April 19 - Week 12 - Doug Mathers

We are finishing our 3rd month of Bible reading ~ if you are still with us (and I hope you are), way to go!

Here are some thoughts, observations and questions for this week's chapters:

Monday Genesis 25

Did you notice Abraham got married again? Wow, talk about stamina. He was an old man when he was married to Sarah, she dies and next thing we know he's married again, apparently to a younger woman because she gave him more children!

Reread verse 5. What wisdom did Abraham demonstrate in the manner he left his inheritance? How did that protect Isaac and his half brothers?

Jump to 27-34 --- why would Esau make this deal? Does it not sound like the dumbest decision in the Bible? For a moment, give Esau the benefit of the doubt concerning his intelligence. Remembering this all took place about 2000 years prior to Jesus, what situation would make this "trade" a good one?

Tuesday Genesis 26

Reread verse 5. What do you notice about God and how he honors faith and obedience? Does this seem fair and right? How does it change how we view our own faith/obedience? Is there more on the line than you thought?

We as Americans have been trained to think as individuals. We hold the inward conviction that each generation will be responsible for itself (for good or bad). But the reality seems to be that each generation sets the trajectory for the next.

How do you think you are setting the trajectory for your children and grandchildren today? How are we doing it as a culture?

Wednesday, Psalm 13

What is the tension the author is feeling? What is his conclusion? When have you felt a similar tension in your life? What was your conclusion?

Thursday, Proverbs 13

Reread verse 22. How does this echo Genesis 26:5?

Friday, John 13

What struck me most as I read this chapter was Jesus' understanding of the events around him and his own future. Verses 1,3,and 11 all emphasize this with the words "He knew.." But read the chapter and observe other ways John emphasizes that Jesus knew exactly what was happening and going to happen to him.

What difference does this foreknowledge make? Why does it matter to you as you follow Jesus or trust God?

What if I've fallen way behind?

So I am in "Easter Recovery Mode" (a pastoral affliction). And I find myself a bit behind my usual pace right now. It got me thinking that some of you maybe in recovery mode as well (pick your own favorite holiday for a name).

And maybe... you have fallen grossly behind in your efforts to read the Bible with us... and the question you are asking is:

"What do I do if I've fallen behind in my Bible reading?"

Well I think you have some options:

Option A

Feel guilty! Of course this accomplishes nothing except to make you feel even less worthy as a person and especially as a follow of Jesus. But guilt is where many of us find life and life less abundantly!

Option B

Pretend I'm not behind. Quickly read a chapter or two and then tell a friend what you received out of your devotional reading today. This will create the impression that you read every day without fail and will likely give your friend a case of the "spiritually inferior to you" syndrome.

Option C

Quit the plan! This is by far the easiest. Just don't think about your intentions to read the Bible this year. Don't talk about reading the Bible and if someone else brings it up... change the topic! As in... "Hey, how about those Twins this year?!"

Option D

Start reading again. Don't play catch up... don't feel guilty... just turn to this week's reading and dig in again. You miss out on the guilt. You don't get to be spiritually superior to others. But you do get to engage in God's word just like you planned on in January (remember that?).

What about the parts you missed?

They aren't going anywhere... you can pick up on them our next read through!

Please use the comment button to leave feedback about this blog or any of this week's readings. I would LOVE to see more of us, okay after last week I will say "someone" leave some comments!

-doug

4/6 - 4/10 Comments Only Week!

Okay - so every week we've had different folks around church leave write a blog of their comments and questions from the readings.

So this week - we are going to try something new. Instead of reading the thoughts of someone else, we want to hear your thoughts, insights and questions. (We always want to but this week we are putting the pressure on!)

So below there are no comments... but you can see each day's readings. After you read - share a thought - question - problem or insight!

All you have to do is click on comments for each day.

Looking forward to learning from you!

Monday - 4/6 - Genesis 21

Tuesday - 4/7 - Genesis 22

Wednesday - 4/8 - Psalm 11

Thursday - 4/9 - Proverbs 11