7 August - Matthew 11

Today we’re reading Matthew 11 together. Below are a couple things to think about:

1. In the beginning of this chapter we read about John the baptizer (the cousin of Jesus who baptized him) being in prison. From prison John sent some of his disciples to ask Jesus if he was indeed the promised Messiah. See, even Jesus’ cousin who told everyone he was the Messiah had his own doubts when he was in prison facing death for following Jesus. We all have doubts. It’s normal. The question is what do you do with your doubts? Do you take them to God or do you allow your doubts to take you away from God?
2. Jesus told John’s disciples to go back and tell John everything Jesus was doing; healing the sick and afflicted and setting people free spiritually. 
3. Then Jesus said that the truth about him had been hidden from people who were stubborn towards God but revealed to those who approach God like a child. Faith isn’t an easy thing but it’s what we must have to enter a relationship with God. Jesus knew that and was acknowledging it. Jesus went on to say he wanted to free them from the spiritual weight of the old way of approaching God. Jesus came to earth to set in action a new way to have a relationship with God through faith in him.

Do you have doubts about God or your faith? First, it’s normal. Second, you don’t have to figure things out on your own. We’d love to have the chance to help you figure things out. If we don’t know the answer then we’ll try and figure it out together. Do you feel like you have a spiritual weight on you by the way you’re trying to follow God? If so ask God to show you how to live freely and lightly in Jesus. Jesus said he came to set us free and we should live in that freedom everyday.

6 August - Matthew 10

We’re back in the book of Matthew today, chapter 10. Here are a couple quick thoughts:

1. In this chapter Matthew records the words Jesus spoke to his 12 apprentices before he sent them out to proclaim the good news to people; that God loves them and wants a relationship with them. Jesus gave these men the power to heal people from sickness and spiritual bondage and even raise the dead. 
2. All that stuff sounds great until you get a little further into it. Jesus let’s his followers know that it will cost them everything to follow him. He told them that people they love will turn against them and turn them in to the religious leaders who will hate them. They will even be tortured in their places of worship. Jesus told them no student is above their teacher. Jesus said if they hated him they will certainly hate them as well. Then Jesus told his disciples to stand firm in their faith because they will be rewarded for their sufferings. 
3. Jesus said whoever admits to knowing him before other people then Jesus will claim them as one of his own before God but if they disown him then he will do the same. That sounds like a pretty good deal. 
4. Then Jesus really puts the hammer down, so to speak. He told his followers if anyone loves their father, mother, son or daughter more than they love him then they are not worthy enough to know him. Sounds harsh doesn’t it? However, Jesus just told them how they would suffer to follow him. He knew they would need to love him more than anything and everyone else. The same is true for us today. God doesn’t want us to hate our families but he does want us to love him more and make him a greater priority than anything else. This isn’t because God is needy and needs our love. Instead God knows we need to love him; it’s what we were designed for. We love God, not just because he’s God and deserves it but also because loving him is in our best interest.

We’re supposed to tell people about Jesus just like he told his followers to go and tell people about him and his love 2000 years ago. So who are you investing in today to show them God’s love? Are you being intentional in your actions and conversations to lead them closer to God? Have you felt like following Jesus has been harder than you thought it would be? Jesus told his disciples it would cost everything to follow him. Why should we be any different? Some people ask why they don’t see big actions by God like the disciples did in the Bible. Maybe it could have a direct correlation to the fact that we don’t follow Jesus like they did, giving up everything to follow him. What do you value more than your relationship with God? Do you realize you were made to love God and be in a relationship with him? Have you ever thought about it being in your best interest to follow Jesus?

5 August - Matthew 9

Today we’re reading Matthew 9 together. Let’s see what Matthew has for us today:

1. The opening of this chapter Jesus shows the religious leaders that he has the authority to forgive sins as well as the power to heal people. 
2. Then Jesus calls a tax collector named Matthew to be one of his disciples. Matthew not only accepted Jesus’ call but he threw a party and invited Jesus. The religious leaders were indignant that Jesus would hang out with “those types” of people. Jesus’ reply very clearly shows the heart of God. Jesus said he did not come for the spiritually healthy but for the sick. God loves everyone and his heart aches for those who haven’t yet decided to follow him.
3. The end of this chapter reinforces God’s heart for people who aren’t following him. Jesus sees the people and he had compassion on them because they didn’t have a spiritual leader. He turned to his disciples and told them to look at all the people who are trying to find him but there are so few people who will go tell them the good news; that God loves them and wants a relationship with them.

Does who Jesus chose to hang out with surprise you? The encouraging thing is that it means he would want to hang out with people like us too. God wants to have a relationship with everyone. Who are you trying to help lead closer to God right now? Are you investing in your relationship with them so they can see God’s love in your life? 

3 Aug: Genesis 50

Today we’re concluding our reading in Genesis with chapter 50.

1. We read about how people grieved the death of Joseph’s father, Israel. Even the Egyptians mourned his death. Either the Egyptians loved Joseph enough to grieve when he died or Israel was such a righteous man that they were saddened by his loss themselves; probably both.
2. Then Joseph went to bury his father in his homeland as he promised. Pharaoh sent all the royal court with Joseph to help him and mourn with him.
3. After Israel’s death, Joseph’s brothers feared Joseph would seek revenge for their mistreatment of him so many years ago. But Joseph clearly stated what we’ve learned; that he had forgiven his brothers and realized God used what was intended for bad to be good.
4. We read that Joseph lived a long life and then died. Before he died Joseph asked his family to carry his bones out of Egypt whenever they leave.

Again this is a chapter where we’re reminded that God can use what we think is bad to become something good. Many times in life when we’re going through something it feels horrible but as time passes we can see how God can use that situation for good and/or teach us a valuable lesson from it. What tough times did you go through that now you can look back on a see different? What have you learned through it? Maybe you’re going through a tough time right now; trust God and you’ll see how he can turn bad into good.

2 August - Matthew 8

We’re reading Matthew chapter 8 today in the Tattoo Church Reading Plan. Here are some points of interest to think about:

1. In the opening of this chapter we read about Jesus’ interaction with a man that no one else would dare spend time with. People with leprosy were ostracized in society because no one wanted to catch the disease. The man took a great risk coming into contact with people to ask Jesus to heal him. Did you notice how Jesus chose to heal him? He touched him. This was probably the only time since he contracted leprosy that anyone touched him. The man’s was starving for human contact and Jesus heals him by touching him. Not only did he meet his physical need of healing from leprosy but Jesus also healed the man’s heart by touching him.
2. Then Jesus talks about the man who had more faith than anyone other person he met in Israel. And the man was a not a Jew. This must have been a smack in the face to every Jewish person who was listening because they believed they were the only “chosen” people by God. 
3. In this chapter Matthew records Jesus telling someone how much it would cost to follow him. In summary, Jesus told them it costs everything to follow him. Often we try to determine what the minimum we have to do to “follow” Jesus. Don’t we? 
4. We also read a pretty well known story about Jesus calming a storm at sea by speaking to the wind and waves. His disciples were afraid of dying and Jesus rebuked them and told them they needed more faith in him. Jesus knew it took time to build a relationship and his men needed more time with him to fully trust him. The same is true for us. The longer we have a relationship with God the more we learn we can trust him.

Do you have “parts” of your heart that you don’t trust anyone with? You can trust Jesus with them. He wants to heal you completely; especially in those areas you hold most tightly to. Are you trying to do the minimum in your relationship with God? He won’t settle for anything short of everything in your life; not because he’s malicious but because he knows it’s what’s best for us. Do you have a difficult time trusting God to take care of things in your life? You can trust him. The longer you do life with God the more he “proves” himself faithful and the easier it is to trust him.

1 August - Matthew 7

Today we’re reading some of the most well known words of Jesus. They’re found in Matthew chapter 7. Here are a few thoughts:

1. The words of Jesus recorded in the opening two verses should really influence every single thought and interaction with another person. Jesus said in whatever way we judge other people we will be judged in the same way. We shouldn’t be hypocrites. Most often the things we judge in others are same “problems” we have ourselves, or worse. Jesus tells us to take care of our own problems first, then we can help others.
2. Jesus also talked about how God knows what to give us in life. He says we should take everything we need to God in prayer.
3. Most people would say that they’re going to heaven when they die. They have many different reasons for saying this; some believe the faith of their parents will get them in, some think they live “good” lives and that’s enough, and others are just hoping there are other people who are way worse than they have been. Jesus tells us in this chapter that the “way” to God is a narrow path that few people find. We shouldn’t just assume we’re right with God. Instead we should have confidence we are by a relationship with Jesus.
4. Have you ever heard the term “wolf in sheep’s clothing”? Ever wonder where that expression came from? The answer is, from Jesus and his words were recorded in this chapter of the Bible. The “wolf in sheep’s clothing” refers to people who say they’re speaking on behalf of God but they’re really not. Jesus said you will know who these people are by how they live their lives.

It’s easy for us to be judgmental towards people. Do you have this problem? Ask God to help you see the things you need to work on in your own life first. Do you ever feel like your needs are too small to pray to God about? Jesus tells us that God doesn’t see anything in our lives as insignificant. Jesus said we will know what kind of person we are by the “fruit” we produce in life; a good tree produces good fruit and a bad tree, bad fruit. What kind of tree are you? Do you think you have a relationship with God? Does the “fruit” of your life prove that you do? 

31 July - Matthew 6

We’re reading Matthew 6 together today. Below are a couple things to think about:

1. In this chapter we continue the teaching Jesus was giving his disciples. Jesus was telling them that when they do a “good dead” or an act of kindness don’t do it so other people will see you. Many people do something nice for other people but make sure everyone knows about it. Jesus  tells them if they do that then they will get their praise from men. But if they help people without making a show of it then God will reward them as he sees fit. 
2. Then Jesus talked about how to pray and continues the same message; don’t do it for show. The religious leaders in Jesus’ time would stand in public and pray loudly so others would hear them and think they’re more holy. We should pray to God as a way of communicating with him because we’re in a relationship with him. Jesus said we should pray to God like we’re talking to our Father. It’s about a relationship with our loving Father.
3. Jesus goes on to talk about fasting in the same way. Fasting is when you refrain from eating certain foods or stop eating all together for a set period of time to grow closer to God. The purpose of fasting isn’t to lose weight. Fasting is about using as much time as possible to connect with God through reading the Bible and talking to him. Fasting is a great way to connect with God but should not be something we parade around to others to make them think better of us.
4. Jesus ends with telling his disciples not to worry about temporary things here on earth. Instead we should be trying to grow closer to God and trust he will take care of us.

When you do something nice for people do you secretly hope other people will see you and think you’re a good person? If so, Jesus says then you’ve already received your reward. When you talk to God do you try to use special words or hide your sins? God just wants us to talk to him like we would our best friend. Have you ever tried fasting to grow closer to God? If not, try to get another person who is trying to follow Jesus to do it with you for a day. Fasting is a great way to recharge your relationship with God and if you do it with a friend you can both help each other. Lastly, do you spend a lot of time worrying about life? Stop. Ask God to help you trust him more instead of worrying about things. He loves you more than you can imagine and he wants what’s best for you.

30 July - Matthew 5

Today we’re back in the book of Matthew, chapter 5. This chapter is packed full of great stuff. We will talk about a few:

1. Matthew records a time when Jesus taught his disciples about living in a relationship with God. Jesus starts off by showing some things we should see in our life as a result of having a relationship with God. We should be: humble, thirst for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers. 
2. Jesus goes on to say that following him does cost us one thing; our whole life. We can’t follow Jesus half way. It’s all or nothing. 
3. Jesus gives a couple different illustrations to help us understand how having a relationship with God should cause us to share God’s love with others. He said we’re like salt, which was used to preserve and flavor food but if we lose our “saltiness” we’re useless to help other people find God. He also said we’re like a light that shouldn’t be hidden. We shouldn’t hide our faith; instead the love of God we’ve experienced should overflow towards others.
4. Many people think Jesus took the old laws (or guidelines) away but Jesus never says that. What he says is that he fulfilled the laws God had put in place for us to follow so that we can live in a relationship with him. This doesn’t mean we ignore the old laws. In fact, Jesus raised the standards for us to live by now because we have a direct connection with God to help us live. Jesus shows what he means in the following laws: The law said “do not murder” - Jesus said don’t even stay angry with someone or it’s the same as murdering them. The law said “do not commit adultery” - Jesus said if you even think about someone sexually inappropriately it’s the same as having sex with them in your mind. 
5. Jesus wants our whole life to be a relationship with him. He is trying to show his audience that it’s not a list of rules to check off. We can’t compartmentalize God.  It’s about a relationship. In our relationship with God we don’t try to do just the minimum (like the law) instead we strive to draw closer to him everyday. This is why Jesus raises the bar for us.

Have you been trying to do just the minimum to “get by” with God? Jesus shows us it’s a complete commitment to him. Are you completely committed to Jesus? Does the love you’ve experienced from God spill over into your daily life? Are others around you positively effected by God’s love in your life? If so, how? How can you show people God’s love today?

29 July - Matthew 4

We’re reading Matthew chapter 4 together today. Here are a couple things to think about:

1. Immediately after Jesus was baptized (see Matthew 3) the Spirit of God led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the devil himself. Notice that God didn’t tempt Jesus; elsewhere in the Bible we learn that God will not tempt anyone to do evil. However, God does allow us to be tempted to strengthen our faith and relationship with him. 
2. Jesus began to preach after his time out in the desert. Did you notice that it was after God had provided an opportunity for Jesus to grow closer to him that Jesus started helping other people. Since Jesus is God he didn’t need to wait but he did. Perhaps it was to show us a pattern that God uses. Often it’s after times of great struggle we have the opportunity to help others in the same way but only after we’ve turn to God and grown closer to him.
3. Then Jesus called four guys to follow him and become his disciples. They were common blue collar workers not the religious elite like some would have expected. Honestly, we have the same expectations of who God wants to use today don’t we? We always think we aren’t “special” enough to be used by God and maybe he should pick someone else. But God wants to use everyone to show other people his love.

Have you ever thought God was tempting you? Today we talked about how God doesn’t tempt anyone to do wrong. Next time think of it as an opportunity to grow closer to God. Have you ever went through some really tough times and thought, why would God allow you to go through them? Maybe God was preparing you so you could help other people. Do you ever feel like God wants to use you to do something for him but give him the excuse that you’re not “special” enough? Well stop! God does want to use you and through you he will help lots of other people in this world; if you will only allow him to. 

28 July : Genesis 49

Genesis 49

1. Here we read Israel telling his sons what the future will hold for them. We aren’t entirely sure but we can safely assume that God had revealed these things to him. 
2. Israel speaks of his sons as “tribes” and they do become the divisions amongst the Israelite people.
3. It must have been tough for Israel to say some of the things he had to say to a few of his sons, especially the three oldest. 
4. Israel foretold how Judah would be a ruler over his brothers and we will see how the tribe of Judah carries this role. Israel told of how God had blessings in store for Joseph. Surely as a reward for his obedience during the tough times he went through while trusting God.
5. Then Israel gave his sons instructions on what to do with his body when he died.

In this chapter we read how the nation of Israel will be separated in the future. We also read about how God planned to bless Joseph. We aren’t explicitly told but surely this is because of how Joseph faithfully followed God during the times of trouble he went through. Joseph suffered much for his faith and would be rewarded for it. Just to be clear though that is not a guarantee God gives us as Christians. Sometimes it’s true but it’s not a standard. Often people faithfully follow God and have very difficult lives but we’re told repeatedly in the Bible that our reward as Christians is the privilege to follow God and will be ultimately experience in the life to come.

27 July - Genesis 48

We’re back in Genesis today, chapter 48.

1. In this chapter we see Israel at the end of his life. Joseph comes to see him and introduce him to his two grandsons for the first time.
2. Israel is understandably very happy to see his grandchildren. He even says he never expected to see his son again and now he gets to see his grandchildren. 
3. Then Israel blesses his grandchildren. This is something we see a lot in the Old Testament of the Bible. We’re not sure exactly how it works but obviously God honored the choice of fathers and grandfathers who decided who to “bless” first in their family. Again, it’s odd to us because it isn’t something that happens anymore but it was normal back then.

God blessed Israel more than he ever expected. Israel probably prayed a thousand times to see his son again but God gave him much more. Not only did Israel get to see Joseph but also his grandchildren. God usually has a way bigger plan for us and our lives than we do. Maybe you’re praying for something particular right now in your life. Trust God and start asking him to fulfill his plans for your life and in his timing.

26 July - Matthew 3

Today we’re reading Matthew 3 together. Below are a couple thoughts:

1. This chapter opens by telling us about Jesus’ cousin, John. Many people know him as John the “Baptist” but it could be better translated as John the “Baptizer.” He was a wild man who wore clothes made of camel hair and ate bugs. He would be institutionalized if he was around today but he was an important part of preparing the way for Jesus’ life. He went around teaching people that they needed to turn from religion and to a relationship with God. The religious leaders didn’t care much for John and they didn’t for Jesus either (maybe it was a family trait?).
2. Jesus came to be baptized by John and John tried to refuse because he felt unworthy. However, Jesus insisted. Jesus had no need to be baptized, he was perfect. He wanted to show us how important it was though. After Jesus came back up from the water God spoke from heaven; confirming Jesus was his son and said he was pleased with him.

Jesus’ cousin John was pretty crazy. Does it make you think differently of Jesus’ family? We all think our family is strange but I doubt many of us have family members who eat bugs. The Bible tells us that Jesus faced everything we face in life. We normally wouldn’t think Jesus could understand being seen as an outcast but he certainly was. In fact, Jesus one time said even his own people reject him. Have you ever felt like being baptized wasn’t that big of a deal? Jesus, God in human form, felt it was important enough to be baptized. So shouldn’t we think it’s a big deal too? Are you a follower of Jesus? If so, have you been baptized? If not, what are you waiting for? If you want to talk with someone more about it or have questions we’d love to talk with you. Tommy@tattoochurch.com

25 July - Matthew 2

We’re continuing Matthew today, chapter 2. Below are a few things to think about from this chapter:

1. Matthew tells us how wise people from far away lands had been watching for a king to be born who would lead God’s people. When Jesus was born they saw the sign they’d been looking for a star in the night sky. They set out to find him and asked a local political leader, King Herod, where to find Jesus but he didn’t know. 
2. When they finally found Jesus they bowed down and worshipped him and presented his parents with all sorts of gifts. Then an angel told Joseph to take his family to Egypt because King Herod would be trying to kill Jesus; because he was worried Jesus would take over his kingship. Joseph kept his family in Egypt until Herod died and then he returned to Nazareth. 
3. All this drama in the beginning of Jesus life was crazy but it also answered a lot of the prophecies God gave to men hundreds of years before Jesus was born. God gave these prophecies so the Jewish people could identify their messiah without any doubts.

Did you know that people were watching for the birth of Jesus who didn’t even live in his area? And isn’t it awesome that God gave tons of proofs in advance for the Jewish people to know that Jesus was really sent from God? The sad part is that many of them ignored them because had different ideas of what Jesus would be like. Honestly, today we still have preconceived notions of how we expect God to act and so we miss out on a lot about God. Ask God to help you learn to know him for real; without any of your own thoughts or opinions projected onto him.

24 July - Matthew 1

We start a new book of the Bible today. We’re starting the book of Matthew, chapter 1. Matthew is the first book of the New Testament. The author of this book was Matthew, who was a tax collector who left everything behind to follow Jesus and become one of his disciples. Let’s see what Matthew has to say in this first chapter:

1. Matthew wrote his letter (known as the book of Matthew today) to a mainly Jewish audience. He started the letter by tracing the genealogy of Jesus back to Abraham. Most of us today could probably care less about how Jesus was connected to Abraham but for Matthew’s Jewish audience it certainly would have been significant. The reason the Jewish people would be concerned with the connection Jesus had with Abraham was because the Jewish people considered Abraham the forefather of their faith.
2. Then Matthew describes one of the most important parts of Jesus coming to earth, the fact that he was born of a virgin. Which obviously isn’t possible by human standards but Jesus was God in human form and so it makes sense that he would be born in a different way. 
3. We also learn how Joseph, Mary’s fiance (and “earthly” father of Jesus), had a difficult time accepting Mary’s word that she was pregnant by God. That would be a hard thing for any man to accept. But God sent an angel to tell Joseph it was true and Joseph took on his role in Jesus’ life. This would have to have been very difficult for Joseph to endure the “questions” of people around them about his wife and “son.” 

Does knowing how Jesus was connected to Abraham help connect some dots for you in the Bible? Is it difficult for you to believe Jesus was really born of a virgin? Do you understand how important it was that Jesus be born of a virgin? Does reading how Joseph naturally struggled with the “news” Mary shared with him make you see Joseph in a new light? Does it make you think less of him or see him as a normal guy like the rest of us? How about Joseph’s faith, does that inspire you to trust God more? What area is God asking for more faith in your life right now?

23 July - Colossians 4

Today we’re reading the final chapter in the book of Colossians, chapter 4. Let’s look at how Paul finished this book.

1. Paul begins this final chapter with some very wise words. In fact, they’re words every follower of Jesus should be following. He told them to devote themselves to keeping open communication with God. Paul advised them to ask God for new opportunities to tell people about his love and to do so with clarity. Paul goes on to say they should be intentional when they interact with people far from God and their conversations should be full of grace. These are great words for us all to live by.
2. Paul’s final instruction is for them to give this letter to another church (the church in Laodicea) for them to read and for them to read the letter Paul sent them as well. This is how Paul used his letters to teach all the churches he planted different things about how to have a relationship with God. Also, this practice of sharing the letters amongst the churches is what kept them around to be included in the Bible. 

How does Paul’s advice to the Colossians impact you? Does it convict you to be more intentional in growing your relationship with Jesus? Do you have a habit of doing the things he talked about already? We can all improve on these areas. How often do you pray? If you find it difficult to stay focused while praying then try writing your words out as your talk with God. Do you look for ways to share God’s love with other people? It may be intimidating but it shouldn’t be. Just share with them what God has done in your life. You don’t have to be a scholar to share your story with people. And make sure you show people the grace you want God to show you. 

22 July - Colossians 3

Today we’re reading Colossians 3. Below are a few things to think about:

1. Paul beings this chapter by saying that if you’ve been given a new life by following Jesus you should set your thoughts on higher things. You should be growing in your relationship with God instead of focusing on things that are temporary. 
2. He goes on to say that your new life shouldn’t look just like your old life. We need to do away with the things that were slowly destroying us and others around us.
3. Paul plainly tells us the traits we should be showing in our new life: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and above all love. He also tells us that everything we do, we do for Jesus as a “thank you” for giving us a second chance on life.

Do you see yourself as having a “new life” as a result of following Jesus? If not then you’re missing out on one of the best parts of having a relationship with God. We don’t have to be chained to our past. We’ve been given a second chance at living a full life. Does your “new life” look exactly the same as your “old life?” If so, ask God what needs to be changed to start growing closer to him. Last, does your life reflect the traits Paul listed that are evidence of our new life in Jesus? Choose just one of them to focus on this week.

21 July : Genesis 47

Genesis 47

1. In the first part of this chapter we read how all of Joseph’s brothers and his father meet Pharaoh and he gives them the best land to live in. Again this shows how much Pharaoh favored Joseph.
2. Then we read how the famine continued and the people of the land had to keep coming to Joseph to buy food to survive until they had no money to animals or land to trade. The people eventually had to sell themselves in slavery for food.
3. At the close of this chapter we read how Joseph promises his father to bury him in his homeland and not Egypt when he dies.

We read today how the people of Egypt had to sell themselves into slavery in exchange for food during the famine. This may sound like Joseph was doing the people wrong but he wasn’t. Remember he worked for Pharaoh. So this food is the Pharaoh’s food but God gave Joseph the wisdom and insight to save up enough food for the people to survive the famine. And if you read how Joseph handled the people’s “slavery” you’ll notice how he was very gracious to them. He only commanded that they give a fifth of what they harvest back to Pharaoh and they could keep the rest. This was a generous exchange and Joseph could have demanded much more. Have you ever had a time when you held a position of power over people? How did you handle it? Did you take advantage of people working under you or did you make sure they were provided for? Joseph could have demanded everything from the people of Egypt but instead dealt kindly with them. Let’s take a lesson from how Joseph exercised his authority. It’s my belief that God makes us strong (both physically and positionally) to take care of those who are weaker than us. Let us be good stewards of all that God has entrusted us with.

20 July - Genesis 46

We’re reading Genesis chapter 46 today.

1. Here we read how God spoke to Israel (Jacob) again and told him that he would protect him and his family as they moved to Egypt. So Israel moved his entire family to Egypt.
2. Then we see the emotional reunion of Israel and his son Joseph. How crazy must it have been for Israel to see his son whom he’d believed was dead for many years? And the same for Joseph, who must have given up on ever seeing his father’s face again.
3. Then Joseph told his brothers how to speak to Pharaoh when they met him.

The climax of this chapter is certainly Joseph’s reunion with his father, Israel. Both men must have been an emotional wreck. We don’t know how many years they were apart but think of all the prayers both had prayed to see each other again, and surely they felt like their prayers we’re ignored by God. And now they were seeing how God was working on their behalf all along. Usually when we pray to God we expect an immediate response. This chapter reminds us that God doesn’t always work on our time line but he’s always for us. Take some time today and thank God for the prayers that he is yet to answer. You never know how things will turn out. 

19 July - Colossians 2

We’re reading Colossians 2 together today in the Tattoo Church Reading Plan. Check out the points below:

1. Paul warns the Colossians not to be deceived by the false teachers like so many other churches were. It doesn’t appear there was a problem with this at the time but Paul was trying to make sure they were aware of what is going on so they wouldn’t get distracted from their faith in Jesus.
2. He says when we were dead in our sins God made us alive with Jesus. Paul clearly articulates that it’s because of what Jesus did on the cross for us that we’re forgiven of our sins if we choose to follow him.
3. Paul ends by reinforcing we’re made free in Jesus. So we shouldn’t enslave ourselves to various religious actions to try to gain favor with God. If we follow Jesus then God sees us as perfect. 

Is there any religious act that distracts you from a real relationship with God? We can get so focused on doing a set of rituals that we miss the point of really connecting with God. God doesn’t want us to go through a series of motions that mean nothing to him. We’re only made right with God through Jesus. When is the last time you thank God for making a relationship with him so easy to understand? When was the last time you thank Jesus for the sacrifice he made to provide a way for your sins to be forgiven?

18 July - Colossians 1

Today we’re starting the book of Colossians, chapter 1. The apostle Paul wrote this book as well. Let’s take a look at what he has to say in chapter 1:

1. One of the first things Paul talks about in this chapter is how Jesus is above all things. He goes on to say that we were once alienated from God because of our sins but Jesus made a way for us to reconnect with God. Paul very clearly says that once we choose to follow Jesus he takes away all our sins and we are “without blemish and free from accusation.” That’s great news for all of us.
2. Paul then describes himself as a servant of God to everyone. He said he goes on in God’s energy not his own. Paul said he’s trying his best to see everyone perfect in Jesus.

How does this chapter make you feel? Do you ever feel horrible about something you’ve done in the past? Paul tells us if we’ve chosen to follow Jesus then God sees us as perfect, without any sin. So don’t dwell on your past mistakes; instead move forward in your new life in Jesus. Do you ever feel worn out from doing so much good or serving so much at church? If so, stop trying to do it in your own power. Ask God to give you his strength and energy like Paul talks about in this chapter.