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.

5.28.2010

GENESIS 21 and 22

For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2021-22&version=NIV

Two readings for the weekend: Genesis 21 and Genesis 22. They revolve around Isaac, though there are a couple of accounts sprinkled in about Hagar and Ishmael as well as Abraham and Abimelech. There are some troubling aspects to these stories that don't sit well if read quickly and dismissed without some reflection, so I recommend carving out a little time to prayerfully read these stories, especially chapter 22.

You'll see how God answers prayers even if long in coming; you'll see Abraham's faith has truly matured (far beyond mine!) and you'll see some interesting aspects to God's character.

For the weekend, questions, comments, applications...

Have a great weekend...worship the Lord...fellowship with other believers...enjoy God's blessings!

Prayers,
Matt
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3 comments:

  1. MattMay 28, 2010 at 6:49 PM

    Chapter 21
    God "visited" (NIV has "was gracious to") Sarah...sometimes God 'visit' isn't such good news (Exodus 20:5), but here it is an answer to prayer...Sarah conceives and bears a son to Abraham in their old age...God's promise is fulfilled, and at the perfect time ("at the very time God promised v. 2). Reminds me God is always faithful, but in His time.

    Ishmael somehow mocks Isaac and so Sarah goes nuts and demands Abraham sends Hagar and Ishmael away...which God affirms to Abraham! But, even they, in the wilderness, lost and wandering, even though Hagar dies inside watching Ishmael die, they are provided for and given promises, that somehow parallel God's promises to Abe and Sarah!

    This family, much like many of ours, broken by doubts, insistence on taking control, selfish and even stupid and sinful, is visited by God who takes up even our brokenness into His promised plan!

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  2. AndyJune 1, 2010 at 10:37 PM

    I love the scripture that says, "in the mount of the LORD it will be provided." One of HIS amazing promises that I personally have seen many times. I also think it's cool that Mount Moriah is also the same mount where David sacrificed to the LORD to stop the plague after he took a prideful census of the nation of Israel. Coincidence? I think not.

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  3. DocJune 2, 2010 at 7:45 AM

    Nuclear families , church families all having doubts , control issues , envy ,anger ( all this comes from the snake ? )

    Is not Mt. Moriah where Solomon built the temple ?

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