Exodus 5-6
Pharaoh said "Who is the Lord, that I should obey him? (vs 2) "Make the work harder for the men." Pharaoh did not fear God!
The Israelites who were crying out to God for help, then asked God to to look upon Moses and judge him! Then Moses cries out to God and says "Why have you bought trouble upon this people? Then he said to God "you have not rescued your people at all." WOAH! I'm surprised God didn't strike Moses dead right there!
The Lord said to Moses "Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh."
God tells Moses to go speak to Pharaoh and Moses says, the Israelites don't listen, why would Pharaoh? Moses in essence, talked back to God!
Lord, help me today to watch my responses, to think before I speak and to make sure that I obey you and do not question when you ask!
Matthew 27-
I can't remember who spoke on this at Compass....
Peter had sinned by doubting Christ, Judas had also sinned by betraying Christ. Peter repented of his sin and was a founder of the churches! Judas, seized with remorse went away and hanged himself! We too need to be careful we don't wallow in our sin and guilt but be prompt to confess it and turn from it!
Jesus standing silent as people accused him of lie after lie...how often am I quick to defend, speak my mind? Too often.
I never noticed this verse before (vs 19) While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him." After trying to persuade the crown and saw he was getting nowhere, he washed his hands of the responsibility and released Barabbas.
Jesus was mocked, spat on, his clothes taken, beaten, given bitter drink, then crucified on a cross.
Reading farther in the chapter, we see a great earthquake happened. People who'd died were raised to life, coming out of the tombs. Then, Pilate has Jesus' tomb guarded because they were afraid that Jesus would come back in 3 days as He promised!
God, thank you for sending Christ to die on the cross to pay the price for my sin. Help me to glorify you today.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Exodus 1-2 Matthew 25-
Exodus 1-2
Vs 8. then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt.
Vs 17. Here's an example of women who disobeyed the Pharaoh because it went against God's laws. He's asked the midwives to kill all boy babies born but instead, "feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live." God then blessed these women with children because they feared God.
This chapter tells of how Moses was born, then raised by an Egyptian. There's no mention of the name Miriam in this passage, it just says Moses' sister.
God hears us :) He heard the Israelites groaning in their slavery and how they cried out for help. (vs 23)
Matthew 25-
This chapter reminds us again of how "we don't know the day or the hour" when the bridegroom will return. (vs 13)
Then we have the parable of the talents. 1 man was given 5, 1 man was given 2, one man was given 1. The men who'd received the most money, put it to work and gained more money! The one who'd received 1 talent buried it in the ground and did nothing with his talent. God's given us talents and abilities and gifts and we need to make sure we're using them, not burying them! Jesus went so far to say that the man was wicked and lazy! (vs 26)
You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. (vs 21)
Then you have Jesus giving us a picture of generosity and care. "when I was hungry you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you visited me." (vs 35-36) When we care for others, it's as if we're caring for Christ Himself! (vs 45).
Vs 8. then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt.
Vs 17. Here's an example of women who disobeyed the Pharaoh because it went against God's laws. He's asked the midwives to kill all boy babies born but instead, "feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live." God then blessed these women with children because they feared God.
This chapter tells of how Moses was born, then raised by an Egyptian. There's no mention of the name Miriam in this passage, it just says Moses' sister.
God hears us :) He heard the Israelites groaning in their slavery and how they cried out for help. (vs 23)
Matthew 25-
This chapter reminds us again of how "we don't know the day or the hour" when the bridegroom will return. (vs 13)
Then we have the parable of the talents. 1 man was given 5, 1 man was given 2, one man was given 1. The men who'd received the most money, put it to work and gained more money! The one who'd received 1 talent buried it in the ground and did nothing with his talent. God's given us talents and abilities and gifts and we need to make sure we're using them, not burying them! Jesus went so far to say that the man was wicked and lazy! (vs 26)
You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. (vs 21)
Then you have Jesus giving us a picture of generosity and care. "when I was hungry you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you visited me." (vs 35-36) When we care for others, it's as if we're caring for Christ Himself! (vs 45).
Genesis 48-50 Matthew 24-
Genesis 48-50
YEY! WE completed the first book of the Bible! :) Only 65 to go ;)
How sad would it be, your Father is dying and he calls you in to give you a blessing and instead says things like "you'll no longer excel, I will scatter you, cursed be your anger."! When we meet our Father in heaven, we're praying for a response of "well done, good and faithful servant!"
Then, you have a sibling and the father says "your brothers will praise you and will bow down to you."
Jacob asked to be buried with Leah, instead of with Rachel.
50:20 "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." WE should have this similar outlook whenever something unpleasant comes our way, remembering that God is in control and can intend it for good!
Joseph lived to be 110 years old and told his brothers not to bury him in Egypt but to carry his bones up from this place. Eventually, they were placed inside of the Ark of the Covenant that held the ten commandments!
Matthew 24-
The disciples ask of the end times and Jesus warns US, watch out that no one deceives you for many will come in my name claiming 'I am the Christ'! There will be wars, these things must happen! Nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes! Pastor Mike gave such a GREAT message the first week of the new year on this very topic!!! I loved too how Carlynn this week reminded us that "Jesus could come back today!" We need to have that mindset daily that today could be "it"! What good are we going to do today for the kingdom?
Jesus goes on to warn us that many will turn from their faith, betray and hate each other, some will be persecuted and put to death and be hated by nations.
Because of increased wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. I assume that means that you become numb to sin.
Vs 13 says "but he who stands firm to the end will be saved". How great it will be to "finish well."
I need to study up more on the "elect" in Matthew.
The coming Jesus describes is the same as the coming in Thess!
This world is dying. "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." vs 35
So as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. We read in Genesis that every thought of mans heart was wicked!
We won't know the day or hour. Just like the people in Noah's day didn't know when the flood was coming! "Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." vs 42 He'll come at an hour when we do not expect him. We want to be found by our master, doing the masters work!
YEY! WE completed the first book of the Bible! :) Only 65 to go ;)
How sad would it be, your Father is dying and he calls you in to give you a blessing and instead says things like "you'll no longer excel, I will scatter you, cursed be your anger."! When we meet our Father in heaven, we're praying for a response of "well done, good and faithful servant!"
Then, you have a sibling and the father says "your brothers will praise you and will bow down to you."
Jacob asked to be buried with Leah, instead of with Rachel.
50:20 "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." WE should have this similar outlook whenever something unpleasant comes our way, remembering that God is in control and can intend it for good!
Joseph lived to be 110 years old and told his brothers not to bury him in Egypt but to carry his bones up from this place. Eventually, they were placed inside of the Ark of the Covenant that held the ten commandments!
Matthew 24-
The disciples ask of the end times and Jesus warns US, watch out that no one deceives you for many will come in my name claiming 'I am the Christ'! There will be wars, these things must happen! Nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes! Pastor Mike gave such a GREAT message the first week of the new year on this very topic!!! I loved too how Carlynn this week reminded us that "Jesus could come back today!" We need to have that mindset daily that today could be "it"! What good are we going to do today for the kingdom?
Jesus goes on to warn us that many will turn from their faith, betray and hate each other, some will be persecuted and put to death and be hated by nations.
Because of increased wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. I assume that means that you become numb to sin.
Vs 13 says "but he who stands firm to the end will be saved". How great it will be to "finish well."
I need to study up more on the "elect" in Matthew.
The coming Jesus describes is the same as the coming in Thess!
This world is dying. "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." vs 35
So as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. We read in Genesis that every thought of mans heart was wicked!
We won't know the day or hour. Just like the people in Noah's day didn't know when the flood was coming! "Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." vs 42 He'll come at an hour when we do not expect him. We want to be found by our master, doing the masters work!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Genesis 46-47 Matthew 23-
Genesis 46-47
There are a few things that are said in this passage that caught my attention. First, God tells Jacob to not be afraid and that it's ok to go to Egypt and that he'll still be able to return to his own land. This makes me think that Jacob was afraid to leave his home, then Jacob tells Joseph that he can die now because I saw for myself that you're still alive. This makes me think he doubted his sons and God because God said "and Joseph will close your eyes". Jacob lived to be 147 years old and made Joseph promise not to bury him in Egypt.
Jacob's direct descendants numbered 70, not including the wives of the sons. Wow! What a family tree! Of course, he did have numerous wives!
Pharaoh trusted Joseph so much that when he presented his brothers to Pharaoh, he asked that if any of his brothers had special ability to be in charge of his own livestock!
Joseph's family settled in the district of Rameses.
Joseph set up a system where the Egyptians gave 1/5 of their crops to Pharaoh and were able to keep four-fifths to themselves. This again reminds me of tithing, how we need to give back to God what He has blessed us with!
Matthew 23-
Practice what you preach! Jesus warned against the Pharisees, "do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach." (vs 3) Everything they did was done for men to see. Remember to always be humble (vs 12.) Verse 27 says how we're not to look beautiful on the outside and have our insides dead and unclean. Vs 26, if we clean the inside then the outside will also be clean :) We need to make sure our hearts are right with God.
There are a few things that are said in this passage that caught my attention. First, God tells Jacob to not be afraid and that it's ok to go to Egypt and that he'll still be able to return to his own land. This makes me think that Jacob was afraid to leave his home, then Jacob tells Joseph that he can die now because I saw for myself that you're still alive. This makes me think he doubted his sons and God because God said "and Joseph will close your eyes". Jacob lived to be 147 years old and made Joseph promise not to bury him in Egypt.
Jacob's direct descendants numbered 70, not including the wives of the sons. Wow! What a family tree! Of course, he did have numerous wives!
Pharaoh trusted Joseph so much that when he presented his brothers to Pharaoh, he asked that if any of his brothers had special ability to be in charge of his own livestock!
Joseph's family settled in the district of Rameses.
Joseph set up a system where the Egyptians gave 1/5 of their crops to Pharaoh and were able to keep four-fifths to themselves. This again reminds me of tithing, how we need to give back to God what He has blessed us with!
Matthew 23-
Practice what you preach! Jesus warned against the Pharisees, "do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach." (vs 3) Everything they did was done for men to see. Remember to always be humble (vs 12.) Verse 27 says how we're not to look beautiful on the outside and have our insides dead and unclean. Vs 26, if we clean the inside then the outside will also be clean :) We need to make sure our hearts are right with God.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Genesis 44-45 Matthew 33-
Genesis 44-45
Josephs servants really stand out in this chapter. They didn't question why Joseph was having them entrap his brothers, they obeyed.
The honesty of Judah, (except saying Joseph was dead) disclosing all truth to Joseph of what transpired and offering himself as a slave in the place of Benjamin. How willing are we to give up our freedom for someone else?
For Joseph to tell his brothers that God had a plan through all that Joseph had gone through. (vs 5) He sees that "it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you". Also (vs 8) "it was not you who sent me here, but God."
Matthew 33-
We learn in this chapter about taxes (give unto Caesar) and tithes (to God what is Gods). What a great reminder as tax season approaches to be honest with our income and expenses. Also, are we remembering to give tithes back to God after all that He's given us?
Verse 30 talks about how there won't be marriage in heaven and also implies that the angels aren't married either :)
Jesus gives the two greatest commandments
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and to love your neighbor as yourself. (vs 37 and 39).
Are we loving God with everything we have? Are we loving others as much as we love ourselves? Jen Gray gave me a good JOY analogy years ago, Jesus, Others, You! We should love God and other people more than we love ourselves.
Josephs servants really stand out in this chapter. They didn't question why Joseph was having them entrap his brothers, they obeyed.
The honesty of Judah, (except saying Joseph was dead) disclosing all truth to Joseph of what transpired and offering himself as a slave in the place of Benjamin. How willing are we to give up our freedom for someone else?
For Joseph to tell his brothers that God had a plan through all that Joseph had gone through. (vs 5) He sees that "it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you". Also (vs 8) "it was not you who sent me here, but God."
Matthew 33-
We learn in this chapter about taxes (give unto Caesar) and tithes (to God what is Gods). What a great reminder as tax season approaches to be honest with our income and expenses. Also, are we remembering to give tithes back to God after all that He's given us?
Verse 30 talks about how there won't be marriage in heaven and also implies that the angels aren't married either :)
Jesus gives the two greatest commandments
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and to love your neighbor as yourself. (vs 37 and 39).
Are we loving God with everything we have? Are we loving others as much as we love ourselves? Jen Gray gave me a good JOY analogy years ago, Jesus, Others, You! We should love God and other people more than we love ourselves.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Genesis 42-43 Matthew 21-
Genesis 42-43
I love how Jacob addresses his sons in verse 1! "Why do you just keep looking at each other?" They're standing around idol, not accomplishing anything and so he sends them off to Egypt to "buy some food for us, so that we may live and not die"
Again, we see Jacob's favoritism. He didn't send Benjamin with his brothers because he was afraid harm might come to him. (vs 4)
Vs 6, Joseph's dream comes true! His brothers bowed down with their faces to the ground.
Reuben said in vs 22, "now we must give an accounting for his blood." Reuben seems to me like a good man. He said in vs. 37 that if Benjamin didn't return that Jacob could kill both of his sons. He said entrust him to my care, and I will bring him back.
Joseph loved his brother Benjamin and wept uncontrollably. How many years had passed since they saw each other last? I wonder too how long Simeon had to stay in jail while the rest of the family finished off the grain they'd brought home from Egypt! I'm looking forward to tomorrow when I can read the rest of the story!
Matthew 21-
Jesus tells his disciples exactly where to go for a donkey, and, the donkey was there! We see Jesus' power, with a word and it happened!
This passage reminds me of Pastor Mike's message on hosanna from Palm Sunday last year!
In verse 21, Jesus says "if you have faith and do not doubt", Carlynn's WBS message was so great this morning, teaching on how we as Christians should not doubt God! It's a sin, a very bad sin!
Vs 32 "even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe". We're to respond to God with repentance and faith! The Pharisees did not believe or respond with repentance to what Jesus instructed!
I love how Jacob addresses his sons in verse 1! "Why do you just keep looking at each other?" They're standing around idol, not accomplishing anything and so he sends them off to Egypt to "buy some food for us, so that we may live and not die"
Again, we see Jacob's favoritism. He didn't send Benjamin with his brothers because he was afraid harm might come to him. (vs 4)
Vs 6, Joseph's dream comes true! His brothers bowed down with their faces to the ground.
Reuben said in vs 22, "now we must give an accounting for his blood." Reuben seems to me like a good man. He said in vs. 37 that if Benjamin didn't return that Jacob could kill both of his sons. He said entrust him to my care, and I will bring him back.
Joseph loved his brother Benjamin and wept uncontrollably. How many years had passed since they saw each other last? I wonder too how long Simeon had to stay in jail while the rest of the family finished off the grain they'd brought home from Egypt! I'm looking forward to tomorrow when I can read the rest of the story!
Matthew 21-
Jesus tells his disciples exactly where to go for a donkey, and, the donkey was there! We see Jesus' power, with a word and it happened!
This passage reminds me of Pastor Mike's message on hosanna from Palm Sunday last year!
In verse 21, Jesus says "if you have faith and do not doubt", Carlynn's WBS message was so great this morning, teaching on how we as Christians should not doubt God! It's a sin, a very bad sin!
Vs 32 "even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe". We're to respond to God with repentance and faith! The Pharisees did not believe or respond with repentance to what Jesus instructed!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Genesis 40-41 Matthew 20-
Genesis 40-41
This chapter is a good reminder to me to remember to give thanks to those who do good to me! Joseph interprets the dream of the cupbearer and asks him to remember Joseph and mention him to Pharaoh. Verse 23 says that the cupbearer did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. It was 2 years before the cupbearer remembered Joseph.
Joseph also gives glory to God and doesn't take credit himself for interpreting Pharaoh's dream! (vs 16)
This chapter also shows how God knows what's going to happen before it happens. Vs 28 Joseph said to Pharaoh, "God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do". The matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon. (vs 32)
This is also a good reminder to be responsible with what God has given us! Seven good years came before the seven years of famine.
Joseph was 30 years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh. He was 17 when he was sold by his brothers and 17 years had passed!
Matthew 20-
"I am not being unfair to you". "Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money?" The last will be first, and the first will be last.
Jesus knows the future and tells his disciples what's going to happen.
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve...what a great reminder that we ALL should be serving!
This chapter is a good reminder to me to remember to give thanks to those who do good to me! Joseph interprets the dream of the cupbearer and asks him to remember Joseph and mention him to Pharaoh. Verse 23 says that the cupbearer did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. It was 2 years before the cupbearer remembered Joseph.
Joseph also gives glory to God and doesn't take credit himself for interpreting Pharaoh's dream! (vs 16)
This chapter also shows how God knows what's going to happen before it happens. Vs 28 Joseph said to Pharaoh, "God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do". The matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon. (vs 32)
This is also a good reminder to be responsible with what God has given us! Seven good years came before the seven years of famine.
Joseph was 30 years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh. He was 17 when he was sold by his brothers and 17 years had passed!
Matthew 20-
"I am not being unfair to you". "Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money?" The last will be first, and the first will be last.
Jesus knows the future and tells his disciples what's going to happen.
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve...what a great reminder that we ALL should be serving!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Genesis 38-39 Matthew 19-
Genesis 38-39
Vs 7 Judah's son Er, was wicked in the Lords sight; so the Lord put him to death!!! The Bible doesn't say what Er did that was evil. Then Onan, Judah's second son, was wicked in the Lord's sight, so he put him to death also. (vs 9).
Judah withheld his 3rd son from Tamar so she wasn't able to have children. She decided to pretend to be a prostitute, Judah gave in to Tamar who was pretending to be a prostitute and she got pregnant.
Vs 2 The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered.
Vs 6 The master didn't worry about anything other than what he ate because Joseph took care of everything!
Joseph was right in vs 9 when he said he couldn't do such a wicked thing and sin against God by taking his masters wife. The wife lied to Joseph's master and Joseph was put in prison. But verse 21 said the Lord was with him, he showed him kindness and granted him favor. God had a plan for Joseph despite his horrible circumstance.
Matthew 19-
This chapter has a lot to say about marriage and divorce. Vs 9 says if anyone divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery. We're to remember how it was in the beginning. 2 became 1 flesh and what God has joined together, let man not separate.
Vs 17 we learn that NO ONE IS GOOD except God! "I'm a good person", surely I'll go to heaven. That's not the case, there's none righteous!
Vs 26 With man this is impossible (being saved), but with God all things are possible. We're saved by God! It's not anything that we do that gets us into heaven!
Vs 7 Judah's son Er, was wicked in the Lords sight; so the Lord put him to death!!! The Bible doesn't say what Er did that was evil. Then Onan, Judah's second son, was wicked in the Lord's sight, so he put him to death also. (vs 9).
Judah withheld his 3rd son from Tamar so she wasn't able to have children. She decided to pretend to be a prostitute, Judah gave in to Tamar who was pretending to be a prostitute and she got pregnant.
Vs 2 The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered.
Vs 6 The master didn't worry about anything other than what he ate because Joseph took care of everything!
Joseph was right in vs 9 when he said he couldn't do such a wicked thing and sin against God by taking his masters wife. The wife lied to Joseph's master and Joseph was put in prison. But verse 21 said the Lord was with him, he showed him kindness and granted him favor. God had a plan for Joseph despite his horrible circumstance.
Matthew 19-
This chapter has a lot to say about marriage and divorce. Vs 9 says if anyone divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery. We're to remember how it was in the beginning. 2 became 1 flesh and what God has joined together, let man not separate.
Vs 17 we learn that NO ONE IS GOOD except God! "I'm a good person", surely I'll go to heaven. That's not the case, there's none righteous!
Vs 26 With man this is impossible (being saved), but with God all things are possible. We're saved by God! It's not anything that we do that gets us into heaven!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Genesis 36-37 Matthew 18-
Genesis 36-37
We learn about the line of Esau in chapter 36. Pastor Mike spoke this morning about Korah and how he revolted against Moses! God had the earth open up and swallow his people! (Numbers 17) Is this the same Korah??
In chapter 37, we learn about Joseph! Jacob had a favorite son out of his 12 sons and gave him this special robe which made his brothers hate him.
We see lots of sin issues in Jacob and his sons. Favoritism, jealously, plots to murder...Reuben was instrumental in thwarting his brothers plots to kill Joseph. He planned on rescuing him from the cistern but his brother Judah decided to sell Joseph for profit instead. He was 17 years old.
Matthew 18-
We're not to look down upon little children, be humble, rejoice when the one who's wandered off returns, and approach our brothers and sisters in Christ one on one regarding sin. Throw out things that cause you to stumble in your spiritual walk. Be forgiving and merciful towards others. Remember, God is with us, regardless of how many or how few of us gather (vs 20).
We learn about the line of Esau in chapter 36. Pastor Mike spoke this morning about Korah and how he revolted against Moses! God had the earth open up and swallow his people! (Numbers 17) Is this the same Korah??
In chapter 37, we learn about Joseph! Jacob had a favorite son out of his 12 sons and gave him this special robe which made his brothers hate him.
We see lots of sin issues in Jacob and his sons. Favoritism, jealously, plots to murder...Reuben was instrumental in thwarting his brothers plots to kill Joseph. He planned on rescuing him from the cistern but his brother Judah decided to sell Joseph for profit instead. He was 17 years old.
Matthew 18-
We're not to look down upon little children, be humble, rejoice when the one who's wandered off returns, and approach our brothers and sisters in Christ one on one regarding sin. Throw out things that cause you to stumble in your spiritual walk. Be forgiving and merciful towards others. Remember, God is with us, regardless of how many or how few of us gather (vs 20).
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Genesis 34-35 Matthew 17-
Genesis 34-35
2 of Jacob's sons (Simeon and Levi) took revenge on Hamor for defiling this sister Dinah. I wonder why the other 9 brothers weren't listed in this plot.
God instructed Jacob to get rid of all their idols. Once they obeyed and buried the treasures, Vs 5 The terror of God fell upon the towns all around them so that no one pursued them.
This chapter reminds me again how earth is such a temporal. We read about Jacob moving so often from place to place. His wife was buried on the way to Bethlehem and he moved on and pitched his tent beyond Migdal Eder. (vs 21) We need to remember that we're just dwelling in a tent, being fully prepared to move whenever God tells us!
Isaac lived to be 180 years old and his sons, Jacob and Esau buried him.
Matthew 17-
Peter James and John were the three disciples who were privileged enough to see Moses, Elijah and Jesus transformed. Most importantly, they heard the voice of God! The feared the Lord and fell face down on the ground.
Vs 27 is so cool! Jesus tells Peter to cast his fishing line and the fish he catches will have money to pay the taxes!
2 of Jacob's sons (Simeon and Levi) took revenge on Hamor for defiling this sister Dinah. I wonder why the other 9 brothers weren't listed in this plot.
God instructed Jacob to get rid of all their idols. Once they obeyed and buried the treasures, Vs 5 The terror of God fell upon the towns all around them so that no one pursued them.
This chapter reminds me again how earth is such a temporal. We read about Jacob moving so often from place to place. His wife was buried on the way to Bethlehem and he moved on and pitched his tent beyond Migdal Eder. (vs 21) We need to remember that we're just dwelling in a tent, being fully prepared to move whenever God tells us!
Isaac lived to be 180 years old and his sons, Jacob and Esau buried him.
Matthew 17-
Peter James and John were the three disciples who were privileged enough to see Moses, Elijah and Jesus transformed. Most importantly, they heard the voice of God! The feared the Lord and fell face down on the ground.
Vs 27 is so cool! Jesus tells Peter to cast his fishing line and the fish he catches will have money to pay the taxes!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Genesis 32-33 Matthew 16-
Genesis 32-33
How wise of Jacob to approach his brother in a nice manner. He wanted to find favor in his brothers eyes.
Also, in Jacob's moment of fear, he responded correctly and prayed to the Lord! (vs 7 and 9) He reminded himself of the promises God had made to him.
After so many years apart, Jacob is greeted affectionately by his brother Esau, hugs, kisses and weeping.
Matthew 16-
This chapter teaches us that we're not to ask for signs from God! A wicked and adulterous generation looks for miraculous signs.
We need to be cautious what teachings we take in, comparing them to the word of God.
Even with all the miracles Jesus performed, people still didn't know He was the Christ! His disciples knew :)
Jesus knew what was going to happen to him in Jerusalem. He told his disciples in verse 21 that he'd be killed and on the third day raised to life.
If we want to follow Christ, we need to deny ourselves, submitting our lives to Christ's service.
Vs 26 is my favorite verse in the chapter "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?"
How wise of Jacob to approach his brother in a nice manner. He wanted to find favor in his brothers eyes.
Also, in Jacob's moment of fear, he responded correctly and prayed to the Lord! (vs 7 and 9) He reminded himself of the promises God had made to him.
After so many years apart, Jacob is greeted affectionately by his brother Esau, hugs, kisses and weeping.
Matthew 16-
This chapter teaches us that we're not to ask for signs from God! A wicked and adulterous generation looks for miraculous signs.
We need to be cautious what teachings we take in, comparing them to the word of God.
Even with all the miracles Jesus performed, people still didn't know He was the Christ! His disciples knew :)
Jesus knew what was going to happen to him in Jerusalem. He told his disciples in verse 21 that he'd be killed and on the third day raised to life.
If we want to follow Christ, we need to deny ourselves, submitting our lives to Christ's service.
Vs 26 is my favorite verse in the chapter "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?"
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Genesis 30-31 Matthew 15-
Genesis 30-31
There’s so much we can learn from Rachel. We need to not be jealous of others! Jacob responded correctly to Rachel’s dismay. He knew that it’s God was keeping her from getting pregnant.
These ladies fought! They quarreled over their spouse, they competed for attention and children. Both women did consent to leaving when Jacob said that God had commanded them to return to Jacob’s native land. Their response was “do whatever God has told you.” (vs 16)
Jacob finally left Laban, telling his wives that he’s “cheated” him! (vs 7). Jacob served Laban faithfully for 20 years! He endured hardships and loss but still served despite his circumstance.
Matthew 15-
We need to watch the words that we say. vs 18 “things that come out of the mouth come from the heart.” Evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.
Why did Jesus tell the Canaanite woman that He was only sent to the lost sheep of Israel? (vs 24)
Again, after Jesus had given thanks, God took 7 loaves and some fish and fed all the people!
There’s so much we can learn from Rachel. We need to not be jealous of others! Jacob responded correctly to Rachel’s dismay. He knew that it’s God was keeping her from getting pregnant.
These ladies fought! They quarreled over their spouse, they competed for attention and children. Both women did consent to leaving when Jacob said that God had commanded them to return to Jacob’s native land. Their response was “do whatever God has told you.” (vs 16)
Jacob finally left Laban, telling his wives that he’s “cheated” him! (vs 7). Jacob served Laban faithfully for 20 years! He endured hardships and loss but still served despite his circumstance.
Matthew 15-
We need to watch the words that we say. vs 18 “things that come out of the mouth come from the heart.” Evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.
Why did Jesus tell the Canaanite woman that He was only sent to the lost sheep of Israel? (vs 24)
Again, after Jesus had given thanks, God took 7 loaves and some fish and fed all the people!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Genesis 28-29 Matthew 14-
Genesis 28-29-
Isaac commanded Jacob not to marry a Canaanite woman. Vs 7 "Jacob obeyed his father and mother. Then, Esau realized how displeasing Canaanite women were to his father and decided to marry another wife! I love verse 15 "I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go." Jacob says "Lord, give me food to eat and clothes to wear" and you will be my God. Jacob humbly asked for necessities
Laban was the brother of Rebekah. We recall that Laban didn't want his sister to leave right away, hindering God's will for his sisters life! Then, Jacob comes to take his daughter for a wife and Laban deceives him! Laban has him marry Leah after working for 7 years, then works another 7 years for Rachel.
How Jacob and Rachel met :) He saw her watering sheep. We know that the Bible said she's beautiful. He goes up to her.....29:11 "Jacob kissed Rachel and began to weep aloud." She ran and told her father and Laban hurried to meet him. Jacob was in love with Rachel. (vs 20). He genuinely loved Rachel :) He served 14 years but "they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her." I love "love stories" :) Sniff
As for Jacob's other wife, Leah, she was unloved by Jacob. He loved Rachel more than Leah so God opened Leah's womb and blessed her with 4 children.
Matthew 14-
Jesus feeds over 5,000 people after giving thanks to God for the 5 loaves and 2 fish. We see that he went away by himself often to pray.
Also, even though Peter stepped out in faith to meet Jesus on the water, Jesus still said to him "you of little faith".
Isaac commanded Jacob not to marry a Canaanite woman. Vs 7 "Jacob obeyed his father and mother. Then, Esau realized how displeasing Canaanite women were to his father and decided to marry another wife! I love verse 15 "I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go." Jacob says "Lord, give me food to eat and clothes to wear" and you will be my God. Jacob humbly asked for necessities
Laban was the brother of Rebekah. We recall that Laban didn't want his sister to leave right away, hindering God's will for his sisters life! Then, Jacob comes to take his daughter for a wife and Laban deceives him! Laban has him marry Leah after working for 7 years, then works another 7 years for Rachel.
How Jacob and Rachel met :) He saw her watering sheep. We know that the Bible said she's beautiful. He goes up to her.....29:11 "Jacob kissed Rachel and began to weep aloud." She ran and told her father and Laban hurried to meet him. Jacob was in love with Rachel. (vs 20). He genuinely loved Rachel :) He served 14 years but "they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her." I love "love stories" :) Sniff
As for Jacob's other wife, Leah, she was unloved by Jacob. He loved Rachel more than Leah so God opened Leah's womb and blessed her with 4 children.
Matthew 14-
Jesus feeds over 5,000 people after giving thanks to God for the 5 loaves and 2 fish. We see that he went away by himself often to pray.
Also, even though Peter stepped out in faith to meet Jesus on the water, Jesus still said to him "you of little faith".
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Genesis 26-27 Matthew 13-
Genesis 26-27
A famine hits, Isaac wants to go to Egypt for supplies. God says, stay here and I'll bless you. Vs 6, Isaac stayed. Then, Isaac followed in the footsteps of his father by lying to Abimelech saying his wife was his sister! We see Abimelech warn the men not to molest Rebekah or Isaac, showing that homosexuality was still taking place then!
In chapter 26, there's a lot of arguing and disputes about water and wells. For shepherds and herdsmen, water was life! This reminds me so much of Christ who says "whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst." (John 4:13)
In vs 34 and 35, we see that Esau married two women and that they were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah. What kind of child are we to our parents? How good of a son-in-law or daughter-in-law are we? Do we try and seek the approval of our parents, trying not to cause grief?
Chapter 27 has a lot we can learn! Jacob and Rebekah conspired and deceived Isaac. Jacob stole from his brother. Esau held a grudge and said he'd kill his brother!
Matthew 13-
Which seed are we? There's the seed along the path, the seed in the rocky places, seed among the thorns, and the seed on good soil. I want to be the seed that fell on good soil that produced a crop! I want to hear the word and understand it! (vs 23) We don't want to get caught up in the worries of life that then cause us to be unfruitful. We don't want to receive the word with joy but have no root! When troubles and persecution come, we need to be ready to withstand and prepared for it! We need to be sure we understand the word so that the evil one won't snatch us away! I love that our church is ready and willing to answer any questions we as a church family might have!
Vs 16, people's hearts have become calloused. They don't hear, they've closed their eyes.
In verses 36-43 we see Jesus foretelling what's to come through the parable of the weeds in the field! He also fulfilled O.T. prophesy in verse 35 by speaking in parables. Jesus is going to send his angels who'll weed out everything that causes sin and all who do evil! (Vs. 41) They will separate the wicked from the righteous. (vs 49)
Vs 58 "And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith." How often too do we doubt God by having little faith? What miracles do we miss out on by not having faith?!
A famine hits, Isaac wants to go to Egypt for supplies. God says, stay here and I'll bless you. Vs 6, Isaac stayed. Then, Isaac followed in the footsteps of his father by lying to Abimelech saying his wife was his sister! We see Abimelech warn the men not to molest Rebekah or Isaac, showing that homosexuality was still taking place then!
In chapter 26, there's a lot of arguing and disputes about water and wells. For shepherds and herdsmen, water was life! This reminds me so much of Christ who says "whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst." (John 4:13)
In vs 34 and 35, we see that Esau married two women and that they were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah. What kind of child are we to our parents? How good of a son-in-law or daughter-in-law are we? Do we try and seek the approval of our parents, trying not to cause grief?
Chapter 27 has a lot we can learn! Jacob and Rebekah conspired and deceived Isaac. Jacob stole from his brother. Esau held a grudge and said he'd kill his brother!
Matthew 13-
Which seed are we? There's the seed along the path, the seed in the rocky places, seed among the thorns, and the seed on good soil. I want to be the seed that fell on good soil that produced a crop! I want to hear the word and understand it! (vs 23) We don't want to get caught up in the worries of life that then cause us to be unfruitful. We don't want to receive the word with joy but have no root! When troubles and persecution come, we need to be ready to withstand and prepared for it! We need to be sure we understand the word so that the evil one won't snatch us away! I love that our church is ready and willing to answer any questions we as a church family might have!
Vs 16, people's hearts have become calloused. They don't hear, they've closed their eyes.
In verses 36-43 we see Jesus foretelling what's to come through the parable of the weeds in the field! He also fulfilled O.T. prophesy in verse 35 by speaking in parables. Jesus is going to send his angels who'll weed out everything that causes sin and all who do evil! (Vs. 41) They will separate the wicked from the righteous. (vs 49)
Vs 58 "And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith." How often too do we doubt God by having little faith? What miracles do we miss out on by not having faith?!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Genesis 20-21 Matthew 12-
Genesis 24-25
Abraham had some very specific instructions for his servant concerning a wife for his son. Don't take my son back to the land where we've come from, bring back a woman from there. This was a very specific prayer that the servant prayed and God totally fulfilled it! Seeing how God had answered his prayer, the servant was quick to praise Him! Vs 26 "Then the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, saying Praise be to the Lord" How quick are we to thank God for His answered prayers!?!
In this passage, we see too that Laban has given permission to take Rebekah "This is from the Lord; we can say nothing to you one way or the other. Here is Rebekah; take her and go." The next day, the servant goes to leave and Laban asks for her to stay for 10 days! They ask Rebekah if she would leave right away and go with this servant and she replied "I will go." How quickly life can change in a day! You're watering camels and the next, riding that camel to meet your future spouse, someone you've never met before. Rebekah had great faith and courage!
Abraham lived 175 years and his body was buried with Sarah his 1st wife.
Vs 67 "Isaac loved her". I love seeing in verse 21 that Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife. She was barren and the Lord answered his prayer and Rebekah became pregnant.
Vs 23 We see Rebekah's having twins and God already knew that the older child would serve the younger child! These babies were born 20 years after Isaac and Rebekah had been married!
Matthew 12-
Vs 12 "How much more valuable is a man than a sheep!." Jesus healed on the Sabbath, saying He is the Lord of the Sabbath which upset the Pharisees.
Vs 30 "He who is not with me is against me."
There's the seeds song "Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks"! What we say is a reflection of what's in our heart. We need to be careful when speaking, quick to listen and slow to speak! V 36 "men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken." How often do we say things that hurt, without thinking of the ramifications? Not only do we hurt someone we love or care about, God also hears it and will hold us accountable for it!
Vs 40 says that Jesus will spend 3 days in the heart of the earth?
Vs 50 Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Let us be faithful to do God's will in our daily lives!
Abraham had some very specific instructions for his servant concerning a wife for his son. Don't take my son back to the land where we've come from, bring back a woman from there. This was a very specific prayer that the servant prayed and God totally fulfilled it! Seeing how God had answered his prayer, the servant was quick to praise Him! Vs 26 "Then the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, saying Praise be to the Lord" How quick are we to thank God for His answered prayers!?!
In this passage, we see too that Laban has given permission to take Rebekah "This is from the Lord; we can say nothing to you one way or the other. Here is Rebekah; take her and go." The next day, the servant goes to leave and Laban asks for her to stay for 10 days! They ask Rebekah if she would leave right away and go with this servant and she replied "I will go." How quickly life can change in a day! You're watering camels and the next, riding that camel to meet your future spouse, someone you've never met before. Rebekah had great faith and courage!
Abraham lived 175 years and his body was buried with Sarah his 1st wife.
Vs 67 "Isaac loved her". I love seeing in verse 21 that Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife. She was barren and the Lord answered his prayer and Rebekah became pregnant.
Vs 23 We see Rebekah's having twins and God already knew that the older child would serve the younger child! These babies were born 20 years after Isaac and Rebekah had been married!
Matthew 12-
Vs 12 "How much more valuable is a man than a sheep!." Jesus healed on the Sabbath, saying He is the Lord of the Sabbath which upset the Pharisees.
Vs 30 "He who is not with me is against me."
There's the seeds song "Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks"! What we say is a reflection of what's in our heart. We need to be careful when speaking, quick to listen and slow to speak! V 36 "men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken." How often do we say things that hurt, without thinking of the ramifications? Not only do we hurt someone we love or care about, God also hears it and will hold us accountable for it!
Vs 40 says that Jesus will spend 3 days in the heart of the earth?
Vs 50 Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Let us be faithful to do God's will in our daily lives!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Genesis 22-23 Matthew 11-
Genesis 22-23
Vs 12 "Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son". Vs 14 "The Lord will provide."
We see Abraham completely obeying God in this passage. The next day he saddled up his donkey knowing the task before him.
How often do we value our family before God? It's a sin for us to hold tightly to the blessings God has given us! We're not to have any idols, nothing is to be held in higher esteem than God!
Sarah lived to be 127 years old!!!
Matthew 11-
Vs 15 He who has ears, let him hear......people in cities were refusing to believe after witnessing miracles!!! Vs 20 Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.
Vs 28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." "You will find rest for your souls" vs 29 We can be so thankful for a Savior who we can bring our burdens to! We can find rest for our souls, peace and joy in any circumstance!
Vs 12 "Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son". Vs 14 "The Lord will provide."
We see Abraham completely obeying God in this passage. The next day he saddled up his donkey knowing the task before him.
How often do we value our family before God? It's a sin for us to hold tightly to the blessings God has given us! We're not to have any idols, nothing is to be held in higher esteem than God!
Sarah lived to be 127 years old!!!
Matthew 11-
Vs 15 He who has ears, let him hear......people in cities were refusing to believe after witnessing miracles!!! Vs 20 Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.
Vs 28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." "You will find rest for your souls" vs 29 We can be so thankful for a Savior who we can bring our burdens to! We can find rest for our souls, peace and joy in any circumstance!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Genesis 18-19 Matthew 12
Genesis 20-21
In verse 12 we learn that Abraham was Sarah's brother, they had the same father!
"The Lord was gracious to Sarah...and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised." God is faithful to fulfill His promises!!!
Abraham was 100 years old when his son was born!
Hagar and her son were sent off into the desert. As their water ran out in the desert and all looked grim, they started sobbing. :( "God heard the boy crying". He took care of them, told her not to be afraid and gave them a well to drink.
Sometimes the sins we commit effect other people. Abraham did not wait for the Lord to fulfill his promise by giving him a son through Sarah. Instead, he had a son with Hagar and Hagar and Ishmael suffered for Abraham's sin. We have to be careful of the choices we make and how they effect others.
Matthew 10-
Jesus told the disciples to preach the message "The kingdom of heaven is near." This is still a true statement today! We don't know when his return will be, but He's coming!
I like how Jesus gives this visual for us, that if we're un-accepted, shake the dust off your feet when you leave.
We've been sent out like sheep among wolves. Be shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves. "All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." vs 22
Vs 20 Jesus says when the disciples are arrested that the Spirit of the Father will speak through them.
"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." vs 28
God knows the # of hairs on our head and we're worth more than sparrows to Him :)
Vs. 37 reminds us again not to put anyone or anything above the Lord!
I think Matthew is becoming my favorite book of the Bible!
In verse 12 we learn that Abraham was Sarah's brother, they had the same father!
"The Lord was gracious to Sarah...and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised." God is faithful to fulfill His promises!!!
Abraham was 100 years old when his son was born!
Hagar and her son were sent off into the desert. As their water ran out in the desert and all looked grim, they started sobbing. :( "God heard the boy crying". He took care of them, told her not to be afraid and gave them a well to drink.
Sometimes the sins we commit effect other people. Abraham did not wait for the Lord to fulfill his promise by giving him a son through Sarah. Instead, he had a son with Hagar and Hagar and Ishmael suffered for Abraham's sin. We have to be careful of the choices we make and how they effect others.
Matthew 10-
Jesus told the disciples to preach the message "The kingdom of heaven is near." This is still a true statement today! We don't know when his return will be, but He's coming!
I like how Jesus gives this visual for us, that if we're un-accepted, shake the dust off your feet when you leave.
We've been sent out like sheep among wolves. Be shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves. "All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." vs 22
Vs 20 Jesus says when the disciples are arrested that the Spirit of the Father will speak through them.
"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." vs 28
God knows the # of hairs on our head and we're worth more than sparrows to Him :)
Vs. 37 reminds us again not to put anyone or anything above the Lord!
I think Matthew is becoming my favorite book of the Bible!
Genesis 18-19 Matthew 9-
Genesis 18-19
vs 14. "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"
Sarah questioned the Lord by saying she was old and wouldn't be able to have a son. But with the Lord, anything is possible!!! Sarah learned this when Isaac was born and Sarah was
We see in verse 15 that she lied to her husband about laughing about what the Lord had said. God hears all, sees all and knows all :)
The two men who were with the Lord, who are we to think that they are??? We see they had power to strike men blind!!!
The story of Lot, had he chosen a better place to call home, his life would have been very different. His wife disobeyed the words of the two men and became a pillar of salt. Lot and his two daughters ended up living in a cave! (vs 30)
The main sin listed here regarding Sodom and Gomorrah was homosexuality. The men of the town wanted to have sex with the two men whom God had sent!
I'm not positive but, I believe that by this time, it was a sin for daughters to sleep with their husbands and become pregnant by them! One of the daughters had a son named Moab, who the Moabites descended from. Ruth (who's in the line of Jesus) was a Moabite woman :)
Matthew 9-
Vs 4 Even though he'd taken on human form, Jesus knew the thoughts of the people!!!
Vs 13 Jesus said "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. This brings to mind Romans 3:10, "there is none righteous, no not one"!
The word fast appears again in this chapter. Jesus tells them that a time of fasting will come, when they're mourning the bridegroom being taken away. I need to do a study on the word fast!
This chapter shows at least 3 examples of people who had great faith and hope in the power of Christ! The woman who'd been bleeding, the man who's daughter had died, and the man who was paralyzed lying on the mat!
Vs 29 "According to your faith it will be done to you" and just like that, people were healed by Jesus words! Amazing!!!!
Vs 37 "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few". It's our job as Disciples to tell as many people about Jesus return, the sin they are living in and God's redemptive power!!!
vs 14. "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"
Sarah questioned the Lord by saying she was old and wouldn't be able to have a son. But with the Lord, anything is possible!!! Sarah learned this when Isaac was born and Sarah was
We see in verse 15 that she lied to her husband about laughing about what the Lord had said. God hears all, sees all and knows all :)
The two men who were with the Lord, who are we to think that they are??? We see they had power to strike men blind!!!
The story of Lot, had he chosen a better place to call home, his life would have been very different. His wife disobeyed the words of the two men and became a pillar of salt. Lot and his two daughters ended up living in a cave! (vs 30)
The main sin listed here regarding Sodom and Gomorrah was homosexuality. The men of the town wanted to have sex with the two men whom God had sent!
I'm not positive but, I believe that by this time, it was a sin for daughters to sleep with their husbands and become pregnant by them! One of the daughters had a son named Moab, who the Moabites descended from. Ruth (who's in the line of Jesus) was a Moabite woman :)
Matthew 9-
Vs 4 Even though he'd taken on human form, Jesus knew the thoughts of the people!!!
Vs 13 Jesus said "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. This brings to mind Romans 3:10, "there is none righteous, no not one"!
The word fast appears again in this chapter. Jesus tells them that a time of fasting will come, when they're mourning the bridegroom being taken away. I need to do a study on the word fast!
This chapter shows at least 3 examples of people who had great faith and hope in the power of Christ! The woman who'd been bleeding, the man who's daughter had died, and the man who was paralyzed lying on the mat!
Vs 29 "According to your faith it will be done to you" and just like that, people were healed by Jesus words! Amazing!!!!
Vs 37 "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few". It's our job as Disciples to tell as many people about Jesus return, the sin they are living in and God's redemptive power!!!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Genesis 16-17 Matthew 8-
Genesis 16-17
In Genesis 16 we learn about the lack of faith Sarai and Abram had in God's promise. How often do we fail to wait on the Lord for answers and come up with our own solutions???
Sarai wasn't happy with the plan she'd come up with and after her mistress became pregnant, mistreated her! God saw the misery Sarai's mistress was going through and sent an angel to speak with her and named the boy Ishmael.
17:9 God instructs Abraham that he and all his descendants and generations much keep the covenant God gave, which was circumcision. Anyone who wasn't circumcised was to be cut off for he had broken the covenant.
vs 16 God tells Abraham that Sarah will have a son. vs 17 Abraham laughed, doubting that a man and woman of their age (100 and 90) could have children! (Abram was 86 when Ishmael was born, this was 14 years later) When God says He's going to do something, we need to have faith and believe that He will fulfill His promise! That's wise for us to remember too, to not be full of empty promises! When we say we're going to do something, we need to do it! Let your yes be yes and your no, no. (Matt. 5:37 and James 5:12)
Matthew 8-
vs 10 "I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith". I want to be a person of such GREAT faith, fully trusting and relying on the Lord for everything! I want to be free from all doubt and worry, anxiety, anger, impatience, and have the peace of God in every moment of my day! I strive to be holy because He is a holy God!
This is the first time I really thought about verse 21. A disciple said to Jesus "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead. This is an example of how we're to continually put Christ FIRST in our lives! God's comes before family obligations!
With a word, Jesus was able to control the wind. This reminds me of Genesis, God spoke and the world was created!
The Disciples reacted in fear when the storm hit. A great reminder of the message this weekend! Tonight during Thrive, we had an earthquake and no one in the room panicked! It was great to see how we didn't go running for the kids classrooms to check on them, everyone stayed calm! We were in the house of the Lord, what better place to be during an EARTHQUAKE! :) What great POWER God possesses over this world!
Here's another example of demon possession in the New Testament- 2 men were demon possessed and violent and Jesus cast them into a herd of pigs. It also said the demon possessed men were coming from the tombs? I love how verse 31 says that the demons BEGGED Jesus. Jesus is in control despite whatever power the Devil may have!
Vs 34 When the people who were tending to the pigs ran into town, the whole town went to meet Jesus. They then PLEADED with him to leave. I wonder what was going on in their town that after seeing His power, they wouldn't want him there?
In Genesis 16 we learn about the lack of faith Sarai and Abram had in God's promise. How often do we fail to wait on the Lord for answers and come up with our own solutions???
Sarai wasn't happy with the plan she'd come up with and after her mistress became pregnant, mistreated her! God saw the misery Sarai's mistress was going through and sent an angel to speak with her and named the boy Ishmael.
17:9 God instructs Abraham that he and all his descendants and generations much keep the covenant God gave, which was circumcision. Anyone who wasn't circumcised was to be cut off for he had broken the covenant.
vs 16 God tells Abraham that Sarah will have a son. vs 17 Abraham laughed, doubting that a man and woman of their age (100 and 90) could have children! (Abram was 86 when Ishmael was born, this was 14 years later) When God says He's going to do something, we need to have faith and believe that He will fulfill His promise! That's wise for us to remember too, to not be full of empty promises! When we say we're going to do something, we need to do it! Let your yes be yes and your no, no. (Matt. 5:37 and James 5:12)
Matthew 8-
vs 10 "I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith". I want to be a person of such GREAT faith, fully trusting and relying on the Lord for everything! I want to be free from all doubt and worry, anxiety, anger, impatience, and have the peace of God in every moment of my day! I strive to be holy because He is a holy God!
This is the first time I really thought about verse 21. A disciple said to Jesus "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead. This is an example of how we're to continually put Christ FIRST in our lives! God's comes before family obligations!
With a word, Jesus was able to control the wind. This reminds me of Genesis, God spoke and the world was created!
The Disciples reacted in fear when the storm hit. A great reminder of the message this weekend! Tonight during Thrive, we had an earthquake and no one in the room panicked! It was great to see how we didn't go running for the kids classrooms to check on them, everyone stayed calm! We were in the house of the Lord, what better place to be during an EARTHQUAKE! :) What great POWER God possesses over this world!
Here's another example of demon possession in the New Testament- 2 men were demon possessed and violent and Jesus cast them into a herd of pigs. It also said the demon possessed men were coming from the tombs? I love how verse 31 says that the demons BEGGED Jesus. Jesus is in control despite whatever power the Devil may have!
Vs 34 When the people who were tending to the pigs ran into town, the whole town went to meet Jesus. They then PLEADED with him to leave. I wonder what was going on in their town that after seeing His power, they wouldn't want him there?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Genesis 14-15 Matthew 7
Genesis 14-
In this chapter, we have the first war, we have people rebelling after being subject to power for 13 years, and, we have the first mention of a "10th" being given :)
Genesis 15-
God tells Abram not to be afraid. Abram asks for a child and God said for him to count the stars and so shall his offspring be!
Matthew 7-
Judgement! Don't be judged or you'll be judged according to how you judge others! Remember to first check your own sin before confronting others on their sin (specks and logs).
Ask, Seek Knock :) Vs 11 How much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to hose who ask him! 12 Do unto others as you'd have them do to you! Vs 14 Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.
Vs 15 Watch for false prophets! We've studied this in 2 Peter in WBS this year and tomorrow's message for Thrive is also partly on false preaching from the book of Timothy! Knowing the truth of scripture is the way to guard against false prophets and false teachers! Also, vs 16 says by their fruit you will recognize them!
Not all who call Him Lord will enter the Kingdom. vs 21
Vs 26 We need to not just hear the words, we need to put them into practice! James 1:22 also says we need to be doers of the word, and not merely hearers!
We also need to have Christ as our foundation of our lives, He is our rock! Vs 25
In this chapter, we have the first war, we have people rebelling after being subject to power for 13 years, and, we have the first mention of a "10th" being given :)
Genesis 15-
God tells Abram not to be afraid. Abram asks for a child and God said for him to count the stars and so shall his offspring be!
Matthew 7-
Judgement! Don't be judged or you'll be judged according to how you judge others! Remember to first check your own sin before confronting others on their sin (specks and logs).
Ask, Seek Knock :) Vs 11 How much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to hose who ask him! 12 Do unto others as you'd have them do to you! Vs 14 Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.
Vs 15 Watch for false prophets! We've studied this in 2 Peter in WBS this year and tomorrow's message for Thrive is also partly on false preaching from the book of Timothy! Knowing the truth of scripture is the way to guard against false prophets and false teachers! Also, vs 16 says by their fruit you will recognize them!
Not all who call Him Lord will enter the Kingdom. vs 21
Vs 26 We need to not just hear the words, we need to put them into practice! James 1:22 also says we need to be doers of the word, and not merely hearers!
We also need to have Christ as our foundation of our lives, He is our rock! Vs 25
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Genesis 12-13 Matthew 6
Genesis 12 and 13-
God told Abram to leave and that God would show him a new land. Abram obeyed God, he had faith and left his country, his family and set out to follow God! What a great example for us to follow when God tells us to do something!
Even with the great faith Abram showed by leaving when God told him to, there was still fear and doubt. We learn of this when he and Sarai were able to enter Egypt. God had promised Abram he'd make his nation great and that he'd have offspring. Still, Abram told Sarai to lie to the Egyptians fearing for his life. God then punished the Egyptians, forcing Abram to tell the truth! No harm came to Abram.
In Thrive we learned about Lot and how he moved outside of Sodom. In vs. 13 we learn that the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord. Still, this is where Lot chose to raise his family and, two of his daughters became engaged to men of Sodom!
Matthew 6-
Vs. 1 "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness" before men, to be seen by them. This verse is really difficult. You really have to search your motivation for all that you do, whether you're answering a question in front of the BIble study group, posting a status update that states what you're up to, writing comments even on the blogsite! We're not to do things to be showy towards others but to help encourage others and spur each other on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:25).
Again, vs. 2, when giving to the needy or tithing at church, we're not to be showy about it! Don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving may be in secret. God knows...
Going through Partners, I really had to examine myself with praying out loud in group settings. What's my motivation? The hypocrites loved to pray out loud and have people see them.
Then Jesus gives us the prayer to pray, again, Partners was so great in defining prayer!!! We're not to use the actual words written here as a ritualistic prayer but praying to God...praise to you God, let your kingdom come let your will be done (I LOVE that worship song) thank you for providing food for today, forgive me from my sin, keep me from temptation and sin!
Vs. 17 Fasting is something I haven't done much although the Bible does talk about fasting!
Vs. 19 Remember that things on this earth are temporary. When we die, we won't be taking anything with us! Store up treasures in heaven, not on earth!
Vs. 24 Choose who you're going to serve, you can't serve both God and Satan! You need to live your life for God alone!
Vs. 25 Don't worry :) It's as simple as that! God's told us to be anxious for nothing but by prayer make our requests known to Him (Phil. 4:6)! He loves us, He created us in His image, He'll care for us. vs. 27 Who by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Vs. 30 O you of little faith. God knows what we need. He's also given us an awesome church body of believers who can help in times of troubles and need. Shelter, clothing, food, God has given us SO much!!! We are truly blessed!
There's no WAY to paraphrase these verses! Jesus tells us so clearly here...vs 32-34 Seek after the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
God told Abram to leave and that God would show him a new land. Abram obeyed God, he had faith and left his country, his family and set out to follow God! What a great example for us to follow when God tells us to do something!
Even with the great faith Abram showed by leaving when God told him to, there was still fear and doubt. We learn of this when he and Sarai were able to enter Egypt. God had promised Abram he'd make his nation great and that he'd have offspring. Still, Abram told Sarai to lie to the Egyptians fearing for his life. God then punished the Egyptians, forcing Abram to tell the truth! No harm came to Abram.
In Thrive we learned about Lot and how he moved outside of Sodom. In vs. 13 we learn that the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord. Still, this is where Lot chose to raise his family and, two of his daughters became engaged to men of Sodom!
Matthew 6-
Vs. 1 "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness" before men, to be seen by them. This verse is really difficult. You really have to search your motivation for all that you do, whether you're answering a question in front of the BIble study group, posting a status update that states what you're up to, writing comments even on the blogsite! We're not to do things to be showy towards others but to help encourage others and spur each other on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:25).
Again, vs. 2, when giving to the needy or tithing at church, we're not to be showy about it! Don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving may be in secret. God knows...
Going through Partners, I really had to examine myself with praying out loud in group settings. What's my motivation? The hypocrites loved to pray out loud and have people see them.
Then Jesus gives us the prayer to pray, again, Partners was so great in defining prayer!!! We're not to use the actual words written here as a ritualistic prayer but praying to God...praise to you God, let your kingdom come let your will be done (I LOVE that worship song) thank you for providing food for today, forgive me from my sin, keep me from temptation and sin!
Vs. 17 Fasting is something I haven't done much although the Bible does talk about fasting!
Vs. 19 Remember that things on this earth are temporary. When we die, we won't be taking anything with us! Store up treasures in heaven, not on earth!
Vs. 24 Choose who you're going to serve, you can't serve both God and Satan! You need to live your life for God alone!
Vs. 25 Don't worry :) It's as simple as that! God's told us to be anxious for nothing but by prayer make our requests known to Him (Phil. 4:6)! He loves us, He created us in His image, He'll care for us. vs. 27 Who by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Vs. 30 O you of little faith. God knows what we need. He's also given us an awesome church body of believers who can help in times of troubles and need. Shelter, clothing, food, God has given us SO much!!! We are truly blessed!
There's no WAY to paraphrase these verses! Jesus tells us so clearly here...vs 32-34 Seek after the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Genesis 10-11 Matthew 5
Genesis 10-
Vs 25, I don't know what this meant??? One was named Peleg, because in his time the earth was divided; his brother was named Joktan.
Genesis 11-
Verses 5-7 The Lord came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. The Lord said, "if as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other." I assume in verse 7 again God's talking with the holy spirit and Jesus!
Matthew 5-
Vs 11 and 12 stand out the most. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.
We are the salt of the earth, don't lose your saltiness! We are the light of the word, a city on a hill can't be hidden. We don't put lights under a bowl! Give live to everyone!!! Let your light shine before men!!! (vs. 16)
If your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. There are warnings in this chapter against looking at women lustfully and also about divorcing spouses!!! (vs. 28 and 32).
Vs. 42 a good verse for generosity "Give to the one who asks you".
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (vs. 44)
Vs 25, I don't know what this meant??? One was named Peleg, because in his time the earth was divided; his brother was named Joktan.
Genesis 11-
Verses 5-7 The Lord came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. The Lord said, "if as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other." I assume in verse 7 again God's talking with the holy spirit and Jesus!
Matthew 5-
Vs 11 and 12 stand out the most. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.
We are the salt of the earth, don't lose your saltiness! We are the light of the word, a city on a hill can't be hidden. We don't put lights under a bowl! Give live to everyone!!! Let your light shine before men!!! (vs. 16)
If your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. There are warnings in this chapter against looking at women lustfully and also about divorcing spouses!!! (vs. 28 and 32).
Vs. 42 a good verse for generosity "Give to the one who asks you".
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (vs. 44)
Genesis 7-9 Matthew 4
Genesis 7-
I think God likes the # 7 :) 7 days in the week, take 7 of every kind of clean animal, seven of every kind of bird, in 7 days I'll send rain, go into the ark with the other 7 people :)
This chapter is scary because is shows exactly how God can wipe out the earth! This isn't just a story in the toddlers Bible with the cute animals that fit inside the ark. This was a real event!
Again, this chapter shows (vs 5) how Noah did all that the LORD commanded him. He was an obedient servant of the Lord.
(vs 16) This verse, depending on what translation you read it in, says "Then the Lord shut him in. God closed and sealed the door of the ark after Noah entered!
The highest mountains under the entire heavens were covered (vs 19, in water). The waters rose and covered the mountains to a depth of more than 20 feet! Thinking of the tallest mountain covered in water then adding 20 more feet of water to completely submerge it! Wow! What power God has!!!
(vs 23) Every living thing on the face of the earth was wiped out. Only Noah was left, and those with him in the ark.
Genesis 8-
(vs 21) The Lord...said in his heart: " Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done." This verse gives us a promise from God and lets us know that from childhood, we are sinners!!!
Genesis 9-
We learn that if anyone sheds blood, his blood also will be shed (vs 6) and again God says "for in the image of God has God made man".
God gave us a sign, an everlasting covenant saying he'll never destroy the earth by water again! That sign is the rainbow, given to us to remember!!! (vs 16).
Matthew 4-
Did Jesus know he was going to be tempted prior to entering the desert? The verse said he was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted...And, was he tempted so that later writers could say he was tempted but didn't sin? (Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 2:22)
Jesus gives us some good reminders... in verse 7. "Do not put the Lord your God to the test". (Deut. 6:16) Also in verse 17. "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." We don't know when he'll be returning! Be ready!
(vs 11) The devil left him (Jesus), and angels came and attended him. I wonder what the angels did? I'm sure that Jesus was famished from not eating and fatigued.
Verse 20, after Jesus had called the disciples, they immediately responded to him! "At once they left their nets and followed him" (vs 20) and again "immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him (vs 22). How quick are we to respond when the Spirit compels us?
Something I've never looked in to that is mentioned a lot in the gospels is demon-possessed people! Jesus and the disciples were able to cast out demons....are there people today that are demon possessed? If so, who's able to cast them out?
I think God likes the # 7 :) 7 days in the week, take 7 of every kind of clean animal, seven of every kind of bird, in 7 days I'll send rain, go into the ark with the other 7 people :)
This chapter is scary because is shows exactly how God can wipe out the earth! This isn't just a story in the toddlers Bible with the cute animals that fit inside the ark. This was a real event!
Again, this chapter shows (vs 5) how Noah did all that the LORD commanded him. He was an obedient servant of the Lord.
(vs 16) This verse, depending on what translation you read it in, says "Then the Lord shut him in. God closed and sealed the door of the ark after Noah entered!
The highest mountains under the entire heavens were covered (vs 19, in water). The waters rose and covered the mountains to a depth of more than 20 feet! Thinking of the tallest mountain covered in water then adding 20 more feet of water to completely submerge it! Wow! What power God has!!!
(vs 23) Every living thing on the face of the earth was wiped out. Only Noah was left, and those with him in the ark.
Genesis 8-
(vs 21) The Lord...said in his heart: " Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done." This verse gives us a promise from God and lets us know that from childhood, we are sinners!!!
Genesis 9-
We learn that if anyone sheds blood, his blood also will be shed (vs 6) and again God says "for in the image of God has God made man".
God gave us a sign, an everlasting covenant saying he'll never destroy the earth by water again! That sign is the rainbow, given to us to remember!!! (vs 16).
Matthew 4-
Did Jesus know he was going to be tempted prior to entering the desert? The verse said he was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted...And, was he tempted so that later writers could say he was tempted but didn't sin? (Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 2:22)
Jesus gives us some good reminders... in verse 7. "Do not put the Lord your God to the test". (Deut. 6:16) Also in verse 17. "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." We don't know when he'll be returning! Be ready!
(vs 11) The devil left him (Jesus), and angels came and attended him. I wonder what the angels did? I'm sure that Jesus was famished from not eating and fatigued.
Verse 20, after Jesus had called the disciples, they immediately responded to him! "At once they left their nets and followed him" (vs 20) and again "immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him (vs 22). How quick are we to respond when the Spirit compels us?
Something I've never looked in to that is mentioned a lot in the gospels is demon-possessed people! Jesus and the disciples were able to cast out demons....are there people today that are demon possessed? If so, who's able to cast them out?
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Genesis 5-6 Matthew 3
Genesis 5-
When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. He created them male and female and blessed them.
I find it amazing to think that people used to live so long! Adam 930 years, Seth 912 years, Enosh 905 years, Kenan 910 years, Mahalalel 895 years! Also, that after Noah turned 500 years old he became the father of 3 sons! We learn in Genesis 6:3 that God limits mans days to 120! This just reminds me of 2 Peter 3:8 "With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." Our timing is not God's timing!
"Enoch walked with God". (vs. 24) How great would it be to have something written about you saying that "you walked with God". What an honor!!!
In WBS this past year Stephanie taught about Genesis 6:2 and 4 and I had never heard about this before. "The sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful and they married any of them they chose." "The Nephilim were on the earth in those days...when the sons of God went to the daughters of men and had children by them.". These were heavenly beings (not angels, not cherubim, but Nephilim) on the earth that ended up committing this huge sin by marrying humans and having children!!! This upset God and He flooded the earth!!!
Vs 6. The Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. Through ONE righteous man, mankind was spared! Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. He also walked with God. And because he was a righteous man, he did everything just as God commanded him (vs. 22) in regards to building the ark and assembling the creatures and food!
The Lord saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. (vs 5) the earth was corrupt and full of violence. It doesn't sound much different from what the world today is becoming and how we need to be prepared as the day approaches when Jesus will return!
Matthew 3-
John the Baptists message is still true today "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" This passage also reminds us that we are to be producing fruit in keeping with repentance (vs. 8) because a tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. (vs. 10).
When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. He created them male and female and blessed them.
I find it amazing to think that people used to live so long! Adam 930 years, Seth 912 years, Enosh 905 years, Kenan 910 years, Mahalalel 895 years! Also, that after Noah turned 500 years old he became the father of 3 sons! We learn in Genesis 6:3 that God limits mans days to 120! This just reminds me of 2 Peter 3:8 "With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." Our timing is not God's timing!
"Enoch walked with God". (vs. 24) How great would it be to have something written about you saying that "you walked with God". What an honor!!!
In WBS this past year Stephanie taught about Genesis 6:2 and 4 and I had never heard about this before. "The sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful and they married any of them they chose." "The Nephilim were on the earth in those days...when the sons of God went to the daughters of men and had children by them.". These were heavenly beings (not angels, not cherubim, but Nephilim) on the earth that ended up committing this huge sin by marrying humans and having children!!! This upset God and He flooded the earth!!!
Vs 6. The Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. Through ONE righteous man, mankind was spared! Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. He also walked with God. And because he was a righteous man, he did everything just as God commanded him (vs. 22) in regards to building the ark and assembling the creatures and food!
The Lord saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. (vs 5) the earth was corrupt and full of violence. It doesn't sound much different from what the world today is becoming and how we need to be prepared as the day approaches when Jesus will return!
Matthew 3-
John the Baptists message is still true today "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" This passage also reminds us that we are to be producing fruit in keeping with repentance (vs. 8) because a tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. (vs. 10).
Friday, January 2, 2009
Genesis 3-4 Matthew 2
Genesis 3-
I always found it interesting that the serpent is never called "Satan" or the "Devil" in the passage of Genesis.....
Thinking about yesterdays passage too, God had told Adam the rule about the tree before Eve was created. I wonder if Eve doubted her husband, since he would have had to tell her God's rule about the tree?
It's sad that a lie from the serpent made Eve doubt enough to drive her to sin.
Verse 8- How awesome it would have been to hear the sound of the Lord walking! I yearn for the day when I can be in God's presence, experiencing Him the way He'd intended!
Verse 22- God I believe is referring to the trinity, when He said "the man has now become like one of us". The "us" must be Christ and the Holy Spirit!
I wonder what happened to the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? Were they destroyed in the flood? Verse 24 says that a flaming sword and cherubim are guarding them.
Genesis 4-
In this chapter, we learn that God looked with favor on Abel and in verse 5, He did not look with favor. This reminds me of "why does God save any of us"? If God created us, doesn't He have the right to choose who He'll give His favor to and who He'll refuse? Then for Cain to LIE to God after committing murder! (vs. 9)
It's so sad too to see how sin can progress. First, can was very angry (vs. 5) and then in verse 8, he killed his brother! God even personally warned Cain in verse 7. "If you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." What a good warning for all of us to avoid sin!!! (James 1:15)
Verse 16 says Cain went out from the Lord's presence...this verse I find interesting because, God is omnipresent! It's also interesting how the last verse says "then men began to call on the Lord".
Matthew 2-
I love reading all the fulfilled prophesies in Matthew. Vs 6 "In the land of Judah....for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Isreal." "Out of Egypt I called my son" vs. 15. Vs 18, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more. and Vs. 23, "He will be called a Nazarene."
I love too reading the obedience of Joseph. God tells them to GO! They went to Egypt, to Israel, Go to Galilee, go to Nazareth and Joseph faithfully led his family!
I always found it interesting that the serpent is never called "Satan" or the "Devil" in the passage of Genesis.....
Thinking about yesterdays passage too, God had told Adam the rule about the tree before Eve was created. I wonder if Eve doubted her husband, since he would have had to tell her God's rule about the tree?
It's sad that a lie from the serpent made Eve doubt enough to drive her to sin.
Verse 8- How awesome it would have been to hear the sound of the Lord walking! I yearn for the day when I can be in God's presence, experiencing Him the way He'd intended!
Verse 22- God I believe is referring to the trinity, when He said "the man has now become like one of us". The "us" must be Christ and the Holy Spirit!
I wonder what happened to the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? Were they destroyed in the flood? Verse 24 says that a flaming sword and cherubim are guarding them.
Genesis 4-
In this chapter, we learn that God looked with favor on Abel and in verse 5, He did not look with favor. This reminds me of "why does God save any of us"? If God created us, doesn't He have the right to choose who He'll give His favor to and who He'll refuse? Then for Cain to LIE to God after committing murder! (vs. 9)
It's so sad too to see how sin can progress. First, can was very angry (vs. 5) and then in verse 8, he killed his brother! God even personally warned Cain in verse 7. "If you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." What a good warning for all of us to avoid sin!!! (James 1:15)
Verse 16 says Cain went out from the Lord's presence...this verse I find interesting because, God is omnipresent! It's also interesting how the last verse says "then men began to call on the Lord".
Matthew 2-
I love reading all the fulfilled prophesies in Matthew. Vs 6 "In the land of Judah....for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Isreal." "Out of Egypt I called my son" vs. 15. Vs 18, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more. and Vs. 23, "He will be called a Nazarene."
I love too reading the obedience of Joseph. God tells them to GO! They went to Egypt, to Israel, Go to Galilee, go to Nazareth and Joseph faithfully led his family!
A new year
Happy New Year!
Time to start reading through the Bible in a year :)
Genesis 1-
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
I love how plainly God explains the entire universe!
The earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
So clearly the Truth has been written. Why do people search for other answers? In the beginning GOD! God said it, and it was so! Enough said.
I love verse 17 about the stars...God set them in the expanse of the sky! This chapter just proves how much we need to be in awe of our Creator!
And, verse 27-28a...God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them...
Genesis 2-
The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. How amazing is it...the thought that from DIRT, God created man! He then created woman from man's rib (vs. 21)! Bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.
In verse 15 we learn that God "put him in the Garden of Eden to WORK"! That was before the fall of man :) What a great reminder for me to work and to do my work as unto the Lord.
It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him. I'm so thankful to have the honor of being a spouse and being called to be a helper to my spouse!
Matthew 1-
Jesus' genealogy
There are 5 women mentioned in the lineage of Jesus!
Tamar (3) Ruth (5) Rahab (5) Uriah's wife (6), Mary (16).
Just recently I realized that the book of Matthew points out the lineage of Joseph and not Mary (that's found in a different gospel) and how Joseph is referred to as the Father of Jesus when really, that's God!
I love verse 21, the words of the angel of the Lord "he will save his people from their sins". That's the whole reason Jesus came to earth! Thank you God for sending your Son into the world!
Time to start reading through the Bible in a year :)
Genesis 1-
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
I love how plainly God explains the entire universe!
The earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
So clearly the Truth has been written. Why do people search for other answers? In the beginning GOD! God said it, and it was so! Enough said.
I love verse 17 about the stars...God set them in the expanse of the sky! This chapter just proves how much we need to be in awe of our Creator!
And, verse 27-28a...God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them...
Genesis 2-
The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. How amazing is it...the thought that from DIRT, God created man! He then created woman from man's rib (vs. 21)! Bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.
In verse 15 we learn that God "put him in the Garden of Eden to WORK"! That was before the fall of man :) What a great reminder for me to work and to do my work as unto the Lord.
It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him. I'm so thankful to have the honor of being a spouse and being called to be a helper to my spouse!
Matthew 1-
Jesus' genealogy
There are 5 women mentioned in the lineage of Jesus!
Tamar (3) Ruth (5) Rahab (5) Uriah's wife (6), Mary (16).
Just recently I realized that the book of Matthew points out the lineage of Joseph and not Mary (that's found in a different gospel) and how Joseph is referred to as the Father of Jesus when really, that's God!
I love verse 21, the words of the angel of the Lord "he will save his people from their sins". That's the whole reason Jesus came to earth! Thank you God for sending your Son into the world!
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