Readings for 29,30 Apr & comments

The Bible readings for Sun 29 and Mon 30 April are -- Ex 21:1-22:20; Ps 19:1-6; Pro 4:18-19; Mt 24:15-35.

Readings for 27,28 Apr & comments incl 2nd coming

The Bible readings for Fri 27 and Sat 28 April are -- Ex 19:1-20:26; Ps 18:43-50; Pro 4:14-17; Mt 24:1-14.

Readings for 25,26 Apr & comments incl. whingeing

The readings for Wed 25 (ANZAC DAY) & Thur 26 April are -- Ex 16:21-18:27; Ps 18:37-42; Pro 4:10-13; Mt 23:23-39.

Movies that made you think

As part of our service on Sunday night, Karen T divided us up into small groups to discuss movies that have made us think. Here are some of the movies that were mentioned in the report-back session -- Chocolat; Jesus of Montreal; Being John Malkovich; the Apostle; Sliding Doors; Run Lola Run; The Passion of Christ; As it is in Heaven; A Beautiful Mind.

I'm sure there were others but that's all I can remember at the moment. If you can recall any more that were mentioned, or if you'd just like to add to the list, please leave a comment with the name of the movie and maybe even a rating or review. Remember that it's a list of movies to make you think. We're not necessarily recommending them as enjoyable, entertaining or uplifting, but as thought provoking.

P.S. Thanks to Lydia's homegroup for organising and conducting such an enjoyable and interesting service. And thanks to everyone who provided the delicious food beforehand.

Readings for 23,24 Apr & comments

The Bible readings for Mon 23 and Tues 24 April are -- Ex 14:21-16:20; Ps 18:30-36; Pro 4:7-9; Mt 23:1-22.

Readings for 21,22 Apr & comments

The Bible readings for Sat 21 and Sun 22 April are --
Ex 12:37-14:20; Ps 18:25-29; Pro 4:5-6; Mt 22:23-46.

Click on "comments" below (or the time) to see the messages others have left and to leave yours.

Readings for 19,20 Apr & comments incl. blog changes

The Bible readings for Thu 19 & Fri 20 April are --
Ex 10:21-12:36; Ps 18:20-24; Pro 4:3-4; Mt 22:1-22.

If you've visited this blog before, you'll have noticed that the wording of the profile in the column to the right has changed. The blog is going to work a little differently from now on. This follows some brainstorming by several of us last night on how to make it more accessible and helpful.

Instead of me posting a regular devotional and others waiting for that to appear and then commenting on it, I'll now simply post the Bible references at the start of each two day period. As soon as I've done that, feel free to make your comments on the readings or on the comments from others. To do that, just click on "comments" at the bottom of the posting (near the envelope icon). Of course you can also continue to do the same with previous days.

You'll still see comments from me from time to time, but watch out also for more insightful contributions from Callum, Lisa, Karen B and maybe even others as well now. I'm looking forward to them!

17,18 Apr -- Diagnosing Heart Disease

The readings for Tues 17 and Wed 18 April are -- Ex 9:1-10:20; Ps 18:13-19; Pro 4:1-2; Mt 21:28-46.

The story of the plagues and Pharaoh's responses to them raises some really difficult issues, doesn't it? Pharaoh seems to be confronted with a series of choices he needs to make. But at the same time God knows (and tells Moses) what Pharaoh is going to decide before he is even given the choice. We're told that the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart (9:12). But we're also told that his heart was hardened (9:7) and that he hardened his own heart (9:34).

Though it is difficult to fully understand, we have been created as moral agents with free will and the capacity to make decisions while still subject to the all-encompassing sovereignty of God. At times the Biblical record emphasises God's sovereignty and sometimes it emphasises our free will. They are two perspectives. Both are true.

15,16 Apr -- In My Staff I Trvst

The readings for Sun 15 and Mon 16 April are -- Ex 7:1-8:32; Ps 18:7-12; Pro 3:33-35; Mt 21:12-27.

In Sunday night's sermon, I suggested that God was dealing with some of Moses' deep personal issues when he told him to throw down his staff. Issues such as self-esteem, attachment, security, identity, purpose. A question to ponder -- What might God be telling you and me to "throw down"?

The first reference to Moses' staff after the burning bush is a highly significant one. "And Moses took God's staff in his hand" (Ex 4:20). It's now God's, but he has the use of it. I think (though not all would agree) that this is the same staff Aaron uses and which is sometimes called his staff. Moses and Aaron (his brother and spokesman) act as one in confronting Pharaoh and they share the staff. But it's God's staff. (See also Ex 17:9). Another question to ponder -- What does God give to us to use on the understanding that it's really His?

13,14 Apr -- Confusing or What?

The readings for Fri 13 and Sat 14 April are -- Ex 5:1-6:30; Ps 18:1-6; Pro 3:29-32; Mt 20:20-21:11.

On Sunday night I'm preaching from Exodus 4 on the latter part of the story of Moses and the burning bush. BUT I've come across something that's pretty confusing there.

Back in Exodus 4, Moses, following God's instructions, threw down his staff and it became a snake (4:3). Then God told him to take his staff and repeat the sign in front of Pharaoh (4:17). BUT in Ex 7: 8-10 it is Aaron who does the sign with his own rod.

Straight after that is the 1st plague. God tells Moses to stand by the river bank holding the "staff that was turned into a snake". Was this the staff that turned into a snake at the burning bush (Moses' staff) or the one that turned into a snake in front of Pharaoh (Aaron's staff)? In the end it seems that Aaron strikes the Nile with his rod. BUT in Ex 17:5 God tells Moses: "Take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile and go... Strike the rock, and water will come out of it."

To add to the confusion, Aaron stretches out his staff to bring on the 2nd plague (Ex 8:5-6) and the 3rd plague (8:16-17). BUT Moses stretches out his staff to bring on the 7th plague (9:22-23) and the 8th plague (10:13-14) and to divide the waters of the Red Sea (14:16,21). BUT it was Aaron's staff that was kept in the Ark of the Covenant with the two tablets of the 10 Commandments (Numbers 17:10; Hebrews 9:4).

Is there an explanation? I'll be trying Sunday night, in passing. BUT do you have any ideas?

11,12 Apr -- Satisfaction guaranteed!

The readings for Wed 11 and Thurs 12 April are -- Ex 3:1-4:31; Ps 17:13-15; Prov 3:27-28; Mt 19:23-20:19.

Psalm 17 is titled "A Prayer of David". And what a prayer it is! Verse 13 is nothing unusual. It expresses the same plea we have already seen in several of David's psalms -- Rise up LORD and punish the wicked and deliver me from them. The next verse is very unusual though, and almost seems to express the opposite idea. One likely interpretation is that David is saying let "those whose only concern is earthly gain" (NLT) have what they want. David knows he will be far better off. He expresses that in the amazing final verse and climax of the psalm -- "But because I have done what is right, I will see you. When I awake, I will be fully satisfied, for I will see you face to face." (NLT).

The Hebrew word translated "satisfaction" occurs in both verse 14 and 15, contrasting the merely earthly satisfaction of the unGodly with David's full satisfaction. How much better the satisfaction of God's eternal presence than the temporary satisfaction worldly pleasures. That old song by Alison Krauss puts it well.
I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold
I'd rather be his than have riches untold...
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sins dread sway
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

9,10 Apr -- A Real Contrast

The readings for Mon 9 and Tues 10 April are -- Exodus 1:1-2:25; Ps 17:6-12; Prov 3:25-26; Mt 19:1-22.

You can't get much more of a contrast in attitudes than this. Pharaoh ordered: "Kill all the boys as soon as they are born" (Ex 1:16 NLT). Jesus ordered: "Leave the little children alone, and don't try to keep them from coming to Me" (Mt 19:14 EDWJ Bible).

And here's another contrast from the current readings. Two rich rulers faced the same decision -- wealth or life? The one who had murdered another chose to leave his wealth behind rather than lose his life. The one who had never murdered anyone chose to hang onto his wealth rather than gain life. God was able to do great things through the murderer, but not through the coveter.

When Jesus spoke to the rich young ruler about the commandments, he listed the ones about honouring parents (#5), murder (#6), adultery (#7), stealing (#8), lying (#9) and loving one's neighbour (a general one from Lev 19:18 which really sums up 5-10 of the 10 Commandments). The man replied that he'd kept all those from his youth. But note that Jesus didn't mention the 10th commandment about covetousness. He knew the man was guilty of this one. His subsequent refusal to give away his wealth confirmed this. Nor did Jesus mention commandments 1-4, which are about loving God. The man loved his wealth more than God. He was worshiping another god -- money. He came seeking eternal life with God but left grieving, unwilling to accept Jesus' prescription. Let's provide the contrast to this in our lives.

7,8 Apr -- Forgiveness is For Giving

The readings for Sat 7 and Sun 8 April are -- Gen 49:1-50:26; Ps 17:1-5; Pro 3:21-24; Mt 18:10-35.


Happy Easter everyone! "Forgiveness is For Giving" is the title of my message tonight (Easter Sunday). I've chosen that theme because it ties in with the Matthew reading above, and also the Genesis reading. Seeing many of you can't be there, let me briefly mention just a couple of points.

Forgiveness is obviously for receiving as well. Christ died so that we could be forgiven. God offers us forgiveness in Christ. It's available for us to receive, praise God! But as recipients of forgiveness, we are called to forgive others. That's where the servant in Mt 18:23-35 went wrong. He had received forgiveness of a great debt but was unwilling to forgive the small debt of a fellow-servant. Jesus told that parable in answer to Peter's question about how often he should forgive. The common wisdom was 7 times, but Jesus said 70 times 7 and then told the parable.

Forgiveness is a key theme in the last chapter of Genesis too. Jacob (Israel) is embalmed and buried in the first half of the chapter. Then Joseph's brothers panic. They suspect that Joseph is still holding a grudge against them and fear that he will now get his revenge (50:15). So they send a message to Joseph pleading that he forgive them (v16,17). When Joseph received it he wept (v17). I think because he realised they hadn't received the forgiveness he'd offered earlier and were still afraid of him. He didn't want them to be afraid of him. He didn't want them to be his slaves (v18). He wanted them to be his brothers. He told them not to be afraid; he said he would take care of them and their little ones; he comforted them; and he spoke kindly to them (v21 -- a great verse!). Only 5 more verses and Joseph is dead, embalmed and buried, and the book of Genesis has ended. A happy ending -- forgiveness given and received.

An even greater example of forgiven is displayed by Jesus. As he looked at his crucifiers from the cross, his words were: "Father, forgive them..."
Jesus was thinking about forgiveness as he hung on the cross. Not just the forgiveness of those he saw at the foot of the cross that day, but also the forgiveness of those to come in following ages. He died that we might be able to receive forgiveness and he rose to help us give it.

5,6 Apr -- Death and Taxes

The readings for Thurs 5 and Fri 6 April are -- Gen 46:28-48:22; Ps 16:7-11; Pro 3:19-20; Mt 17:14-18:9.

According to the old saying, two things are certain in this world -- death and taxes. Both feature prominently in today's readings from Genesis and Matthew.

In Gen 46:30, Israel (aged 130) tells Joseph he is ready to die. In Gen 47:29,30, Israel (aged 147) sorts out his burial arrangements with Joseph. At the beginning of Gen 48, Israel is much weaker, but manages to summon enough strength to bless Joseph's sons. Then at the end of Gen 48, Israel tells Joseph: "Look! I am about to die." and reminds him of God's covenant promise about the land of Canaan. He doesn't actually die till the next chapter. Likewise, the Egyptians tell Joseph they are on the verge of death, but as a result of the famine (47:15,19). Joseph is able to acquire all their land for Pharaoh and they effectively become tenants. They have to pay a 20% tax, but are thankful (47:25).

In Mt 17:22-23, Jesus tells his disciples that he will soon die. As we saw in our Good Friday service today, he had already told them this (16:21) and would soon tell them again as they approached Jerusalem (20:17-19). After this second prediction, the collectors of the Temple tribute ask Peter whether Jesus is going to pay his tax. Jesus tells Peter that the children of the King are free from the tax, but tells him how to get the money to pay it (miraculously) anyway.

Two things are certain. We need to be prepared for both. So it's wise to ponder how.

3,4 Apr -- Telling the Future

The readings for Tues 3 and Wed 4 April are -- Gen 45:1-46:27; Ps 16:1-6; Prov 3:17-18; Mt 16:21-17:13.

Jesus has not yet begun his journey from Galilee to Jerusalem, but already he is preparing his disciples. He lays out the future very plainly. He will go to Jerusalem, suffer at the hands of the Jewish leaders, be killed then rise again (Mt 16:21). Though seemingly clear, the disciples didn't really grasp what Jesus was saying. Peter's reaction illustrates this (16:22). It's a message Jesus will need to repeat a number of times.

But Jesus was not just preparing them for what would happen to him. He was also getting them to consider what would happen to them if they continued to follow him. Each would need to be prepared to deny himself, take up his cross and even lose his life (16:24,25). Jesus doesn't leave it there though. He points to rewards for those who are willing to follow (16:27). The rewards are eternal ones, received when Jesus comes again.

Jesus' next words are problematic. "There are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom." (16:28). Is Jesus still talking about his second coming? Presumably not because they all died before that. And we're still awaiting that event. Some think that Jesus was referring to his transfiguration in front of Peter, James and John. In support of that idea, that's what Matthew (and Mark and Luke) go on to record next. But Jesus was probably referring to his resurrection.

As we approach Good Friday, we have the blessing of knowing that Easter Sunday (Resurrection Sunday) follows. Jesus rose from the dead just as he said. Now we await the fulfilment of the last part of what Jesus foretold -- his second coming. As Brian so vividly reminded us on Sunday night, this is our sure and certain hope. I know it will happen, not because I can tell the future, but because Jesus did.

3,4 Apr -- Playing Favourites

The readings for Tues 3 and Wed 4 April are -- Gen 45:1-46:27; Ps 16:1-6; Pro 3:17-18; Mt 16:21-17:13.

Beware! Playing favourites within the family is a dangerous hazard to healthy relationships. Our readings in Genesis have given us ample examples.
* Isaac's favourite was Esau, but Rebekah's favourite was their other twin Jacob. The result was Esau seeking to kill his brother.
* In the next generation, Jacob preferred Joseph over his 11 brothers. Joseph's special coat was an indication of this. The result was Joseph's brothers plotting to kill him, but then selling him into slavery.
* In Gen 45, we see Joseph giving preferential treatment to Benjamin. "He gave each of the brothers changes of clothes, but he gave Benjamin 300 pieces of silver and five changes of clothes." (45:22). Not very conducive to family harmony you would think on the basis of previous incidents! I suspect that's why he says to his brothers as they are about to leave: "Don't argue on the way." (45:24). At least that was wise.

1,2 Apr -- April Fool!

Did anyone catch you out on April Fool's day? Don't worry if they did. The real fool is not someone who falls for a prank on 1st April. The real fool, as we found in the previous reading from the Psalms, is the one who says in their heart, "God does not exist." (Psalm 14:1).

In our recent readings in Genesis, we've seen how God not only exists but also sovereignly works out His plan. God repeatedly took seeming disasters in Joseph's life and transformed them in accord with His eternal purposes.

In today's reading, Joseph's brothers bow down before him (Gen 42:6). This fulfilled the dream Joseph had many years before -- of his brothers' sheaves of wheat bowing down to his. God had given the dream and now He has brought it to fulfilment through a miraculous series of events. Joseph was no fool. He knew it was the work of God.

A final thought on fools. This one comes from Jim Elliot, a missionary martyred by the Auca Indians. You've no doubt seen it before because Lydia has it at the foot of most of her emails. "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

Bible Readings for April

Sun 1 & Mon 2 Apr -- P95
Gen 43:15-44:34; Ps 15:1-5; Pro 3:15-16; Mt 16:1-20
Tue 3 & Wed 4 Apr -- P99
Gen 45:1-46:27; Ps 16:1-6; Pro 3:17-18; Mt 16:21-17:13
Thu 5 & Fri 6 Apr -- P103
Gen 46:28-48:22; Ps 16:7-11; Pro 3:19-20; Mt 17:14-18:9
Sat 7 & Sun 8 Apr -- P107
Gen 49:1-50:26; Ps 17:1-5; Pro 3:21-24; Mt 18:10-35
Mon 9 & Tue 10 Apr -- P112
Ex 1:1-2:25; Ps 17:6-12; Pro 3:25-26; Mt 19:1-22
Wed 11 & Thu 12 Apr -- P116
Ex 3:1-4:3; Ps 117:13-15; Pro 3:27-28; Mt 19:23-20:19
Fri 13 & Sat 14 Apr -- P120
Ex 5:1-6:30; Ps 18:1-6; Pro 3:29-32; Mt 20:20-21:11
Sun 15 & Mon 16 Apr -- P124
Ex 7:1-8:32; Ps 18:7-12; Pro 3:33-35; Mt 21:12-27
Tue 17 & Wed 18 Apr -- P128
Ex 9:1-10:20; Ps 18:13-19; Pro 4:1-2; Mt 21:28-46
Thu 19 & Fri 20 Apr -- P132
Ex 10:21-12:36; Ps 18:20-24; Pro 4:3-4; Mt 22:1-22
Sat 21 & Sun 22 Apr -- P136
Ex 12:37-14:20; Ps 18:25-29; Pro 4:5-6; Mt 22:23-46
Mon 23 & Tue 24 Apr -- P140
Ex 14:21-16:20; Ps 18:30-36; Pro 4:7-9; Mt 23:1-22
Wed 25 & Thu 26 Apr -- P145
Ex 16:21-18:27; Ps 18:37-42; Pro 4:10-13; Mt 23:23-39
Fri 27 & Sat 28 Apr -- P149
Ex 19:1-20:26; Ps 18:43-50; Pro 4:14-17; Mt 24:1-14
Sun 29 & Mon 30 Apr -- P153
Ex 21:1-22:20; Ps 19:1-6; Pro 4:18-19; Mt 24:15-35