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.

6.28.2010

GENESIS 34

For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+34&version=NIV.

This is a terrible and revealing chapter. A close reading of the text over that last few chapters suggests Jacob should never have gone down to Shechem in Canaan. Jacob's daughter through Leah, both of whom it seems he didn't care for overly much, is taken by force by a man named Shechem (in the town of Shechem) who seems to have some standing in the community.

This is an awful chapter in every way, but it is still Holy Scripture and has powerul meaning for us as God's Word.

Reflections, questions, etc.

Have a blessed day.

Prayers,
Matt

6.21.2010

Gensis 33

For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+33&version=NIV

Here's a bit better side to both Jacob, and especially Esau. Everything about their relationship as brothers has been tense, filled with manipulation, self-centered, deceitful, and has led to their estrangement from each other for about 20 years!

Jacob, having wrestled with God (ch. 32), an answer to his earlier prayer, now faces his brother, from whom he had stolen both birthright and blessing. He expects Esau has kindled rage toward him, and makes his own preparations.

But Jacob is surprised by his brother's actions, and there is some surprise in Esau over Jacob as well.

Reflections, questions, applications...

Have a great day!

Prayers,
Matt

6.17.2010

Genesis 32

For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+32&version=NIV

The next bunch of chapters are some of my many favorite sections of narrative in the Bible. In this chapter, Jacob gets a new name, a new walk, a new touch from God (that hurts!!!), a new understanding about power through weakness (see 1 Corinthians 1-3) and a new sense of awe in his encounter with God's will.

I suppose most of us have times when we are lovingly tossed around by God's power, and like Jacob, we might be willing to pray our longest prayer during those times. Jacob is clearly anxious and afraid about meeting up with his brother Esau whom he mistreated so many years ago (about 20!), but this experience with God seems to prepare him for it.

God's work has been accomplished by injuring Jacob who nevertheless walks away much stronger in the strength of God.

Thoughts, questions, applications...

Prayers,
Matt

6.14.2010

Genesis 30:25-31:55

For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2030:25-31:55&version=NIV

Very strange and interesting stories here. Jacob's wealth in flocks increases, Jacob sets out to return home after many years away in service to Laban for marriage rights to his two dauthers. Jacob doesn't tell Laban about his plans to leave, but he hears about it, pursues Jacob but is then warned in a dream not to do harm.

Laban accuses (rightly) them of stealing his 'household gods,' but Rachel, who had stolen them, deceives her father about it. So Jacob, not knowing about Rachel's theivery, unloads a lot of pent up anger at Laban (31:36-42) for his injustice toward Jacob.

Chapter 31 ends with Laban requesting a covenant with Jacob (though Laban seems to set the terms which Jacob agrees to). They both mark the covenant with a pillar of stones and closed it with a meal.

Reflections, questions, applications...

Prayers,
Matt

6.11.2010

Genesis 29:1-30:24

For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2029:1-30:24&version=NIV

The next few chapters are really to be read together as they form something like one chapter in the Genesis story. The section is still about Jacob. Here we read about Jacob's love for Rachel and yet marriage to both Leah and Rachel after working for Laban. Children are born, first to Leah, and after some time has passed to Rachel, too.

Should we all work 7 years for permission to marry??? Would we? Not really the point of the story but interesting nonetheless.

The similarities between Laban's family and Jacob's are interesting, too: tension between Leah and Rachel, like that between Jacob and Esau; Laban manipulates circumstances in order to benefit one of his children, much like Rebekah did on behalf of Jacob; the older sibling is passed over against local custom and practice; deception is used in both families; etc.

Great story, a great God of grace and promise...thoughts, questions, etc.

Prayers,
Matt

6.10.2010

Genesis 28

NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2027:46-28:22&version=NIV

The reading includes the end of the last chapter - remember chapter and verse divisions were added hundreds of years after the original writing, so they don't always line up as we think they should.

Some more info on Jacob and his marriage...another insight into Esau, and Jacob dreams of a stairway/ladder connecting to heaven with God reaffirming the promises to Abraham's family.

The chapter wraps up with Jacob affirming his vows to God, though it seems with some conditions. These stories are fascinating!

Prayers,
Matt

6.08.2010

Genesis 27:1-45

For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2027:1-45&version=NIV

More drama in the promised family...not only has Jacob already weasled his way into Esau's birthright (though Esau seemed to be driven more by his stomach than by the value of the birthright), now Jacob works with mom (Rebekah) to grab hold of the 'blessing' as well.

Though story really rings a tragic note, especially vv. 23-40, which is really sad reading.

The brotherly relationship seems to be beyond repair at this point, though Rebekah thinks it will heal over time.

Comments, questions, applications...

Have a great day.

Prayers,
Matt

6.07.2010

GENESIS 26

For NIV reading click here

Like father like son...Isaac pulls the same stunt with Rebekah as dad did with Sarah! Including this story reminds us God is as much with Isaac as He was with Abraham.
God blesses Isaac with fruitfulness in the fields but again, like Abraham faces some challenges: like v. 15 with the Philistines plugging up the wells; quarreling with the people of Gerar over a well.

Isaac builds an altar after hearing God reaffirm His promises to his family.

Verses 27-30 recount a pact between Isaac's family and Abimelech's.

The chapter rounds out with a note about continued difficulty within the family.

Some of this continues to remind us of our own families, struggles, blessings and the presence of God in all of it. But the bigger story is still about God's particular blessings to and through Abraham that has reached all of us in Christ.

Comments, questions, responses...

Have a great day.

Prayers,
Matt

6.04.2010

GENESIS 25

For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+25&version=NIV

After a note about his second marriage, the story of Abraham draws to a close with his death in this chapter. The transition moves toward Isaac and his own sons who are described as 'struggling in the womb.' Esau and Jacob contend with each other from the beginning including Jacob's manipulation of Esau to get his birthright.

Thoughts, questions, etc.

Prayers,
Matt

P.S. Sorry I haven't posted much this week...preparations for Springdale and a few other unforeseen ministry needs...

6.02.2010

GENESIS 24

For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+24&version=NIV

This is the story of the coming together of Isaac and Rebekah. Not all praying goes exactly like this, neither do all relationships! But not every story in the Bible implies that our stories line up exactly, but it does remind us of who God is and how God sometimes does work. No matter how the unfolding happens, this story does remind us that God does fulfill His promises and is faithful.

Thoughts, questions, applications...

Prayers,

Matt

6.01.2010

GENESIS 23

For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+23&version=NIV

An account of the events surrounding Sarah's death...much has happened since chapter 12. Here, Abraham attentively deals with Sarah's death and burial.

I will post some comments on chapter 22 soon.

Have a great day!

Prayers,
Matt