What this blog is about and what I hope it does...

I hope this will be a simple fun tool for us to grow in our understanding and surrender to God through the Bible as we connect over the web. Reading the Bible is both simple and difficult. What could be easier than opening a book and reading? Yet we've all done that and wondered what sections of the Bible mean? What's with the book of Leviticus? What is Revelation really about? Is the Song of Songs about marital love or is it supposed to be more 'spiritual' than that?

So, my intent is for this blog to be a tool that helps us in our faith. A forum for better understanding. An honest place of sharing that nurtures us as we follow Jesus together.

(There are a few resources I have included under "PAGES" that may be a helpful start, especially to those newer to reading the Bible. It's located just below this and to the right. Also included is a READING OUTLINE. If you miss a day, go on to the next rather than trying to catch up.)

ONE LAST NOTE: you don't have to join or set up an account to share comments. Just click 'comment' at the bottom of a post, click the drop down and click 'anonymous.' Then write your post and if you want sign it with your first name and finish by clicking 'Post comment.' I would love to hear your thoughts.

5.21.2010

GENESIS 16

For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+16&version=NIV

Not quite the radically trusting man and woman of faith reflected in 15:6! But very human, very much like us with some doubts and problems with God's timing. So Sarai takes initiative and gets Abram to sleep with Sarai's maidservant (an easy sell?) and she bears a son (Ishmael) but then begins to 'despise' Sarai, so Saria 'mistreats' her. All this with 86 year old Abram's knowledge/permission.

God comes to Hagar the maidservant (like He did to Abram?) and informs her of His plan for her life...they don't sound so comforting on the surface, do they? But she seems greatful? And she 'gives a name to the Lord.' !!!

Have a wonderful day!

Prayers,
Matt
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2 comments:

  1. MattMay 23, 2010 at 10:35 PM

    Some thoughts about Gen 16:
    -human uncertainty when God seems slow in His promises can tempt us to do really stupid things
    -Abram here acts like Adam did in Gen 3
    -Sarai acts a bit like Eve
    -the problem here is not so much Hagar being a proxy-mom, but Abram and Sarai's lack of faith in God's promise
    -no one said faith was easy, especially when it requires persistence
    -somehow everyone carries some responsibility/blame here
    -the irony is that Sarai and Abram, frustrated with God, decide to take matters into their own hands, and end up complicating things for themselves!
    -story reaffirms God's promise to Abram and Sarai, but also His blessing to Hagar and Ishmael
    -so many places to see my incomplete faith in this story...so glad God faithfulness is not dependent on ours!

    ReplyDelete
  2. DocMay 24, 2010 at 7:25 AM

    That sounds like me , all day ! Just can't wait on God ; oh no , gotta take matters into my own hands .

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