Notations on Scripture Reading...

One of the deals I made with myself (NOT a New Year's resolution--'cause those only get broken 'round here) recently was that I was going to read through the Bible this year. Now I'm going to handle this like I handle my weight-loss efforts: I'm going to give it my best shot, but if I don't accomplish it by the deadline I have set, I'll just be grateful for the progress I have made thus far...and reset the deadline. (Meaning: don't hold me to the 'year' part too harshly.)

ANYway, using a coupon and some Christmas money (thanks Grandpa & Mema!), I purchased a chronological Bible, just to add a new dimension to my reading. And I'm really enjoying it so far--it feels so orderly...and I LIKE order very much! :-)

Back to my point: I thought I would pitch a few observations at you from time to time, just to share what I'm learning/thinking about this read-through. This is session #1.

• Job's friends really stunk the big-one. May I never have friends like his.
• God writes lovely poetry (see Job 38-42).
• Genesis 15:7 says that God brought Abraham out of Ur to give him this land. But when you review Genesis 11:31, you realize that to accomplish this, God moved Abe's FATHER. Ever wonder what kind of moves God was making on your behalf in the generations that came before you? I love that God is so ahead of the game!
• BOTH Abraham and Sarai laughed, but Abraham's laugh appears to be one of wonder, while Sarai's is one of doubt. God doesn't take kindly to us doubting His promises.
• Ever wonder why Lot got saved? The NT tells us that he was a righteous soul who was tormented day and night by the sin around him. But I think the most defining answer is found in Genesis 19:16, "When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand, the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the LORD was merciful to them." That's it. That's how any of us are saved: "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:4-5, NIV) 'T'aint about OUR righteousness. We're saved because God is MERCIFUL. (This is SO about HIM!)
• Lot's daughters were WHACK. {ewwwww...}
• Isaac married Rebekah at 40 years of age, and then lived to be 180 years old. So...if *I* wait until I'm 40, do you think I'll live another 140 years? Maybe THAT's what's wrong with all you early-marry-ers! HA!

Okay, enough for one night. Time for beddy-bye. Hope you're enjoying your time in the Word too! :-)

Blessings,

-J

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! --I Corinthians 10:11-12, NIV

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