January 19

January 19
One Year Bible Readings:
Genesis 39:1-41:16
Matthew 12:46-13:23
Psalm 17:1-15
Proverbs 3:33-35

Supplemental Reading For The One Year Bible
The following are excerpts from Mike’s One Year Bible Blog

Genesis:
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.
Q: Do you have some unique gifts in your life? Things that you are really good at? How do you give credit to God for these gifts in your life? Have you ever claimed them as gifts we developed on your own? Do you believe that God is truly the Gift-Giver of all your skills and talents and wisdom in your life?

Matthew:
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...
Q: How are you a brother and sister and mother of Jesus?

Matthew 13 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.
Q: 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?

Psalm:
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."
Q: How do you seek refuge with God from whatever might attacking you? How do you believe that God will show you his unfailing love in wonderful ways? How have you been saved by God's strength? How have you sought refuge with God from your "enemies"?

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.
Q: Where do you “get wisdom” in your life? Are there places outside of the Bible and the church that you get wisdom from?

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