Scalloped potatoes

Merry Christmas!! We are currently taking a break from our bible study during Christmas holidays. It's the third year in a row my little family is having Christmas at our house. Our Christmas menu today will include brown sugar and pineapple ham, scalloped potatoes, green bean cassarole, and biscuits (from last night's Popeye's run). And don't forget dessert!

I was looking for a scalloped potato recipe similar to the one my husband's family cooks (since he loves it) online, but was not able to find it. Then I remembered I had written it down last year after his mom emailed it to me! So I thought I would share it. I boiled the potatoes tonight so I can throw it together tomorrow after church. I'm not sure if the whole cassarole can be prepared the day ahead because the crackers may get mushy. 

Homemade scalloped potatoes

8 red potatoes, washed and peeled

1 sleeve Saltine crackers, crushed

Salt and Pepper

Evaporated milk (at least 12 oz)

10 slices cheese

Preheat oven to 365*F. 

Slice potatoes to 1/2" thick and boil approximately 15-20 minutes, or until done. Make sure not to over boil them.

Butter bottom of a 13"x9" pan.  Put the crushed crackers on the bottom. Put a layer of cooked potato slices on top of the crackers. Add a little salt and pepper, then a layer of the sliced cheese. 

Continue with potatoes, salt/pepper, and cheese. Once finished layering, add evaporated milk to cover the bottom of the pan. 

Put in the oven for ~15-20 minutes. You want the cheese bubbly and starting to turn brown on top. Not burnt! Enjoy :)

**Note: because the kids and I are driving to Louisiana tomorrow, I didn't want to make a lot of food, though hubby will appreciate any leftovers while we are gone. I used a foil 9"x9" pan. So I only used 3/4 sleeve of crackers. And my daughter ate a slice of cheese, so I added shredded on top. A glass pan helps you see how much evaporated milk you used. I used 12 oz today. If you use a bigger pan, you may need more.

 Boil the potatoes until done. Just don't let them get mushy.

Put the crushed crackers first, then begin layering the potatoes, salt/pepper, and cheese.

Once finished layers (top with cheese), add evaporated milk to cover the bottom. 

Bake ~20 minutes, watch for cheese to begin to brown but not burn.

 The blueberry cake I made for breakfast and dessert!

Psalm 22

Psalm 22 seems to be a whirlwind which can be related maybe to a battle scene. At first the battle starts, and the fighter calls out to God saying "Where are you?" As he is getting closed in by the enemy  who are mocking him, the Lord is not far off. As he is victorious, he proclaims God's name and praises him. As the battle ends, the fighter promises that all generations will bow before the Lord for He allowed the fighter to overcome the evildoers. 

This battle can be any battle we are struggling with in life. It can be relate to a person's battle with their addiction, a person's battle in divorce/custody, a battle with a disease, a battle in poverty. At the times when they are lowest, they need to know God is there to help them out. If we know someone in a situation, we can help show the "light at the end of the tunnel" but helping them see God is there for them. What are some ways you can help? It is Christmas time, let us remember to give. 

Psalm 21

Psalm 21 offers thanks to God for having stood by the king. Verse 8 says "For the king trusts in the Lord, stands firm through the love of the Most High."

Another reason to give thanks this season, and one we must remember and continue to teach, is thanking God for the birth of Jesus. For many families, holidays can bring a bit of sadness if family members are no longer with us. I have a coworker who lost her husband to cancer the day before Thanksgivng this year, so this will be her first Christmas without him. He was a man who knew God, who trusted in God's will. So we know he is with God now, and that is only possible because of Jesus. So even though we may be saddened by our losses, we must also celebrate the goodness of Jesus's birth (and death) brings to us: we get to spend eternity with God! 

Psalm 19

Psalm 19:6-7 it [the sun] comes forth like a bridegroom from his chamber, and like an athlete joyfully runs its course. From one end of the heavens it comes forth; its course runs through to the other; nothing escapes its heat. 

I don't think I have ever read a more beautiful description of the rising and setting of the sun. This is another reminder of how magnificent the earth is and the sun's journey in our daytime is another wonder God has bestowed upon us. Makes me want to go camping just so I can watch it rise and fall. Because at home, we find so many things to keep our minded occupied that I miss this experience happening. When we go camping, all those "necessary" things fall quiet and we get to be one with God and nature. Unless we rent a cabin, it will be a little while before we get to go because it has gotten too cold to sleep on the air mattress on the ground for this pregnant mama! 😊

Psalm18

Psalm 18:25 You, Lord, give light to my lamp. My God brightens the darkness about me.

Psalm 18 was lengthy and full of encouraging words of God saving the psalmist from his enemies. This one verse stuck with me. In times of trouble, God is our light. When we are lost, he will brighten the darkness so we can find our way. I heard a woman on the radio the other day talking about how her daughter had gotten lost when they were in the woods, and the daughter continued to sing a song she heard earlier on KLove and eventually found her way out of the woods, some 10 hours later. I know this isn't always the outcome of stories we hear, but it is encouraging. God is with us. 

Psalm 17

Psalm 17:8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; keep me in the shadow of your wings from the violence of the wicked.

 Many times I have heard parents say their children are the "Apple of their eye," and here we see the psalmist asking God to keep him as such. God made us in his image, and this verse is a reminder that we are his children and we want him to protect us young birds (children) keep hidden under their parents wings. And he will. He is the shepherd who will leave his 99 sheep just to find the one, because we are all special and all loved.

I pray daily for God's protection for myself, my family, and the world. 

Psalm 15

Psalm 15 shows us who will not be allowed in God's tent. It shows us how we should act: speak truth, do not slander, do no harm, keep your promises, don't make money off of someone's unfortune. Some of these are similar to our commandments from God. 

There are several ways in the bible it is written how we should act, yet there are so many people who continue to stumble. I am one of those people. As I have been taught, however, we are human and sin is too easy. Being righteous for God take work, and thank goodness for forgiveness and grace. It's so easy to fall into pits with people you are around daily. We, I, need to consciously work on doing these acts daily. Otherwise, how am I to lead others to God if I can not show it through my own actions.

Psałm 14

Psalm 14:2 The Lord looks down from heaven upon the human race, to see if even one is wise, if even one seeks God.

Have you ever sat and wondered what God must think when He sees our world? Is He embarrassed? Mad? Sad? I just pray what when He looks down and is ready to give up, that he will be as generous as he was with Lot and if he finds even 10 people worth saving, he will not destroy us. 

Can we fix it? Maybe not, but we can always try. We need to stop allowing people to take God out of our schools and our country. We need to elect political people who actually will stand up for what is right (although most are wolves in sheeps clothing). We need to teach our children what it's like to be a good Christian and pray they will follow God and spread the word. We must trust that God will prevail.

Psalm 13

Psalm 13:6 I trust In your faithfulness. Grant my heart joy in your help, that I may sing of the Lord, "How good our God has been to me."

At the beginning of this psalm, the author is fearful again that God is not listening as the enemy tries to strike him. But the last vers sums up what we need to hear: we need to trust in God. He will guide us as he sees fit when he sees fit. Two of my three (well four) pregnancies were not planned. I don't like saying they eye an accident, because there was a bigger plan at hand. Regardless, I am putting my faith in God once again with this pregnancy, as I will have two under two. It will be an interesting journey, but as long as I know God is In the drivers's seat, I am ok.

I will share our Christmas card and family photo we took yesterday. 

Psalm 12

Psalm 12 speaks of God cutting off all deceitful tongues, especially of those who are boastful and say 'no one can lord over us.' While I agree that the boastful tongue is evil, I wonder how many times our words are taken the wrong way by others and we are made to look boastful as Christaians. Or even just w put anything we have said. Or how many times have we taken what someone else said, without further explainaniton, and ran with it making false accusations. 

I recently came across an article about Joel Olsteen's wife and some things she said at a sermon at her church. When I first heard the video, I was appalled. What right does she think she has to say we need to enjoy ourselves, and God will be happy with that? It wasn't until later articles came out where she better explained what she meant that I understood her message. I'm not a follower of Joel Olsteen, but when you are a highly respected religious person on tv, it is a lot easier to be taken out of context. 

So next time we rush to judgement over what someone said, maybe we should take a second and do a little more research before we throw the spikes at them. 

Psalm 11

Psalm 11:4b-5 God's eyes keep careful watch; they test all peoples. The Lord tests the good and the bad...

We all face challenges in life. I don't know if they are all tests from God, but everyone has a part in life where they have to make a decision. God gave us the knowledge to choose between good and evil, right from wrong. It us up to us to make that decision. Have you ever looked back at your life at the decisions you made and wondered "what if I chose the other path?" I used to. My life would be so different if I had studied harder in college and ignored that boy and gotten into pharmacy school. I never would have had a broken engagement, shame of moving back home, never would have met my current husband and had my two beautiful children. I stopped wondering once my first was born. Because I knew the path I chose, though full of heartache, was the one I was supposed to be on. 

God is always watching our choices. Let's continue to pray that we make good ones. 

Psalm 10

I couldn't pick one verse over the other today without needing one before and behind it. How many times I have watched the news and thought this very same thing. "Lord where are you? How could you let this happen?" We do have so many wicked people on this earth who sometimes seem to prosper, but we forget this is not our home: God will have his judgement! 

Instead of being angry after a natural disaster, we need to step up and help those in need. Instead of being angry after a homicide, rape, dispicable crime on television, w need to do out part to make sure there is a Boys and Girls Club in our neighborhood. Or a shelter the families in hiding can turn to. And we need to show them how NOT to be angry with God for not being there, but how He is there through us. Feel sad about the children on tv who need food or medicine overseas? Donate. Even better, donate locally. Do you know how many children here in our own country need our help? 

This Christmas, and hopefully everyone from now on, our elf's first job with us will be to remind my children to be generous. He has shown up with a sack like Santa's and wants the kids to give their toys they no longer need to those who do need them. It will be a big job for a 4 year old to understand, but I am hoping I can instill in her generosity so she can show God to others. He is there, always. 

Psalm 9

Psalm 9:11 Those who honor your name trust in you; you never forsake those who seek you. Lord.

We have a bible study at work, and are currently on Mark 6. This Psalm verse reminded me or Mark 6:5-6, where Jesus retuned to his hometown and his own people rebuked him. He was not able to perform miracles because of their lack of faith and He was amazed by it. Jesus said to the hemorrhagic woman in Mark, "Your faith healed you," but his own people had no faith so there could be no healing. 

Jesus never forsake those who seemed him out. And neither will God. We must continue to seek him and honor his name. It is written throughout the bible. 

Psalm 8

Psalm 8:4 When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you set in place-"

Sometimes I forget to be thankful for the place God has given us to stay while awaiting Heaven. There is a spot on my drive home from work, as I'm going pick up the kids, where I am driving down a big hill, and I can see out a good ways all around me. The view catches my breath, and I given thanks to God's good works then. Sometimes when there is a beautiful sunrise, I will remember to give thanks. Bout quite often in the hustle and bustle of a workday, I will not even notice the scenery as I am driving to work. I won't even pay attention to the blooming trees, or the changing of colors depending on the season. I rarely go outside and  look at the stars unless I am purposefully driving in the dark. 

I need to be more mindful to stop and enjoy what a view God has given us. I'm sure I'm not alone. 

Psalm 7

Psalm 7:9 O Lord, judge of the nations. Grant me justice, Lord, for I am blameless, free of any guilt.

I guess it's just the mood I woke in this morning, but here again I wonder if this person is truly innocent. Maybe they are, but I know when children try to get out of punishment, they try the put the blame on someone or something else. And even we as adults will do that. But as I remind my child (yes I have two currently, but the baby is still blameless in my eyes), God is watching and He knows what really happened. It usually works to get my 4 year old to be honest. I bet if we adults kept that in the back of our mind, we might be a little more honest also. I know I sure would be. I may need to keep this verse at my desk to remind me not to think I am blameless. 

Psalm 6

Psalm 6:6 For who among the dead remembers you? Who praises you in Sheol?

I don't know why this morning this sentence irks me. This person is asking God to save m from dying by basically saying "you should keep me alive because if I'm dead, I can't praise you." How many times have we gone through life saying "ok God, I will do this if you do this for me"? I know I have many times. And I didn't notice until my child starts using that on me. "Mommy, I can clean me room, then I have cookie?" As if she needed a promise of a reward to do her chores I expected of her. 

Young Christians, although referred to as children in books they mean those who haven't been in th faith long, including adults, often think they deserve a reward for doing what is expected of them in their faith. "If I take the time to go to church, I want ______." Instead they need to be taught that they need to be in church praising God for allowing them to be there, without any earthly reward, because our ultimate reward is Heaven. (I know that this psalmist didn't have the promise of Heaven.)

Psalm 5

Psałm 5:10 For there is no sincerity in the mouths; the hearts are corrupt. Their throats are open graves; on the tongues are subtle lies.

How many times have I said something harsh or told a subtle lie and immediately regretted it? Sometimes you can't take back the pain caused by words. How many more times have I said something and not regretted it, trying to reason with myself that I was correct in what I did? The harm that my words have done to others is dreadful. The saying "words could never hurt me" is wrong. I've seen the look on my child's face when my anger lashes out. I need to control my tongue before it controls me.

Lord please hold my tongue. where I easily get overwhelmed, be by my side to put a hand on my shoulder and calm me down before I lash out at people. Amen. 

Psalm 4

Psalm 4:9 In peace I shall both lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me secure.

God alone is where we should put our trust. Because he alone can fill all our voids. God alone can make us feel secure. People can deceive, stocks can fall, animals can turn wild, but God will still be there for us. 

I'm not saying we shouldn't have faith in humanity. Rather, we need to put our faith in a God, that he will show us the way.

Psalm 3

Psalm 3:5-6 Whenever I cried out to The Lord, I was answered from the holy mountain. Whenever I lay down and slept, The Lord preserved me to rise again.

This person writes of thousands of men who are against him, but he continuously prays to God, and God protects him. 

In our darkest hour, we need to remember God is near. When all hope seems lost, we must turn to God. It would be great if we turned to God in all our good times as well, but we shouldn't think we are ever alone in situations. 

Lord, I pray that you shield me from this who want to harm me. I seek shelter in you. Amen.

Genesis 50

Good morning! We have walked through the entire book of Genesis together! If you haven't read it before, hopefully something was picked up. I had been through it befor years ago. But I am still amazed at all the sin committed by the ancestors of Jesus. 

In the final chapter, Joseph's brothers beg for forgiveness saying their father told them to ask for it. Whether Jacob did or not, Joseph's answer was extraordinary. In verse 19, Joseph said "Have no fear. Can I take the place of God?" He is saying only God can make the brothers slaves because of their crimes, that he (Joseph) can not make those decisions. 

This is such a good reminder to us. When people ask our forgiveness, do we stil hold a grudge or judge them unfairly? We need to remember that only God can make final judgement. We cannot make those people "slaves" to workoff their sins against us. Later in the bible, forgiveness is talked about so many times. It is easy to say it, but hard to mean it sometimes. I think if we turn to God and ask him to help us open our heart to forgive, it may be a better ending. We shouldn't do it on our own, He doesn't expect nor want us to. And that goes for everything in our life. We need to remember we are never alone.

Have a great weekend!

Genesis 49

Genesis 49:10

The scepter shall never depart from Judah, or the mace from between his legs, while tribute is brought to him, and he receives the peoples' homage.

This could be telling of the tribe of Judah. The scepter shall never depart from Judah because through this tribe, Jesus comes. How amazing is the blessing bestowed upon Judah!  To be the tribe through which the son of a God is born? He had no idea at the time I'm sure. 

 As Jacob was dying, he fortold the divisions of the 12 tribes. Some were not so pleasant. I wonder what the sons were thinking at that time. He cut Reuben,  Simeon and Levi from any blessing, it was more of a curse. Almost like removing them from a will. 

Lord, I pray that I can always be honest with you, as you know my secrets anyway. I do not want to had any defilement on my heart, any fierce or rage in my soul. Help me to cleanse my spirit so I may  be ready to accept a blessing. Amen. 

Genesis 48

Jacob is dying and he wants to bless Joseph's children. During the blessing, he tells Joseph his children shall be considered that of Jacob, then crosses his hand and gives the blessing to the younger one over the old one. Jacob himself had deceived his own father, taking his older brother's blessing. Maybe this was to repay that? I didn't fully understand the reason given by Jacob. Can anyone give light to this for me? 

Genesis 47

Genesis 47:9 Jacob replied: " The years I have lived as s wayfarer amount to a hundred and thirty five. Few and hard have been these years of my life, and they do not compare with the years that my ancestors lived as wayfarers."

Jacob is acknowledging how his ancestors lived many more years as travelers on the earth. In a way, we are all just wayfarers here on earth. Though maybe not by foot, all our life we are traveling. This is figurative, not literal of course, because some people never leave their hometown. But still we are travelers here on earth until we reach our final destination: Heaven. 

The journey is not an easy one, and will have its hardships. But as long as we have our Bible or even just our faith along on our journey, we will be at ease knowing the twists and turns on the road is worth it. 

Lord, I pray you keep me safe on my journey here on earth. Help me suit up with your armor to protect me from the evil one. Ease my heart so I may always know you are near. Amen. 

Genesis 46

Good morning everyone, I hope y'all had a great weekend.

In this chapter, we see great response to God "Here I am!" Jacob eagerly responded to God's calling. Are we doing the same thing? Or do we hide from God when he calls? I would love to say I always answer him, saying "here I am" but that would be a lie. There are times, like a child, I pretend not to hear him. And then I fear if keep doing that, will I never hear him call me again?

We should always be listening to we can rightly respond. I am the first to say I am needing to work on that. And I think this advent season is a great time to start. I am not sure if how yet, but I will.

Lord, please keep my heart and ears open to always hear your call. Amen.

Genesis 45

Genesis 45:4-5 ...I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypyt. But do not be distressed, and do not reproach yourselves for having sold me here. It was really for the sake of saving lives that God sent me ahead of you. 

Joseph forgave his brothers for having sold him into Egypt as he ended up being a savior for the land. Just as Jesus forgave us for turning against him and allowing him to be crucified as he was the one sent ahead of us so that we may be saved. 

That kind of forgiveness is powerful. I pray I can be that forgiving when I need to be. 

Genesis 44

In this chapter, Judah again recounts his conversation with his father about bringing Benjamin to Egyot. Again he talks about how Jacob was devastated over the loss of Joseph and would die if he also loss Benjamin. But at no point does it say that they came clean with their father about what really happened to Joseph. I am surprised that their conscious never got the best of them. I know growing up, if I did wrong, I could only hide it so long. Even as an adult, at age 25,  I, who had acheived a post grad degree and had a full time job (was taking care of myself), felt the guilt of the world on my shoulders as I dialed my parents number to call my parents and tell them my fiancé and I were pregnant. 

I don't want my children to ever be fearful of my reaction,  but I want them to grow up knowing that they should come clean if they have done wrong. 

Lord, please continue to guide me as I raise my babies to be Christians for your glory. I am not the best teacher, but you gave me to them for a reason. I ask that you always weigh on their hearts when they have wronged someone so they search for you for forgiveness. Amen, 

Genesis 43

Genesis 43:30 With that, Joseph had to hurry out, for he was so overcome with affection for his brother that he was on the verge of tears.

Joseph had not seen his whole brother Benjamin in years, and he was so happy to see him. In previous chapter Joseph secretly wept as he heard his brothers saying in his native language how they shouldn't have wronged Joseph. Is is possible Joseph has forgiven his brothers for the wrongdoing against him? 

I couldn't imagine being away from my siblings for long. It's hard enough sometimes that it's 3 months been visits because none of us can't take off work to drive the 8 hours to see the other. I know when we song to see each other, we all rejoice, as Joseph is preparing to do when he sees Benjamin. I am always looking forward to the next time I get to see my siblings.

Lord, please keep my travels safe this holiday season as I drive back and forth across states to see my family. Please keep all of our families safe from harm. Amen. 

Genesis 41-42

Good morning! I am so sorry I missed yesterday! Sunday evening, we ENT out to eat, and I got car sickness on top of the pregnancy sickness. So I was having dinner come up all through the night and was nauseated all day yeterday. 

Today is a new day! I feel so much better after getting lots of sleep last night. So here is my recap of yesterday and today's chapters:

41:19-20 So Pharaoh said to Joseph: "Since God has made all this known to you, no one can be as wise and discerning as you are. You will be in charge of my palace..."

Again because Jospeh trusted in God and was faithful to Him in all things, God allowed Jospeh to be able to understand Pharoah's dreams. This in turn allowed Joseph to have his freedom from jail and be an overseer of everything in the palace and the land. 

Joseph could have easily turned from God when he was put in jail. He could have given up hope saying that God had forsaken him, allowing him to be sold into slavery and then thrown into jail. But he didn't! Jospeh continued to pray and thank God every day. As should we. Even in our darkest hours, we need to be thanking God.

42:11, 31: All of us are sons of the same man. We are honest men... But we said to him: We are honest men.

Joseph's brothers trid to explain their situation to Joseph, whom they don't recognize. And they tell him they ar honest men, how they are twelve brothers but one is gone. And then they repeat the story to their father in order to bring Benjamin back with them to Egypt. They watch their father cry about losing his son (Joseph) and them wanting to take Benjamin from them. But again they are "honest" men. I think this would have been a good time to confess what had actually happened to Joseph. And I wonder if that is what Joseph was trying to get them to do in first place. He knew they weren't being honest about the brother they lost. I guess technically they did lose him. 

Lord, please bless my heart so that i may always be gracious for things in my life no matter the circumstances. I pray that I can honest and forthcoming on good days and bad. Please continue to guide me in my child rearing years. Amen

Genesis 40- dreams interpreted

In this chapter, Joseph is still in jail when the royals cup bear and baker end up there. They both have strange dreams on the same night, and Joseph interprets them through God. The dreams are very different and have very different consequences for the two men. 

We all have strange dreams sometimes. I know I have had several moments in life where I have a déjà Vu moment where I know I have been through the situation before, and then I realized I dreamed it. I just didn't remember the dream until it happened. I don't know if I would want someone to interpret my dreams. There are the people who you pay money to who can tell you what your dreams mean, but I mean I don't know if I would want someone who could interpret them through God. Fearful maybe? I like going on through ice without knowing when the happy or sad times are coming. That wy I can't prevent a lesson that needs to be learned. Of course, there is nothing to be prevented for the cup bearer and baker. Their fate was sealed when they were put in jail. 

Genesis 39

Genesis 39:3 When his master saw that the Lord was with him and brought him success in whatever he did, he took a liking to Joseph...

Because Joseph was a good man and obeyed God, God looked kindly upon him. He blessed Joseph so that all the things he dealt with in or out of the house flourished. Joseph's master saw how everything Joseph he managed was successful because of God, he let him be in charge of the entire household. 

If people could see how we obey God today, we might find great successes like Joseph. It may not be monetary things or higher statuses, but it shouldn't matter. We should strive to live our life for God like Joseph did. He didn't pretend to live in God in hopes of being successful. He faithfully did because that was what was right. We need to stop putting things in front of God and making excuses for why we can't so things for God and live our lives for him. He is the reason we are here on this earth. He is the reason w are here in this bible study. Stop waiting for tomorrow and live for God today and every day like Joseph did.

Lord, pease open our hearts to you so that we may begin to willingly devote our lives to you every day, not to gain for ourselves but to gain for you. Amen.

Genesis 38

This chapter shows the Lord's anger again as he took the life of two of Judah's sons because they disrespected him. It doesn't say exactly what the first son did, but the second son "spilled his seed" instead of fulfilling his duty. I can understand why he didn't want to have children with his brother's wife, as they wouldn't be considered his, but if in that time that was their job, he failed to do it. I think it is mentioned another time in the bible about the man spilling their seed and disrespectful that is. God meant for husband and wife to have children, and by Onan's actions, a child wouldn't be made. There is a whole soap box that could go on and on with this topic, but I'll just stop with the fact that God took theses men's lives because they didn't obey Him.

Lord, I am grateful that I am still here on earth because I have not always obeyed you. There is a greater purpose for me here and I hope I can live up to your expectations. Amen. 

Genesis 37

We have all had moments (those of us with siblings) in which we wanted to sell them, or lose them, or send them back. But Joseph's brothers actually wanted to kill them. All except Reuben who tried to help Joseph, plotted to kill Joseph because they were jealous of them. Instead, they sold him while he was in a cistern. As their father mourned, did his brothers feel regret? I believe Reuben did, even though he was not part of the act, because he knew what had been plotted. Why didn't he say anything to his father though? Was he scared his brothers would rebel against him, the oldest brother? 

I couldn't imagine losing a child, whether through death or kidnapping. I've watched many families suffer greatly with both. And here, to have had your own children sell your son because they were jealous is wild. 

Lord, please keep our children under your protection. Amen.

Genesis 35 & 36

So sorry I didn't get to these this weekend. With Halloween Friday night, I thought I would sleep in Saturday. But Hunter had other plans. We had a busy day Saturday with a party that night. Then Hunter woke up at 215 spitting up. So yesterday was catching up on sleep. 

Chapter 35 talks of Jacob's journey home, and mentions how his mother's nurse as well as his wife Rachel both died along the way. And when they got back to Mamre, his father Issac died. But at least he got back in time for that. Chpster 36 talks of Esau's descendants. His first wife listed is Adah. Neat. 

Genesis 34

This is a difficult chapter to read. I have a problem with men who think they can just force themselves upon a woman. Of course if it were a role reversal, I would still have a problem with it. To disrespect someone in such a way is beyond me. However what Jacob's sons did is not acceptable either. It is for God to take revenge for those who need it, not us. But i can understand their reasoning. Had someone hurt my sister in such a way, it would be hard for me to just stand by. 

Lord, please heal those who have been hurt by the hand of othes. Help mend them, as they may feel broken, and help calm the storm that arises in their loved ones. Help them to see you are the ultimate judge. Amen. 

Genesis 32 & 33

Good morning. I had the ultrasound yesterday and baby is well. The little thing was just moving all over! 

In these two chapters, Jacob is frightened by the idea that his brother is angry and will harm him. God already told him to go home and God will protect him. But Jacob's fear, especially when he hears Esau is coming with 400 men, takes over. He tries to divide up the camp in case one is overtaken, the other shall continue. He tries to send droves of animals ahead to appease Esau. And when Esau did show up, Esau ran to Jacob and embraced him! Forgiveness is powerful. As powerful as guilt. 

This is same way Jesus wants to have us. He wants to find those who have turned away and run to them and embrace them. He wants to forgive them for their transgressions and have them back in the family. It is our guilt that prevents us from being found. We try to hide when we have done something wrong, or try to buy back people's affection. Jesus doesn't want that, and neither did Esau. He was just so happy his brother had returned. 

Lord, I ask forgiveness daily yet I am weary to give it to others in fear of being hurt again. But I know that you forgive unconditionally, even though you know i may fall again. Please help me to not be fearful in seeking forgiveness and in giving forgiveness where it is needed. Amen

Genesis 31

Good morning y'all. I hope everyone is having a blessed week. I am super excited because today is my first OB visit for this pregnancy. I' m hoping I get to see baby via Ultrasound today. Also I need to get a prescription for Zofran because my remedies are not helping this "morning" sickness much. Is everyone gearing up for Trick or Treat? My daughter has been practicing saying "trick or treat" all week, and we have been counting down using a paper chain. I'm hoping to finish our costumes today, so I can post a picture soon.

S: Genesis 31:49-50 ...May thenLord keep watch beaten you and me when we are out of each other's sight. If you mistreat my daughters, or take other wives besides my daughters, remember that even though no one else is about, God will be witness between you and me. 

O: Laban doesn't have to witness if Jacob fails to keep his promise, because God will see it. 

A: growing up, I feared displeasing my parents. It really would make me sick to my stomach if I did something that I knew my parents would not be proud of. I wasn't taught that even more importantly, I may have done something displeasing to God. I am trying to teach my daughter that even though mommy and daddy can't watch her all the time, that God is always there and sees her. I' m hoping to help keep her more accountable for herself not through worrying about displeasing me, but moreover trying to always please God. That is the more important goal anyway. 

P: lord, please help me continue to guide my children toward you. I want to raise respectful, God-fearing daughters and sons that know you are the ultimate goal. Amen. 

Genesis 30

In chapter 29, God heard Leah's pains and gave her children. In chapter 30, Rachel got jealous, and instead of praying to God for children of her own, she insisted Jacob sleep with her slave and give he children through the slave. Sarah did this to Abraham because she couldn't wait on God's timing, and then became envious of here slave to the point of beating her. 

Rachel couldn't wait for God's timining, but felt vindicated when her slave had a son for her. This battle continued on between the sisters, as Leah allowed Jacob to Impregnate her slave, and then Leach had two more sons of her own. If you do the math, this was approximately 10 years worth of a fight between the sisters. Finally, God heard Rachel's prayer and gave her a son, Joseph. 

Sometimes we want something so badly, we do whatever it takes to get it, without thinking of the consequences. Instead, we need to take the time to pray about it to God, and if He sees it as a necessity in our life, it will happen. But on his terms and in his timeline. We need to learn as a society to not be greedy, but it is hard being that people grow up from kids with then "Gimmie, gimmie, gimmie" attitude thinking they are owed everything. 

We need to practice patience. I've heard it's a virtue ;)

Lord, help my soul and mind to be patient. Help me see that if it isn't meant to be, I am better off without whatever I think I want. You are the one who can fulfill our needs. Amen.

Genesis 29

Jacob had tricked his father into getting Esau's blessing. Then Jacob is threatened and leaves. He travels to a land where he has relatives of his mother, and sees Rachel and falls in love with her. After making a deal with Laban, to feel him 7 years to be able to wed Rachel,, Jacob consummated marriage with Leah instead of Rachel. He feels tricked by Laban. But this is very similar to what Jacob did to his own father. Jacob is allowed to marry Rachel and works with Laban longer.

Laban was only doing what a father should. Back in those days, the first born had more rights than their siblings. As Esau was supposed to have birthright and a blessing, Leah should have been married first. Maybe the way Laban went about this wasn't right, but he was following the customs of his land. I am curious about the multiple wives that men have in those testament. And the babies born with their slaves. My husband always said "One wife telling me what to do is enough." He  is only picking, but it's good to know he feels that way. I digress...

Im having a hard time finding something in particular to think deeper on in this chapter. In the second half, God hears Leah's pain and gives her 4 sons. But she still lacks the affection from Jacob. Hopefully she knew that it is the love of God alone that can totally fulfill our needs. Otherwise, that sounds pretty terrible. 

Genesis 28

Genesis 28:15 Know that I am with you; I will protect you wherever you go, and bring you back to this land. I will never leave you until I have done what I promised you.

To me this is a  powerful verse. I know there are several other times in the bible that "I am with you" is found. God continually is calling to us to let us know he is there. Here, God is telling Jacob to have faith and know He is there as he prepares on his journey. He wants Jacob to trust in Him as did Issac and Abraham. 

Are there times in our lives where we can hear God calling us, telling us he is there? Sometimes it's harder to hear than others. Let's imagine we are outside on a nice day, let's say sunny and 65, looking at a beautiful field. The we feel a nice breeze come across the field. Do you ever think that's God saying "I am here with you"? It may be easier to imagine him there when we are having easy days. But it's the days that are hard that we need to know he is there. And he is. Remembered the poem about the footsteps? Where the man, looking back on his life, says he sees two sets of footprints for a while but he sees only one set during the bad days. And God (it may have been Jesus) tells him that's because He was carrying the man during the bad days. God is always with us. Listen for him.

Lord, I pray that I always a, willing to open my ears and my heart to hear you say you are there. That I know I am never really alone. Amen. 

Genesis 27

Deception; to deceive; to mislead by a false appearance or statement. Jacob did just that by appearing as if he was his brother Esau and telling his father such. He mislead his father to receive a blessing meant for Esau. This is not Jacob's deception alone: his mother Rebekah was the instigator. Jacob must flee because of his deception, so that his brother does not kill him. So Jacob and his mother are now separate from each other because of their lies. 

How easy it is to deceive. We learn to do it as children with "little white lies." We  do these things to gain something or to make ourselves look good. We don't think anyone will find out. And maybe no one will. But the bigger problem at hand is one person knows. Besides you. God knows. He knew the moment you let the words slip out. He was the one pulling on our heart to stop. He is our conscious that makes us toss and turn at night after we have deceived someone. He is there. 

In Mark 4:22 it is written: "For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light." I have always taken that verse to mean that any deception we try to hide will be made known. Someone will figure it out, or we will be truthful, but even if that doesn't happen, it will be made light on our judgement day. God knows of every deception we have done. It is the dark one whispering in our ears to continue on with the lies. We must stand firm and tell him to move back. We must not falsely aquire things that epwere not meant for us. We must stand with God against the devil, against deception, against all evil. This is a daily struggle. It is so easy to let one little white lie slip out. But befor you know it, that lie can snowball out of control. 

Lord, please help me to stand firm against deception. I do not want to gain things that aren't meant for me. I only want them if you meant them for me. I pray I can stand firm against the devil's whispers. Amen. 

Genesis 25

Genesis 25:8 there he breathed his last, dying at a ripe old age, grown old after a full life; and he was taken to his kinsmen. 

What a beautiful statement about Abraham's passing. After 175 years and a full life, as written, he breathed his last. If only that could be the thought for everyone who passes, but it's not always the care. Some people at taken way too early. No one understands God's reasoning for why some people's life are cut short while others live longer. No one really likes to talk about death. Except maybe the really old or the really sick, because they have come to terms with their time. 

I'm not sure why this sentence stood out to me this morning. Halloween is right around the corner, as is All Hallow's Day/ All Saint's Day, which is the day we remember the dead. In my job, we see death every day, and only the ones caused by someone else. It can be really hard work, but I know I am working for the greater good, to help the families. It is very hard not to say, "How could He let this happen?" But I know in my heart that God has a plan for everyone. God does not just 'let things happen.' He does everything with a purpose that we are not to understand. Death is one of those things. 

Abraham's life was great because he lived it with God. We shouldn't worry about death. We should live each day here on earth for God. Our ultimate goal is to be in heaven with God, and Abraham, Moses, Jesus, etc. If we live our life fully like Abraham did, with God at our side, it won't matter when God comes to call, because we will be ready. 

Have you ever sat down and talked with the elderly or the very sick? How about a patient at St. Jude's? I did. And that child's faith at 8 years old was great than mine was at 22. She knew God had a plan for her. She knew that through her struggles, the doctors could possibly find a cure. And if it wasn't through her, they would at least know how to better treat the next child. She was amazing. Even thought she was 8, every day she lived her life, as best should could, to the fullest. She prayed several times a day and thanked God all the time. Even when she was in pain. How amazing! 

We may not get to live for 175 years like Abraham. But we can make the most of each and every day while we are here on earth, preparing for heaven. 

Lord, I ask that you help me to live every day to its fullest, like Abraham, so that when it is my time to meet you, people can know I did so. Amen.

Genesis 24

What a beautiful chapter! Abraham's servant prayed, and God answers his prayer in verse 15 with Rebekah, who was Abraham's kinsman as he asked. And how obedient was Rebekah to leave her family and return with the servant to marry someone she had never met. Her family wanted to keep her a few more days, but she never hesitated when the servant was ready to go because of her faith in God. 

How often do we hesitate when we feel God pulling at our heart? I can honestly say way too often. There have been a few times lately that I know God wanted me to do something, and I hesitated because I was late for work, or I had to pick up the kids, or some other excuse I could think of. We should stop more often and acknowledge those pulls on our heart and follow them. Only God knows how those small steps could change our life (and maybe someone else's), possiblly for the better.

Lord, help me to slow down and follow your commands. Help me to not think of an excuse when I walk by that person you want me to stop and talk to. Help me to gore my faith and trust that you will take care of me. Amen

Genesis 23

In Genesis 23:4 we see Abraham trying to purchase a piece of land in the Hittite area. The Hittites kept trying to give the land to Abraham, but he wanted to purchase it. Probably go give his descendants their first piece of land in the country God promised they would one day inherit. Abraham could now say his descendants inherited the land from him and not from the Hittites as a sorrowful gift. 

Abraham did this so the Hittites couldn't ever come back and say "We gave you this land, now do this for us." Sometimes with gifts their a strings attached. We must be carful who we accept gifts from and their reasoning behind it. This happens alot in our world today, as many people have the mindset "You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours," or if I do you a favor, you will do one for me. We need to be aware of this deceitful nature because if we are doing things for personal gain and not for God, the devil is winning. 

This is not to say if someone offers us a gift, we shouldn't take it. We should just be mindful of who and what it is, and if it looks like it's too good to be true, it probably is. We could then either pay for the gift or not accept it. 

Lord, lease keep me mindful of th gifts you want me to receive come from your grace and not personal gain. Amen.

Genesis 22

Good morning! My us and and I not to an 80's themed Halloween party last night. It was petty fun. Most of the guests had dressed as movie or TV icons of the 80's (Michael Meyers, Teen Wolf, Goblin King of Lanryinth, Jessica Rabbit, Punky Brewster, Rick Flair, and more). I'm not the biggest fan of Halloween costumes. To me it's a free ride for the creepy people to put masks on and come out to scare you and no one would know if it's a real trick or not. That's just me. I watch too much television. Anyway, back to the study.

In Genesis 22:2, God tests Abraham's loyalty. He asks Abraham to offer up his only son as a Holocaust. And Abraham willingly was going to comply, and would have if the angel had not stopped him. How amazing was his love for God! To give up his only son. Could we give up our children as easily? 

God gave us his only son to save us from sin. God's love for us is amazing and unconditional. Just as Abraham's love for God was. It is said in the Bible that would should not hold earthy possessions above God, that we should be willing to let the go at a moment's notice. The ability to sacrifice a child is a truly unconditional love that I don't know if I am at yet.

Lord, I want to love you like Abraham. I want to be able to give up everything for you. I am glad you haven't asked me to give up my children because I fear I am not ready to do that. Help me to overcome this fear, knowing if I were to lose a child, I would see them again in heaven with you. Amen. 

Genesis 21

Genesis 21:18 Arise, lift up the boy and hold him by the hand; for I will make of him a great nation.

How amazing is God? He keeps his promises to the blessed (Abraham) and to the slave (Ishmael). As they we cast pit into the wilderness, God hears Ishmael's cries, comes down and shows Hagar a well. God promised Hagar that Ishmael would have many descendents when she left Sarai's abuse. Here he finds them in need and again promises a great nation. 

It would have been so easy for someone to overlook Hagar and Ishmael. A son of a slave, conceived out of wedlock, no father around. But God protects his children, no matter how they came to be. God keeps his promises. 

Dear Lord, we are so blessed that you keep your promises. You are a great God. Thank you for every day you allow us to be here on earth in preparation of our life in Heaven. Please continue to hold my heart steadfast against the devil so that I may see your promises. Amen. 

Genesis 19

Genesis 19:14 So a Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who had contracted marriage with his daughters. "Get up and leave this place," he told them; "the Lord is about to destroy the city." But his sons-in-law thought he was joking.

The young men didn't believe that God was coming to detroy the town. I presume the stayed behind and died with the rest of the people there. How would we react today if we were told the Lord was coming to destroy our town and we had to leave? Would we believe? I think it, unfortunately, would be hard to believe at first because of all the past lies about the world ending. Kind of like the fable "The Boy who Cried Wolf." What would it take for us to believe? 

I know the second coming of Jesus could happen at anytime. When it does I pray I have the strength to accept Him as he says he is. This is a very tricky thought. We don't know when it will happen, what he will look like, and what all fakes will be before him. I do, however, trust that God will make it well known when the time is right, and Christians will know and believe, so we don't burn like those in Sodom, or turn into a pillar of salt, like Lot's wife. 

Dear Lord, I pray that you humble me to know you better. I want to be brave like Lot and turn away when you tell me too. Amen. 

Genesis 18

Genesis 18:12 So Sarah laughed to herself and said, "Now that I am so either and my husband is so old, am I still to have sexual pleasure?" 

In Genesis 17:17, Abraham laughs at the thought of having a child so old. Here, Sarah laughed. God told Abraham to name the child Issac, which means laugh in Hebrew. It is funny how God works. But I chapter 18 we see how Sarah doesn't believe God when he says she will have a baby. She and Abraham have yet to see how powerful God is. 

Lord, I pray that I continue to believe without needing a visual proof just how powerful you are. Open our hearts so we are not doubters and see your majestic role in our lives. Amen.

Genesis 17

Genesis 17:17 Abraham prostrated himself and laughs as he said to himself, "Can a child be born to w man who is a hundred years old? Or can Sarah give birth at ninety?"

Here again Abraham doubts God. Maybe by the time his generation is alive, people were having babies before ninety, but his ancestors were hundreds before and/or still having children. This is the second time Abraham directly questioned God. He also indirectly questioned him by laying with his maid. 

God continues to keep his covenant with Abraham although he questions God's timing. God must have favor on Abraham to allow the covenant to continue. Just as God still continues to love us even when we turn our back to him. He still wants us to come back, no matter what we have done. We are his children. 

Dear Lord, though we question your timing with our lives and things that go on in our lives, please continue to keep your Covenant with us. Thank you for not turning your back on us when we don't believe. Please keep calling us back to you. Amen.

Genesis 16

Genesis 16:5 So Sarai said to Abram: "You are responsible for this outage  against me. I myself fav my maid to your embrace, but ever since she become aware of her pregnancy, she has been looking on me with disdain. May the Lord decide between you and me." 

Sarai made the decision for her husband to have a child, because she could not be patient and wait for the Lord. The Lord had promised numerous children, but Sarai may have felt embarrassed because she could not produce Abram an heir. But once the maid became pregnant, Sarai was jealous. She abused and mistreated the maid so much, the maid ran away.

One of our commandments Moses brought down is do not look upon your neighbor with envy. If Sarai had waited, she would have received everything God promised her. Her impatience got the better of her. This happens a lot in life. How many times do we do or buy something with impulse, and then when the better version comes out, we look at others with envy. If we had waited a little while, we could have had that. This can be the most trivial things or it can be something that ends up hurting us very deep. That is why we should turn to God before making irrational decisions. We should Pray about things and try to think them through. We are such a fast paced people, this is something we would need to work on daily.

Lord, I ask that you help slow down my thoughts on decisions I make, let me pray with them to you. I don't want to be envious as that is a sin. Help me to see that I don't need the next big thing, because you have better plans for me. Amen

Genesis 15

Genesis 15:3 "Look, you have given me no offspring, so a servant of my household will be my heir."

God had just told Abram He would make his reward great. Abram didn't understand how being that he had no children. God had already promised Abram when he departed from Lot that his descendants would be more than the grains of sand on the earth (Genesis 13:16). Once God made a covenant with Abram, he trusted God's promise.

We can't just go around sacrificing animals today hoping to make a covenant with God, or hoping he hears our prayers. But I believe that by going to church weekly, we are making our personal commitment to God to honor him, and through that commitment his is giving us his covenant. In my church, we are Catholic if you remember, we receive the Eucharist each Sunday. To me, that is a sign of the covenant between God, Jesus, and myself. I see Jesus on the cross as I go up to receive his body, and I see the covenant that God made with us: through his Son, we will be saved. If I am ever feeling in a rut, and need a "reminder" that God is listening, I just go to church and pray and be with Him. It can be a powerful reminder, 

I know all religions ar different, and all church buildings at different. You don't have to have a big cross with Jesus on it to remind you. This something else in your church that brings you close to God, and shows his covenant. What is that for you? I'd love to hear your answers.

Dear Lord, thank you for making a covenant with me, and allowing us to be saved and live on this earth. Thank you for allowing us to return generation after generation. May we keep pleasing you so that we can continue to prosper. Amen

Genesis 14

Good morning! I feel blessed the last few mornings to be able to awaken and be with God without being sick. My "morning" sickness has not subsided. It's just not as bad first thing in the momrning. And that makes for a good day. Praise God.

Genesis 14:23 that I would not take so much as a thread or a sandal strap from anything that is yours, so that you cannot say, 'I made Abram rich.'

O: Abram does not let anyone but God enrich him. He knows his victory is through God alone.

A: how can I be that humble? All the gifts we are born with are given to us by God. But do we take th time to think about that and praise him fort them? For instance, I received several scholarships for college because of th good grades I made in highschool. Of course I was only 17 and not on a great walk with God. If it were now, I would want to praise God for the blessing of my knowledge and my ability to get into college. 

But I don't know that I could have turned down the scholarships. To me, I was being rewarded because of knowledge that God gave me. In this chapter Abram would have been rewarded by a greedy King. So I don't think that is the same. What do you think??

P: Lord, let me always praise you first for my blessings. And let me praise you for my shortcomings as well. You alone know my path. Amen.

Genesis 13

I know this may sound silly, as I already knew the story in the Bible, but while reading this chapter, I kept envisioning the Veggie Tale version of it. I just saw it the other day on TV. Also, when doing the book of Esther, we have th Veggie Tale version. It is less adult than the Bible, I think it is cut and my daughter loves them. So my visual of Abram and Lot are two cartoon vegetables...

Genesis 13:14 After Lot had left, the Lord said to Abram: "Look about you, and from where you are, gaze to the  northh and south, east and west; all the land that you see I will give to you and your descendants forever. I will make your descendants like the dust of the earth; if anyone could count the dust of the earth, your descendants too might be counted."  

O: God promised Abram his descendants would cover the earth. 

A: If you remember from Chapter 11, it said Sarai, Abrams's wife was barren. And hree God is promising to give Abram so many descendants, they cannot be counted. How amazing! I know that being able to carry a child is such a great honor. And I also know some women do not get to carry a child in their womb, but they still have a great opportunity to carry one in their hearts and raise a child through adoption. Being a mother doesn't mean giving birth, it means loving a child and raising the child. I digress... God fills is promises. Gods promises are not always what we had in mind. But we need to be open to his will and his way to enjoy our life.

P: Dear Lord, please let me always be open to your way, so that i might accept your promises and gifts unconditionally and whole heartedly. You alone know the path you have chosen for me. I hank you for that. I ask that you open each and every person's mind so they may also understand your way. Amen. 

Genesis 12

Genesis 12:13 Please say therefore, that you are my sister, so that it may go well with me on your account and my life may be spared for your sake.

O: Here we see Abram not trusting that God would protect him. He convinced his wife to say she was his sister. This way, she would be taken in the palace and treated well, and he would be given flocks and herds. When God saw Pharaoh with Abrams's wife, he sent a plague. I'm a little surprised God didn't get angry with Abram for not trusting that He would see them through the land unharmed.

A: we all tell little white lies for things to work in our favor. But do we all feel the guilt after? The guilt is put there by our conscious which was given to us by God. I always relate my guilt as God pulling on my heart strings asking why I did that. Abram was lucky that Pharaoh didn't have his men go after them when they were sent away. Our white lies can have consequences. We shouldn't have to know the result to know that we shouldn't lie about things in our lives just to get better. We need to trust that God will take care of us in his way.

P: God, I know those white lies put barriers between you and me. I want to break those barriers and know that you're always there for me, and I don't need to lie. The lies eventually catch up to me, and then I am empty. Please help me to see this before I start those lies. Amen.

Here is a picture from my bible of Abram's journey

Genesis 11

Genesis 11:6 Then the Lord said: "If now, while they are one people, Dallas speaking the same language, they have started to do this, nothing will later stop them from doing whatever they presume to do..."

O: after everything God had done to rectify the earth of the people, saving Noah and his family, these people had forgotten to trust God.

A: We are a simple creature. In the midst of sadness and despair, we remember God. But in times of greatness and happiness, do we remember? Or are we forgetful like the people in Babel. God could send something at anytime to scatter us. Is that what it would take for us to be grateful for what we have?

P: Lord, I want to always show you my gratitude for my life. In my good times and bad, I want to rejoice in you. I don't want to be forgetful or untrusting like the people of Babel. Let me always praise your name. Amen. 

Genesis 10

Morning y'all,

I enjoy reading get genealogies in the bible. I have spent much time on my family's genealogical tree. I can trace us back to France in 1595. It is such a neat thing to get to see take a peak at the lives of our ancestors. At least I think so. This chapter talks of Noah's descendants. Here is a picture from my bible that shows the families in chapter 10.

Apologies

So I have been really out of the loop the last few days. On Wednesday last week, I was in the hospital with a 103.4 degree fever from an infection because I didn't take care of it when I noticed it. That was in the evening after having been dizzy and feeling drugged enough that I could get off of the sofa that day. I didn't make it trough work on Thursday be cause the fever came back. It didn't really leave unt Saturday. And the pain finally went away Saturday as well. Hunter had his first hair cut Saturday. I've attached before and after shots. So cute. Then his birthday was yesterday, and today he got tubes placed in his ears. In all this, I have gotten behind on my postings of my bible study. I will try to start again tomorrow with Genesis 9. Until then, take care

Genesis 5

I don't really have a verse to study from on this chapter. Rather, the whole chapter is remarkable in that it talks about the length of time each man lived. How incredible! 903 years, 912 years, 905 years, etc. I wonder what life was like back in those days? To live to be over 100 years before having a child? I'm sure their lives were hard having to farm and live off the land. How did they look at 200? But none of that really matters. What matters is that for those 900 years, they praised God!

Genesis 4

S: Genesis 4:6b-7 Why are you so resentful and crestfallen? If you do well, you can hold up your head; but if not, sin is a demon lurking at the door: his urge is toward you, yet you can be his master. 

O: in our day to day lives, it is so easy to be resentful when things do not work out in our favor. How quickly we can jump to conclusions of failure, or contemplation against the one we have resentment for. And how quickly the devil can swoop in and take over.

A: as Christians, we need to daily pick up our armor to fight the devil. And one of those ways is to learn to not let "closed doors" make us resentful. God has plans for us that we don't know about. How great they are! But this task is not easy. That's what prayer partners or mentors are for. They can help us to turn the other cheek and accept ways that don't work out the way we want.

P: Dear Lord, please continue to guard me against the devil. He can show up in the smallest ways. Please help me to not be resentful when plans don't go my way. Help me understand it's not about me, but it's about you. Amen

Genesis 3

Genesis 3:8 When the heard the sound of the Lord God moving about in the garden at the breezy time of day, the man and his wife hid themselves from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 

O: this verse shows how Adam and Eve were young in th faith: like young children, they hid from thir father because they knew they had done wrong.

A: how many times dome hide from God? How many times do we have something on our conscious that prevents us from being open with him? We too hide from God when we are ashamed. 

P: God, I don't want to hide from you. I want to avoid the serpent from the get go, but if I fall, please give me the courage to face you, so that I may be forgiven. Amen.

Genesis 2

S: Genisis 2:2-3 Since on the seventh day God was finished with the work he had been doing, he rested on the seventh day from all the work he had undertaken. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work he had done in creation. 

O: God worked hard for six days to bring the world to life. And then he rested the next day. The great, almighty God had to rest. And then God blessed the seventh day, making it holy. 

A: we all think because we work in such a busy world, we have no time to eat. And a lot of people don't rest. Our world is no more busy than then world of our great grandparents. They were up from sunrise to sundown doing chores, picking the garden, diong manual labor. And yet, they knew to rest on Sunday. We are In a fast paced world where it is thought "If I don't get X done, someone will get my job." We have forgotten what it means to rest and be with God. I know not everyone can do such on the Sabbath because of shift work, but we all can give one day to rest. Our bodies were made and need to rest a little. We need to make ourselves sit down and enjoy our family,friends, life, and be thankful to God for giving us this great big world.

P: Lord, help me to see that giving rest and grace to you is mor important than that batch of clothes, or scrubbing that toilet. Help me to prepar myself for a day of rest each week, so that I might enjoy the world you have given me. Amen. 

Genesis 1

Good morning y'all.

S: Genesis 1:27-28 God created man in his image, in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them saying: "Be fertile and multiply; fill the east and subdue it."

O/A: It is very plainly written here that God made us with a purpose. He made us for a purpose. He created man and women to be together and fill the earth. There is no arguments. 

P: Dear God, I know in these days, we as a people are falling from your teachings more and more. Please help guide us, and help us to guide others. Helps our leaders to see the truth that you have written. Help our fellow Christians to stand up for what is right, for what you have taught us. Amen

In my bibles,there is a picture of what the Hebrews thought of the world. I will try to attach it.

 

Psalm 1

S: Psalm 1:3 They are like a tree planted near streams of water, that yields its fruit in season; Its leaves never wither; whatever they do prospers.

O: They, the men talked about in verses 1-2, who follow God's law are strong and plentiful. God will reward them with generations of propensity. 

A: if we can be like the people in verses 1-2, God will reward us in His way. But we must remember, God rewards how he sees fit. It's not a "I'll be good if you let me -----." God answers our prayers in the way they should be answered, according to his will.

P: God, let me always be steadfast like the tree planted near the water so that my leaves never with. Lead me, and I will follow. Amen.

3 John

3 John 3-4 is almost repetitive of the verse I journaled about yesterday. The presbyter has written I another letter, talking of how pleased he is to see the children walking in truth. I can only hope that when looking at my life, Jesus is also pleased in my walk with truth. I pray that I continue to walk in truth and faith, and I am thankful for the ability to do such every single day.

2 John

2 John 4: I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth just as we were commanded by the Father.

O: The author may be talking about some of the new Christians who have joined in the walk with Jesus. He uses the words "your children" indicating their young faith, not necessarily young in age. 

A: This letter is directed to a chosen lady and is about the people in her village. The author is so happy about the new Christians he found when he visited. What a joy it is to see new Christians in their walk. As we read in Peter, easily Christians can be easily faltered by evil. We need to, as this author puts, walk according to his commandments, which is walk in love with our fellow Christians, and help them along their journey. 

P: Dear God, help guide me along my journey. Pleases be always at my side as I seek to help others. Let me only lead through your grace and will. Amen. 

1 John 5

1 John 5:11-12 And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever possess the Son has life; whoever does not possess the Son of God does not have life.

This is another message John proclaims a lot in this book. If you believe, profess, and walk with Jesus, we are with him. We make this choice. We choose daily to be with Jesus. I'm not sure why anyone would choose otherwise. I find since I have started my walk with Jesus, and truly devoting myself, I am happier. My husband can tell. My children can tell. There is less arguing, less hostility, less frustrations. I pray that each and every day I make the conscious and subconscious choice to be with Jesus. And I pray that hat you do to. Amen

1 John 4

1 John talks a lot about love. The love that God has for us and the love that we should have for each other. In 1 John 4:9, he talks about the greatest love "In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only son into the world so that we might have life through him." God gave us his son for free so that we might have life with God and be free from sins. We need to reciprocate this love to one another. Unconditionally. God didn't say he would give us Jesus if we did this or that. He gave us Jesus so that we could be free from sin. How many times have we thought, "I'll do this for so and so if they ______________"? Countless. We need to stop thinking that we and give ourselves freely. It only takes one unconditional action for someone to see (not that we should do it just for someone to witness) that could change that person's life for the better. 

Lord, please help me to put away my foolish pride and love unconditionally. I want to be able to reach my hand out to those who need without expecting something in return. You gave us Jesus so we could be with you. I want to give myself so that others can be with you also. Amen. 

1 John 3

S: 1 John 3:4-6 Eveyone who commits sin commits lawlessness, for sin is lawlessness. You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who remains in him sins; no one who sins has seen him or known him.

O: To truly commit a sin, consciously and deliberately, means one is choosing to turn away from God. If one continues down that path, he will never know God.

A: I think John is saying here that those who commit sin purposefully are not with God. I would like to think that if we sin accidentally, realize it, and then repent, we could still be with God. But to deliberately commit a sin is like slapping God in the face. 

P: Lord, I don't even want to "accidentally" sin against you. Please help me stay aware in all situations of my actions and responses to others so that I do not sin against you. I want to know you, God. Amen. 

1 John 2

Morning sickness is for the birds.

1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but from the world. Yet the world and it's enticement are passing away. But whomever doss be will of God remains forever. 

This is a tough verse to understand. I don't think if you say "I love my car," you are not with God. I think this more means if you think you are better than other people because of your car, making you prideful, means you are not with God. If someone has arrogance in their earthly style, that can show independence from God. 

When I was in my first year of college, I had received a chain email that send "send this to all the people you love to say luv ya." I sent it to my dad, and got a response that I have not yet forgotten. He replied telling me how different "luv ya" and "love" were. That we are not called to love objects, pets, houses, clothes, etc, so we shouldn't say " I love my car." He said love should only be expressed to  people, thieves that if they were suddenly taken out of our life, we would be devastated, we wouldn't want to go on. He was trying to instill in me the importance and the strength of the word love. This isn't to say you shouldn't show love to the kid down the street that you don't even know. He was trying to get me to see the bigger picture about not loving material things.

 Two years later, we, and three of our family members down our road, as well as most of south Losiana, lost our house and everything in it from a tidal surge from Hurricane Rita. It left 48" of water I our house for three days. Coming home from college, seeing all our possessions on the front lawn covered in mud (my family had already been trying to remove stuff to see if anything was salvageable) was terrible. But we weren't devastated. Why? Because we were all still alive. We had each other. Our earthy possessions had be taken away in a single moment. We overcame this with God and the help of good neighbors (most of which has also been flooded). 

When our time comes, our earthly possssions won't matter. We can't take them with us. The only thing that will matter is the love we have shown to others and to God. So we should focus more on love than on our "things" now. I thank God everyday for what I have because I know that it is through him I have been blessed, and through him they can be taken away. 

1 John 1

We have completed another book! I don't know about y'all, but this excites me because it feels like an accomishment.

1 John 1:9-10 If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. If we say,"We have not sinned," we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

We should not try to be better than we are. We are sinners. We should ask for forgiveness, and  God will forgive. If we try to hide our sin, our failures, we are lying to ourselves and others. Regardless if someone has caught you in the sin. In that case, if we still lie about it, we are saying that what we did was excusable and it's a slap in the face to Jesus. 

There is a line we need to set for ourselves, and we need to work hard not to cross it. With certain things, we as humans like to see how close we can get to the line without crossing it. For instance, allowing foul language in everyday conversation. I had a stance against it for a long time. Then people around me started using it more, and after a while, I found myself slipping a word into the conversation. Foul language may not be a sin, but rather a personal conviction. But, for me, allowing myself to be in the situation and saying a word here or there was a slap in the face of Jesus. I had worked so hard to get away from things like that because it can lead to other bad traits. And the fact that I would have myself believe it was ok because of the situation was as bad as saying I had not sinned. 

P:  Lord, help me to keep my convictions. You and I know what they are. I strive to be a woman of God, who is honest with herself and you. Amen

2 Peter 3

S: 2 Peter 3:8-9

But do ignore this one fact,beloved, that with The Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day. The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard "delay," but he is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 

O: God is allowing us time to repent before the second coming of Jesus. He could come at any time God chooses, and the world could be be "dissolved by fire" at any time. But God is allowing us the time now to repent because he wants us to be in the new heavens with him. 

A: God formed us. Why wouldn't he want us to be with him forever? Three are people who say that Jesus second coming should have already happened because ancient articles posed the time to have been years ago. But as it was in Genesis and here in Peter, to God, a day is like a thousand years. So no one can really tell when He is coming. And we shouldn't worry about when he is coming. We should be prepared for that coming every single day.

P: Lord, help me to not be fearful of the day Jesus comes and the world ends. Because I know that it is only this world, and your children will continue on with you in heaven for eternity. Help me to not hold on to earthly things in a manner of fear. Lord, help me realize I need to repent when I need to so my heart is prepared every single day for you. Amen.

2 Peter 2

S: 2 Peter 2:20-22 For if they, having escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of [our] Lord and savior Jesus Christ, again become entangled and overcome by them, their last condition is worse than their first. For it would have been better  for them not to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment handed down to them.

O: Once you knowJesus, and you decide to turn your back on him, you will be worse off than before. 

A: Verse 18 mentions "those who have barely escaped," and it is talking about newfound Christians. If is a lot easier for those new to Christ to be turned back to their old ways of thinking by false teachers. I would think it would be more difficult to pull an older Christian back to their previous ways because of the amount of time they have spent with The Lord. And I believe it is the job of older Christians (and by old, I do not mean age, but how long you have been with Jesus) to watch out for the newer Christians and help them on their path. They need guidance so they do not fall again. 

I have read once that it is easy to pull one person off of a table, but if there are two people on a table, they can stand firm against the one pulling them down. We need to be the second person on the table for our brothers and sisters so they don't turn away from Christ. We need to help them see the greatness of his glory, and that his glory continues and never fails. If they fall away from Christ again, it will be harder to get them back. It is our job to keep them from falling.

P: Lord, I know you want to use us to help our brothers and sisters in Christ from falling away from you. Please give me the courage to take on this task. Thank you for giving my fellow Christians the courage for the same task when I was new. Without them, I may be lost. Please give me the strength to continue to stand up for them. Amen.

2 Peter 1

A new day, a new week, a new book. I hope you other ladies are enjoying this bible study as much as I am. I look forward to getting my bible out, sitting down with God and a cup of coffee each morning. I'm choosing to do my study at 5 AM (hence the early emails most days) because everyone else in the house is still asleep. So it really is my quiet time before the day begins. If I could just get this iPad to stop trying to autocorrect my typing, I could get the posts done. It could just be the keyboard is smaller than a computer. I tried the voice over feature. It doesn't understand my accent apparently... :)

2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has bestowed on us everything that makes for life and devotion, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and power.

O: it is by God's mercy that we get to be here today. God has given us everything we need to survive this life to make it to heaven. It is not by man alone that we find our way to God.

A: It is through God's a allowing that we are doing the bible study. That little thought in our mind or curiosity about participating in this journey through the bible came from him.  God has given us what we need to do daily devotions. We just need to make the small attempt each day to appreciate that God has called us and continues to call us. 

P: God, please help me to hear your calling. When I try to make excuses, put a little more angst in my heart so I know I should give in to your will. By your will I am saved. Amen

1 Peter 5

S: 1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, you younger members, be subject to the presbyters. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for: "God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble."

O/A: Peter is calling us to be humble. We as humans have an issue with pride. I know there are times I have to fight it. There are so many ways pride can show up, and we need to be prepared for all of them. Whether it be a task we completed at work, something our children acheived, something we achieved, etc, pride can sneak in. We need to always give our accomplishments up to God  and thank him for our gifts. 

P: Dear Lord, I ask for your help to fight the pride that can show up in certain areas of my life. I want gone a humble servant. Moreover, I want to show my children the right way to act and show humility. I know I can only do that by being humble myself. Humble me Lord. amen.