Joshua 1:6-9 (NLT) 6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.
7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.
8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
If you have some thoughts on the reading this week, add a comment.
Friday, April 18, 2014
Monday, April 7, 2014
Hear, O Israel.
Our new study catches up with our last study this week. Have you learned anything new since we started reciting shema?
Here's a place for your comments on this topic, and anything else you'd like to discuss.
Here's a place for your comments on this topic, and anything else you'd like to discuss.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Better late than never?
So, I was on my way to the blog to create a post for talking about Moses' call, when something came up. What it was, I don't remember. Just like I didn't remember that I was on my way to the blog to create a post when something came up.
Actually, I do remember that the initial distraction was that I was trying to create a post from my cell phone, but didn't have the password to the blog in my memory -- cell or self.
If you would like to start a discussion on any of the facets of Moses' call from the reading last week, just add a comment here.
One statement I found interesting is that the Hebrew people, even in captivity, had elders, who apparently provided leadership to the community. In this case, elders means the older ones. I think it's likely that it took industrialization to reduce the role of elders in a society -- to the point in America, certainly, where youth has power and authority, and seniors ... they get a discount on Tuesdays at K-Mart.
Actually, I do remember that the initial distraction was that I was trying to create a post from my cell phone, but didn't have the password to the blog in my memory -- cell or self.
If you would like to start a discussion on any of the facets of Moses' call from the reading last week, just add a comment here.
One statement I found interesting is that the Hebrew people, even in captivity, had elders, who apparently provided leadership to the community. In this case, elders means the older ones. I think it's likely that it took industrialization to reduce the role of elders in a society -- to the point in America, certainly, where youth has power and authority, and seniors ... they get a discount on Tuesdays at K-Mart.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Psalm 19 Extra Reading.
For those of you doing the 52 Readings, Weekly Bible Reading Plan, you may have noticed the extra passages in Psalms to add to your weekly read. If you are reading those Psalms in order, this week would have included Psalm 19. It begins, in the NLT:
Not directly related to our snow event ... but I'm struck as David was, by God's revelation in His creation.
In the next verses (7-11), David talks about God's revelation in the Torah. "The torah of the Lord is perfect ..." For David, God's glory is revealed in His: instructions, decrees, commandments, commands, reverence (obedience) for the Lord, and laws. God's glory is described as: perfect, trustworthy, right, clear, pure, and true. And that this revelation brings: reviving of the soul, wisdom, joy, and insight. David's understanding of Yahweh, and the value of His revelation is summed up in verse 10, "They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb."
As David contemplated the God he knew through the cosmos and torah, and the joy this knowing gave to him, he knew that his own imperfections, shortcomings, and sin kept him from a perfect relationship with Yahweh. And he prayed for cleansing, for protection from future sin, and for a God-controlled life.
The final verse of this Psalm (v.14) is familiar to many of us. Here it is, with the thought that as you look out at the snow today, or the rain tomorrow, or the trees, flowers, sun, moon, and stars when you can see them, and most especially as you continue your time in God's word, that this would be the cry of your heart:
1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.
2 Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.
3 They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.
4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
Not directly related to our snow event ... but I'm struck as David was, by God's revelation in His creation.
In the next verses (7-11), David talks about God's revelation in the Torah. "The torah of the Lord is perfect ..." For David, God's glory is revealed in His: instructions, decrees, commandments, commands, reverence (obedience) for the Lord, and laws. God's glory is described as: perfect, trustworthy, right, clear, pure, and true. And that this revelation brings: reviving of the soul, wisdom, joy, and insight. David's understanding of Yahweh, and the value of His revelation is summed up in verse 10, "They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb."
As David contemplated the God he knew through the cosmos and torah, and the joy this knowing gave to him, he knew that his own imperfections, shortcomings, and sin kept him from a perfect relationship with Yahweh. And he prayed for cleansing, for protection from future sin, and for a God-controlled life.
The final verse of this Psalm (v.14) is familiar to many of us. Here it is, with the thought that as you look out at the snow today, or the rain tomorrow, or the trees, flowers, sun, moon, and stars when you can see them, and most especially as you continue your time in God's word, that this would be the cry of your heart:
May the words of my mouthWhat would you like to add?
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
52 Readings -- What do you want to say?
Here's a spot for any comments on the first 2 or 3 sessions of our new study -- 52 readings.
What do you want to say?
What do you want to say?
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