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.
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