Just a note, since it's time to vote
Something to consider---
Rules and laws really only work for those with the same belief system.
Our country was founded by men with Christian beliefs. The laws work along-side Christian tenents. So, it's no wonder that we sometimes disagree and that we have different viewpoints about what should be law and what shouldn't.
Ezekial Helps
Confused by Ezekial? Here are some links and some extra information.
Who were the 12 Tribes of Israel? (excerpts from The Jewish Library website)
TRIBES, THE TWELVE,
the traditional division of Israel into 12 tribes: Reuben, Simeon (Levi),
Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Ephraim, and
Manasseh. Biblical tradition holds that the 12 tribes of Israel are descended
from the sons and grandsons of Jacob (Gen. 29–30; 35:16–18; 48:5–6). The tribes
are collectively called Israel because of their origin in the patriarch
Jacob-Israel.
Modern scholarship does not generally accept the biblical
notion that the 12 tribes are simply divisions of a larger unit which developed
naturally from patriarchal roots. This simplistic scheme, it is felt, actually
stems from later genealogical speculations which attempted to explain the
history of the tribes in terms of familial relationships. The alliance of the
12 tribes is believed to have grown from the organization of independent
tribes, or groups of tribes, forced together for historical reasons.
The number 12 is neither fictitious nor the result of an actual
genealogical development in patriarchal history. It is an institutionalized and
conventionalized figure which is found among other tribes as well, such as the
sons of Ishmael (Gen. 25:13–16), the sons of Nahor (Gen. 22:20–24), of Joktan
(Gen. 10:26–30 – so LXX), and Esau (Gen. 36:10–13). Similar organizational
patterns built about groups of 12, or even six, tribes, are known from Asia
Minor, Greece, and Italy. In Greece, such groupings were called amphictyony (ʿ Αμφικτυονία),
from ʾ αμφικτίζω, meaning "to dwell
about," that is, about a central sanctuary. Each tribe was assigned a
prearranged turn in the provision and maintenance of the shrine. The
amphictyonic members would make pilgrimages to the common religious center on
festive occasions.The exact measure of correspondence between the amphictyony
of the Hellenic world and the duodecimal structure of the tribes of Israel may
be the subject of scholarly controversy, but there can be little doubt that
this pattern of 12 attributed to the Hebrew tribes is very real and
historically rooted. Thus, if one tribe were to withdraw from the union or to
be absorbed into another, the number 12 would be preserved, either by splitting
one of the remaining tribes into two or by accepting a new tribe into the
union. When, for example, the tribe of Levi is considered among the 12 tribes,
the Joseph tribes are counted as one (Gen. 35:22–26; 46:8–25; 49:1–27).
However, when Levi is not mentioned, the Joseph tribes are counted separately
as Manasseh and Ephraim (Num. 26:4–51). For the same duodecimal considerations,
Simeon is counted as a tribe even after having been absorbed into Judah (Josh.
19:1), and Manasseh, even after having split in two, is considered one. Among
the six Leah tribes, Gad, although the son of Zilpah, is counted as one of them
when Levi is missing (Num. 1:20–42; 26:5–50).
Leadership role moved from Reuben because he was oldest to Ephraim (subtribe of Joseph) because Joshua came from Ephraim; and later to Judah
Simeon was absorbed by Judah. Joseph was split into Ephraim and Manasseh.
From Genesis:
Rueben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah-sons of Leah-later lived in
outskirts-did not fight with Deborah, provided no judges
Dan, Naphtali-sons of Bil-hah (Rachel’s servant)
Gad, Asher-sons of Zilpah (Leah’s servant)
Issachar, Zebulun-son of Leah
Dinah-daughter of Leah
Joseph, Benjamin-sons of Rachel
Helpful links to visualize the temple described:
SHOUT
Yesterday's reading talked alot about shouting the news and it made me think......When was the last time I shouted? When was the last time I heard someone shout?
We shout (yell) to each other at my house when we need each other. We shout (cheer) at ballgames. My 12-year-old does alot of the shouting--and his noise IS sometimes just out of the joy of life. I've howled at the moon (a great feeling, if you've never tried it). I've screamed to relieve great stress when I just couldn't take it. But shouting in joy......hmmm, not my natural response.
Maybe when I was younger. Visions of teenage girls squealing over something exciting. Young men giving the fist pump and the explosive "YES!" when things go their way. Is this something we give up as we grow older?
Shouting in Bible times was a way to get the news out. No microphones, no cell phones, no e-mails. So, perhaps shouting in today's world takes on those forms. Perhaps this blog in itself is my form of shouting.
So, today, I'm going to shout out and tell you......
I LOVE MY GOD! I LOVE TO WATCH HIM AT WORK IN PEOPLE'S LIVES! I LOVE HOW HE SPEAKS TO ME THROUGH HIS WORD AND MAKES WORDS THAT WERE WRITTEN THOUSANDS OF YEARS AGO APPLY TO MY LIFE TODAY! I LOVE HOW HE PUTS PEOPLE AND EXPERIENCES IN MY LIFE AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME TO KEEP ME IN HIS WILL! I LOVE THAT HE LOVES ME--THE ONE THAT HAS ALL POWER AND STRENGTH STILL LOOKS DOWN AT LITTLE OL' ME AND SMILES! YEA, GOD!! I DO LOVE YOU!!
We shout (yell) to each other at my house when we need each other. We shout (cheer) at ballgames. My 12-year-old does alot of the shouting--and his noise IS sometimes just out of the joy of life. I've howled at the moon (a great feeling, if you've never tried it). I've screamed to relieve great stress when I just couldn't take it. But shouting in joy......hmmm, not my natural response.
Maybe when I was younger. Visions of teenage girls squealing over something exciting. Young men giving the fist pump and the explosive "YES!" when things go their way. Is this something we give up as we grow older?
Shouting in Bible times was a way to get the news out. No microphones, no cell phones, no e-mails. So, perhaps shouting in today's world takes on those forms. Perhaps this blog in itself is my form of shouting.
So, today, I'm going to shout out and tell you......
I LOVE MY GOD! I LOVE TO WATCH HIM AT WORK IN PEOPLE'S LIVES! I LOVE HOW HE SPEAKS TO ME THROUGH HIS WORD AND MAKES WORDS THAT WERE WRITTEN THOUSANDS OF YEARS AGO APPLY TO MY LIFE TODAY! I LOVE HOW HE PUTS PEOPLE AND EXPERIENCES IN MY LIFE AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME TO KEEP ME IN HIS WILL! I LOVE THAT HE LOVES ME--THE ONE THAT HAS ALL POWER AND STRENGTH STILL LOOKS DOWN AT LITTLE OL' ME AND SMILES! YEA, GOD!! I DO LOVE YOU!!
Parenting Lessons from Isaiah
Who would have thought that we would find parenting lessons in Isaiah? But in Isaiah 28-30 there are some great parenting jewels. And that should make sense because God is the ultimate parent.
Here are some of the jewels that popped out at me--especially since I'm raising teenagers and am around their friends all the time. If I can somehow hold on to these truths, I hope I can steer these bright, young people in the right directions.
Here are some of the jewels that popped out at me--especially since I'm raising teenagers and am around their friends all the time. If I can somehow hold on to these truths, I hope I can steer these bright, young people in the right directions.
Traveling Can Bring Scriptures to Life
Traveling in Ireland really brought some of the scriptures that we are reading to life.
Lessons from Hummingbirds
I hope you are not a hummingbird. I know it's been a long time since I "filled the feeder"!
Don't you love summer!
Traveling!!!
Been out and about!!
And yet I've noticed.....
People are really alike no matter where you are. We enjoy being acknowledged as a person. We open up to genuine interest. Whether serving or being served, we all have a story to tell.
I've watched a mom and dad sit up a little straighter when commented to about the good behavior of their children in a restaurant. I've listened to a young person who was making a big change in her life and moving to a new country and watched her gain confidence as she spoke. I've met people who, no matter their economic status or work situation, worry about and are proud of the same things I am--their loved ones.
We are so much more alike than different. And yet we often want to see the differences. We want to think that we are not this or that. We want to know that we are doing it better that others, that we are smarter than others. But really, the fun of life is in the things that connect us. Who will you connect with today? And with who will you see no common ground?
Been out and about!!
And yet I've noticed.....
People are really alike no matter where you are. We enjoy being acknowledged as a person. We open up to genuine interest. Whether serving or being served, we all have a story to tell.
I've watched a mom and dad sit up a little straighter when commented to about the good behavior of their children in a restaurant. I've listened to a young person who was making a big change in her life and moving to a new country and watched her gain confidence as she spoke. I've met people who, no matter their economic status or work situation, worry about and are proud of the same things I am--their loved ones.
We are so much more alike than different. And yet we often want to see the differences. We want to think that we are not this or that. We want to know that we are doing it better that others, that we are smarter than others. But really, the fun of life is in the things that connect us. Who will you connect with today? And with who will you see no common ground?
Went away for a little while, but I'm back!
Life as a mother and a teacher goes crazy in May. End of the school year presentations, exams, reports, and celebrations take up every minute of every day. Throw in a couple of graduation ceremonies and parties and you have one stressed out schedule. So, without meaning to, I went away for a little while, but I'm back now. So, with a small apology, and a deep breath, I hope to jump back in with some more inspirational words......just as soon as my head stops spinning and I get inspired again!!! Stay tuned! and keep reading with me! Proverbs is quite enlightening and very "motherly advice" filled!!
Return my call or I'll have to tell your mother
Printed with permission
How technology is short-circuiting real communication.
Subtitle: Have some guts and return my call… Or else I’ll
have to call your mother!
As a Peace Corps Volunteer I lived in a town with no
telephone. Everyone else freaked
out, “What, no telephone, how can we get in touch with
you?”… I kind of liked it. If someone
wanted to reach me, the best way to do it was to send the
message with someone who
would be coming to my town. All the Volunteers around me
were in the same lack of
communication situation. Once I sent a message to the next
closest Volunteer. I gave it to
the boat driver who traveled back and forth to her town and
asked him to give it to her.
In the next several days I didn’t receive a message back
from her. I began to worry. Maybe
something was wrong with her. Or maybe she never got the
message. Maybe she wasn’t
in her town. There were so many maybes to our communication
system, that the best way
to solve it, was to send her another message…. Which I did,
and shortly after that I got a
response back. She had been out of town.
Now twelve years later I live in a life that is utterly
connected. I have a cell phone. I
Facebook, email, text. I don’t twitter or Pinterest, but I
could if I wanted. Although I have
more confidence that my messages get to the people I am
sending them, the likelihood that
I will get a response is even lower.
Consider this situation: I will be teaching in another city
this summer. I need a place to
stay, so I arranged to sublet an apartment from Ms. X, the same
college student who sublet her
apartment to us last year. She Facebook messaged me May 1st,
“The apartment is definitely
yours for the month of July (until August 3rd).” I called to
arrange the details with her. I
left messages on her voice mail. I sent her messages on
Facebook. I got no response from
her until May 23rd, when she left me a voice mail (while I
was doing yoga) to tell me that
she had rented half of the apartment to another student. She
wondered, “Was I OK with
that?” I called her back that evening; since she didn’t
answer I left her a message saying
that I would consider it. She didn’t call back. I called her
again a few days later; no answer,
so I left a message emphasizing that I was counting on
subletting her place for the summer.
Several days passed and she still didn’t call me back. I was
stressed. I couldn’t sleep. I began
to investigate other sublet options and found none.
I explained the situation to my father. He said, “You want
me to call her mother.” Heck, I
thought, that ain’t a bad idea, since clearly she is not
going to answer my calls or return any
messages. My dad called her mother. Within two hours I got a
response from her.
Now you probably don’t even have to wonder: How is it that
she answers the phone when
her mother calls but not when I call? One word and two
letters for you: Caller ID. A lovely
invention that allows us to screen our calls, to block out
people who we don’t want to talk
to. An invention that allows us to control who is in and who
is out with no override button.
What would have happened if this sublet fiasco had occurred
in the years before caller
ID (which wasn’t that long ago)? Ms. X would have had to
pick up the phone to hear
who was calling and then she might have had to have an
awkward conversation with me.
Instead, she dodged me in the hopes that I would go away.
But she didn’t realize that I would play the mother card.
That same evening Ms. X sent
me a message on Facebook. She said that since she hadn’t
heard from me and that I didn’t
answer when she called me, she assumed that I didn’t want
the apartment. I don’t believe
it. These are not the jungles of Panama; the message didn’t
fall in the water; the phone line
didn’t break under the weight of a fallen tree.
I am not trying to get all high-and-mighty here. I, too, frequently
have the urge to dodge
people I don’t want to talk to. Especially now that I am
dating. Just this last month, I went
on a date with a guy. By the end of the date he had
committed a definite dating faux pas,
and it was clear to me that we should not go on another
date. When he texted the next day
to ask how I was, I really, really felt like ignoring him
because if I communicated with him
I might actually have to explain to him what I thought about
him—not a pleasant idea. But
a guy friend of mine counseled me, “Don’t do it. At least
send him a short answer.” And he
was right. I texted the guy a few word answer, and with my
terseness he must have realized
I was no longer interested (he also had been on the same
date so he would have been a part
of the same vibes). He didn’t text again.
A part of being human is living in communication with other
humans. And a part of living
with others is having conversations that you don’t want to
have. We do not live in the
jungle where communication is handled primarily
face-to-face. Modern technology allows
us to connect to people in so many different ways. It also
allows us to disconnect with
people in so many different ways. One way we can make our
society more connected is
by actually communicating with each other. When the caller
ID turns up someone you
would rather not talk with, think again. Commit to yourself
that you will answer the call
even if it means that you have to say something that will be
awkward and make you feel
uncomfortable. And
if you are a mother or father, teach your children have those hard conversations, as well.
And if you decide to screen your calls and
ignore the messages, be careful----
be very, very careful---they might just call your mother.
Reading the Bible in a Year-April 28
Yes, I'm still here!!! I'm glad you are too! Thanks to one of our readers who spoke to me and encouraged me to log back on!! I didn't realize how long it had been!
Do you have a month that is hard for you? That is my April. Anniversaries of birth, death, and weddings all pile together for a roller-coaster ride through emotions and activities. Not to mention, the busy-ness at work during this month!!!
And our readings have not been easy narrative, have they? He begat and he begat and he begat........a whole list of people and jobs that covered generations of history! Why? Why is this so important? Why would these scrolls get chosen to be in such an important book not only once, but repetitive times? Didn't we just read these names in previous books?
Well, geneology has become very important to alot of people today, so I guess it was the same then. Not to mention, that many times your job back then was tied into your geneology so you had to prove that you had the right to be there! And many of these names are recorded to lead up to the geneology of Jesus! That's really what it all wraps around quite often. These people were truly the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, of God! And we still are descendants (although some of us have been adopted!) of these people. So I guess it is important to all of us.
Plus, how cool would that be to have your name recorded in an important book like the Bible!! I mean, my name is recorded in a few places that I sometimes pull out to share with people--yours too I bet.....Our family bible has a place to record births and deaths. My yearbook from high school records "the marks I made on history". I remember getting excited the first time the phone book came out with my name (not my parent's). And who hasn't "googled" their own name to see where it has come up in print? But there is even a more important book where your name is recorded once you believe that God is truly your father.....check out Malachi 3:16-18! Yeah--guess God is into scrapbooking!!
Think about that for a while. What pictures and memorabilia would be beside your name in the Book of Remembrance? Would you be proud to see your pages? Would lots of stuff have to be left out?
God.. thanks for loving us enough to want to collect events from our lives and put those things in a book! I can't wait to sit down with you and look through it one day! Help me to give you lots of chances to collect stuff for that book 'cause I want that to be a long visit!!
Do you have a month that is hard for you? That is my April. Anniversaries of birth, death, and weddings all pile together for a roller-coaster ride through emotions and activities. Not to mention, the busy-ness at work during this month!!!
And our readings have not been easy narrative, have they? He begat and he begat and he begat........a whole list of people and jobs that covered generations of history! Why? Why is this so important? Why would these scrolls get chosen to be in such an important book not only once, but repetitive times? Didn't we just read these names in previous books?
Well, geneology has become very important to alot of people today, so I guess it was the same then. Not to mention, that many times your job back then was tied into your geneology so you had to prove that you had the right to be there! And many of these names are recorded to lead up to the geneology of Jesus! That's really what it all wraps around quite often. These people were truly the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, of God! And we still are descendants (although some of us have been adopted!) of these people. So I guess it is important to all of us.
Plus, how cool would that be to have your name recorded in an important book like the Bible!! I mean, my name is recorded in a few places that I sometimes pull out to share with people--yours too I bet.....Our family bible has a place to record births and deaths. My yearbook from high school records "the marks I made on history". I remember getting excited the first time the phone book came out with my name (not my parent's). And who hasn't "googled" their own name to see where it has come up in print? But there is even a more important book where your name is recorded once you believe that God is truly your father.....check out Malachi 3:16-18! Yeah--guess God is into scrapbooking!!
Think about that for a while. What pictures and memorabilia would be beside your name in the Book of Remembrance? Would you be proud to see your pages? Would lots of stuff have to be left out?
God.. thanks for loving us enough to want to collect events from our lives and put those things in a book! I can't wait to sit down with you and look through it one day! Help me to give you lots of chances to collect stuff for that book 'cause I want that to be a long visit!!
Reading the Bible in One Year-April 9
Click here for a timeline to use as you read through 1Kings and 2Kings. It helps keep the kings and prophets straight!
 | To view a video of the temple click here. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Click the picture to connect to the original website describing Solomon's Temple. |
 |
| Click the picture to learn more about Baal, one of the gods that got so many kings in trouble! |
| Click here to learn more about the Annals of the Kings mentioned often in the books of 1Kings and 2Kings |
Reading the Bible in One Year-March 25
I love the first book of Samuel! These people are so real!!! This could so be a weekly TV show! Saul acting nice then plotting behind David's back! How many people do you know like that? And Abigail having to fix the problems her husband's bad attitude creates! Yep, seen that in real life too! And did you get upset when Jonathan died like I did? I so wanted David to be able to at least be there! But no--Jonathan died serving a dad that he had disagreements with all through his life because that is what was expected of him! What an honorable guy! He would have been a great friend to have, wouldn't he? I hope there is someone in all of our lives like Jonathan! I know my nephew, of the same name, is alot like him! A man of honor---a true friend---compelled to do the right thing!
And can you believe the people still honored Saul's body after he had been so hot and cold! He obviously did not lead them well in their spiritual lives. After his death, they didn't even know they could trust in God, so they fled! After all that work of Moses and Joshua and such! A serious of bad leaders can sure undermine a country, can't it? Sounds very political, doesn't it? Again, I chuckle at the timing of my thoughts and my readings! Sometimes, we have to be careful what we wish or pray for! The people begged for a king and look at what they ended up with!! Fleeing their own country!
But every good movie has a sequel--so I'm ready for Samuel 2! Let's hope David becomes king and does a better job! Although, if he doesn't mess up some where I'll be surprised--plus it will probably be a boring sequel!!
God--thank you for teaching us in such an entertaining way! Help me not get so lost in the story that I miss the lessons!
And can you believe the people still honored Saul's body after he had been so hot and cold! He obviously did not lead them well in their spiritual lives. After his death, they didn't even know they could trust in God, so they fled! After all that work of Moses and Joshua and such! A serious of bad leaders can sure undermine a country, can't it? Sounds very political, doesn't it? Again, I chuckle at the timing of my thoughts and my readings! Sometimes, we have to be careful what we wish or pray for! The people begged for a king and look at what they ended up with!! Fleeing their own country!
But every good movie has a sequel--so I'm ready for Samuel 2! Let's hope David becomes king and does a better job! Although, if he doesn't mess up some where I'll be surprised--plus it will probably be a boring sequel!!
God--thank you for teaching us in such an entertaining way! Help me not get so lost in the story that I miss the lessons!
Reading the Bible in One Year-March 18
Birthdays! Spring Break! Whew! I had lots of catching up to do!
Battles! Marriages! Killings! Rapes! Whew! Who ever thought the Bible was boring?
So what's up for these poor women? Just throw 'em out to the sex perverts! Gotta be married and have babies to be worth anything to these men! Boy, it was a different world from ours! But I still look for the messages! Like how to influence others by hanging in there. By knowing the laws enough to use them in your favor. Naomi really knew how to fix the situation once she got out of her funk. I love that she was able to "rise above" again even though I know how sad and lonely she must have been.
And women could have power--look at Deborah and how she influenced many leaders into battle and beyond. She knew the law and used it for Israel's favor. Jael was no wimp either! She knew how to use the opportunities that were given to her. According to the law, her house should have been a safe house, but....
And all the trouble seems to have been caused by straying away from God and His laws. How much easier would life be if we could all just learn that lesson? Know His laws and live within them. In fact, use them for your favor. That is what the leaders of Israel did. Funny that all the kings and judges were worshiping some kind of god. Makes you wonder if those worshiping in a different way have "a bible" that tells the stories differently. They were praying to their gods to save them, too! Like in war today! I'm glad I'm not in charge and have to decide who deserves to win!
I loved Jotham's story of which tree should be in charge. It seemed all the trees had important jobs and were too busy doing important things to be king, until the thorn bush was asked. The thorn bush wasn't doing anything important and got all puffed up at being asked. He even pushed it to the limit saying if they didn't make him king he would retaliate. Funny thoughts come to mind with our presidential election being around the corner. I wonder which candidate used to be a thorn bush and which candidates were actually busy doing important works!
And I don't won't to go before mentioning Samson. Quite the character! Again, it seems his life would have been easier if he had walked a little closer to God--if He had been a true Nazirite and followed the law a little closer. He didn't seem like the sharpest crayon in the box, did he? How many times did he give in to women? How many times did his wife ask him the same question? But in the end, when he called out to God, when he broke the pattern, God responded and loved him.
I guess that is the main lesson after all---no matter how much we mess up, God really does love us. No matter how dumb we act, God really does love us. No matter how much we complain and disobey Him, God really does love us. No matter how often we break His law and stray from His guidance, He really does love us. I guess that is why the bible has stories where the characters say the same thing over and over again--"Samson, tell me how you can be captured?"and do the same things over and over again--"and they destroyed every man, woman, and child in the village and took their idols and worshiped them", and "they destroyed all the idols and vowed to worship God alone. And they had forty years of peace." Because that is probably the way God hears us--saying the same thing over and over again, and making the same mistakes over and over again--but He really still loves us! It's amazing, isn't it? Just when I want to judge the Israelites, I see how like them I am!
So, thank you, God! I am so grateful that you really love us! over and over again! AMEN!
Battles! Marriages! Killings! Rapes! Whew! Who ever thought the Bible was boring?
So what's up for these poor women? Just throw 'em out to the sex perverts! Gotta be married and have babies to be worth anything to these men! Boy, it was a different world from ours! But I still look for the messages! Like how to influence others by hanging in there. By knowing the laws enough to use them in your favor. Naomi really knew how to fix the situation once she got out of her funk. I love that she was able to "rise above" again even though I know how sad and lonely she must have been.
And women could have power--look at Deborah and how she influenced many leaders into battle and beyond. She knew the law and used it for Israel's favor. Jael was no wimp either! She knew how to use the opportunities that were given to her. According to the law, her house should have been a safe house, but....
And all the trouble seems to have been caused by straying away from God and His laws. How much easier would life be if we could all just learn that lesson? Know His laws and live within them. In fact, use them for your favor. That is what the leaders of Israel did. Funny that all the kings and judges were worshiping some kind of god. Makes you wonder if those worshiping in a different way have "a bible" that tells the stories differently. They were praying to their gods to save them, too! Like in war today! I'm glad I'm not in charge and have to decide who deserves to win!
I loved Jotham's story of which tree should be in charge. It seemed all the trees had important jobs and were too busy doing important things to be king, until the thorn bush was asked. The thorn bush wasn't doing anything important and got all puffed up at being asked. He even pushed it to the limit saying if they didn't make him king he would retaliate. Funny thoughts come to mind with our presidential election being around the corner. I wonder which candidate used to be a thorn bush and which candidates were actually busy doing important works!
And I don't won't to go before mentioning Samson. Quite the character! Again, it seems his life would have been easier if he had walked a little closer to God--if He had been a true Nazirite and followed the law a little closer. He didn't seem like the sharpest crayon in the box, did he? How many times did he give in to women? How many times did his wife ask him the same question? But in the end, when he called out to God, when he broke the pattern, God responded and loved him.
I guess that is the main lesson after all---no matter how much we mess up, God really does love us. No matter how dumb we act, God really does love us. No matter how much we complain and disobey Him, God really does love us. No matter how often we break His law and stray from His guidance, He really does love us. I guess that is why the bible has stories where the characters say the same thing over and over again--"Samson, tell me how you can be captured?"and do the same things over and over again--"and they destroyed every man, woman, and child in the village and took their idols and worshiped them", and "they destroyed all the idols and vowed to worship God alone. And they had forty years of peace." Because that is probably the way God hears us--saying the same thing over and over again, and making the same mistakes over and over again--but He really still loves us! It's amazing, isn't it? Just when I want to judge the Israelites, I see how like them I am!
So, thank you, God! I am so grateful that you really love us! over and over again! AMEN!
Reading the Bible in One Year-March 11
So what about that Joshua! I've written thoughts about him before. Like the persistence he had to have to just walk around the walls of Jericho instead of fighting. He was a warrior after all. But sometimes we are called to just be a presence, not necessarily do much. And sometimes we are called to obey, even if the task seems beneath our talent. Because sometimes the events in our lives are not happening for us to learn as much as those around us and the Israelites certainly needed to be reminded over and over again about obedience! Joshua was reminded over and over to be strong and courageous, but I bet his real inward battle was about just following the will of God against his own instinct.
And then there was "the map maker's dream" section. I guess the details were as important about who lives where as the tabernacle directions were. Seriously, you could draw a pretty clear map of the distribution of the land to the tribes just using Joshua's book. I felt like I had gone into the real estate office to look up a plat of land!! And they seemed to have thought of everything! One amazing thing--that they just drew lots for some of it! I guess that's where we get the idea of drawing straws to see who gets what. If it works for a whole community, I guess it would work for almost anything.
I was also interested in the 6 cities of refuge. It was great that those were given to the Levites, the priests. It reminded me of the way cities in Medieval times were centered and controlled by the church. The book, Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett gave me great insight and context for this situation and I wondered if the Israelite cities of refuge took this form without of course the emphasis on the grand cathedral building because this would take away from the temple's importance. Something very clearly established when the monument was built across the Jordan and a war was almost caused!
Also of great interest to me was the way the city of Hebron was always highlighted. In the version I was reading it was always called by both its old name and the new name Hebron. And it was designated again and again as a city of refuge. Very comforting to me since we have come to worship at Hebron Presbyterian Church and it has become a refuge in many ways to our family. It is a very quiet spot in a very busy world in which we can hear the voice of God and He provided us with this connection at a just the right time. I wonder if you need a spot like that in your life?
Dear God--thank you for your detailed plans for your people. Thank you that I can say that I am one of those people who you have planned for. I pray for refuge for all your children in this world that can be so overwhelming. Amen
I was also interested in the 6 cities of refuge. It was great that those were given to the Levites, the priests. It reminded me of the way cities in Medieval times were centered and controlled by the church. The book, Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett gave me great insight and context for this situation and I wondered if the Israelite cities of refuge took this form without of course the emphasis on the grand cathedral building because this would take away from the temple's importance. Something very clearly established when the monument was built across the Jordan and a war was almost caused!
Also of great interest to me was the way the city of Hebron was always highlighted. In the version I was reading it was always called by both its old name and the new name Hebron. And it was designated again and again as a city of refuge. Very comforting to me since we have come to worship at Hebron Presbyterian Church and it has become a refuge in many ways to our family. It is a very quiet spot in a very busy world in which we can hear the voice of God and He provided us with this connection at a just the right time. I wonder if you need a spot like that in your life?
Dear God--thank you for your detailed plans for your people. Thank you that I can say that I am one of those people who you have planned for. I pray for refuge for all your children in this world that can be so overwhelming. Amen
Reading the Bible in a Year--Feb. 22
Happy Mardi Gras!!!
As we enter the Lenton season--my mind travels through the past readings to the number 40! What's up with this number? For Noah--it rained for 40 days! For Moses--he was on the mountain for 40 days--twice! For the Israelites--they wandered in the desert for 40 years! For Jonah--40 days in Ninevah! For Jesus--40 days of temptation in the desert! For the apostles--40 days with Jesus after the resurrection and before the ascention! For Rick Warren-- it is 40 Days of Purpose! For Alex and Stephen Kendrick--it is a 40 day Love Dare. On one website it is explained as a number of trial, testing, or probation.
For Christians everywhere, beginning tomorrow--it is a 40 day wait for the miracle of Easter. This period of time might be seen as one of trial, testing, or probation. Many people decide to "give-up" something for Lent--put something or themselves "on probation". The purpose of this is a symbolic trial or test--a time in which one stops doing something that they will truly miss in hopes that they will be reminded of the trials and tribulations that Jesus went through. Or that when they begin to miss the thing that they are giving up, it will remind them to think of Jesus and what He gave up to come down to earth and experience life as a human. Some people do it in hopes of having more time to spend reading the Word or praying by replacing the activity that they usually do with these activities instead. By doing this, one can sometimes add a healthier activity to their lives.
So what are you going to give up? One of my family is going to fast in some way, one has given up video games in the past, I have given up chocolate before and will probably try that again! I would love to hear about some new and creative ideas as well! But whatever we all decide--let's not give up our Bible readings!!
God--thanks for standing beside us during these 40 days! Help each thought move us closer to you so that this Easter season will be one of the most meaningful and the events of the season will be very real in our hearts and minds.
As we enter the Lenton season--my mind travels through the past readings to the number 40! What's up with this number? For Noah--it rained for 40 days! For Moses--he was on the mountain for 40 days--twice! For the Israelites--they wandered in the desert for 40 years! For Jonah--40 days in Ninevah! For Jesus--40 days of temptation in the desert! For the apostles--40 days with Jesus after the resurrection and before the ascention! For Rick Warren-- it is 40 Days of Purpose! For Alex and Stephen Kendrick--it is a 40 day Love Dare. On one website it is explained as a number of trial, testing, or probation.
For Christians everywhere, beginning tomorrow--it is a 40 day wait for the miracle of Easter. This period of time might be seen as one of trial, testing, or probation. Many people decide to "give-up" something for Lent--put something or themselves "on probation". The purpose of this is a symbolic trial or test--a time in which one stops doing something that they will truly miss in hopes that they will be reminded of the trials and tribulations that Jesus went through. Or that when they begin to miss the thing that they are giving up, it will remind them to think of Jesus and what He gave up to come down to earth and experience life as a human. Some people do it in hopes of having more time to spend reading the Word or praying by replacing the activity that they usually do with these activities instead. By doing this, one can sometimes add a healthier activity to their lives.
So what are you going to give up? One of my family is going to fast in some way, one has given up video games in the past, I have given up chocolate before and will probably try that again! I would love to hear about some new and creative ideas as well! But whatever we all decide--let's not give up our Bible readings!!
God--thanks for standing beside us during these 40 days! Help each thought move us closer to you so that this Easter season will be one of the most meaningful and the events of the season will be very real in our hearts and minds.
Reading the Bible in One Year-Feb. 15
I just love how organized God is! He really thought of everything when he planned this "adventure" for the Hebrew people. I got an e-mail today that really puts it all into perspective! Thanks, Lee!
from e-mail, original author unknown
A new way to think about how Moses fed everyone...
Read and feel comforted.
Amazing Data on Moses
Moses and the people were in the desert, but what was he going to do with them?
They had to be fed, and feeding 2 or 3 million people requires a lot of food.
According to the Quartermaster General in the Army, it is reported that Moses would have to have had 1500 tons of food each day. Do you know that to bring that much food each day,
two freight trains, each at least a mile long, would be required!?!
Besides you must remember, they were out in the desert, so they would have to have firewood
to use in cooking the food. This would take 4000 tons of wood and a few more freight trains,
each a mile long, just for one day.
And just think, they were forty years in transit.
And Oh yes! They would have to have water. If they only had enough to drink and wash a few dishes,
it would take 11,000,000 gallons each day and a freight train with tank cars, 1800 miles long, just to bring water!
And then another thing!
They had to get across the Red Sea at night. Now, if they went on a narrow path, double file, the line would be 800 miles long and would require 35 days and nights o get through.
So there had to be a space in the Red Sea, 3 miles wide so that they could walk 5000 abreast to get over in one night.
But then, there is another problem...
each time they camped at the end of the day, a campground two-thirds the size of the state of Rhode Island was required, or a total of 750 square miles long.
Think of it! This much space for camping.
Do you think Moses figured all this out before he left Egypt ? I think not!
You see, Moses believed in God. God took care of these things for him.
from e-mail, original author unknown
A new way to think about how Moses fed everyone...
Read and feel comforted.
Amazing Data on Moses
Moses and the people were in the desert, but what was he going to do with them?
They had to be fed, and feeding 2 or 3 million people requires a lot of food.
According to the Quartermaster General in the Army, it is reported that Moses would have to have had 1500 tons of food each day. Do you know that to bring that much food each day,
two freight trains, each at least a mile long, would be required!?!
Besides you must remember, they were out in the desert, so they would have to have firewood
to use in cooking the food. This would take 4000 tons of wood and a few more freight trains,
each a mile long, just for one day.
And just think, they were forty years in transit.
And Oh yes! They would have to have water. If they only had enough to drink and wash a few dishes,
it would take 11,000,000 gallons each day and a freight train with tank cars, 1800 miles long, just to bring water!
And then another thing!
They had to get across the Red Sea at night. Now, if they went on a narrow path, double file, the line would be 800 miles long and would require 35 days and nights o get through.
So there had to be a space in the Red Sea, 3 miles wide so that they could walk 5000 abreast to get over in one night.
But then, there is another problem...
each time they camped at the end of the day, a campground two-thirds the size of the state of Rhode Island was required, or a total of 750 square miles long.
Think of it! This much space for camping.
Do you think Moses figured all this out before he left Egypt ? I think not!
You see, Moses believed in God. God took care of these things for him.
Happy Valentines' Day!
original source unknown
Can you say "I love you" any better?
What Love means to a 4-8 year old . . Touching words from the mouth of babes.
A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, 'What does love mean?' The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:
Can you say "I love you" any better?
What Love means to a 4-8 year old . . Touching words from the mouth of babes.
A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, 'What does love mean?' The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:
Reading the Bible in One Year-Feb. 13
Okay-so I've made it through all those rules and regulations in Leviticus. Now for Numbers. Before heading there I thought I better write a little about all those rules.
I can really see how people can get in arguments about what God wants us to believe today when I read this ancient book. I mean, most of it is just great advice for healthy living, especially in those days. The rules about the offerings and which parts to eat and which parts to burn make sense when you consider that the animals we were dealing with could contract diseases and such from the ground. I don't know that much about animal husbandry and such (city girl that never had 4H!) but from what I understand, those animals get worms and stuff!! And eating everything before the next day makes sense when you don't have refrigeration!
I can see where we get our traditions of giving to the church as well. In doing so, the people were providing for the priests and their families (I liked that they had families, compared to some of our religions that don't allow for that today.) much like we do today. It really allowed the priests to freely do their job without having to think of provision. As the wife of a part-time preacher, I see times when the two worlds can really pull at each other for time and concentration. And the idea of giving to God first has stuck in our lives with tithing. I know our budget works best, when the first line is our tithe.
I thought it interesting the way that the poor are taken care of. If they could not afford the offering, there was a lesser offering alternative, but they were still expected to give. (Wish we would take this approach with taxes!) And everyone left food in the fields for the poor to gather. Notice how they didn't gather it for them and hand it to them. They had to work for their own provisions. (Wish we would take this approach with our welfare!)
The arguments come in when we take some of the rules and follow them, but don't follow others. Some seem to make sense in our world, some seem antiquated. Some seem to fit even though times have changed, some seem to not fit anymore. The trouble is--which are which? Can you follow some rules and not others? Can you justify why they had to but we don't? Which do you pick and choose?
If you follow some, do you follow all?
Like how about the ones that have death as their penalty and yet it also says don't kill? That's the easiest one to see a glaring contradiction with because both rules are written right there. But then some get harder--especially the sex ones. Some of us want to say--well, they didn't understand or have access to the medicine and medical knowledge that we do today. What may have been unhealthy to them is not unhealthy to us--we understand more than they did at the time. But consider that the laws were from God---He knows all about what is healthy and not healthy, both physically and mentally, both socially and spiritually.
I don't have any answers and I need time to think it through more. But if anyone out there has any thoughts about it--I'm open!
God, help us in our times of questioning. Thanks for giving us strong brains and free-will. Help us to keep those brains open and seeking the truth--even when that gets hard. And keep us grounded in love for You and one another!
I can really see how people can get in arguments about what God wants us to believe today when I read this ancient book. I mean, most of it is just great advice for healthy living, especially in those days. The rules about the offerings and which parts to eat and which parts to burn make sense when you consider that the animals we were dealing with could contract diseases and such from the ground. I don't know that much about animal husbandry and such (city girl that never had 4H!) but from what I understand, those animals get worms and stuff!! And eating everything before the next day makes sense when you don't have refrigeration!
I can see where we get our traditions of giving to the church as well. In doing so, the people were providing for the priests and their families (I liked that they had families, compared to some of our religions that don't allow for that today.) much like we do today. It really allowed the priests to freely do their job without having to think of provision. As the wife of a part-time preacher, I see times when the two worlds can really pull at each other for time and concentration. And the idea of giving to God first has stuck in our lives with tithing. I know our budget works best, when the first line is our tithe.
I thought it interesting the way that the poor are taken care of. If they could not afford the offering, there was a lesser offering alternative, but they were still expected to give. (Wish we would take this approach with taxes!) And everyone left food in the fields for the poor to gather. Notice how they didn't gather it for them and hand it to them. They had to work for their own provisions. (Wish we would take this approach with our welfare!)
The arguments come in when we take some of the rules and follow them, but don't follow others. Some seem to make sense in our world, some seem antiquated. Some seem to fit even though times have changed, some seem to not fit anymore. The trouble is--which are which? Can you follow some rules and not others? Can you justify why they had to but we don't? Which do you pick and choose?
If you follow some, do you follow all?
Like how about the ones that have death as their penalty and yet it also says don't kill? That's the easiest one to see a glaring contradiction with because both rules are written right there. But then some get harder--especially the sex ones. Some of us want to say--well, they didn't understand or have access to the medicine and medical knowledge that we do today. What may have been unhealthy to them is not unhealthy to us--we understand more than they did at the time. But consider that the laws were from God---He knows all about what is healthy and not healthy, both physically and mentally, both socially and spiritually.
I don't have any answers and I need time to think it through more. But if anyone out there has any thoughts about it--I'm open!
God, help us in our times of questioning. Thanks for giving us strong brains and free-will. Help us to keep those brains open and seeking the truth--even when that gets hard. And keep us grounded in love for You and one another!
The 3 Gifts
Gifts are often clues to others' personalities and how they match your personality. I loved the gifts I got for my birthday last year from my kids. They not only were little windows into them, but helped me to see how they view me in their lives.
My first gift was an antique doorknob chime. It spoke of valuing the old while creating something new and recreating something to make it valuable again. From my child that finds value in everything and can make something beautiful from anything!
My next gift was some mocha mix. It said be decadent, enjoy life! From my child who lives most days that way. It's only worth doing if it brings you joy.
My last gift was bangle bracelets! Beautiful and noisy--just like my last child!!
But each gift made me realize the quality that each of the children liked best in me. First, how I value each of them and all that they try to be. Second, how I try to help them understand true joy in all situations. And third, how beauty and life should be expressed in praise by making a joyful noise!! I guess those qualities are worth celebrating!
My first gift was an antique doorknob chime. It spoke of valuing the old while creating something new and recreating something to make it valuable again. From my child that finds value in everything and can make something beautiful from anything!
My next gift was some mocha mix. It said be decadent, enjoy life! From my child who lives most days that way. It's only worth doing if it brings you joy.
My last gift was bangle bracelets! Beautiful and noisy--just like my last child!!
But each gift made me realize the quality that each of the children liked best in me. First, how I value each of them and all that they try to be. Second, how I try to help them understand true joy in all situations. And third, how beauty and life should be expressed in praise by making a joyful noise!! I guess those qualities are worth celebrating!
Reading the Bible in One Year
Wow-am I behind!!!! This is tough but I'm not giving up! I've been reading everyday but I can't seem to get it all read and still be thoughtful about it and I don't want to just plow through it.
I don't seem to have time to write about it either. I go back and forth about trying to catch up with the reading or wanting to stop and write down thoughts about what I've read so far.
I've jotted down a few thoughts on paper, but it just seems rushed these days. I guess that's why God called Moses away from his regular life for 40 days to get it all down!
So--I'm amazed at the detail with which the worship of the Jewish people was designed. I'm interested in how they gave offerings of first fruits (in thankfulness) and sin offerings (for forgiveness)--two times that we turn to God the most. I have some thoughts about how that applies to us today, our approach to God in these times, and the relationship of these habits to Jesus' life and death on this earth. And when I catch up on my reading, I'm going to write in more detail about these and be more thoughtful about them.
Until then--I'm going to remember to eat an elephant you just have to take one bite at a time---So I'm going to keep chewing!!
I don't seem to have time to write about it either. I go back and forth about trying to catch up with the reading or wanting to stop and write down thoughts about what I've read so far.
I've jotted down a few thoughts on paper, but it just seems rushed these days. I guess that's why God called Moses away from his regular life for 40 days to get it all down!
So--I'm amazed at the detail with which the worship of the Jewish people was designed. I'm interested in how they gave offerings of first fruits (in thankfulness) and sin offerings (for forgiveness)--two times that we turn to God the most. I have some thoughts about how that applies to us today, our approach to God in these times, and the relationship of these habits to Jesus' life and death on this earth. And when I catch up on my reading, I'm going to write in more detail about these and be more thoughtful about them.
Until then--I'm going to remember to eat an elephant you just have to take one bite at a time---So I'm going to keep chewing!!
Reading the Bible in One Year-Jan. 26
Well, now I know where I get my work ethic from. Collecting manna!
See I think everyone should work their hardest, but it should come out enough. That's how it was with gathering manna--"And the people of Israel did so; they gathered, some more, some less. But when they measured it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, he that gathered little had no lack; each gathered according to what he could eat." In other words, the strong who probably could eat more probably gathered more as they were able. The weak who probably ate less were able to gather less but did the best they could. I don't think this means that the lazy people got as much as the hard workers, because of the last statement. I don't think we can all do the same work, but I do think we should all work to our capabilities.
I also think that if we want a day of rest, you must prepare and work harder the day before. In that way, you are ahead of the work that must be done. "On the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers apiece;....This is what the Lord has commanded." But, you must not try to have more days off than on. We are to work 6 days for 1 day off. There should be a rhythm to the work done and the breaks taken so that you live in a routine that balances work and rest (and play!)
Sometimes, we get greedy for time-off. We start focusing on how to work the system. Or we get lazy and think the work can wait until tomorrow. And it always seems to catch up with us. "And Moses said to them, 'Let no man leave any of it till the morning.' But they did not listen to Moses; some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and became foul; and Moses was angry with them." (Bet God was, too!)
It reminds me of the time that I called in sick when I really wasn't that sick, but sure enough the next day I really was sick, and the work piled up while I was gone!! I paid for it later!! I guess that's why I'm a "make hay while the sun shines" kind of girl.
God, thank you for giving us important work to do. And thanks for giving us the strength to do it! Now I pray that you will give us the self-control to do it in the way you have set.
See I think everyone should work their hardest, but it should come out enough. That's how it was with gathering manna--"And the people of Israel did so; they gathered, some more, some less. But when they measured it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, he that gathered little had no lack; each gathered according to what he could eat." In other words, the strong who probably could eat more probably gathered more as they were able. The weak who probably ate less were able to gather less but did the best they could. I don't think this means that the lazy people got as much as the hard workers, because of the last statement. I don't think we can all do the same work, but I do think we should all work to our capabilities.
I also think that if we want a day of rest, you must prepare and work harder the day before. In that way, you are ahead of the work that must be done. "On the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers apiece;....This is what the Lord has commanded." But, you must not try to have more days off than on. We are to work 6 days for 1 day off. There should be a rhythm to the work done and the breaks taken so that you live in a routine that balances work and rest (and play!)
Sometimes, we get greedy for time-off. We start focusing on how to work the system. Or we get lazy and think the work can wait until tomorrow. And it always seems to catch up with us. "And Moses said to them, 'Let no man leave any of it till the morning.' But they did not listen to Moses; some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and became foul; and Moses was angry with them." (Bet God was, too!)
It reminds me of the time that I called in sick when I really wasn't that sick, but sure enough the next day I really was sick, and the work piled up while I was gone!! I paid for it later!! I guess that's why I'm a "make hay while the sun shines" kind of girl.
God, thank you for giving us important work to do. And thanks for giving us the strength to do it! Now I pray that you will give us the self-control to do it in the way you have set.
Reading the Bible in One Year-Jan. 27
The Tabernacle
Priest's clothing
To help me visualize the things in the reading, I went to these websites.
Today's reading says to me---God is into details. Boy, is He into details. And I think He's into us following His details. But it also gives me hope that He doesn't mind being a part of our details. Someone once told me, "God is big enough for the heartaches, and small enough for the headaches." I always felt that meant that no matter how big or how small your problem is, He can be a part of it. There is even a book called, "God Is In the Small Things".
So, hope for all you detail people. You were created in God's image. He is a detail person, too!
In fact, I had some trouble following some of the details, but the imagery was amazing to me. I loved the description of the menorrah. (Especially when as I read about the candlestick, I realized--hey that's like a menorrah!) And I love the connections that I knew since our Bible Study group studied Revelation. So much of Revelation connects with these laws and this temple as the end of the world images use lamps, the number 7, the colors, cherubim, and connections to the 12 tribes. Another thought that kept coming back to me was the fact that the veil was torn from top to bottom when Jesus died on the cross. This was the beginning of the veil. It's importance was obvious. And Jesus' death was the end of the veil. Equally important. The separation of God from the people, the adherence to these rituals and laws, was over. Jesus moved us one step closer to God and took the place of those things being set in place in the laws of Exodus. Cool!!!
Priest's clothing
To help me visualize the things in the reading, I went to these websites.
Today's reading says to me---God is into details. Boy, is He into details. And I think He's into us following His details. But it also gives me hope that He doesn't mind being a part of our details. Someone once told me, "God is big enough for the heartaches, and small enough for the headaches." I always felt that meant that no matter how big or how small your problem is, He can be a part of it. There is even a book called, "God Is In the Small Things".
So, hope for all you detail people. You were created in God's image. He is a detail person, too!
In fact, I had some trouble following some of the details, but the imagery was amazing to me. I loved the description of the menorrah. (Especially when as I read about the candlestick, I realized--hey that's like a menorrah!) And I love the connections that I knew since our Bible Study group studied Revelation. So much of Revelation connects with these laws and this temple as the end of the world images use lamps, the number 7, the colors, cherubim, and connections to the 12 tribes. Another thought that kept coming back to me was the fact that the veil was torn from top to bottom when Jesus died on the cross. This was the beginning of the veil. It's importance was obvious. And Jesus' death was the end of the veil. Equally important. The separation of God from the people, the adherence to these rituals and laws, was over. Jesus moved us one step closer to God and took the place of those things being set in place in the laws of Exodus. Cool!!!
Reading the Bible in One Year-Jan. 25
So--I'm back to writing thoughts about the daily readings. Don't know if I'm even caught up. It's amazing how one thing can break up a routine and then before you know it days and days have gone by.
I don't have any real deep thoughts about much of the readings. It's just that they are quite familiar to me after being a Christian for over 40 years. And Genesis gets quite alot of attention in children's and youth's Sunday School so much of this week's reading seems like review. I would love to hear any new perspectives on any of the readings from anyone out there reading this blog!
One thing did come to mind as I was reading about the first passover in Exodus. I noticed how specific God was with Moses about the lamb and how it should be chosen, prepared, and eaten. As I pondered the details, I wondered if these specifics could be foreshadowing the events of Jesus' life on the same night (and continuing into the next day). The parallels started to grow after I got this notion.
I noticed that the lamb or goat must be young. Jesus was fairly young.
The animal was to be unblemished. Well, Jesus was definitely that.
There was specifics about it being roasted-head, hind quarters, and entrails. I thought about the crown of thorns on His head, the mention that they never had to break His legs to quicken death, but made sure to nail His feet as well as His hands, and I thought of the way they stabbed his side to see clear liquid come from His "entrails" to signify complete death.
There was mention of eating the lamb fast. Everyone was amazed at how quickly Jesus died.
I don't think it was a coincidence that Jesus' betrayal took place on Passover. I don't think it was coincidence that the Last Supper was the passover meal that was first established on this night in Moses' life. I think it was a "God-incidence" (to borrow a phrase that I've heard others use).
Thank you God for giving us the stories behind the stories that all fold into your plan of salvation for this world.
I don't have any real deep thoughts about much of the readings. It's just that they are quite familiar to me after being a Christian for over 40 years. And Genesis gets quite alot of attention in children's and youth's Sunday School so much of this week's reading seems like review. I would love to hear any new perspectives on any of the readings from anyone out there reading this blog!
One thing did come to mind as I was reading about the first passover in Exodus. I noticed how specific God was with Moses about the lamb and how it should be chosen, prepared, and eaten. As I pondered the details, I wondered if these specifics could be foreshadowing the events of Jesus' life on the same night (and continuing into the next day). The parallels started to grow after I got this notion.
I noticed that the lamb or goat must be young. Jesus was fairly young.
The animal was to be unblemished. Well, Jesus was definitely that.
There was specifics about it being roasted-head, hind quarters, and entrails. I thought about the crown of thorns on His head, the mention that they never had to break His legs to quicken death, but made sure to nail His feet as well as His hands, and I thought of the way they stabbed his side to see clear liquid come from His "entrails" to signify complete death.
There was mention of eating the lamb fast. Everyone was amazed at how quickly Jesus died.
I don't think it was a coincidence that Jesus' betrayal took place on Passover. I don't think it was coincidence that the Last Supper was the passover meal that was first established on this night in Moses' life. I think it was a "God-incidence" (to borrow a phrase that I've heard others use).
Thank you God for giving us the stories behind the stories that all fold into your plan of salvation for this world.
Reading the Bible In One Year-Jan. 13
The story of Joseph's bad luck! His whole life was like a Friday the 13th!!
I note today Reuben and Judah--2 older brothers that pretend not to care but actually try to do what is right or actually have feelings about what is wrong! It gives me hope for all fighting brothers--I guess you have known some--I certainly have.
The words gum, balm, and myrrh caught my eye today. Those were the 3 things that the camels were loaded with; the camels of the traders that bought Joseph for 20 shekels of silver. It brought to mind Jesus' story. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh--3 gifts to him as a baby. Being sold by Judas for 30 pieces of silver. (Somehow it is good to know that Jesus was worth more)
I know that there is much foreshadowing in the Bible and this seems like it might be one of those cases. Gum, balm, and myrrh could all be used to repair and fix things, heal, and honor death. I know Joseph's life was used to fix, heal, and honor many people and their relationships. Look ahead then to Jesus, the King and Master of fixing, healing and relationships.
Again, we see the people of God not acting in a very Godly way. And yet, God uses those events to move his plan along. And we can step back and see His hand in it. I think that is the hard part in my life sometimes. The stepping back to see how many lives are affected by what is going on. As I have grown older and had more experiences, this has become easier. I am able to think past myself and see what others are going through and how my story weaves through theirs. Just as Joseph's story is weaving through different cultures and worlds--from top of the heap to bottom. Amazing that Joseph seems to just "plug" along. He does not seem changed by the events of his life. There seems to be a confidence and a peace that he is in the right place at the right time and things are as they should be.
God, I pray that today, for all those that my life intertwines, there will be a sense that the world is working as it should. Amen.
I note today Reuben and Judah--2 older brothers that pretend not to care but actually try to do what is right or actually have feelings about what is wrong! It gives me hope for all fighting brothers--I guess you have known some--I certainly have.
The words gum, balm, and myrrh caught my eye today. Those were the 3 things that the camels were loaded with; the camels of the traders that bought Joseph for 20 shekels of silver. It brought to mind Jesus' story. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh--3 gifts to him as a baby. Being sold by Judas for 30 pieces of silver. (Somehow it is good to know that Jesus was worth more)
I know that there is much foreshadowing in the Bible and this seems like it might be one of those cases. Gum, balm, and myrrh could all be used to repair and fix things, heal, and honor death. I know Joseph's life was used to fix, heal, and honor many people and their relationships. Look ahead then to Jesus, the King and Master of fixing, healing and relationships.
Again, we see the people of God not acting in a very Godly way. And yet, God uses those events to move his plan along. And we can step back and see His hand in it. I think that is the hard part in my life sometimes. The stepping back to see how many lives are affected by what is going on. As I have grown older and had more experiences, this has become easier. I am able to think past myself and see what others are going through and how my story weaves through theirs. Just as Joseph's story is weaving through different cultures and worlds--from top of the heap to bottom. Amazing that Joseph seems to just "plug" along. He does not seem changed by the events of his life. There seems to be a confidence and a peace that he is in the right place at the right time and things are as they should be.
God, I pray that today, for all those that my life intertwines, there will be a sense that the world is working as it should. Amen.
Two Choices (a forwarded e-mail)
There are times when the world works as it should. This story tells of one of those times:
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning
disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that
would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school
and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:
'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does,
is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot
understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?'
The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was
mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to
realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other
people treat that child.'
Then he told the following story:
Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing
baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?'
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning
disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that
would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school
and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:
'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does,
is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot
understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?'
The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was
mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to
realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way otherpeople treat that child.'
Then he told the following story:
Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing
baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?'
Reading the Bible In One Year-Jan. 12
There's a little devious behavior in every family, isn't there? And none of us are perfectly wonderful all the time. So, I guess I can't judge these characters too harshly. But boy, did they have some character flaws! Jacob began it all with stealing the birthright and such. But God blessed him with all those sheep! And women and babies and cattle and donkeys and......more! Yet, He still didn't trust God. He worried about leaving to go home, so he slunk away like a thief in the night. He didn't realize that there really was a thief with him!
And what about Rachel? I think she must have been the best "grudge-holder" in the whole world. First, fighting with her sister over Jacob's love and then holding it against her dad that he married Leah to Jacob in the first place. At least, I guess that's why she stole his alter pieces.
And what about those brothers? Killing a whole city of men to "defend the purity of their sister" even after their father had worked things out for the benefit of the family. Doesn't say much for Jacob and Leah's parenting skills.
And yet the Lord kept leading. And I guess after wrestling with that angel, Jacob had finally learned that he could trust God so he did moved his family one more time. I noticed that Jacob talked to them about God the most just before this move, showing that he had matured in his faith enough to spread it to his family.
Maybe that is what today's reading is really all about---maturing in faith. God comes to us time and time again. Letting us make our mistakes, but staying by our side. Explaining things and letting us "wrestle" with the new ideas. Loving us enough to help us pick up the pieces and try again. Thanks, God.
And what about Rachel? I think she must have been the best "grudge-holder" in the whole world. First, fighting with her sister over Jacob's love and then holding it against her dad that he married Leah to Jacob in the first place. At least, I guess that's why she stole his alter pieces.
And what about those brothers? Killing a whole city of men to "defend the purity of their sister" even after their father had worked things out for the benefit of the family. Doesn't say much for Jacob and Leah's parenting skills.
And yet the Lord kept leading. And I guess after wrestling with that angel, Jacob had finally learned that he could trust God so he did moved his family one more time. I noticed that Jacob talked to them about God the most just before this move, showing that he had matured in his faith enough to spread it to his family.
Maybe that is what today's reading is really all about---maturing in faith. God comes to us time and time again. Letting us make our mistakes, but staying by our side. Explaining things and letting us "wrestle" with the new ideas. Loving us enough to help us pick up the pieces and try again. Thanks, God.
Reading the Bible In One Year-Jan. 11
Pretty little liars!!
And yet God still was large and in charge. So many of today's characters thought they were in charge, but I have to believe that God still was in control. I'm not that impressed with Isaac--after being saved from being sacrificed, He didn't seem to be that close to God. And Rebekkah didn't turn out to be such a God-follower either. But I don't think any of her plans would have worked if God hadn't have let them.
So Jacob left the fold. Reminds me of children leaving home today--for college, for marriage, to be "grown-ups". It's when we really wonder if all that we have been trying to model and teach them, will soak in and be used. It's when we really turn them over to God's Holy Spirit.
It seems to have been that way for Jacob. Once he got out on his own and got quiet and didn't have his mother leading him into deception--he could dream and hear God's voice. That dream seems to confirm that God was in charge all along. And Jacob ended up being very loyal and having a great work-ethic. He also seemed very smart with those sheep and goats. So, it gives me faith and hope that my children will be in God's hands long after they are out of mine.
As for Jacob's wives--well, we discussed them greatly at Women's Bible Study--and I guess God can work through conniving women as well. He worked through Rebekkah and all her schemes and he worked through Leah and Rachel. The 12 tribes that grew through all of these women will play a big part in the rest of the story--even through to Revelation. But that is all for another day---God's timing!! God's plan! God's hand in it all!
I trust Your hand, oh God!!
And yet God still was large and in charge. So many of today's characters thought they were in charge, but I have to believe that God still was in control. I'm not that impressed with Isaac--after being saved from being sacrificed, He didn't seem to be that close to God. And Rebekkah didn't turn out to be such a God-follower either. But I don't think any of her plans would have worked if God hadn't have let them.
So Jacob left the fold. Reminds me of children leaving home today--for college, for marriage, to be "grown-ups". It's when we really wonder if all that we have been trying to model and teach them, will soak in and be used. It's when we really turn them over to God's Holy Spirit.
It seems to have been that way for Jacob. Once he got out on his own and got quiet and didn't have his mother leading him into deception--he could dream and hear God's voice. That dream seems to confirm that God was in charge all along. And Jacob ended up being very loyal and having a great work-ethic. He also seemed very smart with those sheep and goats. So, it gives me faith and hope that my children will be in God's hands long after they are out of mine.
As for Jacob's wives--well, we discussed them greatly at Women's Bible Study--and I guess God can work through conniving women as well. He worked through Rebekkah and all her schemes and he worked through Leah and Rachel. The 12 tribes that grew through all of these women will play a big part in the rest of the story--even through to Revelation. But that is all for another day---God's timing!! God's plan! God's hand in it all!
I trust Your hand, oh God!!
Reading the Bible In One Year-Jan. 10
Impressed by Esua? Naaah! Red, hairy guy. Gives away birthright for some food. Marries two women (nobody has done that before). But hey--he's being raised by a Mom who prefers his brother and a dad who lies about his mom to save his own skin. Things are really getting to be a mess. But God is with them and Isaac and Rebekkah do seem to consult with God about things (some things anyway).
I guess it just goes to show you that God is with us, even when we aren't exactly living right. And I know we shouldn't judge, but after reading today's passage, it's hard not to. I hope the writer of this book was showing the mistakes clearly on purpose so that we understand how fallible humans are. Surely the mistakes were not as blatant as they seem.
God, thanks for loving us even when we repeat the sins of our fathers, even when we get our priorities totally wrong. And thanks for blessing us through others as Abraham and Isaac were blessed by Abimelech.
I guess it just goes to show you that God is with us, even when we aren't exactly living right. And I know we shouldn't judge, but after reading today's passage, it's hard not to. I hope the writer of this book was showing the mistakes clearly on purpose so that we understand how fallible humans are. Surely the mistakes were not as blatant as they seem.
God, thanks for loving us even when we repeat the sins of our fathers, even when we get our priorities totally wrong. And thanks for blessing us through others as Abraham and Isaac were blessed by Abimelech.
Reading the Bible In One Year-Jan. 9
No time to write over the weekend, so a lot has happened since I wrote last. Let's see, there was the discussion of circumcision with my 11-year-old son--that was fun.
And Lot's reaction to the 2 men--who would offer their daughters over 2 strangers to a raging crowd? Just goes to show that if you surround yourself with bad it's gonna rub off. And yet, because of Abraham's prayers of protection, God rescued Lot and his family. It's good to have prayer warriors surrounding you!
And there was Lot's wife turning to salt--coining the phrase "There's no looking back!" There's a "lot" of truth in that one. If you spend your time looking back, you will never be able to move forward.
There's the repetition of events happening in a place called Hebron. That strikes a cord to me because of Hebron Presbyterian Church (see the link).
There's the constant thread running through it all of "God will provide." He provided the real sacrifice for Abraham, so he wouldn't have to sacrifice his only son (Foreshadowing perhaps to our Lord's sacrifice) and He provided the wife for Isaac. I love both of those stories, especially since we have a son who took a test drug for leukemia. A decision that was prayed over fiercely and was easily made once I remembered Abraham's willing to sacrifice and once I had prayed to God, "Would you put your son through that?" and laughed as I realized that I clearly knew the answer because He had put His son through even worse. Then to realize that I had laughed outloud while talking to God, put me right back to Sarah who laughed at the miracle God worked in her life. I still laugh with my God when I think of the connections!
God, Thanks for providing laughter when there could be tears. I need you to provide more time for this blog as well and peace, not pressure for this goal I have set. I know that great things can happen with obedience, trust, and laughter!!
And Lot's reaction to the 2 men--who would offer their daughters over 2 strangers to a raging crowd? Just goes to show that if you surround yourself with bad it's gonna rub off. And yet, because of Abraham's prayers of protection, God rescued Lot and his family. It's good to have prayer warriors surrounding you!
And there was Lot's wife turning to salt--coining the phrase "There's no looking back!" There's a "lot" of truth in that one. If you spend your time looking back, you will never be able to move forward.
There's the repetition of events happening in a place called Hebron. That strikes a cord to me because of Hebron Presbyterian Church (see the link).
There's the constant thread running through it all of "God will provide." He provided the real sacrifice for Abraham, so he wouldn't have to sacrifice his only son (Foreshadowing perhaps to our Lord's sacrifice) and He provided the wife for Isaac. I love both of those stories, especially since we have a son who took a test drug for leukemia. A decision that was prayed over fiercely and was easily made once I remembered Abraham's willing to sacrifice and once I had prayed to God, "Would you put your son through that?" and laughed as I realized that I clearly knew the answer because He had put His son through even worse. Then to realize that I had laughed outloud while talking to God, put me right back to Sarah who laughed at the miracle God worked in her life. I still laugh with my God when I think of the connections!
God, Thanks for providing laughter when there could be tears. I need you to provide more time for this blog as well and peace, not pressure for this goal I have set. I know that great things can happen with obedience, trust, and laughter!!
Reading the Bible In One Year-Jan. 6
AAAAH! Overslept today! Hard going a full week of work after a holiday!!
But back to Abram---So, here's my main thought and it has cycled through my mind yesterday as well---you can't run away, when there is a problem you have to see it through. I think that is what God was telling Hagar. Go back, see it through, I'm working through your life too.
My other thought today---in the cold weather, my radio station gets interupted by another station. I guess its waves can travel further in the cold crisp air. Anyway, my Christian, family-friendly station suddenly will have an outburst of another voice or song right in the middle of a train-of-thought or chorus that I was already "in to". So much reflective of my life!! I'm trying to concentrate when bells, voices, other people's actions interupt what I'm doing! Especially when I'm trying to pray---even my own thoughts get so jumbled that it is hard to focus.
Lord, help me focus today and hear your voice. And if I get off track, please call me like you did for Hagar! Thanks!
But back to Abram---So, here's my main thought and it has cycled through my mind yesterday as well---you can't run away, when there is a problem you have to see it through. I think that is what God was telling Hagar. Go back, see it through, I'm working through your life too.
My other thought today---in the cold weather, my radio station gets interupted by another station. I guess its waves can travel further in the cold crisp air. Anyway, my Christian, family-friendly station suddenly will have an outburst of another voice or song right in the middle of a train-of-thought or chorus that I was already "in to". So much reflective of my life!! I'm trying to concentrate when bells, voices, other people's actions interupt what I'm doing! Especially when I'm trying to pray---even my own thoughts get so jumbled that it is hard to focus.
Lord, help me focus today and hear your voice. And if I get off track, please call me like you did for Hagar! Thanks!
Reading the Bible In One Year-Jan. 5
Genesis
Some thoughts about Abram. He definitely was willing to follow God if He took up his family and left. He didn't have any children so I guess he considered Lot, his nephew, more of a son. He was rich. I wonder how he got that way. He was powerful, basically in charge of his own city with an trained battery of soldiers and everything. He was recognized by pharaohs and kings. I guess when you live long enough (100s of years) those blessings add up!
And yet, there were times that he wasn't perfect. Think about that part where he lied about his wife--just in case someone might want to kill him. Wasn't exactly trusting God there, was he? But God worked it out anyway! Shows that God loved her too. Even in that society that doesn't mention women much! It also shows that God loves us, as ordinary, mistake-making people.
As a teacher, these chapters seem like a good introduction to more of the story. We have some background on a fellow who is 11 generations from Noah; with hundreds of years between generations.
God has been around an awfully long time hasn't he. And I thought God had said people would only live 120 years after the flood. (Might go back and look that one up)
Seems like more questions than answers today, God. But some days are like that until you hang in there to see the bigger picture. Thanks for being in it with me even when I have questions---no, especially when I have questions.
Some thoughts about Abram. He definitely was willing to follow God if He took up his family and left. He didn't have any children so I guess he considered Lot, his nephew, more of a son. He was rich. I wonder how he got that way. He was powerful, basically in charge of his own city with an trained battery of soldiers and everything. He was recognized by pharaohs and kings. I guess when you live long enough (100s of years) those blessings add up!
And yet, there were times that he wasn't perfect. Think about that part where he lied about his wife--just in case someone might want to kill him. Wasn't exactly trusting God there, was he? But God worked it out anyway! Shows that God loved her too. Even in that society that doesn't mention women much! It also shows that God loves us, as ordinary, mistake-making people.
As a teacher, these chapters seem like a good introduction to more of the story. We have some background on a fellow who is 11 generations from Noah; with hundreds of years between generations.
God has been around an awfully long time hasn't he. And I thought God had said people would only live 120 years after the flood. (Might go back and look that one up)
Seems like more questions than answers today, God. But some days are like that until you hang in there to see the bigger picture. Thanks for being in it with me even when I have questions---no, especially when I have questions.
Reading the Bible In One Year-Jan. 4
Genesis 10-11
So.....who begat you? It occurs to me that we all claim to be sons of Adam and yet we are also sons of Noah! And some of those names are familiar, aren't they? Amazing that cities and places can really mark a life lived--a real person going through all the same things we do.
I've always marveled at how so many people in the world could have started from just one family. But then, I look at how fast our family reunion has grown over the years. At one part of the reading, I had to draw a family tree just to get it straight and sure enough, I realized that someone had to marry a close relative to keep it all going. The famous Abram's brother married his own niece. And as we read, I know that kind of thing will continue; just not as big of a deal back then as in our society.
I always try to keep their society and culture in mind as I read. It was very different from ours. Did you notice that daughters were not mentioned by name? But as a sideline at the end of each of the genealogies. Interesting.
So today we connect one main character--Noah--to our next main character--Abram and in the in-between was this tower of Babel. The part that stood out to me was God thinking about how man getting together was a bad thing. Probably just because they were getting together to glorify themselves. Just think what we could do if we were trying to glorify God and got us all on board!! Now that's my idea of heaven! All God's children on the same page!
Lord, help us see the trends in our families that can tie us together and glorify you!
So.....who begat you? It occurs to me that we all claim to be sons of Adam and yet we are also sons of Noah! And some of those names are familiar, aren't they? Amazing that cities and places can really mark a life lived--a real person going through all the same things we do.
I've always marveled at how so many people in the world could have started from just one family. But then, I look at how fast our family reunion has grown over the years. At one part of the reading, I had to draw a family tree just to get it straight and sure enough, I realized that someone had to marry a close relative to keep it all going. The famous Abram's brother married his own niece. And as we read, I know that kind of thing will continue; just not as big of a deal back then as in our society.
I always try to keep their society and culture in mind as I read. It was very different from ours. Did you notice that daughters were not mentioned by name? But as a sideline at the end of each of the genealogies. Interesting.
So today we connect one main character--Noah--to our next main character--Abram and in the in-between was this tower of Babel. The part that stood out to me was God thinking about how man getting together was a bad thing. Probably just because they were getting together to glorify themselves. Just think what we could do if we were trying to glorify God and got us all on board!! Now that's my idea of heaven! All God's children on the same page!
Lord, help us see the trends in our families that can tie us together and glorify you!
Reading the Bible In One Year-Jan. 3
Genesis 6-9
Wow! That was a long one! Especially when you consider that Noah was 6 hundred years old! That was repeated alot of times, wasn't it? I wonder at the importance, but it made it stand out to me like this--when you've lived 600 years and your sons have lived 100 years--40 days doesn't seem as long! But did you notice how long they were actually on the boat! It was over a year, I think, by the time the water receeded enough to get off with all those animals. So, when I'm waiting for "God's timing" on my next prayer, I'm going to have to consider the length of time Noah waited and lived.
I noticed that God also decided that man should only live 120 years. I still don't know anyone who has lived THAT long. And I noticed that after living in the ark, God gave the animals for man to eat as well. I'm not sure what to make of that. Is that what shortened their lives?
I also noticed that they began tilling the earth and planted the first vineyard. And they didn't know the power of it yet. I laugh to think that Noah got drunk after that voyage. I can't really blame him--I'm sure it was an ordeal! But we must remember, it was only after the vineyard had grown, the fruit had fermented, and the wine had been made. So, we're looking at years again, instead of the days that it seems like when you read it all at once.
And amazing story, that also mentions the cycles at one point again. So--good things come to those who wait. May I always trust in your planning and your timing, dear Lord.
Wow! That was a long one! Especially when you consider that Noah was 6 hundred years old! That was repeated alot of times, wasn't it? I wonder at the importance, but it made it stand out to me like this--when you've lived 600 years and your sons have lived 100 years--40 days doesn't seem as long! But did you notice how long they were actually on the boat! It was over a year, I think, by the time the water receeded enough to get off with all those animals. So, when I'm waiting for "God's timing" on my next prayer, I'm going to have to consider the length of time Noah waited and lived.
I noticed that God also decided that man should only live 120 years. I still don't know anyone who has lived THAT long. And I noticed that after living in the ark, God gave the animals for man to eat as well. I'm not sure what to make of that. Is that what shortened their lives?
I also noticed that they began tilling the earth and planted the first vineyard. And they didn't know the power of it yet. I laugh to think that Noah got drunk after that voyage. I can't really blame him--I'm sure it was an ordeal! But we must remember, it was only after the vineyard had grown, the fruit had fermented, and the wine had been made. So, we're looking at years again, instead of the days that it seems like when you read it all at once.
And amazing story, that also mentions the cycles at one point again. So--good things come to those who wait. May I always trust in your planning and your timing, dear Lord.
Reading the Bible In One Year-Jan. 2
Genesis 3-5
So now we understand the phrase as old as Methuselah! It amazes me how long everyone lived!! Were the years measured the same? Was the world turning faster? Slower? Someone once told me that because of the mist instead of rain that bodies did not age. The sun was blocked and that had an effect as well. I’m just not sure.
My other thought today. Did you notice how God kept asking man questions? You know He already knew the answers! It really made me think about how God wants a relationship with us. He talks to us even if He knows the answer already because He wants to know how we will tell the story--what will be our perspective? It so much sounds like when I teach children. I ask them questions that I know the answer to so I can judge their understanding of the situation. God is a great model of teaching, isn’t He. He is just trying to help us understand the situation by asking us to say it outloud.
Have you ever had to admit something to someone? Even to yourself? While it is more easily done in your head, sometimes it is almost impossible to say the words outloud. But after you do, you have moved toward fixing the problem. And until you say the problem outloud, sometimes it seems impossible to move toward a solution. Yep, admitting the problem is the first step—God knows that and so He is going to ask—and we must have the courage and strength to answer if the problem is going to be solved.
Lord, help me to see the problems clearly and know they are “fixable”. Thanks for loving me enough to see EVERY problem through, even when it means a lot of work is on the way!
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