January 6th One Year Bible Readings

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~ Click on this link for today's January 6th readings ~
Genesis 13:5-15:21 ~ Matthew 5:27-48
Psalm 6:1-10 ~ Proverbs 1:29-33

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 is 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.)  My thinking currently is that Melchizedek was a very great priest - but I don't believe 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):

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Genesis titled "Lot Looks Out for Number One" is at this link, "The Rescue of Lot" is at this link, and "The Focal Point of Abram's Faith" is at this link.

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 made very strongly.  These teachings are obviously important for us to meditate on and learn from and obey.  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 Jesus 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 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!

 

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew titled "Flames of Desire" is at this link, "Avoiding the Sin of Adultery" is at this link, and "Jesus and the Law of Retaliation (Lex Talionis)" is at this link.

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 have got to 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!

Worship God: Our Matthew Chapter 5 readings on lust seems an appropriate point to share with you this phenomenal song by Rebecca St. James that she wrote for her future husband called "Wait for Me":

Do you know that God is waiting for you?  Click here and wait no more!

Please join me in memorizing 2 verses of Scripture today:
"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matthew 5:27-28 NIV

Comments from You and Questions 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 on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

Comments

[Skip]

Interesting question as to if Melchizedek was Jesus preincarnate. I’m very new to interpreting the Bible, that’s one of the many reasons I joined this blog. After reading Hebrews 7, versus 1-4 stood out to me as being a description of Jesus. If I’m reading this correctly, in versus 2 Melchizedek is called the king of righteousness, and the king of peace. This would certainly describe Jesus. But then in versus 3 it says without father, mother or genealogy. Jesus has a mother and genealogy. But then it goes on to say, “having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, and remains a priest perpetually.” (NAB) This again describes Jesus. Jesus is the perpetual priest. He always was and always will be. He was in attendance at the creation and will be in attendance in the end and always a priest. I know I didn’t answer the question, but it sure seems possible that Melchizedek could have been Jesus preincarnate or at least the man Melchizedek was indwelt with the spirit of God.

[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?]

God has promised us that if we believe in Him, trust in Him and follow Jesus, we will not die but enjoy eternal life with Him. I truly believe this! I’ve been a believer in Jesus Christ all my life and I can say that my level of faith has varied over the years. I’ve never lost faith but there have been times when it was weak and times when it was strong. At this point in my life my faith is “on fire”. I not only want to read God’s word and learn as much as I can about Him, I also want to start spreading His word and attempt bringing more souls to Him. One of the things that I’ve added to my prayer life is to pray for faith and to be strengthened in my faith. I believe those prayers are being answered in my life. I have become very much at peace with myself and my life and I have learned to listen to God’s plan for me and to pray that I continually follow His plan. I have also learned to wait on His timing. That was a hard one for me and I still struggle with His timing. But I know that if I wait for Him and have faith that He knows what’s best for me, it is always very good.

[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 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.”]

It is so true that what we “think” will often become what we “do”. I am a single, never married, male in my early 50’s and have wanted to be married since my early 20’s. I just never met the “right” woman. I suffer from lust and have been praying to God for a long time to relieve me of those thoughts. He is slowly working in my life with this issue. I can see and feel improvements, but I still have a long way to go. I am fortunate that my thoughts have not become actions, but I know and have always known that without God those thoughts can easily become action. Thanks for the book suggestion. Here is another one that I found fairly good:

“Every man’s Battle – Every man’s guide to…Winning the war on sexual temptation one victory at a time”, by: Stephen Arterburn, Fred Stoeker with Mike Yorkey. There is also a workbook companion for the text.

http://www.amazon.com/Every-Mans-Battle-Winning-Temptation/dp/1578563682/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199625034&sr=8-1

Thank you for this wonderful blog.

Yours in Christ
Skip

[Pat]

After 6 months of seeing and listening to presidential candidates in Iowa, I believe every Christian should be in prayer about these people so their hearts are right for God when it comes to make your selection known. God has a plan, who He has ordained to be our next president is a question, but it behooves each of us to act according to His Word for righteousness sake. God Bless each of you this New Year and I pray you put your focus on God and his path for you.

[jen]

I think essentially what the story of Abram and Lot reminds me about is to put others before myself and think of others first

[Pam]

I usually read the One Year Bible in either book form or in a different translation online, but I really like the pictures and the links and the questions/comments that you write, Mike.

As for walking away from lust, it really is about surrender. I refuse to take part in any activity which misuses my body or imagination while I wait for God to bring to me the person He has in mind. I find that in time, the sexual energy is released naturally (sometimes while I am sleeping), and I can keep attending to what God wants me to attend to. I was smiling last night about how when police tell a person to surrender, they say, "Put your hands up!" If we believers put our hands up in praise and surrender, we will not misuse any part of our bodies or defraud ourselves and others.

The Lord walked in purity. John the Baptist walked in purity. John the Baptist said he was not even worthy to be Yeshua's (Jesus') slave (carry His sandals). If we surrender, we won't stay caught in the the cycle of sin/repent sin/repent, with the Holy Spirit's help.

P.S. Skip, I am a woman in my early 50's, too. I thought I would be married long ago. But I trust that God knows what He is doing and His timing is perfect. He delights in those who trust in His unfailing love.
He delights in us, as we trust in Him.

[Kristy]

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

[Betty]

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.

[Mark]

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

[John]

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

[L]

Related to all the posts about sin and temptation, I think we would do well to absorb David's prayer in Psalm 6 and 'lighten up' a bit. "O LORD, don't rebuke me in your anger or disciipline me in your rage. Have compassion on me, LORD, for I am weak. Heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony and I am sick at heart. How long, LORD, until you restore me? vs 1-3
In Psalm 103 we are reminded at length that He is our father, and that He knows our frame that we are dust. I find lots of hope here, knowing that God knows the battles that rage within me/you, and that He is not as hard to live with as we sometime make him out to be. I look at what Noah got away with in getting drunk, and Abraham in lying about his faith to save his own skin, and I think, "Oh man, does God ever know us." Sometimes we set up approaches to sanctification and life change that just put us all in the tank, but it doesn't work. What works is seeing my sin for what it really is, casting myself on God and saying to Him, "Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me." and mean it, and believe the promise that "the LORD is near to those who have a broken heart."

[Kelly]

Old Testament time line has always facinated me. Twice I have created a time line of the descendants from Adam to Jacob's sons. It's interesting to note that Shem, who is considered to be the one son of Noah who had a heart for God, was still alive during Abraham's lifetime. I believe it was from Shem that Abram learned about the one true God, and I believe that Melchizedek was Shem who had settled in the area of Jerusalem and become a great priest and king. After the flood the life span of man decreased dramatically, but Shem was from the pre-flood era and was so old that many did not know from where or whom he came. Thus the quote from Hebrews, "Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life. . ."

Kelly

[Dale]

I just want to thank you for this blog it has pointed out things in my reading that I would have surely missed. Like today reading about Melchizedek. I know for a fact I would have missed that and the connection to the new testment. Now I'm very intrested in finding out more about Melchizedek.

[Murray]

Thanks for the mention of Lauren Winner, I heard her speak recently, and she was a great encouragement to me. Thanks for your commments! I've attempted to read through the Bible in a year before, but never online, and it seems to be so much richer this time through. Thanks!

[Beverly]

I haven't done my reading yet today, I will be doing it later when the kids go to bed, but here is a site that I think is good. Hope you agree: http://www.porn-free.org/

[Jenny]

the thing that stood out in Gen is that Lot pitched his tent near/toward soddom. its always dangerous wen we 'warm our hands at the enemy's fire' so to speak. thats was Lot's bad. I have a nephew who i love soooo much and if he were captured, I dont think i would even hestitate to run to rescue him. But can i say the same about my neighbor? Of course Abraham was willing to offer up Isaac, gotta give him mad props on that one. whoa! thats faith big time!

I have heard both theories on Melchizedek, that he either was Christ or a type of Christ. I believe he was of type of Christ. He is also referred to in Ps 110:4. My study Bible says he is a type of Christ, so i'm going with that...

I love Jesus' teachings...He is our course being figurative when he says pluck out your eye, but He if emphasaing HOW IMPORTANT eternal life is. Anything that will keep you from Christ and eternal life should be done away with! I believe Christ is just showing the importance of living a holy life, foresaking the flesh, following Him, because there is NOTHING more important then our eternal destinations. I am probly the oldest living virgin in todays world, but i promised God i would save myself for marriage...but have i lusted in my heart? yes! therefore i am guilty in my heart. does the enemy tempt me? yes! i have to turn from my thoughts...focus on Christ! of course I am human, we are all tempted, but Christ can heal and overcome our sinful desires! sex is for marriage, no ifs, ands or buts! and lust shouldnt be in our hearts. Guard your eyes and ears as much as you can! I know in this world, sexuality is everywhere! but turn that channel if you watch tv, dont go to movies with sexual scenes and be careful what music you listen to! the music out now is getting more explicit then ever. I hear my coworkers singing it at work..i cant believe it! or if i'm exercising to the radio and have a secular station on, sometimes a raunchy song will come on and gotta stop and change the station. Anything that conjurs up images that are impure, lets turn from immendiatley! WE need the power of Christ! cant do this alone!

Love your enemy, pray for your enemy. This is tough...but I am proof that it can be done. there are so many ppl i once strongly disliked, even hated (which is murder in my heart), but every single person i have prayed for God to help me love, the most unloveable, God had proven faithful. some of those ppl have become great friends of mine. Hate/anger is sooo dangerous! WE are to live peaceably with all men as much as possible meaning, there will be ppl we just cant get along with, but as long as we do not hate them, wrong them, and do our best to be amicable...if the other party is unwilling, we have done our part. Its on them now. If theres anyone you hate, have anger toward, pray, pray pray for that person, that God will give you NEW eyes to look at that person on. They are most likely a lost, hurting soul in need of Christ! WE who have Christ...have the power, they may not. We must be the ones to make the first step. Matt 5:47 verse used to really get to me a while back: "And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?"
We are different...lets live different. God loves the ungodly...it doesnt mean we have to hang out and party with them and be like them, but let us pray for them and show them kindness...in this u are reflecting God's love and thats a witness to ppl!

v. 37 "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'...". i like this. i think as Christians we should be people of our word! if we say yes to something, do it! lets not be flakes...who likes flakiness? Its a disappointment to others n as Christians, this should not be one of our personal charactistics, not having the rep of being a flake.

I have read this psalm many times in the past during hard times. i'm feeling it! God is gooooood! Love proverbs too!

regarding the parking thing, letting others go first, i was thinking of a funny story. Like 10 yrs ago I was waitressing at a restuarent and running late so i pulled up to a spot close to my work and a car totally cut me off and drove in and stole the spot. I was like, how rude!!!! So i had to park far away and i was walking in near them (they saw me and didnt say anything) but i saw one of the guys was on crutches so i didnt care, they deserved a closer spot. But I went in to work and went to wait on my first table of the day...it was them! haha! they saw me and their mouths dropped and were like, 'oh no!!! we were just talking about that, what if that girl we cut off was our waitress?'

I rubbed my hands together and laughed and smiled mischieviously, wuhahahha!! and said. 'oh sweet revenge!' i was totally joking. they could tell. but they were kinda worried...they were all, ur not gonna spit in our food are you? haha. i was like, of course not, i saw he had crutches, no biggie. They were cool about it and i just laughed about it and told my coworkers, it was pretty funny. But, be careful who you cut off...not only is God watching...but that person may come across u when u least expect it...haha.

but, i totally agree, we who are young and able should let others park close. personally i love walking so i always park further anyway....let the ppl with kids and older ppl park closer.

[Mae]

Verses that stood out for me today:

Genesis 15:5 "Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!”. ~ When I was a little girl I heard this phrase a lot when there was a clear night. "As much stars as Abrams descendants". I always think about that when I look at the stars. I don't even know who said it or where I had heard it. Maybe something I should ask my parents!

Matthew 5:46-47 "If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that". ~ Like Jenny already pointed out, it's pretty hard to love someone that doesn't love you. I think it's really Godly when you can love someone that is your 'enemy' so to speak. I'm still in the learning process. God helps me really well in this. I have someone close to me (cousins girlfriend) who gives me a hard time, she's sooooooooooooooooooo mean to me, really kind and loving when others are around, but she talks behind my back, she lies to me, she uses me ... she's just so manipulative. But I've come to love her like a sister. She's pregnant right now, from her 3rd child, and when she gives birth to that little one, I offered her to take care of the other 2 children. She took the offer, so that shows me that deep inside of her, she does like me. Why would you have someone that you hate, take care of your children? But yes ... if she lies to me, make fun of me and talks about me behind my back ... it's really hard not to go back to where I started. She's so close to me, because the cousin she's with is more like a brother to me. I know God helps me with this, not only with her, but with others to.

Again today, beautiful Psalms. I always love to read them! I recognize myself a lot when I read Psalms! Proverbs were strong today as well! I was thinking about my path today. I was thinking today about how I was saved and at which point it was ... and how I thought about my faith in God before I got saved. I walked the right path many times before I got saved, but I got distracted along the way and let Satan win and got off the path again. That happened a lot of times before I got saved. I made wrong decisions and I ALWAYS had someone else to blame, or worse: I blamed God! UGH I was awful back then! But now I see that I made the choices, not God! I know that I'm on the right path now! It's not always easy, it's hard from time to time to say no and turn things down. Non-believers will say "How can things for you be hard? God is there to make things easy for you, right?". Sigh ... they don't understand!!! Some people think God is some wizard that can and will answer ALLLLLLLLLL of your prayers by doing some trick. "Why isn't God solving all your financial problems now that you have been baptised?". So far God has been answering all my prayers, but when it's time. That's why I know that I'm on the right path ... He healed me, He's gotten me everything I needed. As long as I do what I need to do, then I can rest and put it in His hands. That's my freedom!

[Bill]

GENESIS 13:5-15:21

Abram was very rich in material possessions ( 13:2 ) but he valued a tranquil relationship with his nephew more than his riches because Abram and Lot were family. That Abram sought to avoid strife between his herdmen and Lot's herdment ( 13:7-8 ) by yielding says much about his godly character. So many families today fight over inheritances and money and will sometimes even sue each other in court over it. This shouldn't be. To Abram possessions just wasn't worth having a family feud over.

The Dead Sea area in Abram's day was much different than it is today. Today it is a dry, barren desert but it was well-watered ( 13:10 ) and probably a tropical paradise then. From a worldly perspective it is easy to see why Lot chose that land. Most people would. However, as Lot soon found out the grass is not always greener on the other side. Lot also discovered that attaining great wealth does not always necessarily insulate you from your wicked neighbors ( 13:13 ). Abram made the right choice in yielding to Lot and letting him have that land.

Abram armed himself and his servants ( 14:14 ) in order to go and save his nephew Lot from his kidnappers. As a life application today I must conclude from this passage and others in The Bible that it is not wrong for Christians to own firearms and defend their families. I am opposed to gun control and I don't think Abraham would have been for it either.

There are definitely striking parallels here with Melchizedek ( 14:18-20 ) and Jesus Christ:

Melchizedek was king of Salem / Jesus will reign over the nations in Jerusalem

Melchizedek brought forth bread and wine / Jesus broke bread with his disciples and drank wine with them at the Last Supper

Melchizedek was a priest of the Most High God / Jesus is our High Priest that makes intercession for us in Heaven

Melchizedek received tithes from Abram / God receives tithes from His people

Was Melchizedek really Christ pre-incarnate or was he just a type of Jesus Christ? I'm not sure. I once believed the pre-incarnate view of Melchizedek because it says of him in Hebrews 7:3 that he was " Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually." It sounds like Jesus to me. However, I am now more inclined to see Melchizedek as a figure of the messiah which was to come. No matter who Melchizedek was the story still points to the coming of Jesus Christ who was without a doubt God incarnate.

The prophecy that God gave to Abram in Genesis 15:13-16 concerning the 400 year bondage of the Hebrews in Egypt and their return to the land of promise is amazing. The same cannot be said for the descendants of Ishamel ( the Arab nations ) because they never fulfilled this prophecy. On the other hand the recorded history of the Jews taken from non-biblcial sources verifies it did happen to them. This is clearly historical evidence which identifies the Jews as God's chosen people and confirms their divine right to possess the land in our time when there is much controversy among the nations over Jerusalem and the land of Israel.

MATTHEW 5:27-48

Yes, I must confess that I have had my share of battles with lust ( 5:28 ) and sexual temptation. I have always liked women and won't deny that. I have been guilty of coveting other men's wives. I have committed adultery in my heart countless times. I have confessed those sins to the Lord and by His grace and strength nothing has gone any further than that but I have sinned nonetheless. Even so, the fear of the Lord has restrained me.

Divorce ( 5:31-32 ) is never an option as far I am concerned. They are much too easy to obtain these days and more than half of all marriages end up torn asunder.

" ...Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously"

- Malachi 2:15-16 (KJV)

Increasingly the judicial system and the courts in our land seem to be becoming more corrupt, unjust and anti-God. So Matthew 5:40 may soon become more relevant and applicable to us than we might care to think. Though men may sue us because of our beliefs we can take comfort that there is a Just Judge and a higher court in Heaven. Some day all cases will be retried there and a just sentence will be handed down.

As someone else mentioned in one of the other blogs, many common sayings orignated in the Bible, for example this one in Matthew 5:41. I'm sure we have all heard someone use the phrase " going the extra mile." Doing more than is required to help someone else or to do someone a favor is a good testimony to unbelievers and it pleases God.

In Matthew 5:48 we see God's standard of righteousness which is perfect to which no man can attain apart from Christ. No one is perfect in God's sight unless they are in Jesus Christ and He in them. In Him God sees us as already perfect ( Hebrews 10:14 ) and by Him we are being perfected ( 1 John 2:5 & 4:12 ) through the work of sanctification by the Spirit of God.

PSALM 6:1-10

It is a plea for mercy from of a man who is being chastened by the Lord for his sins and prayer for deliverance from his enemies. Evidently one way the Lord chastens us is to allow our enemies to rise up against us. David though he had sinned was one of God's children. God, our heavenly Father will chasten us as an earthly father would his son to correct us when we do wrong ( Hebrews 12:9-11 ).

PROVERBS 1:29-33

This passage is speaking of those who reject the Word of God. God will often let them go their own way and learn the hard lessons of disobedience. In the end they will reap what they have sown. It is notable that God says here that ease and prosperity will destroy them. Many people are so consumed with pursuing the pleasures this world has to offer that they make no time for God. They are self-sufficient in their attitude toward God and see no need for God in their lives.

[Anka]

Struggling with sin...recently I met a guy who loved God,got saved,got married but struggled with sinful thoughts.He prayed,tried to change(by his own power)ended up getting divorced and going back into the world.I introduced him to my pastor and it's a blessing to see him embrace God once more...I thank God for making me part of this reconciliation process..This was a guy who once was on fire for God,he's so broken and filled with self condemnation that it breaks my heart to see it...yet it reminds me so vividly of how I came to Christ and how through people He showed me His love....We need to go after the Lot's in our lives...It's truly a humbling experience....
God bless you all

[R]

Matthew 5:27-48

I believe this section of Jesus’ sermon/teaching, including the last part of yesterday’s scripture reading in Matthew is NOT dealing with behavior, which is the final manifestation of a sinful or wrong thought life. No one runs out and commits adultery or fornication out of the clear blue sky. We just don’t roll out of bed one morning and commit murder, or become the town gossip without first having a very active thought life that leads to these events. Jesus said,

The upright (honorable, intrinsically good) man out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart produces what is upright (honorable and intrinsically good), and the evil man out of the evil storehouse brings forth that which is depraved (wicked and intrinsically evil); for out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45 AMP). And please note we do not just speak with our mouths; we speak in our body language and our mental intentions and behavior.

We are warned in Proverbs,

Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life. (Proverbs 4:23 HCSB).

We act wrongly because we believe wrongly; and we believe wrongly because he think wrong. We need to renew (renovate) our minds, Romans 12:2

The Apostle Paul speaks about this very thing in his letter to The Philippians:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 KJR)

We will always struggle with a “rotten” thought life, stink’n think’n,” until we offer up our bodies, our minds and our will to God on His alter not ours.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. (Romans 12:1 NLT)

[John]

Lot's Choice

We know little of Lot up to now. He simply was "with Abram". During the tough early times, Lot stayed with Abram - maybe because Lot thought he could help, or he realized Abram's inner strength, but his comfort zone and usefullnes was when he was "with Abram".

Now there is prosperity, and it causes a problem. How may times in a Christian's life is it that times of material prosperity cause the greatest problems????

Abram defered his right as leader and elder to Lot. What did Lot do - He looked.

Prov17:24
A discerning man keeps wisdom in view,
but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

So many times we are enticed by what we see. Lot did not have to go to the ends of the earth - he looked right to the lush valley and the cities and Lot liked what he saw on the plain of Jordan.

Lot CHOSE - Lot DECIDED. Lot did not consult on rely on the Lord. Probably Abram had always done that and Lot went along. Abram relied on God leading his life. so what did they get?

Lot chose the lush plain and cities with wealth, and he pitched his tent closer and closer to Sodom.

Lot moved into Jordan (means "death") and Abram pitched his tent near the trees of Mamre ("fatness - the place where the soul is made fat with the fullness of supply) near Hebron (fellowship) - and Abram was given everything.

[R]

Genesis 13:5-15:21

This will be a “hit” and “run” on today’s Old Testament reading.

I’ve been wondering for a couple of days if Lot being with Abram/Abraham had more to do with Sari/Sarah being barren and not having any children. The call on Abraham by God was for him to leave his ‘hood (hometown) and go to a place where God was to show him.

NOW [in Haran] the Lord said to Abram, Go for yourself [for your own advantage] away from your country, from your relatives and your father's house, to the land that I will show you. [Heb. 11:8-10.] (Genesis 12:1 AMP).

Abraham took Lot with him, which was the wrong move. Why? (Rhetorical question). Yes he was family, yes Lot was fatherless and Abram probably felt close to him, like a son; but Lot was a relative and part of his father’s house the very thing God told him to leave behind. The reason I think this thought has come up, Abram taking Lot because of Sari not having children, is these verses:

After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield; your reward will be very great. But Abram said, "Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I am childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" Abram continued, "Look, You have given me no offspring, so a slave born in my house will be my heir." (Genesis 15:1-3 HCSB)

God comes in and tells Abram that He is his protection and reward and the first thing out of Abram’s mouth is a complaint or argument that God’s protection and rewards are of no use because he has no one to pass it on too. This is the voice of a man longing for a child and grieving over not having one. I believe Lot was Abram’s plane “B.” But God only has plan a “A” there is nothing hanging out in the wings, off stage, in case plan “A” fails ‘cause it Ain’t

[John]

ABRAM RESCUES LOT

Abram took 318 men. It is not about numbers.

Zech 4:6b
"Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." NIV

Abram used a two pronged attack. When confronted by the "enemy" we are to use the Word and prayer.

Abram saved Lot.

As Christians we are not to live our lives in isolation. Not only are we to spread the "gospel", but one Christian can often be the means of deliverance to a weaker brother.

Abram could not deliver Lot from Sodom. That was Lot's choice - by his eyes and his heart. If a Christian chooses to be materialistic, sensual, commercial, greedy for things of the world, not much can be done for him. [See Anka's post on her friend].

In this instance of Capture - Abram could be of help. We too can pray and counsel with the Word of God to another Christian caught (up) in sin. [There is a difference :)]
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Melchizedek

Abram is in danger. As all Christians are after a (spiritual) victory. His (our) guard may be down as we return from the battle.

Abram is in the valley of Kidron right outside what will evwentually be Jerusalem. This is where the king of Sodom is meeting Abram.

But God watches out for Abram and raises up a reminder to bring Abram back to earth. Melchizedek, a king and High Priest (Christ is the only other who serves both functions - see link in above post) - comes out and reminds Abram that he is blessed by the God Most High, and the victory was Gods.

Thus reminded Abram is able to turn down the offer of spoils by the king of Sodom. If he had accepted, Abram would not be wholly God's man anymore but bound in some way to the King of Sodom. Abram wants no part of that scenario.

Note that Abram does not restrict his men from receiving spoils. Just as a Christian should not force his decisions (like this) on other christians (maybe not in the same spiritual growth area of Abram), but lead by example.

[Laverne]

Genesis 13;9 - I never ever looked at that piece of scripture in a way of faith. However going forward I most certainly will. I like that thanks!

Genesis 14 -Hee-hee you can't leave your nephew?? Oh nooo!! (smile)
I absolutely love how you bring the word home for us and make it plain so that after reading it I can really put it to work in my life...I have a friend who is lost in an abusive relationship. I chase after her and pray for her daily.

I think the author of Hebrew 7 sees in Melchizedek a type or figure of Christ and then goes on to explain what he sees in the two.

I might say this more than 100 times while reading with all of you. Wow I have never seen that before or heard my pastor preach this chapter, nor has it ever been discussed in bible study. I might teach on it now.

[B]

Someone in my family is married to someone who struggles with pornography... I shared with her over the holidays about a friend of mine who just recently found out her husband also struggles with a Sextual Sin... I shared this with her in hopes that she would be able to help me guide my friend in the right direction... and she did. There are 2 websites that I would like to share with everyone ... The first website is for women...either girlfriends of men, wives of men, and even mothers whose children are developing these issues at a young age...It's a great support network. www.partnersforpurity.com They also have a page on myspace as well if you want to check that out too. The other website is for people struggling with Sextual Sin... www.higher-calling.com I hope this helps anyone out there that may be struggling with sexual sin or for anyone who has been effected by someone's sextual sin. God Bless.

WWW.PARTNERSFORPURITY.COM WWW.HIGHER-CALLING.COM

[Cherry Blossom]

Melchizedek was not Jesus Christ. God called Jesus his Son. We have to go by what God said.

[Brandie]

"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!"

I guess I really needed to see that today as I have been down and out. I know there is no reason to be with all the great changes in my life in the last week and up coming months, but I felt as if the change was coming on too strong.

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."

this also...I am not use to my loved one working away from home.

[Bill]

OLD TESTAMENT -Genesis 13:5-15:21

" And there was a STRIFE between the herdmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land. And Abram said unto Lot, LET THERE BE NO STRIFE, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left. "

- Genesis 13:7-9( kjv )

OYB Commentary: "...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?...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?..."

Yes, I think Abram ( Abraham ) is a godly example that Christians ought to follow. He took the high road in contrast to Lot's herdman and his own herdman who were striving with one another for land rights. Another example to the contary that I am reminded of is that every Christmas you hear about shoppers literally fighting over hard-to-get merchandise in a store? That is an ugly way to behave when we are supposed to be celebrating the birth of Christ. Yielding to others and putting them first is the Christ-like thing to do. It is usually the sins of pride and self-centeredness that moves us to do otherwise. Our relationship with God should always come first, puttings others second and then lastly ourselves. A " ME FIRST! " disposition is contrary to God's will and what the Scriptures teach us.

Let nothing be done through STRIFE or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

- Philippians 2:3-5 ( kjv )

OYB Commentary: "...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." ... 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?..."

Well, rescuing someone from an army is quite a different story that trying to rescue someone from alcoholism, drug addiction, depression and other problems that person may have. If an army that had taken someone I loved I would do whatever I could do to get them back or else die myself trying. I think that would be something worth risking your life for and if God was with me as He was with Abram then I don't think I would be afraid. There is a time to strive and a time not to strive as we see in Abram's life.

I view alcoholism and drug addiction as snares of the Devil and a form of spiritual bondage. I also believe that in some cases severe depression is also caused by demonic oppression. I would consider myself powerless to rescue anyone from that. Only the Lord could rescue them and set them free so I would pray for that fervently. It requires much patience and I know this from personal experiece as well as from the Word of God. I don't have any confidence whatsoever in rehab, "meds" or other solutions the world has to offer. They don't work because it is a spiritual problem, not a medical problem.

" And the servant of the Lord MUST NOT STRIVE; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And THAT THEY MAY RECOVER THEMSELVES OUT OF THE SNARE OF THE DEVIL, WHO ARE TAKEN CAPTIVE BY HIM AT HIS WILL. "

- 2 Timothy 2:24-26 ( kjv )

[Kitty Cheng]

Thanks for the reminder that Jesus is concerned with what’s going on inside our hearts (interior) as much as the apparent sin (exterior).

So we need to focus on the condition of our hearts, and we surely need strength and grace from God so that we are pure in heart.

[vanessa]

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?
This guy that was the love of my life married someone else. For many years, I buried my feelings instead of dealing with them. More recently, the feelings have come back with a vengeance. Mostly I just try to avoid him (not that easy when you go to the same church). I play and replay Phillips, Craig, and Dean's "Crucified with Christ" - love that song. I also ordered a book called "Idols of the Heart: How to long for God alone" which I will read as soon as I finish my current devotional.

Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?
Mt 5:28