June 7 + Daily readings

DAY 158

"A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion" (Proverbs 18:2). Wow! How many meetings had that guy gone to to learn that one?

We all have opinions. That isn't the point of the proverb. There are appropriate times to share opinions. RANT ALERT: If you're speaking, you don't have to say, "That's just my opinion." RANT OVER.

But we can be so eager to share our opinions that we miss the understanding that could be trying to develop around us. I wonder if there is an undercurrent to that proverb. If we're more concerned with expressing our opinion than listening for understanding, could that mean the opinion we're so attached to is probably foolish to begin with? Well, in my opinion, I think....

Stay blessed...john

DAILY READINGS

Proverbs 16-18 & Psalm 3

Comments

February 16 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 47 Before the movie Shrek, the best known talking donkey was Balaam's donkey. That's what we're reading about today. Of course, that's only part of the story between Balak and Balaam. DAILY READINGS Numbers 22-24 & Psalm 47 DAILY NOTES Numbers 22:2 Apparently, Israel is making a name for itself. The Moabites are terrified and distressed/irritated by the news of what the Israelites are doing. Numbers 22:5-6 Balaam is, apparentely, a diviner with a good reputation. Balak is "overcome with fear" and his response is to go to Balaam. Balak knows that "whomever you bless is blessed, and whomever you curse is cursed." Numbers 22:8 This is the recurring theme for Balaam. He will only say what God tells him to say. That is, there's no money back guarantee. Even if it doesn't align with what Balak wants, Balaam will only give the words that God gives him. There is no indication why Balaam w...

April 3 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 93 After today we'll have finished another book of the Bible. King David's place in the story of God is winding down. DAILY READINGS 2 Samuel 22-24 & Psalm 93 DAILY NOTES 2 Samuel 22 This is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving. Psalm 18 is a variation of this psalm. 2 Samuel 23 David's reign (and life) are drawing to a close. These are some of his last words and speak of men that have served under him. 2 Samuel 24 David wants a census of the people. Since he later sees it as a sin, we can gather that he had prideful purposes for doing so. The king repents, but also suffers the judgement of the sin. Technically, 70,000 of the people he just counted suffered. Afterwards, David builds an altar to God. Psalm 93 God's rule over earth is celebrated. This is what's called an enthronement psalm. OTHER OBSERVATIONS There's an interesting observation to consider about 2 Samuel 24:1...

April 6 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 96 We've come a long way from wondering in the desert. Now, after many battles and years of disarray, God's people are living in peace and the Lord has a house built. DAILY READINGS 1 Kings 8-10 & Psalm 96 DAILY NOTES 1 Kings 8 Solomon brings the ark of God to the temple. The temple is dedicated. Solomon offers a prayer for the occasion. Solomon blesses the people. 1 Kings 9 The highlight of this chapter is that God appears to Solomon again (in a dream?). The line of David will continue through Solomon, assuming he follows the way of God. The people must also follow. 1 Kings 10 The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon to see for herself his wisdom. She is amazed (breathless). The two crowns exchange gifts. Some of Solomon's furniture is described as a way to emphasize the grandeur of his reign and the temple. Notice how "the whole earth" wanted to see Solomon (10:24). OTHER OBSERVATIONS Solomon's prayer at...

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