This Psalm has 18 verses, and the first 11 paint a very dim vision of how the wicked treat their helpless victims:
The wicked catch the poor in their traps.
They're greedy and reject the Lord.
They succeed in everything and says conceitedly, "I will never be stopped. The Lord has abandoned you forever."
They curse and lie and threaten.
They hide and murder helpless victims.
Then, starting in verse 12, it gets turned around and we see how the Lord really treats those who do evil, wicked deeds. He has always helped the needy and diminishes the power of evil men.
God is forever, ruling the land until there are no other "gods" anywhere.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Sunday, December 23, 2012
What is in your heart?
Proverbs 3 starts by saying how much God's teachings will give you a prosperous and long life. Added on top of that in verse 5 is this: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart." The word heart is also mentioned in verse 3: "write [loyalty and faithfulness] on your heart." These are powerful statements.
Verse 7 is "Never think you are wiser than what you are."
Much of the advice given in Proverbs 3 are simple statements that resonate with such power. It goes on to say that if you listen to the Lord, he'll bless you with such abundance that you won't have room for it all.
Starting in verse 27, it talks about how to treat your neighbors. If you are able to help someone right now, do it. Don't wait until tomorrow. Help today.
And help often.
Verse 7 is "Never think you are wiser than what you are."
Much of the advice given in Proverbs 3 are simple statements that resonate with such power. It goes on to say that if you listen to the Lord, he'll bless you with such abundance that you won't have room for it all.
Starting in verse 27, it talks about how to treat your neighbors. If you are able to help someone right now, do it. Don't wait until tomorrow. Help today.
And help often.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
More victories for the Israelites
In Numbers, chapter 21 from verses 10 through 35, the Israelites move on from the victory at Canaan and settle in the wilderness east of the Moabite territory.
When they soon came to the territory of the Amorite king Sihon, Moses sent messengers to ask for passage through their country if they promised to stay only on the road.
Once again, they were denied access.
Once again, the Israelites were forced to attack and captured all of the cities in the territory.
God told Moses not to be afraid when they took the road to the city of Bashan, and when the Bashan king and his armies attacked the Israelites, they were also killed, leaving no survivors.
When they soon came to the territory of the Amorite king Sihon, Moses sent messengers to ask for passage through their country if they promised to stay only on the road.
Once again, they were denied access.
Once again, the Israelites were forced to attack and captured all of the cities in the territory.
God told Moses not to be afraid when they took the road to the city of Bashan, and when the Bashan king and his armies attacked the Israelites, they were also killed, leaving no survivors.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Victory! Then more complaints . . .
The Israelites seem to never be happy.
At the beginning of chapter 21 of Numbers, the Israelites vowed to God that if He helped them win a victory over the Canaanites, that they'd unconditionally dedicate the cities to Him. God helped to destroy the cities.
Then, starting in verse 4, they start complaining again about having no food or water. God became furious at them and sent poisonous snakes. Moses said to the people that if they prayed for forgiveness, God would take care of the snakes and heal those who were biten.
Once it was all said and done, Moses made a bronze snake and wound it onto a pole. In much the same manner as this as it went on to become an international symbol for medicine.
At the beginning of chapter 21 of Numbers, the Israelites vowed to God that if He helped them win a victory over the Canaanites, that they'd unconditionally dedicate the cities to Him. God helped to destroy the cities.
Then, starting in verse 4, they start complaining again about having no food or water. God became furious at them and sent poisonous snakes. Moses said to the people that if they prayed for forgiveness, God would take care of the snakes and heal those who were biten.
Once it was all said and done, Moses made a bronze snake and wound it onto a pole. In much the same manner as this as it went on to become an international symbol for medicine.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
The Death of Aaron
In the second half of chapter 20, in the book of Numbers, the Israelites come to the kingdom of Edom.
Moses sent messengers on to Edom, requesting passage through their country with the promise that they will neither stray from the path nor drink from their wells. For if they do, they will pay for it in full.
The request was denied.
Needless to say, the Israelites took another route, and when they reached the borders of Edom at Mount Hor, God told them that Aaron was to die and go no further. This punishment was due to their misbehavior when they struck the rock to give water to their people, and falsely said that they were the ones who did it, not God.
After Aaron's death, Eleazar (Aaron's son) was promoted to Aaron's place and the Israelites mourned his death for 30 days.
Moses sent messengers on to Edom, requesting passage through their country with the promise that they will neither stray from the path nor drink from their wells. For if they do, they will pay for it in full.
The request was denied.
Needless to say, the Israelites took another route, and when they reached the borders of Edom at Mount Hor, God told them that Aaron was to die and go no further. This punishment was due to their misbehavior when they struck the rock to give water to their people, and falsely said that they were the ones who did it, not God.
After Aaron's death, Eleazar (Aaron's son) was promoted to Aaron's place and the Israelites mourned his death for 30 days.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
The lesson of water
In the first half of chapter 20, in the book of Numbers, the people once again complained to Aaron and Moses about their lack of water.
Mosea and Aaron prayed, the God told them to take a stick and strike a rock, and water would gush out from it.
They did as God commanded, however with a slight twist: they scolded the people of Israel and said, "Do we have to get the water out of this rock for you?"
Water gushed out of the rock.
But God was not happy, for they did not acknowledge that it was God's power that allowed them to perform such a feat, not their own power.
Mosea and Aaron prayed, the God told them to take a stick and strike a rock, and water would gush out from it.
They did as God commanded, however with a slight twist: they scolded the people of Israel and said, "Do we have to get the water out of this rock for you?"
Water gushed out of the rock.
But God was not happy, for they did not acknowledge that it was God's power that allowed them to perform such a feat, not their own power.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Aaron is chosen . . . and the concept of a tithe is introduced
In chapter 17 of Numbers, each of the twelve tribes gathers a walking stick and the leader's name is written on it. For the tribe of Levi, the Lord tells Moses to have Aaron's name written on theirs. Then, the walking sticks are to be placed in God's Tent to see who is chosen. He did this in an attempt to stop the constant complaining His people were doing.
The next day, the stick from Levi's tribe--Aaron's--is chosen, as it has budded and blossomed.
Chapter 18 describes the duties of the priests and the Levites--the latter have a responsibility to God's Tent and serving those with the sacrifices.
In this chapter we also see the word tithe. Tithe means a tenth. All of the other tribes must tithe to God, and those tithes are to be presented to the Levites to use. The Levites, in turn, tithe their portion of the goods they've received as a special contribution to the Lord.
The tithe given to the Levites are for their service to the Lord.
The next day, the stick from Levi's tribe--Aaron's--is chosen, as it has budded and blossomed.
Chapter 18 describes the duties of the priests and the Levites--the latter have a responsibility to God's Tent and serving those with the sacrifices.
In this chapter we also see the word tithe. Tithe means a tenth. All of the other tribes must tithe to God, and those tithes are to be presented to the Levites to use. The Levites, in turn, tithe their portion of the goods they've received as a special contribution to the Lord.
The tithe given to the Levites are for their service to the Lord.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Laws and Rebellion
Chapter 15 of Numbers deals largely with more rules for sacrifice and then delves into those who unintentionally fail to keep the regulations set forth by God. There is a brief excerpt of someone who broke the Sabbath by working on that Holy Day and is then killed.
Chapter 16 starts with three of the clans banding together to confront Moses. They told him that he is setting himself up above everyone else. Moses then prayed on this. Afterwards, he invited them to come to the Tent to see whom God chooses. In the end, God causes the ground to swallow up these clans, for since they reject Moses they also reject the Lord.
The rest of the Israelites see this and plead for mercy from Aaron and Moses. They tried to keep the people from being near those who have perished, and Aaron quickly performs a ritual of purification to save the people from meeting with the same fate.
In the end, a great plague was averted.
Chapter 16 starts with three of the clans banding together to confront Moses. They told him that he is setting himself up above everyone else. Moses then prayed on this. Afterwards, he invited them to come to the Tent to see whom God chooses. In the end, God causes the ground to swallow up these clans, for since they reject Moses they also reject the Lord.
The rest of the Israelites see this and plead for mercy from Aaron and Moses. They tried to keep the people from being near those who have perished, and Aaron quickly performs a ritual of purification to save the people from meeting with the same fate.
In the end, a great plague was averted.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
The Biblical James Bond
In chapter 13 of Numbers Moses chooses twelve leaders--one from each clan--go to on ahead into the new land of Canaan and spy.
Unfortunately, not much is said about their travels and I doubt very much they had any cool gadgets like the fictional James Bond. What they did was report back that the people of Canaan were like giants and even went on to say that "we felt as small as grasshoppers."
This was also the image they projected onto themselves--all except Caleb, who said they should attack now and that they were ready.
Chapter 14 sees an awful lot of complaining on the part of the Israelites. A lot! So much so that God tells Moses that he's going to wipe out everyone over the age of 20! All except the people of Caleb and Joshua. These two men were the only one who did not complain to God. The people of the other ten leaders (who complained to God) went on to invade Canaan . . . only to perish because God was not with them.
Unfortunately, not much is said about their travels and I doubt very much they had any cool gadgets like the fictional James Bond. What they did was report back that the people of Canaan were like giants and even went on to say that "we felt as small as grasshoppers."
This was also the image they projected onto themselves--all except Caleb, who said they should attack now and that they were ready.
Chapter 14 sees an awful lot of complaining on the part of the Israelites. A lot! So much so that God tells Moses that he's going to wipe out everyone over the age of 20! All except the people of Caleb and Joshua. These two men were the only one who did not complain to God. The people of the other ten leaders (who complained to God) went on to invade Canaan . . . only to perish because God was not with them.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Psalms 9 - God's Thanksgiving
As it was Thanksgiving here in the United States a few days ago, it seems fitting to talk about Psalms 9 here--often referred to us giving thanks to the Lord.
Psalms 9 is a bit longer piece at 20 verses.
It starts by giving grand praises for the Lord and what He has done. It continues by telling that our enemies have turned their back and fled when the Lord has appeared, for He protects the oppressed. He is also the great judge of all nations, and He is both honest and fair.
One line, verse nine, struck with me: "The Lord is a refuse for the oppressed, a place of safety in times of trouble." This brings me much peace to read this, and for those whom He sides with.
Verse 13-14 is pure thanksgiving: ". . . Rescue me from death, O Lord, that I may stand before the people of Jerusalem and tell them all the things for which I praise you, I will rejoice because you saved me."
Verse 18 is another favorite: "The needy will not always be neglected; the hope of the poor will not be crushed forever."
Psalms 9 is a bit longer piece at 20 verses.
It starts by giving grand praises for the Lord and what He has done. It continues by telling that our enemies have turned their back and fled when the Lord has appeared, for He protects the oppressed. He is also the great judge of all nations, and He is both honest and fair.
One line, verse nine, struck with me: "The Lord is a refuse for the oppressed, a place of safety in times of trouble." This brings me much peace to read this, and for those whom He sides with.
Verse 13-14 is pure thanksgiving: ". . . Rescue me from death, O Lord, that I may stand before the people of Jerusalem and tell them all the things for which I praise you, I will rejoice because you saved me."
Verse 18 is another favorite: "The needy will not always be neglected; the hope of the poor will not be crushed forever."
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Criticizing Moses
In Number chapter 12, Miriam and Aaron criticize Moses. They criticize him for his choice of spouse.
The Lord was furious.
How dare anyone criticize someone whom God speaks clearly to and not in riddles, whom God had shown his true form to?
Miriam was punished with a dreaded disease. Moses, on the other hand, was humble and asked the Lord for forgiveness and pleaded with Him to heal Miriam. God did, but only under the circumstance that Miriam be exiled for seven days.
Moses handled the criticism well and did not hold any grudges against Miriam and Aaron. He easily could have, and everyone would've understood. Instead, Moses brushes off the criticism and looks to the positive.
The Lord was furious.
How dare anyone criticize someone whom God speaks clearly to and not in riddles, whom God had shown his true form to?
Miriam was punished with a dreaded disease. Moses, on the other hand, was humble and asked the Lord for forgiveness and pleaded with Him to heal Miriam. God did, but only under the circumstance that Miriam be exiled for seven days.
Moses handled the criticism well and did not hold any grudges against Miriam and Aaron. He easily could have, and everyone would've understood. Instead, Moses brushes off the criticism and looks to the positive.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Duties And Rules and the Delegation of Moses's Leadership
Chapter 4 of Numbers deals with the three clans of Levites and what their assigned duties to the Lord entail. Through chapter 8 there are more Old Testament rules the Israelites are ordered to follow.
In chapter 9 there is a Second Passover.
Then, through chapter 10, they break camp and they move on towards the final destination. The Ark of the Covenent always went on ahead and the Lord placed a cloud over them to hide them from their enemies' presence.
Starting in chapter 11, the people is Israel complain that they don't have any meat to eat. Moses takes the complaints to the Lord and asks God why Moses has been given such a responsibility to all these people. God then ordered Moses to assemble 70 respected men to act as leaders--a true act of delegation.
In chapter 9 there is a Second Passover.
Then, through chapter 10, they break camp and they move on towards the final destination. The Ark of the Covenent always went on ahead and the Lord placed a cloud over them to hide them from their enemies' presence.
Starting in chapter 11, the people is Israel complain that they don't have any meat to eat. Moses takes the complaints to the Lord and asks God why Moses has been given such a responsibility to all these people. God then ordered Moses to assemble 70 respected men to act as leaders--a true act of delegation.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
People Are Flawed. God Is Not
I am in no way, shape, or form putting myself up on a pedestal, but I can honestly say that I don't remember a time in my life when I turned my back on God and denounced Him.
Oh, I'm sure there were low moments when I felt alone and had destructive thoughts, and if I told God I hated Him it never lasted very long.
I grew up going to a small-town Lutheran church. There's always something special I felt about Lutherans--how one man stood up to the Catholic Church and starteed a movement. Here's a trailer of the 2003 movie Luther.
This is in no way a sales pitch for Lutherans, however. The point I'm making is that there are many routes one can take to worship God, and not to let the workings of a specific church or pastor or religious organization cloud your vision of what God wants from you if that church or pastor or organizaiton isn't run in a way that matches with your values.
Back in college, at Bemidji State University, I came in contact with a non-denomonational religious group who held weekly song/worship nights--I will refrain from telling you the name of this group, and with good reason. I had a lot of fun the first year I went, and even have a few friends I met there up to this day. But something happened the second year. I was ignored. Completely. There were nights when not one single person said a word to me (of course, on those nights, my friends weren't in attendance). I almost felt like I was being shunned for something, but had no knowledge of what that was.
I wasn't the only one who felt this way. Remember those friends I mentioned? They felt the same way. It didn't take long before I quit attending.
I could've very easily turned my back on God because of what they did to me. I was hurt by them. But I didn't turned my back on God. I knew this organization was run by people, and people have flaws.
God does not.
What's funny about this whole thing is that a girl got me into this organization (okay, that sounds like a cult, but they're not okay?) by teaching me about the Bible (I knew about the Bible, so I was a little confused by it) and ended by my asking Jesus to be my Lord and Saviour. She called me a born again Christian.
I was confused . . . if I was born again, wouldn't that mean I was somehow lost in God's eyes? Or somehow walked away from God and then came back?
Like I said in the beginning of this blog post, I've never known a time in my life where I doubted God's existence--or even Jesus's, for that matter. I've always believed.
Or, as much as my sinning can do, always believed. I am nowhere near perfect. Not even close.
If you're uncomfortable in your current religious surroundings, then go look somewhere else. Find another church where you fit in. They're out there. Just remember: people are flawed; God is not.
Besides my 2-3 true friends I met in college, the music they sang was dynamic. Here are two of my favorites:
People are flawed.
God is not.
Go find where you fit in. God wants you to. I did. And the leaders involved back at Bemidji State? I forgive them. I forgive them their short-sightedness and ignorance. I'm not sure if they intended to treat me the way they did, but for whatever the reason, I forgive them.
Oh, I'm sure there were low moments when I felt alone and had destructive thoughts, and if I told God I hated Him it never lasted very long.
I grew up going to a small-town Lutheran church. There's always something special I felt about Lutherans--how one man stood up to the Catholic Church and starteed a movement. Here's a trailer of the 2003 movie Luther.
This is in no way a sales pitch for Lutherans, however. The point I'm making is that there are many routes one can take to worship God, and not to let the workings of a specific church or pastor or religious organization cloud your vision of what God wants from you if that church or pastor or organizaiton isn't run in a way that matches with your values.
Back in college, at Bemidji State University, I came in contact with a non-denomonational religious group who held weekly song/worship nights--I will refrain from telling you the name of this group, and with good reason. I had a lot of fun the first year I went, and even have a few friends I met there up to this day. But something happened the second year. I was ignored. Completely. There were nights when not one single person said a word to me (of course, on those nights, my friends weren't in attendance). I almost felt like I was being shunned for something, but had no knowledge of what that was.
I wasn't the only one who felt this way. Remember those friends I mentioned? They felt the same way. It didn't take long before I quit attending.
I could've very easily turned my back on God because of what they did to me. I was hurt by them. But I didn't turned my back on God. I knew this organization was run by people, and people have flaws.
God does not.
What's funny about this whole thing is that a girl got me into this organization (okay, that sounds like a cult, but they're not okay?) by teaching me about the Bible (I knew about the Bible, so I was a little confused by it) and ended by my asking Jesus to be my Lord and Saviour. She called me a born again Christian.
I was confused . . . if I was born again, wouldn't that mean I was somehow lost in God's eyes? Or somehow walked away from God and then came back?
Like I said in the beginning of this blog post, I've never known a time in my life where I doubted God's existence--or even Jesus's, for that matter. I've always believed.
Or, as much as my sinning can do, always believed. I am nowhere near perfect. Not even close.
If you're uncomfortable in your current religious surroundings, then go look somewhere else. Find another church where you fit in. They're out there. Just remember: people are flawed; God is not.
Besides my 2-3 true friends I met in college, the music they sang was dynamic. Here are two of my favorites:
People are flawed.
God is not.
Go find where you fit in. God wants you to. I did. And the leaders involved back at Bemidji State? I forgive them. I forgive them their short-sightedness and ignorance. I'm not sure if they intended to treat me the way they did, but for whatever the reason, I forgive them.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
The First Census
In the book of Numbers, chapter 1 deals with the first census. All tribes were divided by their clan name and then counted.
All men twenty years of age or older, who were fit for military service, were to be included.
All except those from the clan of Levi. They were put in charge of God's Tent--an early form of secret service or personal bodyguard, so to speak.
In chapter 2, the clans--or tribes--were partnered up in threes (there were twelve, not including the clan of Levi, so there were four groups altogether).
In chapter 3, Aaron's sons were annointed as priests and the Levites were appointed to serve the priests. This was their only duty. Then, God ordered the Levites to partake in their own census, enrolling every male one month old and older. The Levites were divided into three separate clans, and given their own duties--which I will share in the next blog post.
All men twenty years of age or older, who were fit for military service, were to be included.
All except those from the clan of Levi. They were put in charge of God's Tent--an early form of secret service or personal bodyguard, so to speak.
In chapter 2, the clans--or tribes--were partnered up in threes (there were twelve, not including the clan of Levi, so there were four groups altogether).
In chapter 3, Aaron's sons were annointed as priests and the Levites were appointed to serve the priests. This was their only duty. Then, God ordered the Levites to partake in their own census, enrolling every male one month old and older. The Levites were divided into three separate clans, and given their own duties--which I will share in the next blog post.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Psalms 8 - The Greatness of God
Psalm 8 is a short psalm, only 9 verses, yet is not short on praises.
It praises God in all of His glory, all of His greatness. It praises all that He has made, and has set all of the stars and moon in their places.
Then it is asked, "what is man, that you think of him."
God created man only to be inferior to God Himself.
God created man to be superior over all of His creation, appointing him to be the ruler over all--except God.
It praises God in all of His glory, all of His greatness. It praises all that He has made, and has set all of the stars and moon in their places.
Then it is asked, "what is man, that you think of him."
God created man only to be inferior to God Himself.
God created man to be superior over all of His creation, appointing him to be the ruler over all--except God.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
More Laws Presented In Leviticus
Leviticus is almost entirely a set of statutes God set up for his people. I will not go into detail on any of this, as they are meticulous and specific, and much of which we do not do in today's world, thanks to the coming and sacrifices of Jesus.
Starting with chapter 1, verse 1, through the end of chapter 7 are full of specific laws concerning offerings and sacrifices.
Chapter 8 deals with the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests, in strict detail on offerings and sacrifices. In chapter 9, Aaron offers sacrifices to the Lord, ending with the Lord's dazzling presence appearing before all of the people and those people bowing in deep reverence.
Chapter 10 begins with a brief account of two men who failed to heed some of these laws and were burned to death. The rest of chapter 10 deals with the rules priests must obey.
The rest of the chapters and verses are broken down into specific sets of laws, from forbidden sexual practices and the treatment of slaves to a list of all their holidays and laws concerning gifts to the Lord.
The most famous passage is chapter 19, verse 18, which states: "Love your neighbor as you love yourself."
One may wonder why God created so many laws for these people. The answer may be as simple as this: they were given a few simple commands before and what did they do? They messed up. Remember the golden calf they made while Moses was recieving the Ten Commandments? They obviously needed more laws to live by.
And they got it.
Starting with chapter 1, verse 1, through the end of chapter 7 are full of specific laws concerning offerings and sacrifices.
Chapter 8 deals with the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests, in strict detail on offerings and sacrifices. In chapter 9, Aaron offers sacrifices to the Lord, ending with the Lord's dazzling presence appearing before all of the people and those people bowing in deep reverence.
Chapter 10 begins with a brief account of two men who failed to heed some of these laws and were burned to death. The rest of chapter 10 deals with the rules priests must obey.
The rest of the chapters and verses are broken down into specific sets of laws, from forbidden sexual practices and the treatment of slaves to a list of all their holidays and laws concerning gifts to the Lord.
The most famous passage is chapter 19, verse 18, which states: "Love your neighbor as you love yourself."
One may wonder why God created so many laws for these people. The answer may be as simple as this: they were given a few simple commands before and what did they do? They messed up. Remember the golden calf they made while Moses was recieving the Ten Commandments? They obviously needed more laws to live by.
And they got it.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
The Finale of Exodus
From Exodus, chapter 33 deals with God ordering Moses and the Israelites to leave Mount Sinai and go to the land He had promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
At first, the Lord told Moses that He would send an angel to accompany the people and that He would not go with them. But Moses convinces God that He must go with them, for that is the only to distinguish God's people from everyone else they'll encounter.
God agreed.
In chapter 34, Moses cuts a second set of stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments will be written. Moses then went up to the top of Mount Sinai, where he stayed for forty days and nights, eating and drinking nothing. When he came down, his face "shone" and had to wear a veil.
Starting with chapter 35 and going through the end of the book in chapter 40, much of the same laws spelled out before were repeated, with the most skilled laborers assigned to construct the Tent for the Lord. Inside the Tent was the Ark of the Covenent, in which lied the stone tablets Moses had cut earlier with the Ten Commandments.
At first, the Lord told Moses that He would send an angel to accompany the people and that He would not go with them. But Moses convinces God that He must go with them, for that is the only to distinguish God's people from everyone else they'll encounter.
God agreed.
In chapter 34, Moses cuts a second set of stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments will be written. Moses then went up to the top of Mount Sinai, where he stayed for forty days and nights, eating and drinking nothing. When he came down, his face "shone" and had to wear a veil.
Starting with chapter 35 and going through the end of the book in chapter 40, much of the same laws spelled out before were repeated, with the most skilled laborers assigned to construct the Tent for the Lord. Inside the Tent was the Ark of the Covenent, in which lied the stone tablets Moses had cut earlier with the Ten Commandments.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
More laws and the gold bull-calf
Chapter 28 of Exodus starts with the garments the priests are to wear. Chapter 29 deals with the ordaining of priests. The laws continued through to the end of chapter 31, all specific and orderly. No stone appears to be left unturned, in this regard on how to worship God and how the priests are to look.
Chapter 32 starts with the people becoming restless in their wait for Moses to come down from the mountain. They took all of the gold earrings they had, melted them down, and crafted a golden bull-calf to worship. This made God very angry, and was about to destroy everyone had Moses not intervened. In verses 11-13 of chapter 32, Moses reminds God that He made a solemn promise to His people, starting with Abraham, that He would give them as many descendants as stars in the sky. Verse 14 starts with God changing His mind.
Moses then came down from the mountain, carrying the two stone tablets with the Ten Commandments written on them. He saw the golden calf and threw the stone tablets at it, breaking them. He melted the calf. Moses was angry at Aaron--always the people pleaser--for allowing it to happen, allowing the people to get out of control.
Chapter 32 starts with the people becoming restless in their wait for Moses to come down from the mountain. They took all of the gold earrings they had, melted them down, and crafted a golden bull-calf to worship. This made God very angry, and was about to destroy everyone had Moses not intervened. In verses 11-13 of chapter 32, Moses reminds God that He made a solemn promise to His people, starting with Abraham, that He would give them as many descendants as stars in the sky. Verse 14 starts with God changing His mind.
Moses then came down from the mountain, carrying the two stone tablets with the Ten Commandments written on them. He saw the golden calf and threw the stone tablets at it, breaking them. He melted the calf. Moses was angry at Aaron--always the people pleaser--for allowing it to happen, allowing the people to get out of control.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Laws, laws, and more laws
Exodus chapter 20, verse 22, through chapter 23 are various laws God set up for the ancient people of Israel.
It's safe to say that the bulk of them are very odd, and specific. But then again, God just rescued them from centuries of slavery into freedom.
I am not going to delve into any of these as they are irrelevant in today's society--as well as irrelevant once His son Jesus came and died for us. But that's for another day.
In chapter 24, we see Moses going up the mountain and coming down with stone tablets, with the various laws written out on them. Then, in chapter 25, God instructed them on how to make what He called the Covenent Box (i.e. the Ark of the Covenent). He was specific on how it was to be constructed, even down to the exact dimensions.
To continue on, chapter 26 is about a sacred Tent for God. Once again, very specific on what it should be made of and the exact dimensions. Then, in chapter 27, a sacred Altar is construted along with an enclosure for the sacred Tent.
It's safe to say that the bulk of them are very odd, and specific. But then again, God just rescued them from centuries of slavery into freedom.
I am not going to delve into any of these as they are irrelevant in today's society--as well as irrelevant once His son Jesus came and died for us. But that's for another day.
In chapter 24, we see Moses going up the mountain and coming down with stone tablets, with the various laws written out on them. Then, in chapter 25, God instructed them on how to make what He called the Covenent Box (i.e. the Ark of the Covenent). He was specific on how it was to be constructed, even down to the exact dimensions.
To continue on, chapter 26 is about a sacred Tent for God. Once again, very specific on what it should be made of and the exact dimensions. Then, in chapter 27, a sacred Altar is construted along with an enclosure for the sacred Tent.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Psalms 7 - God's Justice
Justice is the central theme in Psalms 7
The first two verses (1-2) talk about God being your protector from those who pursue you unjustly.
In verses 3-5, it is stated that if I have done harm to anyone else, let the punishment be swift, and to let my enemies catch me and put an end to my wicked deeds.
The rest of the Psalms, verses 6-17, talk about standing up to my enemies with God as the ultimate judge over all. God is the judge of all mankind, presiding over all of our thoughts and desires. God protects those who obey and worship Him, setting traps for my enemies where they are punished by their own evil.
In the end, God is thanked for His justice, and praises are sung to Him.
The first two verses (1-2) talk about God being your protector from those who pursue you unjustly.
In verses 3-5, it is stated that if I have done harm to anyone else, let the punishment be swift, and to let my enemies catch me and put an end to my wicked deeds.
The rest of the Psalms, verses 6-17, talk about standing up to my enemies with God as the ultimate judge over all. God is the judge of all mankind, presiding over all of our thoughts and desires. God protects those who obey and worship Him, setting traps for my enemies where they are punished by their own evil.
In the end, God is thanked for His justice, and praises are sung to Him.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
The Ten Commandments
In Exodus, chapter 19, Moses gathers the Israelites at the foot of Mount Sinai, as commanded by the Lord God. They purified themselves, and a boundary was set around the mountain. If anyone crossed that barrier, they would be immediately put to death.
Starting at verse 16, God appeared before His people like a cloud and His words were like thunder. Everyone trembled with fear.
At chapter 20, verse 3 through 17, God gave out the Ten Commandments. I will refrain from repeating them here, for we all know them.
Starting at verse 16, God appeared before His people like a cloud and His words were like thunder. Everyone trembled with fear.
At chapter 20, verse 3 through 17, God gave out the Ten Commandments. I will refrain from repeating them here, for we all know them.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Even Moses Had To Delegate
In the first half of chapter 17, Exodus, God's people complained about not having water to drink.
Once again, God told Moses to go to Mount Sinai and strike one of the rocks there. He did. Water flowed from the rock. The people were happy.
In the last half of chapter 18, Moses settled the many disputes people brought to him. It was exhausting, and his father-in-law Jethro told him that he did not have to do everything himself. So, after much grumbling, Moses appointed judges to hear disputes from the lesser cases while he saved himself for the larger ones.
Thus came the first sign of delegation.
Once again, God told Moses to go to Mount Sinai and strike one of the rocks there. He did. Water flowed from the rock. The people were happy.
In the last half of chapter 18, Moses settled the many disputes people brought to him. It was exhausting, and his father-in-law Jethro told him that he did not have to do everything himself. So, after much grumbling, Moses appointed judges to hear disputes from the lesser cases while he saved himself for the larger ones.
Thus came the first sign of delegation.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
The Rewards Of Wisdom
Proverbs chapter 2, verses 1 through 22, deal with the power and rewards of wisdom.
It starts by telling the reader to search for wisdom as if you were looking for hidden treasures. Dig and dig for it. Wisdom will protect you, and will shape the way you live your life. It will teach you to live a life of integrity and fairness.
It will prevent you from doing wrong, if you seek out God's wisdom.
Wisdom will also be able to protect you from temptations. Verses 16 through 19 gives an explicit account of resisting immoral women, those who will try to seduce you into doing unlawful acts. Bottom line in this is that once one goes down that road, there is no turning back.
Put your trust and faith in God for protection.
It starts by telling the reader to search for wisdom as if you were looking for hidden treasures. Dig and dig for it. Wisdom will protect you, and will shape the way you live your life. It will teach you to live a life of integrity and fairness.
It will prevent you from doing wrong, if you seek out God's wisdom.
Wisdom will also be able to protect you from temptations. Verses 16 through 19 gives an explicit account of resisting immoral women, those who will try to seduce you into doing unlawful acts. Bottom line in this is that once one goes down that road, there is no turning back.
Put your trust and faith in God for protection.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Psalms 6 - helping those who are troubled
Psalms 6 is a short piece, only 10 verses, and it is very much on point from the point-of-view of one who is troubled.
Ever loose a loved one?
Ever take a beating financially or emotionally?
Ever feel a time when you are so overwhelmed and helpless?
This Psalm is for you.
The first seven verses, the speaker tells God that he's completely exhausted, pleading to be rescued from death. He is worn out with grief and weeps every night on his pillow.
The last three verses, the speaker turns on those doing the hurting and tells them that God is answering his prayers and to stay away, that his enemies will know defeat at last.
Ever loose a loved one?
Ever take a beating financially or emotionally?
Ever feel a time when you are so overwhelmed and helpless?
This Psalm is for you.
The first seven verses, the speaker tells God that he's completely exhausted, pleading to be rescued from death. He is worn out with grief and weeps every night on his pillow.
The last three verses, the speaker turns on those doing the hurting and tells them that God is answering his prayers and to stay away, that his enemies will know defeat at last.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
When are you ever satisfied?
From Exodus chapter 15, verse 22 through the end of chapter 16, the Israelites complained to Moses and the Lord constantly.
Even though they just came out of slavery, they complained about not having water.
They complained about not having food.
They complained about being led out of slavery into the desert.
They never seemed to be satisfied.
It reminds me of a theatrical scene in Stephen King's The Shawshank Redemption when Morgan Freeman's character Red tells Tim Robbins's character about living life outside of prison. He said that after a time, prisoners get used to the walls, even to the point where they rely on them.
The Lord, in answering the Israelites' complaints, provided food every morning, six days a week. He gave very explicit instructions on how much to gather. Some broke the rules, and God wasn't very happy with them. Then, for the next forty years, they wandered around the desert until they reached the land of Canaan, their new home.
Even though they just came out of slavery, they complained about not having water.
They complained about not having food.
They complained about being led out of slavery into the desert.
They never seemed to be satisfied.
It reminds me of a theatrical scene in Stephen King's The Shawshank Redemption when Morgan Freeman's character Red tells Tim Robbins's character about living life outside of prison. He said that after a time, prisoners get used to the walls, even to the point where they rely on them.
The Lord, in answering the Israelites' complaints, provided food every morning, six days a week. He gave very explicit instructions on how much to gather. Some broke the rules, and God wasn't very happy with them. Then, for the next forty years, they wandered around the desert until they reached the land of Canaan, their new home.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
The Power Of Wisdom
Proverbs Chapter 1, verses 20-33 deals with God's Wisdom upon us.
In blatant terms, we are called foolish people for making fun of knowledge the Lord is passing down onto us. He has told us what to do many times, but in our arrogance we ignore Him.
Then, when we get in trouble and ask for His wisdom, we hear nothing.
Those who accept His wisdom have nothing to be afraid of, for the Lord is with them. Without God, we have no security.
In blatant terms, we are called foolish people for making fun of knowledge the Lord is passing down onto us. He has told us what to do many times, but in our arrogance we ignore Him.
Then, when we get in trouble and ask for His wisdom, we hear nothing.
Those who accept His wisdom have nothing to be afraid of, for the Lord is with them. Without God, we have no security.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
How Passover got its name
Exodus chapter 12 starts with God describing the Passover Festival with his people.
Passover got its name because at the time, each household had to kill an animal (either a one-year old goat or sheet) and roast it. The blood from the animal would be smeared on the outside door as a sign to the Angel of Death to "pass over" this house and go on to the next one. The purpose of this was because God told the Egyptian king that if he did not let his people go out into the desert and worship Him, He would kill the first-born of every Egyptian family, even the king himself.
God also told His people to bake unleavened bread--meaning, bread without yeast. This may seem mind-boggling at the time, but as the Israelites travelled out into the desert, leaving Egypt behind forever, they did not have time to properly prepare leavened dough. God knew this and thereby ordered His peope to not waste their time with their usual bread dough.
Through chapter 14, it tells of how the Israelites crossed the Red Sea--parted by God--and the destruction of the Egyptian soldiers who pursued them. God did this in order for His people to remember the tough journey getting out of Egypt. They also got to witness God's power and were in awe of it.
Passover got its name because at the time, each household had to kill an animal (either a one-year old goat or sheet) and roast it. The blood from the animal would be smeared on the outside door as a sign to the Angel of Death to "pass over" this house and go on to the next one. The purpose of this was because God told the Egyptian king that if he did not let his people go out into the desert and worship Him, He would kill the first-born of every Egyptian family, even the king himself.
God also told His people to bake unleavened bread--meaning, bread without yeast. This may seem mind-boggling at the time, but as the Israelites travelled out into the desert, leaving Egypt behind forever, they did not have time to properly prepare leavened dough. God knew this and thereby ordered His peope to not waste their time with their usual bread dough.
Through chapter 14, it tells of how the Israelites crossed the Red Sea--parted by God--and the destruction of the Egyptian soldiers who pursued them. God did this in order for His people to remember the tough journey getting out of Egypt. They also got to witness God's power and were in awe of it.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
The Shield of God - Psalms 5
Psalms 5 is also known as a "Prayer for Protection"
It starts out with a cry for help, a pleading to the Lord for his protection. It then goes on to tell how God doesn't like sinful people, anyone who does wrongdoing, and allows no evil to be in his presence.
It describes a nature of God as one of perfection, of glory, completely unblemished by the raw, violent actions of those who wish to do others harm.
Because of God's love, those who worship him can come in His house for protection. He will protect his worshipers from their enemies, no matter what method of madness they wish to employ.
Verse 5 has a line that reads, "may their own plots cause their ruin." This means that those wicked plots will always be their undoing. This is so true in life, as we meet others are go about being deceitful to others. This shows that in the end, they always lose. Honesty is always the best policy.
The last line is "your love protects them like a shield."
But not just any shield. The shield of God.
It starts out with a cry for help, a pleading to the Lord for his protection. It then goes on to tell how God doesn't like sinful people, anyone who does wrongdoing, and allows no evil to be in his presence.
It describes a nature of God as one of perfection, of glory, completely unblemished by the raw, violent actions of those who wish to do others harm.
Because of God's love, those who worship him can come in His house for protection. He will protect his worshipers from their enemies, no matter what method of madness they wish to employ.
Verse 5 has a line that reads, "may their own plots cause their ruin." This means that those wicked plots will always be their undoing. This is so true in life, as we meet others are go about being deceitful to others. This shows that in the end, they always lose. Honesty is always the best policy.
The last line is "your love protects them like a shield."
But not just any shield. The shield of God.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Lessons learned from the Egyptian king's stubbornness
In this past Sunday's post, I talked about the Egyptian king's stubbornness towards Moses. Several times the king promised to let God's people go, but then refused once the disaster was averted.
All of us, at one point in our lives, have been struck with something tragic--maybe not to the tune of what happened to Egypt in the book of Exodus but it was tragic enough for us. How many times have we turned to God and said, "Please, God, help me get past this" or "Please, God, help _____________ get healed from their illness/accident." This is usually followed up by, "I'll do anything you ask."
But we refuse.
We remain stubborn and go back on our word.
Oddly enough, God expects this from us most of the time. We're not perfect. But if we improve this more and more, by not refusing and remaining stubborn, and not forgetting the lessons learned, we're not only going to improve our own lives but the lives of those around us.
Don't wait for a disaster to strike to do something for God. If you see someone who needs help, help them.
Since April 2011, when my wife was first diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), our family has been blessed with so many prayers and help from others. It's going to be a long road of recovery for us. And even though my wife's leukemia is in remission, the doctors still give a five-year window until we'll know for certain that it's going to stay in remission. However, we're not sitting down and doing nothing. We continue to pray, not only for us but also to others. We're not perfect and will forget many times, but we try to keep the vigil burning as much as possible, working to improve our own lives so that we can help others.
All of us, at one point in our lives, have been struck with something tragic--maybe not to the tune of what happened to Egypt in the book of Exodus but it was tragic enough for us. How many times have we turned to God and said, "Please, God, help me get past this" or "Please, God, help _____________ get healed from their illness/accident." This is usually followed up by, "I'll do anything you ask."
But we refuse.
We remain stubborn and go back on our word.
Oddly enough, God expects this from us most of the time. We're not perfect. But if we improve this more and more, by not refusing and remaining stubborn, and not forgetting the lessons learned, we're not only going to improve our own lives but the lives of those around us.
Don't wait for a disaster to strike to do something for God. If you see someone who needs help, help them.
Since April 2011, when my wife was first diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), our family has been blessed with so many prayers and help from others. It's going to be a long road of recovery for us. And even though my wife's leukemia is in remission, the doctors still give a five-year window until we'll know for certain that it's going to stay in remission. However, we're not sitting down and doing nothing. We continue to pray, not only for us but also to others. We're not perfect and will forget many times, but we try to keep the vigil burning as much as possible, working to improve our own lives so that we can help others.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Disaster struck Egypt and the king backed down on his word
Exodus chapter 7 through chapter 11 deal with the various disasters that struck Egypt, disasters brought on by God and communicated to the Egypt king through Moses and Aaron.
Disasters such as creating Nile River of blood, frogs so numerous they're even in the baking pans, gnats and flies, boils, hail, the death of their animals, locusts, and even darkness. Each time, Moses and Aaron went before the king and announced what terrible event was going to happen. To prevent it, all the king had to do was let the Israelites go out three days into the desert and worship God.
Each time the disaster struck, the king would plead to Moses and tell him to pray for him and then he will let them go. But as soon as the disaster disappeared, the king backed down on his word and refused to let God's people go.
So many times, even in our own lives, when tragedy strikes us, we seem to remember God and pray to help us through those times. We make even false promises--like the Egyptian king did here in Exodus--and once the tragedy is averted, we fail to fullfill our promises.
In chapter 11 of Exodus, Moses announced to the king that God will kill each first-born child, from the king's own son on down to the lowly slave girl. Even the first-born livestock will be killed. All the king had to do was let God's people go.
But, once again, the king refused to listen.
Disasters such as creating Nile River of blood, frogs so numerous they're even in the baking pans, gnats and flies, boils, hail, the death of their animals, locusts, and even darkness. Each time, Moses and Aaron went before the king and announced what terrible event was going to happen. To prevent it, all the king had to do was let the Israelites go out three days into the desert and worship God.
Each time the disaster struck, the king would plead to Moses and tell him to pray for him and then he will let them go. But as soon as the disaster disappeared, the king backed down on his word and refused to let God's people go.
So many times, even in our own lives, when tragedy strikes us, we seem to remember God and pray to help us through those times. We make even false promises--like the Egyptian king did here in Exodus--and once the tragedy is averted, we fail to fullfill our promises.
In chapter 11 of Exodus, Moses announced to the king that God will kill each first-born child, from the king's own son on down to the lowly slave girl. Even the first-born livestock will be killed. All the king had to do was let God's people go.
But, once again, the king refused to listen.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Moses and the king
In chapter 4 of Exodus, starting with verse 18, Moses returned to Egypt.
He spoke to his people, telling them all that the Lord had said to him. He then went to the king of Egypt and told the king to let the Israelites go, so they can go out into the desert and worship the Lord. The king refused, and ultimately punished the Israelite slaves even more. The Israelite slave foremen told Moses that the king was pushing them to work harder and harder.
Moses then complained to God--haven't we all done that at one time or another?
The Lord responded by telling Moses that He will do something to the king to force him to let His people go. God tells Moses repeatedly that He wants him to tell both the Israelites and the Egyptian king that they are to leave the land. Moses complained again that he was not a good speaker and that no one will listen to him.
In chapter 7, verse 1, God told Moses to go before the king and that God will give Moses and Aaron the skills to speak well to the king. However, God also told them that He will make the king stubborn and will not listen to them.
Aaron also threw down his walking stick in front of the king, turning it into a snake, and still the king refused, telling him it was all just magic.
Then, they told the king that the Lord will punish the land until His people are freed.
Hence, disaster soon struck Egypt.
He spoke to his people, telling them all that the Lord had said to him. He then went to the king of Egypt and told the king to let the Israelites go, so they can go out into the desert and worship the Lord. The king refused, and ultimately punished the Israelite slaves even more. The Israelite slave foremen told Moses that the king was pushing them to work harder and harder.
Moses then complained to God--haven't we all done that at one time or another?
The Lord responded by telling Moses that He will do something to the king to force him to let His people go. God tells Moses repeatedly that He wants him to tell both the Israelites and the Egyptian king that they are to leave the land. Moses complained again that he was not a good speaker and that no one will listen to him.
In chapter 7, verse 1, God told Moses to go before the king and that God will give Moses and Aaron the skills to speak well to the king. However, God also told them that He will make the king stubborn and will not listen to them.
Aaron also threw down his walking stick in front of the king, turning it into a snake, and still the king refused, telling him it was all just magic.
Then, they told the king that the Lord will punish the land until His people are freed.
Hence, disaster soon struck Egypt.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Dear Lord, thank you for the courage
If you ever find yourself in an impleasant situation, where you may feel like the Cowardly Lion in the Wizard of Oz, ask God to give you the needed courage.
Last week, I found myself in the midst of two situations (one where I settled an old credit card account with a collector and another where I had to deliver some unpleasant news at a meeting) where I needed courage.
In both situations, I closed my eyes for a few moments and asked God to give me the courage to see my task through.
It worked.
Both of them.
And it'll work for you. All you have to do is ask.
Last week, I found myself in the midst of two situations (one where I settled an old credit card account with a collector and another where I had to deliver some unpleasant news at a meeting) where I needed courage.
In both situations, I closed my eyes for a few moments and asked God to give me the courage to see my task through.
It worked.
Both of them.
And it'll work for you. All you have to do is ask.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Moses: the self-proclaimed nobody who lead his people to freedom
The book of Exodus starts by recapping the final events from the book of Genesis. The Israelites then found themselves under the leadership of a new king who did not think very highly of them, and treated them very cruelly--this was mostly due to their high numbers, and in a time of war they feared the Israelites would turn on them. The entire chapter 1 is devoted to this, how the Egyptians were fearful of the Israelites and pushed them more and more into slavery.
Then, starting in chapter 2, Moses was born.
We all remember from Sunday School how Moses, as an infant, was placed in a basket along the river and hid it--this was due to the king's order that all infant males born of the Israelites were to be killed. Then, the Egypt king's daughter went down to the river and saw Moses. She then adopted him as her own.
Moses grew up knowing he wasn't an Egyptian. He was a Hebrew, one of the Israelites. He saw how badly they were treated.
One day, God calls to Moses--He comes to him in the form of a burning bush. He then tells Moses that He is going to send Moses to the king of Egypt so he can lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In chapter 3, verse 11, Moses tells God that he is a nobody and that nobody would listen to him. God tells him that He will be with him and gives Moses miraculous power to show his people that Moses has been given God's power.
In chapter 4, verse 10, Moses tells God that he is not a good speaker, and he is slow and hesitant. God then tells him to take his brother Aaron to speak for him, as he was a good speaker.
Then, starting in chapter 2, Moses was born.
We all remember from Sunday School how Moses, as an infant, was placed in a basket along the river and hid it--this was due to the king's order that all infant males born of the Israelites were to be killed. Then, the Egypt king's daughter went down to the river and saw Moses. She then adopted him as her own.
Moses grew up knowing he wasn't an Egyptian. He was a Hebrew, one of the Israelites. He saw how badly they were treated.
One day, God calls to Moses--He comes to him in the form of a burning bush. He then tells Moses that He is going to send Moses to the king of Egypt so he can lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In chapter 3, verse 11, Moses tells God that he is a nobody and that nobody would listen to him. God tells him that He will be with him and gives Moses miraculous power to show his people that Moses has been given God's power.
In chapter 4, verse 10, Moses tells God that he is not a good speaker, and he is slow and hesitant. God then tells him to take his brother Aaron to speak for him, as he was a good speaker.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Having problems? Here's a perfect place to put them.
Everyone has problems. Let's face it, if you're human you have problems.
How is the best way to deal with them, especially the problems that seem to be overwhelming and beyond your control?
Easy. Put them in God's hands.
Never tried it? Well, you're in for a treat. I have to keep reminding myself of this because, of course, I'm only human. Whenever I feel so overwhelmed with something, I stop, pray, and place all of the problems and worries in God's hands.
Let me illustrate: imagine all of your problems as a huge ball. Spread your arms, capture all of your problems, worries, and fears, then compact them into the size of a ball (basketball or soccer or volleyball, it really doesn't matter). Then, tell God to take it.
Try it. You'll feel better.
Like many people, we have money problems. We've been through vehicle repossessions and home foreclosures and have even been sued three times (to date) by credit cards we haven't been able to pay over the years--keep in mind, my wife got sick in April of 2011 with acute myeloid leukemia, and is in the first year of a 5-year recovery plan. With all of that, and even going through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University which has helped tremendously with managing money, we still need to place those problems in God's hands.
Last week, I had an impending court date with one of those credit cards (Capital One is staying out of my wallet - FOREVER! - after all this). When I went to contact the attorneys representing the credit card, I prayed for God to give me courage and for me to also find someone with a Godly heart on the other end. I talked to a nice lady there, and we have a possible deal worked out--I'm still waiting on that phone call. But the stress I had been feeling before was extinguished when I . . . put those problems in God's hands and asked him to show me what He wanted me to do.
Put your stress and problems in God's hands. You'll be grateful you did.
How is the best way to deal with them, especially the problems that seem to be overwhelming and beyond your control?
Easy. Put them in God's hands.
Never tried it? Well, you're in for a treat. I have to keep reminding myself of this because, of course, I'm only human. Whenever I feel so overwhelmed with something, I stop, pray, and place all of the problems and worries in God's hands.
Let me illustrate: imagine all of your problems as a huge ball. Spread your arms, capture all of your problems, worries, and fears, then compact them into the size of a ball (basketball or soccer or volleyball, it really doesn't matter). Then, tell God to take it.
Try it. You'll feel better.
Like many people, we have money problems. We've been through vehicle repossessions and home foreclosures and have even been sued three times (to date) by credit cards we haven't been able to pay over the years--keep in mind, my wife got sick in April of 2011 with acute myeloid leukemia, and is in the first year of a 5-year recovery plan. With all of that, and even going through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University which has helped tremendously with managing money, we still need to place those problems in God's hands.
Last week, I had an impending court date with one of those credit cards (Capital One is staying out of my wallet - FOREVER! - after all this). When I went to contact the attorneys representing the credit card, I prayed for God to give me courage and for me to also find someone with a Godly heart on the other end. I talked to a nice lady there, and we have a possible deal worked out--I'm still waiting on that phone call. But the stress I had been feeling before was extinguished when I . . . put those problems in God's hands and asked him to show me what He wanted me to do.
Put your stress and problems in God's hands. You'll be grateful you did.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Advice for young people
The Book of Proverbs are moral teachings, taught in the form of lines of affirmation or sayings that are easy to remember when the need arises. They can give everyone guidance and teach others how to live intelligently and wisely.
Proverbs chapter 1, verses 7 through 19, is geared in my Bible as Advice for Young Men, but I want to expand it to be advice for all young people.
It starts by saying that in order to have knowledge, "you must first have reverence for the Lord." Above all else, respect the wisdom of the Lord and strive to always be constantly learning.
It next goes on to tell young people to pay attention to what your parents tell you. Parents, by and large, are not stupid and have lived a lifetime of struggles and champions. Learn from those struggles so you do not repeat them.
Temptations are the next form of advice given to young people. Meaning, resist temptations and do not give in. Let me repeat: DO NOT GIVE IN! If you feel you cannot, throw all of your temptations into the Lord's hands to deal with. You'll be amazed at the results. If you are part of a gang (or even a group of boys or girls) and they ask you do something illegal or immoral, resist and walk away. Even if there is little or no chance at getting caught, the Lord knows.
He knows all.
In fact, don't hang around people like that to begin with. That's the first step towards avoiding a life of crime: stay away from those types of people.
Proverbs chapter 1, verses 7 through 19, is geared in my Bible as Advice for Young Men, but I want to expand it to be advice for all young people.
It starts by saying that in order to have knowledge, "you must first have reverence for the Lord." Above all else, respect the wisdom of the Lord and strive to always be constantly learning.
It next goes on to tell young people to pay attention to what your parents tell you. Parents, by and large, are not stupid and have lived a lifetime of struggles and champions. Learn from those struggles so you do not repeat them.
Temptations are the next form of advice given to young people. Meaning, resist temptations and do not give in. Let me repeat: DO NOT GIVE IN! If you feel you cannot, throw all of your temptations into the Lord's hands to deal with. You'll be amazed at the results. If you are part of a gang (or even a group of boys or girls) and they ask you do something illegal or immoral, resist and walk away. Even if there is little or no chance at getting caught, the Lord knows.
He knows all.
In fact, don't hang around people like that to begin with. That's the first step towards avoiding a life of crime: stay away from those types of people.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
The Final Chapters of Genesis
The final chapters of Genesis, chapters 49 and 50, deals with the last words of Jacob, then his death and Joseph's death long afterwards.
Chapter 49 is largely Jacob's last words to his 12 sons, telling each one what will happen to them in the future--some he describes as animals (Judah a lion, Dan a poisonous snake, or Joseph like a wild donkey) and others he either tells them they'll be rulers of their land or how their life isn't going to amount to much.
After Jacob's passing, Joseph's brothers now wonder that they'll be punished for what they did to Joseph. Joseph reassures them that although they plotted evil against him, God turned the bad into the greatest good that could happen for the people of the land. He helped prepare Egypt for the seven years of famine by stockpiling as much food as possible during the seven fruitful years.
Genesis ends with Joseph telling his family they'll be taken care of by God, and how they'll be led out of this land of Egypt and to the land He promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Chapter 49 is largely Jacob's last words to his 12 sons, telling each one what will happen to them in the future--some he describes as animals (Judah a lion, Dan a poisonous snake, or Joseph like a wild donkey) and others he either tells them they'll be rulers of their land or how their life isn't going to amount to much.
After Jacob's passing, Joseph's brothers now wonder that they'll be punished for what they did to Joseph. Joseph reassures them that although they plotted evil against him, God turned the bad into the greatest good that could happen for the people of the land. He helped prepare Egypt for the seven years of famine by stockpiling as much food as possible during the seven fruitful years.
Genesis ends with Joseph telling his family they'll be taken care of by God, and how they'll be led out of this land of Egypt and to the land He promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
"Courageous" - a must-see movie
Sorry I’m a little late to the party on this one, but I
finally watched the movie Courageous this weekend.
Having watched all of the other films directed and produced
by the Kendrick brothers (Alex and Stephen), I have to say that each movie these
two put together gets better and better—this is their fourth movie. Their other
movies are Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof. There are
multiple plot lines in this movie, more than any of the others, that converge and
twist together nicely as the story progresses, albeit even a little
predictable. And it all started with an intense opening scene that looked every bit a huge Hollywood thrillfest.
Without giving too much of the main plot away, even though it can
be read on Wikipedia and get the gist on their trailer, the story is about four deputies who struggle
with balancing their work, their religion, and their family. One experiences a
death of family member, another has financial problems and is tempted by illicit
means to curb those problems. Being a former sheriff’s deputy for over twelve years, I
completely understand the camaraderie, temptations, and dangerousness they face
on a daily basis.
Probably the best minor plot line in the entire movie was the
life of one Javier Martinez, a Mexican-American struggling with finding work to
keep food on his family’s table and a roof over their heads. By a bizarre twist
of fate (bizarre, except that it was all due to the will of God), he found
himself befriended by the four officers.
What both my wife and I love almost as much as the movie
itself are the previews—we practically jotted down every movie we haven’t seen
and added to the “must-see” list.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Psalms 4 - Who's Hands Are You In?
Psalms 4 is also known as a Evening Prayer (Psalms 3 is the Morning Prayer).
This one refers to God as your defender. For those who insult others or what love what is worthless and false, they may pray to God but love their "stuff" even more--the stuff here in the Psalm is mentioned to be their wine and grain.
The speaker of the Psalm (David) tells in the end that when he lies down and goes to sleep, he sleeps peacefully, for he knows God keeps him perfectly safe.
Bottom line on the Psalm is this: trust in the Lord, not your stuff. If you find yourself in trouble, your car or your home or your debts will not get you out of trouble. God is the only one to help with that. Put all of your problems in God's hands . . . you'll be amazed at the results.
This one refers to God as your defender. For those who insult others or what love what is worthless and false, they may pray to God but love their "stuff" even more--the stuff here in the Psalm is mentioned to be their wine and grain.
The speaker of the Psalm (David) tells in the end that when he lies down and goes to sleep, he sleeps peacefully, for he knows God keeps him perfectly safe.
Bottom line on the Psalm is this: trust in the Lord, not your stuff. If you find yourself in trouble, your car or your home or your debts will not get you out of trouble. God is the only one to help with that. Put all of your problems in God's hands . . . you'll be amazed at the results.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Events happen for a reason
Growing up, I used to always say that: "Events (or things) happen for a reason." I may not know what that reason is right away, but eventually God shows me what that is. Whether it was not getting a job I applied for or not getting an agent to approve of my fiction query letter, or even the turmoil our family has gone through in the past year and a half with my wife's illness and our financial troubles, in the end events happen for a reason.
The same goes with Joseph, in Genesis.
From the last week's post, we covered Joseph turning from slave to governor of Egypt. Now, starting on chapter 42, his brothers go to Egypt to buy goods, for the famine is severe. Joseph recognized them immediately but the brothers did not. Not all of the brothers went with though. Benjamin, the youngest and only full-brother to Joseph (the others are half-brothers), is the only one who stayed behind. Joseph confronts them and calls them spies. He orders them to come back to Egypt with Benjamin or else he was going to imprison them.
As the brothers return home, they discover that all of their money has been returned to them. They do not know what kind of miracle it was, but when they tell their father Jacob that they need to return with Benjamin, Jacob is fearful that something was going to happen to him, seen as though Benjamin was his only living son--since Joseph, as far as his knowledge was concerned, was dead.
In the end, the brothers go back with Benjamin. After a fair amount of testing on their part, Joseph reveals who he really his: the brother they sold as a slave so many years ago. But he is not angry with them. He tells them that if they hadn't sold him off as a slave, he never would've had a chance to interpret the king's dream and become governor, thereby saving the people of all the lands.
Any normal person--and rightly so--would be angry with their siblings for doing this to them. But Joseph saw the bigger picture and said it was all due to the will of God. In the end of chapter 45, Joseph rides back home and sees his father, Jacob, once again.
The same goes with Joseph, in Genesis.
From the last week's post, we covered Joseph turning from slave to governor of Egypt. Now, starting on chapter 42, his brothers go to Egypt to buy goods, for the famine is severe. Joseph recognized them immediately but the brothers did not. Not all of the brothers went with though. Benjamin, the youngest and only full-brother to Joseph (the others are half-brothers), is the only one who stayed behind. Joseph confronts them and calls them spies. He orders them to come back to Egypt with Benjamin or else he was going to imprison them.
As the brothers return home, they discover that all of their money has been returned to them. They do not know what kind of miracle it was, but when they tell their father Jacob that they need to return with Benjamin, Jacob is fearful that something was going to happen to him, seen as though Benjamin was his only living son--since Joseph, as far as his knowledge was concerned, was dead.
In the end, the brothers go back with Benjamin. After a fair amount of testing on their part, Joseph reveals who he really his: the brother they sold as a slave so many years ago. But he is not angry with them. He tells them that if they hadn't sold him off as a slave, he never would've had a chance to interpret the king's dream and become governor, thereby saving the people of all the lands.
Any normal person--and rightly so--would be angry with their siblings for doing this to them. But Joseph saw the bigger picture and said it was all due to the will of God. In the end of chapter 45, Joseph rides back home and sees his father, Jacob, once again.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Brother Joseph and the Road from Slave to Governor
Joseph was the youngest son of Jacob, and also the most loved. He had several brothers, all of whom were jealous of Joseph.
Joseph also had a gift: he could, through God, interpret dreams. He told his brothers of a dream he had which he interpreted to mean all of his brothers would bow down and worship him. So his brothers came up with a scheme to, at first, kill him, then they decided to sell him as a slave to an Egyptian captain of the king's palace guards.
The story of Joseph is a long one, starting with chapter 37 and ending with the final chapter of Genesis, chapter 50.
Joseph may start out as a slave, but the Egyptian captain realizes that God works through him and appoints him to be the head of his household. By a bizarre twist of fate, the captain's wife tries to seduce Joseph and he kept refusing until she framed him by saying he was trying to rape her. Her husband threw Joseph in prison. Over the next two years, the Egyptian king had two dreams no one could interpret. He heard about Joseph and called for him.
Joseph interpreted the dreams to mean there will be seven years of abundance followed by seven years of great famine. The king then appointed Joseph as governor of Egypt and in charge of storing up as much food as possible during the abundant years to keep them through the famine years.
This story is interesting at its basic level. Joseph went from a pretty easy life to one of slavery, only to emerge as the head of a nation. This takes us through chapter 41. Next time we'll cover more on Joseph as his reign of governorship during the fourteen years of abundance and famine.
Joseph also had a gift: he could, through God, interpret dreams. He told his brothers of a dream he had which he interpreted to mean all of his brothers would bow down and worship him. So his brothers came up with a scheme to, at first, kill him, then they decided to sell him as a slave to an Egyptian captain of the king's palace guards.
The story of Joseph is a long one, starting with chapter 37 and ending with the final chapter of Genesis, chapter 50.
Joseph may start out as a slave, but the Egyptian captain realizes that God works through him and appoints him to be the head of his household. By a bizarre twist of fate, the captain's wife tries to seduce Joseph and he kept refusing until she framed him by saying he was trying to rape her. Her husband threw Joseph in prison. Over the next two years, the Egyptian king had two dreams no one could interpret. He heard about Joseph and called for him.
Joseph interpreted the dreams to mean there will be seven years of abundance followed by seven years of great famine. The king then appointed Joseph as governor of Egypt and in charge of storing up as much food as possible during the abundant years to keep them through the famine years.
This story is interesting at its basic level. Joseph went from a pretty easy life to one of slavery, only to emerge as the head of a nation. This takes us through chapter 41. Next time we'll cover more on Joseph as his reign of governorship during the fourteen years of abundance and famine.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Father Knows Best
This past weekend, I spent some time camping up near Lake of the Woods in Northwestern Minnesota. On Saturday night, after a long day of fishing (we caught 6 walleyes, between my son, father-in-law, and myself), we retired early.
However, around 1am, my youngest soon-to-be-six-year-old daughter Mykayla woke up crying. She does this on occasion, and usually it's a nightmare and that once I wake her up, interrupting the dream, she drinks a sip of water and falls back to sleep.
Not this night.
The crying fit lasted for over an hour, in which time my in-laws started waking up too. I prayed to God to help her get to sleep. Sorry, He wasn't buying that one. At least in such an easy way. Frustrated, I got up. I picked her up, gave her a little water, and asked her if she was okay. Did she hurt anywhere? (My wife and I were thinking of possible ear infections at this point).
Mykayla--whom is nicknamed KK--shook her head.
"Did you have a dream, KK?" I asked.
Again, she shook her head.
As she is a type 1 diabetic, I checked her blood sugar. It was a little high at 481, but I did a "correction" on her diabetes pump and held her a bit longer. I prayed to God again to let her sleep. Minutes later, she started sobbing. I kissed her on the cheek and asked, very softly, "Are you scared of something?"
This time she nodded. "Bugs," she said.
I knew she had a little fear of bugs, as many kids do (oh, heck, I really, really, really, really hate spiders so go figure), so we talked a little bit about bugs. Why were they so scary?
"They can bite," she said.
I then told her about a Pixar movie called A Bug's Life. She giggled. I then said that all of the bugs she knows are much, much smaller than her and that she could squash it with her finger. Well, this got her laughing so hard that she started asking me about all of the bugs we could squash. In the end, she said she was ready to sleep.
And sleep she did.
Afterwards, I realized that I recieved God's answer to help KK stop crying. Father knows best, so to speak. I needed God to work his wonder through me, to help my daughter sleep. KK is still afraid of bugs, but at least this time she can laugh about it when we talk about the Pixar movie.
However, around 1am, my youngest soon-to-be-six-year-old daughter Mykayla woke up crying. She does this on occasion, and usually it's a nightmare and that once I wake her up, interrupting the dream, she drinks a sip of water and falls back to sleep.
Not this night.
The crying fit lasted for over an hour, in which time my in-laws started waking up too. I prayed to God to help her get to sleep. Sorry, He wasn't buying that one. At least in such an easy way. Frustrated, I got up. I picked her up, gave her a little water, and asked her if she was okay. Did she hurt anywhere? (My wife and I were thinking of possible ear infections at this point).
Mykayla--whom is nicknamed KK--shook her head.
"Did you have a dream, KK?" I asked.
Again, she shook her head.
As she is a type 1 diabetic, I checked her blood sugar. It was a little high at 481, but I did a "correction" on her diabetes pump and held her a bit longer. I prayed to God again to let her sleep. Minutes later, she started sobbing. I kissed her on the cheek and asked, very softly, "Are you scared of something?"
This time she nodded. "Bugs," she said.
I knew she had a little fear of bugs, as many kids do (oh, heck, I really, really, really, really hate spiders so go figure), so we talked a little bit about bugs. Why were they so scary?
"They can bite," she said.
I then told her about a Pixar movie called A Bug's Life. She giggled. I then said that all of the bugs she knows are much, much smaller than her and that she could squash it with her finger. Well, this got her laughing so hard that she started asking me about all of the bugs we could squash. In the end, she said she was ready to sleep.
And sleep she did.
Afterwards, I realized that I recieved God's answer to help KK stop crying. Father knows best, so to speak. I needed God to work his wonder through me, to help my daughter sleep. KK is still afraid of bugs, but at least this time she can laugh about it when we talk about the Pixar movie.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
The Hatfield's and the McCoy's in the Bible?
No, the tales of the Hatfield's and the McCoy's are not in the Bible.
But there are tales that mimic their feuds.
Genesis Chapter 34 starts out with the rape of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, by a guy named Shechem, who was the head of that region of land in Canaan. He then fell in love with her and went to Jacob to ask for her hand in marriage. Jacob informed him that he would have to be circumcised in order for him to allow it, so Shechem did as ordered.
Three days after the circumcision, Jacob's two sons, Simeon and Levi, went into the city where Shechem and his family lived, and killed them all. They then looted the town of all its livestock, women, and children.
Jacob was furious about this, for he didn't have an army to fight against anyone who vowed revenge for Shechem's death. Jacob then prayed for God for protection. God sent Jacob to Bethel, where he then named Jacob Israel and gave him the same promises as he had Abraham and Isaac, that vast nations will be descendants from you.
But there are tales that mimic their feuds.
Genesis Chapter 34 starts out with the rape of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, by a guy named Shechem, who was the head of that region of land in Canaan. He then fell in love with her and went to Jacob to ask for her hand in marriage. Jacob informed him that he would have to be circumcised in order for him to allow it, so Shechem did as ordered.
Three days after the circumcision, Jacob's two sons, Simeon and Levi, went into the city where Shechem and his family lived, and killed them all. They then looted the town of all its livestock, women, and children.
Jacob was furious about this, for he didn't have an army to fight against anyone who vowed revenge for Shechem's death. Jacob then prayed for God for protection. God sent Jacob to Bethel, where he then named Jacob Israel and gave him the same promises as he had Abraham and Isaac, that vast nations will be descendants from you.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Jacob returns home
Jacob fled from home many years before because of what had been done to his brother, Esau. He feared retaliation.
Upon his return home, with his wife, children, and flocks of livestock, he sent gifts on ahead to curry favor with his older brother. When they finally meet, at the beginning of Chapter 33, Esau threw his arms around Jacob and they wept. Esau would not accept Jacob's gifts, but Jacob insisted.
An interesting passage, however, occurs in Chapter 32, Verses 24-32. Jacob sent his family and possessions on ahead while he stayed behind at a river. This was just prior to his meeting with Esau. The passage tells that a man visited Jacob just before daybreak and wrestled with him. The man had no name. The man, who was losing the match, struck Jacob in the hip and told Jacob to let him go. Jacob refused and asked the man's name. The man said that Jacob will no longer be called Jacob, but will be called Israel. In the aftermath, Jacob said that he had seen God face-to-face, and blessed the spot where the struggle took place.
Upon his return home, with his wife, children, and flocks of livestock, he sent gifts on ahead to curry favor with his older brother. When they finally meet, at the beginning of Chapter 33, Esau threw his arms around Jacob and they wept. Esau would not accept Jacob's gifts, but Jacob insisted.
An interesting passage, however, occurs in Chapter 32, Verses 24-32. Jacob sent his family and possessions on ahead while he stayed behind at a river. This was just prior to his meeting with Esau. The passage tells that a man visited Jacob just before daybreak and wrestled with him. The man had no name. The man, who was losing the match, struck Jacob in the hip and told Jacob to let him go. Jacob refused and asked the man's name. The man said that Jacob will no longer be called Jacob, but will be called Israel. In the aftermath, Jacob said that he had seen God face-to-face, and blessed the spot where the struggle took place.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Dishonest Laban
Laban was a wealthy shepherd, yet he was dishonest.
A dishonest businessman, in other words. That's the bottom line.
We see Laban from Genesis 29 through 31, as Jacob goes off to see him. It is a long tale of deceit and dishonesty, yet Jacob, son of Isaac, took it all in stride and knew God would watch over him and make sure no harm came to him.
Jacob falls in love with Laban's daughter Rachel. Jacob agrees to work for Laban for seven years in order to marry Rachel. What follows is a twisted story of Jacob fathering children for both Rachel and also to her sister Leah, something Laban had a hand in.
When Rachel gave birth to her son Joseph, Jacob told Laban that he was to return home. Laban asks what he wishes in wages, and Jacob informs him that he'll take all of the livestock and is spotted or striped or speckled. Laban then has all of the spotted and striped and speckled livestock removed, deceiving and tricking Jacob out of any livestock.
But Jacob had plans of his own, and I won't give all of the details here, but in the end Jacob ended up with plenty of livestock of his own--spotted, striped, and speckled. He then flees. Laban finds out about Jacob leaving with an immense flock and pursues him.
In the end, Laban and Jacob come to an agreement and Laban does no harm to Jacob--this is mostly due to God appearing before him in a dream and said not to harm Jacob.
A dishonest businessman, in other words. That's the bottom line.
We see Laban from Genesis 29 through 31, as Jacob goes off to see him. It is a long tale of deceit and dishonesty, yet Jacob, son of Isaac, took it all in stride and knew God would watch over him and make sure no harm came to him.
Jacob falls in love with Laban's daughter Rachel. Jacob agrees to work for Laban for seven years in order to marry Rachel. What follows is a twisted story of Jacob fathering children for both Rachel and also to her sister Leah, something Laban had a hand in.
When Rachel gave birth to her son Joseph, Jacob told Laban that he was to return home. Laban asks what he wishes in wages, and Jacob informs him that he'll take all of the livestock and is spotted or striped or speckled. Laban then has all of the spotted and striped and speckled livestock removed, deceiving and tricking Jacob out of any livestock.
But Jacob had plans of his own, and I won't give all of the details here, but in the end Jacob ended up with plenty of livestock of his own--spotted, striped, and speckled. He then flees. Laban finds out about Jacob leaving with an immense flock and pursues him.
In the end, Laban and Jacob come to an agreement and Laban does no harm to Jacob--this is mostly due to God appearing before him in a dream and said not to harm Jacob.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
The strange case of Jacob, son is Isaac
At a first reading, I thought Jacob, the second born of Isaac and Rebecca, was a spoiled brat and something of a momma's boy. It even says in Genesis 27: 28 that Rebecca preferred Jacob while her husband Isaac preferred Esau--Esau and Jacob were twins, with Esau being born first while Jacob was "born holding on tightly" to his brother's heel.
Jacob tricks Esau into giving up his first-born rights in Genesis 27:31-33.
Then in Genesis 27, the entire chapter is devoted to the exchange between Isaac and Jacob, and then Isaac and Esau. Isaac told Esau to kill an animal and cook a great meal for him, and then he would give Esau his final blessing before he died. Rebecca, overhearing this, prepared a meal and had Jacob pose as his brother to receive the final blessing.
After Jacob received the blessing, and Esau arrived and spoke with his father, Esau was outraged at what Jacob had done. Isaac told Esau that he already blessed Jacob into being the master of Esau--rather deceitfully, I might add.
In the end, Jacob runs off to another land to find a wife, leaving Esau to "cool off" over what his brother had done. In Genesis 28, Jacob dreams about a ladder leading up to Heaven, the ladder filled with angels, and the Lord God said to He would protect him and all of his people. This is the famous Jacob's Ladder. Jacob then blessed the spot and calls it Bethel, and says, "I will give you a tenth of everything you give me."
In the beginning of this tale, before the birth of Esau and Jacob, Rebecca is told by the Lord: "Two nations are within you; You will give birth to two rival peoples, One will be stronger than the other; The older will serve the younger." This last line sums up and erases everything I originally thought. Rebecca knew that Jacob would be the one to rule the people, not Esau. That is why everything was done for Jacob, to help fulfill his destiny.
Jacob tricks Esau into giving up his first-born rights in Genesis 27:31-33.
Then in Genesis 27, the entire chapter is devoted to the exchange between Isaac and Jacob, and then Isaac and Esau. Isaac told Esau to kill an animal and cook a great meal for him, and then he would give Esau his final blessing before he died. Rebecca, overhearing this, prepared a meal and had Jacob pose as his brother to receive the final blessing.
After Jacob received the blessing, and Esau arrived and spoke with his father, Esau was outraged at what Jacob had done. Isaac told Esau that he already blessed Jacob into being the master of Esau--rather deceitfully, I might add.
In the end, Jacob runs off to another land to find a wife, leaving Esau to "cool off" over what his brother had done. In Genesis 28, Jacob dreams about a ladder leading up to Heaven, the ladder filled with angels, and the Lord God said to He would protect him and all of his people. This is the famous Jacob's Ladder. Jacob then blessed the spot and calls it Bethel, and says, "I will give you a tenth of everything you give me."
In the beginning of this tale, before the birth of Esau and Jacob, Rebecca is told by the Lord: "Two nations are within you; You will give birth to two rival peoples, One will be stronger than the other; The older will serve the younger." This last line sums up and erases everything I originally thought. Rebecca knew that Jacob would be the one to rule the people, not Esau. That is why everything was done for Jacob, to help fulfill his destiny.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Psalm 3 - Facing Your Enemies
Psalm 3 starts by telling that "I have so many enemies, Lord . . ."
The speaker has many enemies who talk about him behind his back. They whisper stuff like, "God will not help him."
But who does the speaker listen to? Not the enemies. He knows God will protect him and victory only comes through Him.
When you feel like everyone is against you, take the time to read Psalm 3. It deals with using the Lord as your shield against your enemies, so that you will not be afraid. Give all of your fear to the Lord, and you will sleep well.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Rebecca
Genesis 24 tells the tale on how Rebecca became Isaac's wife.
After the death of Abraham's wife Sarah, Abraham sends his most trusted servant away to find a wife for his son Isaac. The servant--who is never given a name--is given explicit instructions on how to find her. He is to go back to Abraham's homeland, and among his relatives, there he will find one suitable for Isaac. The servant came to a well, and prayed to the Lord that the girl who comes by a not only offer him a drink but will also be generous enough with her water to quench the thirst of his camels, would be the one the Lord has chosen.
Rebecca arrived . . . and she said everything that was supposed to be said. She was also, indeed, one of the relatives Abraham spoke of.
The final piece of the puzzle was that Rebecca had to agree to go. Her mother and brother wanted Rebecca to stay a week before leaving, but when asked, Rebecca said she would go immediately.
It's never said prior to this, but the death of Isaac's mother must've hurt him terribly, because when he saw Rebecca and they married, she comforted him and eased the pain of Sarah's death.
After the death of Abraham's wife Sarah, Abraham sends his most trusted servant away to find a wife for his son Isaac. The servant--who is never given a name--is given explicit instructions on how to find her. He is to go back to Abraham's homeland, and among his relatives, there he will find one suitable for Isaac. The servant came to a well, and prayed to the Lord that the girl who comes by a not only offer him a drink but will also be generous enough with her water to quench the thirst of his camels, would be the one the Lord has chosen.
Rebecca arrived . . . and she said everything that was supposed to be said. She was also, indeed, one of the relatives Abraham spoke of.
The final piece of the puzzle was that Rebecca had to agree to go. Her mother and brother wanted Rebecca to stay a week before leaving, but when asked, Rebecca said she would go immediately.
It's never said prior to this, but the death of Isaac's mother must've hurt him terribly, because when he saw Rebecca and they married, she comforted him and eased the pain of Sarah's death.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
What are you willing to sacrifice?
"Go to the mountain and sacrifice your one and only son."
These were essentially the same words Abraham heard from the Lord. As you know Isaac was Abraham's one and only son, a son born when Sarah and he thought they were beyond the age to be bearing children.
But when Abraham heard these words, he didn't question the Lord and ask, "Are you sure?" Full of faith in the Lord, Abraham did as he was told.
This seems completely prophetic towards God's sacrifice of his own Son Jesus, a task that was taken to completion. Because, as you know, as Abraham was about to plunge the knife into his son, Isaac, the Lord told Abraham that He now knew that Abraham had complete faith in Him. In the end, God produced a ram and it was sacrificed in place of Isaac.
This may seem like such an extreme, but it simply shows the level of faithfulness in the Lord that Abraham had.
These were essentially the same words Abraham heard from the Lord. As you know Isaac was Abraham's one and only son, a son born when Sarah and he thought they were beyond the age to be bearing children.
But when Abraham heard these words, he didn't question the Lord and ask, "Are you sure?" Full of faith in the Lord, Abraham did as he was told.
This seems completely prophetic towards God's sacrifice of his own Son Jesus, a task that was taken to completion. Because, as you know, as Abraham was about to plunge the knife into his son, Isaac, the Lord told Abraham that He now knew that Abraham had complete faith in Him. In the end, God produced a ram and it was sacrificed in place of Isaac.
This may seem like such an extreme, but it simply shows the level of faithfulness in the Lord that Abraham had.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Psalm 2 - Fearing God
Psalm 2 starts with two questions:
"Why do the nations plan rebellion?"
"Why do people make their useless plots?"
It continues to tell how some rulers and kings plot against the Lord.
"The Lord laughs."
God mocks their feeble plans, for He could easily flood the Earth and end everyone's life. This is funny, when you think about it: God, sitting up in Heaven, watching people plot against Him and denounce God's Word. It's probably the same reaction He gets when atheists mock God's existence. He mocks them. He laughs at them.
But, in the end, we should both love and fear Him. He is the Protector of all who ask for it.
It also mentions that He will be sending a King, who is his Son. This, of course, is the foretelling of Jesus. And that his Son will from the City of David, which also proves to be true.
One of the best lines--besides the line where the Lord laughs--is where it says, "Serve the Lord with fear." Serve Him, and he will reward you.
"Why do the nations plan rebellion?"
"Why do people make their useless plots?"
It continues to tell how some rulers and kings plot against the Lord.
"The Lord laughs."
God mocks their feeble plans, for He could easily flood the Earth and end everyone's life. This is funny, when you think about it: God, sitting up in Heaven, watching people plot against Him and denounce God's Word. It's probably the same reaction He gets when atheists mock God's existence. He mocks them. He laughs at them.
But, in the end, we should both love and fear Him. He is the Protector of all who ask for it.
It also mentions that He will be sending a King, who is his Son. This, of course, is the foretelling of Jesus. And that his Son will from the City of David, which also proves to be true.
One of the best lines--besides the line where the Lord laughs--is where it says, "Serve the Lord with fear." Serve Him, and he will reward you.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
The servant Lot
Genesis 19 depicts Abraham's nephew Lot, who resided in the sinful city of Sodom.
One night, Lot was visited by two angels of the Lord. He knew the sinful nature of the city in which he resided, and when he's visited by the two, he immediately told them to come inside and he was to serve them. The two refused and told him they are going to sleep in the city square, but Lot was persistent and they soon agreed to come inside.
The citizens of Sodom quickly learned the nature of the two who were in Lot's house, and ordered Lot to bring them out. But Lot refused, and even went as far as to offer his two virgin daughters to the citizens if they'll leave him alone. The citizens were relentless, and Lot went out to confront them. The two angels them forced Lot back inside and ordered him and his family out of the city immediately, for they were going to destroy both the city of Sodom and Gomorrah.
The angels told Lot to run away quickly, but Lot hesitated. Verse 16 said that Lot hesitated and the Lord took pity on him. The two angels led Lot out of the city and told him to run for the hills.
Lot, the servant that he was, answered that he owed the Lord a great favor by saving him and his family. Lot pointed to a small town and asked if they could hide out there. The angels agreed.
And both Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed.
The citizens of Sodom quickly learned the nature of the two who were in Lot's house, and ordered Lot to bring them out. But Lot refused, and even went as far as to offer his two virgin daughters to the citizens if they'll leave him alone. The citizens were relentless, and Lot went out to confront them. The two angels them forced Lot back inside and ordered him and his family out of the city immediately, for they were going to destroy both the city of Sodom and Gomorrah.
The angels told Lot to run away quickly, but Lot hesitated. Verse 16 said that Lot hesitated and the Lord took pity on him. The two angels led Lot out of the city and told him to run for the hills.
Lot, the servant that he was, answered that he owed the Lord a great favor by saving him and his family. Lot pointed to a small town and asked if they could hide out there. The angels agreed.
And both Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
A test of patience
"Daddy, Daddy, can I ask you something?"
"Mommy, please, why ______________________ ?"
Sound familiar?
In one of the most interesting exchanges between Abraham and God is on Chapter 18, Verses 23 through 33. God tells Abraham that He is going to Sodom and Gomorrah, for he's heard rumor of great sins.
Abraham is fearful of this, as his nephew Lot resides there. He asks God if He could find 50 innocent people, would He not destroy the city.
God agrees.
Then, Abraham apologizes for his boldness and asks if He only finds 45 innocent people, would He spare the city.
God agrees. Again.
Abraham continues asking God by going down to 30 innocent people, and then 20, until arriving at 10. Would God not destroy Sodom if He could find 10 innocent people--surely, in that entire city, there must be at least 10 God-loving people.
God agrees--very patiently--that if He finds 10 people, He will not destroy Sodom.
This exchange definitely shows the patience behind God, as Abraham continuously asks Him question after question and the Lord obliges.
"Mommy, please, why ______________________ ?"
Sound familiar?
In one of the most interesting exchanges between Abraham and God is on Chapter 18, Verses 23 through 33. God tells Abraham that He is going to Sodom and Gomorrah, for he's heard rumor of great sins.
Abraham is fearful of this, as his nephew Lot resides there. He asks God if He could find 50 innocent people, would He not destroy the city.
God agrees.
Then, Abraham apologizes for his boldness and asks if He only finds 45 innocent people, would He spare the city.
God agrees. Again.
Abraham continues asking God by going down to 30 innocent people, and then 20, until arriving at 10. Would God not destroy Sodom if He could find 10 innocent people--surely, in that entire city, there must be at least 10 God-loving people.
God agrees--very patiently--that if He finds 10 people, He will not destroy Sodom.
This exchange definitely shows the patience behind God, as Abraham continuously asks Him question after question and the Lord obliges.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Do you trust God? Abraham did.
The story of Abraham is a lengthy one, as he travels from one place to another, and even disguising his wife Sarah as his sister.
Abraham--who starts out as Abram (and his wife Sarai) and then God changes their name later on--starts out in Chapter 12 and ends in the middle of 25. From the very beginning, Abraham didn't question what the Lord told him. He trusted Him. Even when the Lord kept telling him that he'll have as many descendants as there is sand on the beach or stars in the sky.
What if God told you to pack up all of your belongings and go to some faraway land you've never been before?
Even though we wan to say yes, we end up saying something like, "Um, sorry, but . . . no."
Several times, the Lord tells Abraham that he'll have so many descendants, it would be as easy to count as the specks of dust on the earth. But there was a problem. Sarah couldn't bear any children. Abraham even presented this to the Lord, who then said He will give them a son. Abraham trusted Him.
In Chapter 18, God appeared before Abraham and told him that Sarah will bear a son in nine months. Even though they were both very old, Sarah laughed and wouldn't believe it. Abraham did. And in Chapter 21, Isaac (their son) is born.
Abraham--who starts out as Abram (and his wife Sarai) and then God changes their name later on--starts out in Chapter 12 and ends in the middle of 25. From the very beginning, Abraham didn't question what the Lord told him. He trusted Him. Even when the Lord kept telling him that he'll have as many descendants as there is sand on the beach or stars in the sky.
What if God told you to pack up all of your belongings and go to some faraway land you've never been before?
Even though we wan to say yes, we end up saying something like, "Um, sorry, but . . . no."
Several times, the Lord tells Abraham that he'll have so many descendants, it would be as easy to count as the specks of dust on the earth. But there was a problem. Sarah couldn't bear any children. Abraham even presented this to the Lord, who then said He will give them a son. Abraham trusted Him.
In Chapter 18, God appeared before Abraham and told him that Sarah will bear a son in nine months. Even though they were both very old, Sarah laughed and wouldn't believe it. Abraham did. And in Chapter 21, Isaac (their son) is born.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Psalms 1 - a lesson in finding wisdom and advice in others
For this week, I decided to take a slight detour and explore a chapter in the Book of Psalms. Psalms 1, to be exact. I'll be doing this on occasion, taking this detour from our regular explorations, as the Holy Bible is so full of wisdom that it would've literally taken me a few years to get to it at the pace I'm currently writing.
I've always loved Psalms 1.
It starts by saying: "Happy are those who reject the advice of evil men, who do not follow the example of sinners or join those who have no use for God."
Then it goes on by saying that by following God is like being a tree that grows next to a river. It never dries up and bears fruit at the right time.
Meaning, if you follow God's Plan, you'll become prosperous. You'll be giving abundance from Him.
This could be taken a step further by saying to stay away from negative people, for they'll do nothing but bog you down and keep you from succeeding.
I've always loved Psalms 1.
It starts by saying: "Happy are those who reject the advice of evil men, who do not follow the example of sinners or join those who have no use for God."
Then it goes on by saying that by following God is like being a tree that grows next to a river. It never dries up and bears fruit at the right time.
Meaning, if you follow God's Plan, you'll become prosperous. You'll be giving abundance from Him.
This could be taken a step further by saying to stay away from negative people, for they'll do nothing but bog you down and keep you from succeeding.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Babbling on . . . in Babylon
Genesis 11 starts with the people of the world who decided to build a city in Babylonia with a tower that reached up to the heavens.
These people only spoke one language, and when the Lord God saw that they were beginning to worship this tower instead of Him, he scattered them throughout the world and mixed up their language so they wouldn't be able to understand each other.
The people babbled on . . .
Hence we get the word "babble."
The city was then called Babylon.
These people only spoke one language, and when the Lord God saw that they were beginning to worship this tower instead of Him, he scattered them throughout the world and mixed up their language so they wouldn't be able to understand each other.
The people babbled on . . .
Hence we get the word "babble."
The city was then called Babylon.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Call me Nimrod - it's really not such a bad name
Once again, the Bible tells a very thin story about a great leader who should be as well known as Caesar or Abraham Lincoln.
His name is Nimrod.
Nowadays, when you call someone a nimrod, it's meant as slander--the equivalent of calling them an idiot or a bodacious moron.
Nimrod was Noah's great-great-grandson.
Genesis 10:8 reads: "Cush had a son named Nimrod, who became the world's first great conqueror."
The verses through 12 briefly describe the kingdom he conquered, but it's sketchy at best. No more is written about him--so far, anyway.
So, the next time someone calls you a nimrod, smile and say, "Thanks, I knew I was great."
His name is Nimrod.
Nowadays, when you call someone a nimrod, it's meant as slander--the equivalent of calling them an idiot or a bodacious moron.
Nimrod was Noah's great-great-grandson.
Genesis 10:8 reads: "Cush had a son named Nimrod, who became the world's first great conqueror."
The verses through 12 briefly describe the kingdom he conquered, but it's sketchy at best. No more is written about him--so far, anyway.
So, the next time someone calls you a nimrod, smile and say, "Thanks, I knew I was great."
Sunday, February 26, 2012
A theory on the flood
This is a quick theory of mine, so take it for what it's worth.
Nothing I say here diminishes the tale of Noah and the ark.
For centuries, explorers have tried to find Noah's ark but to no avail. Here's my theory: what if the story of Noah and the ark is a metaphor, and instead of a flood of water, it was a flood of ice.
Meaning, the ice age. We've had a few in the history of the planet. It's possible the tale of the flood was to simplify these large sheets of ice that covered much of the planet.
Something to think about. Like I said, in no way is it meant to take away from the mystery of Noah and the ark, just offering an interesting perspective.
Nothing I say here diminishes the tale of Noah and the ark.
For centuries, explorers have tried to find Noah's ark but to no avail. Here's my theory: what if the story of Noah and the ark is a metaphor, and instead of a flood of water, it was a flood of ice.
Meaning, the ice age. We've had a few in the history of the planet. It's possible the tale of the flood was to simplify these large sheets of ice that covered much of the planet.
Something to think about. Like I said, in no way is it meant to take away from the mystery of Noah and the ark, just offering an interesting perspective.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Old Man Noah
Noah took his tasks to heart. All of them, right down to the exact length, width, and height of the ark.
But who wouldn't? God told him so.
In an age of wickedness, God told Noah to build an ark and place every animal in the world in it. We all know this tale from our Sunday School classes, and even some comedic motion pictures in the last few years regarding it.
Yet what makes this interesting is that Noah did everything that God commanded. He never second-guessed His judgement.
No leader today gets that kind of loyalty from their followers.
What's also interesting is that Noah was 600 years old when he built the ark. I mean, God already put an age limit on mankind, and then changed his mind for Noah.
But who wouldn't? God told him so.
In an age of wickedness, God told Noah to build an ark and place every animal in the world in it. We all know this tale from our Sunday School classes, and even some comedic motion pictures in the last few years regarding it.
Yet what makes this interesting is that Noah did everything that God commanded. He never second-guessed His judgement.
No leader today gets that kind of loyalty from their followers.
What's also interesting is that Noah was 600 years old when he built the ark. I mean, God already put an age limit on mankind, and then changed his mind for Noah.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Four strange verses
The beginning of Genesis, chapter 6, are some of the strangest verses I've ever read.
And I haven't even read the entire Bible cover to cover yet.
Verses 1-4 tells the tale of how mankind spread across the globe, and that the angels saw some of the beautiful women and took some for their own. It was at this point that God limited our years on earth to no more than 120 years.
Then, verse 4 concludes with: "In those days, and even later, there were giants on the earth who were descendants of human women and the heavenly beings. They were the great heroes and famous men of long ago."
Verses 5-8 then weaves the tale of man's wickedness, and how God was going to wipe them all out.
All except Noah.
And I haven't even read the entire Bible cover to cover yet.
Verses 1-4 tells the tale of how mankind spread across the globe, and that the angels saw some of the beautiful women and took some for their own. It was at this point that God limited our years on earth to no more than 120 years.
Then, verse 4 concludes with: "In those days, and even later, there were giants on the earth who were descendants of human women and the heavenly beings. They were the great heroes and famous men of long ago."
Verses 5-8 then weaves the tale of man's wickedness, and how God was going to wipe them all out.
All except Noah.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
The mystery of Enoch
I had never heard of Enoch.
At least until I started exploring the Bible in a bit more detail.
Enoch appears briefly in chapter 5 of Genesis, verses 21-24.
Enoch lived in fellowship with the Lord, up until the ripe old age of 365, and then disappeared. Huh? Just like that?
The bulk of Chapter 5 lists Adam's descendants through his third son Seth. I won't bother listing them here, but there are several generations, and everyone seemed to live until they were over 800 years old. But what about Enoch?
Hebrews 11:5 is linked to Genesis 5:24, and states that: "It was faith that kept Enoch from dying. Instead, he was taken up to God, and nobody could find him, because God had taken him up. The scripture says that before Enoch was taken up, he had pleased God."
Jude 14 is also linked to Genesis 5:24 and states: "It was Enoch, the sixth direct descendant from Adam, who long ago prophesied this about them: 'The Lord will come with many thousands of his holy angels . . ."
Two generations after Enoch comes Noah.
And that's for the next blog.
Or two. I haven't quite decided yet.
At least until I started exploring the Bible in a bit more detail.
Enoch appears briefly in chapter 5 of Genesis, verses 21-24.
Enoch lived in fellowship with the Lord, up until the ripe old age of 365, and then disappeared. Huh? Just like that?
The bulk of Chapter 5 lists Adam's descendants through his third son Seth. I won't bother listing them here, but there are several generations, and everyone seemed to live until they were over 800 years old. But what about Enoch?
Hebrews 11:5 is linked to Genesis 5:24, and states that: "It was faith that kept Enoch from dying. Instead, he was taken up to God, and nobody could find him, because God had taken him up. The scripture says that before Enoch was taken up, he had pleased God."
Jude 14 is also linked to Genesis 5:24 and states: "It was Enoch, the sixth direct descendant from Adam, who long ago prophesied this about them: 'The Lord will come with many thousands of his holy angels . . ."
Two generations after Enoch comes Noah.
And that's for the next blog.
Or two. I haven't quite decided yet.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Three brothers
Chapter 4 tells the tale of three brothers: Cain, Abel, and Seth.
They were the sons of Adam and Eve.
Cain was born first, followed by Abel. Seth was born several years later, and bore a long line of descendants, which included the ark-builder Noah.
Cain was a farmer and Abel a shepherd. When it came time to deliver offerings to the Lord, Cain picked "some" of his harvest. Abel, on the other hand, chose the first born lamb, killed it, and offered the "best" pieces. The Lord was pleased with Abel's offering. He was not with Cain's.
God could tell Cain was upset with Him, but said that what he did was a sin--evil. Chapter 4, verse 4, links to Hebrews 11:4, which explains why Abel's offering was better than Cain's. Abel had faith in the Lord, which made Him approve of Abel's offering.
Cain then killed his brother out of jealousy, and when confronted by the Lord, Cain said he didn't know and asked why he was supposed to be his brother's keeper. The Lord was upset by Abel's murder and punished Cain by making him an outcast. Cain thought the punishment was too harsh and said that others would kill him. God then said that if anyone killed Cain, God's punishment would be multiplied by seven.
What's interesting to note in this is the argument about the literalness of the Bible versus the stories as metaphors. I'm not suggesting that Adam and Eve were the only two people on the entire Earth, who bore three sons . . . are you seeing the discrepancy? How would Cain (and his unnamed wife) bare a son without other people in the world?
I believe the answer lies within the fact that there were other people in the world, but the story of God's people were lined up with Adam and Eve. In Genesis 4:14, Cain tells the Lord that he could get killed. By whom? His parents?
Therefore, there must be other people in the world. Other people who were not God-loving as the descendents of Adam and Eve.
What about Seth, the third brother?
He was born to basically replace Abel . . . and his descendents went on to build arks and countless other wonderful deeds.
They were the sons of Adam and Eve.
Cain was born first, followed by Abel. Seth was born several years later, and bore a long line of descendants, which included the ark-builder Noah.
Cain was a farmer and Abel a shepherd. When it came time to deliver offerings to the Lord, Cain picked "some" of his harvest. Abel, on the other hand, chose the first born lamb, killed it, and offered the "best" pieces. The Lord was pleased with Abel's offering. He was not with Cain's.
God could tell Cain was upset with Him, but said that what he did was a sin--evil. Chapter 4, verse 4, links to Hebrews 11:4, which explains why Abel's offering was better than Cain's. Abel had faith in the Lord, which made Him approve of Abel's offering.
Cain then killed his brother out of jealousy, and when confronted by the Lord, Cain said he didn't know and asked why he was supposed to be his brother's keeper. The Lord was upset by Abel's murder and punished Cain by making him an outcast. Cain thought the punishment was too harsh and said that others would kill him. God then said that if anyone killed Cain, God's punishment would be multiplied by seven.
What's interesting to note in this is the argument about the literalness of the Bible versus the stories as metaphors. I'm not suggesting that Adam and Eve were the only two people on the entire Earth, who bore three sons . . . are you seeing the discrepancy? How would Cain (and his unnamed wife) bare a son without other people in the world?
I believe the answer lies within the fact that there were other people in the world, but the story of God's people were lined up with Adam and Eve. In Genesis 4:14, Cain tells the Lord that he could get killed. By whom? His parents?
Therefore, there must be other people in the world. Other people who were not God-loving as the descendents of Adam and Eve.
What about Seth, the third brother?
He was born to basically replace Abel . . . and his descendents went on to build arks and countless other wonderful deeds.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Is there evidence of early man and the dinosaurs in the Bible?
The Bible has many versions, all stemming from the same ancient books yet translated into a variety of languages.
My Bible is the Good News Bible, Today's English Version, and an odd thing happened when I was reading chapters 1 and 2.
I found evidence of early man (and possibly the dinosaurs) in Genesis.
Or so I thought.
Read the Creation story slowly and closely. The first chapter is the Creation itself. Chapter 2 starts out with the seventh day--the holy day of rest.
The fifth day God created creatures that live in the sea and air. The sixth day God created animals and man.
Then, after God's day of rest, we find the creation of Adam and Eve.
Wait a second. If Adam and Eve were supposedly the first human beings God created, then why would He have created animals and man and then Adam and Eve?
If you read Chapter 2 carefully, the Bible backtracks a little and tells the story of Adam and Eve on what would be the sixth day. I picked up a few different Bible versions and found the same evidence, but it was tricky at first.
Sorry, the Bible--so far, anyway--doesn't mention early man or the dinosaurs. But we'll keep reading . . .
My Bible is the Good News Bible, Today's English Version, and an odd thing happened when I was reading chapters 1 and 2.
I found evidence of early man (and possibly the dinosaurs) in Genesis.
Or so I thought.
Read the Creation story slowly and closely. The first chapter is the Creation itself. Chapter 2 starts out with the seventh day--the holy day of rest.
The fifth day God created creatures that live in the sea and air. The sixth day God created animals and man.
Then, after God's day of rest, we find the creation of Adam and Eve.
Wait a second. If Adam and Eve were supposedly the first human beings God created, then why would He have created animals and man and then Adam and Eve?
If you read Chapter 2 carefully, the Bible backtracks a little and tells the story of Adam and Eve on what would be the sixth day. I picked up a few different Bible versions and found the same evidence, but it was tricky at first.
Sorry, the Bible--so far, anyway--doesn't mention early man or the dinosaurs. But we'll keep reading . . .
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Adam and Eve had communication problems too
We all know the creation story of Adam and Eve.
God made Adam from the soil, breathing life into him. Then, knowing Adam shouldn't be alone, He created Eve by taking out one of Adam's ribs while he was sleeping.
Prior to the creation of Eve, God told Adam to cultivate and guard the Garden of Eden. He also said he could eat the fruit from any tree, excep the tree of knowledge.
In chapter 3, we met Satan--better known as the snake. He doesn't go to Adam to tell him he should eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge, he goes to Eve. Why? Didn't Adam tell Eve that she shouldn't do that? The Bible doesn't say so, but let's assume he didn't--not sure if we have to assume much, since nothing is written that Adam told her. Then, after eating the fruit, she tells Adam to eat it.
And he does.
Without question.
Nobody communicated.
The weird thing I noticed while reading chapters 2 and 3 is that God told Adam that if he ate from the tree of knowledge, he would die that same day. After they did, they didn't die. At least not in a physical sense, but their spirit was definitely harmed.
God made Adam from the soil, breathing life into him. Then, knowing Adam shouldn't be alone, He created Eve by taking out one of Adam's ribs while he was sleeping.
Prior to the creation of Eve, God told Adam to cultivate and guard the Garden of Eden. He also said he could eat the fruit from any tree, excep the tree of knowledge.
In chapter 3, we met Satan--better known as the snake. He doesn't go to Adam to tell him he should eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge, he goes to Eve. Why? Didn't Adam tell Eve that she shouldn't do that? The Bible doesn't say so, but let's assume he didn't--not sure if we have to assume much, since nothing is written that Adam told her. Then, after eating the fruit, she tells Adam to eat it.
And he does.
Without question.
Nobody communicated.
The weird thing I noticed while reading chapters 2 and 3 is that God told Adam that if he ate from the tree of knowledge, he would die that same day. After they did, they didn't die. At least not in a physical sense, but their spirit was definitely harmed.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Genesis, the Big Bang Theory, and Dinosaurs, oh my
"In the beginning . . ."
My original thought for this blog was to pursue each book of the Bible in a month, but just with the opening chapter in Genesis, I could go on and on, eating up the entire month's worth. So, I'm tossing my original thought out and pursuing each section as it comes up.
This will be a long journey, but it should be fun.
Genesis, chapter one, lists out God's six days of creation--day seven is at the beginning of chapter two. What's interesting to note is that in verse 26, God gives us human beings the power over all of the animals. Us. Power over the creatures on the planet. Pretty cool.
Backing up, in verse two it says that the universe was formless and desolate, engulfed in total darkness. Then, in verse three, God commanded "Let there be light," and it appeared. A few months back, I was listening to the radio, and I stumbled upon a religious program. The two preachers were talking about their latest golf game and how beautiful it was on the course, and one commented: "Yeah, and to think this was all caused by an explosion!" They got quite a chuckle out of it and its absurdity, but it caused me to pause and wonder why the Big Bang Theory is so dangerous to the other Creationists? In the two verses I quoted above, it said the universe was formless and desolate and then God made light. Sounds like the Big Bang to me.
Think on this for a minute. Big Bang Theorists say that all matter was, at one time, squashed together into a mass the size of a grapefruit. Then, an explosion caused all of the matter to expand outward. What caused the grapefruit-sized mass to become in that spot? Then, what caused the explosion afterwards?
The answer: God.
Genesis says so.
Back in college, I was part of a nondenominational religious group that met once a week for fellowship and singing--I'll forgo mentioning the name of this group, for reasons I don't care to bring up. Anyway, aside from the weekly fellowship, I met in smaller group discussions regarding Bible teachings. In one session, we discussed creationism in Genesis and one of the members said, "I think God put dinosaur fossils in the ground to test our faith, so therefore there have never been any dinosaurs. Also, if there was life on other planets, the Bible would say so. And since it doesn't, there isn't any life out in space. It's just us people here on Earth."
Sorry, but we have a hard enough time loving our neighbors. Why would we love someone several lightyears away from us?
I don't take a literal approach to the Bible. Meaning, I don't believe God created the universe in six twenty-four hour days. Think on this for a minute: in the beginning, for the shepherds and farmers in our early years, they wouldn't have the foggiest notion on molecular this and nuclear that and quantum physics this and . . . you get the picture. But by framing the creation in six days, to coincide with our seven-day weeks, it's something for the layman to understand.
Think of Occam's Razor for a minute. Typically, the simpliest explanations are better than complex ones. Hence, the creation of the six-day creation.
And about God planting dinosaur fossils to test our faith?
Give me a break.
My original thought for this blog was to pursue each book of the Bible in a month, but just with the opening chapter in Genesis, I could go on and on, eating up the entire month's worth. So, I'm tossing my original thought out and pursuing each section as it comes up.
This will be a long journey, but it should be fun.
Genesis, chapter one, lists out God's six days of creation--day seven is at the beginning of chapter two. What's interesting to note is that in verse 26, God gives us human beings the power over all of the animals. Us. Power over the creatures on the planet. Pretty cool.
Backing up, in verse two it says that the universe was formless and desolate, engulfed in total darkness. Then, in verse three, God commanded "Let there be light," and it appeared. A few months back, I was listening to the radio, and I stumbled upon a religious program. The two preachers were talking about their latest golf game and how beautiful it was on the course, and one commented: "Yeah, and to think this was all caused by an explosion!" They got quite a chuckle out of it and its absurdity, but it caused me to pause and wonder why the Big Bang Theory is so dangerous to the other Creationists? In the two verses I quoted above, it said the universe was formless and desolate and then God made light. Sounds like the Big Bang to me.
Think on this for a minute. Big Bang Theorists say that all matter was, at one time, squashed together into a mass the size of a grapefruit. Then, an explosion caused all of the matter to expand outward. What caused the grapefruit-sized mass to become in that spot? Then, what caused the explosion afterwards?
The answer: God.
Genesis says so.
Back in college, I was part of a nondenominational religious group that met once a week for fellowship and singing--I'll forgo mentioning the name of this group, for reasons I don't care to bring up. Anyway, aside from the weekly fellowship, I met in smaller group discussions regarding Bible teachings. In one session, we discussed creationism in Genesis and one of the members said, "I think God put dinosaur fossils in the ground to test our faith, so therefore there have never been any dinosaurs. Also, if there was life on other planets, the Bible would say so. And since it doesn't, there isn't any life out in space. It's just us people here on Earth."
Sorry, but we have a hard enough time loving our neighbors. Why would we love someone several lightyears away from us?
I don't take a literal approach to the Bible. Meaning, I don't believe God created the universe in six twenty-four hour days. Think on this for a minute: in the beginning, for the shepherds and farmers in our early years, they wouldn't have the foggiest notion on molecular this and nuclear that and quantum physics this and . . . you get the picture. But by framing the creation in six days, to coincide with our seven-day weeks, it's something for the layman to understand.
Think of Occam's Razor for a minute. Typically, the simpliest explanations are better than complex ones. Hence, the creation of the six-day creation.
And about God planting dinosaur fossils to test our faith?
Give me a break.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
What you'll see from this blog
I am not a biblical scholar.
Let me repeat that: I am not a biblical scholar. I went to Bemidji State University, with a major in Criminal Justice and Psychology, and a minor in Philosophy.
Then why am I writing a blog about The Holy Bible?
Because I believe The Bible was written for people like me. Not just me. It was written for everyone, but in simple language everyone is able to understand. In this exploration, I will be using the Good News Bible (called today's English version). I am well aware of the variety of Bibles out there, from contemporary to the King James version, but seen as though this is the only one I have, I'll be quoting the Good News Bible.
As you may notice in the "About Me" section, I am a writer of horror, fantasy, and thriller genre, but there is a part of me that wishes to explore more in detail the workings of The Bible.
At our local church, our Lutheran pastor gathered a list this month of people who wished to take this year and read The Bible. I didn't sign up. The main reason for this is because I'm a slow reader and I'm usually juggling (aside from my own writing) two to four novels (fiction and nonfiction), so I don't want to completely devote all my time to reading The Bible. But I have committed myself to reading it and posting my thoughts on various aspects of it in this blog.
I will be posting once a week--Sundays seem like a better day than any, given that it's considered a holy day. I have another blog, Views From The Outhouse where I post my views on the business of writing, and that blog I post every weekday.
Will there be a day when I post in this blog every weekday?
You never know . . .
Let me repeat that: I am not a biblical scholar. I went to Bemidji State University, with a major in Criminal Justice and Psychology, and a minor in Philosophy.
Then why am I writing a blog about The Holy Bible?
Because I believe The Bible was written for people like me. Not just me. It was written for everyone, but in simple language everyone is able to understand. In this exploration, I will be using the Good News Bible (called today's English version). I am well aware of the variety of Bibles out there, from contemporary to the King James version, but seen as though this is the only one I have, I'll be quoting the Good News Bible.
As you may notice in the "About Me" section, I am a writer of horror, fantasy, and thriller genre, but there is a part of me that wishes to explore more in detail the workings of The Bible.
At our local church, our Lutheran pastor gathered a list this month of people who wished to take this year and read The Bible. I didn't sign up. The main reason for this is because I'm a slow reader and I'm usually juggling (aside from my own writing) two to four novels (fiction and nonfiction), so I don't want to completely devote all my time to reading The Bible. But I have committed myself to reading it and posting my thoughts on various aspects of it in this blog.
I will be posting once a week--Sundays seem like a better day than any, given that it's considered a holy day. I have another blog, Views From The Outhouse where I post my views on the business of writing, and that blog I post every weekday.
Will there be a day when I post in this blog every weekday?
You never know . . .
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)