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.)

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9.15.2010

GENESIS 48

For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+48&version=NIV

The deathbed blessing was a legally binding will and though it was usually reserved for the firstborn, it could also be applied to younger children at the discretion of the father, as is the case here, reminding us that the usual ways are not always the way it goes.

Jacob/Israel's elevating of Joseph's two sons is important because they are the result of Joseph's marriage to an Egyptian woman. Normally this might leave them out of the blessings, yet here they are, on equal footing with Jacob's sons.

I love Jacob's deathbed assurance to Joseph, "God will be with you and take you back to the land of your fathers." God has been with Joseph all along, the story has repeated that. But here, Joseph is about to watch his dad die, after years of being without him because of his brother's jealousy. Hugely important words from an imperfect dad to his unjustly treated son...reaffirming God is here, God is at work, God's will is being done and you will someday be back in the land God has promised over and over for generations.

How about you? Do you know God is with you? Do you know that even across seasons (years?) when it seems God is not? I know I need to hear it over and over.

Thoughts...

Matt
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3 comments:

  1. MattSeptember 15, 2010 at 10:18 AM

    Please vote for what to read next - below on the right - vote for two!

    ReplyDelete
  2. DocSeptember 15, 2010 at 8:29 PM

    Matt says:" How about you? Do you know God is with you? Do you know that even across seasons (years?) when it seems God is not? "

    Doc says :Easy for me , life has been pretty much " mountain top " for a while now . Not so long ago when life had a few rough spots , it was not quite so easy to feel God's presence.

    I fear the desert times ahead in my life when
    things won't be quite as easy and pray now that I will feel the Lord with me .

    I pray now for dear friends that Jesus will love and comfort , support and encourage them ; that they will feel His presence so strongly ; feel
    His arms around them .

    Ya'll pray this with me , please . For Matt , for Kelli , for Joshua , for Emma .

    ReplyDelete
  3. MattSeptember 16, 2010 at 7:33 AM

    Thanks for the prayers, Doc!

    ReplyDelete

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