Day Twenty-Eight: Josiah and the lost book

2 Kings 16 - 2 Kings 25

There is so much in these books - so many lives in each chapter - that it's hard for me to absorb it and really pay attention. But I did get the sense of king after king who led the people farther away from God.

The stand-out story in today's reading is of King Josiah, starting in 2 Kings 22. He sends a secretary on an errand to the Temple, to take care of business. At the Temple, the High Priest reports to the secretary that he has just found a book: God's Revelation! This is so fascinating to me - and shows how far from God the priests and people had become - the book was "found" and everything in it seemed to be new to the readers. How could they have let such a precious, vital object become forgotten?

King Josiah took God's Revelation to heart - and made drastic changes even beyond his own kingdom, eliminating and pulverizing idols and other buildings and objects used to worship anyone but the God of Abraham.  Josiah literally mourned the evil ways of his people and ancestors - he tore his clothes.

Day Twenty-Seven: My Cup Overflows

I apologize to my reader(s) (Hi Jodie!) for taking so much time off. I am letting stress and busy-ness confuse my priorities. But, I am back.

Today's reading: 2 Kings 5 -  2 Kings 15

The very first chapter has an account of Elisha providing food for a crowd during a famine. A man brought 20 loaves of bread and a few apples. Elisha told him to pass it to the people (100 men) to eat. As He did later in the stories of Jesus in the New Testament, God turned that small amount into enough for everyone to eat. But, it struck me this morning, that God, who knew exactly how many men there were, and how much each would consume, provided MORE THAN ENOUGH: there were leftovers! He also did this in the "loaves and fishes" stories in the New Testament (Matthew 14:13-21, Matthew 15:32-39).

Here's what jumps out at me from these passages:
1. God can make food out of nothing, but Elisha and Jesus started with the food that was brought (bread and apples; bread and fish); and
2. In all of these stories, God provided MORE than what was needed. This reminds me of the image of an overflowing cup in Psalm 23 .

Day TWENTY-SIX - I Kings 16 - 2 Kings 4

Day 23: 2 Samuel 13 - 2 Samuel 21

Day 24: 2 Samuel 22 - 1 Kings 7

Day 25 : 1 Kings 8 - 1 Kings 15

I have gotten behind, but am trying to keep going. I skipped some days - and adjusted the plan. This week, I am back on track. 

We had an interesting discussion regarding "original sin" in a Bible Class recently. We were discussing John 9, and the blind man Jesus healed in that passage. The Pharisees were questioning the man who could now see, and they assumed he had been a sinner since birth, because he had been born blind. In my class, it seemed like the majority thought  that the Pharisees were inexplicably superstitious. However, in my reading of the Old Testament, I can understand why followers of the Law would assume a physical ailment was the consequence of sin and rejection of God's law. God gave physical consequences over and over when His people turned from Him. And, in the case of Solomon and Ahab, if a man turned back to God in the final years of his life, God pushed the consequence forward to the children. In this way, the children were born into the sin of their fathers. 

This is hard for me to swallow, but I trust God, and as I mention in almost every post: I am looking forward to and longing for scripture about Jesus!

Day TWENTY-TWO: I Samuel 28 - 1 Samuel 12

I read a passage today that I remember hearing about in a sermon on a Sunday evening when I was in college (in the very same church where I worship today, although I've been across the world and back in the meantime). The sermon was about Uzziah and Ahio, who were guiding a cart loaded with the ark of God. An ox pulling the cart stumbled; Uzziah reached out his hand and took hold of the ark, presumably to keep it from falling. We were told that God burned in anger from this act of irreverence and killed Uzziah on the spot.

The reason I remember this sermon is that it upset my friend. I remember asking him what was wrong, and he said that he was disappointed in God - that God would punish Uzziah for something that didn't seem to come from any ill motive. Uzziah may have thought he was giving reverence to God by making sure the ark didn't touch the ground. My friend was so angry about this, it was difficult for him to speak. I was puzzled that someone could find himself disappointed with God. Some of this comes from the fact that I had a peaceful, happy upbringing. I was blessed, young and naive and thankfully hadn't had life experiences that might cause me to question God. And I didn't dwell on passages like this one in 1 Samuel. I didn't understand it. But I didn't let it bother me.

Although I still don't understand stories like this, I do take note of them. I try not to gloss over it - while also refraining from drawing too many conclusions just yet. This was a different time, a different law; but the very same God I worship today. One thing I'm learning in this read through the Bible is to shy away from taking verses out of context and apply them directly to my own life. I can use the stories, and see more of who God is - that's enough for me right now.

But, let me go back to Uzziah and my friend: I admired his ability to question God's decisions. I wasn't spiritually mature enough, or maybe weathered enough to ask the same kind of questions - and had probably forgotten the story by the time the invitation song was over. My friend's sorrow over this picture of God reminds me of Job, and the kinds of sorrowful questioning he brought before God. But, I'm getting ahead of myself: I won't read about Job for another couple of weeks.

Day TWENTY-ONE - My favorite Bible character: Abigail

Day NINETEEN: Judges 16 - 1 Samuel 2
Day TWENTY: 1 Samuel 3 - 15
Today: 1 Samuel 16 -  28

There was some rough reading this week; and we've had a rough personal week.  I read that some Biblical scholars actually suggest that readers skip Judges 19: It tells a disturbing story about a Levite and his concubine. Although the scripture doesn't seem to comment on the behavior of the Levite, and his host, I was horrified at the lack of protection these men provided for this poor women. The passage reads like a history book, though, and stays away from commentary. The Israelites rose up against the actions of the Benjamites, but didn't seem offended by the men in the concubine's party. Maybe the Israelites weren't told the whole story. Or, maybe we weren't.

Today's reading included an introduction to Abigail, the savviest woman in the Bible. It was refreshing, after the bloodshed and rebellion I've been reading through, to arrive at this passage today. Abigail protected her interests, erased the bumbling of her husband Nabal (which means "fool") and after her husband died, became David's wife.

Day Eighteen: Judges 3 - 15

(Day Seventeen was Joshua 15 - Judges 2. I was reminded of another "not for flannelgraph" story: about fat king Eglon and how he met his demise.)

There were so many amazing stories and references that struck me in today's reading.

1. Shamgar, wielder of a cattle-prod: He killed 600 Phillistines single-handed, using said implement. This giant, bizarre story just gets a small mention in one verse: Judges 3: 31.

2. Jael and the tent peg incident: Judges 4:21- 27  . Even though she was a hero about whom Deborah and Barak sang, it should be noted that nobody I know has a daughter named "Jael."

3. Gideon (hero and star of flannelgraph) and the golden ephod: Judges 8:27. Gideon seems to have made the ephod, a sacred garment, out of the gold from enemies' plunder as a monument to what God had done. But then, Israel "prostituted itself" at the ephod display. We read "Gideon and his family were seduced" by this ephod. It became an idol. What a sad end to a hero's life and legacy!

4. Jephthat's daughter and a fatal vow to God:  Judges 11:29-40.  This is such a sad contrast to what happened when Abraham started to sacrifice Isaac.  It's such a strange thing that Jephthat promised to God; I wonder who/what he expected to come out of his house to greet him, if not his daughter.

5. The perils of mis-pronunciation: Judges 12:5-6. As an ESL teacher, this amused me (in a dark humor kind of way).

6. The beginning of Samson's life: Judges 13 - 15

Day 16: Maybe it was all about Jesus from the very start

I have neglected to post for a few days - but thankfully was able to complete my reading each day.
Day 14: Deut 8 - 22
Day 15: Deut 23 - 34
Today: Joshua 1 - 14

A passage that stood out for me this week is a promise from God about my commitment to reading his Word:

11 This commandment that I'm commanding you today isn't too much for you, it's not out of your reach.12 It's not on a high mountain-you don't have to get mountaineers to climb the peak and bring it down to your level and explain it before you can live it.13 And it's not across the ocean-you don't have to send sailors out to get it, bring it back, and then explain it before you can live it.14 No. The word is right here and now-as near as the tongue in your mouth, as near as the heart in your chest. Just do it!

Deut 30: 11 - 14 The Message


During yesterday's reading, I was pondering the differences between the Old Law and what I have in my head about Christianity. (In other words, I did not study this - just was pondering what was in my head - which is probably flawed and incomplete.)

I had this thought: maybe it was all about Jesus, from the very beginning. Maybe Israel was God's chosen people because they were going to introduce his son to humanity. Maybe all of the Law was to sanctify Jesus' people and ancestors.

Maybe this is some common thought, and I have it in the back of my head from hearing it. But, it felt like a big, new idea for me. I am no theologian. In fact, I have a hard time discussing things like this in Bible Class. I forget what I know, and get lost. And that's OK. In fact, it's probably an excellent check on my pride.

While I am reading through the rest of the Old Testament, I am going to look out for this idea - and see if there's anything to back it up. What do you think?

Day THIRTEEN: There is no other!

Numbers 33 -  Deut 7

Through this sprint through the Bible, I have been asking God to show himself to me. So, I was delighted to read this: You were shown these things so that you might know that the Lord is God; besides him there is no other. Deut 4:36

Day TWELVE: Numbers 21 - 21

I can't say enough good things about YouVersion.com. I was thinking over the weekend that if my computer only had this one function - to access YouVersion; keep track of my reading plan; and keep me motivated and excited to read through the Bible in 3 months - it would be worth the cost of the computer! And more. I have prayed for years to get the motivation and discipline to read the Bible consistently. I have tried lots of different plans and devotional books. But, this time, I can see God's hand in it. I am excited and hungry for his word! I anticipate the next day's reading; I delight in reading familiar "flannelgraph" passages in context.

Today's flannelgraph story was about Balaam and the donkey. I had forgotten what Balaam was begin asked to do; and that God was speaking directly to Balaam until finally God used the donkey to send the message. It was a totally different read in context of the physical and spiritual journey of the Israelites. But, I still saw the donkey as a flannelgraph guy, bouncing across a light blue board! I have sweet Bible Class memories from childhood.

DAY ELEVEN: Whining in the dessert

Today's reading: Numbers 9 - 21
I got a bit behind - I read but didn't post on Thursday, and then skipped reading at all on Friday. One nice thing about the YouVersion online Bible reading plans is that you can catch yourself up without doing a double portion.

I've been overwhelmed with life the past few days - getting down about Dan's job search - it's stretching on and on forever as companies are taking their sweet time in making a decision. It's frustrating to wait and wait and wait with no end in sight. And then it occurred to me - I've been reading for the past few days about the Israelites traveling endlessly through the dessert - with the promise of Canaan before them - but not knowing when and how they would enter and conquer that land. I whine and moan about this situation we are in - not knowing how long our money will last - and if we are going to get to stay in this area or move somewhere else. But, God will take care of us. I am also learning from these reading sessions in Numbers that God can get angry at whiners who keep forgetting how He will take care of them. These passages are hard for me to read - when God opens the ground up to swallow people or burns everything down or sends a plague to wipe out 14,000 people who have become impatient with Him. But, I don't question it - just note it.

God forgive me for my lack of of trust in you! I know you will take care of us.

Day NINE - I knew I was in trouble when the heading read "Bodily Discharges"

Leviticus 15 - 26.

Some more unpleasant medical specifics. . . And I found it hard to read more about slaves - I am not the first one to ask "Why did God allow slavery and seem to condone it?"

But, I won't try to answer that one just yet. Again, I am just getting an overview on this sprint through the Bible. I find it exciting to think I am going to move all the way through - and am anticipating the thrill of arriving at Jesus' birth and ministry.

But for now, I am imagining the Israelites and their dependence on the priests and Moses to remind them of God's laws - they are numerous and specific. In a recent reading, I noted there was an explanation of what to do if you broke a law accidentally. Now I understand how easy that was to do - there are so many. But they do seem to follow a pattern - regarding things that make a person clean and unclean, etc.

Day EIGHT - Priestly duties and gross biological descriptions. . .

I read Leviticus 1 - 14. It is very hard to keep my mind from wandering while reading what seems like an instruction manual. I keep reminding myself that these are the words of my Holy God. I am trying very hard to pay attention!

What strikes me again are the very detailed instructions for everything. No wonder they needed an instruction manual! I have heard that the labels of clean and unclean for food and sick people follow closely with medical advice on staying healthy. However, I am trying not to have preconceived ideas while reading this. But, it was interesting to note that the priests had some medical duties - there are very specific instructions on examining and diagnosing blemishes and skin issues. (And, it's somewhat gross to read - there are details about the way sores look and the color of the skin growing out them. Erg.) I am sure that these instructions helped Israel stay healthy and kept epidemics at bay.

Day SEVEN - Moses and the Mountain

I did read yesterday (Exodus 15 - 28) but was so busy with Sunday stuff that I didn't get here to journal. Today I read about God's plans for the Tabernacle, and the priest garments; as well as a bunch of laws and rules, including the Ten Commandments: Exodus 29 - 40.

There was so much detail in all of this - I tried not to get lost in all the specifics, and was amazed at all the requirements. What I find interesting in this is the contrast with the lack on instruction on these things for Christian worship. Where is our priestly garment? Where are our detailed tapestries? I am not saying that I think we should have them; just putting a mental bookmark here to pay attention to the things that Jesus will say in the New Testament about worship and our outward expression of our faith. Why did God change what he wants so drastically? Did he?

Another thing that struck me was God's wrath on the Israelites after Aaron created the golden calf. But, it does seem that they did have a chance to repent, as Moses asked, "Whoever is for the Lord, come to me." But, I had forgotten that part of this story - that a bunch of people were killed right there, after they had worshipped the gold idol. It's shocking.

Daily Inventory:

I had another good walk and talk with my friend and accountability partner today.

I had a good day of work, and enjoyed my students. I didn't have everything as prepared as I would like; I hope to do better on Friday. I was extremely tired from a packed Sunday and had a hard time getting awake this morning. In fact, my body is terribly fatigued now: I need to get it in bed!

I am not doing any appointment prayer time - I need to add that in. The reading takes so long - I am just thrilled after I've done it. Perhaps I'll schedule my prayer time at a different point in the day, to break it up.

Day Five - Out of Egypt

I read Exodus 1 - 15. I let the day get away from me, and have let it get too late for journaling much here.

But, I am blessed by my Bible reading! I read aloud, which helps my mind to stay on track. But, I'm pretty sure it takes longer. Today I was amazed to read about Moses, and be reminded about the circumstances of his life. As a young man, he was a murderer. And, he didn't lead his people until he was in his 80s! Even then, he argued with God about whether or not he could truly do what God had readied him to do. So, it's not just me who says, "really God? Are you sure I'm the one you want to do this?" Moses did that too. And, I don't know what it means to me specifically, but God let Moses use Aaron, even though, of course, Moses could have done it himself, with God's power.

Something I had not noticed before, that I found very touching, was that even in the midst of all of the danger and rush to get out of Egypt, Moses took Joseph's bones with him. Moses honored Joseph's request long ago to be taken with his people.

Day Four - Joseph

Genesis 43 - 50

Today I read about Joseph's adulthood and death. That is a great story - and there is so much more to it than I remembered. One new thing that struck me was the fact that the baker, cupbearer, and Pharaoh were having prophetic dreams - I hadn't considered that before. Yes, Joseph was the special one, with God's gift of interpreting the dreams, but the dreams themselves were prophetic. (And, a prophetic dream without interpretation isn't very helpful.) I also noticed that the wording was clear that God sent the 7 years of plenty AND the 7 years of famine. It wasn't something that happened without his hand.

I couldn't log on to Blogger last night to wrap up the day with journaling and inventory, so here it is:

Victories: I did a little exercise with my accountability partner. It's also great to get outside and spend time with my dear friend. Win-win! Also, I had a day of healthy eating. I am so relieved to be back on track. And, I did a lot of grading that had been a pile of procrastination.

Slips: I wasted a lot of time playing silly video games. I stayed up too late (working, but could have done that a lot earlier in the evening). I need to take better care of this body that God gave me!

Dan is on his way to Dallas right now for a 4-hour, intensive job interview. God, your will be done! Please give Dan the words to say and confidence that comes from you.

I am so encouraged by the friends and family who are lifting us up in this job situation. People are surprising me by doing what they can to help us and encourage us. Our neighbor, whom we rarely see, called me the other night, offering help and suggested that we let her pay our utility bill. I told her we didn't need that right now, but we appreciated her. There is so much of God's kindness surrounding us!

Not for Prime Time

There is so much in Genesis that is too racy to teach in Sunday School!

I read Genesis 29 - 40 this morning from The Message. I love this Daily Plan from YouVerson's iPhone app - I can change versions as many times as I want - or review several if a particular verse puzzles me.

Here's a word I looked up in the dictionary during today's reading: "mandrake". The Message translated it the second time as "love apples." I giggled!

After what seemed like a lot of, "Hey, why don't you go to bed with my daughters?" I was happy to be reminded that Dinah's rape (Genesis 34) was not taken lightly by her brothers.

(Again, I'm trying not to process too much with my own preconceived ideas, but to let God show me who He is in this overview of the Bible. )

Good night, God

Here's my daily inventory and a few comments about the day:

I did better in getting some things done. I talked to a doctor about improving some health stuff - we have a treatment plan.

I got to talk to a sweet friend and accountability partner about some things we struggle with. I love her and am thankful that she has been my recovery friend for so long now.

Dan got some hope with a job in the OKC area that we thought had dried up (the job, not the area). ;) We needed some hope around here! Thank you God!

In reflecting on my reading in Genesis this morning, I have been reminded how different the culture was for the people in Abraham's world. I sort of white-it-up in my head, remembering the Flannelgraph stories and imagining it like it is Western, or even American. Then, I get seriously shocked by things that I read about - Jacob deceived his ill father by putting animal skin on his own arms, and flat-out lying to him. Then, when Esau came in, it was too late. The blessing was gone, even though it wasn't fair. The liar won, and was blessed by God, who knew how the blessing was given to him. It just makes me scratch my head. It reminds me that I can't wrap God up in a box that fits into my culture, my fairness, my logic. I am reading these scriptures to learn more about Him, so I just note the things that puzzle me and try to see what God would have me learn from them.

DAY TWO: Genesis 17 - 28

I am going to tweak my plan a little: it works for me to read in the morning; and do my daily inventory/journaling in the evening. So, there might be more than one post each day.

It is overwhelming to read this much per day - not just because it takes a while, but because in this part of the Bible, a LOT happens in 11 chapters! It's hard for me to read this without imagining flannelgraph characters hopping toward each other across a light blue flannel board. What a blessing to have been brought up in Sunday school, hearing these stories from a very young age!

Day One: Genesis 1 - 16

I read the first 16 chapters of the Bible. There's a lot in there. And a lot of begatting. The most puzzling Bible story to me as an adult is the Tower of Babel. A lot to ponder.

Daily Inventory: I didn't have a plan for my day. I'd like to do things more prayerfully; more intentionally. I didn't pay enough attention to my family.

God, please help me to show my family my love and respect for them by giving them my time and attention. Please guide my day tomorrow and help me to hear your voice.

Seek First

I have always had a hard time with daily tasks. I have a rebellion that feels like lurch in my stomach to any kind of "every day" commitment. Because of this, my daily Bible reading and quiet time plans eventually get derailed. I also feel guilty about the fact that I haven't read the Bible from cover to cover.

But, I am blessed to know that living "one day at a time" is a gift from God.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:33, 34 NIV

So, for today I will read my Bible, journal a "daily inventory," and pray in a reserved quiet time with God. Will you come along with me? If so, comment below or contact me privately to answer the following questions.

1. What is your Bible study plan? I am using The Bible App from YouVersion. There are numerous Bible reading plans there, including the one I am starting: Bible in 90 days.

2. What will you do? In addition to reading, I will pray and journal a daily inventory. I will also journal some here.

3. When/where is your appointment? I plan to spend this time in my bedroom, in the morning after my son goes to school.

Fasten your seat-belt! Let's see what God has in store for us!