Summaries:
God continues to give Moses laws, such as how to treat slaves, how to repay injuries (mostly eye-for-eye), how to treat burglars, how to handle loans, how to celebrate feasts, etc, and God promises to reward those who worship only Him (21-23). Moses, Aaron, and 70 elders are called up on the mountain, but only Moses is to be closest to God, where God will give him the tablets with the commandments (24). God instructs Moses to take collections from the people to make a sanctuary, and instructs him how to build an Ark for the tablets , a table, a lampstand, the Dwelling, the tent cloth, the wooden walls for the Dwelling, the veils, the altar of holocausts, the court for the Dwelling, and instructs about priestly vestments (25-28).
Reflections:
Sometimes I wish that God would speak to someone important in our modern times and just be very specific about what He wants. Although, after thinking this, I heard it said that what the instructions from God to Moses were for the Israelites, the letter to the Hebrews is for the Church. Interesting to think that just because God is no longer telling us specifics on how many dimensions his churches should be, he gives instructions as to how our Church is to be.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Day 18: Exodus 17-20
Summaries:
The Israelites complain (again) about not having water, and God provides water from a rock, and with God's help (only while Moses' staff is raised), the Israelites defeat Amalek in a little battle (17). Moses' father-in-law Jethro comes and is told of all that God has done, and he advises Moses to appoint judges to help people with questions of morality, so Moses does this (18). God tells Moses that if they follow Him, they will be a kingdom of priests, a holy nation, and the people obey. God also comes to Moses in a cloud on the mountain, and he is advised that no one else is to come up the mountain (19). God gives Moses hte commandments which the people are to follow (20).
Reflections:
I found it interesting that Moses was the principal means of judgment and morality prior to Jethro's advise. Without laws or established rules, the people would bring their disagreements to Moses, since God spoke through him so often, and he would be their means of knowing what is right. But as Jethro tells hi in 18:21, he must appoint good and holy men to act as officers over groups. Moses still settles large disputes, but the rest goes to these lower judges. It reminds me of two things: first, how we have Supreme Court judges, as well as everyday judges for smaller disputes. But also it reminds me of the way the Church has the Pope, who is the Bishop of Rome, as well as other Bishops, and priests, each doing their part in helping to guide the people of God. If the Pope was supposed to be in charge of everyone by himself, it would never work. But that is why we have these holy men who lead us, all as part of one universal Church.
Quotes:
Exodus 19:8 - "The people all answered together, 'Everything the Lord has said, we will do."
The Israelites complain (again) about not having water, and God provides water from a rock, and with God's help (only while Moses' staff is raised), the Israelites defeat Amalek in a little battle (17). Moses' father-in-law Jethro comes and is told of all that God has done, and he advises Moses to appoint judges to help people with questions of morality, so Moses does this (18). God tells Moses that if they follow Him, they will be a kingdom of priests, a holy nation, and the people obey. God also comes to Moses in a cloud on the mountain, and he is advised that no one else is to come up the mountain (19). God gives Moses hte commandments which the people are to follow (20).
Reflections:
I found it interesting that Moses was the principal means of judgment and morality prior to Jethro's advise. Without laws or established rules, the people would bring their disagreements to Moses, since God spoke through him so often, and he would be their means of knowing what is right. But as Jethro tells hi in 18:21, he must appoint good and holy men to act as officers over groups. Moses still settles large disputes, but the rest goes to these lower judges. It reminds me of two things: first, how we have Supreme Court judges, as well as everyday judges for smaller disputes. But also it reminds me of the way the Church has the Pope, who is the Bishop of Rome, as well as other Bishops, and priests, each doing their part in helping to guide the people of God. If the Pope was supposed to be in charge of everyone by himself, it would never work. But that is why we have these holy men who lead us, all as part of one universal Church.
Quotes:
Exodus 19:8 - "The people all answered together, 'Everything the Lord has said, we will do."
Calendar
I made a Google calendar to document my progress and hopes for now through February. I have an Excel sheet with the entire year, but I figured for now I'll just post through the rest of February, which is essentially the Pentateuch. After looking at some logistics, there will be some days with 5 chaps and some with 3, and later on it gets more interesting (I'm giving Psalm 119 it's own day).
But here's the calendar for now.
But here's the calendar for now.
Day 17: Exodus 13-16
Summaries:
The Israelites are told that they are to celebrate the Passover feast every year in that month, and all the first-borns are to be consecrated (13). They travel through the desert toward the Red Sea, and God open the sea for them to cross, but the Egyptians chasing after them get devoured by the sea and die (14). The Israelites sing a song of praise (15). The Israelites complained a lot as they traaveled, but God provided quial to eat and manna (bread from Heaven) which was to be collected every day except not on the sabbath. They ate the manna for 40 years (16).
Reflections:
Just reflecting on Pharaoh and how he continually agreed to let the Israelites go but then changed his mind, I was reminded of how many many people, in the sight of tragedy or loss, or great trails, find themselves turning to God for answers, but then once the trial is over or the grieving has passed, God is left out of their lives. They are never fully convinced of God's love, but are merely looking for comfort. While finding comfort in God during tough times is certainly good and can lead to great conversion, it too often never gets past comfort. There is a need for deep real conversion, such as how the Israelites beheld the great power of the Lord and fear him and believe in him.
I was also very interested in the language that God uses as he talks to Moses about what will happen to the Egyptians. Ex 14:18 says "The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I receive glory through Pharaoh and his chariots and charioteers." What does God mean by "receive glory"? They are killed by the crashing waves of the Red Sea. It makes me wonder, is this more about God's battle versus Satan and evil, and destroying those who are overtaken by evil? Is there an inner conversion at the moment before death in the Egyptians as they see the waves approaching and realize that the Lord is God and they have made a mistake? Do these waves cleanse them of their sins just before death so they can eventually be with God in Heaven? I don't know. I'll have to spend more time thinking about this one.
I have many thoughts on Manna, but I'll have to post them another time.
Quotes:
Exodus 15:13 - "In your mercy you led the people you redeemed; in your strength you guided them to your holy dwelling."
The Israelites are told that they are to celebrate the Passover feast every year in that month, and all the first-borns are to be consecrated (13). They travel through the desert toward the Red Sea, and God open the sea for them to cross, but the Egyptians chasing after them get devoured by the sea and die (14). The Israelites sing a song of praise (15). The Israelites complained a lot as they traaveled, but God provided quial to eat and manna (bread from Heaven) which was to be collected every day except not on the sabbath. They ate the manna for 40 years (16).
Reflections:
Just reflecting on Pharaoh and how he continually agreed to let the Israelites go but then changed his mind, I was reminded of how many many people, in the sight of tragedy or loss, or great trails, find themselves turning to God for answers, but then once the trial is over or the grieving has passed, God is left out of their lives. They are never fully convinced of God's love, but are merely looking for comfort. While finding comfort in God during tough times is certainly good and can lead to great conversion, it too often never gets past comfort. There is a need for deep real conversion, such as how the Israelites beheld the great power of the Lord and fear him and believe in him.
I was also very interested in the language that God uses as he talks to Moses about what will happen to the Egyptians. Ex 14:18 says "The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I receive glory through Pharaoh and his chariots and charioteers." What does God mean by "receive glory"? They are killed by the crashing waves of the Red Sea. It makes me wonder, is this more about God's battle versus Satan and evil, and destroying those who are overtaken by evil? Is there an inner conversion at the moment before death in the Egyptians as they see the waves approaching and realize that the Lord is God and they have made a mistake? Do these waves cleanse them of their sins just before death so they can eventually be with God in Heaven? I don't know. I'll have to spend more time thinking about this one.
I have many thoughts on Manna, but I'll have to post them another time.
Quotes:
Exodus 15:13 - "In your mercy you led the people you redeemed; in your strength you guided them to your holy dwelling."
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Day 16: Exodus 9-12
Summaries:
God continues to inflict signs, or plagues, upon the Egyptians through Moses, and Pharaoh remains obstinate. Pestilence, boils, hail (9), locusts, and darkness (10). All the while, the Israelites are spared. The final plague is described as the death of all the first-borns, but the Israelites will be spared, and Pharaoh refuses to listen (11). Then God explains how the Passover Ritual is to be performed. Essentially, it involves a lamb, unleavened bread, bitter and herbs, and God will kill the first-born in every house except those with the blood of the lamb on the doorposts. And every generation is to celebrate this memorial feast. The Israelites did as God (through Moses) commanded, and the first-born Egyptians died, and Pharaoh allows the Israelites to go to worship the Lord as they had requested. (for a fuller explanation of Passover rules/regulations, read ch 12)
Reflections:
I find the Passover ritual fascinating, especially in it's connection with the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, as well as with the Eucharist. I don't fully understand all the connections, but as the footnote in the bible mentions regarding the instruction not to break any of the lamb's bones, "the application of these words to our Lord on the cross shows that the Paschal lamb was a prophetic type of Christ, immolated to free men from the bondage of sin."
I also think it's harder to understand the ritual since the culture is so different. I'm curious to know how the Jews of today celebrate Passover, as well as what it was really like back then to celebrate this.
Ultimately, it's wonderful to see God's plan for man's salvation coming to fruition through leading his people out of slavery.
Quotes:
Exodus 12:26-27 - "When your children ask you, 'What does this rite of yours mean?' you shall reply, 'This is the Passover sacrifice of the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt; when he struck down the Egyptians, he spared our houses.' "
God continues to inflict signs, or plagues, upon the Egyptians through Moses, and Pharaoh remains obstinate. Pestilence, boils, hail (9), locusts, and darkness (10). All the while, the Israelites are spared. The final plague is described as the death of all the first-borns, but the Israelites will be spared, and Pharaoh refuses to listen (11). Then God explains how the Passover Ritual is to be performed. Essentially, it involves a lamb, unleavened bread, bitter and herbs, and God will kill the first-born in every house except those with the blood of the lamb on the doorposts. And every generation is to celebrate this memorial feast. The Israelites did as God (through Moses) commanded, and the first-born Egyptians died, and Pharaoh allows the Israelites to go to worship the Lord as they had requested. (for a fuller explanation of Passover rules/regulations, read ch 12)
Reflections:
I find the Passover ritual fascinating, especially in it's connection with the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, as well as with the Eucharist. I don't fully understand all the connections, but as the footnote in the bible mentions regarding the instruction not to break any of the lamb's bones, "the application of these words to our Lord on the cross shows that the Paschal lamb was a prophetic type of Christ, immolated to free men from the bondage of sin."
I also think it's harder to understand the ritual since the culture is so different. I'm curious to know how the Jews of today celebrate Passover, as well as what it was really like back then to celebrate this.
Ultimately, it's wonderful to see God's plan for man's salvation coming to fruition through leading his people out of slavery.
Quotes:
Exodus 12:26-27 - "When your children ask you, 'What does this rite of yours mean?' you shall reply, 'This is the Passover sacrifice of the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt; when he struck down the Egyptians, he spared our houses.' "
Monday, January 25, 2010
Day 15: Exodus 5-8
Summaries:
Upon Moses' request to let the Israelites go into the desert for 3 days to offer sacrifice to God, Pharaoh refused and demanded the Israelite slaves work even harder (5). Moses feels discouraged, and God tells him that he is the Lord who will free the Israelites, but the Israelites don't believe Moses (6). Moses and Aaron again go before Pharaoh, and their staff turns into a snake as a sign, but Pharaoh remains unimpressed. As the first plague against Pharaoh for refusing to listen, God (through Moses and Aaron) changes the sea into blood, but Pharaoh is obstinate (7). For the second, third, and fourth plagues, the city was swarmed with frogs, gnats, and flies (respectively), though not upon God's people, and though Pharaoh asked Moses to pray for the creatures' removal and even once promised to let them go into the desert to offer sacrifice, he wouldn't let them go (8).
Reflections:
There were a few things that came to my mind with these readings.
First, seeing how God says that despite his signs he will make Pharaoh obstinate, it makes me think about how God always has a plan. It is unfortunate that I just attended the March for Life upon the 37th anniversary of Roe v Wade (unfortunate because it's been 37 years), but maybe the time hasn't yet come. That doesn't mean we stop fighting, but we must press on and know that even if the ruling doesn't change today, it will, and it must. Continue in Faith, Hope, and Love.
Second, it seems that some people don't feel threatened by anything, even hell, and so they feel no reason to turn towards God and believe. Pharaoh was like "eh, the water turned to blood. oh well." But everyone has a breaking point, and eventually there is a way for God to break into someone's life.
Upon Moses' request to let the Israelites go into the desert for 3 days to offer sacrifice to God, Pharaoh refused and demanded the Israelite slaves work even harder (5). Moses feels discouraged, and God tells him that he is the Lord who will free the Israelites, but the Israelites don't believe Moses (6). Moses and Aaron again go before Pharaoh, and their staff turns into a snake as a sign, but Pharaoh remains unimpressed. As the first plague against Pharaoh for refusing to listen, God (through Moses and Aaron) changes the sea into blood, but Pharaoh is obstinate (7). For the second, third, and fourth plagues, the city was swarmed with frogs, gnats, and flies (respectively), though not upon God's people, and though Pharaoh asked Moses to pray for the creatures' removal and even once promised to let them go into the desert to offer sacrifice, he wouldn't let them go (8).
Reflections:
There were a few things that came to my mind with these readings.
First, seeing how God says that despite his signs he will make Pharaoh obstinate, it makes me think about how God always has a plan. It is unfortunate that I just attended the March for Life upon the 37th anniversary of Roe v Wade (unfortunate because it's been 37 years), but maybe the time hasn't yet come. That doesn't mean we stop fighting, but we must press on and know that even if the ruling doesn't change today, it will, and it must. Continue in Faith, Hope, and Love.
Second, it seems that some people don't feel threatened by anything, even hell, and so they feel no reason to turn towards God and believe. Pharaoh was like "eh, the water turned to blood. oh well." But everyone has a breaking point, and eventually there is a way for God to break into someone's life.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Day 14: Exodus 1-4
Summaries:
After Joseph is gone, a new Pharaoh feels threatened by the growing Israelite population and forgets about all that Joseph did for the Egyptian people, so he decides to rise up and enslave the Jews, and orders that Hebrew baby boys be thrown into the river (1). A Levite placed her child in a basket in the river, and Pharaoh's daughter finds him and asks a Hebrew woman (the boy's real mother) to nurse the child (Moses) (2). The Lord appears to Moses in the Burning Bush and calls him to lead the Israelites out of slavery. Moses asks for God's name, to which God replies "I AM who am" (3). Moses is given signs that God will perform to show his validity, and Aaron is chosen as Moses' assistant (4).
Reflections:
Well, this is the beginning of the next book. It's great to see God's constant reminder of the covenant he made with his people, regenerated from generation to generation, and re-actualized in the calling of Moses. Moses is humble in saying to God "Who am I?", a thought that many of us tend to have when we think God might be calling us to do great things, but who are we but God's people, the Body of Christ, the Church, and as such we are all called to do God's work on earth for the salvation of all his people.
After Joseph is gone, a new Pharaoh feels threatened by the growing Israelite population and forgets about all that Joseph did for the Egyptian people, so he decides to rise up and enslave the Jews, and orders that Hebrew baby boys be thrown into the river (1). A Levite placed her child in a basket in the river, and Pharaoh's daughter finds him and asks a Hebrew woman (the boy's real mother) to nurse the child (Moses) (2). The Lord appears to Moses in the Burning Bush and calls him to lead the Israelites out of slavery. Moses asks for God's name, to which God replies "I AM who am" (3). Moses is given signs that God will perform to show his validity, and Aaron is chosen as Moses' assistant (4).
Reflections:
Well, this is the beginning of the next book. It's great to see God's constant reminder of the covenant he made with his people, regenerated from generation to generation, and re-actualized in the calling of Moses. Moses is humble in saying to God "Who am I?", a thought that many of us tend to have when we think God might be calling us to do great things, but who are we but God's people, the Body of Christ, the Church, and as such we are all called to do God's work on earth for the salvation of all his people.
Reflection: Genesis
I'd like to just reflect on Genesis for a moment, and maybe do this after each completed book.
First of all, it feels good to feel like I've accomplished/completed something. Sure, Revelation 22 is a long way away, but to finish the first book of the Bible feels very rewarding. 50 Chapters down, 1300-ish to go. It hasn't always been easy, and I've certainly fallen behind on a few occasions, but I can do this, with God's help, of course.
Now onto Genesis. From the creation of man to the death of Joseph. 50 chapters of goodness. I felt pretty familiar with this book up until Abraham. There are a lot of stories about key people that I had little to no recollection of. So I found it very helpful to re-read this book and blog about it.
I didn't necessarily find the time to do too much reflecting, but for this book, I feel that it is good that I'm becoming more familiar with what happened. Getting to know the content. I feel like I gained a better understanding of how God and man related with each other early on, and how they were united through covenantal relationships.
I would certainly recommend to anyone who hasn't read Genesis to go ahead and read it. I mean after all, you've gotta know how it all started.
First of all, it feels good to feel like I've accomplished/completed something. Sure, Revelation 22 is a long way away, but to finish the first book of the Bible feels very rewarding. 50 Chapters down, 1300-ish to go. It hasn't always been easy, and I've certainly fallen behind on a few occasions, but I can do this, with God's help, of course.
Now onto Genesis. From the creation of man to the death of Joseph. 50 chapters of goodness. I felt pretty familiar with this book up until Abraham. There are a lot of stories about key people that I had little to no recollection of. So I found it very helpful to re-read this book and blog about it.
I didn't necessarily find the time to do too much reflecting, but for this book, I feel that it is good that I'm becoming more familiar with what happened. Getting to know the content. I feel like I gained a better understanding of how God and man related with each other early on, and how they were united through covenantal relationships.
I would certainly recommend to anyone who hasn't read Genesis to go ahead and read it. I mean after all, you've gotta know how it all started.
Days 12-13: Genesis 45-50
Summaries:
Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers and sends them home to bring the whole family to Egypt, and Jacob is thrilled at the news (45). On the road to Egypt, God assures Jacob not to be afraid. Jacob and his descendants are listed, and then Joseph greets his father and brothers (46). Pharaoh allows Joseph's family to settle in the land, and Joseph continues to deal with the famine over the people (47). Jacob blesses Joseph's sons as his own (Ephraim and Manasseh), assuring them that God will bless them too (48). Jacob speaks of each of his sons, and then dies (49). As was promised, his sons bury him with Abraham and Isaac. Joseph's brothers make sure that Joseph has forgiven them, and Joseph assured them that all is forgiven and they will be provided for. Before his death, Joseph assures his brothers that God will be with them (50).
Reflections:
There is so much good in Joseph's story. The forgiveness of his brothers, the reuniting of Jacob with his son, the continuation of God's covenant from Jacob to Joseph and then the hopes of future generations. It is great to see how God blessed his people and made them his own. And I love how God took something horrible such as Joseph's brothers' attempt to kill him and turned it into a means to provide for the people, and even for those bothers, and Joseph recognizes this. It makes me think about the two years of my life after graduating from college, searching for a job with my degree, I would get frustrated with not getting hired here or there, but I tried to think that God had somebody else for each position, and God had something different/better for me. It wasn't easy, but now that I've found a job, I can look back on the past two years and see how God was preparng me for this, and that there was a lot of good in those two years.
Quotes:
Gen. 50:19-21 "Have no fear. Can I take the place of God? Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good, to achieve his present end, the survival of many people. Therefore have no fear." (Joseph, to his brothers who begged for forgiveness and asked to be his slaves).
Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers and sends them home to bring the whole family to Egypt, and Jacob is thrilled at the news (45). On the road to Egypt, God assures Jacob not to be afraid. Jacob and his descendants are listed, and then Joseph greets his father and brothers (46). Pharaoh allows Joseph's family to settle in the land, and Joseph continues to deal with the famine over the people (47). Jacob blesses Joseph's sons as his own (Ephraim and Manasseh), assuring them that God will bless them too (48). Jacob speaks of each of his sons, and then dies (49). As was promised, his sons bury him with Abraham and Isaac. Joseph's brothers make sure that Joseph has forgiven them, and Joseph assured them that all is forgiven and they will be provided for. Before his death, Joseph assures his brothers that God will be with them (50).
Reflections:
There is so much good in Joseph's story. The forgiveness of his brothers, the reuniting of Jacob with his son, the continuation of God's covenant from Jacob to Joseph and then the hopes of future generations. It is great to see how God blessed his people and made them his own. And I love how God took something horrible such as Joseph's brothers' attempt to kill him and turned it into a means to provide for the people, and even for those bothers, and Joseph recognizes this. It makes me think about the two years of my life after graduating from college, searching for a job with my degree, I would get frustrated with not getting hired here or there, but I tried to think that God had somebody else for each position, and God had something different/better for me. It wasn't easy, but now that I've found a job, I can look back on the past two years and see how God was preparng me for this, and that there was a lot of good in those two years.
Quotes:
Gen. 50:19-21 "Have no fear. Can I take the place of God? Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good, to achieve his present end, the survival of many people. Therefore have no fear." (Joseph, to his brothers who begged for forgiveness and asked to be his slaves).
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Day 11: Genesis 41-44
Summaries:
Pharaoh has troubling dreams, and frees Joseph from jail to interpret them, and Joseph interprets them to mean that there will be 7 years of abundance, followed by 7 years of severe famine. Pharaoh appoints Joseph a high position and sets him in charge of saving up for the famine (41). When Joseph's brothers and father are suffering from the famine, the brothers come to Egypt to buy food, they do not recognize Joseph, so he messes with them a bit, and then sends them back with much food and with money (42). Eventually the brothers need to return for more food, but they were told not to return without their other brother Benjamin, so they bring him, and Joseph has a great feast for them (43). Joseph sends them off but has them captured and brought back, and Judah begs for mercy and explains that they must return Benjamin to their father (44).
Reflections:
It's interesting to see Joseph mess around with his brothers who treated him so badly. Since they don't realize that it is their brother, he is able to get a lot out of them, but it's good to see that he doesn't abuse his power and be cruel to them. He is very honorable and noble.
Pharaoh has troubling dreams, and frees Joseph from jail to interpret them, and Joseph interprets them to mean that there will be 7 years of abundance, followed by 7 years of severe famine. Pharaoh appoints Joseph a high position and sets him in charge of saving up for the famine (41). When Joseph's brothers and father are suffering from the famine, the brothers come to Egypt to buy food, they do not recognize Joseph, so he messes with them a bit, and then sends them back with much food and with money (42). Eventually the brothers need to return for more food, but they were told not to return without their other brother Benjamin, so they bring him, and Joseph has a great feast for them (43). Joseph sends them off but has them captured and brought back, and Judah begs for mercy and explains that they must return Benjamin to their father (44).
Reflections:
It's interesting to see Joseph mess around with his brothers who treated him so badly. Since they don't realize that it is their brother, he is able to get a lot out of them, but it's good to see that he doesn't abuse his power and be cruel to them. He is very honorable and noble.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Day 10: Genesis 37-40
Summaries:
Joseph has dreams about being a king, and his jealous brothers capture him and plot to kill or sell him, but he is taken to Egypt, and Joseph's brothers tell their father that he was killed by a beast (37). Judah has kids who are bad and they die, and his wife dies, so he goes to find a new one, and sleeps with a town harlot who is really his daughter-in-law Tamar in disguise, and she gets pregnant and gives birth to twins (38). Joseph was blessed by God and became Pharaoh's assistant, and Pharaoh's wife tries to get Joseph to sleep with her, but he refuses, so she tells Pharaoh that he advanced on her, and Joseph gets thrown in the jail, but God remains with him (39). Joseph correctly interprets the dreams of two others in jail (40).
Reflections:
It's reassuring to read that despite the times when Joseph is being tempted or in jail, the Scriptures keep saying that God remains with him. It helps me see that sometimes we face temptations, and it doesn't mean that God isn't present, but that God is calling us to remain with Him, and He is with us. And even if we do fall, or if we are in times that don't seem too great, God remains with us. We just need to remember to remain with God.
Joseph has dreams about being a king, and his jealous brothers capture him and plot to kill or sell him, but he is taken to Egypt, and Joseph's brothers tell their father that he was killed by a beast (37). Judah has kids who are bad and they die, and his wife dies, so he goes to find a new one, and sleeps with a town harlot who is really his daughter-in-law Tamar in disguise, and she gets pregnant and gives birth to twins (38). Joseph was blessed by God and became Pharaoh's assistant, and Pharaoh's wife tries to get Joseph to sleep with her, but he refuses, so she tells Pharaoh that he advanced on her, and Joseph gets thrown in the jail, but God remains with him (39). Joseph correctly interprets the dreams of two others in jail (40).
Reflections:
It's reassuring to read that despite the times when Joseph is being tempted or in jail, the Scriptures keep saying that God remains with him. It helps me see that sometimes we face temptations, and it doesn't mean that God isn't present, but that God is calling us to remain with Him, and He is with us. And even if we do fall, or if we are in times that don't seem too great, God remains with us. We just need to remember to remain with God.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Day 9: Genesis 33-36
Summaries:
Jacob and Esau meet, and Jacob asks for forgiveness, and Esau graciously forgives him and welcomes him and his family (33). Jacob's daughter Dinah is raped by Schechem, who "loves" her and begs his father Hamor to get Dinah to marry her, so Hamor talks to Jacob and asks that their peoples be allowed to inter-marry and share the land, to which Jacob agrees, so long as all the males become circumcised, so they agree and become circumcised. Then Jacob's sons kill the males and capture the wealth and women out of revenge for their sister, but bringing Jacob great trouble (34). Jacob and his family rid themselves of other gods and go to Bethel, where God tells Jacob that he will bless his descendants and make an assembly of nations stem from him, and that he shall be called Israel (35). Then the descendants of Esau (36).
Reflections:
I found the whole thing with Jacob and Esau to be a very good read. Seeing Esau so willingly forgive his brother Jacob, who returns so afraid that his brother will not forgive him, and so ready to offer him anything for his forgiveness, was quite moving.
Then the whole encounter with the rape and then the agreements, the circumcisions, and then the revenge. Wow. I didn't see that coming. I was starting to think that God had made something good out of a bad situation by using the horrible circumstance of Dinah's into a chance to make these people into God's people, but after the circumcision, Dinah's brothers took matters into their own hands.
I really like Jacob, and he's a character that I did not know much about before re-reading this. I'm feeling like I'm starting to understand the main lineage too, such as Abraham -> Isaac -> Jacob -> Joseph, and who they are and what they did. It's very cool to see this all unfold.
Quotes:
Gen. 33:4 - "Esau ran to meet (Jacob), embraced him, and flinging himself on his neck, kissed him as he wept."
Gen. 35:19 - "Thus Rachel died; and she was buried on the road to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)." I found it interesting to see that Jacob's wife Rachel, whose later descendant is Jesus, was buried in the place that Jesus was born.
Jacob and Esau meet, and Jacob asks for forgiveness, and Esau graciously forgives him and welcomes him and his family (33). Jacob's daughter Dinah is raped by Schechem, who "loves" her and begs his father Hamor to get Dinah to marry her, so Hamor talks to Jacob and asks that their peoples be allowed to inter-marry and share the land, to which Jacob agrees, so long as all the males become circumcised, so they agree and become circumcised. Then Jacob's sons kill the males and capture the wealth and women out of revenge for their sister, but bringing Jacob great trouble (34). Jacob and his family rid themselves of other gods and go to Bethel, where God tells Jacob that he will bless his descendants and make an assembly of nations stem from him, and that he shall be called Israel (35). Then the descendants of Esau (36).
Reflections:
I found the whole thing with Jacob and Esau to be a very good read. Seeing Esau so willingly forgive his brother Jacob, who returns so afraid that his brother will not forgive him, and so ready to offer him anything for his forgiveness, was quite moving.
Then the whole encounter with the rape and then the agreements, the circumcisions, and then the revenge. Wow. I didn't see that coming. I was starting to think that God had made something good out of a bad situation by using the horrible circumstance of Dinah's into a chance to make these people into God's people, but after the circumcision, Dinah's brothers took matters into their own hands.
I really like Jacob, and he's a character that I did not know much about before re-reading this. I'm feeling like I'm starting to understand the main lineage too, such as Abraham -> Isaac -> Jacob -> Joseph, and who they are and what they did. It's very cool to see this all unfold.
Quotes:
Gen. 33:4 - "Esau ran to meet (Jacob), embraced him, and flinging himself on his neck, kissed him as he wept."
Gen. 35:19 - "Thus Rachel died; and she was buried on the road to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)." I found it interesting to see that Jacob's wife Rachel, whose later descendant is Jesus, was buried in the place that Jesus was born.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Day 8: Genesis 29-32
Summaries:
Jacob falls in love with Rachel, but accidentally marries her sister Leah first, but then works towards marrying Rachel, too. Because Leah was not loved, she bore children (Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah), but Rachel did not (29). Since the women are now barren, Jacob has two children with Rachel's maidservant, and then two with Leah's maidservant. Then Leah had three more children, and then Rachel bore a son named Joseph. Jacob outwits (uncle) Laban into giving him the stronger animals (30). Jacob flees, and Laban catches up, but God told Laban not to harm Jacob, so they make a pact not to harm each other (31). Jacob is returning to his homeland, so he hopes to make peace with Esau. Jacob wrestles with an angel all night, and is told he shall be called Israel "because you have contended with divine and human beings and have prevailed" (32:29).
Reflections:
This feels like a soap opera. Or Melrose Place. But no, this is the Word of God. This is God's plan of salvation. It makes me think that, while the specific actions may not have been what God would have wanted for his people, I guess he uses the free actions of man and blesses his people anyway. For though one generation might be bad, it seemed like from every 7-14 generations came someone else who brought the people back to God. Now, where's Moses and the Law when you need him?
Quotes:
Genesis 32:11 - "I am unworthy of all the acts of kindness that you have loyally performed for your servant." (Jacob, to God)
Jacob falls in love with Rachel, but accidentally marries her sister Leah first, but then works towards marrying Rachel, too. Because Leah was not loved, she bore children (Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah), but Rachel did not (29). Since the women are now barren, Jacob has two children with Rachel's maidservant, and then two with Leah's maidservant. Then Leah had three more children, and then Rachel bore a son named Joseph. Jacob outwits (uncle) Laban into giving him the stronger animals (30). Jacob flees, and Laban catches up, but God told Laban not to harm Jacob, so they make a pact not to harm each other (31). Jacob is returning to his homeland, so he hopes to make peace with Esau. Jacob wrestles with an angel all night, and is told he shall be called Israel "because you have contended with divine and human beings and have prevailed" (32:29).
Reflections:
This feels like a soap opera. Or Melrose Place. But no, this is the Word of God. This is God's plan of salvation. It makes me think that, while the specific actions may not have been what God would have wanted for his people, I guess he uses the free actions of man and blesses his people anyway. For though one generation might be bad, it seemed like from every 7-14 generations came someone else who brought the people back to God. Now, where's Moses and the Law when you need him?
Quotes:
Genesis 32:11 - "I am unworthy of all the acts of kindness that you have loyally performed for your servant." (Jacob, to God)
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Days 6-7: Genesis 21-28
Summaries:
Sarah gives birth to Isaac, and God promises to still bless Ishmael (21). God tests Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac, but God stops him at the sight of his great faith, with Isaac unharmed, and God promises to bless him and his descendants, making him the father of a great nation (22). In ch 23, Sarah dies, and Abraham purchases a worthy burial place. In order for Isaac to marry a worthy wife, Abraham sends his servant to find someone, and God hears his prayer and finds for him Rebekah, who is allowed to go with the servant to be with Isaac, and they marry (24). Isaac and Rebekah give birth to twins, Esau and Jacob, who quarreled even in the womb, and Jacob tricks Esau out of is birthright (25). God appeared to Isaac, so he builds an altar for the Lord, and Abimelech asks for Isaac's and the Lord's blessing (26). Jacob pretends to be Esau and tricks Isaac into receiving a special blessing that was meant for Esau (27). Jacob dreams of stairs that lead to heaven, and vows that the Lord will be his God (28)
Reflections:
These are some very interesting stories about Abraham and his descendants. It's interesting when you read the Bible and not everyone does what is right at all times, but there are great lessons to be learned from them.
We can especially learn from Abraham and his great faith. After so long without a child, he is blessed with his son Isaac, but then asked to sacrifice him. Out of faith in the God that blessed him with this child, he agrees, and is rewarded for this faith. (Of course, God didn't want him to kill his son, but to see this faith)
Sarah gives birth to Isaac, and God promises to still bless Ishmael (21). God tests Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac, but God stops him at the sight of his great faith, with Isaac unharmed, and God promises to bless him and his descendants, making him the father of a great nation (22). In ch 23, Sarah dies, and Abraham purchases a worthy burial place. In order for Isaac to marry a worthy wife, Abraham sends his servant to find someone, and God hears his prayer and finds for him Rebekah, who is allowed to go with the servant to be with Isaac, and they marry (24). Isaac and Rebekah give birth to twins, Esau and Jacob, who quarreled even in the womb, and Jacob tricks Esau out of is birthright (25). God appeared to Isaac, so he builds an altar for the Lord, and Abimelech asks for Isaac's and the Lord's blessing (26). Jacob pretends to be Esau and tricks Isaac into receiving a special blessing that was meant for Esau (27). Jacob dreams of stairs that lead to heaven, and vows that the Lord will be his God (28)
Reflections:
These are some very interesting stories about Abraham and his descendants. It's interesting when you read the Bible and not everyone does what is right at all times, but there are great lessons to be learned from them.
We can especially learn from Abraham and his great faith. After so long without a child, he is blessed with his son Isaac, but then asked to sacrifice him. Out of faith in the God that blessed him with this child, he agrees, and is rewarded for this faith. (Of course, God didn't want him to kill his son, but to see this faith)
Friday, January 15, 2010
Day 5: Genesis 17-20
Summaries:
God made a covenant with Abram, making him the "father of a host of nations." To keep the covenant, all males must be circumcised. God also changes Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah, and promises that Sarah will give birth to a son, despite her age and being barren, and the son will be named Isaac, and he will be a great ruler. Ishmael too will be blessed (ch 17). The Lord appeared to Abraham and Sarah and said they will have a son at this time next year, and Sarah laughs. The Lord then heads to Sodom to see whether to destroy it or not, for the people are wicked, and Abraham intercedes, saying please do not destroy it if the Lord can find even 10 innocent people (18). The angels are welcomed by Lot, and he and his family are told to leave while Sodom and Gomorrah and the Plain are destroyed, and Lot's wife becomes salt for looking back on the city while fleeing. Lot's daughters get him drunk and sleep with him to bear sons, Moab (hence Moabites) and Ammon (Ammonites) (19). God has mercy on Abimelech who unkowingly sins and takes Abraham's wife. When the wrong is made right, Abraham intercedes for Abimelech, and the Lord blesses him and his people (20).
Reflections:
The quote below from Gen 18:14 is one that has become cliche today, but is very important to remember. We shouldn't laugh upon the thought that God can do something great and extraordinary. Yes, Sarah was old, but God was able to make her able to bear a son.
Also, I thought it was interesting in ch 20 seeing the king of Gerar sin out of ignorance, and be forgiven for it. But then, when his eyes are open and he has no excuse for sinning, God says "If you do not return (Sarah), you can be sure that you and all who are yours will certainly die" (20:7). That's the tricky thing about telling people about God: some people would rather continue denying God's existence so that they can keep sinning out of "ignorance," but once their eyes are opened and they know the truth, they have no excuse for sinning, and they become guilty.
Quotes:
Gen. 18:14 - "Is anything too marvelous for the Lord to do?"
God made a covenant with Abram, making him the "father of a host of nations." To keep the covenant, all males must be circumcised. God also changes Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah, and promises that Sarah will give birth to a son, despite her age and being barren, and the son will be named Isaac, and he will be a great ruler. Ishmael too will be blessed (ch 17). The Lord appeared to Abraham and Sarah and said they will have a son at this time next year, and Sarah laughs. The Lord then heads to Sodom to see whether to destroy it or not, for the people are wicked, and Abraham intercedes, saying please do not destroy it if the Lord can find even 10 innocent people (18). The angels are welcomed by Lot, and he and his family are told to leave while Sodom and Gomorrah and the Plain are destroyed, and Lot's wife becomes salt for looking back on the city while fleeing. Lot's daughters get him drunk and sleep with him to bear sons, Moab (hence Moabites) and Ammon (Ammonites) (19). God has mercy on Abimelech who unkowingly sins and takes Abraham's wife. When the wrong is made right, Abraham intercedes for Abimelech, and the Lord blesses him and his people (20).
Reflections:
The quote below from Gen 18:14 is one that has become cliche today, but is very important to remember. We shouldn't laugh upon the thought that God can do something great and extraordinary. Yes, Sarah was old, but God was able to make her able to bear a son.
Also, I thought it was interesting in ch 20 seeing the king of Gerar sin out of ignorance, and be forgiven for it. But then, when his eyes are open and he has no excuse for sinning, God says "If you do not return (Sarah), you can be sure that you and all who are yours will certainly die" (20:7). That's the tricky thing about telling people about God: some people would rather continue denying God's existence so that they can keep sinning out of "ignorance," but once their eyes are opened and they know the truth, they have no excuse for sinning, and they become guilty.
Quotes:
Gen. 18:14 - "Is anything too marvelous for the Lord to do?"
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Day 4: Genesis 13-16
Summaries:
(lengthy, but I found it interesting) Abram and Lot had too much among them to stay together, so they decide to split up. Lot goes to the Plain and settles near Sodom, while Abram is in Canaan, and the Lord tells Abram that he gives this land to him and his descendants, and his descendants will be countless like the dust (ch 13). After many kings battle, Sodom is captured, including Lot, and when Abram hears, he sends his people to fight back, and they are victorious. Lot is returned, and Melchizedek, king of Salem, blesses Abram, and offers him all the possessions, but Abram asks just for what is left-over (14). The Lord then tells Abram that, though he is currently childless, God is his shield, and will make his descendants as many as all the stars. Abram offers a sacrifice to the Lord, and a covenant is made (15). Sarai told her husband Abram to sleep with her maid Hagar to hopefully bear a son, but when Hagar became pregnant, Sarai abused her to the point of running away. The Lord's messenger told Hagar to return, submit to the abuse, for her son would be named Ishmael, and his descendants would be numerous, so she returned and gave birth to Ishmael. (16)
Reflections:
God had a plan, and I am watching it unfold. Pretty awesome.
Quotes:
Gen 15:1 - "Fear not, Abram! I am your shield; I will make your reward very great."
(lengthy, but I found it interesting) Abram and Lot had too much among them to stay together, so they decide to split up. Lot goes to the Plain and settles near Sodom, while Abram is in Canaan, and the Lord tells Abram that he gives this land to him and his descendants, and his descendants will be countless like the dust (ch 13). After many kings battle, Sodom is captured, including Lot, and when Abram hears, he sends his people to fight back, and they are victorious. Lot is returned, and Melchizedek, king of Salem, blesses Abram, and offers him all the possessions, but Abram asks just for what is left-over (14). The Lord then tells Abram that, though he is currently childless, God is his shield, and will make his descendants as many as all the stars. Abram offers a sacrifice to the Lord, and a covenant is made (15). Sarai told her husband Abram to sleep with her maid Hagar to hopefully bear a son, but when Hagar became pregnant, Sarai abused her to the point of running away. The Lord's messenger told Hagar to return, submit to the abuse, for her son would be named Ishmael, and his descendants would be numerous, so she returned and gave birth to Ishmael. (16)
Reflections:
God had a plan, and I am watching it unfold. Pretty awesome.
Quotes:
Gen 15:1 - "Fear not, Abram! I am your shield; I will make your reward very great."
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Day 3: Genesis 9-12
Summaries:
God's covenant with Noah/mankind, and Noah's son's sin in ch 9. The descendants of each of Noah's sons and their regions is listed in ch 10. Ch 11 is about the Tower of Babel and God scattering the people and confusing their language, followed by lineage from Shem to Abraham. In ch 12, the Lord calls Abram to go to a distant land, so he and his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot travel to Egypt.
Reflections:
In ch 9 v 20-21, Noah plants a vineyard and drinks the wine. I find it amazing that wine is something that man has been capable of creating for so long. Wine does not jsut happen, it is not just found, but it is made by the work of human hands, just like bread. It has always fascinated me that God then would choose bread and wine to become his body and blood, two things that cannot be found unless they are created by man.
It was interesting to see in ch 11 how in the midst of all this lineage, it is Abram's wife Sarai that it says is barren. Surrounded by so many other family members and their large families, you have Abram and Sarai, who is barren. God seems to choose the unlikely to do great things.
Quotes:
Gen 12:11-12 - "(Abram) said to his wife Sarai: 'I know well how beautiful a woman you are. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'She is his wife'; then they will kill me, but let you live.' " (I know it's completely out of context, but there was something romantic about this.)
God's covenant with Noah/mankind, and Noah's son's sin in ch 9. The descendants of each of Noah's sons and their regions is listed in ch 10. Ch 11 is about the Tower of Babel and God scattering the people and confusing their language, followed by lineage from Shem to Abraham. In ch 12, the Lord calls Abram to go to a distant land, so he and his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot travel to Egypt.
Reflections:
In ch 9 v 20-21, Noah plants a vineyard and drinks the wine. I find it amazing that wine is something that man has been capable of creating for so long. Wine does not jsut happen, it is not just found, but it is made by the work of human hands, just like bread. It has always fascinated me that God then would choose bread and wine to become his body and blood, two things that cannot be found unless they are created by man.
It was interesting to see in ch 11 how in the midst of all this lineage, it is Abram's wife Sarai that it says is barren. Surrounded by so many other family members and their large families, you have Abram and Sarai, who is barren. God seems to choose the unlikely to do great things.
Quotes:
Gen 12:11-12 - "(Abram) said to his wife Sarai: 'I know well how beautiful a woman you are. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'She is his wife'; then they will kill me, but let you live.' " (I know it's completely out of context, but there was something romantic about this.)
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
St. Jerome, Pray for Us!
Just as a brief side-note, I wanted to say something about one of my main inspirations for this year-long Bible-reading journey.
Taken from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 133:
The Church "forcefully and specifically exhorts all the Christian faithful. . . to learn 'the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ,' by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures. 'Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.' "
I love this, especially the last part of the quote, which is from St. Jerome. "Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ." I feel that right now, the way God is calling me into a deeper relationship with Him is through the Scriptures.
And so, I'm calling on St. Jerome to pray for me and my fellow readers as we journey towards a deeper relationship with God through his Word.
St. Jerome, Pray for Us!
Taken from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 133:
The Church "forcefully and specifically exhorts all the Christian faithful. . . to learn 'the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ,' by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures. 'Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.' "
I love this, especially the last part of the quote, which is from St. Jerome. "Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ." I feel that right now, the way God is calling me into a deeper relationship with Him is through the Scriptures.
And so, I'm calling on St. Jerome to pray for me and my fellow readers as we journey towards a deeper relationship with God through his Word.
St. Jerome, Pray for Us!
Day 2: Genesis 5-8
Summaries:
Ch 5 is the lineage from Adam to Noah, with ch 6-8 being the story of Noah's ark through when Noah gets off the ark and offers holocausts to God.
Reflections:
I saw a connection between two separate verses, which together ultimately say: Noah, a good man, walked with God, (6:9-10), and did just as the Lord had commanded him (7:5). Noah is a great example. He makes me want to be a good man who walks with God, and it helps me to know how to get there. It's the same message that Mary tells the people at the wedding at Cana regarding her son, "Do whatever He tells you." Simple, right?
Ch 5 is the lineage from Adam to Noah, with ch 6-8 being the story of Noah's ark through when Noah gets off the ark and offers holocausts to God.
Reflections:
I saw a connection between two separate verses, which together ultimately say: Noah, a good man, walked with God, (6:9-10), and did just as the Lord had commanded him (7:5). Noah is a great example. He makes me want to be a good man who walks with God, and it helps me to know how to get there. It's the same message that Mary tells the people at the wedding at Cana regarding her son, "Do whatever He tells you." Simple, right?
Monday, January 11, 2010
Day 1: Genesis 1-4
(Wow, there's a lot that can be said, but I must be brief)
Summaries:
The first story of creation (the seven days) in ch 1, the second story of creation (formation of man and woman) in ch 2. The fall of man in ch 3, followed by Cain, Abel, and Seth in ch 4.
Reflections:
"In the beginning, when God created..." Of these very first six words of Genesis, it's amazing how much I was struck by the word "when." It's as if this implies that it's not even a question that God created everything, but that the story must be told about this creation. Instead of simply saying "In the beginning, God created..." as it is commonly translated, it says "when God created..." and then goes on to tell about it. Not enough people can speak with such confidence in God's creation.
Chapter 2 shows the complementarity of man and woman from their creation. One was made from the other, for each other. And no other companion will do the same.
I also thought it was interesting how in chapter 3, upon looking at the forbidden tree, Eve saw that it was "good for food, pleasing to the eyes, and desirable for gaining wisdom." Isn't it amazing how many things are so similar and yet lead us to sin? The tree itself was not evil, but to disobey God was the great sin.
Lastly, I liked seeing in the beginning of chapter 4 that Adam and Eve recognize that they were able to conceive a son "with the help of the lord." Oh, that we all would see it like this, and not give the glory to ourselves...
Quotes:
Gen 1:27 - "God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them."
Gen 2:23 - "(speaking about the woman) the man said: 'This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; This one shall be called 'woman,' for out of 'her man' this one has been taken.'"
Gen 3:15 - "I will put enmity between you (the serpent) and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head, while you strike at the heel."
Summaries:
The first story of creation (the seven days) in ch 1, the second story of creation (formation of man and woman) in ch 2. The fall of man in ch 3, followed by Cain, Abel, and Seth in ch 4.
Reflections:
"In the beginning, when God created..." Of these very first six words of Genesis, it's amazing how much I was struck by the word "when." It's as if this implies that it's not even a question that God created everything, but that the story must be told about this creation. Instead of simply saying "In the beginning, God created..." as it is commonly translated, it says "when God created..." and then goes on to tell about it. Not enough people can speak with such confidence in God's creation.
Chapter 2 shows the complementarity of man and woman from their creation. One was made from the other, for each other. And no other companion will do the same.
I also thought it was interesting how in chapter 3, upon looking at the forbidden tree, Eve saw that it was "good for food, pleasing to the eyes, and desirable for gaining wisdom." Isn't it amazing how many things are so similar and yet lead us to sin? The tree itself was not evil, but to disobey God was the great sin.
Lastly, I liked seeing in the beginning of chapter 4 that Adam and Eve recognize that they were able to conceive a son "with the help of the lord." Oh, that we all would see it like this, and not give the glory to ourselves...
Quotes:
Gen 1:27 - "God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them."
Gen 2:23 - "(speaking about the woman) the man said: 'This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; This one shall be called 'woman,' for out of 'her man' this one has been taken.'"
Gen 3:15 - "I will put enmity between you (the serpent) and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head, while you strike at the heel."
Sunday, January 10, 2010
How It's Going to Work:
Alright, tomorrow will start my bible-blogging journey. But in case you're wondering how this will work, here's my plan:
I added up the total number of chapters in the Bible. After doing some math, I cam up with a way to read the whole thing in a year that doesn't seem too complicated. Every day, I will read 4 chapters in the Bible. That's it. Four chapters a day, and in just under a year, I will have read the whole thing.
My goal then is to blog about it each day (not committing to blogging on weekends though) where I would say what I read and then either put a few quotes that stood up to me, a reflection, or a summary.
I greatly fear falling behind and then feeling like I have to catch up a lot, but I think with enough commitment, I can do this. Plus, I'll need some prayers, so if anyone is following this, please pray for me.
And hey, why not join along? I'd love to have some company. Let me know if you wanna join me in my Bible reading journey.
All this will start tomorrow as I read Genesis 1-4. I'm very excited, and I can't wait to grow closer to Christ through the Scriptures.
I added up the total number of chapters in the Bible. After doing some math, I cam up with a way to read the whole thing in a year that doesn't seem too complicated. Every day, I will read 4 chapters in the Bible. That's it. Four chapters a day, and in just under a year, I will have read the whole thing.
My goal then is to blog about it each day (not committing to blogging on weekends though) where I would say what I read and then either put a few quotes that stood up to me, a reflection, or a summary.
I greatly fear falling behind and then feeling like I have to catch up a lot, but I think with enough commitment, I can do this. Plus, I'll need some prayers, so if anyone is following this, please pray for me.
And hey, why not join along? I'd love to have some company. Let me know if you wanna join me in my Bible reading journey.
All this will start tomorrow as I read Genesis 1-4. I'm very excited, and I can't wait to grow closer to Christ through the Scriptures.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
A long time ago...
...I tried to read the whole Bible. I knew it was something I needed to do.
But alas, I didn't make it.
However, that was then. I learned a lot from the progress I did make, but I knew that I felt dissatisfied with not finishing.
This is my time. It's 2010, a new year, a new decade, and I'm ready for a challenge.
Half of the challenge will be to read the bible before the end of 2010.
The other half will be blogging about it. (I'm horrible about keeping up with a blog.
If you're interested in following my journey, then follow me and my blog. Stay tuned for more details as to how this will go down. Thanks for reading!
But alas, I didn't make it.
However, that was then. I learned a lot from the progress I did make, but I knew that I felt dissatisfied with not finishing.
This is my time. It's 2010, a new year, a new decade, and I'm ready for a challenge.
Half of the challenge will be to read the bible before the end of 2010.
The other half will be blogging about it. (I'm horrible about keeping up with a blog.
If you're interested in following my journey, then follow me and my blog. Stay tuned for more details as to how this will go down. Thanks for reading!
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