Psalm 5:1-3

"Listen to my words, O Lord, and hear my sighs.

Listen to my cry for help,

My God and king!

I pray to you, O Lord;

you hear my voice in the morning;

At sunrise I offer my prayer and wait for your answer."

(Psalm 5:1-3, TEV)

Week 2: Day 5: Psalms 104; 150; John 1:1-5

Psalms 104; 150 (praise) and John 1:1-5 (the Word)

It is not a hidden fact that I love music. I feel that God created me for several purposes, but my main purpose here on earth is to worship Him...to bring HIM glory. I think that's why today's reading resonated with me so much...

Psalm 104:33-34 "I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. Let my meditation be pleasing to Him; As for me, I shall be glad in the Lord."

Psalm 150:6 "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord."

The hymn for today is "How Great THou Art"...Singing verse 4 has always made me imagine what singing for the last time on this Earth will be like...

When Christ shall come with shouts of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
And there proclaim MY GOD HOW GREAT THOU ART!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee;
How Great Thou art, how great Thou art..."

How Great you are Lord!!

Week 2: Day 4: Job 38-39; 40:15-41;34

OOOOOHHHHH!!! I found LOTS of good stuff in here today!!!

I'll start by recording the hymn for the day..."This Is My Father's World" And truly after reading these passages, my eyes were opened to verse 3...

"This is my Father's World,
O Let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong
God is the ruler yet.

This is my Father's world,
The Battle is not done,
Jesus who died shall be satisfied
And earth and heav'n be one."

That though the wrong seems oft so strong...GOD IS THE RULER YET!!! AMEN! No matter how hard the temptation how severe the struggle, GOD IS THE RULER YET!!! These several chapters in Job are chapters in which God is asking Job "did I not create this world?" He often questions Job and asks Him if he (Job) was the one who created the animals and how they behave...

There are several controversial passages in these Scriptures that I wanted to explore a bit. The first being Job 40:15, ""Look at the behemoth, which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox." My NIV Study Bible mentioned to remember that this was being described in a highly poetic and hyperbolic way, but I wasn't buying it...Chapter 39 describes MANY animals in a very normal and honest evaluation of the types they are. Job 39:13-18 describes the ostrich as being a rather dumb animal and God saying pretty much, "I made him that way." Love it. Chapter 41 describes Leviathan a sea creature that my NIV Study Bible says is described in a highly poetic and hyperbolic way. I wanted to do more research...This is what I found so far.

Behemoth - Hebrew for "beast par excellence" Wikipedia had this to say:
"In Jewish belief, Behemoth is the primal unconquerable monster of the land, as Leviathan is the primal monster of the waters of the sea and Ziz the primordial moster of the sky." Ziz is not mentioned in Scripture but in Jewish legend it was a massive bird-like creature.

Wikipedia also says, "Suggested animals include the water buffalo, rhinoceros, and the elephant, but the most common suggestion is the hippopotomus...Others disagree, pointing to the fact that the animal's tail "moves like a cedar," an unlikely description for any of these animals...moreover, some suggest that "tail is a euphemism for male genetalia. Support for this is based on another meaning of the Hebrew word "move" which means "extend" and on the second part of verse 17 describing the sinew around it's "stones"...Many Young Earth Creationists propose that the Behemoth is a dinosaur. Some sort of sauropod is usually proposed."

Other ideas of what the Leviathan may have been? Some suggest a crocodile while others suggest it could have been a sea monster or even a marine dinosaur.

What do you think? I love reading stuff like this in Scripture...

Week 2: Day 3: Psalms 19:1-6; 33 (God's glory and greatness)

I LOVE Chapter 33...I think it SHOULD speak to all musicians or anyone really, but even more so to musicians...

My favorite verse is 33:3 - "Play skillfully with a shout of joy" God gives us His best on a daily, hourly, second-ly (heh) basis...Why should we offer any less? We MUST offer God OUR greatness. There are so many people who think that mediocre worship is okay...it's not. We should constantly be striving to be better so that we can SKILLFULLY offer our worship to our Creator.

The hymn recommended for today is "All Creatures of Our God and King"

I chose to record the 4th verse...

"Let all things their Creator bless
And worship Him in HUMBLENESS (Caps are mine ;) )
O Praise Him! Alleluia!

Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, three in One!
O Praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!"

Week 2: Day 2: Genesis 2:4-25; Psalm 8

Day 2 is covering the Second telling of creation (Genesis 2:4-25) as well as the Praise to the Creator in Psalm 8. The recommended hymn is "For the Beauty of the Earth"...

I chose to record the first and last verses of this hymn as well...

"For the beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.

Christ our God to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.



For the wonder of each hour
Of the day and of the night.
Hill and vale and tree and flower
Sun and moon and stars of light.

Christ, our God to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise."

Week 2: Day 1: Genesis 1:1-2:3 (Creation)

This week's readings are showing the WONDER of God. They also recommend listening or singing the recommended hymn of the day and I must say that I really enjoyed that part of it. Of course, being a musician, that is the way I express my wonder of God the best.

In Genesis 1:1-2:3 we read of God's Creation of the Earth.

I love reading the creation story and I think it very fitting that the hymn for the day is "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" I chose to write down the last verse as it tied in the most with the Scripture reading for me...

"Mortals join the mighty chorus
Which the morning stars began
Heaven's love is reigning over us
Brother love binds man to man.

Ever singing, march we onward
Victors in the midst of strife.
Joyful music lifts us sunward
In the triumph song of life."

Week 1: Day 5 and 6

Day 5: Philemon (Letters), Luke 15 (Gospels)

Philemon

- Written around the same time as Colossians

Characters:
- Paul: author of the letter
- Philemon: recipient. Christian living in Colosse or nearby and the owner
of the slave Onesimus.
- Onesimus: Slave stolen from Philemon and then run away. Met Paul and
became a Christian. Now willing to return to his master.

vv. 1-3: INTRODUCTION. Written to the church but very personally to Philemon.
vv. 4-7: Paul is praising Philemon and thanking him for all of his faith and love for the saints.
vv. 8-16: Paul is letting Philemon know Onesimus is on his way home, but Philemon should not punish him but embrace his as the brother in Christ that he now is.
vv. 17-20: I love this. vv. 17-18 sound like something Christ would say on OUR behalf. Paul is being Christ for Onesimus - his redeemer and savior almost. Talk about being Christ like. v.19 just proves how serious Paul is in these verses.
V. 20: The Greek word for "benefit" is another play on the name Onesimus...I thought that was really interesting.
vv. 21, 22: Paul plays on his friendship and brotherhood with Philemon. Paul plans on visiting Philemon when and if he can.


Luke 15

Luke was a doctor who wrote with the carefulness of a historian who takes us consecutively through the days of Christ. In this Gospel we see OT fulfillment that is not shown in any other Gospel record.

*DISCIPLE is a key word throughout the book of John.
- Pharisees and Saducees were angry b/c Jesus was not only talking with the tax collectors and sinners but EATING with them as well. Eating with a person indicated acceptance and recognition. I don't believe Christ was ACCEPTING their sin, but he was definitely recognizing their life and their value to the kingdom of God.
- Parables are earthly stories with heavenly meanings.
- Prodigal Son. WOW! I love this parable and always related myself to the younger son. However, re-reading this made me realize in my selfishness that I am the older brother. I have been a Christian for almost 20 years and have often been jealous of the zeal that new believers have and instead of trying to jump on board with them and grab some of that zeal, I pray, "Oh God, help me be like them." Without ever TRYING to be like them. I never think to praise Him for keeping me in his grip my whole life. The father PLEADED with the older son when he just deserved a good old "quite your whining!" The father loved both of his sons. All that was his now belonged to both of them.

Day 6: The Bible Teaching and Marks of Discipleship

John 20:31 "but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God; and that believing you have life in His name."

Why am I participating in Disciple? I want to delve deeper into Scripture and develop a better routine for my personal study.

Why am I planning to study the Bible with intensity, faithfulness, and serious inquiry? It is my duty as a Christian, but more importantly my right to know what God says. I believe as American Christians we take our freedoms and thus our Bibles for granted. We're getting closer and closer to losing these rights so I want to hide His words in my heart so that I can continue to find solace and support from my Lord.

Week 1: Day 4

Heh...if anything this is going to help me stay very active on my blog :)

Day 4: Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5-6 (Law); Micah 4 (Prophet)

Exodus 20
The Ten Commandments: The NIV Study Bible States: "The Decalogue reflects the structure of the contemporary royal treaties. On the basis of 1) a preamble, in which the great king identified himself ("I am the LORD your God"), and 2) a historical prologue in which he sketched his previous gracious acts toward the subject king or people ("who brought you out..."), the Lord then set forth 3) the treaty (covenant) stipulations to be obeyed (in this case, ten in number vv. 3-17). Use of this ancient royal treaty pattern shows that the Lord is here formally acknowledged as Israel's King and that Israel is His subject people. As his subjects, his covenant people are to render complete submission, allegiance and obedience to him out of gratitude for his mercies, reverence for his sovereignty, and trust in his continuing care."
God deals in absolutes, in black and white. I am thankful that he does so I don't have to guess at how to be saved.

v. 5 "For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God." This commandment has always thrown me for a loop. How can God say he's a jealous God and then a couple verses later say we're not to covet anything belonging to our neighbor? NIV SB says, "God will not put up with rivalry or unfaithfulness. Usually his "jealousy" concerns Israel and assumes the covenant relationship (analogous to marriage) {LOVE THAT!} and the Lord's exclusive right to possess Israel and to claim her love and allegiance. Actually, jealousy is part of the vocabulary of love. The "jealousy" of God (1) demands exclusive devotion to himself, (2) delivers judgment to all who oppose him, and (3) vindicates His people. In some of these passages the meaning is closer to "zeal" (the same Hebrew word may be translated either way, depending on context).

v. 5 "to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me." NIV Study Bible: "In covenant contexts the terms "hate" and "love" were conventionally used to indicate rejection of or loyalty to the covenant Lord." Okay...so we're expected to adhere to these commands if we've enterred into a covenant relationship with God. What about those who don't? Are they not expected to adhere to these laws? v. 5 says they're punished and generations are punished for not doing so. Are we helpd to a higher moral standard due to this covenant? I think so.

Deuteronomy 5-6

This is Moses' reiteration of the Ten Commandments. I'm not sure if Israel needed to be reminded of their covenant or not. I thought vv 26 and 27 were interesting - the Israelites had never heard of a man who has heard the voice of God speaking from fire and lived. Heh...they're TALKING to one. Moses' first experience with hearing God's voice was out of a burning bush. Had Moses not shared his testimony with Israel?

Micah 4

v. 4 "Each of them will sit under his vine and under his fig tree, with no one to make them afraid, for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken." The fear is gone. Once we are all on the mountain, we'll have nothing to fear :)

Week 1: Day 3

Week 1: Day 3: I Kings 19; I Chronicles 22; Acts 9 (History)

I Kings 19

Yesterday we saw God's judgement in Hosea 11. Today we're seeing destruction, but God was not in it. He was the gentle whisper. When the Israelites DESERVED God's judgment, God was instead the gentle whisper. God was giving them (mainly Elijah) a second chance to answer his question of "What are you doing here?" Elijah didn't change his answer though - did he not realize what he had just seen? God instructs him to go back. God is going to give Elijah exactly what he needs--HELP. He's giving him Elisha. God is once again protecting Israel by keeping a remnant who still love Him and have not bowed to Baal nor kissed him.

I Chronicles 22

Once again we see God using details, providing everything Solomon and the Israelites would need to construct the temple. I love that Israel was given a break--a rest. After all the wars and battles under David's rule-God gives David Solomon who becomes a man of rest. He gives Israel a time to rebuild and renew their covenant w/God. It's an ebb and flow that I see in my own life. A roller coaster of highs and lows. I don't necessarily love God LESS on the lows, but He definitely uses these times for renewal and rebuilding to the point I end up loving Him more and more.

Acts 9

How comforting is it to know that Jesus feels persecuted when we are? I love the story of Saul's conversion. I love that God can turn the hearts of those who hate Him. I can't understand why anyone would feel they're not worthy of God's love after hearing about Saul. I also love that during a time of rest (v. 31) and peace the church continued to grow and that the Holy Spirit was so evident in every congregation.

Week 1; Day 2

Day 2: Psalm 84; Hosea 11; Exodus 15:1-18 (Poetry)

Psalm 84
"For a day in your courts is better than a thousand outside.
I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God
Than dwell in the tents of the wicked." (Vs. 10)

WOW! I picture myself standing at the gate of this beautiful, luxurious home and never growing tired of what I am seeing. All the while never wanting to go back to the shabby tent that I thought I was so happy in. Once I saw this home I no longer wanted anything to do with my tent. What an allegory. Once I saw this life that God could offer me, I no longer wanted to live the life the world had to offer.

Hosea 11

Ouch. Makes you want to think twice before making God angry. I love how God told us early in the chapter how much loved and took care of Israel and Ephraim. Then there is this flip. God goes from being the loving, doting Father God to the disciplining (yet still loving mind you) Father God. God disciplines us BECAUSE He loves us and wants us to turn back to Him and trust Him. I don't think I ever truly understand the love behind discipline before I had my own children. I mean, I know my parents tried to protect me from things because they loved me and didn't want to see me hurt, but I never truly UNDERSTOOD the love behind that protection.

Exodus 15:1-18

Hmmm...makes you wonder why the Israelites didn't continue singing this song later on. If they had continued to praise Him maybe they would have avoided the wrath we read in Hosea. Makes me rethink MY prayers. How often do I grumble and complain that things aren't going well only to forget to thank and praise God for all He's already done for me. Makes me look like the bratty child that I am.

Disciple: Week 1: Authority

I have joined a new Bible Study at church called Disciple. This is an in depth study of Scripture that last 32 weeks and involves reading up to 75% of the Bible. Pretty cool if you think about it. Anyway, I want to start posting what sticks out to me here on my blog so I can get my thoughts down on paper as well as rabbit trail if I need to...heh

There is an assignment for 6 days of the week and you rest on the 7th...kinda like God did :) I will post the day and the assignment as well as my thoughts so that if anyone wants to follow along, they may. :)

Without further ado........Disciple....

Day 1: One Bible: Many Books
Assignment: Write your first impressions

My first impression of my Bible today was the weight and size. Have you ever heard the quote "God is in the details?" Looking through Scripture I hold this to be true. Seeing the names of the books representing some of the writers of Scripture, along with pictures of the tabernacle and then Solomon's temple, you can't help but marvel at the details. Seeing books like Numbers in which the census was taken of Israel. All of this was important to God. So why do I bypass so much of it?

I've often heard the Old Testament referred to as the window to the New Testament. What a true statement. Without the ability to see the laws of the OT, I feel like we'd become complacent with our Savior. We'd never understand the redemption, the gift that He has given us. The OT is so vast, full of bloody battles, talking bushes, talking DONKEYS, etc. But how blessed are we that we fall under God's grace? We don't need to hear His voice from a bush that's on fire. We have His Word to hold in our hands no matter how bulky or thin your Bible may be.