Scripture
Genesis 11
Verses 4-9
4 Let's build a great city with a tower that reaches to the skies-a monument to our greatness! This will bring us together and keep us from scattering all over the world." 5 But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. 6 "Look!" he said. "If they can accomplish this when they have just begun to take advantage of their common language and political unity, just think of what they will do later. Nothing will be impossible for them! 7 Come, let's go down and give them different languages. Then they won't be able to understand each other."
8 In that way, the Lord scattered them all over the earth; and that ended the building of the city. 9 That is why the city was called Babel, [fn2] because it was there that the Lord confused the people by giving them many languages, thus scattering them across the earth.
Observation
Verse 4 - During the time of this story the people had already become focused on themselves rather than God. They were building the tower for themselves, to celebrate their greatness. And in doing so they also decided to stay together rather than scattering all over the world. They were directly disobeying God because as we read in Genesis 9:1, God had commanded Noah and his sons to "Multiply and fill the earth."
Verse 6 - As man unites, nothing is impossible. God scattered them and made different languages. Now the whole world is again speaking in one language through computer technology. Many things once thought impossible only a century ago are now accomplished.
Verse 7 - God says "Come, let's go down", which is evidence of the trinity.
Verse 8-9 - God confused the languages and scattered the people. His plan to fill the earth is accomplished.
Application
We continue to advance in technology, making our world smaller and smaller. But whatever we do in this world, God will ensure that His plans are fulfilled.
Prayer
Lord I am awed by your plans for us and this world. I thank you for your gift of salvation and I pray that you would work through me to reach those who need to hear and understand your plan for salvation. In Jesus name, Amen!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Genesis 10
Scripture
Genesis 10
Verse 1, 25 (NKJV)
1 Now this is the genealogy of the sons of Noah: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. And sons were born to them after the flood.
25 To Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother's name was Joktan.
Observation
We are all descendants of Adam, but we are also all descended from Noah and his three sons because Noah's family were the only people left after the flood. This chapter is a geneology that lists the families of Noah's three sons - Jepheth, Ham and Seth.
I often wondered how all the various races of the world came from common ancestors. This chapter answers that, although you may not see it just by reading it. Only through listening to online sermons did I learn this, keep in mind that there is so much more to this and I am only highlighting some vague points. Jon Courson has a very indepth sermon on this chapter that is truly fascinating!
These three families are the basis of the races of the world and I found that the meanings of the three names were particulary interesting. The descendants of Japheth (which means enlarged one) essentialy became Europe and also includes Iran. The descendants of Ham (which means black) essentially became Africa and includes Egypt, Saudia Arabia and Iraq. The descendants of Shem (which means glory) became the Hebrew nation.
Application
All things of this world are from God, even all the people of all the races of the world. If we look to the Bible we can find the answers to our questions!
Prayer
Lord thank you for your glorious Word that shows us all the answers we need to see. I pray that you continue to guide me down the path of knowledge so that as I learn more about you and your word I also gain wisdom. In Jesus name, Amen.
Genesis 10
Verse 1, 25 (NKJV)
1 Now this is the genealogy of the sons of Noah: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. And sons were born to them after the flood.
25 To Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother's name was Joktan.
Observation
We are all descendants of Adam, but we are also all descended from Noah and his three sons because Noah's family were the only people left after the flood. This chapter is a geneology that lists the families of Noah's three sons - Jepheth, Ham and Seth.
I often wondered how all the various races of the world came from common ancestors. This chapter answers that, although you may not see it just by reading it. Only through listening to online sermons did I learn this, keep in mind that there is so much more to this and I am only highlighting some vague points. Jon Courson has a very indepth sermon on this chapter that is truly fascinating!
These three families are the basis of the races of the world and I found that the meanings of the three names were particulary interesting. The descendants of Japheth (which means enlarged one) essentialy became Europe and also includes Iran. The descendants of Ham (which means black) essentially became Africa and includes Egypt, Saudia Arabia and Iraq. The descendants of Shem (which means glory) became the Hebrew nation.
Application
All things of this world are from God, even all the people of all the races of the world. If we look to the Bible we can find the answers to our questions!
Prayer
Lord thank you for your glorious Word that shows us all the answers we need to see. I pray that you continue to guide me down the path of knowledge so that as I learn more about you and your word I also gain wisdom. In Jesus name, Amen.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Genesis 9
Scripture
Verses 11-13
11 I solemnly promise never to send another flood to kill all living creatures and destroy the earth." 12 And God said, "I am giving you a sign as evidence of my eternal covenant with you and all living creatures. 13 I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my permanent promise to you and to all the earth.
Observation
Earlier in this chapter in verse 6 is the biblical justification for capital punishment. Perhaps at a later date I will write about how the concept of the death penalty is supported by the bible. But not today, no today I had to write about the rainbow. I simply love rainbows and if possible I will look at one until it fades. It is very exciting to see a double rainbow like this one we saw from my parents house a couple years ago!
I thought wording of different translations was interesting. The KJV and NKJ versions both use the word covenant. The NLT uses the word permanent promise. When God makes a promise, it is permanent. He made the promise and He will stand by it - forever. Throughout the bible God makes many promises and covenants, they are all permanent and will stand forever!
Application
A rainbow is a sign, a reminder of God's promise to never again flood the earth. When we see a rainbow we should reflect on what it means for God to make permanent promises to us. How glorious to see a rainbow and know it is from God, to know that He is in control!
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the beautiful rainbow. When we see one, please help us to remember its meaning and your promise. In Jesus name, Amen!
Verses 11-13
11 I solemnly promise never to send another flood to kill all living creatures and destroy the earth." 12 And God said, "I am giving you a sign as evidence of my eternal covenant with you and all living creatures. 13 I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my permanent promise to you and to all the earth.
Observation
Earlier in this chapter in verse 6 is the biblical justification for capital punishment. Perhaps at a later date I will write about how the concept of the death penalty is supported by the bible. But not today, no today I had to write about the rainbow. I simply love rainbows and if possible I will look at one until it fades. It is very exciting to see a double rainbow like this one we saw from my parents house a couple years ago!
I thought wording of different translations was interesting. The KJV and NKJ versions both use the word covenant. The NLT uses the word permanent promise. When God makes a promise, it is permanent. He made the promise and He will stand by it - forever. Throughout the bible God makes many promises and covenants, they are all permanent and will stand forever!
Application
A rainbow is a sign, a reminder of God's promise to never again flood the earth. When we see a rainbow we should reflect on what it means for God to make permanent promises to us. How glorious to see a rainbow and know it is from God, to know that He is in control!
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the beautiful rainbow. When we see one, please help us to remember its meaning and your promise. In Jesus name, Amen!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Struggling with time
My routines look fabulous on paper but never translate well into real life! It seems that there is always something going on that needs to be dealt with or taken care of. Last week and this week I have been tackling cleaning and getting every room organized. I have this vision that if every room is neat and tidy every single day then they will be easy to keep that way. Like I said, it is a vision - I am getting close to it being reality, it is just taking some time.
Then this week Ben & Carlee decided that we should start potty training. Go here to read about it on my other blog. So this week I have been a little busy with potty training and also still trying to get the house cleaned and organized.
On top of all of that I am also planning and organizing to start our home preschool. All I have left to do now is the daily lesson planning and photocopying worksheets.
All of this is really just a bad excuse. Why should all of these things get in the way of my time with God. Why am I not putting Him first? Spending time with God every day should be my first priority. I know that the more time I spend with God, the more at peace I will be, the more blessed I will be, and for my children I will be a better Mother. I know this, my faith is strong enough to know all of this deep in my soul. So why am I so stubborn about this, of course stubborn is also being disobedient!
What do I need to do to make a commitment to God and to myself to spend more time with God in prayer and in the Word? Simple - I need to get up earlier, I need to get up before my kids do! UGGGGGG if you know me you will understand that this sucks! I am definately not a morning person! As a teenager, my mom would send the dog downstairs to wake me up because I was such a bear! I am pretty sure that I have drastically improved since then, but I still do not wake up well. Blah blah blah I just realized how badly I am complaining and at the same time how disobendient I am being to God.
I will get up early tomorrow morning!!! The best way to do it is to pray for help. Dear Lord, I know I have been dispobedient to you. I desperately want to spend time with you and study your Word. Please help me with this. Help me to get enough restful sleep, help me to wake up before my kids so that I have that time to spend with you. Please give me encouragement so that I can do this and start being obedient in this. In Jesus name, Amen!
Then this week Ben & Carlee decided that we should start potty training. Go here to read about it on my other blog. So this week I have been a little busy with potty training and also still trying to get the house cleaned and organized.
On top of all of that I am also planning and organizing to start our home preschool. All I have left to do now is the daily lesson planning and photocopying worksheets.
All of this is really just a bad excuse. Why should all of these things get in the way of my time with God. Why am I not putting Him first? Spending time with God every day should be my first priority. I know that the more time I spend with God, the more at peace I will be, the more blessed I will be, and for my children I will be a better Mother. I know this, my faith is strong enough to know all of this deep in my soul. So why am I so stubborn about this, of course stubborn is also being disobedient!
What do I need to do to make a commitment to God and to myself to spend more time with God in prayer and in the Word? Simple - I need to get up earlier, I need to get up before my kids do! UGGGGGG if you know me you will understand that this sucks! I am definately not a morning person! As a teenager, my mom would send the dog downstairs to wake me up because I was such a bear! I am pretty sure that I have drastically improved since then, but I still do not wake up well. Blah blah blah I just realized how badly I am complaining and at the same time how disobendient I am being to God.
I will get up early tomorrow morning!!! The best way to do it is to pray for help. Dear Lord, I know I have been dispobedient to you. I desperately want to spend time with you and study your Word. Please help me with this. Help me to get enough restful sleep, help me to wake up before my kids so that I have that time to spend with you. Please give me encouragement so that I can do this and start being obedient in this. In Jesus name, Amen!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Genesis 8
Scripture
Genesis 8
Verses 21-22
21 And the Lord was pleased with the sacrifice and said to himself, "I will never again curse the earth, destroying all living things, even though people's thoughts and actions are bent toward evil from childhood. 22 As long as the earth remains, there will be springtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, day and night."
First Observation
After Noah and his family could leave the ark, the very first thing he did was build an alter and made sacrifices to the Lord. God then states that as long as the earth remains, he will never again curse the earth.
As long as the earth remains? At some point it is in God's plan to destroy the earth. Jesus will return and he will destroy the earth for good, putting an end to evil! God's plan of salvation ensures that those who are saved will be with Jesus when he does return.
Second Observation
This verse had so much to say to me today that I had to separate it into 2 observations! Verse 21 has God stating his promise to never again curse the earth. I remember hearing that in the Bible whenever God states a promise that there will always be a sign of this promise. The sign is the change of seasons and even the daily change between days and nights.
I wonder if there has ever been a study done about what people complain about the most? I would bet that it would be the weather!! I just got back from my vacation in Canada where they are having one of the coldest summers anyone can remember. Of course this means everyone seems to be complaining about it - including me!
Today I am reminded that God gave us springtime - this is my favorite season and I always enjoy seeing the leaves come out and all the new flowers blooming. Spring is the time to plant and we will be able to plant a garden next spring, I am very excited about that!
Today I am reminded that God gave us fall, or harvest. The last few days I was in Canada I saw many of the crops turn from green to golden, ripening for the harvest. God is providing a season of harvest, he provides our food - even all the food we get at the store!
Today I am reminded that God gave us cold and heat. Last week I was complaining that it was too cold. The just yesterday I was complaining it was too hot. Well, going from 60 degrees to 90 degrees with humidity is quite a change! However, I am reminded that each day is a blessing no matter what the weather is.
Today I am reminded that God gave us winter and summer. Our families are divided between mine in Canada and hubby's in Arizona - extreme winters and extreme summers. This gives us the perfect opportunity for summer vacations in Canada and winter vacations in Arizona! This also reminds me that there must be a purpose to why there are such extremes, we may not know why - just that it is part of God's creation. We should be grateful for weather and not complain.
Today I am reminded that God gave us day and night. How ofter have you complained about not having enough hours in a day, or not getting enough sleep at night? Perhaps we are trying to do too much of the wrong things in a day. Perhaps we are thinking about the wrong things and all the worrying keeps us awake.
Application
Instead of complaining about the weather, find something to be grateful for. Although I wasn't at that moment, today I am grateful that Sam woke up early and I decided to do this Bible study! When I do bible studies I have started to mark my Bible in various ways. I posted about that in detail in this post. So I mark my Bible with pink whenever I see a promise and these verses are colored pink.
Instead of complaining about how short the day is, spend more time with God. Spending more time with God will make you worry less and sleep better!
I am so grateful of God's plan of salvation and that I will be with Jesus when he does return. If you have not asked Jesus into your life, today is a new day and a perfect opportunity to accept the gift of salvation. After all, the world could literally come to an end tomorrow!
Prayer
Lord thank you for your amazing creation of seasons, weather, and even each day and night! Each of these are reminders to us of your glory. Thank you for your gift of salvation so that I am saved when Jesus returns to destroy the earth and the evil in it. I pray that you show me how to plan my days so that I can have more time to spend with you and for Bible study. I pray that you guide my words and guide those who need to hear them, so that you can work through me to bring salvation to many. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Genesis 8
Verses 21-22
21 And the Lord was pleased with the sacrifice and said to himself, "I will never again curse the earth, destroying all living things, even though people's thoughts and actions are bent toward evil from childhood. 22 As long as the earth remains, there will be springtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, day and night."
First Observation
After Noah and his family could leave the ark, the very first thing he did was build an alter and made sacrifices to the Lord. God then states that as long as the earth remains, he will never again curse the earth.
As long as the earth remains? At some point it is in God's plan to destroy the earth. Jesus will return and he will destroy the earth for good, putting an end to evil! God's plan of salvation ensures that those who are saved will be with Jesus when he does return.
Second Observation
This verse had so much to say to me today that I had to separate it into 2 observations! Verse 21 has God stating his promise to never again curse the earth. I remember hearing that in the Bible whenever God states a promise that there will always be a sign of this promise. The sign is the change of seasons and even the daily change between days and nights.
I wonder if there has ever been a study done about what people complain about the most? I would bet that it would be the weather!! I just got back from my vacation in Canada where they are having one of the coldest summers anyone can remember. Of course this means everyone seems to be complaining about it - including me!
Today I am reminded that God gave us springtime - this is my favorite season and I always enjoy seeing the leaves come out and all the new flowers blooming. Spring is the time to plant and we will be able to plant a garden next spring, I am very excited about that!
Today I am reminded that God gave us fall, or harvest. The last few days I was in Canada I saw many of the crops turn from green to golden, ripening for the harvest. God is providing a season of harvest, he provides our food - even all the food we get at the store!
Today I am reminded that God gave us cold and heat. Last week I was complaining that it was too cold. The just yesterday I was complaining it was too hot. Well, going from 60 degrees to 90 degrees with humidity is quite a change! However, I am reminded that each day is a blessing no matter what the weather is.
Today I am reminded that God gave us winter and summer. Our families are divided between mine in Canada and hubby's in Arizona - extreme winters and extreme summers. This gives us the perfect opportunity for summer vacations in Canada and winter vacations in Arizona! This also reminds me that there must be a purpose to why there are such extremes, we may not know why - just that it is part of God's creation. We should be grateful for weather and not complain.
Today I am reminded that God gave us day and night. How ofter have you complained about not having enough hours in a day, or not getting enough sleep at night? Perhaps we are trying to do too much of the wrong things in a day. Perhaps we are thinking about the wrong things and all the worrying keeps us awake.
Application
Instead of complaining about the weather, find something to be grateful for. Although I wasn't at that moment, today I am grateful that Sam woke up early and I decided to do this Bible study! When I do bible studies I have started to mark my Bible in various ways. I posted about that in detail in this post. So I mark my Bible with pink whenever I see a promise and these verses are colored pink.
Instead of complaining about how short the day is, spend more time with God. Spending more time with God will make you worry less and sleep better!
I am so grateful of God's plan of salvation and that I will be with Jesus when he does return. If you have not asked Jesus into your life, today is a new day and a perfect opportunity to accept the gift of salvation. After all, the world could literally come to an end tomorrow!
Prayer
Lord thank you for your amazing creation of seasons, weather, and even each day and night! Each of these are reminders to us of your glory. Thank you for your gift of salvation so that I am saved when Jesus returns to destroy the earth and the evil in it. I pray that you show me how to plan my days so that I can have more time to spend with you and for Bible study. I pray that you guide my words and guide those who need to hear them, so that you can work through me to bring salvation to many. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Memory Monday
Welcome to Memory Monday on my new Bible Study blog!! Memory Monday is hosted by Joanne at The Simple Wife.
I admit, I have not been very good at memorizing my scriptures. Just when I go back into it I ran away to my Mom's for a 4 week vacation! Well, now that I am home, and even before I have my bags unpacked I decided it is time to get serious and truly hide these verses in my heart!
I was working on memorizing the Roman Road, and as I sit here I can barely recall any of the verses I have previously memorized. Not good - time to get to work. This week I will rememorize(is that even a word?) the first three steps of the Roman Road...
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard.
Romans 5:8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Genesis 7
Scripture
Verse 1, 15-16
1 Then the Lord said to Noah, "Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation.
15 And they went into the ark to Noah, two by two, of all flesh in which is the breath of life. 16 So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the Lord shut him in.
Observation
Normally I use the NLT translation, but today I go to the NKJV. The NLT uses the word "Go" rather than "Come" in the first sentence of verse 1.
When they all entered the ark, the Lord shut them in. He did this to protect them, just as he promised he would! God told Noah this promise in Genesis 6:18a But I solemnly swear to keep you safe in the boat,
.
Application
When god tells Noah to "Come into the ark" He is bringing Noah into His presence. God draws us near to Him and if we are listening, we respond and come into His presence.
Noah and his family received God's protection because he was righteous. We can have the same protection Noah and his family did. Our protection comes because we are made righteous through Jesus!
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your protection. I this crazy world I find comfort knowing that your hand is guiding my life, that you are working through me. I pray that you help me live my life in a way that I hear you, that I can come closer to you and be in your blessed presence. In Jesus name, Amen!
Verse 1, 15-16
1 Then the Lord said to Noah, "Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation.
15 And they went into the ark to Noah, two by two, of all flesh in which is the breath of life. 16 So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the Lord shut him in.
Observation
Normally I use the NLT translation, but today I go to the NKJV. The NLT uses the word "Go" rather than "Come" in the first sentence of verse 1.
When they all entered the ark, the Lord shut them in. He did this to protect them, just as he promised he would! God told Noah this promise in Genesis 6:18a But I solemnly swear to keep you safe in the boat,
.
Application
When god tells Noah to "Come into the ark" He is bringing Noah into His presence. God draws us near to Him and if we are listening, we respond and come into His presence.
Noah and his family received God's protection because he was righteous. We can have the same protection Noah and his family did. Our protection comes because we are made righteous through Jesus!
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your protection. I this crazy world I find comfort knowing that your hand is guiding my life, that you are working through me. I pray that you help me live my life in a way that I hear you, that I can come closer to you and be in your blessed presence. In Jesus name, Amen!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Genesis 6
Scripture
Genesis 6
Verses 5,11-13
5 Now the Lord observed the extent of the people's wickedness, and he saw that all their thoughts were consistently and totally evil.
11 Now the earth had become corrupt in God's sight, and it was filled with violence. 12 God observed all this corruption in the world, and he saw violence and depravity everywhere. 13 So God said to Noah, "I have decided to destroy all living creatures, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. Yes, I will wipe them all from the face of the earth!
Observation
In the days of Noah, the humans of this world, with their free will, had become so corrupt and evil that God was left no choice but to destroy them all. I wonder how bad does it have to get in our time? What will the end days be like, how horrible will our world be before Jesus returns?
Applications
I am grateful to have Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I have the confidence in Him to know that no matter what happens in this world I have eternal life through Him. I can also live my life in a way that is pleasing to God and be grateful that through Jesus my sins are forgiven!
Prayer
Lord, your precious plan of salvation is our bright spot in a world that seems to become more evil every day. I pray that you can help me to find ways to defeat evil and to live my life that is pleasing to you. I also pray for those who have not accepted Jesus, please speak to them and give them the guidance they need to come to you. In Jesus name, Amen!
Genesis 6
Verses 5,11-13
5 Now the Lord observed the extent of the people's wickedness, and he saw that all their thoughts were consistently and totally evil.
11 Now the earth had become corrupt in God's sight, and it was filled with violence. 12 God observed all this corruption in the world, and he saw violence and depravity everywhere. 13 So God said to Noah, "I have decided to destroy all living creatures, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. Yes, I will wipe them all from the face of the earth!
Observation
In the days of Noah, the humans of this world, with their free will, had become so corrupt and evil that God was left no choice but to destroy them all. I wonder how bad does it have to get in our time? What will the end days be like, how horrible will our world be before Jesus returns?
Applications
I am grateful to have Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I have the confidence in Him to know that no matter what happens in this world I have eternal life through Him. I can also live my life in a way that is pleasing to God and be grateful that through Jesus my sins are forgiven!
Prayer
Lord, your precious plan of salvation is our bright spot in a world that seems to become more evil every day. I pray that you can help me to find ways to defeat evil and to live my life that is pleasing to you. I also pray for those who have not accepted Jesus, please speak to them and give them the guidance they need to come to you. In Jesus name, Amen!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Genesis 5
Scripture
Genesis 5
Observation
This is a genealogy chapter. What do we do when we get to a genealogy? Skim over it, skip it all together? That's what I used to do until I heard a sermon on this chapter by Chuck Missler. One of the things he said has always stayed with me - Basically he said that there is a lesson in every book, a discovery to be made behind every phrase, including a genealogy. That put a whole new view to this chapter for me - what lesson can I learn here.
The chapter is a genealogy of the names of the men in the 10 generations from Adam to Noah. We read these names in English, but what about in their original language of Hebrew. Beside each name is the Hebrew meaning of each name.
Adam - man
Seth - appointed
Enosh - mortal
Kenan - sorrow
Mahalalel-the blessed God
Jared - shall come down
Enoch - teaching
Methuselah-his death shall bring
Lamech- despairing
Noah - comfort & rest
And again with a couple words added only to read better:
Man [is] appointed mortal sorrow, [but] the blessed God shall come down teaching [that] his death shall bring [the] despairing comfort & rest.
Fascinating isn't it! God's plan is already laid out within the first 10 generations.
Application
I love to listen to sermons online. These pastors are the Biblical teachers and scholars who have done and have access to information that is so beyond what I can get just by reading the Bible. Can you imagine how much work I would have had to do to come to this conclusion on my own! Likely never would have!
Using online sermons has become an important part of my Bible study. Yes, I read the chapter on my own and see what insights I can come up with on my own. No, not on my own, the Holy Spirit guides me of course. But look what I would have missed if I had not decided to listen to a sermon on this chapter!
Every word in the Bible is laid out by God, it is all important and it all has a purpose. It is necessary for us to dig deep and learn so we can grow. It is okay to let others do the digging and we learn from them - afterall, the Holy Spirit guides us. The Holy Spirit guided me to Chuck Missler's sermon on Genesis 5 and I learned how rich the Word is.
Prayer
Lord, your Word is so beautiful and so rich with all the meanings and design to bring us knowledge of your glorious plan! Thank you for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and for the wonderful pastors we can learn from. And thank you for the internet that brings us so many of these pastors right into our homes! Please bring us to where we need to be, to learn what we need to learn, to grow in the right directions. Please help me to be more diligent in my studies and help me manage my routines so that study of the Word remains a priority. In Jesus name. Amen!
Genesis 5
Observation
This is a genealogy chapter. What do we do when we get to a genealogy? Skim over it, skip it all together? That's what I used to do until I heard a sermon on this chapter by Chuck Missler. One of the things he said has always stayed with me - Basically he said that there is a lesson in every book, a discovery to be made behind every phrase, including a genealogy. That put a whole new view to this chapter for me - what lesson can I learn here.
The chapter is a genealogy of the names of the men in the 10 generations from Adam to Noah. We read these names in English, but what about in their original language of Hebrew. Beside each name is the Hebrew meaning of each name.
Adam - man
Seth - appointed
Enosh - mortal
Kenan - sorrow
Mahalalel-the blessed God
Jared - shall come down
Enoch - teaching
Methuselah-his death shall bring
Lamech- despairing
Noah - comfort & rest
And again with a couple words added only to read better:
Man [is] appointed mortal sorrow, [but] the blessed God shall come down teaching [that] his death shall bring [the] despairing comfort & rest.
Fascinating isn't it! God's plan is already laid out within the first 10 generations.
Application
I love to listen to sermons online. These pastors are the Biblical teachers and scholars who have done and have access to information that is so beyond what I can get just by reading the Bible. Can you imagine how much work I would have had to do to come to this conclusion on my own! Likely never would have!
Using online sermons has become an important part of my Bible study. Yes, I read the chapter on my own and see what insights I can come up with on my own. No, not on my own, the Holy Spirit guides me of course. But look what I would have missed if I had not decided to listen to a sermon on this chapter!
Every word in the Bible is laid out by God, it is all important and it all has a purpose. It is necessary for us to dig deep and learn so we can grow. It is okay to let others do the digging and we learn from them - afterall, the Holy Spirit guides us. The Holy Spirit guided me to Chuck Missler's sermon on Genesis 5 and I learned how rich the Word is.
Prayer
Lord, your Word is so beautiful and so rich with all the meanings and design to bring us knowledge of your glorious plan! Thank you for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and for the wonderful pastors we can learn from. And thank you for the internet that brings us so many of these pastors right into our homes! Please bring us to where we need to be, to learn what we need to learn, to grow in the right directions. Please help me to be more diligent in my studies and help me manage my routines so that study of the Word remains a priority. In Jesus name. Amen!
Genesis 4
Scripture
Genesis 4
Verses 4b-7
The Lord accepted Abel and his offering, 5 but he did not accept Cain and his offering. This made Cain very angry and dejected. 6 "Why are you so angry?" the Lord asked him. "Why do you look so dejected? 7 You will be accepted if you respond in the right way. But if you refuse to respond correctly, then watch out! Sin is waiting to attack and destroy you, and you must subdue it."
Observation
I cannot remember who the pastor was that said this but he said that that the term "dejected" in this passage is better translated that Cain was out of control with fury.
There was nothing wrong with Cain's offering, rather it was his attitude that was wrong. He had issues within himself and this was shown with his fury which caused him to sin.
Application
Although all of our sins are forgiven though Jesus, we still need to continually grow spirtuatlly. If we are reacting to anything with anger or fury we really should be looking deeper into ourselves to determine the issue. With God's help and the power of the Holy Spirit we can overcome anything standing in our way of spiritual growth.
Prayer
Lord, please help me to deal with those moments of anger. Please give me the patience I need and the wisdom to create better situations. In Jesus Name. Amen!
Genesis 4
Verses 4b-7
The Lord accepted Abel and his offering, 5 but he did not accept Cain and his offering. This made Cain very angry and dejected. 6 "Why are you so angry?" the Lord asked him. "Why do you look so dejected? 7 You will be accepted if you respond in the right way. But if you refuse to respond correctly, then watch out! Sin is waiting to attack and destroy you, and you must subdue it."
Observation
I cannot remember who the pastor was that said this but he said that that the term "dejected" in this passage is better translated that Cain was out of control with fury.
There was nothing wrong with Cain's offering, rather it was his attitude that was wrong. He had issues within himself and this was shown with his fury which caused him to sin.
Application
Although all of our sins are forgiven though Jesus, we still need to continually grow spirtuatlly. If we are reacting to anything with anger or fury we really should be looking deeper into ourselves to determine the issue. With God's help and the power of the Holy Spirit we can overcome anything standing in our way of spiritual growth.
Prayer
Lord, please help me to deal with those moments of anger. Please give me the patience I need and the wisdom to create better situations. In Jesus Name. Amen!
Genesis 3
Scripture
Genesis 3
Verse 6 The woman was convinced. The fruit looked so fresh and delicious, and it would make her so wise! So she ate some of the fruit. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her. Then he ate it, too.
Observation
It is the temptation game. The temptation was easy because Eve saw something she wanted. It is so easy to be convinced that some other way is better than God's way. Eve was easily convinced to sin because it seemed good, she easily rationalized that it was okay.
Adam loved Eve so much that he also sinned, he chose to disobey God as well. God loved us so much that He gave us Jesus to free us from the sin.
Application
We are too often faced with temptations that are pleasant or desirable. We need to prepare ourselves for all sorts of temptations so that we may resist and not sin against God. The easiest way to do this is to use God's Word.
Prayer
Lord, we are faced with temptations everyday. We even give into temptations and sin when we don't know we are sinning. Please give us the wisdom to know your will and to understand your Word so that we may live our lives in a way that pleases you. In Jesus Name. Amen!
Genesis 3
Verse 6 The woman was convinced. The fruit looked so fresh and delicious, and it would make her so wise! So she ate some of the fruit. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her. Then he ate it, too.
Observation
It is the temptation game. The temptation was easy because Eve saw something she wanted. It is so easy to be convinced that some other way is better than God's way. Eve was easily convinced to sin because it seemed good, she easily rationalized that it was okay.
Adam loved Eve so much that he also sinned, he chose to disobey God as well. God loved us so much that He gave us Jesus to free us from the sin.
Application
We are too often faced with temptations that are pleasant or desirable. We need to prepare ourselves for all sorts of temptations so that we may resist and not sin against God. The easiest way to do this is to use God's Word.
Prayer
Lord, we are faced with temptations everyday. We even give into temptations and sin when we don't know we are sinning. Please give us the wisdom to know your will and to understand your Word so that we may live our lives in a way that pleases you. In Jesus Name. Amen!
Genesis 2
Scripture
Genesis 2
Verses 16-18
16 But the Lord God gave him this warning: "You may freely eat any fruit in the garden 17 except fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat of its fruit, you will surely die." 18 And the Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a companion who will help him."
Observations
In the first part of these three verses God gives man free will. Adam was told the rules and the consequences and God then left it up to Adam to decide what to do. Without free will there is no benefit to us or to God, we would be prisoners to obedience. We are given free will so that it becomes our choice to obey God. We face consequences when we disobey but when we choose to obey we please God and are rewarded.
The best part of free will is that God recognizes our needs and provides for us. Notice in verse 18 that God saw that it was not good for Adam to be alone, and so He provided Eve. In the same way, when we have needs God will provide what is necessary. The most precious gift he has given us is salvation through Jesus.
Application
Although we would like to always obey God, the reality is that this is impossible. However, through our mistakes and wrong choices we can learn and grow and become more equipped and able to obey God.
Prayer
Dear Lord. Your perfect plan is so awesome and humbling. You gave us free will so that we make the choice of obedience, and through obedience we please you! Please help us all with obedience and to recognize when we are not obeying. Thank you for the rewards for obedience. Thank you also for the heartache that comes with disobedience as it helps us to learn and grow. Give us all wisdom to know when and what we need to change within ourselves. In Jesus name. Amen!
Genesis 2
Verses 16-18
16 But the Lord God gave him this warning: "You may freely eat any fruit in the garden 17 except fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat of its fruit, you will surely die." 18 And the Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a companion who will help him."
Observations
In the first part of these three verses God gives man free will. Adam was told the rules and the consequences and God then left it up to Adam to decide what to do. Without free will there is no benefit to us or to God, we would be prisoners to obedience. We are given free will so that it becomes our choice to obey God. We face consequences when we disobey but when we choose to obey we please God and are rewarded.
The best part of free will is that God recognizes our needs and provides for us. Notice in verse 18 that God saw that it was not good for Adam to be alone, and so He provided Eve. In the same way, when we have needs God will provide what is necessary. The most precious gift he has given us is salvation through Jesus.
Application
Although we would like to always obey God, the reality is that this is impossible. However, through our mistakes and wrong choices we can learn and grow and become more equipped and able to obey God.
Prayer
Dear Lord. Your perfect plan is so awesome and humbling. You gave us free will so that we make the choice of obedience, and through obedience we please you! Please help us all with obedience and to recognize when we are not obeying. Thank you for the rewards for obedience. Thank you also for the heartache that comes with disobedience as it helps us to learn and grow. Give us all wisdom to know when and what we need to change within ourselves. In Jesus name. Amen!
Genesis 1
Scripture
Genesis 1
Verse 26a Then God said, "Let us make people in our image, to be like ourselves.
Verse 31 Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was excellent in every way. This all happened on the sixth day.
Observations
In verse 26 as God is speaking he uses plural words like "us, our, ourselves". These are evidence of the trinity and that Jesus and the Holy Spirit were present and a part of creation.
Verse 31 tells us that God is very pleased with everything He has made. This includes us. We are made for a purpose and we are valuable to God.
Application
The theory of evolution is easily dismissed in the first chapter of the first book of the Bible. God created everything in six days. My faith includes believing what I read in the Bible, there are no errors in God's Word. Perhaps there are some issues with translation, but there are no errors with God's message to us.
Therefore as a Christian I chose to dismiss the entire concept of evolution because God tells me that he created the world and everything in it. I chose to believe God! God made me out of love and He has a purpose for my life. My reaction to that should be tremendous praise to Him!
Prayer
Lord, as I look around your work of creation it is so simple to see you and yet so complex it is difficult to comprehend. I pray that we can all be more aware of how awesome your creation is. I pray for our hearts to be opened to your Word so that our knowledge will increase. I pray that throughout every day we praise you and bring glory to you in everything that we do. In Jesus name Amen!
Genesis 1
Verse 26a Then God said, "Let us make people in our image, to be like ourselves.
Verse 31 Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was excellent in every way. This all happened on the sixth day.
Observations
In verse 26 as God is speaking he uses plural words like "us, our, ourselves". These are evidence of the trinity and that Jesus and the Holy Spirit were present and a part of creation.
Verse 31 tells us that God is very pleased with everything He has made. This includes us. We are made for a purpose and we are valuable to God.
Application
The theory of evolution is easily dismissed in the first chapter of the first book of the Bible. God created everything in six days. My faith includes believing what I read in the Bible, there are no errors in God's Word. Perhaps there are some issues with translation, but there are no errors with God's message to us.
Therefore as a Christian I chose to dismiss the entire concept of evolution because God tells me that he created the world and everything in it. I chose to believe God! God made me out of love and He has a purpose for my life. My reaction to that should be tremendous praise to Him!
Prayer
Lord, as I look around your work of creation it is so simple to see you and yet so complex it is difficult to comprehend. I pray that we can all be more aware of how awesome your creation is. I pray for our hearts to be opened to your Word so that our knowledge will increase. I pray that throughout every day we praise you and bring glory to you in everything that we do. In Jesus name Amen!
Genesis
After I finished the SOAP Bible Studies in 1Corinthians I was trying to decide what book to go to next. I hummed and hawed for a long time and finally decided that was silly. What difference does it make what book I am studying as long as I am doing it. And so, off to the beginning I go!
Scripture My Bible has great introductions at the beginning of each book. These key verses are from the introduction to the book of Genesis.
Key Verse 1:27
So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them.
Key Verses 12:2-3
2 I will cause you to become the father of a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and I will make you a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you."
Observation
Genesis is the first book of the Bible and can be broken into four parts:
Creation
The Fall of Man
The Flood
Population of the earth - through the stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph
Application
Although the majority of the Old Testament is written to the Jewish nation, it is the foundation of Christianity. I once heard a pastor say that the Old Testament points to the New Testament and Jesus and that the New Testament is the fulfillment of the Old Testament through Jesus Christ. He also said that Jesus can be found on every page of the Old Testament. I always thought that was a fascinating statement. Perhaps I will be able to dig deep enough to find Him too!
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your precious Word. I pray for understanding and knowledge. As we read your Word, please open our hearts to hear you and our eyes to see you. In Jesus name Amen!
Scripture My Bible has great introductions at the beginning of each book. These key verses are from the introduction to the book of Genesis.
Key Verse 1:27
So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them.
Key Verses 12:2-3
2 I will cause you to become the father of a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and I will make you a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you."
Observation
Genesis is the first book of the Bible and can be broken into four parts:
Creation
The Fall of Man
The Flood
Population of the earth - through the stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph
Application
Although the majority of the Old Testament is written to the Jewish nation, it is the foundation of Christianity. I once heard a pastor say that the Old Testament points to the New Testament and Jesus and that the New Testament is the fulfillment of the Old Testament through Jesus Christ. He also said that Jesus can be found on every page of the Old Testament. I always thought that was a fascinating statement. Perhaps I will be able to dig deep enough to find Him too!
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your precious Word. I pray for understanding and knowledge. As we read your Word, please open our hearts to hear you and our eyes to see you. In Jesus name Amen!
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