March 25, 2017
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Genesis? Here’s today’s reading:
Genesis 14 (ESV)
In the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, 2 these kings made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). 3 And all these joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). 4 Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. 5 In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, 6 and the Horites in their hill country of Seir as far as El-paran on the border of the wilderness. 7 Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh) and defeated all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who were dwelling in Hazazon-tamar…. Continue Reading
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What strikes me this morning as I read Genesis 14, is out of love for Lot and having faith and trust in God, Abram goes out to rescue Lot from captivity with only 318 trained men (Genesis 14:14). This was not a local squabble among a band of misfits – this was a major war and Lot was in the crossfire.
Abram didn’t just send his men to fight – he went with them (Genesis 14:15).
Now that’s faith and love in action!
Up against a massive group of armies to rescue Lot, Abram plus 318 plus Alimughty God,who won it for them, rescued Lot and his family! Then blessed by Melchizedek King /priest and God lifted up and honored. Beautiful.
Read chapter 14
I read Ephesians 1 and 2 today.
I started in Genesis last summer and I’m now reading daily through the Prophets…searching out references about God’s heart, His character and His purposes.
In the Book of Isaiah – there is so much regret caused by sin and rebellion. Yet God continues to draw his children to Himself:
43:18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not see it?”
How dwelling on regret and self-pity blinds me to the NEW things God has in store.
46:10 “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand and I will do all that I please.”
That verse brings me comfort because I can trust in His plans because He is Good, He is Just, He is merciful, He is Gracious, He is Sovereign. He will accomplish His purposes for His Name’s sake.
Jeremiah
I am touched by Jeremiah’s obedience to preach God’s Word to those who refused to hear. He was beaten, imprisoned, and thrown into a cistern. God did not forget him. I see God’s tender care when the Cushite took pity on him and sent down a rope to haul him out. This one sentence tells me so much about God. Even in hard times, He is mindful of our basic needs. Old rags were offered down to him to place under his arms so he could PAD THE ROPES. God reveals to me his tender care. I want to be alert to all the tender ways he cares for me.
Lamentation
It’s believed Jeremiah wrote Lamentations as well. Though Israel suffered the consequences of sin, the over-ruling message to my heart is “Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.” (3:32)
Ezekiel
Ezekiel was a prophet called by God to minister to the Hebrews when taken captive to Babylon. His theme was to teach about God’s Sovereignty. The phrase “Sovereign Lord” was used 65 times, my notes tell me. Ezekiel was called to be a “watchman” for Israel and called to warn the people to repent. I was sobered by God’s warning to Ezekiel himself that if he did not warn the people, he would be held accountable for their blood. I have taken away the message to share God’s Words of Life with those who will listen and to those who won’t listen.
Daniel
Beside the more familiar accounts in the Book of Daniel, I was struck again by Nebuchadnezzar when within a year of acknowledging Daniel’s God as the Most High God, he allowed himself to take pride in what he thought was his own accomplishments. His arrogance reminded me of some of our world leaders today, but conviction soon came to my heart about my own sense of independence . I was reminded how quickly health, possessions, and security can be taken away. I must focus on the Most High God and Him alone.
Hosea
What a picture we see of God’s compassion, grace and mercy through Hosea’s love for the wife who left him as Israel left serving from God to go after Baal. When he wife was destitute, it was Hosea who secretly continued to support and care for her until she returned to him.
Joel — just started reading today.
I will post occasionally though I continue read daily.
Praying many of us will be spurred on to remain in God’s Word.
🙂