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.

6.17.2010

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
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6 comments:

  1. AndyJune 17, 2010 at 9:15 PM

    I love Jacob's prayers. GOD, I am afraid. I must say that makes up the bulk of my prayers. Honest and real.

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  2. DocJune 17, 2010 at 9:37 PM

    One commentator suggested that Esau received Jacob more readily because he pitied his hip injury .

    ReplyDelete
  3. DocJune 18, 2010 at 8:10 AM

    Jacob wrestling with God is me . All night sometimes ! Wrestling with belief and trust .Do I believe and trust enough to let go of a specific problem and just let the Master handle it ?

    " What is your name ? " , tell me who You are , reveal more of Yourself to me . Help me understand just who You are and what You want of me .

    Doc wrestling with God . Am I the only one ?

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  4. MattJune 18, 2010 at 8:51 AM

    Nope.

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  5. DocJune 19, 2010 at 5:51 AM

    Why does Jacob twice refer to God as the Fear of Isaac?

    ReplyDelete
  6. AndyJune 19, 2010 at 9:16 AM

    Perhaps this is a bit simplified, but "The Fear of Isaac" equals "The God of my Father?"

    ReplyDelete

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