I am a WHOLE WEEK behind in my Bible reading! Before you jump to conclusions, I have been reading every day in order to prepare for the Moms of Grace website Bible study. But I didn't even think about my "Read the Bible in a Year" schedule.
I had a little extra time this morning, so I caught up by 3 days. I'll have to find a way to do the rest because I'm committed to making this work for once. I can always read two day's worth of lessons for the next few days and then I'll be back on schedule.
I'm in Numbers right now, which is a lot of cool and a lot of shocking things that happened to the Israelites in the desert. I'm at the point where the spies went into the land of milk and honey to bring back a report. There was lots of disbelief in God and animosity toward Moses and Aaron at this point. But even when God's wrath occurred in front of the people, they still rebelled. In the reading I did today, over 15,000 people have died of unnatural causes!
Yet God continues to want the best for them and to forgive them at Moses and Aaron's request. It is good to remember that our God is awesome and loving, but also that he is vengeful and all powerful.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Just an Update
What a week it's been! Sammi has been pretty ill for a little more than a week now. We had her in and out of Children's Hospital ER for potential appendicitis or ovarian cyst. After lots of tests and needles, they decided she had gastroenteritis (I think that's Latin for "you have a bad stomach ache and we don't know why"). She was doing really well on Friday and over the weekend, but she threw up at school again today and spent most of the day sleeping.
Christopher was feeling a little punky yesterday, but I knew he was sick when he laid down on the couch at 4:00, covered himself up and promptly fell asleep! He slept straight through until morning. I checked him at his normal bedtime and he had a temperature of 102.4, so needless to say he didn't go to school today. We've watched a McGuyver marathon (the dvds were due at the library today!) Chris loves contraptions, so he's been thrilled.
Becca has a bad sore throat and headache, but no fever, and I've had a migraine since Friday...boy, aren't we a crew! Doug and Kevin are ready to pack up and move so they don't catch anything!
I've been having a lot of fun working on the daily Bible study for Moms of Grace, and I've got a couple of writing assignments (one for pay!) to work on this week.
The weather has warmed up to almost fifty degrees, so bye bye snow! I'm getting excited again about the little green things popping out of the ground.
Well, nothing profound to say today, just wanted to explain why I haven't updated much lately. Hope you are all more healthy than we are!
Christopher was feeling a little punky yesterday, but I knew he was sick when he laid down on the couch at 4:00, covered himself up and promptly fell asleep! He slept straight through until morning. I checked him at his normal bedtime and he had a temperature of 102.4, so needless to say he didn't go to school today. We've watched a McGuyver marathon (the dvds were due at the library today!) Chris loves contraptions, so he's been thrilled.
Becca has a bad sore throat and headache, but no fever, and I've had a migraine since Friday...boy, aren't we a crew! Doug and Kevin are ready to pack up and move so they don't catch anything!
I've been having a lot of fun working on the daily Bible study for Moms of Grace, and I've got a couple of writing assignments (one for pay!) to work on this week.
The weather has warmed up to almost fifty degrees, so bye bye snow! I'm getting excited again about the little green things popping out of the ground.
Well, nothing profound to say today, just wanted to explain why I haven't updated much lately. Hope you are all more healthy than we are!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Feb 15 - God Changes the Rules
Read Acts 10:17-29
Context: Peter had been sitting on his roof when he saw a vision of a large sheet being let down to earth that contained all kinds of four-footed animals as well as reptiles and birds. A voice told him to get up, kill and eat.
Text:
17While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate. 18They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.
19While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three[a] men are looking for you. 20So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them."
21Peter went down and said to the men, "I'm the one you're looking for. Why have you come?"
22The men replied, "We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to have you come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say." 23Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along. 24The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself."
27Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. 29So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?" (NIV)
Footnotes:
Acts 10:19 One early manuscript two; other manuscripts do not have the number.
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Up to this point, God had sent the disciples to many different countries, but they were to witness to people like them, the Jews. They shared heritage, culture, and daily rituals.
Cornelius was a perfect person to facilitate the transition of God's salvation to the Gentiles. While he was a centurion in the Italian Regiment, he and his family were God-fearing and they prayed to God regularly. An angel had come to him first, so Cornelius actually initiated the search for the truth instead of the Jewish disciples trying to convince the Gentiles to believe.
With Peter's vision, God was really throwing out the Mosaic Law. Early in Jewish history he had given them many rules about what to eat and how to cook it. Now, out of the blue (literally!!!), he is saying that they can eat everything. Then someone knocks at the door and Peter is called to witness to people who were also considered 'unclean.' I'm not sure we can comprehend the significance of this change. These things were against the law to them, the thought of it was detestable.
But God didn't give Peter much time to think about it...he showed Peter the 'new way' and then thrust him right into the fray!
Context: Peter had been sitting on his roof when he saw a vision of a large sheet being let down to earth that contained all kinds of four-footed animals as well as reptiles and birds. A voice told him to get up, kill and eat.
Text:
17While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate. 18They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.
19While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three[a] men are looking for you. 20So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them."
21Peter went down and said to the men, "I'm the one you're looking for. Why have you come?"
22The men replied, "We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to have you come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say." 23Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along. 24The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself."
27Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. 29So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?" (NIV)
Footnotes:
Acts 10:19 One early manuscript two; other manuscripts do not have the number.
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Up to this point, God had sent the disciples to many different countries, but they were to witness to people like them, the Jews. They shared heritage, culture, and daily rituals.
Cornelius was a perfect person to facilitate the transition of God's salvation to the Gentiles. While he was a centurion in the Italian Regiment, he and his family were God-fearing and they prayed to God regularly. An angel had come to him first, so Cornelius actually initiated the search for the truth instead of the Jewish disciples trying to convince the Gentiles to believe.
With Peter's vision, God was really throwing out the Mosaic Law. Early in Jewish history he had given them many rules about what to eat and how to cook it. Now, out of the blue (literally!!!), he is saying that they can eat everything. Then someone knocks at the door and Peter is called to witness to people who were also considered 'unclean.' I'm not sure we can comprehend the significance of this change. These things were against the law to them, the thought of it was detestable.
But God didn't give Peter much time to think about it...he showed Peter the 'new way' and then thrust him right into the fray!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Let's all Sparkle!
God has sprinkled diamond dust on the world! When I looked outside at the yard, I was almost blinded by the sunny sparkles that covered the snow. How does he do it? Not only did God create this wonderful fluffy white stuff for us to play in, he made it strikingly beautiful! This morning while I was watching the yard (ok, so maybe I need to get a life), it occurred to me that this wonderland was created one snowflake at a time. What beautiful landscape could we create if each person would join together reflecting God's love in the same way?
Let's all 'be' snowflakes, reflecting the Son as we sparkle through the day (oh, dear, it looks like I got up on the Pollyanna side of the bed...).
Let's all 'be' snowflakes, reflecting the Son as we sparkle through the day (oh, dear, it looks like I got up on the Pollyanna side of the bed...).
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
New Bible Study on Grace
Join me and lots of other moms for a Bible study on grace! I am hosting a virtual Bible study for the Moms of Grace forum. Click the button below to join us...it should be fun.
I Love Snow!
This may not be a very popular perspective these days in St. Louis, but I have to admit that I really do love snow!
We've switched from rain to ice to snow in the past hour or so, and the ground is now covered...we might get up to 7 inches...YIPPEE! Unfortunately we don't really have any hills in walking distance, so the roads have to get clear before we can go sledding.
Ok, so sledding is really fun in theory...but in reality it gets cold, wet, and I get really tired climbing the hill over and over for a few seconds of thrill. At least the hot chocolate afterwards will be worth it!
I actually have a dilemma that I'd never considered before. Given the history in Florissant/St. Louis that past few months with significant power outages every time we have a little storm, I don't know whether I should go to the store and stock up in case we get snowed in OR if I should avoid any new perishable purchases so I don't lose them if the power goes out! In reality I really don't need to buy anything...other than 1/3 gallon of milk we have enough food for an army for a week!
The Bible mentions snow a couple of times (e.g. being washed white as snow). I wonder if Jesus played in it?
We've switched from rain to ice to snow in the past hour or so, and the ground is now covered...we might get up to 7 inches...YIPPEE! Unfortunately we don't really have any hills in walking distance, so the roads have to get clear before we can go sledding.
Ok, so sledding is really fun in theory...but in reality it gets cold, wet, and I get really tired climbing the hill over and over for a few seconds of thrill. At least the hot chocolate afterwards will be worth it!
I actually have a dilemma that I'd never considered before. Given the history in Florissant/St. Louis that past few months with significant power outages every time we have a little storm, I don't know whether I should go to the store and stock up in case we get snowed in OR if I should avoid any new perishable purchases so I don't lose them if the power goes out! In reality I really don't need to buy anything...other than 1/3 gallon of milk we have enough food for an army for a week!
The Bible mentions snow a couple of times (e.g. being washed white as snow). I wonder if Jesus played in it?
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Joys of Leviticus
Well, we've been at this for more than a month...are you still reading every day? I have gotten one day behind, but I have some time to make it up today. I have to admit that I really got stuck in Leviticus, so I took a break and read Psalms for a couple of days...that helped a lot.
Today I read about 'clean and unclean' food, skin disease, and mildew (all before breakfast...yuck!). I am SO glad that I live in this day and age, not back then. Did you know that if mildew was found in your home you had to move out for 7 days to see if it spread? And if it did, you had to tear out the contaminated stones, scrape all the inside walls of the house, and then replace it with new stones, new clay, and new plaster. I imagine that 95% of Americans would be getting new bathrooms about now! (Hmmm....)
I am amazed at the job of the priests. They had daily chores, such as grain offerings and incense lighting, then they had to slaughter a wide variety of animals and birds for sin, friendship, and a host of other things. Then they had to look at every skin lesion, examine all mildew on clothing, and put people in isolation for long periods of time. Then of course, there is that little part about making a mistake that would render them dead in seconds! I'm not sure Aaron thought it was an honor.
I can't wait until tomorrow when I get to read about unclean discharges and eating blood!
Even if you have gotten off track, be sure to read every day....see what you've been missing?
Today I read about 'clean and unclean' food, skin disease, and mildew (all before breakfast...yuck!). I am SO glad that I live in this day and age, not back then. Did you know that if mildew was found in your home you had to move out for 7 days to see if it spread? And if it did, you had to tear out the contaminated stones, scrape all the inside walls of the house, and then replace it with new stones, new clay, and new plaster. I imagine that 95% of Americans would be getting new bathrooms about now! (Hmmm....)
I am amazed at the job of the priests. They had daily chores, such as grain offerings and incense lighting, then they had to slaughter a wide variety of animals and birds for sin, friendship, and a host of other things. Then they had to look at every skin lesion, examine all mildew on clothing, and put people in isolation for long periods of time. Then of course, there is that little part about making a mistake that would render them dead in seconds! I'm not sure Aaron thought it was an honor.
I can't wait until tomorrow when I get to read about unclean discharges and eating blood!
Even if you have gotten off track, be sure to read every day....see what you've been missing?
Thursday, February 01, 2007
'My' Verse for the Year
I've found a neat blogger's website called Faith Lifts. It is managed by twin moms who are helping Christian women (mostly moms) link up via their blogs and websites. They have a lot of interesting information and columns to read -- check it out!
One of the writers, Marybeth Whalen, challenged readers to pray for a verse that they could claim as their own for a year. I've decided that Psalms 3:5-6 will be 'my' verse and my challenge this year:
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
In all of your ways acknowledge Him
and He will make your paths straight. (NIV)
It is hard for me to even read this verse without singing it in my head. It is really hard for me to just trust the Lord. I want so much to understand the whys and the wherefores of every instruction, every challenge, every blessing. I often fool myself and think that I accomplished something on my own, without giving Him credit. I don't like to follow instructions, and I foolishly seem to be drawn to meandering paths.
I've posted this verse by my computer and on my mirror. I may even put a copy in my purse and car. I hope that at the end of the year I will feel that, with LOTS of God's help, I will have moved a good way down that straight path.
Do you have a verse you want to choose as your focus for the year? If so, leave a comment and tell us what it is.
One of the writers, Marybeth Whalen, challenged readers to pray for a verse that they could claim as their own for a year. I've decided that Psalms 3:5-6 will be 'my' verse and my challenge this year:
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
In all of your ways acknowledge Him
and He will make your paths straight. (NIV)
It is hard for me to even read this verse without singing it in my head. It is really hard for me to just trust the Lord. I want so much to understand the whys and the wherefores of every instruction, every challenge, every blessing. I often fool myself and think that I accomplished something on my own, without giving Him credit. I don't like to follow instructions, and I foolishly seem to be drawn to meandering paths.
I've posted this verse by my computer and on my mirror. I may even put a copy in my purse and car. I hope that at the end of the year I will feel that, with LOTS of God's help, I will have moved a good way down that straight path.
Do you have a verse you want to choose as your focus for the year? If so, leave a comment and tell us what it is.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
The Glory of the Lord
So, after many chapters of details about the Tent of Meeting, the Ark of the Testimony, the altar, the courtyard, and the garments of the priests, the Israelites have finally completed their work. Moses carefully examined every item to ensure it met the requirements of God, and they set up the structures.
I can't imagine the trepidation they must have felt as they put things together. I imagine they were very proud of the amazing things they had made (many of the workers weren't craftsmen in Egypt; God gave them the abilities needed to create his masterpiece), yet they were probably uncertain about God's reaction.
Did they do everything correctly? Had they missed one small detail that was vital to God? Would he smite them down with fire for their mistakes?
Whether or not it was perfect, "the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." I can just hear the sigh of relief and awe. This cloud, which became full of fire by night, was their constant reminder that God was with them. When He wanted them to move on to another location, the cloud (or the fire) lifted, and they would set out. The cloud by day and fire by night was "in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels." (Exodus 40:34-38, NIV).
Sometimes I long for such a visible sign to tell me what God wants me to do. I imagine the signs are probably there if I know where to look, but frequently I desire the answer in MY heart, not God's, so I most likely look the other way. Even if we don't see His glory, we can know that God is always with us and will never leave or forsake us. Our faith in Him will help us through the toughest deserts we will ever travel.
I can't imagine the trepidation they must have felt as they put things together. I imagine they were very proud of the amazing things they had made (many of the workers weren't craftsmen in Egypt; God gave them the abilities needed to create his masterpiece), yet they were probably uncertain about God's reaction.
Did they do everything correctly? Had they missed one small detail that was vital to God? Would he smite them down with fire for their mistakes?
Whether or not it was perfect, "the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." I can just hear the sigh of relief and awe. This cloud, which became full of fire by night, was their constant reminder that God was with them. When He wanted them to move on to another location, the cloud (or the fire) lifted, and they would set out. The cloud by day and fire by night was "in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels." (Exodus 40:34-38, NIV).
Sometimes I long for such a visible sign to tell me what God wants me to do. I imagine the signs are probably there if I know where to look, but frequently I desire the answer in MY heart, not God's, so I most likely look the other way. Even if we don't see His glory, we can know that God is always with us and will never leave or forsake us. Our faith in Him will help us through the toughest deserts we will ever travel.
Monday, January 29, 2007
How's Your Reading Going?
Well, it's confession time. Remember how I said I read ahead last year? Good thing...I didn't do very well in my reading this week. I am no longer ahead.
The portion I am reading right now is hard for me to get into. It is the instructions for building the tabernacle and all it's furniture. It gets so detailed and is full of cubits. It is really easy for me to get distracted. Then, just when I made it through, then Exodus repeats itself by explaining how the tabernacle was build exactly to specifications. What is a sea cow, anyway?
If I'm going to be able to stick with this, I think I'm going to have to switch to Steve Lata's approach -- read a book from the Old Testament and then switch to the New Testament for a different picture. As long as I read each day, right? Worst case I can stop in the middle of a really tough text to read a chapter from Psalms or Proverbs; that should help.
I do have to say that I am incredible impressed with God's involvement in the details. I'm not sure why he had Moses write all this down twice, but it does give us a picture of His level of concern for seemingly mundane details. If He is so concerned about what is embroidered on the curtains and how many poles there are in the tent, it helps me to know that He is also concerned about the details in our lives.
So...let me know how YOU are doing!
The portion I am reading right now is hard for me to get into. It is the instructions for building the tabernacle and all it's furniture. It gets so detailed and is full of cubits. It is really easy for me to get distracted. Then, just when I made it through, then Exodus repeats itself by explaining how the tabernacle was build exactly to specifications. What is a sea cow, anyway?
If I'm going to be able to stick with this, I think I'm going to have to switch to Steve Lata's approach -- read a book from the Old Testament and then switch to the New Testament for a different picture. As long as I read each day, right? Worst case I can stop in the middle of a really tough text to read a chapter from Psalms or Proverbs; that should help.
I do have to say that I am incredible impressed with God's involvement in the details. I'm not sure why he had Moses write all this down twice, but it does give us a picture of His level of concern for seemingly mundane details. If He is so concerned about what is embroidered on the curtains and how many poles there are in the tent, it helps me to know that He is also concerned about the details in our lives.
So...let me know how YOU are doing!
Saturday, January 27, 2007
New Approach and Grace in Action
Ok -- I keep putting off writing in this blog because for some reason I think I have to have something spiritual and fabulous to say. Almost daily I have things I want to write about (whether anyone reads them or not), and I'm not getting a good outlet for that.
SO... from now on I'll use this to write both Biblical insights and daily events.
Today the boys played their regular Saturday Upwards Basketball game. This is SUCH a cool program. When someone travels, double dribbles, or even fouls, the referees stop play and explain (kindly) to the child what was wrong. The boys have been playing for four weeks now, and it's amazing how much they have improved. Today Kevin fell down and hurt his elbow. It is so hard to sit still while referees and coaches take care of your child. All I wanted to do was run over there and hug him, but that would be VERY uncool. You'd think with all the injuries Sammi has gotten over the years in soccer and cheerleading that I would be better able to deal with this (her nose is a ball magnet!), but I'm not. Guess it's that mama instinct.
So to add a little spirituality to this blog, Upwards is a great example of grace in action. Some of the kids are naturally better than others, and the referees quickly figure that out. The grant those kids who aren't as good a little more grace than they grant the ones who appear to know the game better. I imagine God does that for us too, especially when we are new Christians.
A good verse for that is John 1:16 - From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.
SO... from now on I'll use this to write both Biblical insights and daily events.
Today the boys played their regular Saturday Upwards Basketball game. This is SUCH a cool program. When someone travels, double dribbles, or even fouls, the referees stop play and explain (kindly) to the child what was wrong. The boys have been playing for four weeks now, and it's amazing how much they have improved. Today Kevin fell down and hurt his elbow. It is so hard to sit still while referees and coaches take care of your child. All I wanted to do was run over there and hug him, but that would be VERY uncool. You'd think with all the injuries Sammi has gotten over the years in soccer and cheerleading that I would be better able to deal with this (her nose is a ball magnet!), but I'm not. Guess it's that mama instinct.
So to add a little spirituality to this blog, Upwards is a great example of grace in action. Some of the kids are naturally better than others, and the referees quickly figure that out. The grant those kids who aren't as good a little more grace than they grant the ones who appear to know the game better. I imagine God does that for us too, especially when we are new Christians.
A good verse for that is John 1:16 - From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Be Still and Watch God Work
Exodus 14:14. the Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.
Why is it so hard for us and our human nature to trust God? The Israelites have witnessed the greatest display of God's power since creation, and still they do not trust. God has brought them safely out of bondage and is leading them visibly through the desert with a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night. He is in near constant communication with Moses.
God has led more than a million Israelites (his entire favored nation) to a campsite next to the Red Sea. The people turn and they see more than 600 chariots and all the Egyptian officers/soldiers bearing down on them quickly. Immediately their thoughts turn back to the recent days of captivity and slave labor...surely those days weren't as bad as they remembered. Anything would be better than the thought of impending slaughter.
I imagine the men were arming up to try to protect their families as best they could when Moses told them to be still and watch the Lord fight for them. Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to fight back, but were unable to do anything? I think of situations where a loved one is gravely ill -- there is nothing that you can do but sit and watch. You feel so helpless.
Yet God is carrying on the fight for us. He may be using doctors and experts, or He may be in the process of bringing a loved one home to ease their suffering. Hard as it is, we just have to trust Him to know what is best and to fight the battle for us.
God, help us to be still and know that you are in control!
Why is it so hard for us and our human nature to trust God? The Israelites have witnessed the greatest display of God's power since creation, and still they do not trust. God has brought them safely out of bondage and is leading them visibly through the desert with a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night. He is in near constant communication with Moses.
God has led more than a million Israelites (his entire favored nation) to a campsite next to the Red Sea. The people turn and they see more than 600 chariots and all the Egyptian officers/soldiers bearing down on them quickly. Immediately their thoughts turn back to the recent days of captivity and slave labor...surely those days weren't as bad as they remembered. Anything would be better than the thought of impending slaughter.
I imagine the men were arming up to try to protect their families as best they could when Moses told them to be still and watch the Lord fight for them. Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to fight back, but were unable to do anything? I think of situations where a loved one is gravely ill -- there is nothing that you can do but sit and watch. You feel so helpless.
Yet God is carrying on the fight for us. He may be using doctors and experts, or He may be in the process of bringing a loved one home to ease their suffering. Hard as it is, we just have to trust Him to know what is best and to fight the battle for us.
God, help us to be still and know that you are in control!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Bible in a Year - Week 2
So, are you still keeping up with your reading? I missed a day on Saturday and I only read part of my assignment on Sunday (shame on me), so I'm glad I started early. Knowing that I am committed to send these notes keeps me on track, though, and helps me process what I read more, so thanks for letting me send them to you.
This week was one full of blood, sweat, and tears (sorry for the 60's reference). Overall I was reminded that lots of things happen that don't make much sense until years later. In the midst of trials it is easy to think that God has forgotten you, but Genesis shows us clearly that God has a bigger plan. Our daily trials help prepare us for the real jobs he's created us for. Some examples:
1) Abraham was told to sacrifice Isaac. God had to know that Abraham trusted His promise and that he would obey regardless of what he was told to do.
2) Isaac was living in the midst of a great famine. He wanted to go to Egypt, where there was food and water. God told him to stay put and trust Him to provide. I'm sure Isaac was remembering the time God provided a ram for sacrifice and spared his life!
3) Jacob stole his brothers birthright, then fled for his life. His anguish brought him closer to God. He spent 14 years working for the worst father-in-law in history, but he saw God.
4) Joseph was sold into slavery, spent years in jail, and then was given almost complete power over the country of Egypt. His suffering put him in the right place at the right time to save his family - God's chosen people.
This week was one full of blood, sweat, and tears (sorry for the 60's reference). Overall I was reminded that lots of things happen that don't make much sense until years later. In the midst of trials it is easy to think that God has forgotten you, but Genesis shows us clearly that God has a bigger plan. Our daily trials help prepare us for the real jobs he's created us for. Some examples:
1) Abraham was told to sacrifice Isaac. God had to know that Abraham trusted His promise and that he would obey regardless of what he was told to do.
2) Isaac was living in the midst of a great famine. He wanted to go to Egypt, where there was food and water. God told him to stay put and trust Him to provide. I'm sure Isaac was remembering the time God provided a ram for sacrifice and spared his life!
3) Jacob stole his brothers birthright, then fled for his life. His anguish brought him closer to God. He spent 14 years working for the worst father-in-law in history, but he saw God.
4) Joseph was sold into slavery, spent years in jail, and then was given almost complete power over the country of Egypt. His suffering put him in the right place at the right time to save his family - God's chosen people.
Friday, January 12, 2007
God Wants Me To Do WHAT???
As I complete Genesis, I am awed by the things God asks His people to do that seem crazy at the time. Yet they turn out to be logical and even life-saving in the long run.
There was Noah, who was told at age 500 to build an ark in preparation for a flood, when rain had never fallen on the earth.
Abram was told to do a lot of things that didn't make sense...leave his homeland for an unknown destination, circumcise all the males in his household (I'd love to see their faces when he brought home that news!), sire a child at the age of 100, and offer that child as a sacrifice. And Joseph was sold by his brothers, spent years in jail, and then was able to keep the line of Jacob alive during a famine.
If we listen closely to God, I imagine He tells us things that seem as crazy now as His instructions did back then. The difficulty is screening out all the rest of the world and our own wills/subconscious to hear His voice clearly.
Lord, I pray that I will always listen to that still small voice and obey it instead of arguing with You.
There was Noah, who was told at age 500 to build an ark in preparation for a flood, when rain had never fallen on the earth.
Abram was told to do a lot of things that didn't make sense...leave his homeland for an unknown destination, circumcise all the males in his household (I'd love to see their faces when he brought home that news!), sire a child at the age of 100, and offer that child as a sacrifice. And Joseph was sold by his brothers, spent years in jail, and then was able to keep the line of Jacob alive during a famine.
If we listen closely to God, I imagine He tells us things that seem as crazy now as His instructions did back then. The difficulty is screening out all the rest of the world and our own wills/subconscious to hear His voice clearly.
Lord, I pray that I will always listen to that still small voice and obey it instead of arguing with You.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Lowly Shepherds
It's been a long time since I read Genesis from beginning to end. I love the historical stories that it shares. Today I read Gen 44-46, about Joseph revealing himself to his brothers during the famine. A couple of items caught my attention.
When Joseph sent his brothers back to Canaan to get his father and all his relatives, the last thing he told them was "Don't quarrel on the way!" We have five children, two of them boys, and some of their quarrels are pretty spectacular. I can only imagine what it would be like to have 12 boys (well, actually grown men) travelling together for a long period of time. Just the quarrels over directions must have been rowdy!
The other item that I found interesting was near the end of chapter 46 -- verses 31-34. Joseph told his family to tell Pharaoh that they are shepherds. Since they were shepherds, I wonder why Joseph had to explain this. The last verse states that "all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians." Shepherds were almost always looked down upon regardless of the culture they were in. They were smelly, sunburnt loners who didn't seem to fit in with the rest of the world. Many of God's favorite people were shepherds -- Jacob, Joseph and his brothers, David, and those he chose to tell first of His son's birth.
It would do us well to remember that God has a special place in His heart for those who seem to be outcasts...as should we!
When Joseph sent his brothers back to Canaan to get his father and all his relatives, the last thing he told them was "Don't quarrel on the way!" We have five children, two of them boys, and some of their quarrels are pretty spectacular. I can only imagine what it would be like to have 12 boys (well, actually grown men) travelling together for a long period of time. Just the quarrels over directions must have been rowdy!
The other item that I found interesting was near the end of chapter 46 -- verses 31-34. Joseph told his family to tell Pharaoh that they are shepherds. Since they were shepherds, I wonder why Joseph had to explain this. The last verse states that "all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians." Shepherds were almost always looked down upon regardless of the culture they were in. They were smelly, sunburnt loners who didn't seem to fit in with the rest of the world. Many of God's favorite people were shepherds -- Jacob, Joseph and his brothers, David, and those he chose to tell first of His son's birth.
It would do us well to remember that God has a special place in His heart for those who seem to be outcasts...as should we!
Saturday, January 06, 2007
The Touch of God
Our boys are in a basketball program called Upwards -- it is really neat! They learn the basics of the sport while learning sportsmanship and Christian living. They had their first game today. It was fun to watch a group of first and second graders trying to get the ball and shoot -- regardless of who had the ball to start with (they even took it away from their teammates!). At halftime one of the officials gave a devotional. While I read the beginning of Genesis just a week or so ago, he taught me something new.
I had never paid attention to the fact that God spoke the world and it's inhabitants into being...all except for man. Man was so important to Him that he formed Him lovingly with His own hands. Then he breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. All the animals came to life without this personal touch.
God's glory never fails to amaze me. He put Himself in to our creation -- literally. And He wants the best for us no matter what we do.
I had never paid attention to the fact that God spoke the world and it's inhabitants into being...all except for man. Man was so important to Him that he formed Him lovingly with His own hands. Then he breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. All the animals came to life without this personal touch.
God's glory never fails to amaze me. He put Himself in to our creation -- literally. And He wants the best for us no matter what we do.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Bible In A Year
Ok, I've found a plan for reading the Bible through in a year and I've decided to take on the challenge! I know I'll have some days when I miss my assignment, so I actually started reading ahead last year (is it cheating to read the Bible????). I also know that I'll have some trouble when I get to Leviticus...I've already decided that I'll switch to "The Message" version and hopefully that will help.
Maybe using this blog to record insights will also help me blog more often! Let me know if you want to join along in the reading. I'm using the plan that can be found at http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/freetools/brp1year.aspx
I hope this year is one of joy, peace, and growth for all.
16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:14-19 (NIV)
Maybe using this blog to record insights will also help me blog more often! Let me know if you want to join along in the reading. I'm using the plan that can be found at http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/freetools/brp1year.aspx
I hope this year is one of joy, peace, and growth for all.
16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:14-19 (NIV)
Friday, December 08, 2006
Proving Our Love
Today's Verse: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)
As I walk by the television, there is yet another commercial for outrageously expensive gifts. I don't watch much tv, but over the past few weeks I've seen ads for many presents that cost in the hundreds and thousands of dollars. "Show her your love; buy diamonds." "Doesn't he deserve the best (a car ad)." And many more that show children with more toys than they could possibly play with...one even makes a 'toy angel' with all of them.
Why is it that we give each other gifts on Jesus' birthday? Shouldn't we be giving HIM gifts?
Then it hit me...God gave us the gift of salvation because He loved us. He gave us the moon, the stars, and Heaven to show how much he adored us. And now we make feeble attempts to show others how much we love them by giving gifts.
Over the years the gifts have become more of an obligation than a demonstration of love. We want to give our kids the latest, biggest, and best. Each year is supposed to be a magical, memorable celebration. I wonder if my kids even remember what they received last year? Most of us don't even know why we do it...it's just what you do at this time of year.
I'm thankful that I still have time to rethink this holiday season. We've purchased several gifts, and will continue to do so within the budget we've set, but I want to consciously think of ways to show people love, not just shower them with gifts.
I pray that we all may feel the love of God as we go through this holiday season, and that we can find tangible ways to show that love to others.
As I walk by the television, there is yet another commercial for outrageously expensive gifts. I don't watch much tv, but over the past few weeks I've seen ads for many presents that cost in the hundreds and thousands of dollars. "Show her your love; buy diamonds." "Doesn't he deserve the best (a car ad)." And many more that show children with more toys than they could possibly play with...one even makes a 'toy angel' with all of them.
Why is it that we give each other gifts on Jesus' birthday? Shouldn't we be giving HIM gifts?
Then it hit me...God gave us the gift of salvation because He loved us. He gave us the moon, the stars, and Heaven to show how much he adored us. And now we make feeble attempts to show others how much we love them by giving gifts.
Over the years the gifts have become more of an obligation than a demonstration of love. We want to give our kids the latest, biggest, and best. Each year is supposed to be a magical, memorable celebration. I wonder if my kids even remember what they received last year? Most of us don't even know why we do it...it's just what you do at this time of year.
I'm thankful that I still have time to rethink this holiday season. We've purchased several gifts, and will continue to do so within the budget we've set, but I want to consciously think of ways to show people love, not just shower them with gifts.
I pray that we all may feel the love of God as we go through this holiday season, and that we can find tangible ways to show that love to others.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Poor Reflections
Verse of the Day - 1 Corinthians 13:12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (NIV)
If you were to talk on the phone with a police artist, could you describe yourself well enough that he or she could draw you? No fair looking in a mirror or at a picture of yourself. Quick, think about your face and try to describe it. It's easy to get the main features, eye color, hair color, skin tone, but it's actually pretty difficult to provide specific details beyond that. Most likely we would exaggerate some features (those we especially like or dislike) and ignore others.
Even if you could help the artist create a stunning likeness, it is only the external parts that would be shown, not who you really are. No drawing, not even a photograph, can portray the real you.
One of my favorite exercises in leadership development training is to have each participant introduce himself or herself to another person. The room buzzes with conversations about where people work, what their jobs are, personal hobbies and interests, and family descriptions. Then I ask the participants to describe themselves without talking about job, family, or hobbies. There is usually a dead silence - we don't really know who we are without the trappings of everyday life.
If we don't know ourselves well, how can we possibly understand God and His majesty? So many things happen on earth that we can't comprehend. That doesn't mean they are wrong, it just shows how little we are capable of grasping about the workings of the world. Yet God sees it all. He knows us perfectly, and His plan is brilliant if you know all the details.
When I don't understand why something is happening in my life, I try to remember that I don't even fully know myself (too bad I don't do that before I struggle for days with wonder and worry). It's not my job to understand, just to obey. I'm thankful that our God is all knowing and in control. With the added knowledge that He wins in the end it is easier to accept things that don't make sense to me. I'm really looking forward to seeing the details of His big picture when I get to Heaven!
If you were to talk on the phone with a police artist, could you describe yourself well enough that he or she could draw you? No fair looking in a mirror or at a picture of yourself. Quick, think about your face and try to describe it. It's easy to get the main features, eye color, hair color, skin tone, but it's actually pretty difficult to provide specific details beyond that. Most likely we would exaggerate some features (those we especially like or dislike) and ignore others.
Even if you could help the artist create a stunning likeness, it is only the external parts that would be shown, not who you really are. No drawing, not even a photograph, can portray the real you.
One of my favorite exercises in leadership development training is to have each participant introduce himself or herself to another person. The room buzzes with conversations about where people work, what their jobs are, personal hobbies and interests, and family descriptions. Then I ask the participants to describe themselves without talking about job, family, or hobbies. There is usually a dead silence - we don't really know who we are without the trappings of everyday life.
If we don't know ourselves well, how can we possibly understand God and His majesty? So many things happen on earth that we can't comprehend. That doesn't mean they are wrong, it just shows how little we are capable of grasping about the workings of the world. Yet God sees it all. He knows us perfectly, and His plan is brilliant if you know all the details.
When I don't understand why something is happening in my life, I try to remember that I don't even fully know myself (too bad I don't do that before I struggle for days with wonder and worry). It's not my job to understand, just to obey. I'm thankful that our God is all knowing and in control. With the added knowledge that He wins in the end it is easier to accept things that don't make sense to me. I'm really looking forward to seeing the details of His big picture when I get to Heaven!
Monday, November 06, 2006
God is Big Enough for Me
Key Verse: Isaiah 6:1 "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of His robe filled the temple." (NIV)
How big do you think God is? Yes, one of my favorite children's videos says that He is "bigger than the boogeyman," but I can't begin to comprehend how big He really is.
We have a fabulous new worship center in our church. As I was sitting in the service the other day I read Isaiah 6:1, above. His robe fills the temple. I've seen the pictures of the face of Jesus larger than the Earth, but I guess I never really thought about the size and majesty of Heaven. Think of a royal robe, all red and fuzzy with fur on the edges (well, the first robe that comes to my mind is that purple rug that the Cowardly Lion used in the Land of Oz; the U.S. doesn't have much exposure to regal clothing). It usually trails a few feet behind the royal figure, and he or she gently pushes it aside to sit on the throne.
God is big enough to manage a robe that fills any temple we can possibly build for Him, and then some. Yet he cares enough for me to take care of my daily needs. Thank you, Lord!
How big do you think God is? Yes, one of my favorite children's videos says that He is "bigger than the boogeyman," but I can't begin to comprehend how big He really is.
We have a fabulous new worship center in our church. As I was sitting in the service the other day I read Isaiah 6:1, above. His robe fills the temple. I've seen the pictures of the face of Jesus larger than the Earth, but I guess I never really thought about the size and majesty of Heaven. Think of a royal robe, all red and fuzzy with fur on the edges (well, the first robe that comes to my mind is that purple rug that the Cowardly Lion used in the Land of Oz; the U.S. doesn't have much exposure to regal clothing). It usually trails a few feet behind the royal figure, and he or she gently pushes it aside to sit on the throne.
God is big enough to manage a robe that fills any temple we can possibly build for Him, and then some. Yet he cares enough for me to take care of my daily needs. Thank you, Lord!
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