Day 11 - Week 2 Day 4

Today's reading 

Genesis 19:30-21:8
Psalms 10
Isaiah 9
Matthew 9:1-8

Thoughts for the day

  1. In Genesis 20, once again, out of fear, Abraham told Sarah to tell Abimelech she is Abraham's sister.   This would be shortly after Abraham saw the LORD and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.  In my mind it is clear that Abraham was at times fearful and even though God was with him, he still had the problem with fear.  It is comforting that God uses us even though we fail or make mistakes time after time, even the same mistakes.  In Abraham's case, he just witnessed God take out 2 cities yet he seemed to question whether God would protect them when God already has promised Abraham he will build many nations through him.
  2. In Isaiah 9, once again we are seeing another prophecy of Jesus birth more than 400 years before Jesus was born.  This is one of the powerful parts of scripture and if you have experienced Handel's Messiah, some of the the lyrics come from this passage of scripture.  It brings excitement as "His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace".  Wow, this tells us that Jesus is God.  There is a larger implication in this passage.  In verse 2 and 3 he talks about how Jesus will be a great light for those who walk in darkness and verse 4 Jesus will break the yoke of their burden.  Wow, he's talking about the burden of sin we carry.  Jesus is going to provide a way out, and he does.  We are all able to leave our burdens or struggles and sin at the cross of Jesus.  Jesus is the way to freedom, to peace, to God.  John 14:6 says that Jesus is the only way to God.  He says, "I am the way".  Remember today to leave your burdens, struggles, and "stuff" with Jesus.  Walk in peace and freedom today.
  3. In Matthew 9:1-8 Jesus heals the paralytic.   Jesus says "Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven."  To the previous point, Jesus is the forgiver of sins.  I'm just thinking Jesus knew the thoughts of the scribes who were saying Jesus was blaspheming against God.  I don't know about you but I'm pretty thankful I don't know the thoughts of those around me.  That's a pretty big burden.  The real point I'd like to make here is that once again Jesus put the heart first.  He forgave the sin of the paralytic.  Then he said "Get up, pick up your bed and go home"
Thanks for reading today, I pray the things I learn each day will be an encouragement to you.  If it's helpful to you, please comment on the blog and let me know what you are thinking or even what God is saying to you today.  Thanks again

Steve

Comments

  1. Anonymous5 January 2026 at 08:33

    Forgiveness is so important in our daily walk and more than ever, we need to demonstrate this. Thanks, Steve!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Steve Pauls - Daily Readings and Thoughts5 January 2026 at 21:20

      Absolutely, Matthew 6:14, "For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you."

      Delete

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