Welcome to Tony DeKoter, principle at Quisqueya Christian School in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, who will share his reflections on the readings from Philippians. SCRIPTURE: Philippians 1:1–11 Paul begins this letter with a personal greeting while in prison. He remembers the works of God’s people here with joy because of their partnership in proclaiming the Good News. Paul…
Category: daily meditations
Oct 9 — Genesis 50:15-26
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 50:15-26 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Observe how Joseph’s brothers sins continue to haunt them later in life, even though Joseph had already forgiven them. They fear he was just being nice while their father lived, and that now he will get even with them. Joseph demonstrates a remarkable spirit of forgiveness – though I wonder how he…
Oct 8 — Genesis 49:29-50:14
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 49:29-50:14 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Although I am sure I read this before, this account of Jacob’s burial is new to me (see the October 5 post for the correction). This story speaks of loyalty to one’s promises, and to one’s parents. It also speaks to me about faith in God’s promises even when they seem distant,…
Oct 7 — Genesis 49:1-28
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 49:1-28 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Jacob seems to predict what the future of his family will be, based on their present day behaviours. He also is led to predict the coming of the one to whom the throne belongs through the line of Judah (Genesis 49:10). Jacob is not pronouncing a curse on some of his sons, he…
Oct 6 — Genesis 48:1-22
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 48:1-22 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: In that culture, the firstborn child had all the best privileges, and was the primary heir. Jacob was blessed “out of order”, the second born son receiving the greater blessing (Esau was the first-born, Genesis 27:1-41). Perhaps he always had a sore spot for the firstborn (he wants to marry Rachel, the second…
Oct 5 — Genesis 47:13-31
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 47:13-31 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Joseph is shrewd and makes the king the owner of everything and everyone in Egypt. A 20% tax seems acceptable over death (on top of their losing their land and their freedom). Compare this to the Law of Moses where people could never fully lose their land. Even if they lost it…
Oct 4 — Genesis 46:28-47:12
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 46:28-47:12 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: To be honest, I don’t sense a clear message in this passage, other thn the underlying assurance that God is at work behind the scenes, unfolding His plan, establishing His missionary people as a nation. It is interesting to note that the Israelites remain second class citizens as shepherds, as far as…
Oct 3 — Genesis 46:8-27
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 46:8-27 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: This is one of those passages we often skip over, a boring list of names. I reminded myself that each one of these people were real people, with real stories (like Perez & Zerah, whose father was also their grandfather, see Genesis 38:1-30). I try to imagine a household with 1 father and…
Oct 2 — Genesis 45:16-46:7
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 45:16-46:7 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Joseph’s life has been a roller coaster, as has Jacob’s. Now we get to the “happily ever after” part, at least for the time being. Jacob (Israel) honours God through his sacrifices, and God affirms His purpose through the ups and downs. We also get a hint of what is to come,…
Oct 1 — Genesis 45:1-15
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 45:1-15 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: One day, like Joseph, we will be able to see that the bad things that we experienced in this life were a part of God’s overall plan. Joseph does not hold a grudge against his brothers for the years of misery they put him through, he recognizes God’s hand and purpose in…