Genesis 34-37, Psalms 18:16-50, Proverbs 19, 20, Matthew 24, 25
Genesis today starts with Jacob's children. This is an unruly crowd, and the future tribes of Israel. Trouble begins with the rape of their sister Dinah. Interestingly, the rapist then confesses and begs to marry the girl. The sons of Jacob prove clever and efficient. They lie to the man and tell him that he can have their sister if he and all his followers become circumcised. Then when the tribe is in pain from the circumcision, two of the sons of Jacob kill them all, and more of Jacob's sons help them loot the village of treasure and people. We end today's reading of Genesis, with Joseph's dreams and being sold into slavery. Yet another problem between brothers. Joseph's brothers were ready to kill him, but they settled on the profit of selling him into slavery.
This Psalm is finished with David praising the Lord for being his shield and delivering his enemies into his hand. David recognizes that all he has is because of the Lord, and not because he is mighty, but because the Lord is mighty. God, the Lord is his Rock.
In Proverbs, there is the typical comparing and contrasting, but rather than with the wicked, it is with the lazy. Laziness leads to lies and starvation. Starvation of the body in a literal fashion, but I assume in a spiritual fashion as well.
To the New Testament, Jesus is telling his disciples about the end of times. About the destruction of the temple, and the end of the age. Natural disasters, enemies attacking believers, false prophets working miracles, and His second coming from the clouds. The angels coming with the sound of a trumpet. Then more parables about how to get to heaven. How to be rewarded by the Lord.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
01.21.2010
In Genesis, Jacob escapes the hold of Laban, with his flocks and wives and children. Then doing as the Lord commanded he heads toward his homeland. That is until he finds his brother Esau has been a successful leader with men and flocks of his own, then Jacob becomes fearful and attempts to bribe Esau into being kind. Jacob is also renamed Israel.
I'm really not sure what lessons can be plucked from this great story, perhaps that even when being cheated, if you remain honest and upright, the Lord will see and you will be rewarded with justice?
Now we have one and a portion of a Psalm, both of which David describes the Lord as his protector, and his salvation. David also describes the Lord as the protector, savior, and fortress of the righteous and faithful.
In Proverbs we find detailed descriptions of the wicked and fools. Notably, a fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. I find this is something I and many others struggle with. I am fearful that I like listening to my own voice more than I like being a contributing member to society. It is time for many to shut their mouths and search for understanding.
In the New Testament the Pharisees and Scribes try to trap Jesus. They fail. They try to trick Jesus with questions about the afterlife, something he created and they have little knowledge of. Amazing.
I'm really not sure what lessons can be plucked from this great story, perhaps that even when being cheated, if you remain honest and upright, the Lord will see and you will be rewarded with justice?
Now we have one and a portion of a Psalm, both of which David describes the Lord as his protector, and his salvation. David also describes the Lord as the protector, savior, and fortress of the righteous and faithful.
In Proverbs we find detailed descriptions of the wicked and fools. Notably, a fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. I find this is something I and many others struggle with. I am fearful that I like listening to my own voice more than I like being a contributing member to society. It is time for many to shut their mouths and search for understanding.
In the New Testament the Pharisees and Scribes try to trap Jesus. They fail. They try to trick Jesus with questions about the afterlife, something he created and they have little knowledge of. Amazing.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
01.20.2010
Today's reading is Genesis 28-30, Psalm and Proverb 15 and 16, and Matthew 19-21.
We begin in Genesis, Jacob has been charged with finding a wife from within the family. It seems that without his brother in the picture, he feels confident dealing in good faith, and not by trickery. His uncle that he's trying to get to give him a daughter as a wife, is quite into trickery to get his way. He makes Jacob work twice as hard as he originally agrees to. He makes him take both his daughters, not just the one he wants, and that leads to a huge mess. The twelve tribes of Israel are born amid quite a dramatic mess. With multiple wives, wives telling a husband to sleep with servants, a feud between sisters. Wow.
Psalms 15 is short and sweet. Who gets into heaven? The Psalmist briefly describes a person with the attributes we've been reading about in Proverbs. Honest people, who honors the Lord and wisdom. The next Psalm recognizes that the Lord is what is good. The Lord is where our focus should be, not things, not power, not any vices, just the Lord.
In Proverbs we find a lot of great advise on life. Notably, the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord. I am curious, if this answers my question about Cain. After his poorly received sacrifice, we see that Cain was generally a wicked person. It does not say in Genesis whether or not Cain regularly dealt deceitfully or was regularly a wicked person, but I think by looking at his character after the sacrifice, it can be assumed that he was wicked before it as well. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination. Another verse that caught my attention was, the scoffer doesn't like to be reproved, he will not go to the wise. This reminded me of circumstances in my life that I have been sought out for advice. A declared Christian co-worker once sought me out (prior to my accepting Christ) for divorce advice. Rather than go to her friend in the department that was a professing Christian, she sought me out for justification to leave her husband for no reason other than she was unhappy. I gave her very un-biblical advice, and then she asked me what God would think about it, and I gave her even worse advice. She came to me, because she couldn't stand to hear wisdom. It is sad to think back to.
To the New Testament. Ironically, after writing about my past experience, I now find us reading about biblical divorce advice. Jesus says not to, for the most part. Also, we learn about entering heaven. We cannot get there ourselves, only through the Lord is it possible. And with the parable of the Vineyard owner, we see the reward of heaven is the same for the Christian who was raised in faith as he who truly converts at the end of his life. Fairness and justice are up to the Lord, and we should serve him and be joyful.
We begin in Genesis, Jacob has been charged with finding a wife from within the family. It seems that without his brother in the picture, he feels confident dealing in good faith, and not by trickery. His uncle that he's trying to get to give him a daughter as a wife, is quite into trickery to get his way. He makes Jacob work twice as hard as he originally agrees to. He makes him take both his daughters, not just the one he wants, and that leads to a huge mess. The twelve tribes of Israel are born amid quite a dramatic mess. With multiple wives, wives telling a husband to sleep with servants, a feud between sisters. Wow.
Psalms 15 is short and sweet. Who gets into heaven? The Psalmist briefly describes a person with the attributes we've been reading about in Proverbs. Honest people, who honors the Lord and wisdom. The next Psalm recognizes that the Lord is what is good. The Lord is where our focus should be, not things, not power, not any vices, just the Lord.
In Proverbs we find a lot of great advise on life. Notably, the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord. I am curious, if this answers my question about Cain. After his poorly received sacrifice, we see that Cain was generally a wicked person. It does not say in Genesis whether or not Cain regularly dealt deceitfully or was regularly a wicked person, but I think by looking at his character after the sacrifice, it can be assumed that he was wicked before it as well. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination. Another verse that caught my attention was, the scoffer doesn't like to be reproved, he will not go to the wise. This reminded me of circumstances in my life that I have been sought out for advice. A declared Christian co-worker once sought me out (prior to my accepting Christ) for divorce advice. Rather than go to her friend in the department that was a professing Christian, she sought me out for justification to leave her husband for no reason other than she was unhappy. I gave her very un-biblical advice, and then she asked me what God would think about it, and I gave her even worse advice. She came to me, because she couldn't stand to hear wisdom. It is sad to think back to.
To the New Testament. Ironically, after writing about my past experience, I now find us reading about biblical divorce advice. Jesus says not to, for the most part. Also, we learn about entering heaven. We cannot get there ourselves, only through the Lord is it possible. And with the parable of the Vineyard owner, we see the reward of heaven is the same for the Christian who was raised in faith as he who truly converts at the end of his life. Fairness and justice are up to the Lord, and we should serve him and be joyful.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
01.19.2010
Today in Genesis, we read the end of Abraham's days, and the rise of Isaac. The burial of Abraham brings Isaac and Ishmael together again, and there are no mentioned problems. Isaac has the same issues as his father. When confronted with leaders of nations he claims his wife is his sister. More lying. Then Isaac's wife and his son Jacob continue the lying, while stealing the spot as heir of Isaac. Genesis is full of drama. Jacob is blessed with being the master of the family, and Esau has vowed to kill him. more fighting between brothers.
The 13th Psalm seems to be written from the perspective of a faithful doubter. That sounds like an oxymoron, however it isn't. The writer has complete faith in the Lord, just not faith that the Lord has a plan to save him from his current adversaries. Even though he feels the Lord is not shielding him from trouble, he still praises the Lord and trusts in his salvation. In the following Psalm, the children of men are found corrupt. None of them do any good, and it is up to the Lord to raise up from Zion to bring salvation.
Today's Proverbs tell that worldly wealth is not necessary, nor the goal of life. It worldly wealth is the goal of your life or is hoarded through ill-gotten means, it leads to loss. To win at the game of life, is to be wise. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and so following the Lord is the way to win. To be righteous is to be truly satisfied. Most notable to me is Proverb 14:12 'There is a way that seems right to a man. But its end is the way of death.' I have regularly hear the first part of this, it is a popular philosophy today. It's often paraphrased in other words, like, 'Whatever floats your boat,' or some other way of saying whatever you feel like doing, however you feel like living is fine. Each man should be the master of his destiny. But we see here that such vain thoughts are the way to death. We are not here on this earth for our greed, lust, or pursuit of perpetual happiness. We are here to glorify God Almighty.
In the New Testament, in the Gospel of Matthew, we read about the transfiguration, and the Lord Jesus explains in great detail how he will be killed and will raise again in three days. His disciples do not understand Him. They're still confused that He is the Son of God. Jesus also teaches how the Lord rejoices when a soul is saved and the importance of forgiveness. If the Lord can forgive us of sin, we should be able to forgive each other of our grievances.
The 13th Psalm seems to be written from the perspective of a faithful doubter. That sounds like an oxymoron, however it isn't. The writer has complete faith in the Lord, just not faith that the Lord has a plan to save him from his current adversaries. Even though he feels the Lord is not shielding him from trouble, he still praises the Lord and trusts in his salvation. In the following Psalm, the children of men are found corrupt. None of them do any good, and it is up to the Lord to raise up from Zion to bring salvation.
Today's Proverbs tell that worldly wealth is not necessary, nor the goal of life. It worldly wealth is the goal of your life or is hoarded through ill-gotten means, it leads to loss. To win at the game of life, is to be wise. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and so following the Lord is the way to win. To be righteous is to be truly satisfied. Most notable to me is Proverb 14:12 'There is a way that seems right to a man. But its end is the way of death.' I have regularly hear the first part of this, it is a popular philosophy today. It's often paraphrased in other words, like, 'Whatever floats your boat,' or some other way of saying whatever you feel like doing, however you feel like living is fine. Each man should be the master of his destiny. But we see here that such vain thoughts are the way to death. We are not here on this earth for our greed, lust, or pursuit of perpetual happiness. We are here to glorify God Almighty.
In the New Testament, in the Gospel of Matthew, we read about the transfiguration, and the Lord Jesus explains in great detail how he will be killed and will raise again in three days. His disciples do not understand Him. They're still confused that He is the Son of God. Jesus also teaches how the Lord rejoices when a soul is saved and the importance of forgiveness. If the Lord can forgive us of sin, we should be able to forgive each other of our grievances.
Monday, January 18, 2010
01.18.2010
Day two of the doubled up readings, please bear with me. Genesis 21-24, Psalms 11, 12, Proverbs 11, 12, and Matthew 14, 15.
In Genesis, we start with the miracle birth of Isaac. And a note, the Lord tells Abraham to listen to his wife. This was in reference to casting out Hagar and Ishmael. Next up Abraham is commanded to sacrifice his son and heir, Isaac. He has Isaac carry the wood for the burnt offering, probably unaware that it was him that was to be offered. And Abraham tells his two men, to wait with the donkey and he and his son would be back after their worship service. Was Abraham confident or lying as he has done in the past; to put them at ease? The Lord is pleased with His servant and spares Isaac and promises not to ask for human sacrifice. Similar to Isaac, Jesus had to carry the wood of His demise up the hill also. But Jesus' sacrifice was more than human. Next we have the death of Sarah, and the divinely orchestrated marriage of Isaac and Rebekah. What a great story.
Psalms 11 leaves me a little confused. It is a Psalm of David, and he asks how he can flee, and then goes into the judgment of the Lord on the wicked; fire and brimstone. Psalms 12 on the other hand, sounds almost more like a proverb, with a compare and contrast of worldly wisdom and the Lord's wisdom. Man's wisdom involves politics as usual and the Lord's wisdom is of true value.
Today's Proverbs are 11 and 12, both of which give a number of compare and contrast senarios differentiating between the righteous and the wicked. A couple of the ones that struck me, Proverb 12:1. I really need to learn to accept correction. And Proverb 12:4, an excellent wife is the crown of her husband. Christ is the Groom and the church is the bride, and if we as a church are excellent, we can be the crown of Christ. That would be marvelous.
And to the New Testament, we have Jesus feeding the multitude and a demonstration of a lack of faith and understanding from Jesus' disciples. It is amazing, that after forsaking their lives to follow Jesus just from a command, the disciples still do not seem to know who He is. He has told them who He is, John the Baptist proclaimed who He was, they have seen his miracles, even just prior to their latest demonstration of a lack of faith and understanding. Jesus had just fed over 5,000 people with a couple loaves of bread and a little fish. Then he sends them off on a boat and follows after on foot, across the water. They're shocked and Peter wants another sign. So the Lord complies, and orders Peter to walk on the water. When the wind blows Peter's faith away, he begins to sink, and Jesus catches him. Then they proclaim Him the Son of God.
In the past two days reading we've seen the Lord act on requests of his servants. The Lord promised Abraham he would save the cities of Sodom or Gomorrah for the sake of ten righteous inhabitants, after proclaiming his judgment on them. He was willing to stay his hand on the request of a faithful servant. Again, Jesus is implored to command Peter to walk on water, to prove who Jesus is. And He does. The Lord has demonstrated that He is willing to listen to the requests of his followers.
In Genesis, we start with the miracle birth of Isaac. And a note, the Lord tells Abraham to listen to his wife. This was in reference to casting out Hagar and Ishmael. Next up Abraham is commanded to sacrifice his son and heir, Isaac. He has Isaac carry the wood for the burnt offering, probably unaware that it was him that was to be offered. And Abraham tells his two men, to wait with the donkey and he and his son would be back after their worship service. Was Abraham confident or lying as he has done in the past; to put them at ease? The Lord is pleased with His servant and spares Isaac and promises not to ask for human sacrifice. Similar to Isaac, Jesus had to carry the wood of His demise up the hill also. But Jesus' sacrifice was more than human. Next we have the death of Sarah, and the divinely orchestrated marriage of Isaac and Rebekah. What a great story.
Psalms 11 leaves me a little confused. It is a Psalm of David, and he asks how he can flee, and then goes into the judgment of the Lord on the wicked; fire and brimstone. Psalms 12 on the other hand, sounds almost more like a proverb, with a compare and contrast of worldly wisdom and the Lord's wisdom. Man's wisdom involves politics as usual and the Lord's wisdom is of true value.
Today's Proverbs are 11 and 12, both of which give a number of compare and contrast senarios differentiating between the righteous and the wicked. A couple of the ones that struck me, Proverb 12:1. I really need to learn to accept correction. And Proverb 12:4, an excellent wife is the crown of her husband. Christ is the Groom and the church is the bride, and if we as a church are excellent, we can be the crown of Christ. That would be marvelous.
And to the New Testament, we have Jesus feeding the multitude and a demonstration of a lack of faith and understanding from Jesus' disciples. It is amazing, that after forsaking their lives to follow Jesus just from a command, the disciples still do not seem to know who He is. He has told them who He is, John the Baptist proclaimed who He was, they have seen his miracles, even just prior to their latest demonstration of a lack of faith and understanding. Jesus had just fed over 5,000 people with a couple loaves of bread and a little fish. Then he sends them off on a boat and follows after on foot, across the water. They're shocked and Peter wants another sign. So the Lord complies, and orders Peter to walk on the water. When the wind blows Peter's faith away, he begins to sink, and Jesus catches him. Then they proclaim Him the Son of God.
In the past two days reading we've seen the Lord act on requests of his servants. The Lord promised Abraham he would save the cities of Sodom or Gomorrah for the sake of ten righteous inhabitants, after proclaiming his judgment on them. He was willing to stay his hand on the request of a faithful servant. Again, Jesus is implored to command Peter to walk on water, to prove who Jesus is. And He does. The Lord has demonstrated that He is willing to listen to the requests of his followers.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
01.17.2010
Back on task and going double time. We've got a schedule to keep.
We begin as usual with Genesis. Abram who has followed the Lord, meets the Lord and is promised to be the father of nations. His and his wife's names are changed. It is now Abraham and Sarah. They entertain the Lord in their home and Abraham has the audacity, however a humble audacity to barter with the Lord for the life of a sinful pair of cities. Which brings us to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the rescue of Lot and his daughters. Also, Abraham and Sarah lie about their relationship and cause an international incident with king Abimelech.
The 9th Psalm starts of with a joyous note, praising the Lord and His marvelous works. It quickly goes into discussing the judging of nations by the Lord. It seems to me, it discusses the judging of nations in present times and all the way until the end of times. It warns that the Lord will judge the nations that 'forget' Him harshly. Do we live in a nation that is in the process of forgetting the Lord?
The 10th Psalm describes the wicked in detail. And tells of the Lords pending judgment, whether the wicked believe in the Lord or not.
The 9th Proverb is about Wisdom. She has a well kept house, and she lets us know that foolishness is leads to death. In the 10th we read a list of compare and contrasting pearls of wisdom. Wise choices listed beside foolish choices. I'd be interested in anyone's thoughts on what the most important parts of this proverb. What advice will help a son most.
And to the New Testament. The Pharisees try to trap Jesus in their limited, bureaucratic understanding of the Law. When they fail, they conspire against Him. The Lord Jesus, then teaches the multitude that follow Him in a series of parables. These parables all tell of the treasures of heaven, and the people who have treasures in heaven, and those that do not. The chapter ends with Jesus telling his disciples point blank how the end of days will fair. The angels will separate the wicked from the faithful.
We begin as usual with Genesis. Abram who has followed the Lord, meets the Lord and is promised to be the father of nations. His and his wife's names are changed. It is now Abraham and Sarah. They entertain the Lord in their home and Abraham has the audacity, however a humble audacity to barter with the Lord for the life of a sinful pair of cities. Which brings us to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the rescue of Lot and his daughters. Also, Abraham and Sarah lie about their relationship and cause an international incident with king Abimelech.
The 9th Psalm starts of with a joyous note, praising the Lord and His marvelous works. It quickly goes into discussing the judging of nations by the Lord. It seems to me, it discusses the judging of nations in present times and all the way until the end of times. It warns that the Lord will judge the nations that 'forget' Him harshly. Do we live in a nation that is in the process of forgetting the Lord?
The 10th Psalm describes the wicked in detail. And tells of the Lords pending judgment, whether the wicked believe in the Lord or not.
The 9th Proverb is about Wisdom. She has a well kept house, and she lets us know that foolishness is leads to death. In the 10th we read a list of compare and contrasting pearls of wisdom. Wise choices listed beside foolish choices. I'd be interested in anyone's thoughts on what the most important parts of this proverb. What advice will help a son most.
And to the New Testament. The Pharisees try to trap Jesus in their limited, bureaucratic understanding of the Law. When they fail, they conspire against Him. The Lord Jesus, then teaches the multitude that follow Him in a series of parables. These parables all tell of the treasures of heaven, and the people who have treasures in heaven, and those that do not. The chapter ends with Jesus telling his disciples point blank how the end of days will fair. The angels will separate the wicked from the faithful.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
A Return
Man, I was sick. This week I will be on double time to catch up.
The Schedule is as follows.
01/17 Genesis 17-20, Psalms 9, 10, Proverbs 9, 10, Matthew 12, 13
01/18 Genesis 21-24, Psalms 11, 12, Proverbs 11, 12, Matthew 14, 15
01/19 Genesis 25-27, Psalms 13, 14, Proverbs 13, 14, Matthew 16-18
01/20 Genesis 28-30, Psalms 15, 16, Proverbs 15,16, Matthew 19-21
01/21 Genesis 31-33, Psalms 17, 18:1-15, Proverbs 17, 18, Matthew 22, 23
01/22 Genesis 34-37, Psalms 18:16-50, Proverbs 19, 20, Matthew 24, 25
01/23 Genesis 38-41, Psalms 19, 20, Proverbs 21, 22, Matthew 26, 27
01/24 Genesis 42-44, Psalms 21, 22:1-21, Proverbs 23, 24, Matthew 28, Mark 1
The Schedule is as follows.
01/17 Genesis 17-20, Psalms 9, 10, Proverbs 9, 10, Matthew 12, 13
01/18 Genesis 21-24, Psalms 11, 12, Proverbs 11, 12, Matthew 14, 15
01/19 Genesis 25-27, Psalms 13, 14, Proverbs 13, 14, Matthew 16-18
01/20 Genesis 28-30, Psalms 15, 16, Proverbs 15,16, Matthew 19-21
01/21 Genesis 31-33, Psalms 17, 18:1-15, Proverbs 17, 18, Matthew 22, 23
01/22 Genesis 34-37, Psalms 18:16-50, Proverbs 19, 20, Matthew 24, 25
01/23 Genesis 38-41, Psalms 19, 20, Proverbs 21, 22, Matthew 26, 27
01/24 Genesis 42-44, Psalms 21, 22:1-21, Proverbs 23, 24, Matthew 28, Mark 1
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