Jannuary 20.

Readings: Gen 36:1-43; Ps 11:4-7; Prov 3:5-6; Matt 13:10-35

Genesis
I'll confess to quick-skimming through these genealogies! But just be on the lookout for little snippets in between. In v24, we have detail of Anah who was found in the hot springs of the wilderness.

Psalm
Isn't it good to know that God is in complete control from heaven & watching our for us if we are righteousness, but being observed for future punishment if wicked.

Prov
What power there is in these two verses, probably most of us can quote these verses off the top of our heads, but do we really hold these verses as treasures. That small word ALL used in both verses demonstrates that these apply to every single moment of our lives.

Matt
v10-15 Again, Jesus tells us that there are secrets which only God can reveal. As we discover these secrets, it soon becomes apparent how little we know. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that these things are revealed.
Sadly, there are very clever & well respected theologians who actually have never had such revelations because they have actually become hardened to the truth. They simply do not see it but then try to say that those who have are mistaken. Once we have experienced the truth of these secrets we will never go back.
v18-23 Often we think of the parable of the sower as being about unbelievers, but actually here Jesus clearly is referring to "believers" and the things of the kingdom (v19). It is therefore, about how prepared we are to receive the things of the Kingdom.
v22 There are many Christians who go the way of the world & the so called pleasure the world offers, in the end (and I suspect most Christians do not realise how wealth affects them) they become choked & do not receive the riches of His word.
v23. Good ground is always ready to hear the things of the kingdom. Do you have a passion & hunger to receive the word in whatever form. The Internet is a fantastic source of sermons & talks, given by some great preachers - I would much rather listen to the things of the kingdom rather than secular music or bad news & attitudes!
v24-30. Continuing the theme of growth, Jesus also warns that the enemy is out to destroy growth in us. Remember this when he tempts you not to do the readings because he will, those are the tares we have to deal with.
29-33. 3 further illustrations of a small amount of faith when grown by God produces something much much bigger
A main kingdom principle is multiplication.