WELCOME
2010
Readers
2010
Readers
We are off to a great start. I loved, loved, loved everyone's comments yesterday. It is fun to hear what others heard from the Lord. He is such an individual God, isn't He? We all read the same thing but heard and gleaned something different. Amazing!
Today I want to share some important information with you that will hopefully answer a lot of questions.
82 Comments:
Thanks for the video, Wendy! That was very informative. Love your new notebook, too.
What I'm sharing today is something I learned a couple of weeks ago in my Koinonia Institute class (by Chuck Missler). How many times have you read the genealogy Genesis 5 and glossed over it? For me I thought the most important part was how long each of them lived.
Dr. Missler said that proper names are not translated in the bible so they retain their Hebrew origin. But if you derive the English meaning of each name we see this:
Adam - Man
Seth - Appointed
Enosh - Mortal
Kenan - Sorrow
Mahalalel - The Blessed God
Jared - Shall come down
Enoch- Teaching
Methuselah - His death shall bring
Lamech - The despairing
Noah - Comfort, rest
Man (is) appointed mortal sorrow; (but) The Blessed God shall come down teaching (that) His death shall bring the despairing comfort (and) rest.
The summary of the Christian gospel tucked in Genesis. It shows that God's plan of redemption is not a knee-jerk reaction, according to Chuck Missler. He also said that this is further evidence that the origin of this message is from outside of our dimensions of space and time. He could not imagine a bunch of Jewish Rabbis inserting that in the Torah.
I mean, my jaw just dropped to the floor when I heard that.
As to other resources:
There is also another free program called e-sword that you can download. There are commentaries available for purchase, too.
Another good one is blueletterbible.org
I look forward to reading the comments from others. I was amazed at the 42 posted yesterday! Yay!
Dear Wendy,
How great to see and hear you today! I loved your video clip! I want to echo two things you said; if you get behind, don't sweat it and DON"t give up! You left a link yesterday that listed the readings. Here is one again:
http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/readingplan/oneyearchronologicalbiblereadingplan.pdf
It's a printable PDF and I printed it last year. I made a check mark by each day I completed. As always happens, there were days where I was not able to read the reading (no excuses) so no check. That way I knew exactly which dates I needed to "make up". I also want to echo the power of the blog for accountability. So many rich posts are left here! So many stories, prayer requests, encouragement abounding... I honestly don't think I would have made it through the whole thing in 2009 without everyone!
I am looking forward to new nuggets in 2010!
Okay, January 2 (day 2) :)
My "familiar but new" this time was Enoch (Genesis 5:21-24). His life was relatively short (only 365 years) but his walk with God was so close that God took him up to Heaven. There is only one other person in the Bible that did not "die" but was taken directly up to Heaven, Elijah. In Revelation there are two witnesses (Revelation 11). There is some speculation in the commentary world as to who those witnesses are. Some say Moses and Elijah (transfiguration experience, and the powers the two witnesses posses in Revelation), but others think they are Enoch and Elijah because they are the only two men in the Bible who don't die in their earthly life.
What struck me afresh was how brief the description of Enoch was, only three verses, but they say SO much! Enoch walked in close fellowship with God all the days of his earthly life. Interesting that the "youngster" of Genesis is the father of Methuselah, the longest living man!
Okay, one other quick nugget (this is getting long again). Genesis 6:3 when God says He will not strive in Spirit with Man for such a long time, and limits Man's life to 150 years, I always thought that was the typical "new" life span of man. But I read in Matthew Henry's commentary that the flood occurred 150 years after Gods pronouncement. I never knew that.
Have a great day everyone!
Karen, Base[
Grace and Peace,
What a great comment! Thank you so much! (What time is it where you are!)
I noticed the link to the reading plan did not go through. Here it is again (hopefully this works this time)
http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/readingplan/
oneyearchronologicalbiblereadingplan.pdf
Cheers,
Karen, Basel
I am asking for prayer and encouragement for this journey through the Bible. I started the journey last year and began to fall behind early last summer when my routine changed as my daughter was out of school for the summer. I got back on board in the fall but just kept falling behind. I just love sharing this with you gals and have learned so much from my readings and from your comments.
Please keep me and my commitment to the readings in your prayers as I am starting again in 2010. Thank you.
Sheryl - Blessed Beliver in LA
Karen,
Thanks for the link! I printed it and will be able to check off the readings as I complete them.
Sheryl - Blessed Believer in LA
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Grace and Peace,
Thank you for sharing what you learned about the meanings of the names listed in the genealogy. Those passages I usually read through quickly because they are just boring, to be honest but to see God's Hand in even this just completely humbles me.
I hadn't read these passages in a long while and I forgot how long these people lived. I think that always amazes me. Can you imagine living for 800 years. What on earth would you do all that time, no Bible to study, no internet, no TV, etc. Has anybody else wondered that?
Well, I hope everyone has a great day!!
~Anna
MA
Okay, first of all, Grace and Peace, you knocked my socks off with what you shared about the names! I am printing and saving that for future reference.
1) my familiar thing I heard in a new way: Gen 4:7 says sin CROUCHES at the door eager to control me. But in Revelation we learn that Jesus KNOCKS at the door wanting to share His life with me. Big visual difference in those verbs.
2) Didn't realize that Cain and Seth had so many descendants with the same name. Confused me at first.
3) My nugget: Gen 5:1 says God made us to be like Him. A purpose for me that he defined from the beginning.
Morgen
Wow, so many wonderful tid-bits of wisdom posted this morning. Thanks, ladies. I really enjoy reading them.
Grace and Peace...that is so cool! I can't wait to share the English meaning of Adam's lineage with my friends. Morgan's right...it just "knocks my socks off"!
Karen...you are always a blessing. I had to note in my Bible the fact Enoch was the youngest yet fathered the oldest. I also went and bookmared Matthew Henry's Commentaries.
Sheryl, hang in there. It will come. It was a new thought for me, to simply pick up where I left off and don't worry about catching up. It's OK!
Nancy
Wendy so good to hear and see you this morning :)
Grace and Peace, WOW! That is awesome! I have written that down in my notebook.
Sheryl, I know about the summer craziness. When my son was home for the summer last year I missed a month and a half of the reading. I will be praying for you if you will pray for me :) Summer gets hard around here so I know your struggle. I am reading a book by Stormie Omartian this year with our reading called "The Power of Praying Through the Bible." Yesterday's reading in her book about Genesis 3 says that we have to protect our "garden walks" with our Lord. I know for me, my son is an only child and not very good at entertaining himself. It can be very tiring and stressful to keep him occupied. I try to get up before him every morning to have that precious quiet time to read and pray. I loose my sanity if I don't :) As summer gets closer we can encourage each other to keep at it. I want to get to the end of this year having read each day's reading.
My nugget for application today is Genesis 4:7b "Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master." Sin will control me if I am not on guard. I have to be be daily filled with God's Spirit so I can walk in victory, walking in the fruit of the Spirit, and not by my flesh. Again, another reason to get up early before the demands of the day and others are placed on me. I can't do it if God has not filled me first.
Have a blessed Saturday all!
Love,
Brandee, TN
Good morning all! Thank you Grace and peace for that rundown on the names- I am printing it out for future reference...that is awesome!
I can't believe how many things jumped out to me in todays reading. For instance in Genesis 6:20 when God told Noah to gather male and female of every creature. I can't tell you how many times I have read this story but today something jumped out at me- God allowed Noah to participate with this. God could have started all over again but because Noah was faithful he allowed him to play a part (so to say).
I was also struck by the power of what God said to Cain in Genesis 4:7 "You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master." Oh how true those words still ring today! How wonderful to know that we have the authority through Christ to subdue it!
Ok and last thing(phew I am long winded-lol). Genesis 4:26- after Seth had Enosh- "At that time people first began to worship the Lord by name". I never realized that there was nothing up until this point.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Julie
One thing that I found very interesting today was chapter 2, verses 1 and 25. In verse 1, Eve takes the credit for giving birth to Cain and she states that God simply helped. However, after the tragedy of losing her son, Abel, and then birthing Seth, her heart seems to change. When she births Seth in verse 25, she gives God the full credit and does not even mention herself. It seems that it took a tragedy in her life to rid herself of her human pride that she struggled with (as all of us women do) since the snake and the fruit. So, first of all, what tragedies in your life can you now look at in a more positive light in hopes that they will help bring you closer to God? Also, tragedy or not, we can still train ourselves to give God the credit first. Do we do that on a regular basis, though, or is that a lesson that still needs to be learned?
Good Morning~ Thank you dear Wendy for your vlog and commitment to us in this journey.
Boy, did I receive so much goodness from you all yesterday, and already this morning! Loved the translation of the names Grace & Peace! Karen,what can I say, you always open up the scriptures!
Sheryl, We will be praying for you. Last year, I actually began praying to God daily. "please open up my plate and let me have time to do this, dear Lord." Like Wendy said, this is God's Will for us to be in His Word, daily. If you ask Him for this, you will be amazed! He opened up time to me-more time than I would have ever expected. Glory to Him!
Today, Jan. 2nd, readings:
#2 Something that I did not know (from Gen. 4:10) “Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground!” I learned from my NIV Study Bible, that Abel, in one sense a prophet “still speaks, even though he is dead” (Heb. 11:4), for his spilled blood continues to cry out to God against all those who do violence to their human brothers. But the blood of Christ “speaks a better word” (Heb:24). Abel’s blood cried out for justice, where the blood of Jesus shed on the cross, speaks of forgiveness.
#3. My truth today is to seek God daily to “do what is right,” (Gen. 4:6) by remaining in His Will for my day. Genesis 4:6.
{Proverbs 1:3}
May you each enjoy God's Word and be filled with Him. Love, Lori
Good morning all! I am thankful for this opportunity we have to set and read God's Word. It is a privelege that many are not so free to do. I so enjoy each and every one of you, your sharing. I will commit to open each daily time praying for each one of us that we would fight hard for this time in God's Word. We receive so much, if only to say "Here I am LORD, teach me, comfort me, or just let me rest here with you for a minute" God's Word has always been a healing salve for my insides since I first lay my eyes on it. :)
Okay, the one thing that I "saw" this time was when Seth was born it spoke of how he was created in Adam's image. This was saying to me lineage....so I researched and found that this is a reflection of things to come from "the seed of woman", ie The Lion of Judah. Rev. 5
The thing that I can apply to my life was how God SEEs us ALWAYS, He seeks us out in our sin to guide us out...He provides a WAY. The fruit of our walk with God affects our lineage. Our children's children may become greatly used by God because of our faithfulness. Number one priority...teach your children about God as you walk along the way....
God Bless you all
Thanks for the video Wendy! I have been drawn to your website for a couple months now and really feel like God is leading me to your 2010journey. I have learned so much already and it has only been two days. Again thanks for being our "HUB" and I really look forward to the experience.
Grace and Peace... thank you for that information! I just shared it with my husband and we are both in Awe! The Lord is too good!
I was dumbfounded by 4:26b. NLT says At that time people first began to worship the Lord by name.. The NAS says 'Man began to call upon the name of the LORD' -- What did they do before that? We know that God spoke to man, even after the fall, because He spoke to Cain, but why didn't man commune with God? Did Adam and Eve, because of their shame, stop worshipting God? Did they not have a name for God, even in the beginning? Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but it has me thinking... Names are so important, or were then.
6:8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. Out of the populated world, only Noah found favor. That's huge! And because of him, to me, his family was spared. What I get from this also, is to be unique. Do I, Danielle, find favor with the Lord. Do I, find grace... am I wellfavored, am I precious and am I pleasant to the LORD. Looking into the word favor those are some of the translations.
My hearts desire is to be those. My hearts desire is to be a sweet aroma before my LORD... Hmmm.
You ladies are amazing. What wonderful things you have shared this morning.
I was also struck by the sin crouching at the door, and how I need to master it. Thank you Morgen for your comment about Jesus knocking at the door. It paints such a vivid picture for me.
D'Oh! Thanks Wendy for the video! You did such a great job! I would have been freaking, even if no one else was in the room at the time.lol
Happy New Year to all! This is my first time, reading thru the word, and of course I am so excited. Wendy, thank you for your video. I know those words of encouragement will ring back in the days to come. I will be sharing this journey locally with a small group of teen-agers. We ask for your prayers as we begin. I am humbled to share this with this special group of 16-17 year old saints who are seeking after His heart! I am already overwhelmed with gratitude to know that you will be praying.
Have a blessed day out there!
Blessing of the day to each of you!
What a wealth of information this morning and such a treat to enjoy the vlog, Wendy! I just cozied up in my chair and it was like being in the room with you. :)
Aside from my answers to the questions for the daily reading I have again learned and been inspired by all of you:
*the summary of the Christian gospel tucked into Genesis ~ eye and heart opening! Thanks Grace and Peace for sharing that. So enriching!
*sin crouches and Jesus knocks.
*Eve's change of heart after tragedy
*Abel's blood crying for justice but Jesus' blood speaks of forgiveness
You all are digging and coming up with some treasures - I am so happy we can share our finds! Thank you all!
Familiar but new to me was Noah's obedience. I saw it in a new light today. Noah prepared for the storm. He built a firm foundation based on God's commands. Storms in life are inevitable and sometimes even necessary as they can be our best teachers, but we have to be ready and have our houses built to weather the storm.
My lightbulb moment was connecting the dots between generations and understanding finally that Enoch was Noah's great grandfather...Methuselah was his grandfather. :)
It's difficult for me to find just on truth today. I'm still thinking a lot about lessons from Eve, but I can learn a lot too from Cain and Abel, Noah and Enoch:
I want to do what is right. To cheerfully give the Lord my firstfruits - my absolute best. I don't want to grieve the Lord, to break his heart. I want to be in fellowship with him, walk with him and find favor with him. I want to give him full credit for all of my blessings each and every moment of each and every day.
Before I close up for the morning, I also want to share how this journey worked for me last year. For the most part I did my reading every morning and logged in here to read the commments. When time permitted, I would comment as well.
During the summer I moved and I fell behind, but once I was settled I charted out a plan to do two lessons a day until I caught up. I made sort of a game of it - after I read I would come here and read the comments...but only for the day I had read. I wouldn't let myself read ahead here unless I read the corresponding daily reading. This kept me encouraged and excited to be catching up, yet also in balance with everything else I had to do in my life.
What happened for me was although I was behind at that time, the messages were exactly appropriate for what was happening in my life. God knew!
I hope this encourages many of you - it may very well be God's plan for you to fall behind, but because he has put it on your heart and anointed you to take this journey he will equip you to catch up and bless you for it!!
Finally (*whew* I'm on the long-winded train today)thanks to all for the additional websites you have shared. I am bookmarking them all.
Praying for you all this weekend that you will feel God's deep touch where you need it the most,
Liz
AK
Wendy - Thanks for the video, it had some really good direction for us and I got a lot out of it. Thanks also for the tips of other resourceful sites, I had a couple to add but the others have already listed them. :) Well I have found a way to remember the 3 questions that keeps mulling around in my head so I thought I would share, Goes like the Wedding day jingle Here it goes:
Something old
Something new
and something for me to do.
Okay enough of that - Thank you Grace and Peace I have heard that before but great timing and reminder.
In Gen 4:5 The Lord rejects Cains offering - It doesn't give a lot of detail, so I went to one of Wendy's suggested sites to look at it further, the commentary showed that they probably brought the offering to the tree of life where the cherubim were and that maybe because there are acceptable sacrifices consumed by fire that it may have been evident it was not acceptable because it didn't burn.
What was something I saw in a new way: Gen 4:16 So Cain left the Lords presence and settled in the land of NOD east of Eden. Nod means wandering - Cain was sentenced to wander so even in his settling it was in the town of wandering.
What was new? Gen 4:26 "When Seth grew up, he had a son and named him Enosh. At that time people FIRST began to worship the Lord by name." I hadn't seen the part where that was when they 1st started worshiping the Lord. Also in vs 25 I hadn't seen that Seth replaced Abel.
What can I apply? Genesis 6:6 So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on earth, it broke His heart" and in again in vs 7 it says "I am sorry I ever made them" There is a song by Hillsong named "Hosanna" and part of the chorus says - "Break my Heart for what breaks His" How can I apply this be more aware of my thoughts and actions so that what I do does not break Gods heart.
I too will ask for prayer and pray for the others that we stay on track. Summer and Vacations can be a big distraction. Then when you get a few days behind you want to give up. God was so sweet to nudge me and not let me give up. Glad He did. And thanks Wendy for encouraging us to hang in there and to help each other. It helped to know I wasn't the only one that fell behind at times.
Happy Saturday everyone!
Lynn R. - OR
Thank you Grace and Peace for sharing what you learned in your Bible study. I have copied it into my notebook.
Also thanks to Karen for the idea of printing out the list of readings and checking them off. I did not buy the chronological Bible, choosing just to use my regular Bible. So this will be of tremendous help.
Today we pondered: The Noah story means that God has a plan for his people even if we are beyond all hope.
The list of genealogy reminds us of today's obituaries where lives are condensed into just a few sentences never taking into consideration all the ordinary days they lived, doing ordinary things, that touched other peoples lives in extraordinary ways.
Thanks Grace & Peace for the sharing Dr Missler insight to the names in Gen. It is powerful!
1)Gen 4:6 God asked why are you angry?
2)Gen 4:26 "When Seth grew up, he had a son & named him Enosh. At that time people 1st began to worship the Lord by name." It doesn't say what the name is.
3) My Lord want my honesty &
conversation with Him daily.
Karen in Gen 6:3 God put a limit on the age 120yrs of man.(I looked in several translations I didn't see 150yrs, I might be reading or looking in the wrong place?)
My own?? Who are these other people? Gen 4:14,16,17 where did they come from?
Wendy your v-log was great! Thanks for sharing your walk & thoughts with us. Lots of helpful hints & sites to help with this study.
Blessing & Peace, Mary
Just chiming in this morning to say I am along for the ride once again in 2010! Last year was an amazing journey for me as well.
It helped me so much to keep my eyes upon Jesus and the Kingdom and not get so tied up with the petty things in life. Not that I succeeded every time but my eyes were more easily drawn back to the one who is in total control...our Lord! Great to be along for the ride again this year. Wow what a JOY ride it will be!
This year I am looking to learn what it means to truly worship God every single day...and to Practice being in His presence all throughout my day.
I also found Genesis 4: 6&7 nuggets to apply to my life...
"Why are you so angry? the Lord asked Cain. "Why do you look so dejected. You will be accepted if you do what's right. But if you refuse what is right then watch out!
"Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be it's master."
Sin is always wating for a foothold in our life...even though we are forgiven believers...even though we may know better. There are times we try to justify our sin...or explain it away...or give reason to lessen our conviction or guilt...as if God isn't watching and recording the deeds in His book. We try to hide from Him (as did Adam and Eve did) cause our sin separates us from Him. (Thank God temporarily) At those times we may no longer feel His presence or His watchful eye upon us...even though He is right there beside us waiting for our return with open arms...standing at the door knocking. So thankful He does not give up on us!
Lovin' all the powerful insites gleaned just in the two days of this New Year!
Love from Debbie in Illinois
Wendy, I'm still subscribed to your feed, and I'm so glad I had opportunity to watch your video just now. What a pure delight you are - just a sweetheart. Love your gentle manner and passion for the Lord.
I will be in the shadows reading along this year and continuing in prayer for you all. May the Lord open your mind to His truths, give you added discernment and wisdom and fill you with Himself.
Happy New Year my dear friends,
Joy
I would like to pray for the group of teenagers who are studying the Bible with us:
Heavenly Father, thank you so much for this group of teens who desire to know you more. Please open their hearts and minds to Your word. Give them Your wisdom to understand and apply what they learn. Restrain the evil one from touching them; keep them safe under your wing, and do a mighty work in them so that others around them can see the joy and contentment and peace that they find in you.
Give the rest of us truth and knowledge as we share what Your Spirit speaks to us. Bless these precious kids. In Jesus Name, Amen.
One day at a time, people!!
Morgen
Hi!
I loved the meanings for the geneological names. That's awesome! I'm going to add it to my notes for today.
There were two things that really struck me today and I've been wondering about them ever since.
Enoch walkd so closely with God that He took him up to be with Him. Has He ever done that with anyone else besides Elijah? How would we know? Does God leave happy little notes behind saying, "Dear Wife, I'm communing with so-and-so until you get here. Thanks for sharing! Love, God" I'm not trying to be sacriligious here, but doesn't it put a new spin on all the people who have disappeared? If in the Rapture we'll all seemingly just disappear to those left behind, mustn't it seem like that to those then, and if God took someone else, wouldn't that be how it would look? Just a thought, though probably way weird ... I'm a very visual person and things are always hitting me like this - about how it must have physically LOOKED to those around at the time.
Another thing ... yesterday many of us noted how we long for our husbands' attention and yet want to control them, but they rule over us - Biblically. Maybe this is why this caught my attention today, but have you ever noticed that when the Bible announces that someone is pregnant, they always mention that Husband slept with Wife who produced so-and-so? Is thsi just to establish a clear lineage? Yet in Seth's case, it says that Adam had sexual relations with Eve 'again.' Was it so rare that it needed to be noted? Just makes me think ... were their relationships different then? Was physical touch not something that bonded them together in the same way that it does us today? Or are they just establishing lineage here, too, and I'm just reading WAY too much into this one word? It really just jumped out at me ... Makes me think about what my relationship with my husband might look like when our children are out of the house - like Cain and Abel were at this time. I hope that, whatever the author's purpose in using that word here, our relationship is not so poor that we need to record any and all time spent together for future generations! Maybe we should be make sure that our married life, however it looks, whatever it consists of, is strong day to day, even in the little things.
I'll try hard to find something less weird to write about tomorrow, I promise!
Thanks so much everyone for the awesome comments. I love the reading and finding all the new things that i didn't know before and also some things that I did already know but just didn't really click with me. I learned several new things in today's reading.
Cain and his offering was rejected by the Lord. Never knew that! What the Lord says to him - really made me stop and think today. Sin is always trying to creep in on me. If I am not staying strong and steadfast it takes ahold of me and runs wild. Lesson today - stay in worship and reading daily!!!
Thanks so much to Wendy and Proverbs 31 - what a blessing they have been in my life!!
Whew Ladies! So much wonderful information today! I think I'm going to need quite a few notebooks this year to hold all of these amazing insights into God's Word :)
Grace and Peace - LOVED it! Thanks for sharing. . . that will definitely be posted on my blog for all my friends to see :)
My nugget for today was Gen. 6:22 "So Noah did everything exactly as the Lord commanded him". Noah didn't ask 'why me?', complain about such a huge task, or let fear of the unknown paralyze his faith. He also did everything EXACTLY as the Lord commanded. . . didn't add a few feet to the end to create more space, didn't skip out on letting a few animals aboard because of their temperment or smell :)
I need to trust in the Lord's goodness and plan for my life. . . even in the times that it may not make perfect sense. I also need to stick to God's instructions instead of changing things to fit my needs or using my own judgement.
Have a great weekend!
Adrian
Lynn, Loved your way to remind us about the 3 questions! Very clever! :) Morgen, Thank you! Your prayer is going to be my daily prayer, as I have 2 teenage sons reading through the Bible this year. It's one of my deepest desires is that God draws them to His Word, and that His scripture begin's to come alive to them and that they eagerly seek their own quiet time, regularly, ---that develops into a life-long habit.
Blessings, Lori
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Kelly, I can't view the video either, ever...I am on a very slow dial-up. Wish there were someone who would feel led to post the highlights of all the videos so those that can't view them wouldn't be left out.
Just wanted to say that my commentary said the 150 years was referring to when God would flood the earth. That was the amount of time left before the flood. :)
Thank you for hosting this Wendy! This will be my first Bible study and my first time reading the entire Bible and I am SO excited!! My aunt asked if I wanted to take this journey with her and I am so grateful she did!
I have a question about something I read yesterday- Genesis 3:22 says:
Then the Lord God said, “Look, the human beings[e] have become like us, knowing both good and evil.
Why does God use the word "us"- who is the "us" he is referring to??
This was new to me...among many other things!
Thanks for any insight...
Elizabeth
Elizabeth
Welcome to Bible study and welcome to the reading through the Bible. You will probably have more questions than answers. I believe God designed that way so we will keep reading His Word over and over again.
The "us" and "we" refers to the Trinity. The same type of reference is used earlier in Genesis when God is quoted saying "make man in our image."
Hope this helps
Hello Fellow travelers, I am so excited to be a part of this year of reading the Bible. I asked others to join me, but no one seemed interested. I loved reading your posts, and knowing others feel so passionate about God and His word. 2010 is goning to be a great year and a turning point in my walk with Christ. I am so blessed to be able to participate with others.
Wendy,
Yes, that helped a lot! Thank you...it makes sense now...
I look forward to the questions to come and what God will show me through His Word and this process!!
Elizabeth
If I were to listen to all the news, I would think this world was a terrible place. But on this blog, there are SO many godly women, (and men in hiding...wish some of them would post) it amazes me at the godly insights of so many of you. God still has a remnant who love Him and are striving to know Him in a more intimate way. It blesses my heart to know there are so many godly women in the world. We have a lady from Switzerland, in Canada, in the Bahamas, from Australia, from Alaska... I hope I haven't left anyone out... and of course those all over America. We are all praying for husbands that need the Lord, and those that need to come back to the Lord. We are lifting up each other every day in prayer, and praying for those that list prayer requests. And with all those that joined us this year, our "prayer circle" has increased tremendously.
Hope all of you have a blessed Sunday in church. I can't wait for morning.
Jan TN
Lamech was new to me. I find it interesting that he is the first to be recorded as having two wives. I thought about how the bibles says in Genesis 2:24 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."
My nugget was that God takes care of those that walk with him. 5:24 Enoch and 6:9, 6:18 Noah
And while Enoch lived on earth for 365 years (walked with God for 300 years), we all have made a 365 day commitment to walk with God thru his Word.
Blessings,
Lisa
hey ladies, this is my first Bible study with you and this is a bit intimidating. I love your posts and have tried for an hour to post something, but am a bit computer challenged.
my nugget: there is a difference between walking with the Lord and living every day knowing that God exists. I wanna be an Enoch. I struggle so much with the daily walk.
Blessings to all of you:)
hello everyone and thanks for posting your info...its really opens my eyes because sometimes i read and read and read and it doesnt seem to sink in but reading what others post it makes sense...im new at this so sometimes i feel what i write doesnt make sense but hopefully it helps others as it does me..keep me in your prayers..
1. NAME SOMETHING FAMILIAR = Gen 5:1-2 when God created "human beings" he made them to be like himself...how wonderful that God made us to be like him yet we dont do what we should like he wants us to but we do what we want instead..we should be like him, talk like him, and walk like him..
2. NAME SOMETHING NEW = Gen 5:29 Noah's name was "to bring relief"...i guess i didnt realize his name meant that and it is powerful because God knew what was coming...he obeyed God without questioning and did everything EXACTLY as God had commanded him...yet we and i include myself always question "WHY ME LORD?"..
Gen 6:6 it broke his heart...imagine all the things we do that are not right with God..we also end up BREAKING HIS HEART..never lookd at it that way...
3. APPLY TO LIFE = in todays readings we should it all to our lives...we should open our hearts and let God do what he has in store for us instead of always doing what we want and then questioning and doubting him...
Lisa H.(Texas)
I just began my bible reading and am excited and blessed I look forward to seeing a change in me and my life.
Dionna
Thank you for the video, Wendy. I am just starting this journey and already feeling kind of scared and overwhelmed. I am a fairly new Christian and love the New Testament but always get bogged down in the Old. Please keep me in your prayers. I am determined to do it this year and believe I will with your help and accountability. I will be praying for all of you. All of the comments I read are so great. I feel like a very baby Christian when I read them but they are so informative. I am both excited and scared at the beginning of this journey and am looking forward to getting to know you all.
Cindy - Detroit MI
Hello all, This is all new to me but it is very amazing how God shows us He is in control in so many ways. While reading these few days many truths have jumped from the pages of His word. I look forward to learning and growing in the year ahead. I am truely thankful for Wendy and her blog for the opportunity to be apart of this learning community. God has so much to teach me. Thank you all for the words of encouragement and shared insight. ~Lisa~
Good morning everyone!
Mary, thank you for the correction. My dyslexia kicked in and you are correct, 120 years is listed in Gen 6:3 and Matthew Henry said 6 score (score=20 years, so also 120 years) to the flood.
Today my familiar but new was the raven and the dove that went out from the Ark to scout the condition of the land. I parked on this because I did not understand the verse about the raven (Gen. 8:7 and 8 - The bird flew back and forth until the floodwaters on the earth had dried up. 8 He also released a dove to see if the water had receded and it could find dry ground). Matthew Henry again had some insight. The raven, being a carnivorous bird, probably flew about feeding on carcasses floating on the water. It may have returned to rest on the ark, but did not return into the ark.
The dove however he likens to "a gracious soul, which finding no rest for its foot, no solid peace or satisfaction in this world, this deluged defiling world, returns to Christ as to its ark, as to its Noah." Note also the seven-day windows between the releases of the dove. Henry postulates that these are the sabbath which Noah was sure to observe, and also represents our seeking knowledge from God (and waiting for His answer). Good stuff!
I never noticed before that drunken episode in Noah's life. New to me today was Ham's treatment of his father and the blessings (for Shem and Jephthah) and curses (for Ham) that followed. I also never connected before that Ham was the ancestor of Canaan, the enemy of Israel.
To all the new people here who bravely posted and confessed their anxiety and discomfort, thank you for your openness. This is not a threatening group. We are all on a journey and each of us is learning something new each day. I have prayed for each of you as I read your posts. God is good and will see you through. Just be open to His, they are right for you at the moment.
As one of Wendy's life-verses says (Deut. 29:29) “The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions."
Karen, Basel
Good Morning Sisters (and Brothers),
I have skimmed through all the comments from yesterday and I just want to encourage you that are new to the group and new to Bible study not to give up and not to let all the posts overwhelm you. I did this last year and honestly, all the post are overwhelming to me as well :) We all have to begin somewhere and we were all baby Christians at one time. Pray before you read each day and ask God to teach you and help you understand and He will. I promise. Like Wendy said in the video, you won't understand everything. That is ok, move on. If we always understood everything there would be no need to keep reading His Word. I am thankful I don't understand everything, it keeps me going back to the Word and back to Him. Know I am praying especially for those of you that are new and new in your walk with Christ. You guys are where my passions lie, in women coming to know the freedom Christ offers in our lives.
My tidbit for today was Genesis 9:24-10:20 when we read about Noah cursing Canaan. It hit me as I read about Ham's descendants that these were the groups of people that eventually were the enemies to God's people the Israelites. I never put that together before.
Hope you all have a blessed Sunday!
Brandee, TN
Good Morning~
#1 Today I read something so familiar to me, but I saw a parallel that I never thought about before: God gave the same assignment/command to both Adam and Noah: “Be fruitful and multiply,” (1:28) and today we read again, “be fruitful and multiply,” and again, “Now be fruitful and multiply,” (vs. 7).
Another point that hit me in a different light was how Noah was circled by sin, yet he obeyed “all that the LORD commanded him, (7:5). Adam and Eve were in a perfect environment filled without sin, but chose to ignore God’s Word.
#2 I found something unfamiliar to me in a commentary that explained the ark was a type of Christ, that separated the people and animals inside, from the waters of death. This ark had but one door; likewise there is only one way to salvation, “for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved,” (Acts 4:12).
#3 We can learn from Noah and apply his faith to our own lives by not using our sinful environment as an excuse for choosing to sin.
I am praying for you this morning. Remember, reading God’s Word is His Will for us, we know that. The devil will be in direct opposition to this goal, doing anything he can to keep you from reading the Bible. Do not allow him to let you have any feelings of inadequacy, or rob you of the precious quiet time with your Father. For all of you new Christians, just know you are in for a real treat (old Christian’s too, lol)… God’s Word is God speaking to you in an intimate way. He will come alive to you and begin speaking to you. Take it day by day. Before you begin to read, ask God to open up to you what He wants you to know. Many times I’d read a section, and it would be hours later before a nugget would come to me-even, the following day. Sometimes I’d get nothing, but the peace knowing I was reading God’s Word. The blog always gave me good stuff! Daily, I was encouraged by the women, that have grown so very close to me and so precious to my heart. Wendy’s verse is something to never forget, Deut. 29:20-thank you Karen for reminding us about this.
Love each of you and honored to be sharing this journey with you. I have found that there is nothing more fun than digging into His Word! Hugs, Lori
Happy Sunday, Thank you Karen for the reminder of Wendy's life verse. It is a powerful verse & a help when I don't 'get it'. I don't have to feel like a looser. The scripture that I might not understand is just not for me today. I trust the Lord to reveal what I need in my walk when I need it. He is so good!
1)heard in a new way;
Genesis 10:1-32/1Chronicles 1:5-23 Give the descendants of Noah from the youngest son Japheth to the middle son Ham to the oldest Shem. Which is odd because the 1st born is usually the bigger deal.
2)didn't know before; Genesis 7:2-3 I never knew that Noah took 7 pairs of approved animals & birds. Then a pair of the others. God knew what was need!
3)nugget; God doesn't care about what birth order you are in. He cares for us no matter who, what, or where we are in life. He cares, that is a comfort to me.
Thank you all for such wonderful insight to our Great God. May our journey be fruitful & pleasing to Him.
Blessing & Peace Mary
Happy Sabbath Day!
Thank you for the "Ark as Christ" analogy. That was super to read.
Today I latched onto the raven being sent out first - doesn't the raven represent satan or evil? And then the dove - going out 3 times - coming back once with the olive branch which represents the peace of Christ to me, and the 3rd time going out and staying....like the Holy Spirit?
Just a thought.
What a wonderful God we serve.
Morgen
I had another thought! God sent the wind to dry up the land. Here in SW Minnesota, we get plenty of wind, and don't really like it alot. But what I may think of as a drag or a curse can very well be someone else's blessing.
I need to thank God that in everything He is blessing someone.
Morgen
This is the first time in years that I have been excited to get out of bed to read God's word. Thank you to Wendy and everyone that posts their thoughts and insight.
I knew that Noah sent the raven and then the dove out to see if the land had dried up, but I didn't realize that he didn't leave the ark until God told him to in v. 8:15. My nugget - Be Patient and Wait for God!
Blessings,
Lisa
Thanks for you video Wendy. It was very helpful and encouraging. Praying for you as you seek God's will in this year's reading/study. I appreciate you doing this, it has already been such a blessing and encouragement to me as I read the Word, your comments, and the comments of everyone else. It truly is amazing how God speaks to each of us on different levels on different things and yet we all are reading the same passage! Learning so much for our Lord, and from each of you.
I'm having so much fun reading and learning from His word!I love reading through the comments and learning from all of you!
I noticed that Eve changed the answer when she told the serpent that God said 'don't even touch the fruit'.He told her not to eat it, but He never said not to touch it...did she add that part? Of course to eat a fruit you have to touch it so...
Also in chapter 2:3 it says that Cain presented "some" of his crops to God and Abel brought "a" gift. Cain brought "some", Abel brought a gift.
Nugget:I want to give Him my all.Not just 'some' of this or that but my whole.
God Bless!
Sarah
As we talk about creation these first days, if anyone is interested in seeing some AMAZING pictures, click on my name and go to my blog "A Journey to Freedom." I did a post this morning called "The Heavens and the Earth" where there is a link to see some pictures from the Hubble Telescope. I don't see how anyone could look at these and not believe! They are absolutely amazing and beautiful! My husband found them last night and was showing me.
I just love the story of Noah's Ark!! I was thinking today as I read it that it must have been hard for Noah and his family to shut themselves in the Ark knowing that all their friends and people they know were going to perish. I also thought about the wives. They must have had family too. What faith and obedience Noah possessed! What obedience the wives showed to their husbands! I think I might have put up a big fuss, telling my husband that there was no way I was getting in that boat without my parents and sisters and nieces.
I also wondered after reading the genealogy who I am descended from? Do you think God will show me a family tree someday? =)
~Anna
MA
Hi Everyone! Believe it or not this will be the fourth time I try to comment today. I am not very computer literate so I find doing anything on the computer very challenging but I am so grateful to have found this site. Wendy I subscribed to Experiencing the Real Meaning of Free in Nov of 2009 and I have been able to keep up and now am ready to commit to the year 2010. I was so afraid to try this blog thing but after hearing and seeing you this am on the video I am so excited to participate...Also, reading everyones's comments I just want to join you all on this "mining adventure". I am so excited for what God has to show me through this journey.
Blessings to all,
Sandy in Ma
Wow. I am so excited to be on this journey with everyone. I just hope and pray I can keep up with the commitment through the challenges of life!
My nugget for today is the rainbow in the clouds - Gen 9:13. "I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth."
Rainbows generally appear after a storm. This is the mark of the covenant with Noah. It is the mark of the covenant for us too - God is present with us through the storms of life and we can see that presence through rainbows.
I am enjoying God's Word this weekend and learning from all the comments.
Thanks for the English translation of Adam's lineage. That was neat to see the gospel message that early in Genesis.
I didn't realize that God told Noah to take 7 pairs of animals for eating and sacrafice. Also that he was to take 7 pairs of every kind of bird.
Please pray that I stay faithful to reading God's Word this year. I made it to mid Feb. last year and was so excited to get up each morning and into my Bible. And then Satan attacked in a way I never expected. In an area that I thought it was impossible for him to tempt me in my Christian walk. I am still struggling with that sin and with not wanting to repent completely. Please pray that I stay with this and have a complete change of heart in this area of my life. Pray also that all of us will be able to subdue and master the attack of Satan through out this year. He wants nothing more than to hinder our walk and fellowship with God.
Rochelle
Good afternoon!
Love this story, but never realized how much I have missed!
My 'New' for today was the drunken stupor of Noah and the blessings/curses that followed. I enjoyed Matthew Henry's commentary:
Canaan: descendants were the enemy of Israel.
Shem: descendants were the Jews. . . Christ came from this line.
Japeth: descendants were the isles of the Gentiles.
In Genesis 9:27, Noah says "...may Japeth share the prosperity of Shem..."
The Gentiles would one day be united in the gospel fold with the Jews. Both would be one in Christ.
Good stuff!
Have a blessed Lord's day!
Adrian
Thank you Wendy for the video and the helpful hints. Also thanks to Grace and Peace for show the gospel in Genesis.
My nugget: what follows the flood is a new beginning. For me, 2009 was a flood, but now 2010 is a new beginning.
Until
Gaylene
I found several things that I didn't remember reading before. Ham's descendants...Nimrod...built the kingdom of Babylonia. 10:10, and they also went to Sodom and Gomorrah...those 2 cities are the ones that God destroyed in Ch. 18;16-20:38
What nugget did I glean? Why did God record Noah's sin? Romans 15:4 "Whatever things were written in earlier times were for our learning." It shows the weakness of the flesh, even in mighty men like Noah, Moses, David. Then there is I John 1:9 "If we confess our sins He is just and faithful to forgive us our sin."
Praise the Lord for that verse.
Jan TN
1. OLD: God closed the ark door after them before the flood and instructed them when to leave the boat after the flood.
2. NEW: After the flood, God told Noah and his descendants to go ahead and eat the animals for food, along with the vegetation. It also states that the animals now look at humans with fear and terror and we have power over them.
3. NUGGET: Jubal (great-great-great-great grandson of Cain) was recorded in Genesis as the first man on earth to play the harp and flute. As a professional harpist, that is so beautiful that God brought music into the world from the beginning of earth.... music is my passion and world and He understands the artists and "creative types", as He originated music.. in heaven and earth. I'll play my harp in both places:)
Krista
Wow.
I think this is a record for posts during Open Blog weekend. :)
God is doing an amazing work, and we are all a part of that. That makes me feel sooooooooo excited!
It is so cool to enter in and see what everyone else has learned and researched. Every word and thought shared is such a blessing to us all. I just praise God for all the seeds being planted, watered and harvested!
My truth and task of thought for today was "then the LORD closed the door behind them." Genesis 7:16
I looked back to see that Genesis 7 began "when everything was ready, the LORD said to Noah "Go..."
Particularly as it follows on the heels of our celebration of the new year and the old year, it made me think about open windows and closed doors. The LORD chooses and directs us. He employs and guides us. We must always be listening and obedient, as was our brother Noah, for our call and then we must obey before the door shuts!
My something new was, along with others, the passage on Nimrod "whose name became proverbial." I'll have to go digging on this one.
My familiar but new (sorry - I know I am doing this upside down) lesson was SO exciting to me...maybe it's a good thing today I left it for last..."I have placed MY rainbow in the clouds...when I send clouds and I see the rainbow I will remember." Genesis 9:13,16
It's the word MY....not "A"...but MY. I about jumped out of my chair with excitement when I realized this passage represents more than just God's promise...it represents his relationship with us, his community with us and his very presence!
I have always pulled people out of buildings or out of chairs to the woindows to look at rainbows, as I have always understood them to be a symbol of God's love and promise, but today I understood with a newer and deeper loving twist just how limitless, stunning, exuberant and joyful is our God!
That he reveals new treasures to us daily and speaks to us through nature as well as each other is just every reason to stay tuned!
Staying tuned,
Liz
AK
Karen,
I'm in the west coast (PST). I tried doing the reading and posting the night before but I got so turned around, I already messed up on the days of the week in my notebook. Yes, I know it's only the 3rd day.
Late start for me today. We took my older son to the madhouse known as the airport early (I mean early) this morning. Every college student seems to be heading back today. I miss him but it means I get his room back as my study. ;)
I love reading the comments. Thanks for all your takes from the raven, to taking your relatives on the ark, to Japheth's line and even the recording of when "Adam knew Eve again.' ;)
Praying for all those who are joining us for the first time. I have read the bible through the year before but this is different. Before it was just reading. Now it's digging. And it is far, far more enriching.
Someone already touched on the ark being a type of our salvation - one door, one way to be saved. What I would like to add is another nugget or two from Chuck Missler:
Genesis 8:4, "Exactly five months from the time the flood began*, the boat came to rest on the mountains of Ararat." See the *? Check the footnote on page 9, it says the Hebrew "on the 17th day of the 7th month." He said that date is mentioned for a reason because it coincides with the exact date of Christ's resurrection (17th of Nisan which is the 7th mo of the Genesis calendar). So he said Noah's new beginning on Planet Earth was on the anniversary - in anticipation - of our new beginning in Christ! Amazing, huh?
Also on Chapter 10 where it details the descendants of the 3 sons of Noah. If you count them you will get Shem 26, Ham 30, Japheth 14, the total being 70. This can be linked to the number of Jacob's families who entered Egypt in Gen 46:10. He siad these two are deliberately linked by the Holy Spirit. He refers to it as the table of nations.
(All these info were from "Learn the Bible in 24 Hours" by Chuck Missler in case anyone is interested. I'm enrolled in the class and it is such a blessing.)
Have a blessed week, dear sisters!
God Bless Everyone on this beautiful Sunday on Day 3...
1. NAME SOMETHING FAMILIAR = Gen 7:2-3 take with you seven pairs - male and female...i always thought it was only just a pair(2) of each...and if you see that the number 7 is used alot in the bible...
2. NAME SOMETHING NEW = Gen 9:18-25 I didnt know that Noah was drunk and naked and because Ham saw him which pleased him and then he went to gossip about it, his son Canaan was cursed...I would think if it was done accidentally then maybe no curse would of been made...we should be respectful to our parents no matter what they do...
3. APPLY TO LIFE = Gen 9:13 God is good all the time and all the time God is good...we should always remember the "PROMISE" because im sure that he will take care of us...Gen8:1 just like God remembered Noah, we should put our trust in him because he will always remember us...
Hello,
Well better late than never, started ready at 6:30 this morning and then I had to leave, and it's been a day ever since. But my cooking is done for the week and after 3 trips to home depot I have a new kitchen faucet with no leaks growls or drips. Yahoo. So now that the lunches are made and an hour and half call to my earthly Father to check on him and his wonderful wife, I am finishing my reading. TMI (too much info) I'm sure but thanks for listening.
Something New Gen 7-11 "all underground waters erupted" I have never seen that before, and adds to the depth of the flood waters.
Something Different - Gen 7:21-24 All living things died but I noticed that it doesn't mention the fish. It specifically mentions little animals that scurry, birds and humans, but not fish, did they all live? It doesn't mention fish again until vs 9:2 where God tells Noah that they will are fear him.
Apply to my life - Not sure on that for today!
See ya in the morning,
Lynn R - OR
Oh, there is so much here to glean from that I'm almost overwhelmed. I will take my time in reading because it seems everyone has something God is birthing in them. I love that!
Something that I don't remember reading before was the part in 7:11 where it talks about the underground waters. This just has my mind all over the place thinking of these natural, pure waters that lay beneath the earth. Brings to mind the 'rivers of living water' that God places inside us when receive Christ. And the underground waters may not even be that, but I'm picturing that.
I keep running over 9:22-27. The fact that Ham saw his father naked and had to go and tell his brothers, and thus brought a curse upon himself and his line. That amazes me. Especially since today's culture is so the opposite. It's okay to wear skimpy clothes, and barely there bathing suits, and even frequent nude beaches. What a difference! No curses now, just acceptance.
Hey Lynn,
I wondered that about the fish also but I just assumed because they live in water that a flood wouldn't affect them.
~Anna
MA
I'm a newbie, too, and I'm so thankful for this resource! I will probably obsess with wanting to read every word of every post.
I was also mulling over the fish not being mentioned (I even wondered if there were fish on the bottom level of the ark!) until I came across Gen. 7:22: "Everything that breathed and lived on dry land died." Hope that helps.
Nugget: Noah's unquestioning obedience made the process of building and filling the ark smooth. Imagine what my unquestioning obedience would do in my life.
Thanks to each of you for sharing your insights that God has given you! I have enjoyed reading each post.
Here is a verse I thought you might enjoy that was in a prayer deveotional I was reading this evening: "May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:23
This verse resinated with me this evening because I think one of the things that God is revealing through His scripture to us over the last three days is that he loves us dearly and wants us to stay connected to Him and give Him our best - our first fruits. I found it interesting that He was never mad at Cain. He just wanted him to do what was right - to give God his best. God wanted Cain to be successful and God even told him how but sin - the devil overtook Cain. What a loving God we worship who desires us to be successful and is slow to anger.
The love continued in todays reading. I thought it was so wonderful to read and envision the impage of God our Father enjoying the aroma of the sacrifice Noah made with the specific animals God reqested. I love the image that comes to mind when I think of God sitting on His throne and being pleased with his servant Noah.
Blessings to each of you for a fruitful week! I pray that we each can continue to keep our whole spirit, body & soul blameless in preparation of the coming of Jesus Christ!
Meredith in Oklahoma
Hello. New to the study this year & blown by the blog insights. How blessed we are to get a glimpse of what it means to be the body of Christ! I am already behind but because I've read Genesis so much in my previously failed attempts to get through the entire bible I'm able to follow and in AWE of how rich the word of God is.
Thank you! Lynn in Michigan
Thanks so much to all of you for your posts. I am new to this, this year and I am so looking forward to doing this. I have been a Christian since I was 12 years old, but I just have not really delved into the bible like this. I appreciate all of your insights and know that I will learn many new things along this journey this year. You have all helped me so much in the first 3 days, that I am so eager for the the next 362! Thank you!!!
It has been ages since I read the Bible let alone reading it all the way through. I have felt a longing to get into the word and draw close to God. I have recommitted my life to God and with his help I am going to go on this journey with you all and I look forward to it.
My piece of "nugget" on Day 2 was all the times that the verses said they walked in close fellowship with God. Gen 5:22 & 24 and again in Gen. 6:9. My desire is that God could say of me, that I walked in close fellowship with Him!!
Thanks for all of your comments and insights.
Debbie
Indiana
DAY 4:
OLD: God actually "came down" to look at the Tower of Babel and confused the people with different languages so that they would "scatter all over the world."
NEW: Abram allowed his beautiful wife Sarai to be taken to the Pharoah to be his wife - encouraging her to pretend she was his sister.
APPLICATION: God told Abram "I will bless those who bless you...all the families on earth will be blessed through you." Even with his flaws, God used Abram to be a man chosen to be the "father" of his people. Even with my flaws and sins - God has a purpose for my life too.
QUESTION: I hope someone can help me with this...on DAY 2 - in Genesis 3 - we read that God said "My Spirit will not put up with humans for such a long time, for they are only mortal flesh. In the future, their normal lifespan will be no more than 120 years." In today's reading, on pages 13 and 14 - I see that Shem's family all lived for up to 500 years! Why the contradiction to what God said earlier??
nice-wallpaper
rhhd x ( dh 38
DAY 5:
SOMETHNG OLD (seen in a new way):
The Lord came to Abram to tell him that he would have more descendants than the stars in the sky. The words "Do not be afraid" are spoken to Abram by God - and are repeated countless times later in the Bible.
SOMETHING NEW:
God commanded Abraham to circumcise himself and every male member of his entire household - even the servants and the foreign-born servants. The "mark" of circumcision was the Lord's mark on them of his "everlasting covenant" with them.
APPLICATION:
IMAGINE what it was like for a 99 year old man and his 13 year old son to undergo a circumcision that day, along with what must have been a huge household and staff of men! The air must have been filled with the cries of every man who endured that pain and only
Abraham understood why. The 13-year old Ishmael must have been in total TERROR hearing the screams of those whose foreskins were being cut off.
It made me realize that no matter what the pain of relinquishing sin - I must also be totally obedient to God so that He can also say of me... "I will be her God."
DAY 6
Where are everyone's posts? I was getting SO MUCH out of what everyone was writing, but I haven't seen much in the last few days.
What a WILD read today's reading was for me!
You have Lot trying to push his young virgin daughters out to be raped by the men in the entire town;
God coming down as a man to promise Sarah a son;
Abraham "negotiating" with God over Sodom ("I'll save 50...now 45...now 40...now 30...now 20...now ten!");
Abraham, now an old man, still LYING about his wife Sarah ("She is my SISTER") and Sarah (now old) going in to sleep with the King;
and the WORST part - Lot's two daughters getting him drunk and going to to have sex and get pregnanat with him!
Out of all of this, I had a hard time with coming up with our assignment, but...
OLD (in a new way):
Three men came to visit Abraham. One was the Lord God. The other two were the angels who left and went to destroy Sodom.
NEW:
Lot's daughters got pregnant by him and gave birth to Moab and Ben-ammi.
APPLICATION:
After the birth of her son Isaac -Sarah said "God has brought me laughter!" He brought ME laughter today too - in reading today's incredible story. And I know in my heart that I will be laughing with joy when I finish this journey on Dec. 31st.
CORRECTION TO MY LAST....
I just saw Wendy's blog and vlog for today and I realize that I was wrong in sayng Abraham lied about his wife being his sister. She WAS, in fact, his sister. But note that the HEADING for Genesis 20: 1-18 is..."ABRAHAM DECEIVES ABIMELECH." Since she WAS his sister, I suppose the translators who affixed that heading were assuming "deceit" because he didn't also say...."She is ALSO my wife." ?
nice post. thanks.
The thought that came to me while reading today's Scriptures was that I wonder if Isaac remembered, into his old age, what happened to him that night as he lay strapped down on the sacrificial "altar" with his father's knife raised above him. He seemed a bit "distant" from Esau's cries and pleas for a second blessing (after Jacob tricked him into getting the firstborn's blessing) and I wondered how Isaac could be so heartless after what he himself went through that night.
Most everyone's comments are going here:
http://wendypope.blogspot.com/feeds/comments/default/
...instead of on this link - but there doesn't seem to be a "post a comment" tab on the above link. Can someone tell me how to post to the above link (where so many more comments are made) ?
I got this devotional from Rick Warren's group a few days ago, and just realized that it is related to today's reading - Jacob's "fight" with God. I'm sure the Rick won't mind my forwarding it to this group. It is a great supplement to today’s reading:
Worship: The barrier of pride … by Rick Warren
It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. 2 Corinthians 3:5 (NLT)
Life is a struggle, but what most people don't realize is that our struggle, like Jacob's, is really with God! We want to be God, and there's no way we're going to win that struggle, but we try anyway.
A.W. Tozer said, "The reason why many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they haven't yet come to the end of themselves. We're still trying to give orders, and interfering with God's work within us."
We aren't God, and we never will be. We're humans, and the times when we try to be God are the times we end up most like Satan, who tried to be equal with God, too.
We accept our humanity intellectually, but not emotionally. We give mental assent to the idea, but when faced with our own limitations, we react with irritation, anger, and resentment. We want to be taller (or shorter), smarter, stronger, more talented, beautiful, and wealthy.
We want to have it all and do it all, and become upset when it doesn't happen. Then, when we notice God gave others characteristics we don't have, we respond with envy, jealousy, and self-pity.
What it means to surrender
Surrendering to God is not passive resignation, fatalism, or an excuse for laziness. It is not accepting the status quo. It may mean the exact opposite: sacrificing your life in resistance to evil and injustice, or suffering in order to change what needs to be changed. God often calls surrendered people to do battle on his behalf. It not for cowards or doormats.
Surrendering is not putting your brain in neutral and giving up rational thinking. God would not waste the mind he gave you! God does not want robots to serve him. Surrendering is not repressing your personality. God wants to use your unique personality. Rather than being diminished, surrendering enhances your uniqueness.
C. S. Lewis observed, "The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become - because he made us. He invented all the different people that you and I were intended to be. It is when I turn to Christ, when I give up myself to His personality, that I first begin to have a real personality of my own."
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