In Genesis 29 Jacob finally reaches Paddan Aram. This is where he was instructed to go and find a woman to marry. Upon arriving in the area he meets some shepherds tending to their flocks. As they were talking Rachel came to the well with her father's sheep. Jacob waters her sheep and tells her who he is. She runs off to tell her father and he returns to meet Jacob. Jacob falls in love with Rachel and works for Laban for seven years to gain her hand in marriage. Laban however seems to trick him on the night of the wedding and gives Jacob Leah instead of Rachel. When Jacob wakes the next morning and realizes what has happened he is not a happy man. He works for another seven years for Rachel and is married to her as well. So all in all Jacob has worked for 14 years for Laban and is married now to both of his daughters. Jacob loved Rachel more then Leah and because of this the Lord decides to give children to Leah while making Rachel bare. Leah has 4 sons by Jacob which are named Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah. She thinks that by having them Jacob will finally love her. I am a little confused on one thing that seems to happen a lot through out these stories we have been reading. In this particular story Jacob marries two of his first cousins. I mean I know at this point in time that many people are related because the Earth is not very populated yet but you would think that more distance then first cousins should be married.
Genesis 30 has a lot of fighting between sisters. What did they fight over? Children. Rachel has remained barren and Leah has produced multiple sons to Jacob. Rachel gives Jacob her maidservant to try and gain herself some sort of lineage. They fight back and forth one child born after another. By the time this is over Jacob has four different wives from what I can see and several children. Jacob then goes on and ask to leave Laban. Laban ask him to stay and offers to pay him wages. Jacob tells that he will take the spotted animals as his wages. He then does some strange thing with bark to make more spotted animals to increase the size of his flocks. He does this only to the stronger animals so that his flocks grow from the strongest animals and Laban's grow from the weaker. Jacob grows very wealthy from this practice.
Matthew 19 has one of my favorite verses in it. The first part of chapter 19 talks about divorce. Once again the pharisees try and test Jesus. Jesus once again fights their test by quoting scripture. We learn that there are no reasons for divorce besides marital unfaithfulness. Any other reason that a man and woman would divorce and remarry is adultery. Jesus then tells his disciples after they try and push away the children that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these. The last portion of chapter 19 has so many things that we need to take to heart in it. We find a rich man coming to Jesus trying to learn what he needs to do to get into Heaven. Jesus tells him that he needs to obey the commandments. The man ask what commandments he is to follow. Jesus replied "'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Matt. 19:18) This rich man then continues by saying that he has followed these and wants to know what he is still lacking. The next part was the hardest for the rich man to do because of his great wealth. He is told that he needs to sell off his possessions and give to the poor. The only thing left after that is to follow him. Coming after this is my favorite verse Matt 19:26. "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Jesus ends this chapter talking about those who are willing to lose everything for his sake and how they will be rewarded greatly in the end.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 31, 32 and Matthew 20:1 - 16
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Day 28
Genesis 27 tells how Jacob receives Esau's blessing. Normally a blessing is given to the first born son. This time however Jacob deceives Isaac and dress as his older brother Esau. Esau is out hunting game to make his father some food while Jacob is pretending to be him. Rebekah has given Jacob instructions and clothes so that he may appear as Esau. Isaac falls for Jacob's scam and gives him his blessing not knowing that it is really Jacob that he is blessing. When Esau shows up and tries to receive his blessing he finds out what his brother has down and becomes very angry. He begins to console himself by planning to kill his brother. Jacob finds out about this and runs away to the land of Laban.
Genesis chapter 28 tells of Jacob's journey to find a wife. While he travels through Laban to Paddan Aram he comes to a place to rest and has a vision in his dream. He sees a staircase traveling up to heaven and God begins to speak to him and tells him the same thing he has told Abraham. He tells Jacob that his offspring will be numerous and will take control of the land in which he rest. If what I have read is correct that place later be comes Bethel.
The last portion of Matthew 18 tells us a parable of forgiveness. We learn of a servant who ask for a chance and the master forgives his debt. This servant then goes out and sees one of his servant who owes less then what he owed and he has that servant put into jail. Upon learning of this the master puts the servant who was forgiven in jail till his debt has been paid off. What are we to learn from this parable? We should learn that we should forgive and forget, because as our Heavenly Father forgives us of our sins we should do so of others.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 29, 30 and Matthew 19
Genesis chapter 28 tells of Jacob's journey to find a wife. While he travels through Laban to Paddan Aram he comes to a place to rest and has a vision in his dream. He sees a staircase traveling up to heaven and God begins to speak to him and tells him the same thing he has told Abraham. He tells Jacob that his offspring will be numerous and will take control of the land in which he rest. If what I have read is correct that place later be comes Bethel.
The last portion of Matthew 18 tells us a parable of forgiveness. We learn of a servant who ask for a chance and the master forgives his debt. This servant then goes out and sees one of his servant who owes less then what he owed and he has that servant put into jail. Upon learning of this the master puts the servant who was forgiven in jail till his debt has been paid off. What are we to learn from this parable? We should learn that we should forgive and forget, because as our Heavenly Father forgives us of our sins we should do so of others.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 29, 30 and Matthew 19
Friday, October 29, 2010
Day 27
Genesis 25 brings us to the end of Abraham. We find out that Abraham married another woman after Sarah. We are given the genealogy of the children of Abraham and Keturah. Abraham is buried with Sarah in the cave of Machpelah. We then read about the genealogy of Abraham's first son Ishmael. We continue reading about genealogy only this time we are reading about Isaac's genealogy. We find out about his two sons which happen to be twins. Their names were Esau and Jacob. We read how Jacob ended up the Esau's birthright, all because Esau was hungry.
Genesis 26 tells us about a famine that came across the land. Isaac gathers his stuff and travels to a new location to live. Upon arriving in this land he tells the people that Rebekah is his sister and not his wife. Once again we have another story of them saying their wife is their sister. You think by now they would have learned not to do this but I guess they are hard headed. Isaac becomes very wealthy in this land after he tells them Rebekah is actually his wife. He becomes so wealthy that the people begin to fear him and they ask him to leave. He relocates and continues to prosper.
The first part of Matthew 18 has Jesus explaining to us who the greatest in the kingdom is. Jesus tells us that we are to become like a child. We need to become like a child who can not sin. He goes on to tell his disciples that anyone who accepts a child accepts Him, but if harm is done to a little child it would be better to drown then what awaits them. Jesus then goes on to tell us that it would be better to go through life maimed then to go through life with sin. Jesus then tells the parable of the lost sheep. This parable in my interpretation tells us that we should not worry about those that have been saved already but we should be seeking out those who have yet to find Christ. And when we find those lost ones and bring them to Christ we should celebrate as they have come home. He then tells us that if our brother has sinned against us we should take care of it in private to start with. If we are unable to do that we should bring more help to testify. If it is still not capable of being resolved then we should take it to the church. If that is still unable to resolve the issue we are to treat them as a pagan. What does that mean to me, well it means that we should continue to love them and pray for them.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 27, 28 and Matthew 18:21 - 35
Genesis 26 tells us about a famine that came across the land. Isaac gathers his stuff and travels to a new location to live. Upon arriving in this land he tells the people that Rebekah is his sister and not his wife. Once again we have another story of them saying their wife is their sister. You think by now they would have learned not to do this but I guess they are hard headed. Isaac becomes very wealthy in this land after he tells them Rebekah is actually his wife. He becomes so wealthy that the people begin to fear him and they ask him to leave. He relocates and continues to prosper.
The first part of Matthew 18 has Jesus explaining to us who the greatest in the kingdom is. Jesus tells us that we are to become like a child. We need to become like a child who can not sin. He goes on to tell his disciples that anyone who accepts a child accepts Him, but if harm is done to a little child it would be better to drown then what awaits them. Jesus then goes on to tell us that it would be better to go through life maimed then to go through life with sin. Jesus then tells the parable of the lost sheep. This parable in my interpretation tells us that we should not worry about those that have been saved already but we should be seeking out those who have yet to find Christ. And when we find those lost ones and bring them to Christ we should celebrate as they have come home. He then tells us that if our brother has sinned against us we should take care of it in private to start with. If we are unable to do that we should bring more help to testify. If it is still not capable of being resolved then we should take it to the church. If that is still unable to resolve the issue we are to treat them as a pagan. What does that mean to me, well it means that we should continue to love them and pray for them.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 27, 28 and Matthew 18:21 - 35
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Day 26
We are back in Genesis and chapter 23 is a rather sad one. We begin by reading that Sarah has passed away. Abraham is in the land of the Hittites and feels as if he is an alien. Only to find out that the Hittite people regard him and his family very highly. They praise him as a prince and say he is able to have any tombs that he would choose. As for the rest of this chapter I have not come to understand yet. The whole battle back and forth about paying for the land I do not grasp. So as I read some of the side notes in my Bible about a few of the verses we read in this chapter, I found out that Abraham was only trying to buy a burial site. Farmland was rarely sold to members outside the family and the area Abraham choose was one of the best areas for farming. Intrigued by some of these stories I often do some other Google searches to learn more. I came across this site on the Cave of Machpelah which has some interesting things. I also have been reading my chapters from Zondervan's Archaeological Study Bible which has a lot of archaeological references to the chapters that we read.
Genesis 24 is a search for a wife. Abraham sends out one of his servants to find a wife for his son Isaac. The servant takes many things with him and travels off to the lands of Abraham's father to find Isaac a wife. The servant sends up a prayer as he reaches the land of Abraham asking for a sign basically. And before he can finish his prayer his prayer is being answered. A young girl by the name of Rebekah is giving him and drink and offering to water his camel. The servant then enters the house of Bethuel and explains the reason behind his journey. Rebekah agrees to return with him and marries Isaac in the tent of his mother Sarah and loved Rebekah.
In Matthew 17 Jesus travels up a mountain with Peter, James, and John. While on the mountain they see Jesus transfigured before them. And with Jesus is Elijah and Moses. The Lord speaks to them and the disciples fall to the ground scared. Jesus tells them to rise and when they do Elijah and Moses are gone. The disciples asking Jesus as they travel down the mountain why the teachers say Elijah must come first. Jesus responds and tells them that Elijah has already come and gone. The next portion a young boy with a demon is saved. The disciples have failed to exorcise the demon from the boy and ask Jesus why they were not capable of doing it. Jesus tells them "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." (Matt. 17:20) Now my Bible skips a verse in this story. Verse 21 is missing and is actually missing from many versions of the Bible. It is included in a footnote of the King James Version. More info on verse 21 can be found here. The last portion about the temple tax I have read a few times now and have not fully understood it yet. If what my mind is telling me, he basically pays the tax to not offend the people. I think the whole purpose is so that it does not hinder from the words that He teaches.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 25, 26 and Matthew 18:1 - 20
Genesis 24 is a search for a wife. Abraham sends out one of his servants to find a wife for his son Isaac. The servant takes many things with him and travels off to the lands of Abraham's father to find Isaac a wife. The servant sends up a prayer as he reaches the land of Abraham asking for a sign basically. And before he can finish his prayer his prayer is being answered. A young girl by the name of Rebekah is giving him and drink and offering to water his camel. The servant then enters the house of Bethuel and explains the reason behind his journey. Rebekah agrees to return with him and marries Isaac in the tent of his mother Sarah and loved Rebekah.
In Matthew 17 Jesus travels up a mountain with Peter, James, and John. While on the mountain they see Jesus transfigured before them. And with Jesus is Elijah and Moses. The Lord speaks to them and the disciples fall to the ground scared. Jesus tells them to rise and when they do Elijah and Moses are gone. The disciples asking Jesus as they travel down the mountain why the teachers say Elijah must come first. Jesus responds and tells them that Elijah has already come and gone. The next portion a young boy with a demon is saved. The disciples have failed to exorcise the demon from the boy and ask Jesus why they were not capable of doing it. Jesus tells them "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." (Matt. 17:20) Now my Bible skips a verse in this story. Verse 21 is missing and is actually missing from many versions of the Bible. It is included in a footnote of the King James Version. More info on verse 21 can be found here. The last portion about the temple tax I have read a few times now and have not fully understood it yet. If what my mind is telling me, he basically pays the tax to not offend the people. I think the whole purpose is so that it does not hinder from the words that He teaches.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 25, 26 and Matthew 18:1 - 20
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Day 25
I love the first part of chapter 41. God uses a description of the leviathan to show that man can not control everything. He shows that even if you try you will face a terrible struggle to accomplish it. He goes on to describe the leviathan in even more detail to show how terrible the leviathan is and that it can not be conquered. The leviathan used here is later used in many myths, religions and now even TV shows and movies.
Chapter 42 brings us to Job's response to God. Job admits that he was wrong and spoke of things he did not understand. Job finally repents and God then confronts Job's three friends. God tells them that he is angry with them because they have not spoken what is right. They in return need to offer up an offering and have Job pray for them. The Lord then blesses Job with twice as much as he had. After reading the description of what he was given you can tell that Job was an amazingly wealthy man. I mean even in today's times he would be doing pretty well off with the amount of animals that he was given. That also brings us to the end of the book of Job. We have officially read one full book of the Bible. It feels like a great accomplishment for me at least. I have attempted to read through the Bible many times and have never made it this far before.
Matthew 16 once again has the pharisees asking Jesus to show them a sign. He replies to them saying that they know how to interpret the sky but can not interpret a sign of the time. I think that may have been a polite way of saying even if I show you a sign you will not understand or believe it to be a sign. I will have to admit the next little bit confused me just as it did the disciples. The last portion made me realize what he was talking about and then His whole yeast story made sense to me. Peter's confession of Christ is yet another one that I have not fully grasped yet. Jesus ask Peter who he is and Peter replies that He is the Christ. Jesus then blessed him because he did not find this out through man but through the Father in Heaven. This I understand what makes me wonder is the last sentence. Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ. (Matt. 16:20) This is not the first time we have heard Jesus say that they are not to tell anyone who he is. I do not know why they are not allowed to tell anyone who he is. I think if I were a disciple I would be shouting it from the rooftops so people can come and believe in him.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 23, 24 and Matthew 17
Chapter 42 brings us to Job's response to God. Job admits that he was wrong and spoke of things he did not understand. Job finally repents and God then confronts Job's three friends. God tells them that he is angry with them because they have not spoken what is right. They in return need to offer up an offering and have Job pray for them. The Lord then blesses Job with twice as much as he had. After reading the description of what he was given you can tell that Job was an amazingly wealthy man. I mean even in today's times he would be doing pretty well off with the amount of animals that he was given. That also brings us to the end of the book of Job. We have officially read one full book of the Bible. It feels like a great accomplishment for me at least. I have attempted to read through the Bible many times and have never made it this far before.
Matthew 16 once again has the pharisees asking Jesus to show them a sign. He replies to them saying that they know how to interpret the sky but can not interpret a sign of the time. I think that may have been a polite way of saying even if I show you a sign you will not understand or believe it to be a sign. I will have to admit the next little bit confused me just as it did the disciples. The last portion made me realize what he was talking about and then His whole yeast story made sense to me. Peter's confession of Christ is yet another one that I have not fully grasped yet. Jesus ask Peter who he is and Peter replies that He is the Christ. Jesus then blessed him because he did not find this out through man but through the Father in Heaven. This I understand what makes me wonder is the last sentence. Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ. (Matt. 16:20) This is not the first time we have heard Jesus say that they are not to tell anyone who he is. I do not know why they are not allowed to tell anyone who he is. I think if I were a disciple I would be shouting it from the rooftops so people can come and believe in him.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 23, 24 and Matthew 17
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Day 24
In Job chapter 38 and 39 the Lord begins to talk to Job. He asks Job many questions showing him that his wisdom is limited. The Lord uses many different references to make sure Job gets the point.
In chapter 40 the Lord continues to respond to Job and Job does reply with a very short answer. The Lord then continues on asking Job if he has the power to do as the Lord does.
Matthew 15:21 - 28 tell of a woman who comes to Jesus to heal her demon possessed daughter. Jesus tells the woman because of her faith her daughter will be healed. We then read about Jesus healing those in a crowd that come and worship him. They worship together for three days. Jesus then once again feeds the crowd from a few loaves of bread and fish, much like he did with the five thousand. Wonder how the disciples felt while they were doing this. They just keep handing out food and the basket does not get empty, what a site that must have been.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 41, 42 and Matthew 16
In chapter 40 the Lord continues to respond to Job and Job does reply with a very short answer. The Lord then continues on asking Job if he has the power to do as the Lord does.
Matthew 15:21 - 28 tell of a woman who comes to Jesus to heal her demon possessed daughter. Jesus tells the woman because of her faith her daughter will be healed. We then read about Jesus healing those in a crowd that come and worship him. They worship together for three days. Jesus then once again feeds the crowd from a few loaves of bread and fish, much like he did with the five thousand. Wonder how the disciples felt while they were doing this. They just keep handing out food and the basket does not get empty, what a site that must have been.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 41, 42 and Matthew 16
Monday, October 25, 2010
Day 23
Elihu continues speaking in Job 36 about how powerful God is. Elihu continues to describe God in such a way that just amazes me. He continues to tell Job that he is wrong in his thinking. Job needs to go back to God and God will restore blessings to him. I get the feeling that Elihu is telling Job all of this to show that he must have done something wrong in God's eye and that is why he is being punished. If he would go to God and not try to confront him like he has things would be different.
Chapter 37 once again describes the amazing power that God has. Elihu tells of some awesome powers that God has. He uses an imagery of the clouds and lightning to show this to Job. I can only hope that Job is starting to pay attention to the wisdom in this younger man and not dismissing him because of his age.
Matthew 15: 1 - 20 is yet again another parable. This parable is told to a group of pharisees. This group of pharisees ask how his disciples can eat while they are still unclean. Jesus explains to them that they are not unclean, what makes a person unclean is what comes out of his mouth. Jesus then has to explain this to his disciples. I am not sure how they lost the translation of this parable. To me it seems like it has been one of the most straight forward parables that we have read. This parable says a lot about the way we should act and speak.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 38, 39, 40 and Matthew 15:21 - 39
Chapter 37 once again describes the amazing power that God has. Elihu tells of some awesome powers that God has. He uses an imagery of the clouds and lightning to show this to Job. I can only hope that Job is starting to pay attention to the wisdom in this younger man and not dismissing him because of his age.
Matthew 15: 1 - 20 is yet again another parable. This parable is told to a group of pharisees. This group of pharisees ask how his disciples can eat while they are still unclean. Jesus explains to them that they are not unclean, what makes a person unclean is what comes out of his mouth. Jesus then has to explain this to his disciples. I am not sure how they lost the translation of this parable. To me it seems like it has been one of the most straight forward parables that we have read. This parable says a lot about the way we should act and speak.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 38, 39, 40 and Matthew 15:21 - 39
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Day 22
Well, does it feel like it has become a habit to read your Bible everyday yet. I know for me, if I don't get it done really early in the day it is all I can think about. That makes me feel really good that it is on my mind like that.
In chapter 34 of Job we continue with the words of Elihu. Finally, these are the chapters I have been waiting for. Someone has finally stood up to Job and smacked him in the face. Elihu is putting it all on the table and in my opinion is doing a marvelous job. He describes God in such a way that just makes you quake in his power. And he is right, I mean who else could possible do what Elihu describes in verses 14 and 15. If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath, all mankind would perish together and man would return to the dust. To me that is just an awesome description of God's power. Job is right that he should fear God and that is why he has tried to live his live without sin. At this particular moment in time I don't think Job so much fears God like he did, but in a sense is almost like bring it on "I can handle it".
Elihu continues in chapter 35 and puts a new spin on sin for me. I never really thought about sin in the way he describes it. It has always in the past been about me, well it is not about me. My sin hurts more then just me it hurts God and Elihu points that out here in verse 6. Elihu is bringing up some amazing points that hopefully Job is taking to heart as well as the other three men who were talking to Job. Even though Elihu is younger then them I hope that they are able to listen to his wisdom. Guess that means I should not be so closed minded to those that are younger then me either.
The reading in Matthew today is of the story when Jesus walks on the water. Just after the feeding of the five thousand Jesus sends his disciples out in the boat and He retreats into the mountain to pray. When He is done praying He notices the boat is a considerable distance out. He begins to walk to the boat right across the water. Now, if I were to see this I would probably be thinking the exact same thing the disciples were thinking, ghost. Jesus immediately cries out to them though and tells them not to be afraid. This is were the brave Peter replies if it is truly you tell me to come out to you on the water. And that is exactly what Jesus does. Now I do not know that I would have been brave enough to step out of the boat onto the water but Peter does and begins walking out to Jesus. I have to wonder what this felt like? Do you think he swayed with the water or walked as if it was walking on dry ground? Peter undoubtedly gets scared though and begins to sink. He cries out to Jesus who reaches out and saves him. I particularly like that portion. The thought of knowing that when you cry out to Jesus he is there is very comforting to me.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 36, 37 and Matthew 15:1 - 20
In chapter 34 of Job we continue with the words of Elihu. Finally, these are the chapters I have been waiting for. Someone has finally stood up to Job and smacked him in the face. Elihu is putting it all on the table and in my opinion is doing a marvelous job. He describes God in such a way that just makes you quake in his power. And he is right, I mean who else could possible do what Elihu describes in verses 14 and 15. If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath, all mankind would perish together and man would return to the dust. To me that is just an awesome description of God's power. Job is right that he should fear God and that is why he has tried to live his live without sin. At this particular moment in time I don't think Job so much fears God like he did, but in a sense is almost like bring it on "I can handle it".
Elihu continues in chapter 35 and puts a new spin on sin for me. I never really thought about sin in the way he describes it. It has always in the past been about me, well it is not about me. My sin hurts more then just me it hurts God and Elihu points that out here in verse 6. Elihu is bringing up some amazing points that hopefully Job is taking to heart as well as the other three men who were talking to Job. Even though Elihu is younger then them I hope that they are able to listen to his wisdom. Guess that means I should not be so closed minded to those that are younger then me either.
The reading in Matthew today is of the story when Jesus walks on the water. Just after the feeding of the five thousand Jesus sends his disciples out in the boat and He retreats into the mountain to pray. When He is done praying He notices the boat is a considerable distance out. He begins to walk to the boat right across the water. Now, if I were to see this I would probably be thinking the exact same thing the disciples were thinking, ghost. Jesus immediately cries out to them though and tells them not to be afraid. This is were the brave Peter replies if it is truly you tell me to come out to you on the water. And that is exactly what Jesus does. Now I do not know that I would have been brave enough to step out of the boat onto the water but Peter does and begins walking out to Jesus. I have to wonder what this felt like? Do you think he swayed with the water or walked as if it was walking on dry ground? Peter undoubtedly gets scared though and begins to sink. He cries out to Jesus who reaches out and saves him. I particularly like that portion. The thought of knowing that when you cry out to Jesus he is there is very comforting to me.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 36, 37 and Matthew 15:1 - 20
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Day 21
Job 32 introduces us to a whole new person trying to bring wisdom to Job. His name is Elihu and chapter 32 is all about him. It is nothing more then Elihu giving an introduction of who he is.
We continue in chapter 33 with Elihu beginning his argument to Job. Elihu tells of many different ways God may talk to people. I found it very interesting that he brought this point up. None of Job's friends even mentioned anything like this. He continues by saying that He should be seeking God and praying to him. This is the only way to find favor in God's eyes and he should be doing this because all men are sinners and have to ask for forgiveness. So far I am liking this Elihu character, he seems to know what Job is looking for.
The first part of Matthew 14 tells of how John the baptist life is ended. King Herod is deceived and has to fulfill the oath he made in front of a group of people. He promises Herodias's daughter the head of John the baptist which was really something Herodias wanted. So, we see how John the baptist comes to the end of his life. Next, we read the story of the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus tries to withdraw to a solitary place after hearing of John the baptist. He is confronted by a very large crowd and feels compassion for them. As the day progresses His disciples say they should send the people away so that they might go and get food. Jesus tells them that they will feed them. All they have is five loafs of bread and two fish. Jesus blesses the meal and they begin to feed the crowd. When all had eaten they gathered what remained which equaled twelve basketfuls. This once again shows the amazing power that Jesus has.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 34, 35 and Matthew 14:22 - 36
We continue in chapter 33 with Elihu beginning his argument to Job. Elihu tells of many different ways God may talk to people. I found it very interesting that he brought this point up. None of Job's friends even mentioned anything like this. He continues by saying that He should be seeking God and praying to him. This is the only way to find favor in God's eyes and he should be doing this because all men are sinners and have to ask for forgiveness. So far I am liking this Elihu character, he seems to know what Job is looking for.
The first part of Matthew 14 tells of how John the baptist life is ended. King Herod is deceived and has to fulfill the oath he made in front of a group of people. He promises Herodias's daughter the head of John the baptist which was really something Herodias wanted. So, we see how John the baptist comes to the end of his life. Next, we read the story of the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus tries to withdraw to a solitary place after hearing of John the baptist. He is confronted by a very large crowd and feels compassion for them. As the day progresses His disciples say they should send the people away so that they might go and get food. Jesus tells them that they will feed them. All they have is five loafs of bread and two fish. Jesus blesses the meal and they begin to feed the crowd. When all had eaten they gathered what remained which equaled twelve basketfuls. This once again shows the amazing power that Jesus has.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 34, 35 and Matthew 14:22 - 36
Friday, October 22, 2010
Day 20
Job is still speaking in chapter 30. He continues on with how bad his life has come and how God has turned from him. He is telling how he was a good man at one time and now he is nothing in others eyes. If he only knew what was going on but I am glad he does not know. Through out all of these chapters Job has shown some amazing strength in God. He never once denounces God, though he does question Him. Satan truly has no hold on him at all.
Job 31 to me sounds like a man that is giving up. He knows he has no where else to go but to God and questions for God. He questions every bit of his life and sees nothing but good and wonders why God would be punishing him. He shows though that if any sin is found that he is ready and willing to accept God's judgment as it would be what he deserves. My Bible says "The words of Job are ended." (Job 31:40) I am not going to look ahead but I can only imagine what is going to happen from here on out in Job.
Our readings for the day in Matthew 13 continues with Jesus telling more parables. The first one we read about is the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast. Both of these parables have the same meaning. What I see from this parable is that the kingdom of heaven will start out small but will grow immensely. The next portion we read is Jesus explaining to the disciples the meaning of the parable of weeds. After reading this that parable makes even more sense to me. I feel that I understand it on a deeper level then what I had originally thought it to be. We are told that it is a metaphor for the final time. Jesus tells his disciples that the weeds or evil people will be weeded out of his kingdom and thrown into the lake of fire. Then it will be safe to harvest those that do good in God's eyes. The next parables talk once again about the kingdom of heaven. I am not sure I completely understand these two parables. I guess I do not understand why the objects where hidden because I thought we were suppose to go out into the world and share the message not hide it. I do see part of the point though in the fact that all we have belongs to the kingdom of heaven. The last parable we read is yet another one on the kingdom of heaven and the final day. Jesus tells his disciples once again that angels will separate the good from the bad. Once again He mentions that the bad will be cast down into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matt. 13:50) I found the end of chapter 13 to be kind of depressing. How sad would it be to be in your hometown and not have the people of it believe in you. To hear of all the wonderful things He had done in other towns and then not to have enough faith in Him so that He performs those same miracles in front of them. To be one of those faithful few must have been hard. I can see them being pushed away for not following what the crowd was doing.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 32, 33 and Matthew 14:1 - 21
Job 31 to me sounds like a man that is giving up. He knows he has no where else to go but to God and questions for God. He questions every bit of his life and sees nothing but good and wonders why God would be punishing him. He shows though that if any sin is found that he is ready and willing to accept God's judgment as it would be what he deserves. My Bible says "The words of Job are ended." (Job 31:40) I am not going to look ahead but I can only imagine what is going to happen from here on out in Job.
Our readings for the day in Matthew 13 continues with Jesus telling more parables. The first one we read about is the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast. Both of these parables have the same meaning. What I see from this parable is that the kingdom of heaven will start out small but will grow immensely. The next portion we read is Jesus explaining to the disciples the meaning of the parable of weeds. After reading this that parable makes even more sense to me. I feel that I understand it on a deeper level then what I had originally thought it to be. We are told that it is a metaphor for the final time. Jesus tells his disciples that the weeds or evil people will be weeded out of his kingdom and thrown into the lake of fire. Then it will be safe to harvest those that do good in God's eyes. The next parables talk once again about the kingdom of heaven. I am not sure I completely understand these two parables. I guess I do not understand why the objects where hidden because I thought we were suppose to go out into the world and share the message not hide it. I do see part of the point though in the fact that all we have belongs to the kingdom of heaven. The last parable we read is yet another one on the kingdom of heaven and the final day. Jesus tells his disciples once again that angels will separate the good from the bad. Once again He mentions that the bad will be cast down into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matt. 13:50) I found the end of chapter 13 to be kind of depressing. How sad would it be to be in your hometown and not have the people of it believe in you. To hear of all the wonderful things He had done in other towns and then not to have enough faith in Him so that He performs those same miracles in front of them. To be one of those faithful few must have been hard. I can see them being pushed away for not following what the crowd was doing.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 32, 33 and Matthew 14:1 - 21
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Day 19
Job 28 has Job telling us about wisdom. He goes into great detail on describing wisdom. He tells us that there is no way that we could understand all wisdom. Wisdom is unmeasurable and can not be purchased with any amount of currency. He tells us that only God can fathom all of wisdom.
Job 29 continues with Job telling of the way that his life used to be. He talks of this and how he longs for that life again but does not seem overly proud of it. He is proud in a sense of all the works he has done but is not proud in a sinful way. I wish I could say my life so far has been as fulfilling as Jobs was.
What can I say about the first 23 verses of Matthew 13 but wow. To me this is a truly amazing parable. Not only does He tell the people that had gather this parable, He explains it to his disciples so that they may better understand it. The way he tells his disciples about each little section in the parable in my mind just opens up so much in my thoughts that I truly understand it. I wish every parable did this. I do not think I would be as confused as I am sometimes. The next parable that we read about does make sense to me. He tells us that we should be careful with what we sow and how we harvest it. If evil is sowed with our good we can not just go out and rip the evil out as we can damage the good in the process. We are to let the good grow and when it is time the evil will be pulled from it with no damage done to the good.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 30, 31 and Matthew 13:31 - 58
Job 29 continues with Job telling of the way that his life used to be. He talks of this and how he longs for that life again but does not seem overly proud of it. He is proud in a sense of all the works he has done but is not proud in a sinful way. I wish I could say my life so far has been as fulfilling as Jobs was.
What can I say about the first 23 verses of Matthew 13 but wow. To me this is a truly amazing parable. Not only does He tell the people that had gather this parable, He explains it to his disciples so that they may better understand it. The way he tells his disciples about each little section in the parable in my mind just opens up so much in my thoughts that I truly understand it. I wish every parable did this. I do not think I would be as confused as I am sometimes. The next parable that we read about does make sense to me. He tells us that we should be careful with what we sow and how we harvest it. If evil is sowed with our good we can not just go out and rip the evil out as we can damage the good in the process. We are to let the good grow and when it is time the evil will be pulled from it with no damage done to the good.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 30, 31 and Matthew 13:31 - 58
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Day 18
Job 25 has to be by far the shortest chapter that we have read yet and it confuses me like many others in Job. I am not sure if Bildad is trying to show the wonder of God or tell Job how little of a man he is. Who knew a chapter so short could cause so much confusion, at least for me.
Job 26 is Job telling us how amazing God's power truly is and we only see a fraction of it. I kind of like this chapter as in my mind it shows that even through the trials Job still has an amazing respect for God.
Job continues in 27 talking about how he will never turn on God. He will continue to be righteous in the eyes of God till the day he dies which he feels is fast approaching. I applaud Job for his strength and integrity that he shows all through out these trials.
Our reading in Matthew continues with the pharisees doubting Jesus and saying he is able to cast out demons because he is working with Beelzebub. Jesus once again knows their thoughts and confronts them in a teaching fashion to prove the work He is doing. The pharisees then ask to see a miracle and Jesus rebukes them for this. He tells them of how he will spend three days in the ground and then rise and how he is wiser then Solomon. The last part of this chapter I am not sure that I like. To me it almost sounds like he says he has no mother or brothers besides his disciples.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 28, 29 and Matthew 13:1 - 30
Job 26 is Job telling us how amazing God's power truly is and we only see a fraction of it. I kind of like this chapter as in my mind it shows that even through the trials Job still has an amazing respect for God.
Job continues in 27 talking about how he will never turn on God. He will continue to be righteous in the eyes of God till the day he dies which he feels is fast approaching. I applaud Job for his strength and integrity that he shows all through out these trials.
Our reading in Matthew continues with the pharisees doubting Jesus and saying he is able to cast out demons because he is working with Beelzebub. Jesus once again knows their thoughts and confronts them in a teaching fashion to prove the work He is doing. The pharisees then ask to see a miracle and Jesus rebukes them for this. He tells them of how he will spend three days in the ground and then rise and how he is wiser then Solomon. The last part of this chapter I am not sure that I like. To me it almost sounds like he says he has no mother or brothers besides his disciples.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 28, 29 and Matthew 13:1 - 30
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Day 17
In Job 22 Eliphaz is speaking again and to start out I though he was telling Job that he really was an evil person. As we keep reading though we find out that he is only talking and that he tells Job that he needs to do more then just pray to God. He should give everything to God as well as prayer to receive God's grace.
Job 23 and 24 both have Job speaking again in response to Eliphaz. Job begins by telling how he would like to confront God face to face to find answers. Then he continues to tell how evil men are brought up for awhile before they are taken away. I feel that Job is extremely confused and I can not blame him. If this was happening to me I could only hope that my faith would be strong enough not to curse God for the problems that had been brought down on me.
In Matthew 12 we see Jesus and the disciples being confronted by the pharisees for picking some grain on the Sabbath. According to the laws no work was to be done on the day of the Sabbath. Jesus remains calm as always and not only tells a story but also ask questions, which in his teaching is a very common method for him. The pharisees are not happy with this and begin to plot a way to kill Jesus. Jesus knows this and decides that it is time to leave. As he leaves he continues to work miracles on those needing healed with instructions on not to tell of who He really was. I do not understand why He does this. Does it have something to do with the fact that He says those that have faith without seeing are better then those who have faith and have seen?
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 25, 26, 27 and Matthew 12:24 - 50
Job 23 and 24 both have Job speaking again in response to Eliphaz. Job begins by telling how he would like to confront God face to face to find answers. Then he continues to tell how evil men are brought up for awhile before they are taken away. I feel that Job is extremely confused and I can not blame him. If this was happening to me I could only hope that my faith would be strong enough not to curse God for the problems that had been brought down on me.
In Matthew 12 we see Jesus and the disciples being confronted by the pharisees for picking some grain on the Sabbath. According to the laws no work was to be done on the day of the Sabbath. Jesus remains calm as always and not only tells a story but also ask questions, which in his teaching is a very common method for him. The pharisees are not happy with this and begin to plot a way to kill Jesus. Jesus knows this and decides that it is time to leave. As he leaves he continues to work miracles on those needing healed with instructions on not to tell of who He really was. I do not understand why He does this. Does it have something to do with the fact that He says those that have faith without seeing are better then those who have faith and have seen?
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 25, 26, 27 and Matthew 12:24 - 50
Monday, October 18, 2010
Day 16
Job 20 shows us Zophar speaking again. He is telling Job how evildoers will be treated by God and how none of this applies to his life. He continues to try and tell Job that he has lived a good life and should continue to seek God and His forgiveness.
Job speaks again in Job 21 telling how even the evil person does not go through the hard times that he has gone through. So, there must something that he has done to be cast out of God's love and sight.
Matthew 11 starts out with Jesus talking about John the Baptist. Jesus tells everyone that John is a prophet and was to come and prepare people for Jesus coming. He then continues talking about the cities were miracles have been performed and the people did not repent. He tells how they will be cast down on the day of judgment compared to those cities were the people did repent. I for one do not know how you could not see those amazing signs of the Lord and continue to not believe. The ending of 11 has learning that we are to seek him because it is the only way to get to the father. Jesus tells us that he is the only one to know the Father, so for us to know the Father we must know him.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 22, 23, 24 and Matthew 12:1 - 23
Job speaks again in Job 21 telling how even the evil person does not go through the hard times that he has gone through. So, there must something that he has done to be cast out of God's love and sight.
Matthew 11 starts out with Jesus talking about John the Baptist. Jesus tells everyone that John is a prophet and was to come and prepare people for Jesus coming. He then continues talking about the cities were miracles have been performed and the people did not repent. He tells how they will be cast down on the day of judgment compared to those cities were the people did repent. I for one do not know how you could not see those amazing signs of the Lord and continue to not believe. The ending of 11 has learning that we are to seek him because it is the only way to get to the father. Jesus tells us that he is the only one to know the Father, so for us to know the Father we must know him.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 22, 23, 24 and Matthew 12:1 - 23
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Day 15
I am not shocked that Job 17 continues with Job feeling sorry for his life and being ready to die. He continues to plead the same sad story we have heard several times.
Job 18 is Bildad speaking to Job once again trying to speak some sense into Job. Bildad continues with his words of wisdom hoping Job will snap out of it which so far has yet to happen.
In Job 19 we once again see Job reply to his friend. He tells how God has stripped him of everything that has ever been given to him. How God will not even cast a bit of light on him but shrouds him in darkness. Job shows that he is ready to meet his maker to see Him with his own eyes.
Matthew 10:21 - 42 continues with Jesus giving instructions to his disciples. He continues to tell them how they should look out for evil men and how to treat everyone they come in contact with. He then continues to tell them how they are to love people and that He should be loved over everyone else. Close to the end we come across another one of my favorite verses. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Matt. 10:39)
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 20, 21 and Matthew 11
Job 18 is Bildad speaking to Job once again trying to speak some sense into Job. Bildad continues with his words of wisdom hoping Job will snap out of it which so far has yet to happen.
In Job 19 we once again see Job reply to his friend. He tells how God has stripped him of everything that has ever been given to him. How God will not even cast a bit of light on him but shrouds him in darkness. Job shows that he is ready to meet his maker to see Him with his own eyes.
Matthew 10:21 - 42 continues with Jesus giving instructions to his disciples. He continues to tell them how they should look out for evil men and how to treat everyone they come in contact with. He then continues to tell them how they are to love people and that He should be loved over everyone else. Close to the end we come across another one of my favorite verses. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Matt. 10:39)
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 20, 21 and Matthew 11
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Day 14
We have made it a full two weeks. I hope everyone is getting into a good habit of reading. I would like to apologize for the late night post last night and the rather short responses lately. Job seems like it is the same thing over and over. I am having a rough time trying to figure out what to say about some of the chapters as I feel that I have already said it a few times. To those reading so far thank you and I hope you are learning as much as I am. Just in case you would like to print off the reading schedule it is posted below. Just click on the link.
Job 14 keeps on with the same thoughts in my opinion. We still see Job displeased with his current state and talking of his demise. It rather saddens me to continue to read how unhappy he is with his life. It really makes me just want to reach right out and smack a little sense into him. I mean if he would listen to his friends and go to God I think things would change and the devil would be overcome.
Job 15 is another response from Eliphaz. Eliphaz continues to plead with Job about the words he is speaking. There is a lot of talk of evil deeds and how God treats those who do evil things. He continues to try and raise Job up in my mind by telling him these things and say that Job is not an evil person.
In Job 16 Job replies the way I have been feeling towards his friends. Job continues to say that he has been pure in his prayers and lived a life free of violence. It continues into chapter 17 which I have not read yet so hopefully tomorrow there will be more to say.
Matthew 10:1 - 20 we see Jesus giving instructions to his disciples. Jesus tells his twelve disciples that it is time for them to go out among the towns of Israel and teach, heal, cleanse and drive out demons. He continues to give them instructions on what they are to carry with them and where they are to stay. Jesus tells them to bless those houses that open up to them but to cast off those that reject them as it will be hard for them on the day of judgment. He tells them that they should be on guard as men will turn on them and hand them over to the authorities. But, he tells them not to worry about what to say as the spirit will fill them with the words that need to be spoken.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 17, 18, 19 and Matthew 10:21 - 42
Job 14 keeps on with the same thoughts in my opinion. We still see Job displeased with his current state and talking of his demise. It rather saddens me to continue to read how unhappy he is with his life. It really makes me just want to reach right out and smack a little sense into him. I mean if he would listen to his friends and go to God I think things would change and the devil would be overcome.
Job 15 is another response from Eliphaz. Eliphaz continues to plead with Job about the words he is speaking. There is a lot of talk of evil deeds and how God treats those who do evil things. He continues to try and raise Job up in my mind by telling him these things and say that Job is not an evil person.
In Job 16 Job replies the way I have been feeling towards his friends. Job continues to say that he has been pure in his prayers and lived a life free of violence. It continues into chapter 17 which I have not read yet so hopefully tomorrow there will be more to say.
Matthew 10:1 - 20 we see Jesus giving instructions to his disciples. Jesus tells his twelve disciples that it is time for them to go out among the towns of Israel and teach, heal, cleanse and drive out demons. He continues to give them instructions on what they are to carry with them and where they are to stay. Jesus tells them to bless those houses that open up to them but to cast off those that reject them as it will be hard for them on the day of judgment. He tells them that they should be on guard as men will turn on them and hand them over to the authorities. But, he tells them not to worry about what to say as the spirit will fill them with the words that need to be spoken.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 17, 18, 19 and Matthew 10:21 - 42
Friday, October 15, 2010
Day 13
In Job 11 we hear Zophar speaking with Job. I am not sure why but I like this chapter. Zophar in my mind does an amazing job of telling us how we should live towards God. He explains things in good and bad that are fairly simple to understand. He does not try and make it difficult but just lays it all out on the table.
Chapters 12 and 13 read better together then trying to right about each one separately. In these chapters Job not only address Zophar but I feel like he confronts all three of them at the same time. Job talks as if they want him to rebuke God and end the suffering. As I read over these chapters though I see Job telling how powerful God is and that he fears God in a sense. He knows that his suffering is from God but does not understand why it is happening. So, Job is wanting to turn to God and have a witness with Him to find out what exactly he did wrong. As of right now he does not know if he has sinned or if it is from the sins of his children. Job is simply looking for answers. I know that when I am feeling troubled I will often go to God and ask why and that is all Job is doing in these chapters. I am really starting to get into the chapters of Job and look forward to seeing what is going to happen as all of this works out.
Matthew 9:18 - 38 starts out with a story of a woman who has a great amount of faith that she would be healed if she could only touch Jesus. I can not begin to imagine what it would have been like to be in the crowds that would have surrounded Jesus as the words of his miracles spread through out the land. I would think that anyone and everyone would be trying to touch Jesus as he walked from place to place. And we see this woman that has so much faith that all she can touch is just the edge of His cloak but believes that is all she needs to be healed. Most people would probably not even have noticed if the edge of their coat or something had even been touched, but Jesus knew, turned, and talked to this lady to comfort her even more. We continue on to see Jesus bring a young girl back from the dead. The news of this had to have spread through the area quicker then anything you could imagine. Only to probably have people doubt as to its truth. I mean if someone came to me today and said you know that kid that died the other day in a car wreck they are alive now. Touched by some guy traveling through town and up he sprang like nothing was wrong. WOW, what an amazing time it must have been to live in. We end our reading with a story of people not doing as they were command which leads to harsh words spoken against Jesus. He heals two blind gentlemen and ask them not to tell anyone which they are not able to do. I think I would have had a hard time with that as well. However, it leads to the casting out of a demon from a mute man. As people began to be amazed by the powers Jesus had shown the Pharisees begin to try and cast a shadow of doubt on him. They try and convince people that Jesus is the prince of demons and that is why he can control them. Stories of doubt really did begin early in his ministry career. Jesus has barely begun to teach here and already people are trying to discredit him. To end chapter 9 we see Jesus teaching and healing and giving a very import command for us to follow. Jesus tells us "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matt. 9:37, 38)
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 14, 15, 16 and Matthew 10:1 - 20
Chapters 12 and 13 read better together then trying to right about each one separately. In these chapters Job not only address Zophar but I feel like he confronts all three of them at the same time. Job talks as if they want him to rebuke God and end the suffering. As I read over these chapters though I see Job telling how powerful God is and that he fears God in a sense. He knows that his suffering is from God but does not understand why it is happening. So, Job is wanting to turn to God and have a witness with Him to find out what exactly he did wrong. As of right now he does not know if he has sinned or if it is from the sins of his children. Job is simply looking for answers. I know that when I am feeling troubled I will often go to God and ask why and that is all Job is doing in these chapters. I am really starting to get into the chapters of Job and look forward to seeing what is going to happen as all of this works out.
Matthew 9:18 - 38 starts out with a story of a woman who has a great amount of faith that she would be healed if she could only touch Jesus. I can not begin to imagine what it would have been like to be in the crowds that would have surrounded Jesus as the words of his miracles spread through out the land. I would think that anyone and everyone would be trying to touch Jesus as he walked from place to place. And we see this woman that has so much faith that all she can touch is just the edge of His cloak but believes that is all she needs to be healed. Most people would probably not even have noticed if the edge of their coat or something had even been touched, but Jesus knew, turned, and talked to this lady to comfort her even more. We continue on to see Jesus bring a young girl back from the dead. The news of this had to have spread through the area quicker then anything you could imagine. Only to probably have people doubt as to its truth. I mean if someone came to me today and said you know that kid that died the other day in a car wreck they are alive now. Touched by some guy traveling through town and up he sprang like nothing was wrong. WOW, what an amazing time it must have been to live in. We end our reading with a story of people not doing as they were command which leads to harsh words spoken against Jesus. He heals two blind gentlemen and ask them not to tell anyone which they are not able to do. I think I would have had a hard time with that as well. However, it leads to the casting out of a demon from a mute man. As people began to be amazed by the powers Jesus had shown the Pharisees begin to try and cast a shadow of doubt on him. They try and convince people that Jesus is the prince of demons and that is why he can control them. Stories of doubt really did begin early in his ministry career. Jesus has barely begun to teach here and already people are trying to discredit him. To end chapter 9 we see Jesus teaching and healing and giving a very import command for us to follow. Jesus tells us "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matt. 9:37, 38)
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 14, 15, 16 and Matthew 10:1 - 20
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Day 12
Job 8 is Bildad talking to Job. Bildad tells Job over and over that all he needs to do is go to God. He reminds Job that they are yet young on the earth and as long as he stays faithful to God, God will take care of him.
In Job 9 Job replies to Bildad saying that he is not worthy to call on God. He continues to cast himself down saying that he has done wrong somewhere and has lost the blessings of God. I think I would probably feel the same way as Job here. With so many bad things happening to me, I do not know how Job has stood this long. It really is an amazing testament to how much faith Job really has.
Job continues to speak in Job 10, but this time it appears that it is more directed to God. It seems that he begins to ask God why this is happening to him. He still shows a sadness for his life and wishes that he had not been born. He never denies God but does appear to ask God to leave him alone so that he may finish his days in peace as he feels that his life is soon to be over.
Matthew 9:1 - 17 continues with the amazing miracles that Jesus is doing. We start out with Jesus healing a paralytic man. While doing this he also confronts some of the teachers of the law. In my opinion this is just an amazing show of how much authority God has given him. Next, we see Jesus calling Matthew the tax collector to join Him as a disciple. This little section also contains a very important verse for us to remember. It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. (Matt. 9:12, 13) This just shouts to me that we are to serve to all of those in low places. We are not here on earth just to go to church but to go out among people and help them as Jesus did. As for the last section of reading I am not sure I have a full understanding of it yet. Is it just a thought that he knows that he will soon be saving the entire world from their sins or something else?
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 11, 12, 13 and Matthew 9:18 - 38
In Job 9 Job replies to Bildad saying that he is not worthy to call on God. He continues to cast himself down saying that he has done wrong somewhere and has lost the blessings of God. I think I would probably feel the same way as Job here. With so many bad things happening to me, I do not know how Job has stood this long. It really is an amazing testament to how much faith Job really has.
Job continues to speak in Job 10, but this time it appears that it is more directed to God. It seems that he begins to ask God why this is happening to him. He still shows a sadness for his life and wishes that he had not been born. He never denies God but does appear to ask God to leave him alone so that he may finish his days in peace as he feels that his life is soon to be over.
Matthew 9:1 - 17 continues with the amazing miracles that Jesus is doing. We start out with Jesus healing a paralytic man. While doing this he also confronts some of the teachers of the law. In my opinion this is just an amazing show of how much authority God has given him. Next, we see Jesus calling Matthew the tax collector to join Him as a disciple. This little section also contains a very important verse for us to remember. It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. (Matt. 9:12, 13) This just shouts to me that we are to serve to all of those in low places. We are not here on earth just to go to church but to go out among people and help them as Jesus did. As for the last section of reading I am not sure I have a full understanding of it yet. Is it just a thought that he knows that he will soon be saving the entire world from their sins or something else?
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 11, 12, 13 and Matthew 9:18 - 38
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Day 11
Job 5 continues with Eliphaz talking to Job. Eliphaz is telling Job that God does provide and will continue to provide even in troubling times. Really I could not get much more from that chapter.
After reading Job 6 I am not really sure what to say. I have read through it twice now and for some reason can not wrap my mind around what it is saying.
The reading of Job 7 then makes me wonder if this is a prayer going up to the Lord. Job ask many questions in this chapter. I hope the next chapter gives us the answers I am looking for.
Matthew 8:18 - 34 begins with Jesus talking to his disciples again. One of the disciples ask to bury his father but Jesus tells him that he should follow Him. Jesus and the disciples enter a boat and push out into the lake. As Jesus sleeps a storm comes upon the ship. The disciples are scared and wake Jesus for help. Jesus speaks and calms the storm. When Jesus and his disciples reach the other side of the lake they are confronted by two demon-possessed men. They confront Jesus and plead for their lives. Jesus spares them by sending them into a herd of pigs which rushed down a steep bank and into the lake where they drowned. I love this show of power, yet the people of the town fear it. To hear of not one but two demons being cast out of two horrible people would be amazing to hear about and to see the men as normal I think would be a great testimony.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 8, 9, 10 and Matthew 9:1 - 17
After reading Job 6 I am not really sure what to say. I have read through it twice now and for some reason can not wrap my mind around what it is saying.
The reading of Job 7 then makes me wonder if this is a prayer going up to the Lord. Job ask many questions in this chapter. I hope the next chapter gives us the answers I am looking for.
Matthew 8:18 - 34 begins with Jesus talking to his disciples again. One of the disciples ask to bury his father but Jesus tells him that he should follow Him. Jesus and the disciples enter a boat and push out into the lake. As Jesus sleeps a storm comes upon the ship. The disciples are scared and wake Jesus for help. Jesus speaks and calms the storm. When Jesus and his disciples reach the other side of the lake they are confronted by two demon-possessed men. They confront Jesus and plead for their lives. Jesus spares them by sending them into a herd of pigs which rushed down a steep bank and into the lake where they drowned. I love this show of power, yet the people of the town fear it. To hear of not one but two demons being cast out of two horrible people would be amazing to hear about and to see the men as normal I think would be a great testimony.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 8, 9, 10 and Matthew 9:1 - 17
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Day 10
Job 3 shows us a in my opinion a picture of a very sad Job. He has yet to curse God for the test that were put before him from Satan but he is cursing the day he was born. I read this chapter as kind of a prayer to God asking why this is happening to him but not once do I see Job curse God.
Job 4 is a response to Job from Eliphaz. Eliphaz begins telling Job how his life has been good and how many people he has helped. If he had not been born it would have been a waste. Eliphaz then begins to tell Job of a dream that he had. Unfortunately in continues into chapter 5 so we will have to wait to finish reading about the dream.
In Matthew 8:1 - 17 we begin reading about some of the miracles Jesus performs. To start right off after teaching to his disciples on the mountainside a man with leprosy comes to him and asked to be clean. Jesus reaches out and cleans the man and tells him to go, show the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them. (Matt. 8:4) The next little section tells of a servant of a centurion that was healed. This time we see Jesus being able to heal by not only touch but just by speaking it. This little section just shows how amazing our God really is. It reminds of Genesis when God spoke and it was we see Jesus doing the same thing here. The last little bit of reading continues with Jesus healing the sick but adds in the casting out of demons.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 5, 6, 7 and Matthew 8:18 - 34
Job 4 is a response to Job from Eliphaz. Eliphaz begins telling Job how his life has been good and how many people he has helped. If he had not been born it would have been a waste. Eliphaz then begins to tell Job of a dream that he had. Unfortunately in continues into chapter 5 so we will have to wait to finish reading about the dream.
In Matthew 8:1 - 17 we begin reading about some of the miracles Jesus performs. To start right off after teaching to his disciples on the mountainside a man with leprosy comes to him and asked to be clean. Jesus reaches out and cleans the man and tells him to go, show the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them. (Matt. 8:4) The next little section tells of a servant of a centurion that was healed. This time we see Jesus being able to heal by not only touch but just by speaking it. This little section just shows how amazing our God really is. It reminds of Genesis when God spoke and it was we see Jesus doing the same thing here. The last little bit of reading continues with Jesus healing the sick but adds in the casting out of demons.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 5, 6, 7 and Matthew 8:18 - 34
Monday, October 11, 2010
Day 9
Job 1 introduces us to Job, who was a holy man. Job had seven sons and three daughters and a very large herd of animals. We are then confronted with Job's first test. Satan confronts the Lord and tells Him that if it were to be taken away that Job would curse the Lord. The Lord gives permission to Satan to test Job. Satan wipes out all of Job's herds and his offspring. As soon as Job hears of what has happen he falls and worships God. I can only hope that if I were faced with this situation I would be able to act as Job acted.
In Job 2 Satan once again confronts God and ask to test Job further. God gives permission to harm Job but must spare his life. Satan afflicted Job with painful sores and all Job could do was praise the Lord. Even after his wife told him to curse God and be done with these sores Job would not. He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" (Job 2:10) I do not know of any better way to put his comment. Good or bad everything is from God and we should worship Him.
Matthew 7 begins by telling us that we are not to judge others. If we judge others we will be judged as well and to the same measure. Next, we are told that if we ask it shall be given to us, if we seek we will find it, and if we knock the door shall be opened. We are told that in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. (Matt 7:12) Matthew 7:13-14 tells us that our journey leads to a narrow gate and only few will enter through it, but many will enter through the wide gate which leads to destruction. We are then told to watch out for false prophets so that we do not get brought down and cast away from God. The last portion of this chapter is where I got the title for this blog. We are told to build on a strong foundation and not in the sand, so that what we build is not easily torn down.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 3, 4 and Matthew 8:1 - 17
In Job 2 Satan once again confronts God and ask to test Job further. God gives permission to harm Job but must spare his life. Satan afflicted Job with painful sores and all Job could do was praise the Lord. Even after his wife told him to curse God and be done with these sores Job would not. He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" (Job 2:10) I do not know of any better way to put his comment. Good or bad everything is from God and we should worship Him.
Matthew 7 begins by telling us that we are not to judge others. If we judge others we will be judged as well and to the same measure. Next, we are told that if we ask it shall be given to us, if we seek we will find it, and if we knock the door shall be opened. We are told that in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. (Matt 7:12) Matthew 7:13-14 tells us that our journey leads to a narrow gate and only few will enter through it, but many will enter through the wide gate which leads to destruction. We are then told to watch out for false prophets so that we do not get brought down and cast away from God. The last portion of this chapter is where I got the title for this blog. We are told to build on a strong foundation and not in the sand, so that what we build is not easily torn down.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 3, 4 and Matthew 8:1 - 17
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Day 8
Genesis 20 sounds extremely familiar. I am not sure if this is a re-accounting of his trip into Egypt or if this is a completely different story. If this is a different story it makes me wonder why he did not learn from the first experience. I am glad to read though that the king was a holy person and did as God had commanded him.
Genesis 21 begins with the birth of Issac. Sarah gives birth to a son and names him Issac as the Lord had commanded. We then see that Sarah wants Hagar and Ishmael sent away. The Lord comes to Abraham and tells him that it is okay to send them away as Ishmael will become the leader of a nation as well. Hagar takes her son and travels until they run out of water. She hides her son and travels a short distance to let him die as she does not believe that they will survive. The Lord comes to her and opens her eyes to a well because He has heard their cries. As we continue reading this chapter we see a treaty being made between Abraham and Abimelech.
Genesis 22 is a chapter that I would have a hard time doing. The Lord test Abraham by telling him that he needs to go to the mountains and sacrifice his only son. Abraham obeyed God completely and gathered wood and fire for the sacrifice and traveled to the mountain God told him about. As Issac and Abraham are traveling up the mountain Issac ask Abraham where the sacrifice was. I do not know how Abraham was able to keep his cool while talking to his son. I think I would have been in shambles well before I even reached the mountain. Abraham follows through with the Lord's commands and builds an altar and lays his son on the altar to be sacrificed. At this point in time the Lord comes to Abraham and provides a ram instead of his son for the sacrifice. This really is a great story showing how much faith and fear Abraham had for God. At times I wonder if I fear God enough to do something like this? I pray that I am never tested in this way but also that I might have the faith enough in God to know that all will be taken care of.
Matthew 6:19 - 34 tells us how we should store our treasures in heaven and not on earth. The treasures here on earth or at least we think our treasures are not going to last for eternity. The heavenly treasures that we store up though are guaranteed to be with us forever. The next little bit tells us that our whole body should be good and that it can become dark with the simplest thing. At least that is the way I interrupted it to mean. We then read a section over worrying. This is something I struggle with daily. The Lord tells us that we do not need to worry. There is no purpose for it because we are to have faith in the Lord that he will provide for us as He does for the birds of the air or the lilies of the field. We are told that we are much more then these and if the Lord provides for them then he will provide for us. Our goal should be to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matt. 6:33).
Our study guide has us getting away from Genesis for a little while now, we will come back to it I promise. It splits things up in a way to keep us from getting overwhelmed. I hope everyone stays with it and learns from this as much as I have so far.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 1, 2 and Matthew 7
Genesis 21 begins with the birth of Issac. Sarah gives birth to a son and names him Issac as the Lord had commanded. We then see that Sarah wants Hagar and Ishmael sent away. The Lord comes to Abraham and tells him that it is okay to send them away as Ishmael will become the leader of a nation as well. Hagar takes her son and travels until they run out of water. She hides her son and travels a short distance to let him die as she does not believe that they will survive. The Lord comes to her and opens her eyes to a well because He has heard their cries. As we continue reading this chapter we see a treaty being made between Abraham and Abimelech.
Genesis 22 is a chapter that I would have a hard time doing. The Lord test Abraham by telling him that he needs to go to the mountains and sacrifice his only son. Abraham obeyed God completely and gathered wood and fire for the sacrifice and traveled to the mountain God told him about. As Issac and Abraham are traveling up the mountain Issac ask Abraham where the sacrifice was. I do not know how Abraham was able to keep his cool while talking to his son. I think I would have been in shambles well before I even reached the mountain. Abraham follows through with the Lord's commands and builds an altar and lays his son on the altar to be sacrificed. At this point in time the Lord comes to Abraham and provides a ram instead of his son for the sacrifice. This really is a great story showing how much faith and fear Abraham had for God. At times I wonder if I fear God enough to do something like this? I pray that I am never tested in this way but also that I might have the faith enough in God to know that all will be taken care of.
Matthew 6:19 - 34 tells us how we should store our treasures in heaven and not on earth. The treasures here on earth or at least we think our treasures are not going to last for eternity. The heavenly treasures that we store up though are guaranteed to be with us forever. The next little bit tells us that our whole body should be good and that it can become dark with the simplest thing. At least that is the way I interrupted it to mean. We then read a section over worrying. This is something I struggle with daily. The Lord tells us that we do not need to worry. There is no purpose for it because we are to have faith in the Lord that he will provide for us as He does for the birds of the air or the lilies of the field. We are told that we are much more then these and if the Lord provides for them then he will provide for us. Our goal should be to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matt. 6:33).
Our study guide has us getting away from Genesis for a little while now, we will come back to it I promise. It splits things up in a way to keep us from getting overwhelmed. I hope everyone stays with it and learns from this as much as I have so far.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Job 1, 2 and Matthew 7
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Day 7
For those that have been following along it is now day 7, we have made it a week. I hope everyone is keeping up and anyone that wants to start it is not to late. You can still catch up by reading a little extra or just start right along with us and come back to the chapters you missed later on.
Genesis 18 starts with Abraham sitting by his tent when three visitors show up. Abraham immediately takes these visitors into his house and offers them food, drink and water to clean their feet. We learn that the visitors are the Lord and he once again tells Abraham that by this time next year Sarah will be with child. Sarah laughs when she hears this and the lord confronts her on it. The Lord tells them nothing is impossible with Him and that it will happen. Finishing chapter 18 brings us to the Lord and his companions leaving Abraham's hospitality and traveling on to Sodom. Abraham walks with them and talks with the Lord on what He is about to do. The Lord tells Abraham that if righteous people are found in Sodom then he will spare the city but if none our found it will be destroyed. I felt like Abraham was getting pretty bold by the questions he was asking the Lord in this last section. I wonder if I would have been able to stand up to the Lord the way Abraham did?
Genesis 19 tells the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. We begin with the two travelers which happen to be angels meeting Lot at the entrance to Sodom. Sodom invites them into his house and offers them food and water to clean with. The men of Sodom come to Lot's house and request that the travelers be handed over so that they could have their way with them. The angels tell Lot of their plans to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah and urge him to leave the city before it is destroyed. Lot takes his wife and daughters and flee to a nearby town for safety. As they are fleeing Lot's wife looks back and is turned into a pillar of salt. The chapter ends with Lot and his daughters leaving Zoar and living in the mountains. The daughters deceive their father and lay with him so that they can preserve their family line. This chapter really disgust me. The things that were being done in Sodom and Gomorrah in my opinion deserved the wrath of God. As for the last portion of this chapter I have yet to come to an understanding of it. I do not see what would possess daughters to lay down with their father.
Matthew 6: 1 - 18 begins with more ways in which we are to live our lives. We are told that we should give to those in need. When we do this though we are to do it with out telling everyone what we have done. Next we learn how it is that we should pray. We should not pray aloud to be heard by everyone but we should be doing it alone so that it is a quite time between yourself and the Lord. He then gives us the way we are to pray. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. (Matt. 6:9 - 13) We are also told in this section of prayer that we are to forgive those who sin against us because if we do not the Father will not forgive our sins. The last portion for today is on fasting. We are not to show an appearance of fasting but clean ourselves and fast in private to the Lord. This portion of Matthew that was read today I feel teaches us a lot. It shows us how to pray, fast and that we are to give to those in need. We are to do in private so that it is a holy communion time with God.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 20, 21, 22 and Matthew 6:19 - 34
Genesis 18 starts with Abraham sitting by his tent when three visitors show up. Abraham immediately takes these visitors into his house and offers them food, drink and water to clean their feet. We learn that the visitors are the Lord and he once again tells Abraham that by this time next year Sarah will be with child. Sarah laughs when she hears this and the lord confronts her on it. The Lord tells them nothing is impossible with Him and that it will happen. Finishing chapter 18 brings us to the Lord and his companions leaving Abraham's hospitality and traveling on to Sodom. Abraham walks with them and talks with the Lord on what He is about to do. The Lord tells Abraham that if righteous people are found in Sodom then he will spare the city but if none our found it will be destroyed. I felt like Abraham was getting pretty bold by the questions he was asking the Lord in this last section. I wonder if I would have been able to stand up to the Lord the way Abraham did?
Genesis 19 tells the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. We begin with the two travelers which happen to be angels meeting Lot at the entrance to Sodom. Sodom invites them into his house and offers them food and water to clean with. The men of Sodom come to Lot's house and request that the travelers be handed over so that they could have their way with them. The angels tell Lot of their plans to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah and urge him to leave the city before it is destroyed. Lot takes his wife and daughters and flee to a nearby town for safety. As they are fleeing Lot's wife looks back and is turned into a pillar of salt. The chapter ends with Lot and his daughters leaving Zoar and living in the mountains. The daughters deceive their father and lay with him so that they can preserve their family line. This chapter really disgust me. The things that were being done in Sodom and Gomorrah in my opinion deserved the wrath of God. As for the last portion of this chapter I have yet to come to an understanding of it. I do not see what would possess daughters to lay down with their father.
Matthew 6: 1 - 18 begins with more ways in which we are to live our lives. We are told that we should give to those in need. When we do this though we are to do it with out telling everyone what we have done. Next we learn how it is that we should pray. We should not pray aloud to be heard by everyone but we should be doing it alone so that it is a quite time between yourself and the Lord. He then gives us the way we are to pray. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. (Matt. 6:9 - 13) We are also told in this section of prayer that we are to forgive those who sin against us because if we do not the Father will not forgive our sins. The last portion for today is on fasting. We are not to show an appearance of fasting but clean ourselves and fast in private to the Lord. This portion of Matthew that was read today I feel teaches us a lot. It shows us how to pray, fast and that we are to give to those in need. We are to do in private so that it is a holy communion time with God.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 20, 21, 22 and Matthew 6:19 - 34
Friday, October 8, 2010
Day 6
Genesis 16 tells us of Abram's first son. Abram and Sarai had yet to have any offspring so Sarai gives Abram her maidservant Hagar as a wife. Hagar conceived and was then mistreated by Sarai. Hagar runs away from them and is then confronted by the Lord. She is promised as well to have descendants that will be too numerous to count. Hagar returns to Sarai and Abram and gives birth to a son, which they name Ishmael.
Genesis 17 begins with Abram being confronted by the Lord. The Lord tells Abram that it is time for his covenant to begin. The Lord tells Abram that he will be the father of many nations and changes his name from Abram to Abraham. The Lord tells Abraham that as a sign of their covenant that all males in the line of Abraham will be circumcised within eight days of their birth. Next, we see the Lord changing Sarai's name to Sarah. He tells Abraham that Sarah will give birth to a son and he is to name Isaac. Abraham is surprised by this because he believes it is not possible. He then ask the Lord to bless his son Ishmael which the Lord does. When God left Abraham gathered every male born in his household or bought with his money and had them circumcised.
Matthew 5:27 - 48 begins by talking about adultery. We know adultery is wrong but these verses lead more into. We are told that even looking lustfully at someone is committing adultery and we are told that it is more important to lose one part of yourself then your whole self. The next little bit tells us of divorce and that the only permissible form of divorce is for marital unfaithfulness. This in it self leads us to fall into adultery. We then read a section about oaths. We are to keep our oaths with a simple yes or no. We are not to swear to or by anything as our word should simply be enough. Next is the ever so important words that it seems like everyone knows, "An eye for an eye". So, with that one we are told that we should not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the left check you are to turn and offer your right check (Matt. 5:39). The last portion of today's reading I feel is very important. Jesus tells us that we are to love our enemies. I know for many this can be a extremely hard thing to do but these verses remind us that Jesus loves everyone and provides sun and rain for all.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 18, 19 and Matthew 6: 1 - 18
Genesis 17 begins with Abram being confronted by the Lord. The Lord tells Abram that it is time for his covenant to begin. The Lord tells Abram that he will be the father of many nations and changes his name from Abram to Abraham. The Lord tells Abraham that as a sign of their covenant that all males in the line of Abraham will be circumcised within eight days of their birth. Next, we see the Lord changing Sarai's name to Sarah. He tells Abraham that Sarah will give birth to a son and he is to name Isaac. Abraham is surprised by this because he believes it is not possible. He then ask the Lord to bless his son Ishmael which the Lord does. When God left Abraham gathered every male born in his household or bought with his money and had them circumcised.
Matthew 5:27 - 48 begins by talking about adultery. We know adultery is wrong but these verses lead more into. We are told that even looking lustfully at someone is committing adultery and we are told that it is more important to lose one part of yourself then your whole self. The next little bit tells us of divorce and that the only permissible form of divorce is for marital unfaithfulness. This in it self leads us to fall into adultery. We then read a section about oaths. We are to keep our oaths with a simple yes or no. We are not to swear to or by anything as our word should simply be enough. Next is the ever so important words that it seems like everyone knows, "An eye for an eye". So, with that one we are told that we should not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the left check you are to turn and offer your right check (Matt. 5:39). The last portion of today's reading I feel is very important. Jesus tells us that we are to love our enemies. I know for many this can be a extremely hard thing to do but these verses remind us that Jesus loves everyone and provides sun and rain for all.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 18, 19 and Matthew 6: 1 - 18
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Day 5
Genesis 13 continues telling us about Abram and Lot. They travel through the land from Egypt to Negev to Bethel then to the place between Bethel and Ai where Abram had built an altar to the Lord. It is here where Abram and Lot determine that to deal with conflicts between their herdsman that they should part ways. Lot moved his wealth, herds, and servants to the plains of the Jordan and settled near the city of Sodom. The Lord spoke to Abram telling him that all that he could see Abram and his offspring would receive. Abram continued his journey through the land and settled near the great trees of Mamre at Hebron.
Genesis 14 tells the story of many kings battling. A battle is waged and the areas of Sodom and Gomorrah are conquered and Lot and possessions were taken by the winning armies. When Abram hears of this he gathers 318 trained men and went in pursuit of the armies. He overtakes them and brings back Lot and all of his possessions. Now the king of Sodom offers Abram a reward which Abram refuses. Abram has made an oath with the Lord not to take anything from them. I think that might have been a foresight into what is to come of Sodom and Gomorrah.
In Genesis 15 God's covenant with Abram is repeated to us once again but with greater detail. We find out that Abram has yet to have any children and he brings this to the Lord. Once again the Lord comes to Abram and tells him that his offspring will be to numerous to count and will gain the possession of land that he is in. The Lord has him gather up an offering and puts Abram into a deep sleep were Abram is told what will happen to his people.
Matthew 5:1 - 26 begins with the beatitudes. I am not sure what to say about the beatitudes. I guess the only thing I could say is that we should strive to live them. After the beatitudes we are told that we need to follow the laws of the land. Next, Jesus tells his disciples that we should not murder and anyone that does will be subject to judgment. We are also told that we need to forgive our grievances before we make offerings to God.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 16, 17 and Matthew 5:27 - 48
Genesis 14 tells the story of many kings battling. A battle is waged and the areas of Sodom and Gomorrah are conquered and Lot and possessions were taken by the winning armies. When Abram hears of this he gathers 318 trained men and went in pursuit of the armies. He overtakes them and brings back Lot and all of his possessions. Now the king of Sodom offers Abram a reward which Abram refuses. Abram has made an oath with the Lord not to take anything from them. I think that might have been a foresight into what is to come of Sodom and Gomorrah.
In Genesis 15 God's covenant with Abram is repeated to us once again but with greater detail. We find out that Abram has yet to have any children and he brings this to the Lord. Once again the Lord comes to Abram and tells him that his offspring will be to numerous to count and will gain the possession of land that he is in. The Lord has him gather up an offering and puts Abram into a deep sleep were Abram is told what will happen to his people.
Matthew 5:1 - 26 begins with the beatitudes. I am not sure what to say about the beatitudes. I guess the only thing I could say is that we should strive to live them. After the beatitudes we are told that we need to follow the laws of the land. Next, Jesus tells his disciples that we should not murder and anyone that does will be subject to judgment. We are also told that we need to forgive our grievances before we make offerings to God.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 16, 17 and Matthew 5:27 - 48
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Day 4
Genesis 10 is a rather short chapter. Once again another genealogy chapter. This chapter shows us the genealogy of Noah's children.
Genesis 11 tells the story of the Tower of Babel. The people of the time thought that they would make a name for themselves by building a tower to the heavens. The Lord came down and decided that if they could speak one language and build this nothing would be impossible for them, so he confused their language and spread them throughout the earth. Chapter 11 continues then with some more genealogy which takes us from Noah's son Shem to Abram.
Genesis 12 begins to tell the story of Abram. Abram is given instructions by the Lord to leave and travel to a certain land. Abram packs up his stuff and follows the Lord through a journey that takes him into Egypt where he tells Sarai to pretend to be his sister instead of his wife. The Lord inflicts disease onto the Egyptian Pharaoh because of what Abram and Sarai have done. The Pharaoh bids Abram off with all that he had acquired.
Matthew 4 begins after Jesus was baptized. He we are shown him being led by the Spirit into the desert where he is confronted by the devil. The devil comes to him and tempts him three times. The first attempt is with food because Jesus has been fasting for 40 days and 40 nights. Temptation number two is one for protection. The devil shows his knowledge of scripture by quoting it in Matthew 4:6. Temptation number three the devil promises him the whole world if He would only bow down and worship him. In each one of these temptations Jesus uses scripture to detour the devil. After this Jesus heard of John being put in prison, so he leaves his family and begins preaching the word. We then read the gathering of the first four disciples. To end today's reading Jesus and his disciples are traveling throughout Galilee teaching and healing.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 13, 14, 15 and Matthew 5:1 - 26
Genesis 11 tells the story of the Tower of Babel. The people of the time thought that they would make a name for themselves by building a tower to the heavens. The Lord came down and decided that if they could speak one language and build this nothing would be impossible for them, so he confused their language and spread them throughout the earth. Chapter 11 continues then with some more genealogy which takes us from Noah's son Shem to Abram.
Genesis 12 begins to tell the story of Abram. Abram is given instructions by the Lord to leave and travel to a certain land. Abram packs up his stuff and follows the Lord through a journey that takes him into Egypt where he tells Sarai to pretend to be his sister instead of his wife. The Lord inflicts disease onto the Egyptian Pharaoh because of what Abram and Sarai have done. The Pharaoh bids Abram off with all that he had acquired.
Matthew 4 begins after Jesus was baptized. He we are shown him being led by the Spirit into the desert where he is confronted by the devil. The devil comes to him and tempts him three times. The first attempt is with food because Jesus has been fasting for 40 days and 40 nights. Temptation number two is one for protection. The devil shows his knowledge of scripture by quoting it in Matthew 4:6. Temptation number three the devil promises him the whole world if He would only bow down and worship him. In each one of these temptations Jesus uses scripture to detour the devil. After this Jesus heard of John being put in prison, so he leaves his family and begins preaching the word. We then read the gathering of the first four disciples. To end today's reading Jesus and his disciples are traveling throughout Galilee teaching and healing.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 13, 14, 15 and Matthew 5:1 - 26
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Day 3
Genesis 7 continues with the story of Noah. We see the ark being completed by a 600 year old Noah and his sons. The animals make their way to the ark just as the Lord said they would and the floodwaters come upon the earth. Can you imagine what that must have looked like from Noah's point of view or the other people of that time period? To see this giant ark being built, I can only imagine that Noah was the talk of the town. Then to see various animals some of which had probably never been seen before heading for that ark. I do not know about you but that would have been something to make me think. Oh, there is a pair of polar bears walking down the street, maybe I should be listening to that crazy man on the hill. For forty days and nights the rain came and flooded the earth. One hundred and fifty days the earth was flooded.
Genesis 8 is the beginning of the end of the flood. The flood waters begin to recede and the ark comes to rest on mount Ararat. As the waters continue to recede Noah begins his search for dry land by sending out a raven, which by the way I read it does absolutely nothing. Noah then waits a few more days and sends out a dove, which returns. Noah once again waits seven more days and sends the dove out again, this time it returns with an olive leaf. Once again Noah waits and sends the dove out one more time, this time the dove does not return. Noah once again waits before he opens the doors. Then after what I read to be one year one month and 27 days God tells Noah to open up the doors and come forth. I for one could not imagine what it must have been like spending that much time on the ark with all of those animals. The first thing Noah does is shows thanks to the Lord by building an altar and offering a sacrifice to the Lord.
Genesis 9 brings us a lot of redundancy in my opinion. I felt like I was reading over and over the same thing just written a few different ways. This chapter is about the covenant God created with Noah. We are told God will never flood the earth again and gives us the rainbow as his sign. One thing I did notice in the beginning of this was that God gave permission to eat animal. Which made me wonder if up till that point in time had people only eaten plants?
In our final chapter for today, Matthew 3, we are introduced to John the Baptist. John's description makes me think of a wild mountain man, but had an amazing gift of bringing people to the Lord. Jesus travels to John to be baptized and we have a small conflict. John does not feel that he is worthy to baptize Jesus, but he should be baptized by Jesus. If you have a red letter edition of the bible we see the first words said by Jesus in our readings so far. As I read this my mind traveled to those people that stood on the banks of the Jordan as Jesus was baptized. Just to be present when the heavens opened up and the voice of God spoke, I could not begin to imagine what that must have felt like.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 10, 11, 12 and Matthew 4
Genesis 8 is the beginning of the end of the flood. The flood waters begin to recede and the ark comes to rest on mount Ararat. As the waters continue to recede Noah begins his search for dry land by sending out a raven, which by the way I read it does absolutely nothing. Noah then waits a few more days and sends out a dove, which returns. Noah once again waits seven more days and sends the dove out again, this time it returns with an olive leaf. Once again Noah waits and sends the dove out one more time, this time the dove does not return. Noah once again waits before he opens the doors. Then after what I read to be one year one month and 27 days God tells Noah to open up the doors and come forth. I for one could not imagine what it must have been like spending that much time on the ark with all of those animals. The first thing Noah does is shows thanks to the Lord by building an altar and offering a sacrifice to the Lord.
Genesis 9 brings us a lot of redundancy in my opinion. I felt like I was reading over and over the same thing just written a few different ways. This chapter is about the covenant God created with Noah. We are told God will never flood the earth again and gives us the rainbow as his sign. One thing I did notice in the beginning of this was that God gave permission to eat animal. Which made me wonder if up till that point in time had people only eaten plants?
In our final chapter for today, Matthew 3, we are introduced to John the Baptist. John's description makes me think of a wild mountain man, but had an amazing gift of bringing people to the Lord. Jesus travels to John to be baptized and we have a small conflict. John does not feel that he is worthy to baptize Jesus, but he should be baptized by Jesus. If you have a red letter edition of the bible we see the first words said by Jesus in our readings so far. As I read this my mind traveled to those people that stood on the banks of the Jordan as Jesus was baptized. Just to be present when the heavens opened up and the voice of God spoke, I could not begin to imagine what that must have felt like.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 10, 11, 12 and Matthew 4
Monday, October 4, 2010
Day 2
Day 2 underway and we were to read Genesis 4 through 6 and Matthew 2. So, what did we read today? Well, in Genesis 4 we read about a couple more first. We have the first offerings and the first murder. Cain and Abel both bring offerings to the Lord. God finds favor in Abel's offering since he brought the best of the first born, while Cain brought basically the left overs. There is an important lesson in this, it shows us that we should always bring our best for God. This chapter also contains one of my many favorite versus, Genesis 4:7. "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, buy you must master it."
In Genesis 5 we have the genealogy from Adam to Noah. I am not going to lie genealogy chapters are not that fun for me to read, so I do not have much to say of this chapter. Really only found two things that stuck out in my mine. One thing of interest was how old Noah's father lived to be. Lamech lived to be 777 years old before he died. I thought this was a bit odd that the divine number assigned to God is 7 and he has it repeated 3 times. The other important thing to remember from this chapter is that we have one of the few people God took with him rather then them passing away. "Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away." (Gen. 5:24)
Genesis 6 keeps us with the story of Noah. In this chapter we have the beginning of the great flood. We find out that Jesus has become unhappy with the people of the world and has decided to begin again. He gives Noah instructions on building an ark of cypress wood. Noah is also given instructions on what is to be loaded into the ark. This story continues into Genesis 7 so we will have to wait to finish it.
Matthew 2 is the final chapter for today. This chapter continues with the story of the birth of Jesus. It begins with visit of the Magi. The Magi first stop in Jerusalem where they meet King Herod. King Herod tries to deceive the Magi by telling them to come back and give him instructions so that he may and go and worship him as well. After the Magi find the new king they are warned in a dream not to return. From here Joseph is warned by an angel of King Herod's plan and moves his family to Egypt. When King Herod passes away Joseph is once again visited by an angel telling him it is safe to return his family home. He moves his family to Nazareth which is were we end chapter 2. We actually see a few important things in this chapter as we have several prophecies being completed. We have Matthew 2:5, 6, Matthew 2:17, 18 being fulfilled as well as Matthew 2:23.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 7, 8, 9 and Matthew 3
In Genesis 5 we have the genealogy from Adam to Noah. I am not going to lie genealogy chapters are not that fun for me to read, so I do not have much to say of this chapter. Really only found two things that stuck out in my mine. One thing of interest was how old Noah's father lived to be. Lamech lived to be 777 years old before he died. I thought this was a bit odd that the divine number assigned to God is 7 and he has it repeated 3 times. The other important thing to remember from this chapter is that we have one of the few people God took with him rather then them passing away. "Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away." (Gen. 5:24)
Genesis 6 keeps us with the story of Noah. In this chapter we have the beginning of the great flood. We find out that Jesus has become unhappy with the people of the world and has decided to begin again. He gives Noah instructions on building an ark of cypress wood. Noah is also given instructions on what is to be loaded into the ark. This story continues into Genesis 7 so we will have to wait to finish it.
Matthew 2 is the final chapter for today. This chapter continues with the story of the birth of Jesus. It begins with visit of the Magi. The Magi first stop in Jerusalem where they meet King Herod. King Herod tries to deceive the Magi by telling them to come back and give him instructions so that he may and go and worship him as well. After the Magi find the new king they are warned in a dream not to return. From here Joseph is warned by an angel of King Herod's plan and moves his family to Egypt. When King Herod passes away Joseph is once again visited by an angel telling him it is safe to return his family home. He moves his family to Nazareth which is were we end chapter 2. We actually see a few important things in this chapter as we have several prophecies being completed. We have Matthew 2:5, 6, Matthew 2:17, 18 being fulfilled as well as Matthew 2:23.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 7, 8, 9 and Matthew 3
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Day 1
Today is day one which meant that we read Genesis 1 through 3 and Matthew 1. For me this were all pretty well known chapters. In Genesis 1 we have the creation of the Earth, sun, moon, stars, plants, animals, and man and woman. Other then that I do not know what more I could say as I feel most people at least know the story of creation, if they believe it or not. I for one believe in the story of creation as evolution does not make since to me, but since I do not want to start a debate over creation or evolution I am leaving it at that.
In Genesis 2 we have the creation of man and woman, known as Adam and Eve. Adam was created in the image of God and was given the task of naming all the animals that God had created. In these animals he was also looking for a helper, when none were found God put Adam to sleep and created woman from man. Chapter 2 is also where we are told that Adam was given the order to not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Genesis 3 is the chapter about the fall of man. In chapter 3 we have the serpent deceiving Eve who shares her sin with Adam. We also receive several first in this chapter. Woman received pain during childbirth and man now has to work the ground for food to eat. As a whole we were removed from the Garden of Eden and kept from ever entering it again by a cherubim and a flaming sword. The purpose of this was to keep us from eating from the tree of life which would have given us eternal life. I think the blocking of the tree of life is a important passage for us because it now shows that we have to look for a different source for eternal life. What is that different source? Well, for me and hopefully anyone reading this blog that is our Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew 1 which is our last chapter for today is another pretty common chapter as it briefly tells the story of the birth of Jesus. A portion of this chapter is less know. I have read the birth story many times as a Christian but have never read the genealogy of Jesus. I felt that it was very interesting in the way it happened, with there being three different sections with fourteen generations each. I will be honest and say that I do not understand why it happened this way, but I am sure that as we continue to read it will be made clear to me.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 4, 5, 6, and Matthew 2
In Genesis 2 we have the creation of man and woman, known as Adam and Eve. Adam was created in the image of God and was given the task of naming all the animals that God had created. In these animals he was also looking for a helper, when none were found God put Adam to sleep and created woman from man. Chapter 2 is also where we are told that Adam was given the order to not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Genesis 3 is the chapter about the fall of man. In chapter 3 we have the serpent deceiving Eve who shares her sin with Adam. We also receive several first in this chapter. Woman received pain during childbirth and man now has to work the ground for food to eat. As a whole we were removed from the Garden of Eden and kept from ever entering it again by a cherubim and a flaming sword. The purpose of this was to keep us from eating from the tree of life which would have given us eternal life. I think the blocking of the tree of life is a important passage for us because it now shows that we have to look for a different source for eternal life. What is that different source? Well, for me and hopefully anyone reading this blog that is our Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew 1 which is our last chapter for today is another pretty common chapter as it briefly tells the story of the birth of Jesus. A portion of this chapter is less know. I have read the birth story many times as a Christian but have never read the genealogy of Jesus. I felt that it was very interesting in the way it happened, with there being three different sections with fourteen generations each. I will be honest and say that I do not understand why it happened this way, but I am sure that as we continue to read it will be made clear to me.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 4, 5, 6, and Matthew 2
Saturday, October 2, 2010
The day has come...
Tomorrow is the day our journey will begin. My hope and thought is that I will continue to post every day from here on out for the following year. Please do not be alarmed if I miss a day or two. If I know that I am going to miss a day I will try and warn you ahead of time. So, the layout I am thinking about will be the following, for now and may change as we progress through this journey. I will create a post over the chapters that we read for that day with my thoughts on what we read, at the end of the post I will include the chapters for the next day. I encourage anyone that is following this blog to post their thoughts and feelings on what they read as well. I will warn you in advance that I do not appreciate any foul language usage any where in this blog and it will be deleted immediately. This blog is intended to grow and nurture our understanding of the Holy Bible. I hope that you the reader will benefit from this blog and the Bible as much as I hope to.
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 1, 2, 3 and Matthew 1
Tomorrow's reading is:
Genesis 1, 2, 3 and Matthew 1
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