Isaiah 26-27; Mark 6:30-56
I'm behind in my reading. But, did I ever need to hear this verse on this day, right now at this moment.
"People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole,
Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don't quit.
Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing."
God is good!
(added 2.19.08)
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
1.21.08
Isaiah 1-2; Mark 1:1-22
We finished 2 books of the Bible already - and it's only mid-January! On to Isaiah and Mark. Isaiah is going to be an interesting read. The guy has harsh words to say to Israel (most of the prophets do) - and reading them in the Message version is already eye-opening. Descriptive images, contemporary metaphors... Peterson must have worked and prayed hard on all this stuff!
Two sections caught my attention.
From chapter 1:
"...who ever gave you the idea of acting like this, Running here and there, doing this and that - all this sheer commotion in the place provided for worship?" It's one of those times God is saying that our empty worship is meaningless. But the way this was worded really caught my attention - "all this sheer commotion in the place provided for worship" - Am I truly worshipping and serving God, or have I simply filled my life with busyness, with commotion?
From chapter 2:
"... their world is full of hokey religion... a world rolling in wealth, Stuffed with things, no end to its machines and gadgets, And gods - gods of all sorts and sizes. These people make their own gods and worship what they make." Sound like anything familiar? Like America - and our current culture?
We finished 2 books of the Bible already - and it's only mid-January! On to Isaiah and Mark. Isaiah is going to be an interesting read. The guy has harsh words to say to Israel (most of the prophets do) - and reading them in the Message version is already eye-opening. Descriptive images, contemporary metaphors... Peterson must have worked and prayed hard on all this stuff!
Two sections caught my attention.
From chapter 1:
"...who ever gave you the idea of acting like this, Running here and there, doing this and that - all this sheer commotion in the place provided for worship?" It's one of those times God is saying that our empty worship is meaningless. But the way this was worded really caught my attention - "all this sheer commotion in the place provided for worship" - Am I truly worshipping and serving God, or have I simply filled my life with busyness, with commotion?
From chapter 2:
"... their world is full of hokey religion... a world rolling in wealth, Stuffed with things, no end to its machines and gadgets, And gods - gods of all sorts and sizes. These people make their own gods and worship what they make." Sound like anything familiar? Like America - and our current culture?
Sunday, January 20, 2008
1.18.08
Genesis 43-45; Romans 15:1-13
I've always loved the story of Joseph in the Bible. Not sure what it is that draws my attention - the complexity of characters, the suffering and perseverance of Joseph, the good that God brought out of it all - but I love the story. I've seen the Dreamworks animated musical, older movies, the Broadway musical version (on video and small-scale live at my high school) and the Veggietales version. I even have the (Broadway) soundtrack! I can't seem to get enough.
I would love to be a fly (carob beetle?) on the wall there when Joseph was interacting with his brothers in Egypt. Especially the second time. When he saw Benjamin for the first time in years. When Judah showed how he'd changed by taking responsibility for his actions and for his younger brother. When Joseph finally revealed himself (and they didn't get it at first). Can you imagine?
Reconciliation. Restoration. Those are the words. That's why I love the story of Joseph. And when Jacob and Esau met up again. And when the kids were renamed in Hosea. And when the temple was rebuilt and the glory returned in Ezekiel. And when the good kings rediscovered God's Words and led the country in repentance and revival. And when Jesus came, died and rose again - taking our place - so that we could be restored, reconciled to God.
Reconciliation. Restoration. It's the story of the Bible. And it's why I love the story of Joseph.
I've always loved the story of Joseph in the Bible. Not sure what it is that draws my attention - the complexity of characters, the suffering and perseverance of Joseph, the good that God brought out of it all - but I love the story. I've seen the Dreamworks animated musical, older movies, the Broadway musical version (on video and small-scale live at my high school) and the Veggietales version. I even have the (Broadway) soundtrack! I can't seem to get enough.
I would love to be a fly (carob beetle?) on the wall there when Joseph was interacting with his brothers in Egypt. Especially the second time. When he saw Benjamin for the first time in years. When Judah showed how he'd changed by taking responsibility for his actions and for his younger brother. When Joseph finally revealed himself (and they didn't get it at first). Can you imagine?
Reconciliation. Restoration. Those are the words. That's why I love the story of Joseph. And when Jacob and Esau met up again. And when the kids were renamed in Hosea. And when the temple was rebuilt and the glory returned in Ezekiel. And when the good kings rediscovered God's Words and led the country in repentance and revival. And when Jesus came, died and rose again - taking our place - so that we could be restored, reconciled to God.
Reconciliation. Restoration. It's the story of the Bible. And it's why I love the story of Joseph.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
1.17.08
Genesis 41-42; Romans 14
Pharaoh said to Joseph "...no one is as qualified as you in experience and wisdom."
Now, the wisdom was from God. But what caught my attention is the "in experience." Joseph was kidnapped, a slave and in prison. You certainly wouldn't expect that to be the experienced credentials of a man running for president. Or a man put in charge of a whole country!
But Joseph just didn't sit around, wallowing in pity and complaining about all the evils that had befallen him. As a slave he continued to work hard in obedience and in his giftings - and in prison he did the same!
I think that often we miss that important aspect today when we compare our unjust sufferings to Joseph (which many do as a way of hope and encouragement that God can use bad and make it good). But Joseph just didn't sit on his bum! Don't get me wrong, here. I'm not saying that we're the ones to work and make things better. That's God's job. But our job is to continue in obedience to God and to continue in the work and giftings we are given as God directs our paths.
... and can I just say that Romans has always been one of those hard books to read. But I love reading it in The Message. Maybe sometime this year I'll go back and do a study of Romans - using The Message and another translation to go through it...
Pharaoh said to Joseph "...no one is as qualified as you in experience and wisdom."
Now, the wisdom was from God. But what caught my attention is the "in experience." Joseph was kidnapped, a slave and in prison. You certainly wouldn't expect that to be the experienced credentials of a man running for president. Or a man put in charge of a whole country!
But Joseph just didn't sit around, wallowing in pity and complaining about all the evils that had befallen him. As a slave he continued to work hard in obedience and in his giftings - and in prison he did the same!
I think that often we miss that important aspect today when we compare our unjust sufferings to Joseph (which many do as a way of hope and encouragement that God can use bad and make it good). But Joseph just didn't sit on his bum! Don't get me wrong, here. I'm not saying that we're the ones to work and make things better. That's God's job. But our job is to continue in obedience to God and to continue in the work and giftings we are given as God directs our paths.
... and can I just say that Romans has always been one of those hard books to read. But I love reading it in The Message. Maybe sometime this year I'll go back and do a study of Romans - using The Message and another translation to go through it...
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
1.16.08
Genesis 39-40; Romans 13
"She pestered him day after day, but he stood his ground. He refused to go to bed with her."
It bothers me that society (especially TV) paints this picture that men don't have the ability to say no to sexual advancement and temptation by women. Kinda in the way that it paints a picture that all teens are having sex and it's fun and offers few consequences. It's irritating. Not all teens have sex. And it does have consequences when outside of the marriage covenant. And people can say no to sexual temptation. Especially when they are God-followers. Like Joseph. Not saying it was easy for him - not even saying it worked out so great for him (at first) - he did the right thing and it was turned back on him and he ended up in jail! But he did it. He said no. He did what was right.
And did you ever just want to slap Potipher's wife as you read the lies she comes up with?
Of course, we know that God was with Joseph and eventually Joseph got out of jail, interpreted Pharaoh's dream and saved all of Egypt.... but that's tomorrow's reading!
And a good word from Romans:
"But make sure that you don't get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God."
"She pestered him day after day, but he stood his ground. He refused to go to bed with her."
It bothers me that society (especially TV) paints this picture that men don't have the ability to say no to sexual advancement and temptation by women. Kinda in the way that it paints a picture that all teens are having sex and it's fun and offers few consequences. It's irritating. Not all teens have sex. And it does have consequences when outside of the marriage covenant. And people can say no to sexual temptation. Especially when they are God-followers. Like Joseph. Not saying it was easy for him - not even saying it worked out so great for him (at first) - he did the right thing and it was turned back on him and he ended up in jail! But he did it. He said no. He did what was right.
And did you ever just want to slap Potipher's wife as you read the lies she comes up with?
Of course, we know that God was with Joseph and eventually Joseph got out of jail, interpreted Pharaoh's dream and saved all of Egypt.... but that's tomorrow's reading!
And a good word from Romans:
"But make sure that you don't get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God."
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
1.15.08
Genesis 36-38; Romans 12
Miscellaneous ponderings from Genesis:
Did you ever wonder by the family tree of Seir the Horite is in the Bible? I do.
Do you think Joseph was cocky as a kid? I've heard some pastors/teachers paint him as cocky, immature and inciting his brothers' hatred of him. I've heard others speculate that Joseph was naive and innocent. He told his brothers about the dreams because they were incredulous to him, not because he was bragging. I'm not sure which he was. The story doesn't really say. But perhaps the point is that what they did was wrong whether or not he incited them. Or, even more so, perhaps the point is that God worked through the wrong(s) to bring provision and save His chosen ones...
Did you ever wonder why Reuben was the one who tried to stay their hands from actually killing Joseph. We learned in chapter 35 that Reuben isn't always a stand-up guy. But do you think it's because he was the oldest and felt some responsibility towards Joseph even if he didn't always like him?
Did you ever read the Francine Rivers series on the women in the lineage of Jesus? The one on Tamar is fascinating. (Well, they all are.)
Great quotes from Romans:
- Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him.
- Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.
- The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what He does for us...
- Practice playing second fiddle.
- ... be inventive in hospitality.
- ...discover beauty in everyone.
Miscellaneous ponderings from Genesis:
Did you ever wonder by the family tree of Seir the Horite is in the Bible? I do.
Do you think Joseph was cocky as a kid? I've heard some pastors/teachers paint him as cocky, immature and inciting his brothers' hatred of him. I've heard others speculate that Joseph was naive and innocent. He told his brothers about the dreams because they were incredulous to him, not because he was bragging. I'm not sure which he was. The story doesn't really say. But perhaps the point is that what they did was wrong whether or not he incited them. Or, even more so, perhaps the point is that God worked through the wrong(s) to bring provision and save His chosen ones...
Did you ever wonder why Reuben was the one who tried to stay their hands from actually killing Joseph. We learned in chapter 35 that Reuben isn't always a stand-up guy. But do you think it's because he was the oldest and felt some responsibility towards Joseph even if he didn't always like him?
Did you ever read the Francine Rivers series on the women in the lineage of Jesus? The one on Tamar is fascinating. (Well, they all are.)
Great quotes from Romans:
- Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him.
- Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.
- The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what He does for us...
- Practice playing second fiddle.
- ... be inventive in hospitality.
- ...discover beauty in everyone.
Monday, January 14, 2008
1.13.08
Genesis 31-32; Romans 11:1-18
At the beginning of chapter 31 Jacob said to Leah and Rachel, "I notice that your father has changed toward me; he doesn't treat me the same as before. But the God of my father hasn't changed; he's still with me."
A friend is in a job where currently there is change and merging and layoffs. And I have other friends and family who have experienced people changing on them - going from liking them to backstabbing. I've experienced this to some extent.
But the good news is that God doesn't change on us like people do.
At the beginning of chapter 31 Jacob said to Leah and Rachel, "I notice that your father has changed toward me; he doesn't treat me the same as before. But the God of my father hasn't changed; he's still with me."
A friend is in a job where currently there is change and merging and layoffs. And I have other friends and family who have experienced people changing on them - going from liking them to backstabbing. I've experienced this to some extent.
But the good news is that God doesn't change on us like people do.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
1.10.08
Genesis 25-26; Romans 9:1-15
And here we are back at the connection between Genesis and Romans. Today's Genesis reading introduced Jacob and Esau and in Romans Paul was referring back to them. That's just cool. God is awesome.
A statement stuck out to me in Genesis 25. Last verse. "That's how Esau shrugged off his rights as the firstborn." We often hear of Jacob being deceitful and stealing Esau's blessing. And he was deceitful in his dealings with his father (tomorrows reading?) and he did take advantage of his brother trading stew for birthright. But Esau was in the wrong, too. We seldom hear or think about that (I think I've heard it in a sermon once or maybe it was a book or class) - but my point is that it is not thought of as much as "Jacob the deceiver." Esau disregarded his birthright, he was overly dramatic ("what good is a birthright if I'm dead?" when he was simply - though I'm sure exceedingly - hungry). He didn't hold important that which should have been. And the Message version points us back to that, "Esau shrugged off his rights as the firstborn."
Also, note how part of chapter 26 feels like reading chapter 12 and again like reading chapter 20. Twice Abraham lied and called Sarah his sister (she was his half-sister and wife) and twice he got called on the carpet for it (and God intervened so that Sarah was not taken by another man). In chapter 26 we find Isaac doing the same thing. Same fear. Same lie. Like father, like son.
What bad habits will I leave my children?
And here we are back at the connection between Genesis and Romans. Today's Genesis reading introduced Jacob and Esau and in Romans Paul was referring back to them. That's just cool. God is awesome.
A statement stuck out to me in Genesis 25. Last verse. "That's how Esau shrugged off his rights as the firstborn." We often hear of Jacob being deceitful and stealing Esau's blessing. And he was deceitful in his dealings with his father (tomorrows reading?) and he did take advantage of his brother trading stew for birthright. But Esau was in the wrong, too. We seldom hear or think about that (I think I've heard it in a sermon once or maybe it was a book or class) - but my point is that it is not thought of as much as "Jacob the deceiver." Esau disregarded his birthright, he was overly dramatic ("what good is a birthright if I'm dead?" when he was simply - though I'm sure exceedingly - hungry). He didn't hold important that which should have been. And the Message version points us back to that, "Esau shrugged off his rights as the firstborn."
Also, note how part of chapter 26 feels like reading chapter 12 and again like reading chapter 20. Twice Abraham lied and called Sarah his sister (she was his half-sister and wife) and twice he got called on the carpet for it (and God intervened so that Sarah was not taken by another man). In chapter 26 we find Isaac doing the same thing. Same fear. Same lie. Like father, like son.
What bad habits will I leave my children?
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
1.8.08
Genesis 20-22; Romans 8:1-21
Genesis 21. In the first few verses it says "at the very time God had set." But Abraham and Sarah had been impatient - just as we today are still impatient - just as I am often impatient! And I can't help but wonder (nearly every time I read this passage), if they had not been so impatient - if Ishmael had not been born - would the whole Arab-Jewish conflict -> the Muslim extremists -> 9/11 and the wars - would any of that had happened? Or at least be the same as it is? How would the world be different? Or would enemies (of the Jews) still had arisen (and caused the same type/amount of problems)??
I wonder if we realize how our trust or mistrust in God truly effects the world?
Lord, help me trust You and be patient.
Genesis 21. In the first few verses it says "at the very time God had set." But Abraham and Sarah had been impatient - just as we today are still impatient - just as I am often impatient! And I can't help but wonder (nearly every time I read this passage), if they had not been so impatient - if Ishmael had not been born - would the whole Arab-Jewish conflict -> the Muslim extremists -> 9/11 and the wars - would any of that had happened? Or at least be the same as it is? How would the world be different? Or would enemies (of the Jews) still had arisen (and caused the same type/amount of problems)??
I wonder if we realize how our trust or mistrust in God truly effects the world?
Lord, help me trust You and be patient.
1.6.08
Genesis 16-17; Romans 6
Nothing specific to comment on today's reading, just want to make note of how cool this blended plan is. Reading Genesis and Romans right now. It is so cool how they fit together! Especially the reading for the first four days. God is SO AWESOME!
Nothing specific to comment on today's reading, just want to make note of how cool this blended plan is. Reading Genesis and Romans right now. It is so cool how they fit together! Especially the reading for the first four days. God is SO AWESOME!
1.2.08
Genesis 4-6; Romans 2
Romans 2. Second paragraph. "God is kind, but He's not soft." And "In kindness He takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change."
Makes me think of C.S. Lewis's reference to Aslan "Course he isn't safe... but he's good."
Romans 2. Second paragraph. "God is kind, but He's not soft." And "In kindness He takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change."
Makes me think of C.S. Lewis's reference to Aslan "Course he isn't safe... but he's good."
Purpose and Introduction
Last year I read through the entire Bible. I'm sure I've read most (if not all) of it before - through devotions or Sunday school or church or 4 years of college (ministry and Bible degree) or 4 years of seminary. But never daily, systematically, the whole way through. It was really cool.
And I want to do it again this year.
Last year I used the "chronological" plan from www.backtothebible.org. It placed the readings in as close to chronological order as they could get them. So you read Job between Genesis 11 and 12, and you read Psalms and Prophets where they fit into the Kings/Chronicles stories.
This year I'm going for the "blended" plan. It takes a little Old Testament and a little New Testament each day. But not Genesis and Matthew - they mix it up - like Genesis and Romans. And Isaiah with Mark.
Last year I read through in the NRSV. I grew up mostly with NIV. At college and seminary I read others such as NASB and NRSV (as professors required).
This year I'm reading through The Message. It's a very contemporary version. Often referred to as more a paraphrase than a translation because it goes more "idea to idea" rather than "word for word." Similar to the Living Bible - only much more contemporary in language and style. I figured since I've read and studied the Bible quite a bit, this will give me a new way of seeing things. I can't do a "lazy read" because I'm overly familiar with a passage. I have to actually read it.
So we'll see how this goes. In any case, you're invited along for the ride. I doubt I'll post every day. SImply when something strikes me or God speaks to me in some new way. Which I am fully expecting. Feel free to go to www.backtothebible.org and read along with me and share your thoughts on the passages as well. Let's listen to God speak together!
And I want to do it again this year.
Last year I used the "chronological" plan from www.backtothebible.org. It placed the readings in as close to chronological order as they could get them. So you read Job between Genesis 11 and 12, and you read Psalms and Prophets where they fit into the Kings/Chronicles stories.
This year I'm going for the "blended" plan. It takes a little Old Testament and a little New Testament each day. But not Genesis and Matthew - they mix it up - like Genesis and Romans. And Isaiah with Mark.
Last year I read through in the NRSV. I grew up mostly with NIV. At college and seminary I read others such as NASB and NRSV (as professors required).
This year I'm reading through The Message. It's a very contemporary version. Often referred to as more a paraphrase than a translation because it goes more "idea to idea" rather than "word for word." Similar to the Living Bible - only much more contemporary in language and style. I figured since I've read and studied the Bible quite a bit, this will give me a new way of seeing things. I can't do a "lazy read" because I'm overly familiar with a passage. I have to actually read it.
So we'll see how this goes. In any case, you're invited along for the ride. I doubt I'll post every day. SImply when something strikes me or God speaks to me in some new way. Which I am fully expecting. Feel free to go to www.backtothebible.org and read along with me and share your thoughts on the passages as well. Let's listen to God speak together!
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