which I've heard is good - but I've never seen it - can anyone offer any reviews in the Comments below?):

In chapter 37 today we read about Joseph's dreams and how these dreams make his brothers jealous.  A couple of things came to mind to me today as reading through this.  First is that it is clear that God does some communicating through dreams in the Old Testament.  We've already seen this in our previous readings - via a dream Abimelech had or a dream Laban had.  And here we see some powerful prophetic dreams that Joseph has.  My first question I had was whether Joseph should have shared these dreams with his family?  And I asked this question because I wonder if sometimes we also maybe get an insight or what we believe to be a word from God - and if we should share these things with others?  Or keep them between God and ourselves?  I don't have an easy answer on this one...   If you have some thoughts on this, please post up in the "Comments" section below.  The other thing that came to mind for me here is what role do dreams play for us today?  Does God still communicate to people via dreams today?  I know this might be going out on some fringe thoughts or theology here...  but, if anyone has some Christian perspective on dreams, I'd appreciate it.  I'm just curious.  I honestly have had some dreams in the past that have scared me in big ways... and honestly helped me set my life on a better course back when I had them.  Below is a painting from the year 1853 by French painter Emile-Jean-Horace Vernet of Joseph's brothers in today's readings putting goat's blood on his coat:

Actually, while I am on this topic of dreams, let me share this.  I did used to have nightmares periodically.  However, when I started reading the One Year Bible each night before going to bed a few years ago the nightmares basically went away.  Seriously.  I honestly believe because of the Light & life-giving power of the Word of God that the nightmares went away.  Just a little testimony here for you on the power of reading the Bible each day.  It is spiritual food and nourishment and protection for you in ways that you may not consciously realize.  For me, there has been maybe a time or two in recent years where a nightmare has still come to fruition - and I don't remember the details of the nightmares, but somehow I know that in the midst of my dream I called out the name of Jesus and the nightmare stopped immediately!  I am not kidding.  I don't know how I got myself to call out Jesus' name in the nightmare, but I am so thankful that I did!  Maybe this is something that prayer brings - or maybe this is something that happens when we really understand and believe in the all-powerful name of Jesus?  If you suffer from nightmares, my two prescriptions are to 1. read the Bible before going to bed, 2. somehow someway say the name of Jesus in your nightmare.  Pray about this before you go to bed.  Maybe this will help you do this in your dream.  I hope so!   Below is a painting from 1630 by Spanish painter Velasquez Diego of Joseph's brothers presenting his bloody coat to their father Jacob from today's readings:

Genesis chapter 38 brings us the story of Judah and Tamar.  Keep in mind that Judah, Tamar, and Perez from this chapter are all part of the genealogy of King David and Jesus as we recently read in Matthew chapter 1 verse 3: "Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron."  Verse 24 stood out to me in this chapter as sad irony: "About three months later, word reached Judah that Tamar, his daughter-in-law, was pregnant as a result of prostitution. "Bring her out and burn her!" Judah shouted."  This verse reminded me quite a bit of a recent teaching we read about from Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter 7 verse 3: "“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"  Is it possible that we too are sometimes like Judah?  Condemning others for sins that we ourselves commit too?  Even if we don't commit the same sin as someone else, should we instead leave the judging and condemning to God?  Below is a painting from 1650 from the school of Rembrandt of Judah and Tamar from today's readings:

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Genesis chapter 37 titled "Jacob, Joseph, Jealousy, and a Journey to Egypt" is at this link and commentary on chapter 38 titled "The Skeleton in Judah's Closet" is at this link.

New Testament - Jesus' teaching in Matthew Chapter 12 verse 30 stood out to me in today's readings: "Anyone who isn't helping me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me."  This is a really really powerful verse if you think about it.  And I think we then need to ask ourselves - are we really helping Jesus?  Are we really working with Jesus?  Are we really being obedient to Jesus' teachings for our life?   And if not, are we then actually working against Him?

Jesus' teaching on the sign of Jonah in this chapter is awesome!  In verse 40 Jesus prophesies His death, burial and resurrection: "For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so I, the Son of Man, will be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights."  And then the following verse is just so powerful and convicting: "The people of Nineveh will rise up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah. And now someone greater than Jonah is here--and you refuse to repent."  Do you believe that Jesus is greater than Jonah?  And greater than Solomon? (as we read in verse 42) Do you understand Jesus' teachings?  Are you repenting?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 12 titled "Beelzebub or the Holy Spirit?" is at this link and "The Sign of Jonah" is at this link.

Psalms - Today we read Psalm 16, which I absolutely love!  I could probably share with you some thoughts on just about every verse in this Psalm. Verse 1 tells us: "Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge."  Do you believe that God will keep you safe if you come to Him for refuge? And verse 2 is so true: "I said to the LORD, "You are my Master! All the good things I have are from you.""  Everything good thing in our life - absolutely everything good thing in our life - comes from God.  Do you believe this? Verse 3 reminds me to rejoice for and pray for our pastors and spiritual mentors: "The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them!"  Do you appreciate your pastors / ministers / priests and spiritual mentors?  And do you appreciate other godly people you know too?  Are they true heroes?  Do you pray for these folks regularly? If not, will you?

And verse 11 is a powerful closing to this Psalm 16 and perhaps a prayer for us to pray fervently: "You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever."   Do you want to be shown the way of life from God?   Do you want to be granted the joy of God's presence?  Do you want the pleasure of living with God forever?  Have you prayed to God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit to give you these things in your life?  Will you pray this prayer?

Proverbs - Today we read Proverbs chapter 3 verses 27 and 28: "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them.  If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, "Come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you.""  How often do we say to ourselves when we think about serving the poor – "oh, I'll maybe do that in the future." Is this similar to saying "come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you" as this Proverb tells us? Can you help your neighbor now? Do you regularly volunteer with ministries or nonprofits that serve the poor?   Do you consistently give offerings of your finances to ministries and/or nonprofits that serve the poor?  Are the poor your neighbor?  Should you be helping them today?  Is it in your power to do so? Will you not wait until tomorrow?  Will you get your hands dirty now to help your neighbor during their time of need?

YouTube: Okay, here's a unique YouTube I'm posting up.  It's Donny Osmond singing "Any Dream Will Do" from Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  It's definitely not a worship song...  but a bit catchy!  :)

Please join me in memorizing 2 verses of Scripture today:
"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." Matthew 12:30 TNIV

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Back to my comments on dreams and how reading the Bible and proclaiming the name of Jesus has brought forth Light into my sleep - have you experienced the Bible or the name of Jesus doing powerful things in your life?  Has the Bible or the name of Jesus freed you from addictions?  Does reading the Bible make you a calmer person or more grounded person if you read it the morning?  Basically, do you believe that reading the Bible changes things in your life?  Does the name of Jesus change things in your life?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

Comments

[Stuart Farmer]

Soon after giving my life to the Lord, I became troubled at work culnimating in the loss of my job. My Pastor at the time had warned me that becoming a Christian can lead to attacks from the enemy, and he was right. That said I have grown in my walk with Christ, and do get a great deal from reading the Word and Church fellowship. Where initially I felt no different, my wife and friends remarked on a change in me. It is true to say that I think so much more now of others.

[Keith]

You've never seen Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat? Really, where have you been?
It was written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd-Webber, the team that later brought us the stunning Jesus Christ Superstar.
Although no substitute for reading the whole account in Genesis, it follows the story of Joseph's sale into slavery and his subsequent rise to power to fulfil God's purpose in Egypt, and in my opinion does so quite faithfully ... and certainly very powerfully ... mostly due to the music which still sounds fresh 40 years after it was written. It also contains a lot of humour (which perhaps isn't apparent in the Genesis version).
Although "Every Dream Will Do" is probably the best know song from the show, I prefer "Close Every Door", a song sung by Joseph at a very low point in his life following his imprisonment as a result of the slanderous accusations of Potiphar's wife (sorry, I guess we'll get to that tomorrow). I think this song better illustrates how powerfully this story comes over on stage. It, too, is available on Youtube at this link ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZwbbQyMY0c
God bless.

[Amy]

I haven't seen "Joseph" on Broadway, but our local High School has done it twice. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story is pretty accurately portrayed. The music is great. Paul remarked that the motive of the person preaching the gospel was less important than that the gospel was proclaimed. Frank Lloyd Wright and company may not have been trying to proclaim God's Word, but every audience that sees "Joseph" gets a good taste of it. They watch Joseph rise above the mistreatment of his brothers and forgive them. I recommend that you see "Joseph" the next time you have the chance. Surely, a High School/college drama department in your area is doing the play.

[Julie]

I have had warning dreams to tell others, at first I was sceptical as it felt not Christian to do as I had dabbled in New Age etc before giving my life to Jesus and was somewhat afraid. But my gut was telling me with no uncertainty I was to do it & it has come to great good. It has helped me witness. I have only had a handful in 12 yrs so it's not constant. I base all I do on does it glorify God if I tell them or does it glorify me? It has always been for God.
I love this Bible blog, it starts my day right giving me my morning Bread to sustain me thru the day. I come home after a hard day at work & read the comments & commentary you have posted thru the week & think on these things as I go to sleep at night.
Thank you!

[Pat]

I saw a professional performance of Joseph etc. I am glad I went but would not care to see it again. The music is outstanding which I can hear on a CD. I could not believe that Potiphar looked and acted like Elvis Presley in the show I viewed. God Bless you.

[Chew Si Hui]

Hello, just thought I might share a story I've heard. I don't know how credible is this, but here goes.

I'm from Singapore, and we have this famous chinese singer called JJ Lin. He's sort-of an example to me (I can't really say he's my idol, because I only have space for one idol...=)).
My interest for Christianity was sparked by a door-to-door preacher, but it was actually his blog post (he had one private blog in the past, now inactive. It's the first post. See bottom for site.) that woke me up. I cried for the whole night. He's the one that made me want to find out the real truth myself. I went treasure-hunting on the web for about a month, and even go the extra mile to differenciate fact from fiction. I accepted the Lord only when I truly understand the truth. I know it's wierd, but perhaps God used my ex-idol (I learn to draw the line now. =))to wake me up to the gospel? I guess it's another example of God completing his will by working through our sins?

Okays, I'll start the story now. Once, he when to Thailand to film an advertistment. Everyone went to sleep very late. So, he laid on his bed at around 12 am, and somehow couldn't fall asleep. After 5 minutes, he was about to slumber into dreamland when he heard a wierd sound. He thought someone is fooling with him, and so he ignored it. But the noise continued. So he thought he might check out the air conditioner. But when he tried to get out of bed, he find himself immobilised. He can move an inch, not even opening his eyes (mouth, he didn't say). Although that morning, the crew told him that "in case of emergency, just pray to Buddha". But of course he prayed to the Lord. And he claimed that the force was gone after a few minutes.

I'll leave it for everyone to decide if this is true. But seriously, he is a very honest person.

And by the way, his blog is ukyoboy.blogspot.com in case anyone wants to visit.

And just a simple prayer request (really hope everyone can help out): Please, please, pray for this singer. I can tell that he is straying away. Well, my rationale is: If I'm his fan, and I really want to support and help him, I should do something practical: pray. I shouldn't be just attending his events and buying his albums when I knew exactly what to do! Please, do fulfil my special request. =) Thanks!

[Brian]

My wife and I saw Joseph and the Amazing Tecnicolor Dreamcoat in Los Angeles when we were dating while in college. Michael Damian was Joseph and it was outstanding.

I love reading the Bible every day. I have signed up for the past 3 years and is one of those types o people that get behind and never catch up. Not this year!!! I have not missed a day yet and feel blessed every day. I am trying to pass the NCLEX (RN state boards) for the 4th time and I am not giving up. The Lord was with me through 3 long years of school and I know he will not leave or forsake me now. Other people I know said I should just give up and do something else but I know by faith that he will let me succeed. Please pray for me as I study that the Lord will give me the knowledge to succeed.

[freddi]

Wow, thanks for posting the link to "Close Every Door". That song gave me chills. I had never seen Donny Osmond in this production. How good is he?!

[Susan]

"Joesph" has a special place in my heart.

My first year of teaching the high school put on this production. At the end of the school year, the drama teacher died in a biking accident. His name was Joesph as well. Somehow, it was like he knew he was living his last year (doing everythings in a big, enthusastic way). The Friday before the accident, one student wrote on his board, he was the best teacher ever..this is in the high school setting (where this behavior would be considered juvenille).

I like the song where the brothers come home and try to tell their father that Joesph has died.

[Susan]

"Joesph" has a special place in my heart.

My first year of teaching the high school put on this production. At the end of the school year, the drama teacher died in a biking accident. His name was Joesph as well. Somehow, it was like he knew he was living his last year (doing everythings in a big, enthusastic way). The Friday before the accident, one student wrote on his board, he was the best teacher ever..this is in the high school setting (where this behavior would be considered juvenille).

I like the song where the brothers come home and try to tell their father that Joesph has died.

[Alex]

What do you think, please, of Obadiah Shoher's interpretation of the story? (here: samsonblinded.org/blog/genesis-37.htm ) He takes the text literally to prove that the brothers played a practical joke on Yosef rather than intended to murder him or sell him into slavery. His argument seems fairly strong to me, but I'd like to hear other opinions.

[kanu]

we had a blast time with chitaranjan sir who tought us dance and sir goerge sir in carmel convent school,chandigarh The joseph and the amazing tecnicolour treamcoat