June 4 Bible Reading

Matthew 19
It is important to remember how hard it is for someone who can supply their own needs to seek God.  God is our provider, but if we aren’t in immediate need of Devine provision, it can be easy to forget.  Jesus recognizes that the rich man would not easily rely on God.  As westerners we must be cautious to not put our hope in the things of this world, but in God.

Job 7&8
Job is truly a man of God.  When his friends tell him that he has sinned, he searches his heart for that sin so that he might repent.  Job does not get angry at God for an injustice, but instead searches his heart to be sure that he has not sinned against God.

Genesis 38&39
The contrast in these two chapters between Judah and Joseph is astounding.  It is interesting to see the differences between them when they are tempted with sexual sin.  We ought to be like Joseph and flee, and not like Judah and make compromises resulting in unseen consequences.

Isaiah 55-57
These passages remind us that God is the provider.  Then we are told to seek after God and He will be faithful to us.  Chapter 56 offers a special hope to those who are not Jews.  God is even faithful to those outside of this people group who believe in Him.  It is encouraging to see that God will lift us up and supply our needs.

1Corinthians 9
This chapter is so helpful for pastors facing a body which does not want to provide for them.  As family members in Christ we ought to be faithful to supply each other’s needs, especially those of our pastors.  Paul ought to be commended for his unwavering dedication to preaching the gospel.  Even without means, he continued to preach the gospel to those who needed it.

1Samuel 7-9
God’s plans are always better than ours.  Even though He knew it was not the intended situation, God allowed Samuel to find a king for Israel.  This would lead to terrible problems in the future.  We must trust that God knows what He is doing and trust that His plan is better than ours.