March 31 – Genesis 48-50

 

Focus before you read. . .

In today’s reading, our last in the book of Genesis, we see the final days of Jacob and Joseph. In a poignant scene that parallels earlier scenes of blessing, Joseph brings his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to be blessed by their grandfather. “I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your children too,” Jacob tells Joseph before delivering the blessing. In a scene reminiscent of his own blessing, the great patriarch unexpectedly gives Ephraim, the younger son, the greater blessing, before offering his blessing to each of his own twelve sons. With each blessing comes a prediction, based largely on the son’s character. While Judah and Joseph are praised, Reuben and others are dishonored for their disobedience. Finally, Joseph reassures his brothers, who are still fearful of him, that he will provide for them. As you read today, take a moment to reflect on the various ways God has worked through the lives of His people, fulfilling His promises—even through their disobedience and imperfections.

 

Questions to ask as you read. . .

1. Jacob (Israel) says that God “has been my shepherd all my life” (48:15). How does this statement demonstrate the growth of his faith?

2. What details stand out to you about the blessings each of the twelve sons receive? Take note of the descendents of each son:

Levi	Aaron, Moses, Eli, John the Baptist
Judah	David, Jesus
Dan	Samson
Naphtali	Barak, Elijah (?)
Gad	Jephthah (?)
Joseph	Joshua, Gideon, Samuel
Benjamin	Saul, Esther, Paul
Reuben, Simeon, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun	None

 

3. To what extent have Joseph’s brothers really changed? Why are they still fearful of Joseph?

 

Application to make after you read. . .

The men and women of Genesis have taught us a great deal about faith in the last thirteen weeks. We have encountered the best and worst of human nature, examples of courageous faith and cowardly unbelief, descriptions of tremendous reward and hopeless punishment. Yet through it all, God fulfilled His promise to Abraham by working through His imperfect people to bring about His purposes. In the same way, God will work through us to accomplish His purposes in our lives. Whatever your past, God has a plan for your future!

 

Prayer

Father, thank you for choosing to work through us—in spite of our imperfections. Conform us daily to the pattern set by your Son, not the pattern of this world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 30 – 1 Corinthians 9-10

Focus before you read. . .

John, a businessman, went to work one weekday morning. He was pressured with work that day, so he quickly went straight to his office. As he entered and sat comfortably in his chair, he noticed some money on his desk. He immediately knew that this was not his money. The first thoughts that came to mind were, “Nobody is in here but me. Nobody would know if I kept it for myself.” He then began thinking of ways to persuade himself that he actually deserved the money or that this was his anyway. Think about what you would do if you were faced with this situation.

 

Questions to ask as you read. . .

 

1. How does temptation come about in our life?

2. Why does temptation come about?

3. What is the nature of temptation?

4. Is there a way out from temptation when it comes?

 

Application to make after you read. . .

1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us about temptation and the right perspective to have with it. Let’s break it down related to our response. The first part of the verse tells us that temptation’s goal is to overcome you or seize you. Think back to what happened when David saw Bathsheba on the roof top [2 Samuel:11]. He fell into sin and failed the test given him. First, we are tempted when, by our own evil desire, we are dragged away and enticed. “Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown gives birth to death.” To put it more clearly, we suffer spiritual weakness as a result of sin in our lives. Temptation is human, not so demonic. Temptations are very normal. Hebrews tells us that Jesus was “tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin.” That is why God understands what we go through.

God only gives tests that we are able to handle. God knows our life from beginning to end. Thus, He will never test you with something that you cannot withstand. There is always a way out, an exit, provided by God. Well, what is the exit? The way out is through it [“…so that you can stand under it.”] Some translations say “endure it.” The way out is to treat it like a test and consider it “pure joy” as James 1:2 puts it.

What is your response to the temptations in your life? Ask yourself if you have taken the way out that God always provides as promised. If not, temptation that becomes sin can have significant consequences on your life.

 

March 29 – Mark 3-4

Focus before you read. . .
In today’s reading, Jesus finishes his justification for healing on the Sabbath, further angering the Pharisees.  As crowds begin to follow Jesus, his own family rejects him, believing that “He is out of his mind” (Mark 3:21).  We then hear some of Jesus’ most famous parables: the parable of the sower, which describes different reactions to the gospel; and the parable of the growing seed and the mustard seed, which highlight different aspects of the kingdom of God.  Further emphasizing the importance of faith, Jesus then calms the storm, giving further evidence of his divinity.  “Who is this?” his disciples ask.  “Even the wind and the waves obey him” (4:41).  As you read today, pay close attention to the logic Jesus uses to defend his critics, the teaching he provides to demonstrate his wisdom, and the miracle he performs to affirm his divinity.

Questions to ask as you read. . .
1.Why do some people choose to follow Jesus and others reject Him?
2.Is everyone able to understand Jesus’teachings?  See 4:10-12.
3.What does the parable of the sower reveal about how people respond to the gospel?
4.What does Jesus teach about the kingdom of heaven in this section?
Application to make after you read. . .
Mark tells us that members of Jesus’ own family thought that He was “out of his mind.”  After the resurrection, though, we find Jesus’ brother James to be the leader of the church at Jerusalem.  According to tradition, James was in fact martyred for his faith.  What singular event led to this change in James’ belief?  The answer is simple: the appearance of the resurrected Christ transformed James—as it would also do for Paul—from a skeptic to a believer willing to die for his faith.  While modern-day suicide bombers may claim to die for their faith, they have no way of knowing if their beliefs are true.  James and the other first century Christians, on the other hand, were in a position to know if Jesus did actually appear after His death on the cross.  As you reflect on last Sunday’s Easter celebration, know that you have every reason to believe in the historical truth of the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ.  If you have questions about the resurrection, or you would like to help others overcome their doubts, consider reading The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel or The Historical Jesusby Gary Habermas.  Perhaps God is calling you to help those in your circle of influence who don’t believe there is enough evidence to believe in Christ.
Prayer
Lord, help us to love you with all of our heart, soul, strength, and mind.

March 28 – Isaiah 62 – 66

 

Focus before you read. . .

Today we finish the book of Isaiah, encountering the double message of hope and final judgment in perhaps its most direct form in the entire prophecy. And just as we have in the past few weeks’ readings, we also see how heavily the New Testament writers drew from the great prophet. At least four major themes emerge in the final reading:

• the transformation and restoration of God’s people symbolized by the “new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow” (62:2)

• a warning not to “grieve the Holy Spirit” (63:10)

• the extension of God’s kingdom to other nations (65:1-2) and through missionaries (66:19-21)

• God’s final judgment (66:22-24)

As you read today, reflect on the great truths of Isaiah and think about the themes and symbols that will be fulfilled in the New Testament.

 

Questions to ask as you read. . .

1. Who is the Holy Spirit? Is this the same Holy Spirit described in the New Testament? What does it mean to “grieve the Holy Spirit”?

2. How will God reveal Himself to other nations?

3. What will be the ultimate destiny of those who accept Christ? What will be the ultimate destiny of those who reject Christ?

 

Application to make after you read. . .

While Isaiah’s prophecy is filled with a glorious picture of rich rewards for the faithful, it concludes with a dramatic declaration of the final judgment that will occur at Christ’s second coming. “’All mankind will come and bow down before me,’ says the Lord. ‘And they will go out and look upon the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; their worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched’”(66:24). This vision of hell, one that will be further described throughout the New Testament, should at the very least give us reason to pause. While it may not be popular or fashionable to talk about a literal hell with literal suffering, the real presence of hell receives as much emphasis as any great truth in the Bible. God’s ultimate justice, in fact, depends upon a system of eternal reward and punishment. How do you respond to this reality? If you were to stand before the Lord today, whom would you trust for your salvation? Have you done all that you can to share the gospel with those in your family and circle of influence? Do you pray regularly for the lost?

 

Prayer. . .

“You have changed my sadness into a joyful dance;

You have taken away my sorrow and surrounded me with joy.

So I will not be silent;

I will sing praise to you.

Lord, you are my God;

I will give you thanks forever.”

Psalms 40:11-12

 

March 27 – Job 23-24

 

Focus before you read. . .

Where is God in the midst of my suffering? Where is God in the midst of injustice? These two questions are the focus of today’s reading as we hear Job’s response to his friend Eliphaz. “Submit to God and be at peace with him, in this way prosperity will come to you” his friend had instructed him in last week’s reading (22:21). For Job, this is difficult to do because he does not feel the presence of God’s love and justice. “If only I knew where to find him, if only I could go to his dwelling,” he laments. While Job does not abandon his faith in God, he certainly does question God’s nature. As you read today, think about how you would respond to those questions. How can we be sure that God does love us and that God’s justice is perfect?

 

Questions to ask as you read. . .

1. What does Job want from God? What would convince Job that His presence is real?

2. According to Job, how should God administer justice?

3. What will eventually happen to all who do evil? What is God’s role in this?

Application to make after you read. . .

Job’s moving account of his feeling of God’s absence at his greatest time of need can be contrasted with David’s affirmation of God’s presence in Psalm 139. “O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways” (139: 1-3). “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? (139:7). While Job’s tremendous suffering led him to believe that he was searching for God, who had abandoned him, both the Old Testament and the New Testament repeatedly picture God pursuing His creation. Whether it is in the dramatic picture of the father running to greet and restore his prodigal son, or in Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit’s presence (John 14, 16), we see God’s desire for an intimate relationship with His creation. Are your circumstances or feelings leading you to believe that God is absent in your life? “Come near to God, and he will come near to you” (James 4:8).

Prayer

Lord, thank you for your unfailing love and your constant presence. Continue to open my eyes of faith so that I may see your presence more clearly.

March 26 – Psalm 33-35

Psalm 33-35

Week 12

 

Focus before you read. . .

Congratulations on completing the first quarter of the year long objective of reading through the bible! I’m sure you are being blessed by your immersion into the word because Psalms 33:4 accurately proclaims to us today, “The word of the Lord is right and true”.

 

As you read. . .

It certainly feels as though we live in uncertain times. Throughout this election year we can expect to hear many humanly devised plans and strategies concerning the needs and leadership of our dear nation. Today we read that, “The Lord foils the plans of the nations and he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand forever”. Furthermore, we are reminded that, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”.

 

After reading prayer:

Dear Lord, we ask for your wisdom for our nation as we elect the next President and congressional members of our government. Guard our hearts in the truth that our leaders are merely people, stewards of your resources and NOT our hope. Rather, “we wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and shield.”(Ps 33:20) For, “No king is saved by the size of his army, no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance, despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.” (Ps 33:16-18).

 

March 25 – 1 Samuel 6-10

 

Focus before you read:

Note that the ark returns to Israel, but the power of God does not come along

with it as far as Israel is concerned. There is no power until the covenant is

renewed. Power comes from a relationship with God, not a surface connection.

It is heart response not head or social knowledge. There are twenty years of

delay (I Sam 7:2) until Israel responds to God.

 

Questions to ask as you read:

1. What are the elements of covenant renewal in I Samuel 7?

7:3 _________________

7:4 _________________

7:5 _________________

7:6 _________________

7:7 _________________

7:8 _________________

7:9 _________________

7:10_________________

 

2. What causes Israel to ask for a King? (search the text!)

 

3. List the attributes of and circumstances for Saul that cause us to expect him

to succeed as King:

 

 

Are there any negative elements?

 

Application to make after you read:

1. What can be learned from Israel’s experience with the ark? What is the

source of our power from God? How does a need for renewal affect God’s

power in us?

 

2. How might we as individuals or as a community of believers desire to be

“like the other nations?” What results when we conform to “the nations?”

3. What hymn that we sing sometimes contains a reference to “Ebenezer”?

 

Prayer:

Lord, help me recognize the need of constant renewal if I am to be a profitable

servant. May I seek to be conformed to Christ and not to the world. Deliver

me from pretense in my relationship with you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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March 24 – Genesis 44-47

 

Focus before you read. . .

In today’s reading, we experience the dramatic conclusion to the Joseph story. We witness Judah’s courageous offer to take Benjamin’s place and remain in Egypt while the rest of his brothers returned to their father. Upon hearing this offer from Judah—the same man who had years earlier convinced his brothers to sell Joseph into slavery—Joseph can wait no longer. He finally reveals his true identity and reconciles with his brothers, who are “terrified at his presence.” “Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me,” Joseph reassures them, “because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you” (45:5). As you read today, pay close attention to the way Joseph shows grace to his brothers and the ways God continues to provide for the family of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

 

Questions to ask as you read. . .

1. How has Judah changed? What earlier mistakes did he make? Look for Judah’s blessing in next week’s reading (49:18), and keep in mind that Jesus himself will come from the line of Judah.

2. How does God work through the details of this story to care for His people?

3. How does God work through Pharoah to provide for Joseph’s family?

 

Application to make after you read. . .

While Joseph may be most famous in our culture for his “Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat,” as the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical of the same name would have us believe, it is Joseph’s perspective on life that is perhaps his most admirable trait. Instead of focusing on his brothers’ jealousy, he is able to view the events of his life from a broader perspective. The word per-spec-tive literally means to “see through.” In this case, Joseph is able to “see” the trials of his life “through” the lens of God’s larger plan. While his brother’s jealousy almost cost him his life, it also started a chain of events that provided for the survival of God’s people. What is your perspective on the events of your life? Do you look at your trials only from the point of view of your present suffering? Or do you try to “see” them “through” the lens of God’s larger plan?

 

Prayer

Lord, you are the Alpha and the Omega. You were before all things. You know all things. Increase our faith so that we might see the events of our life as part of your perfect plan—even in the midst of our questions and doubts.

March 23 – 1 Corinthians 7-8

Focus before you read. . .

We live in an age when men, women, and even children are seeking liberation. “Do your own thing” is the manifesto of the freedom movement. Authority is being challenged as people follow the desires of their own hearts. Self-centeredness is the motivating factor of worldly freedom. But that is not real freedom according to the Bible. Jesus said in John 8:34, “Whoever commits sin is the servant of sin.” While the liberation movements can’t really set a person free, Jesus can. He said, “If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). Freedom comes in Jesus Christ. That is the manifesto of Christianity. One reason it is difficult for Christians to understand current liberation movements is that we can’t relate to bondage because of our liberty in Christ.

It is important to define our liberty in Christ because that phrase has been misused and misunderstood. When I say as a Christian that I am free in Christ, what does that mean? What is Christian liberty? What does it involve and how does it operate?

Today we will look at the explanation of Christian liberty.

As you read. . .

Chapters 1-6 of 1 Corinthians dealt with reports Paul received about disorderly conduct in the Corinthian church. Beginning with chapter 7, he moves on to offer replies to specific questions regarding marriage, meat offered to idols, and making a living from a ministry. Paul draws upon Old Testament passages, the teaching of Christ, and his own authority to set forth principles for the proper use of Christian liberty. Look for principles that are discussed.

 

Application to make after you read. . .

How does Christianity relate to the extremes of legalism and liberty? Christianity resembles a narrow bridge spanning a place where two streams come together. One of those streams is clear, but contains deadly rapids; it symbolizes legalism–it appears to be a source of righteousness, but you can’t stay afloat in it. Legalism will smash you. The other stream is extreme liberty– if you fall into it, you will drown because of its filth.

Therefore, the Christian must maintain his balance on the bridge between the treachery of legalism and the filth of extreme liberty. Christians who have fallen into the rapids of legalism destroy the effectiveness of their spiritual lives. Those who are in the vices of extreme liberty put themselves in line for divine discipline. Do you have balance in your life between legalism and extreme liberty?

March 22 – Mark 1-3

Focus before you read…

This week’s reading begins with the Gospel of Mark. As you read the passages today, notice how Mark’s description of the life of Christ is much different than Matthew. Mark focuses on Jesus’ actions more than his words. He portrays Jesus as both God and man.

 

Questions to ask as you read…

1. In 1:14-15, Jesus came to proclaim the good news of God? What is the good news that Jesus refers to here?

2. Jesus says in 1:17 that if we follow him he will make us “fishers of men.” What does it mean to be a fisher of men?

3. In 2:17, Jesus says that he came for the sick not the healthy and for sinners not the righteous. Who is he referring to here?

 

Application to make after you read…

Jesus came to proclaim that sin’s power over us has been defeated. This is good news! Have you turned your life over to Christ so that sin no longer has power over you?

 

If you are a believer in Christ, he wants to make you a fisher of men and to use you to draw others to God. Is God using you to win others for Christ? Is your attitude like the Pharisees in 2:16 who judged Jesus for who he was spending time with; or, are you like Jesus, willing to take time for anyone who needs his love, hope and salvation even those of ill repute.