January 6th One Year Bible Readings

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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 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":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooAi3KJ5I-s

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

Please join me in memorizing and meditating on two 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

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not commit adultery in your life. Pray that you will not look at another person lustfully. Pray that if you are committing adultery in your heart right now that you will repent and turn to Jesus for healing.

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

[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.

[Trudy]

"That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:45)

With respect to the above scripture, I have run into several Christians who interpreted the sun to be God's "blessing" and the rain to be God's "curses."

This shows a lack of understanding of the entire passage, which talks about God's love. Both the sun and the rain refer to God's blessings.

I believe that these people misunderstood "rain."

Perhaps they were thinking of rain in terms of Noah's flood. But this is not what this text is talking about.

If we think about living in a desert climate, we can then easily see that rain is a blessing.

God is good. God cares for all of His creatures. He sends blessing on the evil and on the good--on the just and on the unjust.

Isn't our God awesome?

[Tabitha]

God is so good to me. Today I feel a little like Abram. Moving from "home" to a place you don't know. I recently moved from near Knoxville, TN to Watertown, NY (30 miles from Canada). The climate and landscape are very different. People talk funny. I can't find grits in the local market. No one knows what okra is. It is strange...but I feel at peace here knowing I am in God's perfect will. Abram must have felt that peace too.

[Beth]

Dear married friends of our have recently had their marriage cleansed by the husbands confession of his addiction to pornography. Under the crushing weight of betrayal his wife and he have found absolute freedom. Books that they have recommended are, "Sex isn't the problem, lust is" by ... ??? the man who wrote "I kissed dating goodbye"...

Also by Chanti Feldman are the books, "For Men Only" and "For Women Only". I don't know if these two are specifically regarding lust issues but they help tremendously to explain the male/ female gap that seems to cause constant confusion.

And of course, the "Every Man's Battle" series' which apparently have numerous titles now including books that prepare boys as they approach the lusting age.

If my friends could comment here, they would say that the pain and sorrow that his confession caused in their lives was well worth the freedom they are living in now.

[Barb]

I beleive it is true that what we "think" can often become what we "do". Part of my prayer meditation is to ask God to help me be the best I can be in thought, word and deed. If my thoughts are pure, the words I speak will be pure and my words will lead me to good deeds toward others. I also recite this prayer meditation in times of frustration or angry and it helps me to guide my heart to good thoughts and not bad thoughts.

[John A.]

Genesis 13

Lot Chooses

Lot was a believer.
2Pe2:7 "and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men"

"Lot, who went with Abram." That is the sum of Lot's life to this point. He was always hanging with Abram.

"Lot seems to be a picture of those Christians who depend upon others for faith and inspiration to act. There are many Lots around. They never seem to learn to walk alone with God, but lean on another's faith for strength. As long as they have a strong church to lean on, or a close friend who is a faithful Christian, or they can listen to a gospel radio station all day long, or they have a Christian magazine coming regularly, then all goes well. But where the prop is weak, they are weak also. When Abram's faith failed, Lot's faith failed. Lot just leans on Abram all the way. He is clearly a second-hand Christian. Although his own faith is genuine (and the New Testament makes it clear that Lot was indeed a righteous man), nevertheless, he depends wholly upon Abram for the effectiveness of his service." - Ray Stedman

Abram, the more mature man of faith, says: "choose". Lot looked up (not around, but up). Lot already knew where he wanted to go. Lot chose the well watered plain, the cities, the possible wealth to be made (like in Egypt).

What Lot did not see is that he was going to descend into (Jordan means "descender") death, evil, and destruction. How could he, Lot just chose what looks good.

Abram trusted God would take care of him, no matter where his area of land was in Canaan. After the deal is struck, God blesses Abram and gives ALL the land to Abram and his offspring, who will be as numerous as the dust of the earth.

When will man learn that it is the man who is a pilgrim here on earth (tent and an altar) - who knows this is a temporary way station - that the Word of God is revealed as to the nature of things.

It is to the one who trusts in God, waits on God, and believes in God who will be rewarded in the end.

[John A.]

Genesis

HISTORICAL NOTE: The invading kings were real kings from Mesopotamia/babylon area.
http://www.publicbookshelf.com/public_html/The_Story_of_the_Greatest_Nations_and_the_Worlds_Famous_Events_Vol_1/babylonia_hh.html
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Melchizedek and King of Sodom

Lot's man came to Abram the Hebrew. Hebrew means "pilgrim". So it is to the man with the tent and altar that help is requested - not someone from the plains and cities.

Abram rescues Lot and is met by all the ally kings. Before his temptation by the King of Sodom - there is an interruption.

Melchizedek, the king of what will eventually be Jerusalem, met with Abram first. There have been many suggestions as to who Melchizadek was, and all we know is that he was a Gentile king who beleived (based on the oral Gospel passed on by Adam) - and he served the Lord.

What he is here in Genesis is a type of Christ. Pointing everything back to the Father, reminding Abram of who was behind his victory, and giving him love (symbolized by bread and wine). Abram worshipped God with the High Priest, and gave one tenth of all to Melchizedek. This is not a debt paid to God, but an act of worship acknowledging that all Abram has is from the Lord.

Without this meeting with Melchizedek I doubt Abram would have passed his test with the King of Sodom. The euphoria of victory, being tired , hungry, perhaps Abram would have accepted the king's reward. Perhaps God sent Melchizadek to provide a time of rest and love, and as a reminder of who won the victory (that would be God).

Abram, a man of God who served God would have been in debt to Sodom (evil). Abram would not be able to turn down any request for aid in the future. Abram said no - and Abram will continue to serve the Lord, and just the Lord.

[John A.]

Genesis 15

Many sermons on this chapter. Just two things:

6 Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

Abram did not become a believer or righteous here in Genesis. Hebrews 11:8 said that happened when Abram left Ur.

The Hebrew construct here gives the meaning that Abram looked up at stars and believed the Lord's promise. God acknowledged(credited) Abram's belief as this was proof of his faith/trust in God. Believing that which has not been seen yet.

to me this is just further evidence that a believer is not one who just has head knowledge of God, nor acknowledges God can do these things - but TRUSTS God and believes He will do what he says.

2) Unilateral covenant - the split animal thing is how covenants were done in Abram's time. Both parties would come to agreement and walk through the animals. Here ONLY God (Jesus - symbolically via furnace and lamp)passed through the animals.

Abram believed and God made a covenant (promise). There is nothing Abram, his descendants or Israel could or can do to break this promise. It is God's Word. If it were broken - we would have real problems as we could never be sure if God will keep His Word regarding Salvation.

[Note: Needless to say I am strongly opposed to any Christian group that teaches the "church" has replaced the physical seed of Abram in this covenant.]

[John A.]

Matthew 5

Just going to summarize yesterday. My take - so read it - pray about it - and decide for yourself.

Jesus was celebrating with disciples and inviting the non-believing crowd.

Congrats to the poor in spirit - those that mourn the poverty, realize it is not about self, and desparately seek God (righteousness). Why?

Because theirs is the kingdom of heaven. They are saved.

The righteous - merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers (none done perfectly, but growing with the help of God) will be persecuted. Repeated twice for emphasis - probably for assurance. What assurance?

Theirs is the kingdom of heaven, and that is the big picture. They are saved.

How does God see these believers. Salt of the earth and light of the world.

Jesus shifts to the Law and says it is still valid. He came to fulfill prophecies, and to fulfill the Law by offering Himself as the one final perfect sacrifice for sins.

Jesus raises the bar on how we are to act. For believers it is a goal that can only be accomplished by the work of the Father through the Holy Spirit. For a non-believer it is impossible. They could not even adhere to the original Law.

48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Well, no one can be that perfect. Again - beleivers are on that road in the sanctification process, and it will be completed in heaven.

For non-believers they should sit up and say - we can't possibly do that or be that - what are we to do?

Hence they are ripe for the Gospel where the repent and believe message is given out.

[Trudy]

In meditating about Lot this morning, while Lot may not be a sterling example of godly conduct in all of his actions (and what believer is?), I think that he is often unfairly given a bad rap. I was reminded of the following scripture.

"And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; And delivered JUST LOT, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that RIGHTEOUS MAN dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his RIGHTEOUS SOUL from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)" (2 Peter 6-8)

This is a good reminder that only God knows the heart and is able to make right judgments.

Trudy

[anonymous]

this post by tim challies is good.

http://www.challies.com/archives/christian-living/sexual-detox-the-e-book.php

[Raeann]

A major source for the problems in the Middle East today is the disputed land of the region. "For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever."

[Marcy]

"Every Man's Battle" by Fred Stoeker and Steve Arterburn is an amazing resource for men, as well as "Every Heart Restored" by the same authors for the women who have been affected by their husband's addiction to pornography. I speak from experience, as a little over a year ago my husband confessed to me that he had been addicted to pornography since adolescence. We had been married 12 years at the time and went through an immense, dark struggle spiritually and emotionally, each of us for different reasons. I am happy to say that by the grace of God we celebrated our 13th anniversary and are looking forward to many more.

[Rene']

Just recently I have logged onto this One year read through Bible programme. I thank God that it has once again rekindle my enthusiasm to get to know God more in a special way.
Also the way that there is a thread from Genesis, Mark, Psalms and proverbs.
I am looking forward to see out this year with Gods Word engraved forever, and through this I can help others to seek God's Word and enrich their lives.
Thank you Jesus for opening my eyes.

[Beth]

Praise the Lord, Marcy! I celebrate with you!! I walked with a friend of mine through that same situation and He is able to make all things new!