Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
January 28
Today's reading in the OT is from Exodus 5:22- 7:25 and in this section we continue with Moses and Aaron speaking to Pharaoh regarding God's command to let the people go and Pharaoh's continued resistance. Pharaoh is unimpressed by the signs that God allows Moses and Aaron to accomplish in order to get his attention - because His magicians were able to reproduce them. Even the first plague of turning water into blood.... In spite of the fact that they were able to use trickery or sorcery to reproduce the signs, they couldn't reverse them. It is clear that there is significant power available in opposition to God, but it is not stronger than Gods! If it were, then they could have reversed rather than duplicate... And how terribly gross to have that blood everywhere.
NT reading is from Matthew 18:21-19:12 and is a great lesson in forgiveness. How many times do we have to forgive someone? Pretty much all of them! Don't keep track, don't do the math, just forgive! Why? Well, because God forgives us without keeping track, and out of our great appreciation for His Amazing Grace and Mercy, we are to do likewise. Forgiveness sucks sometimes.... we feel like someone doesn't deserve it, or that perhaps they aren't even sorry. I don't think that lets us off the hook of obedience though. We are clearly commanded to Forgive as Christ forgave us. When it is hard for us, or perhaps even humanly impossible because of horrific circumstances, may we rest in the Truth that God provides all of our needs, and will even enable us to Forgive that which seems unforgivable... Just ask for His help, admit that you must, agree to be obedient.... In any event forgiveness does way more for us than it does for whomever we forgive. To not forgive is like holding on to poison that just makes us embittered. Why forgive? The reason is never because someone deserves it, any more than we "deserve" the forgiveness of Christ. It is because as His Children we are called to be obedient. And the blessing is that it frees us and leaves it in the Lords hands to deal with.
Psalm 23 is the psalm today, what's not to love there! The Lord is my Shepherd..... He renews my strength!
Proverbs 5:22-23 "An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. He will die for lack of self control; he will be lost because of his great foolishness."
NT reading is from Matthew 18:21-19:12 and is a great lesson in forgiveness. How many times do we have to forgive someone? Pretty much all of them! Don't keep track, don't do the math, just forgive! Why? Well, because God forgives us without keeping track, and out of our great appreciation for His Amazing Grace and Mercy, we are to do likewise. Forgiveness sucks sometimes.... we feel like someone doesn't deserve it, or that perhaps they aren't even sorry. I don't think that lets us off the hook of obedience though. We are clearly commanded to Forgive as Christ forgave us. When it is hard for us, or perhaps even humanly impossible because of horrific circumstances, may we rest in the Truth that God provides all of our needs, and will even enable us to Forgive that which seems unforgivable... Just ask for His help, admit that you must, agree to be obedient.... In any event forgiveness does way more for us than it does for whomever we forgive. To not forgive is like holding on to poison that just makes us embittered. Why forgive? The reason is never because someone deserves it, any more than we "deserve" the forgiveness of Christ. It is because as His Children we are called to be obedient. And the blessing is that it frees us and leaves it in the Lords hands to deal with.
Psalm 23 is the psalm today, what's not to love there! The Lord is my Shepherd..... He renews my strength!
Proverbs 5:22-23 "An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. He will die for lack of self control; he will be lost because of his great foolishness."
Thursday, January 27, 2011
January 27
The OT reading covers the familiar burning bush when God calls Moses to free His people from the Egyptians. I love this section because of Moses lack of confidence and how God patiently provides for every area that Moses is concerned about. I definitely get the feeling that Moses was trying to get out of his assignment but God kept meeting every worry until there was no option. When I compare this section to a little further ahead when Moses, his wife and sons start back toward Egypt I find another interesting thing. In this section, there is a passage that says that God was about to kill Moses but his wife circumcises their son and that's takes care of things.... (my paraphrase of course) Here is why I find that so interesting: God was very patient with Moses lack of confidence, and He provided for every worry with regard to that. However, He was absolutely not going to accept lack of obedience. Moses knew the law with regard to the covenant of circumcision, and he had not obeyed - no patience granted. It does seem like it might have come up at the burning bush conversation. "And Moses" Says God. "Yes Lord" answers Moses. "About the covenant of circumcision, I'm completely serious about that, and you are going to be in big trouble if you don't hurry up and mind me." "Ok, God, I'll get right on it, sorry I'm tardy." It's odd because clearly our all knowing God knew that Moses (who he was calling for a big job) had a bit of an issue to deal with, and He didn't mention it to Him at the time, or at least if He did, it's not recorded for us to know about. In any event, what I take from that is the encouragement that God will be with me and help me overcome areas where I lack confidence and He will make sure I have everything I need to serve Him effectively. At the same time I see the warning that He takes obedience VERY seriously as well. He's patient with lack of confidence, but not lack of obedience. Thanks be to God that we live on this side of the cross of Christ, so no worries that He will Kill us for our lack of obedience. Even still we are called to live for Him and with His help we need to be obedient.
Still in Matthew for the New Testament Readings. Today's reading had another section of scripture that I am really fond of and has such great advice. It teaches of handling conflict appropriately. When someone does you wrong here is the formula: Go talk to them about it. Do that first, don't talk to everybody but them about it! If that does not work out well then go to them again but bring a witness with you... and it goes on from there. I think that as a rule people really stink at this. We'd rather talk to everybody about a situation than deal with it head on. Of course it isn't easy, but it's the right thing to do.
I didn't blog yesterday, but the NT reading from Matthew 17 was timely.... I wish I could catch a fish that would pay my taxes.... Cool miracle.
Still in Matthew for the New Testament Readings. Today's reading had another section of scripture that I am really fond of and has such great advice. It teaches of handling conflict appropriately. When someone does you wrong here is the formula: Go talk to them about it. Do that first, don't talk to everybody but them about it! If that does not work out well then go to them again but bring a witness with you... and it goes on from there. I think that as a rule people really stink at this. We'd rather talk to everybody about a situation than deal with it head on. Of course it isn't easy, but it's the right thing to do.
I didn't blog yesterday, but the NT reading from Matthew 17 was timely.... I wish I could catch a fish that would pay my taxes.... Cool miracle.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
it's lonely in blogging land....
If you are reading this blog, please drop a comment! What do you think? Do you have the same questions as me? Do you have answers or opinions?? Or if nothing else, just say hi and that you stopped by!
Blessings,
Terri
Blessings,
Terri
January 25
I think keeping up with the blog is more challenging than keeping up with the reading!
Reuban finally got called out for sleeping with his dad's wife... right before Jacob died he lays that info on him.... I'll bet Reuban thought he didn't know about it all that time.... Oh to have been a fly on the wall in that room!
Jesus does another food miracle, this time feeding 4,000 men plus women and children. Directly after this when Jesus and the disciples move on, the disciples start arguing about the fact that they forgot to bring bread with them to eat..... Really? They are worried about food after seeing two spectacular miracles that provided food for thousands .... WITH LEFTOVERS?? I have to admit that while I find it ridiculous that they did this having been witnesses of those miracles, I find it comforting as well. I get frustrated with myself for having to learn the same lessons over and over with regard to God's provision and various other areas. But clearly even those with first hand accounts that walked side by side with Jesus in the flesh had short memories as well. The best part? Jesus reminded, forgave, and redirected them and He still does the same for me today.
So now Abraham Isaac, and Jacob are dead. Enough time has passed that the current leadership in Egypt doesn't know about Joseph and his role in Egypt, but only that the Israelites are strong and many! So begins their enslavement in Egypt. Moses is born and placed in the Nile to be found by Pharaoh's daughter.... The beauty in this account is just the amazing timing of everything.... Some would call it coincidence, but I don't believe there is any such thing as coincidence. God has always had perfect timing. And while I often do not understand His ways (or His timing for that matter) I do believe it is always perfect.
Reuban finally got called out for sleeping with his dad's wife... right before Jacob died he lays that info on him.... I'll bet Reuban thought he didn't know about it all that time.... Oh to have been a fly on the wall in that room!
Jesus does another food miracle, this time feeding 4,000 men plus women and children. Directly after this when Jesus and the disciples move on, the disciples start arguing about the fact that they forgot to bring bread with them to eat..... Really? They are worried about food after seeing two spectacular miracles that provided food for thousands .... WITH LEFTOVERS?? I have to admit that while I find it ridiculous that they did this having been witnesses of those miracles, I find it comforting as well. I get frustrated with myself for having to learn the same lessons over and over with regard to God's provision and various other areas. But clearly even those with first hand accounts that walked side by side with Jesus in the flesh had short memories as well. The best part? Jesus reminded, forgave, and redirected them and He still does the same for me today.
So now Abraham Isaac, and Jacob are dead. Enough time has passed that the current leadership in Egypt doesn't know about Joseph and his role in Egypt, but only that the Israelites are strong and many! So begins their enslavement in Egypt. Moses is born and placed in the Nile to be found by Pharaoh's daughter.... The beauty in this account is just the amazing timing of everything.... Some would call it coincidence, but I don't believe there is any such thing as coincidence. God has always had perfect timing. And while I often do not understand His ways (or His timing for that matter) I do believe it is always perfect.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
January 23
Back again... haven't blogged in a couple of days, but rest assured I am still on track with the readings. Sometimes I don't set enough time aside to read and blog....
Some notable things....Joseph and his brothers and father have all reunited in Egypt and we get the blessing of seeing how God used all the really awful things that happened to Joseph to not only be resolved on the family level, but also to spare a nation from the ravages of famine. I want so much to remember that God sees the whole picture and is ABLE to work all things together for good. Even when He doesn't spare us hardships He still has a plan and a purpose and His plan and purpose will prevail!
Herod had John the Baptist beheaded and his head brought on a tray to Herodias's daughter. Besides being disgusting this section caught my attention because of vs 9 "Then the king regretted what he had said; but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders." Note to self: Engage brain before engaging mouth!
The miracle of Jesus turning a tiny bit of food into enough for 5,000 men (plus women and children) with left overs is a great reminder that God can take our "little" and make and abundance, He is our provider in every instance, but of course when it is so dramatic we pay attention. Often God provides in unexpected ways. I experienced it yet again this past week when Katie called and said "We're in big trouble" Turns out the $5,000 scholarship that we thought would be applied to the 2nd term of school (and we made our financial aid requests based on this information) is actually to be distributed over 4 years of her education. So instead of five grand, Michigan State received just over one thousand dollars leaving $4,086 still due.... in less than two weeks. UGH. But God of course was not surprised by this as I was and His provision was in place. Den and I had refinanced our home to take advantage of the low interest rate. We cashed out several thousand dollars to take care of some projects that we had been talking about (new carpet, finish bathroom/laundry room project, refinish hardwood floors in the kitchen, etc.) We were still in the process of figuring out the priority of our list and hadn't spent the money, so...... off it goes to Michigan State, and our daughter will be able to continue her education without any lapse. I feel so blessed. No, it isn't how we planned to spend the money, but I feel so very thankful that it worked out as it did. There is no way that we could have met that tuition without the refinancing money. And I am just as sure that the projects will get done because in the same way God provided for Katie's tuition, He will provide for our other projects, or He will show us how He would have us spend our Time & money instead....
Also read about Jesus walking on water and Peter coming out to him on the water as well. What an amazing and then frightening experience.... Note to self: Keep my eyes on the savior, not the storms of my life!
I think I've made up for not posting the last couple of days.....
Some notable things....Joseph and his brothers and father have all reunited in Egypt and we get the blessing of seeing how God used all the really awful things that happened to Joseph to not only be resolved on the family level, but also to spare a nation from the ravages of famine. I want so much to remember that God sees the whole picture and is ABLE to work all things together for good. Even when He doesn't spare us hardships He still has a plan and a purpose and His plan and purpose will prevail!
Herod had John the Baptist beheaded and his head brought on a tray to Herodias's daughter. Besides being disgusting this section caught my attention because of vs 9 "Then the king regretted what he had said; but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders." Note to self: Engage brain before engaging mouth!
The miracle of Jesus turning a tiny bit of food into enough for 5,000 men (plus women and children) with left overs is a great reminder that God can take our "little" and make and abundance, He is our provider in every instance, but of course when it is so dramatic we pay attention. Often God provides in unexpected ways. I experienced it yet again this past week when Katie called and said "We're in big trouble" Turns out the $5,000 scholarship that we thought would be applied to the 2nd term of school (and we made our financial aid requests based on this information) is actually to be distributed over 4 years of her education. So instead of five grand, Michigan State received just over one thousand dollars leaving $4,086 still due.... in less than two weeks. UGH. But God of course was not surprised by this as I was and His provision was in place. Den and I had refinanced our home to take advantage of the low interest rate. We cashed out several thousand dollars to take care of some projects that we had been talking about (new carpet, finish bathroom/laundry room project, refinish hardwood floors in the kitchen, etc.) We were still in the process of figuring out the priority of our list and hadn't spent the money, so...... off it goes to Michigan State, and our daughter will be able to continue her education without any lapse. I feel so blessed. No, it isn't how we planned to spend the money, but I feel so very thankful that it worked out as it did. There is no way that we could have met that tuition without the refinancing money. And I am just as sure that the projects will get done because in the same way God provided for Katie's tuition, He will provide for our other projects, or He will show us how He would have us spend our Time & money instead....
Also read about Jesus walking on water and Peter coming out to him on the water as well. What an amazing and then frightening experience.... Note to self: Keep my eyes on the savior, not the storms of my life!
I think I've made up for not posting the last couple of days.....
Thursday, January 20, 2011
January 20
Joseph's dream comes true...And so do the ones that he interpreted.
The best nugget from today is Psalm 18:1 " I love you, Lord; you are my strength." And to that I say AMEN! In spite of my questions, and all that I do not understand or find fair from my meager human perspective, that statement remains absolutely true for me. "I love you, Lord; you are my strength!"
The best nugget from today is Psalm 18:1 " I love you, Lord; you are my strength." And to that I say AMEN! In spite of my questions, and all that I do not understand or find fair from my meager human perspective, that statement remains absolutely true for me. "I love you, Lord; you are my strength!"
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
January 19
Joseph sure gets a raw deal, poor guy. But God is with him and gives him success. I suppose success in prison wasn't quite what he had in mind, and yet at the same time each piece fits together and God's story is played out. In spite of murderous brothers, in spite of a false rape accusations and the resulting prison term, despite the cup bearer forgetting his promise..... God still works his purposes. Note to self, REMEMBER we only see what we see, we don't see what we don't see, and God sees it all, and works it all together for His purposes. Be patient and wait and see what God does with whatever mess you are in!
NT Jesus teaches in Parables for the first time. It was the parable of the four soils.
Also kept up with the Psalm and Proverb. 19 Days and still on track. Woot Woot!
NT Jesus teaches in Parables for the first time. It was the parable of the four soils.
Also kept up with the Psalm and Proverb. 19 Days and still on track. Woot Woot!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
January 18
The coffee cup is nearly empty and the readings for today are completed. But for me it's still kind of early in the morning to be clever. I'm sure if I were typing this at night I could find some humorous way to call out Jacob for his favoritism of Joseph, or some sarcastic comment for Joseph's brown nosing arrogance. I'll bet if I were not still sleepy I could even figure something catchy to say about the murderous scheming brothers, or Reuban's lack of spine. However, I've not quite cleared the cob webs yet. I'm excited that I already know how it turns out though. That God uses all this dysfunction and naughtiness to fulfill his plan and what people planned for evil God used for good! What a great reminder when we are in the middle of something that looks like no possible good can come of it that God knows (read this next part in the voice of Paul Harvey) "the REST of the story"!
I really should comment more on the Gospel, New Testament, Psalm and Proverbs sections... I feel confident that when I hit "Numbers" I'll vamp up the comments on NT. Numbers if I remember correctly is a bit of a snoozer....
I really should comment more on the Gospel, New Testament, Psalm and Proverbs sections... I feel confident that when I hit "Numbers" I'll vamp up the comments on NT. Numbers if I remember correctly is a bit of a snoozer....
Woo Hoo a comment!
I feel like a celebration is in order! My very first comment! Thank you "M" ! Although when I clicked on M to get that clarified there was no further info... But in answer to your question, yes, there is a specific plan to get through all of scripture in one year. It has a reading from the OT, NT, and a Portion of a Psalm and Proverb. This is how I've done it in the past as well. However, a couple of years ago, my mom purchased me a Read through the Bible in a year Bible, and this is printed in the order of the readings, so now there is no pesky list to keep track of, or flipping back and forth, just have to keep moving the book mark as each days reading is headed with the Date. Natalie also has this Bible. It really does make it easier for some reason. Anyway It's called The One Year Bible and it's published by Tyndale. My copy is New Living Translation, Nat's is New International Version. You can get it at Family Christian Book store, or probably any other Christian Book store for that matter. Keep commenting!!!! Blessings, T.
Monday, January 17, 2011
January 17
Between Worship, SS, & Youth group, my nose was in the Bible plenty, but I didn't read my daily reading yesterday. However, I did get caught back up today. I'm determined to not get behind!
So Dinah gets raped and her brothers hatch quite an impressive plan of revenge.... Starting with deceit which caused the men to all get circumcised.... And on the third day while the men were still sore (ya think?) they went in and murdered them in revenge and plundered their stuff.... Again, this stuff is rated R for sure!
Reuban (Jacob's oldest with Leah) had intercourse with Bilhah, his concubine (Rachel's servant) or his 1/2 brother's mother (eeeeew!) and Jacob soon heard about it, but so far that's all it says, just that he soon heard about it. So far no consequences for this.... the things that make you say hmmmmm....
Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin, I'd forgotten that was how she died.
New Testament reading Jesus teaches about it being acceptable to do good on the Sabbath. In other words, it's not "work" . Even though he knows the Pharisees are trying to trip him up he heals the guys hand just to prove his point. And the Pharisees call a meeting to plot how to kill him.... Jesus really was not a meek dude. I think with his turn the other cheek teaching, people get the idea that he was a bit of a push over door mat... Sooo not the case. In this account it's more like "how do ya like them apples..." Of course he does move along since he knows what they are plotting. But certainly that was wise, not wimpish!
Kind of goes along with the Proverbs reading (3:31) " My child, don't lose sight of common sense and discernment."
Wish more people would not lose sight of common sense. I think common sense is no longer "common".
Tomorrow's readings will be Genesis 37:1-38, Matthew 12:22-45; Psalm 16:1-11 and Proverbs 3:27-32
So Dinah gets raped and her brothers hatch quite an impressive plan of revenge.... Starting with deceit which caused the men to all get circumcised.... And on the third day while the men were still sore (ya think?) they went in and murdered them in revenge and plundered their stuff.... Again, this stuff is rated R for sure!
Reuban (Jacob's oldest with Leah) had intercourse with Bilhah, his concubine (Rachel's servant) or his 1/2 brother's mother (eeeeew!) and Jacob soon heard about it, but so far that's all it says, just that he soon heard about it. So far no consequences for this.... the things that make you say hmmmmm....
Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin, I'd forgotten that was how she died.
New Testament reading Jesus teaches about it being acceptable to do good on the Sabbath. In other words, it's not "work" . Even though he knows the Pharisees are trying to trip him up he heals the guys hand just to prove his point. And the Pharisees call a meeting to plot how to kill him.... Jesus really was not a meek dude. I think with his turn the other cheek teaching, people get the idea that he was a bit of a push over door mat... Sooo not the case. In this account it's more like "how do ya like them apples..." Of course he does move along since he knows what they are plotting. But certainly that was wise, not wimpish!
Kind of goes along with the Proverbs reading (3:31) " My child, don't lose sight of common sense and discernment."
Wish more people would not lose sight of common sense. I think common sense is no longer "common".
Tomorrow's readings will be Genesis 37:1-38, Matthew 12:22-45; Psalm 16:1-11 and Proverbs 3:27-32
Saturday, January 15, 2011
January 15
History repeats itself again... Rachel and Leah give their servants to Jacob to produce children.... Seems like the family story might have passed down the lack of wisdom in that train of thought.
Rachel uses her period as an excuse... Who knew that tactic dated back to biblical times!
Matthew 10:30: "And the very hairs on your head are all numbered." I find this to be such a cool thought. That our Savior is so familiar with us that every detail even as insignificant as the number of hairs on our head is known to him!
I have completed reading through Genesis 32:12; Matthew 11:6; Psalm 13:6; And Proverbs 3:18
Rachel uses her period as an excuse... Who knew that tactic dated back to biblical times!
Matthew 10:30: "And the very hairs on your head are all numbered." I find this to be such a cool thought. That our Savior is so familiar with us that every detail even as insignificant as the number of hairs on our head is known to him!
I have completed reading through Genesis 32:12; Matthew 11:6; Psalm 13:6; And Proverbs 3:18
Friday, January 14, 2011
staying on track....
It's January 14th and I'm still on track! I haven't had a chance to blog thoughts much, I'm at Confirmation Camp as I type this and won't have time to type much.... Yesterday's reading had Jacob getting a taste of his own medicine as Laban tricked him. How dark does it have to be in a tent to not realize that the wrong woman was sent in??? And was there no speaking allowed??? Seems like he might have caught on before the big surprise in the morning....
Lesson: What goes around comes around? That's what my mama always said!
Lesson: What goes around comes around? That's what my mama always said!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
January 12
And on the 11th day.... she skipped her readings. So today I got to read yesterday's and today's readings, and so I am all caught up again!
Today was Genesis 24:52-27:46, Matthew 8:18-9:17; Psalm 10:1-18; Proverbs 3:7-10 in order to get all caught up.
Sooo, history repeats itself! Remember Abraham saying Sarah was his sister on two different occasions? Well believe it or not his son Isaac does the very same thing with his wife, with the very same excuse! Note to self: Learn from the mistakes of others, don't repeat them! (I suppose one could argue from a family perspective that it was a great strategy rather than mistake though since Abraham profited by it both times...)
Esau exaggerates and Jacob exploits the opportunity thereby getting Esau's birth right at the bargain price of a bowl of soup, later Jacob follows mom's plan of trickery and gains the blessing as well.... Still living in the family tradition of answering God's prayers and ensuring His promises for him.... But it is a great example of how God uses all things together for good for those who love the Him. Even our mistakes! It is amazingly cool that He is able to make something great our of our messes.
Today was Genesis 24:52-27:46, Matthew 8:18-9:17; Psalm 10:1-18; Proverbs 3:7-10 in order to get all caught up.
Sooo, history repeats itself! Remember Abraham saying Sarah was his sister on two different occasions? Well believe it or not his son Isaac does the very same thing with his wife, with the very same excuse! Note to self: Learn from the mistakes of others, don't repeat them! (I suppose one could argue from a family perspective that it was a great strategy rather than mistake though since Abraham profited by it both times...)
Esau exaggerates and Jacob exploits the opportunity thereby getting Esau's birth right at the bargain price of a bowl of soup, later Jacob follows mom's plan of trickery and gains the blessing as well.... Still living in the family tradition of answering God's prayers and ensuring His promises for him.... But it is a great example of how God uses all things together for good for those who love the Him. Even our mistakes! It is amazingly cool that He is able to make something great our of our messes.
Monday, January 10, 2011
January 10
Today's readings included one of my favorite passages - from Proverbs: Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Seems appropriate since so much of what I've been reading lately "my own understanding" is not sufficient for!
Seems appropriate since so much of what I've been reading lately "my own understanding" is not sufficient for!
January 9, a day late
For the record, the post is a day late; I did do the readings yesterday. But I didn't know what to write, because some of it irritated me, or frustrated me, not sure what the correct thing to say is, but at any rate, I was befuddled. This morning I sent an email to my pastor, here's the portion that has to do with the readings:
This reading through the Bible is frustrating....So, I know the basic principle that His ways are not my ways and His Thoughts are not my thoughts.... but some things seem seriously not fair in MY way of thinking. There's Lot .... and his poor wife, and his daughters. Of the whole blinging family what we know about Mrs. Lot is the least flagrant offense (In my opinion) she looked back.... she didn't go back, she didn't stay there, she looked.... But Lot offers up his virgin daughters to the perverts on his door step (among other things) and said daughters get Lot drunk and have sex with him to "preserve the family line" Oh my goodness, I'm thinking looking back seems pretty insignificant....
And then there is Abraham dear dear Father Abraham. In last night's reading he passes Sarah off as his sister for the second time and God speaks to the poor ignorant sap and says he's gonna die because Sarah is Abraham's wife. He pleads his case of ignorance and God tells him that he knows he didn't know the real story, so Abraham will pray for him and thereby he will be spared the punishment.... WHAT where is Abraham's punishment? He was responsible, TWICE! But no he just gets to accumulate more "choice" sheep & goats and land and silver and stuff.(The second time he not only pulls the scheme, but PROFITS from it) And even if he is off the hook for the lie since she was technically his half-sister... he isn't for the rest of it. My head thinks if he is so faithful then why did he not realize that God had his back and he wouldn't be killed because God promised to make him the father of many nations... But wow, what a prayer because it accomplishes the undoing of closed wombs for Abimelech's wife and all the servants because of what happened with Sarah. I so do not get this. But who am I? Or perhaps better phrased as the questions posed to Job.... and my answer: No Lord, no I clearly was not there when you hung the moon....
So what is one to learn from these accounts? Scripture is helpful for teaching.... I don't get it.
That is my rant. But in the end I know that God is God, and I am not and I'll either have some sort of epiphany about these things, or I won't. However if I am supposed to be gleaning something I wish it would occur to me, because I am pretty sure the message I am supposed to be getting as I read through God's word is NOT that He's unjust because scripture teaches that he is JUST. UGH
And here is the response:
I was just going to email you a nice short Monday morning message of greeting, hoping that your week was off to a quiet and calm beginning, and before I could do so, you had already sent me a challenging and difficult theological and biblical dissertation to which I have no real answers, other than what I have already learned from you, that being – “He’s God and we’re not!”
I wish I could simply say “Now hear this!” and then proceed to give you a black and white response that would take care of all your concerns. Obviously, I can’t do that. Maybe you ought to balance your reading with a little gospel, along with some of those law passages. At least that might make you feel better. I’m sure if you were here we could have a nice long chat about this, and probably still not come up with a satisfying answer. God doesn’t expect us to understand everything (good thing!) but I know it’s still frustrating and difficult when His ways don’t seem to be as just and fair as He says He is (and we do know that He really is, even if we can’t see it from our standpoint).
Anyway, as usual, I don’t have an answer. Sorry, my dear friend.
Actually I am a bit relieved that there isn't some pat answer that I just wasn't bright enough to pick up on....
Saturday, January 8, 2011
January 8
Genesis 18:16-19:38
If scripture had movie ratings this section would be rated "R" Yikes!
Lot is a total Loser and he is spared, and his wife make a little bit of an oops and is turned into a pillar of salt... Yet another example of "my ways are not your ways and my thoughts are not your thoughts". This is a head scratcher for sure. What kind of dad offers his two virgin daughters to the perverts on his door step? What kind of daughters get said dad drunk and have sex with him to "preserve the family line" Again, "dysfunctional family" is not a new thing!
Matthew 6:25-7:14
V 27 "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" Nope! (But I'm so good at it...)
V 34 "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." Love this! Such good advice!
V 3 "and why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own?" We really do need to clean our own closets before we criticize others....
Palm 8:1-9 & Proverbs 2:6-15
If scripture had movie ratings this section would be rated "R" Yikes!
Lot is a total Loser and he is spared, and his wife make a little bit of an oops and is turned into a pillar of salt... Yet another example of "my ways are not your ways and my thoughts are not your thoughts". This is a head scratcher for sure. What kind of dad offers his two virgin daughters to the perverts on his door step? What kind of daughters get said dad drunk and have sex with him to "preserve the family line" Again, "dysfunctional family" is not a new thing!
Matthew 6:25-7:14
V 27 "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" Nope! (But I'm so good at it...)
V 34 "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." Love this! Such good advice!
V 3 "and why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own?" We really do need to clean our own closets before we criticize others....
Palm 8:1-9 & Proverbs 2:6-15
Friday, January 7, 2011
January 7
Genesis 16:1-18:15
Sarai suggests Abram sleep with her servant Hagar so that she can have a child through her.... WHAT? When did dysfunctional families start? In the beginning!! (Seriously, Cain and Able...)This is not a suggestion that I would have made! And Abram agreed to this suggestion (Why doesn't that surprise me?) It all kind of goes south from here. Hagar gets a superior attitude and starts treating Sarai badly, Sarai blames Abram, Abram says deal with it, Hagar gets the boot, the angel sends her back....
God makes a covenant with Abram and changes his name. Circumcision is commanded as a sign of the covenant.. (A hand shake wasn't considered???? Of course I'm joking, but seriously? What must Abraham been thinking when God said You must cut off the flesh of your foreskin as a sign of the covenant between me and you? OUCH) And it's an all inclusive arrangement, all the boys, from now on including servants.
Sarai gets a name change too to Sarah and is promised that SHE will become the mother of many nations... at 90! Why do I not remember that God's way of doing things is WAY different than one would expect? That his timing is different? I often start to doubt rather than to remember.... His ways are different, but far superior to our own, and He sees the whole plan, and we see such a tiny piece.
v 14 "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" (answer NOPE!)
God's ways and timing are not ours, but we should wait on Him. Abraham, Hagar and Sarah make a mess of things trying to fulfill God's promise of a descendant for Him.
Matthew 6:1-24
Don't do good deeds to be admired by others....
Don't pray to sound religious or pious, just talk to God.
Forgive people, it's commanded, not an option.
Don't store up treasures on earth, you can't take it with you when you go!
Careful what you look at.
Don't let money be your God.
Psalm 7:1-17 & Proverbs 2:1-5
Sarai suggests Abram sleep with her servant Hagar so that she can have a child through her.... WHAT? When did dysfunctional families start? In the beginning!! (Seriously, Cain and Able...)This is not a suggestion that I would have made! And Abram agreed to this suggestion (Why doesn't that surprise me?) It all kind of goes south from here. Hagar gets a superior attitude and starts treating Sarai badly, Sarai blames Abram, Abram says deal with it, Hagar gets the boot, the angel sends her back....
God makes a covenant with Abram and changes his name. Circumcision is commanded as a sign of the covenant.. (A hand shake wasn't considered???? Of course I'm joking, but seriously? What must Abraham been thinking when God said You must cut off the flesh of your foreskin as a sign of the covenant between me and you? OUCH) And it's an all inclusive arrangement, all the boys, from now on including servants.
Sarai gets a name change too to Sarah and is promised that SHE will become the mother of many nations... at 90! Why do I not remember that God's way of doing things is WAY different than one would expect? That his timing is different? I often start to doubt rather than to remember.... His ways are different, but far superior to our own, and He sees the whole plan, and we see such a tiny piece.
v 14 "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" (answer NOPE!)
God's ways and timing are not ours, but we should wait on Him. Abraham, Hagar and Sarah make a mess of things trying to fulfill God's promise of a descendant for Him.
Matthew 6:1-24
Don't do good deeds to be admired by others....
Don't pray to sound religious or pious, just talk to God.
Forgive people, it's commanded, not an option.
Don't store up treasures on earth, you can't take it with you when you go!
Careful what you look at.
Don't let money be your God.
Psalm 7:1-17 & Proverbs 2:1-5
Thursday, January 6, 2011
January 6
I did my readings.... staying on track. Read Genesis 13:5-15-15:21; Matthew 5:27-48; Psalm 6:1-10; Proverbs 1:29-32
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
PS, about Mary
Pastor did get back with me about Mary also being from the line of David. There is reference to it in Luke 1:27, and 2:4... but I'm too tired tonight to type about it. If anyone is curious, feel free to post and I'll elaborate.
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"
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
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"
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
January 4
Genesis 8:1-10:32
The rest of the Noah/Flood account, and a whole lot of family tree lineage stuff...
Matthew 4:12-25
Jesus began making "fishers of men". I love that they followed immediately. Sure wish I was more immediate and less tentative...
Psalm 4:1-8
My favorite part of today's reading, especially v4 "Don't sin by letting anger control you," I think there is some really good advise there! It goes on to say think about it and remain silent... Remaining silent is very hard for me sometimes... But it's good to remember that there is a time for every purpose under heaven! A time to speak.... and a time to be quiet as well.
Also proverbs 1:20-23
Wisdom is shouting in the streets, but being ignored.... I saw real life evidence of this today. "How long will you fools hate knowledge?" ahh such a great question! It finishes with "come and listen to my counsel. I'll share my heart with you and make you wise." Some people are too hard headed for their own good.
The rest of the Noah/Flood account, and a whole lot of family tree lineage stuff...
Matthew 4:12-25
Jesus began making "fishers of men". I love that they followed immediately. Sure wish I was more immediate and less tentative...
Psalm 4:1-8
My favorite part of today's reading, especially v4 "Don't sin by letting anger control you," I think there is some really good advise there! It goes on to say think about it and remain silent... Remaining silent is very hard for me sometimes... But it's good to remember that there is a time for every purpose under heaven! A time to speak.... and a time to be quiet as well.
Also proverbs 1:20-23
Wisdom is shouting in the streets, but being ignored.... I saw real life evidence of this today. "How long will you fools hate knowledge?" ahh such a great question! It finishes with "come and listen to my counsel. I'll share my heart with you and make you wise." Some people are too hard headed for their own good.
January 3
Genesis 5:1-7:24 – This is the account of the descendants of Adam, people who got seriously old! I wouldn’t even be middle aged yet! Even if the 120 years that God finally decided would be the limit were still the norm (6:3) I’d still be a young’un! This section of scripture includes the account of Noah and the flood as well.
Some thoughts: (6:1)The “son’s of God” saw the “daughters of man” were beautiful and took any they wanted as their wives. Further study on this indicated that the daughters of man were the ungodly descendants of Cain (Cainites) and the “sons of God” were the Godly descendants of Seth. It continues to be very unwise and cause trouble for “good looking” to be the only criteria for a relationship. Also, this supports the New Testament teaching to not be “unequally yoked”.
I’ve always been a huge fan of Noah’s faith! Can’t imagine the ridicule he endured as he built that ark! I hate being ridiculed, and I am not sure that I could have stood up under it. Of course with the help of God we can stand up under much more than we think we can, and Noah certainly lived his life of faith with God’s help and not by his own power. Still, he certainly is a hero of the faith!
January 2, 2011
Genesis 3:1-4:26
Satan is sneaky for sure. He knew that God had commanded Adam and Even not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. His question to Eve “Did God really say….” Is a trick I believe he continues to use… “Did God really say…” We need to know the answer to this! And we need to not exaggerate the answer like Eve did! (She added “or even touch it” which wasn’t part of God’s command) In spite of Eve knowing the truth of God Satan uses his craftiness to cause Eve to be discontented with all God provided for her and to focus on the one thing he denied her. How often do we get so distracted by what we don’t have that we do not appreciate or even notice all that we do have!
Adam is soooo not off the hook on this one. Yes Eve took the fruit, but Adam was right there! (2:6) He neglected his leadership role and it all goes south from there. Next the blame game: Adam blames Eve, but ultimately he blames God (the woman that you gave me) Eve blames the serpent, and the pattern for not taking responsibility for our mistakes, and sin in general has plagued mankind ever since!
And so what was “good” and perfect is now forever broken until Christ returns. It is in this brokenness that we live and it is this brokenness that is responsible for all the heartache and sadness and problems we face.
God’s questions: “Where are you?” & “What have you done?” are clearly for Adam and Eve’s benefit. God knew the answers to these questions, but he wanted them to ponder those answers! I heard a speaker once talk about the question “Where are you?” he said that there really are only two answers to that question for us, we are either ‘in Christ’ or ‘in trouble’!
I also read Matthew 2:13-3:6, Psalm 2:1-12 and Proverbs 1:7-9 to complete today’s readings.
January 1, 2011
Of course my internet is out…. Keeping track of the journey will likely prove to be the most challenging part and without the internet, I can’t post a blog… However, I can type it in word and then cut and paste it to the blog once the internet is up and running again, which is supposed to be Monday. So in the interest of starting strong, that is what I am going to do.
Today’s reading is Genesis 1:1-2:25, Matthew 1:1-2:12, Psalm 1:1-6, and Proverbs 1:1-6
Of all the debate that surrounds the creation vs. evolution I find the most important statement in the first four words of Genesis: “In the beginning God” . I personally am not convinced that scripture teaches 24 hour periods for the days of creation. Do I believe that our almighty God is able to do His work of creation in 24 hour periods… yes absolutely! I believe that He is completely all powerful and able to do whatever He wished. I also believe that scripture is the true inspired word of God and the complete truth. I do find it interesting though that 24 hour periods marked by sun and moon, seasons and other ways of marking time were not created by God until the 4th day.
Ultimately for me it doesn’t matter that much because of the first sentence of scripture sums up the whole truth which is that in the beginning GOD created the heavens and the earth!
Genesis 2:19 sounds a bit like the order of creation is different here. One study note I found said this: “Text could be misunderstood to imply a different sequence in creation that suggested by 1:20-27, where man is created after the animals (E.g., some ancient versions have the phrase “formed again,” indicating that after creating man, God made additional animals.) formed. Or, “had formed,” meaning that the animals God had already formed were now brought before Adam.
Matthew: I noted that the lineage went from Abraham to Joseph vs 16 says Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Mary give birth to Jesus, who is called the Messiah. Jesus would be the legal son of Joseph and an heir of the lineage, but the blood line would not follow through Joseph because Jesus was not biologically related to Joseph. My Pastor said that Mary’s line is also traceable back to David, but I wasn’t able to locate this linage in scripture. I did read that Luke’s account is from Mary’s line all the way back to Adam and Eve, but when I checked this out, it went from Joseph too.
For me the more interesting thing is that His family line also includes prostitutes, adulterers, violent men and other sinners! God in His Grace and mercy can use any and all people! It’s about Him, and what He is able to do in spite of our sinfulness. How exciting to know that He can use me in spite of my sinfulness too!
cut and paste
We were without internet, so I wasn't able to post my thoughts and comments about each days readings. I did keep up with a word doc and will cut and paste them in as seperate posts according to their date.
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