B90 Challenge ~ Day 3

Day 3 - Genesis 29-40

Jacob continues to be deceitful the whole time he works for Laban.

Leah tries to find favor and self-worth in having sons for Jacob.

Rachel is jealous and deceitful.

Reconciliation between family (Jacob & Essau) is possible – but, they were still trying to one-up each other!

I wrestle with God, as Jacob did, and yet, ask for His blessing (as Jacob did) rather than just submission, obedience and trust for His provision.

Bad deal for Dinah!  Poor thing!

More names for God: Jehovah Jireh/God provides (22:14), El Shaddai (35:11)

Essau/Edom = the father of the Edomites who later fight the Israelites

Joseph’s dreams to me reveal a true heart for God (someone who is truly listening)

Potiphar’s wife, a real gem!

B90 Challenge ~ Day 2

Day 2 - Genesis 17-28

I never paid attention to this before, the geneology of Noah (yesterday's reading) and Abram's family (Lot & his children by his daughters~ewe!) led to nations that played a major roles later on in the OT (Nimrod, who built Nineveh and the Moabites and Ammonites).

Things that make you go "hmmm?"

21:10-13; Ishmael-not a part of the inheritance but God will make him into a nation as the offspring of Abraham. God said to Hagar "Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation." (v. 18)  Perhaps the turmoil with the Arab nations is a part of God's greater plan for mankind?

The passage that struck me the most today was from chapter 22; Abraham tested.  It still amazes me; actually I’m in awe of Abraham’s faith and obedience to God.  I truly don’t know that I could have taken my baby girl and bind her (v. 9) and place her on an altar to sacrifice her.  Favorite verse from that passage, “Abraham answered, ‘God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son’ “ ~v.8.  The passage goes on to speak of the angel of the Lord (most scholars note this as a reference to Jesus) called to Abraham and spoke of Abraham’s obedience and how Abraham and his descendants would be blessed because Abraham obeyed Him.  Sobering!  I am a part of that blessing!

I have to admit, I'm still spending too much time taking notes!  A page and a half in my journal of verses!  It took me over an hour (about an hour & 20 min) to get through day 2.  I’ve decided I will have to spilt the reading up, morning and evening and try NOT to spend so much time “studying” and just more time simply reading. 

Great day of reading and learning!

B90! Started today

Well, I started the Bible in 90 Days Challenge today.

I have to say, it's at breakneck pace!  But, I will break up the reading into at least 2 readings per day (morning and evening).  Another point of note for me. I'm so used to "studying" as I read; I write things down, read about a chapter at a time (sometimes less), in order to absorb, pray and learn to apply what I'm reading.  This pace doesn't really allow for that (I don't think), so I will be journaling and noting in my blog posts any verses that strike me as I read, so that I can reflect on them later.  Well!  Here I go!

Day 1: Genesis 1:1 - 16
v. 1:13 God provides everything
v. 15:1 "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."
v. 16:13 El Roi, the God who sees

I journaled more, but I'm trying to learn to pare down and not get too bogged in the "study" aspect, just read and learn.

Blessings!