Psalms -- A Book for Those Who are Suffering

Today's Reading:

• Psalm 69:1 -18
• Psalm 69:19 - 36

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Psalm 691: 36
This Psalm screams desperation.  David is suffering terribly from the wrath of the wicked.  He compares his suffering to that of almost drowning -- he says the flood waters are up to his neck and he can't find a foothold to cling to (69:1 - 2).  David says that he is hungry and he is thirsty, yet his enemies sit before fine tables (69:21 - 22).  Everyone he knows -- even his own brothers -- pretend that they don't know him (69:8).

David says that he has suffered much humiliation for worshiping the Lord.  He says he is scoffed at when he fasts (69:10) and made fun of for showing sorrow (69:11).  He says that he is the favorite subject of gossip, even among drunkards (69:12).  David is suffering greatly because people are telling lies about him.  He says that those who hate him outnumber the hairs on his head (6:4).

This Psalm paints a very desolate picture of the situation David is in.  He is outnumbered and everyone seems to hate him, even his own family.  He is suffering emotionally and physically.  Those who despise the Lord have all taken up issue with David himself.  He is carrying a terrible burden.

I can't imagine being in such a dark place.  I can't imagine what it would be like if I felt like I had no one on this earth to back me up, to be on my side.  I can't imagine how desperate it would feel to have everyone become so spiteful towards me.  He said he felt like he was drowning, and the end was very very near (flood waters up to his neck).

All these Psalms of David make me desperate to read his story and find out everything that was going on at the time these were written.  There's obviously so much more to the story than what I've learned in Sunday school -- primarily that David defeated a giant, was the least of his brothers, and was the greatest king of all (until Jesus Christ, of course).  Yet obviously there's a big, sinister story of suffering I don't yet know about.  Reading these Psalms makes my spirit agonize for David's suffering, so I would like to find out the rest of the story.

Like David's other desperate Psalms, this one highlights David's complete faith throughout his turmoils.  David knows the Lord is there, he knows the Lord will avenge him -- he just doesn't know how long he will have to endure the terrible suffering.  And, like the Psalms before it, this one ends in praise to the Lord.

These Psalms are written to speak through those going through the hardest parts of their lives.  They remind us that we aren't the only ones who have suffered, and we are not the only ones who might have felt abandoned by the Lord at times.  But these Psalms remind us have faith, and to sing praises to the Lord regardless -- because the Lord is faithful to those who are faithful to Him.  And for that, Lord, I sing my praises to you!

Jesus Remains Behind in the Temple

Today's Reading:

• Luke 2:36 - 52
• Psalm 60:1 - 12

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Luke 2:36 - 52
Here we get a small glimpse into Jesus as a child.  We are told that Jesus was strong, healthy, filled with wisdom, and had God's favor on him (2:40).  Then we are told about the story where Jesus went missing for three days.  Mary and Joseph had traveled to Jerusalem for Passover, and didn't realize (because there were so many travelers migrating together) that Jesus was not among them.  Mary and Joseph returned to Jerusalem and eventually found Jesus in the Temple, listening to the teachers and asking them questions.

When questioned by Mary and Joseph about why he made them search for Him, he responded with:

"But why did you need to search?" he asked.  "Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?" (2:49)

I have to wonder at what age did Jesus become aware of who He was?  Was there a point where Jesus was told who He was, and He accepted out of fate? Or did He always know, was that knowledge always a part of Him, just as we know the parents who raise us? Did Mary and Joseph ever tell Him of His special birth and of the angel visits?

It's all useless speculation, but I can't help but wonder what what life was like for Jesus as a child, and how he was as a young child.

Psalm 60:1 - 12
In this Psalm of David, David's armies are conquering many territories.  At some point in the conquest, however, David has to call for the Lord's help against his enemies.  As always, David's faith remains strong, and he calls on the Lord with praise of the Lord.

Tears in a Bottle

Today's Reading:

• Psalm 56:1 - 13
  
• Psalm 57:1 - 11

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Psalm 56:1 - 57:11
Psalm 57 is another Psalm where David is crying out for the protection of the Lord.  He shows his faith in the Lord to rescue him and praises the Lord.  Psalm 56 is another psalm of David, and this one really stuck out to me. 

This psalm really deals with the result of sorrow bestowed upon us by men.  David talks about how these people are plotting against him, gossiping about him, attacking him, and spreading lies.  Regardless of all that these people have done to him, David is putting his trust in the Lord.

The following verse is written twice -- once in verse 4, and once in verse 11:

I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?  What can mere mortals do to me?

 There are so many good verses in this psalm.  Another one is verse 8:

You keep track of all my sorrows.  You have collected all my tears in your bottle.

I have to mark this psalm down so that I can return to it later.  It really is a beautiful reminder that the Lord is there, collecting your tears.  When the whole world seems to be against you, in the end it doesn't matter -- for the people of this world are mortal, and our relationship with God is eternal.  What can mere mortals do to us?

Verse 11 sums Psalm 56 up perfectly:

For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping.  So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.

The Ministry of Jesus According to Mark; Let the Lord Fight Your Battles

Today’s Reading:
• Mark 1:29 - 2:12
• Psalm 35:17 - 28

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Mark 1:29 - 2:12
Mark wastes no time into getting into the ministry of Jesus.  We are told that Jesus went around healing the sick and casting out demons.  At one point he was taken to Simon's mother-in-law and there Jesus cast the sickness right out of her, and then she got up and prepared them all a meal.  That's pretty awesome.

I guess Jesus was trying to keep who he was on the down low.  I suppose once he claimed to be the Son of God, the arrest and crucifixion would inevitably have to occur.  I like he didn't allow the demons to speak at all, since they knew who he was (1:34).

Jesus tried to keep the word from spreading about his ability to heal, I guess because the crowds followed him so badly that he couldn't even enter towns.  He had to do all his preaching on the countryside (1:45).  At one point we are told that four men literally dug a hole in the roof over where Jesus was standing to lower a paralyzed man down to be healed (2:4).

The ministry of Jesus was so amazing.  I am enjoying that I get to see new sides of his ministry through the different gospels.  I can't wait to continue on further.

Psalm 35:17 - 28
David is still suffering at the tongues and lies of those around him.  He is being testified against, lied against and ridiculed.  It is sad to read the suffering of David, but at least through these Psalms we an see that we are not the only ones to ever have suffered.  Yet the Lord will step in and fight our battles for us, when we are ready to let Him do so instead of trusting to our own devices. 
 

Is Salvation Enough, or Do We Also Need Good Works?; Letting the Lord Shine Through

Today's Reading:

• Matthew 25:31 - 26:13
• Psalm 31:9 - 18

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Matthew 25:31 - 26:13
Jesus told the story of the sheep and the goats.  He says that when he returns the people will gather together like sheep and goats.  Jesus will act as a shepherd and separate the two, seating the sheep on the right and the goats on the left. 

The sheep were the ones that fed the hungry, helped those in sickness, visited those in prison, and welcomed strangers into their homes.  Jesus says that those who do those things for his brothers and sisters are doing those things for Jesus himself. 

The goats were the ones who did not do those things.  The sheep were to enter the Kingdom of Heaven and the goats were sentenced to be cast into the eternal fire.

The thing I take away from this is that we must both be saved and do good works to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  I do not believe that there is any way that our good works can save us without the blood of Jesus.

What I think is that those who are saved are truly transformed and as a result they begin to live their lives differently.  With the love of Jesus in our hearts, how can we not have compassion for others?  How can we not help those in need?  How can we walk past a person who needs help and just ignore them? 

Jesus is in us and he truly transforms us and the way we interpret the world.  That feeling swallows us when we are first called to be saved but it doesn't always last.  We need to constantly evaluate ourselves to determine if we are letting Jesus shine through us, or are we shutting Him back -- little by little -- until He disappears from us entirely? 

Psalm 31:9 - 18
This is a continuation of David's plea to the Lord to protect him.  I found verse 8:10 to be particularly interesting:

I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness.  Sin has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within.

Here we are told that not only does sin create a chasm between us and the Lord, it zaps our livelihood.  It shortness our lives.  It creates sadness.  On this earth, in this life, we will know constant sorrow, grief, pain, anger, and be wronged.  That is a condition of the sin of mankind. 

But we can control what we do to our own bodies.  We don't have to further add to our own sorrows by continuing to sin.  Of course we are going to sin, we are painfully human.  But we can control ourselves and try to live righteously.  We can control what we do onto ourselves.

Ready Yourself for the Return of Jesus, Multiply Your Blessings

Today's Reading:

• Matthew 25:1 - 30
• Psalm 31: 1-8

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Matthew 25:1 - 30
Two parables are told in this reading of Matthew.  The first is the Parable of Ten Bridesmaids.  All ten bridesmaids went together to meet their bridegroom but they didn't know precisely when he would show. 

Half of the bridesmaids brought extra oil in their lamps in case it was needed and the other half did not.  While half of the bridesmaids ran out of oil and left to find more, the bridegroom showed up. It was midnight. The five that were ready were taken with the bridegroom to the wedding feast while the other five were locked out.

It's not hard to see how this parable relates to the second coming of Christ.  The moral of the story is that we must be prepared at all times.  We do not know when Christ will return, and when Christ does return we will not have the option of readying ourselves for him. 

The second parable is the Parable of the Three Servants.  A master left each of three servants in charge of a sum of money.  The first servant was given ten bags of silver, the second was given two and the third was given one. 

The first two servants each managed the money well and doubled it.  The third hid it away in the ground.  When the master returned he was proud of the first two and told them that because they had managed those amounts well, they would be given an abundance more.  But the third did not even earn interest with the master's money and therefore what he had would be taken from him and given to others who would do better with it.

I guess the moral of the story is not to waste the blessings of the Lord.  Whatever the Lord has given to you, take that and multiply it further.  The further you multiply the blessings of the Lord, the more blessings you will receive until you have an abundance of blessings.  It's a powerful promise.  Learn to recognize your blessings and to multiply them and they will be multiplied upon you.

Psalm 31: 1-8 
Here is another Psalm where David cries out to the Lord for protection.  The one thing that is true of all psalms like this that I have read before is that David never turns from the Lord.  No matter how great his suffering, no matter how many enemies at his doorstep, no matter what people manage to do to him, he never gives up hope in the Lord. 

I imagine that utter faith in the Lord no matter what is going on in their lives is something many people struggle with.  I know that many people turn away from the Lord when they have suffered a great loss.  These psalms of David are beautiful because he never does turn away from the Lord.  It's a shining example for all of us to follow.

There is no "Catch" to Christianity -- Christianity is Based on Love

Today's Reading:

• Matthew 22:34 - 23:12
• Psalm 27:7 - 14

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Matthew 22:34 - 23:12

"'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind'.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."  ~ Jesus Christ, Matthew 22:37-40

Christianity is based on love -- Jesus came right out and said that.  It's not a hidden secret of the bible.  You don't have to search and search to find the Love.  It's there, in the open, for all to find. 

It kills me how some people think there is some sinister purpose in those who are trying to convert others to Christianity.  I was recently talking to a skeptical friend of mine about letting the bible speak to his heart.  He then said something along the lines of "plenty of books speak to you, Hitler's speeches spoke to many people's hearts."  Ouch.  I could be wrong because I have never read one of Hitler's speeches, but I'm pretty certain that the basis of his speeches weren't love, tolerance, forgiveness and simple obedience.

I could see how people might get overwhelmed with the Old Testament. There is much judgement and condemnation and long lists of required steps to atone for sins.  The Old Testament has much value for us and does have many things to teach us.  But please realize that our covenant with God is held through the New Testament and the blood of Jesus Christ. 

I haven't found a single thing yet that makes me think I'm falling victim to a cult (yes, same person, same conversation!) or that anything bizarre is being asked of me.  Yes, it can be hard to jump off and believe in this one being who created everything.  And yes, it can be hard to take the bible as God's divine word because it went through centuries of committees and translations and seemingly man-made decisions.  I really can't help you there.  All I can say is that if you believe in God Almighty then you have to believe that He had the power to completely shape the bible as He wished it to be.

Let the bible speak to your heart.  Turn off your head and let the words speak to your spirit.  Even if you are skeptical, say a little prayer before you read for understanding and for the bible to speak to you.  Trust me, if you open your heart and do that, the bible WILL speak to you.  Love.  Love is the greatest commandment of them all.  That's not really so bad, is it?

Psalm 27:7 - 14
Here David cries to the Lord to save him from his enemies.  His enemies are sneering at him, telling him to let his God save him.  David says that he has known God from the time he came from his mother's womb and that God has been there with him always. 

God has been there for each of us, always.  The question is, have we been there for God?  Have we been willing to receive Him and let Him come to our rescue?  I feel like God has always been there for me.  I can't recall a time where I haven't known Him (that doesn't mean I've always obeyed or lived righteously!). 

I believe it would be substantially harder to find your way to the Lord after you have passed your childhood.  But it's far from impossible.  Whether you've known it or not, the Lord has been there for you since you were in your mother's womb.  Yes, I'm talking to YOU.

Conclusion
Hey -- you who I was talking about back there -- you know who you are.  I love you anyway :)

P.S.
As a friend, of course.  Don't go getting any funny ideas! Muwahaha!

Parable of the Vineyard Workers

Today’s Reading:
• Matthew 20:1 - 18
  
• Psalm 25:1 - 15

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Matthew 20:1 - 18
Matthew chapter 20 opens with a parable about vineyard workers.  In this story a landowner hires a group of men to work for one day's wage.  Throughout the day this landowner steadily picks up more men and sets them to work.  He hires men throughout the day and up until almost the end of the day. 

At the end of the day the landowner pays the last men he hired a full day's wage.  He then proceeds to pay the men in the reverse order that he hired them in and payed them each a full day's wage, even those who had truly worked for the entire day.  Of course the workers who had been working the longest were upset, but they were hired on the terms of receiving a full day's wage.  The landowner had every right to be kind to the others. 

I can see how this parable would describe salvation.  There are those who have known and obeyed the Lord since they were first old enough to be accountable.  There are those (like myself) who always knew the Lord but failed to obey Him and/or failed to do His will for a point in their lives.  Then there are those who go through most of their lives never knowing the Lord and until they were near the very end.  Finally, there are those who never knew or just plain refused to know the Lord.

Those who never knew the Lord are like those who never worked at all; they will receive no payment, no salvation.  But those who only knew the Lord for a short time, those who knew and obeyed Him always, and those who are somewhere in the middle -- they all get the exact same salvation.  The Lord is really good to us, because I imagine those who fall into the first category are few and far between.  I am thankful the Lord is kind to me.

Psalm 25:1 - 15
This Psalm is another awesome prayer from David.  I don't have a whole lot to say about it -- just that I really enjoyed reading it.

Humble as Children, All Will Bow Before the Lord

Today’s Reading:
• Matthew 18:1 - 20
• Psalm 22:18 - 31

 Matthew 18:1 - 20
These few short verses of Matthew taught quite a few lessons.  First Jesus tells us that if we are not as humble as little children we will not get into the Kingdom of Heaven.  Jesus also says that those who welcome someone in His name is indeed welcoming Christ himself.  Jesus then tells us that those who cause those who trust in him to fall into sin would be better off being drowned.  And, once again, we are told that it is better to cut off a sinful part of your body -- be it a hand or your own eyes -- then to let that part sin and keep you from the Kingdom of Heaven.  We are also told that those who are lost are given more attention than those who obey, and they are rejoiced over far more than those who have been obedient all along.


After reading these verses I have to evaluate myself to see how humble I am.  The problem is that I first need to figure out what exactly these verses mean by being humble.  What aspect(s) of my life does this refer to?  To me, right now, with what little study I've done, it seems to mean that I should have a child like belief in God. 

I think of my eldest daughter, who has an absolute love of the Lord.  I once had someone tell me that she suffered from "magical thinking".  Really?!  Obviously I don't find an utter belief in God to be "magical thinking" -- it's called Faith.  My daughter doesn't think that God is some magical genie who is going to grant all her wishes.  She thinks of Him as being the one, the only, the true God -- the God who created the universe and all in it, including us.  She doesn't have a doubt in her little head. 

So many people have to work at having faith and work against their doubts.  I am lucky, because like my daughter, I have always known God to be true.  I have never had to find Him and realize that yes, He does exist.  All of this faith doesn't matter one bit, however, unless I align my life with how God wants me to live it. 

It's not enough just to believe in God and his son Jesus -- if I don't follow God's rules for my life, if I don't find and fulfill my purpose in Him -- then what am I really living for?  What will my life be worth when I stand before the Gates of Heaven? One thing is for sure, by finally committing myself to truly study the Word of God I know that I am finally on the right track.

 Psalm 22:18 - 31
The beginning of this Psalm that I read a couple days ago was filled with David's suffering at the hands of his enemies.  Even though David was suffering so badly, still he had tremendous praise and reverence for the Lord.   It touches my heart just to read those words of powerful praise. 

David then proclaims that the entire world will bow before the Lord (22:27) and that future generations will all hear about the wonders of the Lord (22:30).  How true is that?  How many generations has it been since David walked the Earth, and more people than ever know the Lord.  And when Jesus returns every single person will know the truth.  I am glad I know the truth now instead of later.  Please remember that there is not always a later, so change your life now.  Change it today -- there might not be a tomorrow.

Discernment of Demons, Suffering of David

Today’s Reading:
• Matthew 17:10 - 27
• Psalm 22:1 - 18

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Matthew 17:10 - 27
Today I read about how Jesus healed a demon possessed boy.  The boy was mute and deaf and suffered from frequent violent seizures.  The disciples tried to cast out the demon but could not.  This led to Jesus rebuking the disciples for not having enough faith.

This short story leaves me with so many questions. I see reference after reference of how Jesus and his disciples cast out demons and heal sickness, all in the power of Jesus Christ over Satan.  I am beginning to understand that sickness and disease are not the will of God for his children and that, if we use the power of Jesus in true faith we have the power over such things.  Just a few days ago I read a passage from Proverbs (4:20-22) that said:

My child, pay attention to what I say.  Listen carefully to my words.  Don't lose sight of them.  Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.

My biggest question right now is how does one recognize an evil spirit/demon?  Not the commercialized, head spinning, pea soup spitting demon; but rather a demon that is harboring sickness in a person?  To Jesus, to his disciples, to the people at the time, there was no question about whether or not there was a demon in that boy's body. 

Our society places so much value into the scientific explanation of things.  I do believe that we should also use our own readily available devices before asking for divine intervention. If there is a problem that a trip to the doctor and a few antibiotics can fix, then by all means go to the doctor and take the pills.  But what if you can't afford the doctor?  What if the problem isn't something minor?  What if you're battling a condition such as seizures or a cancer?  Are all of those things evil/demonic spirits?

So if we say that yes, those things are evil spirits/demons/Satan's work, then we should very well be able to channel the power of Jesus Christ to have them cast out, right?  I wonder how one grows strong in healing.  The disciples themselves had issue having enough faith to cast the demon out so it's obviously not something so simple that you can just do it as soon as you learn that you can channel the power of Jesus to heal others.

This is certainly a topic of high interest to me.  I certainly have the faith -- of course Jesus has complete power over Satan, there's no question about that.  I guess I need to first pray for discernment so that I might better see the spiritual causes of disease and sickness.  That's not a light prayer, it's actually kind of scary to think about.  Do I even want to open that door?  I do, I don't -- but I do, because for me I can't go stick my head in the sand when I realize something is out there.  Then I must read the Word of God and pray to learn how to overcome the things I can see with my new eyes.

It's not going to happen overnight, but I feel a big shift in my heart as I write these words.  I feel a heaviness and a slight dread.  I am somewhat afraid of what I am asking for, but I really can't go back now.  I must also remember that fear is not of God.  I can tell you one thing though -- when I started this project I really didn't think that I'd be praying for a spiritual discernment of spirits.  This one book has power to change your life so completely.

Psalm 22:1 - 18
This partial Psalm is a sad one because David is suffering greatly by the hands of his enemies.  It's hard for me to relate this to context without having really learned David's life story.  I think I've mentioned a few times now about how I don't know much about David aside from his conquer of Goliath and that he was the greatest king of the Jewish people.  I will certainly have to go back and read the Psalms of David after I learn all about him.

Jesus Reveals Himself as the Son of God

Today’s Reading:
• Matthew 16:13 - 17:9
• Psalm 21: 1 - 13

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Matthew 16:13 - 17:9
Jesus revealed that he was the Son of the Living God to his disciples.  Simon Peter was the first to be given this knowledge -- not through Jesus, but instead revealed to him through God himself.  Jesus then told his disciples that they must keep this news quiet and not tell anyone.

Jesus told his disciples that he must suffer and that he would die.  Peter found this incredulous and took Jesus aside to tell him so.  After all, Jesus was the Messiah.  He should take his worldly throne and rule.  Jesus recognized this as an attack from Satan and rebuked it.  Of course Jesus would be tempted to take this route, he is both man and God in nature.  Satan had tempted Jesus many times throughout his entire life and he always failed.

It had to be devastating for the disciples to learn what was going to happen.  It had finally been revealed to them the true nature of Jesus Christ -- he was the son of God Himself!  And then they learn that he is going to be killed and suffer greatly? 

It has been a couple millennium since Christ came to this earth so we have the benefit of hindsight.  We know that in order for us to have a relationship with God we must go through Jesus Christ, who lived a completely sinless life before being sacrificed.  The disciples didn't truly understand that, they wanted to know why Jesus, the son of God, didn't use his powers to avoid that fate.

Jesus then took Peter, James and John to a mountain.  There the face and clothing of Jesus were transformed.  The face of Jesus shone and his clothing became pure white.  Then Moses and Elijah appeared and began to talk with Jesus.  Peter was enthused and proclaimed so (did he interrupt, I wonder? It doesn't say).  Then the voice of God boomed down and proclaimed to them that Jesus was His Son.

I often wonder what it would have been like if I were alive to meet Jesus.  I can't even begin to fathom being on a mountain top with Jesus, Moses and Elijah all at once.  And then to literally hear the voice of God at the same time is just awe inspiring in thought. 

I often think how great that would be, but then I recall all the tribulations the disciples went through.  Am I happier here, living my comfy life, writing about things I already know in my heart to be truths, even though I haven't physically heard the voice of God or seen Jesus perform a miracle? 

Or would I be happier having those truths revealed to me through great miracles, visions, and by hearing the voice of God Himself and then suffering greatly for sharing what I had seen?  Even today many people suffer by spreading God's Word, many are still martyred for doing so, but from where I sit here I have the freedom to share the word of God and my thoughts without physical harm coming to me. 

It doesn't really matter, I live the life I live; I was born when God deemed me to be born into the times and country and situations He deemed me to be born into.  I will take what I have, which is a true knowledge in my heart of the existence of God and Jesus, and do what I can to share that with others.  I still know Jesus Christ, and I still know God.  I might not physically tremble as His voice booms above me, but His voice still speaks to my heart. 

Psalm 21: 1 - 13 
In this Psalm the people of the kingdom of David rejoice in the Lord for granting David's victory against their enemies.  The people proclaim that the Lord is truly great to David.  He grants David a long life, victory over his enemies, blessings, splendor and majesty.  They talk of how others who scheme against the Lord run away as soon as they realize that God is going to strike against them.  The verse further affirms how I feel -- there is no side to be on but on the side of God Almighty. 

Joseph Reveals Himself to his Brothers: True Forgiveness

Today's Reading:
• Genesis 44:1 - 45:28
• Proverbs 4:11 - 13

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Genesis 44:1 - 45:28
Finally I got to read about how Joseph told his brothers who he really was.  I thought perhaps the telling would be full of vengeance.  After all, Joseph was tormenting his brothers quite a bit by constantly baiting their bags with stolen goods.  He had manipulated them into bringing Benjamin to Egypt and then tried to keep Benjamin in Egypt as a slave.  But when Joseph confronted his brothers, he didn't even let them take any blame.  He told them not to be angry with themselves, for God did this so that they might have food to eat and not starve to death.  That is perfectly true forgiveness and serves as an example to us all.

Proverbs 4:11 - 13
These few versus from Proverbs tells us that if we listen to the Lord, learn and obey his teachings, and walk His straight path, that the Lord will give us a long good life.  Amen to that!

Joseph's Brothers Return to Egypt with Benjamin

Today's Reading:
• Genesis 42:18 - 43:34
• Proverbs 4:7 - 10

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Genesis 42:18 - 43:34

Joseph imprisoned Simeon and sent the rest of his brothers back to their home with instructions to bring back their youngest brother when they return.  Only then would Simeon be allowed to go free.  Joseph had the brothers' sacks filled with grain, and returned the payment for the grain on top of the bag. The brothers then went on their way.

The brothers returned home and told Jacob what had happened.  Jacob was devastated -- he had already lost Joseph, the son he loved so well, and now he had lost Simeon to prison.  And if the brothers had their way, Jacob would also lose Benjamin.  The thought was surely unbearable for Jacob and he stalled sending them off as long as possible.  The brothers remained until they were almost out of grain then once again begged Jacob to send Benjamin with them.  Jacob reluctantly agreed and the brothers returned to Egypt.  When they returned Joseph called for them to dine at his home.  There is where the story ends for today.

Proverbs 4:7 - 10

Wisdom and good judgement are two of the most important traits you can seek for yourself.  I have seen "Wisdom" referred to over and over again in Proverbs.  Referred to as a "she", she should be embraced and shared with others.  What makes a person wise, aside from life experience? 

Conclusion
I enjoy reading many different parts of the Bible each day.  It certainly helps me to not get bored or discouraged.  I don't have to "get through" all of the Old Testament to get to the accounts of Jesus.  But sometimes I wish that the stories weren't broken up so because I really want to read what happens next.  Yes, I know what happens next, and yes, I've read this far before in the Old Testament -- but I still want to see what happens next all over again.  Oh well, gives me something to look forward to!

The Least Righteous Person in Heaven

Today's Reading:
• Matthew 11:7-30
• Psalm 14:1-7

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Matthew 11:7-30
Here Jesus introduces us to John the Baptist and tells us that John is the one foretold of in the prophecy as Elijah.  My bible references the scriptures Jesus referred to as Malachi 3:1 and 4:5.  We are told that John the Baptist is the messenger and right after he arrives so will the Savior.  Jesus also says that out of those who lived and all who have died, none are better than John the Baptist.  But then Jesus says that John is not even as great as the least person who is in the Kingdom of Heaven.  So I guess that means that even the best man to ever have lived just cannot compare with even the least righteous person in Heaven.  I guess it just goes to show that no matter how good of a person you are, you are still nothing without the blood of Jesus.

Jesus then warns of the judgement coming to those who don't believe.  He says the judgement is even worse than judgment that awaits the people of Sodom, because these people have seen the miracles, still turned away after seeing them.  How does someone turn away once they've seen such great miracles?!

Psalm 14:1-7
David tells us that those who say there is no God are corrupt and but those who trust and obey the Lord are with God.  To those who refuse God, terror will come.  Once again, the message is reinforced that it doesn't matter how good a person is; that person is not and will not be with God without going through Jesus Christ.

Conclusion
I really am pleased that I chose this plan to follow for reading the bible in a year.  Many other plans simply cut the bible into straight slices so that you still read through it end to end.  Until now, I've never tried anything other than reading the bible straight through.  With this plan I get to sample parts from all over the bible and watch as different stories unfold.  It truly is a much better plan for newbies like myself!  The link to the plan I'm following was in the introductory post, but here is the link again in case you missed it.

God's Will vs. Attacks from Satan

Today's Reading:
• Matthew 20:29 - 21:22
• Psalm 25:16 - 22

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Matthew 20:29
Jesus appeared in Jerusalem on a donkey's colt, causing uproar as he made the proclamation of his fulfillment of the prophecy known.  In chapter 21 verses 13-14 Jesus performs his famous clearing of the temple where he let it be known that a church is not supposed to be about ripping the patrons off to grow its own wealth. 

The most interesting part of this reading to me occurs after Jesus curses the fig tree (21:19).  When Jesus' disciples asked him how he did that, Jesus tells them that they have the power to do the same.  In fact, Jesus tells them that they could move mountains if they had but the faith and were without doubt (21:21).

 Jesus also told his disciples that they will receive anything they pray for as long as they have the faith (21:22).  First of all let me say that I do not think this is an open endorsement of receiving all our heart desires.  In fact I would think that it is far from it.  I think that to be in a place of true, pure doubtless faith that is strong enough for us to call on God's power as his own, then our request wouldn't be for our own desires in the first place.  We might pray for our survival or for our needs, but not our desires.

When I read those two verses I think of our ability to wield God's power over Satan.  This includes Satan's influence over our lives -- be it in the form of temptation, "natural" disaster or sickness.  Before you can get to that, however, you have to let go of your doubts.  That is so much easier said than done.

The pastor at my church has covered this topic recently and that's where my added insights come into play on this topic.  For my entire life I have attributed everything bad that has happened as being "God's Will."  I see more and more now that these things in general are not "God's Will".  Sure, God does deal out punishment on people, but His Will is that we we are healthy, strong,provided for, and that we live our lives for Him completely.  I also believe that no matter what happens to us, whatever is thrown at us, that God will take that situation and turn it for the good.  So just because Satan attacks doesn't mean that God won't turn that around for good later.

My overall point for all of this is that we can, with doubtless faith, wield the power of Jesus to overcome Satan.  But like I said, this is easier said than done.  I don't only mean for this to pertain to healing, but that is the application I am applying this to today.  My pastor said, "If you don't have faith in God to heal your headaches, how can you have faith enough to have cancer cured further down the road?"  That really struck home with me, so I am really trying to learn to utilize the power Jesus allows us to use over sickness right now.  It's going to be a long road but I'm going to take it one step at a time.

Psalm 25:16 - 22
In this second half of Psalm 25, David begs the Lord to ransom himself and Israel from all its troubles.  A simple reminder that when life is at its worse, there is only one person to turn to -- the Lord Almighty. 

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath

 Today's Reading:
• Matthew 12:1-21
• Psalm 15:1-5

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Matthew 12:1-21
In this short passage Jesus basically tells us not to be ridiculous about the laws of the Sabbath.  Yes, we are to rest, but if someone needs help you help them.  If you're hungry you eat.  And someone has to run the temples where everyone is coming to worship, right?  Observe the day yet have common sense and do what's right in the end. 

In this case, Jesus completely healed a man's deformed hand on the Sabbath.  Jesus did this in front of the Pharisees, and the response from them was to plot to kill him.  I just don't understand how people can look at a person who is truly performing miracles and then immediately plot to kill that person. 

In the end Jesus moved on before the plots could be completed.  Before he left his followers he healed all the sick who were among them (12:15).  Not just one, not a few, not just the ones who caught his attention -- Jesus healed each and every one of them.  Here he is, on the move because people are trying to kill him, yet he ensures each and every sick person who follows him has been healed.  What does this say for those of us who follow Jesus Christ?  It tells me to put my full trust in the Lord, because those who follow Christ will be completely taken care of -- each and every single person.

Psalm 15:1-5
In Psalm 15 David talks about the character of those who may enter the Lord's presence.  There is a list of things to abide by; things from living a good life (don't we all generally think we are good people?) to not gossiping, to lending money without charging interest.  This Psalm reminds me that I still have a lot of work to do, that even though I do think I'm a good person, I still fall well short of God's standards for me.

Love Jesus Before All Others

Today's Reading:
• Matthew 10:24-11:6
• Psalm 13:1-6

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Matthew 10:24-11:6
The story continues of the words Jesus spoke to the apostles before sending them out.  Jesus warns that we must love him beyond anyone in our lives -- our mothers and fathers, our very own children.  That's really hard to do isn't it?  I love Jesus, I love him greatly.  If I had to choose between him and my children, I would choose him, but I hope that day never comes. 

Jesus continues to say he came to set us all against each other, and in the end it's him we are to follow.  If we follow him above all others we will be rewarded.  Our lives are just our bodies, but our souls belong to the Lord.  Jesus also says that he did not come to bring peace on earth, but rather a sword (10:34).  That to me is profound.  I always thought of Jesus coming to reign in peace on earth.  Of course I expect the tribulation and judgements, horrors and terrors and deaths galore.  But then the peace, right?  I'm interested to get to the parts where I read about what his reign on earth will be like.

The reading finishes with a look in at John the Baptist.  John sends out a messenger to find out if Jesus is the promised Messiah.  The messenger returns with news of all the miracles being performed.  And here the reading stops until next time.

Psalm 13:1-6
David seems at this point to feel very defeated and afraid that God is not with him to help him defeat his enemies.  He seems to want an answer as to when the Lord is going to pull him out and raise him above his enemies.  Though it seems he is despairing, David ends this psalm on a note of faith, saying that he trusts in the Lord to save him and he will rejoice when the Lord rescues him. 

Notice there is no IF there, simply faith that there can be no other option but for God to rescue him.  I never have any questions that God will come through with His will for me, but therein lies the problem.  I know that God's will does not always align with my own, so in my own prayers I pray that our wills align, and if they don't, then please be with me to handle it and see the inevitable good in the situation in the end.  And in the end I know the outcome will be good, even if we can't see the good in it at that moment in time.

A Chance to Meet Jesus

Today's Reading:

• Matthew 10:1-23
  
• Psalm 12:1-8

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Matthew 10:1-23
In these verses the twelve disciples of Jesus are named. Jesus gives them the ability to heal every type of disease and cast out demons. Jesus sends them out in the world to do his will and spread his name. The journey, however, is scary.

You would think peopble would be overjoyed at the chance to meet Jesus, the chance to be healed and heard and blessed. But this is the world in which Jesus was crucified. I wonder what would I have done? The role of Jesus is well established in my religion today, but if I had been alive for the first coming of Christ, how would I have reacted? Would I have been weary even though I saw the miracles performed? How well would I have known the prophecy – well enough to know that Jesus fulfilled it all? To this day I still don’t know most of the prophecy behind his coming – something that I am working on remedying right this instant by studying the bible.

Without Jesus, would I even have known God? All of those points are irrelevant. I was born in this time period, quite possibly because I would have failed as Christian back then. I will never know. Anyway, I followed this train of thought because as Jesus sent his disciples out he prepared them for the hard times and persecution that would befall them for spreading the word and works of Jesus. These disciples must have been amazing men – despite being told they would be punished, persecuted, flogged and whipped -- they still met the challenge head on.  

Psalm 12:1-8
Another psalm from David, this time about how the godly people are disappearing. I wonder, does it always feel this way? I certainly feel like the numbers are declining, and the world is moving away from Christianity. Of course, it might have always been this way and I’m only now growing up enough to notice it? I’m just thankful that I live in a country where I am not persecuted for my religion. 

Jesus Raises A Girl From the Dead

Today’s Reading:
• Matthew 9:18-38
  
• Psalm 11:1-7

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Matthew 9:18-38
Here we read more about Jesus and his amazing healing power. He even brought back a girl from the dead! (23:27). He cast demons out, enabled the blind to see and healed all kinds of illness and diseases. How lucky those people were, to literally walk with Jesus! To be preached to and healed by him. And how could anyone who literally saw those miracles choose not to believe?  

Psalm 11:1-7 
Another Psalm from David in which he professes his faith in the Lord to protect him. David also states that the Lord judges the violent and the wicked and loves justice. Honestly, I don’t have much more to comment on about this Psalm – not that the message doesn’t ring true – it’s just that most of the Psalms I’ve read thus far have been very similar.  They are all awesome in how they show how to truly praise the Lord.

Having Faith in the Lord

Today’s Reading:
• Matthew 8:1-17
  
• Psalm 9:13-20

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Matthew 8:1-17
Here we read about the amazing healing powers of Jesus. How could people not believe in a man who could remove sickness and diseases with a touch of a hand? I don’t remember where I heard this, but I have heard that healers were a dime a dozen back then. But surely none came close to the true power Jesus had to heal. It amazes me how people can be faced with the truth and yet turn their eyes away and act like it never happened.

My favorite part of this passage came in chapter 24, where a soldier came up to Jesus and asked him to heal his servant without ever seeing him. He had such faith that Jesus could do that; faith that apparently Jesus had not yet seen in Israel. We take that kind of faith for granted – today we must have faith that the Lord can act without his physical presence. People in the old days got to literally walk next to the Lord. They got to converse with him, they were literally touched by Jesus! Today we have to believe that the Lord can perform these miracles from afar.

 I think it makes it easier for people to deny the Lord's works today, because if they don’t SEE the Lord do it, it can be dismissed as “coincidence.” But it's still heartening that Jesus remarked on the faith the soldier had – faith that Jesus can perform miracles when he’s not right next to someone – faith that we all must have now because we have no other choice if we are to believe.  

Psalm 9:13-20
I read the first part of this Psalm (1:12) a couple days ago.  It consisted of David praising the Lord for overcoming his enemies.  David continues this Psalm by praying for mercy from and vindication to his tormentors.  It then ends with another cry for the Lord to judge the wicked. 

I know that this Psalm is supposed to be a song but it's really hard for me to look at words and imagine them as music -- especially when they don't rhyme!  Yeah, I should know better, but I don't.  I'm sure that if I heard it sung it would be a very powerful hymn.