Check out this

http://blog.beliefnet.com/jesuscreed/2009/04/prayer-for-the-week-easter.html

Have Blessed Easter Today!

Have a glorious Easter today. Will post for this week's readings tomorrow. Have been on vacation this last week so I'll catch up with all you on Monday.

Peace!

Holy Week

When I taught my 6th grade Sunday School class years ago, I told them Easter is the main event in the life of a Christian. Without Easter there is no Sunday School class (some of them would have said 'amen' ). Without Easter there is no church. Without Easter there is no Christian community. This week - Holy Week - take some time to reflect on what Jesus really did. Write in a journal. Skip lunch and pray instead. Pray the morning and evening prayers. Listen to a podcast ("prayer on the go" is a good one). Read the Matthew chapters every day instead of just once.

This year, make Holy Week more than a name in the church calendar. Make it personal.

Blessings.

Matthew - Holy Week

I encourage you to read the Matthew chapters in one sitting this week. We have all heard the crucifixion story many times in our lives. I wonder if we’ve heard it so much we don’t hear it at all?

After you’ve read chapters 25 – 28 in one sitting, think about what you noticed in the story. Read the chapters in another translation or paraphrase like The Message or Good News. (These translations/paraphrases are found on line at http://www.biblegateway.com/) What surprises you in Matthew’s retelling of the events? What moves you in the crucifixion?

How do you respond to Judas? To Peter? To the woman at Bethany? To the Romans? To the high priests? To the resurrected Jesus?

During this Holy Week, ask God to speak vividly to you. Take the time to live with this passage of scripture. Allow God time to speak. Allow yourself time to listen. For one week, give God the time to make an impact on your life. I am praying for you.

Here are some further questions for your meditation or study:
1. The goats and the sheep. God will judge us on how we respond to those in need. He will not judge us by our achievements, our savings account or lack of one, our clothes, our fat bodies or our toned bodies, our house or our children. He will judge us by our simple response to simple needs of others. Our precious schedules of activities for our children’s well being will be tossed. He will judge us by our simple response to the simple needs of others. What will your judgment look like?

2. The woman at Bethany. When was the last time you gave an extravagant gift to someone you loved? When was the last time you gave Jesus an extravagant gift?

4. Peter’s Denial. Ouch. Can you recall a time you wept and wept because you denied Jesus? I can’t. Peter gives me hope. If this man who walked daily with Jesus freaks out and denies Him, but still hangs tough with his faith, then I can too. God will use me only to the extent I allow Him access to my life. My prayer: God have more access.

6. The Resurrection. The tomb is empty. The women worship Jesus for the first time. The guards are dumbfounded. Jesus mission is complete. On this Easter, where are you? Are you worshipping and rejoicing in the empty tomb? Or is it another non-event to you?

7. The Great Commission. The journey begins! God promises “I am with you always…” YES! Each day is a new adventure in my call to follow Jesus….where is He calling you?

Another Look at Joseph

Found this link today as I was looking for something else. I know we've read the Joseph story already, but this seemed relevant to what we are all living today. Let me know what you think.
http://www.freemoneyfinance.com/the_bible_and_money/index.html

For another look at things...

I was reminded of this site through some other readings...http://www.thebricktestament.com/index.html. If you are a legos fan or have children that build non-stop you might enjoy this!

Song of Solomon

If you had any doubt the Bible dealt with real life stuff, it should be gone by now. Through our readings we have covered almost every facet of life from dysfunctional families to war and injustice. This week we add one more to the list – love. This is not some abstract discussion of love; rather it is a series of explicit love poetry. You cannot read this book without feeling the passion and intensity of these lovers. We are reminded as Christians that all of our life has been created by God. This includes our sexuality.

While our culture has taken our sexuality and separated it from our spirituality, God reminds us He created us to have a full, complete life. This song is “a convincing witness that men and women were created physically, emotionally and spiritually to live in love.” (The Message Remix, Introduction to Song of Songs, Eugene Peterson, Navpress, 2003, page 1178)

This book not only speaks to the human side of love, but can give us some insight to the human-divine relationship. Throughout scripture our relationship to God is compared to marriage. Remember the prophets talk about Israel’s relationship to God is an intimate one like marriage. The New Testament refers to Christ’s relationship to the church as an intimate one. If we look at this book as a love story, it will reveal to us much about the man-woman relationship and about the depth of love God has for us.

Here are some questions for your consideration as you read this week.

1. We cannot help but notice throughout this book the total delight the lovers have for one another. Why not take a moment to tell your spouse how much you delight in and appreciate him or her?

2. How well are you honoring your marriage vows? Why not pull out the vows and read them again?

3. If we use the allegorical approach to the book (Christ’s love for the church), how is Christ’s love for you like the king’s love for his bride? Where have you experienced his painful, possessive, persevering and priceless love? (Question taken from the Serendipity Bible, Zondervan Publishing, 1998, Page 944)

4. What can you do this week to demonstrate this kind of love for your spouse? Your significant other?

5. What would happen if you read this book with your spouse? What discussion would take place?

Enjoy….

Numbers Chapters 21-31

Have you struggled with these chapters in Numbers? Here is something to remember as you read this book. This is the record of the years wandering in the wilderness. The Israelites have gone from a life of slavery to freedom. With freedom comes responsibility and learning a new way to live together. This new life brings many unforeseen challenges. Not as different from our own lives as we leave the comfort of home to an independent life. All of us remember those first years of freedom from a parent’s eye as years of both excitement and discouragement. The Israelites have periods of whining and disobedience as they learn how to be God’s people.

The Spiritual Formation Bible says it this way:
“God’s holy people are always formed through training; they are not born that way. For the seed to form a nation and grow into the People of God, the Israelites needed times of testing and struggle….Numbers tells the story of how God prepared a people who had been slaves for more than four hundred years for the freedom he had always intended for them. The book’s truest, deepest story is that of the transformation, through a journey into the wilderness by the hand of God, of a passive people of small vision and little faith into a powerful, faithful visionary people ready to claim the Promised Land.” (The Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible, Introductions to Numbers, (Harper Collins, 2005) page 194).


We may find the detail about tribal duties, sacrifices, and the census numbers tedious. We must remember these details are important to the formation of a nation. Details are likewise important to our personal spiritual formation. It is in the daily detail of our personal lives we either choose to obey God’s commands or we don’t. Will we be kind to the awful neighbor or ignore the neighbor? Will we gossip about our co-worker or change the subject? Will we make the time for a lonely person or keep to our ever so important schedule? Will we keep the promise made to our children or brush them aside? These are the personal details of our lives that reveal the love we have for God.

Here are some questions for your consideration as you read Numbers this week.

1. Numbers 21:5 “The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.” (NRSV). How many times have we heard this from the Israelites? I find myself thinking, “Really? You still don’t get it?” However, I am no different. There are times when I feel I am walking in a wilderness and saying the same thing to God over and over. “Why?” “Can’t we end this?” In what personal wilderness are you walking? Do you feel like God has ignored you? Do you trust God to lead you out of it?

2. Balaam and his donkey. I don’t know about you, but I have behaved like Balaam. I have been so focused on what I wanted to believe that I couldn’t see or hear God at work. God’s voice comes to us in many ways…even a donkey. Can you remember a time when you stubbornly went your own way ignoring what you knew God wanted? A huge part of our spiritual maturity depends upon us learning to listen for God’s voice and direction. We seem to have the talking part down pat….oh that we would learn to listen.

3. Numbers 23:12 “He answered, “Must I not take care to say what the Lord puts into my mouth?” (NRSV) Sometimes I think we are not careful enough with our lives. How often have you known what God wants you to do or to say and you do or say the opposite? Why is it we argue so with God?

4. Numbers 23:27 “Then Balak said to Balaam, “Come, let me take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God to let you curse them for me from there.” (NIV) Can’t you relate? “Maybe if I ask God this way, He will give me what I want?” Sometimes we just can’t believe this is what God really wants for our lives. When is it the most difficult for you to believe God? Why?

5. Numbers 29:1 “On the first day…you shall not work at your occupations.” Do you think of rest as an important part of your spiritual life? Why or why not? Do you get enough rest? It is in rest we are reminded of God’s love and provision.

6. Numbers 30:2 “…he shall not break his word.” The study note in the Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible is worth quoting:

“God values the family. He taught the Israelites to value their family promises. Spiritually mature persons fulfill the promise they make to God concerning the family and do not enter such promises rashly. The degree of agreement between our words and our behavior creates or destroys our integrity. We are responsible for the words we say, and we should keep our promises even when doing so proves personally disadvantageous. We must not break our promises.” (page 237)

The Return....

Here we go into month number 4. How are you doing? I am afraid I got caught up in basketball fever and my blogging declined. However, here I am.

I relate all too well to the disciples in Matthew 26. This is where the disciples fall asleep while Jesus wrestles with his coming death. I fell asleep in March. I lost a lot of my discipline for other life concerns. The concern? Watching my daughter make a run in the basketball tournament. That sounds rather pathetic coming from the Spiritual Formation Director, doesn’t it? And yet, if I am honest it is what happens all the time. Daily life concerns take over our spiritual disciplines.

So do I give up? Do I condemn myself for being less than God wants? Or do I listen to the words of Matthew 26: 36-46. Jesus reveals his disappointment (anger?) with the disciples in their weakness. He does not condemn them. Rather He points out the truth of who they are and accepts it. These are the same disciples who go on to begin the church. They failed Him in Gethsemane. Jesus did not give up on them. He did not excuse their behavior. He simply continued to expect them to follow Him. Over time, these same weak disciples are the men who face death themselves in His name.

What do I do—a mere Spiritual Formation Director in a small town in Ohio? I begin again. I ask God for more strength to follow Him. I seek Him with my whole heart. I pray to love Him more than basketball. One day, I will. Please keep reading.

Leviticus 1-8 - Week 9

The introduction to Leviticus in the Renovare Spiritual Transformation Bible says this..."Leviticus is tough sledding for contemporary readers. It requires us to dive into a document far removed from our culture." My reply - "No kidding!" Al l this instruction on how to handle sacrifices for burnt offerings, grain offerings, fellowship offerings, sin offerings and guilt offerings makes my head dizzy. So what is the point to us in the 21st century?

Leviticus reminds us that as His people, we live differently. God has order. God requires the best of us. God demands confession of sin and reconciliation of broken relationships. In the Old Testament context, Leviticus records God's instructions. The instructions are direct from God to Moses..."The Lord summoned Moses and spoke to him..." (chap 1:1) Before Jesus, there is animal sacrifice. (Do you remember your reading in Hebrews about this? Hebrews 7:27) So in Leviticus we must remember it is God, again, revealing to His people ways to be in relationship with Him.

So, my friends...be tough. Read Leviticus and ask God to show you some wisdom from this book. Here are a couple questions for your personal reflection:

1. Think about sacrifice. What does it mean to you? to you as a Christian? to you as a family member? When the Hebrews are ordered to bring their animals for a sacrifice, it would have been costly to them. When was the last time you did something for God that was sacrificial?

2. I noticed as I read these chapters, God wanted perfect animals for the offerings. I believe God wants our best too. Instead of our leftovers - you know "if I have time" or "when the kids are bigger" or "soon my job won't demand so much of me" type of excuses for our lack of commitment to Him, He wants to be first. He demands to be first. Following God, is a difficult task. Not following God is personal disaster. What is God asking of you? What keeps you for giving it?

3. There is a lot of blood in Leviticus. In our media culture, we think of CSI or NCIS dealing with splatterings of blood. It is not usually a good thing. However, in Leviticus, we must remember blood is the cleansing agent for our sin. Jesus offers the ultimate sacrifice as the "perfect lamb." I am grateful. Aren't you? What does Jesus dying for you really mean to you?

Remember: Pray before you study these scriptures. Ask for direction. Use these questions to help you take the scriptures into your heart, not just your head.

Blessings....

Leviticus

Please read Leviticus! I know some of you are already behind, don't give up now! I've posted a link here about Leviticus and encourage you to read it for some helpful information about the book. I will also post some questions to help you think through this book of law and regulation. So check out this link and I'll post some questions for you.....http://bible.org/page.php?page_id=258

Exodus - Week 9

We complete Exodus today. These last few chapters have been all about the building of and directions for the Tabernacle. You may have found this reading tedious or redundant...how many times do we have to read the same regulation? Evidently a few!

All the directions caused me to think about where I worship. How important are the externals to your worship experience? Does the beauty of the sanctuary lead you to worship? Do the symbols of our faith lead you to worship - things like the cross, the altar, the communion cup and bread, the liturgical colors, the stained glass windows? How does music affect your worship time?

When we consider how much effort God asked of his people regarding the tabernacle, it implies to me God wants some effort on our part in worship. We need to appreciate our surroundings as a tool for worship. I am interested in what you think about this. Please comment.

Matthew - Week 9

The gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the great Teacher. The author presents the teachings of Jesus by subject matter in 5 collections: (1) the Sermon on the Mount, which concerns the character, duties, privileges, and destiny of the citizens of the Kingdom of heaven (chapters 5-7; (2) instructions to the twelve disciples for their mission (chapter 10); (3) parables about the Kingdom of heaven (chapter 13); (4) teaching on the meaning of discipleship (chapter 18); and (5) teaching about the end of the present age and the coming of the Kingdom of God (chapters 24-25) (From the Introduction to Matthew in the Good News Bible)

As you read this Gospel, be alert to familiar teachings. I found myself on first reading to almost skim the material because I felt like I knew these scriptures. When I went back, I slowed down and allowed my mind to really focus on what Jesus was saying to me...Jana, living in Van Wert, raising children, trying to live a life worthy of God's calling...needless to say, the scriptures spoke much louder.

Please slow down with these scriptures. Take away the "I have to keep up" mentality and let Jesus have some time with your soul.

Consider these questions:
1. Matthew 6:19 - 21 Another scipture about what we treasure. How does this scripture speak to you? Where/what is your treasure? If I look at your calendar, what do I see? Where we spend our time is a clear indicator of what we value.

2. Matthew 7:1-5 "Do not judge...." We really have no idea what is happening in people's lives. We make assumptions and judgments as matter of course. We gossip with self righteousness and pride. We justify our behavior as "okay." The more we grow and live in God's grace, the less likely we are to judge others. As we see ourselves through God's eyes, we are less likely to judge others. Who in your family needs more love and less judgment? Who in your workplace needs more love and less judgment? What sin in your own heart needs confession and repentance?

3. Matthew 7-24-29 I like the commentary on this passage from the Renovare Spiritual Transformation Bible: ......Jesus has been offering the disciples a solid foundation of teaching on which to build their lives and ministry. But it is up to them to put his words into practice. Otherwise, they are like the fool described so often in Proverbs, who is not the intellectually challenged person, but rather the person who lacks good moral judgment. It is not common sense that Jesus' wisdom calls us to, rather a Christian sense, which only makes sense in the context of a Christian vision of the world, a belief system attested to by ethical commitments and behavior. (Page 24 in the book of Matthew)

4. Matthew 8 & 9- So often Jesus' asks those he heals if they want to be healed or if they really believe he can heal them? Do you want to be healed of the sins and attitudes that keep you from a full relationship with Jesus? Do you believe Jesus is who He says He is?

5. Matthew 9 - Eating with the tax collectors, et al. "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." Why does God want mercy over sacrifice? How does this speak to the condition of our hearts? Is it possible to give a sacrifice while our heart remains hard to God's love? How is your heart?

6. Matthew 10 - How do you interpret these directions for the 21st century? Are we living in an age hostile to Jesus and his teachings? How are we like "sheep in the midst of wolves?" Have you been publically persecuted for your faith?

As always there is soooo much here to discuss and ponder. What struck you from these chapters? What did you learn about your Christian walk? Love your comments.

Proverbs - Week 8

I love the wisdom of Proverbs. As I read these chapters I am reminded of my child hood when my parents would quote some of these verses to me. Proverbs provides every day wisdom of a godly life. It is in the every day we really learn to walk with God. It's how we treat our children, how we treat a neighbor, how we work for our employers and how we care for those in need that reveal what we really believe. As you read this week ask God to reveal His wisdom to you in your every day actions. What do your actions tell the world about your relationship with God?

Here are some thoughts for you to consider:

1. Record some of your favorite Proverbs from these chapters. Refer to them throughout the week. Here are some of mine: Proverbs 10:4, 10:8-9, 11:12-13, 11:24-25, 12:1-3, 12:14-16, 15:1.

2. Proverbs 9:7-12 Wisdom starts with a healthy fear/awe of God. Do you fear God? Do you stand in awe of his majesty? Do you relate to the Psalmist when he says "who is man that you are mindful of him?" (Psalm 8:4) Who is God really to you?

3. Proverbs provides some good advice for parents. If you are a parent, record what you learn about parenting.

4. Choose one verse out of each chapter - since you're reading a chapter a day - and meditate on it all day. Write it on a 3 x 5 card and refer to it throughout the day. What do you learn?

5. Would you call yourself a wise person? Why or why not?

6. The proverbs also talk a lot about money. Are you generous? Do you trust in your wealth more than you trust in God?

7. Are you a good employee based on these chapters? Do you steal from your company - you know - office supplies, time talking on the phone, surfing the net on company time, gossiping about your co-workers? Do your co-workers see you living a life of faith?

May you know the joy of wisdom this week....Comments always welcome.

Please check back

Hello all...I'm a little behind this week. Please check Sunday, February 22 for Week 8 reflections. I'm sorry if this has inconvenienced you!

Week 7 - Proverbs

You can have lots of knowledge, but no wisdom. As you read these chapters, keep some notes on how this author defines wisdom. What do you learn? Is your life an example of wisdom? Or are you a work in progress?

I had someone tell me once I was a wise woman. I laughed. I've become wise over the years because I ignored most of what Proverbs teaches in my youth!

Write that definition!

Week 7 - Exodus

Well I don't know about you, but as I read these chapters - the Prince of Egypt music kept singing in my head. Funny how a movie adaptation can change your perception of the scripture. As you read this week, consider these questions.

1. Pharaoh's hard heart...Sometimes we make really unwise choices. We know they are unwise, but we do it anyway. Sometimes the consequences of these choices is a disastrous path for ourselves that is impossible to escape. The result of unwise choices. We have, in essence, hardened our heart to God's wisdom by our insistence of doing what we know is unwise. I wonder if Pharaoh was this way? Have you made choices that have hardened your heart? Choices that have consumed your life and you feel you have no way out? (For more insight on this see page 110 of the Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible).

2. Have you given God the hard spots of your heart? What hardens your heart to God's presence?

3. My 21st century mind struggles with God killing all the firstborn. I remember my sister saying to me at a young age "Don't put your God in a tidy, little box." While our conversation was not about this scripture, I am reminded that God is not easy, nor is He always understood. We like to believe what we like about Christianity and ignore the pieces we don't understand. God is mysterious. God is Holy. We are not in control. We see things dimly (I Cor 13:12). We cannot take Him for granted. How do you respond to these thoughts?

4. The pillar of cloud & fire - God leads constantly. Are you allowing Him to lead your life?

5. The parting of the Red Sea. If the people of Israel had known this was coming, would they have followed Moses? Sometimes we want life all laid out. God demands faith and obedience. Sometimes we have to step out in faith knowing that God will part our personal Red Seas. Why are you hesitating? He is waiting to part your personal sea.

6. Manna - In Hebrew "manna" means "What is it?" Sometimes God feeds us in unexpected ways. "We must be careful not to turn away from something because it appears odd and unfamiliar. Many times God does something and we say, "What is it?" - only to find out it is the very thing we need." (Quote from Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible notes on page 121) Sound familiar? It certainly does to me.

7. Exodus 18:18 "You will surely wear yourself out, both you and these people with you. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone." In the previous chapter Aaron and Hur hold up Moses' weary arms. Moses appoints judges to assist with the governing of all these people. As we grow spiritually, we must admit to our limitations. Going it alone is never a good idea. Today allow sometime to hold up your arms. Today allow someone to walk beside you. Personally, I find this difficult. In my head I know it's right. I'd still rather go it alone. Dumb.



Many of the thoughts and questions this week have been inspired or taken from the notes in the Renovare Spiritual Transformation Bible. I highly recommend this Bible as a reference for those of you who want to read scripture with a spiritual formation angle. There will be one in the church library in a couple weeks for your reference if you want to check it out.

Psalms 37

Just wanted to share an insight...most you of who read this blog know my husband is looking for new job and has been for some time. This morning I got a case of the "what ifs." You know the feeling - what if he doesn't get a job soon? what if we have to move? what if he gets a job, but the salary isn't enough? The list could be endless.

In years past I might have just put the "what ifs" out of my mind. Today, I asked God for some help. In my mind I remembered the recents stories we've read about Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. All of them believed God would provide. All of them took matters back into their own hands. All of them returned matters back to God. I found myself in the same place today. Today I gave the "what ifs" back to God. I accepted His consistent promises of provision throughout scripture as truth. Then I read Psalm 37.

Verse 7a..."Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him...." Verse 23: "If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand." Verse 39 & 40: "The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him."

Remember last week when I said the Psalms are personal? Today this Psalm was my answer to the "What If" disease. For this moment, I rest in His assurance. Amen.

Hebrews 1- 8, Week 6

Do you remember when you first became a Christian? Do you remember the enthusiasm and the zeal you felt toward your faith? Do you remember the fire in your soul? How is it today? Do you find yourself yearning for the fire? Maybe you've never experienced the fire and you just want to feel something besides indifference regarding your faith. Enter Hebrews.

Some of you may find Hebrews slow reading. Be patient with it. Take your time and try to follow this passionate writer's argument. This writer wants to make sure we understand Jesus is complete. We don't need other religous stuff....we need only Jesus. It seems appropriate we read Hebrews as we complete Genesis and begin Exodus since Hebrews references the Faith Fathers (Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) frequently.

As always, stop a moment and ask God to reveal His word to you.

1. The Hebrew writer describes Jesus right away in verses 1-4. When did Jesus become more than a name to you? How do you respond to the description in these verses?

2. Hebrews 4:12 "Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword...." Spend some time with this verse. What passages of scripture are special to you? When I was in my 20's, I was in a house fire where many of my personal belongings were lost. One item was my Bible from my high school years. I felt like I had lost a huge part of my history. In that Bible were verses underlined and highlighted. The verses and notes in the margins told my young faith journey. The worn pages were reminders of God's presence. Look at your Bible....what does it tell about your faith journey?

3. The latter part of chapter 5 and into chapter 6 speak to our need to grow in the faith. Are you growing? If so, why? If not, why not?

Finally, there is much to write about in these chapters. What questions would you ask?

Peace.

Exodus 1-6, Week 6

Moses - What images of this man live in your mind - The Ten Commandments movie version with Charlton Heston or Prince of Egypt animated hero? You are about to encounter the real man. The man who ultimately became a very good friend of God's. The man who though initially did not want to do what God asks, travels the journey courageously. We have much to learn from this man....so let's begin.



1. The Israelites have been in Egypt for 400+ years as we start Exodus. Once welcomed as honored guests in the best land Egypt had to offer, they are now viewed as a major population problem. This Pharaoh has no knowledge of Joseph and who he was. He sees a population of trouble. His answer is slavery and oppression. Think of a time when your life has taken a dramatic turn with long term consequences. Why did it happen? Could you/Can you see God in the midst of the change?

2. Examine the heros in these first few chapters - the midwives, Moses' mother and sister, Pharaoh's daughter, Aaron, Moses' wife. What do you learn from each of them? Again, God reveals He will use us for His ultimate purpose, even when we aren't aware or resistant.

3. The burning bush. Spend some time with God's conversation with Moses. Ultimately Moses simply says, "Send someone else." Don't you relate to this? What is God asking of you today? What is your reply to God..."send someone else?"

4. Moses pulls back and forth with God throughout these chapters. In your conversations with God what do you talk about? Are you real with God? Do you ask for Him to transform your heart into His heart? Who is Yahweh in your life - a moderator, a friend, a casual acquaintance, business associate, the man in charge?

5. Pharaoh asks Moses and Aaron: "Who is the Lord that I should heed him and let Israel go?" Indeed. This question abounds in our society today...Who is God that I should do what He wants? Are you prepared with an answer?

6. Chapter 6:9..."they would not listen to Moses, because of their broken spirit." The Renovare Spiritual Transformation Bible has this note ..."When we are most helpless, we are in a position to receive the most help. God does not chastise us when we become heartsick. He acts in ways we were too strong and self-reliant to experience before." (page 107) Personally, I know this truth. How about you?

Genesis 45-50, Week 6, Part 2

Our journey with Joseph concludes in these final chapters of Genesis. Here are some thoughts as you read this week.

1. Genesis 45 - "Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all those who stood by him..." Finally, after all his tests, tricks, observations, listening to his brothers while they are unaware Joseph stops the charade. "I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?" The brothers can't respond. Please put yourself in this story for a moment. Imagine the shock. Imagine the fear. Imagine the joy. Imagine the party. Imagine the talk in Pharoah's house among the servants. Imagine explaining this to Jacob. Whew....who says the Bible is boring?

2. Look closely at 45:4-8 and 50:15-21 - Joseph sees beyond revenge and bitterness. Even with all of Joseph's success and power, he could have chosen to hold on to the injustice. He forgives. With the forgiveness comes a new family story. Reconciliation. What personal pain have you not released to God? Are you living in bitterness when God's grace waits for you?

3. Chapters 46 - 47. A big move for the family of Jacob. Have you ever moved to a "strange land"? Sometimes we move in our lives for all the right reasons, but we remain a foreigner in the new land. Hospitality to others is important in our community. Is there someone in your daily life who needs some hospitality from you?

4. Chapter 48 - 49 - Jacob's blessings. You might be tempted to skim these chapters, I encourage you to slow down and read them carefully. What do you learn about Jacob's perceptions of his sons through his blessings? The twelve tribes of Israel are established with these pronouncements. What blessings have you received from your father - material or otherwise? What perceptions did your family give you about yourself? Were they right or were they wrong? Do they affect your relationship with God?

5. A further thought on chapter 49...the power of a father's words. My dad was a quiet man. While our relationship was not a bad one, it was not a close one. In my senior year of high school, I received a state award and my dad was very proud. I will never forget him asking if it was ok for him to take the newspaper write up to work and share it. The look in his eyes still moves me (I am now 53!). If you are a parent or grandparent reading this, please remember the power of your words to your child or grandchild. Choose them carefully.

6. Chapter 50 - Jacob dies. Your hometown. Your roots. What is it that draws us back to our beginnings? Obviously for Jacob he wants to be buried with his ancestors because of God's original promise. Interestingly, Joseph dies and remains in Egypt. As you reflect on the death of Jacob and Joseph, what do you think about your own family roots? About your family's faith? About famly traits that are passed from generation to generation? What traits do you want to pass on to your children and what traits need to end?

You've completed a whole book! Congrats. Now on to Moses!

Genesis 45-50, Week 6, Part 1

This week we finish Genesis. As you reflect upon the readings for the last 6 weeks, what stands out to you about Genesis? What did you learn you didn't know before? As a Christian, what did you learn about the God you serve? Any surprises? Any "Aha!" moments? Take a few moments to reflect on these questions. Record your observations in a notebook.

For me, I was reminded of God's provision in spite of myself. As a child I remember these Bible characters as the perfect followers of God. As an adult, I discovered they were human like me and God uses them anyway. I'm not sure where the myth we have to be perfect for God to use us started, but what a myth! Truth is God just wants to us to respond to his extended hand. He will lead. He will provide. He will pick us up when we let go. So simple. So hard.

Take a moment and pray about your walk with God. Where are you? Where do you want to be? Pray with the honesty of Abraham, Issac, Jacob and Joseph.

As always, your comments and thoughts are appreciated.

Week 5 Psalms

As I have said before, I struggle with Psalms. Last week I found the Psalms quite comforting as we buried my father-in-law. The Psalms certainly cover alot of emotional ground...praise, pain, confusion, anger, remorse, hope, faith....the list goes on. In my own spiritual journey I find all these emotions present. The Psalms keep me grounded. They take me back to God. They lead my focus where it should be...on God.

Here is the other thought about Psalms...they are very personal. Take Psalm 32 in this week's readings. Here is David sharing about a time when he sinned and kept silent. How often do we do this? How often do I do this? Yet, it is only in confession that reconciliation takes place. Think Joseph and his brothers. Think Jesus and the thief on the cross. As you read this Psalm take it apart verse by verse and allow David's journey to speak to yours.

The Psalms speak to our personal experience with God. Of course, we have to allow God in our personal space. It's quite easy to keep God in our mind. It's a whole different journey when we ask God to transform us from within. May you walk personally and completely with the Father. He's waiting.

Luke - part 2

On with some reflections about the last week of Jesus' life....

1. With which of the characters mentioned in chapter 22 do you identify with - Judas (sells out Jesus for money), Peter (passionate, but weak in a moment) and those arguing for first place in verses 24-29 (give me Jesus and give me success)? Why?

2. Think about the Last Supper. What does communion really mean to you? How could you make it more meaningful?

3. Look at 22:32 - Jesus tells Peter he has prayed for him during this difficult time. Is there someone you know who is enduring a great test? Why not come along side of them and pray with them?

4. Luke 22:39-46 - Jesus prays on the Mount of Olives. How do you respond to Jesus's agony in these verses? Personally, I find this passage profound. Even Jesus struggles with God's will. He knows what has to be done, but asks, "isn't there another way?" Jesus' honesty gives me the courage to be equally honest in my prayers with my Father. Sometimes, although I trust God, I wonder if God could/would give me another path. Do you have similar struggles?

5. Luke 23 - Pilate, Herod, religious authorities, the crowd - all condemn Jesus. As you read this chapter where would you be in the crowd? Are you in front shouting "Crucify Him!", in the middle going along with the crowd, or on the fringes wondering what was happening to this amazing teacher? Why are you there?

6. On the Road to Emmaus. Jesus loves to show up unexpectedly in our lives. Often we don't recognize Him. Can you recall a personal Emmaus Road? Do you know the feeling the disciples recall - "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?" Pray always that Jesus will reveal the message of the scriptures to you.


This week may you know God's peace like you have never known it.

Week 5 - Luke 21 - 24

Wow...these chapters overwhelm me with their richness and their lessons. As you read this week, remember to pray first. Ask God to reveal his very personal insights. This morning as I write, I am deeply moved by the events of Jesus' last week. No matter how many times I read the scriptures about this period of Jesus' life, I still cry. I cry because of his suffering, I cry because he forgives, I cry because he is alone. I cry because it is personal to me. How great is God's love. Wow.

Reflections....

1. Luke 21:1-4 The Widow's Offering. The obvious question is this: do we give sacrificially? The less obvious question is what is the attitude of our heart in our giving? Do we give freely? Generously? Often? Responsibly?

2. Luke 21:33 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." The Message reads: "Sky and earth will wear out; my words won't wear out."

Jesus' words feed my soul. If I don't read scripture consistently, I hunger for its spiritual nutrition. This verse implies to me all of life is temporal. He (Jesus) is not. All life ends whether it's with the second coming of Christ or my death. Jesus and the power of his words does not end. The question I ask myself - are His words living in my life? Does my life reveal Jesus to the world? Am I giving the world something that lives forever?

3. Luke 22:24-27 Consider this quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer: "The church is the church only when it exists for others. To make a start, it should give away all its property to those in need. The church must share in the secular problems of ordinary human life, not dominating, but helping and serving. It must tell people of every calling what it means to live in Christ, to exist for others. It must not under-estimate the importance of human example (which has its origins in the humanity of Jesus and is so important in Paul's teaching); it is not abstract argument, but example, that gives its word emphasis and power." (Taken from Letters and Paper from Prison by Dietrich Bonhoeffer as quoted in The Spiritual Formation Bible, page 1397).

I suspect most of us struggle with this line of thinking....do you?

Comments appreciated. More posting on these chapters in Luke. Have to go to basketball game! Peace.

Week 5 Genesis 38 - 44

Haven't you enjoyed reading these familiar Bible stories? I remember these stories from my days in Sunday School at the First Church of God...flannel graph and all. If you have no idea how flannel graph works that means you're way young...see me and I'll explain it to you!

We enter the longest narrative in Genesis - the story of Joseph. There are so many good questions for these chapters it's hard to pick and choose.

1. I'm backing up a bit to chapter 37 for some context. This is a chapter of how NOT to parent. Favoritism always gets a parent in trouble. Obviously Jacob didn't learn from his own life lessons of what happens when a parent favors one child over another. Joseph struts his stuff in chapter 37 and creates an attitude of hatred among his brothers. The question I ask is have you been on either side of this situation? As a parent have you favored a child over another and lived with the consequences? Or, as a child have you been the favored child or the discarded child and lived with the consequences? Have these situations had an impact on your relationship with God? If so, what?

2. Another thought about chapter 37. Verse 36 tells us Joseph is sold to the house of Potiphar. Joseph has started a journey he certainly does not understand. Over a period of years, the journey is revealed. Are you in the midst of a life journey wtih God you don't understand? How do you cope with it? If the Genesis narrative tells us anything, it certainly tells us about God's provision. Take hope in the story of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph.

3. Tamar and Judah story - Chapter 38. As you read this story think about these questions: When has God taken something bad in your life and created something good? Have you ever found it hard to live up to your end of a bargain? Do you admire Tamar's actions in this story? Remember from this pregnancy comes comes the family line of Jesus. God works in our imperfections...I take great hope from this fact.

4. The Renovare Spiritual Transformation Bible has this note on Chapter 39: "The Lord was with Joseph during circumstances that today seem especially extreme: sold into slavery, accused of rape and imprisoned, forgotten after giving wise counsel. But in their midst he knew God was with him. What circumstances hinder your sense that God is with you? What helps you realize God's presence? How do you plan to 'practice the presence of God' in the future?" (Page 70 in the Old Testament)

5. Chapter 40 might be titled "The Forgotten Good Deed." Verse 14 says: "But remember me when it is well with you; pleasae do me the kindness to make mention of me to Pharaoh, and so get me out of this place." Verse 23 reads: "Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him." Two thoughts: when have you been forgotten by someone? And when have you forgotten God?

6. Chapter 41 chronicles Joseph's rise to power in Egypt. As I thought about Joseph's lengthy time in prison I wondered if his youthful arrogance was replaced by a mature humility? Obviously Joseph was born with a strong sense of his personal power and charisma, did his time in exile and his time in prison bring forth a self reckoning that allowed God to work through him? Is this not true in our own lives? The bumps and bruises of every day living can either turn us into wise servants of God or bitter characters. Which are you?

7. Chapters 42 - 44 share an all too familiar family tale. Families give us much pain in our lives and much joy. When there has been separation (or a family rift), reconciliation is so sweet. We cry (Joseph - 42:24), we celebrate (the banquet Joseph gives), we confess (the brothers among each other) and finally we reunite. Sometimes it takes us a long time to see our own part in a family division. When we finally realize it, we must act. Relationships are too precious to waste time on personal pride. Today, if you need to reconcile with a family member, ask God to help you and make it right.

As as I said at the beginning of this long post, there are many questions and lessons in these chapters. What questions or insights do you have? Please feel free to comment.

Memorize

Another quick thought for you. As you read this week choose a verse and memorize it. Psalm 27:14 is mine: "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Simple and powerful. Share yours.

Week 4

Good Morning....most of you who read this blog know my father-in-law passed away on Thursday, January 22nd. Thursdays and Fridays are my blog posting days. Obviously, my energies were directed elsewhere. So this week's postings about the scriptures are a little different.

The Psalms....
We are reading Psalm 22-28. May I advise you to read them slowly and more than once. This week as you read the Psalms, please slow down. Let the words linger in your mind. Read them out loud. Pray them. Maybe you print these out and have them by your bed and read them before you sleep. Linger with these passages.

Some ideas for you....

1. Psalm 23. Put your name through out the Psalm. For me it would read like this: "The Lord is Jana's shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes Jana lie down in green pastures, he leads Jana beside quiet waters...." You get the idea.

2. Pick one of these Psalms and write your own response to it. For example:

Psalm 27:1 "The Lord is my light and my salvation---whom shall
I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be
afraid?"

My response: Thank you Lord. Grant me the ability to walk in your light, to live in your strength, not my own. May I live this verse.

Do this for the entire Psalm. I have found when I do this - enter into conversation - what I learn about my faith and my God is enlightening. Try it.

Luke 12:32-Luke 16, Week 3, Part 3

Chapter 13 is full of hard scripture to read, yet full of hope. Think on this:

a. Do you believe what Jesus says in verses 1-9? "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans?" Jesus seems to be saying sin is sin. The result of sin is the same for all. Perhaps we should get things right with God now, rather than later. The same would apply to our family and friends. Take care of our relationships.

b. Then there is the hope expressed in verses 6-9....reminds me of Abraham talking to God about Sodom and Gomorrah.

c. We often carry burdens which cause us to walk like a cripple. Will you allow Jesus to relieve your burdens? Or is more comfortable to carry them and remain the same? See verses 10-17.

d. Jesus laments about Jerusalem. I am struck by His grief that a city He loves and a people He calls ignore Him. Do you ever think about Jesus feeling grief over our ignorance of His teaching?

Luke 12:32-Luke 16, Week 3, Part 2

As I do these readings, I like to mix up the translations I read. Different translations and paraphrases give me a different view. I sometimes take Jesus words casually. Honestly, I act sometimes like the words don't apply to me. I know this sounds ridiculous. But I've asked you to be honest as we read these scriptures together and I'm trying to do the same. Take for example these verses from Chapter 12 from the Good News translation:


"Be ready for whatever comes, dressed for action and with your lamps lit, like servants who are waiting for their master to come back from a wedding feast. When he comes and knocks, they will open the door for him at once. How happy are those servants whose master finds them awake and ready when he returns! I tell you, he will take off his coat, have them sit down, and will wait on them.

How happy they are if he finds them ready, even if he should come at midnight or even later! And you can be sure that if the owner of a house knew the time when the thief would come, he would not let the thief break into his house. And you, too, must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you are not expecting him."

Peter said, "Lord, does this parable apply to us, or do you mean it for everyone?"

The Lord answered, "Who, then, is the faithful and wise servant? He is the one that his master will put in charge, to run the household and give the other servants their share of the food at the proper time. How happy that servant is if his master finds him doing this when he comes home! Indeed, I tell you, the master will put that servant in charge of all his property.

But if that servant says to himself that his master is taking a long time to come back and if he begins to beat the other servants, both the men and the women, and eats and drinks and gets drunk, then the master will come back one day when the servant does not expect him and at a time he does not know. The master will cut him in pieces and make him share the fate of the disobedient.

"The servant who knows what his master wants him to do, but does not get himself ready and do it, will be punished with a heavy whipping.

But the servant who does not know what his master wants, and yet does something for which he deserves a whipping, will be punished with a light whipping. Much is required from the person to whom much is given; much more is required from the person to whom much more is given. Luke 12:35-48

How can I ignore the truth of this scripture? What has lulled me to sleep and makes me forget the side of Jesus that says "Be ready! I will return?" Why do I not live every day of my life in the expectation of his return? I am the servant that has been given much. I know what Jesus wants from me. How silly that I choose to ignore Him?! Who are you in this scripture?

Luke 12:32-Luke 16, Week 3

The first Luke passage reads like this in The Message paraphrase:

Don't be afraid of missing out. You're my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.
"Be generous. Give to the poor. Get yourselves a bank that can't go bankrupt, a bank in heaven far from bankrobbers, safe from embezzlers, a bank you can bank on.
It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. Luke 12:32-34

The current economy, the bailouts, our own personal financial loses, are given God's perspective in this scripture.

Genesis 22 - 28, Week 3

Our reflections cover three major topics this week. They are 1)faith and obedience, 2) family relations, and 3) God's assurance.

1. Abraham tested - chapter 22. Why would God do this test to Abraham? Why ask Abraham to sacrifice the very child he waited years to have and is the fulfillment of God's promise for Abraham's future? Obviously, it's a test of faith.

Meditate on these questions: Has God ever tested you like this? I don't mean has he asked you to sacrifice your child. But has he tested your faith and commitment? Have you obeyed God when your common sense screamed "ridiculous?"

Abraham's life is an example of consistent obedience to God's directions. If someone looks at your life or writes a narrative such as this one, would your life reflect a life of faith or a life of self determination?

Remember the God who tests is the same God who provides.

2. Sarah dies and Abraham buys a buriel plot for her. Finally he owns land in this foreign place. What does this tell you about his relationship with Sarah?

3. In chapter 24 God orchestrates the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah. What impresses you most about this story? The servant's faith? Rebekah's willingness to go? Abraham's insistence of a wife from his country? Why?

4. Jacob and Esau. The two stories here - Esau trading his birthright for food and Jacob stealing Isaac's blessing - are full of familiar family conflicts. Lying, coniving, covering up, taking advantage of people's weaknesses, jealousy, playing favorites - these are all traits we've experienced in our families. Which of these traits have you experienced in your family? Have the experiences affected your relationship with God? If so, how?

What is God telling you through the Jacob and Esau stories? Is there someone in your family you need to forgive? Are you the family member inflicting pain on others? Is God calling you to turn away from a destructive behavior?

Have you had a victory over a destructive behavior and God has blessed you as a result?

5. Jacob flees Esau's wrath. Sometimes the consequences of our actions are hard to swallow. The entire family pays a big price for Jacob's deception. The family will never be the same.
Have you had experiences that literally changed everything in your life? Where was God in the experience?

6. God gives Jacob assurance of His protection and the fulfillment of His promise to Abraham through Jacob. We all have turning points in our lives. Times when we have an "aha" moment and the insight causes us to make a change. Jacob has one of these moments.

He vows to recognize God from this time forward and give God a tenth of all he has. So when was the last time you bargained with God? Have you kept your part of the bargain? How does God speak to you?

Remember to start your readings with prayer.....blessings!

Luke 9 - 12:31

Two things really strike me about this week's readings: The emphasis on prayer and the harsh words Jesus says about living like a Pharisee. If anyone ever tries to portray Jesus as a weak, soft man who had a few good things to say - they certainly have not read these chapters in Luke. Jesus here is direct, almost angry, and persistent in his teaching that we live authentically and righteously. To live less than a righteous life is a life not worth living. He also emphasizes God's provision for those who seek Him. While the life Jesus calls us to live is demanding, it is also doable because of the Holy Sprit and prayer. We are not to be discouraged, rather energized because Jesus provides us with the tools and fuel to live this life.

Begin your reading with prayer - ask for an open heart and mind to hear/see what God wants to reveal to you. Receive it with grace and action.

1. Luke 9:1 & 10:1 - Jesus sends out the apostles in the chapter 9 and "seventy-two others" in chapter 10. Note they are told to go simply - really they are told to take nothing. They are to count on others for their provisions. Their mission is urgent and they must not be distracted. Ok, so where does God need you to go? Urgently. Where is your harvest ground? Are you traveling to it with the assurance of Jesus' provision? Or are you waiting for something else?

2. Luke 9:20 "But what about you?" he (Jesus) asked. "Who do you say I am?" Put yourself in this scripture conversation...how does the conversation go between you and Jesus. Take a moment and write out the conversation. What do you learn?

3. Prayer - The Transfiguration (9:28-36), The Lord's Prayer (11:1-4), Pray boldly (11:5-13). As you read these scriptures what do you learn about God? What do you learn about prayer? Take a few moments and really let yourself linger with these questions.

4. Luke 10:25 The Good Samaritan Parable. Put yourself in this parable as one of the characters. If you were half dead and your rescuer is of a race or political persuasion you mistrust, how do you respond? What happens to your outlook? If you are the religious leaders who do not respond with compassion, how do you justify your behavior? If you are "the expert in the law" who asks the question, how do you respond to Jesus? Jesus has just taken your neat and tidy world and blown it apart.

5. Luke 10:38 Mary & Martha. In my Bible I have my name written above Martha. The verse reads like this: "Jana, Jana," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed." I pause here and look at my Lord and simply say, "I know." I will slow down and remember your presence is in ALL things. Heavy sigh.

6. Through most of chapter 11 and the first part of chapter 12 warning us about how we live. Take some time with these verses. I find myself in the role of the Pharisee more often than I care to admit. What about you?

7. Try this exercise with Luke 11:42-44;12:1-3. "Jesus Christ is reflected in us through the seamless integrity of our worship---expressed both in the words we whisper privately and in the love with which we carry out our deeds. The 'yeast of the Pharisees' - hypocrisy of the heart--must be rooted out. Read this passage twice, slowly the second time. Sit quietly, allowing a word or phrase to stand out. Reflect on this word or phrase or action. Why is it meaningful to you? Use that word or phrase to pray back to God the truth God has given you. Be quiet before God and attentive to anything God may be showing you." (page 1380, The Spiritual Formation Bible, Zondervan Publishing House)

8. Greed. Luke 12:13 - There is nothing like money or wealth to get us off track spiritually. Either too much money or not enough money will distract us from our walk with God. Again Jesus says put God first. Exceptions do not work here.

9. Do Not Worry....my response, "yea, right!" This ties right in with the greed conversation doesn't it? We become consumed with money many times for the right reasons. It's a good thing to provide for our families; it's a good thing to think ahead and save; it's a good thing to spend wisely and frugally. However, when money or things regarding money consume us, we need to talk to God at some length. Luke 12:22-31 is all about perspective. How is yours?


As always, appreciate your comments. Would love to know if you're using the questions to help you study or meditate.

Genesis 15-21

In these chapters, Abram's story continues. Abram asks God about the promise issued in chapter 12. God reassures Abram the promise will be fulfilled. Later Abram has doubts as does Sarai, so they follow the cultural custom of giving Abram, Hagar, Sarai's maidservant. Hagar does as she is told and Sarai has a problem with it and mistreats her. Hagar leaves. God reassures Hagar. Hagar returns.

God comes again to Abram with assurances of His covenant. This time circumcision is the outward sign of God's promise. Abram becomes Abraham and Sarai becomes Sarah to signal again God's promise. Abram obeys the circumcision command, even while laughing at the thought of an old man having a son. God understands the laugh and says the son's name will be Isaac which means "laughter." Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor?

Later, Sarah overhears God talking to Abraham about a son coming by next year. Sarah really laughs at the thought of her carrying a child. God calls her on it. She becomes afraid and denies it. God looks at her. I think her laughter stopped. After all "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"

Throw in some Sodom and Gomorrah drama with Lot and family and we have quite a story here. Chapter 21 brings Isaac on the scene. Sarah gets scared and orders Hagar out of the fold to die. God shows mercy to Hagar. Abraham has seen the initial fulfillment of God's promise. This is not light reading folks!

Here is some food for thought as you read this week:

1. Abraham: Reflect on this quote from The Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible: "Abraham's story reminds us that faith must involve more than hoping for the best in times of uncertainty. Faith often brings on uncertainty through acts of submission to God. Faith often means taking a voluntary step from the known into the unknown in response to God's leading." (page 37 in the OT) Is God asking you to step into the unknown? If so are you going? Why or why not?

2. Abraham and Sarah receive many assurances from God that He will fulfill his promise...yet they still take things into their own hands. (Chapter 16) As you read this story of Sarai, Abram, and Hagar which character do you like the most? The least? Why?

3. Where have you been waiting for God to fulfill a promise? How do you cope with the delay?

4. Lot: There is a tension in Lot's life that feels all too familiar. Lot chooses the best land. He lives in the midst of lots of evil. His family is warned of coming doom and they hesitate to leave. The angels have to pull Lot out of town.

In our affluent culture we too get sucked into a lifestyle often contrary to God's lifestyle. Whether it's accumulating stuff, watching too much TV, viewing internet porn or keeping our schedules so busy there is no time for anything but exhaustion, we have chosen a life opposed to God's best. God gives us warnings, but we tarry. Why? Is your life structured to encourage your relationship with God? Or does it take you away from relationship with Him?

5. I am reassured by Abraham's story. The Genesis narration reveals him as a God's friend. He and God talk a lot. Abraham negotiates with God (Sodom and Gomorrah) and God listens. Abraham believes God (he will have an heir) and yet Abraham has those moments of doubt where he takes things into his own hands. God does not change his plan for Abraham even though he doubts. He still fulfills His promise to him. I do the same thing. I believe God is in control. I believe God will provide and care for me and my family. Yet, there are those moments of doubt. Those moments of thinking I could do all this better myself. I try. It fails. God remains faithful in His plan. Thank you!

How does Abraham's story of promise, waiting and fulfillment speak to you?

Work with this story of Abraham, Sarah, Lot, Hagar and Ishmael. Where are you in this narration?

Enjoy!

Review Week 1 - Looking forward to Week 2 January 11-17

So how are you doing? Behind already? Remember: Just pick up where you left off! Don't get hung up on reading everything. Rather, read consistently! I found I liked reading all of the OT (Old Testament) readings at once, the NT (New Testament) readings on another day and one Psalm a day. I could follow the story better this way.

The blog questions are to help your motivation so you read with purpose and not to simply "get it done." Conversation on the blog is optional.

As you begin to read each day remember to ask these two questions: What truths is God revealing to me? How do I apply these truths?

As you think over last week's readings, what truth was prevalent to you?

For me: Genesis 12:1 "The Lord had said to Abram, 'Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.'"

I have been called out of everything I expected life to bring me. I must go where God shows me to go. And then as Psalm 5:3 says.."wait in expectation." I build my life on His word and promises. Therefore my house will not collapse (Luke 6:49).

God is good....all the time.

Week 1 - Luke Reflections Posted Saturday, January 3

I deleted the original post by mistake....still learning!
In Luke we start with chapter 5:27, where Jesus calls Levi (Matthew). We end with chapter 8 where Jesus raises Jarius' daughter from the dead. Like Genesis the spiritual lessons are many and diverse. I encourage you to read a passage more than once. As you read pay attention to words or phrases that resonate with you. Go back to those phrases/words and ask yourself why that particular word struck you. Often in this pattern of reading scripture, you will find God speaking to you about a particular issue or struggle in your life. Please remember we are reading the scriptures for spiritual formation in this exercise, not simply information. We need to practice both types of scripture reading, but our primary purpose this year in these readings is formation.Ok, so here are some reflection questions/observations as you read Luke this week.

1. Luke 5:27 - Jesus calls Levi (Matthew). Like Abram, Levi picks up and follows. It is probable that Levi was familiar with Jesus' ministry in Capernaum and maybe even knew him. In this passage Levi goes from a some time follower to a full time disciple. I see myself here...how about you? I am very familiar with Jesus and his teachings. However, Jesus calls me to a deeper relationship - a disciple. The question for all of us - will we go?

2. Luke 5:36-39 Wineskins. Are you stuck in a religious rut? Is Jesus calling you to something new in 2009 while you want to stay in the old wineskin? Pray for courage. Pray for insight. Pray for listening ears.

3. Luke 6:12 Jesus prays in solitude all night. The next day he chooses the 12 apostles. When was the last time you prayed long and hard about a major decision you needed to make? More often we make the decision based on our assumptions and ideas and then ask God to bless it. Ouch. I am guilty as charged. I wonder what our lives would look like if we prayed "all night" before a major decision? More than that, what would our lives look like if we obeyed?

4. Luke 6:20- 49 Luke's Sermon on the Plain. Well, I could ask about a 1000 reflection questions for this passage. Let's go with two to get you started. Love your enemy....it is very difficult to love/forgive/serve someone who has wronged me. As my teenagers would say "Really???" Jesus just can't be serious here. But He is. Who do you need to forgive in 2009? Who is your difficult "love them anyway" person?

And how about 'do not judge'? My study Bible makes this note, "Jesus did not relieve his followers of the need for discerning right and wrong (look at verses 43-45 ), but he condemned unjust and hypocritical judging of others." We truly never know what is happening in the hearts and homes of people. We simply must love first. Pray to look at people through the eyes of Jesus.

5. Luke 7:1-10 The Centurion. I am struck by the faith of the Centurion. What if I lived my life like this? What if I saw myself as not worthy to have Jesus in my house? What if I believed Jesus? What if I followed him with simplicity of heart? What if I wouldn’t reason away my faith? What if.....?

6. Luke 7:11 Quite frankly I had forgotten about this story. Today I am struck by Jesus' compassion for the widow...."don't cry." How about you?

7. Luke 8:4-15 Parable of the Sower. No matter how many times I've read this parable, it still convicts me. Which soil are you? Why?

8. Luke 8:22-25 Jesus asks the question "Where is your faith?" And your answer?????

9. Luke 8:42b-48 "She...touched the fringe of his clothes..." This woman always moves me. As a last resort she risks everything to simply touch his clothes. He acknowledges. She believes. He forgives. She lives. Is this not our story?

Ok, well there is enough food for thought for this week. I'll try to post some on the Psalms tomorrow. Peace.

Direct Link to Readings

Please note I have posted a direct link to the readings. Click on Crosswalk (Look to your top right on the screen) and this link will take you to the current reading schedule. Please note you can read the scriptures right here too. This way you can access the readings and the questions all in one step. Any questions, please leave a comment. thanks.

Psalms – Week 1

I have trouble with the Psalms. I know I am supposed to find them inspiring. I find them confusing. So in an effort to stay honest with this exercise of reading the Bible through in a year; I have decided to really study the Psalms and try to find some understanding. I’ve begun a book recommended to me at a conference: Answering God; The Psalms As Tools for Prayer by Eugene H. Peterson. I’ll keep you “posted” on my results.
Here are some thoughts for you while reading the Psalms this week.

1. Psalms 1 & 2 work together. In Psalm 1 we have “Blessed in the man” or “Happy are those” who “delight in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night.” Consider these questions: "What do you give your attention to? What do you immerse yourself in? What do you take pleasure in? Where do you take your life cues from? The verbs suggest habits: following, walking, sitting, and meditating. Do we loiter with and turn our ears to rebels and scoffers, or do we go beyond mere duty and eagerly attend to God’s guidance and teaching?" (Questions taken from The Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible).

2. Psalm 2 moves from meditating on God’s word to rebelling against it. The study notes from The Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible suggest we have a choice of paths we can take. The paths? - Either meditating on God’s word allowing it to influence our lives or to rebel against God’s authority. Are you more inclined to rebel or to meditate?

3. Psalm 3 – Peaceful sleep in the midst of adversity. Just last night I slept fitfully because I couldn’t turn off my mind. Perhaps I need to pray this Psalm before bed tonight! What images of God’s presence comfort you and remind you of His steadfast care?

4. Psalm 5 - I have verse 3 circled in my Bible. Give God your requests and “wait in expectation.” This is faith.

5. Psalm 6 – If you have a terminal illness or have cared for someone with a terminal illness, this Psalm speaks profoundly. The emotion of this Psalm resonates with me – haven’t we all cried to God in this way?

6. Psalm 7 – Verses 9 – 11 reveal the Psalmist’s confidence in God to be just. Sometimes I lose sight of God’s justice. I tend to want justice in my time with my definition. God says wait. He is in control.

Hope you are finding these reflections helpful...feel free to post comments.

Please leave a comment!

I would love to know what you think about these reflections! Feel free to leave a comment. :)

Some reflections about Week 1.

Remember to check the reading list on Crosswalk.com. See Post #2 for details.

We begin the year in Genesis, Psalms and Luke. In Genesis we encounter the creation story, Adam & Eve, Cain & Able, Noah & the flood, the tower of Babel and the start of Abram's journey. We shouldn't have any trouble finding some spiritual truth for our lives in these stories. As you read these stories either for the first time or for the 100th time, use these questions to stimulate your reflection.

1. Creation is chaos to order in Genesis 1. Where has God taken chaos in your life and brought order? Is there some chaos right now in your life that requires God's order?

2. When you think about temptation, what is the first struggle that comes to mind in your life right now?

3. God never stops trying to be in relationship with us. The story of Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel are good examples of how God provides ways for a relationship with Him even though we have displeased Him. Have you confessed those sins in your own life that have displeased God? Have you received the forgiveness He gives so freely? Do you live a life of forgiveness?

4. Few of us have the faith and obedience of Noah. His was an obedience that spanned over a 100 years. Read the story again. Ask yourself, what is God asking of me?

5. The tower of Babel was a grand plan. Have you experienced a time in your life when you had a grand plan & suddenly it fell apart? Did you find God in the failure? What did you learn?

6. Abram - Genesis 12:4 "So Abram went..." Will you go wherever God calls? What are you resisting in your faith journey?

These are just a few questions to get you thinking and talking to God. More later on Luke and Psalms.

Some Beginning Thoughts

Ok, 2009 has begun! Let's get ready to start our Bible In A Year program! Here are some beginning points to remember:

• Begin each day/reading with prayer. Seems like a no brainer, I know, but it's very important to ask God to open our hearts and minds to receive what He wants to say to us. Part two - be ready to receive it. Give the Holy Spirit room and permission to work.

• Ask these two questions about the scripture as you read: What truths does God reveal in these passages? How can I apply these truths today?

• We are reading these scriptures for spiritual transformation. Our intent here is not to intellectually disect the Word. It is often easier to analyze with our mind than listen for God with our heart. Our purpose is to bridge the heart and mind to maintain a daily connection with God. As we allow the scriptures to penetrate our hearts, spiritual transformation occurs. This takes time and discipline.

• It is important to establish a daily spiritual routine. This means we intentionally choose to spend time in scripture reading, prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truths of God's words to us. A daily journal helps with this - more on that in another post.

• This reading plan is presented to help you with your spiritual routine. If you miss a day or two, just pick up with the current day and go forward. Reading the scripture consistently is the goal.

• Do your daily spiriutal routine when it works best for you. If you are a morning person, do it in the morning. If night is better, do it then. As one of the journal books I use says: "Invest time with God during the best part of your day, every day. (Transformation Journal, Ginhamsburg Church)

• Stay honest in this process of reading scripture. As you read ask questions of God, of yourself and of our community. Feel free to post your thoughts, insights and questions.

Be intentional. Be strong. Accept God's blessing.