FINALLY Job's tolerance is becoming less and less with his 3 friends. Their accusations of him being deserving of this wrath of God has finally met the end of Job's amazing patience. He says in 16:2 "Misearble comforters are you all! Shall words of wind have an end?" I love it! I'd love to tell that to some people! "Shall words of wind have an end." Sounds so great! So polite yet so direct. OK I know this was in the reading from a few days ago but I still like it!
I also enjoyed Job 28:23 "God understands its way,And He knows its place. For He looks to the ends of the earth"
This is just a nice reminder that despite all the horrible things that have happened to Job he knows he is not meant to understand everything God does. It is hard at times for me to be ok with not understanding why things happen. A quest for knowledge and being in school for way to long in my life has caused me to feel that there should be reason and explainations for everything. According to Job and well the entire bible probably, this is not the case. You will not understand why things happen. That is for God to know and understand. This will be and has been a hard concept for me to grasp and accept.
This is a good one to end on I think.
Job 29:2 "As in the days when God watched over me; When His lamp shone upon my head, And when by His light I walked through darkness"
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Job 19:1-21:34
A part in Job struck me today. Job 21:7 says "Why do the wicked still live,Continue on, also become very powerful?" I wonder this often. I feel often times that life is "unfair" That those that drive drunk kill innocent people yet they go unharmed. Some are even unphased by their actions. I am amazed by the behavior of some and it seems they are so successful. Will they eventually be punished? Will they endure hard times and will they ever be remorseful? The story of Job addresses so many things. It seems that when I read Job I think the following things.
1. Life is unfair.
2. God has a plan that we do not understand.
3. True faith continues when everything is going wrong.
4. You should remain thankful for everything you have. It can be gone in an instant.
5. Bad things happen to good people.
I'm hoping some of my pessamism will be reconciled as I continue my readings.
1. Life is unfair.
2. God has a plan that we do not understand.
3. True faith continues when everything is going wrong.
4. You should remain thankful for everything you have. It can be gone in an instant.
5. Bad things happen to good people.
I'm hoping some of my pessamism will be reconciled as I continue my readings.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
A fun companion to a suffering book
Last night I purchased The Year of Living Biblically by AJ Jacobs. I started reading it and laughed out loud I'm not sure how many times. He's a clever author and this is tying in perfectly with my chronological readings of the bible.
Today I also posted on my facebook that I am reading The Chronological Study Bible. Why is this blog-worthy? Well, because there is a certain assumption people make when it is seen that others are reading the bible or are quoting scriptures. It's almost a lecturing mode. It seems that the person will start pushing their, or God's, agenda on you. They will become evangelical. Just a few steps away from a mega-church, tv and radio contract and yelling prayers with a red face.
This is pretty much what I thought anyway.
Well, I don't think that's entirely it. The more I'm reading and people that find out about my New Years Resolution the more I discover that there are lots of people like me. People that are curious, that want to believe but are afraid of accidently talking to the evangelical types and getting chastized for not sacrificing it all or living their life evangelically. Is this right? Dunno. But as a co-worker always says - It is what it is.
Anyway, I posted that I was reading the bible and I had yet another unexpected post. A cousin that said she just bought the same bible and liked it so far and to let her know what I thought. Huh. I guess I'm not any better than anyone else. I was surprised. Then I became curious. Who else was going to post about my bible?
It has taken me 22 days to decide to publically post that I'm reading the bible.
Mainly, at the influence of another book. I guess it was while reading this book and discovering there's another person like me out there that decided to read the bible and see what it had to say and why. AJ Jacobs wrote a book about his quest to follow the rules of the bible. I wasn't doing anything that crazy...I'm just reading it. I'm just reading it and even I think I might be a little crazy.
About todays reading.
Job is still suffering in my daily reading. I'm happy to have my other book to lighten the mood a little. I'm not a fan of the dragging on for days of him listening to his friends. At least he finally told them today that they weren't very good friends for coming and lecturing him. I would have told them a long time ago. A part in my other book helped me to understand Job a little. AJ Jacobs said that he was having a hard time understanding the rules of the bible in reference to the rule of not wearing clothes of mixed fibers. He said there were other rules he didn't understand but this was one of them. Why does God care if you mix cotton and linen? Well, a Shantez (hebrew for mixed fibers) tester comes to his house and inspeects his clothes to ensure he does not mix his fibers. Anyway, he asks him why this is a rule and he explains it to the author by comparing it to a child not understanding all the rules of their parents but it is in their best interest. God has rules that are in our best interest but we may not understand them.
There have been lots of things that I haven't understood but maybe I'm not supposed to yet. Maybe understanding comes with life and for some things understanding will come with death. I will not understand some things until I'm in heaven...If there is such a thing...I hope I make it there...I hear it's great.
Today I also posted on my facebook that I am reading The Chronological Study Bible. Why is this blog-worthy? Well, because there is a certain assumption people make when it is seen that others are reading the bible or are quoting scriptures. It's almost a lecturing mode. It seems that the person will start pushing their, or God's, agenda on you. They will become evangelical. Just a few steps away from a mega-church, tv and radio contract and yelling prayers with a red face.
This is pretty much what I thought anyway.
Well, I don't think that's entirely it. The more I'm reading and people that find out about my New Years Resolution the more I discover that there are lots of people like me. People that are curious, that want to believe but are afraid of accidently talking to the evangelical types and getting chastized for not sacrificing it all or living their life evangelically. Is this right? Dunno. But as a co-worker always says - It is what it is.
Anyway, I posted that I was reading the bible and I had yet another unexpected post. A cousin that said she just bought the same bible and liked it so far and to let her know what I thought. Huh. I guess I'm not any better than anyone else. I was surprised. Then I became curious. Who else was going to post about my bible?
It has taken me 22 days to decide to publically post that I'm reading the bible.
Mainly, at the influence of another book. I guess it was while reading this book and discovering there's another person like me out there that decided to read the bible and see what it had to say and why. AJ Jacobs wrote a book about his quest to follow the rules of the bible. I wasn't doing anything that crazy...I'm just reading it. I'm just reading it and even I think I might be a little crazy.
About todays reading.
Job is still suffering in my daily reading. I'm happy to have my other book to lighten the mood a little. I'm not a fan of the dragging on for days of him listening to his friends. At least he finally told them today that they weren't very good friends for coming and lecturing him. I would have told them a long time ago. A part in my other book helped me to understand Job a little. AJ Jacobs said that he was having a hard time understanding the rules of the bible in reference to the rule of not wearing clothes of mixed fibers. He said there were other rules he didn't understand but this was one of them. Why does God care if you mix cotton and linen? Well, a Shantez (hebrew for mixed fibers) tester comes to his house and inspeects his clothes to ensure he does not mix his fibers. Anyway, he asks him why this is a rule and he explains it to the author by comparing it to a child not understanding all the rules of their parents but it is in their best interest. God has rules that are in our best interest but we may not understand them.
There have been lots of things that I haven't understood but maybe I'm not supposed to yet. Maybe understanding comes with life and for some things understanding will come with death. I will not understand some things until I'm in heaven...If there is such a thing...I hope I make it there...I hear it's great.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
More Job and More suffering....when will this end.
Job 12:1-14:22
In today's reading Job pleads with God to let him die and stop his suffering. His friends are still no help and since he is a better person that I could ever imagine being...he didn't kick his friends out like I would have. Yet one more reason he's in the bible and I'm not....aside from the 2000+ year difference.
It is always fun to me when people find out about my quest to read the bible chronologically in one year. After their initial surprise there is usually two different reactions.
1. Here's my take on the bible, my church and my opinion on how you are going about this in the wrong manner.
2. Why are you doing this and while I'm supportive...I'm confused and I'm a little doubtful you would finish it.
I have others that have great feedback and tell me their take on challenging (to me) parts. I am also typically very surprised as well at the people that are knowledgeable about parts of the bible. Its fun to see what people bring up and what they think of it.
In my discussions today I had a co-worker recommend a book to me. This happens all the time as they know I love to read. But this recommendation has me so excited I can hardly wait to get off work. A Year of Living Biblically by A.J Jacobs. Check out his website at So I initially reserved my copy at Borders but then was quickly reminded that it might be available at Signs of Life. Signs of Life being the wonderful little bookstore downtown that has a lot of religious items. I think that's where I'm headed so I can get some different Chapter markers as well for my bible. I'm sure I won't just walk out of there with just one book.
In today's reading Job pleads with God to let him die and stop his suffering. His friends are still no help and since he is a better person that I could ever imagine being...he didn't kick his friends out like I would have. Yet one more reason he's in the bible and I'm not....aside from the 2000+ year difference.
It is always fun to me when people find out about my quest to read the bible chronologically in one year. After their initial surprise there is usually two different reactions.
1. Here's my take on the bible, my church and my opinion on how you are going about this in the wrong manner.
2. Why are you doing this and while I'm supportive...I'm confused and I'm a little doubtful you would finish it.
I have others that have great feedback and tell me their take on challenging (to me) parts. I am also typically very surprised as well at the people that are knowledgeable about parts of the bible. Its fun to see what people bring up and what they think of it.
In my discussions today I had a co-worker recommend a book to me. This happens all the time as they know I love to read. But this recommendation has me so excited I can hardly wait to get off work. A Year of Living Biblically by A.J Jacobs. Check out his website at So I initially reserved my copy at Borders but then was quickly reminded that it might be available at Signs of Life. Signs of Life being the wonderful little bookstore downtown that has a lot of religious items. I think that's where I'm headed so I can get some different Chapter markers as well for my bible. I'm sure I won't just walk out of there with just one book.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Job's suffering
Job 5:1-7:21
Job 8:1-11:20
Yesterday and Today's readings were the suffering of Job and his speeches with his 3 friends. I recently purchased some nice bible friendly highlighters which are more like a mixture between crayons and colored pencils. They are nice because they do not bleed through the pages. I've been highlighting in my Chronological Study Bible. Here is what I highlighted. Job 6:1 "Then Job answered and said: Oh that my grief were fully weighed, And my calamity laid with it on the scales! For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea-" I believe that anyone that has suffered or lost a loved one can relate to this and feels their grief would weigh more than the sands of the seas.
I also highlighted Job 6:14 "To him who is afflicted, kidness should be shown by his friends"
I like this...I guess because it seems so human. That those that are suffering should always have the kindness and support of their friends. I think this is interesting because I have a close friend that said when her husband was battling brain cancer that their friends basically deserted them. I think people have a fear of how to support and be around those that are suffering. A guilt almost for being healthy. I hope that I am not that way and that I and others would face those fears and show the support and love that those suffering need so badly.
After reading through chapter 11 I think of the saying "with friends like that who needs enemies" It seems Job's friends each believe he deserves the suffering he is enduring or they don't understand why he remains with faith to God. I am amazed by Job's strength to not only endure his physical and mental torture from Satan but also his mental/emotional torture from his friends.
Job 8:1-11:20
Yesterday and Today's readings were the suffering of Job and his speeches with his 3 friends. I recently purchased some nice bible friendly highlighters which are more like a mixture between crayons and colored pencils. They are nice because they do not bleed through the pages. I've been highlighting in my Chronological Study Bible. Here is what I highlighted. Job 6:1 "Then Job answered and said: Oh that my grief were fully weighed, And my calamity laid with it on the scales! For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea-" I believe that anyone that has suffered or lost a loved one can relate to this and feels their grief would weigh more than the sands of the seas.
I also highlighted Job 6:14 "To him who is afflicted, kidness should be shown by his friends"
I like this...I guess because it seems so human. That those that are suffering should always have the kindness and support of their friends. I think this is interesting because I have a close friend that said when her husband was battling brain cancer that their friends basically deserted them. I think people have a fear of how to support and be around those that are suffering. A guilt almost for being healthy. I hope that I am not that way and that I and others would face those fears and show the support and love that those suffering need so badly.
After reading through chapter 11 I think of the saying "with friends like that who needs enemies" It seems Job's friends each believe he deserves the suffering he is enduring or they don't understand why he remains with faith to God. I am amazed by Job's strength to not only endure his physical and mental torture from Satan but also his mental/emotional torture from his friends.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
starting Job
OK...well this is confusing. According to the website www.oneyearbibleonline.com I start Job today. The Daily Bible, The One Year Chronological Bible and the Chronological Study Bible start with Exodus after Genesis.
I am thankful I have my Chronological Study Bible. I looked up Job in the back and found it on page 901....much later in the chronological order according to this book...but there was an explanation. It tells that the Book of Job is powerful and has a unique place in world literature as well as scripture. The Book of Job starts with a once upon a time style and has no reference to time. It is believed that the land of Uz where Job is from is in Edom rather than Israel. It is also likely that he is from Edom due to the references to Edom's descendents with wisdom. The Book of Job rejects the view that the world is orderly and just. It proves that bad things happen to good people. This Book speaks to so many people in its rawness and the suffering endured and the faith that remained. I believe that even after I have completed my chronological readings I will likely refer back to this part of the scriptures. I will be getting my bible highlighters out and I'm sure there will be underlined phrases everywhere. In my profession as an ER nurse and Paramedic sometimes you feel like bad things only happen to good people. I know personally I have struggled with this and said out loud many times..."Of course it's something bad...they are great people." My own frustrations with this have tested my faith...well I have blatantly thought...if there was really a God why he would do this to these people. Why does he punish those that are good and not those that are bad? I often wonder how Job had the faith he did. I have not had near the trials that Job has and I question.
Maybe my journey through the bible will either help me to understand or it will allow me to be ok with not understanding.
I am thankful I have my Chronological Study Bible. I looked up Job in the back and found it on page 901....much later in the chronological order according to this book...but there was an explanation. It tells that the Book of Job is powerful and has a unique place in world literature as well as scripture. The Book of Job starts with a once upon a time style and has no reference to time. It is believed that the land of Uz where Job is from is in Edom rather than Israel. It is also likely that he is from Edom due to the references to Edom's descendents with wisdom. The Book of Job rejects the view that the world is orderly and just. It proves that bad things happen to good people. This Book speaks to so many people in its rawness and the suffering endured and the faith that remained. I believe that even after I have completed my chronological readings I will likely refer back to this part of the scriptures. I will be getting my bible highlighters out and I'm sure there will be underlined phrases everywhere. In my profession as an ER nurse and Paramedic sometimes you feel like bad things only happen to good people. I know personally I have struggled with this and said out loud many times..."Of course it's something bad...they are great people." My own frustrations with this have tested my faith...well I have blatantly thought...if there was really a God why he would do this to these people. Why does he punish those that are good and not those that are bad? I often wonder how Job had the faith he did. I have not had near the trials that Job has and I question.
Maybe my journey through the bible will either help me to understand or it will allow me to be ok with not understanding.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Completed Genesis
Today I have completed Genesis. A small accomplishment but it is important especially when taking on a large commitment to celebrate the small achievements! I have really enjoyed Genesis for the most part. It was at times confusing but also at times rewarding and it taught me lots of the stories that I had never heard. It has allowed me to reflect and understand the bible. I strongly believe my path of reading chronologically is the right path for me. This has allowed me to connect to both my parents, my co-workers and my husbands family in a way never before. It is interesting to me to share time and conversation with those that have a stronger faith, better understanding and different view of the bible than I do. I just hope they continue to understand along with my readers here that this is my first time reading the bible and while my interpretations and feelings about it may be different than yours we all have one thing in common....the reading of the book.
In the closing of Genesis Joseph reveals himself to his brothers after they come to Egypt to get food during the famine. He relocates his father and brothers to Egypt where he holds high authority. His father dies and is embalmed, in Egyptian custom, and then buried in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite. This is the same burial location as Abraham, Sarah Isaac and Rebekah and Leah. Rachel as we recall was buried along the way to Ephrath.
Joseph then dies at the age of 110 years. I was a bit surprised because I thought this was the joseph...like Mary and Joseph....Well I guess that would be really pre-mature especially since the birth of Jesus will not come along for several more months. I hope those that are reading along are enjoying it. Again, I use www.oneyearbibleonline.com to send me my daily reading assignments and I can read them online and use whatever version I would like. I am also enjoying referencing the Chronological Study Bible.
In the closing of Genesis Joseph reveals himself to his brothers after they come to Egypt to get food during the famine. He relocates his father and brothers to Egypt where he holds high authority. His father dies and is embalmed, in Egyptian custom, and then buried in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite. This is the same burial location as Abraham, Sarah Isaac and Rebekah and Leah. Rachel as we recall was buried along the way to Ephrath.
Joseph then dies at the age of 110 years. I was a bit surprised because I thought this was the joseph...like Mary and Joseph....Well I guess that would be really pre-mature especially since the birth of Jesus will not come along for several more months. I hope those that are reading along are enjoying it. Again, I use www.oneyearbibleonline.com to send me my daily reading assignments and I can read them online and use whatever version I would like. I am also enjoying referencing the Chronological Study Bible.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Day 15
Day 15 in my reading and it's the day my family is celebrating Christmas. Very late, Yes I know but we all have wacky schedules. It was a wonderful day filled with lots of laughter and my mother's amazing food.
Today's reading was about Joseph. He is imprisioned and then begins interpreting dreams for others. This is no problem to me except Genesis 40:8 where Jospeh states "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me please." I'm a little confused why he at first says they belong to God but asks to be told the dream and provides an interpretation of it. Although it is a correct interpretation I read this part as only God interprets dreams so laypeople shouldn't therefore it seems Joseph is comparing himself or referring to himself as God.
Apparently this is not the right perception of this passage as Joseph is treated favorably in God's eyes. He later becomes the "right hand man" to the pharaoh. In my Chronological Bible it discusses how the seven year famine has been found on Egyptian writings and text.
Today's reading was about Joseph. He is imprisioned and then begins interpreting dreams for others. This is no problem to me except Genesis 40:8 where Jospeh states "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me please." I'm a little confused why he at first says they belong to God but asks to be told the dream and provides an interpretation of it. Although it is a correct interpretation I read this part as only God interprets dreams so laypeople shouldn't therefore it seems Joseph is comparing himself or referring to himself as God.
Apparently this is not the right perception of this passage as Joseph is treated favorably in God's eyes. He later becomes the "right hand man" to the pharaoh. In my Chronological Bible it discusses how the seven year famine has been found on Egyptian writings and text.
Friday, January 14, 2011
The coat of many colors
In today's reading Day 14. We read of Jacob making Joseph his favorite son a coat of many colors. This makes Joseph's brothers jealous of him and they contemplate killing him but decide to sell him to some travelers instead. They tore Joseph's coat and killed a baby goat to smear the blood of it onto the coat to take back to their father. Joseph ends up a servant and his master's wife wants to sleep with him. He tells her this is wrong and she tears his garment so his master takes him to prison. The Lord is looking over Joseph and provides him with good care and trust from the guard while he is in prison.
It is interesting that he is in prison. I definately had no idea of this. It is reassuring that he seems honest and trustworthy thus far in the reading. I'm hoping he won't become like Jacob or any of his brothers.
It is interesting that he is in prison. I definately had no idea of this. It is reassuring that he seems honest and trustworthy thus far in the reading. I'm hoping he won't become like Jacob or any of his brothers.
Wrestling with God
Wednesday's reading required more thought and contemplation. My reading was Genesis 32:1-35:27. While this reading interesting with regard to the reuniting of Jacob and Esau. It also spoke of the rape of Jacob's daughter Dinah and the subsequent murder of all the males in the city of Schechem including Hamor and Shechem. Shechem who raped Dinah and Hamor his father. They then return to Jacob where he tells them of his concern that others will attempt to kill him (Jacob) in retaliation. He does not mention the concern that his two sons just killed several other people many of whom were innocent. This makes me question Jacob.
Jacob buries Isaac who dies at 180 years of age. Again, I'm confused because I thought God said he was limiting lives to 120 years.
Is everyone else living to 120 but those he chooses live longer.
hmmm
The really confusing part that required more thought was Genesis 32:22 which discusses Jacob wrestling with God. I was very confused by this passage and needed to seek the advice and reflections of others that are more familiar with the bible. I spoke with a few of my facebook friends as well as the chaplain of my hospital where I'm a nurse. She believes this to me a spiritual battle almost a vision or dreamlike battle testing Jacob's faith. I spoke with a co-worker who views it literally as God can take any form he would like and believes he presented himself literally and wrestled with Jacob.
Interesting either way you view it.
Do you have any thoughts?
Jacob buries Isaac who dies at 180 years of age. Again, I'm confused because I thought God said he was limiting lives to 120 years.
Is everyone else living to 120 but those he chooses live longer.
hmmm
The really confusing part that required more thought was Genesis 32:22 which discusses Jacob wrestling with God. I was very confused by this passage and needed to seek the advice and reflections of others that are more familiar with the bible. I spoke with a few of my facebook friends as well as the chaplain of my hospital where I'm a nurse. She believes this to me a spiritual battle almost a vision or dreamlike battle testing Jacob's faith. I spoke with a co-worker who views it literally as God can take any form he would like and believes he presented himself literally and wrestled with Jacob.
Interesting either way you view it.
Do you have any thoughts?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
todays reading requires more
I started today's reading much later than I had originally planned. My school started today and I had a big meeting this morning plus I needed to catch up on yesterday's reading. EEK. So I read today's reading and it was a bit more challenging and is going to require pondering. I will read it again and post tomorrow. This one will require some thinking and contemplation.
What do you think of it?
Genesis 30:25-31:55
What do you think of it?
Genesis 30:25-31:55
my missed day
I'm sorry to my blog readers...whomever you are. I did not post yesterday. I didn't read either! I could tell too. I missed it and felt it hanging over my head that I needed to read. Today I am catching up. Today's reading was Genesis 30:25 - 31:55. This reading was about Jacob leaving where he has lived for the past 20 years with his wives Leah and Rachel. Joseph was born to Rachel. Jacob requested to leave and Laban (Rachel and Leah's father) wanted him to stay. Rachel steals from her father his household idols and Jacob and his wives and children all leave to return to Jacob's homeland. It is amazing to me that Rachel steals from her father. Laban chases Jacob down after 7 days but was told by God "Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad." It is interesting that Rachel steals these household idols and that Laban is so insistent on finding them. According to an ancient tablet found in the 2nd millennium BC these household idols or gods were used as evidence of family leadership. This would explain why Rachel stole those items to give to Jacob so he has leadership. There are pictures of these Teraphim (household idols) online that are quite interesting looking. All the pictures I looked up were copyrighted and I don't want to get into trouble!
Happy Reading to all!
Happy Reading to all!
Monday, January 10, 2011
days of our lives
Genesis 28:6-30:24
Today's reading was like a twisted version of days of our lives. Two sisters (Leah and Rachel) married to the same man (Jacob) and competing for him. He clearly loves one (Rachel) more than the other but has children with both of them and both of their servants. I'm guessing there isn't adultry involved in this because of the knowledge of all participants prior to all the stuff happening. I don't know. It's just a little bizarre to me. Yes, I understand it's just that the progression of man and lineage is important. So this is getting us to Joseph. He is the son of Rachel and Jacob.
Today's reading was like a twisted version of days of our lives. Two sisters (Leah and Rachel) married to the same man (Jacob) and competing for him. He clearly loves one (Rachel) more than the other but has children with both of them and both of their servants. I'm guessing there isn't adultry involved in this because of the knowledge of all participants prior to all the stuff happening. I don't know. It's just a little bizarre to me. Yes, I understand it's just that the progression of man and lineage is important. So this is getting us to Joseph. He is the son of Rachel and Jacob.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
today's summary!!
Today's reading was Genesis 25:27-28:5 this brings us to the children of Isaac and Rebekah - Esau and Jacob. In this Isaac is nearing death and asks his oldest and favorite son Esau to go hunting and prepare him his favorite feast so Isaac can bless his son prior to his death. Isaac's wife Rebekah overhears his conversation with Esau and she instructs Jacob to trick his father for his blessing. Jacob has already in a way tricked his brother for his birthright. Esau returns after Jacob had already been blessed by Isaac. Esau in turn wants to kill his brother due to the blessing and birthright. Rebekah hears this and convinces Isaac to send Jacob away to her hometown for a wife from her family and she instructs Jacob not to return until his brother has decided not to kill him.
It is interesting how much deceit is occurring among these families.
It is interesting how much deceit is occurring among these families.
thinking more about sacrificing children
OK this post isn't about the reading for today. I'll do that later today. I've been thinking about the sacrificing of children and the sending children away if they weren't from the original spouse. So then I started thinking about how this applies and the relationship of these words to current times.
We sacrifice children all the time now. Just in different ways. Here are ways I believe we are sacrificing our children in ways far worse than to the Lord.
We sacrifice them for our careers by sending them to daycares, being home for a few hours in the evening and right to bed and maybe on the weekends we spend time together. If the children are a part of a divorced family they have already been sacrificed in a way. If the parent re-marries and has additional children...how does the child from the previous marriage get treated?
We sacrifice our children for our own personal happiness all the time. We sacrifice our children to drugs, money, boyfriends or girlfriends, TV, and even leave them to be raised by their grandparents. We sacrifice time with our children to keep up with the "Jones'"
We allow society to raise our children instead of the parents. Our society believes they should determine how parents raise their children. Our society believes that everyone is equal and everyone will always be equal. The bible from the very beginning shows that things/life is not always fair! It is shown by favoritism in birth order, gender and lineage. Now, parents are so insistent that everything be given to their children and they have "no wants" that they have no desire to work for what they want in the future. Everything should be handed to them by society - They are entitled to it. No respect for family or God who according to the bible is the only one who is really able to provide for you.
I just had been thinking over the past few days that I am so critical of those in the bible but look at how horrible our own society is. Look at all that we are sacrificing for...these days you can't talk about God so look at how much we have sacrificed ourselves and our children.
We sacrifice children all the time now. Just in different ways. Here are ways I believe we are sacrificing our children in ways far worse than to the Lord.
We sacrifice them for our careers by sending them to daycares, being home for a few hours in the evening and right to bed and maybe on the weekends we spend time together. If the children are a part of a divorced family they have already been sacrificed in a way. If the parent re-marries and has additional children...how does the child from the previous marriage get treated?
We sacrifice our children for our own personal happiness all the time. We sacrifice our children to drugs, money, boyfriends or girlfriends, TV, and even leave them to be raised by their grandparents. We sacrifice time with our children to keep up with the "Jones'"
We allow society to raise our children instead of the parents. Our society believes they should determine how parents raise their children. Our society believes that everyone is equal and everyone will always be equal. The bible from the very beginning shows that things/life is not always fair! It is shown by favoritism in birth order, gender and lineage. Now, parents are so insistent that everything be given to their children and they have "no wants" that they have no desire to work for what they want in the future. Everything should be handed to them by society - They are entitled to it. No respect for family or God who according to the bible is the only one who is really able to provide for you.
I just had been thinking over the past few days that I am so critical of those in the bible but look at how horrible our own society is. Look at all that we are sacrificing for...these days you can't talk about God so look at how much we have sacrificed ourselves and our children.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
the death of Abraham
In todays reading it was a lot of geneaology and a little story. In this reading Isaac and Rebekah have twin sons Esau and Jacob. God told her that one would serve the other. The younger would serve the older.
After Sarah's death Abraham marries Keturah and has 6 children. It says that Keturah was his concubine defined as (A concubine is generally a woman in an ongoing, matrimonial-like relationship with a man, whom she cannot marry for a specific reason. The reason may be because she is of lower social rank than the man (including slave status) or because the man is already married. Generally, only men of high economic and social status have concubines. Many historical rulers maintained concubines as well as wives.)
These children are given gifts at Abraham's death but a majority of the land went to Isaac. It does not mention anything being left to Ishmael at Abrahams death. Abraham is then buried by Isaac and Ishmael in the cave with his wife Sarah. I think it is interesting that Ishmael returns to bury Abraham when he was sent away by him.
I stopped by Borders today to look at the Archaeological bible and it said that the Cave of Machpleah where Abraham and Sarah are buried is still marked today! During the times of Herod the Great a monumental enclosure was built over the site 200 x 100 foot bearing a similarity to Herod the Great's temple in Jerualem. Here are some pictures of the tomb of Abraham. Thanks Wikipedia!
After Sarah's death Abraham marries Keturah and has 6 children. It says that Keturah was his concubine defined as (A concubine is generally a woman in an ongoing, matrimonial-like relationship with a man, whom she cannot marry for a specific reason. The reason may be because she is of lower social rank than the man (including slave status) or because the man is already married. Generally, only men of high economic and social status have concubines. Many historical rulers maintained concubines as well as wives.)
These children are given gifts at Abraham's death but a majority of the land went to Isaac. It does not mention anything being left to Ishmael at Abrahams death. Abraham is then buried by Isaac and Ishmael in the cave with his wife Sarah. I think it is interesting that Ishmael returns to bury Abraham when he was sent away by him.
I stopped by Borders today to look at the Archaeological bible and it said that the Cave of Machpleah where Abraham and Sarah are buried is still marked today! During the times of Herod the Great a monumental enclosure was built over the site 200 x 100 foot bearing a similarity to Herod the Great's temple in Jerualem. Here are some pictures of the tomb of Abraham. Thanks Wikipedia!
Friday, January 7, 2011
sacrificing children
Today's reading is Genesis 21:8-23:20,Genesis 11:32 and Genesis 24:1-67
It discusses Hagar and Ishmael being sent away. When Isaac is approaching the age of being weaned (3 years old) Ishmael is 17 and Sarah said he was mocking and insisted to Abraham that Ishmael and Hagar be sent away which according to customs at the time it is not accepted to send away slave wives and their children but God tells Abraham that it is ok. God in turn promised to "make him a great nation" in regard to Ishmael.
I'm sure that it would be hard to send away a child after 17 years. I can't imagine the tension and how different the lifestyles were back then to have slaves and their children and to then cast them away. Especially when servants who provided such children were supposed to be treated favorably. Although it doesn't say how the children were supposed to be treated.
In this reading Abraham offers to sacrifice his son Isaac to God. This was the ultimate gesture in faith in God to willingly sacrifice your only child.
Sarah died and was buried in a cave in the field of Machpelah. This made Abraham realize his death was soon approaching and he sent his servant to his homeland to select a bride for his son Isaac. His servant returns with Rebekah and it was interesting to me that when she was notified that the man in the field would be Isaac she immediately covered herself.
In the other summaries that I have read it mentions that Sarah is the only female in the bible whose exact age is mentioned. She lived to be 127 years old. Isaac would be 37 years old at the time of her death and around the time that Abraham sends for a wife for him.
This is interesting because I would have thought the ages of marriage; etc would have been much younger.
In my newest bible The Chronological Study Bible it mentions in one of the little side notes that "human sacrifice is regarded as one of the worse offenses against God and humankind. It was one of the reasons the Canaanites were condemned. Archaeologists have dug up urns with ashes and the bones of children from the sacred precincts of carthage. Apparently, the Carthaginians sacrificed children as part of their religion."
It is interesting in a way Abraham sacrificed one child Ishmael by sending him away because Sarah told him to and God agreed and then a short time later was told to sacrifice his other child which they refer as his "only son" to God.
Sacrifices of any type these days is at times laughed at and looked down upon in society. Even the minor "sacrifice" of giving up something for lent. Imagine all the types of sacrificing that went on then and how much times have changed.
It discusses Hagar and Ishmael being sent away. When Isaac is approaching the age of being weaned (3 years old) Ishmael is 17 and Sarah said he was mocking and insisted to Abraham that Ishmael and Hagar be sent away which according to customs at the time it is not accepted to send away slave wives and their children but God tells Abraham that it is ok. God in turn promised to "make him a great nation" in regard to Ishmael.
I'm sure that it would be hard to send away a child after 17 years. I can't imagine the tension and how different the lifestyles were back then to have slaves and their children and to then cast them away. Especially when servants who provided such children were supposed to be treated favorably. Although it doesn't say how the children were supposed to be treated.
In this reading Abraham offers to sacrifice his son Isaac to God. This was the ultimate gesture in faith in God to willingly sacrifice your only child.
Sarah died and was buried in a cave in the field of Machpelah. This made Abraham realize his death was soon approaching and he sent his servant to his homeland to select a bride for his son Isaac. His servant returns with Rebekah and it was interesting to me that when she was notified that the man in the field would be Isaac she immediately covered herself.
In the other summaries that I have read it mentions that Sarah is the only female in the bible whose exact age is mentioned. She lived to be 127 years old. Isaac would be 37 years old at the time of her death and around the time that Abraham sends for a wife for him.
This is interesting because I would have thought the ages of marriage; etc would have been much younger.
In my newest bible The Chronological Study Bible it mentions in one of the little side notes that "human sacrifice is regarded as one of the worse offenses against God and humankind. It was one of the reasons the Canaanites were condemned. Archaeologists have dug up urns with ashes and the bones of children from the sacred precincts of carthage. Apparently, the Carthaginians sacrificed children as part of their religion."
It is interesting in a way Abraham sacrificed one child Ishmael by sending him away because Sarah told him to and God agreed and then a short time later was told to sacrifice his other child which they refer as his "only son" to God.
Sacrifices of any type these days is at times laughed at and looked down upon in society. Even the minor "sacrifice" of giving up something for lent. Imagine all the types of sacrificing that went on then and how much times have changed.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
a slightly disturbing reading and a wonderful discovery
I will start off with my slightly disturbing reading first. Today's reading was Genesis 18:1-21:7. I had to read this a couple of times and it definitely needed to be mentally digested. Mainly Genesis 19:4-19:9 So Lot said to the citizens of Sodom (now I know where the term sodomy came from) to not touch the Angels that came to him but to instead take his two daughters and do what they would like with them.
Ok on all accounts I think it's horrible the way these people were acting but then he was going to sacrifice his two daughters for them. Oh my. I had to read this a few times. Then it was ok that God rained fire and brimstone down onto Sodom and Gomorrah and eliminated it. Whew. It was really bad there. This however according to Wikipedia is not only how the term sodomy came about but also the belief in Christianity and Islam that homosexuality is wrong. I am leaving my beliefs out of this part completely because my blog is not about judging others. That in my opinion is God's job. I believe that I am supposed to treat others equally and as I want to be treated. Ok...enough of that.
The story of Lot continues to be disturbing in that his two daughters both get him drunk and sleep with him in order to continue lineage. Ugh...I'm thinking there's a possibility I could do without the entire story of Lot. I'm not sure how this is going to be meaningful in the future...I'm sure it will but at this point...wow.
It then moves on to talk about Abraham and Sarah (who happen to be half brother/sister) and their child Isaac. Isaac means laughter which is quite fun since there is a co-worker who has a little Isaac that is just that...a kiddo that likes to laugh! How bizarre!
My new discovery... I went to a bookstore in Lawrence today. Signs of Life. It is a nice little bookstore with a Christian spin. www.signsoflifebooks.com I couldn't take it any longer...I had to buy the Chronological Study Bible in the New King James Version. I resisted an entire 3 days. Pathetic isn't it.
I did resist buying the Archaeological Bible even though they have it in a leather backed edition there!! I about screeched in the store. It is beautiful with the leather cover and gold lined pages. I'm not kidding...I might have been drooling. It was beautiful...but so was the price tag. $60.00 maybe $69.00 I can't remember...it was out of my price range that was for sure.
While I was there I met the nicest lady. She was wonderful. She and I got to chatting about my bible purchase and she really likes the Archaeological bible and I was buying the Chronological bible and she was asking me what I was doing and we chatted for a while about reading the bible and learning about it. She also encouraged me to write what I was thinking especially since it was the first time I was reading the bible. I told her about my blog and she wanted to know where to find it...So if you have found it...Hello!!! She gave me a hug and told me I was inspirational to her. But little did she know how much she made my day. I really like nice people and she just seemed quite genuine. It definitely sealed the deal that my future religious purchases will be from Signs of Life. What a lovely little store with lovely employees.
Until tomorrow.
Ok on all accounts I think it's horrible the way these people were acting but then he was going to sacrifice his two daughters for them. Oh my. I had to read this a few times. Then it was ok that God rained fire and brimstone down onto Sodom and Gomorrah and eliminated it. Whew. It was really bad there. This however according to Wikipedia is not only how the term sodomy came about but also the belief in Christianity and Islam that homosexuality is wrong. I am leaving my beliefs out of this part completely because my blog is not about judging others. That in my opinion is God's job. I believe that I am supposed to treat others equally and as I want to be treated. Ok...enough of that.
The story of Lot continues to be disturbing in that his two daughters both get him drunk and sleep with him in order to continue lineage. Ugh...I'm thinking there's a possibility I could do without the entire story of Lot. I'm not sure how this is going to be meaningful in the future...I'm sure it will but at this point...wow.
It then moves on to talk about Abraham and Sarah (who happen to be half brother/sister) and their child Isaac. Isaac means laughter which is quite fun since there is a co-worker who has a little Isaac that is just that...a kiddo that likes to laugh! How bizarre!
My new discovery... I went to a bookstore in Lawrence today. Signs of Life. It is a nice little bookstore with a Christian spin. www.signsoflifebooks.com I couldn't take it any longer...I had to buy the Chronological Study Bible in the New King James Version. I resisted an entire 3 days. Pathetic isn't it.
I did resist buying the Archaeological Bible even though they have it in a leather backed edition there!! I about screeched in the store. It is beautiful with the leather cover and gold lined pages. I'm not kidding...I might have been drooling. It was beautiful...but so was the price tag. $60.00 maybe $69.00 I can't remember...it was out of my price range that was for sure.
While I was there I met the nicest lady. She was wonderful. She and I got to chatting about my bible purchase and she really likes the Archaeological bible and I was buying the Chronological bible and she was asking me what I was doing and we chatted for a while about reading the bible and learning about it. She also encouraged me to write what I was thinking especially since it was the first time I was reading the bible. I told her about my blog and she wanted to know where to find it...So if you have found it...Hello!!! She gave me a hug and told me I was inspirational to her. But little did she know how much she made my day. I really like nice people and she just seemed quite genuine. It definitely sealed the deal that my future religious purchases will be from Signs of Life. What a lovely little store with lovely employees.
Until tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Today's reading took me much longer than usual. I have been sick and in bed most of the day so reading and retaining information has been challenging. Today's reading was Genesis 17:1-17:27
It was about Abram and his wife Sarai who are unable to have children. Abram tells God he is concerned because his servants children will become heirs. God them assures him he will have a son. Time goes by and his wife remains unable to conceive so she gives her husband her servant Hagar to become Abrams wife and have children. So they have a son Ishmael. Many years later God appears to Abram and tells him he will have a son with Sarai named Isaac. When this happens their names will change to Abraham and Sarah. God also creates a covenant with Abraham that all of his decendents are to be circumcised. He circumcised all males in his household including himself at 99 years of age.
It is also mentioned that all circumsisions occur on the 8th day of life.
God tells Abraham that his decendents will be slaves for 400 years but God will punish that nation and his decendents will end up with great rewards. This would be challenging to know that your decendents will be enslaved for such a long period.
I am reading from the online website but I also have 2 books I read from at home. One is the daily bible and the other is the one year chronological bible. they all have a different reading assignment for today despite the 2 books both being New International Versions. I am sticking to the website to be the ultimate reading. I was very excited to have 2 more family members join me in my chronological bible readings. My husbands Aunt and his Cousin. This is exciting because they are both much more knowledgeable about the bible than I could ever hope to be. I am hoping to have a little gathering in a month or so to chat about the readings so far. I have really enjoyed this and hope to get the two other bibles from yesterday's post soon!
Until tomorrow.
It was about Abram and his wife Sarai who are unable to have children. Abram tells God he is concerned because his servants children will become heirs. God them assures him he will have a son. Time goes by and his wife remains unable to conceive so she gives her husband her servant Hagar to become Abrams wife and have children. So they have a son Ishmael. Many years later God appears to Abram and tells him he will have a son with Sarai named Isaac. When this happens their names will change to Abraham and Sarah. God also creates a covenant with Abraham that all of his decendents are to be circumcised. He circumcised all males in his household including himself at 99 years of age.
It is also mentioned that all circumsisions occur on the 8th day of life.
God tells Abraham that his decendents will be slaves for 400 years but God will punish that nation and his decendents will end up with great rewards. This would be challenging to know that your decendents will be enslaved for such a long period.
I am reading from the online website but I also have 2 books I read from at home. One is the daily bible and the other is the one year chronological bible. they all have a different reading assignment for today despite the 2 books both being New International Versions. I am sticking to the website to be the ultimate reading. I was very excited to have 2 more family members join me in my chronological bible readings. My husbands Aunt and his Cousin. This is exciting because they are both much more knowledgeable about the bible than I could ever hope to be. I am hoping to have a little gathering in a month or so to chat about the readings so far. I have really enjoyed this and hope to get the two other bibles from yesterday's post soon!
Until tomorrow.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
books and today's reading
my internet availablility today is sketchy at best. I have discovered 2 new books that are on my wish list now. The Archaeological Study Bible and the Chronological Study Bible. They are both really neat because they are more from a scientific/referenced historical account. I really wanted to buy them the second I saw them but they were $49.99 each at the bookstore I was at. I searched them on Amazon and they were 31.00 ish so I will be making an amazon purchase soon. They are quite interesting. I also found a Daily Bible that has insights and it does help explain the daily readings. It's only $14.00 so I will get it to help me along. I think by the end of this year my household will go from having 1 childrens edition bible to who knows how many different types! There are worse things to have in your house huh?
Today's reading is Genesis 11:1-26; 1 Chronicles 1:24-27; Genesis 11:27-31; Genesis 12-14:24
This reading was challenging for me. I was having trouble understanding this reading and its' purpose to the larger picture. I did find that my trip to the bookstore and reading from the daily bible with insights and summaries helped me to understand the reading. The chronological study bible also helped to understand this reading as well.
It mentions that the people are building a city and a tower that reaches the heavens. I did not initially understand why this displeased God until the other books mentioned that it seemed as an act of defiance and self-assertive pride. This caused God to scatter mankind and create diversity in language. I will hopefully post more tomorrow providing my access to stable internet is available.
Until next time...
Today's reading is Genesis 11:1-26; 1 Chronicles 1:24-27; Genesis 11:27-31; Genesis 12-14:24
This reading was challenging for me. I was having trouble understanding this reading and its' purpose to the larger picture. I did find that my trip to the bookstore and reading from the daily bible with insights and summaries helped me to understand the reading. The chronological study bible also helped to understand this reading as well.
It mentions that the people are building a city and a tower that reaches the heavens. I did not initially understand why this displeased God until the other books mentioned that it seemed as an act of defiance and self-assertive pride. This caused God to scatter mankind and create diversity in language. I will hopefully post more tomorrow providing my access to stable internet is available.
Until next time...
Monday, January 3, 2011
The Flood
Today’s reading was Genesis 7-10:5; 1 Chronicles 1:5-7; Genesis 10:6-20; 1 Chronicles 1:8-16; Genesis 10:21-30; 1 Chronicles 1:17-23; Genesis 10:31-32 which addressed the flood of the earth.
I think most people know this story...they must if I'm familiar with it! This reading was about Noah's ark and God telling him to take the animals, Noah's wife, his sons and their wives onto the ark. It was interesting that he asked him to take seven pairs of every clean animal and one pair of every unclean animal. What's clean and unclean? Apparently if termites are considered unclean they are quite hardy those first two little ones made it through to "to be fruitful and increase in number"
Another interesting part was Genesis 9:6 “Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind." Everyone's interpretation of this could be different. It makes you wonder how this is interpreted by those that believe or do not believe in capital punishment. So are those that carry out the death sentence to others considered to have shed human blood? Or does this just say that those that shed human blood will not live a full and complete life?
My favorite part of today’s reading was about rainbows! Why doesn't anyone ever talk about the rainbows? That's the best part in my opinion. Genesis 9:13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.
I think this will change how I look at rainbows.
Overall today’s reading was good and enjoyable. Despite those that have encouraged me not to read the Old Testament It's not too bad so far. I realize there will be parts that will be less than enjoyable but isn't that true of all epic tales?
I think most people know this story...they must if I'm familiar with it! This reading was about Noah's ark and God telling him to take the animals, Noah's wife, his sons and their wives onto the ark. It was interesting that he asked him to take seven pairs of every clean animal and one pair of every unclean animal. What's clean and unclean? Apparently if termites are considered unclean they are quite hardy those first two little ones made it through to "to be fruitful and increase in number"
Another interesting part was Genesis 9:6 “Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind." Everyone's interpretation of this could be different. It makes you wonder how this is interpreted by those that believe or do not believe in capital punishment. So are those that carry out the death sentence to others considered to have shed human blood? Or does this just say that those that shed human blood will not live a full and complete life?
My favorite part of today’s reading was about rainbows! Why doesn't anyone ever talk about the rainbows? That's the best part in my opinion. Genesis 9:13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.
I think this will change how I look at rainbows.
Overall today’s reading was good and enjoyable. Despite those that have encouraged me not to read the Old Testament It's not too bad so far. I realize there will be parts that will be less than enjoyable but isn't that true of all epic tales?
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Day 2
Day 2 of reading the bible chronologically. Today's reading was Genesis 4-5:32; 1 Chronicles 1:1-4; Genesis 6:1-22
This tells the story of Cain and Abel, some weird history of genealogy of the decedents of Adam living to be 900 years old and then the story of Noah being told to build the Ark.
Ok...on day 2 of my mission of reading the bible I'm lost already. Maybe more confused rather than lost per say. I know and get the story of Cain and Abel and of Noah but the part in between of the ancestry I don't get. I guess I'm confused because Cain didn't want to be left wandering, was banned from Eden and had to go to the land of Nod. Where he met his wife and they had kids...where did this lady come from?? So God created other people all over? I'm confused here. So was Adam and Eve just the first people he made then he made others in other places?
Then we get to all the ancestry stuff with Adam and Cain's decedents. They all lived for 800-900 years. Really? But Genesis 6 tells us god says “My Spirit will not contend with[a] humans forever, for they are mortal[b]; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.”
So this had me wondering who was the oldest recorded person to live. Thank You Google....it's Jeanne Calmet of France who lived to be 122 years and 164 days...apparently when you get that old you count the days too! More interesting is the fact that of the top 10 oldest recorded people 9 of them are women and the one man on the list's actual records of proof cannot be found..He could be an imposter! So God has kept his word that no man will live beyond 120 years...only women! Haha!
OK back to the bible.
Genesis 6:5 The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. 6 The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. 7 So the LORD said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.
So God was mad and didn't like the way they were and decided to wipe out the human race. This is also interesting and I'm sure I will understand this more later but I was under the impression that he liked us and was loving and kind? Well I guess he liked Noah so spared he and his family and all the animals (well two of each). This also makes me wonder how much those original animals have changed since biblical times. I do believe animals evolve over time...long periods of time but there is scientific proof that is happens and you can even see it in dogs for example. I just wonder what the animals on the Ark looked like. I wish there were more descriptions of them...maybe there will be.
This is where it leaves me God telling Noah to build the Ark.
I have read my "assignment" for today several times in multiple different versions. Last night I purchased a new book from Borders. The One Year Chronological Bible. This is so I can read my readings again in bed if I want. It goes along with the www.oneyearbibleonline.com chronological plan which is convenient. It has a nice little timeline and map too which is neat. I find that I have read the readings 3 or 4 times in different versions and thought about them often. I find that I have lots of questions that will hopefully be answered some as I continue my quest. It is entertaining that as more people at work find out the more they think it's bizarre that I'm even doing this. One of my co-workers yesterday said "I just didn't see that coming from you" It kind of cracks me up because I'm sure there are lots of aspects to my co-workers that I don't know. Well I hope you are keeping your co-workers, family and friends guessing about you as well. It's never too late to change and to learn! Happy Learning, Happy Changing, Happy Trails and Happy New Year!
This tells the story of Cain and Abel, some weird history of genealogy of the decedents of Adam living to be 900 years old and then the story of Noah being told to build the Ark.
Ok...on day 2 of my mission of reading the bible I'm lost already. Maybe more confused rather than lost per say. I know and get the story of Cain and Abel and of Noah but the part in between of the ancestry I don't get. I guess I'm confused because Cain didn't want to be left wandering, was banned from Eden and had to go to the land of Nod. Where he met his wife and they had kids...where did this lady come from?? So God created other people all over? I'm confused here. So was Adam and Eve just the first people he made then he made others in other places?
Then we get to all the ancestry stuff with Adam and Cain's decedents. They all lived for 800-900 years. Really? But Genesis 6 tells us god says “My Spirit will not contend with[a] humans forever, for they are mortal[b]; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.”
So this had me wondering who was the oldest recorded person to live. Thank You Google....it's Jeanne Calmet of France who lived to be 122 years and 164 days...apparently when you get that old you count the days too! More interesting is the fact that of the top 10 oldest recorded people 9 of them are women and the one man on the list's actual records of proof cannot be found..He could be an imposter! So God has kept his word that no man will live beyond 120 years...only women! Haha!
OK back to the bible.
Genesis 6:5 The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. 6 The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. 7 So the LORD said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.
So God was mad and didn't like the way they were and decided to wipe out the human race. This is also interesting and I'm sure I will understand this more later but I was under the impression that he liked us and was loving and kind? Well I guess he liked Noah so spared he and his family and all the animals (well two of each). This also makes me wonder how much those original animals have changed since biblical times. I do believe animals evolve over time...long periods of time but there is scientific proof that is happens and you can even see it in dogs for example. I just wonder what the animals on the Ark looked like. I wish there were more descriptions of them...maybe there will be.
This is where it leaves me God telling Noah to build the Ark.
I have read my "assignment" for today several times in multiple different versions. Last night I purchased a new book from Borders. The One Year Chronological Bible. This is so I can read my readings again in bed if I want. It goes along with the www.oneyearbibleonline.com chronological plan which is convenient. It has a nice little timeline and map too which is neat. I find that I have read the readings 3 or 4 times in different versions and thought about them often. I find that I have lots of questions that will hopefully be answered some as I continue my quest. It is entertaining that as more people at work find out the more they think it's bizarre that I'm even doing this. One of my co-workers yesterday said "I just didn't see that coming from you" It kind of cracks me up because I'm sure there are lots of aspects to my co-workers that I don't know. Well I hope you are keeping your co-workers, family and friends guessing about you as well. It's never too late to change and to learn! Happy Learning, Happy Changing, Happy Trails and Happy New Year!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
The beginning of resolutions
Well it's January 1st! Happy New Year. I have started already on my resolution. It helps that I signed up for an online assistant. www.oneyearbibleonline.com I'm reading the bible in Chronological order this year. I have never read the bible. I also am not the religious type. I went to a Catholic school through the 4th grade but after that not much happened in my life by way of religion. My mom has been a catholic her entire life and my dad had a period of strong faith for about 5 years in my early 20's until they moved away from their church. Neither my husband nor I go to church. His parents are Christian and attend church regularly.
Why this year it struck me to read the bible I'll never know but sometimes it’s good to just go with the flow. I'm not sure how this year will change me as a person but I'm sure every year has. I might not recognize it but each year I change. I am accustomed to change and it really doesn't bother me. In fact at times I thrive on change, I look forward to it and I anticipate my reactions to it.
I am a pessimist at heart. I also am a skeptic. I am not sure how I feel about the bible and I must admit I haven't had the strongest faith in God. I actually am not sure what exactly faith is. My husband has faith in God. I realized this after a discussion with him about death. He said of course there is an afterlife and people are in heaven. I was surprise at this "of course" and acceptance of that. Where this year will take me I have no idea. I'm sure I will look back on my blog and be a changed person but isn't that what we are supposed to be? Almost every book I have read has changed me in some way so why wouldn't this one?
Well the first assigned reading for Jan. 1st was Genesis 1:1-3:24
It's basically the creation of the world and of man. Interesting I guess. It is actually interesting the part 16 to the woman he said,
“I will make your pains in childbearing very severe;
With painful labor you will give birth to children.
Your desire will be for your husband,
And he will rule over you.”
I guess it is because I am a fairly independent chick and this part is questionable for me. I guess because I didn't think of God as a punisher. I understand that there is supposed to be a heaven and hell and according to Catholics and Dante a purgatory but I guess I am not really comfortable with this I will punish you or I will punish all women for this behavior. Maybe eventually I will see this part in a different light but thus far....I don't like that part. I am reading different versions of the bible online because I realized there is quite a difference in wording and I just need to find the wording I like. So this quote is from a New International Version. Not all quotes that I use in here will be. I will try to note what version I am quoting from.
Until tomorrow or until I think of something else to post.
Happy New Year.
Why this year it struck me to read the bible I'll never know but sometimes it’s good to just go with the flow. I'm not sure how this year will change me as a person but I'm sure every year has. I might not recognize it but each year I change. I am accustomed to change and it really doesn't bother me. In fact at times I thrive on change, I look forward to it and I anticipate my reactions to it.
I am a pessimist at heart. I also am a skeptic. I am not sure how I feel about the bible and I must admit I haven't had the strongest faith in God. I actually am not sure what exactly faith is. My husband has faith in God. I realized this after a discussion with him about death. He said of course there is an afterlife and people are in heaven. I was surprise at this "of course" and acceptance of that. Where this year will take me I have no idea. I'm sure I will look back on my blog and be a changed person but isn't that what we are supposed to be? Almost every book I have read has changed me in some way so why wouldn't this one?
Well the first assigned reading for Jan. 1st was Genesis 1:1-3:24
It's basically the creation of the world and of man. Interesting I guess. It is actually interesting the part 16 to the woman he said,
“I will make your pains in childbearing very severe;
With painful labor you will give birth to children.
Your desire will be for your husband,
And he will rule over you.”
I guess it is because I am a fairly independent chick and this part is questionable for me. I guess because I didn't think of God as a punisher. I understand that there is supposed to be a heaven and hell and according to Catholics and Dante a purgatory but I guess I am not really comfortable with this I will punish you or I will punish all women for this behavior. Maybe eventually I will see this part in a different light but thus far....I don't like that part. I am reading different versions of the bible online because I realized there is quite a difference in wording and I just need to find the wording I like. So this quote is from a New International Version. Not all quotes that I use in here will be. I will try to note what version I am quoting from.
Until tomorrow or until I think of something else to post.
Happy New Year.
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