Genesis 8: 20-22
20Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. 21And when the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, the LORD said in his heart, "I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done. 22 While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease." - ESV
A clear look into the thoughts of God...thanks God for showing me that you hear me when I ask.."And what exactly were you thinking, at this moment???" And then He takes it one step further to share His thoughts with Noah, and gives us something tangible to remind us of His promise, the rainbow.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Questions & Some Answers...
As I read through Genesis 2-5, I seemed to have more questions than anything else and some observations as well.
My mistake, it isn't until this chapter that the 7th day is mentioned, rest, sweet rest! God blessed the 7th day and made it holy, because he rested from ALL that He had done. I am tired after 20 minutes of playing dress up, sampling food from Katie's play kitchen, or explaining a board game to Katie, so I can't even imagine creating for 6 days straight. I just love that God blessed that day of rest...because he also saw that this was good!
As I continued reading through Chapter 2, a description of Adam's creation unfolds, but what is most striking to me is the creation of the Garden of Eden and surrounding territories. My challenge to some of my artistic friends would be to draw the Garden of Eden and it's surrounding territories with their respective rivers(4 of them), since drawing/art is not one of my talents/gifts I will not be attempting to draw this. However I would be intrigued by how my friend perceive this passage of scripture and their interpretations of the landscape.
Finally, I loved the phrase "hold fast" in verse 24, which means "stick to firmly." I think as our small group ladies dive into Captivating it brings to light the uniqueness and core of our being, and that is to be united with our husbands as one flesh, stuck to firmly forever. I can finally tell Kris, muhahaha see you're stuck to me now...it's biblical! (I just couldn't help myself!)
Chapter 3, oh the fall, the fall, oh my! I imagine each and every person has their own idea of what really transpired that day, or wondered what was truly going through the minds of all parties involved (Adam, Eve, the serpent, God). So I'll always wonder, was Adam truly standing beside her the whole time, listening to the conversation between the serpent and Eve...or was he just nearby...or maybe the serpent and Eve exchanged words quietly? In this case, it was at this moment that we chose to have a choice, to know good and evil. When we choose there are ALWAYS consequences (good and bad). Ultimately, God expels both Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, not necessarily because they don't deserve to be in such a lush, beautiful place, but more so (based on my reading)to keep them away from the Tree of Life. As much as I'd like to blame Adam and Eve for everything, I'd have to say that if put in the same situation I don't know that things would be any different nor would the outcome be any better!
Chapter 4 - Cain & Abel, siblings will be siblings I suppose, but this was sibling RIVALRY at it's core. Really the only burning question I had reading this was: What was really wrong with Cain's offering? Cain was created to work the ground, as such it was only fitting that he would bring fruit before God. Abel was created to tend to the livestock, so the gifts/offerings that they brought before Him were according to their trade and purpose. I began looking at commentary regarding the offerings they brought, and my human nature tells me that I would react much the same as Cain to God's rejection of my offering. I don't think that Cain worked any less in gathering his offering for God, but rather it was the way and what was offered to God. Most commentaries will note that Abel brought the firstfruits of his labor, "the best" of what he had and offered that to God. It is then suggested that Cain made his offering but it was not "the best." Even in the very beginning, I think God was after man's heart now that one could choose good over evil. We all know how this turned out.
And the dreaded genealogy begins...dun, dun, DUN!!!!!! I was and am worried about what is to come with all the begetting of sons and daughters, but I look at it with the mindset that there must be a reason. The word that brings genealogy into perspective for me is lineage...we long to know the "royal priesthood" which we belong to.
Okay, now get ready for some questions...I have discussed one or two with my hubby, but the rest...it's just too much! Cain having settled in Nod and taken a wife, they had a son, Enoch...and almost 4 generations later Lamech was born. Now what is the deal with Lamech, he took 2 wives, Adah & Zillah? Why is Lamech different here that he would have 2 wives? Lamech also confesses to his wives that he has killed a young man and that his revenge is seventy-sevenfold...that's some major revenge. I have to wonder, what were the circumstances between Lamech and this young man? What drove Lamech to this confession? What ever happened to Lamech? his wives?
The conclusion of Chapter 4 is highlighted by the birth of Seth to Adam & Eve, to replace their deceased son Abel, and then ends with the people beginning to turn to the Lord. What was their motivation for turning to the Lord at this time? Is it Lamech's startling confession that people begin to realize their own sinful nature?
Chapter 5, just one question before I finish this LONG post...What if any is the significance of the names mentioned in this chapter? There were obviously other sons and daughters born, so why is this one name mentioned above the others? Okay...I've had some discussion about this and will share those thoughts with you at a later time. Thanks for reading and being a blessing to me!
My mistake, it isn't until this chapter that the 7th day is mentioned, rest, sweet rest! God blessed the 7th day and made it holy, because he rested from ALL that He had done. I am tired after 20 minutes of playing dress up, sampling food from Katie's play kitchen, or explaining a board game to Katie, so I can't even imagine creating for 6 days straight. I just love that God blessed that day of rest...because he also saw that this was good!
As I continued reading through Chapter 2, a description of Adam's creation unfolds, but what is most striking to me is the creation of the Garden of Eden and surrounding territories. My challenge to some of my artistic friends would be to draw the Garden of Eden and it's surrounding territories with their respective rivers(4 of them), since drawing/art is not one of my talents/gifts I will not be attempting to draw this. However I would be intrigued by how my friend perceive this passage of scripture and their interpretations of the landscape.
Finally, I loved the phrase "hold fast" in verse 24, which means "stick to firmly." I think as our small group ladies dive into Captivating it brings to light the uniqueness and core of our being, and that is to be united with our husbands as one flesh, stuck to firmly forever. I can finally tell Kris, muhahaha see you're stuck to me now...it's biblical! (I just couldn't help myself!)
Chapter 3, oh the fall, the fall, oh my! I imagine each and every person has their own idea of what really transpired that day, or wondered what was truly going through the minds of all parties involved (Adam, Eve, the serpent, God). So I'll always wonder, was Adam truly standing beside her the whole time, listening to the conversation between the serpent and Eve...or was he just nearby...or maybe the serpent and Eve exchanged words quietly? In this case, it was at this moment that we chose to have a choice, to know good and evil. When we choose there are ALWAYS consequences (good and bad). Ultimately, God expels both Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, not necessarily because they don't deserve to be in such a lush, beautiful place, but more so (based on my reading)to keep them away from the Tree of Life. As much as I'd like to blame Adam and Eve for everything, I'd have to say that if put in the same situation I don't know that things would be any different nor would the outcome be any better!
Chapter 4 - Cain & Abel, siblings will be siblings I suppose, but this was sibling RIVALRY at it's core. Really the only burning question I had reading this was: What was really wrong with Cain's offering? Cain was created to work the ground, as such it was only fitting that he would bring fruit before God. Abel was created to tend to the livestock, so the gifts/offerings that they brought before Him were according to their trade and purpose. I began looking at commentary regarding the offerings they brought, and my human nature tells me that I would react much the same as Cain to God's rejection of my offering. I don't think that Cain worked any less in gathering his offering for God, but rather it was the way and what was offered to God. Most commentaries will note that Abel brought the firstfruits of his labor, "the best" of what he had and offered that to God. It is then suggested that Cain made his offering but it was not "the best." Even in the very beginning, I think God was after man's heart now that one could choose good over evil. We all know how this turned out.
And the dreaded genealogy begins...dun, dun, DUN!!!!!! I was and am worried about what is to come with all the begetting of sons and daughters, but I look at it with the mindset that there must be a reason. The word that brings genealogy into perspective for me is lineage...we long to know the "royal priesthood" which we belong to.
Okay, now get ready for some questions...I have discussed one or two with my hubby, but the rest...it's just too much! Cain having settled in Nod and taken a wife, they had a son, Enoch...and almost 4 generations later Lamech was born. Now what is the deal with Lamech, he took 2 wives, Adah & Zillah? Why is Lamech different here that he would have 2 wives? Lamech also confesses to his wives that he has killed a young man and that his revenge is seventy-sevenfold...that's some major revenge. I have to wonder, what were the circumstances between Lamech and this young man? What drove Lamech to this confession? What ever happened to Lamech? his wives?
The conclusion of Chapter 4 is highlighted by the birth of Seth to Adam & Eve, to replace their deceased son Abel, and then ends with the people beginning to turn to the Lord. What was their motivation for turning to the Lord at this time? Is it Lamech's startling confession that people begin to realize their own sinful nature?
Chapter 5, just one question before I finish this LONG post...What if any is the significance of the names mentioned in this chapter? There were obviously other sons and daughters born, so why is this one name mentioned above the others? Okay...I've had some discussion about this and will share those thoughts with you at a later time. Thanks for reading and being a blessing to me!
I'm officially signing off my Farmville for a while...sigh...
I finally harvested the last crop, b/c it would really bother me if I came back to withered farm! LOL, sad huh?! I'll probably play Bejeweled a little more today before I sign off of that. Hoping that I will get a lot more done around the house now, and spend some quality time with the kiddos.
Of course, it's great that I'll be making time now to really dive into God's Word and see what He has for me. That is truly exciting...I've already started into Genesis, been through Chapters 1-3. I started on Chapter 4 this morning, and even though I've read through Genesis several times before, there's still things that catch my attention. I'll recount some of my questions and thoughts in a little bit.
Thanks for the overwhelming support, I know I'll need it as time progresses, I must admit...I'm usually a good starter, but usually have trouble finishing out, and/or finishing well. I want to finish well, perhaps even stronger than when I began. I know that God can do great things when I put my trust and hope in Him.
Of course, it's great that I'll be making time now to really dive into God's Word and see what He has for me. That is truly exciting...I've already started into Genesis, been through Chapters 1-3. I started on Chapter 4 this morning, and even though I've read through Genesis several times before, there's still things that catch my attention. I'll recount some of my questions and thoughts in a little bit.
Thanks for the overwhelming support, I know I'll need it as time progresses, I must admit...I'm usually a good starter, but usually have trouble finishing out, and/or finishing well. I want to finish well, perhaps even stronger than when I began. I know that God can do great things when I put my trust and hope in Him.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Let's start from the very beginning...a very good place to start....
Yep, you guessed it...beginning with Genesis. I figured I could get a jump on things as far as reading goes and even my reflections or commentary. I will however have one last go around with my beloved FB Games tomorrow, and then it's out until at least after Easter!
Creation in and of itself is an amazing thing, and it's crazy to think of the variety of things that God made over the course of 7 days (yes, I count resting as an amazing concept/thing). Of course, each day ends with God being wholly satisfied with His creation, "God saw that it was good." As I look at each day I realize that these are all the things that I so love and enjoy, what we would see as little things, like the sky, sun, the ocean, the animals, the fruit/veggies. I'd have to say that my favorite would have to be the stars that shine in the night, they are their own separate light meant to compliment the moon, yet still not outshine the sun. I pray that these "simple" things would bring me peace, hope, encouragement when I'm not feeling ummm...optimistic...well just not feeling it. On a side note, I realize that feelings do not mean He's not there, just that I have to work harder and remembering He's already saved me and loves me as I am. Confession and repentance is play a part in my refining and readiness for His Kingdom.
The other thing I noticed as I was reading through Genesis 1 was the use of the word "expanse." It puts into the perspective for me the vastness and deepness of God's creation, this is NO small potato....not in the least. The word expanse is used in all the early days of creation as God is creating sky, land, and seas. Later he would create plants, trees, animals, birds, & sea creatures which He commands to "increase" in order to fill these expanses. I cannot even fathom the foresight God had in the varieties of everything to fill them all, because of course there wasn't just one kind of plant/tree/livestock/bird/sea creature, there were several and they were all separated according to their kind. Creation is AMAZING...you can say that again!
Recap of the Creation Week:
Day 1 - Day & Night
Day 2 - Separation of Waters, Water & Sky (per the ESV, the more literal translation is Heaven)
Day 3 - Land & Sea, Land will produce vegetation: Plants & Trees (both seed bearing)
Day 4 - Lights in the Sky to separate Day & Night, Stars *my favorite*, the lights will mark the seasons, days, & years
Day 5 - Creatures of the water & birds, rec'd the blessing to increase to fill the waters, and the sky
Day 6 - Livestock of the land (creatures that move along the ground & wild animals) & man created in the image of God. God also gives man the authority to rule over all the animals of land, sea, & air. God also makes sure that man is provided for physically, with fruits, vegetables, & meat from the land/sea creatures.
Day 7 - Rest
Creation in and of itself is an amazing thing, and it's crazy to think of the variety of things that God made over the course of 7 days (yes, I count resting as an amazing concept/thing). Of course, each day ends with God being wholly satisfied with His creation, "God saw that it was good." As I look at each day I realize that these are all the things that I so love and enjoy, what we would see as little things, like the sky, sun, the ocean, the animals, the fruit/veggies. I'd have to say that my favorite would have to be the stars that shine in the night, they are their own separate light meant to compliment the moon, yet still not outshine the sun. I pray that these "simple" things would bring me peace, hope, encouragement when I'm not feeling ummm...optimistic...well just not feeling it. On a side note, I realize that feelings do not mean He's not there, just that I have to work harder and remembering He's already saved me and loves me as I am. Confession and repentance is play a part in my refining and readiness for His Kingdom.
The other thing I noticed as I was reading through Genesis 1 was the use of the word "expanse." It puts into the perspective for me the vastness and deepness of God's creation, this is NO small potato....not in the least. The word expanse is used in all the early days of creation as God is creating sky, land, and seas. Later he would create plants, trees, animals, birds, & sea creatures which He commands to "increase" in order to fill these expanses. I cannot even fathom the foresight God had in the varieties of everything to fill them all, because of course there wasn't just one kind of plant/tree/livestock/bird/sea creature, there were several and they were all separated according to their kind. Creation is AMAZING...you can say that again!
Recap of the Creation Week:
Day 1 - Day & Night
Day 2 - Separation of Waters, Water & Sky (per the ESV, the more literal translation is Heaven)
Day 3 - Land & Sea, Land will produce vegetation: Plants & Trees (both seed bearing)
Day 4 - Lights in the Sky to separate Day & Night, Stars *my favorite*, the lights will mark the seasons, days, & years
Day 5 - Creatures of the water & birds, rec'd the blessing to increase to fill the waters, and the sky
Day 6 - Livestock of the land (creatures that move along the ground & wild animals) & man created in the image of God. God also gives man the authority to rule over all the animals of land, sea, & air. God also makes sure that man is provided for physically, with fruits, vegetables, & meat from the land/sea creatures.
Day 7 - Rest
A new beginning...Lent 2010
Anyone who knows me, knows that I've been struggling for a long time to grow in my faith. I know that I'm a relatively "good" person, but that is simply not enough, not considering how deep God's love is for me and the wonderful, I mean WONDERFUL things He has longed to show me for some time.
In the 10+ years of committing my life to Christ, not once have I participated in Lent, but that stops now...I had put it in the back of my mind for the past couple weeks even though I had been reminded often of it throughout Sunday services the whole time. Go figure at a fun night for Bible Study it hit me like a tons of bricks. As a disclaimer I in no way was guilted into this new found dedication to His Word.
During this time, I have decided to give up FB Games mostly Farmville, Farm Town, & Bejeweled for the next 40 days in preparation for Easter. Perhaps the biggest part of this though is my desire to know more of God's heart and Word. So during this time, instead of gaming on FB and cluttering everyone 's Newsfeeds with my latest farming adventure, I hope to be blogging here instead. I will be reading 4 books of the Bible during this time, and providing my reflections on what I've read/discovered/learned. I've only set that I need to provide something for each book I read, but I hope it'll be much more than just a paragraph per book. I pray that God will open up my eyes and show me more of His heart, desire and path for my life.
With the help of my pastor, I'll be reading through Genesis, Hosea, John, & Philippians. Lent of course culminates with Easter. Also, this happens to be one of my favorite times of year, when people seem to focus more on Christ and think about the sacrifice that made for them. I find a lot more questions and exploration of faith takes place during this time, which is SO exciting to see people searching and finding hope in their one and only savior, Jesus! I'm hopeful, excited, a little intimidated, & prayful about the days ahead. Blessings to you all...let the journey begin!
In the 10+ years of committing my life to Christ, not once have I participated in Lent, but that stops now...I had put it in the back of my mind for the past couple weeks even though I had been reminded often of it throughout Sunday services the whole time. Go figure at a fun night for Bible Study it hit me like a tons of bricks. As a disclaimer I in no way was guilted into this new found dedication to His Word.
During this time, I have decided to give up FB Games mostly Farmville, Farm Town, & Bejeweled for the next 40 days in preparation for Easter. Perhaps the biggest part of this though is my desire to know more of God's heart and Word. So during this time, instead of gaming on FB and cluttering everyone 's Newsfeeds with my latest farming adventure, I hope to be blogging here instead. I will be reading 4 books of the Bible during this time, and providing my reflections on what I've read/discovered/learned. I've only set that I need to provide something for each book I read, but I hope it'll be much more than just a paragraph per book. I pray that God will open up my eyes and show me more of His heart, desire and path for my life.
With the help of my pastor, I'll be reading through Genesis, Hosea, John, & Philippians. Lent of course culminates with Easter. Also, this happens to be one of my favorite times of year, when people seem to focus more on Christ and think about the sacrifice that made for them. I find a lot more questions and exploration of faith takes place during this time, which is SO exciting to see people searching and finding hope in their one and only savior, Jesus! I'm hopeful, excited, a little intimidated, & prayful about the days ahead. Blessings to you all...let the journey begin!
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