Day 2: Bible in 90 Days, Genesis 21-?

I’m inspired to continue on my journey. Finding time to read has been difficult, but I’m encouraged by the stories in the Bible which shows how God can and does work in the lives of those who trust and serve Him.

Today I was struck by a passage related to the power of words in one’s ability to build up or tear down.  In today’s reading, Issav told Esau to go out and catch game and to return to acquire his blessing.  Being an obedient son, Esau went out to do as his father had said.  Long story short…Jacob (& Rebekah) tricked Esau and Issac spoke words of blessing over Jacob instead of Esau.  When Esau returned to receive his blessing from his father, his father told him that he has already given him his blessing – even though the blessing was actually given to Jacob.

I guess this reminds me how important it is to hold my tongue even when I want to say things about or to people.  Words can either bless or convict, build up or tear down.

Amen!

Day 1: Bible in 90 Days –> Gen 1 – 20

I’ve started my session on reading the bible in 90 days.  I’m amazed at how much more I’m learning from the beginning books of the Bible.  I thought I would remember it all from grade school or reading it in the past.  I guess for me, I’m most encouraged by reading about how gGod is working in the lives of those who love and serve Him.

Here are some of my favorite passages and observations from today.

Genesis 3:13
Then the Lord God said to the woman, “How could you have done such a thing?” She answered, “The snake tricked me, so I ate the fruit.”

This is a very interesting passage for me.  As a mom, I’m reminded of when my daughter does something that is not right and tries to place the blame on someone else for the choices she has made.

I really enjoy God’s response to her, the snake and the man upon their disobedience of him.  God no only punishes the snake for presenting the bad behavior, but the woman for listening to the snake and the man for listening to his wife.  No matter if someone else caused any of them to do it, they were all responsible for their actions and they all had to deal with the consequences of those actions.

I do try to remind my daughter every day that she has a personal choice that she makes we she does things that are not biblical.  And that when she needs help with any aspect of making decisions, she can pray to God and ask Him for his guidance and wisdom.

Genesis 4:7
If you do things well, I will accept you, but if you do not do them well, sin is ready to attack you. Sin wants you, but you must rule over it.”

What an awesome passage of scripture!  I don’t think I have ever seen it written like this before.  It really makes you see God for who he is and what he is about.    The bible says that Cain brought some food from the ground as his gift, but Abel brought the best parts of some of the first born of his flock.

He even tells Cain, to do things well and be accepted by the Lord.  Obviously Cain wasn’t doing his best and sin was at his door.  I’m not sure I understand this aspect of what he said to Cain completely, but I do know that when he tells us that we must rule over sin, we must not allow any aspect of it in our lives lest we be tempted to wander down it’s path.

Genesis 9:3

³ “Everything that moves, everything that is alive, is yours for food. Earlier I gave you the green plants, but now I give you everything for food.

And now, after the pouring out of rain from the ground and sky on all of the earth to destroy those outside of Noah, his family and the animals God commanded him to bring on the ark, God has granted man the opportunity to enjoy everything that is alive for food.