May 29 Bible Reading

Matthew 13

Jesus tells us that the Kingdom of Heaven is highly valuable.  He describes it in terms of rarity.  It is only found by some.  Out of the four examples of those who hear of it, only one group attained the Kingdom of Heaven.  It is also something to be shared greatly.  He instructs those who have heard and believe to spread the seed of the Kingdom.  It is described as something so valuable, that it is worth anything else.  A merchant sells all that he owns to obtain a pearl.  We must understand and treat our gift of a place in the Kingdom with this much respect and value.

Psalm 33&34

These Psalms remind us of the amazing qualities of God.  We ought to praise God heartily because of who He is.  David has a good grasp on who God is.  He understands God’s inhuman qualities that make Him greater than all of creation.  In response to David’s understanding of God, he praises Him.  We too ought to strive to understand God, and in response to our increased knowledge of Him, praise Him.

Genesis 26&27

It is, of course a sin to lie.  Jacob experienced first hand the terrible consequences of deception.  God does not take oaths lightly.  What Isaac promised to Jacob could not be revoked, but Jacob still had to suffer the consequences of his deceit.  He was torn from his family and all that he had known.  Lying and deceit are not things to be played with.

Isaiah 37-39

King Hezekiah’s prayers are fascinating.  It is interesting that he would pray to God even after it seemed so pointless.  He knew that God was strong and powerful, and, importantly, in control of everything.  Often we face circumstances that seem insurmountable, but God is able to overcome these.  We must be faithful to pray, and God will be faithful to see His plan to its end.

1Corinthians 1

The issue Paul first addresses is one of division.  It is important to remember that we do not follow the wisdom of man primarily, but the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We must be fully and faithfully committed to Christ and His redeeming plan above all else.  This is our unifying factor.

Judges 13-15

I find it bizarre and comforting that God can use Sampson.  Even though Sampson struggled with many sins, God was still able to work through Him and bring His people out of persecution.  It gives me hope that even thought I may still sin, God can work through me.  The Scripture is very clear that it is the Lord who was doing the work.  It always says that the Spirit of the Lord came upon Sampson before he had a victory.  We must remember that it is the Lord who will accomplish things through us.