1 Corinthians 11
1 Cor 11:14-16 ~ Men having short hair and women having long hair is Biblical. A woman with short hair should cover her head when praying. These seem to be things that the Corinthians were squabbling over. I like how Paul sums it up in v 16.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
2.22.10 -- 1 Corinthians 10
1 Corinthians 10
1 Cor 10:4 ~ Even in the old testament, Christ was the way to salvation.
1 Cor 10:11 ~ I sometimes have the tendency to ignore the old testament in favor of the new. I really need to work on that.
1 Cor 10:13 ~ This verse is such a comfort to me sometimes!
1 Cor 10:31 ~ What a great reminder -- whatever we do, we are to do it for God's glory! That includes the little things we barely think about as well as the big things.
1 Cor 10:4 ~ Even in the old testament, Christ was the way to salvation.
1 Cor 10:11 ~ I sometimes have the tendency to ignore the old testament in favor of the new. I really need to work on that.
1 Cor 10:13 ~ This verse is such a comfort to me sometimes!
1 Cor 10:31 ~ What a great reminder -- whatever we do, we are to do it for God's glory! That includes the little things we barely think about as well as the big things.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
2.20.10 -- 1 Corinthians 8
1 Corinthians 8
1 Cor 8:1-3 ~ Is Paul here actually condemning knowledge of the Lord and of th scriptures? Of course not! Often people point to this passage and say that you shouldn't tell other believers that what they are doing is wrong. Earlier in this very book, Paul talks about judging others within the church. And in 2 Tim 3:16 he makes it quite clear that we are to use scripture "for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." What then is he talking about here? Humility and love. We aren't to be puffed up or proud in our knowledge. We are to correct our brothers lovingly.
In the context of the letter, Paul was specifically applying this concept to Christians who were laughing at other believers who still clung to laws that no longer applied to them. Some of the Christians in Corinth had come from idolatrous backgrounds. Meat offered to idols was problematic for them because of their former lives. If they saw their brethren doing what they rightfully could, eating that meat as if the idols meant nothing (which is correct and acceptable for Christians), it could cause them to stumble. So, in love, the other believers should refrain from eating meat sacrificed to idols, so as not to cause their brothers in Christ to fall.
I don't know about you, but I don't know many folks for whom meat sacrificed to idols is an issue.
I do, however, know people who have other stumbling blocks. Alcohol is a big one for some. If someone came to be a Christian from a life of partying and drunkenness, and gave up that life in order to serve God, going out to a bar and having a few drinks might be an issue for them. More so for someone who was addicted, a full-blown alcoholic. Drinking is completely acceptable for Christians, else Jesus would not have famously turned water into wine. However, we should not indulge ourselves at the expense of our weaker brothers and sisters.
1 Cor 8:1-3 ~ Is Paul here actually condemning knowledge of the Lord and of th scriptures? Of course not! Often people point to this passage and say that you shouldn't tell other believers that what they are doing is wrong. Earlier in this very book, Paul talks about judging others within the church. And in 2 Tim 3:16 he makes it quite clear that we are to use scripture "for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." What then is he talking about here? Humility and love. We aren't to be puffed up or proud in our knowledge. We are to correct our brothers lovingly.
In the context of the letter, Paul was specifically applying this concept to Christians who were laughing at other believers who still clung to laws that no longer applied to them. Some of the Christians in Corinth had come from idolatrous backgrounds. Meat offered to idols was problematic for them because of their former lives. If they saw their brethren doing what they rightfully could, eating that meat as if the idols meant nothing (which is correct and acceptable for Christians), it could cause them to stumble. So, in love, the other believers should refrain from eating meat sacrificed to idols, so as not to cause their brothers in Christ to fall.
I don't know about you, but I don't know many folks for whom meat sacrificed to idols is an issue.
I do, however, know people who have other stumbling blocks. Alcohol is a big one for some. If someone came to be a Christian from a life of partying and drunkenness, and gave up that life in order to serve God, going out to a bar and having a few drinks might be an issue for them. More so for someone who was addicted, a full-blown alcoholic. Drinking is completely acceptable for Christians, else Jesus would not have famously turned water into wine. However, we should not indulge ourselves at the expense of our weaker brothers and sisters.
Friday, February 19, 2010
2.19.10 -- 1 Corinthains 7
1 Corinthians 7
1 Cor 7:1-9 ~ This is often used to say that God doesn't want us to marry. While that is true in certain specific cases, I think it's also quite obvious that marriage was an institution created by God, for our good. After all, was it not God who looked down on Adam in the garden and said "it is not good that man should be alone" (Gen 1:18)? I think the broader context here is that if God has called you to remain single, you should do so. But if He has called you to marriage, you should marry. This is what Paul says just a few verses later in 1 Cor 7:17.
1 Cor 7:10-16 ~ Here is the far more strict commandment. Marriage vows are a serious covenant made before man and God. We, as Christians, are to keep them. Divorce is not an option other than in the case of adultery, and even then it is not a good option (Mark 10:1-12).
1 Cor 17:18-19 ~ This verse is almost comical if the word "circumcised" is taken literally. Obviously there would not need to be a command not to "become uncircumcised" -- that's pretty well a one-way street. Rather, Paul here is using the word (as is often his habit and the common use of the day) to refer to someone living under the Jewish law. That is to say, Jews, who keep the law, are not to turn from it when they become Christians. Likewise, Gentiles, who are not under the Jewish law, have no obligation to obey it when they become Christians. That doesn't mean we can just do whatever we like (as v 19 points out). There are plenty of commands given to Christians by Christ himself and later by His Apostles.
1 Cor 7:29-31 ~ Again, Paul here is not speaking of abandoning duty or forsaking covenant. These verses should be understood in light of the following point.
1 Cor 7:32 ~ Here is the main point of this entire section. We are not to put our spouse or our other cares above the service of the Lord. He is to remain number one in our lives. All else should fall into place within the context of our service to Him.
1 Cor 7:1-9 ~ This is often used to say that God doesn't want us to marry. While that is true in certain specific cases, I think it's also quite obvious that marriage was an institution created by God, for our good. After all, was it not God who looked down on Adam in the garden and said "it is not good that man should be alone" (Gen 1:18)? I think the broader context here is that if God has called you to remain single, you should do so. But if He has called you to marriage, you should marry. This is what Paul says just a few verses later in 1 Cor 7:17.
1 Cor 7:10-16 ~ Here is the far more strict commandment. Marriage vows are a serious covenant made before man and God. We, as Christians, are to keep them. Divorce is not an option other than in the case of adultery, and even then it is not a good option (Mark 10:1-12).
1 Cor 17:18-19 ~ This verse is almost comical if the word "circumcised" is taken literally. Obviously there would not need to be a command not to "become uncircumcised" -- that's pretty well a one-way street. Rather, Paul here is using the word (as is often his habit and the common use of the day) to refer to someone living under the Jewish law. That is to say, Jews, who keep the law, are not to turn from it when they become Christians. Likewise, Gentiles, who are not under the Jewish law, have no obligation to obey it when they become Christians. That doesn't mean we can just do whatever we like (as v 19 points out). There are plenty of commands given to Christians by Christ himself and later by His Apostles.
1 Cor 7:29-31 ~ Again, Paul here is not speaking of abandoning duty or forsaking covenant. These verses should be understood in light of the following point.
1 Cor 7:32 ~ Here is the main point of this entire section. We are not to put our spouse or our other cares above the service of the Lord. He is to remain number one in our lives. All else should fall into place within the context of our service to Him.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
2.18.10 -- 1 Corinthians 6
1 Corinthians 6
1 Cor 6:2-3 ~ This one surprises me every time I read it. I know it's there, I know it's truth, but I have a tendency to forget! It seems mind-boggling to imagine that we, as believers will one day join Christ in judging the fallen angels!
1 Cor 6:9-11 ~ This laundry list of those who will not inherit the Kingdom is most often brought out to condemn others. Yet if you look at the context, Paul quite clearly states "such were some of you, but you were washed." Amen to that!
1 Cor 6:12 ~ Here's a verse that is also frequently misused. If Paul says all things are lawful, what is there to stop us from doing whatever we want? Read the context. All things are lawful, but clearly not all things are right or good or pleasing to God. And that should be our main focus, should it not?
1 Cor 6:20 ~ I'm often told that the free grace gospel is heresy because "if people believed that, what would stop them from doing just as they pleased?" Here's the answer. We were bought at a price. I know that I forget this often, and find myself in foolish situations. I'm still human after all. But when I do remember this verse, when I do think about the price paid for my salvation, I find myself in awe of the great and powerful love of God for me, and for those around me. Makes it a lot easier to want to follow His will!
1 Cor 6:2-3 ~ This one surprises me every time I read it. I know it's there, I know it's truth, but I have a tendency to forget! It seems mind-boggling to imagine that we, as believers will one day join Christ in judging the fallen angels!
1 Cor 6:9-11 ~ This laundry list of those who will not inherit the Kingdom is most often brought out to condemn others. Yet if you look at the context, Paul quite clearly states "such were some of you, but you were washed." Amen to that!
1 Cor 6:12 ~ Here's a verse that is also frequently misused. If Paul says all things are lawful, what is there to stop us from doing whatever we want? Read the context. All things are lawful, but clearly not all things are right or good or pleasing to God. And that should be our main focus, should it not?
1 Cor 6:20 ~ I'm often told that the free grace gospel is heresy because "if people believed that, what would stop them from doing just as they pleased?" Here's the answer. We were bought at a price. I know that I forget this often, and find myself in foolish situations. I'm still human after all. But when I do remember this verse, when I do think about the price paid for my salvation, I find myself in awe of the great and powerful love of God for me, and for those around me. Makes it a lot easier to want to follow His will!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
2.17.10 -- 1 Corinthains 5
1 Corinthians 5
This is a great chapter on the concept of judgment within the church. There seem to be two ways to go today.
Some churches steep themselves in judgment so deeply that they don't seem to do anything else. You've heard of them. They're the ones who make the news carrying signs that read things like "God hates fags." They rail on and on about the wickedness of society while not doing a thing about their own anger (and last I heard wrath is still a sin).
The other option we see often is a total lack of judgment of any sort. "Don't judge" has become a mantra of sorts for a lot of people and for a lot of churches. They're so politically correct they're afraid to even discuss the concept of sin lest they should offend someone. This too is not a good approach.
What then is a Christian to do? Well, in this chapter Paul pretty well lays it out.
1 Cor 5:5 ~ Wow, this sounds really harsh. Lots of people read this verse and think Paul is talking about someone losing their salvation. Since elsewhere in the Bible the concept of "once saved always saved" is quite clearly taught, and the Bible (being inerrant) can't contradict itself, that can't really be the meaning here. What then does the verse mean when it speaks of delivering someone over to Satan? The next few words give us a clue. It's not the soul that will be destroyed, but rather the flesh. Basically what is being said here is if someone is so determined to follow the path to (temporal) destruction, let them! Don't keep trying to get them to repent if they refuse. They will experience God's wrath here on earth (rather than in eternity) in that Satan (whom they chose to follow) will be permitted to torment and even destroy their physical bodies.
1 Cor 5:6 ~ I have a tendency to just jump right over this one some times. However, it's well worth looking at. When a church allows its members to sin unrestrained, the praise of the entire group is spoiled in God's eyes. Similarly, when a Christian allows a little bit of sin to reign in just one part of their life, their entire being is tainted by it. Does this mean that we have to be perfect in order to praise God? Not at all! None of us are that. What it does mean is that we need to deal with our sins, and those of our fellow believers, in a manner befitting our station. Rather than letting sin reign, becoming a slave to it, we should exert control over it. We should struggle against sin, not just sit back and let it have its way with us.
1 Cor 5:9-13 ~ Here is the formula Paul gives for judging others. Don't judge non-believers! How silly to try to get people to follow a set of rules when they don't know the God who made those rules! It's like going to another country and trying to get the people there to follow the laws and regulations of your home town. They follow the world because they are of the world. Likewise, when someone becomes a Christian, they should put aside the traditions they are accustomed to and learn the ways of the faith. A Christian who continues in sin is like someone who becomes a naturalized citizen of this country but still attempts to live by the rules of their former home. It just doesn't work! So, Christians should not expect non-Christians to follow God's laws. And Christians should expect other Christians to follow God's laws. Pretty simple, huh? If a Christian doesn't want to follow the rules, the church should cast them out. Sounds drastic and harsh, but sometimes it's that type of "tough love" that wakes someone up enough to repent!
This is a great chapter on the concept of judgment within the church. There seem to be two ways to go today.
Some churches steep themselves in judgment so deeply that they don't seem to do anything else. You've heard of them. They're the ones who make the news carrying signs that read things like "God hates fags." They rail on and on about the wickedness of society while not doing a thing about their own anger (and last I heard wrath is still a sin).
The other option we see often is a total lack of judgment of any sort. "Don't judge" has become a mantra of sorts for a lot of people and for a lot of churches. They're so politically correct they're afraid to even discuss the concept of sin lest they should offend someone. This too is not a good approach.
What then is a Christian to do? Well, in this chapter Paul pretty well lays it out.
1 Cor 5:5 ~ Wow, this sounds really harsh. Lots of people read this verse and think Paul is talking about someone losing their salvation. Since elsewhere in the Bible the concept of "once saved always saved" is quite clearly taught, and the Bible (being inerrant) can't contradict itself, that can't really be the meaning here. What then does the verse mean when it speaks of delivering someone over to Satan? The next few words give us a clue. It's not the soul that will be destroyed, but rather the flesh. Basically what is being said here is if someone is so determined to follow the path to (temporal) destruction, let them! Don't keep trying to get them to repent if they refuse. They will experience God's wrath here on earth (rather than in eternity) in that Satan (whom they chose to follow) will be permitted to torment and even destroy their physical bodies.
1 Cor 5:6 ~ I have a tendency to just jump right over this one some times. However, it's well worth looking at. When a church allows its members to sin unrestrained, the praise of the entire group is spoiled in God's eyes. Similarly, when a Christian allows a little bit of sin to reign in just one part of their life, their entire being is tainted by it. Does this mean that we have to be perfect in order to praise God? Not at all! None of us are that. What it does mean is that we need to deal with our sins, and those of our fellow believers, in a manner befitting our station. Rather than letting sin reign, becoming a slave to it, we should exert control over it. We should struggle against sin, not just sit back and let it have its way with us.
1 Cor 5:9-13 ~ Here is the formula Paul gives for judging others. Don't judge non-believers! How silly to try to get people to follow a set of rules when they don't know the God who made those rules! It's like going to another country and trying to get the people there to follow the laws and regulations of your home town. They follow the world because they are of the world. Likewise, when someone becomes a Christian, they should put aside the traditions they are accustomed to and learn the ways of the faith. A Christian who continues in sin is like someone who becomes a naturalized citizen of this country but still attempts to live by the rules of their former home. It just doesn't work! So, Christians should not expect non-Christians to follow God's laws. And Christians should expect other Christians to follow God's laws. Pretty simple, huh? If a Christian doesn't want to follow the rules, the church should cast them out. Sounds drastic and harsh, but sometimes it's that type of "tough love" that wakes someone up enough to repent!
SOAP for Lent?
No, I'm not giving up personal hygiene for 40 days.
Obviously I dropped the ball a little bit for the whole 10 Experiment. Sooooo I think I'm gonna blog SOAP for Lent. Hopefully I won't fall behind so far this time! I'll keep counting down the original ticker until it's complete, but also will begin a new one just for Lent.
If you're not familiar with the concept of Lent, it's a forty day period leading up to Easter in which people fast and pray in order to prepare themselves for the Easter celebration. While different churches use different calendars for Lent, the one I've always used begins on Ash Wednesday (today) and ends the Saturday before Easter. Sundays are not included, thus rendering a full 40 days. If you'd like to read up a bit more on Lent, wikipedia has a fairly good article on it. If you'd like to follow along and SOAP with me, you can find the schedule (and other details) at my church's website, here.
Obviously I dropped the ball a little bit for the whole 10 Experiment. Sooooo I think I'm gonna blog SOAP for Lent. Hopefully I won't fall behind so far this time! I'll keep counting down the original ticker until it's complete, but also will begin a new one just for Lent.
If you're not familiar with the concept of Lent, it's a forty day period leading up to Easter in which people fast and pray in order to prepare themselves for the Easter celebration. While different churches use different calendars for Lent, the one I've always used begins on Ash Wednesday (today) and ends the Saturday before Easter. Sundays are not included, thus rendering a full 40 days. If you'd like to read up a bit more on Lent, wikipedia has a fairly good article on it. If you'd like to follow along and SOAP with me, you can find the schedule (and other details) at my church's website, here.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
1.30.10 -- Exodus 19
Skipping ahead a bit today to Exodus 19.
Ex 19:8 ~ How many times have I made a similar pledge, and then just as Israel did, turned and ignored God's law in favor of my own desires? I can't even count. It's harder to look down on Israel for their foolishness when I realize that I'm no different.
Ex 19:23 ~ Seems Moses underestimated the people's ability to disobey! God knew they needed another warning.
Ex 19:8 ~ How many times have I made a similar pledge, and then just as Israel did, turned and ignored God's law in favor of my own desires? I can't even count. It's harder to look down on Israel for their foolishness when I realize that I'm no different.
Ex 19:23 ~ Seems Moses underestimated the people's ability to disobey! God knew they needed another warning.
Friday, January 29, 2010
1.29.10 -- Exodus 14
Exodus 14
Ex 14:5 ~ I doubt the Egyptians would have forgotten the loss of their firstborn, so probably they remembered the loss, but forgot the cause. I know that's the way most of us are at times. I certainly have a tendency to forget that it's so often my own stubbornness that causes me to suffer, when had I listened to God's will I would have avoided such things!
Ex 14:11 ~ The Israelites are just as quick to forget God's power to save.
Ex 14:23 ~ How blinded by their own arrogance must the Egyptian army have been to have followed Israel into the sea. They saw that the God who cleared the way for Israel was also working against Egypt, and yet they thought they could make it through.
Ex 14:5 ~ I doubt the Egyptians would have forgotten the loss of their firstborn, so probably they remembered the loss, but forgot the cause. I know that's the way most of us are at times. I certainly have a tendency to forget that it's so often my own stubbornness that causes me to suffer, when had I listened to God's will I would have avoided such things!
Ex 14:11 ~ The Israelites are just as quick to forget God's power to save.
Ex 14:23 ~ How blinded by their own arrogance must the Egyptian army have been to have followed Israel into the sea. They saw that the God who cleared the way for Israel was also working against Egypt, and yet they thought they could make it through.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
1.28.10 -- Exodus 13
Exodus 13
I must admit that there isn't much here that really speaks to me. I've never really followed the custom of passover, though we did do a passover meal once at the church where I grew up. The concept of consecration of the firstborn is also a bit foreign since we no longer practice animal sacrifice (thank God! [literally]). The only part that in any way appeals to me is the concept of God going before them in a pillar of fire (Ex 13:21-22). How I wish He would provide such obvious guidance to me sometimes!
I must admit that there isn't much here that really speaks to me. I've never really followed the custom of passover, though we did do a passover meal once at the church where I grew up. The concept of consecration of the firstborn is also a bit foreign since we no longer practice animal sacrifice (thank God! [literally]). The only part that in any way appeals to me is the concept of God going before them in a pillar of fire (Ex 13:21-22). How I wish He would provide such obvious guidance to me sometimes!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
1.27.10 -- Exodus 12
Exodus 12 The Passover (which prefigures Christ on the cross)
Ex 12:5 ~ "without blemish" as Christ was without sin
Ex 12:6 ~ "kill it at twilight" close to the time of day of Christ's death
Ex 12:13 ~ The blood of Christ covers our sins so that God's judgment and wrath pass over us.
Ex 12:17 ~ God's people brought out of slavery in Egypt--God's people redeemed from slavery to sin.
Ex 12:48 ~ the passover feast was an opportunity for non-Jews to become Jews--Christ's death allowed Gentiles to be part of the Kingdom of God
Ex 12:5 ~ "without blemish" as Christ was without sin
Ex 12:6 ~ "kill it at twilight" close to the time of day of Christ's death
Ex 12:13 ~ The blood of Christ covers our sins so that God's judgment and wrath pass over us.
Ex 12:17 ~ God's people brought out of slavery in Egypt--God's people redeemed from slavery to sin.
Ex 12:48 ~ the passover feast was an opportunity for non-Jews to become Jews--Christ's death allowed Gentiles to be part of the Kingdom of God
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
1.26.10 -- Exodus 11
Jumping back into the Old Testament today with Exodus 11. This is right at the end of the plagues God brought on Egypt through Moses. This is the event remembered in the Passover feast. It is also a type* of the death of Christ.
Exod 11:7 ~ God once again demonstrates His favor to His people.
Exod 11:8 ~ "Then he went out from Pharaoh in great anger." I wonder if Moses was angry because he knew Pharaoh would ignore his warning or because of what the warning entailed?
Exod 11:9 ~ God knew that Pharaoh wouldn't budge until after this great tragedy occurred, but He had plans to use Pharaoh's stubbornness to accomplish His own goals.
*type: a symbol of something in the future, as an Old Testament event serving as a prefiguration of a New Testament event.
Exod 11:7 ~ God once again demonstrates His favor to His people.
Exod 11:8 ~ "Then he went out from Pharaoh in great anger." I wonder if Moses was angry because he knew Pharaoh would ignore his warning or because of what the warning entailed?
Exod 11:9 ~ God knew that Pharaoh wouldn't budge until after this great tragedy occurred, but He had plans to use Pharaoh's stubbornness to accomplish His own goals.
*type: a symbol of something in the future, as an Old Testament event serving as a prefiguration of a New Testament event.
Monday, January 25, 2010
1.25.10 -- Colossians 4
Colossians 4
Col 4:6 ~ This is one I need to work on to be sure. I'm told I can be very blunt sometimes, or harsh.
Col 4:7-9 ~ I've often wondered in verses like these if there were things Paul felt it unsafe to include in writing but that his friends would tell.
Col 4:18 ~ "Remember my chains." Really says it all doesn't it?
Col 4:6 ~ This is one I need to work on to be sure. I'm told I can be very blunt sometimes, or harsh.
Col 4:7-9 ~ I've often wondered in verses like these if there were things Paul felt it unsafe to include in writing but that his friends would tell.
Col 4:18 ~ "Remember my chains." Really says it all doesn't it?
Sunday, January 24, 2010
1.24.10 -- Colossians 3
Colossians 3
Col 3:11 ~ This one always reminds me of what the Kingdom will be like. There won't be races or denominations or any other separation -- people will all just be people, living together and loving one another as Christ would have of us. I wish it could be that way here on earth. I need to work on my own part in that.
Col 3:14 ~ "...Love, which is the bond of perfection" Does that mean that love should be perfect? Does that mean that someone has to be perfect in order to love them? Not at all! Christ loved everyone, including those society deemed unlovable. I would say it means that love makes people perfect. Because when you're really loving someone you don't dwell on the flaws. You look at all the good. That's how we need to be looking at each other.
Col 3:11 ~ This one always reminds me of what the Kingdom will be like. There won't be races or denominations or any other separation -- people will all just be people, living together and loving one another as Christ would have of us. I wish it could be that way here on earth. I need to work on my own part in that.
Col 3:14 ~ "...Love, which is the bond of perfection" Does that mean that love should be perfect? Does that mean that someone has to be perfect in order to love them? Not at all! Christ loved everyone, including those society deemed unlovable. I would say it means that love makes people perfect. Because when you're really loving someone you don't dwell on the flaws. You look at all the good. That's how we need to be looking at each other.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
1.23.10 -- Colossians 2
Colossians 2
Col 2:1 ~ Paul had a great conflict, or struggle, for these people, who he had never even met. It's easy to love and strive for those you know. To have that kind of heart for a church he didn't even know at all is amazing to me!
Col 2:8 ~ So relevant to today's world! How many times I've heard "I used to be a Christian but someone talked me out of it/something convinced me it wasn't true/someone asked questions I couldn't answer." Seems to me that Satan's been using this trick for at least the past 2000 years. And we're still allowing ourselves to be taken in by it.
Col 2:14 ~ I love the wording of this: "having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross." I always picture Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses to the door. I wonder if he thought of this verse as he did?
Col 2:20-23 ~ The Bible says that legalism is "false humility" and "of no value." AMEN!
Col 2:1 ~ Paul had a great conflict, or struggle, for these people, who he had never even met. It's easy to love and strive for those you know. To have that kind of heart for a church he didn't even know at all is amazing to me!
Col 2:8 ~ So relevant to today's world! How many times I've heard "I used to be a Christian but someone talked me out of it/something convinced me it wasn't true/someone asked questions I couldn't answer." Seems to me that Satan's been using this trick for at least the past 2000 years. And we're still allowing ourselves to be taken in by it.
Col 2:14 ~ I love the wording of this: "having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross." I always picture Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses to the door. I wonder if he thought of this verse as he did?
Col 2:20-23 ~ The Bible says that legalism is "false humility" and "of no value." AMEN!
Friday, January 22, 2010
1.22.10 -- Colossians 1
Colossians 1
Out of Psalms and on to Colossians today. Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Colosse. His purpose was to deal with some heresy that had crept in to their doctrine. Though it's never spelled out for certain, we can guess from the contextual clues that the Colossian church had been teaching Jewish legalism and had even begun to say that Jesus was not really God. Gee -- that sounds like a lot of churches today! Funny how something written probably around AD 60 can still be so relevant.
Col 1:23 ~ This verse is often used to spread the doctrine of Salvation through perseverance, but if we look at the entire context we see something quite different. Just a few verses earlier, in Col 1:13-14, Paul speaks of salvation as something that has already been accomplished. This is far more in line with all of his other teachings, as well as the teachings of Christ Himself. So what does Col 1:22-23 mean when it talks about presenting us "holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight?" Clearly here he's discussing the bema -- that is, the Judgment Seat of Christ. This is not the same as the Great White Throne Judgment where unbelievers will be cast into hell. This is where Christ will bestow the eternal rewards He discusses in Matt 6:19-20. So then, Col 1:22-23 is talking about perseverance, not in order to get into heaven (the Colossian church was already saved) but in order to maintain a right relationship with God and to receive their reward from Him fully.
Col 1:24 ~ If anyone knew about suffering, it was Paul. As he wrote this verse, he was probably in a Roman prison. And yet his attitude is still of rejoicing in God and service to his fellow believers. I wish I could say my attitude was as good when I'm going through rough spots!
Col 1:29 ~ We see over and over in the Bible that God works through men, giving them strength, wisdom and abilities beyond what they originally had. A good thing to remember when I'm afraid that I won't be able to accomplish the things God asks of me!
Out of Psalms and on to Colossians today. Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Colosse. His purpose was to deal with some heresy that had crept in to their doctrine. Though it's never spelled out for certain, we can guess from the contextual clues that the Colossian church had been teaching Jewish legalism and had even begun to say that Jesus was not really God. Gee -- that sounds like a lot of churches today! Funny how something written probably around AD 60 can still be so relevant.
Col 1:23 ~ This verse is often used to spread the doctrine of Salvation through perseverance, but if we look at the entire context we see something quite different. Just a few verses earlier, in Col 1:13-14, Paul speaks of salvation as something that has already been accomplished. This is far more in line with all of his other teachings, as well as the teachings of Christ Himself. So what does Col 1:22-23 mean when it talks about presenting us "holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight?" Clearly here he's discussing the bema -- that is, the Judgment Seat of Christ. This is not the same as the Great White Throne Judgment where unbelievers will be cast into hell. This is where Christ will bestow the eternal rewards He discusses in Matt 6:19-20. So then, Col 1:22-23 is talking about perseverance, not in order to get into heaven (the Colossian church was already saved) but in order to maintain a right relationship with God and to receive their reward from Him fully.
Col 1:24 ~ If anyone knew about suffering, it was Paul. As he wrote this verse, he was probably in a Roman prison. And yet his attitude is still of rejoicing in God and service to his fellow believers. I wish I could say my attitude was as good when I'm going through rough spots!
Col 1:29 ~ We see over and over in the Bible that God works through men, giving them strength, wisdom and abilities beyond what they originally had. A good thing to remember when I'm afraid that I won't be able to accomplish the things God asks of me!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
1.21.10 -- Psalm 40
Psalm 40
Ps 40:2-3 ~ Jalee (our pastor's wife and worship leader) read this in service a few weeks back. I've always liked the description here at the beginning of this Psalm.
Ps 40:8 ~ David was described as "a man after God's own heart" (1 Sam 13:14) and I think things like this are exactly the reason. He patterned his own desires after God's.
Ps 40:17 ~ Been feeling "poor and needy" a lot the past few years. "And yet the LORD thinks upon me." What more can I ask for?
Ps 40:2-3 ~ Jalee (our pastor's wife and worship leader) read this in service a few weeks back. I've always liked the description here at the beginning of this Psalm.
Ps 40:8 ~ David was described as "a man after God's own heart" (1 Sam 13:14) and I think things like this are exactly the reason. He patterned his own desires after God's.
Ps 40:17 ~ Been feeling "poor and needy" a lot the past few years. "And yet the LORD thinks upon me." What more can I ask for?
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
1.20.10 -- Psalm 39
Psalm 39
Ps 39:1 ~ I love the visual here of "I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle." Anyone else picturing a dog muzzle? lol
Ps 39:5 ~ This is a reminder I need sometimes. Yes, life is hard and often painful. But compared to eternity it's nothing!
Ps 39:7 ~ Another great reminder. I'm not waiting for humans to make a decision. God has already decided. My hope lies in Him.
Late again! I was doing so well with updating daily for a while. Ah well, better late than never.
Ps 39:1 ~ I love the visual here of "I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle." Anyone else picturing a dog muzzle? lol
Ps 39:5 ~ This is a reminder I need sometimes. Yes, life is hard and often painful. But compared to eternity it's nothing!
Ps 39:7 ~ Another great reminder. I'm not waiting for humans to make a decision. God has already decided. My hope lies in Him.
Late again! I was doing so well with updating daily for a while. Ah well, better late than never.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
1.19.10 -- Psalm 38
Psalm 38
Ps 38:5 ~ This is gonna be a kind of long one. I was late to church on Sunday because I had another obligation that I just couldn't get out of. We're going through Habakkuk and this was the message on chapter 3. I came in after the sermon was probably about halfway through. I was fortunate enough though, to be there in time to hear the testimony of one of the women in the church. She talked about some really rough things she had been through and about the painful process as God brought about healing in her life. She said that she realized that the reason it was hurting so much was that she had wounded her heart so many times and each time not treated the wound but simply stuck a bandaid over it. By the time she sought out God's healing her heart was covered in festering wounds and a thick wall of bandaids. The pain was God ripping off the bandaids one by one so that He could treat the wounds. This is so often my experience as well! I don't have a wall of bandaids, it tends to be just one or two at a time, but I make this mistake over and over. I try to heal my own wounds rather than seeking out the Great Physician. The wounds just get worse, "foul and festering," because I refused to seek His help and instead relied on my own foolishness!
Ps 38:9 ~ I'm just picturing this one. God sees our hurts long before we bring them before Him. Nothing is hidden from His sight. How sad it must be for Him to watch us struggle and to wait for us to turn to Him for help. How much it must pain Him to watch the foolish and often hateful things we do to try to handle things on our own while He's there waiting to take care of us. How much easier it would be if I just learned to turn to Him first!
Ps 38:5 ~ This is gonna be a kind of long one. I was late to church on Sunday because I had another obligation that I just couldn't get out of. We're going through Habakkuk and this was the message on chapter 3. I came in after the sermon was probably about halfway through. I was fortunate enough though, to be there in time to hear the testimony of one of the women in the church. She talked about some really rough things she had been through and about the painful process as God brought about healing in her life. She said that she realized that the reason it was hurting so much was that she had wounded her heart so many times and each time not treated the wound but simply stuck a bandaid over it. By the time she sought out God's healing her heart was covered in festering wounds and a thick wall of bandaids. The pain was God ripping off the bandaids one by one so that He could treat the wounds. This is so often my experience as well! I don't have a wall of bandaids, it tends to be just one or two at a time, but I make this mistake over and over. I try to heal my own wounds rather than seeking out the Great Physician. The wounds just get worse, "foul and festering," because I refused to seek His help and instead relied on my own foolishness!
Ps 38:9 ~ I'm just picturing this one. God sees our hurts long before we bring them before Him. Nothing is hidden from His sight. How sad it must be for Him to watch us struggle and to wait for us to turn to Him for help. How much it must pain Him to watch the foolish and often hateful things we do to try to handle things on our own while He's there waiting to take care of us. How much easier it would be if I just learned to turn to Him first!
Monday, January 18, 2010
1.18.10 -- Psalm 37
Psalm 37
Ps 37:1-2 ~ How often I find myself in this position. It's easy to look at people (specifically unbelievers) around me and be jealous because they have things I don't or are doing things I'm not. I ask God why He's giving them good things while I'm struggling just to get by. Yet I know that in the end I'll have the greater reward (eternity).
Ps 37:8 ~ "It only causes harm" -- how true!
Ps 37:24 ~ OSAS!
Ps 37:39 ~ I need to remember this: "He is their strength in the time of trouble."
Ps 37:1-2 ~ How often I find myself in this position. It's easy to look at people (specifically unbelievers) around me and be jealous because they have things I don't or are doing things I'm not. I ask God why He's giving them good things while I'm struggling just to get by. Yet I know that in the end I'll have the greater reward (eternity).
Ps 37:8 ~ "It only causes harm" -- how true!
Ps 37:24 ~ OSAS!
Ps 37:39 ~ I need to remember this: "He is their strength in the time of trouble."
Sunday, January 17, 2010
1.17.10 -- Psalm 36
Psalm 36
Ps 36:5-6 ~ I love that not only does this describe the enormity of God's character, but if you look at the positioning, it also describes the severity of man's transgressions, as well as God's ability to overcome them. God's mercy is in the heavens, while His judgments are in the deep -- that's how far sin has separated us from Him, and yet He is still there!
Ps 36:9 ~ A possible reference to (the as yet unborn) Jesus?
Ps 36:5-6 ~ I love that not only does this describe the enormity of God's character, but if you look at the positioning, it also describes the severity of man's transgressions, as well as God's ability to overcome them. God's mercy is in the heavens, while His judgments are in the deep -- that's how far sin has separated us from Him, and yet He is still there!
Ps 36:9 ~ A possible reference to (the as yet unborn) Jesus?
Saturday, January 16, 2010
1.16.10 -- Psalm 35
Psalm 35
This is one of those Psalms where I don't really have a lot to say. It's all about vindication over David's enemies. Definitely not one of my favorite Psalms.
Ps 35:2-3 ~ David pictures God as a warrior here. Funny how often I forget that part of God's character.
This is one of those Psalms where I don't really have a lot to say. It's all about vindication over David's enemies. Definitely not one of my favorite Psalms.
Ps 35:2-3 ~ David pictures God as a warrior here. Funny how often I forget that part of God's character.
Friday, January 15, 2010
1.15.10 -- Psalm 34
Psalm 34
I love that David wrote this Psalm as an acrostic. There is one verse for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet (except one which may have simply been lost to time). He was as much a word dork as I am!
Ps 34:7 ~ I love the visual of the angel of the LORD encamping "all around those who fear Him," such an amazing concept.
Ps 34:8 ~ This one always seems strange to me. "Taste and see"? But then, Jesus does talk about being "the bread which came down from heaven," (John 6:41) so maybe it's not so odd after all.
Ps 34:10 ~ Lots of televangelists have twisted verses like this into a "health and wealth" gospel, proclaiming that God wants us to be rich and trouble-free. While that is true in the eternal sense, it is not so in the temporal sense. As long as we live here on earth we will have troubles. This verse is not saying that God will grant us anything we might want. Rather, that those who long for Him above all else will have that desire fulfilled and therefore want for (or lack) nothing.
Ps 34:18 ~ "The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart." How very true! It's easy to sense God is near when you're broken before Him.
I love that David wrote this Psalm as an acrostic. There is one verse for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet (except one which may have simply been lost to time). He was as much a word dork as I am!
Ps 34:7 ~ I love the visual of the angel of the LORD encamping "all around those who fear Him," such an amazing concept.
Ps 34:8 ~ This one always seems strange to me. "Taste and see"? But then, Jesus does talk about being "the bread which came down from heaven," (John 6:41) so maybe it's not so odd after all.
Ps 34:10 ~ Lots of televangelists have twisted verses like this into a "health and wealth" gospel, proclaiming that God wants us to be rich and trouble-free. While that is true in the eternal sense, it is not so in the temporal sense. As long as we live here on earth we will have troubles. This verse is not saying that God will grant us anything we might want. Rather, that those who long for Him above all else will have that desire fulfilled and therefore want for (or lack) nothing.
Ps 34:18 ~ "The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart." How very true! It's easy to sense God is near when you're broken before Him.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
1.14.10 -- Psalm 33
Psalm 33
This one's anonymous. I've always wondered if someday we'll find out who wrote all of the anon. Psalms or if he'll (or likely, they'll) chose to remain anon in eternity.
Ps 33:3 ~ I don't know how skillfully I can do so, but I love to sing to the LORD. I know He values my praise whether it is done skillfully or not!
Ps 33:6, 9 ~ How amazing is the power of our God! Just a word from His mouth spoke all of creation into being.
Ps 33:10-11 ~ A good thing to remember for those of us who are unhappy with the political climate we live in.
So sorry this is late!
This one's anonymous. I've always wondered if someday we'll find out who wrote all of the anon. Psalms or if he'll (or likely, they'll) chose to remain anon in eternity.
Ps 33:3 ~ I don't know how skillfully I can do so, but I love to sing to the LORD. I know He values my praise whether it is done skillfully or not!
Ps 33:6, 9 ~ How amazing is the power of our God! Just a word from His mouth spoke all of creation into being.
Ps 33:10-11 ~ A good thing to remember for those of us who are unhappy with the political climate we live in.
So sorry this is late!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
1.13.10 -- Psalm 32
Psalm 32
Scholars guess that this Psalm was written after David's affair with Bathsheba (Start reading at 2 Sam 11:1 for the story on that one). In one period of his life, David was guilty of lust, covetousness, adultery, murder of her husband, murder of those near her husband in battle, and who even knows what else. If anyone knows a thing or two about the joy of being forgiven, it's certainly him!
Ps 32:1 ~ Covered by the blood of Christ!
Ps 32:7 ~ I sometimes have trouble identifying with some of the ways God is described. No problems here! I love the thought of God as "my hiding place." He has been that for me more times than I can count.
Ps 32:10 ~ David does not say that "he who trusts in the LORD" will not have troubles, but that "mercy shall surround him."
Scholars guess that this Psalm was written after David's affair with Bathsheba (Start reading at 2 Sam 11:1 for the story on that one). In one period of his life, David was guilty of lust, covetousness, adultery, murder of her husband, murder of those near her husband in battle, and who even knows what else. If anyone knows a thing or two about the joy of being forgiven, it's certainly him!
Ps 32:1 ~ Covered by the blood of Christ!
Ps 32:7 ~ I sometimes have trouble identifying with some of the ways God is described. No problems here! I love the thought of God as "my hiding place." He has been that for me more times than I can count.
Ps 32:10 ~ David does not say that "he who trusts in the LORD" will not have troubles, but that "mercy shall surround him."
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
1.12.10 -- Psalm 31
Psalm 31
So SOAP has moved on from Genesis and for the next little while will be in Psalms. I have to say, Psalms is also not my favorite book. I know most Christians really like Psalms (or at least I'm told they do). I'm not "most Christians." To me, so many of them just seem really whiny. I mean, I understand that in the circumstances, it was totally justifiable. If I were running for my life, hiding in caves, I'd probably be pretty whiny too. I just don't particularly enjoy reading whiny. So anyway, here's my SOAP for Psalm 31.
Ps 31:1 ~ This opening reminds me of Third Day's "My Hope is You." If I'm not mistaken, the lyrics to that are taken from a Psalm too, right? I'll have to look that up some time.
Ps 31:11-12 ~ I have totally had days like that! David reminds us that when the world seems to be against us, God is still for us. Of the two, I'd rather have God on my side!
Ps 31:14 ~ Reminds me of the last part of Joshua 24:15 (one of my favorite verses). "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
So SOAP has moved on from Genesis and for the next little while will be in Psalms. I have to say, Psalms is also not my favorite book. I know most Christians really like Psalms (or at least I'm told they do). I'm not "most Christians." To me, so many of them just seem really whiny. I mean, I understand that in the circumstances, it was totally justifiable. If I were running for my life, hiding in caves, I'd probably be pretty whiny too. I just don't particularly enjoy reading whiny. So anyway, here's my SOAP for Psalm 31.
Ps 31:1 ~ This opening reminds me of Third Day's "My Hope is You." If I'm not mistaken, the lyrics to that are taken from a Psalm too, right? I'll have to look that up some time.
Ps 31:11-12 ~ I have totally had days like that! David reminds us that when the world seems to be against us, God is still for us. Of the two, I'd rather have God on my side!
Ps 31:14 ~ Reminds me of the last part of Joshua 24:15 (one of my favorite verses). "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
Monday, January 11, 2010
1.11.10 -- Genesis 21
Genesis 21
Gen 21:3 ~ Isaac means "God is laughing now." When God told Abraham he'd have a son at such an age, he laughed (Gen 17:17). When Sarah heard about it, she laughed (Gen 18:12). Now that the son was born, God is laughing!
Gen 21:12 ~ Even when things seem to be at their bleakest, God comes through. If He can provide a well in the desert, what could I possibly need that He could not just as easily provide?
Gen 21:22-23 ~ The world takes note of a Godly person. Just as Abimelech recognized that God was with Abraham, so too today those whose walk is following closely in the steps of the Lord can be seen by all to be upright, trustworthy people.
Gen 21:3 ~ Isaac means "God is laughing now." When God told Abraham he'd have a son at such an age, he laughed (Gen 17:17). When Sarah heard about it, she laughed (Gen 18:12). Now that the son was born, God is laughing!
Gen 21:12 ~ Even when things seem to be at their bleakest, God comes through. If He can provide a well in the desert, what could I possibly need that He could not just as easily provide?
Gen 21:22-23 ~ The world takes note of a Godly person. Just as Abimelech recognized that God was with Abraham, so too today those whose walk is following closely in the steps of the Lord can be seen by all to be upright, trustworthy people.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
1.10.10 -- Genesis 15
Genesis 15
Skipping ahead here with SOAP (again, if you want to follow along you can find the schedule here).
Gen 15:6 ~ Justification has always been by faith alone. Abraham's righteousness was "accounted to him" because he believed. As such he became the father of a great nation, God's chosen people!
Gen 15:19 ~ Israel is still around while all the others on this list are gone. Speaks mightily for God's covenants!
Skipping ahead here with SOAP (again, if you want to follow along you can find the schedule here).
Gen 15:6 ~ Justification has always been by faith alone. Abraham's righteousness was "accounted to him" because he believed. As such he became the father of a great nation, God's chosen people!
Gen 15:19 ~ Israel is still around while all the others on this list are gone. Speaks mightily for God's covenants!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
1.9.10 -- Genesis 9
Genesis 9
Gen 9:2 ~ I love this verse. Imagine what it was like before all the animals feared man! That's the world God intended us to live in!
Gen 9:3 ~ There is a certain small movement within Christianity saying that we should all be vegetarians so as to avoid killing God's creatures. Apparently that's not what God desires or asks of us.
Gen 9:12-13 ~ I think of this every time I see a rainbow. What a beautiful way to remember God's covenant with Noah!
Gen 9:24-25 ~ Ham's downfall was that instead of helping his father, he laughed at him and went and told his brothers about it, probably assuming that they'd laugh too.
Gen 9:2 ~ I love this verse. Imagine what it was like before all the animals feared man! That's the world God intended us to live in!
Gen 9:3 ~ There is a certain small movement within Christianity saying that we should all be vegetarians so as to avoid killing God's creatures. Apparently that's not what God desires or asks of us.
Gen 9:12-13 ~ I think of this every time I see a rainbow. What a beautiful way to remember God's covenant with Noah!
Gen 9:24-25 ~ Ham's downfall was that instead of helping his father, he laughed at him and went and told his brothers about it, probably assuming that they'd laugh too.
1.8.10 -- Genesis 8
Genesis 8
Gen 8:1 ~ God didn't just let the water dry by itself. Because He "remembered Noah, and every living thing" He used wind to speed up the process.
Gen 8:11 ~ Olive trees/branches traditionally symbolize peace. Perhaps this was a small peace offering from God to Noah and his family.
Gen 8:19 ~ After having spent all that time on the ark, I bet there were more than just two of each type of animal leaving!
Gen 8:1 ~ God didn't just let the water dry by itself. Because He "remembered Noah, and every living thing" He used wind to speed up the process.
Gen 8:11 ~ Olive trees/branches traditionally symbolize peace. Perhaps this was a small peace offering from God to Noah and his family.
Gen 8:19 ~ After having spent all that time on the ark, I bet there were more than just two of each type of animal leaving!
Friday, January 8, 2010
1.7.10 -- Genesis 7
Genesis 7
Gen 7:2-3 ~ The thing that has always struck me most about this is how noisy and smelly that ark must have been!
Gen 7:6 ~ If Noah was 600 years old when he did all of this, the excuse of "I'm too old for God to use me" seems somewhat hollow.
Gen 7:24 ~ We always repeat the "40 days and 40 nights" as if that was the entire extent of the time spent on the ark. That was only how long it rained. I wonder if the hundred and fifty days included the forty or if they were on the ark 190 days total?
Gen 7:2-3 ~ The thing that has always struck me most about this is how noisy and smelly that ark must have been!
Gen 7:6 ~ If Noah was 600 years old when he did all of this, the excuse of "I'm too old for God to use me" seems somewhat hollow.
Gen 7:24 ~ We always repeat the "40 days and 40 nights" as if that was the entire extent of the time spent on the ark. That was only how long it rained. I wonder if the hundred and fifty days included the forty or if they were on the ark 190 days total?
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
1.6.10 -- Genesis 6
Genesis 6
Gen 6:4 ~ Not sure why, but I find the concept of these "giants" (fallen ones in Hebrew) fascinating. From everything I've read it seems the "Sons of God" in this section are angels (probably the fallen angels who were allied with Satan), so the giants would be the offspring of angels marrying with humans.
Gen 6:7 ~ Just as Humanity's fall had tainted all of Creation, so humanity's destruction was to be the destruction of all life on earth.
Gen 6:14-21 ~ God is so specific and so thorough in His planning and care for those He loves!
Gen 6:4 ~ Not sure why, but I find the concept of these "giants" (fallen ones in Hebrew) fascinating. From everything I've read it seems the "Sons of God" in this section are angels (probably the fallen angels who were allied with Satan), so the giants would be the offspring of angels marrying with humans.
Gen 6:7 ~ Just as Humanity's fall had tainted all of Creation, so humanity's destruction was to be the destruction of all life on earth.
Gen 6:14-21 ~ God is so specific and so thorough in His planning and care for those He loves!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
1.5.10 -- Genesis 5
Genesis 5
Hmm... this is just a genealogy chapter, so not a whole lot to discuss here. I did notice a couple of things though: 1) everyone was living to around 900 years of age! and 2) Noah was only the tenth generation (assuming I counted that right). I don't know why but I always thought he was further removed.
Hmm... this is just a genealogy chapter, so not a whole lot to discuss here. I did notice a couple of things though: 1) everyone was living to around 900 years of age! and 2) Noah was only the tenth generation (assuming I counted that right). I don't know why but I always thought he was further removed.
Monday, January 4, 2010
1.4.10 -- Genesis 4
Genesis 4
Another not-so-favorite chapter, in which Cain proves that humans were spoiled, whining, conniving brats pretty much from the start.
Gen 4:6-7 ~ When Cain became disheartened at God's response to his sacrifice, God took the time to explain what was wrong with his offering and how to fix it.
Gen 4:9 ~ More of the blame game. No personal responsibility here.
Gen 4:13-14 ~ Cain is upset about his punishment but never shows even a little remorse for killing his own brother!
Gen 4:15 ~ Once again God provides for His children, despite their disobedience.
Gen 4:24 ~ Lamech thinks himself to be mightier in his wrath than God.
Gen 4:25-26 ~ A new start for Adam's family... in only the second generation of mankind!
Another not-so-favorite chapter, in which Cain proves that humans were spoiled, whining, conniving brats pretty much from the start.
Gen 4:6-7 ~ When Cain became disheartened at God's response to his sacrifice, God took the time to explain what was wrong with his offering and how to fix it.
Gen 4:9 ~ More of the blame game. No personal responsibility here.
Gen 4:13-14 ~ Cain is upset about his punishment but never shows even a little remorse for killing his own brother!
Gen 4:15 ~ Once again God provides for His children, despite their disobedience.
Gen 4:24 ~ Lamech thinks himself to be mightier in his wrath than God.
Gen 4:25-26 ~ A new start for Adam's family... in only the second generation of mankind!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
1.3.10 -- Genesis 3
Genesis 3
This is NOT one of my favorite chapters. What a day I picked to start blogging this.
Gen 3:1 ~ I never noticed before that the serpent in this chapter is set apart from "any beast of the field which the LORD God had made."
Gen 3:1, 4-5 ~ Satan likes to twist God's words, even from the very start of his influence on earth. He turned the rule against the fruit of one tree into a rule against all fruit trees. And I can't help but think his emphasis was probably on the word surely in 3:4 (" 'You will not surely die' ").
Gen 3:6 ~ Apparently Eve had never considered eating what she was told not to before. The first time she notices that the fruit is "good for food" and "pleasant to the eyes" was after Satan tempted her. How very different human nature was before the fall! These days as soon as we're told we can't have something, that tends to be the one thing we focus on most. Yet Eve had apparently not even noticed the look of the fruit she was told not to eat until it was pointed out to her.
Gen 3:8 ~ The pre-incarnate Christ? Since God the Father has no physical presence it would seem likely that the LORD God they "heard" in the garden was not Him.
Gen 3:12 ~ Adam blames 1) "the woman" 2) "whom You gave to be with me." No blame for himself and none for the serpent who started the whole mess!
Gen 3:13 ~ The woman's blame seems more accurate: 1) "The serpent deceived me" 2) "and I ate."
Gen 3:14-15 ~ The first of the curse was not on humankind but on the serpent. It is arguably the most severe curse of the three. God knows who is to blame and to what degree.
Gen 3:20 ~ Eve had no name until after the curse. Don't know why but I had never noticed this before.
Gen 3:21 ~ Even in the midst of punishing them, God carefully provided for Adam and Eve.
This is NOT one of my favorite chapters. What a day I picked to start blogging this.
Gen 3:1 ~ I never noticed before that the serpent in this chapter is set apart from "any beast of the field which the LORD God had made."
Gen 3:1, 4-5 ~ Satan likes to twist God's words, even from the very start of his influence on earth. He turned the rule against the fruit of one tree into a rule against all fruit trees. And I can't help but think his emphasis was probably on the word surely in 3:4 (" 'You will not surely die' ").
Gen 3:6 ~ Apparently Eve had never considered eating what she was told not to before. The first time she notices that the fruit is "good for food" and "pleasant to the eyes" was after Satan tempted her. How very different human nature was before the fall! These days as soon as we're told we can't have something, that tends to be the one thing we focus on most. Yet Eve had apparently not even noticed the look of the fruit she was told not to eat until it was pointed out to her.
Gen 3:8 ~ The pre-incarnate Christ? Since God the Father has no physical presence it would seem likely that the LORD God they "heard" in the garden was not Him.
Gen 3:12 ~ Adam blames 1) "the woman" 2) "whom You gave to be with me." No blame for himself and none for the serpent who started the whole mess!
Gen 3:13 ~ The woman's blame seems more accurate: 1) "The serpent deceived me" 2) "and I ate."
Gen 3:14-15 ~ The first of the curse was not on humankind but on the serpent. It is arguably the most severe curse of the three. God knows who is to blame and to what degree.
Gen 3:20 ~ Eve had no name until after the curse. Don't know why but I had never noticed this before.
Gen 3:21 ~ Even in the midst of punishing them, God carefully provided for Adam and Eve.
BunGirl's WHAT Blog???
My church does this thing... It's a really great thing actually. It's a Bible reading plan. It encourages each member to read one chapter of the Bible per day, every day. It's called SOAP. SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. If you want more info, or to follow along, you can find everything you might need here.
My church is doing this other thing. It's also a really great thing. They're calling it the "The 10 Experiment." It's not online as of yet, but the basic gist is that tithing should be more than just giving 10% of our money. So we're putting aside the first fruits of our year as well. The first five weeks of 2010 we're giving to God. (That's about 10% of the year.) So we've all been challenged to find something we can do for this first five weeks of the year to in some way give the time to God.
I've decided to blog my SOAP. I'll mostly just be posting my observations and applications, with links to Scripture. Prayer is a bit more private for me, so that won't be posted.
This is not really for the readers' sake. This is mostly just for me. So don't be surprised if I don't always explain everything. And don't expect it to be pearls of wisdom every day. Some days it may be just a simple recounting of scripture and some days it may be deeper.
But I'm committing to doing it every day. At least for the next five weeks. After that, who knows.
My church is doing this other thing. It's also a really great thing. They're calling it the "The 10 Experiment." It's not online as of yet, but the basic gist is that tithing should be more than just giving 10% of our money. So we're putting aside the first fruits of our year as well. The first five weeks of 2010 we're giving to God. (That's about 10% of the year.) So we've all been challenged to find something we can do for this first five weeks of the year to in some way give the time to God.
I've decided to blog my SOAP. I'll mostly just be posting my observations and applications, with links to Scripture. Prayer is a bit more private for me, so that won't be posted.
This is not really for the readers' sake. This is mostly just for me. So don't be surprised if I don't always explain everything. And don't expect it to be pearls of wisdom every day. Some days it may be just a simple recounting of scripture and some days it may be deeper.
But I'm committing to doing it every day. At least for the next five weeks. After that, who knows.
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