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.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
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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