30,31 Mar -- Foot in Mouth Disease?

The readings for Fri 30 and Sat 31 March are -- Gen 42:5-43:14, Ps 14:1-7; Prov 3:13-14; Mt 15:10-39.

People who are constantly saying the wrong thing are sometimes described as having foot-in-mouth disease. Perhaps it's really just a case of heart-in-mouth disease.

At the beginning of Mt 15, we saw the Pharisees criticising Jesus because his disciples didn't perform the prescribed ritual hand washings before eating. Jesus called them hypocrites and applied the words of one of Isaiah's prophecies to them -- "These people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me." Jesus put it down to a heart problem.

In the current reading from Matthew, Jesus enlarges on this with some very perceptive comments. "But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this defiles a man." (15:18). "For from the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immoralities, thefts, false testimonies, blasphemies." (15:19) i.e. evil deeds and evil words. "It's not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man." (15:11).

The good news is that Jesus can cure heart disease. And that fixes foot-in-mouth disease.

28,29 Mar -- Today I Remember my Faults

The readings for Wed 28 and Thurs 29 March are -- Gen 41:8-42:4; Ps 13:1-6; Prov 3:11-12; Mt 14:22-15:9.

In my last posting, I was somewhat critical of Pharaoh's cupbearer. While they were in prison together, Joseph had helped him by correctly interpreting his dream. But when he was released, "the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph; he forgot him." (Gen 40:23.) I gave him as an example of someone who failed to keep his promise. His assurances to Joseph were mere empty words.

But in today's passage, he sets a very good example we would all do well to follow. "Today I remember my faults" he confesses to Pharaoh. Then he tells him all about Joseph in prison and Joseph's interpretation of dreams. Although it was 2 years late, he finally did what he said he would do. But more than that, he recognised his error and was willing to own up to it publicly. I like him after all!

26,27 Mar -- More Words on Words

The readings for Mon 26 and Tues 27 March are -- Gen 39:1-41:7; Ps 12:6-8; Prov 3:9-10; Mt 14:1-21.

In many of his Psalms, David cries out to God because he is surrounded by evil-doers. In Psalm 12, he cries out to God because he is surrounded by evil-speakers -- liars, flatterers, deceivers, boasters (12:1-4). By contrast, God's words are true and as pure as repeatedly refined silver (12:6). God's promises are certain.

In both the current Genesis and Matthew readings, we see examples of the harm that wrong words can bring.
* Potiphar's wife falsely accuses Joseph of raping her. As a result, he loses Potiphar's trust and is imprisoned.
* The chief cupbearer seems to have agreed to put in a good word for Joseph when released. "Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph; he forgot him." (Gen 40:23) So Joseph languished in prison for another two years.
* Herod made a promise with an oath to give the daughter of Herodias whatever she asked. She asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter, and Herod kept his promise -- a very foolish one.

I reckon we should say what we mean and mean what we say and ensure that none of it is mean and that all of it is meaningful. I think that's Biblical.

24,25 Mar -- Why Don't You Just Shut-up!

The readings for Sat 24 and Sun 25 March are -- Gen 37:1-38:30; Ps 12:1-5; Prov 3:7-8; Mt 13:36-58.

Last night in Church I got up and said to everyone "Why don't you just shut-up!" Before you conclude that the Pastor's finally lost it, let me explain. My sermon was entitled "The Words of my Mouth" and was based on Psalm 12. I wanted to start off by making the point that our speech can be very powerful -- in a negative way or in a positive way. So I began: "Why don't you just shut-up!.. You're an idiot!.. I just don't love you anymore... That's really interesting; tell me more... You're really quite clever you know... I love you and love being with you..."

Then I told this little story. Xanthus, the philosopher, once told his servant that the next day he was going to have some friends for dinner and that he should get the best thing he could find in the market. The philosopher and his guests sat down the next day at the table. They had nothing but tongue -- four or five courses of tongue -- tongue cooked in this way, and tongue cooked in that way. The philosopher finally lost his patience and said to the servant, "Didn't I tell you to get the best thing in the market?" The servant said, "I did get the best thing in the market. Isn't the tongue the organ of sociability, the organ of eloquence, the organ of kindness, the organ of worship?" Then Xanthus the philosopher said, "Tomorrow I want you to get the worst thing in the market." And on the morrow the philosopher sat at the table, and there was nothing but tongue -- four or five courses of tongue -- tongue in this shape and tongue in that shape. The philosopher lost his patience again and said, "Didn't I tell you to get the worst thing in the market?" The servant replied, "I did; for isn't the tongue the organ of blasphemy, the organ of defamation, the organ of lying?" (From "The Behavior of Belief" by Spiros Zodhiates.)

And here are a couple of other quotes I used.
"It's much better to keep silent and let everyone think you are a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." (Lewis Sperry Chater)
"If your lips would keep from slips,
Five things observe with care:
To whom you speak; of whom you speak;
And how, and when and where." (William Norris)

22,23 Mar -- A Quick Quiz 4U

The Bible readings for Thurs 22 and Fri 23 March are -- Gen 36:1-43; Ps 11:4-7; Prov 3:5-6; Mt 13:10-35.

There's not much I can think to say about the list of Esau's descendants and Selwyn Hughes has a good devotion on the verses from Proverbs so try this quick quiz based on the Parable of the Sower. (It's from the "Serendipity Bible for Groups".) We'd all be interested in your answers if you'd like to share them.

1. If you had been in the crowd when Jesus shared this parable, how would
you have felt?
a. what's he saying b. wonder which soil I am?
c. is he trying to say something to me? d. who does he think he is?

2. Why do you think Jesus used this illustration to explain how people receive
his message?
a. he was sick and tired of people tagging along and doing nothing
b. they were sitting in a wheat field
c. everybody understood farming
d. he deliberately wanted to keep some people in the dark

3. What is the "crop" that the seed is supposed to produce?
a. wheat b. the lifestyle of Jesus
c. new converts to the faith d. spirituality

4. What is Jesus really saying in this parable?
a. if you can't hear, turn up the volume
b. paint or get off the ladder
c. if you are not producing, it's not the fault of the seed
d. God is making a list and checking it twice

20,21 Mar -- X- rated!

The Bible readings for Tues 20 and Wed 21 March are -- Gen 34:1-35:29; Ps 11:1-3; Prov 3:3-4; Mt 12:38-13:9.

What an appalling story in Gen 24 -- rape, deceit, violence, revenge, slaughter, plunder. If it was a movie, it would surely have to be X-rated. Did you notice that God is not mentioned once in this chapter? The previous chapter ends with God and the next chapter starts with God, but not one mention in this chapter. Jacob and his sons do what they want, without any reference to God. Perhaps the fact that they had foreign gods amongst them (35:2) is a partial explanation. The events are an apt illustration of the turmoil that can happen when we leave God out .

The key characters don't seek God's guidance, but neither does God intervene. Nor does the recorder of this story tell us what God thought about the actions of the key players. There is no overt moralising. In fact, the story ends with a searching question that Simeon and Levi ask in an attempt to justify their actions -- "Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?"

I find some key aspects of the story difficult to interpret. Was Jacob weak and afraid of Hamor, or conciliatory and peace-loving? Was he too ready to forgive? Was he more concerned about security and the bride-price than about Dinah? Were the brothers wrong to deceive and kill Hamor and Shechem and their men or were they right to do anything to prevent intermarriage and integration with the locals? Commentators seem to draw out different and sometimes conflicting morals from the story. What is clear though is that God continues to bring his plan to fulfilment despite the weaknesses and mistakes of key characters.

18,19 Mar -- The Tongue is Connected to...

The readings for Sun 18 and Mon 19 March are -- Gen 32:1-33:20; Ps 10:13-18; Prov 3:1-2; Mt 12:9-37.

I recently heard of a guy who frequently made inappropriate remarks in conversation. After one such incident, he told a friend: "I felt like I just wanted to rip my tongue out." The friend replied: "You'd have to pull pretty hard, because your tongue is connected to your heart." Jesus said the same thing -- "For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart." (Mt 12:34)

Hence the wisdom of Proverbs 3:1-2 -- "... Let your heart keep my commands; for they will bring you... well-being."

P.S. I'm planning to speak on the tongue this coming Sunday night, mainly from Psalm 12 (one of the "Thru in 2" readings for the weekend). Any good ideas, suggestions, stories, illustrations?

18,19 Mar -- Some Questions I Have

The readings for Sun 18 and Mon 19 March are -- Gen 32:1-33:20; Ps 10:13-18; Prov 3:1-2; Mt 12:9-37.

Gen 32 & 33 tell the touching story of the reconciliation of Jacob and Esau. Here are a few of the questions I've been thinking about. You might like to ponder them too (and even post a comment).
1. Jacob's message to Esau is "I have been staying with Laban and have been delayed until now." A 20 year delay! Does he give a pathetic excuse or a valid reason?
2. Is Jacob acting out of fear, pragmatism, guilt, sorrow or what?
3. Esau acts so graciously. See Gen 33:4. This is very similar to what the father does in Jesus' story of the Lost Son (Luke 15:20). Did Jesus have this incident in mind as he told the parable?
4. Esau wants Jacob and his tribe to go back with him. Jacob says he will, but then heads in the opposite direction. He settles in Succouth and then Shechem. God had actually told him to go back to Bethel (Gen 28:15; 31:3,13). Has he really changed? In his devotion, Selwyn Hughes says the old Jacob was dead. Really?
5. Who should I be re-connecting with?

14,15 Mar -- Why is God Hiding?

Readings for Wed 14 and Thurs 15 March are -- Gen 29:13-30:43; Ps 10:1-6; Prov 2:16-19; Mt 11:1-19.

"LORD, why do You stand so far away? Why do you hide in times of trouble?" Those could easily have been the words of John the Baptist as he languished in prison. (See yesterday's post.) In fact, they are the words of David in today's Psalm. (Psalm 10 is most likely a continuation of Psalm 9, written by David.) David laments the evil of the wicked he sees around him and wonders why God doesn't rise up against them. John the Baptist no doubt had similar thoughts as he pondered the reason for his imprisonment -- speaking out against the wickedness of Herod.

Maybe sometimes they are your words. God may seem far off and remote at times. But God promises us that He will never forsake us (e.g. Hebrews 13:5). God is always alongside us and within us through His Spirit. If God seems far away, that's the time to re-examine my life. Because, as someone succinctly put it, "If God seems far away, guess who moved!" It was Adam and Eve who were trying to hide in the garden, not God.

14,15 Mar -- Are You the One?

The readings for Wed 14 and Thur 15 Mar are -- Gen 29:13-30:43; Ps 10:1-6; Prov 2:16-19; Mt 11:1-19.

Quite a rap! How would you like a reference like that? "Among those born of women, no one greater than John the Baptist has appeared" (Mt 11:11). Yet he was still very human and subject to much the same human foibles and weaknesses as us. After being thrown in prison, John appears to have succumbed to a time of disappointment, depression and doubt. "Are you the One who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Mt 11:3). A far cry from his earlier public pronouncement: "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29).

He may well have been expecting Jesus, as the Messiah, to act more forcefully and quickly against evil, oppression and injustice. John was a man of action, and a hell-fire and brimstone preacher. He had already declared: "He Himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing shovel is in His hand, and He will clear His threshing floor and gather His wheat into the barn. But the chaff He will burn up with fire that never goes out." (Mt 3:11-12).

John must have been wondering why Jesus hadn't delivered him from prison. Why hadn't Jesus also publicly condemned Herod for taking his brother's wife? Why hadn't Jesus risen up against them and punished them? Maybe he wasn't the Messiah after all? Jesus sends the messengers back with reports of his miracles and preaching. Surely he is the Messiah. Just not quite what John expected, and working to his own timetable.

12,13 Mar -- A House with no Walls

The readings for Mon 12 and Tues 13 are -- Gen 27:30-29:12; Ps 9:13-20; Prov 2:11-15; Mt 10:21-42.

As far as I know, none of us actually did it. But we talked about doing it when we were teenagers. The idea was to ring up someone at random and ask to speak to Steve Wall. Of course the response would be that there was no Steve Wall there. Then we would ask to speak to Mary Wall. After a similar response we would ask: "Are there any walls there?" When the unsuspecting victim said no, we would yell: "Well you'd better get out of there quick because the roof is about to collapse!"

When Jacob awoke, his first words were: "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it." (Gen 28:16) Sometimes I have been surprised to encounter God in a place and at a time when I wasn't expecting it. But God is everywhere of course. Perhaps I should have been more expectant and less surprised.

Jacob's next words were: "What an awesome place this is! This is none other than the house of God." Then later: "This stone that I have set set up as a marker will be God's house." A house with no walls! Though we may sometimes call a church building "the house of God", God is not confined by any walls.

Jacob called the place Bethel, which means "House of God". Our nursing home is called Bethel. (See web link in the column on the right.) That was the name of the property when we acquired it over 55 years ago. We've always thought it a particularly appropriate name in view of the ministry we exercise there. Our mission is "to make a positive difference to aged Australians through the provision of excellent care expressed within a Christian framework". Quite often people make comments like "surely the Lord is in this place". We work hard to ensure that people continue to say this and never add: "...and I did not know it."

10,11 Mar -- Want More Money?

Readings for Sat 10 and Sun 11 March are -- Gen 26:12-27:29; Ps 9:7-12; Prov 2:9-10; Mt 10:1-20.

Isn't God gracious! The other day we had the story of Isaac trying to deceive Abimelech out of fear and a lack of faith. Yet straight after that we find: "The LORD blessed him, and the man became rich and kept getting richer until he was very wealthy." (Gen 26:12-13) But all is not so rosy when it comes to relationships. Things are very tense with Abimelech. And closer to home, the Hittite wives of Esau (whom Isaac favoured) "made life bitter for Isaac and Rebekah." (Gen 26:35).

The unhealthy state of family relationships is further evident in the intrigue, favouritism and divided loyalties in the blessing stories (in chapter 27). The startling impression is that everyone seems to be taking things into their own hands rather than seeking God's will and trusting him.

Material wealth doesn't guarantee happy family relationships. In fact, it often seems to lead to strained family relationships. What would you rather have? Seeking first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness is the way to go. All sorts of other wonderful blessings then follow.

8,9 Mar -- Fear and Lies Instead of Faith

The readings for Thurs 8 and Fri 9 March are -- Gen 24:55-26:11; Ps 9:1-6; Prov 2:1-5; Mt 9:18-38.

Gen 26:1-11 tells the story of Isaac and Rebekah settling in Philistine territory during a famine. Isaac tells the locals she is his sister, fearing they might kill him if they know she's his wife. But Abimelech, the King, spots Isaac fondling Rebekah and realises Isaac had lied.

Do you get the feeling that something similar has happened before? Twice in fact. In Gen 12:10-20, Abraham and Sarah moved to Egypt during a famine. Because Sarah was so beautiful (at around 65!), Abraham passes her off as his sister. Pharaoh takes her into his household as a wife but uncovers the lie after God sends plagues on him and his household.

Then in Gen 20:1-18, Abraham repeats his mistake, but this time with Abimelech, the Philistine. (Poor Abimelech!) God speaks to him and stops him from touching Sarah. He is rightly upset with Abraham, saying to him: "You have done things to me that should never be done." (20:9) Abraham's excuse that he was afraid and that she was in a sense a sister (his father's daughter, but not his mother's) misses the point. A decided lack of faith for the "Father of Faith".

After what happened to Abraham twice, it is almost unbelievable to see it happening again in the next generation with Isaac. The sins of the fathers...! As D.J. Wiseman (Tyndale Commentary on Genesis) points out, "The repeated lapses emphasize (like Peter's three denials) the chronic weakness of God's chosen material." Yet God's plan will not be thwarted (Gen 26:2-5).

6,7 Mar -- Do You Know What this Means?

The readings for Tues 6 and Wed 7 March are -- Gen 24:1-54; Ps 8:1-9; Prov 2:1-5; Mt 8:28-9:17.

"Those who are well don't need a doctor, but the sick do." These words of Jesus to the Pharisees were more than a justification for eating with tax gatherers and sinners. He was also having a go at his questioners. This was incisive irony. The Pharisees were indeed sick and needed a doctor. They just didn't realise it or wouldn't admit it. Like a skilled doctor with a difficult patient, Jesus reveals the problem. Then his prescription -- "Go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' " Wise advice for us all, not just the Pharisees.

Jesus was quoting the first half of Hosea 6:6 -- "For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice." (NRSV) The second half of the verse is helpful as we try and learn what this means. It restates the first half in different words, being an example of Hebrew poetic parallelism. (See Hosea 6:1-5 for some other great examples. And see Micah 6:6-8 on the same theme.) Hosea 6:6b says: "the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."

The Pharisees were good at sacrifice. They were known for their rigid adherence to the Law. But it was outward pretence, not inward reality. Religion rather than relationship. For most of them at least. They needed to learn first of all that their relationship with God depended on God's mercy, not their sacrifices. And secondly, that God wanted them to show mercy to others more than he wanted their sacrifices.

To the Pharisee within, Jesus says: "Go and learn what this means."

4,5 Mar -- An Invitation. Please RSVP.

The readings for Sun 4 and Mon 5 March are -- Gen 21:22-23:20; Ps 7:9-17; Prov 1:32-33; Mt 8:5-27.

You're invited to the best party ever. It will be out of this world. You'll be surprised who's there. There'll be people from everywhere. It'll be like a reunion, because people from the past will be there too. Like Jacob and Isaac and Abraham. Remember them? But the best part is that the King will be there, as the guest of honour.
Location: The party will be held in the Banquet Room of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Dress: White only.
Cost: Entrance is free. Cost has been paid by the guest of honour.
RSVP: You must RSVP. No fixed date to reply, but best to do it now. Don't delay. Voice mail is best.
Don't miss out. That would be a crying shame.
See you there. John.
P.S. If you'd like more information, see Mt 8:5-27.
P.P.S. Bring a friend. But they'll need to RSVP for themselves.

2,3 Mar -- The Power of Touch

The readings for Fri 2 and Sat 3 March are -- Gen 19:23-21:21; Ps 7:1-8; Prov 1:28-31; Mt 7:13-8:4.

The leper was only supposed to mix with other similarly unclean people. He was supposed to stay right away from healthy people. That was not just custom, or the polite thing to do. That was law. Yet as crowds followed Jesus, this leper "came up" to Jesus. He was desperate. And full of faith. Jesus said: "Be made clean." And he was. But Jesus also touched him as he spoke those words. Touched a filthy leper. Not only diseased, but unclean. He didn't have to. His words alone were powerful enough. We'll see that tomorrow when Jesus heals the centurion's servant who wasn't even present. But he touched the unclean leper. He did so, I believe, precisely because he was unclean. Not only diseased, but also declared unclean. Jesus was confronted with more than just a physical disease. He didn't say "Be healed" but "Be made clean". The man had been rocked to his core. He was damaged and hurting inwardly too, in his heart and soul and mind. Jesus' compassionate touch changed all that too.

Jesus could have also brought inner healing by a word. But the touch spoke even more loudly to the leper. And to the watching crowd as well. It said so much about Jesus and his character. And it said so much about the character he was looking for in his followers. Who can you minister to with a compassionate and healing touch today?

2,3 Mar -- Sudden vs Gradual Conversions

The readings for Fri 2 & Sat 3 March are -- Gen 19:23-21:21; Ps 7:1-8; Prov 1:28-31; Mt 7:13-8:4.

Have you been "converted"? If so, was your conversion like the little by little unfolding of a flower to the sun or more like a sudden leap to the breast of God? (Selwyn Hughes' poetic descriptions in today's devotion.) In other words (Hughes' again), did your conversion take place in a crisis or was it a slow dawning of the fact that you were no longer lost but found?

Leave a brief comment saying whether it was gradual or sudden. If you'd like to leave a longer comment and share how you became a Christian, please do. I'm sure other readers would find that helpful. For me it was gradual. I had a belief in God and an awareness of God from as early as I can remember. Loving Christian parents and a loving Church family were big factors. I was baptised when I was 13 as an outward expression of my faith. How about you?

In today's Matthew reading, Jesus said: "You'll recognize them by their fruit... A good tree can't produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit." Yet he goes on to say that there are some to whom he will announce "I never knew you" , even though they call him Lord, prophesy, drive out demons and perform miracles. Contradictory? Some do seem to produce good fruit for a while but are shown up to be false and living a lie in the long run. There can be an incongruence between the inward and the outward, at least for a time. This is the nature of hypocrisy. I should be quick to examine my own heart and slow to judge others (as in yesterday's reading from Matthew 7:1-5). Only the all-seeing, all-knowing God can see into the hearts of others. We can't.

The point of the parable that follows is often misrepresented (it seems to me). The point is not to build your life on the right foundation ie Jesus, the Rock (though, of course, that's a good thing to do). It's about hearing Jesus' words and acting on them. That's the wise thing to do. Since Jesus speaks the words of his Father, that equates to doing the Father's will (which is what Jesus had been talking about just before in Mt 7:21). Then again, maybe that equates to building your life on the Rock anyway!

28 Feb & 1 Mar -- Don't Worry! Be Happy!

Readings for Wed 28 Feb & Thu 1 Mar are -- Gen 18:1-19:22; Ps 6:6-10; Prov 1:24-27; Mt 6:25-7:12

Jesus said "Don't worry about your life..." and "Don't worry about tomorrow..." but surely we should be worried at times. Couldn't help thinking that as I read again about Lot and his exit from Sodom. He appears frustratingly relaxed despite the urgently repeated warnings from the angels to flee the city. Not as "manyana" as his 2 sons-in-law though. They treated it as a big joke, and consequently perished. A little more worry there could have been helpful! Worry that paralyses is certainly no good but sometimes worry can energise.

Selwyn Hughes mentions 3 important creeds -- the Apostle's, the Athanasian and the Nicene. To see these creeds and a brief background to each, go to www.elca.org/communication/creeds/creeds.html It's the Nicene Creed alone that mentions the kingdom -- "And his kingdom will have no end."

Bible Readings for March

Wed 28 Feb & Thu 1 Mar --
P31. Gen 18:1-19:22; Ps 6:6-10; Pr 1:24-27; Mt 6:25-7:12
Fri 2 & Sat 3 Mar --
P35. Gen 19:23-21:21; Ps 7:1-8; Pr 1:28-31; Mt 7:13-8:4
Sun 4 & Mon 5 Mar --
P39. Gen 21:22-23:20; Ps 7:9-17; Pr 1:32-33; Mt 8:5-27
Tue 6 & Wed 7 Mar --
P43. Gen 24:1-54; Ps 8:1-9; Pr 2:1-5; Mt 8:28-9:17
Thu 8 & Fri 9 Mar --
P47. Gen 24:55-26:11; Ps 9:1-6; Pr 2:6-8; Mt 9:18-38
Sat 10 & Sun 11 Mar --
P51. Gen 26:12-27:29; Ps 9:7-12; Pr 2:9-10; Mt 10:1-20
Mon 12 & Tue 13 Mar --
P55. Gen 27:30-29:12; Ps 9:13-20; Pr 2:11-15; Mt 10:21-42
Wed 14 & Thur 15 Mar --
P59. Gen 29:13-30:43; Ps 10:1-6; Pr 2:16-19; Mt 11:1-19
Fri 16 & Sat 17 Mar --
P63. Gen 31:1-55; Ps 10:7-12; Pr 2:20-22; Mt 11:20-12:8
Sun 18 & Mon 19 Mar --
P67. Gen 32:1-33:20; Ps 10:13-18; Pr 3:1-2; Mt 12:9-37
Tue 20 Mar & Wed 21 Mar --
P71. Gen 34:1-35:29; Ps 11:1-3; Pr 3:3-4; Mt 12:38-13:9
Thu 22 & Fri 23 Mar --
P75. Gen 36:1-43; Ps 11:4-7; Pr 3:5-6; Mt 13:10-35
Sat 24 & Sun 25 Mar --
P79. Gen 37:1-38:30; Ps 12:1-5; Pr 3:7-8; Mt 13:36-58
Mon 26 & Tue 27 Mar --
P83. Gen 39:1-41:7; Ps 12:6-8; Pr 3:9-10; Mt 14:1-21
Wed 28 & Thu 29 Mar --
P87. Gen 41:8-42:4; Ps 13:1-6; Pr 3:11-12; Mt 14:22-15:9
Fri 30 & Sat 31 Mar --
P91. Gen 42:5-43:14; Ps 14:1-7; Pr 3:13-14; Mt 15:10-39