One of the most wonderful things in reading the Word together is seeing how God speaks to each of us individually! Comment on this post to share what you are learning this week.
12 comments:
Faith Nibbs
said...
In reading the account of Noah’s ark, I was struck by the idea that water covered the highest mountains. That means the ark would have floated up above cloud level into freezing cold temperatures and very thin air – it would be like a boat load of animals and people climbing Mt. Everest. We never read of them being cold or without air. It highlights the miracle of God’s providence for his people. Our walk may also take us up into unfamiliar territory at times. It’s comforting to know that God won’t send us anywhere where He isn’t, and will always protect, and provide along the way.
Abraham was a man characterized by his immediate obedience to God. I was amazed today during my reading how many times God told Abraham to do something (usually something big), and Abraham obeyed right away. No wonder Abraham was "a friend of God".
All the details and records is mind boggling for me. How did they keep track of their birthdays? Living for centuries?! And, then when God told Noah the exact measurements, directions etc to build the Ark. I wonder if he had to write it all down or if he just remembered all the figures. Then, in Chapter 10 is the acct of all the descendants. It's pretty amazing to me!
There are so many different thoughts running through my mind and I wish that I knew more! It's so incredible to see what Noah and Abram went up against and to see their faith in action. What legends and examples that they have set for us.
I am so thankful for the thread of redemption that is weaved throughout God's Word. Thank you Lord that Your plans cannot be thwarted! You will accomplish Your plan and purpose despite our failings! Though Abram lied and allowed Sarai to be put in a compromising situation, God redeemed the situation and brought blessing out of it! How I want to walk in obedience but I am so grateful for a patient, loving, long-suffering God when I don't!!!
I thought much like Wendy. How thankful that ALL of scripture points to Christ and His redemptive work on our behalf. That Abram would place Sarai with others to save himself- and how the Lord continually works all things for our good and His glory. Just beautiful to see throughout the entire Word.
I've been amazed by the new things I've seen as I'm reading and in the new ways I see old things as well. It caused me to want to keep a journal through this year to record what God is showing me in His Word and in my life. It will be for me like the stones and altars that were erected as a memorial to the Lord in the OT. My prayer is that one day my daughters will read it and be encouraged by the depths of what God can do in a human heart.
I don't know how I missed it before, but I didn't realize Abraham (Abram at the time) was a great warrior as well! He fought off the kings and won favor in their sight. He was also a savvy leader by not accepting their treasures knowing they could use that as leverage later on if their relationship should change. In his faithfulness, God gave him so many gifts and the ability to get through the toughest of times. What a great reminder!
The whole situation of Abraham and Sarah's strategy to "help" God fulfill His plan continues to serve as a reminder to me, that God can handle stuff His way. I feel so much grace from God, especially seeing how he dispenses it so freely and generously.
Ch 16:2-6 Abram listened to his wife before listening to God. (Human ways led to human hatred and jealousy) Such sin, brings suffering. Ch 17:7 God has comitted to be MY God! Thank you Lord!!
I've read Genesis before, but am finding it so alarming now that I told myself I just wouldn't think about it too much, but keep plowing through! However, I realized I talked both my husband's and mother's ears off about it yesterday anyway. ;-)
One thing I found interesting was how God seemed to be willing to change His mind when people asked for things or tried to bargain with Him. I'm sure it wasn't really changing His mind...He surely always knew what he was going to do, but it does remind me to be persistent in prayer, because He does respond to us!
I'm having trouble figuring out how Abram could have been so favored by God when he did so many questionable things, and Sarai & Lot even more so, but it's nice to know that even though we may stumble, it doesn't stop God from using or blessing us!
For those who don't have the same Bible, or don't have it yet, could you consider posting which chapters you're reading each day, or at least which chapters we should aim to reach by the end of a week? (I've been using this reading plan, so I'm not sure how that lines up with what others are reading.)
I liked the story of Isaac and Rebekah's marriage. With my modern sensibilities, I liked it that they actually asked her whether she wanted to go with Isaac's servant right then or wait a while, and I liked it even more that her answer was to follow immediately. It must have been a shock to her, to suddenly be uprooted from everything she knew to go marry a stranger after an unexpected visit, yet she clearly understood God had chosen her, and she followed without question or complaint. Her response reminded me of Mary's response when she was told she would give birth to Jesus: "May it be to me as you have said." If only we'd all follow as willingly!
Hi Alison, So glad you are joining us. I would encourage you to pick up the Daily Walk Bible (see the post on the blog). I think you would really enjoy it! If not, I think any yearly Bible reading plan will line up really close to what we are reading. Thanks!
12 comments:
In reading the account of Noah’s ark, I was struck by the idea that water covered the highest mountains. That means the ark would have floated up above cloud level into freezing cold temperatures and very thin air – it would be like a boat load of animals and people climbing Mt. Everest. We never read of them being cold or without air. It highlights the miracle of God’s providence for his people. Our walk may also take us up into unfamiliar territory at times. It’s comforting to know that God won’t send us anywhere where He isn’t, and will always protect, and provide along the way.
Abraham was a man characterized by his immediate obedience to God. I was amazed today during my reading how many times God told Abraham to do something (usually something big), and Abraham obeyed right away. No wonder Abraham was "a friend of God".
All the details and records is mind boggling for me. How did they keep track of their birthdays? Living for centuries?! And, then when God told Noah the exact measurements, directions etc to build the Ark. I wonder if he had to write it all down or if he just remembered all the figures. Then, in Chapter 10 is the acct of all the descendants. It's pretty amazing to me!
There are so many different thoughts running through my mind and I wish that I knew more! It's so incredible to see what Noah and Abram went up against and to see their faith in action. What legends and examples that they have set for us.
I am so thankful for the thread of redemption that is weaved throughout God's Word. Thank you Lord that Your plans cannot be thwarted! You will accomplish Your plan and purpose despite our failings! Though Abram lied and allowed Sarai to be put in a compromising situation, God redeemed the situation and brought blessing out of it! How I want to walk in obedience but I am so grateful for a patient, loving, long-suffering God when I don't!!!
I thought much like Wendy. How thankful that ALL of scripture points to Christ and His redemptive work on our behalf. That Abram would place Sarai with others to save himself- and how the Lord continually works all things for our good and His glory. Just beautiful to see throughout the entire Word.
I've been amazed by the new things I've seen as I'm reading and in the new ways I see old things as well. It caused me to want to keep a journal through this year to record what God is showing me in His Word and in my life. It will be for me like the stones and altars that were erected as a memorial to the Lord in the OT. My prayer is that one day my daughters will read it and be encouraged by the depths of what God can do in a human heart.
I don't know how I missed it before, but I didn't realize Abraham (Abram at the time) was a great warrior as well! He fought off the kings and won favor in their sight. He was also a savvy leader by not accepting their treasures knowing they could use that as leverage later on if their relationship should change. In his faithfulness, God gave him so many gifts and the ability to get through the toughest of times. What a great reminder!
The whole situation of Abraham and Sarah's strategy to "help" God fulfill His plan continues to serve as a reminder to me, that God can handle stuff His way. I feel so much grace from God, especially seeing how he dispenses it so freely and generously.
Ch 16:2-6 Abram listened to his wife before listening to God. (Human ways led to human hatred and jealousy) Such sin, brings suffering.
Ch 17:7 God has comitted to be MY God! Thank you Lord!!
I've read Genesis before, but am finding it so alarming now that I told myself I just wouldn't think about it too much, but keep plowing through! However, I realized I talked both my husband's and mother's ears off about it yesterday anyway. ;-)
One thing I found interesting was how God seemed to be willing to change His mind when people asked for things or tried to bargain with Him. I'm sure it wasn't really changing His mind...He surely always knew what he was going to do, but it does remind me to be persistent in prayer, because He does respond to us!
I'm having trouble figuring out how Abram could have been so favored by God when he did so many questionable things, and Sarai & Lot even more so, but it's nice to know that even though we may stumble, it doesn't stop God from using or blessing us!
For those who don't have the same Bible, or don't have it yet, could you consider posting which chapters you're reading each day, or at least which chapters we should aim to reach by the end of a week? (I've been using this reading plan, so I'm not sure how that lines up with what others are reading.)
I liked the story of Isaac and Rebekah's marriage. With my modern sensibilities, I liked it that they actually asked her whether she wanted to go with Isaac's servant right then or wait a while, and I liked it even more that her answer was to follow immediately. It must have been a shock to her, to suddenly be uprooted from everything she knew to go marry a stranger after an unexpected visit, yet she clearly understood God had chosen her, and she followed without question or complaint. Her response reminded me of Mary's response when she was told she would give birth to Jesus: "May it be to me as you have said." If only we'd all follow as willingly!
Hi Alison,
So glad you are joining us. I would encourage you to pick up the Daily Walk Bible (see the post on the blog). I think you would really enjoy it! If not, I think any yearly Bible reading plan will line up really close to what we are reading. Thanks!
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