Day 28 Bible Readings – Matthew 18: 23-24 (ESV)

Job 8-10, Matthew 19: 16-30, Psalm 18: 37-42

Matthew 18: 23-24 (ESV)

“And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

In verses 23 and 24 from Matthew 18, Jesus tells his disciples that it will be hard for someone who is reach to enter the kingdom of heaven. In the Bible commentaries I read, many scholars noted that riches are a problem for the people that have them because wealth makes you satisfied with life. If one is satisfied with one’s life, there is often no reason for a person to want to pursue a relationship with God because they have no needs or wants. There are also cases where people spend so much time seeking and then managing their riches, that they have no time to seek a relationship with God. But to not seek God even if you are satisfied with your wealth is wrong because wealth does not last. Wealth can be taken away from a person at any time, and if you do not have a relationship with God you will not be able to rely on Christ to help you get through life if a financial disaster should befall you.

Day 27 Bible Readings – Psalm 18: 28-30 (ESV)

Job 4-7, Matthew 19: 1-15, Psalm 18: 25-36

Psalm 18: 28-30 (ESV)

“For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.:

In verses 28 through 30 in Psalm 18, David talks about his confidence in the future with God on his side. David says God will help light his darkness so he can make good decision as a king. God will also give him strength to run against a troop or leap over a wall. David says God’s way is perfect, and God always fulfills his promises. David knows first hand that God is a shield and will protect all who take refuge in him. I love how David says God lights his lamp and lightens his darkness, because that is how I see God. God always lightens my darkness.

Day 26 Bible Readings – Matthew 18: 19-20 (ESV)

Job 1-3, Matthew 18: 10-35, Psalm 18: 16-24

Matthew 18: 19-20 (ESV)

“Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

In verses 19 and 20 from Matthew 18, Jesus talked about the power of fellowship in the church. Jesus tells us that if two people of faith have agreement in prayer, then their prayer will be answered. And if two or three people of faith are gathered in the name of God, Jesus will be among them. Many Bible scholars have said that people who do not believe in God do not have the same opportunity for fellowship and community as do people of faith. I think Jesus is so right about the fellowship you find in a church. I have found great friendships in the churches I belonged to, and it was so inspiring to talk to people who believe in the same things. I saw so many prayers answered and miracles asked for whenever they were requested in group prayer. And in a good service, one can always feel the palpable presence of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

Day 25 Bible Readings – Genesis 50: 19-21 (ESV

Genesis 49 & 50, Matthew 18: 1-9, Psalm 18: 7-15

Genesis 50: 19-21 (ESV

“But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.”

In verses 19 through 21 from Genesis 50, we read about Joseph’s answer to his brothers when they were worried about whether he would punish him for what they did to him. Joseph told them he wouldn’t take revenge on his brothers because punishing them was God’s job. But Joseph didn’t underplay what his brothers did to him and told them they meant to do evil against him. I think more importantly what Joseph understood was that God used for good what had been done to him in evil. If we look at what happened to Joseph, we can have confidence that no matter evil happens to us God will find a way to use it for good. It may not seem that way at first and it may take years sometimes for us to find our way out of difficulties, but in the end God will use everything that happens to use for the good and to fulfil his plan for humanity.