Reading: Genesis 18-19; Matthew 6
This is day 6 in reading the Bible together, and it is very
likely that some of us who are reading have already gotten behind or have missed a day or more. Please do not get discouraged and quit! Each
Sunday in this reading plan is a catch-up day, so take advantage of that. If catching up is a little too much, then just pick up on the current day and go forward. Our goal here is not to get a prize for
checking the boxes, but to provide a place to meet the Lord in His word each day. If the reading is too much for you each day,
then just read the New Testament portions for the day. I am praying for you as
you continue this journey.
Genesis 18-19
Our Old Testament reading for today continues to cover the
life of Abraham and his family. Again, as we read these historical accounts, it
may sometimes be unclear why this should matter to us. One thing I would say is
that this is our family history. This is the story of how God worked through
history to provide salvation to mankind through His son Jesus. Another thing I
would say is that there are things we can see in the lives of the Old Testament
folks that teach us what is good to do and what is not good to do. Case in point, the Lord told Abraham that he and Sarah would have a child by that time the
next year. Abraham had to choose whether to believe God in the face of contrary evidence. We regularly face the same situation in our lives, whether to
believe God and live according to His word, or whether to go with our own assessment. There is more we
can learn from the passage. Read it and
ask God to speak to your life. Then apply what He shows you!
Matthew 6
Matthew 6:1 (CSB)
1“Be
careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by
them. Otherwise, you have no reward with your Father in heaven.
Matthew 6:6 (CSB)
6But when
you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father
who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:33 (CSB)
33But seek
first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be
provided for you.
Matthew 6 continues Jesus’ sermon on the mount. There is so much we can learn and apply to
our lives and I trust the Lord is impressing on your heart what specifics
you need to apply today. One thing that
stood out to me was Matthew 6:1, where He tells us not to practice our
righteousness in front of others in order to be seen. Man, that is challenging, especially for me.
I am a pastor who stands in front of people to pray and teach regularly. I am writing
and posting things about my own Bible reading (with the sincere hope that I am
encouraging you in your journey). I need to check my motivation, always, when
it comes to public ministry. Matthew 6:6 reminds me of God’s expectation for me
to be praying regularly. Matthew 6:33 reminds me that priority number one for
my life is to seek God and the things of God and to trust that He will provide
all that I need.
There are a lot of personal things the Lord may be addressing
in our lives from today’s reading. I would love to hear from you how God is
using His word in your life!
Blessings!
Mac
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