Day 31 - Psalm 31

 Michelle

This psalm appears to be another of David.  It speaks of his trials and how he called to God and was rescued.  It is basically this over and over with different situations.  At the end it says "Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him...Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."   This appears to be another reminder of David's faithfulness to God and God's faithfulness to David, his believer.  And that God doesn't leave him even when he feels like he has been forsaken, God is always there and will bring us out of our trials and struggles in the end. 

Julie

It was said that anyone could find themselves in this lament and I will say that as I was reading it, I was thinking that I could relate to feeling some of those ways. However, yes, there is a praise in that even feeling that way or experiencing those things, if we are faithful to God through it all he will protect us and get us through. 

Day 30 - Psalm 30

 Julie

Genesis is finished and we will be moving into the next book in a couple of days. I read the overview of Genesis the is part of the ESV Study Bible that I am using and I really should have done that before I read the book. While it does not clear up a lot of things is does as to give some leeway in understanding just how long ago this all happened and how different things were at that time compared to now, and that we need to be careful in comparing. It also suggests not expecting everything to be perfect just because God is in involved. The one thing that does help in reconciling some of the things that happened in this book is that says to focus on the creation, sin and recreation which is what God is trying to accomplish in the end and to show that salvation is coming for man through the lines that he has blessed along the way. 

Psalm 30 seems to be another song of thankfulness to God for all that he has done and the protection that he provided. It also mentions in an explanation that this after David's death...not really sure how to interpret that, although I may not have really read that correctly.

 

Michelle

I might need to get that bible.  That is helpful info to keep in mind.  While we know that was a long ago time and things are very much different, I think some of the things we have gone thru so far, we have been able to get some lessons from, even though it brought about more questions.  The sins we believe they are constantly committing are far into a dark place for us, but at that time may have been the norm.  But I do believe it still showed that doing some of the things they did caused them more struggle than blessing and that is something to keep in mind as well.  I am thankful for a catch-up day because I wasn't in the right mindset the past few days to really feel like I was getting anything out of these passages.  I read them a couple times, but there was alot of distraction going on in my home and I couldn't really focus like I wanted to.  Today is quiet in the house this morning and that helps me to focus and really feel and open up to whatever I am supposed to see.

 The psalm in my bible prefaces with "For the dedication of the temple of David."  This may be coming from the people in relation to David's death.  It does sound like a song of praise.  It says I called out to you and you came to my aid, you turned my wailing into dancing and clothed me with joy.  I will sing your praises forever.  Yet another reminder to be thankful and give praise.

Day 29 - Genesis 49-50 & Psalm 29

 Julie

Today's passage lays out the blessings that Jacob leaves for his sons and highlights Joseph and Judah as receiving the most positive blessings of continued goodness. It also reiterates the fear that Joseph's brothers have in that he would have retribution against them for what they did to him. Again, he tells them that although they meant him harm, God was using that to save the lives of many. The verse actually reads, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today" (Genesis 50:20). I think that this is very powerful and, again, something that we need to remember. I know that I have said this before, but I think it helps to reiterate it, in that we assume that the bad/negative things in our life are being done to us by God because we have done something wrong. However, most of the time he is putting us through trials so that we can help others or to make us stronger for something bigger. Joseph's outlook is so refreshing and very God-like in that he is forgiving regardless of what they have done to him.

Psalm 29 is another thank you to God for all that he does, provides, and watches over for us. 

 

Michelle

I agree that we assume the challenges in life are God's punishment.  Even with all we've been told, this assumption never goes away.  I think we tend to punish ourselves by thinking this, which is not really the direction we should go either.  I believe these trials are meant for us to grow and become something better, but in the midst of it that's not what I am thinking and when it's over I don't know what I was supposed to learn.  Sometimes I wish it was made clearer to me.  

In chapter 49 a few things stood out to me.  In the very beginning he says "Gather so that I can tell you what is to come."  He seems to be telling of how their futures will go.  I see now that he goes back to Reuben's act with his father's concubine from earlier chapters.  It's interesting some of these though.  It does seem that some are not getting favorable blessing.  In Judah's blessing vs 10 stands out for some reason.  It says, "The scepter will not depart from Judah...until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his."  I am curious who this is speaking of as it seems to be of prophecy foretold.  Joseph's blessing does seem favorable compared to the others.  That he will continue to be blessed.  It almost sounds that it could be burdensome as well in the last verse for his blessing it says "Let all these rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince among his brothers."  That he will be and is the favored child of all twelve and while there seems to not be a jealousy anymore, the brothers are still fearful of what will happen to them.  I don't feel like Joseph sees it as a burden but that last line makes me feel that way for some reason.  As Julie stated, he does reassure his brothers that he does not hold any ill will toward them for what they did to him in the past.  He has clearly forgiven and forgotten, which I think we as humans don't do well.  I know I struggle with that.  But he knows that God placed him where he is for a reason and understands it was not their doing alone but God's path for him.  I wish I had that kind of understanding.  Sometimes it is hard to let go.  

I keep going back to ch. 40 vs 28 for some reason, "All these are the twelve tribes of Israel...".  For some reason I wonder if there are still today 12 tribes in Israel.  If some of the things we read about in the bible are still places of worship or highly regarded as being sacred, if some of the tribes or families are still in existence and know of their lineage.  Not sure why this is important, but I think about it sometimes.  I worked with someone from the middle east and he talked about the culture in the area he is from.  It reminds me some of the things we read in the bible.  Like one of the things was about the elder son which we kind of discussed the other day.  It's just interesting and I wonder if some of the prominent families of that area today are long past descendants of some of these tribes.  I'm not really sure why this is important but it stands out to me.

The psalm has yet another word I had to look up.  Ascribe, which defines as attribute something to.  So it goes on to say ascribe to the Lord glory and strength due his name, worship in the splendor of his holiness.  This does sound like another psalm of praise to the Lord calling out some of the attributes we should be mindful of. 

Day 28 - Genesis 47-48 & Psalm 28

 Julie

I don't know that I feel that there was much of a lesson in today's passages. It seems more of an informational reading to understand whom Joseph's line will extend through. I do find a bit confusing though when it goes back and forth between the different names for one person. In one verse he is called Israel and in the next Jacob. I wonder if that has anything to do with how he is acting at the time. In any case, it is also interesting how it bothers them when the younger son is blessed over the older one. I know that it is and always has been common for the oldest to inherit, but maybe God saw something more in the younger and knew that that line would be better through that son.

Almost all of the Psalms up to this point seem to be doing the same thing, which really asking for protection from evil and evildoers and proclaiming faith and trust in God. This is really just more of an observation than anything. They are all useful in prayer especially because it seems that even today we are plagued with some of these same things where we are trying to fall trap to evil or being accused by other of wrongdoing when that is not the case. 

 

Michelle

I am with you.  I am not certain of the lessons from today.  It speaks of Joseph and his family going to live in the land of the Pharaoh in Egypt.  I do find it interesting that there comes a time when the Egyptians give them selves to servitude to Pharaoh in exchange for food/grain.  In exchange they vow to give a 5th of everything they grow to Pharaoh.  It doesn't say how long that is to be but there is a vs that states it is still in force today.  They did not take from the priests though as they were provided already.  The fact that the younger continues to find favor and grow beyond their older sibling is very interesting.  Even today that is not normal for those that come from that area of the world.  It is the eldest that is responsible for the line and what is to move from father to son.  You may be right about seeing the younger as being the better option.  Maybe it shows that it doesn't have to be that way always, as God has shown he uses those you don't expect.  His father even says he knows he is blessing the younger to become greater than his elder brother, but states even the elder will become great.  Good observation about the reason for calling him the different names.  I didn't even think of that but you could be right.  As stated previously it seems to be his character that has encouraged the name changing. 

The psalm seems to be yet another call to God.  Turning to him in the time of need and praising him.  He seems to be crying out for help from whatever bad things are happening to him now.  I don't remember the story of David off the top of my head, but these psalms seem to say that he is always going thru something or being persecuted for something.  Wasn't he a king?  I feel like it's King David, although I don't really remember the story there.   

Day 27 - Genesis 45-46 & Psalm 27

 Julie

Our discussion yesterday focused on the fact that we did not believe that Joseph was trying to be vindictive or deceitful and we were correct in that assessment. As he tells his brothers who he is, he does so with loving kindness and true happiness that he is with them again. I want to focus on one line specifically out of these two chapters. "...it was not you who sent me here, but God." Joseph places absolutely no blame on his brothers for what they did. This can be a hard thing for people wrap their head around. We want to blame someone for the bad things in our lives instead of trying to see how or why they might be happening. People also think that they are having to go through these things because they were not doing something right or not living in the way God had intended. However, I think that this line should help us all to remember that regardless of our situation, whether good or bad, or whatever adversity or goodness we might be experiencing that God is putting us there and for his own purposes and reasons. We do not always know why during the experience, but when we come out the other side it becomes apparent how he wants us to use that situation. Today's passage is such a great lesson in not blaming others for our situations in life, but trusting and knowing that God has places us here and has a plan for us.

Psalm 27 is another prayer of trust in God and his direction. Even through adversity or battling enemies they place their total faith in him and that he will help through whatever they are going through. This plays right into what we read today in Genesis, it's almost as if Joseph could have prayed this as he endured some of the things that he did.

 

Michelle

Wow, what a great observation.  You are correct. More times than not, we are looking for someone to blame for whatever situation we are in, be it someone else or from decisions we have made.  Most people though are looking for someone else to blame.  What we fail to realize is that ultimately we are not in control.  We have free will to make choices and those choices will lead us in various directions but in the end we are where we need to be when we need to be there.  Sometimes we just make the road harder with our choices.   I do wish I knew where I was being taken though, cuz I am constantly asking why I am where I am or asking why things are going the way they are.  And God has yet to answer my questions.  I am working on stopping with the why and just trusting and having faith.  

The psalm does sound like a reminder that we should turn to God and trust in God thru whatever adversities and trials we are facing.  Faith seems to be the recurring theme so far in all we are reading.  There is a devotional attached to this one that points out the verse 14, wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.  It also talks of David escaping the pressure of fear and warfare by retreating to God's holy presence.  So in our time of difficulty we should be turning to God in whatever way that may need to be for us, scripture, song, prayer, whatever it is turn to him and be in his presence and that will help us get thru.  

Day 26 - Genesis 43-44 and Psalm 26

 Julie

Joseph seems to be testing his brothers here. I am not clear on exactly why, unless he is trying to see if they have changed. He had requested that they come back with his youngest brother, which is his full brother, and their father was highly resistant to let that happen since he believes Joseph to be dead. Then Joseph tricks them to keep Benjamin, his youngest brother. However, his older brother begs for Benjamin to return and he offers to stay in his place. This is a big switch from when they sold Joseph. He knows that his father loves Benjamin more just as he did Joseph, but they don't seem to be jealous of Benjamin in the way that they were with Joseph. 

Sometimes we want to test others and their integrity to find out if they are true to their word, especially if we have been wronged before. I wonder if that is what Joseph is trying to do here or if he is just trying to make his brothers sweat. That is something we are prone to do as well.

Psalm 26:6-7 stood out the most to me today. "I wash my hands in innocence and around your altar, O Lord, proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, and telling all your wondrous deeds". The whole Psalm speaks to this, but I feel like this is the center of this Psalm. He is saying that he has refused to fall into the trap of the evil and does not follow their path. However, he also shares to the goodness of God regardless/in spite of the evil that is surrounding him. I am not the best at sharing with others, especially because the subject of God and faith and our beliefs can be a touchy subject for some people. I think this a reminder that we should rejoice in what God gives and does for us and that we should not be ashamed or fear sharing that with everyone. I would hope that I would be faithful enough to do this.

 

Michelle

 It does seem like he is testing his brothers in some way.  Trying to find out their motives maybe.  He doesn't seem malicious in any way here but rather cautious.  Although I don't understand why, as he has risen in status and is more powerful than all of them, I don't see what the need is for it.  I thought maybe it was out of spite, but the passage doesn't really read spiteful.   I also don't get why he keeps sending the silver back with them.  Is he trying to be giving?  I can't really tell at this point.  Hopefully there is more to the story and it will show where we are being led.  

I agree we tend to show this type of behavior with others.  I know I have done it, whether right or wrong.  I also think it is yet another example of God using those that are not perfect.  I realized that is the expectation I had of all the people from the bible that were important to God, that they were used because they were righteous in their behavior, but that is not at all what I have read so far.  It seems that it is more about faithfulness and less about good behavior that makes them righteous.  After our discussion last night I started to think about it.  I don't think we really know what righteousness looks like, but from the readings so far it has shown that being faithful to God and following the path and direction he is giving you is what makes a person righteous.  Even though some have strayed or tried to take matters into their own hands, they are always pulled back to God and reminded that they need only follow him and have faith that he will do the things promised.  

The psalm has me perplexed for some reason. I think because it starts with him asking for vindication.  From what exactly?  It almost sounds like he is pleading his case for doing the right things but still being persecuted.  Which I can understand.  Sometimes even doing the right thing seems like it doesn't lead you on a path that you would expect, but just more struggle.  Doing the right thing is hard, doing the wrong thing is easy yet will cause you more trouble in the long run.  And I have to admit that there are many times I would rather do the wrong thing because it is easier and I get tired of the hard things in life.  Sometimes I wish I could do the wrong thing but then I think about the consequences that would come along with that and I stop myself.  Oh, but I think about it.  

I also felt like those same verses stood out.   I am also not one to share normally.  There are very few people that know my beliefs.  I think because it's hard to explain how I got here and also because I am not yet comfortable in my level of knowledge of the bible that keeps me from talking about it.  I actually had a moment where I gave myself to God.  I haven't shared with anyone I know aside from my friend Joyce and she is the one that took me and Nathan to church.  It was a year or so after mom died and I was in a really bad place, not just from her death but just going thru alot of changes in life and having a really hard time mentally dealing with it all and trying to understand who I was at that point.  Nathan came home one day and asked why we didn't go to church and who God was and I had no idea what to tell him.  How do you answer that question when you are questioning your own beliefs?  When you don't understand it yourself?  So after my friend had asked me like a hundred times to join them, I finally called her up and asked if we could attend with her.  I still cry when I think about it.  It was so hard for me, but Nathan just latched on and learned so much.  And I stuck it out.  They were starting a series called Transformed, so my friend got me the book they gave out at church and invited me to attend her life group.  I hate new people so that was really uncomfortable for me.  And I feel judged around new people, prob cuz I judge people alot, although someone told me it's really just observations, but I digress.  So I did it and went thru the series, attended every Sunday, went to Life group while Nathan went to the kids class, and I was somehow transformed.  That sounds stupid but that is actually how it happened.  Some other things had happened before that lead up to this but this is the short version.  The series though, had you look at different areas of your life and related it back to the bible and what and how God wants you to do these things.  It was so informative and something just spoke to me every week and made me feel better every time I went.  It has been such a change in my life.  And I continue to feel changes in myself.  There have been times when I have slid back and times when my mind takes me places I shouldn't go, but somehow I get moved back to God and drawn back to where I am supposed to be.  I think that whole faith thing is hard and that is why I keep going back and forth.  But I stay closer to it now than I ever have.  I strive to be faithful in everything to God.  And having faith that if I share my story those that are meant to stay in my life will is hard too.  Cuz I think we want people to stay even when it's time for them to go and that is very difficult for me to come to terms with.  I get comfortable and change is uncomfortable and hard for me to deal with mentally.  So I guess there is some fear that if I share too much that some that are important to me now will go away, even though I know it may be for the best.  It's still hard.  And not being comfortable in my knowledge does not help that at all.  Doing this study, I am hoping that it will help me gain more confidence so that I become more comfortable sharing with others.  

If you want to watch my story from church, here is the link.  Hopefully I copied it right.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5GTn5PFfQw

Day 25 - Genesis 41 - 42 & Psalm 25

 Michelle

This passage tells of Joseph gaining favor with Pharaoh and becoming in charge of all of Egypt.  He is brought in to interpret Pharaoh's dream as the cup bearer finally remembered him and suggested he be brought for this task.  In 42, Joseph's dream from youth comes to fruition in that his brother's are brought before him and are now bowing and asking for something from him, not knowing of course who it is.  I can't tell if he is being deceitful toward his brother for malicious reasons or not.  I don't remember the rest of this story and haven't read ahead, but it doesn't feel like it's from a bad place.  As before we see that Joseph is still in favor with God and continues to prosper no matter his position or place in life.  He seems to find ways to make the best of whatever situation he is in.  And in this time, if I remember correctly, most Pharisees are not very accepting of those that are believers.  So it is a blessing that this Pharaoh is accepting of his beliefs and trusts him with everything he has.  There is a devotional attached to Gen 41 that talks of God's silent work.  It says that he is silently working.  "Joseph could have grown bitter and inflamed by the dreadful circumstances of his life.  Sold into slavery by his family, sent to prison for refusing to sin."  We see that his circumstances changed after these events, and even during these events, he did not despair, he kept the faith and prospered in his situation only to then have his circumstances changed even more for the better.  This does make me think we need to have this same attitude.  I can admit this is not a normal attitude I have when things are not going my way.  I have a short fuse and get irritated and frustrated very easily when life throws me curve balls.  More so as I have gotten older.  But I think this says we need to keep the faith and know that God is working on us and in ways we cannot see.  We just need to turn to him and he will lead us in the way we should go.

This psalm seems to be one of praise and guidance, stating "I put my trust in you...Show me your ways, teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me...Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways (forgive me is what I read here)".  It feels like he is asking for guidance for the righteous path and saying he is trusting God to lead him.  I think sometimes I don't ask this but have more of an expectation, if that makes sense.  I guess because I can't or don't always see or understand how I am being guided is why this is difficult to me.  Probably why I wish I could understand my dreams more.  I don't know how to discern God's voice from the one in my head most of the time, but I know he comes to me in dreams, but they are often very confusing or I just wake up with various feelings and can't figure it out.  Maybe I am not putting my trust fully in God and that is why it is all jumbled.  I am not sure. 

Julie

I think this passage does show the righteousness of Joseph. Regardless of all that his family and the Pharoah's wife have put him through he does not appear to be vindictive or out for revenge. I do think he is trying to make his brothers sweat. I also do not recall exactly how this story plays out, but I agree that I don't believe that Joseph is going to be malicious as he was not malicious when other did not live up to their word with him. He does seem to be accepting of his current circumstances, regardless of how he got there and moves through with trust in the Lord.

This Psalm shows trust in the Lord and help with suffering at the hand of others. I found it interesting that they say this lament does not end positively as most of the others do, but it does not really explain what exactly is meant by that. 

Day 24 - Genesis 39 - 40 & Psalm 24

 Michelle

So this is the story of Joseph after being sold by his brother's.  It seems to show that even in your worst places, God is still with you.  Cuz Joseph was sold and was basically a slave in someone else's home but even though his situation wasn't ideal, he prospered as the Lord said he would.  So I feel like it's telling us even when our situations are not what we want them to be, the Lord is using us in ways we don't understand and will keep his word.  It's just about perspective.  Joseph ended up in prison since he wouldn't sin with his master's wife and he still prospered while in that situation.  You just have to make the best of whatever situation you are in and turn to God in all things.  

I am trying to understand the dream interpretation.  I remember that Joseph had shared his dreams with his brother's before, but I don't understand why he happens to be the interpreter.  And if this is a gift that God gave him then it reasons that there could be people even now with this special gift.  Not saying that all those that claim psychic abilities have them, but there could be some that don't use it for monetary gain that actually have these types of abilities.  Or that we have them from time to time as God allows.  I have realized that God speaks to me in my dreams.  I had not had this happen for a very long time, but a couple years ago it finally hit me.  I had this dream about someone I know, not a friend just an acquaintance and not someone I communicate with.  But when I woke up I just felt the need to pray for this person and they were on my mind all day.  It was this day I realized it.  Her daughter was killed in a car accident that day.  And the way I came to know it was strange too.  As soon as I heard, I knew it was her.  It took me a while to realize that it was divine powers that brought me there.   When I was young, this would happen to me alot, but it hadn't happened in quite a long time.  But it came back to me at a time when I was starting this walk and learning where my beliefs lie.  I don't share this information with people cuz it makes me sound kooky.  I don't always understand my dreams or know what they are supposed to mean though.  I sometimes wish I did cuz maybe that would help me or someone else.  

The psalm seems to be saying all creation comes from God and is his and that those whose heart is pure and follow him are the ones who will stand in his holy presence.  It says to me that we should be praising him and living a life that glorifies him.  I don't always know what that really means, living a life that glorifies God.  I mean I get it in the sense that we should follow his instruction and the teachings from the bible and the commandments.  But what does that really mean in our daily lives.  I hear alot that it means loving others and doing for others in need.  But how does that translate on a daily basis.  This is something I am trying to learn and do. 

Julie

Let me start with...you are definitely not kooky. I believe that some are more in tune and accepting of God talking to them. I am careful to say prophets as that can be misconstrued, but that doesn't mean that you, like others, are more receptive to hearing God speak to you. That is a great story that you have and shows that sometimes you are listening better than the rest of us are. 

Joseph was obviously going to be used by God and of course there will be those that will chastise and not believe, or be jealous that God is talking to him and to no one else. This reaction is likely to come from all kinds of people. He is obviously receptive and is accepting the direction he is being taken and trusting in the Lord, at least one can assume. We have to sometimes endure hardship to get to where we are supposed to go.

Working off of what Michelle says about this Psalm, I think that there is a lot that is meant by glorifying God and I don't think that it is always that easy for us to do. We are human and we do have choices in how we do and react to things. Our control is not always good in that we are trying to hard to make things work which can cause us to react in negative ways to things or make bad decisions, but when we "let go and let God" we are glorifying him with our faith in him. We we treat others with loving kindness regardless of how we feel about that or what they have done...we are glorifying him. I know that this is a really short list of the ways, but I think that it shows the just and the direction in which we might need to be thinking about how we glorify God with our thoughts, words and actions.

Day 23 - Genesis 37.2 - 38.30 & Psalm 23

Michelle

I am getting confused by the names as both their names are being used.  So this is about Joseph son of Jacob, who is Israel, and his dreams.  We are learning about Joseph and his beginnings here when his brothers sell him after some of them decide they shouldn't kill him.  But here are Jacob's sons being deceitful yet again.  We are seeing this theme over and over so far in this first book.  Everyone is always trying to deceive someone else and for what purpose, cuz it never works out the way they think it will.  Maybe that is a lesson we are to learn, that deceitfulness is not a trait to be copied.  It seems that Joseph is some sort of prophet or seer though as, if I recall correctly, at the end of his story, his brother's are bowing to him as he has risen in power or status and he spares their lives or something like that.  So his dreams seem prophetic.  We then go an to learn about Judah, Joseph's brother, and his line and problems that arise from his offspring and the wife of his first born.  And here is yet another short passage about the wife who deceived her father-in-law by pretending to be a prostitute and getting pregnant by him.  But then Judah says "She is more righteous than I, since I wouldn't give her to my son Shelah."  I don't understand how she is more righteous.  

This psalm is one of the well known ones.  I read something about it before that said it is meant to show us that we should stop and be present in God.  I have a hard time explaining what I mean and as I type that out it doesn't make sense except in my mind.  It's like we should stop and smell the roses and be in awe of what is around us.  That if we stop and be present with God we will be shown the way and he will refresh our minds and souls.  That we are ever in his presence and he guides us even when we don't see it. 

Julie

I had a hard time with this passage too. There are things that seem contradictory in the righteousness department. In addition to the things Michelle mentions I want to include the way Onan was treated. When I initially read it I didn't understand why he was put to death for not wanting to sleep with his brother's widow. The explanation says that it was tradition for the next brother in line to marry the widow and that it was selfishness on Onan's part that he did not want to have a child with her. I am not sure how him having children with her would have changed things for any other children he might have. That did not seem clear. 

There really is a lot of deceit in this book. I agree it seems that there are lessons in this, but it does seem overwhelming...

The Lord will take care of us if we remain faithful in him. He is our shepherd. This really is a great Psalm to remind us to just how the Lord is there for us all the time.

Day 22 - Genesis 36 - 37:1 and Psalm 22

 Julie

There doesn't really seem to much to say about today's passage since it's really a genealogy of Esau's life. The only real thing that came out of today's study is that he is not considered to be a major character that we need to consider so he is mentioned, but this is basically where is story ends...if I understand correctly.

Psalm 22 was interesting because as I was reading it I was thinking about how much it resembled Jesus on the cross and then I read the explanation. That seems to be common and this Psalm is used in Matthew when they are talking about the crucifixion. It is another lament about being unjustly punished by evildoers and trusting in God's protection.

 

Michelle

I agree.  It seems to be the line of descendants of Esau and an accounting of the rulers of Edom, which was from Esau's line and his interwoven family with those living in the land.  

I just realized all the name changing confuses me.  I can't remember who is named what after they are changed.  I did read something about the name changing though and it said, God changed their names when their character changed.  It was to signify that they had gone thru a change with God.  Or something to that effect.  

The psalm does sound like someone being harmed or persecuted.  He seems to be crying out to God for help and protection.  It also in vs 23 that he is telling his people to honor God.  That he has not left them but has listened to their cry.  

Day 21 - Genesis 34-35 and Psalm 21

 Julie

I am going to be honest and say that I am not really sure what to say about today's passage. I feel like this is just more of an explanation of how Jacob becomes Israel and returns back to his homeland and is the end of his story. I am not really sure if there is truly a lesson or something else that we should have gotten out of this other than that. I am curious to see how you all interpret it.

For Psalm 21 I am going to cheat and just explain the explanation I read which is that this and Psalm 20 go together as this is the praise for all the prayers that God answered. We need to remember that we need to give him thanks and praise when he answers our prayers, even if it is not the exact answer we expected.

 

Michelle

I am catching up today.  I read this passage the other day but didn't really get much till I read it again.  And I am still not sure how some of the things shared are relevant, unless they are providing details for later information. 

The story told of Jacob's daughter Dinah seems to show us that his sons have similar traits to his younger self.  After the last chapters where it seems Jacob is in the process of changing and becoming Israel, he had some deceitful traits previously.  And his sons are now showing the same things when responding to their sister's defilement.  I understand in those days it was devastating for something like this to happen to a young woman as she would not be able to marry and therefore have no hope for the future.  Her father does nothing and her brothers overreact.  But it seems to be about Jacob and his sons more than the daughter's plight.  There is a part in 35 vs. 22 that says Reuben slept with his father's concubine Bilhah, and then his father heard about it.  But then goes on to tell us of the 12 sons of Jacob and his father Isaac dying.  I am not sure why we are told about this unless it's for future information.  

The psalm appears to be one of praise.  Although I don't understand who we are talking about in it as it references "the king".   

Day 20 - Gensis 32-33 and Psalm 20

 Julie

So I am trying to look at today's passage a little differently. Reading it I honestly wasn't sure where to go with what this story, but some things did come to light that made me think of how I might have done that or what did they learn from this situation. One question I think that we should think about is how to we battle God? I think that at we are all guilty of battling God, not that we should, but we do tend to do that sometimes. Our attempts to want to control situations instead of letting go and letting God cause us to enter these battles. 

I also think that Jacob may have actually learned his lesson, in that he was trying to repent to his brother for taking what had been rightfully his and trying to give him all that he had acquired during the time he was away. Amazingly, Esau seemed very forgiving, and I hope that we get to see how he the story from his view to understand how he came forgive the way he did, or how he really felt about it.

Psalm 20 is asking the Lord for help, but also reminding us to trust in God. If we are going to ask for God to help us with things, then we should trust that he is going to do it. Although, we do need to remember that it may not happen in the way that we ask and we need to be prepared and trust in the direction that God will take things.

Michelle

I appreciate your interpretation and can see how you came to it. My first impression was that Jacob was trying to appease his brothers assumed anger with all the gifts he sent ahead instead of just talking to him first and seeing how it went. It gave me the feeling that he was being deceitful in his intentions. But after reading your response I can see how it could be interpreted that way and it makes sense. 

I was trying to understand the purpose of wrestling with God. You are right. We have a tendency to keep trying to control the things in our lives and the outcomes from our decisions that we don’t allow god to just take over. If we did we would probably be less stressed about life. 

The psalm sounds like a prayer for others to receive blessings from God. And to trust in god with all things and thru everything. 

Day 19 - Genesis 29-31 and Psalm 19

 Julie

Again, another hard one to really understand why everyone acts the way that they do or the reasoning behind why things are working out the way that they are. Although, there seems to be some karmic response here for Jacob as he is deceived in the same way that he deceived his father. So, it's almost as if he this is a lesson for him, although it doesn't really seem that he understands that or at least it is not mentioned that he notices that. I wonder if there is something available that would help to understand this book better, because I feel like this one is a hard one to wrap my head around in just all of the deceit and what seems to be wrongdoing. Or maybe I am thinking to hard about this...

Psalm 19 is another Psalm talking about the greatness that God provides to those that have faith in him.

 

Michelle

Ok, so I am with you.  So far we are seeing that alot of blessed people are making stupid choices and doing stupid things.  It is kinda making me angry at how some of these women are acting too.  There is so much going on that doesn't make sense.  Something that comes to mind is that it shows that God keeps his promises despite how we act, that even when we make bad choices we are still loved and forgiven.  I don't understand why the deception from Laban to Jacob.  But it's interesting that at this point they take many wives.  But in this story the wives are all jealous of each other and think they can gain favor by having more kids.  There is just always so much deception going on.  I am finding it interesting that God speaks to those that don't believe and then they change their tune toward those they are harming or persecuting.  I am trying to understand this as well.   

I agree this psalm is about God's greatness.  I made me think of nature and the awe that comes from things I experience when in nature.  It reminds me of that song So will I, 100 billion times.  This made me think of that song and what I see when I hear it.  

 

Day 18 - Genesis 27 - 28 & Psalm 18

Michelle

These chapters are the story of Jacob and Esau and when Jacob stole the blessing from Esau.  Or that is how it appears to me.  Although he was hesitant when his mother instructed him to deceive his father and take the blessing meant for Esau.   It happens as it was foretold though that Jacob would be blessed and his elder brother would serve him.  There always seems to be some sort of deceitfulness going on in these chapters we have read so far.  The husband says what he got is that women are the root of all evil.  LOL.  That is not exactly what I was thinking, however, it does appear that the women so far are impatient and untrusting that things will work out as they are told and they seem to feel they have to step in or control how it works out.  So much so that Rebekah is willing to accept being cursed so that her son can gain a better blessing, when we have no idea what or how he would have been blessed. And it then causes a division between Jacob and his brother.  Or thinking back to Sarah, when she gave her Hagar to her husband, and we know how that turned out for her.  Why are we like this?  I'm sure not all women are like this but when I think about it we tend to have some of these traits.  I don't think I would go so far as to instruct my child to be deceitful because I don't believe that is right, but I can see how we tend to jump in the middle of things when we don't need to.  The devotional attached to this one in my bible talks about meddling too.  Sometimes we just need to step back and allow things to play out as they will.  It says "When you begin turning your eyes to the Lord rather than sticking your nose into other people's business, you'll soon discover that he is always busy intervening on behalf of his people - including you and those you love."  There is a reflection that say to ask yourself this question:  When have you seen God solve a problem in a way that surprised you?  What will you meditate on rather than meddle in?  These are good things to keep in mind.  

The psalm is a long one.  What I got is that he is in distress and he turns to the Lord who comes to his aid, he provides for him and gives him strength to persevere.  Then he praises God.  I think this is a reminder to turn to God in all things.  No matter the struggle or the joy, remember that it is God who aids you and it  you turn to him in all times, he will be there to help you thru. 

Julie

As I was reading this I was asking why it seemed that the women seemed to be at the heart of all of the deceit that was going on. I was perplexed by just how much deceit that there is happening at this time, even for people that God is going to bless with great things. In a way it just reiterates what we have always seen in that those that cheat others do end up with great things, but you wonder where do they get taught a lesson in wrong doing. I only ask that because that doesn't really seem to show up anywhere. As I was reading the explanation of Jacob stealing Esau's blessing it does say that this shows how "God's sovereignty uses all kinds of actions (good, bad, mixed) to bring his people to the place in which they find themselves". I guess that we just need to understand that even the deceit is planned out by God and that he is using that for some reason. I wonder if we will see what that is regarding these specific incidences or if we will notice. 

I agree with you that there does seem to be a lack of trust on the part of the women in this book. They are trying to control things themselves instead of trusting in the Lord. I did find that strange and that God accepted and still gave them great things.

This Psalm seemed to be a praise for the protection and guidance that God had provided David while he was being persecuted. I agree a reminder that God will be there with you through all things. 

Day 17 - Genesis 25.19 - 26.35 & Psalm 17

 Michelle

So this appears to be the beginning of learning about Jacob and Esau.  Their birth and beginning of their lives and how different they are.  Chapter 26 talks of Isaac gaining wealth and shows he is blessed, but he is making the same mistakes as Abraham in that he is lying about his wife being his sister.  Was this a problem in that time?  Were men killed because their wives were coveted by others?  I don't understand why this continues to be a thing.  But I started to wonder if it is connected to one of the commandments of thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife.   It made me think that we are learning about where some of the commandments came from.  Not sure what made me think of it.  It also shows that Isaac is faithful to God and follows his instruction.  

The psalm seems to be a prayer.  Turning to God in his time of need.  Asking him to be with him thru his trials and asking for God to deal with all those persecuting him.  The book states this is a prayer for deliverance and shows trust in God.  I can see this in the reading. 

Julie

I had the same reaction you did when I read this. Wondering why this continues to be a thing. That is a good point and maybe that is setting things up for that to come about, especially because those that they are trying to deceive are always angry about bad things coming upon them for the deceit that was played on them.

I think your assessment is spot on and I don't know that there is much more to say, other than I think that we are in a time that this is going to be a useful lament to turn to for prayer and comfort.

Day 16 - Genesis 25:12-18 and Psalm 16

 Julie

I am not sure there is much to say about today's passage. It's a genealogy of the rest of Abraham's children and proof of God's covenant to them. According the the study Bible explanation, it is just there to make record of the rest of them and to show that God did what he said he would. There doesn't seem to be much more to it than that.

Psalm 16 seems to be a song expressing thanks and praise for the love and faithfulness of God. These words remind us that we can trust in God and that he will provide (what he things we need). 

I guess not much stood out today for me...maybe someone else has more insight today.

 

Michelle

Yes this appears to be the account of Ishmael's family line and that God kept his promise to build him into a tribe of 12 nations.  My bible also says that they lived in hostility to all the tribes related to them.  Which was also what God had told Hagar earlier in his life.  My only thought is that it is showing God will keep his promises, which seems to be something the humans need to see in order to maintain their trust in God.  

I agree the psalm is about praise and faithfulness to God.  And also Joy.  This psalm seems very joyous to me.  Talking about the heart being glad and the tongue rejoicing.  The part that stood out to me was the line that says, "my body also will rest secure".  Not sure why but this one keeps coming back to me.  Maybe cuz I haven't slept well this week, or maybe something unrelated.  But it stands out for some reason.  Coincidence that this is the verse the pastor posted about today.  The sermon series right now is called Clean Slate.  I missed last week's but he's been posting daily verses, devotionals, and prayers relating to this topic and today's was Psalm 16.  This is what he said today.  "The Psalms leave no room for any kind of middle ground:  you are either walking in the path of life or the path of death.  While the latter is often depicted as the way of destruction and judgment, true joy, satisfaction, delight, and contentment are only found for those walking in the presence of God.  The closer you follow the Lord, the more you will experience the Joy of the Lord."  His prayer for today is this:  Lord, teach me to walk closer with You so that I may experience the fullness of Your joy.  I found this very powerful.   His explanation and the prayer.  I will be adding this one to my prayer list. 

Day 15 - Genesis 24 - 25:11 and Psalm 15

 Julie

I am not really sure of the true lesson in today's chapter, except to continue to trust that Lord will provide and show us the way if we just ask. This was a long repetitive passage explaining and re-explaining the finding of Isaac's wife. It also brings to a close Abraham's direct involvement with his passing. 

Psalm 15 seems to be an explanation of what a Godly person looks like, and as these are traits of the spirit and the heart, this is something that each much determine for themselves.

 

Michelle

I am with you.  It seems like this story is just about faith.  Is the whole thing about faith?  Probably.  But again I don't think I understand the significance of us learning about how Isaac got his wife, or the servant sharing the story after we have already heard the story.  What I did notice is that they are always turning to God.  Abraham had faith that God will provide as he asks for a wife for his son, the servant when he asks God for help to find said wife, I don't see the wife praying about it though.  There is a devotional next to this passage that speaks of making hard choices.  It says that this story of Isaac and Rebekah is all about people making choices.  Abraham choosing to go afar back to his family for a wife, the servant choosing to follow his masters direction and doing the deed, then Rebekah choosing to leave her family to go with people she doesn't know to marry someone she doesn't know, to family she doesn't know.  The 2 words pointed out are Trust and Obey.  "Following God's leading even when the outcome is hazy, even when the right choice frightens us.  The right choice is often the hard choice, but not always.  How do we determine the right choice? Obey the guidance you find in God's word, earnestly pray and seek trusted council, then trust God with the outcome.  Will you have it your way or God's way?"  This was very interesting to me cuz I did not get this from the passage at all.  But I can see how it relates.  

The book you suggested says that this psalm is asking a question and referring to an answer.  The question is "Who may dwell in the house of the Lord?".  The book says this refers to Psalm 1, along with the answer given in this psalm.  I agree that these traits come from the heart.  Sometimes I wonder where my heart lies.  I so easily am drawn to the dark and negative and have to remind myself I shouldn't live there.  It's very hard.  Trying to remain faithful.  Trying to remain focused.   Trying to be a good person and turning to God in all things.   We can easily stray even in the most minute things.  We all need to pray.  Just pray. 

Day 14 - Genesis 22-23 and Psalm 14

 Julie

I remember the first time I had heard the story of Genesis 22, I was rather young and I believe it was one of the stories that they talked about in Bible school. I remember being appalled by the story because I couldn't understand why a loving God would ask someone to sacrifice their own child in that way. For  some reason when I look back I would have sworn that the story I heard said that he actually did sacrifice his son. Obviously, that is not correct and I will say that when I really read the verse the first I was relieved to see and understand exactly what God was asking him to do. While a strange test, it was a test of faith and fear in God and trusting that what he is asking him to do is necessary. They had to take great strength and courage to agree to kill your own child and the request of God. I can say that not everyone would be that trusting in God. 

Each day the Psalms seem more and more relevant to our current situation in the world. There is a strong contingent that is trying to silence those that talk about their faith and talk about the disbelief in God. I work with someone that gets offended by the use of words like, blessed and faith. When someone is give a thank you for something and they say "I am so blessed" her head completely explodes and she starts asking why everyone has to say that. For some reason in her mind she sees that as they are trying to push religion on her and I am not sure how she has come to that conclusion. It is very sad...

 

Michelle

That is a huge test of faith.  I know few people that have faith that big.  There is a verse that stands out though, verse 8 Abraham says "God himself will provide the lamb...". This is pretty powerful in itself.  While he is being asked to sacrifice, he still knows that God will provide.  That is true faith.  It seems even then he knows that all will work out for the best.  I can't say I have that kind of faith yet.  But I am working on it.  I do try and remember to pray as much as possible, but honestly sometimes that is not my first thought.  I will continue trying to do better.  I am not sure the significance of chapter 23.  I realize they are letting us know of Sarah's death but the rest where it talks of Abraham negotiating for a place to bury her.  I am confused as to why this is important.  

The psalm does continue like the previous that seem relatable to current times.    This one appears to be voicing frustration towards the people of the time and the evil that seems to be rampant.  Again at the end he is stating the Lord restores his people so the faith is still there even thru the turmoil.  

It is sad that someone feels so negative toward such innocent words that they have to react in that way.  Pray for that person.  They must be struggling with something or at odds with their own beliefs.  I know that is difficult and I struggle to pray for those that cause me irritation or grief.  But there is really nothing more we can do at this point, but let God take it.    

Day 13 - Genesis 20-21 and Psalm 13

 Julie

The passage today seemed redundant at first, but it seems that it was a regular occurrence for Abraham and Sarah to use the brother/sister ruse on rulers. However, this time God steps in stops the Abilemach from committing an act of adultery in order to keep Sarah safe. I don't particularly understand the continued need for this ruse and why he kept putting others into comprising situations with God. I hope that at some point it becomes more clear why it was necessary for them to do things this way. 

Psalm 13 is a lament of frustration, but an understanding that the Lord is there always. I think that even the best of us no matter how much faith and trust we have in the Lord get tired and frustrated when we are waiting, and I think God understands that we all have those moments, but if we return to our trust and faith and God all will turn out as it is supposed to.

 

Michelle

So when I read this today I got irritated because Abraham and Sarah were doing the same thing again and I couldn't understand why.  So I read it again and saw something, in 20:12 Abraham is explaining why he told him that Sarah was his sister and it reads, "she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not of my mother."  Now I still feel like they are being deceitful and don't understand why Abraham felt like he had to take it upon himself to put the fear of God into Abimelek's place.  So I am a little confused still but I can see that their lie is not a complete lie as we had thought, however, there is the incest again as he is now married to his sister.  Again, not sure why this has been allowed.  I don't quite understand the significance of the passages talking about the Treaty at Beersheba.  I will have to think on that.  

The psalm seems to me that David is feeling alone and abandoned, but that he is still reaching out to God asking him for help and showing that he still trusts in the Lord even though he is feeling this way.  He also shows thankfulness at the end.

Day 12 - Genesis 18:16-19 & Psalm 12

 Julie

There are so many things about the OT that are difficult to comprehend. I understand that all of these things are a part of life and that have been experienced throughout all of time, but I always wonder if, at the time, God ignored them or because there was no "law" yet that they were overlooked. However, he obviously takes issue with excessive and compulsive evil acts as he takes out Sodom and Gomorrah due to the evil that had overrun those cities. But he does not, or at least not yet, do anything about the incest. I would imagine that these stories are examples of how those that have been saved and taken care of do not show that they have in faith in God making sure that they will have whatever they need. 

Psalm 12 points out that those in positions of power are not always Godly and not always making decisions in the best interest of the people, but we still need to trust that God has a plan and everything is working in his divine way.

 

Michelle

So after our conversation last night this was on my mind, and then I woke up at 5am and the first thought I had about this was that maybe God is showing us that he loves us thru our mistakes and that we can be forgiven.  Maybe that is why some of these older stories are shown thru the Old Testament. (Also realized where my child got his slow processing issue from.  LOL)  There were not laws or commandments at this point in relation to some of the things happening (some of these things are horrible), and some of these chosen people, while they are faithful to God and believe in him, they are still just people and they are constantly making choices, some of which are not really the right ones, but that is part of our existence.  We are given the choice.  We must choose to follow God and believe.  You can choose not to and that won't stop him from pursuing you but it is ultimately your choice.  And everyday we make choices that affect our lives in a multitude of ways.  There are times we feel out of control, as we discussed last night I have been having a hard time with my thoughts and words and sometimes it feels like I can't control myself.  But if I choose to keep focusing on God and asking for help to be better in this area, it will eventually become easier to mind my tongue.  We are not perfect people and never will be.  I think these passages are just examples of this and that even the righteous are not perfect but he doesn't stray from them.  

The psalm is so relatable to what is happening in the world today.  I am certain there have been numerous times throughout history that it would be related to as well.  I have been reading about the Tudors and the family throughout their hundreds of years of descendants, and in reading this the same theme seems to be consistent, as in the bible, someone is always trying to convert and conquer someone else.  When I think about it, it's actually exhausting to think that it's gone on this long.  How many hundreds of years has this been happening.  Groups are constantly fighting because they disagree.  You would think after all this time as a human race we would have found a way to live together despite our differences.  If people would just stop trying to overtake and force others into their way.  It's really sad that we can't just make peace.  I understand there will always be conflicts of some sort, but there's really no need for the violence that takes place.  After all these hundreds of years, can't people see it hasn't worked in the  past and it won't work in the future.  I could go on and on, it's just exhausting.  And I understand that people have different beliefs when it comes to God too.  There are ways to share your thoughts and beliefs with others without it turning to such negative actions.  Anyway, this psalm made me think of times now.  There is so much lying and deception.  Now it does say that the Lord says "I will now arise, I will protect them from those who malign them".  I believe this to be true.  We just don't know how that will take place.  I think people hope that it means things will change in the ways they want it to, but that may not be the case.  And we have to remember that as long as we keep serving God in the ways he has instructed, we will be ok, no matter how things progress here on earth.  

So I have to add a little more to this one cuz I just read something in the devotional on the section.  Last night I didn't understand about why Lot's wife became a pillar of salt.  In the devotional it talks of letting go of the familiar and moving on.  It says "It is difficult to leave the familiar behind...Even when God himself is saying, 'It's time to move on.'". I have this problem.  Letting go.  This part of the devotional spoke to me.  It says, "God understands that letting go of the familiar is hard.  Yet he has called us to move on to new life in Jesus Christ by letting go of our old worldly lives, our old habits, our old dreams -- to boldly move forward without looking back.  When you feel God's call to move, allow him to guide you." So I have been afraid of changes in my life even now.  There are things that I want to do but I realized there is fear involved in doing it.  Fear of success, fear of failure, and fear that it is the wrong thing and I am not really sure if  it's the right direction.  This makes me think that I need to stop all that and just listen.  Which is really hard because I don't ever feel like he speaks to me.  I don't know how to discern the voice of God from my own voice in my head.  I will add this to my prayers.

Day 11 - Genesis 18:1-15 & Psalm 11

 Julie

I think that the main message behind both passages today is to have faith. Sarah scoffs/laughs at God when he says that he will give her a child. I think that we tend to do that sometimes thinking that there is no way he can/would make things happen for us because of our life situation or things we might have done. However, she laughs and he still provides her with what she has been asking for. So, at the root of all of this we need to continue to have faith and trust in the Lord and his works no matter what and he will provide for us what he thinks we need.

 

Michelle

I agree.  It does sound like we are being shown yet another example of humans not having faith and God telling them yes you should have faith, I am telling you again.  Have Faith.  This seems to be such a hard thing for us to do.   

Day 10 - Genesis 17 & Psalm 10

 Julie

In today's passage we learn that we are of the line of Abraham, or at least that is what I perceive based on the covenant that God made with him. This seems a bit simplistic, but this passage seemed pretty straightforward in God's promise to Abraham. 

Two things about today's passage: 1) I don't understand why God changes people's names. I am sure that there is probably a reason behind it, but I have not been able to find an answer to that yet. (If I do I will return and edit). 2) Circumcision is one of those words in the Bible that has perplexed me. In this passage it makes perfect sense, but as we move through the Bible it is used in different contexts and the meaning changes just a bit, which I find interesting, because it begins to apply to all and not just the physical act for the line of Abraham. I wanted to mention this hear so that hopefully I could tie back in later. 

Psalm 10 was explained as a lament for Psalm 9, as they seem to be discussed together. I think that this lament would apply all the time as those less fortunate are always taken advantage of. It could also be applied to those with enough money and/or power to do the same to anyone that they see as beneath them. I believe that this lament is something that we could ask about those that in power today. I wonder the same things about them that get mentioned in this Psalm. 

 

Michelle

So what I get from today's passage is first that Abram/Abraham and Sari/Sarah will be given a son Isaac and that will be the beginning of his covenant with them.  But then Abraham asks god to bless Ishmael as well, which he says he will be the father of twelve rulers and a great nation.  I read something in a footnote of my bible that said something about the name changes and what people were named back then meant something, not like today, but that names had meaning behind them.  Abraham for example says Father of many, Isaac means he laughs, and there have been others, mostly in connection to something that is related to God and what he has done for people.  The other thing I read is the circumcision seems to be the sign that we are God's people and are a part of the covenant.  

These psalms are confusing me for some reason.  Yesterday's talked about I will give thanks to you Lord and then talks of his enemies receiving justice from God, then today's is asking why the Lord is standing so far away and hiding in times of trouble, then goes on to talk about all the awful things that the wicked to do others.  I am not sure why but these are making my head spin.  Maybe because I can't handle the things going on in the world right now as everything and everyone seems to be acting so badly.  We are so far from what God has called us to do as a people.  There is so much stupidity in the arguments and disagreements and action of those we call leaders and then the people following them as well.  It's just too much for me.  This psalm talks of all the evil things being done and what he could do to the wicked. 

I guess we need to remember the covenant made and keep faith in God that all will turn out as it should be even though that's not what we see right now.

Day 9 - Genesis 15-16 & Psalm 9

 Julie

Today's passage elicited some confusion and I am not sure I am satisfied or really understand the answers I found. I am going to start at the end  in Chapter 16 where Abram's wife gives him her maidservant as a wife. I have always been confused by the polygamy that goes on in the OT, and with those that are considered righteous, such as Abram. In my study, I found that God did not reject or deny those that took more than one wife as there was no law regarding that, but that those that did such always had trouble follow. I wonder if there is more that can be learned about this...

Going back to Chapter 17, vs 12-16, while God is proclaiming a covenant to Abram that his line, in time, will possess quite a bit in regards to land and such, that they will have to endure some struggles to achieve that. He forewarns that it will not be an easy road. I think that this is a great reminder that we have to endure some struggles and show our strength, courage and faith in the  Lord to achieve and receive the glory and joy on the other side. If we can remember that then during the difficult times we can focus on the fact that joy will come and keep our eye on that. 

Psalm 9 is giving thanks to Lord for all he does. While we ask for things every day we have to remember to thank the Lord as well for the answered prayers and the things that he does provide. 

 

Michelle

So in reading today's passage I was reminded of some things that I thought reading the bible before.  It seems humans are always questioning God and wanting him to prove things, but also having impatience.  He said that Abram and Sarai's descendants would be many.   So it seems she is taking matters into her own hands and not waiting on God's timing, nor is her husband.  Which is a problem most people have.  Impatience with everything.  And I agree with you that it is confusing about multiple wives.  But then in the commandments it says not to covet your neighbor's wife, so it's like he is letting them make multiple mistakes at this point.  And yes it does cause a multitude of problems.   The angel does tell Hagar to go back and submit to her mistress and that her descendants would increase as well.  But then goes on to say that they will be at odds with his brothers for generations.  So seems like this is what you get for taking matters into your own hands, for all of them.  In my bible there is a study page that talks about Promises worth waiting for.  It goes on to say that waiting is hard when you "know" your life will be so much better if your hopes become reality.  It almost sounds like be careful what you wish for cuz sometimes it doesn't turn out the way you think it will.  So Sarai didn't wait and then that caused all kids of issues.  God has plans for everyone.  Sometimes we just need to wait, and pray, and have faith.  

The psalm has me a bit unsure.  I am still working on it.

Day 8 - Genesis 13-14 & Psalm 8

 Julie

I think that today's passage shows how Abram's faith in God has increased since his denial of his wife. With his rejection to the king of Sodom for the riches that he tried to give him. We have to remember sometimes that what we are being offered my look good on the outside, but what are we giving up if we take what is offered. I did not feel that I really got much more out of this, maybe one of you saw something more.

Psalm 8 is a praise to the Lord. It's a great reminder that everything that we have was given to us by the Lord and that we should be thankful for all that we have. I don't mean just material items, but that he gave us the world and everything in it, that we should be in awe of the beauty that surrounds us. This is kind of a reminder to stop and smell the roses and see the goodness that is there and that God provided and be in awe and wonder of just how big his love and trust is in us to be able to take care of what he has given.

 

Michelle

 I didn't really get much from this day's reading.  What I did see was groups trying to "conquer" others.  This really annoys me for some reason.  Why does every group think they need to overtake others and their possessions.  I don't think that is very God-like.  But throughout history that is what the human race has done.  I do see what you are saying about Abram not taking anything from the king of Sodom, like he realized that wasn't the right thing to do and made a promise to God to refrain from that.  It isn't clear why or when this happened.  

In the psalm, I do see that the person writing it is seeing the awe inspiring works of God in nature.  It does seem to be saying you will find God even in the things you pass everyday.  But it also seems to be asking why he cares for mankind.  What are we that he cares for us and gave us authority over things of this world?  We need to be reminded that he did this and should show gratitude for our placement on this earth.   

Day 7 - Genesis 11:27 - 12:20 and Psalm 7

 Julie

I think one of the main points in today's reading is the lesson of Abram not having the faith that God would protect him. In his own fear he makes a rash and terrible decision that in the ends affects the life of others. God does save him in the end and condemns those that took advantage of the situation. I am wrestling with this a bit, because the Pharaoh is condemned, but was given misinformation. Not that I am advocating or excusing his actions, but Abram and Sarai deceived them. I think I am having trouble seeing the true message in today reading and I cannot seem to find anything to really explain how and why this came  about the way that it did. One of the only things that I did read that I am unsure of is how Sarai is commended in the NT for her submission to Abram and doing as he asked.

Psalm 7 seems to be a Psalm of repentance. It is suggested that the singer is being falsely accused and asking God for help. I did not originally read it that way, but I could see the request for forgiveness if they had wronged anyone. They did turn to God as the true judge of what we each do, and I  think that v. 8 stands out as important because it reminds us that God is the judge of all and man is not. We should not judge others for what they do, but let God judge and deal with them as he sees fit. The entire Psalm is also a reminder that we should turn to God for repentance when we have done wrong or are suspected of doing wrong and ask for his help and forgiveness.

 

Michelle

So I am perplexed by this passage.  Abram was given wealth because he lied about his wife being his sister.  That seems wrong to me that he was rewarded for his deceptions.  I am not sure where this is progressing but seems like Pharaoh should not have been punished in that way as he was deceived by Abram.   So yeah I am with you, this one is giving me pause and confusion.  The only thing I see is that he didn't have faith in God's direction. 

The psalm seem like someone is being persecuted by those around him and he is praying to the lord, although it seems a little whiny in the beginning.  It also says toward the end, "the trouble they cause recoils on them; their violence comes down on their own heads".  It makes me think of karma.  If you cause trouble it will come right back to you. 

Day 6 - Genesis 11:10-26 & Psalm 6

 Julie

I am not sure that there is much to say about today's passage as it is really just a genealogy that shows us the line from Shem to Abram, which is the line that will be focused on now. They still seem to live long lives, but not as long as before the flood, not sure what the indication of that might be.

Today's Psalm serves a reminder that we can and should repent for our sins and asking God to remove evil from our lives. It also shows us that he is listening to our prayers and working in our lives. Although, we do need to remember that is probably not going to be immediate. 

Michelle

I wonder if this is one of those out of order chapters. Cuz yes it seems they are long lived yet we just read life spans were being shortened. I’m sure there is a reason they include the genealogy but not sure why it’s important. 

The psalm to me seems like another related to grief. There’s a part that says “I am worn out from my groaning”, but I also thought maybe they had been complaining instead?  It felt like it could be either. But also like they are going thru the trials of life. It does seem to say turn to God in every situation. 

Day 5 - Genesis 10 - 11.9 & Psalm 5

Michelle

So this appears to me to be an accounting of the descendants of Noah and them being scattered across the earth.  I am not sure the relevance of knowing this other than maybe some of them come into play later as there are a few names that seem familiar that may be in later portions of the bible.  Also that God said he wanted them to multiply and they show here that is what has been done.

Something that did stand out to me in today's reading is in chapter 11.  When I first read this I was confused.  It shows the people working together to build something and then the Lord looks down on them and decides they need to be scattered and he says, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing is impossible for them."  But then he goes on to say he wants to confuse their language so they can't understand each other.  Like working together looks like it should be a good thing but he thinks it's not and wants to scatter them even more.  When I went back and read it again I realized something.  Verse 4 says that the people wanted to build themselves a city, so that they may make a name for themselves.  So at this point they are no longer honoring God but only thinking of themselves.  I didn't catch this at first and it bothered me that God didn't want people to work together for the good of all.  Then reading it again I realized, it's not that he doesn't want that, but the driving force behind it should be to do the good for each other and to honor God in our ways, not to build a name for ourselves and to show so much vanity.  At that point they were no longer focused on God but on what they could do for themselves.  

Psalm 5.  So I have found in reading the bible that I have to get out the dictionary more often than I do any other time.  There have been words that confuse me.  Not because I haven't heard them but that I just don't always understand the context.  Lament is that word today.  So in looking this up it gives two meanings based on usage but they basically are the same meaning.  Noun reads, a passionate expression of grief or sorrow, verb reads, mourn (such as a person's loss or death.)  Now when I first started this journey, I was deeply grieving over mom's death.  As the time has passed and my faith and understanding have changed, I understand that there are varying types of lament or grief and they can be applied to so many areas of life.  As I look back at some things I have gone thru in life, there are times when I grieved over other things, I just didn't see it as that at the time.  But you can have lament over so many things.  Losing someone important to you is just a very strong one and that is where most people, as I was, have shown it.  But this psalm seems to be asking the Lord to be with them in their lament.  They are asking the Lord to be with them in their struggles and trials of life.  Asking protection for those who rejoice in the Lord, surrounding them with a shield.  I think this could be a prayer said regularly at this time we are living in.  There is so much going on and people are so easily swayed to the dark side of things.  I know I struggle with that side every day.  This might be one to bookmark and to refer to daily.  When the darkness creeps in I need to make sure I am asking for protection and guidance to stay on the right path.  

Julie

Michelle, I am with you on the first part of today's reading. I think it is just an explanation of how belongs to which line and where they have spread out and populated.

I also had the same confusion with chapter 11 and even in the explanation I was not able to understand how they go to that until I read what you wrote and then I went back and read it again. (I need to be better about doing that). Yes, God could see that they were turning to themselves again and as a protection from having them come together so easily he confused the languages. Obviously, over time that has changed quite a bit, but at the time it seems to have been a type of defense that would hopefully form factions that would have differing ideas as well.

With Psalm 5 I think that we have to remember that enemies and persecutors can come in all forms. I think that you coming to a realization that in your grief you were doing the same thing, but felt justified in wallowing in it, which I believe we tend to do. We feel that if we do not hold on to that grief then we forgetting her in some way. I love how you applied this to things you have been struggling with and that you are able to find some peace in these words. We need protection from so many things and we need to remember that we have the armor of God at our fingertips and in our hearts if we just choose to don it. Your interpretation and understanding of this Psalm has encourage me to look at it in those moments of attack and to remind myself of God's protection.

Day 4 - Genesis 6:9 - 9:29 & Psalm 4

 Julie

Today passage answered a question from yesterday's in that Noah was considered a righteous man and "walked with God." In reading some of the explanations it states that doesn't necessarily mean that he was sinless, but that he was not seen in the same light as all that were corrupt. 

One of my questions today, which might seem a little strange is what the difference is between a clean and unclean animal? According to the explanation it will be made more apparent in later chapters. 

This also seems to be where the laws of God are beginning since God does tell Noah that murder is no longer allowed and will have consequences. While God also makes the covenant of not wiping out the world again regardless of how people are acting, I wonder how people will be punished for acting in that same way. It seems that we are in a time of corruption (maybe not in exactly the same way as that time)...I am curious as to how God will go about punishing the wicked of our day. Or maybe that is not for me to know...

Today's Psalm does talk about righteousness again and is another song of trust and faith in the Lord.

Day 3 - Genesis 5.1-6.8 & Psalm 3

Michelle

Learning this blogger thing is challenging. I’m not sure really where this is going to end up so hopefully I’m in the right place today cuz this page is different from the others and I’m not sure how I got here. 

So today’s passage I’ve always wondered about and then I saw something new today. It goes thru all the long lives of those in Adam’s line and I always questioned it. How are they living so long?  Was time calculated differently or were they just given intense amounts of time on this earth?  Cuz that is a really long life to live. But in chapter 6 today I saw verse 3 where it says he is shortening our time to 120 years. It’s interesting to me that every human turned to evil and only Noah had favor. How did this happen?  Obviously it was by choice but it begs to question, there was no teaching or learning going on to guide humans?  I am confused by this I guess and just have so many questions.  Was this a learning experience for God too?  Leave them to their own devices and see what happens?  And out of all there was only 1 and his family to maintain their faith? But maybe that is all it takes. 

Psalm 3 says to me only deliverance comes from the Lord. Do not listen to the screams of those saying otherwise but stay steadfast in your faith. Like Noah stayed faithful. It’s a reminder maybe. 

Julie

I think  have some of the struggles you do, Michelle. From some of what I have seen, everyone struggles with the life span of everyone at the time and why it is so different now. I have seen a lot of the same questions that you have posed, and seems that no one has really come up with a good answer. However, I do like the way that you saw a change in the next chapter. I think that is a good indication that God was allowing a longer life span for whatever reason and maybe he decided that the long life offered more opportunity for corruption?

There is a suggestion that "Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord" because of the faith that he had. That verse ends with very little information and doesn't provide much prior to except to show how the world was not making choices as God had hoped (I guess). I would imagine that as we move into tomorrow's reading it will show that there was a level of faith that he exhibited that helped to make him stand out to God as the person to continue on. 

I agree with your assessment of Psalm 3. Regardless of what everyone was saying about him he did continue to ask God for protection and guidance. I really liked Psalm 3:3, "But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head." He will provide protection if he is asked and we trust in him. 

Day 2 - Genesis 2:4 - 4:26 & Psalm 2

There was a lot going on in today's passage and I am not sure where exactly to focus. It would seem that this is a first indication of a lack of faith and being easily manipulated...maybe. While Adam and Eve had no real understanding about evil because they were in a perfect world and there was not reason for them to, I think that opened them up to being more susceptible to manipulation. However, regardless of that lack of understanding true faith would have kept them from doing something that they were told not to do because they felt they wanted more (?). 

I did find it interesting how it mentions that this is the reason behind the tension and power struggle within marriages. I had never really thought about it like that or even considered that as a possibility. 

Today's Psalm, if I understood it correctly, is a reminder that God has put people into positions of power and that there is an expectation that they will be faithful, but the Psalm does talk about what happens when they are not. The does relate to some verses that I recall reading in the NT. 

Day 1 - Genesis 1.1 - 2.3 and Psalm 1

I think that it is interesting how this is set up to read a Psalm or a Proverb every day and that we will go through those twice. I kinda like that as those tend to be very helpful in our everyday life and serve as great reminders of the goodness of God and how we should be.

" I think that it is hard to have a "what does this mean" conversation about the Genesis, especially when we get into the geneology of the book. However, there is something that did stand out in the reading of today's passage, in Genesis 1:26, God said, "Let us make man in our image, and after our likeness," and then in Genesis 1:27 it says, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." What stood out is the "Us" and then the return to "His." What does this mean and who is the us? The ESV Study Bible that I am using for this mentions that this could possibly be the start of referencing the Trinity. There are arguments as well for it being a holy council made of of angels, but is argued that since man does not look like an angel that this is not the case. However, do we know what angels look like as they walk the earth?

This reading also encourages us to have faith in the fact that God just exists without any scientific proof. Since there is no indication about where he came from we know that he Just Is and we have complete faith in that, or at least we should, without question. Although, I do think that is one of the big questions that gets asked...how do you respond to that?

Within the Psalm, I believe it is saying that we are Blessed if we walk with the Lord and follow is law without question. There will be plenty of verses as we move through the Bible that show what happens if we fall, but that ultimately, if we are doing this then we can follow the way of the righteous.

Tips for reading the Bible

I was provided with some tips that I thought I would share. They are questions that you can ask as you spend time with the daily reading. My pastor gave me these suggestions when trying to understand what you are reading...

Observation: What does the text actually say? What's in front of me? (printing out the text and writing on it, underlining, circling, and writing down any questions can be helpful here) Interpretation: What did the text mean in its original context to its original audience? Application: What does the text mean today for us? How should I respond to it in my time and situation?

He also said, "Remember that genre is important (Prophecy is different than Paul's letters; Psalms are poetry/prayers/songs; Narratives like Exodus or the Gospels have a story arc with intro, conflict/tension, rising action, climax, and resolution). We read the sports page of the newspaper differently than we read a mystery novel. The same is true of different books of the Bible written in different genres. For instance, the Proverbs are meant to teach us wisdom, not make specific promises of how things will always turn out if we act a certain way. Poetry uses a lot of figurative language, whereas historical narrative usually does not".

I thought that this could be useful information considering the reading plan that we have chosen. I have also made a Bible Study document folder where we can put documents that we want to share. I have added the Bible study that we are doing as well as some of the reading suggestions that the pastor has shared with me.