Soooo sorry Friends!!! I got a little ahead of myself and totally forgot to post the new reading schedule. My sincerest apologies!!!! Here it is for this week (including Thursdays)
Thursday, July 29, 2010- Exodus 21, 22, and Matthew 19
Friday, July 30, 2010- Exodus 23, 24, and Matthew 20
Saturday, August 1, 2010- Exodus 25, 26
Sunday, August 2, 2010- Exodus 27, 28 and Matthew 21
Monday, August 3, 2010- Exodus 29, 30
Tuesday, August 4, 2010- Exodus 31, 32, 33
Wednesday, August 5, 2010- Exodus 34, 35 and Matthew 22
47 weeks left Friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stay strong!!!!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Week Four Reading Schedule!
Hey Guys. I thought I posted the reading schedule for last night, but my computer froze just as I hit send button and I guess it didn't go through. So, here it is yet again! I hope that you all are doing well!
Thursday, July 22, 2010- Exodus 4, 5, 6
Friday, July 23, 2010- Exodus 7, 8 and Matthew 15
Saturday, July 24, 2010- Exodus 9, 10, 11
Sunday, July 25, 2010- Exodus 12, 13, and Matthew 16
Monday, July 26, 2010- Exodus 14, 15 and Matthew 17
Tuesday, July 27, 2010- Exodus 16, 17, 18
Wednesday, July 28, 2010- Exodus 19, 20 and Matthew 18
Stay strong guys! We have 48 weeks left...or 336 days. Catch up with you all later.
Monday, July 19, 2010
What you meant for evil GOD intended for GOOD.
Praise God!!!
I don’t know about you but I have been really enjoying the readings, so much so that I went on ahead and finished Genesis. What is interesting is I remember having to read this book of the bible when I was in high school and let me tell you, I soooooooooooo did not “get it” back then. I didn’t understand what was really going on between Joseph and his brothers but life experience will definitely shed new light.
God mostly works behind the scenes in Joseph’s life. In fact, on the surface it often seems that Joseph gets the exact opposite of what he deserves. He explains a dream to his brothers and they throw him into a cistern. He was sold into slavery, and all of those years had not erased his hurt and anger. Yet, he loved his brothers and wanted to be reconciled. He resists a sexual advance and he lands in prison. He interprets a dream and saves a life and the person forgets him. Even through all of this Joseph never stops trusting in God. Now, while God MAYNOT prevent all hardships, God can REDEEM anything, even the worst hardships. This is illustrated in 42:41 - 56. After all that Joseph had gone through, when he is finally set free, the Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of the whole land of Egypt. He was his second in command. Now when the famine comes and he is reunited with his brothers, they are afraid of him. They all feel that Joseph will seek revenge. Fortunately for them, Joseph has no interest in revenge, for he sees his difficult years as part of God’s big picture (hmmm...why can't we all be like this?). Joseph admits to his brothers, “It was not you who sent me here, but God…” (45:8), “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done….” (50:20).
Joseph’s summation of his experience might apply to many human situations. Joseph’s trust that God can bring good out of bad intentions enabled him finally to forgive his brothers, leaving judgment to God. Wait, let me say that one more time, LEAVING JUDGEMENT TO GOD!!!!!
Do you practice the statements/actions of Joseph? When God sends you a message, whether in a dream, literally or figuratively do you listen or do you question with why am I being punished? Uhm, I hate to be the one to say it but baby, it is NOT ABOUT YOU. I know that until recently I did the same thing, but now I HONESTLY realize that I was following my plan and not GOD’S plan. I realized that sometimes it is not about me it is about GOD. How many times have you been between a rock and a hard place and you didn’t know why or how you were going to get out and behold the Father lifted you up?
Have you struggled with the logic of forgiveness? Remember, God is the final judge of man not you.
I don’t know about you but I have been really enjoying the readings, so much so that I went on ahead and finished Genesis. What is interesting is I remember having to read this book of the bible when I was in high school and let me tell you, I soooooooooooo did not “get it” back then. I didn’t understand what was really going on between Joseph and his brothers but life experience will definitely shed new light.
God mostly works behind the scenes in Joseph’s life. In fact, on the surface it often seems that Joseph gets the exact opposite of what he deserves. He explains a dream to his brothers and they throw him into a cistern. He was sold into slavery, and all of those years had not erased his hurt and anger. Yet, he loved his brothers and wanted to be reconciled. He resists a sexual advance and he lands in prison. He interprets a dream and saves a life and the person forgets him. Even through all of this Joseph never stops trusting in God. Now, while God MAYNOT prevent all hardships, God can REDEEM anything, even the worst hardships. This is illustrated in 42:41 - 56. After all that Joseph had gone through, when he is finally set free, the Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of the whole land of Egypt. He was his second in command. Now when the famine comes and he is reunited with his brothers, they are afraid of him. They all feel that Joseph will seek revenge. Fortunately for them, Joseph has no interest in revenge, for he sees his difficult years as part of God’s big picture (hmmm...why can't we all be like this?). Joseph admits to his brothers, “It was not you who sent me here, but God…” (45:8), “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done….” (50:20).
Joseph’s summation of his experience might apply to many human situations. Joseph’s trust that God can bring good out of bad intentions enabled him finally to forgive his brothers, leaving judgment to God. Wait, let me say that one more time, LEAVING JUDGEMENT TO GOD!!!!!
Do you practice the statements/actions of Joseph? When God sends you a message, whether in a dream, literally or figuratively do you listen or do you question with why am I being punished? Uhm, I hate to be the one to say it but baby, it is NOT ABOUT YOU. I know that until recently I did the same thing, but now I HONESTLY realize that I was following my plan and not GOD’S plan. I realized that sometimes it is not about me it is about GOD. How many times have you been between a rock and a hard place and you didn’t know why or how you were going to get out and behold the Father lifted you up?
Have you struggled with the logic of forgiveness? Remember, God is the final judge of man not you.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Reading Plan for Week 3!
Thursday, July 15, 2010- Genesis 36, 37 and 38
Friday, July 16, 2010- Genesis 39, 40 and Matthew 11
Saturday, July 17, 2010- Genesis 41, 42 and Matthew 12
Sunday, July 18, 2010- Genesis 43, 44, 45
Monday, July 19, 2010- Genesis 46, 47, 48
Tuesday, July 20, 2010- Genesis 49, 50, and Matthew 13
Wednesday, July 21, 2010- Exodus 1, 2, 3, and Matthew 14
Stay strong Friends....and try not to fall too far behind. Let's keep each other up!!! 49 weeks left!
Friday, July 16, 2010- Genesis 39, 40 and Matthew 11
Saturday, July 17, 2010- Genesis 41, 42 and Matthew 12
Sunday, July 18, 2010- Genesis 43, 44, 45
Monday, July 19, 2010- Genesis 46, 47, 48
Tuesday, July 20, 2010- Genesis 49, 50, and Matthew 13
Wednesday, July 21, 2010- Exodus 1, 2, 3, and Matthew 14
Stay strong Friends....and try not to fall too far behind. Let's keep each other up!!! 49 weeks left!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
The First Week Of Readings - Genesis
First, let me give a round of applause to James for including me. Many, many times I have tried to do read the entire bible and I have failed. It seemed too exhausting of a task and I didn't have anyone to encourage me or help me when I was confused about the readings. I am still trying to find a convenient/consistent time. Hopefully, I will have one before I start back working in August.
Now, I must say that I am so glad that we have paired reading the old testament with the new. It offers a very good contrast. I like it. Also, even though Acts is my favorite book of the bible (spread of Christianity who wouldn't love it), Matthew and Genesis are a close second.
GENESIS
The message in this book is very complex, but in my opinion it is a book about relationships - God and nature; God and man and man and man. It shows that the one true God is sovereign over all that exists, whether good or evil. We were also introduced to the way in which God initiates and enters into covenants (which I now TOTALLY understand) with his chosen people and how he pledges his love and faithfulness to them. Genesis also tells the story of many beginnings - the beginning of the universe; the beginning of sin; and the MOST important, the beginning of God's work to restore a sinful humanity.
There are many notable scriptures from last week, some of them have already been mentioned in the blog so I won't rehash those. One of the chapters that left an imprint on me was chapter 8. This chapter was after the flood when God made a solemn promise - chapter 8:20 - 22 The Rainbow. The terms of the covenant reveal how deeply Adam's fall has affected creation. God's covenant recognizes certain sad adjustments to the original design of the world, taking for granted that humans will continue to kill (animals and each other). But here is the real love....God promises that regardless of what might happen, never again will he destroy life on such a massive scale. God vows to find another way to deal with the rebellion and violence of humanity (8:21). Isn't that amazing? Now, as humans we are prone to judging others even though we are sinners ourselves. And heaven forbid we feel as though someone has done us wrong or were "evil" towards us. I mean we all know as soon as we were born and took our first breath we were destined to a life of sin. Do we forgive? I know I am guilty of holding a grudge or being rude to someone who I have felt has done me wrong. God doesn't do that so who do we think we are to act in this manner. FOOD FOR THOUGHT: How do you react to those in your life who make mistakes and treat you wrongly?
The next noteworthy chapters are 18-19 "The Three Visitors and Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed". Previously we have seen that God has made a plan to restore humanity (chapter 15), however, sometimes we must deviate from the plan and/or make revisions. Since God has made a covenant to not destroy all of humanity again he has agreed to spare the city of Sodom if Abraham can locate a mere 10 righteous people there. When Abraham cannot find 10, God's patience runs out. His tolerance for evil does have a limit. He steps in with a direct punishment - not to destroy the entire world, but to wipe out the 2 centers of evil. Now, years before Abraham had refused to accept a reward from the government of Sodom because he wanted nothing to do with such a place (chapter 14 . Yay Abraham. I wish I was that insightful). But his nephew Lot chose the path of prosperity and the easy and successful life. He was so entangled with life in Sodom that he hesitates to leave even up until the last moments!!! He is the classic example of a man, excessively tangled in a corrupt system, cannot bear to leave it behind (reminds me of myself). Too many times I have had to recite the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost to myself. I have often tried to take the easy way out or force a situation to my liking only to have everything end up a mess. Why do we constantly go against God's plan. Why can't we just be still and let him work through us instead of trying to do everything. Evil is evil. It is not hard to recognize but we still end up gravitating towards it. Why? FOOD FOR THOUGHT: When have you taken what appeared to be easy road. The road you know was not pleasing to God only to have it blow up in your face?
Now, I must say that I am so glad that we have paired reading the old testament with the new. It offers a very good contrast. I like it. Also, even though Acts is my favorite book of the bible (spread of Christianity who wouldn't love it), Matthew and Genesis are a close second.
GENESIS
The message in this book is very complex, but in my opinion it is a book about relationships - God and nature; God and man and man and man. It shows that the one true God is sovereign over all that exists, whether good or evil. We were also introduced to the way in which God initiates and enters into covenants (which I now TOTALLY understand) with his chosen people and how he pledges his love and faithfulness to them. Genesis also tells the story of many beginnings - the beginning of the universe; the beginning of sin; and the MOST important, the beginning of God's work to restore a sinful humanity.
There are many notable scriptures from last week, some of them have already been mentioned in the blog so I won't rehash those. One of the chapters that left an imprint on me was chapter 8. This chapter was after the flood when God made a solemn promise - chapter 8:20 - 22 The Rainbow. The terms of the covenant reveal how deeply Adam's fall has affected creation. God's covenant recognizes certain sad adjustments to the original design of the world, taking for granted that humans will continue to kill (animals and each other). But here is the real love....God promises that regardless of what might happen, never again will he destroy life on such a massive scale. God vows to find another way to deal with the rebellion and violence of humanity (8:21). Isn't that amazing? Now, as humans we are prone to judging others even though we are sinners ourselves. And heaven forbid we feel as though someone has done us wrong or were "evil" towards us. I mean we all know as soon as we were born and took our first breath we were destined to a life of sin. Do we forgive? I know I am guilty of holding a grudge or being rude to someone who I have felt has done me wrong. God doesn't do that so who do we think we are to act in this manner. FOOD FOR THOUGHT: How do you react to those in your life who make mistakes and treat you wrongly?
The next noteworthy chapters are 18-19 "The Three Visitors and Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed". Previously we have seen that God has made a plan to restore humanity (chapter 15), however, sometimes we must deviate from the plan and/or make revisions. Since God has made a covenant to not destroy all of humanity again he has agreed to spare the city of Sodom if Abraham can locate a mere 10 righteous people there. When Abraham cannot find 10, God's patience runs out. His tolerance for evil does have a limit. He steps in with a direct punishment - not to destroy the entire world, but to wipe out the 2 centers of evil. Now, years before Abraham had refused to accept a reward from the government of Sodom because he wanted nothing to do with such a place (chapter 14 . Yay Abraham. I wish I was that insightful). But his nephew Lot chose the path of prosperity and the easy and successful life. He was so entangled with life in Sodom that he hesitates to leave even up until the last moments!!! He is the classic example of a man, excessively tangled in a corrupt system, cannot bear to leave it behind (reminds me of myself). Too many times I have had to recite the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost to myself. I have often tried to take the easy way out or force a situation to my liking only to have everything end up a mess. Why do we constantly go against God's plan. Why can't we just be still and let him work through us instead of trying to do everything. Evil is evil. It is not hard to recognize but we still end up gravitating towards it. Why? FOOD FOR THOUGHT: When have you taken what appeared to be easy road. The road you know was not pleasing to God only to have it blow up in your face?
Significance of the number 40
Quick Thought
I was doing some internet research on the significance of the number 40. We will find many references to the number 40 at different points in the bilble. But the explanation below is evident in our scripture lessons from last week. If 40 represents a period of testing, trial, probation or chastisement. We see all of those taking place. God was testing Noah's faith, God was upset with His people and gave chastisement by the way of the flood.
The following information came from the Beloved Heart Musings and Journal:
The number 40 holds particular significance in the Bible and refers to a precise number, not just a long period of time. There are at least ten instances in the Old Testament and New Testament where 40 occurs, either in years or days, e.g. it rained for 40 days and 40 nights, Moses was on the mountain 40 days and 40 nights, the Israelites wandered 40 years, Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days and was seen on the earth for 40 days after His crucifixion.
A 40-something time period, whether days, months, or years is ALWAYS a period of testing, trial, probation, or chastisement (but not judgment) and ends with a period of restoration, revival or renewal.
Thankfully, God is consistent, so the meaning of a number in Genesis remains the same all the way to the book of Revelation. Sometimes the spiritual significance is not revealed directly, but in the case of “40″ and its many examples throughout the Bible, we can be certain of its importance and significance.
I was doing some internet research on the significance of the number 40. We will find many references to the number 40 at different points in the bilble. But the explanation below is evident in our scripture lessons from last week. If 40 represents a period of testing, trial, probation or chastisement. We see all of those taking place. God was testing Noah's faith, God was upset with His people and gave chastisement by the way of the flood.
The following information came from the Beloved Heart Musings and Journal:
The number 40 holds particular significance in the Bible and refers to a precise number, not just a long period of time. There are at least ten instances in the Old Testament and New Testament where 40 occurs, either in years or days, e.g. it rained for 40 days and 40 nights, Moses was on the mountain 40 days and 40 nights, the Israelites wandered 40 years, Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days and was seen on the earth for 40 days after His crucifixion.
A 40-something time period, whether days, months, or years is ALWAYS a period of testing, trial, probation, or chastisement (but not judgment) and ends with a period of restoration, revival or renewal.
Thankfully, God is consistent, so the meaning of a number in Genesis remains the same all the way to the book of Revelation. Sometimes the spiritual significance is not revealed directly, but in the case of “40″ and its many examples throughout the Bible, we can be certain of its importance and significance.
Reading Plan for Week 2
Thursday, July 8, 2010- Genesis 20, 21, 22
Friday, July 9, 2010- Genesis 23, 24 and Matthew 7
Saturday, July 10, 2010- Genesis 25, 26
Sunday, July 11, 2010- Genesis 27, 28 and Matthew 8
Monday, July 12, 2010- Genesis 29, 30 and Matthew 9
Tuesday, July 13, 2010- Genesis 31, 32
Wednesday, July 14, 2010- Genesis 33, 43, 35 and Matthew 10
We are two weeks end and going strong!!! Keep it up Friends...50 more weeks to go!!!
Friday, July 9, 2010- Genesis 23, 24 and Matthew 7
Saturday, July 10, 2010- Genesis 25, 26
Sunday, July 11, 2010- Genesis 27, 28 and Matthew 8
Monday, July 12, 2010- Genesis 29, 30 and Matthew 9
Tuesday, July 13, 2010- Genesis 31, 32
Wednesday, July 14, 2010- Genesis 33, 43, 35 and Matthew 10
We are two weeks end and going strong!!! Keep it up Friends...50 more weeks to go!!!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Matthew 5:27-30
ADULTERY..most likely my biggest struggle.
So, some struggles with why people don't believe in the Bible is because they don't know what stories to take literally and figuratively. This one...tough to take literally, but when you place it against God's Love and the struggle he went through for us, it seems like it should be a walk in a park. Lets. see.
Verse 27-30 "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be throwin into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and through it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell."
HMMMMM....I don't think I should have any body parts left after reading this. My biggest struggle (especially while I'm at my fitness gym) is lustfully looking at women. It's been on my mind a lot lately, and I am making a very intentional effort to not do so, but it's tough. I mean, real tough! It's to the point where I just might either have Malachi and chill at the park, and sleep when I don't have him...because I know that at some point throughout the day, whether it be via tv, going to the gym, or reading a magazine, some smokin' hot lady with only a sports bra and tight pants advertising some product (that of course will persuade you that their product will give you this body when indeed we all know better but still purchase the product...but that's neither here nor there) will appear in my sight and there it is...my eyes are causing me to sin, Big Time! What do I do in this situation? It's like trying to heal a sprained ankle while playing on it. But when i think about the Love of my Lord....My God.....take my eyes, limbs, and anything else that causing me to be away from you for it's not I that sin, but it's the sin that lives in me...(Rom. 7:15-22..my favorite passage by the way). I guess it's time to stop making excuses and man up. And girls, don't front! I know when y'all see some of these male athletes in the locker room with their shirts off, or Tyrese doing a Ralph Lauren ad..or Me doing just about anything, y'all go crazy, so step your game up too or get to gouging!
So, some struggles with why people don't believe in the Bible is because they don't know what stories to take literally and figuratively. This one...tough to take literally, but when you place it against God's Love and the struggle he went through for us, it seems like it should be a walk in a park. Lets. see.
Verse 27-30 "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be throwin into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and through it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell."
HMMMMM....I don't think I should have any body parts left after reading this. My biggest struggle (especially while I'm at my fitness gym) is lustfully looking at women. It's been on my mind a lot lately, and I am making a very intentional effort to not do so, but it's tough. I mean, real tough! It's to the point where I just might either have Malachi and chill at the park, and sleep when I don't have him...because I know that at some point throughout the day, whether it be via tv, going to the gym, or reading a magazine, some smokin' hot lady with only a sports bra and tight pants advertising some product (that of course will persuade you that their product will give you this body when indeed we all know better but still purchase the product...but that's neither here nor there) will appear in my sight and there it is...my eyes are causing me to sin, Big Time! What do I do in this situation? It's like trying to heal a sprained ankle while playing on it. But when i think about the Love of my Lord....My God.....take my eyes, limbs, and anything else that causing me to be away from you for it's not I that sin, but it's the sin that lives in me...(Rom. 7:15-22..my favorite passage by the way). I guess it's time to stop making excuses and man up. And girls, don't front! I know when y'all see some of these male athletes in the locker room with their shirts off, or Tyrese doing a Ralph Lauren ad..or Me doing just about anything, y'all go crazy, so step your game up too or get to gouging!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Genesis 14:22-24
"But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have raised my hand to the Lord, God most HIgh, Creator of Heaven and Earth, and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich.' I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me..."
So, after I read this, I thought to myself, "How many devils have I allowed to give me something that has lead me away from receiving a blessing from my Lord???" When I say "things", I mean more than something that can rust or be manipulated. Think of compliments or put downs that we've allowed to shape who we are, or even physical or emotional pleasures/discomforts that took our focus away from God's love. When I think of the depth of my sin, it's DEEP...almost beyond measure. But then I think of the depth of God's love, and it's deeper than all of human sins put together! WOW! One thing that's helped me out throughout my stressfull year is that "God's will can't take you where God's grace cannot protect you." Just thinking about that makes me want to stop typing and kneel down just to give thanks for the things that haven't happened to me...the things that I don't know that God kept me from (i.e. car accidents, injuries/illnesses, etc.) and that's all because of his Grace. Thanks my Lord for being you....
So, after I read this, I thought to myself, "How many devils have I allowed to give me something that has lead me away from receiving a blessing from my Lord???" When I say "things", I mean more than something that can rust or be manipulated. Think of compliments or put downs that we've allowed to shape who we are, or even physical or emotional pleasures/discomforts that took our focus away from God's love. When I think of the depth of my sin, it's DEEP...almost beyond measure. But then I think of the depth of God's love, and it's deeper than all of human sins put together! WOW! One thing that's helped me out throughout my stressfull year is that "God's will can't take you where God's grace cannot protect you." Just thinking about that makes me want to stop typing and kneel down just to give thanks for the things that haven't happened to me...the things that I don't know that God kept me from (i.e. car accidents, injuries/illnesses, etc.) and that's all because of his Grace. Thanks my Lord for being you....
Genesis 16:1-4
So this reading pertains to Abram and Sarai's maidservant, Hagar, convceiving a child, later known as Ishmael (which means "God Hears"). I thought about this because outside of Adam and Eve, I wondered was this decision the first recorded decision that was not based on God's opinion? It stats that Sarai recommended this idea to Abram, and he agreed, but it doesn't state that they consulted God about it. Another thing that makes me think about this is that we begins to see human nature come out of Sarai...which makes me think this decision was not based on God's will, though he later blesses Hagar and Ishmael. It states in verse 4 that "When she (Sarai) knew she (Hagar) was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress.", which is a nature human instinct...to be jealous or covet or in urban terms, a "hater". I think about Malachi and how he was born out of wedlock, and as soon as I read later that God was going to bless Ishmael because Abraham (formerly known as Abram) asked the Lord to do so (Gen. 17:18). And the Lord of course replied with "I have heard you (which i think is funny because Ishmael means "God hears"):I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers." (Gen. 17:20). My immediate prayer is that I can be a great leader for him, a great father, and a great teacher, and that all of those would come second to God blessing him in ways that I couldn't even imagine. Just some random thoughts....
New Design for Blog
So the other design was a little difficult to read. Is this better? Let me know what you think.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Deidre's Reflections on Day 1 & 2
Hello Friends!!
First let me say a huge thanks to James for keeping me honest. Without his facebook posts/text messages, I'm not sure that I would have stayed true to getting started this week. Yes, I was lacking motivation. So, I did day 1 and 2 today and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed being in the word.
One of the first things I noticed is how the reading plan was structured for these first two days. I'm not sure if this was intentional or coincidental but it made me think so I thought I would share it. The old testament readings took us through the creation story and also the fall of man. The New Testament scripture spoke of the birth of Jesus Christ. The beginning and the end. To me, it was poignant to read about the fall of man and the redemption of man in the first two days. Especially on the weekend that many Americans celebrate the independence of America. Questions...are we really free? And though we appreciate the sacrifice of our military, etc....do you believe that total freedom came through Jesus Christ? As an African-American, I can say that I realize that my freedom in today's society has nothing to do with July 4th....but I believe that God ordained people like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks to be the "soldiers" for our worldly freedom. But I believe in my heart that I was spiritually freed on the day I was saved. And praise God this is the kind of freedom that can't be taken away.
That freedom as allows me to make choices. Much like Adam and Eve made in the Garden of Eden. Choices to obey or not obey. Choices to be influenced by outside sources. Choices to commune with others instead of God. I know that many of times we joke about Adam and Eve and how they "messed it up for the rest of us". How many times do we use the freedom that we have through Christ to make decisions that "mess it up for ourselves". By God's grace...he makes a way for us despite ourselves.
Obedience...Noah's obedience to God despite what others thought was an awesome testament to what we need to do today. First, God found Noah worthy. Wow!!! Of all the people he picked Noah. And Noah was obedient. We also see a great example of obedience in Joseph and Mary. Are we listening for the instructions and are we ready to answer the call even when it isn't popular or what other people (friends) would do.
One other interesting thought I had while reading Genesis 1 is the fact that after each act of creation on each day it says...and there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. When we think of a new day, we think of morning. Clearly, God thought of the a day from sunset to sunset. Which is where the Jewish observance of Shabbat (Sabbath) comes from. Jewish people observe the Sabbath from sunset on Fridays to sunset on Saturdays.
So many thoughts and not enough time but I can't wait to share more...hear more...spend more time with Him.
Keep me in prayer as I continue on this journey. The spirit is willing but sometimes the flesh is weak. And TV sometimes seems like a better option.
First let me say a huge thanks to James for keeping me honest. Without his facebook posts/text messages, I'm not sure that I would have stayed true to getting started this week. Yes, I was lacking motivation. So, I did day 1 and 2 today and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed being in the word.
One of the first things I noticed is how the reading plan was structured for these first two days. I'm not sure if this was intentional or coincidental but it made me think so I thought I would share it. The old testament readings took us through the creation story and also the fall of man. The New Testament scripture spoke of the birth of Jesus Christ. The beginning and the end. To me, it was poignant to read about the fall of man and the redemption of man in the first two days. Especially on the weekend that many Americans celebrate the independence of America. Questions...are we really free? And though we appreciate the sacrifice of our military, etc....do you believe that total freedom came through Jesus Christ? As an African-American, I can say that I realize that my freedom in today's society has nothing to do with July 4th....but I believe that God ordained people like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks to be the "soldiers" for our worldly freedom. But I believe in my heart that I was spiritually freed on the day I was saved. And praise God this is the kind of freedom that can't be taken away.
That freedom as allows me to make choices. Much like Adam and Eve made in the Garden of Eden. Choices to obey or not obey. Choices to be influenced by outside sources. Choices to commune with others instead of God. I know that many of times we joke about Adam and Eve and how they "messed it up for the rest of us". How many times do we use the freedom that we have through Christ to make decisions that "mess it up for ourselves". By God's grace...he makes a way for us despite ourselves.
Obedience...Noah's obedience to God despite what others thought was an awesome testament to what we need to do today. First, God found Noah worthy. Wow!!! Of all the people he picked Noah. And Noah was obedient. We also see a great example of obedience in Joseph and Mary. Are we listening for the instructions and are we ready to answer the call even when it isn't popular or what other people (friends) would do.
One other interesting thought I had while reading Genesis 1 is the fact that after each act of creation on each day it says...and there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. When we think of a new day, we think of morning. Clearly, God thought of the a day from sunset to sunset. Which is where the Jewish observance of Shabbat (Sabbath) comes from. Jewish people observe the Sabbath from sunset on Fridays to sunset on Saturdays.
So many thoughts and not enough time but I can't wait to share more...hear more...spend more time with Him.
Keep me in prayer as I continue on this journey. The spirit is willing but sometimes the flesh is weak. And TV sometimes seems like a better option.
The theory of seven
I know that this is not a new topic but does anyone know what they meaning of the number seven is in the bible? I know, I know....we learned that is bible class way back in the day but I forgot. Is it unity or spiritual perfection or what? There are also multiples of sevens mentioned as well. Does that mean the same thing? Then there is the number 17 mentioned, is that the same as well? I am just trying to get the most out of the readings and I have noticed that for the first 2 days of readings that 7, 14, 17, 7 times 7 etc. is repeated. Then, later in the readings we will encounter 56 which is 7x8, 287 which is 7 x 41, seven-fold, you get what I mean.
Maybe the meaning is deeper and we must consider each one seperate. What do you all think. Please help.
Maybe the meaning is deeper and we must consider each one seperate. What do you all think. Please help.
Genesis 4:7 and Matthew 2:13
Gen. 4:7- "...sin is crouching at your doorstep, it desires to have you, but you must master it." I reread this a few times, and the word that stands out for me is "must" because I often allow myself to rationalize my sins. The Lord commands that we "MUST" master sin, not become comfortable with it, and I my Friends, have at times been at a point where I felt that it was ok to sometimes...sin. The wager of sin is death, and some how, there hasn't been a day that has gone by and I did not see the light of that day, so I have My Lord to give all thanks to for forgiving me for my foolishness.
Matt. 2:13- "..for Herrod will seek the young child (Jesus) to destroy him." So this message came in the form of a dream from God to Joseph...he was commanded to take his wife and "the child" to Egypt because Kind Herrod was on his way to get his murder on. I wonder the "what if" side of this story. We know what was supposed to happen, and that happened. But as we make a correlation to our lives, do we always cultivate the "what is supposed to happen" all the time? Do we listen to God's messages and always do as he asks? If not (which I would assume we would all agree on), then what important events that are supposed to be in our lives are we missing? Or can it be that we're just making things harder on ourselves by not obeying the word of God? It's great to remember that God is not as shady as I am, because you all would be missing out on a ton of stuff...heck, you'd probably be dead, but by the grace and glory of God do we still get to hug our children/family, go to work (well, some of us), wake up in a bed, eat breakfast, cleanse ourselves, watch tv, and many many luxuries that we discount as normal everyday living.
Matt. 2:13- "..for Herrod will seek the young child (Jesus) to destroy him." So this message came in the form of a dream from God to Joseph...he was commanded to take his wife and "the child" to Egypt because Kind Herrod was on his way to get his murder on. I wonder the "what if" side of this story. We know what was supposed to happen, and that happened. But as we make a correlation to our lives, do we always cultivate the "what is supposed to happen" all the time? Do we listen to God's messages and always do as he asks? If not (which I would assume we would all agree on), then what important events that are supposed to be in our lives are we missing? Or can it be that we're just making things harder on ourselves by not obeying the word of God? It's great to remember that God is not as shady as I am, because you all would be missing out on a ton of stuff...heck, you'd probably be dead, but by the grace and glory of God do we still get to hug our children/family, go to work (well, some of us), wake up in a bed, eat breakfast, cleanse ourselves, watch tv, and many many luxuries that we discount as normal everyday living.
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