Footprints in the Sand

Deuteronomy 13-34; Galatians 1-6; Psalm 38 & 40; 1 Corinthians 1-7

2009-04-02T23:05:00.000-07:00

And we're back! Well, I'm back. Sorry for the absence. My cold really set me back - and then life gets in the way. It's going to take me a day or two to catch the blog up to where I am in the reading.

How are you all doing with your reading?

Before I get into the passages that spoke to me, I wanted to discuss something fascinating (to me) that I find about all of this. It seems that every time I read something, literally it comes up in the next day or two. We are doing a video series study during Sunday School and sure enough, just after reading Mark 15, that exact subject popped up in the study. That has happened several times. So I find it fascinating and motivating to have that happen.

The passages hat really spoke to me in this block were:

1.) Deuteronomy 20:4: 1 When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. 2 When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. 3 He shall say: "Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. 4 For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."

I had heard the last line quoted before with regard to military battles - it was interesting to get the entire context.

2.) Galatians 5:1-15
This passage really speaks to me. The repeated message that we have a choice - weight of the earth or fruit of the Spirit really hits home.

3.) 1Corinthians1:26-29: 26Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29so that no one may boast before him.

What a wonderful reminder of how truly unworthy we are to be allowed anywhere near heaven in addition to the possibility of God's purpose for us here on earth.

And when I get frustrated over the fact that I cannot wrap my brain around the concept of Heaven, verse 9 helps me out:

9However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him"

4.) 1Corinthians6:18-20
18Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. 19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

Anytime I have to talk to one of my Kids from church about modesty (or even my own kids), this verse comes up. It's a great reminder that God blessed us with our bodies and that it IS a temple and that we owe it to him to treat it properly.

5.) 1Corinthians7:12-14
12To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. 13And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. 14For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.

Two years ago, a friend of mine lost her husband. She does not know if he was saved and this has caused her a lot of heartache. One day, after he had died, I found this passage and it literally jumped off the page at me. I sent it to her in the hope that it would not only offer her some comfort but also reassure us all that he is up in Heaven like we pray he is.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So that's it for today. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get another post up and catch back up to where I should be. Keep reading! We're more than 1/4 of the way through!!

Still here...

2009-03-17T00:54:00.000-07:00

I've been slammed with an ugly cold. Lots of reading. Little blogging. Be back soon.

Numbers 28-36; Mark 8-16; Deuteronomy 1-12; Psalms 36, 43

2009-03-08T23:15:00.000-07:00

Lots to cover yet again. The reading is happening (almost 1/3 of the way through!) but the blogging is lagging. Sorry!

Recapping seemed to work last time so that's how I'm going again.

Numbers 31: 19-24 ~ These are some pretty harsh verses. The discussion of warfare policies seems to be in complete contrast to the bulk of the Bible in which Jesus shows us how to love our neighbor as ourselves. I have a hard time wrapping my brain around these verses because of the contrast.

Mark 8:17-21 ~ Jesus' exasperation with his disciples is interesting to me. Here are these men who are followers of Jesus and yet even *they* didn't completely get it.

Mark 10:39-45 ~ "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Jesus is talking about his forthcoming suffering and death and his disciple again don't get it. They start bickering over petty stuff. Jesus is trying to get them to understand that in His kingdom, the greatest is the one who serves others.

Mark 12:29-31 ~ The reaffirmation of those two commandments as being the two most important is comforting.

Mark 12:43-44 ~ I wonder what happened to the widow after she gave out of her poverty?

Mark 13 ~ End times has always fascinated me. Our church is currently in the middle of a series on End Times and the term for the study of End Times is eschatology. Verses 9-11 have me wondering if we are currently seeing the signs in these verses actually taking place. the internet has made it possible for the Gospel to be preached in every corner of the earth in just about every language. Many Christians are martyred each and every day. Are these signs that the end is near? God tells us that we will not know (see Mark 32-37)...

Deuteronomy 8:13-14 ~ "When your herds and flocks grown large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery."

Alexander Solzhenitsyn once said "When things are bad, we are not ashamed of our God. We are only ashamed of Him when things are going well." So very true. We turn to God when things are bad but when things are good we tend to move away from God and let our relationship with Him suffer. Why is that?

That's all I have for now. What about you?

Number 9-27; Psalms 27-29 & 90; Mark 1-7; 1Corinthians 13

2009-03-01T00:31:00.000-08:00

Whew! Sorry to have been gone so long. This past week was a difficult one and one where I truly needed to immerse myself in the Word but had little time to digest it and put it up here. For that, I apologize.

Lots of ground covered over the past 7 days...

1. Numbers 11 really highlighted for me the fact that leadership has had incredible burdens since Biblical times. So it is comforting to know that I am not alone when wrestling with my roles as a leader in various positions. There are many, MANY times where I wish I was not the leader type yet Moses' conversation with God in this chapter comforts me. The fact that his patience was worn incredibly thin and yet he still was able to show mercy to his rivals amazes me and shows me that I have MUCH to learn.

2. Numbers 15:37-39 was interesting. I did not realize that the Israelites used tassels and blue cords on the corners of their clothing to remind the of the Lord's commands. I wonder if that might be a wise idea for us today.

3. Number 20:21 It is interesting to see just how far back this issue stretches.

4. Numbers 22-24 blew my mind. A talking donkey?? Really? Wow. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around this so if you have any insight, I'd love to hear it.

5. Psalm 28:6-7 really resonated with me this week. With everything that is going on in the world, I find myself turning more and more to the Word of God for comfort, for strength, for wisdom. These 2 verses really summed that up for me. "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped."

6. Mark 2:17 How very true. Healthy people do not need doctors - those who are sick do. People who already believe in the Lord and have accepted Him into their hearts are not the ones in true need here. It is those who do not already have the gift of salvation that God is most concerned about and whom WE should be most concerned about.

7. Mark 4:30-34 and 6:39-44 The parable of the mustard seed and the miracle of the loaves and fishes are two of my favorites. We meet each Friday night for Bible study and potluck. There are, on average 20-40 people there and each week it's the miracle of loaves and fishes. Obviously not on such a grand scale but there is *always* enough to feed everyone including the hoarde of hungry teens that are there each week.

8. Mark 7:8-9 and 15-16 really convicted me. I am so quick to put aside the commands of God and take up the commands of this world and I don't even think twice about it. I need to stop myself and really think about whether my actions are God-honoroing or world-honoring.

9. 1Corinthians 13 Many have heard this one. It's recited at many weddings - mine included. I didn't know the backstory though. Paul arrives in Corinth after being chased out of Thessolonica and Berea by lynch mobs and Athens by people who scoffed at him intellectually. When he gets to Corinth, the Jewish leaders become abusive and drag Paul into court. But God is there with him and tells him not to be afraid. How incredible is that. So Paul trusts God and does what He tells him to do and Paul winds up staying in Corinth - a town known mainly for it's lewdness and debauchery - for 18 months, nurturing converts. The description of ideal love is one that I strive for in my relationships with my family but I admit that I don't have that level of dedication with my friendships sometimes. And that is something I most definitely need to work on.

So, again, I apologize for my absence. I will try to post more regularly from here on out. I am still reading almost every day. I hope you are too.

Tonight, I am saying a special prayer for my friend L. She and her family have suffered a very painful tragedy and it's not something that anyone can help fix. So I pray. I pray for comfort and strength for her and for her family. I pray that God would reassure her that there IS a reason for everything and that everything happens for His glory. I pray for healing for her heart, for her family's hearts. And I am incredibly grateful that she is my friend because I am blessed for knowing her and her family.

Still here

2009-02-24T23:53:00.000-08:00

Still reading. No time to post at the moment. Keep reading y'all!!!

Numbers 7,8; Psalm 23; Acts 27, 28

2009-02-21T23:44:00.000-08:00

Scripture: Psalm 23 (New International Version)

Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. I'm sure I am not alone. However, a video series that we are watching during Sunday School, titled "That the World May Know", really opened my eyes to what this psalm really means.

I'm going to go through Ray Van der Laan's analysis of the Psalm because it's so interesting to me.

"The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not be in want."
We are God's sheep. Once sheep have spent enough time with their shepherd, they come to know his voice and are able to discern it among voices of others. Van der Laan asks the question, "As God's sheep, have we spent enough time with him to recognize his voice? If we are truly his sheep, then we will follow him alone, ignoring other voices that may tempt us." What an incredible question. In today's world, it is SO easy to follow the wrong voice and truly become lost. Every day can be a struggle for me in terms of focusing on and following God's voice.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.
Van der Laan points out that when you and I think of "green pastures" we think of big, grassy open fields with greenery for days and days. But, in Israel, that is not the case. The "green pastures" are rocky fields with just enough greenery to sustain a flock for a day. Which implies that, as God's sheep, we need to trust that EVERY DAY, He will lead us to places that will sustain us. EVERY DAY. We won't necessarily have greenery for days and days but what we will have is ENOUGH. For that day. Enough to sustain us. For that day. But we have to keep coming back. We have to trust our shepherd (God) to lead us to a green pasture every day, just as the sheep trust their shepherd and do not worry about where tomorrow's meal will come from.

The shepherds also know where the "quiet" waters are. It's not the waters that are left after a flash flood comes through the wadi. Those are dangerous waters, even though they may be calm for the moment. The problem comes in when the flash flood occurs again and wipes out those in the wadi. Instead, a good shepherd will know where to find truly quiet waters that pose no risk for their sheep. God is the same way. He leads us to the truly "quiet" places in life - places where there is no risk to us as we drink.

He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

From "Follow the Rabbi":

Sheep always travel in a straight line, which creates problems when a shepherd calls to sheep further up the hillside: The animals will not walk around hazardous obstacles, but plummet straight down, getting hurt in the process. To avoid this problem, shepherds guide their sheep using straight trails that slowy zig-zag down the hills.

The Hebrew language uses the same word for ?straight? and for ?righteousness.? Thus the ?straight paths? of the shepherd were the ?paths of righteousness? mentioned in Psalm 23. The Israelites understood that the path of righteousness is the path that leads straight to the shepherd.

Our path to righteousness is the one that leads directly to our shepherd. But we cannot walk that straight path if we do not focus on His voice and tune distractions out. If we are distracted, our path with not be straight or righteous.

During the day, a shepherd will keep a distance from their flock but at night, the shepherd walks among his flock because that is when the danger to the flock is the greatest. The rod is used to defend the sheep and keep predators away. The staff is used to gently keep the sheep with the rest of the flock for their safety. So the image that is portrayed in this Psalm is one of comfort - the shepherd will keep his flock safe with the rod and the staff

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord, forever.

Even when enemies are all around us, God provides for us. We have a shepherd that will do anything for us and protect us, as long as we follow his voice.

So that's it for now. Hopefully next week I'll be able to post more frequently.

Numbers 3-6; Psalms 22, Acts 25 & 26

2009-02-18T22:45:00.000-08:00

Scripture: Psalm 22

What an interesting Psalm. It starts off with a story of incredible suffering and then, about 1/2 way through it turns into a story of jubilation. The beginning of the Psalm is full of pleas for help among tremendous suffering that continue day and night. And all the while, God remains silent.

Then, in verse 22, the Psalmist turns from grief to jubilation. Somewhere in there, God has saved the sufferer and the Psalmist then begins to tell others about it. This Psalm was on Jesus' lips while He was dying on the cross (see Matthew 27:46).

The pattern (per the commentary in my Bible) is one of redemptive suffering. And that suffering has a point - after the suffering subsides, victory, power, and salvation of the world follow. Psalm 22 shows that David left a legacy (in addition to a Warrior-Messiah who would lead his people to victory through battle) that there is victory through suffering.

What an incredible story.

Leviticus 26, 27; Numbers 1,2; Acts 23, 24

2009-02-16T23:04:00.000-08:00

Scripture: Leviticus 26

Wow - what a chapter. Leviticus 26:3-4 states 3 " 'If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, 4 I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit. The first half of the chapter spells out in no uncertain terms the rewards for obedience. The rewards are great - all the food you want, safety in the land, peace in the land, removal of savage beasts, and more.

The second half of the chapter lays out - again, in no uncertain terms - what happens if the Israelites disobey. There is no room for debate here. Sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever, famine, afflictions multiplied seven times over, and on and on.

But why? Why would God set forth such harsh consequences? What was His reasoning behind it all? Was He trying to give the Israelites an identity that would stand out in comparison with their pagan neighbors? Was He trying to create a people that were worthy of carrying his identity? The rewards would make the Israelites the envy of the world. But the consequences should they disobey are frightening.

Does this code apply to us today? Is this what our own personal code should be?

Leviticus 20-25; Psalms 24 - 26, Acts 20-22

2009-02-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Did you all think I had abandoned the blog? I apologize for my absence - life tends to get a little busy from time to time and sleep becomes more important than blogging. I read, I just don't have the time to post.

Out of all of the reading, there were several passages that stuck in my mind:

Leviticus 24:17-22 (New International Version)

17 " 'If anyone takes the life of a human being, he must be put to death. 18 Anyone who takes the life of someone's animal must make restitution—life for life. 19 If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: 20 fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. As he has injured the other, so he is to be injured. 21 Whoever kills an animal must make restitution, but whoever kills a man must be put to death. 22 You are to have the same law for the alien and the native-born. I am the LORD your God.' "

Once again, we're back to the debate over the death penalty. Is this passage in the Bible God's "permission" for capital punishment? According to the commentary in my Bible, this passage was intended to set the standard for punishment in court (as opposed to private vengence). I'm still not sure where that leaves us, in terms of the debate.

Psalms 25
4 Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths;

5 guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.

6 Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.

7 Remember not the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you are good, O LORD.

I try each day to keep my hope in the Lord. Lately, given the current economic and political events taking place around us in addition to the direction society seems to be moving, I find myself tending toward despair which is NOT my normal state of mind. Nor is it how I want to live my life each day. I find that if I keep my hope in the Lord and keep my eyes on the path He has set before me, that feeling of despair is lessened.

Acts 20:32-35 (New International Version)

32"Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. 34You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'

So very true. When I was a kid, Christmas was ALL about what *I* was going to GET. Now that I am adult (actually I think this started when I was about 13 or 14) I find I get more excited over giving things to people than receiving. Such a wonderful feeling. And the reassurance that God has an inheritance for me is wonderful.

Acts 22:14-16 (New International Version)

14"Then he said: 'The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. 15You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.'

Oh, to be Paul at that moment...

So, what about you? What has stuck with you the past few days?

Leviticus 15-19; Psalm 13; Acts 18 & 19

2009-02-11T23:19:00.000-08:00

Scripture: Leviticus 18

Wow. This chapter about blew me away. My first thought is "Really? This needs to be spelled out?" But I am thinking about it from a 21st century perspective, not a Biblical-times perspective. I suppose things were different then.

Verses 4 and 5 from Leviticus 18 (You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the LORD your God. 5 Keep my decrees and laws, for the man who obeys them will live by them. I am the LORD. ) really struck a chord with me. It pretty much puts everything in perspective, doesn't it?

Thoughts?

Leviticus 10-12; Acts 16

2009-02-09T20:11:00.000-08:00

Scripture: Acts 16:31 (New International Version)

31They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household."

Paul is speaking to the jailer who has just witnessed the prisoners in his jail being freed by the power of God. The jailer asks what he must do to be saved.

Rather than reinvent the wheel, I'm going to borrow the explanation from Awana:

Salvation is a free gift given by God and provided through the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus Christ, God's son. We need only once accept the gift of salvation by placing our trust and faith in Jesus Christ and his death on the cross. We are all sinners and cannot be saved by our own good works, nor by any other means. If we accept this free gift, we will live forever in Heaven with God. If we do not accept the salvation of Jesus Christ, we will be eternally separated from God in Hell, a real place of eternal torment.

Leviticus 7-9; Acts 15

2009-02-08T22:52:00.000-08:00

Scripture: Acts 15:11 (New International Version)

11No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."

Peter is responding to a party of Pharisees that stated that the Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses. He explains to them that God made no distinction between the Jews and the Gentiles - that he purified their hearts by faith. Hearts don't have a nationality and even if they did, God wouldn't see it.

This verse means to me that nothing I can do, nothing ABOUT me, nothing that I have done will save me. ONLY God's grace and his willingness to purify my heart, in spite of all that I have and have not done in my life.

All it takes is the simple belief that Jesus is my savior - THE savior.

Nothing more.

Leviticus 4-6; Acts 14

2009-02-07T23:36:00.000-08:00

Scripture: Leviticus 4:13 (New International Version)

13 " 'If the whole Israelite community sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the LORD's commands, even though the community is unaware of the matter, they are guilty.

Ignorance is not bliss. I've never tried the excuse "I didn't know the speed limit was 60, officer. Please don't write me a ticket." My parents taught me from an early age that ignorance of the rules did not get me out of the consequences should I break one.

So it seems here as well. Seems that God has thought of everything including those times when we sin without knowing that we are sinning. It's nice to know that we always have a way to redeem ourselves.

In reading Leviticus 4:3, I wonder if that law would still abide today. Would priests and pastors that have done wrong be able to redeem themselves and their community by offering up some kind of sacrifice? I think of the priests that have harmed children in the past...what would their sacrifice look like? What would be expected of them in order to redeem themselves for their sins? I'm not sure. *Is* there a way for someone who has done something that awful to redeem themselves? I'm sure it is so with God but what about with man?

Leviticus 1-3; Acts 13

2009-02-07T00:24:00.000-08:00

Scripture: Acts 13:17-49 (New International Version)

17The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt, with mighty power he led them out of that country, 18he endured their conduct[a] for about forty years in the desert, 19he overthrew seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to his people as their inheritance. 20All this took about 450 years.

"After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. 21Then the people asked for a king, and he gave them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years. 22After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'

23"From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised. 24Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel. 25As John was completing his work, he said: 'Who do you think I am? I am not that one. No, but he is coming after me, whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.'

26"Brothers, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. 27The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. 28Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30But God raised him from the dead, 31and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people.

32"We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers 33he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm:
" 'You are my Son;
today I have become your Father.[b]'[c] 34The fact that God raised him from the dead, never to decay, is stated in these words:
" 'I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.'[d] 35So it is stated elsewhere:
" 'You will not let your Holy One see decay.'[e]

36"For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed. 37But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay.

38"Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. 40Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you:
41" 'Look, you scoffers,
wonder and perish,
for I am going to do something in your days
that you would never believe,
even if someone told you.'[f]"

42As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. 43When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.

44On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying.

46Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
" 'I have made you[g] a light for the Gentiles,
that you[h] may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'[i]"

48When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

49The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.

The entire lesson on prophecy in verses 17-49 really caught my attention.

Haverhill Road Church of Christ has a GREAT analysis of this chapter:

Verses 17-25 show us that God fulfilled the prophecy. Paul points out that God has fulfilled his word. He led the people of Israel out of Egypt and conquered the land of Canaan. God gave the people kings, as they requested, and through king David the promise of the Messiah would be fulfilled.

Verses 26-29 show us that the Jews fulfilled the prophecy. The message of salvation has been sent but the residents of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah, nor applied to him the words that are read every Sabbath. By condemning Jesus and having him killed, the Jews fulfilled the prophecy of the scriptures concerning the suffering of the Messiah.

Verses 30-39 show us that Jesus fulfilled the prophecy. God raised Jesus from the dead who appeared alive to many witnesses. By Jesus raising from the dead, this was the fulfillment of the prophecy found in Psalm 2:7, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you.” Jesus was also the fulfillment of the prophecy made by Isaiah, “I will grant you the faithful covenant blessings made to David” (Isaiah 55:3). Jesus also fulfilled the prophecy, “You will not allow Your Holy One to see decay” which could not have been fulfilled by David since he died and was buried. It is through Jesus that forgiveness of sins is proclaimed and everyone who believes in him is justified.

Verses 40-42 show us that the listeners ("you") do not fulfill prophecy. Paul gives the listeners in the synagogue of Antioch a warning that they do not fulfill the prophecy of Habakkuk, “Look, you scoffers, marvel and vanish away, because I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will never believe, even if someone were to explain it to you” (Habakkuk 1:5). Paul calls upon them not be scoffers concerning the great work of God revealed in Christ.

Verses 46-49 show us that we have fulfilled prophecy. Paul and Barnabas responded to these Jews by declaring that God’s message had been spoken to them first. But since they rejected it and considered themselves unworthy of eternal life, the message is being spoken to the Gentiles (“But since you reject it, and consider yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles!”). This also fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 49:6, “I have appointed you as a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the message of the Lord. So the message of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jews stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas and had them thrown out of their district. So Paul and Barnabas shook the dust off their feet and went on the city of Iconium.

I really liked their summation:

Instead of wondering and allowing ourselves to perish, let us use the time right now to receive justification through Jesus Christ. You may not know all the doctrine found in the scriptures. You may have doubts about what God wants you to do. You have fears that you cannot live up to the standards of the Lord. You may be unsure about God and the Bible. But these are not things to prevent us from taking care of our eternal destination. You can take care of your uncertainty regarding what will happen to you after you die: receive the grace of God by trusting your life to God and be immersed in water for the forgiveness of your sins. The message is simple, so simple it causes others to scoff. Do not be like those who scoffed and perished. Obey today.

So, what spoke to you?

Exodus 37-40; Psalms 15 & 19, Acts 11 & 12

2009-02-05T23:03:00.000-08:00

I'm combining 2 days' worth of readings into one post. I'm behind and rather than make two posts, I'll just make one.

In the readings, Peter's story has really grabbed me.

The vision he has fascinates me. Does it mean that God is giving us permission to eat any animal we want? Or is it designed to let Peter know that he and other Jewish-Christians were permitted to enter the homes of the Gentiles to bring them the Good News of Jesus Christ?

Peter is pondering what to do - should he eat as the voice in his vision commands? In doing so, he violates the rule that states that no one should eat unclean animals. But the voice commands, "Kill. Eat."

As he's debating what to do, God makes it clear - by sending Cornelius' men - that the vision is designed to show them that no longer should he consider the Gentiles "unclean", because God had accepted them, and that he, Peter, would be the one to tell them the good news about Jesus.

Very interesting. What struck you in the readings?

Exodus 35, 26; Acts 10

2009-02-03T17:22:00.000-08:00

Scripture:

Exodus 35:1-3 (New International Version)

Exodus 35
Sabbath Regulations
1 Moses assembled the whole Israelite community and said to them, "These are the things the LORD has commanded you to do: 2 For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a Sabbath of rest to the LORD. Whoever does any work on it must be put to death. 3 Do not light a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day."

In October 2006, Hawaii had an earthquake that knocked out power to the islands (well, most parts) for the better part of a day. It hit about 7:30am and we didn't get power back on until later that evening. It was a Sunday. MacGyver was deployed so I got the kids up and we went to church because we didn't know what else to do. It just seemed right to go.

Service was different than usual - no electric guitars or keyboards. No air conditioning or lights so the windows were open. The acoustic songs that were played that day were wonderful - they seemed to speak directly to my heart. Pastor Mark gave a great sermon - I don't recall exactly the topic but I do remember walking away from service with that satisfied feeling that you get when the sermon really hits home. We hung out for a bit at church and then made our way home.

At home, there were no video games to be played, not much cleaning to be done (couldn't vacuum), and not much work to be done. So we hung out together. We read. We talked. We played a board game. We napped. It was great. Our focus was, primarily on God and on our family and not really on the outside world.

I found myself, as the power came back on that evening, actually disappointed because it had been such a glorious day. The kids and I made a rule that, on Sundays, we would not turn on the TV or any video games. We stuck to that until my husband came home the next year. It was really comforting to know that, one day each week, we would disconnect with the outside world and focus on God and family for that day.

Our Friday night Ohana group - Bible study or small group for you mainlanders - did a study on the Sabbath and discussed exactly what the rules in the Bible concerning the Sabbath are actually saying. I don't know that we came up with any answers, per se. I do know that we all realized that today's world really doesn't allow for a Sabbath. Most stores are open on Sundays. Sporting events - soccer games, softball games, NFL games - are scheduled on Sundays. It makes it difficult to truly stop "working" and make Sunday a "holy day".

So how do you keep the Sabbath holy? Do you see Sunday as THE Sabbath? Does it matter which day of the week we choose to observe the Sabbath, as long as we observe it?

What verse spoke to you?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

My posting might be a little spotty for the next few days. My son is having surgery to remove his tonsils tomorrow and I don't know if I'll have time to post. I am definitely taking my Bible to the hospital with me. I just don't know that I'll be able to use my computer. Keep reading though!!

And, if you've just joined us, don't feel bad if you're not caught up. Jump in where we are now (see reading schedule) and you can catch up later.

Exodus 33,34; Psalm 16; Acts 9

2009-02-01T20:58:00.000-08:00

Scripture:

Acts 9:21 (New International Version)

21All those who heard him were astonished and asked, "Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?"

The story of Paul amazes me. He assisted in the brutal stoning of Stephen and yet, because of God's grace, he becomes an incredibly effective Christian missionary.

I wonder if part of his success in terms of bringing others to Christ stems from the fact that, at one point, he had been in their shoes? Some of the best crusaders we know are those that know of what they speak. The AA counselor who had been an alcoholic for years; the anti-communist who managed to escape from the communist country in which he lived; the ex-smoker who used to smoke 2 packs a day...they are the ones who hold more credibility than those who haven't walked a mile in the shoes of those they seek to help. Is that why Paul was successful (in part)?

I don't understand why God chose Paul. I think that his past as one who "raised havoc in Jerusalem" is a big part of why God chose him. I also think that God was looking to highlight His grace here. It's *easy* to take someone who had been a believer or even someone who was kind of wishy-washy on the subject. But to take someone who had been so violently opposed to the idea of Christianity takes so much more. Who else can do that but God?

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your grace. Thank You for Paul and his example. I pray that Your grace would extend to me and that I would be able to be witness to Your grace working in the lives of the people I pray for.

While watching a video in Sunday School today, it was pointed out that too often we tend to see the world and all of it's warts as bigger than You, Lord; as too much for Your power and grace and love to overcome. And that is wrong. Lord, help me to stand firm in my faith that You ARE powerful enough; that Your grace IS enough; that Your love IS enough to overcome the darkness of this world. And help me to be more like Paul - someone who can help to lead people to You. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

Exodus 30-32; Acts 8

2009-01-31T23:57:00.000-08:00

Scripture: Exodus 32

Moses is my hero. If not for his intervention on behalf of the Israelites, they would have been destroyed. How many times does it take before mankind learns? In Genesis 3, mankind rebels and throws away all of the privileges God has granted. And the punishment is severe. And yet, here we are again - in the same situation facing the same kind of consequences. Moses has gone up to Mount Sinai for 40 days and the Israelites abandon hope and forget all about their God and start worshiping idols.

Forty days? Six weeks? That's all it took for them to start acting like pagans? Good grief! Yet how easy is it for us, in today's day and age, to find ourselves in the same situation? How easy is it to fall into the ways of the world and forsake God?

I think that keeping God first and foremost in my life is a good way for me to keep from sliding back into the ways of the world. Whether by going to church or being involved in other church activities, reading the Bible, or hanging out with people who are Christians and want the same thing...that is what works best for me. What works for you?

It's late and I'm sick. So I'm going to wrap it up for now. What did you think of today's reading?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Exodus 28, 29; Acts 7

2009-01-12T00:38:00.001-08:00

I'm going to change the format a bit - this is a little TOO structured for me. Hope it works.

Stephen continues to impress me. He was, according to the Bible, the first martyr. His speech in Acts 7 hit so close to home with the Sanhedrin that they stoned him to death. Yet, even as he was dying, he prayed, "Lord, receive my spirit" and then begged God not to hold this sin against them.

How amazing is that? Would I have acted so courageously had I been the one to be put on trial for my faith? I doubt it. At least, I would not have been able to have been that courageous without the Holy Spirit guiding me. Definitely not something I could do on my own. What about you?

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Stephen. Thank You for his courage and his willingness to proclaim his faith, even in the face of such adversity. Thank You that we don't have to worry about whether *we* will ever be courageous enough or not - all we have to do is rely on You for that courage.

Lord, again I pray for the Army aviation community. I pray that You would give comfort, peace, and strength to the families that are grieving their loved ones and trying to figure out how to go on without them. I pray that You would hold them close, protect them, and carry them through the next few days, weeks, and months that seem to incredibly painful and insurmountable right now. I pray that You would give them a glimpse of the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel and reassurance that their loved ones are up in Heaven, smiling down on them right now.

I pray for the troops in 6/6 Cav, for their safety, for strength, and for their faith. In Your name I pray. Amen.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Exodus 25-27; Acts 6

2009-01-12T00:37:00.001-08:00

S - Scripture:

Acts 6:1-7 (New International Version)

Acts 6
The Choosing of the Seven
1In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

5This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

O - Observation:
The church is getting bigger and is experiencing "growing pains". The widows of the Hebraic Jews were feeling neglected and discriminated against.

Instead of tackling the problem themselves, the disciples decide to delegate the task and select seven who are quite capable of handling the issue while the disciples dedicated themselves to their talents - prayer and ministry of the Word.

A - Application:
As a member of my church, I would much rather see our Pastor focus on using his talents rather than spending his time dealing with things that others in the congregation can handle for him. I can't preach but I can empty trash cans, lead a Sunday School class, and head up the Military Ministry. That leaves our Pastor to cover the important stuff like preaching on Sundays and counseling those in need.

P - Prayer:
Dear Lord,

Thank You for Pastor Mark. Thank You for those in our congregation that are willing and able to take care of everything else so that Pastor Mark can minister to us and share with us Your word. I pray for our congregation. I pray that, where there are holes, You would use us to fill them. I pray that, where there are needs, You would help us meet them.

I also pray that You would help us to do the same in the world, not just in our church. I pray that You would empower people to, when they see a need, do their best to meet that need. I pray that You would bless my family with a servant's heart and help us to be aware of those around us in need that we might be able to fill it.

In Your name, I pray. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Exodus 23,24; Psalms 14; Acts 5

2009-01-12T00:36:00.004-08:00

S - Scripture:

Acts 5:4 (New International Version)

4Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God."

O - Observation:
Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property and kept part of the money for themselves instead of giving it all to the apostles. They misrepresented themselves spiritually and tried to pass themselves off as pious and generous.

They are punished not for holding back the money but for lying about it. God is very clear that He expects absolute honesty and integrity.

A - Application:
This is the same principle we apply to our children. There are consequences for behavior - good and bad. But if you lie...that is when the punishment takes place. Consequences and punishment are two different things, as we see here.

I wonder what the consequences would have been had Ananias and Sapphira been honest about the fact that they had kept some of the money for themselves? Would they have died? Would they have faced any kind of punishment or merely the consequences of their actions?

P - Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for Your love. And with that love comes discipline, consequences, and punishment. Lord, thank You that You love us enough that You are willing to invest the time necessary to guide us through Your discipline, correct us with Your consequences, and rebuke us with Your punishment. Thank You that You love us enough to care how we behave. Help us to live as You would have us live - to stand firm in Your guidance, to accept Your discipline, and to fear Your rebuke. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Exodous 21, 22; Psalms 12; Acts 4

2009-01-12T00:36:00.003-08:00

S - Scripture:
Peter.

O - Observation:
IF you recall from Luke 22, Peter was a mess. He disowned Jesus not once, not twice, but three times. He then faced Jesus with his shame and wound up outside, weeping bitterly. Yet here we find him, filled with the Holy Spirit, calling out some of the most distinguished leaders in the land and blasting them as murderers.

A - Application:
What a change I saw in Peter! He goes from disgraced liar who disowned Jesus three times to a man so filled with passion and the Holy Spirit that he is willing to face down these religious leaders and call them murderers. How awesome is the Holy Spirit?! The transformation is incredible.

And think about it...Peter literally disowned Jesus. Denied he even knew Him. Sold him out. And yet, here he is, back in the glory of God and filled with the Holy Spirit. God didn't kick him out of Heaven because of his sin. If you ask me, disowning Jesus is toward to top of my "list" in terms of severity of sins and, if Peter isn't booted, that speaks well for the rest of us.

P - Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for Your grace. Thank You that You love us enough to see past our mistakes - even the HUGE ones - and love us anyway.

Lord, I pray that you would look after the Army aviation community, especially those whose lives were affected by the Kiowa crash this week. I pray that you would give comfort and strength to the families and friends of those lost. I pray for those who are facing the loss of a job and financial insecurity. I pray for the leaders of our cities, our states, and our nation as they try to navigate the rough waters of today's political and financial worlds. I pray that You would watch over us, protect us, and guide us. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Exodus 17-20; Acts 3

2009-01-12T00:36:00.001-08:00

S - Scripture:

Exodus 20:20 (New International Version)

20 Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."

O - Observation:
Moses and Aaron had gone up on Mount Sinai and God had given him the Ten Commandments. As Moses is receiving the Ten Commandments, the people down below see the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke and they were afraid. They begged Moses to speak to them instead of God because they were afraid that God would destroy them if He spoke to them.

A - Application:
Moses tells them not to be afraid. He explains to them that God is testing them and, in doing so, intends for that dread of God's displeasure to keep us in line.

Many people - myself included in the past - see the Ten Commandments as restrictions. But as I get older, I realize that God didn't intend for these to be restrictions. Rather, they are designed to liberate. Do these things and you will get to experience the ultimate freedom of eternal life in Heaven. What better reward than that?

Granted, we all fall short. I am constantly explaining to my perfectionist daughter that there was only one man on this earth EVER to have been perfect and that was Jesus. ALL of us fail. ALL of us sin. ALL of us fall short and only because of Jesus are we still blessed to be able to look forward to Heaven.

P - Prayer:
Dear Lord,

Thank You for Your Commandments. Thank You for loving us so much that You took the time to create rules so that we would be able to live a life of peace - peace in knowing that we ARE assured a place in Heaven. Thank You for the Commandments that they keep us to our duty and prevent our sinning against You. Help me to keep these Commandments at the forefront of my mind. Help me to live the life You would have me live. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Exodus 14-16; Acts 2

2009-01-12T00:35:00.000-08:00

S - Scripture:

Acts 2:38-39 (New International Version)

38Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

You all are going to have to help me out with this today! I'm short on time and my internet connection is spotty. This is the verse that jumped out at me - it was mentioned during service a few weeks ago and it spoke to me then too.

So, what verses spoke to you? And why?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Exodus 12,13; Psalms 21; Acts 1

2009-01-12T00:34:00.004-08:00

S - Scripture:

Acts 1:7-8 (New International Version)

7He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

and

Acts 1:11 (New International Version)

11"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

O - Observation:
For 40 days after the resurrection, Jesus comes and goes pretty much whenever he chooses. This time, when he shows up, his Disciples ask Him if He is going to restore the kingdom to Israel at that time. Jesus pretty much ignores that question and tells them that they aren't going to know when things are going to happen.

A - Application:
The topic of End Times has always fascinated me. thankfully the Pastor at our church has realized that this is a topic that interests a large portion of his congregation and has begun a series on End Times. My human brain begs for information and detail. And yet here Jesus is telling even His disciples that it's not for even THEM to know. So who do I think *I* am?

But He *is* coming. And I have faith in that.

P - Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the reassurances that are buried, like golden nuggets, in the Scripture. Thank You for the fact that Jesus WILL come back. I pray that You would prepare my heart and soul for that day - whenever it may be. I pray that You would help me live my life as You would have me live it. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Exodus 9-11; Luke 24

2009-01-12T00:34:00.003-08:00

S - Scripture:
The Plagues as described in Exodus.

O - Observation:
Exodus 7-12 describe 10 cataclysmic plagues on Egypt, including a locust swarm. The goal of the plagues was to liberate the Hebrew slaves from Egypt and Pharoah's brutal rule.

What I noticed was that, while He was proving a point to both the Jews and the Egyptians, that wasn't the only lesson. God was also teaching Moses a lesson. All through the beginning of Exodus, Moses doubts himself. He doubts that he can do what God says he can do. He doubts that the Israelites will trust him (Exodus 4:1 Moses answered, "What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, 'The Lord did not appear to you'?). Moses is reluctant at best and doubtful at worst. Time and time again, he doubts. And time and time again, God proves to Moses that He can and will do what He says.

Over and over in Exodus we are told that God sent the plagues so that Israel and Egypt will know the power of Israel's God. And it not only works but works in an overwhelming manner!

A - Application:
How many times have *I* doubted my ability when called by God? And in essence, isn't that the same as doubting God Himself? How can I get to a point in my life where my first reaction isn't one of "You must be kidding? Seriously?"? How do I get there?

And how do I discern between what God truly wants me to do and those times when other forces (the devil? I don't know.) are working in my life to move me AWAY from God? It's not like there's been a burning bush out in the backyard telling me what to do.

One of the things I *do* take away from this is that God is definitely patient and that gives me hope. If He can be this patient with Moses (seriously, God sent a burning bush and then followed that up with 10 plagues. Each time, He TOLD Moses how it was going to play out and each time, He followed through. And yet Moses STILL had his doubts) then my hope and prayer is that He would be that patient with me.

P - Prayer:
Dear Lord, I pray that you would be patient with me. Help me to tune my ear, my heart, my mind so that I can hear you as I should. I pray that you would strengthen my faith and make me more obedient. I pray that I would be able to set my doubts aside and follow Your instructions faithfully.

Lord, thank You for Your patience with me thus far. Thank You that You are so willing to love me and guide me, even when I do not listen. I'm trying, Lord. Every day.

In Your name, I pray. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Exodus 6-8; Luke 23

2009-01-12T00:34:00.001-08:00

S - Scripture:

Luke 23:39-43 (New International Version)

39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"

40But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."

42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[a]"

43Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

O - Observation:
Jesus is hanging on His cross next to 2 criminals on their crosses. One of the criminals is hurling insults at Jesus. Even as they face death, this criminal is trying to drag Jesus down to his level. But the second criminal refuses to degrade Jesus and stands up for Jesus, pointing out that He is being punished unfairly.

A - Application:
This passage is one of the passages that gives me hope. Jesus is hanging there, life is ebbing out of Him. And yet, He reassures the criminal that even he will be granted passage into Heaven. Not only that but that it will be instant - no waiting, no worrying. In addition, the criminal's faith gives me hope. All around, it is becoming dark - literally and figuratively. And yet this man - as he hangs, dying, on a cross, BELIEVES. If he can believe in the midst of life-ending horror, then my faith can continue through the storms in my life.

P - Prayer:
Lord, thank you for the criminal that was on the cross next to Jesus. Thank you for his faith and for Your reassurance that even a criminal - at the very last minute - can be sure of his place in Heaven. I pray that you would grant me even a modicum of that man's faith to see me through the dark days. I pray that my faith would shine like a light for others to see as well and that, in that, they would see nothing but Your promise and Your reassurance that Heaven is for all who believe. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Exodus 3-5; Luke 22

2009-01-12T00:33:00.003-08:00

S - Scripture:

Luke 22:61 (New International Version)

61The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."

O - Observation:
Jesus, in verse 34 of this chapter, had already told Peter (one of His disciples) that He knew Peter would deny him three times. After Jesus was seized and taken away, Peter followed at a distance. He was seen by a servant girl and she pointed him out...to which he denied being with Jesus. Then he was spotted by another person and again, he denied being with Jesus. Finally another person accused him of being with Jesus, based on his accent, and again Peter denied everything. Thus fulfilling Jesus' prediction.

I remember reading this same passage during Bible Study Fellowship last year (see Matthew 26:69-73) and our discussion centered not around Peter's actions but around Jesus' REaction. When I first read the passage, I thought Jesus' look was one of frustration or disgust. But then it was pointed out that His look was most likely that of pain or compassion - similar to that of a parent who watches a child get hurt after they were warned. Or the look of a parent when their child has to face the consequences of their actions and that parent *knows* how awful those consequences are, having been there and done that.

Having that pointed out to me really changed my perception of this scenario. The anguish that I assume Jesus is feeling over Peter's pain hurts my heart. I can imagine, as a parent, having to watch my child go through some of life's lessons and feel the consequences of their actions and KNOW how awful that is because I was there once too. As a parent, you want to shelter your children from those experiences and protect them from the pain that the related consequences bring. But, as this passage illustrates, you cannot.

A - Application:
I am not sure how to apply this to my life. I suppose, as a parent, I can look at this passage and understand that, no matter how hard I try, I will *never* be able to completely shelter my children from negative consequences. If Jesus could not spare Peter from the pain of his actions, I surely cannot spare my children that kind of pain. Which leads me back to prayer as truly the best way to "shield" my children. Prayer that God would guide me in my parenting. Prayer that God would open the ears, minds, and hearts of my children to the wisdom He has blessed me with (what little I do have). Prayer that God would protect them as I would like to but as I am unable to.

Because, truly, what else is there? I cannot put them in a bubble. I cannot lock them in a closet (well, I could but that doesn't go over well with state and local authorities). I cannot keep them at home with me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They have to LIVE. So the best and only thing I can really do that has any effect on any of this is to pray. So I pray. Constantly.

P - Prayer:
Dear Lord, I pray that You would strengthen me. I pray that, if I were ever placed in a situation like Peter, that You would give me the strength to NOT deny you. I know that I, alone, do not have that kind of strength. Obviously I do not since I do not tell everyone I meet each day about Your wonderful love. In a sense, that is just as bad as Peter's denials. Lord, I pray that You would give me strength to tell others about Your wonders and Your love on a more consistent basis.

I also pray for my children. I pray that you would protect them. It's hard for me to comprehend that someone could love them more than I do but, in my heart I know You do. So I pray that you would protect them from this world and that you would guide their actions so that the consequences they face are positive and not negative. I pray that their hearts and minds would be open to learning from You and through me and I pray that You would guide me as a parent and help me do what is best for them and what You would have me do. In Your name I pray. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Exodus 1,2; Psalms 88; Luke 21

2009-01-12T00:33:00.001-08:00

S - Scripture:

Luke 21:9-11 (New International Version)

9When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away."

10Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

O - Observation:
Jesus is teaching destruction of the temple and Jerusalem and the coming of the Son of Man. He is explaining that, while distressing, these signs do not necessarily signal the second coming.

A - Application:
The world distresses me. The wars we find ourselves mired in, the junk (because the other words aren't very...Biblical) we see in our society...it stresses me out. It makes me feel like building a house high atop a hill in the Rocky Mountains and surrounding it by a big tall fence and canceling cable. It's not what I want for myself and it's DEFINITELY not what I want for my children. I worry about the kind of world my children will grow up to inherit.

And then I read this passage and I realize that I'm worrying about things that, when all is said and done, don't need to be worried about. I'm not saying that we don't need to work to make the world a better place but this deep-down worry that I feel is not necessary. And, in fact, it's short-changing God. I'm worrying about things that God has already taken care of (in a Biblical sense). In a sense, worrying about these things is akin to doubting God. He already has it covered. He's taken care of the details.

And like a child who has faith that her parents are taking care of the big concerns in life, I am free to live my life again. All because of this verse.

P - Prayer:
Dear Lord, forgive my doubts. Forgive my worries and my stress over things that I know You have already worked out the details for. Help me to find peace in Your word and your plans for me and for this world. Help me to have strength to continue on, knowing that in the end, You have it all worked out. Help me not to be weak. Give me faith, Give me strength, that I may bring honor and glory to You.

Lord, I pray specifically for those that may be weak in their faith right now. Strengthen them by your Holy Spirit's power to continue in their faith. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Genesis 49,50; Psalms 8; Luke 20

2009-01-12T00:32:00.000-08:00

S - Scripture:

Luke 20:9-19 (New International Version)

The Parable of the Tenants
9He went on to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time. 10At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. 12He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out.

13"Then the owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.'

14"But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. 'This is the heir,' they said. 'Let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' 15So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

"What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others." When the people heard this, they said, "May this never be!"

17Jesus looked directly at them and asked, "Then what is the meaning of that which is written:
" 'The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone[a]'[b]? 18Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed."

19The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.

O - Observation:
See also Matthew 21:28-46 and Mark 12:1-12

From AllAboutJesusChrist.org:
"Jesus tells them of a landowner who places his vineyards in the hands of tenant workers. Just as in many regions today, tenant farmers lease the land, care for the crops and reap reward from the harvest with a set amount going to the landowner. The allegory tells us that the landowner sent his servants to collect his share. The servants were beaten, driven away, and some were killed. Finally, the owner sent his beloved only son. The tenants, rejecting the son, killed him as well."

* The landowner – represents God
* The vineyard – His Kingdom
* The tenants – specifically Israel’s religious leaders and all who reject Him
* The servants – God’s prophets and faithful believers
* The beloved son – Jesus Christ

So, according to this parable, God gives the abundant blessing of His Kingdom (specifically the nation of Israel?) to the religious leaders of Israel and to those who reject Him. But the unbelievers kill the prophets and faithful believers who are sent to Israel to turn their hearts and praises to God (as "fruits" from His "vineyard").

Then God sends his son to correct the unbelievers and turn their hearts and praises to God and they kill Him as well. If you look back at Luke 19:41-44, you'll see that, by killing the Son of God, they (the religious leaders of Israel and the unbelievers) bring about the wrath of God and in 70 A.D., Jerusalem is destroyed just as Jesus said it would be.

Jesus then goes on to point out to them that Scripture must be fulfilled and God's enemies must be destroyed.

A - Application:
How easy is it for you to rebel against God? I know, for me, it's incredibly easy to love God on one hand while going completely against Him on the other. Your brain finds ways to rationalize and justify your actions and, if you're really good, you get to the point that you actually start to believe your own rationale! You wind up being a rebel who purports to love God. How hypocritical is that?? And yet, it is so easy. We do it all the time. At least, I know I do.

I want it MY way and I resent it if I don't get it that way.

And yet, I have no more excuses than the religious leaders of Israel did in this story.

P - Prayer:
Father, please forgive my rebellious nature and take away my shame. I apologize for all of the times that I have questioned Your will and I have resisted Your plans for me. I pray that You would help me learn to walk the path You have set before me in an unquestioning manner. Help me to have faith that Your will is what is best for me. Help me also share that faith with those around me who might also be struggling with the path that You have set before them. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

QUESTION:
Well, we've finished Genesis. What do you think so far? Is this working for you? Are you keeping up with the reading? Are there comments you'd like to leave but are afraid to? Is there something you'd like to see done differently?

Feedback!!! Please? Even if it's just an email (homefrontsix @ yahoo.com - but no spaces). I want to know what you're thinking.

Genesis 47, 48; Psalms 10; Luke 19

2009-01-12T00:31:00.000-08:00

S - Scripture:

Luke 19:41-44 (New International Version)

41As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you."

O - Observation:
Jesus is returning to Jerusalem. Here he is predicting the total destruction of Jerusalem. As it says in Deuteronomy 28:64, "Then the Lord will scatter you among the nations from one end of the earth to the other."

A - Application:
From 100Prophecies.org: "In Daniel 9:24-26, Daniel delivers a prophecy that Jerusalem and the Temple would be destroyed, again. Within these verses, Daniel provides a chronology by which certain events would occur. First, the Jews would return from captivity and rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. Afterwards, an "anointed one," or Messiah, would appear, but he would be rejected. Then, Jerusalem and the Temple would be destroyed, again."

Biblical prophecies have always fascinated me. That the destruction of Jerusalem and Israel as a nation could be foretold 600 years before and entire nation could be completely destroyed, it’s people either slaughtered or scattered from one end of the world to the other, it’s lands occupied and ruled by aliens for over 1900 years. Yet Israel survived as a distinct nationality, and then finally regained its homeland and became recognized as a viable nation once more by the other nations of the world. That blows my mind.

Prophecies like this give my faith a boost. In areas where my human mind cannot fathom what God has planned for us, I cling to things like this - tangible evidence of God's faithfulness. I'm not sure if that indicates that my faith is not as strong and steadfast as it should be or if it indicates that my brain is looking for proof of something my heart already knows.

P - Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for your Word. Thank You for your evidence to us of Your faithfulness. I pray that my heart would get the message to my brain. I pray that my faith would remain strong, even if I do not *see* what I am longing for. Thank You that You love me even though I have doubts.

Lord, I pray for my friend K. She's lost her job and has no idea where she's supposed to go now. I pray that you would give her strength and peace. And maybe a lead on a killer job. I pray for her husband and their relationship. I pray that you would give him the right words to comfort her and strengthen her. I pray that the rest of her family would be able to support her and that, like people say, as one door closes, another opens. I pray that you would open a door for her.

Thank you, Lord, that I can come to You with this. Thank you for the fact that You have a plan for K, even if she can't see it right now. In Your name I pray. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Genesis 44-46; Luke 18

2009-01-12T00:30:00.001-08:00

S - Scripture:

Luke 18:14 (New International Version)

14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

O - Observation:
Jesus is telling the parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee who both go to the temple to pray. The Pharisee prays about himself whereas the tax collector humbles himself before God and begs for mercy.

A - Application:
I find it interesting that the words in the verse are repeated verbatim (see Luke 14:11). Obviously God is trying to tell us something. Obviously God is trying to tell *me* something as this verse has jumped out at me twice. Guess it's time to really step up the effort on my part to become even more humble in the eyes of God.

P - Prayer:
Dear Lord, I am trying. I pray that You would forgive me my sins. I pray that You would grant me grace and allow me to humble myself before You. I pray that You would cause my mind and my soul to focus on You and not on myself. I pray that my actions and my words would bring glory to You.

Lord, I am grateful that I am about to come before You, to confess my sins, to beg forgiveness, and to humble myself before You. I am thankful that I live in a country where I am allowed to worship my God publicly and to share Your love with anyone and everyone I choose. I pray for my country, for our leaders, and for the citizens of this nation. I pray for our armed services, for their safety, and for their victory - in whatever way You would have it. In Your name I pray. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Genesis 42, 43; Psalms 5; Luke 17

2009-01-12T00:29:00.000-08:00

S - Scripture:
Two parts of today's reading spoke to me: all of Psalm 5 and Luke 17:11-19

Ten Healed of Leprosy
11Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy[a]met him. They stood at a distance 13and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"

14When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed.

15One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

17Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."

O - Observation:
With regard to Psalm 5, the writer is begging to be heard and asks for wisdom and divine guidance when confronting his deceitful enemies. Yet he expresses his confidence that God will extend His aid.

In Luke, Jesus is traveling to Jerusalem and meets 10 people afflicted with leprosy. He heals them but only one comes back to praise Him.

A - Application:
The Psalm spoke to me in the same manner as Luke 16 did yesterday. I am still struggling to deal with a few challenges in my life and this Psalm gave voice to my thoughts and desires with regard to this situation.

The verses in Luke really convicted me today. How many times have I asked the Lord to help me with something and then, when He does, I fail to come back and give Him the glory and the praise that He deserves? More often than not, I am afraid. I need to be more diligent to stop and notice when God answers my prayers - even the small ones - and to give Him the praise that He most definitely deserves each and every time.

P - Prayer:
Lord, thank You that You hear me. Thank You that no prayer goes unheard and that no request is too small or inconsequential. Thank You that You are concerned with every aspect of my life that You would be willing to not only hear my prayers but that You would be willing to help me in those aspects.

Lord, I do not give You glory often enough. I do not stop and recognize the requests You grant me and for that I am sorry. Please help me to remember to give You all of the praise and glory that You deserve. Thank You for loving me. In Your name I pray. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Genesis 39-41; Luke 16

2009-01-12T00:28:00.002-08:00

S - Scripture:

Luke 16
10"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?

O - Observation:
The story is of a manager who was called before his master to give an account of his management. He called up each of the master's debtors and had them "fudge" their books a bit, in order to make himself (the manager) look better in the hopes of preserving his job.

A - Application:
Again, just like yesterday, God placed before me a passage I needed to hear. This passage, in particular, really spoke to me and to the heart of one of the challenges I'm having to deal with at the moment. It's a frustrating challenge and one that I"m not sure how to handle. I'm doing my best to give it to God and let Him work it out (through me? Not sure.). I truly love seeing God's "fingerprints"* in situations like this.

* When I taught in Alaska, I had a swimmer named Brian. He was a great kid. Nothing extraordinary about his swimming skills but he was a hard worker - incredibly dependable and dedicated - and it was reflected in his success in the pool.

A short while after graduating from high school and going on to college, he came down with Ewing's Sarcoma. The lead up to the diagnosis and into the treatment, and eventually to his death, was remarkable because of God's "fingerprints" which were all over Brian's life and the life of his family. It was because of Brian's illness and God's fingerprints all over that period of time in Brain's life that I really began to get to "know" God. I truly feel that God used that situation to move ME closer to God. I know, in watching Brian's life as he fought this illness and in watching Brian's family as they supported him in this fight, that God used the situation to move them closer to Him as well. But that was my first introduction to what Brian called 'God's fingerprints'.

Brian died in 2003 but anytime I see God working in a situation - in my life or in someone else's - I'm reminded of Brian, of his faith, of the love of his family, and of the lesson I learned in watching an incredible young man wage an incredible fight.

P - Prayer:
Lord, thank You. Thank You not only for the big miracles that I know You are capable of but thank You for the small ones that not everyone notices. Thank You for knowing and caring about every hair on my head. Thank You for guiding me and loving me, even when I had no clue. Thank you for Brian and his faith in You and for his willingness and eagerness to share it with those around him.

I pray that You would use me in a similar sense. I pray that I would be able to live my life in such a way that people can simply point to me and see nothing but You. I think that would be an incredible testimony to You, Lord - to be able to use my life, which is really nothing remarkable, to draw others closer to You.

I pray that You would guide my words and actions as this challenge in my life comes to a head. I want to do the right thing and I want to set the situation right and I cannot do that without You. I pray for strength, I pray for clarity of thought, I pray for wisdom, and I pray for Your righteousness to be brought to bear on the situation. In Your name I pray. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

QUESTIONS:
1.) What did the baker do to warrant being killed? Why was his fate different than that of the cup bearer?? I didn't understand that.

Genesis 37,38; Psalms 7; Luke 15

2009-01-12T00:28:00.001-08:00

S - Scripture:
Psalm 7

O - Observation:
David is singing to the Lord and praying for relief (from what?) because he is innocent. He prays that God will be glorified in His righteousness and that He will defend the upright and punish the wicked. He prays that the "violence comes down on their own head".

A - Application:
It's funny how God causes things that you're reading to jump out at you when you really need them. Such is the case with this Psalm. There are some things I'm dealing with that this Psalm really spoke to me about.

It's hard for us, as humans, to be patient when it comes to justice and people "getting what's coming" to them. But God is never late and He will take care of it. This Psalm reminds me of that. Even if I can't work it out in *my* time, God will work it out in His.

P - Prayer:
Lord, thank you for pointing this Psalm out to me today. I truly needed it and You knew this. Lord, we don't always know the outcome of the challenges we face on a daily basis. And that is not always easy for us to understand or comprehend Your time frame. I pray that you would grant me patience and that my faith in Your righteousness would allow me to approach the challenges in life from a more Godly and Biblical viewpoint, rather than from a human one.

I pray for Your righteousness. I pray that those who would "conceive trouble" would face your righteousness in due time. Thank You, Lord, that I can rely on that righteousness. Thank you for the comfort that it provides me even when dealing with these challenges. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Genesis 34-36; Luke 14

2009-01-12T00:27:00.000-08:00

S - Scripture:

Luke 14:7-11 (New International Version)

7When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8"When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 9If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, 'Give this man your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. 10But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. 11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

O - Observation:
Jesus had gone to eat dinner at the house of a prominent Pharisee. He had questioned them about the lawfulness of healing on the Sabbath and saving an ox or a child from a well on the Sabbath. Regarding both questions, the Pharisees had no answer. So Jesus told this parable.

A - Application:
How many times have we (I) exalted myself when, in fact, I should have hit my knees in submission? How many times have I overestimated my own importance? More times than I care to count. How do I go about changing my mindset from one of "I'm all that and a bag of chips" to an attitude of submission? As much as I would like for it to be an immediate change, I suspect it will be a gradual change.

I have good days and not so good days each month. I'm sure everyone does. There are days where I *do* think I'm all that and days where I just have to fake it. Humble is not necessarily a word that I think people would use to describe me. And, in that, I am wrong.

I do my best to not boast - nothing that I have accomplished in my life has been of my own merit or doing. It's all because of the blessings God has bestowed upon me. All of it. But I don't know that I have made that belief abundantly clear to those around me. Time to start.

P - Prayer:
Lord, forgive me. Forgive me for not always having a humble nature. Forgive me for not making it clear to everyone that nothing I have accomplished in life is of my own doing. Forgive me for not giving You all the glory.

Lord, help me to adopt a humble attitude. Help me NOT to exalt myself. Help me to humble myself before You. Because I obviously cannot do that myself. I pray that You would show me how to be more as You would have me. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Genesis 31-33; Luke 13

2009-01-12T00:12:00.000-08:00

S - Scripture:
Genesis 33

O - Observation:
Jacob returned to the land of his fathers and relatives and, in doing so, reunites with his brother Esau. Jacob tries to give his brother gifts which Esau declines, though he finally accepts them. Esau tries to accompany Jacob in his travels but Jacob declines. Then Esau tries to leave some of his men with Jacob, which he also declines.

A - Application:
Until this point, I've pondered why God would choose a con man such as Jacob over his brother, Esau. But Esau has, time and time again, shown himself to be impulsive and more than willing to follow his own desires with no spiritual sensitivity and no ability to see beyond the here-and-now.

Jacob was able to realize that family inheritance was important. Esau gave his away because he was hungry. Esau went against the wishes of his family and chose to marry local women even though his family had asked that he seek out wives from a specific heritage. God seems to have no place in Esau's thinking whereas He does in Jacob's. Even if Jacob's actions weren't always what we would expect of someone chosen by God.

P - Prayer:
Lord, I know it is not my place to question your decisions. And I know that my human brain is not capable of comprehending Your reasons. Lord, I pray for the ability merely to trust You and Your decisions completely. I pray also, that You would continue to use me even if the ways in which You use me don't always make sense. I pray for an obedient heart and an unquestioning mind when it comes to You. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Genesis 29, 30; Luke 12

2009-01-11T17:09:00.000-08:00

S - Scripture:
Luke 12:34 (New International Version)

34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

O - Observation:
Jesus is telling disciples not to worry about their life, what they will eat, or about their bodies. He is reminding them that God will provide for them just as eh does for the Raven and for the lily. He challenges them to sell their possessions and give to the poor and, instead, provide for themselves a treasure that will not wear out - the treasure that is to be found in Heaven.

A - Application:
The things we treasure are the things we spend the majority of our resources (time, money, energy) on. As humans, we rarely put much effort into pursuing the things that are unimportant to us. But we'll kill ourselves in order to get at what we desire. Jesus is urging us to make Heaven our greatest desire - the thing on which we spend the majority of our resources.

So, what DO we spend our resources on? What do *I* spend my resources on? The first thing that springs to mind is my family. As a parent, time is probably one of my most valuable resources, followed by money. The one thing that gets the bulk of those two resources is my family. A worthwhile endeavor, indeed, but I believe that God would have us put Him before even our family. Which is a tough thing for me to do. My priority is my family, at least in my mind. And that comes back to trust - I have to trust that God will take care of my family (much better than even I do) if I will pursue Him and Heaven with the bulk of my resources.

P - Prayer:
Dear Lord,

Thank you for all of the resources you have placed at my disposal. I am not rich, by any means, but you have blessed me with resources beyond even money. I pray that you would show me how to use them wisely. I pray that you would help me see beyond my worldly possession to the true reward that waits for me in Heaven. Help me trust in you and that you will take care of me and my family while I focus on you. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Genesis 27,28; Psalm 4; Luke 11

2009-01-10T15:36:00.000-08:00

S - Scripture:
What jumped out at me on this reading was Jacob's story. There's no specific Scriptural reference - all of Genesis 27 and 28 cover it.

O - Observation:
Jacob entered the world hanging on to Esau's heel. He was even named for that action (Jacob means "he grasps the heel"). He is a con man. He takes advantage of his brother's hungry state and swindles his birthdaright from him. Later on in life, he and his mother conspire to deceive his father for his blessing by impersonating his brother, Esau. In doing so, he lies and takes the Lord's name in vain.

He gets what's coming to him though and winds up having to flee and spends 20 years living with his uncle in exile.

A - Application:
Yet the overwhelming message of Jacob's life is God's grace. It shows that God can deal with anyone - regardless of how flawed they are. His story gives hope to those of us who are nowhere near perfect. God's choices are not dependent upon how a person behaves - God simply chooses who he wants. To me, this may not seem fair but I have no right to question God's wisdom and choices because my understanding is so limited. Especially compared to God's infinite understanding.

P - Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for choosing me, even though I make mistakes and am imperfect. Thank you for your grace that covers me. Help me to have faith in your decisions, even if they make no sense to me at the time or seem unfair. I pray that I would just be able to rely on my faith in you and set aside my doubts and concerns. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Day 10 - Genesis 25, 26; Psalm 6; Luke 10

2009-01-09T23:42:00.000-08:00

S - Scripture:

Luke 10:41-42 (New International Version)

41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

O - Observation:
Jesus and his disciples went to the house of Martha and Mary. Mary sat at the Lord's feet, listening, while her sister Martha bustled about taking care of all of the preparations.

A - Application:
I think, if Jesus were to show up on my doorstep, I'd like to think that I'd drop everything and park myself at His feet. Knowing myself though, I'm more inclined to think that I'd be more like Martha and worry about how the house looked, what to feed everyone, etc. I tend to miss the big picture for the details.

P - Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me to keep my perspective - as you reminded the 72 earlier in this chapter: "rejoice that your names are written in heaven." (Luke 10:20). Help me to remember that seeking you is so much more important than anything else I can do. Not that 'doing' in your name isn't important, but remind me that I should always first seek you. Help me to be more like Mary than Martha. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Questions:

1.) Are you more like Mary or Martha?
2.) In reading about the 72, do you sense that Jesus' life is being lived out through you? How?
3.) I found it interesting that, in Genesis 26:7, you see Isaac doing pretty much the same thing - making the same mistake - as Abraham did in terms of trying to pass his wife off as his sister. Interesting how the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Day 9 - Genesis 23,24; Luke 9

2009-01-08T22:10:00.000-08:00

S - Scripture:

Genesis 24:50-51 (New International Version)

50 Laban and Bethuel answered, "This is from the LORD; we can say nothing to you one way or the other. 51 Here is Rebekah; take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master's son, as the LORD has directed."

Genesis 24:57-58 (New International Version)

57 Then they said, "Let's call the girl and ask her about it." 58 So they called Rebekah and asked her, "Will you go with this man?"
"I will go," she said.

O - Observation:
Abraham's servant had been sent to find a wife for Isaac. He prayed and asked God to give him confirmation when he meets the girl Isaac shall marry. Even before he is done praying, Rebekah comes out with her jar on her shoulder. She does exactly as Abraham's servant had prayed.

The servant then goes to meet her family and explain to them who he is and why he is there.

A - Application:
What faith these people had! Here comes this servant looking for a wife for his master's son and after a very simple explanation, they agree. Simple as that. What faith and obedience they showed. And then, when there was some hesitation on the part of the family, they ask Rebekah.

And she says, "I will go."

Simple as that. No hesitation, no second guessing, no doubts.

How simple an act of faith that was.

Do I exhibit that kind of obedience in my life? Do I have that kind of unquestioning faith? If not, how do I go about getting to that point? What would that kind of faith and obedience look like in MY life?

P - Prayer:
Dear God, I pray that I would be able to live my life in the same way that Rebekah lived hers. I pray that You would help me exhibit the same kind of faith and obedience toward you that Rebekah showed. I pray that the only directing force in my life is You.

Lord, help me to be faithful and obedient. Help me to act as you would have me act - unquestioningly, without hesitation, and without doubt. Guide me in the way that you would have me go. Help me to go the way you would have me go, live the way you would have me live. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Genesis 20-22, Luke 8

2009-01-07T22:54:00.000-08:00

S - Scripture:

Luke 8:22-25 (New International Version)

Jesus Calms the Storm
22One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. 23As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.

24The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!"

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25"Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples.
In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."

O - Observation:
His disciples are "in the same boat" with Jesus. They are facing the storms and difficulties brought on by the fact that they have entered into His service. And those storms are threatening to overtake them. And they panicked. Jesus then wakes up, calms the storm, and chides them for their lack of faith. They are blown away (no pun intended) by His power.

A - Application:
At first, I was amazed at the fact that, even after everything described in the preceding chapters - healing the man with leprosy, healing the paralytic, raising the widow's son, etc - they STILL are not convinced that Jesus is the true Messiah.

But when I looked at the story from a metaphorical standpoint, it made more sense. Even with true faith in Jesus, when the trials and tribulations of life begin assaulting you, it is tough to maintain that true faith. That's the challenge. It's easy to maintain faith when the waters are calm. But when the storms hit and the boat is threatening to capsize, THAT is when it is hard to keep your focus and hold firm in that faith.

P - Prayer:
Lord, thank you for being in the same boat with me. Thank you for mostly keeping the waters calm. More importantly, thank you for being in that boat when the waves are crashing over the bow and rocking the boat violently from side to side.

I pray that, when those storms hit, that my fear would not supplant my faith in you and your love for me. I pray that I would be able to see past my human nature and the tendency to panic and simply rest in the knowledge that you love me and that you are right there next to me.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Day 7 - Genesis 18,19; Ps. 3; Luke 7

2009-01-06T21:23:00.000-08:00

S - Scripture:

Luke 7:18-23 (New International Version)

Jesus and John the Baptist
18John's disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, 19he sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"

20When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?' "

21At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a] are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 23Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."

O - Observation:
My Bible says, "The crowds Jesus attracted wavered between enthusiastic support and outright rejection of him. Evidently, some of the controversy even affected John the Baptist, who had baptized Jesus and pronounced him the Son of God (see John 1:34). John, then in prison, sent his disciples to confirm whether Jesus was the true Messiah. Jesus reassured him with a direct reference to the prophecies of Isaiah 61 (see also Luke 4:18-21)." (I know, I'm cheating. But their summary was much better than mine.)

A - Application:
I find it amazing and oddly reassuring that even John the Baptist had doubts about who Jesus was and whether he was the true Messiah. Not that it gives me permission to doubt but it makes me realize that having doubts is human.

P - Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me not to doubt. Help me to rest in the knowledge that you are the one, true God. Help me to stand firm in my faith and to keep my focus on you.

I pray that my ears, my eyes, and my brain would remain solely focused on you and that nothing would interfere with my faith in you and the salvation you offer me, based on that belief.

I pray that you would give comfort and strength to my friend S. who just lost her mother so soon after losing her dad. I pray that you would give her comfort in the knowledge that they are in Heaven, waiting patiently for her. Amen.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Genesis 15 - 17; Luke 6

2009-01-05T22:47:00.000-08:00

S - Scripture:

Luke 6:46-49 (New International Version)

The Wise and Foolish Builders
46"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? 47I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."

O - Observation:
Jesus is chastising those who listen to what he says but do not put his teachings into action. He says that doing so is like building a house without a foundation - it is doomed to fall when stressed.

A - Application:
Our faith is just like the house - it will stand firm against floods and storms if it is built upon a firm foundation. But if our faith lacks a solid foundation, it will not stand when stressed.

We are destined to have trials and challenges and hardships in our lives. That is the nature of life on earth. We are better prepared to weather those storms - and our faith is better prepared to withstand those challenges - if we build it on a firm foundation. It is said that Jesus is a rock and it is THAT rock that our faith should be built upon.

I often ask my kids (my son and daughter) and my Kids (the teens I work with at church) how we should go about ensuring that our foundation is a firm one and the overwhelming message is that we need to KNOW Jesus. We need to KNOW God's word. We need to KNOW - to the best of our ability - God's plan for us. The best way to do that is to get as close to God as possible - by reading the Bible, by praying, by spending quiet time with God, by surrounding ourselves with others who know God and will help us know God. And the best time to do that is NOT when the storm is pounding on the roof. The best time to do this - the best time to lay the foundation is BEFORE the storm hits.

We had a storm here on the island a few weeks ago. Storms like this, while rare, are not entirely unheard of. Yet there were people who did not have adequate supplies - no candles, no flashlights, no batteries, no supplies. They wound up having to scramble in the dark to try to gather those supplies. How much easier would it have been to weather the storm if they had the necessities already in their possession? The storm would have still raged, the power would have still failed. But it would have been easier to get THROUGH it, had they been prepared.

The same is true for any situation in life. Stuff happens. Life happens. If you do your best to plan ahead and you do your best to lay a firm foundation, it sure does make weathering the storm easier.

P - Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for the storms in my life. Thank you for the fact that they have taught me how incredibly necessary it is to know you. Thank you for the ability to know you.

I pray that I would remain mindful that there is no better way to prepare for those storms than by immersing myself in you. I pray that you would remain by my side during both the good times and the bad times. I pray that I would never lose my focus on you. Help me not only to hear your words but also to do what you say. Amen.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I've also added something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

Genesis 12-14; Luke 5

2009-01-04T22:35:00.000-08:00

S - Scripture:

Luke 5:17-20 (New International Version)

Jesus Heals a Paralytic
17One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick. 18Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. 19When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.

20When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven."

O - Observation:
Taking the opportunity and working based on their faith, friends bring a paralyzed man to see Jesus in the hopes that he could heal the man.

A - Application:
It's interesting that, in this passage, the word "their" is used in reference to faith. The man and his friends all had faith that Jesus would be able to both forgive the man's sins and heal his paralysis.

Sometimes, it's not through our own faith that we come to Him. Often it is through the faith of those around us. I know I pray often for several friends and family members whose own faith may not be enough yet to get them there. And often our faith waivers. I know mine does from time to time. My hope is that others would recognize this in me and pray for me as I would pray for them.

P - Prayer:
Dear Lord, I am grateful for the fact that you recognize faith in any form. Matthew 17:20 tells us, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Thank you for your willingness to accept our faith, no matter how weak or how strong.

I pray for my friends and family (You know who they are) whose faith is lacking. I pray that you would work on them as you work on me and my faith every day. I pray that you would draw them nearer to you. I pray also that you would strengthen my faith and lead me where you would have me go.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I'm also adding something new: questions. I have LOTS of them. As I come up with them, I'll post them. If you have thoughts/opinions/answers/ideas or questions of your own, post them in the comments.

So, here's my first question...

? With regard to Genesis 9:6 ("Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man".)...how do you think that applies to the argument for a death penalty? Does it support a death penalty argument? Genesis 9:4 ("But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it.") makes it clear that human life is special and that murderers who take a human life actually attack the image of God. Therefore He demands "an accounting for the life of [a] fellow man." (Genesis 9:5). So where does that leave us?

I know, that doesn't apply to the passages I read today but it's a question I had that popped into my mind.

Thoughts?

Day 4 - Genesis 9-11; Luke 4

2009-01-03T22:41:00.000-08:00

S - Scripture:

Genesis 11:
5 But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. 6 The LORD said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other."

8 So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel [a] —because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth.

O - Observation:
The people of the city of Babel decided to build a tower that would reach to the heavens in order to glorify themselves and not God. But God holds contempt for human pride and because of this, He gave each person a different language and scattered them all over the earth.

A - Application:
Once again, as in Genesis 3, the issue of man's ambition arises. Rather than serve, man decides to compete with God for glory. You would think (hope?) that man had learned his lesson with the flood and all that Noah had to endure. How soon we forget.

Romans 12:3 says, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly that you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." Humility is not something man is good at - I know I am not. When something in my life goes well, my first inclination is to pat myself on the back and give myself an "atta girl!". When, in truth, my first inclination should be to thank God for it all.

P - Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for all you have given me. Without you, I would have nothing and be nothing. I pray that you would continue to push pride out of me and fill me with humility. I pray that I would be able to instinctively praise you - in good times and in bad times - for any and all accomplishments in my life. I pray that humility would be one of my strongest traits and that my praise and my actions would simply glorify you.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Day 3 - Genesis 6,8; Luke 3

2009-01-02T22:06:00.000-08:00

S - Scripture:

5 The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. 6 The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. 7 So the LORD said, "I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them." 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.

O - Observation:
Violence and sin have become so widespread that God is close to ending mankind completely. Only Noah and his family were worthy of redemption at this point.

A - Application:
How sad that God reached a point where he regrets ever creating man. The great human experiment failed and failed so badly that God pretty much had to wipe the slate clean and start over. In the beginning, God had taken so much pride in his creation and now he is to the point where he is ready to destroy it.

If you read on into Genesis 8, you see that a covenant between God and Noah is struck but even with that covenant comes God's realization that mankind will never be what he had intended - truly in His image. There will always be sin and violence in the world. How truly sad.

P - Prayer:
Lord, thank you for sparing Noah. Thank you for allowing mankind to carry on, even though "every inclination of [our] heart is evil from childhood". Thank you for your covenant with Noah and the promise that life will not be destroyed on such a massive scale again. I pray that, someday, I would be witness to a world that is no longer one of sin.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Day 2 - Genesis 3-5; Luke 2

2009-01-01T23:09:00.000-08:00

S - Scripture:

So the LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this,
"Cursed are you above all the livestock
and all the wild animals!
You will crawl on your belly
and you will eat dust
all the days of your life.

15 And I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspring [a] and hers;
he will crush [b] your head,
and you will strike his heel."

16 To the woman he said,
"I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing;
with pain you will give birth to children.
Your desire will be for your husband,
and he will rule over you."

17 To Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,'
"Cursed is the ground because of you;
through painful toil you will eat of it
all the days of your life.

18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you,
and you will eat the plants of the field.

19 By the sweat of your brow
you will eat your food
until you return to the ground,
since from it you were taken;
for dust you are
and to dust you will return."

O - Observation:
God labeled one tree - just one - as off limits. Yet they touched it. As with any action, there are consequences. Here, they are spelled out.

A - Application:
Specifically, in verse 16, it says "Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you". With regard to male-female relationships, there is strife over dominance. Who "wears the pants" in the relationship. I think that strife entered in as a result of the Original Sin. All because, like a child, man couldn't keep his (or her) hands off of the one thing God said, "Don't Touch". What it really boils down to is who will make the rules - man or God? Adam and Eve decided in favor of themselves and the world has never been the same.

P - Prayer:
Lord, I come from a long line of sinners. I will always fall short of your glory. I pray that you would help me walk in the path of righteousness and that you would help me to live as you would have me live. I know I fall short each and every minute of my life but I am trying. I pray that you would continue to be patient with me.

Thank you for the blessings you have poured out in my life. Thank you for the challenges I have faced in that they make me who I am today. However, I am not satisfied with who I am and I pray that you would continue to mold me. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, what did you get out of this reading? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Day 1 - Genesis 1,2 and Luke 1

2008-12-31T17:28:00.000-08:00

S - Scripture:

46And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."

O - Observation:
What a wonderful song of praise! Mary is singing from he depths of her soul and in complete humility about the blessings that God has poured out on her.

A - Application:
I was reading about this passage and read that we cannot truly praise unless we come to terms with our lowly state. You cannot truly praise anyone unless you admit that they are superior to you in some capacity. In this instance, we are lowly in all capacities. That sense of humility is a prerequisite in order to be able to truly praise God. And this is something I need to remember - not just on Sundays but every day.

Verse 50 states that 'His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation'. That is good to remember. A lot of the time, I see God as a friend - which He is - and not so much as a father figure. I remember being somewhat afraid of my father - not an unhealthy fear but one based on respect for his authority. I need to keep that perspective with regard to God.

P - Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you so much for your Word. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read it and share it. Thank you so much for ensuring my place in Heaven by sending your Son to die on the cross. I cannot comprehend the love that was necessary for that kind of sacrifice nor can I comprehend how I am worthy of it.

Lord, I pray that you would open my heart to your Word; that you would help me walk with you and not against you. I pray that I would be able to remain humble and to be worthy of your love. Amen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Please forgive my complete lack of eloquence when it comes to praying. It is definitely not my strong point.

So, what did you get out of the readings? Don't feel as though you have to use the SOAP format - that's just my way of being OCD. Feel free to leave your comments below!

Commitment

2008-12-29T22:32:00.000-08:00

I've had several people email me and say they love the idea of this blog but they're worried about committing to reading the Bible through in a year. Therefore they hesitate to make the commitment. And I understand that - a year is a long commitment and life does have a tendency to get in the way of, well...life.

But here's the neat thing about this "experiment", if you will. The only person making a commitment here is me. I'm the only one that stands to look foolish in the event that I don't see this through. Anyone else who follows along through the comments or via email can simply fade into the background and no one will be the wiser.

So there really isn't anything to lose here if you choose to make the occasional comment or follow along by simply "lurking" (i.e. reading but never commenting). I do hope some people comment though - I love to hear others' perspectives on the Bible. My own knowledge of the Bible is quite limited. I did not grow up going to church on a regular basis. I went to the occasional Mass with my neighbors who are Catholic and hung out with a few youth groups off and on throughout high school. I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was 14 but didn't really make a commitment to Him until I was an adult. I wasn't baptized until just last year.

The majority of you out there have far more experience and knowledge of the Bible, Biblical principles, and Biblical history than I do (by the way, pick up the latest edition of National Geographic for a great article on King Herod!) and my hope is that you'll share some of that with me this year.

Reading Plan - January

2008-12-28T20:46:00.000-08:00

I was going to put up the entire year's reading plan but it seems overwhelming so, for now, I'm going to put up January's plan. Toward the end of the month, I'll put up February's plan. If you're burning with a desire to see what the entire year entails, you can go HERE to check it out.

January
1 Gen. 1,2; Luke 1
2 Gen. 3-5; Luke 2
3 Gen. 6-8; Luke 3
4 Gen. 9-11; Luke 4
5 Gen. 12-14; Luke 5
6 Gen. 15-17; Luke 6
7 Gen. 18,19; Ps. 3; Luke 7
8 Gen. 20-22; Luke 8
9 Gen. 23,24; Luke 9
10 Gen. 25,26; Ps.6; Luke 10
11 Gen. 27,28; Ps.4; Luke 11
12 Gen. 29,30; Luke 12
13 Gen. 31-33; Luke 13
14 Gen. 34-36; Luke 14
15 Gen. 37,38; Ps.7; Luke 15
16 Gen. 39-41; Luke 16
17 Gen. 42,43; Ps. 5, Luke 17
18 Gen. 44-46; Luke 18
19 Gen. 47,48; Ps. 10; Luke 19
20 Gen. 49,50; Ps. 8; Luke 20
21 Ex. 1,2; Ps. 88; Luke 21
22 Ex. 3-5; Luke 22
23 Ex. 6-8; Luke 23
24 Ex. 9-11; Luke 24
25 Ex. 12,13; Ps. 21; Acts 1
26 Ex. 14-16; Acts 2
27 Ex. 17-20; Acts 3
28 Ex. 21,22; Ps. 12; Acts 4
29 Ex. 23,24; Ps. 14; Acts 5
30 Ex. 25-27; Acts 6
31 Ex. 28,29; Acts 7

Beginnings

2008-12-28T20:02:00.000-08:00

And so it begins. My New Year's resolution - really the only one I've made - is to read the Bible through in a year's time. In a subsequent post, I'll put up the "Through the Bible Reading Plan" which will list, day by day, the passages to be read. For now, I want to detail the structure I plan to use. The pastor at our church suggests the "SOAP" journaling method:

S - Scripture - read the chapter that you have chosen. Don't skim over it or read it too fast. Try to enter into what you are reading. You may need to read it two or three times. When a verse, phrase or word stands out or catches your attention, write it down in your journal. (make it a maximum of two verses)

O - Observation - what is it about that verse or that phrase or word that kind of struck you? What is it that seemed to catch your attention? What insight or observation do you actually want to write down? What might this verse have meant to the original writer or reader? Write your observations of the verse in your journal.

A - Application - how does your observation impact you? How should that thought, that observation, that insight, actually change you? God isn't speaking to you to increase your information; He's speaking to bring about transformation. He wants your life to grow, to develop, to change. Again, write your thoughts down. What might God be saying to you through this verse? What action will you take as a result of what you are hearing from God in this way?

P - Prayer - Respond to God with a prayer. Write to him as though you were writing a letter. Tell him how you feel about what you've read, tell him what you think. Ask him to help you as you seek to apply it to your life. Ask for guidance as you act upon it. You may want to write a poem or draw something to signify what you've just thought about. Your prayer doesn't have to be long or deep, just try to make it come from where you are at. Experiment with different translations of the bible. You may find noticeable differences between them.

This process can be as long or as short or as you want it to be. Mould it to suit where you are at, your time constraints etc. It can be done individually or as a group. As a group, pick a common passage and report back what you've written at the end of an agreed time. Have fun with it.

(description courtesy of The Living Room)

I don't want this to be an echo chamber. I can talk to myself all day long. What I'd love is for this to become kind of an on-line Bible study. I would love to hear others' interpretations of the daily readings. Learning about others' perspectives helps me better understand what God is saying and how He is working in my life and in the lives of those around me. So PLEASE, share your thoughts in the comments! I'm planning to let many of my friends (real life and "imaginary" friends) know about this blog and my hope is that these people, about whom I care very much, will join me in this journey.

The journal that my pastor (and many others that I know) recommend is the Life Journal. It's essentially a blank devotional journal but it includes the Through-the-Bible Reading Plan as well as a Prayer List section. If you're on O'ahu, I'd suggest going to Showers of Blessings Christian bookstore to get this journal. Otherwise you can pick it up through the New Hope Christian Fellowship website.

This coming year is sure to be challenging - as they all are - and what better way to walk through it than with the Lord? I hope to 'see' you on January 1st!