It is December 31st in America and the country is anticipating, planning, and hoping for 2011 to be better than 2010. As I my friends and family making their New Year's resolutions, I cannot help but think about the statistics. Most people quit their resolutions by March and go back to doing the same things that weren't working the previous year. But I want to resolve to not be resolute. In a New Year develop some New Ways and love yourself enough to keep them. As I've been on this journey of reading the Bible and figuring out the path God has for me I have realized that doing the same ole same ole does nothing to propel me forward in His grace. I want to walk out of 2011 with less weight, drama, inhibition, worry, and confusion than I had in 2010. And I want more prosperity, clarity, honesty, and love in 2011 to carry me into 2012. The world is not ending, but for me complacency is. God bless everyone and have a Happy New Year.
“This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” - Isaiah 43:16, 18-19
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
So I fell of the band wagon...
I embarked on this journey to stroll through Eden back in September and I was doing considerably well until...life got in the way. I'm ashamed to say it, but I allowed school, work, and hanging out with friends interfere with my reading process. As Christmas is approaching I realize more than at any other time of the year that Jesus is the reason for the season. I plan on getting back on my schedule of weekly posts, picking back up with the Book of Numbers. I must say though I never forgot about my reading, I just kept postponing...and then a month went by. But I look forward to continuing my spiritual journey as I read and pray my way to my destiny. Merry Christmas everyone, and I look forward to being a better human being in 2011.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Modern Perspectives: "Illegal" Immigration
Recently treatment of illegal, undocumented immigrants has been all over the news. It has been a hot button political issue, and has even lead to a lawsuit against the state of Arizona for trying to keep Mexicans away from the border. I feel like everyday there is a news story about Latino kids being bullied, one story involving a group of Mexican kids having bleach thrown on them as they were walking home from school. Almost 25% of children in foster care are the product of undocumented immigrant parents. Some children are forced to sit in deportaion camps while the courts hold their fate. Recently state legislatures have been faced with the question of whether undocumented college students should be allowed to continue receiving an education.
Here's what God says:
"When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God."
--Leviticus 19:33-34
"You are to have the same law for the alien and the native-born. I am the Lord your God." --Leviticus 24:22
In my interpretation of that this means undocumented immigrants are entitled to due process and equal protection like American citizens, as long as they are not committing crimes. The earth is for everyone. People do not leave their native countries because they feel like it. With the instability, war, drugs, failing economy, poverty, robbery, and murder happening in Latin American countries, namely Mexico, right now, people are fleeing for their lives. They want to live, work, and be educated in America so their children are not lost to a cycle of political unrest.
I'm not advocating a total change of law or bureaucratic processes, because I understand that the system exists for a reason, but I am advocating a change in attitude. Let's try some empathy and compassion, rather than persecution and deportation.
Thoughts...
Here's what God says:
"When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God."
--Leviticus 19:33-34
"You are to have the same law for the alien and the native-born. I am the Lord your God." --Leviticus 24:22
In my interpretation of that this means undocumented immigrants are entitled to due process and equal protection like American citizens, as long as they are not committing crimes. The earth is for everyone. People do not leave their native countries because they feel like it. With the instability, war, drugs, failing economy, poverty, robbery, and murder happening in Latin American countries, namely Mexico, right now, people are fleeing for their lives. They want to live, work, and be educated in America so their children are not lost to a cycle of political unrest.
I'm not advocating a total change of law or bureaucratic processes, because I understand that the system exists for a reason, but I am advocating a change in attitude. Let's try some empathy and compassion, rather than persecution and deportation.
Thoughts...
Leviticus Chapters 14-27
What I got: Sacrifice is necessary
Thoughts: For most of the Book of Leviticus God is setting down rules and standards for the Israelites. He was preparing them for the responsibilites that would come with the Promise Land. God emphasizes the importance of sacrifce to maintain cleanliness in God's eyes, and he wants the best sacrfice that we can give. God does not appreciate half-stepping, and he made many sins punishable by death and exile to show how much he detests certain behaviors. He made sure to specify that the Sabbath must be honored, sex with family members is detestable, and neighbors must be treated well.
Questions: What is Molech? And is God's definition of adultery the same as the modern defintion?
Looking Forward: The Book of Numbers is next and I'm still pushing through. Pray for me.
Thoughts: For most of the Book of Leviticus God is setting down rules and standards for the Israelites. He was preparing them for the responsibilites that would come with the Promise Land. God emphasizes the importance of sacrifce to maintain cleanliness in God's eyes, and he wants the best sacrfice that we can give. God does not appreciate half-stepping, and he made many sins punishable by death and exile to show how much he detests certain behaviors. He made sure to specify that the Sabbath must be honored, sex with family members is detestable, and neighbors must be treated well.
Questions: What is Molech? And is God's definition of adultery the same as the modern defintion?
Looking Forward: The Book of Numbers is next and I'm still pushing through. Pray for me.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Leviticus Chapters 1-13
What I got: God has a plan and an order for everything.
Thoughts: God sets down standards for the ways priests are ordained, foods people can eat, the cleansing of women after child birth, and treating infectious diseases. There was a lot of animal sacrifice happening with bulls, goats, and lamb and it all seems a bit violent and graphic. I cannot imagine having to split a bull's head open for forgiveness. I also can't imagine having to stay home up to 66 days after having a child. But I understand God has a divine plan for everything, I just do not understand his logic sometimes.
Questions: What is a wave offering? Why are people who eat foods God deamed unclean only unclean until evening? What happens during the evening?
Looking Forward: This has been the hardest book in the Bible for me to read thus far, because it contains alot of instructions, more than a story. I am looking forward to finishing Leviticus and getting back on the journey with the Israelites.
Thoughts: God sets down standards for the ways priests are ordained, foods people can eat, the cleansing of women after child birth, and treating infectious diseases. There was a lot of animal sacrifice happening with bulls, goats, and lamb and it all seems a bit violent and graphic. I cannot imagine having to split a bull's head open for forgiveness. I also can't imagine having to stay home up to 66 days after having a child. But I understand God has a divine plan for everything, I just do not understand his logic sometimes.
Questions: What is a wave offering? Why are people who eat foods God deamed unclean only unclean until evening? What happens during the evening?
Looking Forward: This has been the hardest book in the Bible for me to read thus far, because it contains alot of instructions, more than a story. I am looking forward to finishing Leviticus and getting back on the journey with the Israelites.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Modern Day Perspectives: Does our society allow us to uphold the Ten Commandments?
Most people have heard them all before. The Ten Commandments, God's covenant with us, tell us to do/not do a very specific list of things. Thou shall not kill, steal, lie, have other gods, keep false idols, use the Lord's name in vain, commit adultery, or covet thy neighbor's belongings. We should also keep the Sabath sacred and honor our parents. These things seem so simple to me, but we violate them daily. That's why I thank God for Jesus.
In our culture lying is as common as breathing. We are sarcastic, we exaggerate, we gossip, and we flat out lie to each other all the time. The Internet has allowed us to create online identities separate from our true selves, and lie to people with the click of a mouse.
People use the Lord's name in vain as a joke. It's not okay. Ever.
Honoring thy mother and thy father is one of the least upheld commandments. As I am reading the Bible I am realizing that the prayers of faithful parents can save a generation, so honoring thy mother and father is crucial.
We live in a world where stealing and killing are so commonplace we have a prison system. Stealing and killing usually occur because of another commandment being broken. Think about how many cases come through the courts because of adultery, lying, and coveting thy neighbor's home.
The celebrity culture we have has created a huge sense of idolatry. We even have a show called American Idol. Dancing with the Stars is one of the most watched shows on television. People are obsessed with celebrity culture, and the wealth, fame, and fashion that goes along with it. But people never stop to think that most celebrity marriages don't last longer than a few years and most of them have drug habits.
And commiting adultery is expected. I once had a friend tell me that she believed this particular commandment was irrelevant because dating did not exist in Bibilical times. Therefore since people date now having sex before marriage is okay with God. Our culture glamorizes adutery in the music we listen to, the movies, we watch, television, and the expecations we place on each other.
But at the end of the day, have we as Christians become so much apart of the world that we ignore the Word? At the risk of sounding preachy, own up to your transgressions and stop trying to justify them. Also if you know better, but you're not doing better, you better.
In our culture lying is as common as breathing. We are sarcastic, we exaggerate, we gossip, and we flat out lie to each other all the time. The Internet has allowed us to create online identities separate from our true selves, and lie to people with the click of a mouse.
People use the Lord's name in vain as a joke. It's not okay. Ever.
Honoring thy mother and thy father is one of the least upheld commandments. As I am reading the Bible I am realizing that the prayers of faithful parents can save a generation, so honoring thy mother and father is crucial.
We live in a world where stealing and killing are so commonplace we have a prison system. Stealing and killing usually occur because of another commandment being broken. Think about how many cases come through the courts because of adultery, lying, and coveting thy neighbor's home.
The celebrity culture we have has created a huge sense of idolatry. We even have a show called American Idol. Dancing with the Stars is one of the most watched shows on television. People are obsessed with celebrity culture, and the wealth, fame, and fashion that goes along with it. But people never stop to think that most celebrity marriages don't last longer than a few years and most of them have drug habits.
And commiting adultery is expected. I once had a friend tell me that she believed this particular commandment was irrelevant because dating did not exist in Bibilical times. Therefore since people date now having sex before marriage is okay with God. Our culture glamorizes adutery in the music we listen to, the movies, we watch, television, and the expecations we place on each other.
But at the end of the day, have we as Christians become so much apart of the world that we ignore the Word? At the risk of sounding preachy, own up to your transgressions and stop trying to justify them. Also if you know better, but you're not doing better, you better.
Exodus Chapters 20-40
What I got: Take the covenant seriously
Thoughts: Moses was a man of great faith and he was not afraid to have great expectations. He went up and down Mount Sinai to hear the word of God, and he asked God questions so that he was clear on his responsibilities. Often we are taught not to question God, but questioning is fine as long as you obey. Moses steadfastly went after his blessings and the blessings of his future generations. The Lord had big plans for the Israelites and even though they sometimes faltered he did not break his covenant with them.
Questions: Has anyone built a replica of the tabernacle and tent? I think it would be cool to see all the bronze, gold, linen, and scarlet purple and blue yarn.
Looking Forward: The Book of Leviticus is next, which is the story of the Levites. They are the tribe of priests ordained by God. I think this book will be interesting, and perhaps explain some of the procedural things that happen in church.
Thoughts: Moses was a man of great faith and he was not afraid to have great expectations. He went up and down Mount Sinai to hear the word of God, and he asked God questions so that he was clear on his responsibilities. Often we are taught not to question God, but questioning is fine as long as you obey. Moses steadfastly went after his blessings and the blessings of his future generations. The Lord had big plans for the Israelites and even though they sometimes faltered he did not break his covenant with them.
Questions: Has anyone built a replica of the tabernacle and tent? I think it would be cool to see all the bronze, gold, linen, and scarlet purple and blue yarn.
Looking Forward: The Book of Leviticus is next, which is the story of the Levites. They are the tribe of priests ordained by God. I think this book will be interesting, and perhaps explain some of the procedural things that happen in church.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Backtracking: Sodom and Gomorrah as a defense for keeping gay marriage illegal?
So instead of doing a typical format for this section's modern day perspective I have decided to backtrack. I am finding that the Bible is packed full of content, some of which can be interpreted in any kind of way, so it takes me a while to digest certain things.
The topic of gay marriage has been at the forefront of civil rights legislation in the last 10 years, and recently some of my friends were talking about the issue of gay marriage so I decided I would share my thoughts now...
First of all I'm not sure if I believe the government should have the place to determine who can get married, but since we live in this world I'll go with the bit. Second of all God made everyone, that includes homosexuals. Now I am not clear on the science behind sexuality. I personally think it is complicated and that different people come into their sexuality at different times in life, so sexuality can be genetic and environmentally influenced. After all how do you explain that some people are sure of their sexuality when they're 4 and it takes other people until they're 16?
But in the case of Sodom and Gomorrah, men were married to women and sleeping with men after dark, in secret, as a lie. When the men came to Lot's house they essentially wanted to rape the angels that were disguised as men. The people of Sodom and Gomorrah were also non-believers who were committing every sin under the sun. Men having sex with other men is not the only thing that made Sodom a wicked place. The circumstances are very specific. The deceit, lack of faith, and adultery among other things displeased God.
When it comes to applying The Ten Commandments to the issue one could argue that gay people would not be commiting adultery if they could get married. The right to get married is in legislative control, even though the argument is religious, which makes no sense. If the constitution promises equal protection and due process, then technically as soon as people were able to get married in a court house, gay people should have been able to get married. You can't apply religion to the way the country operates when you feel like it. It's all or nothing.
Mind you all of this is in the Old Testement before Jesus came to the rescue. And working under the assumption that all sin is equal, I don't understand why society is treating homosexuality like the ultimate sin. Gossiping, stealing, killing, and disprespecting your parents are all on that same level. So is it a good defense? In the year 2010 in my opinion, no. But is homosexuality by itself a sin? Well I'm going to have to keep reading...
I may return to this topic in the future. Feel free to comment.
The topic of gay marriage has been at the forefront of civil rights legislation in the last 10 years, and recently some of my friends were talking about the issue of gay marriage so I decided I would share my thoughts now...
First of all I'm not sure if I believe the government should have the place to determine who can get married, but since we live in this world I'll go with the bit. Second of all God made everyone, that includes homosexuals. Now I am not clear on the science behind sexuality. I personally think it is complicated and that different people come into their sexuality at different times in life, so sexuality can be genetic and environmentally influenced. After all how do you explain that some people are sure of their sexuality when they're 4 and it takes other people until they're 16?
But in the case of Sodom and Gomorrah, men were married to women and sleeping with men after dark, in secret, as a lie. When the men came to Lot's house they essentially wanted to rape the angels that were disguised as men. The people of Sodom and Gomorrah were also non-believers who were committing every sin under the sun. Men having sex with other men is not the only thing that made Sodom a wicked place. The circumstances are very specific. The deceit, lack of faith, and adultery among other things displeased God.
When it comes to applying The Ten Commandments to the issue one could argue that gay people would not be commiting adultery if they could get married. The right to get married is in legislative control, even though the argument is religious, which makes no sense. If the constitution promises equal protection and due process, then technically as soon as people were able to get married in a court house, gay people should have been able to get married. You can't apply religion to the way the country operates when you feel like it. It's all or nothing.
Mind you all of this is in the Old Testement before Jesus came to the rescue. And working under the assumption that all sin is equal, I don't understand why society is treating homosexuality like the ultimate sin. Gossiping, stealing, killing, and disprespecting your parents are all on that same level. So is it a good defense? In the year 2010 in my opinion, no. But is homosexuality by itself a sin? Well I'm going to have to keep reading...
I may return to this topic in the future. Feel free to comment.
Exodus Chapter 1-19
What I got: God is going to test you. How bad do you want it?
Thoughts: God tried the Israelites and the Egyptians so that they would have no doubt that he is the Lord. God hardened Pharoah's heart to test the Egyptians and the Israelites. He sent locusts, plague, frogs, gnats, flies, hail, boils, and darkness, yet the Egyptians still did not do right by the Israelites. As a matter of fact the Isralites were so afraid they were willing to stay oppressed than believe that their freedom was in God's will. This is proof that life without avdersity and oppression does not exist, but radical faith can conquer anything. But by listening to Moses, God's servant, and listening to God, by heeding to his signs they became his anointed people.
Questions: If a burning bush was talking to you, would you listen? If a staff turned into a snake would that make you believe? Would you still question the Lord if he drew water from a rock? What does it take for you to believe and listen?
Looking forward: Since I am a week off schedule I will be finishing the book of Exodus and doing a new post by the end of this week so I can move on to Leviticus next week. The 10 Commandments are in the next section so this should be interesting!
Thoughts: God tried the Israelites and the Egyptians so that they would have no doubt that he is the Lord. God hardened Pharoah's heart to test the Egyptians and the Israelites. He sent locusts, plague, frogs, gnats, flies, hail, boils, and darkness, yet the Egyptians still did not do right by the Israelites. As a matter of fact the Isralites were so afraid they were willing to stay oppressed than believe that their freedom was in God's will. This is proof that life without avdersity and oppression does not exist, but radical faith can conquer anything. But by listening to Moses, God's servant, and listening to God, by heeding to his signs they became his anointed people.
Questions: If a burning bush was talking to you, would you listen? If a staff turned into a snake would that make you believe? Would you still question the Lord if he drew water from a rock? What does it take for you to believe and listen?
Looking forward: Since I am a week off schedule I will be finishing the book of Exodus and doing a new post by the end of this week so I can move on to Leviticus next week. The 10 Commandments are in the next section so this should be interesting!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Modern Perspectives: If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it
In the Bible men offered gold, precious stones, land, and livesotck to prove themselves worthy of the women they desired. When a man saw a woman he wanted he did not sit by and wait for her to make the first move, he wooed her! Jacob worked for Leah and Rachel's father for several years to get Rachel as his wife. There was romance in the pursuit of wooing a women and men wanted wives, not only to reproduce, but to also be their friends, helpers, and lovers. Men also listened to God in selecting a mate, making sure that the person was who God intended for them. Which brings me to the question: Where did the concept of a dowry come from? A dowry is defined as the money, gifts, and goods a wife brings to her husband at marriage. This has to be a somewhat modern, man made concept to drive women crazy. I mean when did it get so bad that the roles were reversed?
Genesis 25-50
What I got: What goes around comes around.
Thoughts: There is power in prophecy and God speaks to us in our dreams. Joseph's brothers laughed at him when he told them they would bow down to him one day. Then when there were seven years of famine he was ruler of all of Egypt and ruler over them. He was also very gracious and wanted the best for them, even though they sold him into slavery.
Questions: Do Christians believe there are modern day prophets? Are there people today who have the gift of divine foresight?
Looking Forward: Exodus is coming next, which means the birth of Moses and the Ten Commandments. I now have a better understanding of how the Israelites became oppressed by the Egyptians, but I am looking forward to learning more.
Thoughts: There is power in prophecy and God speaks to us in our dreams. Joseph's brothers laughed at him when he told them they would bow down to him one day. Then when there were seven years of famine he was ruler of all of Egypt and ruler over them. He was also very gracious and wanted the best for them, even though they sold him into slavery.
Questions: Do Christians believe there are modern day prophets? Are there people today who have the gift of divine foresight?
Looking Forward: Exodus is coming next, which means the birth of Moses and the Ten Commandments. I now have a better understanding of how the Israelites became oppressed by the Egyptians, but I am looking forward to learning more.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Modern Perspectives: Heirs as numerous as the stars
With all the craze and worry over fertility everyone from book publishers to Hollywood film houses are cashing in on reproduction. Men and women in the Bible had children in their hundreds. Now I understand that in modern times people are not having children at 125 years old, BUT what God has for you will be yours. God does not think any less of women who do not reproduce, think about Abraham's wife Sarah. Sarah did not have Isaac until she was over 90 years old, and she was still blessed and highly favored. So before you make a switch or a back-up plan (all puns intended) understand reproductive organs are not the only reason why God loves us.
Thoughts on this?
Thoughts on this?
Genesis Chapters 1-24
What I got: Do what the Lord says and He will provide.
Thoughts: People in the Bible exhibited such radical faith from sacrificing their families to uprooting themselves whenever the Lord asked it of them. That is amazing to me. Abraham is such an inspiration of what faith will do for your life and the lives of those around you. Abraham's clan was blessed by relation and that was enough.
Question: Was "pangaea" referenced in the Bible? There is a section in Genesis talking about the earth being divided. I wonder if that was geographical or just a reference to different people being spread over the land...
Looking forward: The Bible is like a really good movie set up. It's like you're given all these references in the beginning and you have to be patient to see how it will play out.
Thoughts: People in the Bible exhibited such radical faith from sacrificing their families to uprooting themselves whenever the Lord asked it of them. That is amazing to me. Abraham is such an inspiration of what faith will do for your life and the lives of those around you. Abraham's clan was blessed by relation and that was enough.
Question: Was "pangaea" referenced in the Bible? There is a section in Genesis talking about the earth being divided. I wonder if that was geographical or just a reference to different people being spread over the land...
Looking forward: The Bible is like a really good movie set up. It's like you're given all these references in the beginning and you have to be patient to see how it will play out.
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