Thursday, January 31st: Exodus 12:14 - 13:16, Matthew 20:29 - 21:22, Psalm 25:16-22, Proverbs 6:12-15

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 12:14 - 13:16, Matthew 20:29 - 21:22, Psalm 25:16-22, Proverbs 6:12-15

Exodus 12: 31-36
During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. [32] Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and go. And also bless me.” [33] The Egyptians urged the people to hurry and leave the country. “For otherwise,” they said, “we will all die!” [34] So the people took their dough before the yeast was added, and carried it on their shoulders in kneading troughs wrapped in clothing. [35] The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing. [36] The Lord had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians.

I've always wondered why Pharaoh didn't give in sooner, the consequences for the Egyptians just got worse, and now they had lost all their firstborn. They even gave the Israelites whatever they asked for, on the way out.

Do I ignore God and keep doing what I'm doing, then realize later that I should have listened to God earlier? We sometimes make the same mistakes the Egyptians made then, and ignore God at first.

I pray that I'll act sooner in listening to Him.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Exodus 13:17-15:18, Matthew 21:23-46, Psalm 26:1-12, Proverbs 6:16-19

Wednesday, January 30th: Exodus 10:1-12:13, Matthew 20:1-28, Psalm 25:1-15, Proverbs 6:6-11~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 10:1-12:13, Matthew 20:1-28, Psalm 25:1-15, Proverbs 6:6-11

I have to admit that if I was one of the original vineyard workers, I would've been upset at the unfairness of the wages payed out at the end of the day.  However, I totally understand the point of the parable - salvation is open to anyone, whether they've been a Christian since before they can remember, or they became one on their death bed.  Eternity is offered equally to all.  And for that I am thankful!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Exodus 12:14 - 13:16, Matthew 20:29 - 21:22, Psalm 25:16-22, Proverbs 6:12-15

Tuesday, January 29th: Exodus 8:1-9:35, Matthew 19:13-30, Psalm 24:1-10, Proverbs 6:1-5 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 8:1-9:35, Matthew 19:13-30, Psalm 24:1-10, Proverbs 6:1-5 

I always enjoy reading the story of Moses and the 10 plagues. I find it entertaining how Pharoah kept hardening his heart even after all of the VERY unpleasant plagues that he and the people had to endure. How disgusting some of these plagues are and that Pharoah could continually ignore the power that these plagues show is beyond me. I could not even imagine how disgusting it would be to have frogs EVERYWHERE. And then gnats and rivers of blood. Just really, really gross. I'm not sure how you could live through all that and not believe...and yet the Israelites witnessed all this too and eventually they start complaining about things and wondering if God is still with them.

I also find the magicians kind of amusing too. They manage to keep up with God (to some degree) with the first 3 plagues but after those, they can no longer compete and I feel like they want to believe and maybe don't understand why Pharoah is continuing being so stubborn.

Though miracles are not nearly as obvious in today's society, I do believe that they happen and occur regularly, we may just have to look a little harder to see them. I pray that I recognize the miracles around me and give credit where credit is due.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 8:1-9:35, Matthew 19:13-30, Psalm 24:1-10, Proverbs 6:1-5 

Monday, January 28th: Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 5:22-7:25, Matthew 18:21-19:12, Psalm 23:1-6, Proverbs 5:22-23 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Bible In a Year Passage:  Exodus 5:22-7:25, Matthew 18:21-19:12, Psalm 23:1-6, Proverbs 5:22-23 

Our NT passage contains an important reminder that we should be thankful for the forgiveness, grace, and mercy we have received from God, and be willing to extend that same forgiveness to those who have wronged us.  It cannot be a one way street.

~~~
I love this promise from Psalm 23.......
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
    all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Exodus 8:1-9:35, Matthew 19:13-30, Psalm 24:1-10, Proverbs 6:1-5

Sunday, January 27th: Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 4:1-5:21, Matthew 18:1-20, Psalm 22:19-31, Proverbs 5:15-21 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 4:1-5:21, Matthew 18:1-20, Psalm 22:19-31, Proverbs 5:15-21

Moses ended up being one of the great(est) men of faith this world has ever seen, but he sure didn't start out that way.

In today's passage he saw God perform outright miracles.  I know God can and does still do some miracles today, but, particularly here in Canada, the miracles are much slower working.  For example - I totally believe God miraculously healed our nephew several years ago, but God didn't heal him in the miraculous way He did miracles in the Bible.  If that was the case, our nephew would have gone from coma to running in an instant.  That didn't happen.  It was a slow process, but it was still miraculous and against everything the doctors predicted.

But Moses personally saw instant, amazing miracles.  He saw his staff instantly turn into a snake, and then back into a staff.  He saw his very own hand go from healthy to leprous and back to healthy again (he must've been sweating before it went back to normal!). 

And AFTER seeing all that, he still had the audacity to ask God to send someone else!

I would think, after seeing all that, he would've agreed to whatever God asked him to do, if only to make sure his hand stayed healthy! 

The question is - are we any better?

No, we haven't seen such miraculous displays.  And no, God isn't asking us to do anything as outlandish as confronting Pharaoh and leading the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land.

But when He nudges us to share the gospel with the woman at the coffee shop, do we say yes or do we ask God to send someone else?

As we'll continue to read in Exodus, Moses doesn't stay the same stammering, coward he appears to be today.  God wasn't finished with him.

And thankfully, God's not finished with us yet either.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Exodus 5:22-7:25, Matthew 18:21-19:12, Psalm 23:1-6, Proverbs 5:22-23

Saturday, January 26th: Exodus 2:11-3:22; Matthew 17:10-27; Psalm 22:1-18; Proverbs 5:7-14 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 2:11-3:22; Matthew 17:10-27; Psalm 22:1-18; Proverbs 5:7-14

It's unclear whether or not Moses was actually unsure about his ability to lead the Israelites and be God's spokesperson, or if he just didn't want to do it, but I noticed something today about God's responses to Moses that I don't think I've noticed before.

I'm paraphrasing but.....
Moses' initial response is "Who am I to go before Pharoah, to lead the people of Israel?"
And God says "I will be with you"
Moses' next hesitation is "When they ask me who has sent me, what do I tell them?
And God says "I am who I am"

The point I noticed?

Who  Moses was and what he was capable of was irrelevant.  Absolutely irrelevant.
Who God was, was the only thing that mattered. The only thing.

The same holds true in our lives today.  No matter the task God has called us to, whether great or small, who we are and the extent of our abilities are irrelevant.  It's all God.  It's who He is.  It's what He has called us to.  It's He who will empower us, He who will go with us, He who will strengthen us, He who will enable us, He who will give us the words to say.

It doesn't matter who I am.
He is who he is.
And that's all that matters.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 4:1-5:21, Matthew 18:1-20, Psalm 22:19-31, Proverbs 5:15-21

Friday, January 25th: Genesis 50:1 - Exodus 2:10, Matthew 16:13-17:9, Psalm 21:1-13, Proverbs 5:1-6 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 50:1 - Exodus 2:10, Matthew 16:13-17:9, Psalm 21:1-13, Proverbs 5:1-6

19 But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. 21 No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them

- Genesis 50:19-21

Joseph was treated brutally by his brothers for most of his early life. And yet, this is the attitude he had. He knew that God had a plan for Him when he was sold into slavery, sent to jail, and sure he would never see his family again. He saw that all of this had to happen so he could save so many peoples lives. He spoke kindly to his brothers, and showed them mercy just like God showed him, and just like God shows us. 

Next time someone upsets us or wrongs us, let’s remember the kind of faith Joseph had in God and the plan He had for him. Let’s remember that there is nothing others can do to us that is worse than what we did to Christ. And let’s remember that God forgave us, so we should also forgive others.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 2:11-3:22; Matthew 17:10-27; Psalm 22:1-18; Proverbs 5:7-14

Thursday, January 24th: Genesis 48:1 - 49:33, Matthew 15:29 - 16:12, Psalm 20:1-9, Proverbs 4:20-27 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is:  Genesis 48:1-49:33, Matthew 15:29-16:12, Psalm 20:1-9, Proverbs 4:20-27 

Psalm 20: 7-8
(7) Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.
(8) Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm.

These verses reminded me of how safe I feel living in North America and I am very thankful for that. We have dangerous areas in our cities, but overall it is very safe here compared to other parts of the world. We have so many things to be thankful for.

But this will come to an end at some point and we won't always be able to trust in our own country or society to keep us safe.

The only sure thing that lasts forever is God, and the only true "safety" we can find is in God. We need to stand firm for Him now.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 50:1 - Exodus 2:10, Matthew 16:13-17:9, Psalm 21:1-13, Proverbs 5:1-6 

Wednesday, January 23rd: Genesis 46:1-47:31; Matthew 15:1-28; Psalm 19:1-14; Proverbs 4:14-19 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 46:1-47:31; Matthew 15:1-28; Psalm 19:1-14; Proverbs 4:14-19

Even though the story of Joseph and his brothers actually contains a lot of detail compared to some other stories in the Bible, it still leaves me with lots of questions!

At what point did Jacob find out about his sons selling Joseph into slavery?  The Bible doesn't actually tell us if he did, but I imagine finding out he was still alive needed a pretty good explanation to go with it.  The Bible doesn't give us Jacob's reaction, if he did find out, which I imagine would've been pretty major considering how long he had grieved for Joseph.  Unless the joy of Joseph being alive overshadowed the brothers deception? 

What did Joseph's servants think of the whole drama with the money in the sacks and the cup?  It must have seemed awfully strange!

I would've loved to see the reactions from all the brothers when Joseph revealed who he was! 

It was definitely clear from their willingness to sacrifice themselves for their brother (and for the sake of their father) that at least some of them had changed quite significantly over the years.  Their hearts had changed.

As we see in our NT passage, that is the key.  Often the words we speak and the things we do, reveal the truth about our heart.  Not in the little things - it's easy to say and do the "right things" without actually meaning it.  But in the big things (like Joseph's brothers being willing to sacrifice themselves) or when we're under intense pressure, our hearts are revealed in our words and deeds.

This is something that is so important to keep in mind when it comes to parenting.  Of course, as parents, we want our children to say and do the right things.  But rule-keeping doesn't mean their hearts are pure or have been made new by the Holy Spirit - and that is where our true focus should be. 

This quote from my devotional resonated with me.....
We don't want to have a home in which outer conformity covers up inner rebellion that goes unrecognized or unchallenged. We long for sincere faith and a humble awareness of our need for God, by his Spirit and through his Word, to give us and our children new hearts, pure hearts, sincere hearts.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 48:1-49:33, Matthew 15:29-16:12, Psalm 20:1-9, Proverbs 4:20-27

Tuesday, January 22nd: Genesis 44:1-45:28; Matthew 14:13-36; Psalm 18:37-50; Proverbs 4:11-13 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 44:1-45:28; Matthew 14:13-36; Psalm 18:37-50; Proverbs 4:11-13

The story of Jesus (and Peter) walking on the water has always been one of my favorite stories. Maybe because I love being out in the boat on the lake and can just imagine what an experience it would have been to be out in the boat and see Jesus walking on the water coming towards you. And then to be Peter and have the courage to ask to walk on the water too!

Would I have the courage to step out and walk on that water? I imagine that it would be a bit easier if Jesus was physically out there waiting for me. But when the wind and waves pick up and you take your eyes off of Him, you start to lose focus on who it is you are walking toward.

How often in our walk towards heaven don't we lose focus when the winds of life start blowing over us? I know it's happened to me too often and I'm sure I look like Peter as he starts to sink and says, "Lord, save me!"

Lord, help us to maintain our focus on you. Regardless of what life throws at us, or what trials we face, help us to keep our eyes fixed on you and eternity. When we lose our focus we slowly start to sink, sometimes so far in that our hair even gets wet, but when we lift our eyes back up to you, you reach down and pull us up. Thank you so much for your patience and your saving grace.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 46:1-47:31; Matthew 15:1-28; Psalm 19:1-14; Proverbs 4:14-19

Monday: January 21: Genesis 42:18-43:34, Matthew 13:47-14:12, Psalm 18:16-36, Proverbs 4:7-10 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 42:18-43:34, Matthew 13:47-14:12, Psalm 18:16-36, Proverbs 4:7-10

When we sin, as Joseph's brothers did when they sold their brother and then lied to their father that Joseph had been killed, we live in guilt. We know what we did. God knows what we did. In this case, all the brothers know what they did too. Our sin is known. The guilt was eating the brothers and they knew they deserved punishment for it. But just as Joseph showed mercy to his brothers, God also shows mercy on us.

I read an interesting book by Karen Kingbury  over the Christmas holidays. In her fictional account of Mary and Joseph, she tells of how the conception of Jesus was cause for gossip and rumours around Nazareth and I'm sure that was close to the truth. Maybe this is a reason that Jesus was not believed in his own hometown. People may have still believe Mary was a cheater and Jesus was not who he said he was. The book also told about how Jesus may have took the news about John's death and how Mary may have visited Elizabeth and just as she learned how to go through pregnancy with Elizabeth, Elizabeth may have also taught Mary how to grieve the loss of a son. Of course this is all fiction but it made me think that these are more than just players in the story of Jesus but real people who would have experienced rumours and gossip and worry and loss in a way that we don't often stop and consider as we read through the stories of the Bible.

But we know that through it all:

God’s way is perfect.
    All the Lord’s promises prove true.
    He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.

and

My child,[a] listen to me and do as I say,
    and you will have a long, good life.

When we sin, when we deal with people who don't believe us, when we deal with hard stuff we can remember that God's promises and plan are perfect and He offers protection from all we have to deal with and when we listen and obey Him, we will have eternal life.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 42:18-43:34Matthew 13:47-14:12Psalm 18:16-36Proverbs 4:7-10 

Sunday, January 20th: Genesis 41:17-42:17, Matthew 13:24-46, Psalm 18:1-15, Proverbs 4:1-6 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 41:17-42:17, Matthew 13:24-46, Psalm 18:1-15, Proverbs 4:1-6 

I love the word pictures in Psalm 18. 

David could've said God was strong.  And He is. 

But how much more meaningful is it to use words that can cause us to picture what that strength looks like? 
Rock
Fortress
Saviour
Shield
Earthquakes
Trembling mountains
Smoke and fire
Storm clouds
Hail
Thunder
Lightning

That's not just strong - that's formidable, awesome power!  That is the God we serve.  That is the God who loves us. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 42:18-43:34, Matthew 13:47-14:12, Psalm 18:16-36, Proverbs 4:7-10

Saturday, January 19th: Genesis 39:1-41:16, Matthew 12:46-13:23, Psalm 17:1-15, Proverbs 3:33-35 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Genesis 39:1-41:16, Matthew 12:46-13:23, Psalm 17:1-15, Proverbs 3:33-35 

I don't think Potiphar believed his wife.

The Bible says Potiphar was angry when he heard his wife's story, but it doesn't say specifically to whom this anger was directed.  I don't think it's at all far fetched to think he was angry at his wife. 

Potiphar knew his wife, and he knew what type of person she was.  It's unlikely that she was throwing himself at Joseph continually without him noticing. 

Potiphar also knew and trusted Joseph. He had placed everything under Joseph's charge, and his household had flourished.  He knew Joseph's character and integrity.

But Potiphar's wife made a blatant and public accusation.  And that was probably what Potiphar was angry about.  In order to save face, he would have to throw Joseph into prison, the very man responsible for how well his household was doing.  Indeed, if Potiphar had believed his wife, it's highly unlikely he would've thrown Joseph in jail - and much more likely that he would have had him killed.

Either way, it is conjecture, and rather unimportant to the story.

What is important is Joseph's reaction to temptation.

A lesser man would've given in.  Joseph was young and good looking.  Potiphar's wife was powerful and offering herself up to him.  Not just once, but over and over. 

It seems like their society had a flippant view of sex, like our society today.  But Joseph didn't fall for that lie.  He knew that an affair with her was sin.  Sin with her, sin against Potiphar, and most importantly, a sin against God.  Not only did he know this, he said it outright, and then he ran from the temptation.  He wasn't naive  enough (or proud enough!) to think that he could continually resist the temptation without actively naming it as sin and removing himself from the situation. 

So often we like to flirt with sin, we dance along the edges thinking we won't ever actually cross the line, we justify minor "infractions", we think we can play with fire and not get burned. 

We can't. 
Joseph knew it. 
We should know it too. 
And we should act on that knowledge.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 41:17-42:17, Matthew 13:24-46, Psalm 18:1-15, Proverbs 4:1-6

Friday, January 18th: Genesis 37:1-38:30, Matthew 12:22-45, Psalm 16:1-11, Proverbs 3:27-32 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Genesis 37:1-38:30, Matthew 12:22-45, Psalm 16:1-11, Proverbs 3:27-32

I noticed that Joseph was 17 years old during the events in today's reading, which is something I haven't noticed before. Since I'm currently still 17, I imagined myself as Joseph a little more this time as I read. I couldn't imagine being sold into slavery, being betrayed by my siblings, and thinking I would never see my family again.  What faith Joseph must have had in the Lord.

The other thing was, I notice that almost every time there is a sexual sin committed, the woman (in this case, Tamar) is almost always the one blamed, and it is usually by the man (in this case, Judah). I always find this very sad, and often get angry at the men like Judah who act like such hypocrites. But, this makes me think, how many times have I acted just like these men, where I sin the same sin as someone else but only call them out for it without taking any blame for myself? The answer is probably a lot. Thankfully, it looks like Judah realized he was also guilty of sin in this story, and so should we be willing to admit when we have done something wrong.

We should always remember that anything anyone does is no worse than what we have done to Jesus. And yet, He still chose to set us free from the hurt we caused Him.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 39:1-41:16, Matthew 12:46-13:23, Psalm 17:1-15, Proverbs 3:33-35

Thursday, January 17th: Genesis 35 - 36:43, Matthew 12: 1-21, Psalm 15: 1-5, Proverbs 3: 21-26 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 35 - 36:43, Matthew 12: 1-21, Psalm 15: 1-5, Proverbs 3: 21-26

Matthew 12: 11-12
He said to them, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? [12] How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

I remember as a child having to help my dad bring wood to my grandparents so they could heat their house, on a Sunday. I couldn't believe that I would have to do this, this was brutal!

I don't remember the details but I'm sure there was a good reason why it was being done that day because we never did work like that on Sundays, always a "Saturday" type of job.

Just as Jesus was saying in these verses, for us the job we did that Sunday couldn't wait and had to be done. A good lesson for me that I need to follow Jesus and what He wants - and not just a bunch of "rules".

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 37:1-38:30, Matthew 12:22-45, Psalm 16:1-11, Proverbs 3:27-32

Wednesday, January 16th: Genesis 32:13-34:31; Matthew 11:7-30; Psalm 14:1-7; Proverbs 3:19-20 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 32:13-34:31; Matthew 11:7-30; Psalm 14:1-7; Proverbs 3:19-20

All of our choices have consequences, some of them much farther reaching then we could ever think.

After Jacob's reunion with Esau (which went much better than Jacob feared), Jacob didn't return to his home country as God instructed him to, or as he had told Esau he would.  Rather he went to Succoth and then to Shechem.   Never would he have forseen the disastrous consequences of that decision! 

We need to listen to God's instructions, and not base our decisions on our fears or what we think is best. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Genesis 35:1-36:43, Matthew 12:1-21, Psalm 15:1-5, Proverbs 3:21-26

Tuesday, January 15th: Genesis 31:17-32:12; Matthew 10:24-11:6; Psalm 13:1-6; Proverbs 3:16-18 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 31:17-32:12; Matthew 10:24-11:6; Psalm 13:1-6; Proverbs 3:16-18

“If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it." Matthew 10:37-39

I find it so interesting how often the words of the New Testament passages fit with what we read in the Old.

This verse stuck out today and it goes along with what Tammy said yesterday. Jesus is all we should be clinging to in this life. And that is not always easy...especially when our hearts were made to love so very deeply. As my children get older and are moving into adulthood I'm finding it so difficult to let go. Some days I know that am clinging onto them. And I'm realizing that maybe I've been so focused on parenting my kids than they've in some ways taken a place in my heart that God should be filling. So I'm praying that God will help me release them and fill the hole that this may leave and then trusting that He has good things in store for my children - that He loves them so much more than I ever can.

I just recently read this article called Sacred Parenting: Perfecting Holiness and really feel this excerpt says what I'm trying to say...

"God may be telling us, Grow in Me every day — in faith, patience, virtue, love, and worship, and let that faith and growth perfume your house and anoint your children."

"Our own spiritual quest must drive our parenting. Unfinished or neglected spiritual business inevitably works its way out through our relationships in a negative fashion. We become more demanding, more controlling, more intolerant, more resentful. Our children cannot quench the God-given spiritual hunger in our souls. When we neglect God, we may ask our parenting to become stand-ins for God — something it was never designed to do."

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 32:13-34:31; Matthew 11:7-30; Psalm 14:1-7; Proverbs 3:19-20

Monday, January 14th: Genesis 30:1-31:16, Matthew 10:1-23, Psalm 12:1-8, Proverbs 3:13-15

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 30:1-31:16, Matthew 10:1-23, Psalm 12:1-8, Proverbs 3:13-15 

It's heartbreaking to read the story of Leah and Rachel in our passage today.  Leah wants Jacob to love her, and Rachel wants children.  Though both are very normal things, and good things to want, it becomes their driving focus to the point of sinfulness. 

The truth is, the only thing we truly NEED is Jesus.  There are so many other blessings in our lives that we cherish, no doubt.  And to a certain extent we do need them.  God created us for relationship, and the desire for a spouse and children is good.  But we do have to be willing to live with the attitude that Jesus is enough.  Obviously, this is much easier said than done, but the fact that a truth is difficult, doesn't make it less true. 

Jesus is enough.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 31:17-32:12, Matthew 10:24-11:6, Psalm 13:1-6, Proverbs 3:16-18

Sunday, January 13th: Genesis 28:1-29:35, Matthew 9:18-38, Psalm 11:1-7, Proverbs 3:11-12 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 28:1-29:35, Matthew 9:18-38, Psalm 11:1-7, Proverbs 3:11-12

Matthew 9:36-38 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
This was the focus verse in my devotional today, and the prayer was a more difficult one to pray honestly......

Lord, you are in charge of the harvest of the souls of men and women. Only your Spirit can call and convict and convert. But your Spirit uses the proclamation of your Word to bring this about. So I'm praying that you will send more workers, more proclaimers to bring in a harvest of souls. But I can't pray for ore workers without also praying that you would show us what it means for our family to be workers in your fields. And I can't pray for our children without offering them up to be a worker in your fields, even if that proves uncomfortable or costly. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Genesis 30:1-31:16, Matthew 10:1-23, Psalm 12:1-8, Proverbs 3:13-15

Saturday, January 12th: Genesis 26:17-27:46; Matthew 9:1-17; Psalm 10:16-18; Proverbs 3:9-10 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 26:17-27:46; Matthew 9:1-17; Psalm 10:16-18; Proverbs 3:9-10

Our NT passage shows us that we sometimes fail to recognize our greatest need.  The paralyzed man's friends had faith that Jesus could heal their friend of his paralysis, but what they didn't recognize was that his spiritual need was even greater than his physical need.

Maybe we think that our need of a job, or physical healing, or relief from stress, or mending of relationship is most important - and make no mistake, they are important needs and Jesus wants us to bring them to Him.

But maybe our greater need is salvation, or a willingness to forgive, or a determination to rid a specific sin from our lives, or practicing faith in God despite hard circumstances. 

Jesus wants to meet our greatest needs first.  I pray we prioritize the way Jesus did.



Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 28:1-29:35, Matthew 9:18-38, Psalm 11:1-7, Proverbs 3:11-12

Friday, January 11th: Genesis 24:52-26:16; Matthew 8:18-34; Psalm 10:1-15; Proverbs 3:7-8

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 24:52-26:16; Matthew 8:18-34; Psalm 10:1-15; Proverbs 3:7-8

“So they called Rebekah. “Are you willing to go with this man?” they asked her. And she replied, “Yes, I will go.”

Genesis 24:57-58

I can imagine all the things Rebekah must have been feeling, probably a lot of fear. She had no idea who this servant was, and no idea who this man was that she would marry. She was probably sad to leave her family, knowing she would likely never see them again. Yet, Rebekah listened to God, and even given an opportunity to back out, she said: “Yes, I will go.”

We need to try to be like Rebekah in this story. We need to put our fears, anger, and sadness away, and we need to put our trust in God. Instead of worrying about all the things that could go wrong, say: “Yes, God, I will go.” Trust that God will provide, and that no matter what is a part of His plan for you, He is with you every step of the way. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 26:17-27:46; Matthew 9:1-17; Psalm 10:16-18; Proverbs 3:9-10

Thursday, January 10th: Genesis 23:1 - 24:51, Matthew 8:1-17, Psalm 9:13-20, Proverbs 3:1-6 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 23:1-24:51, Matthew 8:1-17, Psalm 9:13-20, Proverbs 3:1-6 

Genesis 24:50-51
Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the LORD; we can say nothing to you one way or the other. [51] Here is Rebekah; take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master's son, as the Lord has directed. ”

The faith shown by both Isaac and Rebekah's sides is amazing. One side went on a journey to a far away land, by faith, to find a wife for Isaac. The other side believed Isaac's side and sent their daughter Rebekah with these "strangers" back to a far away land to marry Isaac. Truly God was at work here in many ways.

Matthew 8: 8-9
The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. [9] For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it.”

Amazed by the proper attitude and show of respect for Jesus from this centurion. This centurion had authority amongst his peers, but knows Jesus is way above any of them, or us.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Genesis 24:52-26:16, Matthew 8:18-34, Psalm 10:1-15, Proverbs 3:7-8 

Wednesday, January 9th: Genesis 20:1-22:24, Matthew 7:15-29, Psalm 9:1-12, Proverbs 2:16-22 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 20:1-22:24, Matthew 7:15-29, Psalm 9:1-12, Proverbs 2:16-22

God doesn't always step in to save us from ourselves or prevent us from sinning.  But in Genesis 20 He did intervene.

This is now the second time Abraham has lied about his relationship with Sarah out of fear.  It's also worth noting that our passage says Sarah kept up the deception as well.  Though the Bible teaches that wives are to submit to their husbands, they are absolutely not supposed to follow them into sin.  Our allegiance to God and His ways has to be our highest priority.

The reason God intervened is quite simple - there could be absolutely no doubt that Abraham was the father of Isaac, so there could be no hint of Sarah having any other sort of sexual relationship with anyone else.  This time, God intervened.

We cannot count on God to intervene when we are sinning, or for Him to allow us to escape the consequences of our actions.  We reap what we sow, and despite there being grace and forgiveness, there is still repercussion for sin.  We don't sin in a vacuum.  Our sin hurts people around us, always.  Abraham and Sarah's sin hurt Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants.  Not to mention the damage we do to God's reputation when we, who claim to be His followers, fall into sin.

We cannot become complacent about sin.  We must always be vigilant!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 23:1-24:51, Matthew 8:1-17, Psalm 9:13-20, Proverbs 3:1-6

Tuesday, January 7th: Genesis 18:16-19:38, Matthew 6:25-7:14, Psalm 8:1-9, Proverbs 2:6-15 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is, Genesis 18:16-19:38, Matthew 6:25-7:14, Psalm 8:1-9, Proverbs 2:6-15 

I always find this story of Abram pleading with God very fascinating over the city of Sodom. I wonder at God's patience with Abram. God knows that there aren't even 10 men in that city that are righteous and yet he patiently waits while Abram pleads his case each time. I think of myself in a position like that when one of my kids tries to barter his/her way out of or into something and I know that my patience would be tested. But there is no indication that God was annoyed at all with Abram. I sometimes find myself thinking that God must be tired of hearing my same questions or prayers over and over again. But he will patiently wait for me to understand or to see the truth of the situation just like Abram finally saw the truth in the city of Sodom.

I thought this really fit well with the passage from Matthew 6:7-11

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Another thing that really stuck out from today's passage is how Lot and his family continued to live in the city and eventually, Lot was even willing to give his daughters to these evil men. What a warning for us to not be desensitized and accepting of the sin and evil around us. It is not up to us to judge the evil and sin around us but we cannot let it seep into our lives.

Again, this fits well with Matthew 6: 13-14

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

I pray that we can stay on that narrow path and when things get difficult we petition God to intercede just as Abram did.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 20:1-22:24, Matthew 7:15-29, Psalm 9:1-12, Proverbs 2:16-22

Monday, January 7: Genesis 16:1-18:15, Matthew 6:1-24, Psalm 7:1-17, Proverbs 2:1-5 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 16:1-18:15, Matthew 6:1-24, Psalm 7:1-17, Proverbs 2:1-5 

It's hard to wait on God's timing. It's something that I really struggle with. Sarai struggled with waiting on God's timing too. She decided to take matters into her own hands and gave Hagar to Abram. I often wonder what Abram's thoughts were. Was he eager to enter into this union? Did he think God was taking too long to allow him to become a father? Who would be the mother of his many offspring...did Abram think it did not matter as long as he was the father?

Not only did Sarai not wait on God's timing, she laughed at the promise of a child. Do we also scoff at God when he answers our prayers not our way but His way?

In the NT, this verse stood out for me:

6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

As we are waiting on God, may we be confident that the desires and prayers in our quiet time are being heard by the creator of the universe and Giver of all good things.

The reading in Psalm concludes with this verse:

17 I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness,
    and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.

I hear a song on the radio often that begins with the lyrics:

Remember the days that you prayed for the things you got now

Do we remember to thank God for his righteousness and for the blessings he bestows on us daily? I know this is something I need to be more conscious of doing.

2 Proverbs 2: 2

making your ear attentive to wisdom
    and inclining your heart to understanding;

May this be our goals for 2019: To wait patiently on God's timing, be confident that He will hear our prayers and answer them, Praise God in all circumstances (even as we wait!), and may we seek to listen to wise teachings and commit it to our hearts through our words and actions.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 18:16-19:38, Matthew 6:25-7:14, Psalm 8:1-9, Proverbs 2:6-15 

Sunday, January 6th: Genesis 13:5-15:21; Matthew 5:27-48; Psalm 6:1-10; Proverbs 1:29-33 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 13:5-15:21; Matthew 5:27-48; Psalm 6:1-10; Proverbs 1:29-33

There is some fascinating information in our Genesis passage that we miss out on because of not understanding Jewish culture.  I first heard this in a Ray Vanderlaan lecture online and was able to find this description from another blog.....

Abram knows exactly what to do because this is a common practice in the world of covenants. They are setting up what is called a bloodpath covenant. This is a covenant sign that is often used in Abram's day to signify a betrothal (engagement) covenant. Those very animals are used, cut in half, and arranged opposite one another on opposing slopes. Here is a picture of what the covenant looks like:





The arranged halves create a path of blood in between the animals. I will use the example of a betrothal to explain the ceremony. As the two parties agree to the marriage, the lesser party (in the example, this would be the future groom; he is asking the father of the future bride to marry his daughter) dons a white robe and then passes through the path of blood. As the blood splashes up on his white robe, the symbolic statement is, "If I mistreat or abuse your daughter, you may do this in my blood". After this, the father dons a white robe and passes through the blood path, saying, "If I do not supply you with a virgin for a daughter, you may do this in my blood".

It's the collateral covenant that allows for the parties to be held liable for their promises.

God sets up an engagement covenant for Abram.
Now, whose move is it? Who is the lesser party? Abram is, obviously.

But Abram doesn't pass through the halves. In fact, he chases away the vultures. What does that tell you? This ceremony has been set up for some time.

But Abram knows that he'll never be able to keep his end of the covenant. He won't be able to live obediently for God for the rest of his days.

If Abram's little toe hits the bloodpath, he's a dead man.

And so God puts him in a deep sleep (the same sleep He put Adam in, by the way) and, while Abram is greatly distressed and troubled, Abram sees a flaming torch and smoking pot pass between the halves. Now, fire and smoke always symbolize the presence of God (think the pillar of fire/smoke). So what does Abram see?

God is passing through the covenant halves — twice.
God passes through the halves on behalf of Abram.

In other words, "Abram, when you fall short, I will cover your shortfall. We will pay for it in my blood."

Goosebumps yet?
That's incredible. And every Christian immediately sees Jesus in this story.

But I would make this point. It's not just that this story is a foreshadowing of Jesus. It's that this is who God has ALWAYS been. God has ALWAYS taken our sin on Himself. God has ALWAYS covered our shortfall. This is who God is. There is no "God of the Old Testament" and "God of the New Testament". He always has been the same God.

His message has always been the same: "I am God. I love you. I am for you. I will fight for you in spite of yourself."
Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Genesis 16:1-18:15, Matthew 6:1-24, Psalm 7:1-17, Proverbs 2:1-5

Saturday, January 5th: Genesis 11:1-13:4, Matthew 5:1-26, Psalm 5:1-12, Proverbs 1:24-28 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 11:1-13:4, Matthew 5:1-26, Psalm 5:1-12, Proverbs 1:24-28

Our pastor recently mentioned how the Bible is not a story of us and how we can reach God, but rather about God reaching out to us.  Our Genesis passage reflects this perfectly.

In Genesis 11, we see people, not even reaching for God, but reaching for the heavens and wanting to make a name for themselves.  Basically trying to fill the God-sized holes in their lives with the wrong thing.

In Genesis 12 we see God reaching down to Abram.  He promised to bless Abram, to make his name great, to bless the world through him, and to take care of him.  This was all a gift of grace that Abram had not earned and in no way deserved.

I want my life to look like Genesis 12, not Genesis 11.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I also thought it interesting that this passage lined up with the beatitudes where we see God's definition of being blessed!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Genesis 13:5-15:21; Matthew 5:27-48; Psalm 6:1-10; Proverbs 1:29-33

Friday, January 4th: Genesis 8:1-10:32; Matthew 4:12-25; Psalm 4:1-8; Proverbs 1:20-23 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 8:1-10:32; Matthew 4:12-25; Psalm 4:1-8; Proverbs 1:20-23

This year, I am following the blog but I am only reading the Old Testament through in a year.

Today, what stood out to me was in Genesis 9:8-17, where God is talking about His new covenant. 

We can see that God’s promises stayed true, because the earth has never been flooded again, the seasons have always come as expected, and the rainbow keeps appearing in the sky. I love that we see God’s faithfulness early on in the Bible, so we already know that this is an important part of His character. 

I also wonder what it would have been like to be among the firsts to see a rainbow. The skies are always dark and gloomy when it rains, so imagine going from days upon days of that, to seeing so many different vibrant colours in the sky arranged so perfectly. That would definitely have been an amazing thing to see!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 11:1-13:4, Matthew 5:1-26, Psalm 5:1-12, Proverbs 1:24-28

Thursday, January 3rd: Genesis 5:1- 7:24, Matthew 3:7- 4:11, Psalms 3:1-8, Proverbs 1:10-19 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 5:1- 7:24, Matthew 3:7- 4:11, Psalms 3:1-8, Proverbs 1:10-19

I've found this new Bible reading plan this year to be very interesting, we get a taste of each part of the Bible each day.

The parts of today's reading that stood out for me were...

Genesis 6:9-13
This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. [10] Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth. [11] Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence. [12] God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. [13] 13 So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth

Always found this interesting, that only Noah was living for the God the way he should. Many others were also around, but they chose to live their own ways and not for God. This is like a lot of situations we may be in,  we may be the only ones in our work places or schools that we know of that are living for God. A good reminder that God notices us and our lives lived for Him, even when we feel lost in a crowd of unbelievers.

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Matthew 4: 8-9
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. [9]  “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

How often do we get this proposition thrown at us? Short term gain but long term pain and totally not worth it. It pays in the end to worship and devote ourselves to God and not fall for short term success achieved by appeasing people instead of God.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 8:1-10:32, Matthew 4:12-25, Psalm 4:1-8Proverbs, 1:20-23

Wednesday, January 2nd: Genesis 3:1-4:26, Matthew 2:13-3:6, Psalm 2:1-2:12, Proverbs 1:7-1:9 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 3:1-4:26, Matthew 2:13-3:6, Psalm 2:1-2:12, Proverbs 1:7-1:9

It is always heartbreaking to read about the Fall.  What was once perfect relationship with God, turned into rebellion and brokenness. 

And it sure didn't take long for sin to flourish with the very first child born on earth murdering his brother. 

Thankfully, Jesus came to earth, born to die, the only man to ever live a sinless life.  His death covers our sin and our shame, and He offers us grace and mercy.  May we grab hold of that offer and allow our sin and shame to be washed by His blood.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 5:1-7:24, Matthew 3:7-4:11, Psalm 3:1-8, Proverbs 1:10-19

Tuesday, January 1st: Genesis 1:1-2:25, Matthew 1:1-2:12, Psalm 1:1-1:6, Proverbs 1:1-1:6 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Genesis 1:1-2:25, Matthew 1:1-2:12, Psalm 1:1-1:6, Proverbs 1:1-1:6

I always love reading the creation story.  And it's such a fitting way to start a new year - reading about the beginning of time as know it.

It's incredible to me to think about God being infinite - existing outside of time, having always been, and always will be. 

The devotion I read today reminded me that before creation, there was nothing - it was a dark and barren wilderness - but that nothing, was brimming with possibility that only the power of the Word could ignite.  God's Word was all it took to pierce the darkness and create light.  God's Word was all it took to create the entire universe. 

And for us now, God's Word and only His Word, can pierce the darkness of our hearts and bring forth light, can redeem us and give us life, can change us and make us whole, can shape us into something beautiful for His glory. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Genesis 3:1-4:26, Matthew 2:13-3:6, Psalm 2:1-2:12, Proverbs 1:7-1:9

Plan for 2019

Happy New Year and welcome to the tenth year of the reading and studying the Bible together on this blog! 

This year we have chosen to do the One Year Bible Plan - this plan includes approximately 2 chapters in the OT, 1 chapter in the NT, 1 Psalm and a portion of Proverbs in every reading.

The benefit of this plan is that there is something for everyone, no matter your time commitment. You can read through the entire Bible, you can read only the OT, you can read only the NT, you can read only the Psalms, or even only the Proverbs - or any combination of those! Once again, if you get behind, don’t worry about catching up, just jump back in. Just don’t quit!

I, personally have purchase a book called The One Year Praying Through Your Bible for Your Kids book by Nancy Guthrie.  She uses this same Bible reading plan, then pulls a few verses from one of the passages and does a devotional, followed by a prayer focused on this scripture for our kids. I’m really looking forward to this companion reading, but it is certainly in no way necessary to follow this blog or participate this year. But if you’re interested, I’ve included the link above.

This year we have Nathan, Pamela, Emma, Jeannine, and myself participating (a few more still considering) - I am excited to go through this journey with you again this year!

We will be using the following schedule....

Mondays - Pamela and Tammy

Tuesdays - Jeannine

Wednesdays - Tammy

Thursdays - Nathan

Fridays - Emma 

Saturdays and Sundays - depending on the weekend I may do these posts (following the devotional will help give me some ideas!)

I think that’s it - looking forward to a great year of growing in God's Word and in our faith.