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
Saturday, January 9, 2010
01.09.2010
I have spent the day going to work twice and sleeping nearly all day. I am sick. I will resume posting on Monday.
Friday, January 8, 2010
01.08.2010
Today's reading is Genesis 15, 16, Psalm 8, Proverbs 8, and Matthew 11.
Today has been quite a day. It's days like today that discourage me. It is times like now that the fact that you may one day read this, that spurs me on to actually read and write daily. Your comments, on current or past posts are a great encouragement.
Genesis today, Abram is promised a family and even though his wife is barren. His family is to inherit the land of another people and those people would be the servants of his descendants. Then after being promised a family, God's speed was a bit too slow, so Abram's wife said impregnation Hagar the servant. The Lord promises Hagar that her son Ishmael would be the father of uncountable offspring.
David writes in the Psalm that creation is the amazing and even more amazing is that the Lord gave it to man. He wonders as I have and you probably have, at how amazing it is that the Lord gave us dominion. It seems to me, if David were the creator, he wouldn't have given man dominion. I certainly wouldn't have given man the world.
Today's Proverb is a speech from Wisdom the woman. She declares for all to hear that the Lord's wisdom is as it was from the beginning. It is available for all, and it leads to great rewards. Wisdom has been with the Lord since the beginning and it is still available to us today.
What I find amazing here is John the Baptist's questions for Jesus. "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" When he baptized Jesus, he sure seemed to know. From there Jesus goes on to instruct the crowds once more.
Today has been quite a day. It's days like today that discourage me. It is times like now that the fact that you may one day read this, that spurs me on to actually read and write daily. Your comments, on current or past posts are a great encouragement.
Genesis today, Abram is promised a family and even though his wife is barren. His family is to inherit the land of another people and those people would be the servants of his descendants. Then after being promised a family, God's speed was a bit too slow, so Abram's wife said impregnation Hagar the servant. The Lord promises Hagar that her son Ishmael would be the father of uncountable offspring.
David writes in the Psalm that creation is the amazing and even more amazing is that the Lord gave it to man. He wonders as I have and you probably have, at how amazing it is that the Lord gave us dominion. It seems to me, if David were the creator, he wouldn't have given man dominion. I certainly wouldn't have given man the world.
Today's Proverb is a speech from Wisdom the woman. She declares for all to hear that the Lord's wisdom is as it was from the beginning. It is available for all, and it leads to great rewards. Wisdom has been with the Lord since the beginning and it is still available to us today.
What I find amazing here is John the Baptist's questions for Jesus. "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" When he baptized Jesus, he sure seemed to know. From there Jesus goes on to instruct the crowds once more.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
01.07.2010
Today's reading is Genesis 13, 14, Psalm 7, Proverb 7, and Matthew 10.
Abram, Sarai, and Lot journey far and wide and have adventures. Finally their households start to feud, and Abram offer peace to Lot and his household. You pick some stretch of land, and I'll pick a neighboring piece of land. Lot pick the area near Sodom, Abram picks the Hebron. Abram settled after surveying all of what would be Israel in the future, because God promised it to his descendants.
Also, Abram and his mighty household fight and win the first recorded war. He rescues Lot and the citizens of Sodom. Afterward, he denies his claim to the spoils, as offered by the king of Sodom, and rather honors the Lord with High Priest Melchizedek, king of Salem.
King David is once again proclaiming the Lord is the shield of the righteous, and asking the Lord to protect him from his wicked adversaries. This time, however, he says that if he is not righteous, the Lord should let his enemies strike him down.
Repetition is one of the great writing tools in the Bible. God uses repetition very effectively, and in today's proverb, we find it again. Again this proverb warns against adultery and prostitution. The prostitute in today's story makes her wishes sound nice and acceptable, but her house is said to be the entry way to Sheol. Adultery and prostitution have been a problem since the early Biblical days and continues on to today. It seems that the repetition is needed.
To the New Testament. Today in Matthew Jesus gathers his twelve disciples and gives them a command to go through Israel and preach that the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand. Jesus sends them with nothing but His Word. They are to offer it to all of Israel, and anywhere it is not welcome, they are to leave. This is really interesting. They're to preach about the kingdom of heaven, and trust in God to win people over, not argue and debate people to convert them. Present the Word of the Lord.
Abram, Sarai, and Lot journey far and wide and have adventures. Finally their households start to feud, and Abram offer peace to Lot and his household. You pick some stretch of land, and I'll pick a neighboring piece of land. Lot pick the area near Sodom, Abram picks the Hebron. Abram settled after surveying all of what would be Israel in the future, because God promised it to his descendants.
Also, Abram and his mighty household fight and win the first recorded war. He rescues Lot and the citizens of Sodom. Afterward, he denies his claim to the spoils, as offered by the king of Sodom, and rather honors the Lord with High Priest Melchizedek, king of Salem.
King David is once again proclaiming the Lord is the shield of the righteous, and asking the Lord to protect him from his wicked adversaries. This time, however, he says that if he is not righteous, the Lord should let his enemies strike him down.
Repetition is one of the great writing tools in the Bible. God uses repetition very effectively, and in today's proverb, we find it again. Again this proverb warns against adultery and prostitution. The prostitute in today's story makes her wishes sound nice and acceptable, but her house is said to be the entry way to Sheol. Adultery and prostitution have been a problem since the early Biblical days and continues on to today. It seems that the repetition is needed.
To the New Testament. Today in Matthew Jesus gathers his twelve disciples and gives them a command to go through Israel and preach that the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand. Jesus sends them with nothing but His Word. They are to offer it to all of Israel, and anywhere it is not welcome, they are to leave. This is really interesting. They're to preach about the kingdom of heaven, and trust in God to win people over, not argue and debate people to convert them. Present the Word of the Lord.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
01.06.10
Today's reading, Genesis 11, 12, Psalm 6, Proverbs 6, Matthew 9.
In Genesis, we have the fantastic story of the city of Babel and the tower of Babel. God cursed it and made communication a trial for the first time. The different nations all across the face of the earth now had different languages, inspiring the name Babel. The tower failed. Next up is another genealogy, leading to Abram, Lot and Sarai. More of the stories that make Genesis my favorite. This book has so many stories with so few words, I have failed at every attempt to create my own short stories. I have a need for loquaciousness, and the Lord has such a knack for brevity; it is humbling.
Today's Psalm is one of King David's, where he begs the Lord to have mercy on him and carry him through his trouble. King David begs for mercy and stability to show his oppressors the power of the Lord, and have them fall in their iniquity. The Lord will save him for the asking, because he asks in faith, and they shall fail, because they trust in themselves and worldly wisdom. Remember to have faith in the Lord, and he will carry you though your trials also.
In Proverbs, today we learn quite a lot. The beginning seemed to say to me, that even if your neighbor is a lazy louse, you should still care about his well being. You may have worked hard for your lot in life, but his life is of no less value. I may be wrong, let me know what you derived from the reading. However, more important than that is the end of this Proverb...
Pro 6:30 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal To satisfy himself when he is hungry:
Pro 6:31 But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; He shall give all the substance of his house.
Pro 6:32 He that committeth adultery with a woman is void of understanding: He doeth it who would destroy his own soul.
Seriously, do we need to argue over this quote? No. It is a part of God's law, just as it is written upon the hearts of all mankind. Theft for sustainance, can be forgiven easily, but theft of the heart and soul, of love and sex, cannot be so easily justified.
To the New Testament. It is amazing, ever since Jesus time, and probably before, this quote of His still rings true. "The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth laborers into his harvest." Yet another chapter full of the miracles of Jesus, and the condemnation of the Pharisees. I would love to discuss individual miracles in the comments section with you, regardless of the date.
In Genesis, we have the fantastic story of the city of Babel and the tower of Babel. God cursed it and made communication a trial for the first time. The different nations all across the face of the earth now had different languages, inspiring the name Babel. The tower failed. Next up is another genealogy, leading to Abram, Lot and Sarai. More of the stories that make Genesis my favorite. This book has so many stories with so few words, I have failed at every attempt to create my own short stories. I have a need for loquaciousness, and the Lord has such a knack for brevity; it is humbling.
Today's Psalm is one of King David's, where he begs the Lord to have mercy on him and carry him through his trouble. King David begs for mercy and stability to show his oppressors the power of the Lord, and have them fall in their iniquity. The Lord will save him for the asking, because he asks in faith, and they shall fail, because they trust in themselves and worldly wisdom. Remember to have faith in the Lord, and he will carry you though your trials also.
In Proverbs, today we learn quite a lot. The beginning seemed to say to me, that even if your neighbor is a lazy louse, you should still care about his well being. You may have worked hard for your lot in life, but his life is of no less value. I may be wrong, let me know what you derived from the reading. However, more important than that is the end of this Proverb...
Pro 6:30 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal To satisfy himself when he is hungry:
Pro 6:31 But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; He shall give all the substance of his house.
Pro 6:32 He that committeth adultery with a woman is void of understanding: He doeth it who would destroy his own soul.
Seriously, do we need to argue over this quote? No. It is a part of God's law, just as it is written upon the hearts of all mankind. Theft for sustainance, can be forgiven easily, but theft of the heart and soul, of love and sex, cannot be so easily justified.
To the New Testament. It is amazing, ever since Jesus time, and probably before, this quote of His still rings true. "The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth laborers into his harvest." Yet another chapter full of the miracles of Jesus, and the condemnation of the Pharisees. I would love to discuss individual miracles in the comments section with you, regardless of the date.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
01.05.2010
Today's reading is Genesis 9, 10, Psalms 5, Proverbs 5, and Matthew 8.
We continue with Noah. Finally off the boat, God gives all animals and vegetation for our consumption. The animals are given conditionally, they have to be dead when you eat them. Then after that God tells Noah and his family in no uncertain terms, murder is not acceptable, and the penalty for killing a man, is that a man will kill the killer. This was a punishment outlined for a man or beast. God then goes from capital punishment to rainbows. He promises not to destroy all live with floods, and a sign of his promise is the rainbow.
From here, Noah goes and becomes a farmer. Interesting that he didn't become a sailor. It doesn't say, but I figure he probably never boarded another boat again. Rather, Noah became a farmer and started growing vines. From the fruit of the vine, Noah created a drink that got him drunk. This led to a vague situation with him being naked and drunk, and his son Ham doing something wrong. Ham's siblings were not interested in whatever Ham was, because when he told them about their father's condition, they covered him with a blanket. When Noah came to, he cursed Ham's descendants to be servants to Ham's brothers descendants.
The next chapter is a long genealogy that leads to the nations of the earth. A notable descendant of Ham is Nimrod.
The Lord is the shield of the righteous. The Psalm begs the Lord to help His faithful follower live in righteousness, and defend him from his enemies. His enemies and their bent on the writer's destruction is not what he brings to God. Rather he tells God that they have rebelled against the Lord. It ends with a statement of faith in the Lord blessing the righteous, and surrounding him as a shield.
Instruction from the Proverb today is quite detailed and direct. Do not use prostitutes, don't even think about using prostitutes. Do not have affairs, don't even think about having affairs. Yes, other women can look and sound very sweet, but this immorality leads to a number of terrible consequences. The Proverb even tells you how to avoid this issue, stay at home with your spouse and be enraptured with her love.
To the New Testament, the Sermon on the Mount was ended yesterday, today we follow the Lord Jesus on his journey. This chapter tells of Jesus healing many and casting out demons. Through his healings, he fulfills a prophecy of Isaiah. Also, Jesus begins a small journey on a boat with his followers and they are amazed that by his command a great storm is calmed. They wonder who He is. Apparently they weren't listening at the end of the Sermon on the Mount.This is one of my favorite stories, Jesus meets the men possessed by demons that live in some tombs, and the demons immediately recognize who He is. They want to know if He has come to torment them early and beg to be allowed to leave his presence in the bodies of a herd of pigs. Jesus grants them leave and they dive off a steep cliff into the sea in the bodies of the pigs. It's amazing that Jesus own followers asked who He was to command the sea and wind, but these foul demons immediately recognize Him.
We continue with Noah. Finally off the boat, God gives all animals and vegetation for our consumption. The animals are given conditionally, they have to be dead when you eat them. Then after that God tells Noah and his family in no uncertain terms, murder is not acceptable, and the penalty for killing a man, is that a man will kill the killer. This was a punishment outlined for a man or beast. God then goes from capital punishment to rainbows. He promises not to destroy all live with floods, and a sign of his promise is the rainbow.
From here, Noah goes and becomes a farmer. Interesting that he didn't become a sailor. It doesn't say, but I figure he probably never boarded another boat again. Rather, Noah became a farmer and started growing vines. From the fruit of the vine, Noah created a drink that got him drunk. This led to a vague situation with him being naked and drunk, and his son Ham doing something wrong. Ham's siblings were not interested in whatever Ham was, because when he told them about their father's condition, they covered him with a blanket. When Noah came to, he cursed Ham's descendants to be servants to Ham's brothers descendants.
The next chapter is a long genealogy that leads to the nations of the earth. A notable descendant of Ham is Nimrod.
The Lord is the shield of the righteous. The Psalm begs the Lord to help His faithful follower live in righteousness, and defend him from his enemies. His enemies and their bent on the writer's destruction is not what he brings to God. Rather he tells God that they have rebelled against the Lord. It ends with a statement of faith in the Lord blessing the righteous, and surrounding him as a shield.
Instruction from the Proverb today is quite detailed and direct. Do not use prostitutes, don't even think about using prostitutes. Do not have affairs, don't even think about having affairs. Yes, other women can look and sound very sweet, but this immorality leads to a number of terrible consequences. The Proverb even tells you how to avoid this issue, stay at home with your spouse and be enraptured with her love.
To the New Testament, the Sermon on the Mount was ended yesterday, today we follow the Lord Jesus on his journey. This chapter tells of Jesus healing many and casting out demons. Through his healings, he fulfills a prophecy of Isaiah. Also, Jesus begins a small journey on a boat with his followers and they are amazed that by his command a great storm is calmed. They wonder who He is. Apparently they weren't listening at the end of the Sermon on the Mount.This is one of my favorite stories, Jesus meets the men possessed by demons that live in some tombs, and the demons immediately recognize who He is. They want to know if He has come to torment them early and beg to be allowed to leave his presence in the bodies of a herd of pigs. Jesus grants them leave and they dive off a steep cliff into the sea in the bodies of the pigs. It's amazing that Jesus own followers asked who He was to command the sea and wind, but these foul demons immediately recognize Him.
Sunday's Applications
The main purpose of this blog is to read through the Bible. This is not an in-depth study of the Bible, just an examination of it. I don't claim to be a great theologian, just a believer trying to read the Word of God, and I hope that this blog inspires you to do the same.
I plan to occasionally post other items on the blog, but they will all relate to my faith. I won't be posting neat pictures of my children being children, I have Facebook, Twitter and other blogs and email for that. But I want to come out and let it be known, that other issues of faith may be brought up. I think one I'll regularly do is go over the life applications from my Pastor's Sunday sermons.
I hope these help you also, without distracting from my main venture of reading the Bible.
Sunday's sermon was "God Displays His Power", I Corninthians 4:4-18.
Sorry, I'm not going to try to sum up the sermon, just go into the applications.
God displays his Power through ordinary believers. We need to be open to the fact that we are not too common or too flawed for God to use us. That we are common and flawed and broken is just more evidence that God is powerful. It's not that God can't use the uncommon things that are set aside for special use, but we are common and can be used more regularly. It is better to be common and used more often that fine china that is used once a year or less.
God displays his Power through believers who die to themselves daily. To be ready to serve God, we need to put aside our selfish desires. Look to Godly wisdom, and not materialism or hedonism to lead our lives.
God displays his Power through believers with eternities values in view. If we have eternity in view, we can see past immediate gratification. With eternity in view we can have a better focus on life.
I plan to occasionally post other items on the blog, but they will all relate to my faith. I won't be posting neat pictures of my children being children, I have Facebook, Twitter and other blogs and email for that. But I want to come out and let it be known, that other issues of faith may be brought up. I think one I'll regularly do is go over the life applications from my Pastor's Sunday sermons.
I hope these help you also, without distracting from my main venture of reading the Bible.
Sunday's sermon was "God Displays His Power", I Corninthians 4:4-18.
Sorry, I'm not going to try to sum up the sermon, just go into the applications.
God displays his Power through ordinary believers. We need to be open to the fact that we are not too common or too flawed for God to use us. That we are common and flawed and broken is just more evidence that God is powerful. It's not that God can't use the uncommon things that are set aside for special use, but we are common and can be used more regularly. It is better to be common and used more often that fine china that is used once a year or less.
God displays his Power through believers who die to themselves daily. To be ready to serve God, we need to put aside our selfish desires. Look to Godly wisdom, and not materialism or hedonism to lead our lives.
God displays his Power through believers with eternities values in view. If we have eternity in view, we can see past immediate gratification. With eternity in view we can have a better focus on life.
Monday, January 4, 2010
01.04.2010
Today's reading is Genesis 7, 8, Psalms 4, Proverbs 4, Matthew
Noah has built the ark, it does not go into detail of Noah's building the ark. Rather it simply said, Noah built the ark, and followed God's command and boarded the boat with his family. The Lord told him how it would begin, when the rain would start. It doesn't go into how Noah felt about the Lord's commandment, how his neighbors reacted. It does not explain how hard it was to build such a large ark, or what the wait was like. It did not go into detail about his trials of faith, it simply says what was done. Then that everything went according to all of the Lord's commands. Also as soon as the event was over, without prompting Noah, Noah greatfully gave an offering to the Lord.
Psalms chapter four is quite short, and seems a demand that corrupted people repent. Fear the Lord, and put your faith in Him seems to be the message. There is no hope in worldly wisdom, only in the Creator's wisdom and will. God's will is more precious than the world's wealth of bounty and drink.
In today's Proverb is a direction for the son to honor his father. To follow the only commandment of the ten that comes with a promise, and this proverb restates the promise of a long life in result of the honoring of your father. Solomon tells his sons, to honor him by embracing the Lord's wisdom.
To the New Testament; in Matthew we continue with and end the Sermon on the Mount. Do unto others as you would have them do to you, is taught. Love your neighbor as you would yourself, rephrased and repeated. I love that about the Bible. Everything important is repeated constantly. The end of the sermon was most interesting to me. Jesus said that not everyone who calls to him, Lord, will be saved. Calls to Him! He comes right out and says, when you die, and try to get to heaven, you will ask me. Jesus's first recorded words in the New Testament declare him as Lord.
Noah has built the ark, it does not go into detail of Noah's building the ark. Rather it simply said, Noah built the ark, and followed God's command and boarded the boat with his family. The Lord told him how it would begin, when the rain would start. It doesn't go into how Noah felt about the Lord's commandment, how his neighbors reacted. It does not explain how hard it was to build such a large ark, or what the wait was like. It did not go into detail about his trials of faith, it simply says what was done. Then that everything went according to all of the Lord's commands. Also as soon as the event was over, without prompting Noah, Noah greatfully gave an offering to the Lord.
Psalms chapter four is quite short, and seems a demand that corrupted people repent. Fear the Lord, and put your faith in Him seems to be the message. There is no hope in worldly wisdom, only in the Creator's wisdom and will. God's will is more precious than the world's wealth of bounty and drink.
In today's Proverb is a direction for the son to honor his father. To follow the only commandment of the ten that comes with a promise, and this proverb restates the promise of a long life in result of the honoring of your father. Solomon tells his sons, to honor him by embracing the Lord's wisdom.
To the New Testament; in Matthew we continue with and end the Sermon on the Mount. Do unto others as you would have them do to you, is taught. Love your neighbor as you would yourself, rephrased and repeated. I love that about the Bible. Everything important is repeated constantly. The end of the sermon was most interesting to me. Jesus said that not everyone who calls to him, Lord, will be saved. Calls to Him! He comes right out and says, when you die, and try to get to heaven, you will ask me. Jesus's first recorded words in the New Testament declare him as Lord.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
01.03.2010
Today's reading is Genesis 5 and 6, Psalms 3, Proverbs 3, and Matthew 5.
Genesis 5 was an interesting genealogy from Adam, for ten generations to Noah. Men lived a long time in those days. In the beginning God told us what a day was, a sunset to a sunset. I keep in mind that this writing was recorded by Moses, in a day when the Hebrew calendar had already been established, so I can only assume that the years stated are true years. Nine hundred years is a long time to live. A lot of people were born. A lot of opportunity for people to become corrupt, as we find out in the next chapter. The world was so corrupt that God decided to destroy it's inhabitants, men and animals alike. God commissioned Noah to build the ark and told him why. Noah and his son's families were to be God's reset button.
Psalms 3, consists of King David expressing faith that God would protect him from his enemies, even his son Absolam. That crying out to God, and having faith in the Lord, is better than all the might and strength of men. God stands with the faithful, rather than the mighty. Might does not make right.
This Proverb was interesting, it mostly consisted of Solomon advising his son to cherish wisdom and understanding. There was very little discussion on the wicked, and a lot of explaining how valuable Godly wisdom is rather than the cunning of men. Towards the end, there was a warning not to envy the man of violence. Wisdom and understanding are better than solving all problems with the violence.
On to the New Testament. In Matthew we read the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. In light of current events here in Washington, these verses are quite stirring.
Mat 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.
Mat 5:10 Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
And
Mat 5:44 but I say unto you, love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you;
So far the Lord Jesus has outlined blessings to certain types of people, and given examples of heavenly wisdom in contrast to worldly wisdom. It all comes from Him so easily and simple, but that doesn't mean it is easy to live this way.
Genesis 5 was an interesting genealogy from Adam, for ten generations to Noah. Men lived a long time in those days. In the beginning God told us what a day was, a sunset to a sunset. I keep in mind that this writing was recorded by Moses, in a day when the Hebrew calendar had already been established, so I can only assume that the years stated are true years. Nine hundred years is a long time to live. A lot of people were born. A lot of opportunity for people to become corrupt, as we find out in the next chapter. The world was so corrupt that God decided to destroy it's inhabitants, men and animals alike. God commissioned Noah to build the ark and told him why. Noah and his son's families were to be God's reset button.
Psalms 3, consists of King David expressing faith that God would protect him from his enemies, even his son Absolam. That crying out to God, and having faith in the Lord, is better than all the might and strength of men. God stands with the faithful, rather than the mighty. Might does not make right.
This Proverb was interesting, it mostly consisted of Solomon advising his son to cherish wisdom and understanding. There was very little discussion on the wicked, and a lot of explaining how valuable Godly wisdom is rather than the cunning of men. Towards the end, there was a warning not to envy the man of violence. Wisdom and understanding are better than solving all problems with the violence.
On to the New Testament. In Matthew we read the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. In light of current events here in Washington, these verses are quite stirring.
Mat 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.
Mat 5:10 Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
And
Mat 5:44 but I say unto you, love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you;
So far the Lord Jesus has outlined blessings to certain types of people, and given examples of heavenly wisdom in contrast to worldly wisdom. It all comes from Him so easily and simple, but that doesn't mean it is easy to live this way.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Reading Schedule for the week of 01.03.2010
01.03 Gen. 5,6, Psa. 3, Pro. 3, Mat. 5
01.04 Gen. 7,8, Psa. 4, Pro. 4, Mat. 6
01.05 Gen. 9,10, Psa. 5, Pro. 5, Mat. 7,8
01.06 Gen. 11,12, Psa. 6, Pro. 6, Mat. 9
01.07 Gen. 13,14, Psa. 7, Pro. 7, Mat. 10
01.08 Gen. 15,16, Psa. 8, Pro. 8, Mat. 11, Melissa's 5th birthday!
01.09 Gen. 17,18, Psa. 9, Pro. 9, Mat. 12
01.04 Gen. 7,8, Psa. 4, Pro. 4, Mat. 6
01.05 Gen. 9,10, Psa. 5, Pro. 5, Mat. 7,8
01.06 Gen. 11,12, Psa. 6, Pro. 6, Mat. 9
01.07 Gen. 13,14, Psa. 7, Pro. 7, Mat. 10
01.08 Gen. 15,16, Psa. 8, Pro. 8, Mat. 11, Melissa's 5th birthday!
01.09 Gen. 17,18, Psa. 9, Pro. 9, Mat. 12
01.02.2010
Today's reading is Gen. 3, 4, Psalms 2, Proverbs 2, and Matthew 3, 4.
I love reading Genesis. So much action, and God seems to speak directly to everyone. We meet the 'subtle' serpent, and witness the fall. It sure seemed pretty direct, the serpent said you can be just like God, and they bit it. To bad they didn't realize they were already made in the image of God. Then again, if they didn't would we be here? Then, Cain and Abel's first sacrifices. This I have a hard time understanding. What was wrong with Cain's sacrifice? Why was his less appealing to God? There didn't seem to be any instructions on how to sacrifice to God, and with his fruit, being his fruit it makes sense to me to give it to God. Maybe part of the issue is Cain was only giving a sacrifice at all because he knew Abel was. Cain was born first, and so he would have had an opportunity to sacrifice before Abel. Maybe the reason his sacrifice was not pleasing to the Lord was that he gave it only to save face and not with an earnest heart.
The brief reading of Genesis had so much adventure; the first murder, Cain's audacity to challenge God's punishment, Cain's punishment, Cain's descendants including the bigamist, murderer Lamech and his proclamation. Also, Seth's birth.
The Psalms challenging the thinking and ways of kings of the world, and ending in advice to not anger the Son of God and to take refuge with Him.
Proverbs goes into how depravity compounds itself in people. It goes from speaking of perverse things and builds quickly to walking the evil paths of darkness and delighting in evil. I have to say from personal experience, that is a steep slope, and it doesn't look very steep from the top. Just being around people who use foul language regularly quickly brings it into your own thoughts and language, and from your thoughts spring forth all kinds of miserable behavior. Road rage, intolerance, impatiences, self-centeredness, and so much more. Then they go into immorality and prostitutes. That also has a steep slippery slope, where a little perversion leads to more and passion leads to obsession.
To the New Testament, Matthew goes directly into John the Baptist. That guy was tough. The had faith and trust in God. To stand up to the Pharisees and Sadducees the way he did. Then to be so humble before Jesus, it is amazing. In the next chapter, the devil's temptation and the the forty days of fasting in the wilderness. Also, the way Jesus just walked up to fishermen and called them to leave their families and lively-hood. To abandon the days catch and walk away after Him. Especially the sons of Zebedee, to walk out right in front of their father who had trained them their whole lives to take over the family business.
Twice in one day, we've read about the devil, boldly mentioned.
I love reading Genesis. So much action, and God seems to speak directly to everyone. We meet the 'subtle' serpent, and witness the fall. It sure seemed pretty direct, the serpent said you can be just like God, and they bit it. To bad they didn't realize they were already made in the image of God. Then again, if they didn't would we be here? Then, Cain and Abel's first sacrifices. This I have a hard time understanding. What was wrong with Cain's sacrifice? Why was his less appealing to God? There didn't seem to be any instructions on how to sacrifice to God, and with his fruit, being his fruit it makes sense to me to give it to God. Maybe part of the issue is Cain was only giving a sacrifice at all because he knew Abel was. Cain was born first, and so he would have had an opportunity to sacrifice before Abel. Maybe the reason his sacrifice was not pleasing to the Lord was that he gave it only to save face and not with an earnest heart.
The brief reading of Genesis had so much adventure; the first murder, Cain's audacity to challenge God's punishment, Cain's punishment, Cain's descendants including the bigamist, murderer Lamech and his proclamation. Also, Seth's birth.
The Psalms challenging the thinking and ways of kings of the world, and ending in advice to not anger the Son of God and to take refuge with Him.
Proverbs goes into how depravity compounds itself in people. It goes from speaking of perverse things and builds quickly to walking the evil paths of darkness and delighting in evil. I have to say from personal experience, that is a steep slope, and it doesn't look very steep from the top. Just being around people who use foul language regularly quickly brings it into your own thoughts and language, and from your thoughts spring forth all kinds of miserable behavior. Road rage, intolerance, impatiences, self-centeredness, and so much more. Then they go into immorality and prostitutes. That also has a steep slippery slope, where a little perversion leads to more and passion leads to obsession.
To the New Testament, Matthew goes directly into John the Baptist. That guy was tough. The had faith and trust in God. To stand up to the Pharisees and Sadducees the way he did. Then to be so humble before Jesus, it is amazing. In the next chapter, the devil's temptation and the the forty days of fasting in the wilderness. Also, the way Jesus just walked up to fishermen and called them to leave their families and lively-hood. To abandon the days catch and walk away after Him. Especially the sons of Zebedee, to walk out right in front of their father who had trained them their whole lives to take over the family business.
Twice in one day, we've read about the devil, boldly mentioned.
Friday, January 1, 2010
01.01.2010
A lot to read for the first day.
Genesis 1 and 2, Psalms 1, Proverbs 1, and Matthew 1 and 2.
In the story of creation, I was surprised to note that God was very specific in His description of a day. A sun rise and a sun set, a period of light and of dark, consecutively. I have heard many versions of creation that try to incorporate modern science, and guess that a day to God could be millions of years to us. This description directly from the source denies that.
Another interesting note, in the first chapter of Genesis, God refers to Himself as 'Us.' This is the first reference I believe to God having multiple aspects, yet being one entity.
The first Psalms, God promises that blessings will come to the man who delights in the Law of the Lord. Those who take wicked counsel are not guaranteed blessings.
Today's Proverb was interesting. A part of it specifically grabbed me.
Pro 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
Pro 1:11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
Pro 1:12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
Pro 1:13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:
Pro 1:14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:
This sounds a lot like a warning against a Socialist or Communist ideology just as much as a warning against a gang of thieves. He warns not to be enticed by these sinners to steal what others have worked hard for, not to fill your home with the rewards of other peoples toils, especially with the promise of equality among the thieves. Thieves in my quick synopsis could easily be replaced by Socialists or Communists. It is precisely their M.O. To take from those who have and split it amongst their followers. There is a warning of laying low and waiting for an opportunity to attack and harm the innocent as well. That puts me in mind of the way our faith is put under attack through political correctness, but to be politically correct, I may be imagining things.
On the the New Testament. The first chapter of Matthew begins with a remarkable genealogy. Many find these passages boring, but this one is relatively short and to the point. The Son of Man has a fantastic pedigree, not only is He God's only begotten Son, but a descendant of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and so on.
The second chapter involves the fulfillment of dire prophecies, and a mention of the wise men. Three gifts, but no mention of the amount of wise men.
More tomorrow.
Genesis 1 and 2, Psalms 1, Proverbs 1, and Matthew 1 and 2.
In the story of creation, I was surprised to note that God was very specific in His description of a day. A sun rise and a sun set, a period of light and of dark, consecutively. I have heard many versions of creation that try to incorporate modern science, and guess that a day to God could be millions of years to us. This description directly from the source denies that.
Another interesting note, in the first chapter of Genesis, God refers to Himself as 'Us.' This is the first reference I believe to God having multiple aspects, yet being one entity.
The first Psalms, God promises that blessings will come to the man who delights in the Law of the Lord. Those who take wicked counsel are not guaranteed blessings.
Today's Proverb was interesting. A part of it specifically grabbed me.
Pro 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
Pro 1:11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
Pro 1:12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
Pro 1:13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:
Pro 1:14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:
This sounds a lot like a warning against a Socialist or Communist ideology just as much as a warning against a gang of thieves. He warns not to be enticed by these sinners to steal what others have worked hard for, not to fill your home with the rewards of other peoples toils, especially with the promise of equality among the thieves. Thieves in my quick synopsis could easily be replaced by Socialists or Communists. It is precisely their M.O. To take from those who have and split it amongst their followers. There is a warning of laying low and waiting for an opportunity to attack and harm the innocent as well. That puts me in mind of the way our faith is put under attack through political correctness, but to be politically correct, I may be imagining things.
On the the New Testament. The first chapter of Matthew begins with a remarkable genealogy. Many find these passages boring, but this one is relatively short and to the point. The Son of Man has a fantastic pedigree, not only is He God's only begotten Son, but a descendant of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and so on.
The second chapter involves the fulfillment of dire prophecies, and a mention of the wise men. Three gifts, but no mention of the amount of wise men.
More tomorrow.
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