No more Numbers. I am four books down and only 62 to go. Luckily, most of the rest are much shorter.
Have you ever read Numbers 33? Well, let me give you a summary. The Israelites went here, then here, then here, etc...
As I read this chapter and truly realized how much of nomads the Israelites were, I started to understand (I want to say sympathize, but I don't think that is the right word) their grumblings.
Their entire lives (even though the were terrible) were uprooted over night in Egypt. They left everything they knew. They left every comfort of their lives.
And they followed a cloud. If the cloud moved, they moved. If the cloud stayed, they stayed. The cloud moved about 40 times in the 42 years between Ramses and Jericho.
I remember reading earlier that sometimes the cloud moved in the middle of the night.
I understand the point is that it is a complete trust in God. BUT, I can't say that it wouldn't get old living in the desert as nomads waiting for the cloud to move. I understand their grumblings.
Which brings me to the question, am I willing to give it all up for God? I know the textbook answer. "Of course I am... God will just never call me to such a huge undertaking." Does that sound about right?
But seriously, am I willing to give up everything I find comfort in? My house, my job, my family, my food, my internet... anything?
What if God said "Get up! And go to some place that you don't know." Would I go? Am I too comfortable where I am? Is the fact that I consider this house that I am currently sitting in "home" a bad thing?
I pray that I do not become complacent. I pray that I do not become comfortable with this life.
As I am reading through the Bible, God is continually showing me myself. Every time I read about the Hebrews and their trek to the Promised Land they mess up. Over and over and over.
I laugh at them. Then, I realize I am them. I am no different.
Every time God says "follow me," I say "but." But this... but that... but I like where I am... but that is hard... but someone else will do it... but I don't wanna.
Does anyone else find the Bible to be convicting? Please pray for me. I need prayer. This whole sanctification thing is hard.
Tomorrow I am reading Deuteronomy 1-17. I am going to read through Deuteronomy in 2 days. Hopefully, that will start some momentum for a string of books being read through in a single day.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Day 12: Numbers 16-25
Then the LORD opened the donkey's mouth and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?" Balaam answered the donkey, "You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now." - Numbers 22:28-29
So this story is in today's reading. Balaam's Donkey. One of only two times in the Bible that an animal talks.
Now, everytime that I have heard this story in my life, I hear about Balaam and how he is impatient and stubborn and that he is basically an ungodly person.
But as I read the story, this isn't Balaam at all. First off, he is not a Jew, but he seems to be a follower of God.
Balak comes and offers him a ton of money to curse the Israelites, but Balaam follows God and blesses them three times.
The only reason that Balaam is even having this conversation is because God told him to go see Balak, even though Balaam tells Balak's princes that he won't go against God.
I find it very interesting that when we teach this story we tend to not read the context and understand that Balaam (who is a "soceror") never once disobeys God and in fact follows God (even without being a Jew).
Then, as the story ends, Balaam blesses the Hebrews three times. And by doing so, Balaam turns down more money than he could ever imagine. In fact, as soon as Balaam sees the angel, he falls facedown and worships God.
I don't know why we focus so much on the talking donkey story. Sure, it's a fun story to tell and to teach about perspective and stubborness... but aren't we really just snickering at the KJV words?
I think we miss the whole point of the story. The point of the story is that God can and will use anything to accomplish His will.
Meanwhile (back at the ranch), the Israelites (who are being blessed) are completing disobeying God and bringing even more curses and plagues on themselves.
This translates well into the church. So often we are so consumed with our church politics and church battles, that the world is out there making a difference and we are not involved.
Did you know that to cure world hunger it would cost about 80 billion dollars per year? Did you also know that churches (all denominations) receive about 3% of their memberships tithes?
And that fact that will surprise/scare you the most... that other 7% (in America) is about 156 billion dollars each year?*
That's right... if we Christians followed God's command to give 10%, we could cure world hunger twice over.
BUT... as Christians (not unlike the Israelites) are so wrapped up in our own lives that we fail to follow God and we can't make that difference.
Sorry enough soapbox for one night... reading Numbers 26-36 tomorrow
*stats found at http://www.emptytomb.org/
So this story is in today's reading. Balaam's Donkey. One of only two times in the Bible that an animal talks.
Now, everytime that I have heard this story in my life, I hear about Balaam and how he is impatient and stubborn and that he is basically an ungodly person.
But as I read the story, this isn't Balaam at all. First off, he is not a Jew, but he seems to be a follower of God.
Balak comes and offers him a ton of money to curse the Israelites, but Balaam follows God and blesses them three times.
The only reason that Balaam is even having this conversation is because God told him to go see Balak, even though Balaam tells Balak's princes that he won't go against God.
I find it very interesting that when we teach this story we tend to not read the context and understand that Balaam (who is a "soceror") never once disobeys God and in fact follows God (even without being a Jew).
Then, as the story ends, Balaam blesses the Hebrews three times. And by doing so, Balaam turns down more money than he could ever imagine. In fact, as soon as Balaam sees the angel, he falls facedown and worships God.
I don't know why we focus so much on the talking donkey story. Sure, it's a fun story to tell and to teach about perspective and stubborness... but aren't we really just snickering at the KJV words?
I think we miss the whole point of the story. The point of the story is that God can and will use anything to accomplish His will.
Meanwhile (back at the ranch), the Israelites (who are being blessed) are completing disobeying God and bringing even more curses and plagues on themselves.
This translates well into the church. So often we are so consumed with our church politics and church battles, that the world is out there making a difference and we are not involved.
Did you know that to cure world hunger it would cost about 80 billion dollars per year? Did you also know that churches (all denominations) receive about 3% of their memberships tithes?
And that fact that will surprise/scare you the most... that other 7% (in America) is about 156 billion dollars each year?*
That's right... if we Christians followed God's command to give 10%, we could cure world hunger twice over.
BUT... as Christians (not unlike the Israelites) are so wrapped up in our own lives that we fail to follow God and we can't make that difference.
Sorry enough soapbox for one night... reading Numbers 26-36 tomorrow
*stats found at http://www.emptytomb.org/
Friday, August 28, 2009
Day 11: Numbers 5-15
Check out this verse. It made me chuckle. Numbers 11:11... Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their forefathers?
If that doesn't sum up the 40 years in the wilderness, I don't know what does.
Today was a great day. We finally got back to the narrative. Reading a story is way more enjoyable than reading numbers and laws and repeated numbers and repeated laws.
The Israelites finally leave Mt. Sinai. They get to the Promised Land. Moses sends in 12 spies to do some recon.
If you are reading this blog, you probably know the story. 10 were bad and 2 were good. 10 spies come back and talk about the giants and the fortified cities and get all the people to rebel against Moses. Caleb and Joshua come back to talk about how great God is and how they will easily take the land.
Nobody listens to Caleb and Joshua. In fact, they threaten to stone them. Needless to say, this doesn't make God happy. He punishes the Hebrews with 40 years in the Desert and He is going to kill of every person over the age of 20, except Caleb and Joshua.
I want to just rant and rave about how the Israelites should've trusted God. And how I would've trusted God. And how God has provided them with 1000's of God-sized miracles over the past 3 years. But really... do I deserve a soapbox?
Just cause I have a blog doesn't make me any better than them. I can just hope and pray that I can be a Caleb.
My favorite part of this story doesn't happen for another 45 years. Check out Joshua 14:10, Caleb is now 85 years old. Now then, just as the Lord promised, He has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time He said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but the LORD is helping me, I will drive them out just as He said.
That's the attitude (that's the life) I want to have. Caleb doesn't get boring in his old age. Caleb becomes this crazy old man who still 100% trusts God.
Caleb is still just as excited for God to work when he is 85 as he was at 45. 40 years of paying for someone else's punishment hasn't slowed down his love and faith in God.
I think too often churches expect (and mold) people to eventually grow out of their crazy, on fire, take-on-the-world for God faith. We call them "mature" Christians.
I pray that I never "mature" (in that sense of the word). As I look at the Bible, I don't see too many "mature," passive Christians. I see men and women who are sold out for God, whether they are 100 years old (Abraham) or 14 years old (David).
The Bible isn't full of Christians who are coasting through life. It is full of people who are "movers and shakers" in their faith.
Pray that I never become a coaster. I always tell Keyla that someday I am going to be a crazy, old guy. I've got 61 years to catch up with Caleb. Let's do this thing.
I'm pumped up... are you?
If that doesn't sum up the 40 years in the wilderness, I don't know what does.
Today was a great day. We finally got back to the narrative. Reading a story is way more enjoyable than reading numbers and laws and repeated numbers and repeated laws.
The Israelites finally leave Mt. Sinai. They get to the Promised Land. Moses sends in 12 spies to do some recon.
If you are reading this blog, you probably know the story. 10 were bad and 2 were good. 10 spies come back and talk about the giants and the fortified cities and get all the people to rebel against Moses. Caleb and Joshua come back to talk about how great God is and how they will easily take the land.
Nobody listens to Caleb and Joshua. In fact, they threaten to stone them. Needless to say, this doesn't make God happy. He punishes the Hebrews with 40 years in the Desert and He is going to kill of every person over the age of 20, except Caleb and Joshua.
I want to just rant and rave about how the Israelites should've trusted God. And how I would've trusted God. And how God has provided them with 1000's of God-sized miracles over the past 3 years. But really... do I deserve a soapbox?
Just cause I have a blog doesn't make me any better than them. I can just hope and pray that I can be a Caleb.
My favorite part of this story doesn't happen for another 45 years. Check out Joshua 14:10, Caleb is now 85 years old. Now then, just as the Lord promised, He has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time He said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but the LORD is helping me, I will drive them out just as He said.
That's the attitude (that's the life) I want to have. Caleb doesn't get boring in his old age. Caleb becomes this crazy old man who still 100% trusts God.
Caleb is still just as excited for God to work when he is 85 as he was at 45. 40 years of paying for someone else's punishment hasn't slowed down his love and faith in God.
I think too often churches expect (and mold) people to eventually grow out of their crazy, on fire, take-on-the-world for God faith. We call them "mature" Christians.
I pray that I never "mature" (in that sense of the word). As I look at the Bible, I don't see too many "mature," passive Christians. I see men and women who are sold out for God, whether they are 100 years old (Abraham) or 14 years old (David).
The Bible isn't full of Christians who are coasting through life. It is full of people who are "movers and shakers" in their faith.
Pray that I never become a coaster. I always tell Keyla that someday I am going to be a crazy, old guy. I've got 61 years to catch up with Caleb. Let's do this thing.
I'm pumped up... are you?
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Leviticus 23-Numbers 4
Finished all the laws (don't look now but Deuteronomy is still waiting in the wings) and now I am counting people.
I like counting. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8... counting is easy.
Numbers... what an adequate name for the 4th book of the Bible. In 4 chapters, God has counted the Israelites, told the Israelites where to pitch their tents, and given jobs to the Levites.
As I was reading this, I figured that the Levites had the coolest job in all of Israel. They didn't get to fight in the battles, but they were the priests. They got to make sure the Tent of Meeting was set up and functioning properly.
They kind of seem like God's roadies. (Not groupies... roadies, please don't confuse the two)
Levites got to tear down the tent and move it and then set it up again. I think that is just the coolest job.
It kind of reminds me of ResurROCKtion with the stage. Setting up all the equipment and then tearing it down afterwords. I bet the Levites got really good at their job and could set up the Tent of Meeting really quickly.
There were 8,580 of them that each were assigned a job. Maybe the first 3 or 4 times it was a task, but after that I can bet that it would be a stream-lined process.
I think this is how the church is supposed to function. When Moses counted everybody, he didn't ask are you willing to help. Everybody was assumed (and willing) that they were helping.
I think so often at church, when there is a project to get done or a special service at church, it is a crap-shoot to see who is going to show up.
I think back to the National Day of Prayer service that we had here at the church. We had spent time passing out flyers in the neighborhood and had invited a bunch of other churches in the area. And I am kinda glad that nobody else showed up. Our church didn't even show up.
I understand that people have prior engagements and can't always make it to every special event and can't always make it out to a service project, but still.
I just keep coming back in my head to Isaiah 6. Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here I am. Send me!"
Isaiah is having a vision of being in God's throne room and God needs a volunteer to do his bidding. And Isaiah can't help himself but to yell "PICK ME!!! I WANT TO DO IT!!!"
I think that if we all had a vision of God's throne room and realized how BIG and HUGE and AWESOME our God is... we would have no choice but to give our lives to serving Him.
On a side note: I have this sermon rattling around in my head that keeps coming out in everything I type and teach. I haven't put it on paper yet, but I'm pretty sure that I will be teaching it on September 13 and November 1.
I would love to get some perspective from you on Matthew 13:44-46. God won't get this out of my head.
Tomorrow I am reading Numbers 5-25.
I like counting. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8... counting is easy.
Numbers... what an adequate name for the 4th book of the Bible. In 4 chapters, God has counted the Israelites, told the Israelites where to pitch their tents, and given jobs to the Levites.
As I was reading this, I figured that the Levites had the coolest job in all of Israel. They didn't get to fight in the battles, but they were the priests. They got to make sure the Tent of Meeting was set up and functioning properly.
They kind of seem like God's roadies. (Not groupies... roadies, please don't confuse the two)
Levites got to tear down the tent and move it and then set it up again. I think that is just the coolest job.
It kind of reminds me of ResurROCKtion with the stage. Setting up all the equipment and then tearing it down afterwords. I bet the Levites got really good at their job and could set up the Tent of Meeting really quickly.
There were 8,580 of them that each were assigned a job. Maybe the first 3 or 4 times it was a task, but after that I can bet that it would be a stream-lined process.
I think this is how the church is supposed to function. When Moses counted everybody, he didn't ask are you willing to help. Everybody was assumed (and willing) that they were helping.
I think so often at church, when there is a project to get done or a special service at church, it is a crap-shoot to see who is going to show up.
I think back to the National Day of Prayer service that we had here at the church. We had spent time passing out flyers in the neighborhood and had invited a bunch of other churches in the area. And I am kinda glad that nobody else showed up. Our church didn't even show up.
I understand that people have prior engagements and can't always make it to every special event and can't always make it out to a service project, but still.
I just keep coming back in my head to Isaiah 6. Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here I am. Send me!"
Isaiah is having a vision of being in God's throne room and God needs a volunteer to do his bidding. And Isaiah can't help himself but to yell "PICK ME!!! I WANT TO DO IT!!!"
I think that if we all had a vision of God's throne room and realized how BIG and HUGE and AWESOME our God is... we would have no choice but to give our lives to serving Him.
On a side note: I have this sermon rattling around in my head that keeps coming out in everything I type and teach. I haven't put it on paper yet, but I'm pretty sure that I will be teaching it on September 13 and November 1.
I would love to get some perspective from you on Matthew 13:44-46. God won't get this out of my head.
Tomorrow I am reading Numbers 5-25.
Day 9: Leviticus 10-22
Well, I did not quite finish my reading yesterday. No excuses, I failed... Satan won. Please pray for me to continue to fight.
I guess this really brings up an important point that I would love to blog about. Why is it so hard to read the Bible? Why is it so hard to do anything spiritual?
You want to know why? The answer is Satan.
Satan works extra hard on Sundays. Sunday is definitely not a day of rest for him.
Everytime you try to do something spiritual to grow closer to God. Satan goes on the offensive. He discouragees you. He makes you extra tired on Sunday mornings. He reminds you that Leviticus isn't the most exciting book in the Bible. He reminds you that television is exciting.
Have you ever noticed that Monday really isn't the hardest day of the week? I mean Sundays are exhausting.
We wake up Sunday morning, between 8-10, to go to church. (We are already sleeping in at least 2 hours more than the rest of the week) Then, we get out of church around noon, and go home and take a nap. (Because being awake for the past 4 hours has been exhausting) Then, we go back to church for 2 hours and it is all we can do to stay awake after church.
Does this make any sense to you? Why is church the most draining thing in the entire world?
Because Satan is at work. If he can convince us not to wake up at 8-10 to go to church, Satan wins. If he can convince us that Sunday night church isn't important, Satan wins. If he can convince us that there are better uses of our time than to read the Bible, Satan wins.
For we war not against flesh and blood, but against Satan and his demons... Are you ready? Are you even fighting? Did you even know that you are at war? BTW... who is winning in your life?
I guess this really brings up an important point that I would love to blog about. Why is it so hard to read the Bible? Why is it so hard to do anything spiritual?
You want to know why? The answer is Satan.
Satan works extra hard on Sundays. Sunday is definitely not a day of rest for him.
Everytime you try to do something spiritual to grow closer to God. Satan goes on the offensive. He discouragees you. He makes you extra tired on Sunday mornings. He reminds you that Leviticus isn't the most exciting book in the Bible. He reminds you that television is exciting.
Have you ever noticed that Monday really isn't the hardest day of the week? I mean Sundays are exhausting.
We wake up Sunday morning, between 8-10, to go to church. (We are already sleeping in at least 2 hours more than the rest of the week) Then, we get out of church around noon, and go home and take a nap. (Because being awake for the past 4 hours has been exhausting) Then, we go back to church for 2 hours and it is all we can do to stay awake after church.
Does this make any sense to you? Why is church the most draining thing in the entire world?
Because Satan is at work. If he can convince us not to wake up at 8-10 to go to church, Satan wins. If he can convince us that Sunday night church isn't important, Satan wins. If he can convince us that there are better uses of our time than to read the Bible, Satan wins.
For we war not against flesh and blood, but against Satan and his demons... Are you ready? Are you even fighting? Did you even know that you are at war? BTW... who is winning in your life?
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Day 8: Leviticus 1-9
Who doesn't love Leviticus?
It's late and I don't really know what to type about. It's just a lot of offerings.
I do think that this is something that we can learn. The end of Exodus is probably the highlight of the spirituality of "that generation." And here in Leviticus we see even more giving to God.
I heard a pastor give a sermon last week on how churches are known for a lot of things, but giving is never one of them. Churches are known for evangelism, they are known for community service, they are known for worship, etc. BUT, can you name one church that is known for giving?
Leviticus 1-7 is all about offering. I think sometimes as Christians, we tend to think that our money/time/abilities are ours. We feel no desire to give God anything.
I think this mentality comes from the mall mentality of America. If we don't like the prices at one store, there are 30 other exact same stores in the mall. So churches try to appease their parishioners and never demand anything from them.
So, the church-goers never feel God's call to give. Sure every once in a while pastors talk about tithing. And every fall there is a "please volunteer" push. But shouldn't giving and serving be pillars of our churches?
This isn't me complaining about my church or any specific church. But in my experience and I would guess most people's experiences, the healthier churches are the ones where giving and service are actively pursued by the worshippers.
What are your thoughts?
And anyone is more than welcome to comment on anything they want whenever they want.
It's late and I don't really know what to type about. It's just a lot of offerings.
I do think that this is something that we can learn. The end of Exodus is probably the highlight of the spirituality of "that generation." And here in Leviticus we see even more giving to God.
I heard a pastor give a sermon last week on how churches are known for a lot of things, but giving is never one of them. Churches are known for evangelism, they are known for community service, they are known for worship, etc. BUT, can you name one church that is known for giving?
Leviticus 1-7 is all about offering. I think sometimes as Christians, we tend to think that our money/time/abilities are ours. We feel no desire to give God anything.
I think this mentality comes from the mall mentality of America. If we don't like the prices at one store, there are 30 other exact same stores in the mall. So churches try to appease their parishioners and never demand anything from them.
So, the church-goers never feel God's call to give. Sure every once in a while pastors talk about tithing. And every fall there is a "please volunteer" push. But shouldn't giving and serving be pillars of our churches?
This isn't me complaining about my church or any specific church. But in my experience and I would guess most people's experiences, the healthier churches are the ones where giving and service are actively pursued by the worshippers.
What are your thoughts?
And anyone is more than welcome to comment on anything they want whenever they want.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Day 7: Exodus 25-40
I want to start this post by discussing yesterday's reading for a little bit. I once read a book that looked at the exodus from an interesting angle.
The author wrote about how the laws and everything was teaching the Hebrews how to "be human." He talked about how for 400 years the Jews had been slaves and had never been able to make decisions for themselves.
This idea keeps popping in my head as I read what God is teaching the Israelites here at Mount Sinai. For the first time in history, Israel is their own country.
Abraham through Jacob, they were just a family who followed God and were blessed by God. Then, Joseph brought them to Egypt. Then, that generation died and the new Pharaoh's made Israel their slaves.
This is the mindset of Israel as they wander around the Desert of Sin. Even when the grumble and complain about wanting to go back to Egypt, it is because they don't know how to live on their own.
And so, I think the author is mostly right when God stops them at Sinai and teaches them how to be a nation.
It brings me back to the old saying "Everything I ever needed to know, I learned in Kindergarten." Israel is learning how to play nice and fair. They are learning how to worship God. They are learning how to treat other people. It's like Kindergarten...
The key verse for me appeared many times, but I chose Exodus 31:12 Then the LORD said to Moses.
I like randomness of it being in the middle of the reading, but it really sums up these 16 chapters. God is talking and Moses is writing down.
I think Brad's message yesterday has been in the back of my mind as I read this. God is speaking to Moses the whole time. He keeps bringing up laws and how to live.
Meanwhile (back at the ranch), the Hebrews are making a golden calf. God is literally in their sight. All they have to do is look up to the top of the mountain and they can see God. God is speaking to them, audibly (indirectly... but audibly none the less).
And Israel just completely ignores God. I mean read Ex. 32:1, When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, "Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him."
The get so impatient waiting for the God who brought 10 plagues on Egypt, split the Red Sea so they could walk on dry land, provided water for 2 million people out of a rock, "rained down" manna every morning so they had food, landed quail in their camp for meat, led them through the wilderness not with a map but in a cloud that they could all see and that turned into fire at nighttime. And who they can literally see the glory of WITH THEIR EYES AT THAT VERY TIME!!!
Wow, I don't know what to say. I mean seriously. How do I describe this? I'm not going to eve attempt. This is why Hebrews only calls them "that generation."
But really, are we any different?
We know that God created the universe, sustains the universe, created all 6.7 billion people on Earth, and knows every detail about them. We know that God is Eternal and in fact, invented time. We know that God promises to care for us.
BUT... how do we usually respond? We try to live life our own way. We don't trust that God is in control.
All we have to do to understand that God is BIG is to walk into an airport. Every time I travel I realize how much bigger the world actually is. When I look at the big board of arrivals/departures and I see all these city names, I realize that there are millions and millions of people in each of these cities and God knows their name, future, number of hairs on their head, zits on their face, their salary, the square footage of their house, their cell phone number, everything about them (even more than they know).
I can't even read all of the locations, but God knows it all.
And so, why do I not trust God? Why do I try to live life on my own? There are only 2 options: I can either live like there is no God and hope and pray that He doesn't exist or live my life in the comfort and peace of knowing it is ALL in His hands.
I choose option 2...
Tomorrow begins some light reading in Leviticus... I'm reading 1-9.
The author wrote about how the laws and everything was teaching the Hebrews how to "be human." He talked about how for 400 years the Jews had been slaves and had never been able to make decisions for themselves.
This idea keeps popping in my head as I read what God is teaching the Israelites here at Mount Sinai. For the first time in history, Israel is their own country.
Abraham through Jacob, they were just a family who followed God and were blessed by God. Then, Joseph brought them to Egypt. Then, that generation died and the new Pharaoh's made Israel their slaves.
This is the mindset of Israel as they wander around the Desert of Sin. Even when the grumble and complain about wanting to go back to Egypt, it is because they don't know how to live on their own.
And so, I think the author is mostly right when God stops them at Sinai and teaches them how to be a nation.
It brings me back to the old saying "Everything I ever needed to know, I learned in Kindergarten." Israel is learning how to play nice and fair. They are learning how to worship God. They are learning how to treat other people. It's like Kindergarten...
The key verse for me appeared many times, but I chose Exodus 31:12 Then the LORD said to Moses.
I like randomness of it being in the middle of the reading, but it really sums up these 16 chapters. God is talking and Moses is writing down.
I think Brad's message yesterday has been in the back of my mind as I read this. God is speaking to Moses the whole time. He keeps bringing up laws and how to live.
Meanwhile (back at the ranch), the Hebrews are making a golden calf. God is literally in their sight. All they have to do is look up to the top of the mountain and they can see God. God is speaking to them, audibly (indirectly... but audibly none the less).
And Israel just completely ignores God. I mean read Ex. 32:1, When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, "Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him."
The get so impatient waiting for the God who brought 10 plagues on Egypt, split the Red Sea so they could walk on dry land, provided water for 2 million people out of a rock, "rained down" manna every morning so they had food, landed quail in their camp for meat, led them through the wilderness not with a map but in a cloud that they could all see and that turned into fire at nighttime. And who they can literally see the glory of WITH THEIR EYES AT THAT VERY TIME!!!
Wow, I don't know what to say. I mean seriously. How do I describe this? I'm not going to eve attempt. This is why Hebrews only calls them "that generation."
But really, are we any different?
We know that God created the universe, sustains the universe, created all 6.7 billion people on Earth, and knows every detail about them. We know that God is Eternal and in fact, invented time. We know that God promises to care for us.
BUT... how do we usually respond? We try to live life our own way. We don't trust that God is in control.
All we have to do to understand that God is BIG is to walk into an airport. Every time I travel I realize how much bigger the world actually is. When I look at the big board of arrivals/departures and I see all these city names, I realize that there are millions and millions of people in each of these cities and God knows their name, future, number of hairs on their head, zits on their face, their salary, the square footage of their house, their cell phone number, everything about them (even more than they know).
I can't even read all of the locations, but God knows it all.
And so, why do I not trust God? Why do I try to live life on my own? There are only 2 options: I can either live like there is no God and hope and pray that He doesn't exist or live my life in the comfort and peace of knowing it is ALL in His hands.
I choose option 2...
Tomorrow begins some light reading in Leviticus... I'm reading 1-9.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Day 6: Exodus 12-24
Is it just me or is Sunday the hardest possible day to read your Bible? So much church and God... so little time for God...
I have ALWAYS struggled to read my Bible on Sundays. Sundays are the most hectic day of the week, especially being a pastor.
I have tried in the past to read in the morning before church, but I wake up at 7 and go to church as soon as I am ready. I have tried to read at church in my office, but everybody pops their head in to say hello or to ask me a question about something. After church in the afternoon, you can forget about it... lunch/nap/get ready for youth group. And then finally getting home around 8-8:15.
Sundays are a hard day to fit in some quiet time. And to be completely honest with you in this blog, I usually have just justified it away by saying "well, I heard God's word 4 times today..."
But like Martha, I heard God saying today, "Mary has chosen what is best." Larry's blog has been pretty convicting in that.
So here I am after midnight, finally blogging about Moses and the Exodus from Egypt. All I can say is that there was interesting stuff.
I promise I will blog about it tomorrow. I am kind of tired and I want to go to bed.
I will leave you with the verse I chose as the key verse Exodus 12:41. At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD's divisions left Egypt.
I guess I am typing a lot tomorrow as I double post...
I have ALWAYS struggled to read my Bible on Sundays. Sundays are the most hectic day of the week, especially being a pastor.
I have tried in the past to read in the morning before church, but I wake up at 7 and go to church as soon as I am ready. I have tried to read at church in my office, but everybody pops their head in to say hello or to ask me a question about something. After church in the afternoon, you can forget about it... lunch/nap/get ready for youth group. And then finally getting home around 8-8:15.
Sundays are a hard day to fit in some quiet time. And to be completely honest with you in this blog, I usually have just justified it away by saying "well, I heard God's word 4 times today..."
But like Martha, I heard God saying today, "Mary has chosen what is best." Larry's blog has been pretty convicting in that.
So here I am after midnight, finally blogging about Moses and the Exodus from Egypt. All I can say is that there was interesting stuff.
I promise I will blog about it tomorrow. I am kind of tired and I want to go to bed.
I will leave you with the verse I chose as the key verse Exodus 12:41. At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD's divisions left Egypt.
I guess I am typing a lot tomorrow as I double post...
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Day 5: Exodus 1-11
THE MAGIC STICK!!!
I can still easily picture Jenny standing on our "back porch" (more like steps than porch) and repeatedly yelling the magic stick.
She is pretty cute. But she was also very much like Moses and Aaron. I thought it was really funny when God goes "don't forget your magic stick."
That stick comes in pretty handy throughout the rest of Exodus through Deuteronomy. I am pretty sure that Moses is glad he didn't forget it.
As I read and looked for a main verse to sum up Ex. 1-11, there were about 8 of them. So I am going to use 10:7. Pharaoh's officials said to him, "How long will this man be a snare to us? Let the people go, so that they may worship the Lord their God. Do you not yet realize that Egypt is ruined?"
This is just a classic verse. At this point, everybody is telling Pharaoh to let the Hebrews go. But he keeps saying no and saying no and saying no.
I do give Pharaoh some credit because he offers to let them sacrifice in Egypt (9:25), then concedes to let them go a little ways out (9:28), then allows the men to go (10:11), and then the people and no flocks (10:24).
He is giving in a little bit, but he is definitely not following God's orders.
I'm stuck with a cliffhanger to know what happens after this "plague of the firstborn." I am excited to read tomorrow and see if the Israelites ever do exodus Egypt. (hmm... maybe the name gives it away)
I want to address the obvious elephant in the room of God hardening Pharaoh's heart. And I want to address it by saying this is not a blog to argue theological doctrine, therefore I will refer you to Romans 9 for you to figure that out on your own.
Sorry today's post isn't really long... maybe tomorrow I will write some more. Please pray for me as I teach Sunday School. Pray that the Holy Spirit will move in our youth group and God will speak through me.
Tomorrow I am reading Exodus 12-24
I can still easily picture Jenny standing on our "back porch" (more like steps than porch) and repeatedly yelling the magic stick.
She is pretty cute. But she was also very much like Moses and Aaron. I thought it was really funny when God goes "don't forget your magic stick."
That stick comes in pretty handy throughout the rest of Exodus through Deuteronomy. I am pretty sure that Moses is glad he didn't forget it.
As I read and looked for a main verse to sum up Ex. 1-11, there were about 8 of them. So I am going to use 10:7. Pharaoh's officials said to him, "How long will this man be a snare to us? Let the people go, so that they may worship the Lord their God. Do you not yet realize that Egypt is ruined?"
This is just a classic verse. At this point, everybody is telling Pharaoh to let the Hebrews go. But he keeps saying no and saying no and saying no.
I do give Pharaoh some credit because he offers to let them sacrifice in Egypt (9:25), then concedes to let them go a little ways out (9:28), then allows the men to go (10:11), and then the people and no flocks (10:24).
He is giving in a little bit, but he is definitely not following God's orders.
I'm stuck with a cliffhanger to know what happens after this "plague of the firstborn." I am excited to read tomorrow and see if the Israelites ever do exodus Egypt. (hmm... maybe the name gives it away)
I want to address the obvious elephant in the room of God hardening Pharaoh's heart. And I want to address it by saying this is not a blog to argue theological doctrine, therefore I will refer you to Romans 9 for you to figure that out on your own.
Sorry today's post isn't really long... maybe tomorrow I will write some more. Please pray for me as I teach Sunday School. Pray that the Holy Spirit will move in our youth group and God will speak through me.
Tomorrow I am reading Exodus 12-24
Friday, August 21, 2009
Genesis 37-50
I was definitely pulling a Martha today. Too busy working for God to stop and listen to Him... at least until after dinner. No worries though; I read Joseph's life story.
I was trying to think of something catchy to compare Joseph's life to, but I couldn't come up with anything (except Jesus).
I really thought that the verse that summed it up was Genesis 50:19-20. But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I not in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
If that isn't the coolest verse in the Bible, I don't know what is. Talk about just a complete trust that God is in control.
After all the stuff that Joseph went through, he looked back and saw God just moving and directing the whole time. But also, as I read the story, Joseph never gives up.
He gets thrown into a pit by his brothers. He gets sold into slavery. He gets wrongly accused of trying to seduce Potiphar's wife. He gets thrown into prison. He gets forgotten about.
And for those 13 years, all the Bible ever says is that God blesses everything that Joseph does and Joseph becomes a man of integrity.
13 years of torture? Can I endure 13 years of everything going wrong? Am I willing to be tested by God for 13 years?
Switching gears a little bit, I noticed for the first time Jacob's blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh. I had probably read it before, but never really noticed it until now.
Jacob blesses the younger (Ephraim) instead of the older with his right hand and the older (Manasseh) with his left hand. I wonder if this has anything to do with the fact that Jacob was the second son. Also, could this possibly be how Isaac was going to bless Jacob and Esau? I guess we will never know.
Another thing I found interesting was that Egyptians HATE Hebrews and yet Pharaoh doesn't think twice about making Joseph second-in-command. And Pharaoh gives Joseph's brothers the best of everything. Literally, God is "preparing a table in the presence of my enemies" (Psalm 23).
I have been listening to a preacher lately talk a lot about the Holy Spirit still being just as powerful today as He was in the days of Pentecost. And really, He is.
As Baptists, we believe in the cessation (biggest and most theological word I will ever use) of the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit. And while I don't disagree with that, I think we have this idea that the Holy Spirit is now just a stamp on our heart.
We are all about "sealing of the day of redemption" and "convicting of sin and righteousness," but we have completely backed away from His power.
This week in Sunday school, God has been leading to teach a lesson on the Holy Spirit. I think I might post it on here on Monday or something. (It's my blog... I can post anything I want... [within reason])
I don't want to give too much of a spoiler, but I really need whoever reads this prayers that God will speak through me. This is something that God has been teaching me and I really hope the teens can hear God's voice.
Ok... so today's post is very scatter brained and not really on topic too much... but once again, my blog and nobody is forcing you to read it.
I was trying to think of something catchy to compare Joseph's life to, but I couldn't come up with anything (except Jesus).
I really thought that the verse that summed it up was Genesis 50:19-20. But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I not in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
If that isn't the coolest verse in the Bible, I don't know what is. Talk about just a complete trust that God is in control.
After all the stuff that Joseph went through, he looked back and saw God just moving and directing the whole time. But also, as I read the story, Joseph never gives up.
He gets thrown into a pit by his brothers. He gets sold into slavery. He gets wrongly accused of trying to seduce Potiphar's wife. He gets thrown into prison. He gets forgotten about.
And for those 13 years, all the Bible ever says is that God blesses everything that Joseph does and Joseph becomes a man of integrity.
13 years of torture? Can I endure 13 years of everything going wrong? Am I willing to be tested by God for 13 years?
Switching gears a little bit, I noticed for the first time Jacob's blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh. I had probably read it before, but never really noticed it until now.
Jacob blesses the younger (Ephraim) instead of the older with his right hand and the older (Manasseh) with his left hand. I wonder if this has anything to do with the fact that Jacob was the second son. Also, could this possibly be how Isaac was going to bless Jacob and Esau? I guess we will never know.
Another thing I found interesting was that Egyptians HATE Hebrews and yet Pharaoh doesn't think twice about making Joseph second-in-command. And Pharaoh gives Joseph's brothers the best of everything. Literally, God is "preparing a table in the presence of my enemies" (Psalm 23).
I have been listening to a preacher lately talk a lot about the Holy Spirit still being just as powerful today as He was in the days of Pentecost. And really, He is.
As Baptists, we believe in the cessation (biggest and most theological word I will ever use) of the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit. And while I don't disagree with that, I think we have this idea that the Holy Spirit is now just a stamp on our heart.
We are all about "sealing of the day of redemption" and "convicting of sin and righteousness," but we have completely backed away from His power.
This week in Sunday school, God has been leading to teach a lesson on the Holy Spirit. I think I might post it on here on Monday or something. (It's my blog... I can post anything I want... [within reason])
I don't want to give too much of a spoiler, but I really need whoever reads this prayers that God will speak through me. This is something that God has been teaching me and I really hope the teens can hear God's voice.
Ok... so today's post is very scatter brained and not really on topic too much... but once again, my blog and nobody is forcing you to read it.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Genesis 26-36
I believe that Nitewrit was right with his comment on my last post. Abraham may have been a good Springer episode, but Jacob may have been even worse.
As I read Jacob's life it seems more like a "twisting type" movie. He tricks Isaac and steals the blessing (I will get back to this in a minute). He runs away to Laban and Laban tricks him into marrying Leah, instead of Rachel. Jacob "tricks" Laban into giving him the spotted sheep and then breeds all spotted sheep. Laban changes the wages. Jacob takes his family and leaves at night. Rachel steals her father's idols. Jacob comes back home to Esau and makes amends.
I mean it's got Hollywood written all over it. Even the sad "ending" with his true love Rachel dying during childbirth.
Jacob's life is really summed up in Genesis 32:28. Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome."
I find it fitting/ironic that Jacob's name (which means deceiver/trickster) is changed to Israel (which means struggles with God). And if you anything at all about Biblical, Israeli history... well we will get there in a couple days, and will stay there for about a month and a half.
Back to the stealing the blessing... this is one of the most interesting stories in the Bible. We know from prophecy that Jacob is the one that will be blessed (Genesis 25:23). We also know that the blessing was meant for Esau (Gen. 27:27).
So, how was this prophecy going to be fulfilled without Jacob using some trickery? Or was the trickery a part of the prophecy? Did Jacob, in fact, save God's prophecy by tricking Isaac?
So many questions and I would love to know the answers. Here is what I know from the Bible:
1. God does not lie
2. God prophesied that Jacob would be blessed and Esau would not
3. Jacob used lies and deceit to receive the blessing
4. Last time I checked, God was not in the business of lies and deceit
So... could it possibly be that Jacob was not trusting God? Jacob was taking matters into his own hands to get what God had already promised him?
We don't know what God's plan was for Jacob to be blessed, but I can guarantee that Jacob's lies and deceit were not in God's will.
I think this is something we do a lot. We know God is promising us something and we work our butts off to get what He is already providing. (And I'm not talking about salvation, but is a very good example)
I'm talking about our daily needs. I'm talking about defeating Satan. I'm talking about all those promises that God makes us, but we don't trust Him to provide so we try and try and try on our own.
Did Jesus not say in Matthew 6 not to worry about food or drink or clothes? Didn't He say that God will provide?
Did God not promise us in Joshua 1 that He will always be with us? Do we really need a self-help book when we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us?
Every time we try to do things our way, instead of God's way, we are only saying that we don't trust God. We are no different than Jacob. We are liars and deceivers and tricksters.
Jesus said But seek first the His Kingdom and His Righteousness, and all these things (that we waste our life worrying about) will be given to you as well.
At what point in Brent's life, is he going to obey God? Why do I worry about what's happening tomorrow? Why don't I trust God with my money, with my family, with my ministry? Do I honestly think I know better than the God who created me and sustains my life?
This blog writer is not only the man who caused the fall, but I am the man who thinks he can fix the fall... so far, it doesn't seem to have worked.
God break me in humility. I want to quit my faithless life. Help to cling to you and rely on you and depend completely on you. You are my only hope.
Tomorrows reading: Genesis 37-50... just so anyone who is doing this challenge with me know, I am just winging it on the passages. I go about 15 pages until there is a break in the story. According to my Bible, I will be about 5 pages ahead after tomorrow.
As I read Jacob's life it seems more like a "twisting type" movie. He tricks Isaac and steals the blessing (I will get back to this in a minute). He runs away to Laban and Laban tricks him into marrying Leah, instead of Rachel. Jacob "tricks" Laban into giving him the spotted sheep and then breeds all spotted sheep. Laban changes the wages. Jacob takes his family and leaves at night. Rachel steals her father's idols. Jacob comes back home to Esau and makes amends.
I mean it's got Hollywood written all over it. Even the sad "ending" with his true love Rachel dying during childbirth.
Jacob's life is really summed up in Genesis 32:28. Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome."
I find it fitting/ironic that Jacob's name (which means deceiver/trickster) is changed to Israel (which means struggles with God). And if you anything at all about Biblical, Israeli history... well we will get there in a couple days, and will stay there for about a month and a half.
Back to the stealing the blessing... this is one of the most interesting stories in the Bible. We know from prophecy that Jacob is the one that will be blessed (Genesis 25:23). We also know that the blessing was meant for Esau (Gen. 27:27).
So, how was this prophecy going to be fulfilled without Jacob using some trickery? Or was the trickery a part of the prophecy? Did Jacob, in fact, save God's prophecy by tricking Isaac?
So many questions and I would love to know the answers. Here is what I know from the Bible:
1. God does not lie
2. God prophesied that Jacob would be blessed and Esau would not
3. Jacob used lies and deceit to receive the blessing
4. Last time I checked, God was not in the business of lies and deceit
So... could it possibly be that Jacob was not trusting God? Jacob was taking matters into his own hands to get what God had already promised him?
We don't know what God's plan was for Jacob to be blessed, but I can guarantee that Jacob's lies and deceit were not in God's will.
I think this is something we do a lot. We know God is promising us something and we work our butts off to get what He is already providing. (And I'm not talking about salvation, but is a very good example)
I'm talking about our daily needs. I'm talking about defeating Satan. I'm talking about all those promises that God makes us, but we don't trust Him to provide so we try and try and try on our own.
Did Jesus not say in Matthew 6 not to worry about food or drink or clothes? Didn't He say that God will provide?
Did God not promise us in Joshua 1 that He will always be with us? Do we really need a self-help book when we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us?
Every time we try to do things our way, instead of God's way, we are only saying that we don't trust God. We are no different than Jacob. We are liars and deceivers and tricksters.
Jesus said But seek first the His Kingdom and His Righteousness, and all these things (that we waste our life worrying about) will be given to you as well.
At what point in Brent's life, is he going to obey God? Why do I worry about what's happening tomorrow? Why don't I trust God with my money, with my family, with my ministry? Do I honestly think I know better than the God who created me and sustains my life?
This blog writer is not only the man who caused the fall, but I am the man who thinks he can fix the fall... so far, it doesn't seem to have worked.
God break me in humility. I want to quit my faithless life. Help to cling to you and rely on you and depend completely on you. You are my only hope.
Tomorrows reading: Genesis 37-50... just so anyone who is doing this challenge with me know, I am just winging it on the passages. I go about 15 pages until there is a break in the story. According to my Bible, I will be about 5 pages ahead after tomorrow.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Genesis 12-25
Is it just me or was Abraham's life a Jerry Springer episode? I mean, honestly, if you read Genesis 12-25 and don't see it being a Springer episode, I think you are missing the point.
How is it a Springer episode?
1. Abraham moves to a new place and tells his wife, Sarah, to claim they are brother and sister, so that she can be taken to marry the king. TWICE!!! Not only once does Abraham not trust God, but Abraham tries to save his own life twice by giving his wife away. (Come to find out Sarah is his half-sister...) (I haven't gotten there yet, but his son does the exact same thing with Abimilech in the next chapter)
2. Abraham and Hagar. Seriously, what was Sarah thinking? "Here, sleep with my servant to get her pregnant. That will make me happy." Umm... nope. The whole surrogate mother thing doesn't work when the surrogate mother wants to keep the baby and the other mother is frustrated about not being able to have kids.
3. Circumcision... need I say more.
4. The angels showing up in Sodom and EVERY man in the city wants to have sex with them. And that isn't even the worst part. Lot says "no, don't have sex with them... but I have two daughters that you can do whatever you want with..." Great parenting.
5. Lot's great parenting skills come back to haunt him in the cave, when his daughters get him drunk and sleep with him. Now he is the father of his own grandchildren. Tell me that isn't straight out of Jerry Springer.
6. Abraham's servant finds Isaac a wife by looking for the woman who is willing to water his camels. While I understand the idea of the servant's heart, I just thought the whole processing of selecting a suitable wife wasn't about watering my animals.
7. Sarah dies and Abraham gets another wife and has 6 kids between the ages of 136-175. Talk about a crazy old man...
Hopefully, you realize I am joking about this whole thing. I just kept thinking this the whole time. If you take God out of the story, then it's a Jerry Springer episode.
I was looking for a main verse to wrap up Abraham's life and I think that Genesis 12:2-4 is probably the best ones. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.
I think that it is appropriate that Abraham's life verses are God's promises to him and all of the Hebrew people to follow. If you look throughout history, each of these promises were fulfilled by God. And only a few were fulfilled to Abraham himself.
That is why Hebrews 11:39-40 says, These were all commended for their faith yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
This is becoming one of my favorite verses. If you read the Bible at all, you see God making all of theses promises. And most of the time, the promises are fulfilled in future generations.
This is something that I think Americans really struggle with. We are an instant satisfaction society. We want our stuff now. We don't like to wait.
Guess what... God has all the time in world. He isn't bound by our day planner.
Abraham spent the first 100 years of his life only having 1 child. And that child wasn't the one that God was going to bless. I don't think I am willing to spend 100 days waiting for something. Or even 100 minutes.
Abraham's life reminds me that time is something God doesn't worry about. God created time. He is never in a hurry. When I am rushed, I am not being like God.
And that isn't even the hardest thing that Abraham had to do. A few years after Isaac is finally born, God says "Sacrifice him." Umm... really? Sacrifice this son that you promised me for 100 years?
I think God was asking Abraham the same question that He asks all of us. Are you... Am I willing to give up EVERYTHING for God?
All of us know the right answer to say. All of are willing to die for Christ. Just ask us and we know the right answer.
But really, are we willing to sacrifice for God? Are we willing to give up our time, money, comforts for God? Am I willing to give up my family for God? Am I willing to give up my TV for God? Am I willing to give up my cell phone for God? Am I willing to give up ____________ for God?
How is it a Springer episode?
1. Abraham moves to a new place and tells his wife, Sarah, to claim they are brother and sister, so that she can be taken to marry the king. TWICE!!! Not only once does Abraham not trust God, but Abraham tries to save his own life twice by giving his wife away. (Come to find out Sarah is his half-sister...) (I haven't gotten there yet, but his son does the exact same thing with Abimilech in the next chapter)
2. Abraham and Hagar. Seriously, what was Sarah thinking? "Here, sleep with my servant to get her pregnant. That will make me happy." Umm... nope. The whole surrogate mother thing doesn't work when the surrogate mother wants to keep the baby and the other mother is frustrated about not being able to have kids.
3. Circumcision... need I say more.
4. The angels showing up in Sodom and EVERY man in the city wants to have sex with them. And that isn't even the worst part. Lot says "no, don't have sex with them... but I have two daughters that you can do whatever you want with..." Great parenting.
5. Lot's great parenting skills come back to haunt him in the cave, when his daughters get him drunk and sleep with him. Now he is the father of his own grandchildren. Tell me that isn't straight out of Jerry Springer.
6. Abraham's servant finds Isaac a wife by looking for the woman who is willing to water his camels. While I understand the idea of the servant's heart, I just thought the whole processing of selecting a suitable wife wasn't about watering my animals.
7. Sarah dies and Abraham gets another wife and has 6 kids between the ages of 136-175. Talk about a crazy old man...
Hopefully, you realize I am joking about this whole thing. I just kept thinking this the whole time. If you take God out of the story, then it's a Jerry Springer episode.
I was looking for a main verse to wrap up Abraham's life and I think that Genesis 12:2-4 is probably the best ones. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.
I think that it is appropriate that Abraham's life verses are God's promises to him and all of the Hebrew people to follow. If you look throughout history, each of these promises were fulfilled by God. And only a few were fulfilled to Abraham himself.
That is why Hebrews 11:39-40 says, These were all commended for their faith yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
This is becoming one of my favorite verses. If you read the Bible at all, you see God making all of theses promises. And most of the time, the promises are fulfilled in future generations.
This is something that I think Americans really struggle with. We are an instant satisfaction society. We want our stuff now. We don't like to wait.
Guess what... God has all the time in world. He isn't bound by our day planner.
Abraham spent the first 100 years of his life only having 1 child. And that child wasn't the one that God was going to bless. I don't think I am willing to spend 100 days waiting for something. Or even 100 minutes.
Abraham's life reminds me that time is something God doesn't worry about. God created time. He is never in a hurry. When I am rushed, I am not being like God.
And that isn't even the hardest thing that Abraham had to do. A few years after Isaac is finally born, God says "Sacrifice him." Umm... really? Sacrifice this son that you promised me for 100 years?
I think God was asking Abraham the same question that He asks all of us. Are you... Am I willing to give up EVERYTHING for God?
All of us know the right answer to say. All of are willing to die for Christ. Just ask us and we know the right answer.
But really, are we willing to sacrifice for God? Are we willing to give up our time, money, comforts for God? Am I willing to give up my family for God? Am I willing to give up my TV for God? Am I willing to give up my cell phone for God? Am I willing to give up ____________ for God?
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Genesis 1-11
Today I read from "In the beginning..." to Abram and Sarai showing up on the scene.
If you have ever done the math (I have), the first 11 chapters of the Bible take 1946 years to complete.
There is a LOT of history that just happens and is never mentioned. It is kind of mind blowing to think about.
Between, Adam and Abram, there are 1900 years and we only know 4 stories (Creation, Fall, Flood, Babel). I mean... what was going on for all those years?
All we know is that there was a lot of babies being born. And why do they all have such weird names? I know, I know... they don't have weird names. We have weird names like Brent and John and Mary.
I do find it to be interesting that almost all of them have names that mean something. What does my name mean? From the hill... oooohhh, really deep mom and dad.
I'm joking, but seriously though. Why don't our names have significant meanings? When did that start? When did names go from deep, spiritual and relationship meanings to just a name?
When Keyla and I have discussed future children's names, we have kind of put meaning behind their names. We want to name them after people who have been "naming worthy." So I guess in that sense, maybe we haven't changed that much.
But on the flip side, I wonder how many baby LeBrons and Kobes have been born in the last 5 years? Just thinking out loud.
Back to Genesis, I was trying to think of 1 verse that kind of sums up Genesis 1-11 and it really comes down to 2 verses.
Genesis 1:31a God saw all that He had made, and it was very good... This verse really sums up all of creation. God has just finished day 6 and looks back at everything He made and smiles. It was all perfect.
Bees didn't sting. Flowers grew. The weather was perfect. The animals all got along with each other. The ants didn't crawl all over the kitchen. There were no self-help books. Nobody worried about money. Nobody had taxes. Nobody needed health care. Nobody needed guns. There were no news channels. There were no commercial breaks in the middle of your favorite TV show. There was no back pain. There were no Mondays.
Are you starting to get the picture? Earth was perfect. The heavens were perfect. Everything was good.
But verse 2 changes it all. Genesis 3:6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
Remember that paragraph up there about the paradise that Earth was? Well check this out now... with one little bite Adam and Eve did this:
Bees sting people. Flowers and choked out by weeds. The weather gets really hot and really cold. The animals want to eat each other. The ants did crawl all over the kitchen. There are now self-help books. Everybody worries about money. Everybody pays (or is supposed to pay) taxes. Everybody needs health care. People think they need guns for protection (and once in a while they are right). There are news channels telling us about the horrors in our world. There are no commercial breaks in the middle of your favorite TV show because TV is all about the green stuff. There is back pain. Mondays come once or twice every week.
Thanks a lot Adam and Eve... but seriously, would you or I do anything differently than they did? Hindsight is 20/20. Sure, we can all say that we would never doubt God and eat the fruit. But, what in our lives shows us to be any different than they were?
All of us want to eat right and get in shape, because it is healthy. But how many of us actually eat vegetables and work out?
All of us want to help out the poor and less fortunate. But how many of us actually give money to the mission or take a homeless person to lunch?
All of us want to make a difference in the world. But how many of us are willing to put in the time and effort to change even our own lives?
Starting to see my point? I can blame Adam and Eve, but I would've done the same thing. So, if you want to blame someone for how screwed up the world is... blame the person in the mirror. Or me if you feel so inclined.
And that basically sums up Genesis 1-11. Weird names. Perfect world. Followed closely by a messed up world.
If you read all this and still have the energy to post your thoughts, that would be awesome. I would love to hear from you. If not, then it's all good. Come back tomorrow for Genesis 12-25 to hear my take on Abraham's life.
If you have ever done the math (I have), the first 11 chapters of the Bible take 1946 years to complete.
There is a LOT of history that just happens and is never mentioned. It is kind of mind blowing to think about.
Between, Adam and Abram, there are 1900 years and we only know 4 stories (Creation, Fall, Flood, Babel). I mean... what was going on for all those years?
All we know is that there was a lot of babies being born. And why do they all have such weird names? I know, I know... they don't have weird names. We have weird names like Brent and John and Mary.
I do find it to be interesting that almost all of them have names that mean something. What does my name mean? From the hill... oooohhh, really deep mom and dad.
I'm joking, but seriously though. Why don't our names have significant meanings? When did that start? When did names go from deep, spiritual and relationship meanings to just a name?
When Keyla and I have discussed future children's names, we have kind of put meaning behind their names. We want to name them after people who have been "naming worthy." So I guess in that sense, maybe we haven't changed that much.
But on the flip side, I wonder how many baby LeBrons and Kobes have been born in the last 5 years? Just thinking out loud.
Back to Genesis, I was trying to think of 1 verse that kind of sums up Genesis 1-11 and it really comes down to 2 verses.
Genesis 1:31a God saw all that He had made, and it was very good... This verse really sums up all of creation. God has just finished day 6 and looks back at everything He made and smiles. It was all perfect.
Bees didn't sting. Flowers grew. The weather was perfect. The animals all got along with each other. The ants didn't crawl all over the kitchen. There were no self-help books. Nobody worried about money. Nobody had taxes. Nobody needed health care. Nobody needed guns. There were no news channels. There were no commercial breaks in the middle of your favorite TV show. There was no back pain. There were no Mondays.
Are you starting to get the picture? Earth was perfect. The heavens were perfect. Everything was good.
But verse 2 changes it all. Genesis 3:6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
Remember that paragraph up there about the paradise that Earth was? Well check this out now... with one little bite Adam and Eve did this:
Bees sting people. Flowers and choked out by weeds. The weather gets really hot and really cold. The animals want to eat each other. The ants did crawl all over the kitchen. There are now self-help books. Everybody worries about money. Everybody pays (or is supposed to pay) taxes. Everybody needs health care. People think they need guns for protection (and once in a while they are right). There are news channels telling us about the horrors in our world. There are no commercial breaks in the middle of your favorite TV show because TV is all about the green stuff. There is back pain. Mondays come once or twice every week.
Thanks a lot Adam and Eve... but seriously, would you or I do anything differently than they did? Hindsight is 20/20. Sure, we can all say that we would never doubt God and eat the fruit. But, what in our lives shows us to be any different than they were?
All of us want to eat right and get in shape, because it is healthy. But how many of us actually eat vegetables and work out?
All of us want to help out the poor and less fortunate. But how many of us actually give money to the mission or take a homeless person to lunch?
All of us want to make a difference in the world. But how many of us are willing to put in the time and effort to change even our own lives?
Starting to see my point? I can blame Adam and Eve, but I would've done the same thing. So, if you want to blame someone for how screwed up the world is... blame the person in the mirror. Or me if you feel so inclined.
And that basically sums up Genesis 1-11. Weird names. Perfect world. Followed closely by a messed up world.
If you read all this and still have the energy to post your thoughts, that would be awesome. I would love to hear from you. If not, then it's all good. Come back tomorrow for Genesis 12-25 to hear my take on Abraham's life.
My 90 Day Challenge
I am challenging myself to read through the entire Bible in 90 days. Each day I will be reading 12-18 pages to complete this task.
You may be asking yourself why I am doing this. That is a very valid question.
You see... I am a pastor. And unfortunately, I have never read through the entire Bible. I have read the Bible. I have at different times read different parts of the Bible.
BUT... I have never read from one cover to the other cover. I have been convicted lately that how can I teach teens and children to read the whole Bible, when in fact I have not read it straight through.
This thinking first started about a month ago when I got a curriculum magazine in the mail from Zondervan. There was a new, popular curriculum that was called read through the Bible in 90 Days.
It is supposed to be this whole, church challenge. I thought that it would be something interesting to do.
This weekend, I spent hours and hours in airports and on airplanes and read through one of my all-time favorite books, Blue Like Jazz. (If you've never read the book, seriously it is really good)
And Donald Miller was talking about something that had to do with reading the Bible. He was talking about how he would get into reading the Bible, but then for days completely forget about it. And how he had never read through the whole thing. And I thought... wow, that's exactly what I do.
Not that I don't read my Bible everyday, but it's hard for me to read "for me" when I use the Bible 4 or 5 hours a day to read "for teens." And there are many days where my Bible just becomes a text book which I teach out of.
So, this 90 day challenge is for me. It is to bring me into a closer relationship with God. It's not for you. It's not to show how good of a Christian that I am. It is 100% for my personal relationship with the Creator of the Universe.
So... you ask, why am I blogging this? Simple. Accountability. I need it. I need people encouraging me. I need people kicking me in the butt.
So, I am asking you to comment on what I write. I am asking for your opinions. I am asking you to kick me in the butt if I don't post someday. Maybe I read and didn't post. Maybe I just didn't read. Either way... call me out on it.
So there it is... why am I reading the Bible in 90 Days? Because I need to. God is telling me to. And I am trying to say yes.
You may be asking yourself why I am doing this. That is a very valid question.
You see... I am a pastor. And unfortunately, I have never read through the entire Bible. I have read the Bible. I have at different times read different parts of the Bible.
BUT... I have never read from one cover to the other cover. I have been convicted lately that how can I teach teens and children to read the whole Bible, when in fact I have not read it straight through.
This thinking first started about a month ago when I got a curriculum magazine in the mail from Zondervan. There was a new, popular curriculum that was called read through the Bible in 90 Days.
It is supposed to be this whole, church challenge. I thought that it would be something interesting to do.
This weekend, I spent hours and hours in airports and on airplanes and read through one of my all-time favorite books, Blue Like Jazz. (If you've never read the book, seriously it is really good)
And Donald Miller was talking about something that had to do with reading the Bible. He was talking about how he would get into reading the Bible, but then for days completely forget about it. And how he had never read through the whole thing. And I thought... wow, that's exactly what I do.
Not that I don't read my Bible everyday, but it's hard for me to read "for me" when I use the Bible 4 or 5 hours a day to read "for teens." And there are many days where my Bible just becomes a text book which I teach out of.
So, this 90 day challenge is for me. It is to bring me into a closer relationship with God. It's not for you. It's not to show how good of a Christian that I am. It is 100% for my personal relationship with the Creator of the Universe.
So... you ask, why am I blogging this? Simple. Accountability. I need it. I need people encouraging me. I need people kicking me in the butt.
So, I am asking you to comment on what I write. I am asking for your opinions. I am asking you to kick me in the butt if I don't post someday. Maybe I read and didn't post. Maybe I just didn't read. Either way... call me out on it.
So there it is... why am I reading the Bible in 90 Days? Because I need to. God is telling me to. And I am trying to say yes.
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