January 5

Genesis 11:1-13:4; Matthew 5:1-26; Psalm 5:1-12; Proverbs 1:24-28

Abram comes on scene...  He is another pillar of the faith that makes a pretty huge gaff.  Tells his wife to say she's his sister, profits considerably by this lie while is wife is taken as the wife of Pharaoh... Yikers God is none too pleased about this and sends plagues and Abram and wife get sent off with no apparent consequences as he gets to leave with all acquired wealth.  However, again, I kind of appreciate the encouragement that comes from knowing even these pillars of faith have "skeletons in the closet".  Again, it is all about what God does (mostly in spite of us) rather than what we accomplish!

From Matthew 5 I zeroed in on v16:  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly father.  (emphasis mine)

"So that."...  I think we are motivated to do good works "so that" we will look good more than we are motivated to do them so that our heavenly father is praised.  Something for me to consider as I attempt to live a life of service... am I doing the right thing for the right reason, or am I doing the right thing for selfish gain???  The things that make you say "Hmmmm"