One Year Bible Blog

January 22nd One Year Bible Readings

Genesis 44:1-45:28 ~ Matthew 14:13-36 ~ Psalm 18:37-50 ~ Proverbs 4:11-13
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or ESV.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or Daily Audio Bible ~

Old Testament - In Genesis chapter 44 we read about Joseph instructing his servant to place his silver cup in Benjamin's sack.  I guess what struck me about all this is that it seemed to me like Joseph was possibly playing mind games with his brothers.  Not to say that they didn't deserve it...  but, I wonder if in all of this Joseph had a master game-plan - or if it was simply games he was playing?  The weeping we see from him kind of makes me think that he was not 100% sure of what he was doing, game-plan wise.  The weeping seemed to indicate that he wanted to reconnect with his brothers and his family.  It seems in all of this he has kept at least 1 family member around - or has not let them get very far away.  This makes me wonder - do we play mind games with others around us?  Should we?  Would it have been better if Joseph was honest with his brothers from the beginning on who he was?  Would it be better for us if we are simply honest with others from the beginning?  And don't play mind games?  (I wrote the previous words several years ago. I've since read a couple of Bible commentaries that now make me think that Joseph wasn't playing mind games, but was bringing his brothers to a needed place of repentance for their sins before he revealed himself, which does make a lot of sense.) Below is a painting from 1831 by Russian painter Alexander Ivanov of Joseph's household manager finding the silver cup in Benjamin's sack:

Verses 18 through 34 in this chapter is Judah's amazing speech to Joseph!  I don't know what it is about this speech.  But I love it!  It seems like Judah is finally owning up to being who he was born to be - the forefather of the line of King David and Jesus Christ.  Verse 33 is the verse that really stood out to me: "Please, my lord, let me stay here as a slave instead of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers."  What struck me about this is that now Judah is willing to be the slave, in the place of his brother Benjamin - whereas 22 years prior he offered up the idea of selling his brother Joseph into slavery as we read in Genesis 37 verses 26 & 27: "Judah said to the others, "What can we gain by killing our brother? That would just give us a guilty conscience. Let's sell Joseph to those Ishmaelite traders." It seems like Judah in chapter 44 has finally grown up and is acting like a morally responsible adult.  Judah with this speech today is finally beginning to look like he might indeed deserve to be referred to as the father of the tribe of the "Lion" of Judah!

Genesis chapter 45 begins with Joseph weeping again - and I think that it makes perfect sense that he does so, in light of Judah's impassioned speech!  And I wonder if Joseph in part weeps because Judah is offering to be the slave in the place of Benjamin?  Either Joseph is weeping because his brothers did not show him this same mercy 22 years prior - or he is weeping because he is happy that Judah and his brothers seem to be very different people from 22 years prior - or he's weeping for other reasons.  :)  (Similar to my note above, I now think Joseph was weeping because his brother's are now humbled and repentant - very different men than they were 22 years prior.)  Below is a painting from 1816 by Peter von Cornelius of Joseph revealing his identity to his brothers in today's readings:

Verse 5 in this chapter is a powerfully mature statement from Joseph to his brothers: "But don't be angry with yourselves that you did this to me, for God did it. He sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives."  I find this very powerful that Joseph discerned this.  He had been sold into slavery for 11 years!  He was in a prison for 2 years!  And then, yes, things got better for him thereafter - but he was still apart from his family.  And yet - Joseph saw God's hand and God's plan in all of this.  There was a greater good happening - the preservation of Abraham & Isaac's descendants.  The preservation of God's covenant people.  I then wonder about this in our lives.  Are there times where we go through some hard times - maybe for many years - and in the midst of that, could God be working?  Could God's hand and God's plan be moving in the midst of challenging times in our lives?   I think it's possible that if I was Joseph that maybe I would have become a bitter man toward my brothers - and maybe done worse than just mind games.  But, Joseph was compassionate - he wept - he gave grain in abundance to his family - he forgave his brothers.  And more than anything, he saw that God was in control.  Do you believe that God is in control of your life?  Right now?  All the time?  No matter how good or how bad circumstances seem?  Is God in control?  Below is a very unique :) portrait by artist Guy Rowe of Joseph revealing his identity to his brothers and their looks of shock from 45:3: "But his brothers were speechless! They were stunned to realize that Joseph was standing there in front of them."

Bible.org's commentary on Genesis chapter 44 titled "The Final Test: Dothan Relived" is at this link, and commentary on chapter 45 titled "The Fundamentals of Forgiveness" is at this link.

New Testament - In Matthew chapter 14 today we read about two miracles - Jesus feeding the 5,000 (or really 10,000 to 15,000 counting men, women & children - Matthew just counted men, as his Gospel was written to a Jewish audience, which had men eat separately from women and children at that time/place) and Jesus walking on water.  While these 2 miracles are amazing and again confirming that Jesus is God - a couple of other things stood out me.  First was verse 23: "Afterward he went up into the hills by himself to pray."  If Jesus did this - do you think we should do the same?   How often do we get away from the "crowds" or even the "disciples" or loved ones in our life to be by ourselves and pray?  Do you do this at least for a few minutes each day?  Do you do this for longer periods of time too?

Verses 29 & 30 also stood out to me today: "All right, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted."  These verses made me wonder in our own lives - Are there times or areas our lives where Jesus has said, "Come", and we've moved forward in faith.  But then - the waves came... the challenges came... the doubts came... the insults came.... and we started to waver in our faith?  Maybe we got scared - and started to sink?  Well - I do admire that Peter did cry out to Jesus to save him in this situation - and we then get the reassuring verse 31: "Instantly Jesus reached out his hand and grabbed him."  If you feel like there are some areas in your life where you are sinking - will you cry out to Jesus to save you?  Do you believe he will instantly reach out his hand and grab you?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 14 titled "The Feeding of the Five Thousand" is at this link.

Psalms - Today we finish up Psalm 18.  (Psalm 19 tomorrow!  So excited! :)  The closing verse 50 of Psalm 18 today is powerful - and I believe can apply to both David and Jesus: "You give great victories to your king; you show unfailing love to your anointed, to David and all his descendants forever."  Are you a spiritual descendent of David?  Do you believe that God shows you unfailing love?  Do you think that God's Word, the Bible, shows His unfailing love for you?

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 4 verse 13 was impactful for me today: "Carry out my instructions; don't forsake them. Guard them, for they will lead you to a fulfilled life." I like that last thought - guard God's instructions.  Don't forsake them.  For they will lead you to a fulfilled life.  I think sometimes people think that loving God and following his ways will be BORING.  :)  This is so not true!  It is absolutely the best adventure we could ever imagine.  And truly, following God and his instructions is the only way I personally believe that any of us can have a fulfilled life.  I do not think there is another way to lead a fulfilled life.  Can you imagine a life apart from God being fulfilling?  Is this remotely possible??  Today, let us leap into the adventurous life of faith that God is truly calling us to live!

Worship Video: Today's readings in Matthew about Peter calling out to Jesus when he was sinking in the water reminded me of the Third Day song "Call My Name:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEXXUdU--Zg

Have you ever called on God's name?  Click here and make that call today!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!" Psalm 18:46 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you would praise God wholeheartedly today in all that you think, do, and say.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Based on our readings in Matthew today where we see that Jesus slipped away from the crowds to pray by himself, do you model this behavior of Jesus' in your life and slip away from the crowds to pray by yourself?  How often?  Where and How?  Also, do you take spiritual retreats?  Do you take the retreats alone or with others?  Is prayer a central part of the retreats?  I'm just curious about spiritual retreats.  I cannot say that I have done a prayer-focused spiritual retreat - or even an alone-with-God focused spiritual retreat.  I think I might be due.  :)  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

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today and also consider financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

January 21st One Year Bible Readings

Genesis 42:18-43:34 ~ Matthew 13:47-14:12 ~ Psalm 18:16-36 ~ Proverbs 4:7-10
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or ESV.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or Daily Audio Bible ~

Old Testament - Hi everyone - I'm a bit short on time today, so here is a brief OT post.  Bible.org's commentary on Genesis chapter 42 titled "The Proper Use of Power" is at this link and commentary on Genesis chapter 43 titled "The fears of Jacob and the tears of Joseph" is at this link.

New Testament - Today in Matthew chapter 13 verse 54 we read about Jesus going to his hometown of Nazareth where he was raised as a child.  Jesus was born in Bethlehem, as we know, but raised in Nazareth, where Mary & Joseph met and married and returned after their flight to Egypt after Jesus' birth.  Below is a NASA photo courtesy of ebibleteacher.com that shows where Nazareth is located in comparison to Bethlehem and Jerusalem:

In verse 57 we read this when Jesus was in Nazareth:  "Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor."" This verse reminds me that sometimes when we really move forward in our faith, our friends (“hometown” from the verse above) and our relatives can sometimes not understand what is going on with us. I think there are phases of our walk with God where really it becomes very personal – between us and God – and through that process God will transform us. And our friends and relatives sometimes may not appreciate our change for various reasons – just as Jesus’ friends and relatives did not appreciate his ministry in this verse. I hope that this verse can be of comfort to you if by chance you are having challenges reconciling your faith and your changed heart with your friends & relatives expectations of who you were in the past. Know that you are on the right path. As long as you are staying focused on God and his will for your life, you may have to accept some loss of “honor” (per the verse above) in your status with your friends and relatives. You may not seem to be as “cool” or “fun” or whatever as you once were in your friends’ eyes. But – if in God’s eyes you are loving Him with all of your heart and you are loving your neighbors as yourself, then you are eternally cool and fun in the Kingdom of Heaven. And that’s where it really counts. Where are you seeking “honor” in your life today? In the eyes of your friends and relatives – or in God’s eyes?

Today we read about the beheading of John the Baptist.  I found this painting below by the Italian artist Caravaggio from the year 1610 titled "Salome with the Head of St. John the Baptist."  I almost hesitated to post this painting up, but I think it's worth us considering.  This is what happened to the man who proclaimed Jesus' ministry was coming.  This is what happened to the man who baptized Jesus in the Jordan.  And of course this brutality pales in comparison to what Jesus went through on the road to Golgotha.  This painting below and thinking about Jesus' passion, suffering, and death just made me think that sometimes following God does not lead strictly to "health and wealth."  But sometimes truly following God leads to suffering and poverty.  But - and here's the key but - it also leads to eternal life!  So, no, perhaps many/most/all of us will not go through what John went through in today's readings or in this painting below.  But you know what, if we are truly following God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, I think we need to realize that this type of thing can happen.  But if this type of thing happens while pursuing and loving Jesus with all that you are, then it's of course worth it because Jesus will raise you up on the other side!

Psalms - There are so many great verses today for us to meditate upon in Psalm 18!  I love verses 25 through 27: "To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the wicked you show yourself hostile. You rescue those who are humble, but you humiliate the proud."  Are you showing yourself to be faithful to God?  Are you living with integrity?  Are you showing yourself to be pure?  Is God showing you these things as well?

I really love verse 28: "LORD, you have brought light to my life; my God, you light up my darkness."   Has Jesus brought light into your life?  Does God light up your darkness?

Proverbs - I love Proverbs 4:7 today! "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."  How simple and yet profound is that first sentence?  The beginning of wisdom = get wisdom.  Can't argue with that!  :)  The question then becomes how do we get wisdom?  Or, where do we get wisdom.  I will say simply, The Bible is the best fount of Wisdom I know of.  So, reading and studying the Bible on a daily basis = wisdom.  Then the second sentence in the verse above is great too - though it cost all you have, get understanding.  Where does understanding come from?  Again, I'd say the Bible.  But I'll also say that I think understanding comes from investing in a community of people and being invested in by other people.  We can't really get understanding on our own, being a "lone ranger."  We need others in our life so that iron sharpens iron.  I hope and pray you are in a local church community?  And I hope and pray you are in a small group of some sort?  We need others to do life with and to gain understanding.  Will you find a church or a small group in this next month if you're not part of a church or small group yet? 

Worship God: Our readings today in Psalm 18 verse 28 reminds me of the fantastic Charlie Hall song "Marvelous Light:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAQJKZJB-kE

Are you running into the Marvelous Light?  Click here and run!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." Proverbs 4:7 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you would grow in Wisdom in this new year. Pray that God would lead you to the ways He would have you grow in Wisdom this year. Pray that you will pursue wisdom.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Based on my comments above in Matthew, have you ever lost some "honor" with your friends or family as you've moved forward in your faith?  If you did lose honor with your friends did you gain honor with God?  Do you think you sometimes base your decisions more on what other people will think?  Or do you base your decisions on what God will think?  At times in your faith walk have you had to distance yourself from some old friends so that you can move forward in your faith walk?  Has this been hard?  Has it been worth it?  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

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today and also consider financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

January 20th One Year Bible Readings

Genesis 41:17-42:17 ~ Matthew 13:24-46 ~ Psalm 18:1-15 ~ Proverbs 4:1-6
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or ESV.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or Daily Audio Bible ~

Old Testament - Today in Genesis chapter 41 we read about Joseph interpreting Pharaoh's dreams - and not just interpreting them, but offering a solution!  Joseph suggests finding a wise man to administer a program to collect crops during the 7 years of plenty to save up for the 7 years of lean.  Verses 39 & 40 in this chapter tell us: "Turning to Joseph, Pharaoh said, "Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, you are the wisest man in the land! I hereby appoint you to direct this project. You will manage my household and organize all my people. Only I will have a rank higher than yours.""  Notice that Joseph did not ask for this position.  He probably could have, in light of interpreting the dream and offering a solution.  But he didn't.  The position was simply thrust upon him.  And I wonder in our lives - are we like Joseph - humbly offering our gifts and skills with no need of a payback?  Or, do we expect something in return?  Do we want to be put in charge?  I do wonder this about myself - if I was put in charge of all of Egypt, would I still remember God?  Or would the power go to my head and would I think it is all about me?  And then I wonder if there are similar, smaller temptations like this in my life - in my work or ministries or in my social circles. Are there times where I offer my skills & gifts, and expect to be put in charge of something, forget about God, and think it's all about me? How about you? Do you give freely and humbly from your God-given gifts with no need of a payback?

Below is an image from a modern day production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" of Pharaoh appointing Joseph to be #2 in the land (and giving him his signet ring... and dressing him... and giving him the royal gold chain... and giving him the chariot... and renaming him... and giving him a wife...  think all this would possibly inflate one's ego?  It really does scare me to think about me being put in this type of position...)

In Genesis chapter 42 Jacob sends Joseph's brothers to Egypt for grain.  Verse 4 stood out: "Jacob wouldn't let Joseph's younger brother, Benjamin, go with them, however, for fear some harm might come to him." As you'll recall both Benjamin and Joseph were Rachel's only sons.  And Jacob loved Rachel dearly.  It seems that in light of Jacob already losing one of Rachel's sons, he didn't want to lose the other.  Or - I wonder - did Jacob maybe have some sort of mistrust in the back of his mind of the other 10 brothers?  (as obviously Joseph disappeared when going to find the 10 brothers many years back)  Below is a cute etching by Rembrandt from 1637 of Jacob and his son Benjamin:

Verse 6 also stood out: "Since Joseph was governor of all Egypt and in charge of the sale of the grain, it was to him that his brothers came. They bowed low before him, with their faces to the ground."  This fulfilled the dreams Joseph had in Genesis chapter 37 verse 6 & 7! "He said to them, "Listen to this dream I had:  We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it."  And verse 6 was 21 years after Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers at the age of 17 - Joseph has spent 11 years as a slave, 2 years in prison, and 7 to 8 years in charge of Egypt (through the 7 fat years of the harvest, and now they are likely in the first year of the famine).  And even after 21 years Joseph recognized his brothers immediately.  I read a commentary that his brothers probably didn't recognize Joseph because he was decked out in Egyptian robes & garb, he may have been speaking through an interpreter, and he was likely clean shaven - Egyptians shaved, whereas Hebrews typically wore beards.  So now, Joseph's reunited with his brothers and what takes place next is coming up in our readings tomorrow...  Below is a painting from 1745 by the Austrian painter Franz Anton Malbertsch of Joseph meeting his brothers once again after 21 years apart:

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings on Genesis chapter 41 titled "From the Pit to the Palace" is at this link and commentary on chapter 42 titled "The Proper Use of Power" is at this link.

New Testament - In today's Matthew readings we go through 5 parables that begin "The Kingdom of Heaven is like..."   Great way to start these parables!  They do indeed give us a glimpse of what the Kingdom of Heaven is like.  Do these parables speak to you as you read through them?  I know they do for me.  Sometimes in encouraging ways.  Sometimes in convicting ways.  I love verses 31 & 32: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants and grows into a tree where birds can come and find shelter in its branches."  I think if we cultivate the seed that Jesus plants in our hearts - the Gospel - we will see an amazing plant grow that will ultimately bless others.  From the tiniest beginnings, with patience and faith, can come the largest of plants.  If you haven't yet, will you let Jesus plant a mustard seed in your heart?  And will you be patient and allow the seed time & space to grow?  And will you water and care for the seed of the Gospel planted in your heart so that one day it will be a beautiful tree of life for yourself and others you come in contact with?  Will you allow Jesus to grow a mustard seed tree with your life?

I love the last 2 parables in today's readings!  The treasure buried in a field and the pearl of great price.  And the thought of being willing to give up absolutely everything to be a part of the Kingdom of Heaven.  How about for you?  Are you willing to give up absolutely everything to be a part of the Kingdom of Heaven?  Is there a price too high that you would not be willing to pay?   I will share with you this somewhat related tangent.  I had this really interesting jog several years ago.  And it was before I was a Christian, so I didn't equate my thinking with the "Kingdom of Heaven" at this time.  But, here were my thoughts that night on the jog.  As I was jogging I thought to myself - I am a "billionaire"!  Why?  Because I am blessed with this opportunity to jog, and to check out the beautiful night air around me, and more than anything because of this wonderfully complex thing in my skull called the brain. :)   The brain that allows me to do all these things and to simply think and enjoy life.  And I thought to myself - at what price would I give up the ability to use my brain?  Would I sell my brain for 1 billion dollars?  And the answer is obviously no - because there would then be no point to living in this life without the brain.  So - I reasoned with myself, well - "Then I am a billionaire!"  I have a billion dollar asset in my skull!  :)   I hope this isn't too random of a tangent.  Maybe you'll realize that you are a billionaire today too though?  :)  To tie this back to the Kingdom of Heaven.  Would I sell of my rights to the Kingdom of Heaven for 1 billion dollars.  No.  So - I guess then technically, I am a multi-billionaire now!  1 billion asset value for the brain + 1 billion asset value for the Kingdom of Heaven!  The point being...   or maybe the question to you.  Which would you prefer  - 1 billion in cash, or the Kingdom of Heaven?   Is there any price you would place on giving up the Kingdom of Heaven?   If not - will you pursue the Kingdom of Heaven with all of your worth?  And will you then share this amazing "pearl of great price" with others around you?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 13 titled "The Parables of Matthew 13" are at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 18 is an amazing one!  We'll get it for the next 3 days of readings, which is great.  And then comes Psalm 19 which is off the charts awesome!   Verse 1 today is so beautiful: "I love you, LORD; you are my strength."  How often do you tell God that you love him?  One thing that one of my former pastors does when he prays publicly, which absolutely moves me, is that he closes out just about every prayer with "God we love you.  And we pray all of this in the name of your son Jesus."   The last line of course is the powerful line!  But, that second to last line... is just beautiful.  Just telling God that we love him.  I'm not sure I tell God that I love him often enough.  God may not "need" to hear it.  But I think that I need to say it more often.  I love you God!

Proverbs - Proverbs 4 today are some wonderful verses from Solomon reminiscing on instructions he received from his father David!  Below is a stained glass image of David giving instructions to Solomon - we can imagine that David was even telling Solomon verses 4 through 6 in this image below: "My father told me, "Take my words to heart. Follow my instructions and you will live. Learn to be wise, and develop good judgment. Don't forget or turn away from my words. Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you."

Worship God: Psalm 18 in today's readings reminded me of the beautiful Casting Crowns song "Praise You in This Storm:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ype1xE0wzsg

Are you in the midst of a storm?  Click here and praise Him in your storm!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:  "I love you, Lord; you are my strength." Psalm 18:1 NLT

Prayer Point: Pray that you would love God every moment of every day. Pray that you would say "I Love You God" daily. Pray that God is your strength.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Okay, back to all of my fretting above about if I was given all that Joseph was given by the Pharaoh in today's readings... :)  What are your thoughts on this - if you were given all of these things, would it inflate your ego possibly?  Would you possibly forget about God?   It's interesting to reflect upon the devil's temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, from our earlier readings this year in Matthew - the devil was tempting Jesus with a lot of "stuff" - and Jesus refused it all!  I'm just wondering if even today in our modern world if we need to be careful about being tempted by too much wealth or power or pride, etc.?  But then I also wonder if sometimes God elevates us to important positions, like Joseph, so that we may be a blessing to many?  I do think this is possible for sure - I just think maybe the richer we get or the more powerful we get, the more we need to pray and stay as absolutely close to God as possible.  Would you want to be in Joseph's type of situation today?  Think you could handle it?  I pray that each of us could, and will, no matter what position in this life we are called to by God! 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

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today and also consider financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

January 19th One Year Bible Readings

Genesis 39:1-41:16 ~ Matthew 12:46-13:23 ~ Psalm 17:1-15 ~ Proverbs 3:33-35
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or ESV.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or Daily Audio Bible ~

Old Testament - Today in Genesis chapter 39 we read about Joseph in Potiphar's house!  Verse 5 stood out to me in this chapter: "From the day Joseph was put in charge, the LORD began to bless Potiphar for Joseph's sake. All his household affairs began to run smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished."  I found it fascinating that God was blessing Potiphar for Joseph's sake.  It reminded me of God blessing Laban for Jacob's sake earlier in Genesis.  And I wonder - does God today continue to bless others around those who love God?  For the sake of those who love God?  I will admit that there are definitely times in my work life, where I feel like some very positive things are happening that are beyond me.  Things I am not "controlling" on my own - it's something more.  I do try to pray about my work life and pray that God will bless my business dealings - mostly to keep me honest & moral in my business dealings.  And that God will allow me to love and serve others during the day.  And big crazy good things continue happen - something happened just today that was unbelievable to me.  It did not happen because of my own wits or power.  Below is an image from a modern day production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" of Joseph in Potiphar's house:

Verses 8 & 9 also stood out to me in today's readings, demonstrating Joseph's strong moral integrity when being approached by Potiphar's wife: "But Joseph refused. "Look," he told her, "my master trusts me with everything in his entire household. No one here has more authority than I do! He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I ever do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.""  I admire this so much.  Joseph was gaining more and more favor with Potiphar and more and more "power" so to speak.  And here we see a situation where Joseph could have abused his favor and power.  But he did not.  He stood strong with his moral convictions.  And I wonder about this in our lives.  As we maybe gain more and more favor in our work or personal or ministry lives, do we also gain more and more "power" so to speak?  And when this happens, do the temptations maybe even somehow seem to get bigger and bigger and our opportunity to abuse our favor or power get easier and easier?  And in light of all this, will we stand strong by our moral convictions?  Will we realize, like Joseph, that our favor or power only comes from God - and it can be taken away in an instant if we sin against God?  If we give in to the temptation that pursues us...  Below is an oil on canvas painting by Rembrandt from 1655 titled "Joseph Accused by Potiphar's wife":

In Genesis chapter 41 we read about Pharaoh's dreams and Joseph is called from prison to interpret them.  The cup-bearer finally remembered Joseph 2 years later!  :)  Verse 16 is powerful for us to consider as Pharaoh calls for Joseph to interpret his dreams: ""It is beyond my power to do this," Joseph replied. "But God will tell you what it means and will set you at ease.""  What I like about this reply from Joseph is that he is giving credit to God for his "gift" of being able to interpret dreams!  And really, it is God interpreting the dreams, and letting Joseph know what to say.  I wonder about this in our lives today.  Do we have some unique gifts in our lives?  Things that we are really good at?  And do we give credit to God for these gifts in our life?  Or do we claim them as gifts we developed on our own?  Do you believe that God is truly the Gift-Giver of all your skills and talents and wisdom in your life?  Below is an image of Joseph before Pharaoh interpreting his dreams:

Bible.org's commentary on Genesis chapter 39 titled "From the Penthouse to the Prison" is at this link and commentary on chapter 40 titled "How to Get Out of the Pits" is at this link.

New Testament - Matthew 12 verses 48 through 50 are powerful: "Jesus asked, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Then he pointed to his disciples and said, "These are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!""  I read an interesting commentary that said that these words from Jesus were stating that spiritual bonds are as strong as physical bonds.  And that in this teaching Jesus was paving the way for a new community of believers - the church!  Very cool...  Are you a brother and sister and mother of Jesus?

Matthew chapter 13 verses 11 & 12 are important for us to consider: "Then he (Jesus) explained to them, "You have been permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others have not. To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But to those who are not listening, even what they have will be taken away from them."  There is so much truth in these last 2 sentences.  This is why personally I feel so blessed to be reading the One Year Bible each and every day - currently in my 18th year of doing so - and God-willing, for all of my years to come.  I personally absolutely need the grace and wisdom that comes from being in God's Word every day - and truly, more and more understanding and knowledge of God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit does come my way I believe each day - even if (and especially if!) I am reading the Bible again for the 18th time.  The repetition is not repetitive, but really allows for insights to soak in and to be revealed.  I can't quite say that I feel like I have an abundance of knowledge... :)  But - I know that I am on that road by reading the Bible each day and I so look forward to gaining more and more knowledge of God's story as I go.  And - to grow deeper into relationship with God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  So - the knowledge itself is great, but the relationship and peace and grace that comes from the Trinity - even better.  I pray that you too see the value in reading the Bible each day and being open to Jesus' teachings so that more understanding will come your way?

Verse 22 in this chapter is convicting for me, as I have experienced this in my life in the past....  "The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the Good News, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares of this life and the lure of wealth, so no crop is produced." .... and I still struggle with the "cares of this life" crowding out the Good News in my life today!  I think in some ways this might be a life long struggle.  How are you doing on this verse?  Where is God's seed of the Good News being sown in your life?  In the good soil of your heart?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 13 titled "The Parable of the Sower and the Seed" is at this link and "The Parables of Matthew 13" are at this link.

Psalms - In Psalm 17 David appeals to God as Judge when he is being attacked by foes.  Verse 7 is a great prayer and comfort! "Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. You save with your strength those who seek refuge from their enemies." Do you seek refuge with God from whatever might attacking you?   Do you believe that God will show you his unfailing love in wonderful ways?  Have you been saved by God's strength?  Have you sought refuge with God from your "enemies"?

Proverbs - Proverbs 3:33 is a great reminder to be upright, 3:34 is a great reminder to be humble and 3:35 a great reminder to be wise!  How are you doing on being upright, humble, and wise these days?  (I think this owl below has got two out of three of these attributes... I'm not so sure about humble though... :)

Worship God: Our readings in Psalm 17:7 today remind me of the song "Mighty To Save." Here's Laura Story performing the song live:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gg5bn39Fl9M

Is God Mighty to Save in your life?  Click here for his Might!

Please join me in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Matthew 12:50 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you would do the will of God each and every day in your life. Pray that you would be Jesus' brother and sister and mother now and forevermore.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Based on my comments above related to our readings in Genesis about God blessing Potiphar for Joseph's sake - I wonder - does God intervene and bless our work lives?  I think He does.  I'd love to get your opinions on this - do you pray about your work life regularly?  Do you think God blesses your work life?  And like Joseph, does God maybe bless those around you, even if they aren't necessarily in relationship with God?   And maybe does He do this for your sake?  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

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today and also consider financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

January 18th One Year Bible Readings

Genesis 37:1-38:30 ~ Matthew 12:22-45 ~ Psalm 16:1-11 ~ Proverbs 3:27-32
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or ESV.org: OT, NT, Psalms, Proverbs or Daily Audio Bible ~

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 have had some dreams in the past that have scared me in big ways... and 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 many 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?

Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of Matt Redman's song "10,000 Reasons:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk11x52nc04

Do you have any reason to love God?  Click here for 10,000 reasons!

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

Prayer Point: Pray that every moment of your life that you would be with Jesus. Pray that you would be gathering people for Jesus' Kingdom in your life. Pray that you would never be against Jesus and never scatter his people.

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

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today and also consider financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!