Day 123...(Deuteronomy 31; Psalm 123)..."Happy New Year"

In today's reading from Deuteronomy we find a good word to begin 2010. As 2010 begins, we have no idea what may lay ahead. My head spins, as I think of all the changes in my life since New Year's 2009. In all likelihood 2010 will bring joys, celebrations, blessings, some challenges and sorrow. God's words to Moses and then Moses's word to Joshua are fitting, as we move into the new year...

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

HAPPY NEW YEAR! SHALOM!

Day 122...(Deuteronomy 30; Psalm 122)..."Prosperity and The Bible"

The word prosperity comes up in the reading of both Deuteronomy and Psalms today. In our United Methodist tradition we tend to shy away from any association with a "prosperity gospel." I do not think we can make an argument that God's people are financially prosperous. Prosperity in this context would be experienced through blessings. What I do see in these readings is the correlation of self-inflicted curses. Clearly, a decisive loyalty to love God and follow His teaching leads to prosperity. Choices to pursue other gods leads to destruction. Maybe we need to broaden our understanding of prosperity to one of blessings.

Here is a sample...

"See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess."

Though I am baffled by the ceremonial and rigid requirements of Deuteronomy...I am inspired by the greater theme of loyalty to God.

Day 121...(Deuteronomy 29; Psalm 121)..."A Message to Hold Near"

Psalm 121 is also one of my favorite. I find myself reciting it at memorial services and at times of transition. The Lord does not sleep. He does watch over our coming in and going out. In all of life, we are to "lift up our eyes to the hills, from whence our help does come." "Our help comes from the Lord the Maker of Heaven and Earth!"

In Deuteronomy Israel is reminded to keep the covenant. If we they do not, God's judgment will come. A covenant of blessing or curse continues to be a theme of our reading. Deuteronomy keeps this theme of "what part don't you understand" in the message.

Day 120...(Deuteronomy 28; Psalm 120)..."God Hears"

The Psalmist says... "I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me." In this Psalm the writer sounds all out of sorts. He comes in peace but is answered with war. In such times, God does hear. This is a good teaching for peace attempts in the face of violence. It is reassuring to know God does hear us, when we face hostility.

In Deuteronomy, we read yet again..."blessing or curse." God's way or the other way. We do make things very complicated.

Day 119...(Deuteronomy 27; Psalm 119)..."Favorite Verse in the Longest Psalm"

Why is the 119th Psalm so long? It is an Hebrew acrostic according to biblical notes in the NIV study Bible. Amidst the length nestled in the many inspiring verses is one of my favorite and states the reason why daily Bible study makes a difference.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.

If you are in to the structure of the Psalms, Psalm 117-119 are all noteworthy. There are some that acknowledge Psalm 118 as the halfway point in the Bible. Psalm 117 is the shortest. Psalm 119 is the longest. All this in three chapters. We are rapidly winding through the Psalms and we have forty-one to go.

We begin the New Testament with the New Year!

Day 118...(Deuteronomy 26; Psalm 118)..."A Little Bounce for the Day After Christmas"

Psalm 118 has a bounce to the words. The trusting of God is better than any man and princes. One verse says..."Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: "The LORD's right hand has done mighty things!" The verse with the most bounce appears in a recognized form. We have sung it! We have begun worship with the phrase. Here is the passage...

"This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it."

What a bounce as I never grow tired of this passage. The day after Christmas especially. I like to have a bounce in my steps.

Day 117...(Deuteronomy 25; Psalm 117)..."Muzzling

Duane Manuel gives insight into the passage... "do not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." Apparently owners of the ox lacked compassion and were greedy and did not want the ox to eat grain while treading with the millstone. They would muzzle the ox. This teaching which also appears in New Testament indicates that you can actually harvest more grain in keeping the ox strong. There are several possibilities of meaning.

1) Keep the ox strong and do not hinder the work

2) A worker deserves it wages (Paul's meaning)

3) Show compassion in times of prosperity

4) Animals are God's creations too and deserve fair treatment.

Psalm 117 is one of the shortest. Twenty-nine words in all and only two verses. Enjoy for Psalm 119 is coming...are you ready? 176 verses.

Christmas Day...Day 116(Deuteronomy 24; Psalm 116)..."Merry Christmas"

Merry Christmas! "Immanuel...God is with us." "The Word has become flesh and dwelt among us." Hope you have a great Christmas Day.

Our reading today includes one of my favorites...Psalm 116. This Psalm, at age 18, moved me to trust the Lord in a deeper way. I remembered why tonight as I was moved by these words...

"For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling,

that I may walk before the LORD
in the land of the living."

Christmas Eve...Day 115 (Deuteronomy 23; Psalm 115)..."God is our Help and Sheild"

God is our help and shield is stated three times. This in literary form is known as an intensification. Instead of being repetitive this is done to bring a point home. In saying the same phrase three times the message becomes more dramatic. What is the phrase?

"He is their help and shield"

Today we celebrate a message that has been intensified over 2000 years. The Christmas message of Christ's birth I never grow tired of sharing or hearing spoken or sung. What is this great news? "Christ is born today!" May He born in our hearts today!

ADVENT Day 24...(Deuteronomy 22; Psalm 114)..."As He Cares For the Birds of the Air"

The Bible teaches that God cares for the birds of the air. In today's reading, we have a mandate to care for the birds. Notice the delicate teaching in Deuteronomy 22...

"If you come across a bird's nest beside the road, either in a tree or on the ground, and the mother is sitting on the young or on the eggs, do not take the mother with the young. You may take the young, but be sure to let the mother go, so that it may go well with you and you may have a long life."

God cares for us. He cares for the birds. We are to care for the birds too. How important is this kind of teaching? In taking care of creation, our lives will be enriched and even in some cases blessings of a long life.

ADVENT Day 23...Day 113(Deuteronomy 21; Psalm 113)..."Praise the Name of the Lord...on the Shortest Day of the Year"

As Advent bends in a few days toward Christmas Eve, a simple, profound, and wonderful thought emerges in the Psalm.

"From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
the name of the LORD is to be praised."

Everyone, Everywhere, and Everything is to praise the Name of the Lord. In our journey to the manger, may the Name of the Lord be praised from sun rise to sun down. On this the shortest day of the year...O Come let us adore Him Christ the Lord! Amen!

ADVENT Day 22...Day 112(Deuteronomy 20; Psalm 112)..."I Really Like the 112th Psalm"

Psalm 112 is great! Where there is a negative God will answer with a positive. When facing the dark there will be dawn of new light! There is no fear of bad news for the heart is steadfast. Those who follow the Lord will never be shaken. And in the end the longing of the wicked will come to nothing. Psalm 112 would be great reading when having a discouraging or difficult day. The Psalmist would say hang in there for God's ways will keep you upright and blessed. Here are the first few passages of this great Psalm.

"Praise the LORD.
Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
who finds great delight in his commands.

His children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed."

As we begin our journey to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, let us walk upright and honor the Lord. May God bless all in this special time of year! Have a great week!

ADVENT Day 21...Day 111(Deuteronomy 19; Psalm 111)..."Where did the phrase "an Axe to Grind" come from?"

I wonder if the phrase "an axe to grind" may have originated in Deuteronomy? Here is the passage...

"For instance, a man may go into the forest with his neighbor to cut wood, and as he swings his ax to fell a tree, the head may fly off and hit his neighbor and kill him. That man may flee to one of these cities and save his life. Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue him in a rage, overtake him if the distance is too great, and kill him even though he is not deserving of death, since he did it to his neighbor without malice aforethought."

The highways to flee are both road of mercy and judgment. The innocent can flee but the guilty will be apprehended.

What do you think about the punishment for a false witness? "The judges must make a thorough investigation, and if the witness proves to be a liar, giving false testimony against his brother, then do to him as he intended to do to his brother." This punishment might just silence someone speaking out of turn.

The Psalm says..."the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." This is a wonderful passage to ponder in Advent. How can we fear the Lord and live a "fear not life." If we disrespect the Lord will our lives not consumed with fear. Obviously, the passage is a call to respect the Lord. If we do, then the words of the angel ring true..."fear not."

ADVENT Day 20...Day 110(Deuteronomy 18; Psalm 110)..."Best Practices"

What is the best practice for a people following God? How to do you keep a nation pure in religion? This was the word to Israel as they prepared to enter the promised land. They were to avoid detestable practices. What were these detestable practices? Here is a word...

"When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. You must be blameless before the LORD your God."

What detestable practices cause us to stumble today? Spirituality is a fine line between sacred and scary. Religion does not save us for most any spiritual practice is considered religion. Deuteronomy builds on laws (10 Commandments), love, and best practices to keep following God...and not "fall for anything." This would be the best of "best practices" today.

ADVENT Day 19...Day 109(Deuteronomy 17; Psalms 109)..."The Evil One in the Psalms"

Psalm 109 is a different kind of Psalm. Why would David wish all this ill will on anyone? Upon a closer look there is a battle between good and evil. The language is convincing of the war between good and evil.

"May his days be few;
may another take his place of leadership.

May his children be fatherless
and his wife a widow.

May his children be wandering beggars;
may they be driven from their ruined homes.

May a creditor seize all he has;
may strangers plunder the fruits of his labor.

May no one extend kindness to him
or take pity on his fatherless children.

May his descendants be cut off,
their names blotted out from the next generation."

...not you average Psalm. I am reminded even in the Psalms a battle rages between good and evil.

ADVENT Day 18...Day 108(Deuteronomy 16; Psalm 108)..."How Great is God's Love?"

How great is God's Love? Paul says it in Ephesians 3:23..."God's love is deep, wide, high, and broad." I John says it simply..."God is Love." The Psalmist says it this way...

"For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies."

God's love is greater than we can imagine. And just to think He loves you and me! He is also faithful beyond our limits!

ADVENT Day 17...Day 107(Deuteronomy 15; Psalms 107)..."A Debt Relief Plan That Ends Poverty!"

Deuteronomy gives us basic foundations such as to Love God with all our heart, mind, and strength. How about a debt elimination and poverty plan? It is not a Jubilee (every 50 years) but it is appealing to think about. What if our current world forgave debts after seven years? Perhaps there would be less greed and less poor. Here is the wording...

"You may require payment from a foreigner, but you must cancel any debt your brother owes you. However, there should be no poor among you, for in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you, "At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite. He shall not require payment from his fellow Israelite or brother, because the LORD's time for canceling debts has been proclaimed. if only you fully obey the LORD your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today. For the LORD your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you"

I like the every seven year plan but I do not expect it to pass congress!

ADVENT Day 16...Day 106 (Deuteronomy 14; Psalm 106)..."No Bull, Do not Eat Mosquitos or Grass"

Deuteronomy tells us not to eat anything that swarms. I was not inclined to eat mosquitos and I sure do not like them to eat me. These kind of chapters make you wonder how barbaric the menu could have been at the time!

The Psalmist knows how to recall victories. He also knows how to "learn from mistakes." Almost the entire 106 Psalm is a litany of Israel's mistakes. One of the greatest lines is found in 106:20.

"They exchanged their glory for an image of a bull, which eats grass." The human condition of doing things their way instead of God's way is summed up in a few words.

ADVENT Day 15...Day 105 (Deuteronomy 13; Psalm 105)..."Give thanks for what the Lord has Done"

Another case, in the reading today, of looking to the future recalling the victories of the past. Psalm 105 references many points of victory. Is repetition to be discouraged? Obviously not if this literary form is in the Bible. If we are struggling moving into the future, why not give thanks for how the Lord has brought us through the past. Repeating the victories moves us into the future. Especially, when facing adversity. Here is the first verse that unlocks the chapter...

"Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.

Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.

Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always.

Remember the wonders he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced"

ADVENT Day 15...Day 104(Deuteronomy 12; Psalm 104)...

One my favorite hymns is "Majesty, worship His Majesty" by Jack Hayford. (#176 in the United Methodist Hymnal. I suppose some of the loftiness could come from the Psalm 104 which states...

"the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty"

Splendor and majesty...does this not describe the heart of worship?

ADVENT Day 14...Day 103...(Deuteronomy 11; Psalm 103)..."A Choice of Blessing or Curse"

Both readings today have the same theme of "follow God and you will be blessed...disobey God and you will have a curse." Is this God's punishment? No, rather the consequences which are self-imposed. Deuteronomy is becoming one of my favorite Old Testament Books because it lays. out basic choices...

"See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse- the blessing if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the LORD your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known."

The Psalmist also echoes this teaching with..."with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts. The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all."

The Psalmist also is in tune with God's blessing and he also lifts up God's grace..."The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. "

ADVENT Day 12...Day 102(Deuteronomy 10; Psalm 102)..."What does the Lord Require of You?"

Today we have another straight forward plain message. What does the Lord require of you? Here is the answer...


"And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD's commands and decrees"

The word fear can also mean respect. Love, as in chapter six, is center of the message of God. One addition is "to walk in his ways." Is this not a great goal of life? Walk in the ways of God.

ADVENT Day 11...(Deuteronomy 9; Psalm 101)..."Eighty Days of Dedication"

In today's reading, I noticed something for the first time. Moses lay prostrate before the Lord 40 days and nights twice. Once to receive the 10 Commandments and a second time to plea for mercy for the rebellious people...including Aaron. On both occasions he lived off water. Forty days in the Bible indicates an extended time. This means Moses endured eighty days or two extended times for his receiving the Ten Commandments and pleading for his people. What dedication! I wonder why we grow so impatient in spending time with the Lord and in seasons of prayer. Advent and Lent offer great opportunities to ask such questions.

ADVENT DAY 10...Day 100...(Deuteronomy 8; Psalm 100)..."What Part of Follow the Lord Did You Not Understand?"

Deuteronomy is a "no non-sense" Book that seems to say over and over again..."what part of following God did you not understand. In writing similar to Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders, the writer (attributed to Moses) says...

"If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed."

This is not "rocket science" is it? Our human condition makes everything far too complicated and we work against ourself all the while.

I never grow tired of hearing or reading the 100th Psalm. Do you? Are the pastures of the Lord not the "greenest pastures" of all.

ADVENT Day 9...Day 99...(Deuteronomy 7; Psalm 99)..."Gazoontite!"

Now for some deep theological reflection. It is not good if your last name in the story of Israel end with "ites." After reading all those names I added one. I actually sneezed and yes this was actually..."gazoontite." Here is this passage of "ites."

"Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you"

Perhaps a more inspiring passage today comes at the end of the Psalm...

"Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy."

GOD BLESS YOU!!!

ADVENT Day 8...Day 98...(Deuteronomy 6; Psalm 98)..."Here's Your Sign!"

If you summed up the teachings of the Bible could be summed up one one daily plan it would be this one. In Moses's day places of frequent reference were identified. (doorposts, conversations, teach them to children, wear them on your forehead) We have so many places we could place this command today. This plan of loving God is to be on our "post it" notes, dashboard, mirrors, screen savers, cell phone rings, t-shirts, stickers, and calendars. Wherever we need to post the plan...post the plan. What is the plan? Here it is...

"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."

What a plan for life!

ADVENT DAY 8...Day 97(Deuteronomy 5; Psalm 97)..."The Ten Commandments Made Easy"

I believe it was Dr. Charles Allen the renown United Methodist Pastor who said the Ten Commandments can be remembered with two thoughts...honoring God, and relating to others.

Commandments 1-4 Deal with our relationship with God
1) God is first
2) No idols
3) No taking the Lord's Name in vain
4) Honor God's Day the Sabbath

Commandments 5-10 Deal with our relationships with other

5) Honor parents

6) No murder of others

7) No adultery

8) No stealing from others

9) No lying to others

10) No coveting of others

ADVENT Day 7...Day 96...(Deuteronomy 4; Psalm 96)...."I Really like the Themes Today!"

After spending so much time in chapters that are dry with law and regulations, I really, really like the themes today! The two readings from Deuteronomy and Psalms today are very compatible. Themes of obedience, righteousness, God's power and our need to praise. There is also a stiff warning against idolatry. Chapter four of Deuteronomy sets the stage for the next chapters. We will read about the Ten Commandments and priority of completely loving God. The Psalm is a source of inspiration through many songs of praise and worship...


"For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise"

and...

"Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth."

ADVENT Day 6...(Deuteronomy 3; Psalm 95)..."Moses sees the Promised Land without entering the Promised Land"

Moses does not get to cross to the Promised Land but he does get to see it from far above. He lives to see the vision become real! Is this not satisfying to see Israel's destination. Is not vision to see the promised land as exciting as entering the Promised Land? Obviously, in God's journey to see with vision is better than wandering in the wilderness. Great leaders do not always complete the journey but they do see the vision. Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King had similar outcomes. Here is the passage...

"Go up to the top of Pisgah and look west and north and south and east. Look at the land with your own eyes, since you are not going to cross this Jordan. But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see."

Advent Day 5...Day 94(Deuteronomy 2; Psalm 94)..."When our Footing is Slipping"

What a great passage in today's Psalm about God supporting in times of trouble. Have we ever felt like our footing is slipping? About to fall? Here is a great passage...


"When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' Your Love Oh God supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."

Anxiety is quickly remedied when remembering God is there to catch us, when our feet begin to slip. What a joy to move from anxiety to consolation!

ADVENT Day 4... Day 93(Deuteronomy 1, Psalm 93)..."Help Wanted Leaders!"

Can you spell Deuteronomy without looking at the name of Book? We will be reading one chapter at a time because the chapters are longer. In chapter one, we read of an urgent plea for leadership help! Here is the proposal for bolstering leadership...

"You are too heavy a burden for me to carry alone. The LORD your God has increased your numbers so that today you are as many as the stars in the sky. May the LORD, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times and bless you as he has promised! But how can I bear your problems and your burdens and your disputes all by myself? Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you."

The criteria for leaders listed wise, understanding, and respected. We still look for those three qualities today!

We still have a way to go in the Psalms with fifty-seven days of Psalms still left.

ADVENT Day 3...Day 92...(Numbers 36; Psalm 92)..."Numbers Ends Without DramaThe Righteous Will Flourish"

The Book of Numbers ends without drama. We begin Deuteronomy tomorrow. Psalm 92 has another fruitful image around righteousness. Again this sounds like Jesus' teaching with the vine and branches in John 15.

"The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;

planted in the house of the LORD,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.

They will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green

they will flourish in the courts of our God.

They will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green"

Advent Day 2 Day 91...(Numbers 34,35; Psalm 91) ..."How to Get a Great Night of Rest"

A great tip from the Psalmist in Psalm 91 today..."dwell in God and find rest." The dwelling in God brings not only sleep but rest. I once had a respected friend (Don Lehman) who slept through Hurricane Ivan. He did it because he knew he was in the "Good Lord's" Hands. Here is the passage.

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."

ADVENT DAY 1 DAY 90...(Numbers 33,34; Psalm 90)..."Who had no Father in the Bible?"

Forgive me for this pun..."who has no father in the Bible." The answer is Joshua. Why? Here is the passage that gives the answer... " The LORD said to Moses, "These are the names of the men who are to assign the land for you as an inheritance: Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun." Joshua is the Son of Nun.

On an inspirational note. My favorite passage in the Psalms is in today's text.

"For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night."

As I heard Rabbi Elias Chaccour say this means "Jesus was born day before yesterday."

ADVENT To Begin Day 89...(Numbers 31,32; Psalm 89)..."From the Iron Bowl to Advent"

Yesterday brought everyone together for the "Iron Bowl" and "Black Friday." We now move into a more important time of year..."Advent" which begins Sunday. The descriptions of Moses and Israel dividing spoils does not sound like an Advent passage but Psalm 89 does.

"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength"

May the glory and strength of God be with you all this journey of Advent!

Day 88...(Numbers 29,30; Psalm 88)..."A Passage for When Life is the Pits"

Ever feel like life is the pits? The Bible does express words for those low moments too. In case you needed a passage when life is the pits, Psalm 88 fits to a tee. Here is the passage...

"O LORD, the God who saves me,day and night I cry out before you. May my prayer come before you;turn your ear to my cry. For my soul is full of trouble and my life draws near the grave. I am counted among those who go down to the pit;I am like a man without strength."

Hoping your life is out of the pits!

Day 87...(Numbers 27,28; Psalms 87)... "Orderly"

As chaotic as some of the trials through the wilderness seemed, God's order prevails. In preparation of the next season, Joshua is identified as the successor of Moses. Leadership is an intangible issue for people to succeed then and now. Today, leadership is still the primary key to make it out of the wilderness to the promised land.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Day 86...(Numbers 24,25; Psalm 86)..."More Numbers...Great Thoughts"

The Book of Numbers lives up to the name again. Look at all the headcounts. After the Baal worship, counts were made anew. The integrity of worship created a need to determine who followed the first commandment. I am intrigued by how they made accurate counts back then without ushers!

The Psalmist offers words in which to aspire...

"In the day of my trouble I will call to you,
for you will answer me."

"Teach me your way, O LORD,
and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name." (E. Stanley Jones used to teach about the danger of
divided loyalties)

"But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness."

Day 85...(Numbers 22,23; Psalm 85)..."What is an Oracle"

There are five oracles in the reading today. What is the world is an oracle? An oracle is a writing to seek wisdom about the future from a wise person. These oracles are directed from Balaam to God.

In the fourth oracle we see this form displayed..."Who has knowledge from the Most Hight, and who has vision form the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are open."

In this week of Thanksgiving, we read that righteousness precedes harverst according to the Psalmist. Our obedience is required to bear fruit for the Kingdom. In the Gospel of Luke (10:2)
Jesus speaks of the "harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few." Is there not a connection of righteousness to prepare for the Lord's harvest? Could we not connect Balaam's oracles seeking God's counsel, as a model to prepare for harvest? Are we obedient to God's higher purposes?

Day 84...(Numbers 21,22; Psalm 84)..."A Talking Donkey!"

The Bible is amazing! Along with the inspiration, meditation, law, history, truth, and stories comes a surprise...a talking donkey! How about this story?

Then the LORD opened the donkey's mouth, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?"

If God can make a donkey speak, can He not change our lives? How wonderful that God would use humor to convey His power. Awesome!

The Psalmist, on the other hand speaks so eloquently... "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." As we approach Thanksgiving, we have so much to be thankful for in the courts of the Lord! Whomever, however, wherever, and whatever our circumstances!

Day 83...(Numbers 19,20; Psalm 83)..."Keeping the Ego of Leaders in Check"

The 20th chapter of Numbers is exciting as "water gushes out of the rock" but then there is a sad development. Moses is told he did not trust God enough and will not make it to the promised land.

" But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them."

This chapter lays out the lack of ego needed by great leadership. Moses, the leader among leaders, will not finish the final steps of the journey. Leadership is not always about finishing but aligning for the next leader. A healthy ego and trust of the Lord is at a great premium then and now.

One other sad note is the death of Aaron. Aaron, too, would not see the promised land. His ego and trust of the Lord also had to stay in check.

Day 82...(Numbers 17,18; Psalm 82)..."A Sign for Leaders"

In today's passage from Numbers, we have a sign for leaders..a budding staff. What bishop, superintendent, senior pastor or church leader would not love such a symbol of leadership! How wonderful to have a tangible sign...a staff that blooms before the people. In our culture today, leadership is really at a premium. Leaders must find ways to claim the role to lead the people. Symbols speak powerfully to people then and now. Here is the text...

"The next day Moses entered the Tent of the Testimony and saw that Aaron's staff, which represented the house of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds. Then Moses brought out all the staffs from the LORD's presence to all the Israelites. They looked at them, and each man took his own staff. The LORD said to Moses, "Put back Aaron's staff in front of the Testimony, to be kept as a sign to the rebellious. This will put an end to their grumbling against me, so that they will not die." Moses did just as the LORD commanded him."

As a District Superintendent, I too am looking for the symbolic "budding staff" to lead in our conference under the bishop, with the cabinet, and for all in our district. I too pray to the Lord for the symbols that will inspire the people. As then and now symbols are powerful!

Day 81...(Numbers 15,16; Psalm 81)..."Tough Laws"

A Sabbath breaker today may have a guilty conscience. In the day of Moses, people were put to death. The text today says matter of factly...

"and they kept him in custody, because it was not clear what should be done to him. "While the Israelites were in the desert, a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. Those who found him gathering wood brought him to Moses and Aaron and the whole assembly, Then the LORD said to Moses, "The man must die. The whole assembly must stone him outside the camp." So the assembly took him outside the camp and stoned him to death, as the LORD commanded Moses."

This text reminds me of the Story of Ananias and Sapphira in the Book of Acts when they struck down suddenly for not telling the truth. In some portions of Scripture there seems to be either high holiness or quick consequences. Such is this text.

Day 80...(Numbers 13,14; Psalm 80)..."Just Do It!...says Caleb"

One of the most inspiring scriptures in the Bible is also so realistic about human nature. Twelve spies were sent to see the promised land. Only two brought back a good report. The others felt overwhelmed by the size of the people occupying the land..."like grasshoppers!" Ten did not see the power of God like Joshua and Caleb. Caleb is a real visionary and is ready to go!

"Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it."

Believe it or not the people are so negative about the bad report they are ready to "go back to Egypt." How revealing this is of human nature. Some are ready to charge the hill and others are ready to go back to Egypt. Are we any different today?

Day 79...(Numbers 11,12; Psalm 79)..."The Lord sets Moses Apart"

Is there any greater commendation than the Lord gave Moses. Notice these words..." "When a prophet of the LORD is among you, I reveal myself to him in visions, I speak to him in dreams. But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house. With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?"

Notice how this follows a time of Moses feeling overwhelmed in chapter 11. Moses executes a strategy of delegating burdens to 70 elders. This is not a bad strategy for leadership development.
Can we imagine how burdened Moses must have felt at times? And how great the relief to gain the help of seventy? Finally, how awesome to received a commendation of the Lord for his faithfulness. This is about as good as it gets!

Day 78...(Numbers 9,10; Psalm 78)..."Recalling Victories!{

One of the ways the Scripture inspires through adversity is to recall victories! Psalm 78 is a great example of this form. In this very long Psalm, Israel's victories are recalled. This is also practical to employ today. When facing a test, struggle, challenge or outright opposition, remember God's faithfulness. God is able and the story of the Bible reminds us of His faithfulness!

Day 77...(Numbers 7,8; Psalm 77)..."Twelve Straight Days of Offerings!"

When I read Numbers chapter 7 I laugh out loud, when I remember all the people who have said the "church talks to much about money." Notice how Moses leads twelve straight days of offerings. The offerings are also the focal point of each day. Wow! How about that for a foundation of offerings! Seriously, maybe this text does give some insight into how the traditions of offerings have always been part of the worship and journey of God's people. We should never be timid with offerings as long as the Kingdom is our motive and aim!

Day 76...(Numbers 5,6; Psalm 76)..."The Grand Benediction"

In Numbers, among all the counting is a beautiful benediction used frequently today. Who would have guessed we would have found the prayer in Numbers? Here are the words...

" ' "The LORD bless you
and keep you;

the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;

the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace." '

Sure sounds better tonight than ever after spending a day moving into a new house!

Day 75...(Numbers 3,4; Psalm 75)..."More Counting"

Numbers is still living up to the name...more counting of people. Head ushers would have loved the opportunity to count all these people.

Speaking of counting...we are half-way through the Psalms. The Psalms offer good company for 150 days...especially when reading the Pentateuch. We have much more inspiration ahead!

Day 74...(Number 1,2; Psalm 24)..."A Book that Lives Up to the Name"

We begin Numbers today. If there is one Book that lives up to the name it would be this one. How does it begin? How about an accounting of the numbers. I am fascinated they could give an account back all systems of registration were in place. This makes Charge Conference look pretty simple. One observation in looking at these large numbers of people...Abraham did produce a people as numerous as the stars!

How about the Psalmist and creation reflections?

"It was you who opened up springs and streams;
you dried up the ever flowing rivers.

The day is yours, and yours also the night;
you established the sun and moon.

It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth;
you made both summer and winter."

God is the awesome creator of fall, winter, spring and summer. God is the God of order including the seasons.

Day 73...(Leviticus 27; Psalm 73)..."Keeping Good Footing"

The Psalmist's almost wants to take the path of the arrogant but maintains footing just in time. He is pure in heart but wondering about the prosperity of the arrogant. Here is the passage...


Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.

But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.

Is this not a great image repeated in the Sermon on the Mount..."Blessed are the poor and in spirit."

Is this not the human condition? One eye toward God and the other toward the arrogant?

Day 72...(Leviticus 26; Psalm 72)..."God blesses the Faithful"

I had another miscount and blogged the wrong passage yesterday. Oh well...I still like the idea of Jubilee!

Today, we read of those who live against the Lord will reap the results and those who live with the Lord will find favor. Images of rain and plenty are projected for the obedient.

These passages seem to make it simple... honor God and have a blessed life and dishonor God and have a life of curse. Is this works righteousness? No. This is a theology in which obedience brings blessing and disobedience opens the door for the wrong consequences. We do reap what we sow!

Day 71...(Leviticus 24; Psalm 71)..."In this Economy Would a Jubilee Help?"

Given the state of the economy would a Jubilee help? A Jubilee wipes the slate clean of debts every fifty years. What do you think? Is a Jubilee and option for turning around an economy? I doubt it would ever be considered but it does not hurt to imagine a new start! Here is what Leviticus says...

" 'Count off seven sabbaths of years—seven times seven years—so that the seven sabbaths of years amount to a period of forty-nine years. Then have the trumpet sounded everywhere on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement sound the trumpet throughout your land. Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you"

What do you think about a Jubilee?

Day 70...(Leviticus 24; Psalm 70)..."An Eye for an Eye"

Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount referred to Lex talionis or a Jewish law which meant "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." Jesus said instead we should instead "turn the other cheek" and forgive. Here is the text...

"'If anyone takes the life of a human being, he must be put to death. Anyone who takes the life of someone's animal must make restitution—life for life. If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. As he has injured the other, so he is to be injured. Whoever kills an animal must make restitution, but whoever kills a man must be put to death. You are to have the same law for the alien and the native-born. I am the LORD your God.' "

Which is more prevalent today? Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount" or Lex talionis?

Day 69...(Leviticus 23; Psalm 69)..."A Way to Feed Everyone"

In the Leviticus reading today, I wondered why we do not apply this Old Testament principle today. We could feed the world if we left some of our abundance for the poor. Here is the verse...

" 'When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.' "

What do you think? (metaphorically speaking) Could we feed the world if everyone left an edge on their field?

Day 68...(Leviticus 22; Psalm 68)..."Majestic God!"

God's attributes are abundant Psalm 68. Among the traits...He provides for the fatherless and the poor. Salvation comes from Him. He is more majestic than 10's of thousands of chariots. What an image for worship!


The mountains of Bashan are majestic mountains;
rugged are the mountains of Bashan.

Why gaze in envy, O rugged mountains,
at the mountain where God chooses to reign,
where the LORD himself will dwell forever?

The chariots of God are tens of thousands
and thousands of thousands;
the Lord has come from Sinai into his sanctuary.

Day 67...(Leviticus 21; Psalm 67)..."Short Prayers"

Where did the prayer often said at the end worship come from? How about Psalm 67? Who said prayers have to be long to be meaningful!


"May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine upon us"

Day 66...(Leviticus 20; Psalm 66)..."A Great Psalm for 66"

Well there had to be a Psalm 66. Sixty-Six is considered a threatening number and associated with the mark of the beast number of 666. I know of buildings that will not have a room 66. No one wants the curse. It just so happens that in Psalm 66, the power of the Lord triumphs over evil and puts that issue to bed. Here is the passage...

"Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name;make his praise glorious! Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you."

I can see the number "66" cringing with good news of God's awesome deeds!

Day 65...(Leviticus 19; Psalm 65)..."Overwhelming Sin Amazing Grace!"

The Psalm today speaks of amazing grace for overwhelming sin. This has to be good news for those overwhelmed for sins and transgressions. As the prodigal returned home to find a awaiting Father ready to throw a celebration, so our Father's grace is sufficient for us. Here is the verse...

"When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions"...Thanks be to God!

Day 64...(Leviticus 18; Psalm 64)..."Sharp Tongues"

Are you ready to get out of Leviticus? We still have a ways to go.

In today's reading Leviticus outlines more specifics of prohibitions of sexual relations. Again, these passages will make you blush. By the very mention of some of these regulations indicates the sexual conduct of Israel was out of control. Has the human condition changed that much?

Also, the tongue will get you into trouble and some persons intentionally bring harm to others with their words. David, in Psalm 64, indicates such persons will be judged. Jesus says it also in Matthew..."that by your words you will be justified and by your words condemned." (Matthew 12:37)

Day 63...(Leviticus missed; Psalm 63)..."Catch up Day"

Well, in reviewing my blog work, somehow I missed Leviticus 12. Sorry for the confusion. When errors are made, I will just call a catch up day to keep the schedule of readings correct. I am going to focus on Psalm 63 today and resume Leviticus, on schedule, tomorrow.

One of the greatest worship passages in all the Bible is in Psalm 63. God's love is better than life. Why? God's love is the reason we live. We live for God's love. Like a spark we find life in God's love! I don't know if this has ever been put to music but this would be an outstanding chorus!

"Because your love is better than life,my lips will glorify you."

Day 62...(Leviticus 17; Psalm 62)..."From Heebie-Jeebies to Rest to All Saints"

Tonight I have mild case of the "heebie-jeebies." It just so happens I am just getting over the horrible gory images of Halloween and Leviticus teaches not to eat blood. I say absolutely no problem on that one. I think I can agree to do that! Makes you worry about why this had to be written!

In contrast by a much calmer reading...the Psalmist tells us where to find rest. "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation;he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." The Lord is the source of perfect rest. There is a difference between rest and sleep. Sleep alone does not provide rest for the soul. Only the Lord can provide rest for the soul.

The greatest reassurance of all is ultimate rest God gives to the Saints in Heaven. All Saints Sunday is a great time to remember the Saints and their reward of rest in Heaven!

Day 61...(Leviticus 16; Psalm 61)..."The Rock Higher Than I"

Perspective is one of the greatest attributes of one growing in their walk with the Lord. A perspective of joys, problems, and even crisis all beckon us to keep life in perspecive. How do we see beyond the daily matters? Prayer, study, worship, and expansive conversations with others help us see the view from 30,000 feet above. Our spiritual growth must have an element of perpective regarding the overall view of the journey and destination. How do we find this larger view?

The Psalmist gives us an answer in one of my favorite passages... "Lead me to the rock higher than I" is a wondeful passage about perspective. A rock is solid as a foundation (Jesus teaches about this in the parable of the wise and foolish builders) The Psalm lifts up a rock as place of both foundation and inspiration. When we are in need of a greater perspective, the Lord provides rocks us to see beyond the immediate concerns and worries of the day.

Day 60...(Leviticus 15; Psalm 60)..."Restoration for Staggering People?"

The perception of far too many people is the Bible skims over "real life" and the "struggles of life." Levitus. In today's reading, you might even blush when reading Leviticus. All of the rituals of cleanliness included matters of sexual relations.

The Biblical message is especially for those who are struggling or "staggering" which is today's word selection. In Psalm 60, there is an image of a people disobient as one staggering on too much wine. We read of the despair and hope of staggering people longing for restoration.

Day 59...(Leviticus 14; Psalm 59)..."Singing Through Trouble"

Music is powerful! Music goes straight to the heart said one of my former directors of music. The spoken word can go through the mind and then the heart but music is a direct flight. Fear is also a matter of the heart. Is it any wonder the Psalmist says we can sing our way through trouble. "But I will sing of your strength in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, and my refuge in times of trouble." Our hymns along with praise and worship songs can calm our fears. My favorite hymn is "Blessed Assurance" and praise and worship song is "Strength Will Rise as we Wait Upon The Lord."

Day 58...(Leviticus 13; Psalm 58)..."Good News for Bald Men"

This is tough reading. I had to find some humor in all the regulations about infectious disease. How about giving good news for the bald. Here is the passage.

"When a man has lost his hair and is bald, he is clean. If he has lost his hair from the front of his scalp and has a bald forehead, he is clean."

Speaking of hair in the Bible I am also reminded of Sampson, "God knowing the number of hairs on our head" and also "white hair is a sign of wisdom." I am glad the bald got some love from the Scripture as well.

Day 57...(Leviticus 11; Psalm 57)..."A Purpose Filled Life'

Rick Warren wrote about the Purpose Filled Life. In Psalm 57, we have a mix of reassurance of God's protection in the disaster. Notice too God is the only One Who can reveal our purpose. The purpose filled life of God is shared this way..."Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High,to God, who fulfills {his purpose} for me." As Rick Warren says, God holds our life purpose in His Hands.
Have you God's purpose in your life? What do you think is your purpose?

Day 56...(Leviticus 10: Psalm 56)..."Do not Fear"

Fear is one of the most severe emotions of all. Fear can even be debilitating when the future is seen with a daunting outlook. The Scripture helps us deal with fear. Jesus says it like this..."Let not your heart be troubled or afraid." (John 14:1)

The Psalmist says it this way..."in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

We need not fear in the Lord!

Day 55...(Leviticus 9; Psalm 55)..."The Priest Begin Their Ministry"

The worship of sacrifice continues to dominate Leviticus. Today the chapter tell of the beginning of ministry for Aaron and other priests. Is all this teaching of sacrifice relevant as we live following Jesus' death on the cross? What does this message of sacrifice mean to us today? Obviously we read these passages through the lens of the New Testament. Jesus' sacrifice is the once and for all sacrifice needed. (We will read more about that in Hebrews) Our way is through the cross. Our sacrifice comes through daily worship along with service, obedience, and discipleship. Another relevant theme is human need of atonement pointed out a few days ago. Jesus offers our sacrifice and is our atonement. When we do reach Hebrews these connections will be apparent.

The 55th Psalm leads us a wonderful conclusion..."Cast your cares on the LORD
and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." This a great message to take away today!

Day 54...(Leviticus 8; Psalm 54)..."Triumphant Living in Troubled Times"

In today's reading do we not find the beginnings of ordination and the doctrine of atonement? Here is the passage.

Moses then said to Aaron and his sons, "Cook the meat at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and eat it there with the bread from the basket of ordination offerings, as I commanded, saying, 'Aaron and his sons are to eat it.' Then burn up the rest of the meat and the bread. Do not leave the entrance to the Tent of Meeting for seven days, until the days of your ordination are completed, for your ordination will last seven days. What has been done today was commanded by the LORD to make atonement for you. You must stay at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting day and night for seven days and do what the LORD requires, so you will not die; for that is what I have been commanded." So Aaron and his sons did everything the LORD commanded through Moses.

Also, we read a powerful passage about facing trouble..."For he has delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes." This is the kind of faith that changes the world in troubled times! Is this not a message of "Triumphant living in troubled times?"

Day 53...(Leviticus 7; Psalm 53)..."Prove that there isn't a God"

The Psalmist says..."a fool says there is no God." This verse gives me a jumping off point for something I have always thought. Why is the question of atheist worded..."prove to me there is a God?" How about flipping the question..."prove there is not a God." Is there not abundant proof of order, love, creation, faith, transformation, redemption, the soul, and the spectacular universe?

Is the main point of an atheist I cannot understand God therefore there must not be a god. Or I cannot understand the inconsistencies of the life...therefore there must not be a God. How arrogant to limit the God of creation to finite human understanding. Is this not absurd? Is God transcendence, omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscient. Is God not mysterious? The Psalmist says foolish.

The Psalm says it like this..."The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God."

Day 52...(Leviticus 6, Psalm 52)..."Offerings and the Bible"

And you thought we talked too much about offerings in the church! Look at Leviticus instructions for offerings in chapter six such as sin, burnt, and grain offering. What does this mean? Offering is priority in the order and following of God.

The Psalm reads more like a proverb today. A flaw in the human condition is stated..."Your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor, you who practice deceit. You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth."

What is it about the human condition that is drawn to falsehood more than truth?

We will read more about the tongue in James 3.

Day 51...(Leviticus 5; Psalm 51)..."Restore A Right Spirit"

Psalm 51 is David expressing the deep remorse of committing adultery with Bathsheba. He also sinned by orchestrating Uriah, her husband, being sent to front line of battle to be killed. David,obviously, had a soul completely out of sorts. Psalm 51, offers hope (even in the Old Testament!) that God forgives the repentant sinner. What a glorious thought that all who confess their sin can be restored. Have we ever a time when we are out of sorts? Our spirit can be restored! Here are the inspiring words...

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

Amen!

Day 50...(Leviticus 4; Psalm 50)..."Thank God for Jesus"

In reading Leviticus 4, we see the burden of getting rid of unintentional sin. Can we imagine today having to find the right animal to sacrifice to rid our guilt? Intentional or not. All I can say is thank God for Jesus. Guilt is difficult enough to bear. I am grateful for the words of John 1:9..."If we confess our sins He is faithful to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Can we imagine anything but the blood of Jesus to cleanse our sins?

Day 49...(Leviticus 3; Psalm 49)..."You cannot take it with you!!"

The saying "you cannot take it with you" is brought out in the Psalm. Also, the person with riches without understanding is clueless. Our economic times needs such teaching at the forefront. Here are the words..."Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him." And later..."A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish."

Are there words more needed today? Haggai, Malachi and other Books of the Old Testament will also address this subject. Wealth without understanding leads to perishing. Much like the words of Jesus..."what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?" (Matthew 16:26)

Day 48...(Leviticus 2; Psalm 48)..."Lofty Lord!"

One of the great characteristics of reading the Scripture is to encounter the loftiness of God. The Psalms help us remember God transcends our thoughts and lives. Here is one example...
Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. It is beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth. Like the utmost heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King.

In my life this is one of my greatest desires is to encounter each day the loftiness of God. Zion is the city of God and is the ideal of every earthly aspiration. In the the ordinary, amid the flaws, and encountering imperfection at every corner...God's loftiness is something to aspire to. As the hymn says..."We are marching to Zion the beautiful city of God!"

Amen!

Day 47...(Leviticus 1; Psalm 47)..."Get Ready for Some Sacrifices"

We begin Leviticus today. Be ready for reading about animals that can be sacrificed and those that cannot be sacrificed! I have to admit this reading is pretty tough. We will be reading less for now. As we read less we will have time to ponder the meaning of such books as Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. I would love to hear your thoughts on books like Leviticus.

On a side note yesterday I mindlessly wrote Exodus chapter 41. I hope no one thought their Bible was missing a chapter. There is no Exodus 41.

Glad you are reading along. Hang in there through the Pentateuch.

Day 46...(Exodus 40, Psalm 46)..."When I do not know what to Pray"

On countless occasions I have been in difficult situations and I have been asked by others to pray. On several occasions I have floundered for the right words. What have I done? I have quoted Psalm 46:1..."God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." These words have often opened moving prayers in difficult times.

Speaking of moving prayers! What about life in motion with God. How glorious to move forward only when God moves forward! The Book of Exodus closes with a great rhythm for the church. Stay still when God is still. Move forward when God moves! Here are the words..."Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels."

Oh Lord, be our strength in times of trouble and let us stay where you stay and go where you go!

Day 45...(Exodus 38,39; Psalm 45)..."What does an Ephod look like?"

Some chapters in the Bible are more about information than inspiration. Each time I read through these terse writings in the Book of Exodus I try to learn something. I wondered what does an Ephod look like? In Q and A Smart Beta I found the following brief description of an Ephod.

"It was in two parts—one covering the back, one the front of the body to the hips—and was fastened at the shoulders by two clasps of onyx on which were engraved the 12 tribal names, six on each. The vestment was held in at the waist by a twined linen girdle of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet; on the ephod was the breastplate with the Urim and Thummim , hung by golden chains and rings."

A United Methodist Pastor's Robe sounds simple in comparison. I do like the distribution of the 12 tribes of Israel six on each side. Any suggestions for which 12 names should go on a UMC robe?

Day 44...(Exodus 36,37; Psalm 44)..."More than Enough"

In today's economy, the church sometimes sounds like we are apologizing for taking up an offering for buildings, mission, or ministry. Where did this reluctance originate? Our Biblical heritage lays out there a different approach with a daily "freewill offering." Can we imagine giving not monthly or weekly but daily? This offering was to provide for the intricate details of the tabernacle. I marvel at how the priority of God first is lived out in these pages describing so many elaborate details for worship. Are we not missing in our culture today a sense of giving to honor God first? Is our reluctance to give not a statement of a lack of priority for worship? A willingness to give to God first produces more than enough. What does this text say to our churches today in these economic times? Does God always provide more than enough? Is the real issue our reluctance?

Here is the account...

"They received from Moses all the offerings the Israelites had brought to carry out the work of constructing the sanctuary. And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. So all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work and said to Moses, "The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done."

Day 43...(Exodus 34,35; Psalm 43)..."The Many Faces of Moses"

As we follow the life of Moses, we see many faces. I am not speaking of being "two faced" but as a compliment. Great leaders are able to wear many faces. Here is some of the faces of Moses. 1) a tentative face 2) courageous face 3) bold face 4) face of a leader 5) face of strength 6) a face that can look at adversity and how about one more.."a radiant face." Here is the account...

"When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him." Moses had the glowing face of walking with God.

Day 42...(Exodus 32.33; Psalm 42)..."Breaking Number 1 and 2"

The Hebrews did not take long to digress, when they did not see signs of God. They wanted something seen. (a gold calf) This meant they broke commandments 1 and 2.

Moses even asked to see the glory of God. God's ways include intervention but they also include mystery. This is very evident in the passage in Exodus ...' Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory." And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live." Then the LORD said, "There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen."

The glory of God is awesome to behold whether we see it or not! Amen.

Day 41...(Exodus 30,31; Psalm 41)..."The Finger of God"

A mistake in the reading schedule has Exodus 30 in both yesterday's and today's reading schedule. You can read into that a divine purpose but I missed it until now. Anyway, we get a break with the reading today.

I have not noticed the conclusion of Exodus 31 before...""When the LORD finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God." How awesome to witness not only God speaking but also His signature. God's Hand is near us today. Maybe not in tablets but in so many ways!

Day 40...(Exodus 29,30; Psalm 40)..."When you have a Bad Day!"

^{The Psalms do speak to our deepest emotions. How about reading Psalm 40, when you have a bad day! Listen to the transformation of moving from the pits to hope!}

"I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God."

Amen!!! Have great day!

Day 39...(Exodus 27,28; Psalm 39)..."Only the Phantom Knows"

My study notes in the NIV points out Psalm 39 could well be in Ecclesiastes. The tone is similar. David refuses to speak to not complicate his troubles but his anquish level increases. As his anquish increases he wants to see the view of life from 30,000 feet above. Life is short. We are but phantoms in our earthly existence. This Psalm is written with "the vanity of vanity" theme.

"Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it."

Dr. Evelyn Laycock once said..."we live as though we are earthly beings seeking a spiritual experience but instead we are spiritual beings having an earthly experience." We are all phantoms until our spiritual life is born!

Day 38...(Exodus 25,26; Psalm 38)..."Origins of Worship"

In moving into chapter 25 and 26 of Exodus, Israel continues tangible ways of spiritual formation. After the formation of the Ten Commandments, a tabernacle and ark are constructed in intricate detail. According to NIV study notes...Tabernacle means the "Dwelling Place" and the ark sybolizes the "throne of God." The reading takes on different meaning as I recall there is no "cross", Bible, communion, and the core tenants of worship. Are these chapters not the structured beginnings of Israel's need to have focal points for worship? Can we not find some of the origin or humankinds need of symbols, symbolism, and worship?

Day 37...(Exodus 23,24; Psalm 37)..."Good Words for These Economic Times"

The Psalmist gives us some great words for these trying economic times.

"I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed."

How is it that a person who always gives has plenty? Generous people do not have to beg for bread. Could our trying economic times be a call to live generous lives instead of holding on for dear life? As the Psalmist says..."I was young and now I am old" signals the "ups and downs" of many years. In all times, generous people have enough. What do you think about the relationship of generosity and trying economic times? This is a valuable teaching in these economic times!

Day 36...(Exodus 21, 22; Psalm 36)..."How Would You Have Liked to Live Pre-10 Commandments?"

Exodus 21 and 22 offer a window to the world pre 10 Commandments. I read through all of these laws and I feel sorry for Moses and the judges. Imagine the disputes that produced these laws. My favorite is leaving a pit uncovered. Truly that would be the pits!

Thank God we live in the post 10 Commandments era and the grace of Jesus is available. Brace yourself the laws are going to become more entangled in the reading ahead. We have not even read Deuteronomy yet! Thank God Jesus simplified the thousands of laws to just two!

Day 35...(Exodus 19,20; Psalm 35)..."Boundaries"

The Ten Commandments are perceived by most as only prohibitions but they are also boundaries for our own good. Imagine a culture that did not condemn murder, stealing, lying, coveting and had total disregard for father and mother! How long would we make it? Bedlam, chaos, disaster, and self-destruction would be immediate, if God's laws were completely abandoned. Society as we know it may not last a day without these boundaries.

On a positive note, willingly following the 10 Commandments and Jesus' teaching of the Sermon with the Mount (Matthew 5,6,7) give us the foundation for living at the highest level as an entire globe. Are the 10 commandments more about prohibition or boundaries? What do you think?

Day 34...(Exodus 17,18; Psalm 34)..."Heavy and Busy Hands!"

Moses hands had to stay up prevail in battle. Can you imagine the pressure of keeping your hands up to prevail? He grew tired and had to have help keeping the hands up. His hand were also full leading thousands of people. His father-in-law came to his defense and intervened..."Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. This text has serious leadership development that we still use today. Sub-leaders to settle ordinary disputes and Moses settling the more "weighty" disputes. This action placed a better plan in Moses' hands.

We cannot do it alone either, as we too can wear ourselves out in the church. Teams and leadership were needed in the day of Moses and now!

Day 33...(Exodus 15,16; Psalm 33) ..."A Singing Day"

Moses felt like singing following the crossing of the Red Sea and the Psalmist felt like singing in Psalm 33. How about that for a theme in one day. Here is the connection...

Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD :
"I will sing to the LORD,
for he is highly exalted.
The horse and its rider
he has hurled into the sea.

The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
my father's God, and I will exalt him.

...and the Psalm

Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

Do you feel like singing today?

Day 32...(Exodus 13,14; Psalm 32)...:"Go Forward"

One of my favorite passages is when Moses instructed Israel to go forward. The people were afraid when Egypt's army pursued them. In this moment of fear, Moses would turn to the Lord. God told Moses to not be afraid, stand firm, and God will deliver. Then the charge the hill phrase..." go forward." Great words! Here is the encounter...

"Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on."

Have we been stuck in our fear? Are we needing to move forward trusting God?

Day 31...(Exodus 11,12; Psalm 31)..."Seder Traditions"

Today's reading gives us the origin of passover. One of the most meaningful services I have experienced the last decade has been the Christian Seder Service. In this service much of Exodus chapter 12 is recalled. On Maundy Thursday, Seder can also be linked to Holy Communion. The last nine years I had the opportunity to lead a Seder Service and an Upper Room drama which led to Holy Communion. What a night to connect the Old and New Testaments! I could not help but think of these wonderful services, as I read today. Bread link us to Moses and Israel and Jesus and His disciples.

Day 30...(Exodus 9,10; Psalm 30)...."Joy Comes in the Morning"

There are more plagues and Pharaoh hardens his heart each time. Livestock, boils, hail, darkness, and locust all come and the result is the same. Tomorrow will be the clincher.

In the 30th Psalm we read a very good passage to memorize for those going through sorrowful moments..."For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." What a great passage! Amen!

Day 29...(Exodus 7,8; Psalms 29)..."Snakes, Blood, Frogs, and Gnats"

You would think Pharaoh would get message about complying with Moses message from God. A series of a snake, blood, frogs, and gnats did not sway him as each time his heart hardened. Did he have a choice with his hard heart? Was he like Judas? As I see it Pharaoh and Judas both had a difficult fate to give theological explanation. Did they have a choice? Did God harden their hearts. These questions perplex me. How do we explain the fate of Pharaoh and Judas?

Day 28...(Exodus 5,6; Psalm 28)..."The Straw that Broke the Hebrews Back"

The Hebrew people were slaves in Egypt and they were placed under impossible demands. When Pharaoh ordered them make bricks and gather their own straw you might say it was..." the straw that broke the Hebrews back." Here is the encounter..."That same day Pharaoh gave this order to the slave drivers and foremen in charge of the people: You are no longer to supply the people with straw for making bricks; let them go and gather their own straw. But require them to make the same number of bricks as before; don't reduce the quota. They are lazy; that is why they are crying out, 'Let us go and sacrifice to our God.' Make the work harder for the men so that they keep working and pay no attention to lies." Pharaoh did not have a clue of the power He was encountering! Stay tuned.

Day 27...(Exodus 3,4; Psalm 27)..."Please let someone else do it!"

We think of Moses as strong and courageous but he actually said to the Lord..."O Lord, please send someone else to do it." This a far cry from the visionary leader who delivered his people. This reluctance should be good news for us in our reluctance to do what God calls us to do. Moses models the right spirit in responding to the Lord..."When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am." He would live the vision of "here I am Lord."

I remember also Dr. Bill Mallard teaching Moses models worship. 1) coming close to God 2) staying back on holy ground. Here is the encounter...

"Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

Day 26...(Exodus 1,2; Psalm 26)..."The Three Movements of Moses"

We begin Exodus today. Genesis sure went fast. Next year, I am thinking about a reading plan will go slower through Genesis and maybe call it Genesis in 50 days. Well on to Exodus. If you read chapter 50 of Genesis and Exodus 1 together you bridge the history. Obviously, God's promise to Abraham was becoming true..."a nation as numerous as the stars." This was a great threat to Egypt.

Moses had three key movement early. 1) Spared in a basket to Egypt. 2) Fleeing Egypt after killing an Egyptian. 3) Back to Egypt after the burning bush. Of course, he will spend time with a final movement the Exodus itself!

My family has had a lot of changes. I am especially looking forward to reading Exodus. My connection will be the new ways God is calling me this year.

Day 25 (Genesis 49,50; Psalm 25) "Schemer's, Dreamers, and a Redeemer"

eph obviously was redeemed in "pits to glory" story. What about his brothers? Did they ever level with their father about their transgressions. After Jacob's death, they quickly reverted back to their conspiring behavior..."When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?" So they sent word to Joseph, saying, "Your father left these instructions before he died: 'This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.' Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father." How quickly they moved to deceive!

Joseph moved quickly to forgive. In fact, he seemed to forgive in spite of his brothers. Did he know their deceit? Overlook? Or just plain forgive in advance?

Here is Joseph's response..."When their message came to him, Joseph wept. His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. "We are your slaves," they said. But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them." Were the brothers ever redeemed? Or where they just fortunate to have a brother like Joseph and a father like Jacob? Is this still not our human condition today? Some "get" God's redemption of people and circumstances and others move quickly to the next "scheme"?

The story of Joseph could be summed up like this..."there are schemers, dreamers, and a Redeemer. Is this not our human condition today?

Day 24 (Genesis 47,48; Psalm 24)..."Preparing to Live and Die"

Israel (Jacob) upon discovering Joseph is alive and well says..."My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die." In this time of exuberance, Jacob has his death on his mind.

As it turns out, Jacob lived in Egypt seventeen years. Here is the account..."Jacob lived in Egypt seventeen years, and the years of his life were a hundred and forty-seven. When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called for his son Joseph and said to him, "If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise that you will show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, but when I rest with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me where they are buried." "I will do as you say," he said. "Swear to me," he said. Then Joseph swore to him, and Israel worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.

I am intrigued in how the people of faith lived in preparation to die and at the strong demands of where to be buried. Jacob and Isaac both prepared to die years before their actual death. What does this tell us? Is there a fuller life in knowing you are prepared to die?

Day 23...(Genesis 45,46; Psalm 23) "A Grand Reunion"

I mentioned several blogs back that a "prodigal son like" reunion was coming with Joseph and we find it in today's reading. Joseph is one of my favorite leaders in the Bible for his strength to reconcile with his brothers. He understood God's higher purposes were accomplished in spite of the consequences of being sold into slavery. In our application of this reading we can ask ourselves the following... 1) when events go against us do we become bitter? 2) or do we seek God's higher purposes in all events? Does life make us bitter? Or do we seek God's higher purposes? Are we willing to forgive those who wrong us?

How fitting that 23rd Psalm accompanies this reading today and speaks of "restoring our soul." Are not the "still waters" and "green pastures" the result of trusting God in all events?

Day 22...(Genesis 43,44; Psalm 22) "The Psalm JesusQuotes"

In today's passage, from Psalms 22, we read the very words Jesus quoted from the cross..."My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?" I believe Jesus quoted the Psalms as much as any Old Testament Book. The Psalms do express the deepest of emotions. A feeling of being forsaken is perhaps the deepest emotion felt toward others. In my conversation with people, about the Psalms, I find two camps. Some love the Psalms and others find reading them difficult. It is helpful to know the Psalms were hymns and prayers. The Psalms are also redundant and often used intensification to reinforce a point to "take away." I find myself loving the short and crisp Psalms and struggling with the long ones. Any thoughts on how you like reading the Psalms?

In today's Genesis account, Joseph and his brothers continue to go back and forth about the youngest brother.

Day 21 (Genesis 41,42; Psalm 21)..."The Wheels Begin to Come Off"

In reading the story of Joseph unfold, the brothers do journey to Egypt and stand humbly before him powerless. The story is captivating as Joseph conceals his identity and they do not recognize their "sold into slavery" brother. You get a sense the guilt for shipping Joseph to Egypt was becoming debilitating for them. If nothing else they had to lie constantly and the "cover up" was beginning to unravel. I sense as their plot is also goofy and they appear before Joseph "three stoogesnesque" as they stumbling all over each other with guilt. Add a good dose of fear in there and you have plenty to squirm about. Nevertheless, Joseph is having a little fun at their expense. These brothers were clueless and living the nightmare of Joseph's dream. Below is the account of hungry men with their wheels beginning to come off!

But they replied, "Your servants were twelve brothers, the sons of one man, who lives in the land of Canaan. The youngest is now with our father, and one is no more." Joseph said to them, "It is just as I told you: You are spies! And this is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you will not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here. Send one of your number to get your brother; the rest of you will be kept in prison, so that your words may be tested to see if you are telling the truth. If you are not, then as surely as Pharaoh lives, you are spies!" And he put them all in custody for three days. On the third day, Joseph said to them, "Do this and you will live, for I fear God: If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here in prison, while the rest of you go and take grain back for your starving households. But you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified and that you may not die." This they proceeded to do. They said to one another, "Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that's why this distress has come upon us."

Day 20...(Genesis 39,40; Psalm 20)..."Another Pitfall"

We are not ready yet to realize the glory of God in Joseph's life. As he begins to rebuild a life as chief of staff for Potiphar. Joseph is a great executive and finds favor until Potiphar's wife wrongfully accuses him of making a an advancement toward her. He is thrown into prison and uses his "dream" gift for his "get out of prison card." In chapter 40, we find a third pitfall for Joseph. After he correctly gives interpretation to dreams, the cupbearer forgot Joseph. In Joseph's story so far we have three pitfalls.

1) Joseph is thrown into a pit and sold into slavery 2) wrongfully accused 3) forgotten

...the road to God's glory has many pitfalls for Joseph. Is this reassuring for any setbacks that come our way? Pitfalls do not have to be "the pits."

Day 19... (Genesis 37,38: Psalm 19) "Going through the Pits on the way to Glory"

In chapter 37, the Book of Genesis introduces the wonderful story of Joseph that will take us to the end of the Book. The story reveals a "sibling rivalry" of brothers of jealousy that goes bad. Joseph is a dreamer but his dreams become more like a nightmare! Where do the dreams of Joseph lead him? Not yet to God's glory! In fact, he begins in the "pit." What does Joseph being cast in the pit teach us? We may have to go through "the pits" before we experience God's glory. What do you think?

Day 18 (Genesis 35,36; Psalm 18)..."The Bible and Health Care"

Health care is a great debate these days. In today's reading, we encounter some health issues. Isaac died at the age of 180 years according to Genesis 35:38. In the story of Jacob stealing Esau's blessing, the scene is very dramatic (as if Isaac will not live much longer) as Isaac must go by touch and sound instead of sight. He obviously was in poor health. How many years did his health decline? How much time passed between the blessing scene and his death? We know after Jacob leaves, he works for Laban fourteen years. Isaac's death happens after all these years plus some other transitions. At any rate...he lived a long time in declining health.

How is the meaning of life revealed through a father's health, blessing, and death? Obviously, in Genesis these passages are paramount in the meaning of life. We are so life consious we could learn a great deal from these passages recorded in Genesis.

Did you feel anything when Rachel died from complications of childbirth? How sad that death at childbirth was so common that only only two verses described the event..."And as she was having great difficulty in childbirth, the midwife said to her, "Don't be afraid, for you have another son." As she breathed her last-- for she was dying she named her son Ben-Oni But his father named him Benjamin." How interesting in these times that the blessing of a son overshadowed a tragic death.

Day 17 (Genesis 33,34: Psalm 34)..."Much to do About Nothing"

Jacob spends the better part of 20 years of his life in fear of Esau. He knows one day he will have to face up to him. When the suspenseful moment comes a "Prodigal Son" type celebration reunion takes place. Jacob prepares gifts and Essau is quick to embrace. Jacob's fear of Esau is "much to do about nothing." Is this not true of so much in our lives? We live in fear of facing people, situations, and find the "fear" is worse than the moment. Joseph is at the back of the line in this story. In the coming chapters, he will be live out yet another story of "grand reunion." This will be yet another theme of Genesis reconciliation/reunion. Isn't this just like God to be creator, the giver of relationships, and offers the grace for grand reunions!

Day 16 (Genesis 31, 32; Psalm 16)..."Some Blessings are Not the Ones We Have in MInd and Come Through Struggle"

Jacob had to wrestle through the night for a blessing he did not have in mind. Bishop James Swanson says Jacob had another blessing in mind other than a dislocated hip socket. Here is the account. " Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." The man asked him, "What is your name?" "Jacob," he answered.Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome."

How many of our blessing come through struggle and are not initially what we have in mind? Yet...God knows best and His blessings are ineffable! Great is His Faithfulness indeed!

Day 15 (Genesis 29,30; Psalm 15)..."Persistence!"

Jesus teaches about a widow that got what she wanted through persistence. (Luke 18:1-8) Today, we read about Jacob's persistence for Rachel. He worked seven years for Laban and was deceived into thinking he would receive Rachel's hand. Instead he received Leah. He was not defeated as he signed off on another seven years for Rachel. Another story of persistence concerns Rachel who waited painfully as Leah and other servants gave birth. Finally, Rachel's persistence paid off with the birth of Joseph. There are numerous themes in Genesis such as creation, sin, covenant, consequences and faith. I never noticed this obvious theme of persistence. I like it! Fulfilling God's purposes comes through persistence. Let's keep our eyes open to other stories ahead and this theme of persistence.

Day 14 (Genesis 27, 28; Psalm 14)..."Deceit and the Bible"

Jacob stole Esau's blessing. Deceit is used in the Bible by God's leaders. Who does not feel pity for Esau in the story... "When Esau heard his father's words, he burst out with a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, "Bless me—me too, my father!" But he said, "Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing." Esau said, "Isn't he rightly named Jacob ? He has deceived me these two times: He took my birthright, and now he's taken my blessing!" Then he asked, "Haven't you reserved any blessing for me?" Even Rebeka is involved in the deceit! How do we explain God's people and deceit? (1) Is this just the human condition to be deceitful? 2) Or a testimony of God redeeming the deceitful? (3) Or a matter of God navigating His redemption story in spite of the human condition? I choose the third. What do you think?

Day 13. (Genesis 25, 26; Psalm 13) ..."Oh Well!"

There are geographic movements in the Bible that happen over disputes. One of those disputes is recorded in chapter 26 in what I call the "Oh Well!" dispute..." Isaac's servants dug in the valley and discovered a well of fresh water there. But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's herdsmen and said, "The water is ours!" So he named the well Esek, because they disputed with him. Then they dug another well, but they quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah. He moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarreled over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying, "Now the LORD has given us room and we will flourish in the land." Quarrels are a part of the shaping the biblical story. We will see this again in Acts and the early church. Quarrels can be redeemed for higher purposes if God redeems them.

Day 12 (Genesis 23, 24; Psalm 12) "God is an orderly God and Genesis is an Orderly Book"

God is an orderly God. Genesis is an orderly book. How so? I noticed a detail in the story of Isaac and Rebeka that I missed in my previous reading of the Bible. There is great detail about Sarah's death and burial in chapter 23. What follows in chapter 24? The story of Isaac and Rebecca's marriage. Where there is a void for a nation? God fills. Notice how chapter 24 ends..."Then the servant told Isaac all he had done. Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death. An orderly succession and an acknowledgment of grief and life for the Hebrews moves forward!

Day 11 (Genesis 21,22; Psalm 11) ..."The Most Dramatic Moment in The Bible"

God blesses Abraham and Sarah with a son at a laughable moment...both advanced toward 100 years old. What follows is perhaps the most intense moment in the Bible. Is God asking Abraham to sacrifice his only son? The events leading to the sacrificial altar are perplexing and "heart wrenching." As the drama peaks, an angel speaks..."Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." Whew!!! Is there a moment of greater in the Bible? While the message on the way to the altar is confounding there is a clear message afterward...God blesses obedience with provision. The "ram in the thicket" is a symbol of God's provision. In these confusing economic times what a great message for today..."God will provide as we are obedient." Is there a ram in our thicket today?

Day 10 (Genesis 19,20; Psalm 10)..."More Troubling Than Lot's Wife Turning to Salt"

You could rate Genesis 19 not only"X" but also "T" for troubling. Chapter 19 gives us an insight of how wicked Sodom and Gomorrah had become. The scene is graphic and implies the barbaric atmosphere of "gang rape." How could Lot offer his daughters instead of the men? This has to be one of the most disturbing bibical passages in the entire Bible. The image of Lot's wife turning into a pillar of salt for looking back has long been used to inspire..."keep your eyes on the Lord." This image is also present in Jesus' teaching of not taking your eye off the plow in the New Testament. (Luke 9:62)

Day 9 (Genesis 17,18; Psalm 9) ..."Name Changes, Laughing in the Bible, Miraculous Births"

Today's reading includes the name changes of Abram and Sarai becoming Abraham and Sarah. Abraham name change is associated with "father of many nations" and Sarah the "blessed to be mother of many nations." One of the most notable name changes in the Bible is Saul becoming Paul. Jesus also gave Simon, son of Judah, the name Peter which carries significance with "the rock" in the formation of the Church. Most Biblical names are not accidental and open doors to greater understanding of the message. One of my greateast treasures is a Bible Dictionary (given by my parents) that gives meaning and pronunciation of most every biblical name.

Who says the Bible has no humor? Today, we read of the laughter of Abraham and Sarah when they hear the absurd. They are going to have a child pushing 100 years old! Miraculous births are yet another theme of the Bible. More later.

Day 8...(Genesis 15,16; Psalm 8) "Reaching for the stars!"

I remember an inspiring night following Hurricane Ivan when in the dark and powerless streets of Pensacola and I gazed at beauty of the stars. How majestic are the stars when nothing else is seen! As a metaphor, how inspiring to reach for them and trust God for the future! Abram hears of being the father of a nation more numerous than the stars. The Psalmist says..."How majestic is your name" including the phrase "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars." How awesome is God's Word that two passages refer to the stars and both with lofty meaning. How long has it been since we have gazed at the stars and reached for the stars trusting God with the future?

Day 7...(Genesis 14,15; Psalm 7) "You go Right and I will go Left"

The Bible speaks in practical terms in today's reading. As Abram and Lot (both with abundant livestock and possessions) try to co-exist on limited space it does not work out. Abram says..."you go left and I will go right." Abram comes to the rescue of Lot after he is captured. After the successful liberation we find the origin of tithing..." And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand." Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything." The Bible is difficult to understand in some readings but not today. 1) finding your own space 2) going left and right 3) loyalty and bravery for family 4) tithing.

Day 6...(Genesis 12,13; Psalm 6) "Another Creation...A Nation"

In the Tower of Babel, we have another story of consequences for disobedience. The sin of pride has been called the father of all sin by Dr. Maxie Dunnam. As "in the garden" humanity was not content but wanted to be as God and in this instance were foolish enough to begin a tower to reach Heaven.

Another creation story emerges...this time the birth of a nation more "numerous in the stars." Is this already the fourth creation story in Genesis? Let's keep tabs in the Book of Genesis.