Dear friends
I am sorry but I am not keeping up and I will not be able to continue. I haven't caught up with the readings as I've been pursuing over things to read that God is leading me to and teaching me about and I havent got the time to dedicate to this like I should.
I have learnt alot from you all and will come in and read things now and again but I can't commit to this any longer at the moment.
Regretfully Nicole
Showing posts with label Nicole's posts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nicole's posts. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
April 22nd Thursday-Nicole's posts
Todays readings are so long and all over the place, you can find what was read by going here
I am sorry but I haven't caught up since I was ill with the flu. I am more than a week behind and I did do the reading last night but because I am over a week behind it all meant nothing to me really. I was confused and going back and forth didn't assist :P
So nothing insightful from me I am sorry. I haven't been able to keep up like I had hoped.
I am sorry but I haven't caught up since I was ill with the flu. I am more than a week behind and I did do the reading last night but because I am over a week behind it all meant nothing to me really. I was confused and going back and forth didn't assist :P
So nothing insightful from me I am sorry. I haven't been able to keep up like I had hoped.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Thursday 8th April- Nicole's post
Todays readings are from Ruth 4:13-22, 1 Chronicles 2:9-55, 1 Chronicles 4:1-23 and 1 Samuel 1:1-8
The readings today are all over the place really LOL
For me what touched me was how Ruth and Boaz didn't object to Naomi sort of adopting their son in a way. It showed how loving, selfless and faithful Ruth was to her mother in law. I did find it interesting that they didn't have any other children though.
The prayer of Jabez has been covered alot in the popular book series. I remember reading the book when it first came out, and now thinking of it, its not really as AWESOME as the church I attended at the time made it out to be. It was alot of "me" focus which I don't like.
Tomorrow's passage: 1 Samuel 1:9-4:11
The readings today are all over the place really LOL
For me what touched me was how Ruth and Boaz didn't object to Naomi sort of adopting their son in a way. It showed how loving, selfless and faithful Ruth was to her mother in law. I did find it interesting that they didn't have any other children though.
The prayer of Jabez has been covered alot in the popular book series. I remember reading the book when it first came out, and now thinking of it, its not really as AWESOME as the church I attended at the time made it out to be. It was alot of "me" focus which I don't like.
Tomorrow's passage: 1 Samuel 1:9-4:11
Thursday, March 25, 2010
25th March - Nicole
Today's readings are from Joshua 10-12:6.
I have found it hard to read about all this murder and plundering. I have just wondered why children had to die? Why women in a family where it may have only been the husband who sinned?
The verse that really had me puzzled and I guess a little upset today admist all the murder and plunder and what not was 11:20 when it says God hardened the hearts of the people in these places. To me that isn't free will, is it?
Does anyone have a good explanation for this?
Tomorrow's passage: Joshua 12:7-15:19
I have found it hard to read about all this murder and plundering. I have just wondered why children had to die? Why women in a family where it may have only been the husband who sinned?
The verse that really had me puzzled and I guess a little upset today admist all the murder and plunder and what not was 11:20 when it says God hardened the hearts of the people in these places. To me that isn't free will, is it?
Does anyone have a good explanation for this?
Tomorrow's passage: Joshua 12:7-15:19
Thursday, March 4, 2010
March 4-Nicole's post
Today's readings are taken from Numbers 16:1-18:32
I found today's a little hard to find something, something that God was teaching me or wanted me to know.
It starts with Korah, Dathan and Abiram challenging Moses and Aaron. Korah was part of the Levites, he had a special part in the service of the Lord in the Tabernacle but that wasn't enough for him. I guess just now it has come to me, that sometimes we want more, but sinfully more. We think we can do better, we think we are worth having more responsibility, but God says when we are faithful with little he will give us more. Korah and the others proved they weren't faithful with the task they were assigned. So even though you may think turning the kettle on in the morning and getting cakes out for church isn't much, you are doing your part. If you are faithful in that, do it with a right heart, God will see that and bless it. Korah and the others were not blessed, they were consumed because of the sinfulness in their heart and the wanting of more...
So I guess God has spoken to me, be content. That's a big one for me. To be content. Wow. I don't need to be striving to do all these things to impress him or others, I just need to the very best with what I can do and what He has given me to do.
Tomorrow's reading is from Numbers 19:1-21:35
I found today's a little hard to find something, something that God was teaching me or wanted me to know.
It starts with Korah, Dathan and Abiram challenging Moses and Aaron. Korah was part of the Levites, he had a special part in the service of the Lord in the Tabernacle but that wasn't enough for him. I guess just now it has come to me, that sometimes we want more, but sinfully more. We think we can do better, we think we are worth having more responsibility, but God says when we are faithful with little he will give us more. Korah and the others proved they weren't faithful with the task they were assigned. So even though you may think turning the kettle on in the morning and getting cakes out for church isn't much, you are doing your part. If you are faithful in that, do it with a right heart, God will see that and bless it. Korah and the others were not blessed, they were consumed because of the sinfulness in their heart and the wanting of more...
So I guess God has spoken to me, be content. That's a big one for me. To be content. Wow. I don't need to be striving to do all these things to impress him or others, I just need to the very best with what I can do and what He has given me to do.
Tomorrow's reading is from Numbers 19:1-21:35
Thursday, February 25, 2010
February 25th Nicole's post
Today's reading is taken from Leviticus 25:24-26:46
SOAP
Scripture: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high 26:13
Observation: God has brought the Israelites out, He has taken them out of slavery and given them a free life, one free from burdens.
Application: I don't know about anyone else, but I don't always put my burdens down at God's feet. I carry them around, or I try and fix them. This was a good reminder for me and my situation that by Jesus' blood I am saved. I am not a slave, I don't have to carry a yoke around and be burdened and pushed to the ground by my circumstances, I can walk with my head held high because I am THE KING'S daughter. He has offered to take my load, to help me, walk with me, I just have to lay it down.
Prayer: Thank you God that you sent Jesus to bear our burdens, sins, troubles. Thank you Jesus for the sacrifice you made for us. Thank you that your yoke is easy and your burden is light. Help us to walk with our heads held high, help us to lay down what we are carrying and allow you to work in our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Tomorrow's readings: Leviticus 27 and Numbers 1.
SOAP
Scripture: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high 26:13
Observation: God has brought the Israelites out, He has taken them out of slavery and given them a free life, one free from burdens.
Application: I don't know about anyone else, but I don't always put my burdens down at God's feet. I carry them around, or I try and fix them. This was a good reminder for me and my situation that by Jesus' blood I am saved. I am not a slave, I don't have to carry a yoke around and be burdened and pushed to the ground by my circumstances, I can walk with my head held high because I am THE KING'S daughter. He has offered to take my load, to help me, walk with me, I just have to lay it down.
Prayer: Thank you God that you sent Jesus to bear our burdens, sins, troubles. Thank you Jesus for the sacrifice you made for us. Thank you that your yoke is easy and your burden is light. Help us to walk with our heads held high, help us to lay down what we are carrying and allow you to work in our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Tomorrow's readings: Leviticus 27 and Numbers 1.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thursday Feb 18th by Nicole
Today's readings are from Leviticus 7:1-8:36
I must apologise in advance for keeping it brief today, I am short of time today! I wasn't able to read the post before so I don't know what was touched on, I again apologise for that.
The reading starts with explanation about the guilt offering. In my Bible it says in the notes it is where restitution is possible, the sin offering is where it is not possible. I guess I don't really understand what an unintentional sin was or why there was a need for an offering, I mean if they didn't intend to sin then why the offering? Anyway. I thought it was interesting that this one and the sin offering is the only one that is said to be "most holy".
The fellowship offering is then explained. An offering of thankfulness for the deliverance from troubles, death and sickness and the thankfulness for blessings recieved.
The thing that I was stumped on was in chapter 8:23. Why did Moses put the blood on the right ear, thumb and big toe. I did some research and found an explanation on a Jewish website, you can see here. "When the blood was placed on the right ear, right hand, and right toe of Aharon and his sons they entered a covenant with HaShem that required them to dedicate their lives hearing, doing, and walking in HaShem's will." The symbolism all made sense and I thought it was so beautiful, whereas before I read that I thought it was just strange LOL.
What spoke to you today?
Tomorrows reading is from Leviticus 9:1-11:47
I must apologise in advance for keeping it brief today, I am short of time today! I wasn't able to read the post before so I don't know what was touched on, I again apologise for that.
The reading starts with explanation about the guilt offering. In my Bible it says in the notes it is where restitution is possible, the sin offering is where it is not possible. I guess I don't really understand what an unintentional sin was or why there was a need for an offering, I mean if they didn't intend to sin then why the offering? Anyway. I thought it was interesting that this one and the sin offering is the only one that is said to be "most holy".
The fellowship offering is then explained. An offering of thankfulness for the deliverance from troubles, death and sickness and the thankfulness for blessings recieved.
The thing that I was stumped on was in chapter 8:23. Why did Moses put the blood on the right ear, thumb and big toe. I did some research and found an explanation on a Jewish website, you can see here. "When the blood was placed on the right ear, right hand, and right toe of Aharon and his sons they entered a covenant with HaShem that required them to dedicate their lives hearing, doing, and walking in HaShem's will." The symbolism all made sense and I thought it was so beautiful, whereas before I read that I thought it was just strange LOL.
What spoke to you today?
Tomorrows reading is from Leviticus 9:1-11:47
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Thursday 11th February by Nicole
Today's reading is taken from Exodus 32:1-34:35
While Moses is on the mountain recieving the Ten Commandments for the Lord the people go to Aaron saying he has been gone so long (40 days and 40 nights) so make them a god they can worship. Aaron agrees asking them to bring all their gold and he makes them a golden calf.
I was so SHOCKED. Aaron, who has seen the miracles first hand, who has been made a priest, has gone against God so quickly and done what the people have wanted him to do.
Moses comes down and then intercedes on their behalf in verse 11, he reminds God of WHO He is, what He has promised and God relents.
In verse 24 Aaron lies to Moses about the golden calf. Again, I can't believe it. Does he think that Moses won't know or that God doesn't know? He's not thinking clearly it seems. Something I don't get is that Moses orders the Levites to kill around 3,000 people and God seems ok with that as He wanted to destroy them all anyway, but Aaron it appears gets off scott free. Why wasn't he struck down with the plague or killed by the Levites?
I love in 33:11 that the Lord spoke to Moses face to face. Although I am confused as to why he later says to Moses that he can't see His face...
Those are just some random thoughts I had. Nothing profound really, more ponderings :)
What did you gain from today's reading?
Tomorrow's readings are Exodus 35-36. Click here to read online.
While Moses is on the mountain recieving the Ten Commandments for the Lord the people go to Aaron saying he has been gone so long (40 days and 40 nights) so make them a god they can worship. Aaron agrees asking them to bring all their gold and he makes them a golden calf.
I was so SHOCKED. Aaron, who has seen the miracles first hand, who has been made a priest, has gone against God so quickly and done what the people have wanted him to do.
Moses comes down and then intercedes on their behalf in verse 11, he reminds God of WHO He is, what He has promised and God relents.
In verse 24 Aaron lies to Moses about the golden calf. Again, I can't believe it. Does he think that Moses won't know or that God doesn't know? He's not thinking clearly it seems. Something I don't get is that Moses orders the Levites to kill around 3,000 people and God seems ok with that as He wanted to destroy them all anyway, but Aaron it appears gets off scott free. Why wasn't he struck down with the plague or killed by the Levites?
I love in 33:11 that the Lord spoke to Moses face to face. Although I am confused as to why he later says to Moses that he can't see His face...
Those are just some random thoughts I had. Nothing profound really, more ponderings :)
What did you gain from today's reading?
Tomorrow's readings are Exodus 35-36. Click here to read online.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
February 4th by Nicole
Today's readings are taken from Exodus 10:1-12:51. You can read along HERE
Today continues with the last of the plagues on Egypt. The thing that really stood out to me was the plague of darkness where it could "be felt" (v 21). Darkness that could be felt. I just tried to picture what that would be like, to FEEL the darkness. It would of been terrifying. To not be able to see a thing, to feel this darkness, this load, heaviness all around. Then I thought that it is what hell will be like. Utter darkness, for God is light and He will not be there. What a horrid horrid place, a place to be in darkness that you can FEEL forever. Thank God that He saved me from that place...
The last plague that gets Pharaoh's attention at last is the plague on the first born son (chapter 11). It is here that God outlines "Passover" when he passes over the house that has the blood of the lamb sprinkled on the doorways and does not kill the first born son.
My mother's family are Jewish, more culturally I would think than religiously, although my Nanna does go to Synagogue and light candles and do all those other things, noone else in the family does much else. I never really GOT what Passover was (and I celebrated 20 years of them before I became a Christian) until I became a Christian. To me it means SO much more now than it did back then. Mainly the lamb that is sacfriced, without blemish, just as our Saviour Jesus was. The herbs that were to be eaten were to help the Israelites to recall the bitter years of slavery and the unleavened bread was a reflection on their haste to leave Egypt. To me it just showed that with God, EVERYTHING has a meaning behind it and a purpose. He didn't just say to eat something because he thought it would taste good (or yuck! those bitter herbs are bitter LOL), or because he thought it would be entertaining or whatever. When God says something its for a meaning a purpose. I am trying to hold on to that at the moment as I go through a trial that I have been going through for some years now. That everything that is happening has a reason, a purpose and God will bring me out like he brought the Israelites out.
What spoke to you in these verses today?
Tomorrow's readings are from Exodus 13:1-15:27
Today continues with the last of the plagues on Egypt. The thing that really stood out to me was the plague of darkness where it could "be felt" (v 21). Darkness that could be felt. I just tried to picture what that would be like, to FEEL the darkness. It would of been terrifying. To not be able to see a thing, to feel this darkness, this load, heaviness all around. Then I thought that it is what hell will be like. Utter darkness, for God is light and He will not be there. What a horrid horrid place, a place to be in darkness that you can FEEL forever. Thank God that He saved me from that place...
The last plague that gets Pharaoh's attention at last is the plague on the first born son (chapter 11). It is here that God outlines "Passover" when he passes over the house that has the blood of the lamb sprinkled on the doorways and does not kill the first born son.
My mother's family are Jewish, more culturally I would think than religiously, although my Nanna does go to Synagogue and light candles and do all those other things, noone else in the family does much else. I never really GOT what Passover was (and I celebrated 20 years of them before I became a Christian) until I became a Christian. To me it means SO much more now than it did back then. Mainly the lamb that is sacfriced, without blemish, just as our Saviour Jesus was. The herbs that were to be eaten were to help the Israelites to recall the bitter years of slavery and the unleavened bread was a reflection on their haste to leave Egypt. To me it just showed that with God, EVERYTHING has a meaning behind it and a purpose. He didn't just say to eat something because he thought it would taste good (or yuck! those bitter herbs are bitter LOL), or because he thought it would be entertaining or whatever. When God says something its for a meaning a purpose. I am trying to hold on to that at the moment as I go through a trial that I have been going through for some years now. That everything that is happening has a reason, a purpose and God will bring me out like he brought the Israelites out.
What spoke to you in these verses today?
Tomorrow's readings are from Exodus 13:1-15:27
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Thursday January 28th by Nicole
Today's readings are taken from Job 32:1-34:37
I am having trouble I guess you would say understanding the book of Job. I understand it, I mean what happened and why, but I'm confused about Job's responses and his friends' responses. At times I think that Job is stepping over the line and isn't being that faithful. To me he appears to be accusing God, so many of you and other people say he was faithful and true, maybe I'm just reading into it wrong? I know this was the other day's reading but in 30:20-22 he says God has turned on him, attacked him, tossed him about in the storm. That to me doesn't sound like someone who is being faithful. I know none of us are perfect, but that's where I'm struggling I think. Job is painted as some awesome saint who doesn't accuse or say a bad word against God, but here he has.
Anyway, on to today's. They introduce us to Elihu, a younger man who was listening to the other 3 friends talk and thinks has a wiser insight to why things have happened than Job's friends. I won't try to delve into it because I don't really understand it, so I'm looking forward to your insights!
One thing I have been thinking of though is a song called "Before the Morning" by Josh Wilson. You can watch a video about why he wrote the song. Its very very moving and encouraging and to me is about the faithfulness that we should have when faced with adversity. I especially love the verse about life not being a snapshot, I think that is what is hard about Job, his friends and even Job only saw a snapshot, they didn't know what was going on behind the scenes or what would happen which is why they responded the way they did.
Here are the lyrics
Do you wonder why you have to
Feel the things that hurt you
If there’s a God who loves you where is He now
Maybe there are things you can’t see
And all those things are happening
To bring a better ending
Someday somehow you’ll see you’ll see
Would you dare would you dare to believe
That you still have a reason to sing
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
It can’t compare to the joy that’s coming
So hold on you gotta wait for the light
Press on and just fight the good fight
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
It’s just the dark before the morning
My friend you know how this all ends
You know where you’re going
You just don’t know how you’ll get there
So say a prayer
And hold on cause there’s good for those who love God
But life is not a snapshot
It might take a little time but you’ll see the bigger picture
Once you feel the weight of glory
All your pain will fade to memory
It’s just the hurt before the healing
Oh the pain that you’ve been feeling
It’s just the dark before the morning
Tomorrow's reading are Job 35-37. Click here to read online.
I am having trouble I guess you would say understanding the book of Job. I understand it, I mean what happened and why, but I'm confused about Job's responses and his friends' responses. At times I think that Job is stepping over the line and isn't being that faithful. To me he appears to be accusing God, so many of you and other people say he was faithful and true, maybe I'm just reading into it wrong? I know this was the other day's reading but in 30:20-22 he says God has turned on him, attacked him, tossed him about in the storm. That to me doesn't sound like someone who is being faithful. I know none of us are perfect, but that's where I'm struggling I think. Job is painted as some awesome saint who doesn't accuse or say a bad word against God, but here he has.
Anyway, on to today's. They introduce us to Elihu, a younger man who was listening to the other 3 friends talk and thinks has a wiser insight to why things have happened than Job's friends. I won't try to delve into it because I don't really understand it, so I'm looking forward to your insights!
One thing I have been thinking of though is a song called "Before the Morning" by Josh Wilson. You can watch a video about why he wrote the song. Its very very moving and encouraging and to me is about the faithfulness that we should have when faced with adversity. I especially love the verse about life not being a snapshot, I think that is what is hard about Job, his friends and even Job only saw a snapshot, they didn't know what was going on behind the scenes or what would happen which is why they responded the way they did.
Here are the lyrics
Do you wonder why you have to
Feel the things that hurt you
If there’s a God who loves you where is He now
Maybe there are things you can’t see
And all those things are happening
To bring a better ending
Someday somehow you’ll see you’ll see
Would you dare would you dare to believe
That you still have a reason to sing
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
It can’t compare to the joy that’s coming
So hold on you gotta wait for the light
Press on and just fight the good fight
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
It’s just the dark before the morning
My friend you know how this all ends
You know where you’re going
You just don’t know how you’ll get there
So say a prayer
And hold on cause there’s good for those who love God
But life is not a snapshot
It might take a little time but you’ll see the bigger picture
Once you feel the weight of glory
All your pain will fade to memory
It’s just the hurt before the healing
Oh the pain that you’ve been feeling
It’s just the dark before the morning
Tomorrow's reading are Job 35-37. Click here to read online.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
January 14th Readings-Nicole
Today's readings from the Chronological Plan are taken from Genesis 37:1-38:30; 1Chronicles 2:3-6; 1 Chronicles 8 and Genesis 39:1-23. Click here to read this passage online. To read without flipping, read Genesis 37-39 and 1 Chronicles 2:3-6,8. Click here to read it this way online.
Alot takes place in the readings for today, so much to discuss, I'm looking forward to hearing what you all learned and thought about it all.
The readings begin with Joseph's dreams. Its only a few verses in that we find out that Joseph is the favourite of Israel (Jacob). The brothers all know it too and Israel's favourtism encourages the hatred the brothers have for Joseph. I never really took much note of it before, but I assume that Joseph is the favourite because he was one of Rachel's sons.
In verse 14 we see again where Israel is not making things any easier on Jospeh, or his brothers when he asks Joseph to go and be his tattle tale and see what the brothers are up to. Its when they see him coming that they plot to kill him. Reuben tries to rescue him but while he is gone the brothers sell him to some merchants. Reuben is crushed when he finds out what has happened, but not crushed enough to go to his father and tell him the truth...
We then move on to chapter 38 and we are told the story of Judah who went to Canaan to find himself a wife, which then produced 3 sons. Poor Tamar didn't have much luck with the first two sons of Judah, one was wicked and the other didn't impregnate her like he should of according to the customs of that day. Judah (and his sons it appears) were deceitful just like Judah's father Israel and planned to not let Tamar have the last son.
Tamar was not going to give up though, she was determined to get what she was owed. I don't know what made her think that Judah would sleep with a prostitiute but obviously something in his character told her that he might be willing to do that. Tamar is very smart in that she gets "evidence" of "who" she has slept with so there could be no denying it later. Ended up working well for her because when she was found out and about to be killed for prostitution (at the shouts of her father in law) she let Judah know the child was his. A commentry I read pointed out that she didn't do it publically and scream injustice for all to hear, she privately went to him, I think that shows a little class. I know that when I am wronged I want people to know about it! Not right though, I am trying harder to work on that.
So Tamar has twin boys, Perez (ancestor of David, and ultimetly Jesus) and Zerah.
You can read more about Tamar here. What I do like that this article points out is that righteousness only comes from our faith in God. And that in this chapter we see divine providence "In chapter 38 God is at work, providentially assuring the fulfillment of His promise to provide a Messiah through the descendants of Judah (49:8-12)".
A pastor I once heard used this story as an example of perservance (Tamar not giving up) and that through praise (Judah) comes the breakthrough (Perez). I've always remembered that. When I'm having a hard time and need a breakthrough, I think of Tamar and how she kept pursuing and didn't give up.
The readings finish by going back to Joseph who is in Egypt and falsely accussed of trying to sleep with Potiphars wife. He is thrown in jail and the bit I love is that it says "The Lord was with him" so many times and that God gave him success in everything we do. To me, that's an encouragement that even when we are wronged or things aren't working out, if we stay true, and faithful God will stay faithful with us and help us to succeed and ultimately make it through.
Tomorrow's readings are Genesis 40:1-23; Genesis 35-28-29; Genesis 41:1-57. Click here to read online.
Alot takes place in the readings for today, so much to discuss, I'm looking forward to hearing what you all learned and thought about it all.
The readings begin with Joseph's dreams. Its only a few verses in that we find out that Joseph is the favourite of Israel (Jacob). The brothers all know it too and Israel's favourtism encourages the hatred the brothers have for Joseph. I never really took much note of it before, but I assume that Joseph is the favourite because he was one of Rachel's sons.
In verse 14 we see again where Israel is not making things any easier on Jospeh, or his brothers when he asks Joseph to go and be his tattle tale and see what the brothers are up to. Its when they see him coming that they plot to kill him. Reuben tries to rescue him but while he is gone the brothers sell him to some merchants. Reuben is crushed when he finds out what has happened, but not crushed enough to go to his father and tell him the truth...
We then move on to chapter 38 and we are told the story of Judah who went to Canaan to find himself a wife, which then produced 3 sons. Poor Tamar didn't have much luck with the first two sons of Judah, one was wicked and the other didn't impregnate her like he should of according to the customs of that day. Judah (and his sons it appears) were deceitful just like Judah's father Israel and planned to not let Tamar have the last son.
Tamar was not going to give up though, she was determined to get what she was owed. I don't know what made her think that Judah would sleep with a prostitiute but obviously something in his character told her that he might be willing to do that. Tamar is very smart in that she gets "evidence" of "who" she has slept with so there could be no denying it later. Ended up working well for her because when she was found out and about to be killed for prostitution (at the shouts of her father in law) she let Judah know the child was his. A commentry I read pointed out that she didn't do it publically and scream injustice for all to hear, she privately went to him, I think that shows a little class. I know that when I am wronged I want people to know about it! Not right though, I am trying harder to work on that.
So Tamar has twin boys, Perez (ancestor of David, and ultimetly Jesus) and Zerah.
You can read more about Tamar here. What I do like that this article points out is that righteousness only comes from our faith in God. And that in this chapter we see divine providence "In chapter 38 God is at work, providentially assuring the fulfillment of His promise to provide a Messiah through the descendants of Judah (49:8-12)".
A pastor I once heard used this story as an example of perservance (Tamar not giving up) and that through praise (Judah) comes the breakthrough (Perez). I've always remembered that. When I'm having a hard time and need a breakthrough, I think of Tamar and how she kept pursuing and didn't give up.
The readings finish by going back to Joseph who is in Egypt and falsely accussed of trying to sleep with Potiphars wife. He is thrown in jail and the bit I love is that it says "The Lord was with him" so many times and that God gave him success in everything we do. To me, that's an encouragement that even when we are wronged or things aren't working out, if we stay true, and faithful God will stay faithful with us and help us to succeed and ultimately make it through.
Tomorrow's readings are Genesis 40:1-23; Genesis 35-28-29; Genesis 41:1-57. Click here to read online.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Nicole's Testimony
I never really know where to begin with a testimony and how to keep it short LOL. So much has happened so I will try and keep it short!
I grew up with divorced parents, they divorced when I was 2.5 and my mum was pregnant with my sister. My mum's family are Jewish, so I knew about God, we celebrated Passover etc and I sometimes went to Synagogue with my Nanna, but it was more a cultural than religious thing.
We grew up having lots of different men in our life as my mum's partners, that was hard and I always knew I hated it and felt that it was wrong. One was rather inappropriate with us and today it would be classified as sexual abuse, not that he ever kissed or did anything like that, but he was grooming us, making us watch pornographic movies and things. I would cause big trouble when I knew one was planning on staying the night! We saw my dad every second weekend, he went on to have another wife with two kids and then another with two more. So I have 4 sisters and one brother. I love them all dearly and know that if my parents had stayed together it wouldn't have turned out well.
In high school I was rather depressed and hated most things, I could fake it though, but then I met a friend while working in a supermarket. She was so nice and kind and we started to write to another in the week and leave the notes in each other's work lockers. She was 3 years older than me. I learned she was a Christian. I didn't really KNOW much about it, except that it meant you beleived in Jesus, and my family didn't. Her letters were always full of love, encouragement, acceptance, something I didn't always feel I was getting elsewhere. From there we remained friends and I questioned her alot about Jesus, all the ones that people use to try and disprove Him. It came to the point where I had no more questions and I beleived who Jesus was. So she led me to Christ, that was 11 years ago in February.
I bought a bible from a book shop, a Good News Bible and would read that every day until she bought me a New King James Bible and began to read that. I didn't really know "how" you were supposed to read it so I would just read it from Genesis to Revelation. Ha ha. So I have read the entire Bible from start to finish 2 times. I LOVED to read my Bible while I was in Uni. Its all I wanted to do. I then graduated and became a teacher and moved to a country town away from the city, the church I had been going to etc. It was hard adjusting to country life and making new friends but God knew the desires of my heart for friends and he kept opening doors.
He also moved in which church I would go to. I was invited to go to one church in particular and I sat in the service and cried. It was NOTHING like my other church, the people were great, but it just didn't feel right. I then went the next week (with my dear friend who led me to the Lord who had moved to the next town to work) and it felt like home. The pastor took to me and he and his family took me in. They had 3 sons, the eldest I was told and I would be "perfect". Ha ha. It was the middle son who moved up soon after me that I met and we became friends. I married him a year and a half later.
We have two beautiful children and still live in the same town we met. Things haven't always been easy with us, and I have really struggled through my marriage to stay strong, learn to be a good wife and to practice forgiveness, patience and praying without ceasing. My hope is for my children to grow up in a home that has two loving parents who love one another. That is something we daily work on.
I have been slack in my Bible reading since the kids, I would lead a Bible study but only do the readings for that week. I am learning so much each day I read and am truly amazed how something new is revealed each time, even though I may have read the stories and scriptures dozens of times before. I am hoping to grow more as a mother and a wife and a person through reading and KNOWING His Word daily in my life. I need to be the strong one at the moment and I know its only because of God and being built up in Him that I will make it through and be victorious.
Thank you Tammy for starting this. We are grateful God is using you in our lives to draw us closer and deeper.
I grew up with divorced parents, they divorced when I was 2.5 and my mum was pregnant with my sister. My mum's family are Jewish, so I knew about God, we celebrated Passover etc and I sometimes went to Synagogue with my Nanna, but it was more a cultural than religious thing.
We grew up having lots of different men in our life as my mum's partners, that was hard and I always knew I hated it and felt that it was wrong. One was rather inappropriate with us and today it would be classified as sexual abuse, not that he ever kissed or did anything like that, but he was grooming us, making us watch pornographic movies and things. I would cause big trouble when I knew one was planning on staying the night! We saw my dad every second weekend, he went on to have another wife with two kids and then another with two more. So I have 4 sisters and one brother. I love them all dearly and know that if my parents had stayed together it wouldn't have turned out well.
In high school I was rather depressed and hated most things, I could fake it though, but then I met a friend while working in a supermarket. She was so nice and kind and we started to write to another in the week and leave the notes in each other's work lockers. She was 3 years older than me. I learned she was a Christian. I didn't really KNOW much about it, except that it meant you beleived in Jesus, and my family didn't. Her letters were always full of love, encouragement, acceptance, something I didn't always feel I was getting elsewhere. From there we remained friends and I questioned her alot about Jesus, all the ones that people use to try and disprove Him. It came to the point where I had no more questions and I beleived who Jesus was. So she led me to Christ, that was 11 years ago in February.
I bought a bible from a book shop, a Good News Bible and would read that every day until she bought me a New King James Bible and began to read that. I didn't really know "how" you were supposed to read it so I would just read it from Genesis to Revelation. Ha ha. So I have read the entire Bible from start to finish 2 times. I LOVED to read my Bible while I was in Uni. Its all I wanted to do. I then graduated and became a teacher and moved to a country town away from the city, the church I had been going to etc. It was hard adjusting to country life and making new friends but God knew the desires of my heart for friends and he kept opening doors.
He also moved in which church I would go to. I was invited to go to one church in particular and I sat in the service and cried. It was NOTHING like my other church, the people were great, but it just didn't feel right. I then went the next week (with my dear friend who led me to the Lord who had moved to the next town to work) and it felt like home. The pastor took to me and he and his family took me in. They had 3 sons, the eldest I was told and I would be "perfect". Ha ha. It was the middle son who moved up soon after me that I met and we became friends. I married him a year and a half later.
We have two beautiful children and still live in the same town we met. Things haven't always been easy with us, and I have really struggled through my marriage to stay strong, learn to be a good wife and to practice forgiveness, patience and praying without ceasing. My hope is for my children to grow up in a home that has two loving parents who love one another. That is something we daily work on.
I have been slack in my Bible reading since the kids, I would lead a Bible study but only do the readings for that week. I am learning so much each day I read and am truly amazed how something new is revealed each time, even though I may have read the stories and scriptures dozens of times before. I am hoping to grow more as a mother and a wife and a person through reading and KNOWING His Word daily in my life. I need to be the strong one at the moment and I know its only because of God and being built up in Him that I will make it through and be victorious.
Thank you Tammy for starting this. We are grateful God is using you in our lives to draw us closer and deeper.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
January 7th Readings-Nicole
Today's readings from the Chronological Plan are from Genesis 21:8-23:20; Genesis 11:32; Genesis 24:1-67. Click here to read online.
Wow, what alot of things covered in these readings. I don't have time to touch on everything so I will point out what I spoke to me the most while reading.
We begin with a feast occurring for Isaac. Sarah see's that Ishmael is mocking and she tells Abraham to send them away. Abraham is distressed. This too is his son, he's concerned for his wellbeing, as any parent would. God assures Abraham that Ishmael will be cared for and made into a nation. I can't imagine how hard it would be for Abraham to send a son away, someone who was now a teenager, they would of spent alot of time together and now he is to leave. It does show that there are always consequences to sin, they may not be immediate, but because Abraham had taken things into his own hands and done the wrong thing, God had to make it right and send Ishmael away, no matter how hard it was on all of them. Another thing it shows is that our sins don't only affect us but others too.
I also felt that it showed another side of Sarah.I had forgotten she's mentioned in the NT as this wonderful woman, but I see things in her that I don't think are so wonderful. But I'm not that wonderful either...So I guess God was telling me to not judge so quickly, and to also not think of myself so highly and that all of us have fallen short, but for the grace of God we are saved.
The next big thing that stood out, and literally makes me weep is Abraham's test. I've read it loads of times, but its only since being a parent that my heart really connects with Abraham's. God even points out how hard this will be in 22:2 when He says "take your son, your ONLY son, Isaac, WHOM YOU LOVE..." This is going to be hard for Abraham. Isaac is all he has left. Its his beloved son. Its Sarah's beloved son.
Now we don't see Abraham talking to God here about this, asking why or pleading for his son's case like he did for Sodom and Gomorrah or for Lot. Did he plead? God doesn't tell him that there will be a replacement. Abraham is going to have to sacrifice his son to prove his love and commitment to God. Phew. It blows my mind away. I often used to wonder why God would even tell him to do that, especially because it was what the pagans did and God was against it. I found a quote from here "In this sense, God did not require Abraham to do anything that He Himself would not do. Indeed, the command to Abraham was intended to foreshadow what He would do centuries later on the cross of Calvary" that satisfied my questioning.
As the day progresses and Isaac keeps asking what is happening, I just tear up thinking of how painful this must of been for Abraham. How confusing too!! God promises this son, who he will make a great nation from and now God wants him to kill him? That's why I beleive that Abraham didn't doubt, he knew God had a plan and would keep his promise.
I also found it amazing that there is no mention of a struggle. That Isaac didn't cry out, or fight his father. The bond between them, the trust must of been so great. Gosh its making me cry even now... It wasn't until I got to this section that I REALLY got why Abrahams faith was considered righteousness. I mean beforehand he wasn't believing for that much really... But now! He's trusting on God to step in and save his son. And God does. Abraham has passed the test! Hurray for Abraham!!
I was reading in the article I posted above how the author believed that the test Abraham went through was preparing Abraham for Sarah's death in Genesis 23. That nothing that we go through God doesn't use to shape us, prepare us, cause us to grow. It's always true isn't it?
The story of Isaac and Rebekah concludes the readings for today. Abraham tells his servant to seek a wife for Isaac from his homeland, not from Canaan. The servant sets off and even before he has finished praying (v 15) Rebekah comes out with a jar on her shoulder. I love how God answers this prayer even before its finished being prayed. I have notes in my bible from an old sermon that described the wells at that time, I am not sure if its correct I haven't got time to look it up but the pastor had said that the wells had stairs and she would have to climb up and down, up and down, to get enough water for the camels, she gave above and beyond what was asked of her. What a great example to us, to go that extra mile. Rebekah takes him back to her brother and mother and they are told the story and they agree for Rebekah to go with the servant. The next morning however they say they will keep her 10 more days, when the servant pleads they not make her stay they ask Rebekah and she says " I will go". What a girl!! I love the last bit when they Rebekah sees Isaac and he sees her, and she goes to him and they become one, and he is comforted by his mother's death. How beautiful!
Tomorrow's readings are from Genesis 25:1-4; 1Chronicles 1:32-33; Genesis 25:5-6; Genesis 25:12-18; 1Chronicles 1:28-31; 1:34; Genesis 25:19-26 and Genesis 25:7-11. Click here to read online. Without flipping the passages are Genesis 25:1-26 and 1 Chronicles 1:28-33. Click here to read that version.
Wow, what alot of things covered in these readings. I don't have time to touch on everything so I will point out what I spoke to me the most while reading.
We begin with a feast occurring for Isaac. Sarah see's that Ishmael is mocking and she tells Abraham to send them away. Abraham is distressed. This too is his son, he's concerned for his wellbeing, as any parent would. God assures Abraham that Ishmael will be cared for and made into a nation. I can't imagine how hard it would be for Abraham to send a son away, someone who was now a teenager, they would of spent alot of time together and now he is to leave. It does show that there are always consequences to sin, they may not be immediate, but because Abraham had taken things into his own hands and done the wrong thing, God had to make it right and send Ishmael away, no matter how hard it was on all of them. Another thing it shows is that our sins don't only affect us but others too.
I also felt that it showed another side of Sarah.I had forgotten she's mentioned in the NT as this wonderful woman, but I see things in her that I don't think are so wonderful. But I'm not that wonderful either...So I guess God was telling me to not judge so quickly, and to also not think of myself so highly and that all of us have fallen short, but for the grace of God we are saved.
The next big thing that stood out, and literally makes me weep is Abraham's test. I've read it loads of times, but its only since being a parent that my heart really connects with Abraham's. God even points out how hard this will be in 22:2 when He says "take your son, your ONLY son, Isaac, WHOM YOU LOVE..." This is going to be hard for Abraham. Isaac is all he has left. Its his beloved son. Its Sarah's beloved son.
Now we don't see Abraham talking to God here about this, asking why or pleading for his son's case like he did for Sodom and Gomorrah or for Lot. Did he plead? God doesn't tell him that there will be a replacement. Abraham is going to have to sacrifice his son to prove his love and commitment to God. Phew. It blows my mind away. I often used to wonder why God would even tell him to do that, especially because it was what the pagans did and God was against it. I found a quote from here "In this sense, God did not require Abraham to do anything that He Himself would not do. Indeed, the command to Abraham was intended to foreshadow what He would do centuries later on the cross of Calvary" that satisfied my questioning.
As the day progresses and Isaac keeps asking what is happening, I just tear up thinking of how painful this must of been for Abraham. How confusing too!! God promises this son, who he will make a great nation from and now God wants him to kill him? That's why I beleive that Abraham didn't doubt, he knew God had a plan and would keep his promise.
I also found it amazing that there is no mention of a struggle. That Isaac didn't cry out, or fight his father. The bond between them, the trust must of been so great. Gosh its making me cry even now... It wasn't until I got to this section that I REALLY got why Abrahams faith was considered righteousness. I mean beforehand he wasn't believing for that much really... But now! He's trusting on God to step in and save his son. And God does. Abraham has passed the test! Hurray for Abraham!!
I was reading in the article I posted above how the author believed that the test Abraham went through was preparing Abraham for Sarah's death in Genesis 23. That nothing that we go through God doesn't use to shape us, prepare us, cause us to grow. It's always true isn't it?
The story of Isaac and Rebekah concludes the readings for today. Abraham tells his servant to seek a wife for Isaac from his homeland, not from Canaan. The servant sets off and even before he has finished praying (v 15) Rebekah comes out with a jar on her shoulder. I love how God answers this prayer even before its finished being prayed. I have notes in my bible from an old sermon that described the wells at that time, I am not sure if its correct I haven't got time to look it up but the pastor had said that the wells had stairs and she would have to climb up and down, up and down, to get enough water for the camels, she gave above and beyond what was asked of her. What a great example to us, to go that extra mile. Rebekah takes him back to her brother and mother and they are told the story and they agree for Rebekah to go with the servant. The next morning however they say they will keep her 10 more days, when the servant pleads they not make her stay they ask Rebekah and she says " I will go". What a girl!! I love the last bit when they Rebekah sees Isaac and he sees her, and she goes to him and they become one, and he is comforted by his mother's death. How beautiful!
Tomorrow's readings are from Genesis 25:1-4; 1Chronicles 1:32-33; Genesis 25:5-6; Genesis 25:12-18; 1Chronicles 1:28-31; 1:34; Genesis 25:19-26 and Genesis 25:7-11. Click here to read online. Without flipping the passages are Genesis 25:1-26 and 1 Chronicles 1:28-33. Click here to read that version.
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