TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
Genesis 39:1-41:16
Matthew 12:46-13:23
Psalm 17:1-15
Proverbs 3:33-35
Genesis 39:2 shows us prosperity from someone who was with the Lord. While God can send prosperity, not all prosperity is of God (Psalm 73:12). Doctrine makes a difference – non-believers can follow Proverbs’ advice from God on how to be successful, but they don’t have to follow the Author of the rules to be successful in this life. While there are many ways to riches on this earth, only one doctrine leads to riches in the next world (Matthew 6:19).
Genesis 39:8 — Joseph was willing to risk prosperity on this planet (Genesis 39:8) because he would not risk the next world (Genesis 39:9). Because of his integrity, he lost his material prosperity in this world (Genesis 39:20). Recently in the news, a man in Oregon was asked to violate his conscience, so he quoted a verse of Scripture and was fined $135,000. Sometimes, though, the test is not will you stand in persecution, but can you stand in blessing?
Genesis 41:16 — In today’s reading Joseph turned down the credit (Genesis 41:16), yet we read yesterday that he seemingly wanted the credit (Genesis 37:6).
Matthew 13 is a great example of “venture capital.” A friend of mine is a venture capitalist – he buys businesses. Some businesses get devoured. Some wither. Some are choked out. But if just one of ten businesses can return a hundredfold or even just thirtyfold, he can make a ton of money. Speaking of investing – what are you investing in? Are you investing in spreading the Gospel seeds? Are you praying for your friends? Are you praying that as they respond they won’t be devoured, withered, or choked?
Psalm 17:13 is a great cry from someone oppressed – as we go through trials, we can cry to the One who listens!
Psalm 17:15 — Also, notice how Psalm 17:15 today and Psalm 16:10 yesterday seem to be a burst of prophetic utterance in the midst of a prayer within a temporal struggle.
Proverbs 3:33-35 is a great example of Hebrew antithetical poetry.
It is very different from English poetry. English poetry is developed from Greek and Latin poetry, which is primarily sound based. Hebrew poetry has much in common with Canaanite poetry. It is basically thought-based in balanced, parallel lines.
These verses contrast a blessing with a curse. Will we follow wisdom and understanding, or will we follow the Simple, the Scorner, and the Fool?
Share how reading through the Bible has been a blessing to you! E-mail us at 2018bible@vcyamerica.org or call and leave a message at 414-885-5370.
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