From Exodus 16-18:
1. The Lord is really patient with the Israelites. It did not take very long at all, and here they are grumbling about food. One would expect that after they had seen God's deliverance in an awesome way from the Egyptian army, they would understand that God would help them when they just call upon him, but they don't. After they begin grumbling about no food, God states that he has heard it and will provide. He says, "Then you will know that I am the Lord your God." Perhaps it is just me, but I feel like them grumbling is already wrong. I mean, they saw the plagues, they saw the great deliverance, and they still can't tell that He is their God?
2. I always thought that it was just Americans that are not so smart. No matter how many times you warn someone of not doing something stupid with a consumer product, there are still those that do it.
http://www.sfidboard.com/showthread.php?t=50108 http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/living/2003343508_warning06.html
We find that the Israelites did similarly stupid things in not following God's directives in collecting manna.
3. God takes note of the Amalekites and declares that in the future he is going to have them destroyed in Exodus 17:14. I wonder why he doesn't have the Israelites do it at this time. After all, he is God.
4. Please drop your weapons and put your hands up. I notice that Moses had to hold both hands up in order to allow the Israelites to win. I have tried to hold something in my hands and hold it up for a long time and I can understand how hard this is. I wonder though, why did God make Moses do this? I mean, God did not need Moses doing this in order to cause the Israelites to win. Perhaps it was to show that it was God that was allowing the victory.
5. Moses's father-in-law comes to visit Moses and gives him some great encouragement and advice. It sure is a blessing to have people who understand, support, and advise when tough times are in store. It is nice to see that even Moses needed support like this.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Thursday: What kinds of diseases?
From Exodus 12-15:
1. In Exodus 12:38 it says that other people went up with them. I wonder, were these people possibly Egyptians who decided to join the Israelites? I wonder if they had any desire to join in the Passover lamb dinner. If they did not, could they still use the blood on the doorframes and still receive mercy? (It appears that they could, but...) Were any of them willing to go through the rite of being circumcised in order to partake in the Passover lamb? (Exodus 12:48) That would have been painfully tough, as after that they were traveling frequently for a while.
2. The Lord commanded the Israelites not to break any of the bones of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:46) that saved the lives of the firstborn. It is a foreshadowing of Jesus, who would also die in place of all mankind, to satisfy the requirements of God's curse on sin. Jesus also had no bones in his body broken.
3. It is funny to think this way, but I believe that the reason that God had the Israelites wait around so that the Egyptian army could catch up was so that he could "flex his muscle" in front of all the Israelites. I think that some of them still did not realize how powerful God is and what he would do for them. This was their opportunity for a ring-side seat to see a demo.
4. What kinds of diseases? In Exodus 15:26, God tells the Israelites that if they are careful to keep his commands, they will not get any of the diseases that the Egyptians got. I wonder what kind of diseases the Egyptians had. Were these sicknesses due to the environment that the Egyptians created around themselves, or due to God's curse upon their sinful lifestyles, or because of other things?
1. In Exodus 12:38 it says that other people went up with them. I wonder, were these people possibly Egyptians who decided to join the Israelites? I wonder if they had any desire to join in the Passover lamb dinner. If they did not, could they still use the blood on the doorframes and still receive mercy? (It appears that they could, but...) Were any of them willing to go through the rite of being circumcised in order to partake in the Passover lamb? (Exodus 12:48) That would have been painfully tough, as after that they were traveling frequently for a while.
2. The Lord commanded the Israelites not to break any of the bones of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:46) that saved the lives of the firstborn. It is a foreshadowing of Jesus, who would also die in place of all mankind, to satisfy the requirements of God's curse on sin. Jesus also had no bones in his body broken.
3. It is funny to think this way, but I believe that the reason that God had the Israelites wait around so that the Egyptian army could catch up was so that he could "flex his muscle" in front of all the Israelites. I think that some of them still did not realize how powerful God is and what he would do for them. This was their opportunity for a ring-side seat to see a demo.
4. What kinds of diseases? In Exodus 15:26, God tells the Israelites that if they are careful to keep his commands, they will not get any of the diseases that the Egyptians got. I wonder what kind of diseases the Egyptians had. Were these sicknesses due to the environment that the Egyptians created around themselves, or due to God's curse upon their sinful lifestyles, or because of other things?
Monday, January 08, 2007
Wednesday: Now that is powerful!!
From Exodus 9-11:
1. Why did Pharaoh send people to investigate about the cattle? Was there still doubt in his mind about this all being from the Lord? Especially after his magicians had already told him that it was the finger of God? And later, during the boils, it says that the magicians could not stand before Moses. Why did they need to? They had already established that Moses was involved in the "finger of god" doing things, right?
2. Why did God have Moses use soot to demonstrate the plague of boils being made? Why couldn't he just wave his staff or state that it would happen at such and such a time? God must've had his use for Moses doing this. I suspect it was for illustration to Pharaoh and the Egyptians to see where the plagues were coming from. Plus, it gave more credibility to anything Moses might say or do.
3. It is interesting that this plague of boils was not just isolated to man or animal, but both. It is on the scale of a "bird flu" type thing, where it affects all living things.
4. With regard to the hail that God sent, it says that those Egyptians who left their slaves in the field along with the livestock lost them. I wonder, were these slaves Israelites? That would be terrible! I think that I would decide as a slave to ignore my master's request if he had asked me to stay out in the fields when this hailstorm was supposed to commence.
5. Pharaoh was a very stubborn guy. He chased Moses off a number of times and refused to acknowledge that God was in charge, not him. I think he resented that Moses was telling him what to do.
6. It is interesting that Pharaoh kept wanting to make compromises. He was not willing to allow what had been requested. At one point Pharaoh decided that they could all go, but that they must leave their livestock. I think that at this point they had a large amount. Otherwise, it would have been awful easy to just leave the livestock and leave the country.
7. Now that is powerful!!: Many times we wonder why God doesn't do this or that to resolve a situation much easier or more quickly, but God has his own way of doing things. In Exodus 9:15, God stated through Moses that he could have wiped the Egyptians off the face of the earth. The only reason he allowed Pharaoh's insolence was so that he could glorify his own name. He maximized the plagues to give him the most powerful publicity possible. I think that many times he allows people to go through hard times just so that he can show just exactly how awesome he is. If it had been one act in Egypt, many could have explained it away as a coincidence or accident. Also, it built up the Israelites' faith in him (or at least, it should have).
1. Why did Pharaoh send people to investigate about the cattle? Was there still doubt in his mind about this all being from the Lord? Especially after his magicians had already told him that it was the finger of God? And later, during the boils, it says that the magicians could not stand before Moses. Why did they need to? They had already established that Moses was involved in the "finger of god" doing things, right?
2. Why did God have Moses use soot to demonstrate the plague of boils being made? Why couldn't he just wave his staff or state that it would happen at such and such a time? God must've had his use for Moses doing this. I suspect it was for illustration to Pharaoh and the Egyptians to see where the plagues were coming from. Plus, it gave more credibility to anything Moses might say or do.
3. It is interesting that this plague of boils was not just isolated to man or animal, but both. It is on the scale of a "bird flu" type thing, where it affects all living things.
4. With regard to the hail that God sent, it says that those Egyptians who left their slaves in the field along with the livestock lost them. I wonder, were these slaves Israelites? That would be terrible! I think that I would decide as a slave to ignore my master's request if he had asked me to stay out in the fields when this hailstorm was supposed to commence.
5. Pharaoh was a very stubborn guy. He chased Moses off a number of times and refused to acknowledge that God was in charge, not him. I think he resented that Moses was telling him what to do.
6. It is interesting that Pharaoh kept wanting to make compromises. He was not willing to allow what had been requested. At one point Pharaoh decided that they could all go, but that they must leave their livestock. I think that at this point they had a large amount. Otherwise, it would have been awful easy to just leave the livestock and leave the country.
7. Now that is powerful!!: Many times we wonder why God doesn't do this or that to resolve a situation much easier or more quickly, but God has his own way of doing things. In Exodus 9:15, God stated through Moses that he could have wiped the Egyptians off the face of the earth. The only reason he allowed Pharaoh's insolence was so that he could glorify his own name. He maximized the plagues to give him the most powerful publicity possible. I think that many times he allows people to go through hard times just so that he can show just exactly how awesome he is. If it had been one act in Egypt, many could have explained it away as a coincidence or accident. Also, it built up the Israelites' faith in him (or at least, it should have).
Tuesday: It is darkest just before dawn
From Exodus 5-9:
1.It is darkest just before dawn. In Genesis 6:9, it is interesting that the Israelites reach a point where they are not willing to even listen to Moses and Aaron. I can imagine how pointless and futile it must have seemed for them, because they were being "punished" in a manner of speaking for each time that Moses and Aaron went before Pharaoh. Sometimes God allows situations to get very bad before he steps in, just to test our faith.
2. It is interesting that until the gnats, the Egyptian magicians did a small "trick" and explained away God's work. Then, when the gnats are made from dust, at that point the magicians acknowledge that "this is the finger of God."
3. I wonder why God chose to use blood, frogs, gnats, and then flies. To me, I would have done one flying insects type of plague and then move on to the next large category. Interesting. Of course, if it were me, I probably would have done three or at most four plagues, the fourth being the death of the firstborn. I guess this demonstrates that God is long-suffering and slow to punish. The new testament shows this in 2 Peter 3:9, where it says "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
I guess I need to learn how to be more long-suffering!
For those of you who are looking for explanations about the reason that OSU would lose to Florida, I can tell you why.
OSU was beat by a coach originally from Ohio - a guy from the county I grew up in: Ashtabula!!! And he is an OSU alumni. (Though I would have much preferred that OSU win.)
1.It is darkest just before dawn. In Genesis 6:9, it is interesting that the Israelites reach a point where they are not willing to even listen to Moses and Aaron. I can imagine how pointless and futile it must have seemed for them, because they were being "punished" in a manner of speaking for each time that Moses and Aaron went before Pharaoh. Sometimes God allows situations to get very bad before he steps in, just to test our faith.
2. It is interesting that until the gnats, the Egyptian magicians did a small "trick" and explained away God's work. Then, when the gnats are made from dust, at that point the magicians acknowledge that "this is the finger of God."
3. I wonder why God chose to use blood, frogs, gnats, and then flies. To me, I would have done one flying insects type of plague and then move on to the next large category. Interesting. Of course, if it were me, I probably would have done three or at most four plagues, the fourth being the death of the firstborn. I guess this demonstrates that God is long-suffering and slow to punish. The new testament shows this in 2 Peter 3:9, where it says "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
I guess I need to learn how to be more long-suffering!
For those of you who are looking for explanations about the reason that OSU would lose to Florida, I can tell you why.
OSU was beat by a coach originally from Ohio - a guy from the county I grew up in: Ashtabula!!! And he is an OSU alumni. (Though I would have much preferred that OSU win.)
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Monday: Bridegroom of Blood?
From Exodus 1-4:
1. I wonder why the new king that came to power did not know of Joseph. It was a pretty significant thing that he did. Did they not keep records?
2. It is funny that the thing that the Egyptians were afraid of was that the Israelites might leave the country, and due to this reason they worked them hard. Usually if you don't want someone to leave, you treat them good.
3. In Exodus 3 it talks of Moses's mother seeing that he was a fine child: "When she saw that he was a fine child,..." What does this mean? Would she have ditched him in the Nile if he was not a "fine child"? I am glad my parents didn't ditch me in the Nile, though I am not certain that I was a "fine child".
4. I am surprised that the daughter of Pharaoh was not suspicious when this girl appears out of nowhere (Moses's sister - watching the baby) and offers to go find a nurse for the child. It also seems that this was kind of the plan by the family anyways. Otherwise, why would one put a child that was in danger of being killed into a basket that was left in the water among the weeds of the riverbank.
5. It is nice to see that God hears our groaning when we are in situations like what the Israelites are in. But I would like to believe that even if God had not made the covenant with Abraham, that he would have tried to rescue the Israelites. Perhaps not, and it is only a "what-if", but I still would like to believe this.
6. Moses was not so smart. He did not want to help when God asked him to. God got angry as a result.
7. Bridegroom of Blood? When God was going to kill Moses, Zipporah stepped in and rescued him by circumcising her son and touching the foreskin to his feet. Now that is weird!!! And why was God going to kill Moses? I assume it was because Moses had asked to be exempted from the job God wanted done. I am not sure what the "Bridegroom of Blood" did to resolve that though. The only other explanation that I can think of is that God was going to kill Moses because he had not circumcised his children yet, and that was a command that God had given to the Israelites / Abraham's descendants.
1. I wonder why the new king that came to power did not know of Joseph. It was a pretty significant thing that he did. Did they not keep records?
2. It is funny that the thing that the Egyptians were afraid of was that the Israelites might leave the country, and due to this reason they worked them hard. Usually if you don't want someone to leave, you treat them good.
3. In Exodus 3 it talks of Moses's mother seeing that he was a fine child: "When she saw that he was a fine child,..." What does this mean? Would she have ditched him in the Nile if he was not a "fine child"? I am glad my parents didn't ditch me in the Nile, though I am not certain that I was a "fine child".
4. I am surprised that the daughter of Pharaoh was not suspicious when this girl appears out of nowhere (Moses's sister - watching the baby) and offers to go find a nurse for the child. It also seems that this was kind of the plan by the family anyways. Otherwise, why would one put a child that was in danger of being killed into a basket that was left in the water among the weeds of the riverbank.
5. It is nice to see that God hears our groaning when we are in situations like what the Israelites are in. But I would like to believe that even if God had not made the covenant with Abraham, that he would have tried to rescue the Israelites. Perhaps not, and it is only a "what-if", but I still would like to believe this.
6. Moses was not so smart. He did not want to help when God asked him to. God got angry as a result.
7. Bridegroom of Blood? When God was going to kill Moses, Zipporah stepped in and rescued him by circumcising her son and touching the foreskin to his feet. Now that is weird!!! And why was God going to kill Moses? I assume it was because Moses had asked to be exempted from the job God wanted done. I am not sure what the "Bridegroom of Blood" did to resolve that though. The only other explanation that I can think of is that God was going to kill Moses because he had not circumcised his children yet, and that was a command that God had given to the Israelites / Abraham's descendants.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Sunday: Ravenous Wolf?
From Genesis 47-50
1. I wonder how the oldest sons felt about their blessings. They don't appear to be very good. I wonder if this is because Jacob now knows about what the older sons had done in selling Joseph off to the Midianites. He did know before he died because in Chapter 50, the brothers send a message to Joseph about Jacob having supposedly said to forgive them for their past treatment of him.
2. Reuben slept with his father's wife, which is recorded in Chapter 35, and now he does not receive a good blessing due to this fact.
3. Ravenous Wolf? I wonder why there is very little in the way of blessing for Benjamin, because he was one of Rachel's sons and one of Jacob's favorites before he went down to Egypt. One would think that he would get an awesome blessing due to his position in his father's eyes.
4. Although Jacob loved Rachel very much, it is interesting to see that he did not want to be buried where she was buried, but rather where Leah and his ancestors were buried.
5. It is also interesting to see that Jacob switched his hands when he blessed Manasseh and Ephraim. He blessed them opposite what would have been accepted, upsetting Joseph. However, in light of Jacob's own experience, it makes perfect sense. I wonder if the bible will show us how Ephraim's descendants were favored above Manasseh's descendants.
6. It is interesting that Jacob emphasizes the excellence of his blessings when he blesses Joseph. I wonder if he was worried that Joseph would feel that the material goods he had gained in Egypt were better.
7. Joseph's understanding of the big picture is great. He responds wisely to his brothers when they convey to him a supposed message from his father. He could have been spiteful, or he could have made them sweat, but he just says that he is not God and does not have the authority to judge.
1. I wonder how the oldest sons felt about their blessings. They don't appear to be very good. I wonder if this is because Jacob now knows about what the older sons had done in selling Joseph off to the Midianites. He did know before he died because in Chapter 50, the brothers send a message to Joseph about Jacob having supposedly said to forgive them for their past treatment of him.
2. Reuben slept with his father's wife, which is recorded in Chapter 35, and now he does not receive a good blessing due to this fact.
3. Ravenous Wolf? I wonder why there is very little in the way of blessing for Benjamin, because he was one of Rachel's sons and one of Jacob's favorites before he went down to Egypt. One would think that he would get an awesome blessing due to his position in his father's eyes.
4. Although Jacob loved Rachel very much, it is interesting to see that he did not want to be buried where she was buried, but rather where Leah and his ancestors were buried.
5. It is also interesting to see that Jacob switched his hands when he blessed Manasseh and Ephraim. He blessed them opposite what would have been accepted, upsetting Joseph. However, in light of Jacob's own experience, it makes perfect sense. I wonder if the bible will show us how Ephraim's descendants were favored above Manasseh's descendants.
6. It is interesting that Jacob emphasizes the excellence of his blessings when he blesses Joseph. I wonder if he was worried that Joseph would feel that the material goods he had gained in Egypt were better.
7. Joseph's understanding of the big picture is great. He responds wisely to his brothers when they convey to him a supposed message from his father. He could have been spiteful, or he could have made them sweat, but he just says that he is not God and does not have the authority to judge.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Saturday: Show me that you are truly sorry.
From Genesis 43-46
1. After having seen "Passion of the Christ" and "The Nativity", I am certain that I have found another story worthy of a best-seller movie. The story of Joseph is so good that it actually brought tears to my eyes just reading it!! The amazing part about that is I have read it many times before. However, this time I was much more focused on exactly how the events unfolded. (I wonder if, since I have suggested this, that I get any rights to a movie like this.)
2. Show me that you are truly sorry. One of the interesting things about Joseph's story comes in watching exactly who is responsible for different things. Back in Genesis 37 it talks about them planning to sell Joseph to a caravan traveling to Egypt, and it is Judah that is mentioned as coming up with this idea. (Reuben, who is oldest, does not want anything bad to happen to Joseph.) The second oldest is Simeon, and the bible says nothing about him being against it. Some in the group, though the bible does not mention who, originally wanted to kill him.
In Genesis 42:24 it shows that Joseph had Simeon put in prison until they should return. Then we see how Reuben (3rd oldest) promises in Genesis 42:37 that he will ensure Benjamin's safety. When the brothers are finally forced to go back, Judah makes the same type of promise in Genesis 43:9. Then Joseph tests his brothers to see if they have changed their attitudes using the silver cup in Benjamin's sack. In Genesis 44:16 they show that they are changed, but then in Genesis 44:32-34, Judah, who was one of the original guys who sold off Joseph, begs to stay as a slave in place of Benjamin. It is then that Joseph knows that they have indeed changed.
3. I wonder how the other brothers explained to their father about Joseph's original situation. They must have had to, because otherwise they probably would have been concerned that Joseph would tell their father. I wonder what went through Jacob's mind when he heard the story, if he indeed did hear it. I'm surprised that they were not disowned. (Though maybe Jacob never was told.)
4. I wonder why shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians. And I wonder, if they had said that they were of other occupations (other than shepherds), would Pharaoh have put them in other positions?
1. After having seen "Passion of the Christ" and "The Nativity", I am certain that I have found another story worthy of a best-seller movie. The story of Joseph is so good that it actually brought tears to my eyes just reading it!! The amazing part about that is I have read it many times before. However, this time I was much more focused on exactly how the events unfolded. (I wonder if, since I have suggested this, that I get any rights to a movie like this.)
2. Show me that you are truly sorry. One of the interesting things about Joseph's story comes in watching exactly who is responsible for different things. Back in Genesis 37 it talks about them planning to sell Joseph to a caravan traveling to Egypt, and it is Judah that is mentioned as coming up with this idea. (Reuben, who is oldest, does not want anything bad to happen to Joseph.) The second oldest is Simeon, and the bible says nothing about him being against it. Some in the group, though the bible does not mention who, originally wanted to kill him.
In Genesis 42:24 it shows that Joseph had Simeon put in prison until they should return. Then we see how Reuben (3rd oldest) promises in Genesis 42:37 that he will ensure Benjamin's safety. When the brothers are finally forced to go back, Judah makes the same type of promise in Genesis 43:9. Then Joseph tests his brothers to see if they have changed their attitudes using the silver cup in Benjamin's sack. In Genesis 44:16 they show that they are changed, but then in Genesis 44:32-34, Judah, who was one of the original guys who sold off Joseph, begs to stay as a slave in place of Benjamin. It is then that Joseph knows that they have indeed changed.
3. I wonder how the other brothers explained to their father about Joseph's original situation. They must have had to, because otherwise they probably would have been concerned that Joseph would tell their father. I wonder what went through Jacob's mind when he heard the story, if he indeed did hear it. I'm surprised that they were not disowned. (Though maybe Jacob never was told.)
4. I wonder why shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians. And I wonder, if they had said that they were of other occupations (other than shepherds), would Pharaoh have put them in other positions?
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Friday: Who looks dejected?
From Genesis 40-42
1. Who looks dejected? I wonder how Joseph kept such a bright outlook. First he is a stranger in a strange country where they speak a foreign language and he is a new slave in a very prominent household. Then, after putting a good face on a bad situation, he gets falsely accused and becomes a prisoner. But he continues to keep his positive outlook on life. This is never so evident as when he meets the cupbearer and baker. He notices that both of them are looking dejected, and then he asks, "Why are your faces so sad today?" In my version, it would then say that Joseph says, "You guys have no right to look dejected. You think you've got it bad, but just listen to my story of woe..." Joseph was such a positive force, trusting in God so strongly that not only was his face not downcast, but he even noticed others when they looked dejected! Wow!!
I wish that more people could be like that today. The world would be a better place for it. Just think - people not just thinking of themselves, but being concerned about the welfare of others in spite of their own troubles - sounds like heaven to me!!
2.It is interesting that the bible calls out the type of dreams that both the cupbearer and the baker had: "...each dream had a meaning of its own." It specifically says that these dreams have some special meaning. I also notice that Pharaoh's dream has specific meaning. But it is interesting that the bible calls it out. I think it implies that there are dreams that do not have any particular significance. (I can remember one time I dreamed that I was a team partner with Mr. T for some crime-busting ring. I can tell you with a certainty that the dream had no special meaning, other than perhaps to make me laugh!) In fact, I would suggest that you would be very unlikely to have a dream that did have some significance. I say this because of all the people that are mentioned in the bible, very few have dreams that are mentioned as having some significance. I can think of about ten - fifteen people in the bible who have dreams that turn out to be significant. This number is very few in light of the thousands of years of time that the bible spans. And even these people that do have some dream that ends up being significant - it is one dream in their entire life. I mean, we don't read anything about the Pharaoh continuing to have dreams. Nor does the cupbearer. Scientists tell us that we have dreams every night. But if you are trying to read some spiritual (or other) significance into your dreams - well, I think you are dreaming!!
3. I wonder what it looked like for withered, thin, scorched heads of grain to swallow full heads of grain. Talk about special effects!!! That would probably be better than the goblins in LOTR!!!
4. I like how humble and honest Joseph is. He finally gets a chance to go before the Pharaoh and when the Pharaoh asks him if he can interpret the dream, he immediately says that only God can do that - not him. Wow!! I hope that whenever I am faced with situations that require gifts that God has given me, I can do the same as Joseph by giving God all the glory.
1. Who looks dejected? I wonder how Joseph kept such a bright outlook. First he is a stranger in a strange country where they speak a foreign language and he is a new slave in a very prominent household. Then, after putting a good face on a bad situation, he gets falsely accused and becomes a prisoner. But he continues to keep his positive outlook on life. This is never so evident as when he meets the cupbearer and baker. He notices that both of them are looking dejected, and then he asks, "Why are your faces so sad today?" In my version, it would then say that Joseph says, "You guys have no right to look dejected. You think you've got it bad, but just listen to my story of woe..." Joseph was such a positive force, trusting in God so strongly that not only was his face not downcast, but he even noticed others when they looked dejected! Wow!!
I wish that more people could be like that today. The world would be a better place for it. Just think - people not just thinking of themselves, but being concerned about the welfare of others in spite of their own troubles - sounds like heaven to me!!
2.It is interesting that the bible calls out the type of dreams that both the cupbearer and the baker had: "...each dream had a meaning of its own." It specifically says that these dreams have some special meaning. I also notice that Pharaoh's dream has specific meaning. But it is interesting that the bible calls it out. I think it implies that there are dreams that do not have any particular significance. (I can remember one time I dreamed that I was a team partner with Mr. T for some crime-busting ring. I can tell you with a certainty that the dream had no special meaning, other than perhaps to make me laugh!) In fact, I would suggest that you would be very unlikely to have a dream that did have some significance. I say this because of all the people that are mentioned in the bible, very few have dreams that are mentioned as having some significance. I can think of about ten - fifteen people in the bible who have dreams that turn out to be significant. This number is very few in light of the thousands of years of time that the bible spans. And even these people that do have some dream that ends up being significant - it is one dream in their entire life. I mean, we don't read anything about the Pharaoh continuing to have dreams. Nor does the cupbearer. Scientists tell us that we have dreams every night. But if you are trying to read some spiritual (or other) significance into your dreams - well, I think you are dreaming!!
3. I wonder what it looked like for withered, thin, scorched heads of grain to swallow full heads of grain. Talk about special effects!!! That would probably be better than the goblins in LOTR!!!
4. I like how humble and honest Joseph is. He finally gets a chance to go before the Pharaoh and when the Pharaoh asks him if he can interpret the dream, he immediately says that only God can do that - not him. Wow!! I hope that whenever I am faced with situations that require gifts that God has given me, I can do the same as Joseph by giving God all the glory.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Thursday: Nice family!!
From Genesis 36-39
1. Joseph's father loved him more than his brothers. That is not good! Preferential treatment in families is always bad.
2. I wonder what kind of bad report Joseph brought about his brothers when they were tending the sheep. I can just hear it now - "Dad, they wouldn't help me put the water out for the young lambs." It sounds like Joseph was what we would call a tattle-tale. Although it all depends upon what exactly they were doing. Some things may be extreme enough to deserve an informant.
3. Why didn't Joseph get the idea that telling his brothers about his dreams was not going to help his cause? Did he think they were going to like him more due to this? If it were me, I probably would've kept my mouth shut about it, just to keep the peace. Although I was not in his shoes, so there may be some other circumstances that I am not seeing.
4. Nice family!! It is amazing how people will reason away something bad that they do. Judah says to sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites because "after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood." Wow!!! This comment should've woken them up right there.
5. If I am not mistaken, Genesis 38:9-10 is where some churches come up with being against any type of birth control. However, God was angry because Onan did not fulfill his duty to his dead brother and his dead brother's wife, not because he "spilled his semen on the ground". I believe this is why it was considered wicked in God's eyes (and selfish).
6. It is interesting to see that Judah was not only the mastermind behind the selling of Joseph to the Midianites, but also was the one who was messing around with what he thought were shrine prostitutes. And until she notified him about him being the father of the child in her womb, he was ready to burn Tamar to death.
1. Joseph's father loved him more than his brothers. That is not good! Preferential treatment in families is always bad.
2. I wonder what kind of bad report Joseph brought about his brothers when they were tending the sheep. I can just hear it now - "Dad, they wouldn't help me put the water out for the young lambs." It sounds like Joseph was what we would call a tattle-tale. Although it all depends upon what exactly they were doing. Some things may be extreme enough to deserve an informant.
3. Why didn't Joseph get the idea that telling his brothers about his dreams was not going to help his cause? Did he think they were going to like him more due to this? If it were me, I probably would've kept my mouth shut about it, just to keep the peace. Although I was not in his shoes, so there may be some other circumstances that I am not seeing.
4. Nice family!! It is amazing how people will reason away something bad that they do. Judah says to sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites because "after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood." Wow!!! This comment should've woken them up right there.
5. If I am not mistaken, Genesis 38:9-10 is where some churches come up with being against any type of birth control. However, God was angry because Onan did not fulfill his duty to his dead brother and his dead brother's wife, not because he "spilled his semen on the ground". I believe this is why it was considered wicked in God's eyes (and selfish).
6. It is interesting to see that Judah was not only the mastermind behind the selling of Joseph to the Midianites, but also was the one who was messing around with what he thought were shrine prostitutes. And until she notified him about him being the father of the child in her womb, he was ready to burn Tamar to death.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Wednesday: Wrestling with God?
From Genesis 32-35
1. Jacob must have read some of The Hobbit before going to meet his brother. If you recall, in The Hobbit, when Gandalf and Bilbo go to visit Beorn, they come two at a time so as to not overwhelm him. Jacob used this same group by group approach to try and appease his brother. (In reality, I wonder if J.R. Tolkien - who was a Christian - came up with this idea in the book from this passage.)
2. Wrestling with God? - It is interesting how Abraham and Isaac have a very different type of interaction with God than Jacob has. I especially find it interesting because Jacob was not exactly totally upright in all of his dealings, and then he still dares to "wrestle with God". What does this say about God? What does it say about Jacob? What does it say about Jacob's relationship with God? Or is there no significance? I wonder...
3. I also wonder: The bible never says how he met up with this "man" and started this wrestling match. How did it start? Where did this "man" come from? Some people "wrestle with God" when they are doubting him, or maybe the idea of God in control of things / their lives / etc. I wonder if this is a similar idea. It is a very real, physical confrontation according to the account in Genesis, but it is odd because of the lack of background details.
4. It is interesting to see how all the past problems that Jacob had caused were forgotten and his brother was happy to see him. It does seem that many times, no matter how significant the offense, usually after some time family members will forgive and forget and accept you again. It reminds me of King David when his son Absalom killed his half-brother Amnon for molesting their sister (Absalom's full sister and Amnon's half-sister - 2 Samuel 13). Eventually King David longs to have his son back, and allows his son to come back, even though he's a murderer.
5. Jacob's boys were deceitful in dealing with the Hivite leaders, Hamor and Shechem. I have always heard two wrongs do not make a right. However, I wonder how God viewed their untruth in light of Dinah being violated.
It is interesting that there is no record of what Dinah's thoughts were. I wonder if she loved this guy. I mean, it goes into great depth to explain how serious Shechem was about caring for her. It says "...he loved the girl and spoke tenderly to her." Her brothers were rightfully angry, but she may have been a willing party. She had a leader of a people (or at least a city) who really valued her, and was willing to do anything for her. Isn't that the type of person one wants in a relationship?
Caring? - Check
Financially Stable? - Check
Willing to do anything for her? - Check
Loves God Almighty? - Good question (This might be the key.)
I wonder if she knew what her brothers were going to do. And afterwards, who did she end up spending her life with? If the bible tells, I do not recall.
One could argue that this people was an idol-worshiping people, but if that were the case, they should have never taken the women and children, but rather all should have been destroyed. So in the end the guys got the plunder and wives and children, while Dinah was violated (could possibly mean - had premarital sex) so her brothers killed her lover. What kind of future could she possibly have in the society of the time after this incident?
1. Jacob must have read some of The Hobbit before going to meet his brother. If you recall, in The Hobbit, when Gandalf and Bilbo go to visit Beorn, they come two at a time so as to not overwhelm him. Jacob used this same group by group approach to try and appease his brother. (In reality, I wonder if J.R. Tolkien - who was a Christian - came up with this idea in the book from this passage.)
2. Wrestling with God? - It is interesting how Abraham and Isaac have a very different type of interaction with God than Jacob has. I especially find it interesting because Jacob was not exactly totally upright in all of his dealings, and then he still dares to "wrestle with God". What does this say about God? What does it say about Jacob? What does it say about Jacob's relationship with God? Or is there no significance? I wonder...
3. I also wonder: The bible never says how he met up with this "man" and started this wrestling match. How did it start? Where did this "man" come from? Some people "wrestle with God" when they are doubting him, or maybe the idea of God in control of things / their lives / etc. I wonder if this is a similar idea. It is a very real, physical confrontation according to the account in Genesis, but it is odd because of the lack of background details.
4. It is interesting to see how all the past problems that Jacob had caused were forgotten and his brother was happy to see him. It does seem that many times, no matter how significant the offense, usually after some time family members will forgive and forget and accept you again. It reminds me of King David when his son Absalom killed his half-brother Amnon for molesting their sister (Absalom's full sister and Amnon's half-sister - 2 Samuel 13). Eventually King David longs to have his son back, and allows his son to come back, even though he's a murderer.
5. Jacob's boys were deceitful in dealing with the Hivite leaders, Hamor and Shechem. I have always heard two wrongs do not make a right. However, I wonder how God viewed their untruth in light of Dinah being violated.
It is interesting that there is no record of what Dinah's thoughts were. I wonder if she loved this guy. I mean, it goes into great depth to explain how serious Shechem was about caring for her. It says "...he loved the girl and spoke tenderly to her." Her brothers were rightfully angry, but she may have been a willing party. She had a leader of a people (or at least a city) who really valued her, and was willing to do anything for her. Isn't that the type of person one wants in a relationship?
Caring? - Check
Financially Stable? - Check
Willing to do anything for her? - Check
Loves God Almighty? - Good question (This might be the key.)
I wonder if she knew what her brothers were going to do. And afterwards, who did she end up spending her life with? If the bible tells, I do not recall.
One could argue that this people was an idol-worshiping people, but if that were the case, they should have never taken the women and children, but rather all should have been destroyed. So in the end the guys got the plunder and wives and children, while Dinah was violated (could possibly mean - had premarital sex) so her brothers killed her lover. What kind of future could she possibly have in the society of the time after this incident?
Monday, January 01, 2007
Tuesday: God - The Great Equalizer
From Genesis 29 - 31
1. God - The Great Equalizer - It is interesting how God did not allow Sarah to have children for so long. Then God did not allow Rebekah to have children for quite some time, until Isaac prayed to the Lord on Rebekah's behalf (Genesis 25:21). Then Rachel, who the bible says was beautiful (Genesis 29:17) just like Sarah and Rebekah, had the same challenge (Genesis 29:31). But what is most fascinating about this is that God blessed Leah. The bible says it was because she was not loved. (Genesis 29:31)
Does this mean that great beauty comes with a high price? It is neat that when God does not give us one thing, he always blesses us with something else. Sometimes we just need to discover what it is that God has given us as a blessing.
2. After the discussion that Jacob has with his wives and the evidence that he gives for thinking that God has blessed him and judged between him and Laban, it is funny that Rachel would be so stupid as to steal the household gods. They obviously did not help Laban any, so what was she thinking? Why bother?
3. It is interesting that Jacob tells about a dream that indicated that God was giving him the increase, but before that it talked about how Jacob was using the poplar branches to try and fix things in his favor. (I understand that Laban was not being fair either, but...) It just goes to show that it is really hard to act in a manner that is purely upright. Especially when your father and grandfather before you were known to have deceived people (regarding wives). I believe that even if Jacob had not done any of the things he did, there still would have been vindication by God. Suppose he did not try his own little tricks and God did not vindicate him against a jealous father-in-law. I wonder why God allowed him to do these things? I also wonder if that dream was truly a dream, and not just something that he made up to explain his overwhelming success.
4. How does an oath in "the name of the Fear of his father Isaac" work? I wonder if it is like when you don't have enough credit, so you have to get your parents to co-sign. That would be an oath in "the name of the Credit of your father (insert-your-dad's-name-here)".
Tomorrow is back to work day. Craig, Hannah, Sam, Paul, and I played Risk a good portion of the day today. The only bad thing about this is I got almost nothing constructive accomplished. But it was enjoyable!!
1. God - The Great Equalizer - It is interesting how God did not allow Sarah to have children for so long. Then God did not allow Rebekah to have children for quite some time, until Isaac prayed to the Lord on Rebekah's behalf (Genesis 25:21). Then Rachel, who the bible says was beautiful (Genesis 29:17) just like Sarah and Rebekah, had the same challenge (Genesis 29:31). But what is most fascinating about this is that God blessed Leah. The bible says it was because she was not loved. (Genesis 29:31)
Does this mean that great beauty comes with a high price? It is neat that when God does not give us one thing, he always blesses us with something else. Sometimes we just need to discover what it is that God has given us as a blessing.
2. After the discussion that Jacob has with his wives and the evidence that he gives for thinking that God has blessed him and judged between him and Laban, it is funny that Rachel would be so stupid as to steal the household gods. They obviously did not help Laban any, so what was she thinking? Why bother?
3. It is interesting that Jacob tells about a dream that indicated that God was giving him the increase, but before that it talked about how Jacob was using the poplar branches to try and fix things in his favor. (I understand that Laban was not being fair either, but...) It just goes to show that it is really hard to act in a manner that is purely upright. Especially when your father and grandfather before you were known to have deceived people (regarding wives). I believe that even if Jacob had not done any of the things he did, there still would have been vindication by God. Suppose he did not try his own little tricks and God did not vindicate him against a jealous father-in-law. I wonder why God allowed him to do these things? I also wonder if that dream was truly a dream, and not just something that he made up to explain his overwhelming success.
4. How does an oath in "the name of the Fear of his father Isaac" work? I wonder if it is like when you don't have enough credit, so you have to get your parents to co-sign. That would be an oath in "the name of the Credit of your father (insert-your-dad's-name-here)".
Tomorrow is back to work day. Craig, Hannah, Sam, Paul, and I played Risk a good portion of the day today. The only bad thing about this is I got almost nothing constructive accomplished. But it was enjoyable!!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Monday: Like father, like son.
From Genesis 25-28
1. Like father, like son. It is interesting to see that Isaac does the same thing as his father Abraham did when he goes to live near Abimelech, king of the Philistines. Refer back to Genesis 20 if you don't remember Abraham's ordeal with Abimelech. And it was the second time Abraham ran into this problem. (Genesis 12:10-20) Abimelech was smarter this time, and was much more careful He waited and observed and then confronted Isaac.
2. Patience is truly a rare virtue. It is interesting to see that although Abimelech uncovered this deception by Isaac, he did not immediately send him away or treat him harshly. I suppose it was because he knew that Abraham had done the same types of things.
3. He is a weasel. If I were living when Jacob and Esau were alive, I would probably have called Jacob a weasel. He knows that his brother is hungry, and instead of being a caring brother that tries to help his sibling, he takes advantage of the situation. Then later, through deception and lies he steals his brother's blessing too.
4. It is interesting to see that God chose Jacob over Esau. This choice was before the birth of either, (see Genesis 25:23) but I suppose that a possible explanation might be that God knew that Esau would marry Hittites (Genesis 26:34-35)
Happy New Year, everyone!!! We celebrated by watching an episode of the Adams Family, and then watching the ball drop along with some friends from church.
1. Like father, like son. It is interesting to see that Isaac does the same thing as his father Abraham did when he goes to live near Abimelech, king of the Philistines. Refer back to Genesis 20 if you don't remember Abraham's ordeal with Abimelech. And it was the second time Abraham ran into this problem. (Genesis 12:10-20) Abimelech was smarter this time, and was much more careful He waited and observed and then confronted Isaac.
2. Patience is truly a rare virtue. It is interesting to see that although Abimelech uncovered this deception by Isaac, he did not immediately send him away or treat him harshly. I suppose it was because he knew that Abraham had done the same types of things.
3. He is a weasel. If I were living when Jacob and Esau were alive, I would probably have called Jacob a weasel. He knows that his brother is hungry, and instead of being a caring brother that tries to help his sibling, he takes advantage of the situation. Then later, through deception and lies he steals his brother's blessing too.
4. It is interesting to see that God chose Jacob over Esau. This choice was before the birth of either, (see Genesis 25:23) but I suppose that a possible explanation might be that God knew that Esau would marry Hittites (Genesis 26:34-35)
Happy New Year, everyone!!! We celebrated by watching an episode of the Adams Family, and then watching the ball drop along with some friends from church.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Oh no! Not another promise!
From Genesis 21 - 24:
1. If I am not mistaken, at least some of the Arab nations are descended from Ishmael. This is where they come up with the idea that they are descendants of Abraham and why they believe that they are God's chosen people. It is interesting to see that God did indeed bless Ishmael by saying that he would make him into a great nation (Genesis 21:18) (Also there is reference to him in Genesis 17:20), though he was not the one that God was chosing as the ancestor of his "chosen nation".
2. It must have been hard for Abraham to offer up his only son. I know what it is like when just one of my four children gets sick. I am not giving them up or anything, but I worry about their little lives. And in this case Abraham is going to sacrifice Isaac, which is certain death. And it is his only child. Plus he has to take a couple of days to travel there with his son, so it was not like he could make the decision without really contemplating it. Three days of travel is a long time to consider things.
3. When Sarah dies, Abraham has to negotiate to purchase the land that he wants for a tomb. The negotiations are definitely not American-like in nature. When Americans say, "None of us will refuse you his tomb for burying your dead" and then later say, "I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. I give it to you in the presence of my people. Bury your dead, " we would take this to mean "Go ahead". But Abraham must've sensed that this was not really the case.
The other possibility is that Abraham wanted to make sure that he actually gave money so that later no one could just take back their promise.
4. Oh no! Not another promise! Abraham made his servant promise about getting a wife from the country where his ancestors lived. In that day, in order to swear an oath, they did not have a bible to swear upon. "So the servant put his hand under the thigh of his master and swore an oath to him concerning the matter." Genesis 24:9 I sure am glad we don't make oaths this way anymore. Can you imagine what a court proceeding would be like? Sounds very uncomfortable!!!
That is another reason to thank God for giving us his word, the Holy Bible.
1. If I am not mistaken, at least some of the Arab nations are descended from Ishmael. This is where they come up with the idea that they are descendants of Abraham and why they believe that they are God's chosen people. It is interesting to see that God did indeed bless Ishmael by saying that he would make him into a great nation (Genesis 21:18) (Also there is reference to him in Genesis 17:20), though he was not the one that God was chosing as the ancestor of his "chosen nation".
2. It must have been hard for Abraham to offer up his only son. I know what it is like when just one of my four children gets sick. I am not giving them up or anything, but I worry about their little lives. And in this case Abraham is going to sacrifice Isaac, which is certain death. And it is his only child. Plus he has to take a couple of days to travel there with his son, so it was not like he could make the decision without really contemplating it. Three days of travel is a long time to consider things.
3. When Sarah dies, Abraham has to negotiate to purchase the land that he wants for a tomb. The negotiations are definitely not American-like in nature. When Americans say, "None of us will refuse you his tomb for burying your dead" and then later say, "I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. I give it to you in the presence of my people. Bury your dead, " we would take this to mean "Go ahead". But Abraham must've sensed that this was not really the case.
The other possibility is that Abraham wanted to make sure that he actually gave money so that later no one could just take back their promise.
4. Oh no! Not another promise! Abraham made his servant promise about getting a wife from the country where his ancestors lived. In that day, in order to swear an oath, they did not have a bible to swear upon. "So the servant put his hand under the thigh of his master and swore an oath to him concerning the matter." Genesis 24:9 I sure am glad we don't make oaths this way anymore. Can you imagine what a court proceeding would be like? Sounds very uncomfortable!!!
That is another reason to thank God for giving us his word, the Holy Bible.
Gee thanks, Dad!
From Genesis 17 - 20:
1. Both Abraham and Lot have the same reaction to when they see the strangers. They immediately invited them in and went and prepared huge meals for these strangers. We like to host visitors to our house also, so I can understand this. However, if I were Abraham, I think I might get a little concerned when the guests started asking for my wife by name. Abraham seems to take it in stride pretty well.
2. Gee thanks, Dad!!! When the angels are staying at Lot's house, all the men of the city come and knock on the door and request that the guests be sent out so that they can have sex with them. If that isn't disgusting enough to make one want to move, I don't know what is! However, Lot's response is unthinkable. "No, my friends. Don't do this wicked thing. Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them...." Gee, thanks for your protection, Dad!! I am glad I was not one of his daughters.
3. Lot is pretty brave at first, and then really wimpy later. He begs the angels to allow him to flee to a small town nearby instead of fleeing to the mountains where the angels asked him to go. So they agreel. But then later, when he sees how complete the destruction was of Sodom and Gomorrah, he was afraid to stay in Zoar and fled the rest of the way into the mountains.
4. Again, Abraham lies about his relationship with his wife. It is interesting that here it specifically says that God spoke to Abimelech in a dream. This illustrates a couple of points. First, Sarah was definitely very attractive. Second, God was very much looking out for Abraham. And third, Abraham was definitely scared beyond the point where he could trust God.
It is interesting that God sticks up for Abraham before Abimelech, after Abraham had lied to Abimelech. I guess that shows that sometimes God understands our weaknesses and failings.
I found out today that our pastor is leaving to go back to Taiwan as a missionary in the coming year. I get the sneak preview because I am the translator.
Good for him! I hope he continues to listen to God's calling, if that is what God wants.
1. Both Abraham and Lot have the same reaction to when they see the strangers. They immediately invited them in and went and prepared huge meals for these strangers. We like to host visitors to our house also, so I can understand this. However, if I were Abraham, I think I might get a little concerned when the guests started asking for my wife by name. Abraham seems to take it in stride pretty well.
2. Gee thanks, Dad!!! When the angels are staying at Lot's house, all the men of the city come and knock on the door and request that the guests be sent out so that they can have sex with them. If that isn't disgusting enough to make one want to move, I don't know what is! However, Lot's response is unthinkable. "No, my friends. Don't do this wicked thing. Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them...." Gee, thanks for your protection, Dad!! I am glad I was not one of his daughters.
3. Lot is pretty brave at first, and then really wimpy later. He begs the angels to allow him to flee to a small town nearby instead of fleeing to the mountains where the angels asked him to go. So they agreel. But then later, when he sees how complete the destruction was of Sodom and Gomorrah, he was afraid to stay in Zoar and fled the rest of the way into the mountains.
4. Again, Abraham lies about his relationship with his wife. It is interesting that here it specifically says that God spoke to Abimelech in a dream. This illustrates a couple of points. First, Sarah was definitely very attractive. Second, God was very much looking out for Abraham. And third, Abraham was definitely scared beyond the point where he could trust God.
It is interesting that God sticks up for Abraham before Abimelech, after Abraham had lied to Abimelech. I guess that shows that sometimes God understands our weaknesses and failings.
I found out today that our pastor is leaving to go back to Taiwan as a missionary in the coming year. I get the sneak preview because I am the translator.
Good for him! I hope he continues to listen to God's calling, if that is what God wants.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
It's your fault!
From Genesis 12 - 16:
1. It is interesting that God promised Abram to bless him, and yet he was afraid of Egypt and the Pharaoh to the point that he was willing to lie about his relationship with Sarai.
2. I wonder what kind of diseases Pharaoh experienced as a result of taking Sarai into his palace? And how did he find out that Abram had lied about the relationship of Sarai to him?
3. Sarai must have been extremely beautiful, because the officials noticed Sarai and recommended her to Pharaoh.
4. Lot selected the more pleasing area, but it was full of sinful men. I hope that I select things based upon what God wants and not what looks pleasing to my eyes. (Looks can be deceiving.) It is interesting that Lot gets the chance to realize his mistake in choosing this area when the kings allied with Kedorlaomer take him and all of his stuff into captivity. Then Abram rescues him and his stuff! I am not sure why he did not see at that point that it was time to find another place to live.
5. It is really amazing that Abram and his 318 trained men were able to overcome the opposition when five kings could not do it. I am sure that this was due in part to the timing of the attack, because it was at night and the four kings were not expecting any attack at the time. However, I believe that the reason that the five could not overcome the four is because of the evil within their kingdoms, whereas Abram was living a righteous life before God.
6. In Genesis 15:16, it says that the sin of the Amorites had not yet reached its full measure, and that is why God did not give the land into Abram's control. (Read between the lines - There were likely still some followers of God in this nation at the time. Later God commands the Israelites to destroy them due to their sinfulness.)
7. It's your fault! In chapter 16, Sarai decides that she will not be able to have children, so she tells Abram to sleep with her maidservant to produce a child. Then when the maidservant gets pregnant and starts to despise her mistress, Sarai blames the consequences on Abram. "You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering..." I wonder how Abram felt. I can just hear the fight now. - "What??!! You were the one that told me to do this, and now its MY fault??!!! Whose idea was it anyways??!!" Abram was very wise in his response.
Reminds me of another time - "Adam, try this juicy, delicious fruit I picked for you. I think it tastes really good, and you should try a little. Never mind where I got it from."
I am very thankful that my wife is not this way.
1. It is interesting that God promised Abram to bless him, and yet he was afraid of Egypt and the Pharaoh to the point that he was willing to lie about his relationship with Sarai.
2. I wonder what kind of diseases Pharaoh experienced as a result of taking Sarai into his palace? And how did he find out that Abram had lied about the relationship of Sarai to him?
3. Sarai must have been extremely beautiful, because the officials noticed Sarai and recommended her to Pharaoh.
4. Lot selected the more pleasing area, but it was full of sinful men. I hope that I select things based upon what God wants and not what looks pleasing to my eyes. (Looks can be deceiving.) It is interesting that Lot gets the chance to realize his mistake in choosing this area when the kings allied with Kedorlaomer take him and all of his stuff into captivity. Then Abram rescues him and his stuff! I am not sure why he did not see at that point that it was time to find another place to live.
5. It is really amazing that Abram and his 318 trained men were able to overcome the opposition when five kings could not do it. I am sure that this was due in part to the timing of the attack, because it was at night and the four kings were not expecting any attack at the time. However, I believe that the reason that the five could not overcome the four is because of the evil within their kingdoms, whereas Abram was living a righteous life before God.
6. In Genesis 15:16, it says that the sin of the Amorites had not yet reached its full measure, and that is why God did not give the land into Abram's control. (Read between the lines - There were likely still some followers of God in this nation at the time. Later God commands the Israelites to destroy them due to their sinfulness.)
7. It's your fault! In chapter 16, Sarai decides that she will not be able to have children, so she tells Abram to sleep with her maidservant to produce a child. Then when the maidservant gets pregnant and starts to despise her mistress, Sarai blames the consequences on Abram. "You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering..." I wonder how Abram felt. I can just hear the fight now. - "What??!! You were the one that told me to do this, and now its MY fault??!!! Whose idea was it anyways??!!" Abram was very wise in his response.
Reminds me of another time - "Adam, try this juicy, delicious fruit I picked for you. I think it tastes really good, and you should try a little. Never mind where I got it from."
I am very thankful that my wife is not this way.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Man is evil, period.
From Genesis 8 - 11:
1. Genesis 8:21 states that every inclination of man's heart is evil from childhood. This ought to put to rest any question there exists about whether or not man is born with a sin nature. It is our sin nature that condemns us, not the sins that we have done (though they do not help our cause any).
2. From the time of Noah man was given the green light to eat meat. In fact, there were no distinctions made at this time between clean and unclean for mankind. The only regulations given were with regards to eating meat with the lifeblood still in it.
3. It is interesting that it states in chapter 9 that the "fear and dread of you (mankind) will fall upon all the beasts of the earth..." I wonder - before that - were the animals not afraid, or actually even friendly towards mankind? I am especially interested in this fact because I personally believe that dinosaurs existed before the great flood. This is the only time in which dinosaurs could have existed, because before the Genesis creation, the bible describes the earth as being formless and void, with water covering the face of "the deep". I personally believe that the flood was a result of the atmosphere's partial collapse (the atmosphere is comprised of large amounts of water, in addition to other things), and that this collapse changed the environment drastically, thus making it inhospitable to such large reptilian animals.
4. It is interesting that God says that the rainbow reminds him of his covenant with all of the earth. Does this mean that God would consider a flood again if it were not for the constant reminder sign? I assume that it is more of a symbol for a promise, but is not absolutely necessary for the promise to remain in force. Otherwise the sign would have more power than the promise itself. I believe that it is kind of like a wedding ring. Every time I see the ring on my wife's hand, I can think back upon the promise I made to her when we were married. But whether she wears it or not - or more importantly, whether I see it or not - my promise still is in force, because I have it in my heart. However, she can look at the ring and it will remind her of what is in my heart.
5. "I will demand an accounting from every animal." (Genesis 9:5) Does this mean that animals will have to give account for the other animals that they kill? Or that man will have to give an account for any animal that he kills? I assume that this means that man will need to give an account for any animal he kills. That would mean that God is not pleased when man kills an animal for pleasure or for sport, rather than for food or to further health and well-being of man.
1. Genesis 8:21 states that every inclination of man's heart is evil from childhood. This ought to put to rest any question there exists about whether or not man is born with a sin nature. It is our sin nature that condemns us, not the sins that we have done (though they do not help our cause any).
2. From the time of Noah man was given the green light to eat meat. In fact, there were no distinctions made at this time between clean and unclean for mankind. The only regulations given were with regards to eating meat with the lifeblood still in it.
3. It is interesting that it states in chapter 9 that the "fear and dread of you (mankind) will fall upon all the beasts of the earth..." I wonder - before that - were the animals not afraid, or actually even friendly towards mankind? I am especially interested in this fact because I personally believe that dinosaurs existed before the great flood. This is the only time in which dinosaurs could have existed, because before the Genesis creation, the bible describes the earth as being formless and void, with water covering the face of "the deep". I personally believe that the flood was a result of the atmosphere's partial collapse (the atmosphere is comprised of large amounts of water, in addition to other things), and that this collapse changed the environment drastically, thus making it inhospitable to such large reptilian animals.
4. It is interesting that God says that the rainbow reminds him of his covenant with all of the earth. Does this mean that God would consider a flood again if it were not for the constant reminder sign? I assume that it is more of a symbol for a promise, but is not absolutely necessary for the promise to remain in force. Otherwise the sign would have more power than the promise itself. I believe that it is kind of like a wedding ring. Every time I see the ring on my wife's hand, I can think back upon the promise I made to her when we were married. But whether she wears it or not - or more importantly, whether I see it or not - my promise still is in force, because I have it in my heart. However, she can look at the ring and it will remind her of what is in my heart.
5. "I will demand an accounting from every animal." (Genesis 9:5) Does this mean that animals will have to give account for the other animals that they kill? Or that man will have to give an account for any animal that he kills? I assume that this means that man will need to give an account for any animal he kills. That would mean that God is not pleased when man kills an animal for pleasure or for sport, rather than for food or to further health and well-being of man.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
So what has changed?
Today I was faithful in carrying out the second day of reading and entering the bible. I now have eight chapters of Genesis that I can search, as well as one chapter of Matthew from yesterday too.
My thoughts today are as follows - all from Genesis chapters 5 - 8.
1. With regard to the genealogy recorded in Chapter 5 - Wouldn't it be nice to live for 777 years? (I picked the person who died the earliest as the example.) Just think of all the things that you could accomplish in 700 plus years on earth.
2. There is always questions about what the Nephilim are (from chapter 6) and I have heard some say that they are descendants of men and angels mixed, or something to that effect. I wonder how that would work, especially since (as I understand it) angels are not sexed. It must be referring to something else. But what is interesting is that it states that these Nephilim were on the earth "in those days - and also afterward - ..." After what? The flood?? How could they have survived? I don't have the answer to this, just the question.
3. It is interesting how God characterizes the people of earth at this time. It says that every inclination of the thoughts of the heart of man was only evil all the time. It mentions this in verse 5, and again says something to this effect in verses 11 and 12. It states "...for the earth is filled with violence because of them..." Ever watched the evening news? Did the flood help? Has anything really changed from that time until now? We put Jesus to death, and we murdered all the prophets, and we continue to be a people full of violence, corruption, and evil. So I ask, "What has changed?"
4. It is something - how the bible describes God's feeling toward mankind - "...and his heart was filled with pain..." I do not want to be one of those who causes God's heart to be filled with pain. Rather, I want to be like Noah, who is described as righteous and blameless. This is shown even more clearly by the last verse of chapter 6, where it says "Noah did everything just as God commanded him." That is what I want to have said about me.
About the day today:
Ever notice how hard the day after a long weekend is harder than the usual Monday? Although the week between Christmas and New Year's does not count, since it is practically a holiday week, I still noticed that it is harder to get motivated since so many people are out of the office and on vacation. And if it were a regular business day after a long weekend, it would be impossibly stressful and busy.
My thoughts today are as follows - all from Genesis chapters 5 - 8.
1. With regard to the genealogy recorded in Chapter 5 - Wouldn't it be nice to live for 777 years? (I picked the person who died the earliest as the example.) Just think of all the things that you could accomplish in 700 plus years on earth.
2. There is always questions about what the Nephilim are (from chapter 6) and I have heard some say that they are descendants of men and angels mixed, or something to that effect. I wonder how that would work, especially since (as I understand it) angels are not sexed. It must be referring to something else. But what is interesting is that it states that these Nephilim were on the earth "in those days - and also afterward - ..." After what? The flood?? How could they have survived? I don't have the answer to this, just the question.
3. It is interesting how God characterizes the people of earth at this time. It says that every inclination of the thoughts of the heart of man was only evil all the time. It mentions this in verse 5, and again says something to this effect in verses 11 and 12. It states "...for the earth is filled with violence because of them..." Ever watched the evening news? Did the flood help? Has anything really changed from that time until now? We put Jesus to death, and we murdered all the prophets, and we continue to be a people full of violence, corruption, and evil. So I ask, "What has changed?"
4. It is something - how the bible describes God's feeling toward mankind - "...and his heart was filled with pain..." I do not want to be one of those who causes God's heart to be filled with pain. Rather, I want to be like Noah, who is described as righteous and blameless. This is shown even more clearly by the last verse of chapter 6, where it says "Noah did everything just as God commanded him." That is what I want to have said about me.
About the day today:
Ever notice how hard the day after a long weekend is harder than the usual Monday? Although the week between Christmas and New Year's does not count, since it is practically a holiday week, I still noticed that it is harder to get motivated since so many people are out of the office and on vacation. And if it were a regular business day after a long weekend, it would be impossibly stressful and busy.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Why bother?
I have decided that I want to try and read through the entire bible this coming year. I also want to see if I can put the entire bible into electronic format by entering it in VIM. If you don't know what VIM is, you need to google it. Hint: It is used by many who use Linux.
These are some observations and thoughts from reading the first four books of Genesis.
1. I noticed that after Cain kills Abel, he says essentially the same thing that just about every murderer says: "I didn't do it." Although he did not say these exact words, this is what he meant when he said "Am I my brother's keeper?" He knew what God was asking, and if he was smart, he probably also knew that God knew what happened. He did not deny the fact after God stated that he did it either. He only complained about his sentence. "My punishment is more than I can bear." I wonder if Abel felt that way about his punishment?
2. It is interesting that God protects Cain from being killed by others. When Cain says that anyone who meets him will want to kill him, God says that anyone who tries will be punished seven times over for this. Why does God protect Cain? It almost seems that God is not in favor of the death sentence, even though later he gives laws to the Israelite nation telling them that anyone who murders should be stoned to death.
3. The second half of Genesis four goes into great depth about what Cain's descendants did. It talks about some who became players of harps and flutes, as well as some who made all sorts of tools of iron and bronze. I suppose this is mentioned to show the contributions that his descendants made to the betterment of mankind - quality of life types of things.
4. Genesis four also talks about a descendant of Cain whose name was Lamech. Apparently he killed someone too, and he boasted to his wives about it. It seems to indicate that this type of behavior is somewhat of a passed on type behavior. Not only did Lamech kill someone, but he brags about his "invincibility" because of how God protected Cain, his ancestor.
5. Why did the writer of Genesis take all this extra time to tell of these people if their descendants are just going to die in a great flood. It is odd. I believe the purpose might be to show the validity and accuracy of this part of the bible. Typically, if there is an unimportant character in a story, you will not spend a whole lot of time to develop this character or give any detail about them, because they are not central to the story, nor are they used in any important way.
Today is Christmas day, and the kids have really enjoyed their stocking presents. Later we plan on going to visit an older gentleman who has no children and his wife is in the hospital. We will sing some Christmas carols to him and his wife. I hope they enjoy it. My heart goes out to people like this who have no family to speak of and are all alone. I think that God wants us to care for people like this.
These are some observations and thoughts from reading the first four books of Genesis.
1. I noticed that after Cain kills Abel, he says essentially the same thing that just about every murderer says: "I didn't do it." Although he did not say these exact words, this is what he meant when he said "Am I my brother's keeper?" He knew what God was asking, and if he was smart, he probably also knew that God knew what happened. He did not deny the fact after God stated that he did it either. He only complained about his sentence. "My punishment is more than I can bear." I wonder if Abel felt that way about his punishment?
2. It is interesting that God protects Cain from being killed by others. When Cain says that anyone who meets him will want to kill him, God says that anyone who tries will be punished seven times over for this. Why does God protect Cain? It almost seems that God is not in favor of the death sentence, even though later he gives laws to the Israelite nation telling them that anyone who murders should be stoned to death.
3. The second half of Genesis four goes into great depth about what Cain's descendants did. It talks about some who became players of harps and flutes, as well as some who made all sorts of tools of iron and bronze. I suppose this is mentioned to show the contributions that his descendants made to the betterment of mankind - quality of life types of things.
4. Genesis four also talks about a descendant of Cain whose name was Lamech. Apparently he killed someone too, and he boasted to his wives about it. It seems to indicate that this type of behavior is somewhat of a passed on type behavior. Not only did Lamech kill someone, but he brags about his "invincibility" because of how God protected Cain, his ancestor.
5. Why did the writer of Genesis take all this extra time to tell of these people if their descendants are just going to die in a great flood. It is odd. I believe the purpose might be to show the validity and accuracy of this part of the bible. Typically, if there is an unimportant character in a story, you will not spend a whole lot of time to develop this character or give any detail about them, because they are not central to the story, nor are they used in any important way.
Today is Christmas day, and the kids have really enjoyed their stocking presents. Later we plan on going to visit an older gentleman who has no children and his wife is in the hospital. We will sing some Christmas carols to him and his wife. I hope they enjoy it. My heart goes out to people like this who have no family to speak of and are all alone. I think that God wants us to care for people like this.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Game Day
Today would typically be game day in Columbus, where the guys enjoy a nice respite from the daily grind of constant work by taking time out to play some games during the shortened day. But I am facing a dilemma this year. It involves a very personal confession:
I love my job.
I know that sounds odd, even to me, because sometimes I hate the stress involved in what I do. However, I really do enjoy the job. Why? I guess because I like to be able to fix things, and I like to be someone who can solve a technical problem when it arises. I also like to be liked. And if I solve problems that people have, they like me.
Isn't that weird?
On another front, I purchased my Christmas present yesterday on-line. I decided that I wanted the plans to a DIY pedal-powered TV. Yep! Now the kids will not be able to sit idly by and watch TV - they will need to work for it! I can't wait to put it together. :-)
I love my job.
I know that sounds odd, even to me, because sometimes I hate the stress involved in what I do. However, I really do enjoy the job. Why? I guess because I like to be able to fix things, and I like to be someone who can solve a technical problem when it arises. I also like to be liked. And if I solve problems that people have, they like me.
Isn't that weird?
On another front, I purchased my Christmas present yesterday on-line. I decided that I wanted the plans to a DIY pedal-powered TV. Yep! Now the kids will not be able to sit idly by and watch TV - they will need to work for it! I can't wait to put it together. :-)
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Renewed Commitment
Today is probably going to be more of the same. I am extremely busy with work, but I guess I enjoy the excitement. However, the nagging question that I have in the back of my mind is this: What am I trying to accomplish in life?
I suppose everyone asks this question at some point in life, but I always am pondering this. I have a great job and I enjoy what I do. I am also doing well, at least from the feedback I am receiving. I am probably more successful than many are. However, is this really what life is about? Am I leaving the best kind of legacy for my children and their children? Am I setting the course of the family in the right direction? I want to be one who sets the family in the proper direction, not with respect to prosperity - though that is good - but with respect to spiritual things. I guess I want to know that my efforts turned our family into a beacon for Christ in the jungle of the self-seeking world. I also want to see that this type of influence does not just affect me and the immediate present, but that it affects the generations after me.
Another thought:
I am really blessed. I have a great marriage, a great job, many possessions, and lots of great friends. But not all are so blessed.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6951629397402742053&q=%22north+korea%22&hl=en
I would like to help at least one child like this that is so unfortunate. I think it would not only be good for the child, but also for our children to understand what other people in other places have to face.
I suppose everyone asks this question at some point in life, but I always am pondering this. I have a great job and I enjoy what I do. I am also doing well, at least from the feedback I am receiving. I am probably more successful than many are. However, is this really what life is about? Am I leaving the best kind of legacy for my children and their children? Am I setting the course of the family in the right direction? I want to be one who sets the family in the proper direction, not with respect to prosperity - though that is good - but with respect to spiritual things. I guess I want to know that my efforts turned our family into a beacon for Christ in the jungle of the self-seeking world. I also want to see that this type of influence does not just affect me and the immediate present, but that it affects the generations after me.
Another thought:
I am really blessed. I have a great marriage, a great job, many possessions, and lots of great friends. But not all are so blessed.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6951629397402742053&q=%22north+korea%22&hl=en
I would like to help at least one child like this that is so unfortunate. I think it would not only be good for the child, but also for our children to understand what other people in other places have to face.
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