Day 576 - John 18 & Psalm 18

 Michelle

This reading goes through the details of Jesus being arrested and Peter's denial.  It's interesting that the high priests sent him to Pilate and yet Pilate did not find any reason to execute him.  It sounds like really didn't have any reason to.  In the first part of this reading, Jesus says, "I have not lost one of those you gave me."  I do not understand this.  I am confused as to what he is talking about.

In this psalm, David is praising God for all he has done for him.  He speaks of all the situations that God has been with him.

Julie

I think that goes back to John 17 where he is praying and telling God that he has not lost one of his followers. So he is asking the men arresting him to let the disciples go in order to make sure that he has fulfilled what he had told God. I believe that is what is going on there. One thing that kinda gets me here is at the end where Pilate is giving them the option of whom they want released and they choose a criminal instead of Jesus who has not done anything wrong. This seems similar to how people have been reacting about criminals and wanting them released from jail, but they are wanting people who have not really done anything worthy of jail put in jail...it's so backwards. 

This is a great example of what we should be doing in praising God for all he does.

Day 575 - John 17 & Psalm 17

 Michelle

Jesus is praying in this reading.  He prays that God will glorify him in order for God to be glorified.  He prays for his disciples that they will be protected from evil and carry on his work.  He also speaks to his leaving the world.  He then prays for all believers that they will continue to glorify God.  As I was reading this I wondered why he wasn't in the world longer to bring more people to God.  I'm sure there is a reason, but I am not seeing it at this point.  It made me wonder at that time, how many people were actually in the world at that time, that it didn't require him here any longer.  But I am assuming that he completed the work God had sent him for and that was it.  It just lead to questions.

David is praying to be vindicated and explains how he has been true to God.  He then asks for God to answer him and show him the wonders of his love.  

Julie

The questions you are raise are interesting. I hadn't really thought about it like that. I found this to be such a beautiful prayer. He was praying for his disciples, but also for us. What kind of strength does it take for someone to give like that and knowing that they are going to die for us. 

That was my take on that reading as well.

Day 574 - John 16 & Psalm 16

 Michelle

This reading talks about the disciples grief over Jesus leaving them.  He tells them that they will grieve and then find joy when they see him again.  The  disciples say that they now understand because Jesus is speaking clearly to them.  He tells them that he wants them to have peace, that in the world there will be trouble, but to take heart because he has overcome the world.

The part that stands out in this psalm is, "I keep my eyes on the Lord, with him at my right hand I will not be shaken.  Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices...You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence...".  Keep our eyes on the Lord and he will show us the way.  Seems a good prayer for guidance and direction.

Julie

It's hard to imagine what this might have been like. To know that he was going to be leaving but not understanding why. They still wanted to fight for him and he had to continuously tell them not to. We are just the recipients of the life he gave up to save us and they got to watch it all play out.

I think the final verse also speaks loudly, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are the pleasures forevermore."

Day 574 - John 14-15 & Psalm 15

 Michelle

So this reading talks about Jesus comforting his disciples and sharing with them the way to God.  He talks about the holy spirit and how they should be like the vine, bearing fruit.  This is all familiar to me.  These are stories we have heard for as long as I can remember.  Jesus' teaching have been handed down and taught over and over.  It also bleeds into leadership training and why it's important to be a servant leader.  

This psalm basically tells us how to live so that we won't be shaken, or the way to righteousness.  This seems to be challenging for some, myself included at times.  These are things that make us stop and think.  Are we living this way?

Julie

These are so telling...and it's interesting how the disciples still question even though he has repeatedly told them he is the Father. I know that it took me a long to to truly understand that Jesus and God are one in the same. I think that is someplace where people get lost and don't understand. 

I think we are all guilty of falling and sometimes not living this way. However, we should be trying to live this way and I think that if we are making that effort we are forgiven for the moments where we might lose sight of what we should be doing.

Day 573 - John 13 & Psalm 14

 Michelle

In this reading, Jesus washes his disciples feet, predicts his betrayal, and reveals the person that will betray him.  We have read these in previous books.  For some reason, there are parts of this that seem confusing.   It's hard to understand what Jesus is telling them in some parts.  But I think the gist is that if we follow him or believe in him, we believe in God and will be saved or will meet him at the end.

This psalm seems to be speaking to times now.  

Julie

Love each other as I have loved you. The most important commandment...the one that people have the biggest problem with. When he is washing their feet he is showing them that those that are considered the "master" or higher up than others is no better than those that are below them. Everyone is equal and no one should be treated as less than...

I pray God is handling these things now.

Day 572 - John 12.37-50 & Psalm 13

 Michelle

This reading is about the belief and unbelief among the Jews.  There were still so many that even after seeing all that he did, they still did not believe.   So really nothing was going to get them to believe.  But there were others who believed but didn't want to acknowledge it for fear they would be put out of the synagogue.  It says they were more concerned with human praise than praise from God.  Jesus goes on to tell them that he came not to judge, but to save the world and that whatever he says is from God, so if they don't believe him then they don't believe God.  I think too often we can fall into this trap where we are more concerned with the thoughts of those around us than with what God would think.  It's a call to make sure we are focused on God's grace and mercy and repentance to him, than what people are thinking.

David is asking God why he is forgotten and how long he will wrestle with his thoughts and have sorrow in his heart.  I think these are things we do to ourselves.  At the end it says that he trusts in God's unfailing love and he will sing God's praise.  We need to make sure we are not doing this as well.  Too often, this is my struggle.  My thoughts turn on me and it's usually of my own making, although I often don't know how I ended up in them.  I need to remember to turn to God in every thought.

Julie

That is so true. We are often more concerned about what those around us think that we make choices that are not in line with our walk with God. It's the place that a lot of people live their lives. 

I think this shows that even though he was considered a righteous man even David questioned the faithfulness of God from time to time. He is just as guilty as we are of letting our thoughts overpower the love of God.

Day 571 - John 12.1-36 - Psalm 12

 Michelle

Most of this chapter is stories we have heard in the last few books, but from a different perspective it seems.  The way they are told here you can tell there are a few different details.  When we read about Jesus riding the donkey before, I don't recall Lazarus being mentioned.  

I feel like I have read this psalm recently.  But the part that stands out is the end about how the Lord will keep the needy safe, while the wicked strut freely while what is vile is honored by the human race.  Either I read this one too early, or it's being written about again.  It seems to be recognizant of current times.

Julie

I think this is really the first time that Lazarus is mentioned. I don't recall any of the prior books mentioning him. This is yet another plea from Jesus for them to believe.

It does feel like he is talking about now. I feel like we should ask to be guarded from this generation and there is a lot of wickedness and vileness going on in the world right now.

Day 570 - John 11 & Psalm 11

 Michelle

This chapter is about Lazarus dying, and is the one, that I remember, where it shows that Jesus has emotions like a man.  He weeps for the death of his friend.  It also speaks of Jesus praying to God and Lazarus rising from the dead after 4 days.  I don't recall another time we really read about Jesus praying, aside from his time on the cross, not that it means anything, I just don't recall it.  There is also a plot to capture and kill Jesus at the end, but it says they are doing it because they don't want the Romans to come and take away their temple or nation.  I don't quite understand how Jesus performing miracles would make this happen, but they believed it would, so they say they cannot let him go on in that manner, because everyone will start believing.  

This psalm could be describing people today.  It says, "no one is faithful anymore...Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts...You, Lord will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked, who freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race."  This seems like some of the things happening in current time.  People are honoring or sensationalizing what is vile and the wicked are strutting around like they own the place and people are allowing it.  But this psalm also seems a prayer, as David is asking God to silence all the flattering lips and every boastful tongue, and from the wicked.  We need this prayer as well.

Julie

I think that a lot of this tends to be a bit confusing because we are seeing something play out and hoping that they will change...all the time knowing that they won't. It's so interesting that Jesus puts people in place and allows things to happen because this MUST happen. Imagine how much strength and courage it takes to know that you are going to die in that manner. 

I wholeheartedly agree with what you have said. Some of these psalms speak so loudly to the things we are experiencing now. 

Day 569 - John 10.22 - 42 & Psalm 10

 Michelle

It sounds like there are still alot of people, alot in leadership, that do not believe Jesus is the son of God, even though he has said plainly that he is and that he came from God.  Yet they still ask him to speak plainly and tell them, then he is accused of calling himself a god, or God, I think.  It was a little hard to understand, but I think that is what they are saying.  At the end it says that John never performed signs, like Jesus is doing, yet people are quick to believe John.  

This psalm talks about how the wicked man is prosperous and lies in wait to harm the innocent.  It sounds like David is asking God to help those that commit themselves to God.

Julie

Some of the confusion for them lies in the fact that John performed baptisms and Jesus did not, so they felt that John was the chosen one. However, Jesus gave others the spirit so that they could baptize people in his name. 

He also seems to be questioning why it feels like God is not there or listening in times of trouble. I feel like this psalm shows that even though David had great faith at times he too felt the fear and questioned God's faithfulness.

Day 568 - John 9-10.21 & Psalm 9

 Michelle

This section goes over the story of the blind man who has his sight given by Jesus and then is questioned about it by the Pharisees.  It talks about spiritual blindness as well.  The end is about the Good Shepherd story where he is trying to explain about how he and God are the good shepherds and that those that know him will follow him/God and if someone else tries to call them away, they won't go because they only know God.  At least I think that is what he is saying.  

This seems to be David saying that his enemies have turned and run away because the Lord has taken care of him.  God is his refuge.  Later it sounds like he is asking again for God to have mercy on him.

Julie

The part that I really liked about this is where the blind man is trying to school the pharisees and they are telling him that sinners cannot know more than they do. Their spiritual blindness is very prevalent here and they are refusing to see what God is trying to show them because they have become less about God and more about themselves.

David will sing God's praises and will share with others the wonderful things he has done for David. 

Day 567 - John 8 & Psalm 8

 Michelle

In my bible it says that the earliest manuscripts and ancient witnesses did not include the first 11 verses of chapter 8, which speak about the adulterous woman that is brought to Jesus, being used as a trap for him.  This is the story where he tells them "whomever is without sin, cast the first stone" and everyone leaves instead.  So he tells her to go and leave her life of sin.  There is alot of dispute in the rest of this reading.  Dispute over Jesus' testimony, dispute over who Jesus is, over who his opponents are, it seems the list goes on.  During this dispute, he tells them that he comes from God and that if God was their father as they claim that they would accept him or love him he says.  This is the first time, that I can recall, that he tells them outright where he comes from instead of speaking in metaphors or parables.  But they still don't believe him and don't seek God's wisdom to find out the truth it seems.  This seems to be telling us that if we turn to God for answers, he will provide them, even in this type of instance.  Ask God and he will tell you who I am.  

This psalm sounds like David is trying to understand why God has placed humans in the position he has, because his creations are majestic and it sounds that we are unworthy of this position.

Julie

I think that this is one of the most powerful parts of the Bible. I know that I probably say that a lot, but there are pieces that just stand out and really say in a few words what we need to hear and know. It's so simple that it's hard to comprehend for some people and I think that for some it's also hard to accept that we can be forgiven so easily.

His name is majestic on all the earth.

Day 566 - John 7 & Psalm 7

 Michelle

This chapter talks about Jesus going to the festival even though he said he wouldn't and teaching, and then it goes into division over who Jesus was.  It seems that the leaders and the people could not figure out who he was or didn't believe who he said he was.  He spoke in alot of metaphors it seemed, which could confuse people, but there were many times he said he was the son of God, or at least I think he has said that.  It seems that they didn't think the people of Galilee were worth much as it kind of references this at the end.  It is interesting that Nicodemus asked, "Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?"  It's like he was coming to Jesus' defense.

It sounds like David is saying he takes refuge in God and then says if he has done evil, then let his enemy pursue and overtake him.  Kind of sounds like the casting stones metaphor.  At the end it say, "I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness..."  So we should always be giving thanks to God.

Julie

What stood out to me today was the part where he is asking the people why they are ok with causing someone pain on the Sabbath but when he healed someone they condemned him for it. He asks why they see what he does as evil and why the can't see that all of these works are of God.

It does sound like  he is trying to repent and ask God to forgive him and to condemn him if necessary.

Day 565 - John 6 & Psalm 6

 Michelle

This chapter seems to repeat some of the same stories we've read in the last 3 books.  It goes through feeding the 5000, walking on water and Jesus being the bread of life.  It also speaks about some of the disciples deserting Jesus at this point.  What stands out to me in this reading  is that, yet again, the people are asking for a sign, even though they have been given many signs already.  It seems that Jesus is trying to explain to them but as usual they keep pushing back.  I am curious why so many disciples left him at this point.  Like they weren't true believers?  As I was reading this, I kept thinking about if this was happening now.  Would we believe?  I would hope so, but honestly, I can understand why people were skeptical.  He didn't speak as they could understand and probably sounded like a crazy person.  But if the people had been following the teachings of Moses and the others, or their ancestors had shared the stories of their lives with God through the generations, then they should have believed a little easier.  

As I read this psalm, I was picturing someone just crying their eyes out in grief over their situation.  Fighting with  your enemies can be exhausting, and based on this reading that is what has happened to David.  He is asking God how long he will feel this way.  I have done the same before.  It almost seems like a call to turn to God instead of wallowing in your sorrows over your situation.  I think it's ok to cry or grieve about something in your life, but that you can't live there for long.  God wants you to turn to him in all things and so cry and then pray, or pray and cry at the same time, but turn to God no matter what.

Julie

The thing I found interesting was at the end where Jesus tells them do you not realize that I chose the twelve of you...even the one of you that is the devil. He is referring to Judas. Saying I chose him knowing that he will betray me. It's interesting to note that he is planning his death and knows that it must happen so he is not giving anyone a chance to change things he is preparing for what must be done.

It does feel like we live in this scenario more often that we want to and we do kind of cry and ask for things in the same way. It might be a good prayer to use in those difficult times.

Day 564 - John 5 & Psalm 5

 Michelle

Jesus heals an invalid and slips away before he could find out who it was that healed him.  The section about the Authority of the Son seems another metaphor.  It speaks of how the dead will rise to life through their belief.  I think that in those times, they were probably thinking literal death, however, it seems that Jesus is speaking about those dead in spirit.  He is also telling them that he cannot do anything without God, whom he calls father at this point, and they seem not to like that. The end of this section seems to be Jesus is chastising those in power for not believing Moses or God.  It says that Moses wrote about Jesus and still those that follow the teaching of Moses do not believe.  

This psalm says that David knows that God detests wickedness, and he is asking God to lead him in righteousness.  He is asking that the wicked be found guilty and punished accordingly.

Julie

I cannot say it any better myself. It's amazing how those that studied the Word of God couldn't see what was right in front of them.

If we are righteous we will continue with God.

Day 563 - John 4 & Psalm 4

 Julie

John is telling the story of the woman at the well in Samaria and how Jesus changes her. She redeems herself and gives herself to God. It changes her whole attitude and that of those around her.

The Lord has taken care of David in times of need.

Michelle

This seems the start of showing of signs to unbelievers, or those that are on the fence.  It is interesting that all it took was the one woman, who was a sinner, to show others and bring them to belief.  

It seems like David is telling everyone to pay attention and turn to God as he has done.  He seems to be sharing that God has taken care of him and will them too if they stay faithful.

Day 562 - John 2:13 - 3 & Psalm 3

 Julie

I am not sure what to focus on with this reading. I guess I like where he is talking to Nicodemus and explaining to him that all men can be born again, that being born of flesh is not the same thing as being born of the spirit. Being born of the spirit is accepting Christ and that is how we live forever.

Although David had a lot of enemies God was protecting him. 

Michelle

I've only read the first section, but something stands out here.  It says that Jesus told the Jews, in response to them asking for a sign, to destroy this temple, meaning himself, and he would raise it in 3 days.  It sounds like the Jews and Jesus' disciples did not take his meaning, but he was even in the beginning speaking of what would happen to him.  The devotional with this section talks about condemnation and how we tend to think we are being judged by others all the time and how it can and does affect us.  It goes on to say that we need to remember that God did not send his son to condemn but to save us, even from ourselves.  And that the more we focus on God, the less we will be listening to the judgement we have put upon ourselves from others.

David is asking God to protect him from his enemies.

Day 561 - John 1:19 - 2:12 & Psalm 2

 Julie

So far it seems that John is giving highlights of things that Jesus did. It starts with John being questioned about why he is baptizing people if he is not a prophet or God or Elijah. He tells them...not in exactly these words but I felt like this is what he was saying...that he is baptizing people in the name of God to prepare them for the coming of Jesus. John was washing away sin and Jesus will baptize them in the spirit. This is also where we see Jesus perform his first miracle by turning water into wine. It seems like a strange miracle, but proves to be the push some needed to see who he was.

I pray for the day that the Lord's anointed will reign and the evil people in charge are removed.

Michelle

I believe you are right.  John is preparing people to receive Jesus.  This also seems to be where we start to see some of the disciples coming with Jesus.  Something I found interesting was when Nathanael asked, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?", like that was a detestable place or detestable people.  But then Jesus says that Nathanael has no deceit.  It also seems the start of showing them who he is.  The water to wine is doing the same for others.

The end of the psalm seems a nod to Jesus.  "Kiss his son, or he will be angry, and your way will lead to destruction...Blessed are all who take refuge in him".   This seems a warning to the leaders to turn to God and follow the teachings of Jesus or you will be destroyed.

Day 560 - John 1:1-18 & Psalm 1

 Julie

This is a very important part of the Bible, at least that is what I ascertain from sermons and the context with which it is sometimes used. God is everything and John was sent to bear witness to all that God is.

The righteous will find the way and wicked will fail.

Michelle

The preface to this book says that John is the only disciple that followed Jesus all the way to the cross.  So, yes, he was sent to bear witness to all that God is and to share with us the love that comes from God and Jesus.  

This is an interesting passage.  I took this study at church a long time ago that focused on new believers.  One of the verses that we had to interpret was this very first one in John.  It had my head spinning because I didn't really understand it.  Reading it in context with the rest of the first paragraph, it makes a little more sense now.  The part that stands out today is verses 9-14.  It says that he came as a light into this world yet was not recognized, and to his own people who did not receive him, but to all those that did receive him and believed him, he made the children of God, whether they were born of natural descent or not, they were born of God.  There are alot of people today that could use with reading this.  Because regardless of what is going on in the world and the crazy things people are saying and doing, we are all God's children and should be helping those astray come back to God. 

That last verse says it all, "For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction".

Day 559 - Proverbs 31:10-31

 Julie

These are probably some of the kindest things said about women in the Bible. While I am not sure that we should try to do all of those things, but we should be strong and wise and fear the Lord.

Michelle

This one speaks to how wives should be of noble character and gives examples of what that looks like.  It seems we should strive to be like her and that this is a woman who fears the Lord.  It speaks of the respect and support she gives her husband and how she takes care of her household, but that she laughs at the days to come as if she gives all worries to the Lord.  I wish to be more like this woman.

Day 558 - Proverbs 31:1-9

 Julie

I feel like this one is saying that a king should be wise and kind. 

Michelle

She seems to be telling her unborn son not to be a drunkard king and to be kind and fight for those in need and to judge fairly.  

Day 557 - Luke 24 & Proverbs 30

 Julie

Jesus rises from the dead and no one believes that it is truly him. We are so full of doubt that we have trouble even believing what is right in front of us.

This one is written in an interesting way, but that last line is so telling. We should not let anger over take us.

Michelle

That is so true.  It seems we do have trouble believing.  It's interesting that they didn't recognize him when he was walking and talking with them, and then when he was breaking bread with them their eyes were opened.  

Agreed, it is written differently.  It talks about amazing things and then those that bring strife.  

Day 556 - Luke 23 & Proverbs 29

 Julie

Reading this I felt like we are experiencing something similar today in how Pilate handled the situation. Pilate gives into the people and crucified and innocent man and lets the criminal go. In our world right now people are wanting the criminals set free and I find that so bizarre but so in line with this. Not that we are in the same place as Jesus was, but we seem to be repeating a situation where the people speak so loudly that things are done that are not just. 

More words of wisdom. 

Michelle

It does seem to mimic times now.  The leaders give in to whatever voice is the loudest.  

Day 555 - Luke 22 & Proverbs 28

 Julie

It's interesting how Jesus, like God, is telling them that they Will do something wrong and gives them a chance to right that wrong, but they still go through with it. Judas and Peter both are told that they will deny or turn him in and they both say that they won't and end up doing it anyway. I guess the test of our faith can be too much to handle I guess...we haven't had to experience it the way they did, but I would hope that I could withstand that and still be true.

Words of wisdom about the rich and the poor and that money does not buy your way into righteousness.

Michelle

I think you are right.  For many, when their faith is tested, it can be very hard to make the right decision.  It does seem a repeat of behaviors and circumstances that God had with his people earlier.  I think we all think we would do the righteous thing, yet when it comes down to it, we will struggle with this as well.  I, like you, hope that I would be able to be true.

There was alot in this proverb.  I am not sure if it's cuz I am tired or what but I didn't get much from it this round.

Day 554 - Luke 19:45 - 21:38 & Proverbs 27

 Julie

The foretelling that Jesus is doing seems to be something that will affect us and not something of that time. I might be wrong, but I feel like he is telling us about the return that we will experience and what we will experience prior to his return.

God will provide and we will have enough. We should be humble and not boast. 

Michelle

I think you are right.   It does not seem to be for that time but for the far future.  In this telling it seems he is giving signs of the return, but in previous readings he said we would not know it's coming.  So I am a bit confused here.

Some of this proverb was not in my understanding.  I had a hard time.  But I did understand the parts regarding what you wrote, that God will provide and we will have enough.  

Day 553 - Luke 18:31 - 19:44 & Proverbs 26

 Julie

Some of these parables and stories are the same as previous, but the one about Zaccheus stands out today. I remember the song from when we were kids and I have been wondering up to this point why we hadn't read about him yet. I guess the others didn't see him as important. However, he repents and Jesus forgives him for the wrongs that he has done.

More words of wisdom. I feel like at this point we are just getting different sayings for some of the same things. It feels a bit repetitive. 

Michelle

Jesus predicts his death a third time.  A blind man receives his sight due to his faith.  I don't recall anyone else talking about Zacchaeus either.  And I hadn't thought about that song in a very long time.  It seems you are right, he was not seen as important but is forgiven by Jesus.  The ten minas one sounds like others we have read about being a good steward, but this one ends terribly by the king wanting to kill people.  I don't recall that in previous versions.  

It is a bit repetitive.  This one seems to be talking alot about giving things to fools.  

Day 552 - Luke 17:11 - 18:30 & Proverbs 25

 Julie

I feel like these stories are repeated not only from the previous books but here in Luke. Am I imagining that he has already told these once? Or am I losing track of where I read them? Riches will not pave the way to heaven. I think that is one of the big things that comes out of this.

Solomon seem to have a lot of words of wisdom here. Be kind, don't take more than you need and be humble.

Michelle

Some of these seem like repeats.  But some I do not recall reading.  I think you are right about riches not paving the way to heaven.  The beginning says, continue to forgive those who wrong you, as many times as they ask for it, because God forgives us over and over.  The section that stands out to me most, for some reason, is the coming of the Kingdom of God.  It talks about the days of Noah, how people were going about their lives and were wiped out by the flood.  Then about Lot and how they were doing the same and then Lot left Sodom and fire rained down and destroyed them all.  So really this makes me think we won't actually know if or when that will happen again.  God said he wouldn't use flood to rid the earth of evil, but that doesn't mean something else won't happen instead.  If we all keep going against his word, then it could happen to us, even now, or in the future.  We just don't know.  I guess the point of this is to give your life to God.  I think that's the same thing Jesus was trying to get across to those that he asked to follow him.  Give up everything and follow me, he told them.  It is like a metaphor to what God is asking us all to do.  Give your life to God.

There is alot in this proverb.  If you remove bad things, good things will prosper.  Be humble and kind.  Do not betray a confidence.  Do not take more than you need or be gluttonous.  Be kind to your enemies.  Have self-control.

Day 551 - Luke 16-17:10 & Proverbs 24:23-34

 Julie

We should not love money more than God and if someone is in need we should help them and not ignore or walk past them. We should be careful of the temptation of sin and not fall into the trap of sin, but if we do we should repent and ask for forgiveness. If someone sins against us and repents we should forgive them. 

Do not pass judgement on others and do not say bad things about your neighbor if they are not true.

Michelle

Ok, I don't understand a couple of these ones.  The shrewd manager confuses me.  I understood the one about adultery.  The rich man, that one kind of makes sense.  I think it's saying that Jesus told him it doesn't matter who tells his brothers, they won't listen or believe anyway.  I only partially understood the last one about having faith like a mustard seed.  But the rest is beyond me.

These are definitely about judging others and wrongly testifying against your neighbor and being vengeful.  

Day 550 - Luke 14-15 & Proverbs 24:1-22

 Julie

There are quite a few parables here and a lot of them are repeats from the previous books. I think that this is the first time we hear about the wedding feast and the great banquet. Those did confuse me a little, but what really stood out today was the cost of discipleship. I know that it has also been mentioned previously, but the way Luke talks about it makes it sound negative. He mentions that Jesus says you must hate your family, maybe at the time hate was not such a strong word, but I think that this could easily be misconstrued if you don't realize that Jesus is asking them to love him more than anyone else. 

Do not fall into the trap of evil and evil doers. Do not believe their words. 

Michelle

It does seem that some are repeats.  I do not recall the first few though.  But you are right about how being a disciple will cost you.  Really the first few parables are disturbing when you initially read them.  I am certain they are just metaphors, but that's not necessarily how it reads.  

I think you summed it up here.  It does say to stay away from those doing evil and not to listen to them.  It also seems like it's talking about having the strength to do the right thing.  

Day 549 - Luke 13:10-35 & Proverbs 23

 Julie

Jesus seems to get questioned a lot about doing things on the Sabbath that are being done to help others. It's amazing how misconstrued things had gotten by then. It's as if they just wanted you to sit around and not even breathe...that may be a little dramatic but that is how it seems that they acted.

The one thing that stood out today was verse 14. "Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die." We have lost this over time and you can see it in how people act.

Michelle

That is interesting.  In my version, it says that they were humiliated because he was calling them out for what sounds like laziness or uncaring behaviors.  The story about the narrow door is a little confusing and I don't quite understand it.  Maybe about belief and that is the narrow door or road less traveled.  

Be careful not to be gluttonous.  Do not seek riches, they are fleeting.  Some of these I am not getting today.  Discipline your children.  Do not envy sinners.  Listen to your father and do not despise your mother.  Give your heart to God.  Do not succumb to drunken behaviors.  

Day 548 - Luke 12 - 13:9 & Proverbs 22:17-29

 Julie

Do Not Be Anxious!...Jesus tells us to not fear. This is definitely one of the hardest things to do. He tells us to let go and trust that God will provide all that we need when we need it. He tells us not to covet material things and money but to let it all go and see the goodness of God come into our lives. When this is forced upon you it very convicting. I was forced to let go and trust and to be very honest when I lost my job I wasn't sure what was going to happen and how we were going to make ends meet, but I did let go and I did not worry...by that time I'd had to let so many things go and let God deal with them that I was just adding one more thing. You know...God did provide the entire time. We were able to take care of everything that we needed to, we always had enough money to pay what we needed to. It was amazing how there were so many unexpected things that happened that helped us to be able to do what we needed to do. When we were moving and we needed help there was just all of a sudden people there to help. God has shown me in the last year that if we listen and ask and trust he will help us through. I have experienced the awesomeness of God.

Listen to wise words; put your trust in the Lord; do not rob the poor (as is being done now); do not become angry like those around us. 

Michelle

Wow, what a testimony!  Reading your entry has made me realize, I have not let it all go.  I have been thinking about the fact that this job has been what I prayed about for a very long time and when I let it go, God provided, but I don't think I have done the same in other areas of my life.  Just reading your entry has me thinking that I need to look at this in all areas and start that prayer process to help me let it all go and allow God to work things in my life. 

 There is alot to unpack in this reading as well.  The beginning warns to be afraid of the one who can send you to hell, I am taking this to mean fear God as has been spoken in the past.  We should not worry, but instead give all our concerns to God.  We should ready ourselves for God.  The part about not peace but division confused me a little and how we should not be interpreting the times.  Or maybe that we are not interpreting correctly.  The end is about how we should repent or we will perish.

Pay attention and listen to the wise.  Do not exploit the poor.  Stay away from easily angered people, as their temperament can rub off on you.  Be careful with your money and pledging for debts.  The other 2 sayings I don't understand completely.