Comments for January 27,2014

It was a quiet week-end. Saturday exercise was literally a walk in the park (almost four miles…we picked up Kim and met Bob and his cousin Mike at Rudy’s for a late lunch or early dinner (5:00). After that we came back to Bud’s house and played cards. On Sunday, B and K picked us up for church. After church we all took a Bike ride from Tumbleweed Park to Gilbert and Warren. Round trip 11 miles. Later we met Rusty and Crystal for pizza and a beer. My reading is up to date but have not written for a couple of days. Now in Genesis I’m getting to the story of Moses and how God uses him to get the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses has been hiding out for about forty years. He is about eighty now and just getting prepared for the biggest adventure of his life. Think about the the things in the Bible that seem to be most unlikely. God an do anything. He especially can and will do things that we cannot do. Some believe the Universe just happened by accident.. It is much easier for me to believe that for every effect there is a cause. Stuff does not just happen. The evidence around us is very clear. Makes it difficult to believe that the more important things just happen by accident. How can one man possibly get the people out of Egypt? Try to imagine a series of events Moses could cause that would result in Pharaoh expelling the Israelites from Egypt. Or, try to imagine God selecting you for the job. Where would you begin? How is it that we do what we do and go where we go? Is it just by chance? Or, is there a cause? There are some important questions I think we need to answer. Who am I? Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? Was Moses thinking about these question? Do you think about these questions? Do your children think about these question? Do your friends think about these questions? Why not ask them? Can we ask God these question? Should we? Maybe He has been answering the questions without our asking? Maybe we haven’t been listening? How many burning bushes have you walked by without noticing?

More from January 5, 2014

Proverbs 1:17 If a bird see a trap it is wise enough to stay away from it.. Are we? This is question is  raise by part of my Bible Reading for the day. Am I wise enough to stay away from the trap of a den of sinners? Do I not know how dangerous it is to fall into that trap? Do you have a natural fear of going too close to a steep and high cliff? Do we naturally fear falling? Where does that safety feature come from. When we were first born, as an infant, did we posses these safety features? Or, were we taught them by parents, other family members, friends and the experiences of getting hurt? How do we learn these seemingly natural responses to danger?  I believe our Father in Heaven teaches us these things. Sometimes I get the point and pay attention. Other times I don't do so well. What is the best way to live life? How do we find out? Who can teach us? Should we just do it ourselves? Or, should we choose a guide? Perhaps we already have the best guide available to us, but refuse to follow? Think on these things. Is it better to drift along or, to have a plan? If you decide on a plan, how would you build it? Where would you get your information? I have found the readings in these scriptures loaded with good advice. The advice is helpful in worldly living. The advice is also helpful in planning life for eternity. In fact, it is probably mandatory. 

Comments January 25, 2014

Once again, I skipped a day. The readings from the Tyndale One Year Bible were completed. The writing yesterday was not. The story of God’s people moves on. Readings from OT and NT are to a degree parallel. Same continuing story, much different time frames and places. In the NT we are much closer to the final act of revelation. God is about to make a most mysterious announcement and will provide a tortuous solution to the plight of His people. They have disobeyed and He will provide a solution that will deliver us all from eternal damnation. The deliverance (forgiveness) is very costly. Here he points out the cost of forgiveness. It is impossible to forgive someone without given up much. When you forgive someone, truly forgive, you sacrifice much. It costs you. You are required to pay for their mistake. If you require them to pay, it is not forgiveness on your part. Just overlooking the the injury they have done to you is not good enough. The event and all its damage must be put behind us. It is not as if it never happened. No, we have to pay dearly for our friends mistake. It cost us, it hurt us. You can excuse them for nothing. But, forgiveness is expensive. Jesus not only died for our sins, He also lay separated from the Father for three days. It was agonizing. This is the good news of the Gospel. The Gospel is the story of our redemption. The entire Bible tells the story of God’s redeeming love. Every step of the way from the fall in Genesis 3 is a revelation about what God is doing to redeem His creation. In Genesis we are learning how God is preparing to bring His chosen people out to Egypt and eventually get them to the Promised Land. In Matthew we learn about the preparation for the ultimate sacrifice of the Lamb of God. Jesus tells how He will build His church on the Rock (Peter). The Church continues to grow around the world today. Not so much in Europe and the US now. But, more in China and South America. It will happen, it is happening. Satan and his army are still at work. Satan will lose. As for me and my house, We will serve the Lord!

Reading for January 22-23,2014

These thoughts are covering both the 22nd and 23rd of January. Seems I missed yesterday. Joseph is still working to get his father, brothers and their families to Egypt. This is another part of God’s plan for the Israelites and for all of us. How important is this story to you? How important do you think it should be? These writings from the hand of God’s servants are another aspect of His all consuming love. These writings are His story, our story, your story and my story. I proclaim to you that there is one and only one living God. He alone is responsible for all that you and I can see or do in this, His creation. Read His words. Those who embrace the words and believe will go on to live in eternity with the living God. Those who reject these words are doomed to eternal damnation. While God loves and cares for all His creation He will not change the outcome. He has provided a way to salvation and eternal life for all His creation. But, He will not force it on anyone. We must choose. In the same way, it is impossible for us to force a way of life on any of our friends, family or neighbors. We can boldly suggest and recommend. But, we cannot make them choose. We observe attempts at this all the time. People through governments, federal, state, local and even HOAs try to impose rules (a way of life) on their friends and neighbors. Mostly, I hope, they do this with good intentions. God has already given us the rules. He continues to explain no more are needed. Do we believe? These stories are the communication of the journey or trip God has given us. When we were created we were given a place in this journey. You have a part to play. You have an important role. You are proceeding down that path. Whether you like it or accept it is up to you. We can go willingly or kicking and screaming. It is our choice. The end result for us is up to us. God’s end result is assured. He has the power and the majesty to accomplish that which He set out to do. Because of God I love all you who do or don’t read these words. I urge you to listen to the supreme, one and only true God. You will be glad you did. So, the story goes on. We are given information about the future in the Bible. We do not however see it all clearly. We cannot. Did God create the Earth and the other heavenly bodies. We have no proof of that. Also, there is no proof He didn’t. Scientist continue to search and are unable to see how something has been made out of nothing by nobody. For me its much easier to believe in God than in nothing.

Comments for January 21,2014

This is the day The Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it.  We received an email from our friend Sally Holliday this morning. Her husband and our friend died last evening. His brother John died last week. I am saddened and I grieve this loss. Mostly I grieve for Sally. She will miss Ralph greatly.  This life here on earth in the world as we know it is temporary. Ralph has gone on to be in the loving arms of his Father in Heaven. I am blessed by having known and communed with Ralph. With his life, he has made my life richer and more meaningful. Thank you God for Ralph.  Today we read the first 36 verses of Psalm 18. This was written by David. David like many of us is confused regarding our own capabilities. Notice how David speaks of his action being what he David was able to do. And, he talks about the rewards God showers on him for his good behavior. We all know we should be good. And, we want to be rewarded for our good behavior. We even think others should be rewarded for good behavior. Even Pavlov's dog learned behavior that was rewarded. The problem is and thousands of years of experience teach it, we are not able to be good. The best behaved people who have ever lived have some nasty deeds hidden in their closets. With our friends, we have forgiven the bad deeds we know about. In a sense, we have forgiven all their bad deeds...even the ones we don't know about. When one is revealed we might say... Oh! I don't believe that.  Later in Psalm 18, David does give the credit for his good behavior to God. We can do that too. Or can we? Are we able to trust God enough to grant Him the power and wisdom to be responsible for all of creation. Many people seem to believe in a God or, not believe in a God, who is big enough to do it all and more. Can I trust God enough to let Him be God? Or, do I want to make God over into some smaller limited version? Of course, I can only do that in my mind. God is God and none of us individually or collectively can alter the situation. God knows we have tried. Satan at least does it openly and admits his intentions.  Shift gears with me and think more about, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like"... If we didn't have the evil present in the world, how would we be able to understand the contrasting characteristics of right and wrong? Should we be grateful for the sins of our friends, noting that they help us learn more about God and His identity. Perhaps we should just accept our condition. And, be grateful for a loving, merciful Father. We are loved by a God who knows us better than we know ourselves. He loves us more than we can ever know. And, He loves us in our worst condition. He loves us when we are down and out. He loves us when we we can't love ourselves. He wants to grant us mercy and shower us with grace. He sent Jesus to pay the penalty that fulfills the demands of God's justice. He has covered it all. When we decide to wholeheartedly follow Him, He grants us righteousnss. 

Bible Comments for 1/20/2014

Readings from Matthew. What is the Kingdom of heaven like? In chapter 13 beginning at verse 24, we read five parable stories beginning with “The Kingdom of Heaven is like…” Then at the end of the section, Jesus begins to decipher the parables for the his disciples. Notice how we are to live in the world amongst the wheat and the weeds. The world will contain good and bad people living side by side. And, we are not to try and remove the bad people. That will happen at harvest time. The angels will come and remove all the evil and it will be burned in the fiery furnace. So then, it is not our job to clean up the world? What is our job? Love God, love people and go make disciples. I notice by looking around how we get that mixed up. We have jails. We lock people up, we even execute the really bad ones. On a smaller scale, we classify and characterize people into the good and bad categories. Think about these statements more. This is one way of describing the a characteristic of “The Kingdom of Heaven.” The passage begins with, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like…”. Is the description as simple and clear as I read in verses 36-43? The angels will be able to pick out the righteous because they shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom. If we are truly followers of Jesus, we will shine. The angels will be able to distinguish the righteous. Their light will shine. How do we make our light shine? I don’t think we can do it. Only God can make us shine with His brilliance. We don’t get there by trying to be good. We don’t get there by getting rid of the evil around us. We get there by being a follower of Jesus. Follow God, obey Him and he will make your light shine.

Comments from Bible Reading 1/19/2014

Bible Reading Comments from 1/19/2014 Its Sunday. We are still reading from Genesis, Matthew, Psalm and Proverbs. Joseph is in Egypt serving in Potiphar’s house. Why do we get tempted? And, why do we usually handle it wrong? Joseph tried to flee from Potiphar’s wife. But, even that didn’t work. Did God want him to be caught, trapped by this temptation? Did he need to get back into prison? He later became useful to God. Was Joseph supposed to learn something. Or, are we just supposed to be faithful? When we meet others, are we judgmental? Do we ask ourselves, God and others why some people are so ignorant? Is that really appropriate? Read the story again. Think on these questions. Look back on your own life and evaluate. What is your attitude and expectation when it comes to knowing and trying to follow God? The parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed. Or, is it the parable of the Soils? Or, is Jesus just explaining why He talks in parables? Do you understand? Are you supposed to understand? Or, are you just supposed to obey! Do I need to be convinced or just believe? What is this business about election and being chosen? Are you chosen? I think so, but, have you repented? What does it mean to repent? Did we do something wrong? Did I? Have I ever? How can I get out of that hole? Some times I like to pretend I did not dig the hole, its not my fault, its just who I am. Who are you? Who do you want to be? Is it okay to have expectations? Can expectations be avoided? Do you like your friends all the time? Do you have a friend who is always faithful? Are you a friend to someone you have never betrayed? Is it possible? Read the lament of the Psalmist. Does it sound like you feel? The same story is told again in Proverbs today. I am so grateful for the Word of God.

Notes to Wendy's Bible Study

Good morning Guys. I continue to read and pray from David Muyskens' book, Forty Days. Today I'm on day 26. You can see, I have not been faithful to do it everyday. This one was especially helpful.You may remember, he said to enter the time of prayer with no expectations. That has been a problem for me. I have had expectations. And, of course, they have not been fulfilled. You know that, I know that. Yet, I still have them. Pray for me will you. Help me to not follow my own expectations. I miss you guys. Even so we are having a great time in Arizona. Getting to know some friends from Kansas, swimming, biking a bit, eating a lot and enjoying the weather. Hope to come back refreshed and enthused.See you in February. My reading has included a book by Tim Keller, "Jesus the King". If you get a chance, take a look. We might want to study this one. Its a commentary on the gospel by Mark. I hope you are doing well with the Theology study. Remember to "Praise God in all things". I have talked to Paul Schmidt. He is recovering after having fallen. He did have repair surgery on some facial bones. Tricky and risky surgery. It went well according to the doctor. He will spend this Winter in Florida recuperating. Is not allowed to fly. Pray for him and Cathy. I hope you are all well.My best to you all.

Comments for January 18,2014

It's Saturday and a beautiful. Day. We slept late. I fixed breakfast and then watched the K-state! West Virginia game. There were a couple of errands including getting fuel for the Saab. Later we are going out for dinner with Bobby and Kim.  More side comments today. Do any of my readers understand the importance of the Judah, Tamar incident? Sons marry then die.  For some reason Jewish law required the other brothers to marry the widow. At least in Judah's family this was not a popular law. Something they tried to avoid. I suppose it would be beneficial for the widow. It is going to be hard for her to support herself without a husband. That's not so difficult these days. Since Judah didn't force the issue far enough to get a resolution, Tamar took matters into her own hand and devised a plan to protect heself. Clever woman. Do our minds work the same way? Are we more concerned about ourselves than our meighbors? What would the world be like if we all had the compassion, love and humbleness of Jesus? Very clever but evil schemes would not exist. We would not think suspicious thoughts about the actions of others. Judah would not have had sex with Tamar. The brothers would have taken care of Tamar. She would not have dreamed up her devious scheme.  Just think, we would not be suspicious of politicians. There would be no reason to be suspicious. Life would be much different. I would never wonder about the real meaning of anything people told me. I would never misunderstand or even pretend I misunderstood. I wonder how our desires and wants would change? What is the cause of my selfishness? If we all had the best interests of others as our foremost desire,...? Just thnk, everyone we know or meet would have our best interests as their highest priority.  How is God going to pull this off? I wonder if everyone agrees with this as the best policy for living our lives?. When humans try to make rules for living, the rules are good for some and bad for others. There doesn't seem to be a set of rules with which we all agree. Even in sports, the rules are changed sometimes in order to "Improve the game".  Lord , hear our prayers. And change them to remove all selfish words and actions. We are obviously not capable of composing unselfish prayers. Grace and I had a discussion about thiis today. I was selfish. Even when I tried not to be selfish. I forgive you all!

Comments on Bible Readings for 1/17/2014

http://www.sljinstitute.net/sermons/old_testament/pentateuch/pages/genesis52.html Good morning. Bill called this morning to tell me the boilers were not working properly and checking on who to call. Things you have do break. I wonder if God has that problem. Ours are under control if we know someone who can fix the problems. God is the ultimate and final voice in fixing and healing. One of our MCYM board members passed this week without my ever having met her. Her name is Claudia Paige. Please pray for her and her family.  In today's reading I got stuck in Genesis 36:1-43. The family record of Esau. As a side you might want to read the sermon you can find with the opening link. I don't know how this works, out of a Blog page. You should be able to copy and paste it in the address box of your browser to find the sermon.  These brothers, Jacob and Esau, are one of the sets of brothers found through out the Biblical stories. It is interesting to me to discern the differences. Why do so many of the stories encompass the lives of brothers? Remember the first ones?..Cain and Abel. Think, who are the others? Ishmael and Isaac, Shem, Ham and Japheth, Moses and Aaron, Saul and Paul (ask me about this one). There is much we can learn by comparing their differences. Don't forget the twelve brothers of Jacob and the twelve apostles. Yes, the apostles are brothers. Some of them are blood brothers.  Anyway, why is this information about Esau (Edom) included in the Bible? What can we learn about God and His story? What can we learn about ourselves? Who all we and why do some seem to be elected to God's saving Grace while others are not? What is the difference? Are we are treated differently by God? Do these stories help your belief or unbelief? Do you relate more with Jacob or with Esau? Which one appeals to you the most? Can you characterize most of your friends by putting them in one of these categories? Are some of us more like Jacob, while others are more like Esau? In God's redeemed world, who is most likely to be included? Who do you want to be like? Does God decide this question for us or are we supposed to choose? I battle that very question all the time. I take that question to God in prayer. I need help. Am I supposed to find the answer? Or, do I just let it alone and trust. Yes indeed there is a mighty struggle going on in the Spiritual realm. Who is going to win? Do you want to be on the winning side?

Bible Reading Comments from 1/14/2014

Comments from the Tyndale Bible for 1/16. Wouldn't it be womderful if the world and all it's people were living as God's family in the Garden of Eden? But we are not. The readings for today reveal two things. The sin and decay of the fallen people and God's redeeming work. He will redeem the world. We have a hard time capturing the process and the nature of the result. We like the final condition. It is is a place where all dwell together in unity and harmony. We conveniently forget about or ignore the part about following God. Notice in Genesis 34 the story about Shechem. There was an apparent solution to he "minor" problem of him raping Jacob's daughter. Why do you think God didn't allow the "friendly" solution? Was it because some of Jacob's sons wanted revenge? Eventually God will bring us all together. We will love each other. We will not love because we want something in return. We will love because we believe in and follow the One True and living God. Can any of us do this purely now? Not for me to judge. God is the judge. What can I do about this problem? Follow God! Gain wisdom! Hear the word! Do it live it, don't just know about it. Read these words for today again and think about these things. Go to church. Ask God to reveal the work He has for you. Ask for an open heart to hear and do. 

Bible Reading January 15,2014

Let's talk about living for God. What is living for God? What is the definition? Look at Proverbs 3:16-18. What does Wisdom have to do with living for God? What exactly is wisdom? Seems to be explained here. Long life and happiness. Sound good? Where do we find this wisdom? Where would you look? Who should we listen to, study? Are reading, writing and arithmetic important? What about philosophy and religion? How about right and wrong? Who determines right and wrong?  Does everyone want to be like Mike? Do each of us have and idol? What is idolatry? Some have said it is good to be loving. Is it? And what is the full definition of love. Is love a verb? What then are the acts of love? How are love and like similar? Is it possible to love a person you don't like?  If you were asked to mentor a person, would you accept the responsibility? There are people who look to you with reverence and as a mentor but never let it be known. Do our actions send these folks good messages?  Is it important? Do we care? Do we have any responsibility to family, friends, acquaintances? How about strangers?  Jacob lived 20 years with Laban. He worked to obtain two wives. One he didn't want and one he said he loved. He left Laban as a rich man and returned home to face Esau. Why would he do that? What could possibly drive him to face the brother he deceived and alienated? Have you ever done anything like that? Why?  Rachel, the wife he loved stole her father's gods. And then, lied about it. Leah on the other hand was eager to go with Jacob. She continually sought his love. Rachel was barren and at first, unable to bear children. So, how was Jacob going to get twelve sons? How did Jacob's sons gain wisdom and learn about right and wrong? Was their home life ideal for growing up into mature, responsible men?  I think we need a guide. Otherwise, we will get this living all wrong. What chance do we have on our own? I need a guide, mentor, teacher. I need a full time responsible father. I found one. Or, maybe He found me and I bought in! I suggest going for it. Don't rely on any even reasonable facsimile. Get the real thing. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Saviour!

Bible Reading Tuesday January 14,2014

I was wrong about Monday being the 14th. Today Tuesday is the 14th. It just goes to show the fallibility of man vs the infallibility if God. Take the readings in Genesis for example. Jacob is in his father's homeland working for his father-in -law Laban. The writer of Genesis, thought to be Moses, writes about why/how the sheep began to produce spotted lambs all from the stronger animals. Laban and Jacob had made an agreement. Jacob was to own the not so pure not white offsprings. How did this happen? Why was Jacob blessed and not Laban? How slowly we lean. Even Moses, the writer, searchs for a method. He looked for a human solution for the event reported. Later on in the same story God takes the credit for blessing Jacob. When reading the Bible or when seeing God's plan unfold, always remember, God can and will do anything He wants. We usually want to take credit for all the good things that happen. Likewise, we don't want to be associate with any of the bad. If we could get that turned around, life would be a lot easier. Truth is, we screw up and God fixes it. All these stories make more sense from that view point. The non- believer uses the other view point to justify his unbelief and to try and convince others with his own superior being. What should we do about that? Don't argue, look to The Lord. The Lord will provide. God can work through all issues because He is the Truth. 

Bible Reading January 14, 2014

It is Monday January 14. 2014. We are in Sun Lakes, AZ at Bud and Chris' house. We arrived here on Saturday. Met  up with Bob and Kim Satuday evening. Attended church at Chandler Christian Chuch on Sunday and ate breakfast at the Good Egg near the church. Rusty and Crystal stopped by last night for a short welcome to AZ.  Today's readings remind me how important and necessary it is to believe and follow the one true God. He rains havoc on those who don't and prepares the others for an eternal and blessed life. So, why would one choose the other way? See how many excuses you can list. Have you every tred this exercise? We are capable of finding many "seemingly better" things to do than worshipping God. I've done it, you've done it, we've all done it. We all believe we can be good on our own, by ourselves, with no help from others. In fact, sometimes we believe we are the only good person in the whole world. Do you sometimes have trouble talking with or being with another person because it seems to be a waste of your time? God has commanded us to love everyone we meet. What if, everyone you met went out of their way to love you? What would the world be like? In order for that to happen, I have to make the first move. If I don't do it, it can not happen. Just that one thing. Love everyone no matter who they are or what they do. That is God's plan. He is working His plan. And, His plan will work. In His time and in His way He is working His plan. The plan is described in detail in the Bible. We must believe and follow. Talk to God, He will direct your feet. Submit to Him.  Notice in the story of Jacob and Esau. Which son is most interested in doing what God commands. Who picked who here? Is Esau following God? Why or why not?  When we read these stories we should try to understand God's plan. The Bible is a book in which God is revealing to us who He is and what He is about. It is hard for me to imagine a ruler who wants His people to receive the benefit of His work. We see the same story in the NT and in the Psalms and Poverbs. It is a beautiful and simple story.  It is a set of simple and beautiful commands. Love God all out.  Love your neighbor the same way. And, move around as directed so more people will see and feel the love of God. Is their a reward? Yes! Eternal life with the one true and living God. He is preparing a room for you in His house. 

Comments from readings January 6-7, 2014

Grace and I are on our way to Dillon. We've been visiting Mark and Barbra Toivanen. Paul Schmidt fell from a ladder at their vacation cabin. Severely injured his face and shoulder. Looks like the shoulder will heal with therapy. A concussion will take some time for evaluation and healing the face and left eye socket need surgery. Tried to see him. Fatigue and doctor appointments prevented that from working out. Now we are waiting for our delayed flight. It's a cold day across the nation. Not as cold as our alarmist weather forecasters broadcast. I so wish we could be more optimistic about God's world. It is a blessing to have a God who defines the rules so that all are in the know. Too bad more don't listen. Bless and love those who do. Love those who seem to miss the point or are reluctant to believe. Pray for them.  Readings now are from Genesis and Matthew. These books are filled with wisdom and comforting news. I think about Abram who believed and because of that was declared righteous by God. Isn't that marvelous! We don't have to obey the law to be declared righteous. The law is good. But, it is impossible to bat 1.000. The very best players are about .300. Just look around. Do you see anyone who is perfect? I certainly am not. There are many I look up to who do better than me. But, none are perfect. Then who are the saints? The ones who are in a deep personal relationship with their God. Amen!  Look in Matthew 7. Very kindly but difficult teachings from Jesus. Teachings about adultery, marriage, love and more. Many people believe we need a more kind and compassionate world. But, they are helpless to make it better. Just being kind to a few doesn't seem to help much. It's not wrong. But, it is an overwhelming task. Who has the wisdom and power to make it work? Who in the world has that kind of power? Maybe Satan, but he is Hell bent to go the other way.  The world cannot and will not be fixed by someone or something of this world. The fix can and will come from someone outside the world. How about a trancendant God? The one who created  this world can change this world. He wants to do it. He wants to redeem you. Will you allow it to happen?  The only thing in the way is me. I can't fix it. But, I can assist it. I'm fact, God has already asked us to help by following Him.  Read the account of Hagaar and Ishmael. When she tried to run away, God ask her why and where are you going? These are questions we should ask ourselves. Who is chosen? Who is not elected? Do you know? Have you tried to find this information? Might be a worthwhile endeavor? Go for it!

Bible reading comments 1/5/2014

Bible readings from the Tyndale One Year Bible.  If you were God and you wanted to instruct the people of your creation, how would you proceed? Would you have built it into their program? Would you send them an instruction manual? Would you be continually updating their program? Look how quickly our own creations go from popular to obsolete. What is the latest fad program for raising children? In the United States about 40% of the children are raised in single family homes. When you left home were you adequately trained and prepared for the remainder of your life? Who took over at that point? If there is a foundational truth for living and you knew it, would you follow it? If there is no foundational truth, how should we function? 

Comments from Bible Reading 1/3/2014

Proverbs 1:17 If a bird see a trap it is wise enough to stay away from it.. Are we? This is question is  raise by part of my Bible Reading for the day. Am I wise enough to stay away from the trap of a den of sinners? Do I not know how dangerous it is to fall into that trap? Do you have a natural fear of going too close to a steep and high cliff? Do we naturally fear falling? Where does that safety feature come from. When we were first born, as an infant, did we posses these safety features? Or, were we taught them by parents, other family members, friends and the experiences of getting hurt? How do we learn these seemingly natural responses to danger?  I believe our Father in Heaven teaches us these things. Sometimes I get the point and pay attention. Other times I don't do so well. What is the best way to live life? How do we find out? Who can teach us? Should we just do it ourselves? Or, should we choose a guide? Perhaps we already have the best guide available to us, but refuse to follow? Think on these things. Is it better to drift along or, to have a plan? If you decide on a plan, how would you build it? Where would you get your information? I have found the readings in these scriptures loaded with good advice. The advice is helpful in worldly living. The advice is also helpful in planning life for eternity. In fact, it is probably mandatory. 

Bible Reading Comments January 2, 2014

The new year has come again. The new year is a marvelous time. Or, is it. How is the first day of the new year any different than the last day of he old year or even the second day od the new year. Well for me, the second day is special. It is the anniversary of my birthday. This year I count 78 birthdays. I have mentioned to some people how, I was confused on the 52 anniversary and credited myself with being 53. So I was 53 two consecutive yeas and completely missed the 52nd year. One of these years I plan to do that year again.  For the past six years, I have been reading through the Bible on day at a time. On January 1 I began again. Last year I pledged to my family I would write a comment everyday if they would join me in the read. I think I actually wrote maybe 300 times. It appears I failed in my part of the bargain. I am hoping they are did better than I. I did read everyday or at least manage to catch up when I fell behind. This year I will post the writings in my Blog. I was to begin yesterday. This is the 2nd and my first writing. It is important to endeavor to do better.  Here are the verses that attracted my attention today.  Genesis 6:1-8 New International Version (NIV) Wickedness in the World 6 When human beings began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them, 2 the sons of Godsaw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. 3 Then the Lord said, “My Spirit will not contend with[a] humans forever, for they are mortal[b]; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.” 4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown. 5 The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. 6 TheLord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. 7 So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of theLord. Moses is reported to have written these words about 5,000 years after the events. So, the stories were conveyed by word of mouth down through the ages and with the inspiration of God written down by Moss.  The Book Genesis is reportedly the most widely read book ever written. Most everyone in the world has either read it or knows much about its story and content. Here we are only six chapters into the book and God is considering total destruction of his creation. But, because of the nature of on man (Noah), He decides  save a remnant. We will later that God has always saved a remnant of His chosen people. As He goes about His purposes for rthe creation He continues to rely on The faithful to do He work. The harvest is plentiful but, the workers are few. Are we continuing to learn? Will we finally understand His faithful and loving purposes? Will God's kingdom come and will we finally arrive home in the promised land? Read on through all the books with me and learn about the wonderful promise. I am using the Tyndale one year Bible. You can follow me and add your comments and, observations and experience.